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Shadowlands #3
Endless
An unthinkable betrayal threatens everyone Rory loves in the third installment of our dark, thrilling Shadowlands series from New York Times best-selling author Kate Brian.
Rory Miller didn't just fall in love with Tristan Parrish. She fell in love with the idea of forever. He was the one who told her the truth about her existence in Juniper Landing: that her mortal life is over, and she will now spend eternity on the island, helping others in limbo move on.
But like Juniper Landing, a bright island with dark secrets, Tristan is too good to be true. The mysterious, heartbreakingly beautiful boy Rory thought she knew is responsible for unthinkable evil-sending good souls to the Shadowlands in order to get himself a second chance at life on Earth. He has already claimed Rory's friend Aaron and her own father, but when SPOILER Tristan sends her sister, Darcy, to the Shadowlands, too, Rory decides to take matters into her own hands. She will do anything to save her family, even if it means going to hell and back.
Rory Miller didn't just fall in love with Tristan Parrish. She fell in love with the idea of forever. He was the one who told her the truth about her existence in Juniper Landing: that her mortal life is over, and she will now spend eternity on the island, helping others in limbo move on.
But like Juniper Landing, a bright island with dark secrets, Tristan is too good to be true. The mysterious, heartbreakingly beautiful boy Rory thought she knew is responsible for unthinkable evil-sending good souls to the Shadowlands in order to get himself a second chance at life on Earth. He has already claimed Rory's friend Aaron and her own father, but when SPOILER Tristan sends her sister, Darcy, to the Shadowlands, too, Rory decides to take matters into her own hands. She will do anything to save her family, even if it means going to hell and back.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 22, 2014
About the author
Kate Brian
48 books2,293 followersKate Brian is the author of the SHADOWLANDS TRILOGY (SHADOWLANDS, HEREAFTER & ENDLESS), as well as the New York Times bestselling PRIVATE and PRIVILEGE series, and the wildly popular MEGAN MEADE'S GUIDE TO THE MCGOWAN BOYS. She also writes teen fiction under the name Kieran Scott.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
April 16, 2020
Rating: Very Good
Genre:
Young Adult + Fantasy
The last book in the trilogy! Surprisingly all the three books were equally entertaining and fast reads as well. In this book, I have been trying to guess the bad guy and every time I changed my choice and kept saying he is the one or she is the one. That's a good thing because things were not obvious for me as a reader to predict. The mystery element in this book and generally in the whole series was one of the strong points of entertainment.
Of course, like many young adult books, there are some obvious tropes like a love triangle but still, I think that was not very annoying. I'd recommend this trilogy for someone who wants a light young adult fantasy that can be read fast and also enjoyable with some really good setting. I liked it a lot.
Genre:
Young Adult + Fantasy
The last book in the trilogy! Surprisingly all the three books were equally entertaining and fast reads as well. In this book, I have been trying to guess the bad guy and every time I changed my choice and kept saying he is the one or she is the one. That's a good thing because things were not obvious for me as a reader to predict. The mystery element in this book and generally in the whole series was one of the strong points of entertainment.
Of course, like many young adult books, there are some obvious tropes like a love triangle but still, I think that was not very annoying. I'd recommend this trilogy for someone who wants a light young adult fantasy that can be read fast and also enjoyable with some really good setting. I liked it a lot.
June 13, 2017
This series is a very fast read. With mystery and suspense and it will always keep you guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 22, 2014
UGH. I AM SO MAD. THIS BOOK WAS SO BAD.
I preordered this book and was so excited to read it. I absolutely loved the first two books of this series, but this finale was utterly disappointing. The plot was choppy, with too many events occurring without any thought given. It's like all these things happen, and we're just supposed to roll with it. I can accept that to an extent, given that this is fantasy/supernatural themed, but there were way too many unexplained events and plot holes. Even the end grand conclusion was rushed and unbelievable. Furthermore, in contrast to the previous books, the characters felt flat and one-dimensional this time around. Given all the crazy happening, I wanted to feel for these characters. Instead, everything was dilute at best, and the plot kept tumbling along at full speed.
Reading this book felt like holding my breath, hoping it would get better, only to suffocate in the end, because it did not. I had such high hopes, and they were cruelly crushed.
This book should have been so much better; the first two books deserved a finale equal in their caliber. Points for creativity and such an interesting premise, but this book just didn't deliver. I would say read it only if you feel obligated to finish the series.
I have so many thoughts/problems about this book that I list them below.
Will contain SPOILERS.
THESE ARE ONLY THE BIGGIES. I AM SURE THERE ARE MANY MORE PLOT HOLES AND THINGS THAT WILL BOTHER ME WHEN I THINK OF THEM.
It may seem that I am overanalyzing this piece of fiction, but even fiction should be somewhat reasonable and explain itself so that readers won't feel duped and angry at an incomplete story, especially a conclusion to a (previously) well-loved series.
I preordered this book and was so excited to read it. I absolutely loved the first two books of this series, but this finale was utterly disappointing. The plot was choppy, with too many events occurring without any thought given. It's like all these things happen, and we're just supposed to roll with it. I can accept that to an extent, given that this is fantasy/supernatural themed, but there were way too many unexplained events and plot holes. Even the end grand conclusion was rushed and unbelievable. Furthermore, in contrast to the previous books, the characters felt flat and one-dimensional this time around. Given all the crazy happening, I wanted to feel for these characters. Instead, everything was dilute at best, and the plot kept tumbling along at full speed.
Reading this book felt like holding my breath, hoping it would get better, only to suffocate in the end, because it did not. I had such high hopes, and they were cruelly crushed.
This book should have been so much better; the first two books deserved a finale equal in their caliber. Points for creativity and such an interesting premise, but this book just didn't deliver. I would say read it only if you feel obligated to finish the series.
I have so many thoughts/problems about this book that I list them below.
Will contain SPOILERS.
THESE ARE ONLY THE BIGGIES. I AM SURE THERE ARE MANY MORE PLOT HOLES AND THINGS THAT WILL BOTHER ME WHEN I THINK OF THEM.
It may seem that I am overanalyzing this piece of fiction, but even fiction should be somewhat reasonable and explain itself so that readers won't feel duped and angry at an incomplete story, especially a conclusion to a (previously) well-loved series.
August 22, 2014
Spoilers
Bleh, there wasn't really anything I liked. It was cliche after cliche after cliche, there was nothing remotely original in the book.
-The story was uninteresting and utterly predictable. Everything I thought would happen happened - I knew Rory would act like an insufferable martyr, I knew she'd constantly whine and feel sorry for herself because the guy she liked (Tristan) was supposedly evil, I knew Tristan would turn out to be a good guy, I knew the actual bad guy would be stereotypical and ridiculous, I knew Rory would give up her family for a guy she barely knew, and I knew Rory and Tristan would declare their undying love for each other when they hadn't even dated properly. Oh, and of course Rory would just know for absolute certain that Tristan was 'the one' despite being ridiculously immature and having no experience whatsoever with dating and romantic relationships. Apparently, a teenage girl's first boyfriend is the one she has to spend eternity with otherwise she's an unworthy slut. Yea, there was nothing surprising and original about the characters or the relationships or the story.
-Rory was still as bland as ever, which I could have ignored if she hadn't spent most of her time obsessing over Tristan. It was daft how often she moaned about him, her family were literally in hell and instead of focusing on them, she whinged about her feelings for Tristan and how he supposedly betrayed her. She needed to get some perspective.
Every single thing Rory did/said/thought was generic - she was no different from any other YA heroine.
-Rory and Tristan's relationship was flat and unconvincing. I didn't believe for one moment that Tristan loved Rory, the brief glimpse into his relationship with Jessica in book two showed he wasn't over her and that she was the love of his life, not Rory. I think the only reason he was even interested in Rory was because 1. For some unknown reason she was desperately in love with him and 2. He thought he might as well date her because she was better than nothing.
I have no clue why Rory fell deeply in love with Tristan when she'd only known him for a few weeks, Rory's over-the-top-needy feelings were laughable. I don't know how I'm supposed to believe their love will be everlasting and eternal when their relationship was so poorly and lazily written. I actually would have taken Rory/Tristan's relationship more seriously and as less of a joke if they were shown to be casual rather than both of them banging on about forever and being melodramatic. Sadly, like every typical YA book, it's made clear that the immature teenage heroine will be with her first boyfriend for eternity.
-The resolution to all the bad things that were happening to Rory and in Juniper's Landing (an island/limbo) was lazy and contrived. Rory's family and other innocents were stuck in hell and Juniper's Landing was completely fucked up yet all of that was instantly reversed when Rory sacrificed herself to hell, apparently that selfless-pure act magically made all the bad things go away. Really? So someone behind the scenes that had never been mentioned before saw Rory's sacrifice and magically waved a hand so all the innocents in hell would be sent to heaven, and Rory would be saved from hell, and Juniper's Landing would return to its peaceful-lovely self instead of the hellish place it was. That means Juniper's Landing and all those innocents suffered for weeks because some higher power was sitting around and waiting for a random teenager to be a martyr - they were just happy to let innocent, worthy people burn in hell and they were cool with their limbo being destroyed and overrun with evil. Yea, bloody right.
On the whole it was a crappy resolution - all the bad things that happened and were happening were resolved in a sentence or two, there was a massive build up and no pay off. It was too rushed, convenient and nonsensical.
I wasn't impressed with any of it, I won't be reading anything by the author again.
Bleh, there wasn't really anything I liked. It was cliche after cliche after cliche, there was nothing remotely original in the book.
-The story was uninteresting and utterly predictable. Everything I thought would happen happened - I knew Rory would act like an insufferable martyr, I knew she'd constantly whine and feel sorry for herself because the guy she liked (Tristan) was supposedly evil, I knew Tristan would turn out to be a good guy, I knew the actual bad guy would be stereotypical and ridiculous, I knew Rory would give up her family for a guy she barely knew, and I knew Rory and Tristan would declare their undying love for each other when they hadn't even dated properly. Oh, and of course Rory would just know for absolute certain that Tristan was 'the one' despite being ridiculously immature and having no experience whatsoever with dating and romantic relationships. Apparently, a teenage girl's first boyfriend is the one she has to spend eternity with otherwise she's an unworthy slut. Yea, there was nothing surprising and original about the characters or the relationships or the story.
-Rory was still as bland as ever, which I could have ignored if she hadn't spent most of her time obsessing over Tristan. It was daft how often she moaned about him, her family were literally in hell and instead of focusing on them, she whinged about her feelings for Tristan and how he supposedly betrayed her. She needed to get some perspective.
Every single thing Rory did/said/thought was generic - she was no different from any other YA heroine.
-Rory and Tristan's relationship was flat and unconvincing. I didn't believe for one moment that Tristan loved Rory, the brief glimpse into his relationship with Jessica in book two showed he wasn't over her and that she was the love of his life, not Rory. I think the only reason he was even interested in Rory was because 1. For some unknown reason she was desperately in love with him and 2. He thought he might as well date her because she was better than nothing.
I have no clue why Rory fell deeply in love with Tristan when she'd only known him for a few weeks, Rory's over-the-top-needy feelings were laughable. I don't know how I'm supposed to believe their love will be everlasting and eternal when their relationship was so poorly and lazily written. I actually would have taken Rory/Tristan's relationship more seriously and as less of a joke if they were shown to be casual rather than both of them banging on about forever and being melodramatic. Sadly, like every typical YA book, it's made clear that the immature teenage heroine will be with her first boyfriend for eternity.
-The resolution to all the bad things that were happening to Rory and in Juniper's Landing (an island/limbo) was lazy and contrived. Rory's family and other innocents were stuck in hell and Juniper's Landing was completely fucked up yet all of that was instantly reversed when Rory sacrificed herself to hell, apparently that selfless-pure act magically made all the bad things go away. Really? So someone behind the scenes that had never been mentioned before saw Rory's sacrifice and magically waved a hand so all the innocents in hell would be sent to heaven, and Rory would be saved from hell, and Juniper's Landing would return to its peaceful-lovely self instead of the hellish place it was. That means Juniper's Landing and all those innocents suffered for weeks because some higher power was sitting around and waiting for a random teenager to be a martyr - they were just happy to let innocent, worthy people burn in hell and they were cool with their limbo being destroyed and overrun with evil. Yea, bloody right.
On the whole it was a crappy resolution - all the bad things that happened and were happening were resolved in a sentence or two, there was a massive build up and no pay off. It was too rushed, convenient and nonsensical.
I wasn't impressed with any of it, I won't be reading anything by the author again.
May 29, 2015
I was really into the book series, as I'm a huge fan of Kieran Scott's/Kate Brian's writing. I really loved her So trilogy, Ex-Mas, and Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys.
So when I found out about the Shadowland trilogy, I just had to find out what it's about. As a fan of fantasy, this book pretty much caught my attention. The first book was pretty shocking with its plot twists, as it managed to keep me hooked with the series enough to read the second book.
Now, I really liked the second book. The stereotyped characters got the chance to develop, and I got to see my favorite characters (Joaquin, Bea, Lauren, Aaron... pretty much characters that were secondary) develop into fleshed-out characters. The second book's cliff-hanger was even more suspenseful than the first book, which is why I was so excited for the third book. I just wanted to see more character development from Joaquin, who instantly became my favorite after finding out so much more about him in the second book.
The romance between Rory and Tristan was pretty much weak in the first book and badly developed in the second book, which is why I was really glad that Tristan was pretty much not involved with the book.
Overall, the plot was pretty much all over the place and it was poorly developed. There is literally no character development whatsoever in this book.
I really did enjoy the new Lifer, Liam, that joined the group, but his character development was handled poorly. He was just a good character that was introduced at the wrong time (he would have probably had better character development in the second book).
I had a hard time believing the romance, just as much as I had a hard time mulling over the lack of closure the readers get.
So when I found out about the Shadowland trilogy, I just had to find out what it's about. As a fan of fantasy, this book pretty much caught my attention. The first book was pretty shocking with its plot twists, as it managed to keep me hooked with the series enough to read the second book.
Now, I really liked the second book. The stereotyped characters got the chance to develop, and I got to see my favorite characters (Joaquin, Bea, Lauren, Aaron... pretty much characters that were secondary) develop into fleshed-out characters. The second book's cliff-hanger was even more suspenseful than the first book, which is why I was so excited for the third book. I just wanted to see more character development from Joaquin, who instantly became my favorite after finding out so much more about him in the second book.
The romance between Rory and Tristan was pretty much weak in the first book and badly developed in the second book, which is why I was really glad that Tristan was pretty much not involved with the book.
Overall, the plot was pretty much all over the place and it was poorly developed. There is literally no character development whatsoever in this book.
I really did enjoy the new Lifer, Liam, that joined the group, but his character development was handled poorly. He was just a good character that was introduced at the wrong time (he would have probably had better character development in the second book).
I had a hard time believing the romance, just as much as I had a hard time mulling over the lack of closure the readers get.
May 6, 2015
What an amazing way to finish the series! I loved all three of these books. I assumed who the "bad guy" was about halfway through. I just couldn't figure out why. I really liked the ending as far as Rory and her family. But poor, poor Joaquin...I'll dry your tears. *XOXO*
July 23, 2014
Kate Brian (aka *Kieran Scott) is the most inconsistent author I have ever come across. Some of her novels are fantastic (the Privilege and Private series springs to mind) and others are just plain awful (Fake Boyfriend for instance.) Still, I loved both of her previous series' enough that I had to give the Shadowlands trilogy a chance.
Boy, was I let down.
Without getting into the problems with the first two novels, I have to say that Endless is a less than satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. The plot of the story is fairly simple: Someone at Juniper Landing is condemning innocent souls to Hell and it is up to Rory and the gang to figure out who. The stakes are raised when Rory's father is sent to Hell and Tristan (the love of Rory's life) seems to be the culprit. Rory is determined to save her father even if it means entering the gates of Hell herself.
I have a lot of problems with this novel, not the least of which is Rory herself. I have never encountered such a spoiled and stupid so-called heroin in my life. Even after being framed herself, she doesn't consider for one minute that Tristan could also be the victim of a frame-up, even though it is completely obvious to the reader that he is. She just rushes headlong into her investigation with absolute certainty that he is the culprit, not even listening when some of her friends try to convince her that Tristan couldn't do such a thing. Seems to me that these friends love Tristan more than she does!
Then there is Rory's sister, Darcy. When she discovers the truth about the island, and about her father's fate, she barely reacts at all. And when she is told she is a Lifer now, due to her unnatural death and selfless act, she's just like "Okay, cool." Although to be fair, she is absolutely thrilled that she and Rory will never be separated again. The novel sets us up to believe that Darcy will become an integral part of the group, even giving her a Lifer boyfriend (Fisher) but before she can take her vows and accept her bracelet, she too is kidnapped and sent to the Shadowlands. Now Rory is livid: How could Tristan do this to her family?
With Tristan out of the picture, Rory can barely control her raging hormones. Before Tristan has been gone even a day, she begins an affair with Joaquim. Because it's not a YA trilogy if there isn't a love triangle. Rory plays with the feelings of both Tristan and Joaquim before ultimately choosing the man we all knew she'd choose. How very Bella Swan of her.
The rest of the novel is just as full of shenanigans. The final reveal is a shock, I'll give Brian that much. But even retrospect doesn't make you go "Ooooooh I get it now." Nope. It is just lazy writing without any clues planted along the way that make sense in hindsight. Just a lot of red herrings and misdirects.
All in all, I was very disappointed with this novel. The story had so much potential but it lacked depth. Not only is Rory shallow, but so is the story itself. There are a lot of plot holes and unanswered questions. And I find that unforgivable in a novel. From the writer of Privilege, which was one of the most brilliantly soapy series' I have ever read, I expect so much more.
**I am beginning to suspect that Kate Brian is not just one woman because the inconsistency in her books implies that more than one writer is behind them. And since she works for Alloy, one of the most well known book packaging companies on the market, it would not surprise me in the least if my suspicions are correct. If this is true, then shame on them for deceiving the readers into purchasing novels based on name recognition. That is not a nice way to treat loyal fans.
Boy, was I let down.
Without getting into the problems with the first two novels, I have to say that Endless is a less than satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. The plot of the story is fairly simple: Someone at Juniper Landing is condemning innocent souls to Hell and it is up to Rory and the gang to figure out who. The stakes are raised when Rory's father is sent to Hell and Tristan (the love of Rory's life) seems to be the culprit. Rory is determined to save her father even if it means entering the gates of Hell herself.
I have a lot of problems with this novel, not the least of which is Rory herself. I have never encountered such a spoiled and stupid so-called heroin in my life. Even after being framed herself, she doesn't consider for one minute that Tristan could also be the victim of a frame-up, even though it is completely obvious to the reader that he is. She just rushes headlong into her investigation with absolute certainty that he is the culprit, not even listening when some of her friends try to convince her that Tristan couldn't do such a thing. Seems to me that these friends love Tristan more than she does!
Then there is Rory's sister, Darcy. When she discovers the truth about the island, and about her father's fate, she barely reacts at all. And when she is told she is a Lifer now, due to her unnatural death and selfless act, she's just like "Okay, cool." Although to be fair, she is absolutely thrilled that she and Rory will never be separated again. The novel sets us up to believe that Darcy will become an integral part of the group, even giving her a Lifer boyfriend (Fisher) but before she can take her vows and accept her bracelet, she too is kidnapped and sent to the Shadowlands. Now Rory is livid: How could Tristan do this to her family?
With Tristan out of the picture, Rory can barely control her raging hormones. Before Tristan has been gone even a day, she begins an affair with Joaquim. Because it's not a YA trilogy if there isn't a love triangle. Rory plays with the feelings of both Tristan and Joaquim before ultimately choosing the man we all knew she'd choose. How very Bella Swan of her.
The rest of the novel is just as full of shenanigans. The final reveal is a shock, I'll give Brian that much. But even retrospect doesn't make you go "Ooooooh I get it now." Nope. It is just lazy writing without any clues planted along the way that make sense in hindsight. Just a lot of red herrings and misdirects.
All in all, I was very disappointed with this novel. The story had so much potential but it lacked depth. Not only is Rory shallow, but so is the story itself. There are a lot of plot holes and unanswered questions. And I find that unforgivable in a novel. From the writer of Privilege, which was one of the most brilliantly soapy series' I have ever read, I expect so much more.
**I am beginning to suspect that Kate Brian is not just one woman because the inconsistency in her books implies that more than one writer is behind them. And since she works for Alloy, one of the most well known book packaging companies on the market, it would not surprise me in the least if my suspicions are correct. If this is true, then shame on them for deceiving the readers into purchasing novels based on name recognition. That is not a nice way to treat loyal fans.
February 10, 2015
Ugh. Ugh. UGH. All this book did was make me hate Rory. I wanted to punch her in the face the entire time. That, and I'm still confused as to how the ending of the whole mystery makes sense. There are a few things that I don't quite understand but I guess I'll have to suck it up. I wish the whole series had been as good as book one, but I guess that tends to happen. So anyway, here goes my more like a rant than a review:
I think I need to just go to bed and put this series behind me. It only gets two stars instead of one because it kept me reading until the end to find out what was going to happen.
I think I need to just go to bed and put this series behind me. It only gets two stars instead of one because it kept me reading until the end to find out what was going to happen.
July 23, 2014
*MAJOR SPOILERS*
To start off this review I just really want to point out how much I've loved this series from the first page of Shadowlands to the last page of Endless. I read Shadowlands in one day, same with Hereafter & Endless because this series is that amazing. All though Endless isn't as intense or mysterious as Shadowlands, I still loved this book, and to be honest I kind of expected that going into this book.
I personally thought some parts were rushed with how Darcy became a lifer, which I guess was reasonable since Juniper Landing was like ending haha. But also how they kind of just let Tristan off the hook right away which surprised me because at that moment they didn't know for sure if he was guilty or not. I also didn't like how Rory ended up with Tristan like what the hell, Joaquin has been there for you the whole time & never left you. That really bothered me.
What I really loved about this book was the mysterious aspect was still there. You never found out in the whole series who those creepy one sentence-d chapters were from until the end. I had NOO clue it was Krista the whole time! That caught me off guard! Also when Darcy went to the Shadowlands, I really didn't expect that either. I also loved how Rory & Joaquin's relationship progressed so much, how he finally kissed her. That bell scene made me really happy. Also when Nadia and Cori died, I loved that twist how there bodies could die now that innocent souls were being ushered to the Shadowlands.
The end of this book scared me a little bit because when she woke up in the Light I thought it was gonna end with that whole "this is all a dream" kind of bullshit. I'm SO happy it didn't. I love how she finally got to see her mom again & see her family. It was so sweet it made me get all misty, lol. But I do wish at the end she ended up with Joaquin because he was the only one who really took care of her. Oh and what was the point of the twins? I mean she never really cleared the air on them. I don't really know why they had to be in the book if they had nothing to do with anything.
But all in all, I do give this book 5 stars because I couldn't imagine it ending any other way than this. I love this book & this series so much it deserves 5 stars.
To start off this review I just really want to point out how much I've loved this series from the first page of Shadowlands to the last page of Endless. I read Shadowlands in one day, same with Hereafter & Endless because this series is that amazing. All though Endless isn't as intense or mysterious as Shadowlands, I still loved this book, and to be honest I kind of expected that going into this book.
I personally thought some parts were rushed with how Darcy became a lifer, which I guess was reasonable since Juniper Landing was like ending haha. But also how they kind of just let Tristan off the hook right away which surprised me because at that moment they didn't know for sure if he was guilty or not. I also didn't like how Rory ended up with Tristan like what the hell, Joaquin has been there for you the whole time & never left you. That really bothered me.
What I really loved about this book was the mysterious aspect was still there. You never found out in the whole series who those creepy one sentence-d chapters were from until the end. I had NOO clue it was Krista the whole time! That caught me off guard! Also when Darcy went to the Shadowlands, I really didn't expect that either. I also loved how Rory & Joaquin's relationship progressed so much, how he finally kissed her. That bell scene made me really happy. Also when Nadia and Cori died, I loved that twist how there bodies could die now that innocent souls were being ushered to the Shadowlands.
The end of this book scared me a little bit because when she woke up in the Light I thought it was gonna end with that whole "this is all a dream" kind of bullshit. I'm SO happy it didn't. I love how she finally got to see her mom again & see her family. It was so sweet it made me get all misty, lol. But I do wish at the end she ended up with Joaquin because he was the only one who really took care of her. Oh and what was the point of the twins? I mean she never really cleared the air on them. I don't really know why they had to be in the book if they had nothing to do with anything.
But all in all, I do give this book 5 stars because I couldn't imagine it ending any other way than this. I love this book & this series so much it deserves 5 stars.
May 21, 2023
2023
2020
2018
The ending was very rushed. I always hate that feeling when there is only 15 pages left, but there are way too many unresolved things happening in the plot. And a lot of the conclusion relied heavily on Rory deciding to "do the right thing" and sacrifice herself to save everyone else in hell. But it didn't make sense that Nell would have been able to plan all of that out (it's not like he had some insider knowledge to the Shadowlands before he went there). And then he was able to manipulate one of the Lifers to help him get what he wanted. It was just such an odd conclusion to the book.
And the whole Tristan/Joquain/Rory love triangle didn't do it for me. For one, I don't like love triangles. I think they are cheap. For another, she not only decides to be macking on another guy like two days after her boyfriend disappears, but it also happens to be her boyfriend's best friend. Like, how shitty can you be? Plus, they are all Lifers, so it's not like she wouldn't be seeing them for the rest of eternity or anything.
2020
2018
The ending was very rushed. I always hate that feeling when there is only 15 pages left, but there are way too many unresolved things happening in the plot. And a lot of the conclusion relied heavily on Rory deciding to "do the right thing" and sacrifice herself to save everyone else in hell. But it didn't make sense that Nell would have been able to plan all of that out (it's not like he had some insider knowledge to the Shadowlands before he went there). And then he was able to manipulate one of the Lifers to help him get what he wanted. It was just such an odd conclusion to the book.
And the whole Tristan/Joquain/Rory love triangle didn't do it for me. For one, I don't like love triangles. I think they are cheap. For another, she not only decides to be macking on another guy like two days after her boyfriend disappears, but it also happens to be her boyfriend's best friend. Like, how shitty can you be? Plus, they are all Lifers, so it's not like she wouldn't be seeing them for the rest of eternity or anything.
November 27, 2014
This book was not as good as Shadowlands and Hereafter, but it was still a very enjoyable read and this is one of my favorite series of all time. This book came out today and so right when I woke up I went down to Barnes And Noble and picked up a copy. I started reading it around 1:45pm and then finished it by 5pm. I couldn't put it down because I needed to know how this series was gonna play out. To be honest, I do have mixed feelings about the way it ended, but I really enjoyed this book as a whole. The only things that really bothered me about this book was the unnecessary love triangle that kind of felt like it was thrown in just for the sake of drama, and how for some reason it felt like during half the time they were searching for people, and breaking into groups to try and find people the entire time. Whether they were looking for Tristan, Nadia, Pete, Darcy, the twins, Liam, or Cori it just constantly felt like they were spending all of their time searching for people which felt kind of repetitive and frustrating.
Other than those small annoyances, I really did enjoy this book. The last 30 pages were so intense and my jaw was on the floor the whole time. I couldn't believe the big reveal at the end and who it actually was behind those mysterious chapters, I was wrong the whole time! I like it when books surprise me like that. I feel like I'm part of the minority but I actually prefer Joaquin with Rory because Tristan is so shady and I haven't trusted him since the beginning. ll the scenes between Rory and Joaquin were just so adorable and I actually really liked them together.
Overall this series as a whole is just amazing and it's one of my favorite trilogies ever. I connect to these characters so much and I feel like I've been to Juniper Landing. The writing style is fast-paced and although I would've liked to see just a little more suspense throughout this book, it definitely made up for it in the end.
SPOILERS BELOW
That ending, wow. To be honest I was kind of upset that Rory decided to go back to Juniper Landing after she had the decision to stay with her Mom, and her Dad, and Darcy. Just because it felt like her goal throughout the entire book was to find her family and be with them, and especially considering the fact that her Mom died of cancer when she was younger. I feel like Rory should have spent more than just a few minutes with her family before deciding to go back to Juniper Landing. It really bugged me that it is never explained as to why Tristan ran away with Nadia in the first place if he was supposedly innocent? Why would he even run if he was innocent? It makes him untrustworthy in my eyes.And obviously since I'm more of a fan of Joaquin than Tristan, I think Rory should have ended up with Joaquin. But that's just my personal opinion, because while Tristan spent his time running away form her and being shady and untrustworthy, Joaquin never let her question his intentions and he was always there for her. Also, I would've liked to see a scene with her and Aaron at the end because even though it's said that he makes it to the Lights after all, I would've liked to see one last interaction between Aaron and Rory because I loved his character so much in Shadowlands. I could not believe Krista was the trader the entire time because she was so innocent and she was Rory's best friend and I literally never saw it coming. That was one of the most shocking twists I've ever read like wow. I just really love this trilogy and I'm gonna miss reading about Juniper Landing.
Other than those small annoyances, I really did enjoy this book. The last 30 pages were so intense and my jaw was on the floor the whole time. I couldn't believe the big reveal at the end and who it actually was behind those mysterious chapters, I was wrong the whole time! I like it when books surprise me like that. I feel like I'm part of the minority but I actually prefer Joaquin with Rory because Tristan is so shady and I haven't trusted him since the beginning. ll the scenes between Rory and Joaquin were just so adorable and I actually really liked them together.
Overall this series as a whole is just amazing and it's one of my favorite trilogies ever. I connect to these characters so much and I feel like I've been to Juniper Landing. The writing style is fast-paced and although I would've liked to see just a little more suspense throughout this book, it definitely made up for it in the end.
SPOILERS BELOW
That ending, wow. To be honest I was kind of upset that Rory decided to go back to Juniper Landing after she had the decision to stay with her Mom, and her Dad, and Darcy. Just because it felt like her goal throughout the entire book was to find her family and be with them, and especially considering the fact that her Mom died of cancer when she was younger. I feel like Rory should have spent more than just a few minutes with her family before deciding to go back to Juniper Landing. It really bugged me that it is never explained as to why Tristan ran away with Nadia in the first place if he was supposedly innocent? Why would he even run if he was innocent? It makes him untrustworthy in my eyes.And obviously since I'm more of a fan of Joaquin than Tristan, I think Rory should have ended up with Joaquin. But that's just my personal opinion, because while Tristan spent his time running away form her and being shady and untrustworthy, Joaquin never let her question his intentions and he was always there for her. Also, I would've liked to see a scene with her and Aaron at the end because even though it's said that he makes it to the Lights after all, I would've liked to see one last interaction between Aaron and Rory because I loved his character so much in Shadowlands. I could not believe Krista was the trader the entire time because she was so innocent and she was Rory's best friend and I literally never saw it coming. That was one of the most shocking twists I've ever read like wow. I just really love this trilogy and I'm gonna miss reading about Juniper Landing.
October 23, 2014
I am a big fan of the Shadowlands trilogy. I think all three were an enjoyable read. All three had an interesting twist and it was exciting to uncover.
However, I feel Endless didn't have the same punch as the last two.
******SPOILERS*******
First off Rorys mission from the ending of Here After throughout Endless was saving her family & others from the Shadowlands. She accomplishes this and even gets to see her family.
But then she throws it away to stay with Tristan. She wanted Darcy to be a lifer because she didn't want to be without her in Here After but all of a sudden at the end of End Less she throws it away for Tristan.
I also don't agree with the fact that she chose Tristan. Their relationship felt rushed and not genuine. They hardly know eachother and yet they love eachother. No, just no.
With Joaquin it was genuine, he always wanted to be honest with her when Tristan wanted to keep things from her. He stood by her side when things went to shit while Tristan became closed off and unwilling to accept that things could be a different way. Joaquin also protected her when Tristan kept his distance & when he was on the run. Ugh. Come on Kate Brian! The hand holding for comfort, the heat from grazing knees, the library and the beach kisses!!! Joaquin & Rory should of been forever. He mattered to her and her to him.
Honestly, I was expecting her to realize she belong to Joaquin and run after him. They reunite in the library tower and she declares her undying love. I guess fan fiction might have to make it happen.
I also feel Tristan should have been the bad guy in the end. He was so easily trusted after getting his head bashed that it could of been a setup to finish the job. He could of had Nadia killed because she caught him in the act. So then he kidnapped her so she couldn't tell. Pete being his henchmen took care of her and helped him get back in.
Missed opportunities.
Also, didn't get a reunion with Aaron, disappointed about that.
Other than these few things I really did like the book.
However, I feel Endless didn't have the same punch as the last two.
******SPOILERS*******
First off Rorys mission from the ending of Here After throughout Endless was saving her family & others from the Shadowlands. She accomplishes this and even gets to see her family.
But then she throws it away to stay with Tristan. She wanted Darcy to be a lifer because she didn't want to be without her in Here After but all of a sudden at the end of End Less she throws it away for Tristan.
I also don't agree with the fact that she chose Tristan. Their relationship felt rushed and not genuine. They hardly know eachother and yet they love eachother. No, just no.
With Joaquin it was genuine, he always wanted to be honest with her when Tristan wanted to keep things from her. He stood by her side when things went to shit while Tristan became closed off and unwilling to accept that things could be a different way. Joaquin also protected her when Tristan kept his distance & when he was on the run. Ugh. Come on Kate Brian! The hand holding for comfort, the heat from grazing knees, the library and the beach kisses!!! Joaquin & Rory should of been forever. He mattered to her and her to him.
Honestly, I was expecting her to realize she belong to Joaquin and run after him. They reunite in the library tower and she declares her undying love. I guess fan fiction might have to make it happen.
I also feel Tristan should have been the bad guy in the end. He was so easily trusted after getting his head bashed that it could of been a setup to finish the job. He could of had Nadia killed because she caught him in the act. So then he kidnapped her so she couldn't tell. Pete being his henchmen took care of her and helped him get back in.
Missed opportunities.
Also, didn't get a reunion with Aaron, disappointed about that.
Other than these few things I really did like the book.
October 7, 2015
*Source* Library*
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Endless is the finale to the Shadowlands trilogy by author Kate Brian. After the shocking cliffhanger ending to Hereafter, Rory Miller is fit to be tied after what happened to her father and others. She's just found out a devastating secret about her romantic interest Tristan Parrish which sends her off into the arms of another. If you've read the previous installments, then you know that Rory and her family moved to Juniper Landing because they were supposed to be in the witness protection program. Well, that theory was quickly tossed out the window after Rory got in thick with a group of people called Lifers. She, like they, are actually dead. She, like the Lifer's, are basically immortal and will spend eternity helping others cross over.
*Full Review Posted to Talk Supe Blog
http://www.talksupeblog.com/2015/10/s...
*Published: July 22nd 2014 by Disney-Hyperion
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Endless is the finale to the Shadowlands trilogy by author Kate Brian. After the shocking cliffhanger ending to Hereafter, Rory Miller is fit to be tied after what happened to her father and others. She's just found out a devastating secret about her romantic interest Tristan Parrish which sends her off into the arms of another. If you've read the previous installments, then you know that Rory and her family moved to Juniper Landing because they were supposed to be in the witness protection program. Well, that theory was quickly tossed out the window after Rory got in thick with a group of people called Lifers. She, like they, are actually dead. She, like the Lifer's, are basically immortal and will spend eternity helping others cross over.
*Full Review Posted to Talk Supe Blog
http://www.talksupeblog.com/2015/10/s...
*Published: July 22nd 2014 by Disney-Hyperion
June 11, 2016
I had so much fun with this series. It was so addicting and I'm kind of sad it is over. I WANT MORE!! I really just flew through this whole series. It's crazy to me that the whole series took place in the span of 2 weeks.
I don't know if I was a fan too much of the love triangle, but my pick for Rory would have been Joaquin. He was more stable and never deserted her. I was disappointed that some questions about Tristan didn't get answered. Some things he did in the second book and this book didn't really make sense and I wanted to answers for them. I also think I would have liked more of an epilogue. I wanted to see how Rory was doing on the island in the future.
I definitely recommend checking out this series. It's very fast-paced, full of mystery, a little bit of danger, and for me, it was just fun. I love the books that just suck you in and don't let go, and this was one of those books for me.
November 15, 2014
Wow, this one did not end how I thought it would. lots of surprises and lots of twists and turns - something I've come to know this series for.
It was great to see how all the characters worked out their stuff and how this all ended. I'm so glad I read this one.
I think my reasoning for 3 stars is just....I was a little sad with some unnecessary things that were added to the story. I think they distracted from the main theme and really...weren't needed.
It was great to see how all the characters worked out their stuff and how this all ended. I'm so glad I read this one.
I think my reasoning for 3 stars is just....I was a little sad with some unnecessary things that were added to the story. I think they distracted from the main theme and really...weren't needed.
June 24, 2017
Actual rating - 2.5
August 21, 2020
What a stupid ending.
Also I have never experienced a more toast love interest. Flat, dry and boring. The main romance throughout the whole series was terribly done but it was extra stupid in this one.
Also I have never experienced a more toast love interest. Flat, dry and boring. The main romance throughout the whole series was terribly done but it was extra stupid in this one.
May 9, 2022
Edit: 5/8/22- 3.5/5 stars
I'd actually like a prequel to this book to know the story with Rory, her family & the situation that led up to her being where she, well, ended up.
---‐--------
1st read:
4.5/5 Stars
I think this book just may have pulled me out of my slump. It took me more than a week to finish it because I was just not feeling the reading at most times, but once I really sat down and started "forcing" myself to read...I really got into it and it didn't take much time to get through it.
Endless is the final book in what is a trilogy, so, I won't be giving too much information. I can say that even though I was going through my "slump" (wanting to read, but at the same time, not really feeling it)...This book was the first book I picked up and wanted to stick with beyond the first few chapters or first 100 pages or so...So, thank you Kate Brian for writing this book because you helped me start back on the path of reading regularly again after a month of...ugh...I dont want to read...I want to do something else...lol....I think it all really started because in July, I read about 14 books...In August, 7 books..Then after I marathon'd another series, I went through withdrawals from that one...That I didnt even get to finish a novella in that book series that I might have to go to...So, I was on a book burnout!
Now, I will say that I did thoroughly enjoy how the book ended with the exception of one thing.. (Here comes a spoiler, but I will hide it for those who don't want to see it because they haven't read the book(s) yet)....
..So, if Kate Brian does actually ever read this...can that be a question answered in a Novella maybe?!?! Please?!?! lol
Other than what is mentioned in the spoiler, the book itself was durn near perfect! That's why it got a 4.5/5 Stars. A trilogy very much worth the read. The books aren't overly long and give enough detail (for me anyway) to understand whats going on, but not overly descriptive and boring...I am not one who needs things overly described to get the point...Give me enough to go on, with maybe a tiny bit extra when needed and Im good. :-)
I'd actually like a prequel to this book to know the story with Rory, her family & the situation that led up to her being where she, well, ended up.
---‐--------
1st read:
4.5/5 Stars
I think this book just may have pulled me out of my slump. It took me more than a week to finish it because I was just not feeling the reading at most times, but once I really sat down and started "forcing" myself to read...I really got into it and it didn't take much time to get through it.
Endless is the final book in what is a trilogy, so, I won't be giving too much information. I can say that even though I was going through my "slump" (wanting to read, but at the same time, not really feeling it)...This book was the first book I picked up and wanted to stick with beyond the first few chapters or first 100 pages or so...So, thank you Kate Brian for writing this book because you helped me start back on the path of reading regularly again after a month of...ugh...I dont want to read...I want to do something else...lol....I think it all really started because in July, I read about 14 books...In August, 7 books..Then after I marathon'd another series, I went through withdrawals from that one...That I didnt even get to finish a novella in that book series that I might have to go to...So, I was on a book burnout!
Now, I will say that I did thoroughly enjoy how the book ended with the exception of one thing.. (Here comes a spoiler, but I will hide it for those who don't want to see it because they haven't read the book(s) yet)....
..So, if Kate Brian does actually ever read this...can that be a question answered in a Novella maybe?!?! Please?!?! lol
Other than what is mentioned in the spoiler, the book itself was durn near perfect! That's why it got a 4.5/5 Stars. A trilogy very much worth the read. The books aren't overly long and give enough detail (for me anyway) to understand whats going on, but not overly descriptive and boring...I am not one who needs things overly described to get the point...Give me enough to go on, with maybe a tiny bit extra when needed and Im good. :-)
December 22, 2014
3.75 stars
I really loved the whole concept of The Shadowlands series. Book one blew me away and I really loved book 2. So when book 3 came out I was beyond excited to see how this would all wrap up. The twist and turns in the first book kept me sitting in the end of my seat and I hoped Endless would do. And although it did at times and I think the series wrapped up things nicely, or as nicely as it could, I didn’t love it as much as I hoped.
Endless is really a hard book to review and describe as I don’t want to give anything away for the people that haven’t read the series yet. It does pick up right where the second book, Hereafter, left off. Rory thinks the boy she fell for, Tristan, actually betrayed her and her life is completely upside down. Tristan is on the run and Rory and her friends are trying to find him to get their life back to what it was. Only it may not be so easy. Things keep changing and everything Rory thought she knew is wrong. She’s running out of time and has to decide who to stand by and what matters most to her.
Like I said, I thought Brian wrapped this series up nicely. All three books flowed into each other and the stories entwined and wrapped up at the right places. That is what I liked about the book. It’s usually hard to accomplish this when finishing a series and I think Kate did that. But I also didn’t love how it was done. Rory, a girl I loved in the first book and the second, became annoying to me in the third. Her back and forth between people, her emotions, her actions, everything was so wishy washy. I just wanted her to make up her mind and stick with it. By the end of the book I was completely done with her which made me sad. I also found the pacing a little slower than the other two books. It definitely had its moments where I was on the end of my seat and the mystery kept me guessing for the most part (I sadly figured out what was happening pretty early on), but there was just something missing for me.
All in all I liked Endless and the entire Shadowlands series. It was a unique concept with interesting characters and pretty good writing. It told a story I had never heard and had an air of mystery to it which I liked. It was different and suspenseful at times and kept me wanting to see what happened. If you are looking for something a little different then I say so for it.
I really loved the whole concept of The Shadowlands series. Book one blew me away and I really loved book 2. So when book 3 came out I was beyond excited to see how this would all wrap up. The twist and turns in the first book kept me sitting in the end of my seat and I hoped Endless would do. And although it did at times and I think the series wrapped up things nicely, or as nicely as it could, I didn’t love it as much as I hoped.
Endless is really a hard book to review and describe as I don’t want to give anything away for the people that haven’t read the series yet. It does pick up right where the second book, Hereafter, left off. Rory thinks the boy she fell for, Tristan, actually betrayed her and her life is completely upside down. Tristan is on the run and Rory and her friends are trying to find him to get their life back to what it was. Only it may not be so easy. Things keep changing and everything Rory thought she knew is wrong. She’s running out of time and has to decide who to stand by and what matters most to her.
Like I said, I thought Brian wrapped this series up nicely. All three books flowed into each other and the stories entwined and wrapped up at the right places. That is what I liked about the book. It’s usually hard to accomplish this when finishing a series and I think Kate did that. But I also didn’t love how it was done. Rory, a girl I loved in the first book and the second, became annoying to me in the third. Her back and forth between people, her emotions, her actions, everything was so wishy washy. I just wanted her to make up her mind and stick with it. By the end of the book I was completely done with her which made me sad. I also found the pacing a little slower than the other two books. It definitely had its moments where I was on the end of my seat and the mystery kept me guessing for the most part (I sadly figured out what was happening pretty early on), but there was just something missing for me.
All in all I liked Endless and the entire Shadowlands series. It was a unique concept with interesting characters and pretty good writing. It told a story I had never heard and had an air of mystery to it which I liked. It was different and suspenseful at times and kept me wanting to see what happened. If you are looking for something a little different then I say so for it.
October 10, 2014
This review is for the entire series--warning: spoiler alert, although you should just read this and save yourself from reading this book.
I did not like the first book until the very end, when I felt hope that the second book would give me answers. In retrospect, the first book was the best, most engaging installment of this series.
The second book was so-so. It answered some questions but then left the reader with another cliff-hanger. Surely, the last book would tie everything together.
Yeah, not so much. While I wouldn't consider the first two books well-written, I stuck around for the story and the concept, which was interesting and unique. This book was not well written. It was pretty horribly written in fact. All sympathy I felt for the protagonist, Rory, was gone within the first couple of pages. She was very one dimensional at this point and had only two concerns: getting her dad, sister, and Aaron back (which was mentioned every other sentence throughout the entire novel. I get that this was a major driver of the plot, but it doesn't need to be mentioned every page), and her silly love triangle.
The second her romance with Tristan became a love triangle with Joaquin, I completely checked out. Yet another YA novel with a predictable and boring love triangle. Yawn. And here's the real kicker: in the end, when Rory is finally reunited with her family, she chooses to go BACK TO TRISTAN. And her family understands. She chooses eternity with a cute boy she has known for a couple of weeks over her family. Great moral here, Kate Brian.
I did not like the first book until the very end, when I felt hope that the second book would give me answers. In retrospect, the first book was the best, most engaging installment of this series.
The second book was so-so. It answered some questions but then left the reader with another cliff-hanger. Surely, the last book would tie everything together.
Yeah, not so much. While I wouldn't consider the first two books well-written, I stuck around for the story and the concept, which was interesting and unique. This book was not well written. It was pretty horribly written in fact. All sympathy I felt for the protagonist, Rory, was gone within the first couple of pages. She was very one dimensional at this point and had only two concerns: getting her dad, sister, and Aaron back (which was mentioned every other sentence throughout the entire novel. I get that this was a major driver of the plot, but it doesn't need to be mentioned every page), and her silly love triangle.
The second her romance with Tristan became a love triangle with Joaquin, I completely checked out. Yet another YA novel with a predictable and boring love triangle. Yawn. And here's the real kicker: in the end, when Rory is finally reunited with her family, she chooses to go BACK TO TRISTAN. And her family understands. She chooses eternity with a cute boy she has known for a couple of weeks over her family. Great moral here, Kate Brian.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2014
I loved this last book in Brian's trilogy! It kept me wondering the entire time, but there were aspects of it that I predicted but not with full accuracy.
Rory is on Jupiter Landing as a Lifer, and somehow the universe has been changed, so people who should go to the Light are sometimes being sent to the Shadowlands. It's impossible for all of the Lifers to know who is truly responsible for people being sent to the wrong place.
The ending was beautiful, although not 100% satisfying because we simply can't have our cake and eat it too. But I just had to cry when Rory
Recommendation: I loved the entire trilogy from book 1 to book 3, so I say read all of the books. I hope you see the beauty of the ending too.
Rory is on Jupiter Landing as a Lifer, and somehow the universe has been changed, so people who should go to the Light are sometimes being sent to the Shadowlands. It's impossible for all of the Lifers to know who is truly responsible for people being sent to the wrong place.
The ending was beautiful, although not 100% satisfying because we simply can't have our cake and eat it too. But I just had to cry when Rory
Recommendation: I loved the entire trilogy from book 1 to book 3, so I say read all of the books. I hope you see the beauty of the ending too.
July 16, 2015
This book had everything a final book needs. The beginning, the mystery, the unexpected turn of events, the drama, romance, everything!!! This book have me the feels in some parts and aghhh I just can't get over it.
~I reached out to touch my fingertips to his chest. " I want this. I want you. Forever. "
Tristan let out a shaky relieved sigh. He ran both his hands over my head and down the long tangled braid of my hair. " I am in love with you Rory Miller, " he said, using my real name, which sent a thrill right through me. " all I want is to be with you. "
I smiled and realized I was crying. " all I want is to be with you, " I replied~
~I reached out to touch my fingertips to his chest. " I want this. I want you. Forever. "
Tristan let out a shaky relieved sigh. He ran both his hands over my head and down the long tangled braid of my hair. " I am in love with you Rory Miller, " he said, using my real name, which sent a thrill right through me. " all I want is to be with you. "
I smiled and realized I was crying. " all I want is to be with you, " I replied~
October 23, 2016
So I gave the first book a 2, the second book a 4 and came full circle to give the third and final book a 2.
There was a whole lot here that didn't make any sense and everything seemed to be wrapped up super quickly. The second book made it sound like everything was insurmountable and hard to accomplish but it was fixed up in 3 chapters.
I was not happy with Rory or the choice she made. It seemed so out of character for her. I didn't mind Tristan in the first book, but he was really annoying in this one.
The book was very exciting and had many twists and turns to keep me interested, but I just did not like that ending at all.
There was a whole lot here that didn't make any sense and everything seemed to be wrapped up super quickly. The second book made it sound like everything was insurmountable and hard to accomplish but it was fixed up in 3 chapters.
I was not happy with Rory or the choice she made. It seemed so out of character for her. I didn't mind Tristan in the first book, but he was really annoying in this one.
The book was very exciting and had many twists and turns to keep me interested, but I just did not like that ending at all.
May 26, 2015
I rolled my eyes far too many times to say that I really liked this book. It had its moments and the plot was fairly good. Shadowlands was such an amazing first book to the series, I think the following books have just been dragging everything out a bit too long.
July 16, 2020
I freaking love this book. I am crying because it is over. Actually though, I am really sad.
The third book was definitely the best of the series.
That's all. That is my review.
Hope you like:)
The third book was definitely the best of the series.
That's all. That is my review.
Hope you like:)
August 6, 2016
So much suspense! It won't end like you think it might end! Such a good book! Such a good trilogy!!!
October 2, 2021
When I decided to venture through this trilogy I knew that Kate had a bad rep over her stupid characters, but I loved them no matter how stupid they were, therefore I love everything she writes. What I don’t particularly love is that she never finishes her things properly… and that the cover of the book portrays Darcy and not Rory, I mean our main character only made a slight appearance in the cover of the second book. It got me thinking that she was gonna dye her hair eventually; however, the book was cool, it was more than decent but not perfect because… We’ll talk about that later. But it was entertaining, and it helped me, it rescued me little by little from a soon-to-be depression, which is something that made me feel incredibly thankful.
EVERYTHING TO BE PERFECT.
The pace was correct, the whole mystery was correct, the fact that I was right and Krista was the mastermind behind this madness was correct, the fact that Rory loved making out with Joaquin was correct, the inclusion of more characters, and that there were gruesome murders was great; I was happy overall that. And then… the Light happened, and everything went to hell. But if we just talk about how the scenes of detective stuff were driven, how the world was explored to the fullest in here, I mean we even met some creepy bad people looking over children and a hot lifeguard with different color eyes was just ideal. I dare to say that it gave me high hopes that this could end with Rory becoming smart and a badass, then I remembered this came out in 2014, and well… At least we got some character development and cool settings, right?
THE EASY WAY OUT.
The time has come to talk about the 'Light' scene and some choices that made me cringe. Ok, let’s start with the love triangle, what was that? I wanted Rory to choose Joaquin and decide to live a little, and I don’t even like the guy. I mean, that romance took a fucking week in the making, a fucking week! Then again, the other choice was Tristan with his boring chivalrous ways that drove me insane, and Rory chose him. Both professed their unrealistic love, and I died a little. Then came the time for The Light… I was expecting a fight between Nevell and Rory, some struggle, some wider vision of the Shadowlands, but we got The Light with the cringest mom ever. I’m sorry, I know Rory loves her mom, but that mother belonged to Freeform when it was ABC Family or a Lifetime movie because what was that. And next, Rory saved the world, and Krista was never seen again… Like that, very quickly which is another aspect that made me die a little again. *Sniff-sniff*
EVERYTHING TO BE PERFECT.
The pace was correct, the whole mystery was correct, the fact that I was right and Krista was the mastermind behind this madness was correct, the fact that Rory loved making out with Joaquin was correct, the inclusion of more characters, and that there were gruesome murders was great; I was happy overall that. And then… the Light happened, and everything went to hell. But if we just talk about how the scenes of detective stuff were driven, how the world was explored to the fullest in here, I mean we even met some creepy bad people looking over children and a hot lifeguard with different color eyes was just ideal. I dare to say that it gave me high hopes that this could end with Rory becoming smart and a badass, then I remembered this came out in 2014, and well… At least we got some character development and cool settings, right?
THE EASY WAY OUT.
The time has come to talk about the 'Light' scene and some choices that made me cringe. Ok, let’s start with the love triangle, what was that? I wanted Rory to choose Joaquin and decide to live a little, and I don’t even like the guy. I mean, that romance took a fucking week in the making, a fucking week! Then again, the other choice was Tristan with his boring chivalrous ways that drove me insane, and Rory chose him. Both professed their unrealistic love, and I died a little. Then came the time for The Light… I was expecting a fight between Nevell and Rory, some struggle, some wider vision of the Shadowlands, but we got The Light with the cringest mom ever. I’m sorry, I know Rory loves her mom, but that mother belonged to Freeform when it was ABC Family or a Lifetime movie because what was that. And next, Rory saved the world, and Krista was never seen again… Like that, very quickly which is another aspect that made me die a little again. *Sniff-sniff*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2019
REVIEW: 3/10
I was genuinely looking forward to reading this book. i gave the second book a good review and i actually thought this trilogy would end on a good note. nope. lowkey disappointing and upsetting - the plot had a nice buildup, but the plot twist just felt lame and half assed.
there was so much buildup with the jessica rule that i thought she was going to make an appearance, but nope. she seemed to just be randomly introduced in the book for... no reason. her role in the book was minimal at best, and that was it. nothing more. lame. boring. the end.
there was no shocking, jaw dropping, blood chilling big review. it seemed as though the author had given up on the book near the ending and promptly chose a weak little plot device to end the book on. ka-boom. the nice girl is the evil mastermind. that's it. the end. to me it just felt very lame and unenthusiastic, and i was honestly glad the book was over.
i just need to put it out here that. the love triangle. is on some fuckass weird shit. rory needs to sort out her own life and resolve her issues before she goes around making out with two different guys. it was NOT interesting in the slightest, if anything, it made me want to throw up. the love triangle trope has been exhausted and overused. find something else.
overall i'd say that if i hadn't borrowed all three books from the library, i wouldn't have continued with the final book. really, really glad that i didn't waste my money on this series, and overall would not recommend to anyone.
I was genuinely looking forward to reading this book. i gave the second book a good review and i actually thought this trilogy would end on a good note. nope. lowkey disappointing and upsetting - the plot had a nice buildup, but the plot twist just felt lame and half assed.
there was so much buildup with the jessica rule that i thought she was going to make an appearance, but nope. she seemed to just be randomly introduced in the book for... no reason. her role in the book was minimal at best, and that was it. nothing more. lame. boring. the end.
there was no shocking, jaw dropping, blood chilling big review. it seemed as though the author had given up on the book near the ending and promptly chose a weak little plot device to end the book on. ka-boom. the nice girl is the evil mastermind. that's it. the end. to me it just felt very lame and unenthusiastic, and i was honestly glad the book was over.
i just need to put it out here that. the love triangle. is on some fuckass weird shit. rory needs to sort out her own life and resolve her issues before she goes around making out with two different guys. it was NOT interesting in the slightest, if anything, it made me want to throw up. the love triangle trope has been exhausted and overused. find something else.
overall i'd say that if i hadn't borrowed all three books from the library, i wouldn't have continued with the final book. really, really glad that i didn't waste my money on this series, and overall would not recommend to anyone.
October 11, 2017
First line: "Rory, stop!"
This series turned into a big ol' cheese fest. Everything became so obvious and tropey and if they weren't such quick reads I would have left this series after the first book.
- The timeline of this series is whack. All three books probably take place over the course of like a month and a half, maybe two? Definitely not enough time for characters to be declaring their love for each other. HELL NO.
- Rory is such a special snowflake. I know I was praising her for really being true to herself in the first book but she's so loved and revered by pretty much everyone, and I'm looking for a reason why.
- The plot and mystery got old real quick - dragged out too long.
- Joaquin > Tristan EASILY. Tristan is boring af.
-
- Chosen one trope but again WHY HER?
- All of a sudden a couple others are Lifers and they're just cool with it, compared to the internal dilemma Rory had
- The synopsis gives away like half of the book's plot
- No explanation for how the Tse twins know so much
- A lot of things left unexplained really
Yay I finished a series! Boo it wasn't good!
This series turned into a big ol' cheese fest. Everything became so obvious and tropey and if they weren't such quick reads I would have left this series after the first book.
- The timeline of this series is whack. All three books probably take place over the course of like a month and a half, maybe two? Definitely not enough time for characters to be declaring their love for each other. HELL NO.
- Rory is such a special snowflake. I know I was praising her for really being true to herself in the first book but she's so loved and revered by pretty much everyone, and I'm looking for a reason why.
- The plot and mystery got old real quick - dragged out too long.
- Joaquin > Tristan EASILY. Tristan is boring af.
-
- Chosen one trope but again WHY HER?
- All of a sudden a couple others are Lifers and they're just cool with it, compared to the internal dilemma Rory had
- The synopsis gives away like half of the book's plot
- No explanation for how the Tse twins know so much
- A lot of things left unexplained really
Yay I finished a series! Boo it wasn't good!
December 21, 2023
This series got progressively worse as it went on.
This book just seemed like a bit of a mess. The story took too long to get to the point, and when the "big bad" was revealed, it made zero sense, based on the villainous chapters from the second book. I also couldn't help but roll my eyes at Rory - - she's overly sanctimonious at times, and just wasn't my favorite POV to read from. Also, why oh WHY did we have to have a love triangle in this book? Talk about awkward.
All in all this series was a disappointment after the strength of the first book. I didn't find any of the reveals to be shocking, things that happened didn't always make sense, and the ending was just meh. This was definitely not worth the time I put into it.
This book just seemed like a bit of a mess. The story took too long to get to the point, and when the "big bad" was revealed, it made zero sense, based on the villainous chapters from the second book. I also couldn't help but roll my eyes at Rory - - she's overly sanctimonious at times, and just wasn't my favorite POV to read from. Also, why oh WHY did we have to have a love triangle in this book? Talk about awkward.
All in all this series was a disappointment after the strength of the first book. I didn't find any of the reveals to be shocking, things that happened didn't always make sense, and the ending was just meh. This was definitely not worth the time I put into it.
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