Tags
book review, Erica Stevens, indie author, indie book review, indies, paranormal, paranormal romance, phoenix rising, self-published, the kindred, Vampire, ya, young adult
Reeling from the aftermath of Cassie’s death, they find themselves trying to survive in a tumultuous world filled with more enemies than friends. Struggling through the rage consuming him, Devon must come to terms with the fact that the woman he loved has died. He has little time to deal with his grief though as The Elders want them dead, the Halflings are still running free, and the missing children have become the focal point of concern.
On a mission to rescue the children, they set out on a journey from New York to Canada that will forever alter the course of their lives and make them realize that sometimes what rises from the fire may be something even more dangerous and deadly. That it may, in fact, be the death of them all.
Blurb and cover from Goodreads
5 out of 5 stars
This may be the best book by Erica Stevens that I have read yet. That is not to say it is my favorite because I am quite honestly convinced The Captive series shall eternally be my favorite, but I think that in terms of plot, mechanics, and development, this is her best work yet (that I have read). In this one I believe we hear from more perspectives than previously, but the author is usually careful to make sure you know who’s talking and it is interesting to have an insight into what goes on in certain characters’ heads. The sarcasm and wit was absolutely priceless and I cheered and cringed in all the right places. This, as I mentioned before, is rather more horror-esque than most vampire stories I’ve read (though there are still oodles of the seductive, drop-dead gorgeous vampires, too), but that’s how vampire tales were meant to be, I suppose.
The plot:
We get about a combined ten pages in this book to relax. Otherwise there is always something happening, always a problem, always suspense to make you need to turn the flipping page. I loved how everything from the beginning of the series works together at the end of this book and how all the loose ends come together for resolution. Nothing (and I mean nothing) is achieved too easily or without complications and I was in utter suspense until the satisfying, grin-bestowing end.
The characters:
Everyone has matured since the beginning, even the centuries-old vampires. Everyone has their struggles and trials to overcome, but especially Devon and Cassie.
Julian has to repeatedly come to terms with his place in the love triangle and, despite his rather damning first appearance in the series, it was impossible not to empathize with him and hope that he’ll find his own Cassie someday. (Note to author: I would not at all be opposed to a spin-off series with Julian as the hero. Just saying…)
Joey, Dani’s brother who I was just waiting to get bumped off, actually redeems himself as does another character, partially, who has made you want to beat her with a frying pan since the beginning.
I really, really like the way this ended (and I love Barnacle to bits) and while I am a little saddened to see yet another of my favorite series end, I couldn’t have asked for a better ending and I definitely recommend this series to anyone who will pick it up.
Inkspelled Faery 