War is coming – and this time, I swear it’s not my fault.
Sol and his reanimated Unseelie army are hell-bent on destroying the Seelies once and for all. Worse, he’s stolen the most priceless relic in this land – Zayn’s grimoire – along with my magic-unleashing gilded blood.
Oh yeah, and Sol’s claim is slowly killing me (though I’m so pent-up, I might actually die of horniness first).
But not all hope is lost. I somehow led the elves through the mountain, arriving at the Summer Palace in one battered, weary piece. Bonus points: I’ve expanded our ad hoc army by two hundred more soldiers – never mind the fact they’re completely untrained, three-foot-tall tommyknockers.
And, for better or worse, while Zayn was busy prepping the castle for battle, my loud-mouthed Jewish mother gained the “support” of our equally-shrill family members. Unfortunately, banshees have the power to predict the future, and our outlook isn’t looking so good.
The only way we’ll survive the impending war is by finding some mysterious “ally” in the most inhospitable, remote corner of the Fae Realm: a ghost from Zayn’s past who will either help lead the Seelies to salvation…or doom us all.
Rachel Rener is a multi-award-winning, bestselling romantasy author best known for her fan-favorite Gilded Blood universe. Her books blend magic with real science, infusing powerful-yet-quirky heroines, emotional depth, and irresistible, sizzling romance.
After earning a degree in Psych and Neuroscience, Rachel has since lived on three continents and traveled to nearly 50 countries, fueling her worldbuilding with diverse cultural and mythological influences.
When she's not writing, Rachel enjoys making art in every medium she can get her hands on, riding her motorcycle, attending rock shows (both the musical and mineralogical kind), and engaging with her devoted reader community, Rachel’s Renergades. She lives in Colorado with her husband and a very opinionated umbrella cockatoo named Terrance (aka “Jungle Chicken”), who insists on being her loudest critic.
You can also be regaled with totally inappropriate stories and behind the scenes shenanigans by signing up for her newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/Rachel-Rener-NL .
It is done. It is done and my soul and heart are at peace. This series was undisputedly wonderful. It was whimsical and fantastical. Humorous and sad. Intense and scary but absolutely perfect. There wasn’t a single moment I did not enjoy and that is a rarity for even my most loved books.
I am actually shocked that I enjoyed this so much because I haven’t found a series in a while that had held me captive in such a way. I feel like I was seduced by the quirky Jewish mannerisms ( I hope that’s not offensive and if so I’m so sorry !), the knee-slapping humour and the tear-jerking love between everyone. I’m so sad to say goodbye to my favourite characters possibly of all time. Talia, Zayn, Dee Dee, Lam, Biscuit and Mavros are such a wonky and weird loving family. All the other lovelies made this story so wholesome.
Wowzers!! I am in awe of this last book in the series, what a mind blowing finale! Can I give it more than 5 stars??! Rachel has tied everything up neatly with a fab HEA that leaves it open to the possibility of another book or spin off series…please??! I don’t want to give anything away and spoil the story but it is an absolute MUST if you’ve read the other books, and if you haven’t then why the hell not?!!! Oh but make sure you have some tissues nearby in case you need them like me!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review
I have been obsessed with this series since the first book came out. I have loved every moment of this beautiful world and heart wrenching story.
This book was so well done. Half way through this book I felt like there was no possible way for this story to end happily. I cried so many times while reading this.
Now I just feel lost and like I need to go back and start this story over again because I just miss it. This was the perfect ending and I don't know what I'm supposed to do with my life now that this series is over...
Here we have the dreaded final book in the series. 😬 A lot of series end up loosing a star for me here for many reasons, but not this one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book 4 gives us so much! Action ✔️ New characters to 💖 ✔️ Emotional 🎢🙄✔️, Sexy time 🔥🍆✔️, 💖✔️ put that all together and you have real magic!! You get a treat when some of your favorite parts in the entire series are pulled together. You are gifted with an amazing epilogue that in my opinion all books should have AND get spoiled by such a great glossary of terms and symbols that is just above and beyond what most authors would provide. Don’t skip out on the acknowledgements either, after your ♥️💛 warms you even get a special reviewer- Chris - mentioned!! You never know when you will be highlighted by this author here!! 😁😉 If you have read the first 3️⃣ 📚so far then you probably aren’t even bothering reading this review because you are indeed devouring book 4️⃣ the first chance you get! However if you are scouring reviews trying to figure out if this completed series is recommended, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this entire series!! In fact I highly recommend everything this author writes as she has yet to get anything less than 5️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!
This series has every checkbox marked for my list of Top 5 Favorite Series of all time. ✅ Mystical creatures, ✅world building, ✅ plot driven, ✅major character development and ✅spicy romance
This book broke me, I questioned everything I remembered thankfully for that beautiful tree at the back to help ease my mind on what I thought I knew but was wrong 😅. This finally ended with the war we all expected to come and it reminded me of Kingdom of Ash by SJM. The stress of all the emotions on the emotional rollercoaster kept me up late at night to finish this as soon as I could, the need to know was strong with this series.
Rachel really out did her and shined brightly with creating a vividly descriptive Urban Fantasy world that just captures your soul. The intense slow burn romance holds on to you that you root for the *finally* moment and you fall apart when it does. You can tell she herself poured her soul into her words and making sure every creature you meet gets it’s time to tie but every single loose thread that she wove together through these four books.
The final story! NOOOO! I want more! In this epic conclusion they have to find a way to stop Sol once and for all, cure Talia of the mark and its subsequent blo*od pois*oning. Then there's all of the family drama, which is the absolute best when Talia has HER family! READ THIS SERIES!
This book was a satisfying conclusion to one of my favorite series. I have enjoyed Talia and Zayn's adventures and love story. I know I'll return to this magical world. Loved loved it!!
What a brilliant way to end a brilliant series 🥹 l'm a little sad this beautiful world is coming to a close but I really truly love their journey and the things they accomplish in Synced. This is an absolute read! Such a wonderful way to see how things progressed and where they are ending on. Absolutely in love. Cried a few times, laughed a lot, got hella nervous a few times 👀, felt my heart pang many times. Literally alllll the feels!
First off, the book starts with a recap of everything that happened in previous books (in the POV of the character even!) and tbh, all books in series should do this IMMEDIATELY. It was so nice to be reminded of important things and recall things so they're fresh!!
Talia and Zayn are back again working together to free the people of the fae realm and free Talia from Sol's grasp. Can I just say the love they feel for each other is so perfectly written that truly you can see their connection, their joy, their anguish at times. Rachel really has a true talent for writing exquisitely and portraying feelings and emotions in ways that often I find are hard to come by in books at this extent. And the sexual tension between these 2 phewwww someone get me a fan over here 🥵🥵🥵 They're so effin' sexy together and my god I'm wondering if they'd like a third sometime 😂😂
Love the way it shows that no matter the differences we have in life, in this case being Seelies and Unseelies, that if we work together towards a happier and more accepting society we could THRIVE. 🥹
DeeDee has definitely become an all time favorite of mine, she is so funny and neurotic that you cannot help but love her lol also, the way Biscuit says MAAAARRRZZZIPAAANNNN makes me chuckle every time 😂 AND CAN WE PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO GIVE AN ALMOND TO MAVROS!!! Truly the unexpected MVP for me right now LOL I can't even think of a side character that I DONT like (on Taliyns side at least, effff those bad guys) ps yes I dubbed them Taliyn 🤭
THE TWISSSSTTTT AND TURNNNSSSS WILL HAVE YOU SECOND GUESSING YOUR WHOLE LIFE!!!
As always I love the way Rachel incorporates Jewish mythology, language, mannerisms, etc into her writing. It is actually super nice to learn and see these things as I would have never known half of them! And to me the way it's educational in that way is super awesome. Also incorporates hardships Jews have had to experience and I think that is so extremely important (especially when it is shown in the book in comparison to things happening) so thank you, Rachel. I appreciate you including so much of your religion that I would have never been exposed to otherwise. I think that is very important!
So go go goooo preorder this book immediately and make sure to read on the 16th!!! You will not be disappointed in the conclusion of this truly mesmerizing story and world. 💕
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Synced (Book 4, Gilded Blood Series) by Rachel Rener
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+⭐️ (Bonus Star for this book standing out as a one-of a kind, masterpiece!)
Synced is the sequel (and finale) we have all been anxiously waiting for and Rachel Rener delivers! All of our favorite (and not so favorite) characters return for one more novel in the Gilded Blood Series. Few books have put me so close on the edge of my reading chair as Synced. It is not only action packed but there are plenty of, “WHAT IN THE THREE REALMS?!” moments with so many delightful unpredictable surprises along the way. I literally got up out of my chair for a moment while reading and paced across the room hyperventilating like one, Talia Kestenbaum, right before she pulls her inhaler…just like, “WOW!!! I was not expecting that…that is SO COOL.” And the world continues to be a place I would love to visit one day!
And don’t you worry, there are tons of humorous moments packed into this final installation. Rachel’s humor in her writing continues to be one of my most favorite aspects. Oh! And if you are wondering about any spice…can confirm spice but my lips are sealed for your sake on WHEN AND WHERE. You’ll just have to find out!
As I reminisce on the series as a whole…I have already found myself thinking about the characters and how much I will miss them. I can almost…almost…hear the Tommyknockers singing their chants with their big oversized hats and long noses. ‘The Gilded Blood Series’ is one you don’t want to miss. It’s the high stakes, cozy-epic-urban fantasy that you didn’t know you were missing in your life! Give this series a go!
Ok so this was the 4th and last instalment of the Gilded Blood series which I have enjoyed and am saddened that it has come to an end as I spent so long invested in Talia and Zayne’s story.
Again, I didn’t give this full marks because the steamy scenes/wording are just a bit too much for me and there was also one particular part/action one of the characters did during one of the spicy scenes that made me feel uncomfortable. However this kind of thing is all very subjective and some people may like what I don’t like and vice versa, each to their own, but personally that side of it is not 100% for me, maybe 40% lol. HOWEVER I continued reading the series mainly for the story as I had become invested and I came to love the characters. Talia’s sarcasm and dorkiness, Zayne’s sheer sexiness, strength and protective nature, Biscuit & Mavross for being such amazing familiars but my god Dee Dee is JUST THE BEST! I absolutely love that crazy woman and the dialogue between her and her daughter Talia is just hilarious everytime! There were a few little things that didn’t quite add up to me with the storyline/lineage but I really don’t wanna give stuff away so go read it so we can discuss!!
I did like how it ended though did think a couple things in the epilogue was kind of unnecessarily duplicated (so difficult to talk about without spoiling haha) but I did love the sentiment that came with it.
Will definitely read more from Rachel Rener so definitely give these a whirl if you like magic, fae realms, creatures galore with a unique magic twist on runes and a lot of humour, but also sentiment thrown in too :)
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love how Rachel Rener starts us off with a summary of the important people and plot points - it really helped refresh my mind and made me dive in without any confusion. (Other authors, take note. THAT is how you recap in later books.)
Talia and Zayn’s fight to be together and overthrow Sol comes to a dramatic conclusion in this book. I laughed. I cried. I both applauded and cursed Dee-Dee’s timing. I wished - not for the first time - that I could also have a Biscuit (and a Mavros, and plenty of almonds for both of them).
Talia’s ability to make friends and allies in the unlikeliest of places and races means that we see more of Lanme, Aunt Ko-Ko, and some of my favorites from the previous books, and we also get introduced to new characters like Xianis. The family trees get convoluted real fast in the Fae Realm, but each character is so distinctly different that you’ll have no trouble keeping everyone straight.
Rachel broke my heart in this book. But she also included some fire🔥🔥🔥 in the last 15% or so (not that I was keeping track or anything… of course not…) so maybe read a few of these chapters when you’re alone. Or with your loving incubus or succubis partner.
Synced is a book I’ve been dying to read since Rachel Rener announced it, but I’ve also been dreading the end of a wonderful series. Now what do I read? Write another series soon, Rachel!
I hate this book. I hate it because it made me cry just as many times as it made me laugh. I hate it because my poor children had to fend for themselves while I stole away to the Fae realm and the hours here on earth melted away. This is a bad book (a terrible series really) … if you have deadlines to meet and general adulting to do. There can be none of that; not while you’re reading one of Rachel’s books. Her gorgeously emotive and enthralling writing will whisk you away and for a moment you’ll forget who you are and what you were supposed to be doing. Nothing will exist beyond the story that has gripped you in a vice tight hold and is racing towards the edge of a cliff ready to cast you out to your death at the bottom of a churning ocean.
I don’t know how many times I can tell people to just go and read Rachel’s books. They are truly wonderful. Yes, this particular series is dripping with romance and contains moments of searing NSFW spice, so if that isn’t your thing, then I totally understand. Honestly, it’s not always my thing either but Rachel crafts such a gorgeous story, she balances the dark moments (and Synced has some pretty bleak ones) with humour and hope. I cannot wait to see what she writes next, and I will be there day one to read it.
This brings this rollercoaster of a series to a perfect, explosive finale. Honestly, I think this might be my favorite of the bunch. Everything I loved about the previous books is dialed up here: the stakes are higher, the humor is sharper, and the emotional depth just hits you in all the right places.
Mavvie and Bisskiss – I mean, come on! These two stole the show. They added so much charm and heart to the story, and I would absolutely burn the world down for them. Their dynamic brought a lightness amidst all the chaos and tension, and I found myself smiling every time they were on the page. Or crying.
Despite the mounting tension and higher stakes, the book never loses its sense of humor. Which is what makes this series so special. Talia and Zayn's relationship has been such a joy to watch unfold, and it all comes together beautifully in this finale. It was romantic, heart-wrenching at times, hot as heck, and just perfect.
It’s rare for a series to stick the landing so well, but this one does it. The perfect conclusion to a fantastic series, with everything you could possibly want: laugh-out-loud humor, heart-pounding action, the best animal companions ever, and a romance that hits you right in the feels.
Synced is an epic, action packed, nail-biting, tear-jerking, swoon-worthy finale to such a fun series! Rachel was put to the task of dreaming up a worthy conclusion to the Gilded Blood series, and she definitely delivered. I was grateful that she promises happy endings, which gave me the courage I needed to keep going when all hope seemed lost. And although she wrapped up the story in a beautiful way, the happy ending was earned through incredibly difficult trials, which made it all the more satisfying. I was especially happy that we got a glimpse into the future for our main characters, which I feel like often times gets left out. I mean, we invest so much into them; we want to know what their happily ever after is like! So for those of you who’ve read the series up to this point, you are in for a treat! And for those who haven’t yet picked up the first book, Inked, what are you waiting for?
This is the fourth book in this series and it blew me away! I was on the edge of my seat till the very end. So many emotions. I have really come to love these characters and I have enjoyed seeing them going through the fae realm looking for support in their quest. The world building in this series has been fantastic. I have been blown away. It’s all vivid, and colorful. I really adore Zayn, Talia, Biscuit and Mavros journey. I’m not ready for it to be over. Dee Dee is a hoot and I love her loud self. Talia and Zayn’s journey has been a fun ride and the final battle was just epic. I love how there’s also some humor mixed in with some of the tense scenes. There’s an array of characters that we met along the way and they each have something memorable and easy to recall and remember. Keep a few Kleenex handy because you will need them. Enjoy the ride.
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted copy.
I was living my life happily, knowing that I'd read some of the most best stories of my life. Convinced I'd love other stories, but surely none could touch the likes of the Lightning Conjurer, and other amazing fantasy finds. And then SLAP!!! I didn't need to enjoy my first Alaska cruise anyways. Well played Ms. Rener.
I dont even know what to say. This was a perfect ending to the series. I laughed, I cried (full on sobs at one point), I got angry... and as I read the last words, my face hurts from smiling.
Firstly, may I just say how awesome the chart of the blood types and magical classes is, AND there's a map, AND there's a recap, AND there's a glossary, AND there's an awesome family tree!!!!! So, now that I've got that out the way, onward I go!
I cannot stress enough how magnificently humorous this series is, at any given time I'm hooting in unexpected laughter. It's interspersed throughout, although one scene where I had a smile plastered on my face during the entire exchange, was with the Tommyknockers. But don't be lulled into thinking this is a comedy, it's rife with tension, with the dramatic and exceeding well paced action. I love the twists and the unexpected, it's like when you eat your favourite chocolate and THEN you get to the extra yummy centre, you know it's there but it still titillates your tastebuds. This book might just titillate more than just your tastebuds, just saying....
I've even discovered some really cool Elvish swear words which I've definitely incorporated into my repertoire of cussing, actually whole phrases! I love Rachel's command of phrasing, of word play, absolutely brilliant! The titbits of clues Rachel left a trail of was such fun picking up, gathering all the crumbs along the way until I had the full loaf in my hand. The tastiest loaf I've eaten in a long time, even though I chocked when a few pieces inevitable lodged in my throat as I was devouring it.
Forbidden love is always a bummer, not that Zayn's and Talia's love is not permitted but when your very life is at stake, well that really sucks! No, genuine, any physical contact could be the death of Talia, definite bummer! Yeah, thanks Mr Despicable Sol, you're the ultimate asshat! Shame on you, keeping two wonderful characters, who obviously adore each other, off each other, literally! Do Talia and Zayn get to bonk unhindered? That would be telling and I ain't no snitch!
Dee Dee deserves special mention, she's is true to her magnificent form, one of uncontrollable exuberance, unquestionable concern for Talia, loud mouthed righteousness, incredible humour, without even trying. She's unashamedly Dee Dee, who is impossible not to absolutely adore, she's not A force of nature, she's THE force of nature, cross her at your own peril!
Talia and Zayn set off to find help in defeating Mr Sleezeball to save the Realm and Talia together with Biscuit and Mavros and my word does Mavros's situation tug at my heartstrings! I can't mention every event, I can however say their journey was MOST unexpected. My golly did I shriek out a few times! Some shrieks were in terror, some in dread, others in pain and tears, yet others in pure joy! Magnificently, earthshatteringly, mindbogglingly bloody awesome! And then What a battle! What an outcome! I seriously suffered from dry mouth syndrome from my jaw hanging open.
What a marvel of ingenuity this book and series is! The love, the bond Biscuit and Mavros, Zayn and Talia share is simply divine. This intricate, explicit tale took me on a unparalleled voyage, through many ups and downs, one filled with wonders, through the realms of human and Fae, of Incubi, Succubi, Vampires, Banshees, Harpies and a magic system that has undeniably imprinted itself onto me, pun intended...a world, a tale, a series that everyone would delight in as much as I have. I'm sad to say goodbye but I do so with a full and very satisfied heart.
I binged this entire series after the 4th book (this one) came out, and this is my review for the series as a whole through each book.
It starts well, and I can see why people enjoyed Inked. Talia is fun and the world the author creates had a lot of potential. I found Zayn extremely boring and trope-heavy though which affected the enjoyment of the book. the author spends her time telling us why Zayn is so great without actually showing us. We just need to accept it, I suppose.
Jinxed is the highlight of the series (and, no surprise, its the book with the least amount of Zayn in it). This book realises the potential of Inked and pushes the boundaries of the world, letting Talia grow in the meantime and letting her step out of Zayn's dull but overpowering shadow.
Things begin to unravel in book 3, Linked. Zayn is back in a major way and the author seems to forget this is Talia's story, who is relegated to a simpering excuse for characters to unload exposition dumps. The story also strays toward epic fantasy but its only surface level stuff and fans of for fans of epic fantasy it wont go far enough.
Which brings me to book 4. Talia is more of a focus, which is welcome, but then there are some strange choices made towards the back end of the book. Before we get there, the urban is completely gone in this series by this point with this book firmly being in the realms of epic fantasy light. But everything is resolved too quickly, there isn't space for the world or characters to breath and everything is surface level stuff. Then come the strange decisions. Weve spent the entire series with Talia and the author decides to show the pivotal final battle (which we miss the first few days of) from other characters POVs. Including Zayn. Who is just as boring from his own POV as he is from Talia's. Its a move that doesnt really pay off and renders the journey of Talia listless by the end. Which is a shame as overall I think book 4 is slightly stronger than book 3, but the final battle just isnt impactful enough.
Overall, a mixed bag with the series peaking with book 2.
I wasn't sure whether Zayn, Talia, and the rest of the crew were actually going to make it out alive. There was so much happening. Sol had planned for every eventuality, except for the stubbornness of Talia. Her blood, while powerful, wasn't the only reason they persevered. Her love for others, her stubbornness, and her loyalty is what brought them all to the finish line. She had no fear of putting people in her place. She stood against her grandmother, her uncle, and all those who tried to hide. I love her for that. Zayn, again suffered so much, yet was willing to give up everything so peace could abound. I'm glad with how it all worked out. It was a hard one fight. I cried so much at the other realm. All the messages passed through, I couldn't help but sob. This series is amazing. So many laughs and joys, but just as much heartbreak. Definitely will be reading other books by this author.
I am absolutely devastated that this series is over. I can’t put into words how much I loved it. I just thank the high heavens that I came across this book as it will go down as one of the best series I’ve read.
Rachel’s writing was brilliant. The way she kept you engaged and wanting more was just spectacular. Normally I would grouch a little when I find a series that has 4 books to read, but it did not once seem like a chore. I didn’t feel halfway that I wanted to stop and read something new. Which is surprisingly good for me as I get bored rather easily.
Fantastic! And I can’t wait to own my physical copy ❤️
You will laugh, cry, scream in rage, scream in happiness all while reading one of the most amazing story/series. Seriously, I am so incredibly sad right now as this is the last book in the series. But, I absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down. Just to prolong it I would set it down but not even a minute later I had to pick it back up. It is so good. I loved Talia and her amazing thought process as well as her spunk and strength. We have seen her grow so much throughout this series. She was always amazing but the the strength she grows is outstanding. I loved her mother. She is hilarious and will have you in tears from laughter. The way her mind works is outstanding. Then her and spoiling of her grandbirdy is just prize worthy. The relationship be Talia and Zayn has grown exponentially throughout the series. You can actually feel their pain as they are going through the motions of trying to end this war without a ton of causalities. There are some amazing surprises that are revealed that will leave you in shock and awe.
I absolutely love Rachel Rener and her incredible stories. She will draw you into her new and wonderful worlds as you journey alongside her amazing characters. This one is no different. It is extremely well written and developed. The artwork in her books is gorgeous and that alone makes it priceless. I am so in love with this series that I am so sad that it came to close. I loved losing myself in this amazing world that is write in a way that it is so lifelike. This story and series is a must read and will not disappoint. It has all the makings of being a beautiful movie or tv series. I love the mix of supernatural species throughout. So, if you love Fae, Vampires, Werewolves, and mix of so many others then you will most definitely love this book.
I think a great writer is like a great chef. While the chef mixes ingredients together to prepare a wonderful dish for someone to eat and nourish themselves, a great author takes words and ideas and nourishes our imagination and our spirit. Rachel Rener is, as far as I’m concerned, a master chef of words and wonder. She mixes action, humor, romance, love, drama, and a perfect amount of heat to bring this series to an end with a book that is as good, maybe, even better than the first three. I won’t give any spoilers. There are three things that I want to mention. The first two relate to all four but are very apparent in this book and the third refers to this particular book. 1) The world building is phenomenal. With a whirlwind of legend, myth, and fairy tales to work with the author doesn’t overwhelm the reader but instead paints a world throughout the four books that are consistent and thoroughly enjoyable. 2). The magic system is imaginative and original. The word that comes to mind is brilliant! 3) The last thing I want to say is that the ending made sense, was perfect, and I absolutely loved it! The end of a series is so often when I feel let down but I was so happy with the ending that it almost made up with the fact the series was at an end.
A final note, if you prefer “clean” romance or fade to black this might not be the series for you (one of the MCs is an incubus after all). However, if you like paranormal romance or urban fantasy with action, humor, snark, some spice, and a fantastic FMC this is a must read series and Synced it’s awesome finale.
I was provided an advanced readers copy of this novel by the author
*Phew* what a hectic, bumpy ride! I love devouring a good series, however, it's bittersweet when I bid farewell to the characters and universe the author created. I had a blast reading this series (I lost count of how many times I cracked up/laughed out loud,) and I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms Rener's work. It was amazing to see Talia's growth (yes, she's still afraid of needles, but Talia faces her fear head-on,) and I loved her (and Dee Dee's) slightly neurotic behaviour.
For a second, my heart dropped: I thought it was heading in a direction where Talia and Zayn weren't going to have their HEA. (I think Ms Rener wanted to give us a little scare.) It might be brief, but we have Zayn's perspective, yay! I understand that Rachel was focusing on Talia's journey and experience in the third realm, yet, I'm curious to know what Zayn did and his thoughts when Talia went "missing". As well as when they were on separate journeys at the beginning of this book.
A war decades ago split the Fae Realm apart: there was horror, so much bloodshed and loss, and then a tyrant leader took over; all the fae are subject to his brutality. Another conflict has arrived at their doorstep. Put through the wringer, Talia and Zayn pushed themselves to the brink to stop their enemies. Cheating death multiple times, saving lives, finding allies, physically and mentally drained, they accomplished the impossible: uniting all faes together!
If you are hunting for a next read or to satisfy your next fantasy hit, please consider reading the Gilded Blood series. But please be prepared for no sleep because once you start, it's impossible to stop. You have been warned! 😆
Don't plan on doing anything else when you start reading this series!
It is rare that I get so engrossed in the first book of a series that I "chain-read" through the whole series! Four "Gilded Blood" books, read between taking care of my cats, housework, the cats, making a meal that I usually don't eat, more cat stuff, and sleeping (when I actually could sleep, but usually reading until 5ish and then resting for a couple hours to wake up and repeat like Groundhog Day) over the course of a week. The Gilded Blood series is a brilliant combination of humour, danger, love, compromise, and everything else that makes great characters combined with a story line that has you on tenterhooks wondering how the characters will get through whatever they have to face without getting hurt (or worse) or killing a certain DeidreYenta because she picks the most inopportune times to share her Banshee heritage screeching skills with her daughter! Rachel's thoughtful inclusion of Elvish and RuneMaster guides as well as basic Yiddish words used in the books helps to bring clarity to the plot and, as in the case of the Yiddish, allows the reader an idea of just how funny her developed characters are using personal bits of her own life to bring them to colorful life! I could have read 10 more books (or more!) if this series had gone on, but alas, it did not.
Thank you, Rachel for creating a wonderful series in which I got lost in and thoroughly enjoyed! You ROCK!
This novel was a fitting end in most regards to a series that really caught my attention from start to finish. This book opens on Talia's forced march to the Summer Court at Grueling Pace with Bare Bones rations, with the survivors of the elven island-dwelling settlement in tow, and keeps that pace nearly locked in until the final battle is over. The reader and Talia only get a tiny bit of rest before the truth of the seriousness of their situation is sung true by a gaggle of ghostly frozen shades. A whole bunch of family secrets are spilled, and all manner of trees are put into jeopardy by their telling. Once again, the ending was fitting in most regards, just one bit of it stuck in my craw that won't allow me to give it 5 stars. I'd love to see another work in this world, focusing on other characters. Maybe some Siren Songs, some Satyr Fables, some Tommy Troubles... "I forgive ya... but my Tommyknocker don't". "I'm the Tommy who Knocks" I'm going to buy a signed copy, preferably sirenhide bound, but I did read this as an ARC.
Synched was such a wonderful book, I just couldn't put it down; like every other book in the Gilded Blood series. There are few books that have made me chuckle as I read them. This one not only made me chuckle but made me cry as well. Rachel, amazing job as always. I'm sad to see Talia's and Zayn's story done. At least Synched doesn't end up as a cliffhanger, but a happy and sweet ending for all. The interactions between Dee Dee and her mother-in-law was an interesting part of the story, kinda funny actually. Finally Mavros and Biscuit were just the two….oh wait can't forget Monty, Lucy and Ricky. As always the familiars just tugged at the reader's heart strings. I received a complimentary ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
Oh my gosh! This book was INTENSE! I rarely cry during books, but I shed quite a few tears during this amazing finale to this wonderful series. It was hilarious, heart wrenching, and heart warming.. somehow, yes.. all of those. The ending was absolutely perfect, for pretty much everyone (SPOILER: even the bad guys). This book was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, but in the best way. It definitely had some spicy scenes, which I know is a plus for some (and not so much for others), but they were easily skippable if that's not your thing (I don't prefer spice, and they weren't overbearing). It's so hard to talk about just how perfect this book was without major spoilers, so just go read it ASAP!!