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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
medium-paced
I love this series as a whole. But I'm not a Savannah fan (or Adam, Paige, and Luca for that matter). I love Elena, Jamie, and Hope and their appearance is enough for me.
Such a satisfying ending to an amazing series! I'll be picking up the short story collections from the library next because I'm not ready to leave this world quite yet.
I used to read a TON of supernatural fiction, but got out of reading it a while ago when all the new stuff I could wasn't great and the series I was reading, I was caught up on. I always liked this series, but I had a hard time finding the last one. I finally ran across it in HB on Amazon and picked it up.
It's been a while since I read the previous books in this series, but once starting to read this one, I had no problem remembering who was who and what was going on. This one seemed to be fairly action-packed, but was lacking in a lot of anything else. I did enjoy it.
It's been a while since I read the previous books in this series, but once starting to read this one, I had no problem remembering who was who and what was going on. This one seemed to be fairly action-packed, but was lacking in a lot of anything else. I did enjoy it.
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
I really enjoyed this part of the saga - and finally it had a bit more of a closing than the last two books!
I have to say that I'm one of the Otherworld fans that wish Elena would have been the narrator for this story. More for a symbolism of the story coming full circle. But I can see how Armstrong may have wanted to use Savannah as a symbol of a new generation continuing on the "fight" or adventures of the other characters.
But was I still a bit disappointed in the book? Yes. Up till Waking the Witch, I always thought Savannah was a spoiled brat. Then here comes Waking the Witch and her character had seemed to have done a 180; however, I still didn't like her character.
This book, still don't really like her. Savannah is supposed to be this uber powered witch or super witch. She allows it to define her. And when she loses her power, she mopes, but I don't really see her trying to relearn a lot of stuff (like she said she would have to in the previous book). It wouldn't have been so bad if the book used the switching POV's alot more or at least longer. We would barely get a glimpse and then it's back to Savannah.
Another thing, the romance left between Adam and Savannah was leave something to be desired. It came across as being more of an afterthought in the book.
I liked that the book had two short stories (prequel and epilogue) from Elena's POV. The prequel was when she was still with Phillip and the epilogue is when she goes home. I wish the epilogue was done better, it left a lot of questions behind. Armstrong noted in the book that she'd have an anthology released in 2014, but I don't know if this will wrap things up. Or she could have left Xavier following them from the airport.
Up until the first 250 pages, I would have given this book 2 stars (which I just could not get into). Once past that the book just started going a wee bit faster after that.
But was I still a bit disappointed in the book? Yes. Up till Waking the Witch, I always thought Savannah was a spoiled brat. Then here comes Waking the Witch and her character had seemed to have done a 180; however, I still didn't like her character.
This book, still don't really like her. Savannah is supposed to be this uber powered witch or super witch. She allows it to define her. And when she loses her power, she mopes, but I don't really see her trying to relearn a lot of stuff (like she said she would have to in the previous book). It wouldn't have been so bad if the book used the switching POV's alot more or at least longer. We would barely get a glimpse and then it's back to Savannah.
Another thing, the romance left between Adam and Savannah was leave something to be desired. It came across as being more of an afterthought in the book.
I liked that the book had two short stories (prequel and epilogue) from Elena's POV. The prequel was when she was still with Phillip and the epilogue is when she goes home. I wish the epilogue was done better, it left a lot of questions behind. Armstrong noted in the book that she'd have an anthology released in 2014, but I don't know if this will wrap things up. Or she could have left Xavier following them from the airport.
Up until the first 250 pages, I would have given this book 2 stars (which I just could not get into). Once past that the book just started going a wee bit faster after that.
This is going to be a tough review for me to write. I have been reading this series since the first book, Bitten, was published in 2001. I was immediately drawn in by Kelley Armstrong's strong writing and unique voice, specifically how it related to shifters and the whole shifting process. I have always been very fond of strong female writers in the horror industry, and specifically it they are Canadian. Kelley Armstrong not only fit this bill, but she also lived in Toronto, which was almost like being my neighbor at that time (I lived in Hamilton). I felt an immediate kindred with her before even reading her books, but her writing hooked me from the first page.
My skin stretches. The sensation deepens and I try to block the pain. Pain. What a trivial word - agony is better. One doesn't call the sensation of being flayed alive "painful".
...and that's just a taste of her descriptive and engaging writing style.
The physical appeal of this new release is amazing! The cover is a stunning black and red artistic offering with a vellum type dust jacket overlay that I couldn't keep myself from stoking continuously once it was finally in my eager hands.
I have to be honest, when I first started reading 13 I was highly disappointed...it was clear very early on (from comments direct from the author) that 13 would not be told from Elena's point of view. I was really hoping the story would return to Elena, obviously so were many others. I thought for sure I was going to hate this final book and that the whole series was going to be ruined for me. I am one of "those fans" who was annoyed early on by the swapping of character viewpoints in books 3 and 4 and so on. It took me a long time to get to know these new characters and enjoy their stories, but eventually I got used to the way it was going and I think in the future a re-read of the series will help me enjoy everything in a more fulfilling way.
But I digress...
Upon seeing Savannah was going to be the star narrator I almost didn't read the book. Of all the characters I have had a hard time getting to know Savannah. To be fair...I haven't read the last 2 books in the series because they were Savannah books. I am going to have to rectify that soon.
13 is a FABULOUS ending to this wonderful series that has been such a big part of my life for just over a decade. Even though Savannah was the main narrator in the book, almost every important character (in my opinion) made some kind of appearance, and it was more than enough to keep me happy. And I actually enjoyed reading from Savannah's perspective. It is abundantly clear that she has grown and matured and takes things much more seriously than she did when she first appeared on the scene. And in usual Kelley Armstrong fashion, this book is a complete treat to read as her writing style is just as descriptive (maybe too descriptive) and witty as ever.
It was a little overwhelming in spots, so much going on, so many characters, I sometimes felt a little lost...but i guess that is to be expected when you are trying to tie all things together.
It's been a while since I read some of Kelley's adult fiction, so I forgot how brutal and gory her scenes came sometimes be. It was shocking at first, but then I started to remember how it often goes, and as is common in final installments, blood has to be spilled, and people need to die. It's just how it goes.
If you haven't read Kelley's Women of the Otherworld books yet your are truly missing out. I suggest you dig in now, and if you do, let me know. I would love a re-reading buddy!
My skin stretches. The sensation deepens and I try to block the pain. Pain. What a trivial word - agony is better. One doesn't call the sensation of being flayed alive "painful".
...and that's just a taste of her descriptive and engaging writing style.
The physical appeal of this new release is amazing! The cover is a stunning black and red artistic offering with a vellum type dust jacket overlay that I couldn't keep myself from stoking continuously once it was finally in my eager hands.
I have to be honest, when I first started reading 13 I was highly disappointed...it was clear very early on (from comments direct from the author) that 13 would not be told from Elena's point of view. I was really hoping the story would return to Elena, obviously so were many others. I thought for sure I was going to hate this final book and that the whole series was going to be ruined for me. I am one of "those fans" who was annoyed early on by the swapping of character viewpoints in books 3 and 4 and so on. It took me a long time to get to know these new characters and enjoy their stories, but eventually I got used to the way it was going and I think in the future a re-read of the series will help me enjoy everything in a more fulfilling way.
But I digress...
Upon seeing Savannah was going to be the star narrator I almost didn't read the book. Of all the characters I have had a hard time getting to know Savannah. To be fair...I haven't read the last 2 books in the series because they were Savannah books. I am going to have to rectify that soon.
13 is a FABULOUS ending to this wonderful series that has been such a big part of my life for just over a decade. Even though Savannah was the main narrator in the book, almost every important character (in my opinion) made some kind of appearance, and it was more than enough to keep me happy. And I actually enjoyed reading from Savannah's perspective. It is abundantly clear that she has grown and matured and takes things much more seriously than she did when she first appeared on the scene. And in usual Kelley Armstrong fashion, this book is a complete treat to read as her writing style is just as descriptive (maybe too descriptive) and witty as ever.
It was a little overwhelming in spots, so much going on, so many characters, I sometimes felt a little lost...but i guess that is to be expected when you are trying to tie all things together.
It's been a while since I read some of Kelley's adult fiction, so I forgot how brutal and gory her scenes came sometimes be. It was shocking at first, but then I started to remember how it often goes, and as is common in final installments, blood has to be spilled, and people need to die. It's just how it goes.
If you haven't read Kelley's Women of the Otherworld books yet your are truly missing out. I suggest you dig in now, and if you do, let me know. I would love a re-reading buddy!
Really it's hovering towards a 3.5.
I have to agree with a review below, that the series has evolved towards the YA genera. Which I am not a huge fan of, but the story is still good.
Hands down the books in which Elena tells the story are the best.
If side stories are created with the twins POV I'll be reading it, nothing like rambunctious little werewolves.
I have to agree with a review below, that the series has evolved towards the YA genera. Which I am not a huge fan of, but the story is still good.
Hands down the books in which Elena tells the story are the best.
If side stories are created with the twins POV I'll be reading it, nothing like rambunctious little werewolves.
4.5 stars
I have loved this series since I read Bitten many years ago. I don't love all the characters/narrators. I don't even love all the books. Some were much better than others. Part of that might be because of whether I like the narrator of the book. [b:Living with the Dead|2813124|Living with the Dead (Women of the Otherworld, #9)|Kelley Armstrong|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320464731s/2813124.jpg|2492798] is probably my least favorite book of the series. Part of that is that the entire book is written in third person (unlike the rest of the series) and that it jumps point of views very frequently. The flow was not as good.
With that being said, in this book, Savannah is the narrator for most of this book. When it does change perspectives, it jumps to third person, but in this book it flowed much better. I didn't have the same issues that I had with Living with the Dead. It gave us one last chance to be with our old favorite narrators.
You get to see every major character and most of the secondary characters (though, I don't think I could tell you who is missing that is still alive, but I'm sure there is someone). Also, you get to see several characters you don't expect to see again. Jaz is one. The Cortezes use his unique talents for a mission. The other I won't mention because it is a HUGE spoiler.
As much as I'm saddened to see this series end, I think it was a very good end. Sometimes series fall flat at the end of the series. You feel like you've been building up to this huge finally, and then the end sucks and you're left unhappy. That is not the case with this. I think it ended really well. It is not perfect. There are still dangers out there, but it has a conclusion.
Also, my understanding is that there will still be some short stories from this series. I hope we get to see more from the men's perspective. I loved [b:Men of the Otherworld|3422075|Men of the Otherworld (Otherworld Stories I)|Kelley Armstrong|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320501705s/3422075.jpg|2860439]. It is one of my all-time favorite books. The audiobook for that is even better.
I have loved this series since I read Bitten many years ago. I don't love all the characters/narrators. I don't even love all the books. Some were much better than others. Part of that might be because of whether I like the narrator of the book. [b:Living with the Dead|2813124|Living with the Dead (Women of the Otherworld, #9)|Kelley Armstrong|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320464731s/2813124.jpg|2492798] is probably my least favorite book of the series. Part of that is that the entire book is written in third person (unlike the rest of the series) and that it jumps point of views very frequently. The flow was not as good.
With that being said, in this book, Savannah is the narrator for most of this book. When it does change perspectives, it jumps to third person, but in this book it flowed much better. I didn't have the same issues that I had with Living with the Dead. It gave us one last chance to be with our old favorite narrators.
You get to see every major character and most of the secondary characters (though, I don't think I could tell you who is missing that is still alive, but I'm sure there is someone). Also, you get to see several characters you don't expect to see again. Jaz is one. The Cortezes use his unique talents for a mission. The other I won't mention because it is a HUGE spoiler.
As much as I'm saddened to see this series end, I think it was a very good end. Sometimes series fall flat at the end of the series. You feel like you've been building up to this huge finally, and then the end sucks and you're left unhappy. That is not the case with this. I think it ended really well. It is not perfect. There are still dangers out there, but it has a conclusion.
Also, my understanding is that there will still be some short stories from this series. I hope we get to see more from the men's perspective. I loved [b:Men of the Otherworld|3422075|Men of the Otherworld (Otherworld Stories I)|Kelley Armstrong|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320501705s/3422075.jpg|2860439]. It is one of my all-time favorite books. The audiobook for that is even better.
Last book in the series and...kinda disappointing. There were chapters featuring most of the women previously featured as well as a follow up short story with Elena, but overall the Savannah Trilogy just didn't have the spark that I've loved from Elena, Eve or Jamie installments.
Still this remains a series I love, especially Elena and Clay and one I will revisit one day.
Still this remains a series I love, especially Elena and Clay and one I will revisit one day.