Best ending possible for this sad saga (minor spoilers)
934107
I've always loved Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider books, so I started reading the Power of Five. Although the first 3 books were good, they were not as great as the Alex Rider books in my POV. Yet, the 4th book was a game-changer, making the usually grim tale more poignant.

Oblivion starts with the Five being scattered across the world after they went through the door in Hong Kong. Scarlett ends up in Egypt with Richard Cole (Matt's journalist friend), Pedro & Scott are captured by the Nightrise Corp in Italy, Jaime exits into a gated society in UK and finally, Matt is on the run in Brazil with Lohan (Scarlett's bodyguard). Also, they arrive 10 years in the future where the Old Ones have already wreaked massive havoc, making the world an unrecognizable place for the Five.

The story follows different characters as the Five go through different trials to get together again in order to defeat the leader of the Old Ones (Chaos) in Oblivion, a place he chose for his final stand against the Five. To say more would be a massive giveaway.

The part that haunts me most is when Richard ends up in a boxing ring with Matt (won't say more). I actually thought of giving up on the book then & took a good 30 min break before coming back to it. Unlike Harry Potter (which is my absolute favorite), this is not a fun series with lots of laughs to dull the gruesome details. These stories are heart-rending where none of the heroes have it easy, and their struggles are constant. Maybe AH should've made these books a bit less grim - but he brings the point across with a thumping kick in the gut.

However, the last chapter was a redeemer, giving the sad sad saga of the Five an ending as happy as it was possible for them to have. All in all - the last book was a Stunning End to an Epic Tale!
861282
Yes, this book is a worthy ending to the series, and well worth the long wait. For the longest time I was actually afraid that this book would be a disappointment, since the Subtle Knife seemed to be floating around in terms of plot. This book, however, was done beautifully. It is not the best thing ever, but it's good.
But, one of my only problems is the sudden change of heart for Mrs. Coulter. It's still beyond me to see how someone as thouroughly disgusting as her can suddenly begin *caring* about her child overnight. Oh well. At least we know that because of her, Lyra wants to have kids and take care of them well.
The span of the story was quite entertaining too. (By that, I mean the number of worlds it was set in.) I especially enjoyed the mulefa, though I had the most insanely difficult time imagining how their claws worked. The other new additions to the plot, the Gallivespians and the new angels, are also entertaining, though absurdly annoying at first.
And, personally, I thought the Land of the Dead was, well, scary. If that was how death was forever, I'd try to live every moment of my life. The whole concept of death being spent in an eternal wasteland is simply horrible. At the end of that arc, I laughed aloud, happily. I really did. The resolution of that portion of the story was so insanely wonderful that you just have to feel good for the dead. The idea of being freely distributed and happy in the living world of the mulefa is much more welcome, even if you may not be consious. (Then again, if you have no consious thought, are you human? Did you exist if nothing remains? Sort of like how your memories can't be real since they're happening now, so they may not of happened before... Waaaait, let's not start that now. *slaps self*) It is almost comforting to know that their souls will become dissolved to seach out portions of those who they knew and loved. Especially when considering the ending.
Ah, the ending, well... I suppose it is good to see the heros not get everything they want, I agree. However, this ending was so incredibly bittersweet, especially since I can relate to it, almost painfully so. Anime fans will understand me when I tell them that this is the same brand of bittersweet that the ending of Escaflowne was. Through the whole book you see Lyra and Will clumsily bumping together like children who've fallen in love but don't realize it yet. All of the observers can see how they feel by how they treat eachother, only those two are oblivious. The ending was so insanely bittersweet as a result, especially since at this point Pullman has so effectively written his characters that you do feel for them. Or else I'm just weird and nobody else was bothered by the ending... (I can relate to it because I'm trying to maintain a relationship with the most wonderful person in the world... who is two thousand miles away. The ending shook me up for a little bit.) Personally, I'd be happier if the "not get everything they want" involved some major character dying (other than those two), instead of something like what really happened.
Still, this book is a great buy. Check it out if you have the time - it's wonderful. Well worth your money. Go. Buy. Read. Go on.
3944277
Parting is such sweet sorrow!!  I will truly miss Tiff, Royal and the adventures this Series brought me.  This book was the perfect ending to an outstaning and unique series.  Part of me wants to cry because despite the fact that there is an inifinte number of books out there few contain everything I adore in a pararnormal mystery series, namely, intrigue, action, suspense, romance; a really strong, compassionate and likable heroine who isn't constantly making stupid mistakes, an alpha male hero who defies the laws of sensuality & raw sexuality and sends your pulse into overdrive; good supporting character and interesting plots.

This the final book in the Whisperings series has all of the aforementioned and so much more.  In fact, the story is so well concluded that this particular book could be read on it's own but I strongly recommend that one read all the books in the series because it's just so worth it.  Thhere are no loose ends remaining.  The story was truly brought to a proper and, for me, a satisfying conclusion.  Unfortunately all good things must come to an end.

Linda Welch did a wonderful job with this series!  I look forward to reading more from this talented and imaginative author.

BUY IT, READ IT; ENJOY!!
650027
This series is magnificent and i feel like the final book should have tied things up better and differently. Don't get me wrong-- this was a great book and I didn't see a lot of it coming...but maybe that's the problem.
In this conclusion, everyting is fast paced and I would have liked to see more things come together than fall apart. This book has a bittersweet ending and leaves you guessing at some things. It's a good book, but if you didn't read it you could imagine a much happier and sweeter ending.
3194983
There is a difference in this saga than the former, and many have already mentioned that it seems to hurry along too much.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series, but thought the ending was a little "too easy" and just too expected.  I was hoping for something more.
I disagree with others that say the characters were not interesting, i was happy to re-visit Pug, Calis and Tomas all over again.
Alot of people also gripe about the revelation of mysteries previously proposed in the previous series.  Well, as a long-time reader of sagas that just never die (DragonLance), I was thoroughly happy to finally learn WHO Macros, understand Miranda's history and I love the "Simpkin-like" (Weis/Hickman reference) character in Nakor.
Everyone is a bit too critical, but i agree that it was sad to see Midkemia reduced to ruin.  Parts of the story were EXTREMELY SAD, but then, all characters cannot live to be realistic.
I feel Raymond's goal in this series was to put to rest an excellent era of life on Midkemia.  Some have mentioned the posibility of another book, I feel one could be written, but this ROADK really seemed like an end-all to everything.
Also, this has to be the most reviews I have ever seem on Amazon... wow!
423600
*Original review on Goodreads & My Blog*

OMG!! This book made me cry in sad ways and in happy ways!

This is the best book of the series to me even though it's the last book and I loved them all. I can't believe it's over. It just can't be over. Not with that ending. I want more =)

I will always love the boys: Kest, Brasti & Falcio. Their banter is the best ever in the books. And I was thinking I might not like this series. Here is some advice, don't think, just read, because you never know.

EXCERPTS

  "My name is Kest Murrowson, a magistrate of the Greatcoats." He paused for effect, before adding unnecessarily, "And I am the Queen's Shield."

  "To answer your question, friend, my name is Brasti Goodbow, and I am the Queen's Jest."

  "My name your Lordship, is Falcio val Mond." I am the First Cantor of the Greatcoats, also called the King's Heart."

END EXCERPTS

The boys are sent off on a mission to go and find some more people to help secure Aline as Queen among other things. They go off into this bitter land and find some things they weren't prepared for.

They return home with this bad news and set up to fight more people. Yeah, they don't get a break.

There are more revelations. There is the evil Trin. There are a lot of things going on in this book. People die =(

I think the conclusion of this series was excellent. I love it so very much, but I'm sad. Yes, I know they can be read over and over, but still, I want more stories.

I can't wait to add this edition to my shelves along with the first three, when it comes to paperback.

*I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of this book.*
2936281
This was a satisfying end to the series. There were several deaths as well as rescues,  changes of allegiance, and new allies. It's's too bad that the epilogue wasn't longer.
388374
Sworn, the third and final book of the Bound Trilogy, brings the story and it's characters to a satisfying and climactic conclusion.  The only problem, is that I am sad to see this story come to an end.
  Kate Sparkes created an entire world, and introduced us to two of her protagonists in Bound, and built their stories and  introduced us to new characters in Torn.  In Sworn, her characters continue to grow, while they meet their ultimate challenge, in final chapters that will leave you satisfied and breathless, and still wishing it wasn't over.  The books are written from three points of view, which could be confusing, if not so masterfully written.  Each of these characters bring their own personalities and insights into the story, and drive it forward in a way that would be impossible if written in any other way.
  It is hard to write a review with no spoilers.  The characters and the plot combine to bring this series to its conclusion in the best way possible, leave us waiting eagerly to see what this author will thrill us with next.
3130387
I loved it. It is dark and sad and there is violence but it is a great ending to a tough story. I wouldn't expect a happily every after ending for these characters because it wouldn't be believable. There is a lot of irony in these series. And though the ending doesn't offer a happily ever after it gives you an as happy as could ever be possible after life altering events. I highly recommend it.
4767889
Thirteen was the best series finale I've ever read, I do believe. Armstrong brought back all of our favorites in this epic ending, and we got to see how each narrator's story ended. Everyone got a turn, and I really enjoyed that. While this book was all about Savannah's final journey, Armstrong included a very short epilogue of sorts letting us know how things wrapped up for Elena and Clay as well. She wanted things to come full circle, and I'm glad she handled things that way. I enjoyed the last story being about Savannah, but I liked the very, very end being about Elena and Clay. This ending was perfect, in my opinion, and while I was sad that the series was over, I ended the book feeling happy. Armstrong really couldn't have written a better ending to this series.

The narration was different from previous Otherworld books. Savannah told most of the story in first person narration, but randomly, one of the narrators of previous books got to tell their story. However, the other narrators were in third person limited POVs. Still, the narrators reflected on their lives so that we could also reflect on the character growth of all of the narrators over this series. Each narrator got a turn: Jamie, Elena, Paige, Hope, and Eve. The switch in narrators didn't bother me, and I enjoyed remembering each character's individual journey. I loved all of the narrators (other than Hope) in the series, and I was glad to see how they each came into their own. Savannah's character development was fantastic over the arc of the past three novels, and I am very happy with how she turned out. Cassandra really surprised me at the end, and I grew to respect her more as a character as well. I was left with good feelings about everyone in the series.

There was nonstop action and adventure, though there was really no mystery. By this point in the story, we knew who all of the bad guys were. People surprised the characters, betrayed them, etc., but I always saw it coming beforehand. Anytime something seemed to work out in a character's favor, I knew that it was too simple and things would fall apart shortly. That always happened. Armstrong really tested her characters up until the very end. There was no tranquil ending for the women of the Otherworld, and I'm sure they wouldn't want one.

The pacing was spot on, and even though I purposefully dragged this book out, I was never bored. I just didn't want the series to end, so I read a little tiny bit at a time over a few days to ensure I made the series last as long as possible. I know, it's silly, but that's what I did anyway. The ending tied everything up nicely, and I truly feel that every question that's ever been raised in the series has been answered. I'm content with how everyone's story ended. The ending was open, however. There is the possibility of Armstrong writing another book if she wants because it's clear that the adventures are far from over, but I feel that the story arc itself has ended. Things were tied up nicely, and if there isn't another Otherworld book written ever, then I'd be perfectly happy with how things ended.

I really do not want to spoil this book for anyone, so I am going to end this review here. The Otherworld series has been my favorite series for years, and will probably continue to be my favorite series for the rest of my life. Every single book grabbed me, and this last one was no different. I'd recommend this book to everyone who's ever read the series. If you haven't read the series, go buy Bitten right now!

Well done, Kelley, well done.
3713751
First let me be clear that I loved this game and the entire series, its an amazing ride up till the end. But the ending is so horribly bad that it manages to kill the entire game series for me. On top of this Bioware has been very quiet in regards to the fan outrage and has yet to release an official statement on the endings.

Before the last 5 mins i would rate this a 4.5, a must buy. After the ending though its at most a 2.
182762
This was just about as perfect a conclusion as I could have wanted for my favorite book series. I really don't want to give anything away, but all the remaining important plot points that popped up throughout the chronicles of poor Rachel are resolved -- one way or another. I did find myself wondering what happened to a few characters/locations/situations, but they were mostly minor and pretty understandable considering the rather sizable cast that has developed over the course of thirteen books and over half a dozen short story interludes and preludes.
Beyond that, however, I have to say that I had to force myself not to cry when it was over. The story and series were beautiful. Thank you, Ms. Harrison, for the lovely memories.
1415746
A good end to a great series. I hold off on the 5 stArs because it was a bit tough to follow as all the loose ends got tied up: the characters should have had a bit more intro. But if you're 6 books in here you'll read this and see who lives and dies, and you'll put it down happy.
358370
Each book in this series has been progressively better than the last, which means Topia, the end of this fine trilogy, is by far the best of the series. This is the chapter wherein questions just under the surface are answered and the author's Secondary World is fully realized.

With the outcome of the two previous books being bleak and then bleaker, the level of humanity's loss is staggering from the very beginning of the book. More so than in any situation in the two previous entries the tension has bubbled far beyond the boiling point. A theme of hope in the face of total defeat pervades the book, and a communication about what it means to live in a world of constant inexorable threat permeates the climax of the novel. The nobility of the protagonists, and in some cases the antagonists, is most clearly demonstrated via events of this final book. Everything is more dire, and no less than the fate of humanity, or better yet the soul and freedom of humanity, is at stake.

I burned through this book, the pages disappearing in mere hours, pushing towards the resolution and my faint sliver of a hope that all the suffering and death would finally lead us to eucatastrophe. All of the elements and narrative strings pull together in the last stand of mankind, and ending is consequently a resounding success. The promises implied in the structure of the author's mythology and the themes trailed throughout the narrative culminate in Topia, and in its conclusion I see the beginning for even greater things to come.

I patiently await the continuation of this Secondary World's impressive saga. It's rare to find a book with as much implicit depth, surrounded by fun loving quirkiness. Joy, the goal of the proper Fairy-Story (in this case told with Wolves, Men, and the things of Nightmare) sings out from the accomplishment of this Trilogy.

The author should pat himself on the back.......and then get back to writing more jewels like this--for our sake.
3137049
This book concludes the 2 book story that concludes Ranma 1/2.
In the 36 volume Rumiko sets up for the end, when the whole ordeal with Ranma and his mother comes to an end. With Ranma now reruinited with his mother in the first time for 15 years, Genma and soun believe it's perfect time for him and akane to get married. Before this can happen Ranma saves a little girl from half bird men. The girl reveals that she is the daughter of the Jueysenko guide, and that the men were after a map she has to the source of water for Jueysenko. They do get the map from Ranma and the gang and now they all have to go to china to stop them or all of there hopes for being cured will dry up.
Well Ranma finds his plate full when akane is on the virge of death, Jueysenko is on the verge of drying up for good, and he has a Prince named Saffron trying to kill him.  Saffron is unlike any other oppent Ranma has faced (except maybe Herb). Saffron has the ablitly to heal any injury instantly and can shoot fire from his palm. Ranma's only chance is the Gekkaja (a key/weapon of Jueysenko), and his ultimate tech. The Dragon of Ice. ( Based on his Dragon's Heaven Blast )
Note: This ending was never animated. It is too bad, because this is the best anime/manga ending I have ever seen.
1281050
What I liked:

Guys, there are not enough tears. Like, at all.     (Sorry bout that.)

This is the last in the series, and it was an amazing ending. Everything was wrapped up nicely. Deliver was definitely an after-war book, but there was still enough action!! And, guys, Im going to  ahem  admit this, but I ALMOST teared up. Like, guys, I cant even.

And just how everything was wrapped up, it was very realistic and beautiful. A wonderful conclusion to The Blades of Acktar! And I promise that it will make you cry! Unless you dont. Then I cant promise you that. But you proooobably will. AGAIN, unless you don't However

Sorry. Just, um, yeah. Ignore that. Completely.

Characters:

This was definitely Martyns book, which I think that Tricia (obviously) planned it that way. He has a super amount of development  which was just so lovely to see.  I just ADORE Martyn, and hes SO similar to me! He likes to think through stuff and is very logical  but hates his emotions.

Unfortunately, I didn't feel like there wasn't a whole lot of Leith  in comparison with the other books at least (but lets face it  will the iyfdnyhfangirls every be satisfied with the amount of Leith that we get? Yeah; probably not.). But with what he was in  I am a loyal fangirl, so I thought that he was just amazing and adorable!

Renna For some reason, I didn't like her as much in this book. Maybe because she didn't have a whole lot of development, or she was shaded by Leith and Martyn, but that didn't mean that I didn't like her. She was super kick-butt and all. But still realistic. Thumbs up, for that!

Kayleigh was a new character  and while she was a good one, I found that the only reason I liked her was because of Martyn (maybe because she wasn't introduced until book 4? Okay, she was technically introduced before then, as well. But whatever, you know?). 

Unfortunately, Brandi, Jamie, and Shad were a little left behind (in my opinion). I would have loved to see them more, but when they were in it, they were AMAZING.

Writing/Plot:

As always, I love Tricias writing!  Its nice and simple, but beautiful at the same time. Visual and yet, leaving a lot to the imagination. Contradictions, huh?

The plot moved along nicely. It was mainly Martyn-focused, but Martyn is pretty awesome  so I didn't mind. Okay, scratch that. Hes really awesome. Like, yeah. Yeah. This book is a wrap-up book (like I said above), but (as I also said above) theres also still some action.

Problems:

I feel like a lot of characters kinda got thrown under the rug. I know, I know. But maybe its just me. Im a selfish reader and want Tricia to write a 1,000+ paged tome in less then a month  but hey, the readers are always right, right?

I felt like Martyns conversion and relationship with Kayleigh couldve gone a little slower (basically a couple different plots).

Other/Summary:

Nobody actually curses, but rather said he swore choice words or something like that, so you're cool in those regards. 

As for the  romance department (   ), theres a decent helping of kissing and attraction  but all definitely PG.

Theres battling and wounds and stuff  but again,  I don't feel like THIS book is above a PG.

It has STRONG Christian themes, so if thats not your thing, then this may not be the book for you.

Anyways, Id DEFINITELY suggest this series to all of you who would like to read a Christian fantasy book (non-magic, almost Western). Maybe teens and up? The earlier books have a lot of wounds and stuff.
2786534
As the title says, this conclusion to the "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is easily the best of the five books.  There is more action, more conflict, more emotion, and more wit in this one then in the other four.  The tale of the Grace children comes to a close as they find themselves at the dump (AKA Mulgarath's palace) in hopes to save their mother.

As I hate people who put important plot points in their reviews and spoil the reading for others, I'll simply say that the action is top notch, but the climax ends a bit too swiftly, and the epilogue is touching, a bit sad, and quite uplifting.  Another good note is that all of our favorite faeries from the previous four books make their final appearance in this one.

8/10