A beautiful conclusion
582750
Complete Me...I've been waiting for this wrap up of the Royals Saga!!

So many moments brought tears to my eyes. There was so much emotion that poured out of this book, from the relationships between Alexander & Clara, Belle & Smith, and even Edward & David (so many surprises!!!) to reactions following the uncovering of the real mystery behind all the deaths surrounding the royal family and their loved ones. Because this book ties up so many loose ends that follow the storylines from books 1-6, I'm keeping my review short to prevent possible spoilers. I will say this though, in the final paragraph of the book, I was sobbing (not sad tears, I promise!).

The only aspect I took issue with was the point of view. It seemed that most of the book was in third person, but then some chapters from Alexander's POV were in first person (not all though), so it was a bit confusing as to whose viewpoint the chapter was from.

Again, to prevent spoilers, I will just say this: It was a slow read for me, but only because I didn't want it to end. I've loved this series, and it was one of the first I read when I got back into reading as an adult. It has a special place in my heart...

4 beautifully royal stars!!
317906
A brilliant conclusion to an exceptional fantasy trilogy. Not only packed with fast-paced action sequences, but also a brave, beautiful presentation of the power of faith. The ending kept me riveted, and even made me cry for joy and sadness at the same time. By far one of the best endings I have ever read.
3516720
I am not a skilled reviewer of any type of literature, but I can tell you that Charles Burns' X'ed Out Trilogy of graphic novels is utterly fantastic.  This final installment delivers a great conclusion to a heartbreaking story... it just wraps up everything so perfectly.  Without giving anything away, it not only fills in all the blanks that Burns carefully litters throughout the other volumes, but it bridges the gap between the reality and dream world that are developed throughout the series.

If the masterful pacing, structure, and story-telling weren't enough to seal the deal, each volume features Burns' signature artwork in a beautiful full-color rendering.  This really breathed life into both worlds, and is a contrast from some of Burns' other works where the mostly black-inked artwork is as dark as the type of story he tells.

The content of the book aside, the book itself is physically beautiful.  Larger than a standard trade paperback format, and dressed in a satin-finished hard cover with blue canvas binding, it feels fantastic in the hand and looks great on the shelf.  Especially when grouped with the rest of the trilogy.

A perfect ending to a fantastic series, the total package just oozing with quality.  This is the graphic novel medium at its finest.  Enjoy
914160
A complex, beautifully written tale that wraps up the trilogy in a very satisfying way.
813467
Fantastic conclusion to Ever and Isa's story.  Parts of it were funny, sad, and touching.  As before, the visual descriptions were excellent.
Ever and Isa have grown over the course of the series and I was glad to find them more comfortable with themselves and in their marriage.  This story had Isa showing more fierceness and Ever allowing himself to show vulnerability.
The two children seemed to have realistic reactions and tempers without being annoying.  Henri's protectiveness towards his little sister was perfectly in keeping with his role as older brother/caregiver.
The story came together well and the conclusion was satisfying.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
3632585
This final book in the Steel & Stone series managed to be not what I expected, what I expected, and more than I expected all at the same time.  I'm not exactly certain how I saw the story wrap up in my imagination, what would define a "good" ending beyond the superficial aspects, but what I received was a true conclusion to all the main plotlines.  (In fact, some of the plot lines that were resolved I hadn't even realized were main until the end.) There's a few loose ends/not quite completed ends, but even those have a brief sketch of the roadmap they'll likely follow.

The three core characters are truly individuals in this book as well as a team, and they play to their individual strengths.  This wasn't "the continuing adventures of the three musketeers", and we see the three splitting up on occasion to accomplish the series of impossible tasks before them.  Piper's gained a maturity and assurance, an acceptance of who she is completely, and a knowledge of where she does (and does not) belong.  Ash has to decide what future role he will play with his people.  And Lyre ... we see more of the depth that Lyre has had all along, and we learn more of who he is. Granted, I think there will always be more to learn about Lyre, and mysteries he'd rather us not uncover any time soon.

The end is true to the characters.  After having a chance to absorb the ending, I can't imagine any other way it could have played out with who these people are.  It was surprising to me, but like I said...I can't imagine how it could have been different without changing who these people are at this time.

And while this is said to be the conclusion of Piper and Ash's story, I felt more like this was the conclusion of the things that Piper, Ash, & Lyre faced in the last five books, but NOT the end of Piper & Ash's story.  I hope there is more for us there and we see them again.

On the whole, it was a great book.  As the conclusion of the series, it was a great book.

I received a free ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
2978911
A beautiful ending to a rich, emotional, turbulent, exhilarating, thought-provoking trilogy.  As sad as I am to complete these wonderful characters' story, I'm glad that their tumultuous journey has come to a satisfying close.  I took my time reading this one so that it wouldn't be over quite so quickly!  I look forward to seeing which other characters EH chooses to write about in the future.  One of the best series I've ever read!
2142477
A solid conclusion to the Powder Mage Trilogy.

Inspector Adamat was a delight in this one, though I very much enjoyed Bo and Mila. Taniel didn't play as strong of a role as Id hoped, and Tamass character seemed a bit weaker in this one. Still, I felt connected with all of them.

Everything converges into a surprising but satisfying outcome. All the intrigue in Adopest, most uncovered by the diligent and gifted Adamat, pulls it all together.

Overall, Id recommend this book and the trilogy to folks who love fantasy.

I purchased my copy of this book.
2962746
Deliver was a beautiful ending to the series. After the climax and resolution in Defy, the storyline in Deliver was refreshing and satisfying. I enjoy reading about characters after the "big battle," so an entire novel was wonderful. Furthermore, Martyn needed this book. I loved Martyn in Dare and vaulted between profound sadness and slight frustration with his choices in Deny and Defy. In Deliver, Martyn has the time, space, and circumstances to face life's questions - not just dodge them. His self-proclaimed detestation for all things heroic stands in comic contrast to his continual heroic actions.

But Deliver isn't just Martyn's story. It's Leith's and Renna's and Brandi's as well - which I also appreciated. Since these books aren't standalones, I was glad to find that the main characters from the previous books still retained the spotlight in this book, even though the spotlight was shared with Martyn.

Leith is recovering, and he has many struggles to face as he adjusts to his new life. Still hampered by his past, can he ever leave it behind and move forward in his new standing? Even though the amount of physical activity he attempted while still too injured to do anything but rest wasn't believable to me, the portrayal of his gritty perseverance and loyalty was gripping.  Glimpsing the struggles that follow victory is invaluable - so often we focus on the victory in stories while struggling with post-victory depression or temptation in our own lives.

Renna's also recovering from the events of Defy. Her emotional struggles after all she went through with Respen add realism to her character that's so relatable. Her guilt and efforts to forgive herself and leave the past behind color her experiences, but she's firm and heroic in her role as Lady Faythe.

Furthermore, a new character that I loved is introduced in this book. She's sprightly, determined, practical, persevering, moral, matter-of-fact, hardworking - and plagued with rejection and fears. Learning her story and seeing it intertwine with the plot was a joy - she's an invaluable addition to the series and an integral part of the plot. Her conversation and responses often made me smile.

The question of the rest of the Blades and Lords was answered well. Seeing firsthand glimpses of what they were doing added to the story. Overall, this was indeed a satisfying ending to the series.
3972839
As the last installment of one of my all-time favorite book series, UnDivided does not disappoint. Shusterman provides a great conclusion to a complicated saga, showing uncommon wisdom through his plotting and casting the story in a shroud of realism that makes it all the more powerful. I will miss this series and the characters I have come to love.
948794
4.5 stars

Wonderful conclusion to an interesting story. Throughout the books the author does a good job of packing important details and character development into very little words. The installments aren't very long, but they're all meaningful and very well-written.

If you don't mind having to buy three books in order to get a complete story, this is a story worthy reading.

I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.
681111
Rise of Endymion was the perfect conclusion to the masterful Hyperion Cantos series.  Every loose thread was tied up in a way that made sense in Simmons universe, despite the myriad characters and environments.  The philosophical aspects were thoughtful (though unconventional), the settings were unique and beautifully described, and the main characters were developed so carefully that at the end it was impossible not to be deeply moved by their fates.  For anyone who has read and loved the first three novels, words cannot describe the depth of emotion you will feel in the final fifty pages.

At it's essence, this is the love story of Raul and Aenea.  And it is beautiful.
3229335
Angel Fire East is a wonderful conclusion to the Word vs. Void series.  The description in this book and its previous two are richly developed and decidedly romantically nostalgic.  The reader is completely and thoroughly enveloped by the scenery and feelings of which Brooks obviously has felt and still feels, even to this day.  I've heard Brooks say that these books are loosely based on his childhood and the town in which he grew up.  He really knows how to put onto paper his inner most feelings.  Our friend Nest Freemark has grown into full adulthood and now resides in her hometown.  She is still trying to come to terms with her magic and at a time when she is most vulnerable, a demon comes looking for her.  John Ross has discovered a gypsy morph of which will change the power struggle in favor of the Word.  The only way for the gypsy morph to evolve into a helpful state is to encounter powerful magic much like it contains in itself.  Nest has that power and John has decided to bring it to her in hopes of some much needed assistance.  Of course the demon, Findo Gask has designs for getting the powerful gypsy morph through Nest.  This book was really wonderful and gave me much enjoyment.  I especially liked the descriptions of Christmas and all its warmth, proverbial and otherwise.  If your looking to read something that is just simply good all around, this is the book for you.  I recommend it highly.
587661
This book concludes the second Kushiel trilogy by Jacqueline Carey which features Imriel as the lead character. This book was a perfect conclusion to this trilogy. It's a long book, very long. Imriel's journey in this book is just as immense as in the last book. This book felt like it encompassed more than one story, it could have (again) been more than one book. Unlike the last book, I feel that that worked for this book. This book wasn't a struggle to get through. It flowed beautifully, was action packed, and had you holding your breath until the very end.

Imriel and Sidonie confront Ysandre about their relationship; which threatens to tear the realm apart. Sidonie stands to inherit the throne and her relationship with Imriel is less than appreciated considering his mother was a traitor to the crown. When confronted Ysandre says only one thing will sway her into allowing their relationship; Imriel must find his traitorous mother and bring her back to Terre d'Ange for execution. As Imriel starts this difficult task, there is an unexpected entourage from Carthage. The visit from Carthage sets events into motion that no one could have imagined.

I really enjoyed this book. I was sad that the characters were put through so much torment. There is no one in this book who is left unscathed in the end. As usual Imriel and Sidonie take the brunt of it. One again Carey does an excellent job of character development. We really see Imriel and Sidonie grow into adults and it is wonderful to watch them become comfortable with who they are.

The writing is beautiful and perfect, as with the rest of this series. I thought that the pacing of this book was much better than the last book. The action stays consistent throughout. The only point at which I found myself wanting something to happen was when Leander and Sidonie were spending time in Carthage together. I think this was done for a purpose though and did a good job in conveying the helplessness of their situation there.

Some wonderful new characters were introduced in the way of Leander and Kratos. I am always amazed at Carey's skill in making even minor characters have depth and history.

SPOILER ALERT*********
I have to mention this because the skill with which it was executed amazed me! When Imriel took on Leander's self, the style of writing totally changed to reflect Leander's thoughts and actions. Then as Imriel's love begins to break down the spell that makes him Leander, you slowly see Imriel's personality revert back to Imriel's. I thought it was very cool that Carey could make this personality change so subtle and realistic.
SPOILER ENDED************

I really did love this book. Even though it was lengthy, I was a bit sad when it was over. Then ending was perfect and beautiful as it the rest of the book. I am beginning to wonder if we will see a trilogy focused around Sidonie's sister Alais next. Carey seemed to be hinting that Alais is going to go through some struggles in the future. Hopefully the two catch phrases in that book "Love as thou wilt" and "All knowledge is worth having" will carry on to any future work she does.
karissabooks.blogspot.com
1638384
Liz Curtis Higgs reveals the breathtaking conclusion to her recent Scottish trilogy in Whence Came A Prince.

At 537 pages, this book might seem like a daunting read, but I'm not a fast reader, and I devoured it in less than a week. The compelling plot, characters, and setting drew me wholly into eighteenth century Scotland. In fact, I found it difficult to resurface and find myself in twenty-first century America.

As Whence Came a Prince opens, we join Leana at her aunt's home, Burnside Cottage, where she fled to escape the unexpected turmoil that changed her life from a dream to a nightmare.

Rose discovers she is expecting, and Jaime plans for them to return to his home, Glentrool. However, Lachlan, Rose's father, and circumstances both conspire to keep Jaime and Rose at Auchengray, Lachlan's holding.

Throughout the series, Higgs has shown Lachlan to be a conniving character solely interested in his own gain. He remains true to character in the third book, and Higgs treats us to some scenes from his point of view so we can fully appreciate his nastiness.

Once again, Jaime and the two sisters face a situation impossible to cope with except for God's grace. Jaime at last outwits Lachlan at his own game and leaves for Glentrool with his family, fearing the reception he will receive from Evan, the brother he deceived. He need not have worried, because Evan welcomes him and his family with open arms.

As they continue their journey, tragedy strikes, devastating the small group of travelers. Then they arrive at Jaime's home to find another terrible event has occurred. Through all that happens, God is faithful to each of them. Only He can orchestrate our lives perfectly, as He did for Jacob, Leah, and Rachel. Higgs does a wonderful job of portraying events as they might have occurred in a more recent time. Whence Came a Prince reminds us "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5.)

The conclusion left me satisfied and eager to read Higgs' next book, Grace in Thine Eyes, which should be in stores in spring 2006.
2710005
Dreams of Gods and Monsters is one of those books that inspires conflicting reactions upon finishing it, the overwhelming love of the previous two books predisposing us to adore this final book as well, but even with our desire to love at its highest, we find ourselves perhaps less enthused upon finishing than we might have hoped. Reading this final book is a bit like watching a chess match without a full understanding of the rules, well aware each move on the board is leading up to either victory or defeat, but our ignorance keeps us from emotionally engaging in the epic battle of strategy.

Much the same way, Ms. Taylor spends nearly the entirety of this impressively substantial final installment moving pieces around her board, but where the first two books felt like an intimate game between she and us as readers, Gods and Monsters sees our single chessboard expanded to include so many more, and the sheer enormity of the expansion leaves us feeling slightly adrift. New players are introduced, and with them comes enormous implications for Karou, Akiva and the rest of their ragtag group. Suddenly, the final battle we were prepared to face in this last book is rendered nearly insignificant as the shadow of the new threat creeps into clarity. Were left then with an end that is in fact a beginningunarguably fitting given Karou and Akiva have called themselves a beginning all along, but also a bit frustrating after everything the characters have been through in this series.

All of that being said however, Dreams of Gods and Monsters is as gorgeous a story as its predecessors, Ms. Taylors writing achingly beautiful and her characters the stuff of cherished memories. The core characters of Karou, Akiva, Zuze, Mik, Ziri and Liraz carry this tale even when the tying together of disparate plot threads slows the pace to a near crawl, the six of them acting as emotional anchors who keep us tethered to this world and its questionable fate. Overall, beloved fans of the series will undoubtedly be pleased with some of the truly stunning moments Ms. Taylor paints on page, and I certainly cant wait to see what her astoundingly imaginative mind has in store for us next.

Rating: 3.5/5
921292
This is the fifth and final book in the Five Kingdoms series.  This was an excellent conclusion to this series.

Most of the time in this book is spent in Creon, the fifth world, where time travelers live.  We do get to visit most of the kingdoms again and all of our beloved characters play a role in finishing off the evil torevor.

We also finally get to meet Elegance, the last sister, and track down her elusive power.

I really enjoyed this and felt like it wrapped up the series nicely.  The book keeps you guessing right up until the end and is very fast-paced.  The ending was well done as well, if a bit bittersweet.

Overall this was an amazing conclusion to this very creative middle grade fantasy series.  I enjoyed how fast-paced the story was and how much adventure there was.  The story keeps you guessing and the characters are wonderfully done as well.  Highly recommend this whole series to those who enjoy middle grade adventure fantasy.