There are some books that are literary works of art. While reading, you mentally stand back and admire the intricacy and elegance of the prose, the world-building and sheer scope of the story. Then there are the books that fill you with the joy of reading. They make you laugh, jump in your chair and exclaim out loud--both curses and cheers. This book falls into the latter category.

I offer prayers of thankfulness to the book gods for the team of Ilona Andrews. The Kate Daniels series has been a great ride and had a very satisfying ending. Also, unlike some other long series, I don't have to gird my loins when I decide it's time to re-read it, I can jump right in and just enjoy.

Renee Raudman, the audiobook narrator throughout the series, captured Kate's inner voice perfectly and helped make it that much more enjoyable. I really, really, REALLY want to see more in this world and hope that even if these characters have ridden off into the sunset with their HEA, we hear more from others. ( )

I AM NOT WORTHY.

Ok dramatics aside - ten books. And yes I'm only counting the main series here, but TEN BOOKS and so much has changed.

Kate went from a brash, tough talking loner that was happier punching and kicking then strategizing to a QUEEN. To someone who constantly faced decisions that put her loved ones in danger and learned that perfect solutions aren't just handed to you.

She's bled. She's nearly died. She's killed and maimed and made mistakes. She's had to come to the realization that no matter your power if you don't have people who got your back it's all useless.

It's hard to let go of a character that has meant A LOT to me these last ten years. But here's the good thing, so much can happen and the ending promises that sometimes the unexpected is exactly what you need. ( )

I should have predicted it

But I didn't and it was grand. A great finish to awesome series. Great cast of characters who kept me entertained until the last page. ( )

The conclusion to the Kate Daniels series. A happy ending.

re-read 11/14/2023 ( )

This was it, the last book in the Kate Daniels series... And I have to admit, I really, really dragged out reading it because then it would... you know... end (and yes, I know there is another series about Julie and one about Hugh -which I hope will get its second book-, but it isn't the same!).

Worldbuilding:
We're staying in and around Atlanta, the city that Kate claimed a few books earlier. We move through the city a lot to the Casino, the Guild, Biohazard HQ, and some towns just outside the city. All scenes and environments were really well written, perfect for diving fully into the story and not worrying about all the details.

Character development:
We start the book with an amazing scene! Kate giving birth to sweet, cuddly Conlan :D
We have a nice and peaceful(ish) intermezzo before tension rises again 18 months later, and we meet a new, ancient enemy wanting to conquer the world. Been there, done that, you might think. Well, you'd be correct, and yes, Roland is still very much on the scene... but this is an even bigger threat.
Kate has been taking steps and precautions on how to deal with her father when that inevitable time comes when father and daughter clash, keeping it to herself (as we all knew she would). Only one thing is important to her; one outcome has to be assured above all else: her son and Curran making it out alive.
Curran has been going on hunts lately, with Erra of all people... well... you know what I mean. So something is up, but he's good at deflecting until it gets pretty obvious what's been going on.
I really love the dynamic these two have, it's not all hearts and kisses, but there is tension, both are amazing at keeping things from each other, and it just feels natural, like a real relationship with its ups and downs.
And then we have Conlan; he's so cute! I'm not going to go into much more here, as I would spoil things... but trust me when I say it's going to be interesting :D
We see so many familiar faces in this instalment; as always, everyone was written superbly!

Pacing and flow:
This book is action-packed! Some necessary breathing room here and there, but then we're thrown into the action again!
I read this instalment in 2 days, but even when I wasn't reading it, it was always on my mind. I wanted, no, I needed to know what would happen! As we've come to expect from the author, there is a really good balance between all the action and the conversations. The only 'negative' I can give is that some ends were tied a bit abruptly, but then again, there was a lot to cover.

The book:
The book was well written with no (noticeable) errors. There is some sex described (if that is important to you).
It has 327 pages, spread over 18 chapters and is told from Kate's point of view.

Final thoughts:
The final showdown... we knew it was going to happen, the build-up was there for a few books, and still, it surprised me :D Even with the twists and unexpected turns, still a worthy conclusion to the series :) I'm sad but also can't wait to get started on Blood Heir! Oh, and I hope to see a lot more of Conlan! ( )