Give me hope for book 9

I just finished reading book 8 and 8.5 in the tandem read and over the last few books i have been reading slower. However I did enjoy the new character povs in 8.5 and started to get really into it towards the end when things finally started to go right for what felt like the first time in ages. With Darcy, Orion and gabe escaping,Darius coming back and Lavinia being weakened.

And then the end of the book happens with Clydinius and I’m just like give me a break! I thought at least Lionel or Lavinia would be dead by the end of this book. But now going into book 9 they still have Lionel and Lavinia to defeat and now a star as well! I’m just wondering does it get better and is it actually satisfying the way everything comes to an end in book 9 as I feel it’s been dragged out and I don’t want it to all feel rushed at the end.

Ps does everyone recommend to read live and let Lionel before book 9