Book #Review: Archangel's Eternity (Guild Hunter #18) by Nalini Singh #ArchangelsEternity #NetGalley.#GuildHunter

Elena and Raphael return for the hauntingly poignant conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s genre-defining Guild Hunter series A thousand years.

It’s been a millennium since Elena’s fateful first meeting with Archangel Raphael. She has survived war and loss, experienced beauty and cruelty. But no matter what, she has always held on to her mortal heart, as she and Raphael have held on to each other. Passionate and vibrant, they’ve built a life that has stood the test of time, growing ever stronger with each turn of the sun.

But change is coming—of a magnitude they could have never imagined—and it will forever alter the trajectory of their existence.

Even as they grapple with the cataclysmic shift in their personal lives, the Cadre of Ten, which has maintained a hard-won peace for centuries, begins to simmer with dangerous fault lines. The specter of madness looms in one archangel, the promise of war burns between two others, and in darkness far from mortal and immortal eyes stirs an ancient, slumbering power.

Suddenly, the future is terrifyingly uncertain . . . at the very moment that Elena and her archangel need to protect a treasure infinitely more precious than eternity.

Book Title: Archangel's Eternity (Guild hunter #18)

Author: Nalini Singh |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram| Bookbub | Goodreads

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy, Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Finale Book 18
Format: eBook, Audiobook, 

Cost: $9.99

Pages:  448

How I got it: ARC & Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.Org Mahogany Books (Complete Your Series)
Publication Date: May 05, 2026
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Trigger/ Content Warnings: Discussion of immortality and Death

Excerpt (on author site) 

Okay my loves I'm going to start this off by being so honest with you. I have been deep into school for the past two years and the only reason I stayed sane as a reader was re-reading this and her other series and anything new Nalini wrote. I have re-listened to the series like a million times. (If you haven't heard the audiobooks and you like audio I HIGHLY recommend it).  And to read this one you need to bring tissues.  If you have read this series at all then you know Nalini writes so much emotion into her books and this finale ain't no different. In fact I think it was even more emotional (at least for me) than all the others and some of the others definitely made me cry or tear up. 

I absolutely ugly cried reading this book. Knowing it was the last in this iteration of the series made me sob. I'm also an older sister, so even writing this thinking about living a thousand years without my sisters by my side would absolutely do me in. But ohhh the adventures Elena has had.  I have read this series so many times and each time I re read I find another thing to love about the series, but the discussion about family and what makes family really made me love this even more.  Getting to see some of the characters as they developed and grew, even some surprises from the the other books, oh how I loved each page. 

It being the end of an era, she had so many threads to wrap up. I cried for the characters we got and for the ones we didn't. I cried when Elena and Raphael had their discussion on what they would do should the worst happen. It took me four days to read this because I wasn't ready to let them go or to have anything happen to my favorite characters. So much change has already happened in the world and the new adventures these two go on is so worth reading and being apart of. 

It definitely made me wonder what the world would look like in 400 years and then I thought of the part of Coco where the dead talk about the part that you fade when the last person who remembers you dies. And I just balled my heart out.  

"When there is no one left in the living world who remembers you, you disappear from this world. We call it the final death"   COCO (the movie)

We are here because Raphael made the right choice on that roof top, I just think of what would have happened had he not chosen correctly how differently this world would be. We wouldn't have had the parings (my favorite being Naasir and his Mate in Archangel's Enigma) and adventures we did, new powers wouldn't have risen, and should they not have then the Mantle would have fallen, and so too would it all.  I do hope we see more from the world because there are so many other stories, we could have like what happens to the Healer, do anymore sleepers awaken, can we get the stories from the new batch of warriors of course it wouldn't be from Elena's and Raphael's POV but that's fine. I just want more. 

Even if we never see this world again this was a fantastic conclusion to the Guild Hunter Series and if you haven't read the series I highly recommend.  For now, I will say Goodbye for now Habibti, Goodbye for now Archangel

 ★★★★★

Did I add the book to my personal library??

Absolutely!!! A Must Have

Series In Order

Guild Hunter:

• Angels' Blood
• ArchAngel's Kiss
• ArchAngel's Consort
• ArchAngel's Blade
• ArchAngel's Storm
• ArchAngel's Legion
• ArchAngel's Shadows
• ArchAngel's Enigma
• ArchAngel's Heart
• ArchAngel's Viper
• ArchAngel's Prophecy
• ArchAngel's War
• ArchAngel's Sun
• ArchAngel's Light
• ArchAngel's Resurrection
• ArchAngel's Lineage
• ArchAngel's Ascension
• ArchAngel's Eternity 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Psy-Changling Series by Nalini Singh

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh #ResonanceSurge #NetGalley

Book Title: Resonance Surge Psy-Changeling Trinity Series Book 7

Author: Nalini Singh |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram| Bookbub | Goodreads

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series/Standalone: Psy-Changeling Trinity Series Book 7

Format: Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover

Cost: $28.00

Pages: 432

How I got it: Advanced copy via Netgalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible Audiobook} Author Links

Publication Date:  July 18, 2023

Add To Goodreads

Synopsis:

Where are the broken? That is the propulsive question that unleashes a world of secrets in New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s Resonance Surge . . .

StoneWater bears Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev have been a unit since birth, but now Pavel’s life is veering in a new direction, his heart held in the hands of Arwen Mercant, a Psy empath—and the only man who has ever brought Pavel to his knees.

This is it. A point of irrevocable change. For Pavel . . . for Arwen . . . for Yakov . . . and for another pair of twins whose bond has a far darker history.

A low-Gradient Psy, Theodora Marshall is considered worthless by everyone but her violently powerful twin, Pax. She is the sole person he trusts in their venomous family to investigate a hidden and terrible part of their family history—an unregistered rehabilitation Center established by their grandfather.

Places of unimaginable pain designed to psychically wipe minds, leaving the victims shells of their former selves, the Centers are an ugly vestige of the Psy race’s Silent past. But this Center was worse. Far, far worse. And now Theo must uncover the awful truth—in the company of a scowling bear named Yakov, who isn’t about to take a Marshall at face value . . . especially a Marshall who has turned his dreams into chilling nightmares

Because Yakov is the great-grandson of a foreseer . . . and he has seen Theo die in an unstoppable surge of blood. Night after night after night . . .

I mentioned in my Sunday post that I returned to school and literally have only been re-reading this series. I have favorite characters and so many side characters that I can’t wait until she writes their stories. I have loved this series from the beginning and this installation is no different. The world we are now in, is the post-Council world and the different races are working to save not just themselves but to come back from the brink the Psy have brought their people to. Once again the horrors of what was done to keep the few alive is finally being shared with the world. And it's a horror show.

Theo has spent her life fighting to survive the family she was brought up into, had she not been linked to her twin brother Pax the more powerful Psy she wouldn’t be here. Pavel a Stonewater Bear has some of the Psy talent he's inherited from his Grandfather which has given him dreams since his childhood and they all star Theo. Theo has come to Russia to find out just how far and deep into the Council structure did her Grandfather go, and how much is her family truly liable for what happened to the broken Psy who didn't meet the exacting standards of the Council & why was her name on partially deleted files?

The dance, the way the story is woven together, I was absorbed from the start, I loved seeing Arwen and the glimpses of the family including Silver and Valentin, There is so much in the story and so much more we need. I absolutely loved the little sprinkling of intrigue we got at the club, I can’t wait to see more. I loved how they talked about the unique earthquakes (IYKYK) in the area.

These stories have been my comfort zone in the crazy world we live in currently and I can’t stop reading. There are a few moments where I had to stop and breathe because if I could jump into the book to go after some people, baby gear up. I would definably bring tissues, and be prepared as there are some triggering subject matter in the form of flashbacks. The fact that these people think they are the best of the best and not realizing that the very definition of a perfect Psy was a psychopath. So many people hurt because the Council lied and so many more in danger because the Scarab Queen would rather seize power than save their race. I can’t wait to see how this all comes out.

The way she ended the story I’m going to be annoyed for a whole year until we get the next installation because why??!!!!! I need it now!!! There were so many beautiful moments that made the book amazing to read, and I can’t wait to get my physical copy to display on my shelves. I will also be listening to the audiobook version because Angela Dawe has a way of narrating the story that is just so amazing, they bring the story to life. 

Have you read this series yet my loves?? I picked it up because every time without fail whenever Sylvia Day is asked what books she recommends she always says Nalini, and I can say I have never enjoyed a recommendation more.

 ★★★★1/2☆

Series In Order

Series in Order (While you can read the books as standalones, the story is vastly enriched by reading in order, as there are subplots and nuances you may not get without the full backstory)   

Psy Changeling Series 

1. Slave to Sensation 
2. Visions of Heat 
3. Caressed by Ice 
4. Mine to Possess 
5. Hostage to Pleasure 
6. Branded by Fire 
7. Blaze of Memory 
8. Bonds of Justice 
9. Play of Passion 
10. Kiss of snow 
11. Tangle of Need 
12. Heart of Obsidian 
13. Shield of Winter 
14. Shards of Hope 
15. Allegiance of Honor 

Trinity Series: 

1. Silver Silence 
2. Ocean Light 
3. Wolf Rain 
4. Alpha Night 
5. Last Guard 
6. Storm Echo 
7. Resonance Surge 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Nalini Singh’s  Guild Hunter Series 

• Lora Leigh’s Breeds Series 

If you can't tell I highly recommend, this book, the series and most of Nalini's work (the one's I've read so far are good) Have you read the series?? Let me know what  you thing, and of course if you have other recommendations, don't forget to drop them in the comments.

Happy Reading my loves, 

Most Unread Author Challenge: Nora Roberts

Total Books: 51

2022 Goal: 12

 A few years ago I shared with you my most unread authors on my shelves.  The queen of this list of course was Nora Roberts. Since December 2021, I have been working on really knocking out the books on this shelf.  I'm going to share with you the books on the shelf that I still have to read:

Donovan Legacy:

• Entranced
• Charmed & Enchanted

Key Trilogy

• Key of Light
• Key of Valor 
• Key of Knowledge 

Dream trilogy

• Daring To Dream
• Holding The Dream

Three Sisters Island

• Dance Upon The Air
• Heaven & Earth
• Face the Fire

Bride Quartet

• Vision in White
• Bed of Roses
• Savor The Moment
• Happy Ever After

Guardians Trilogy

• Bay of Sighs

Chesapeake Bay

• Chesapeake Blue
• The Quinn Legacy
• The Quinn Brothers

1. From the Heart
2. Truly Madly Manhattan 
3. Summer Deserts
4. Lawless
5. Hot Rocks
6. Birthright
7. Forever
8. Table for Two
9. The Villa
10. A Little Magic
11. Rising Tides
12. O; Hurley's Return
13. The Law of Love
14. Public Secrets
15. Inner Harbour
16. Treasures
17. Hot Ice
18. All The Possibilities
19. Honest Illusions
20. Sweet Rains
21. Mysterious
22. Irish Hearts
23. Big Jack
24. Nightshade/ Night Smoke
25. Playing The Odds
26. Temptation
27. Treasures Lost Treasures Found
28. Tribute
29. Night Tales: Night Shift/ Night Shadow/ Night Sheild
30. Stars
31. Love by Design 
32. High Noon
33. Dangerous

Ok considering when I did this it was originally 72 books on the shelf from her. I'm not doing too bad. My major problem was that I would finish books or series then go to the library book sale and buy more because they used to be so cheap. However, the panorama we are living through (yes I know it's called a pandemic but we have decided to call it everything but that)  put a halt to the library book sale which means that I'm actually clearing more off the shelves than I am hauling.  Currently, this collection has dropped down to one shelf instead of a shelf and a half.  

The goal for 2022 was 12 books, one a month was the plan. I have read a Nora Roberts book for the year so far however I actually didn't own it.  I paused my read of Night Tales because the audiobook version I was reading became unavailable so I'll have to find if the library has the discs.  

Have you read any Nora Roberts?? I am aware of Books Like Whoa Reading Roberts Challenge, which echoes my Perpetual Author Challenge of reading Nora's entire catalog. 

I'm excited to see what she has to say about the books she reads and shares her thought on them.  I will of course be sharing my updates on my challenge and how I'm doing in clearing the shelves. I'm not adding any new books because I really need to work through this stuff first. Yes, much of it is backlist and older but I'm looking forward to seeing how she grows (grew because obviously, she's still cranking them out).  My ultimate goal will be to knock these off them continue collecting the others I don't have and then go to her Inn. I want to stay in the Eve and Roarke room.  

What have you read from Nora??? Want to work on your Nora backlist with me??

Happy Reading

Love 

Audiobook #Review: An Honorable Seduction (Westmoreland Legacies Book 3) by Brenda Jackson

Book Title: An Honorable Seduction (Westmoreland Legacies # 3)
Author:  Brenda Jackson |Website| Twitter| Facebook|
Publisher: Harlequin Desire

Genre: Romance, Interracial Romance, Military Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 3
Format: Audiobook, Mass Market Paperback
Narrator: Brian Hutchison 

Audio Service: Scribd
Hours in Book: 4 hours 50 mins

Cost: $20.00

Pages: 224

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: May 08, 2018
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Synopsis:

This Navy SEAL is on a top-secret mission of seduction ...David Holloway is used to hard assignments. Now he faces his most difficult yet: cozying up to the soft curves of Swan Jamison. He wants to know the island beauty ... in every way. But romancing Swan as part of his SEAL team's mission tests his honor, even as his feelings become increasingly real. Soon he must make a choice: duty ... or desire? (

Overall:
A military romance with mystery, intrigue, international espionage and sexy times. Where do I sign up?? Plus it's linked to the Westmoreland family sagas?? Yes, please.

Narrator:
Brian Hutchison. This is the first time I've listened to anything read by him and I enjoyed his narration. The story flowed and he was able to make each character unique enough for a distinction between them and I was hooked because of how he read the story as well. Well done!!

Story:
I grabbed this recently after being at home due to recovering after emergency surgery.  I didn't feel the urge to read but wanted something to keep me occupied while I was stuck in the bed. I decided I didn't want anything with crazy plot lines I wanted some good loving and great family dynamics and I was so glad I snagged this one.

Told using dual perspectives, we have the story of Swan & David. David known as Flipper to his friends is a Navy SEAL who is due for a vacation and is instead given the option for a top-secret mission., this mission is being asked of him by the top brass who he really respects and he decides to take the mission.  Swan owns a boutique in her mother's hometown, where she not only sells unique designs she makes herself but also rents out part of her shop to a successful tattoo parlor. Unbeknownst to Swan, she's being investigated for her part in the selling of US intelligence secrets to the Chinese.

David gets to the island to investigate and is surprised that when he meets Swan in the flesh he's beyond attracted to her. He has to keep this professional not just because her Uncles are his Superior officers, but because he can't afford to be distracted on the mission.

As with all Brenda's books, the chemistry was off the charts and the couple were hilarious together. Both were being cautious, Swan because she had learned the harsh lessons of the past from her parents' marriage and how they were treated by their families. While her parents had a happy marriage after what happens to them Swan has made the choice to never date military and to be extremely cautious about interracial dating.  David is trying to stay focused, finish the mission prove that Swan is innocent and get out of this mission without compromising his honor.

I really loved the story and it kept me intrigued, because not only did we have the mystery of who was selling the secrets if it wasn't Swan. I loved how they talked about what dating would look like and how they went slowly because David recognized that Swan needed the time and space to re-evaluate what was once on her never list. They are so many characters who could have been the ones responsible and some I didn't expect. Once we began to unravel the mystery and more information began to come out I was deeply hooked.

I enjoyed the mystery the romance and the final chapters. I loved how Swan reacted because honestly #Same, and I loved how Flipper got around her fears.

I skipped reading in order like I have been for the rest of the Westmoreland series, so I could read this. I didn't know all the characters David was connected to so I missed that "ahh" aspect when you read a series to the current books. However I still enjoyed the book, it wasn't necessary to know all the background of the characters as there was a brief description when needed. I loved this one especially because Flipper has such good friends. Now I'm going backward to go read those books.

 ★★★★☆

RECOMMENDATIONS

• The Westmoreland series by Brenda Jackson
• The Protector Series by Brenda Jackson

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: Blame It on The Billionaire (Blackout Billionaires Book 3) by Naima Simone .@Naima_Simone #blackoutbillionaires

Book Title: Blame It On The Billionaire (Blackout Billionaires Book 3)
Author:  Naima Simone |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Genre: Romance, Interracial Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 3
Format: Mass Market Paperback

Cost: $3.99

Pages: 224

How I got it: Purchased 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: Feb 04, 2020
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

A dramatic chemistry-filled contemporary romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Naima Simone.

She fell into his arms... now she’s falling for his trap.
Will a blackout change everything for these unlikely lovers?

It was a night filled with secrets, lies…and soul-stealing passion. And now the blackout that turned lowly executive assistant Nadia Jordan and start-up billionaire Grayson Chandler into insatiable lovers leads to a proposal Nadia can’t refuse. As she steps into Grayson’s privileged Chicago world, will his matchmaking mother and vengeful ex destroy her dreams? Or will her fake fiancé make those dreams a reality?

What happens in the dark never stays in the dark... Don’t miss the family drama, secrets and passion in the Blackout Billionaires series:
The Billionaire’s Bargain
Black Tie Billionaire
Blame It on the Billionaire

I was super excited to get this one. It's the final installment in the series and I wanted to know how Grayson's story would shake out.  I was so hooked to this story that I was almost late to an appointment and when I left the appointment I sat in the parking lot and read until I finished the book.  I was just so invested it was awesome.

We meet Grayson Chandler, the second son of the great Chandler family in Chicago, who with his best friend Gideon created a company that is making strides in the Tech world is at the same ball with Gideon and is currently trying to outrun his mother's matchmaking and his ex's machinations when he runs into Nadia Jordan, small-town transplant who happens to work for his company; she's at the ball on her day off because her boss an executive in Grayson's company needed a shirt to replace the one he spilled on. While trying to run the errand she runs in the CEO of the company and just when she didn't things could go more awry the lights go down and they are stuck together.  When the lights are out it gives them a chance to drop their masks and not hide. They share details they wouldn't share with others and spend a night of passion they normally wouldn't indulge in.

The characters are well done and even the side characters are as well. I loved that even though the story really focuses on the growing relationship between Nadia and Grayson that their friends and family are seen a bit. I loved the sibling relationships that were shared and that they were loving and even when strained still filled with love.   Both Grayson and Nadia where characters you could root for because they felt so real. When they faced issues they dealt with them realistically, even when it would hurt. I loved that. I loved the chemistry between them, and how even in the moments of passion neither took the other's consent for granted, but in fact enthusiastically sought and given.  Even though both of them bore the scars of betrayal they still without really meaning to seek it in the other, even after they warned each other that this wasn't real. Ugh, that is my jam!! I loved the way the POV went back and forth between them allowing us to see the motivations that they each had and of course progressed the story as some scenes only included one of the characters.

I absolutely love how Naima writes her stories, her characters are well thought out, charismatic and they just flow so well. The chemistry, the realness of the conversations they should be having?!!! Just *chefs kiss* beautiful. I love how strong and yet vulnerable they both are. When Grayson finds himself in a tough spot he backs them into a bit of a corner and even though Nadia knows she's not from the same social stratosphere as the people in her new social circle she refuses to be cowed by it. She doesn't need to be rescued, she's got her own escape plan, but a partner in crime would be nice.

This is a modern romance, with a strong but vulnerable alpha who knows his privilege and power and doesn't abuse it. He, in fact, makes sure those within his employ never take advantage they shouldn't. A strong, vulnerable woman who knows her worth and isn't willing to settle for anything less than what she fully deserves. I loved how the story circled back to sacrifice and how no matter the social status some families require it. And what should sacrifice and happiness look like?? I cracked up because when I was reading I kept saying the "effing patriarchy" because the solution was RIGHT THERE and then, of course, our good guy figured it out!!

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• The Billionaire's Bargain
• Blacktie Billionaire
• Blame It On The Billionaire

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Tempted by the Temporary Wife by Jayci Lee

Happy Reading my loves, 

ARC Book #Review: Temporary Wife Temptation (Heirs of Hansol Book 1) by Jayci Lee #TemporaryWifeTemptation #NetGalley

Book Title: Temporary Wife Temptation (Heirs of Hansol 1)
Author: Jayci Lee |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook, Mass Market

Cost: $5.25

Pages: 224

How I got it: ARC via NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: Feb 04, 2020
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Harlequin Desire: Be transported to the worlds of oil barons, family dynasties, moguls and celebrities. Get ready for juicy plot twists, delicious sensuality and intriguing scandal.

Much more than he bargained for…

“You want me to find you a wife?”

“No. I want you to be my wife.”

Garrett Song is this close to taking the reins of his family’s LA fashion empire…until the Song matriarch insists he marry her handpicked bride first. To block her matchmaking, he recruits Natalie Sobol to pose as his wife. She needs a fake spouse as badly as he does. But when passion burns down their chaste agreement, the flames could destroy them all…

This is one of my favorite tropes " the fake fiance/spouse" trope and Jayci executed this one well. For a debut author, the chemistry and the push/pull of the relationship is extremely well done.  The chemistry between Natalie and Garrett was off the charts.   Natalie is in a power struggle with an older couple to adopt her niece but being a single woman is working against her. Garrett's Grandmother won't turn over the reins of the family business until he marries the woman she's picked out for him. Garrett doesn't believe in marriage and happily ever after, so he makes a bid to outmatch his Grandmother by saying he already has a fiance.  Natalie works as the HR rep for the LA office of the business Garrett's family runs and when she messes up the chance to have a promotion that would have increased her earning potential as well as allowing her to give the courts a better chance for her to adopt her niece she is willing to take Garrett's proposal. Except she has a crush on him and he finds her irresistible. They make a bargain to keep this platonic except they can't seem to keep their hands off each other.

There are so many good moments within the story, from the moment when Garrett tries to rescue Natalie from his Grandmother and instead interrupts teatime?? I was cracking up. I loved that the fact that they were Korean played a big part in their romance and how their relationship along with the fake relationship was being shaped and shared. I loved that Natalie had a friend that had her back and was willing to teach her what she didn't know as well as help her out when she was feeling overwhelmed.  I enjoyed the way the two interacted and how they worked their way from being wary platonic compatriots to lovers to are we or are we not in a relationship??

After getting married to help accomplish their goals Garrett distances himself and Natalie works on getting her niece since that was her reason for being in this relationship. While they fake it for the cameras and family, the chemistry builds for them and they eventually work to a personal relationship. I really enjoyed Garrett's family as well, his sister seems like an interesting woman and I  can't wait for the developing stories in the series. Garrett has *as all the reluctant protags in these romances do* a few moments where he does the stupidest thing ever that risks the relationship and family. Natalie doesn't make it easy for him and I loved the grand gesture.

This is one of the first times I can personally remember reading a romance featuring two Korean characters and I loved it. I will definitely be adding Jayci into the rotation of must follow authors.

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• Temporary Wife Temptation (Heir of Hansol 1) 

Happy Reading my loves, 

Audiobook #Review: The Book of Life (All Souls Trilogy Book 3) by Deborah Harkness

Book Title: The Book Of Life ( All Souls Trilogy #3)
Author: Deborah Harkness |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Viking Adult

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 3

Format: Audiobook, Hardcover
Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda

Audio Service: Penguin Audio via RTB App
Hours in Book: 25

Cost: $38.95

Pages: 561

How I got it: BEA 2014/ Audio via RTB App

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: July 15th, 2014
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Synopsis:

The #1 New York Times bestselling series finale and sequel to A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night

Bringing the magic and suspense of the All Souls Trilogy to a deeply satisfying conclusion, this highly anticipated finale went straight to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. In The Book of Life, Diana and Matthew time-travel back from Elizabethan London to make a dramatic return to the present—facing new crises and old enemies. At Matthew’s ancestral home, Sept-Tours, they reunite with the beloved cast of characters from A Discovery of Witches—with one significant exception. But the real threat to their future has yet to be revealed, and when it is, the search for Ashmole 782 and its missing pages takes on even more urgency.

Overall:
A fantastic end to the series and I can't wait to see how they adapt this one as well. This eas so explosive and good. I did have a few moments closer to the end where I was annoyed that we essentially got closed door on what I thought would have been major blow out scenes and yet sometimes way too many pages on the mundane.  The pacing was faster this time around and while we had moments of levity, there were a whole lot more unmasking moments within the book. So many things get revealed and I love the way in which Deborah takes the team on their search for the origin of the species. It's going to be hella interesting what they do with the results.  I had originally skipped the novella Time's Convert but apparently, I shouldn't have and after this, I'm going to remedy that, because apparently a good amount of things happened, not enough that you can't follow along but enough you know that things happened off scene and you are missing a few minor pieces.

Narrator:
Jennifer Ikeda.

This is my second story with Jennifer as a narrator and she is phenomenal. She manages to make the whole cast of characters unique and carry the story along without losing any of the different threads.  I loved how I could tell who the different characters were, including when she would switch languages and sing. Just amazing, she really brought the story alive.  Her voice was pleasing and her inflections really made the story fly by. I read at 1.5x speed and this helped to make the storytime go by faster. Even sped up Jenn's voice really hooked you. I didn't want to stop listening at all.

Story:

The time has come for Matthew and Diana to return home and bring with them the knowledge of the Book of Life and once again attempt to beat out the others making a play for the book.  There were so many good moments of reunions that Diana and Matthew both needed that brought them healing while giving them the necessary footing to be able to go into battle far more prepared than they were before.

Diana now knows the source of her magic and can control better than before, but she's come back with a few more gifts as well and now the clock is ticking on when and how she will be face the full wrath of the governing body of the species. She's sworn to get revenge for the battles that were waged when she wasn't there and she's coming for the witches who betrayed her and her mother. Before she can make good on that promise though she needs the pieces of the Book Of Life and she and Matthew need to decipher it before their enemies.

From the time they return to the end of the book Diana and her team were running against a clock. Beat their enemies to deciphering the unknown language of the book, get revenge for her mother an all the other witches; find out why the species is dying out, and prevent Matthew's older brother from fling Diana out of the clan. It's a whirlwind of unraveling secrets, learning new secrets and discovering something that will eventually turn their entire world upside down.  There are new mates and partnerships that have formed while Matthew and Diana were away and now that they have returned they have to find their place within the new family dynamics.

I love that we learn what happened to some of the people Diana left behind; people we counted on before come through and some betray us.  Relationships are fractured and the truth comes out in a big way.  I loved the weaving of politics and the mythology of the Knights Templar into the story. The history and as new puzzle pieces were laid I was so excited to see how it changed the landscape they were navigating.  I found myself angry at some characters, in love with others, laughing with Diana and weary with Matthew. The fledging sense of hope, the fear Diana felt as she made it past the loss and her fear about what the future meant for their people. Fighting the ingrained prejudice that many took as a precaution against being seen by humans, it's funny how even within the magical community it comes down to genetics.

I really want to go into more detail but this being the final book I won't spoil it for you. If you want to fangirl on twitter/ Instagram in the DMs then holler at me.

I'm hoping we're going to get more from the world because there are so many we need to learn about. When those final battle scenes were happening?? When they hunted for Matthew and the full-blown truth came out?? This is what happens when a person doesn't truly have faith but uses it to practice punishment. So many times others have pointed out that Matthew's piousness would come back to haunt him and it finally does. I was so hooked those final chapters and I was totally satisfied with the ending. I highly recommend it my loves.

 ★★★★1/2☆

Series In Order

1. A Discovery Of Witches ( All Souls Trilogy 1)
2. Shadow Of Night (All Souls Trilogy 2) 
3. The Book Of Life ( All Souls Trilogy 3) 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
• The Portal Series by Maggie Shayne

Happy Reading my loves,