The Book of Life
A guest review from Lady Techie
I received an early release e-Arc through NetGalley
and I have to say with one exception this is the book I have been anticipating
for a year. This is saying a lot since I have not been reading a lot of Urban
Fantasy or Paranormal books in the last 6 months to a year. I had to take a
break because I sort of burned myself out on them. But, I had the chance to
read this one early and jumped at it, especially knowing it was the end of the
series. My sister teased me saying “maybe they’ll add another book or another 3
books.” I was quite grumpy thinking this could happen. But, I have to say I am
writing this without having even finished the books. I have had different
thoughts as I read and wanted to start jotting them down so that I could get my
review in just as the book is released.
As I read this my first impression is that Book of
Life does not disappoint. There is wonderful character development as we meet
new friends and see old ones. I almost went back and read Shadow of Night
because some of the characters left my memory. I purchased both A Discovery of
Witches and Shadow of Night in unabridged audiobook as well. I will be rounding
out the series in audiobook and purchasing The Book of Life in unabridged
audiobook when it is released. These will be great to listen to a 6 months to a
year down the line. I am betting I will hear things I missed the first time
through.
I have to say my biggest fear with this book before I
have finished it is that someone I like in the series will be killed off. Both
Diana and Matthew have survived a lot of losses in their lives so I’m hoping
this doesn’t happen but, I know how these things go with series. The readers
fall in love with a character like GallowGlass. How can you not love him? We
want the best for him so much and worry for him. There are so many likeable
characters in this book just as there are some truly bad villains. It is hard
to decide who to dislike more, Benjamin, for being such an evil creature;
Gerbert, for being Switzerland in front of everyone when he might just be evil
and Peter Knox, for being so power hungry that he will do anything to get that
power. The Congregation is not innocent either and it does not appear to only
be because they want to stop humans from finding out about the otherworldly
beings. Part of what they do seems to be steeped in prejudices and control as
well.
I have to admit that Book of Life was a satisfying
ending to a great trilogy. There were some individual stories I wished we could
have had more information about but all in all things were drawn to a great
conclusion. Diana and Matthew both have grown a lot and learned a lot about who
they are and who they needed to be and their trials drew others to them and
helped them grow as well. Sarah and Isabeau are two people that grew so much in
this book. Isabeau just draws you to her more and more throughout the entire
series. But, there was change and growth in the supernatural community as well
which was all any of them could hope for along with the cute babies that we get
to know a bit about since they are still small babies. But, maybe we’ll see
them again one day. I wouldn’t be against that at all!
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