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The Immortal Orders #3
Awaken the Fifth Order
It all ends in Nuva Troi. Harlow Krane and Finn McKay have been through a lot. They never expected to have the chance to be together again, let alone the myriad ways they might be torn apart. To save everything they hold dear, they’ll have to trust each other—and themselves—more than either thought possible. With the threat of war on the horizon, Awaken the Fifth Order is a race against time and overwhelming odds. Can Harlow and Finn reunite to save their relationship, and all they hold dear?
Awaken the Fifth Order is the conclusion to The Immortal Orders Trilogy, a blazing hot fantasy romance, set in a contemporary world of magic, deception, and betrayal.
Awaken the Fifth Order is the conclusion to The Immortal Orders Trilogy, a blazing hot fantasy romance, set in a contemporary world of magic, deception, and betrayal.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2023
229 people are currently reading
2016 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
March 26, 2023
Such a perfect conclusion to one of my favourite Romantasy series.
Allison is at her best when she is writing real & relatable characters in atmospheric settings. I absolutely love Harlow & watching her strength & sense of self grow is a true highlight of the series. She still struggles, like we all do, but her confidence in herself & her abilities has been beautiful to bear witness too. I loved her exploration of self & her place in the world, her difficulty ‘fitting in’ & feeling like she couldn’t navigate social situations like others. I felt really seen in those moment.
Overall I found that I wanted to see a little bit more action & interaction with the characters at the beginning. I felt like there were quite a few moments of ‘telling’ - but when there was action, & we got to see Harlow in her strength - it was PERFECT!
I also feel like it would have really benefited the story to have some chapters with Finn’s POV. To see his struggles & also how he sees Harlow would have been amazing.
I also felt like some of the plot reveals were easy to see coming & that some of the big stakes they were fighting against had quick resolutions.
But ultimately the ending was perfect & really satisfying (there were happy tears)
I’m so very sad to be leaving Harlow, Finn & the beautiful diverse cast of characters, but so excited to continue reading anything that Allison writes.
Overall this series is one I highly recommend if you want a high urban fantasy tale of finding your place in the world, growing in your strength & love. In a diverse world where love in all forms are accepted & fighting for your family is what life is all about.
Allison is at her best when she is writing real & relatable characters in atmospheric settings. I absolutely love Harlow & watching her strength & sense of self grow is a true highlight of the series. She still struggles, like we all do, but her confidence in herself & her abilities has been beautiful to bear witness too. I loved her exploration of self & her place in the world, her difficulty ‘fitting in’ & feeling like she couldn’t navigate social situations like others. I felt really seen in those moment.
Overall I found that I wanted to see a little bit more action & interaction with the characters at the beginning. I felt like there were quite a few moments of ‘telling’ - but when there was action, & we got to see Harlow in her strength - it was PERFECT!
I also feel like it would have really benefited the story to have some chapters with Finn’s POV. To see his struggles & also how he sees Harlow would have been amazing.
I also felt like some of the plot reveals were easy to see coming & that some of the big stakes they were fighting against had quick resolutions.
But ultimately the ending was perfect & really satisfying (there were happy tears)
I’m so very sad to be leaving Harlow, Finn & the beautiful diverse cast of characters, but so excited to continue reading anything that Allison writes.
Overall this series is one I highly recommend if you want a high urban fantasy tale of finding your place in the world, growing in your strength & love. In a diverse world where love in all forms are accepted & fighting for your family is what life is all about.
May 13, 2023
The second book had me in tears. I never wanted to stop reading about the characters and was desperately awaiting the third book. I wish I had never read it. Harlows character took a steep nose dive and seemed to roll in self pity and refused to communicate her feelings about….well anything. Especially to the people that could have helped her. The second book was full of growth for her only for it to be completely undone and then some. I didn’t care about any moments when she and Finn were together as it consisted of them not communicating during the most crucial time of their lives, all in order to protect the others feelings. And where the hell was Larkins perspective? She played the biggest part and was absent from almost the entire story. Her perspective would have helped in all the ways. The ending I just had to accept because there was no explanation and it honestly didn’t make sense. Without Larkins perspective it felt too clean and perfect which didn’t match the rest of the story. I wanted, nay, NEEDED to understand the Ravagers point of view in almost any capacity ( insert Larkin as she was possessed by it for the last half of the book) and I didn’t get anything but a few cryptic lines. I wanted so badly to love this book but the OG characters where largely left out until the epilogue. The lack of character growth really made the story hard to read. I wanted to care about the characters but couldn’t find any reason to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2023
"There are no heroes Harlow"
"There´s you."
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Harlow.
Everything I previously said about this series, still stands. Amazing rep of LGBTQ+ and love in general. The romance in it is so good, it is balanced out well with action scenes and character development. The series itself has a HEA and you get the vibes of a great urban fantasy series!!
Highly recommend!!
trigger warnings: kidnapping, war/fighting, murder, mentions of rape/sexual coercion
"There´s you."
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Harlow.
Everything I previously said about this series, still stands. Amazing rep of LGBTQ+ and love in general. The romance in it is so good, it is balanced out well with action scenes and character development. The series itself has a HEA and you get the vibes of a great urban fantasy series!!
Highly recommend!!
trigger warnings: kidnapping, war/fighting, murder, mentions of rape/sexual coercion
April 23, 2023
Such a bummer when the final book ruins the whole series.
April 26, 2023
This series got more disappointing with each book, and I actually feel let down with how this series was wrapped up.
April 11, 2023
I finished this book a few days ago and it was SO GOOD. Definitely a case where the finale lives up to all hype and expectations, and exceeds them!
Just like with the previous books, I think my favorite part of this book was the character growth. The wide cast of diverse characters all wrapped up in a very satisfying way, and I think that can often be hard to do. I loved watching Harlow grow into herself while also bringing all of her BA energy.
Highly recommend this book and series, especially if you enjoy reading about relatable characters in a fantasy world!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Just like with the previous books, I think my favorite part of this book was the character growth. The wide cast of diverse characters all wrapped up in a very satisfying way, and I think that can often be hard to do. I loved watching Harlow grow into herself while also bringing all of her BA energy.
Highly recommend this book and series, especially if you enjoy reading about relatable characters in a fantasy world!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 29, 2023
A great final book to the trilogy! I loved getting to follow Harlow and Finn more after the cliffhanger that was book 2!
The story was such a rollercoaster and I loved how relatable all the characters, especially Harlow were. The exploration of the inner turmoil and acceptance of mental health with Harlow was so well depicted and I really felt all of the emotions as she did.
The book was well paced and I loved the sci-fi aspect that was brought into it at one point. So much was happening that I wasn't sure how it would wrap up but all the questions I had throughout got answered. I'm sad that the journey with Harlow and Finn has ended but really enjoyed it!
Only thing I would have loved would be a chapter or two with Finn's pov other than the prologue especially when he is separated. I received this as an ARC from the author. So happy I got to read it early
The story was such a rollercoaster and I loved how relatable all the characters, especially Harlow were. The exploration of the inner turmoil and acceptance of mental health with Harlow was so well depicted and I really felt all of the emotions as she did.
The book was well paced and I loved the sci-fi aspect that was brought into it at one point. So much was happening that I wasn't sure how it would wrap up but all the questions I had throughout got answered. I'm sad that the journey with Harlow and Finn has ended but really enjoyed it!
Only thing I would have loved would be a chapter or two with Finn's pov other than the prologue especially when he is separated. I received this as an ARC from the author. So happy I got to read it early
April 16, 2023
Awaken the Fifth Order is a satisfying conclusion to one of my favorite series and I highly recommend it if you like second chance romance with a little bit of enemies to lovers, a big cast of loveable characters, increasing spice throughout the series, an intriguing world and magic system, and so much more.
This series has gotten a lot more complex since the first book and there are a lot more players in the game. This felt like a completely different book than the first two but not in a bad way. It takes place in a new city with the rogue order and Harlow struggles to find her place with this new group of people.
I relate so much to Harlow—her struggles, insecurities, worries—she’s so real and raw. Some of the things she thinks and feels resonated so close to home it made me feel seen. She goes through so much character growth, I was so happy for her. This is a book of struggling and healing and fighting for what is right. I also really enjoyed getting to explore Harlow’s powers more.
Finn and Harlow weren’t separated for an insanely long amount of time but I found myself more engaged with the book when they were finally back together. They definitely had to go through some pain but it was so worth it though because it made me appreciate them so much more. They are my comfort characters and I loved being back with them. Their love for each other is so pure and I love how they understand one another and are always there for each other. Ugh I just love them.
The plot is so complex and I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures Harlow, Finn, and Co take to save the world. I did find it a little hard to keep track of some of the information at some points but it got easier as I read.
The big cast of characters really shined in this book and showed how they can all come together to fight for a bigger cause.
The world took a turn I completely did not expect from the first book. It’s like a universe with many different planets and aliens. Different creatures exist on different planets and somehow they all end up on one. I’m in awe of how much this story has evolved from Dark Night Golden Dawn. The magic system is actually insane, I have no idea how the author came up with all of the tiny details but it’s amazing. Some of the unexpected plot twists and turns had me so excited for what was going to happen next.
This was a satisfying conclusion but it felt like everything was all of a sudden wrapped up quickly when there was a huge build up to the end. I think it could have been just a tad longer, but I loved it all the same. The end is so sweet and emotional, and I’m genuinely happy that my favorite characters survived and are happy and thriving. This conclusion did the story justice and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This series has gotten a lot more complex since the first book and there are a lot more players in the game. This felt like a completely different book than the first two but not in a bad way. It takes place in a new city with the rogue order and Harlow struggles to find her place with this new group of people.
I relate so much to Harlow—her struggles, insecurities, worries—she’s so real and raw. Some of the things she thinks and feels resonated so close to home it made me feel seen. She goes through so much character growth, I was so happy for her. This is a book of struggling and healing and fighting for what is right. I also really enjoyed getting to explore Harlow’s powers more.
Finn and Harlow weren’t separated for an insanely long amount of time but I found myself more engaged with the book when they were finally back together. They definitely had to go through some pain but it was so worth it though because it made me appreciate them so much more. They are my comfort characters and I loved being back with them. Their love for each other is so pure and I love how they understand one another and are always there for each other. Ugh I just love them.
The plot is so complex and I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures Harlow, Finn, and Co take to save the world. I did find it a little hard to keep track of some of the information at some points but it got easier as I read.
The big cast of characters really shined in this book and showed how they can all come together to fight for a bigger cause.
The world took a turn I completely did not expect from the first book. It’s like a universe with many different planets and aliens. Different creatures exist on different planets and somehow they all end up on one. I’m in awe of how much this story has evolved from Dark Night Golden Dawn. The magic system is actually insane, I have no idea how the author came up with all of the tiny details but it’s amazing. Some of the unexpected plot twists and turns had me so excited for what was going to happen next.
This was a satisfying conclusion but it felt like everything was all of a sudden wrapped up quickly when there was a huge build up to the end. I think it could have been just a tad longer, but I loved it all the same. The end is so sweet and emotional, and I’m genuinely happy that my favorite characters survived and are happy and thriving. This conclusion did the story justice and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 17, 2023
It's ended, it was such an amazing journey. Perfect for lovers of second chance romance, lgbtq rep, amazing magical system, and some spice.
I loved the evolution of of Finn and Harlow, time definitely gave them the opportunity to become stronger together. I loved how Harlow was depicted as a real person, with insecurities and struggles. I am so grateful for her midsize rep!
This series strengthened as time went by, I loved the different creatures, the connection between worlds, the magic was phenomenal! The author kept us hooked with all the twists and turns of the plot. There was definitely not a bore moment in this book!
I am sad to see it end but it was such a satisfying ending. Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. all opinions are my own.
I loved the evolution of of Finn and Harlow, time definitely gave them the opportunity to become stronger together. I loved how Harlow was depicted as a real person, with insecurities and struggles. I am so grateful for her midsize rep!
This series strengthened as time went by, I loved the different creatures, the connection between worlds, the magic was phenomenal! The author kept us hooked with all the twists and turns of the plot. There was definitely not a bore moment in this book!
I am sad to see it end but it was such a satisfying ending. Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. all opinions are my own.
April 20, 2023
I can’t believe my time in Okairos is over! I’m going to miss Harlow, Finn, the Kranes and all of their friends.
This series is like a warm blanket around my heart, which is not something easily achievable by fantasy that usually pulls at different sorts of feelings for me. The characters and the romance claimed their place in my heart. I really didn’t want to finish this book, because I knew that once I was done, it was over. But finish it I did.
I don’t know what to say besides that this was a great series ending to a wonderful series, and a surprising one at that. There were definitely some twists in the resolution that I didn’t see coming. With the ending of Beneath the Alabaster Spire, I had an idea of what the big threat of the story was going to be, but it turns out I wasn’t completely right. This just goes to show the author’s incredible talent and creativity.
The start of the book is not easy. I found it darker than the other books, seeing as Harlow isn’t in a good place for obvious reasons. My heart broke for her, and I have to be honest there were some moments where I wanted to protect her from everyone—even her friends. I know they wanted to do good by her, but I couldn’t help it. I felt her pain and her anger as if it were my own. All I wanted was for her to be reunited with Larkin and Finn, and when it finally happened, I was happy! That being said, I would have loved if there had been a moment where Finn opened up to Harlow about what happened while he was captured by the Vespae. It could have led to a beautiful deep moment between them, but also it would have been nice to understand the extent of what happened while he and Harlow were separated.
Thank you to the author for gifting me an eARC. Opinions are my own.
This series is like a warm blanket around my heart, which is not something easily achievable by fantasy that usually pulls at different sorts of feelings for me. The characters and the romance claimed their place in my heart. I really didn’t want to finish this book, because I knew that once I was done, it was over. But finish it I did.
I don’t know what to say besides that this was a great series ending to a wonderful series, and a surprising one at that. There were definitely some twists in the resolution that I didn’t see coming. With the ending of Beneath the Alabaster Spire, I had an idea of what the big threat of the story was going to be, but it turns out I wasn’t completely right. This just goes to show the author’s incredible talent and creativity.
The start of the book is not easy. I found it darker than the other books, seeing as Harlow isn’t in a good place for obvious reasons. My heart broke for her, and I have to be honest there were some moments where I wanted to protect her from everyone—even her friends. I know they wanted to do good by her, but I couldn’t help it. I felt her pain and her anger as if it were my own. All I wanted was for her to be reunited with Larkin and Finn, and when it finally happened, I was happy! That being said, I would have loved if there had been a moment where Finn opened up to Harlow about what happened while he was captured by the Vespae. It could have led to a beautiful deep moment between them, but also it would have been nice to understand the extent of what happened while he and Harlow were separated.
Thank you to the author for gifting me an eARC. Opinions are my own.
April 30, 2023
Where to start…
I have loved this series so much. The representation, the world, the trauma, the characters, the cat, Harlow and Finn. I am so sad that it’s over.
The conclusion to this series tied Harlow and Finn’s story up well, while still leaving many questions left to be answered in what appears to be another series in the works. Because of this, I had frustrations and left over confusions from what actually happened in the story.
The writing is wonderful and the stories that each character has, is compelling and beautiful. I cannot stress that enough. But at times I felt like I was almost too stupid to understand what was happening from one moment to the next. I really struggled with understanding the world and the multiple beings– even up to book three. So I’m finding this book difficult to review or rate.
Harlow began as someone who was recovering from an abusive relationship, then grew into understanding how to trust and love again, and learning how to emotionally regulate in a tumultuous world that was consistently attacking her.
Book three has her exhibiting so many symptoms of neurodiversity that, while it would make a hell of a lot of sense for her, it also felt a little overdone and slightly left of field at times.
This is not to say that I don’t appreciate the representation.
But I felt like being in her head so much, made it difficult for me to grasp what was happening in the world around her.
On one hand, that is an incredible representation of neurodiversity. On the other hand, as a reader trying to understand what’s happening, it’s not so great.
All this to say, I’m glad for the journey. I loved everything that I understood. EVERYTHING. And I will still continually recommend this series to anyone who has the time to hear about it.
I think my own silly little ADHD brain couldn’t quite follow everything that occurred. A re-read would be necessary and a back to back read.
🌶️🌶️.5
I have loved this series so much. The representation, the world, the trauma, the characters, the cat, Harlow and Finn. I am so sad that it’s over.
The conclusion to this series tied Harlow and Finn’s story up well, while still leaving many questions left to be answered in what appears to be another series in the works. Because of this, I had frustrations and left over confusions from what actually happened in the story.
The writing is wonderful and the stories that each character has, is compelling and beautiful. I cannot stress that enough. But at times I felt like I was almost too stupid to understand what was happening from one moment to the next. I really struggled with understanding the world and the multiple beings– even up to book three. So I’m finding this book difficult to review or rate.
Harlow began as someone who was recovering from an abusive relationship, then grew into understanding how to trust and love again, and learning how to emotionally regulate in a tumultuous world that was consistently attacking her.
Book three has her exhibiting so many symptoms of neurodiversity that, while it would make a hell of a lot of sense for her, it also felt a little overdone and slightly left of field at times.
This is not to say that I don’t appreciate the representation.
But I felt like being in her head so much, made it difficult for me to grasp what was happening in the world around her.
On one hand, that is an incredible representation of neurodiversity. On the other hand, as a reader trying to understand what’s happening, it’s not so great.
All this to say, I’m glad for the journey. I loved everything that I understood. EVERYTHING. And I will still continually recommend this series to anyone who has the time to hear about it.
I think my own silly little ADHD brain couldn’t quite follow everything that occurred. A re-read would be necessary and a back to back read.
🌶️🌶️.5
March 28, 2023
"I'd ruin the world for you. If this goes sideways - if they take you - nothing will stop me from getting you back"
Awaken the Fifth Order is the third and final book in the Immortal Orders Trilogy. It is a fantastic and emotional conclusion to this wonderful series. Awaken the Fifth Order begins only a few short weeks after the explosive events at the end of Beneath the Alabaster Spire. The story follows our heroine, Harlow, as she grapples with a changing world. Okairos is at war, and the Orders are fighting against the otherworldly threat of the Vespae and among each other. Harlow must find her way back to Finn and reunite her family and friends while adjusting to all the changes that have happened in her life.
One of the things I loved about this book is how Allison Carr Waechter handles issues related to mental health and trauma. We see Harlow grapple with trust in this book, and it is incredible to see how far she has come since the events at the beginning of the series. She has grown so, so much as an individual, as a partner, and as a friend. We see her relationship with Finn grow and change, and we see her own confidence in herself and her abilities absolutely thrive. The family she has created for herself with Finn, the Maters, her sisters, and their partners and friends comes together in a beautiful way to fight for the world they believe in and want to see for Okairos.
I would have liked to see a bit more of what was going on with Harlow's friends and family in this book, but the action and plot made up for it. Given that it is a short book, there was not as much time to explore what everyone else was doing while we follow Harlow and her part in this story.
This book had me feeling a range of emotions - there was action, drama, tenderness, and so much love. I will absolutely miss Harlow and Finn and this wonderful, queer-normative fantasy world, but I know this is a series I will return to often as a comfort read. This was a perfect conclusion to this beautiful series.
I want to thank the author for providing me with an advance reader copy of Awaken the Fifth Order in exchange for my honest review.
Awaken the Fifth Order is the third and final book in the Immortal Orders Trilogy. It is a fantastic and emotional conclusion to this wonderful series. Awaken the Fifth Order begins only a few short weeks after the explosive events at the end of Beneath the Alabaster Spire. The story follows our heroine, Harlow, as she grapples with a changing world. Okairos is at war, and the Orders are fighting against the otherworldly threat of the Vespae and among each other. Harlow must find her way back to Finn and reunite her family and friends while adjusting to all the changes that have happened in her life.
One of the things I loved about this book is how Allison Carr Waechter handles issues related to mental health and trauma. We see Harlow grapple with trust in this book, and it is incredible to see how far she has come since the events at the beginning of the series. She has grown so, so much as an individual, as a partner, and as a friend. We see her relationship with Finn grow and change, and we see her own confidence in herself and her abilities absolutely thrive. The family she has created for herself with Finn, the Maters, her sisters, and their partners and friends comes together in a beautiful way to fight for the world they believe in and want to see for Okairos.
I would have liked to see a bit more of what was going on with Harlow's friends and family in this book, but the action and plot made up for it. Given that it is a short book, there was not as much time to explore what everyone else was doing while we follow Harlow and her part in this story.
This book had me feeling a range of emotions - there was action, drama, tenderness, and so much love. I will absolutely miss Harlow and Finn and this wonderful, queer-normative fantasy world, but I know this is a series I will return to often as a comfort read. This was a perfect conclusion to this beautiful series.
I want to thank the author for providing me with an advance reader copy of Awaken the Fifth Order in exchange for my honest review.
March 31, 2023
Awaken the Fifth Order is the 3rd and final installment in the Immortal Orders series and has left me at a loss for words for almost a week now. It is hard to review a book to a world/characters you know you won’t see more of. Since the first book “Dark Night Golden Dawn” I have been immersed into the world of Nuva Troi, its magic system and especially its characters.
I definitely was scared to start this book I didn’t know what to expect. I really appreciated seeing Harlow grow in the months since the last book even with all that she has lost. Allison’s writing of her anxiety, and grief was so well written into a fantasy world.
With the multiple mentions of war between them, the Ventyr and Vespae I thought it would be a bit more action packed but I still really enjoyed all the strategizing and tender moments we had with the characters.
The scene I definitely appreciated the most was the bath/shower scene and if you’re an avid fantasy reader then you know why. Harlow and Finn are one of my favorite book couples and I always saw myself rooting for them. I do wish this book had a few different multiple POVs especially Finn’s I definitely think it would have gave it a little more insight and depth.
With it being the final book you never know if your favorite characters are going to have a happy ending. I definitely think this was a great final book. It had me crying happy and sad tears. I highly recommend picking this series up if you’re interested in an urban fantasy world with a found family and a highly relatable FMC!
Thank you to Allison Carr Waechter for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Awaken the Fifth Order comes out April 11th!
April 1, 2023
"You're the girl of my dreams, Harls. Always have been." He pulled her close. "Always will be."
😭😭😭 excuse me while I sob forever over this book series. This now completed, beautifully written, diverse and adventurous, romantic and triumphant book series.
This third and final book in The Immortal Order series was everything I wanted. One of my favorite things about how Allison wrote this book was how perfectly imperfect our main characters were. And then watching them come to terms, and do their best to grow and become the best versions of themselves.
Finn and Harlow’s love is one of the sweetest, most beautiful love stories and they are literally so perfect together.
This book did have a lot more world and lore building - but it added to the rich complexity that is this story. I felt it absolutely enhanced it all.
Seeing Harlow from a broken, healing girl to this incredibly strong, fiercely loving woman was *chef kiss*
The ending was intense, had some funny bits for comedic relief, answered many questions, and left me a blubbering mess as our babies finally found peace and could just simply be.
This series will always and forever have a soft spot in my heart. Thank you so much Allison for giving me an arc! These are my thoughts and honest feelings. 10/10, adored this.
😭😭😭 excuse me while I sob forever over this book series. This now completed, beautifully written, diverse and adventurous, romantic and triumphant book series.
This third and final book in The Immortal Order series was everything I wanted. One of my favorite things about how Allison wrote this book was how perfectly imperfect our main characters were. And then watching them come to terms, and do their best to grow and become the best versions of themselves.
Finn and Harlow’s love is one of the sweetest, most beautiful love stories and they are literally so perfect together.
This book did have a lot more world and lore building - but it added to the rich complexity that is this story. I felt it absolutely enhanced it all.
Seeing Harlow from a broken, healing girl to this incredibly strong, fiercely loving woman was *chef kiss*
The ending was intense, had some funny bits for comedic relief, answered many questions, and left me a blubbering mess as our babies finally found peace and could just simply be.
This series will always and forever have a soft spot in my heart. Thank you so much Allison for giving me an arc! These are my thoughts and honest feelings. 10/10, adored this.
April 14, 2023
If there is an author that knows how to keep you at the edge of your seat, it's Allison. I knew after book two that I would have to mentally prepare myself for the events of the last book in this trilogy. I' am so happy to announce that they did not disappoint.
For me, I sometimes find endings to trilogies lackluster, but this was not the case for this book. Finn will forever have my heart and I kinda wish I could experience this all over again for the first time.
For me, I sometimes find endings to trilogies lackluster, but this was not the case for this book. Finn will forever have my heart and I kinda wish I could experience this all over again for the first time.
September 27, 2024
I went back and forth with this book, because I did love Finn and Harlow being back together and seeing their relationship thrive and blossom, and it had my favorite element of "burning down the world for them" trope. But the plot felt messy, the world building was really sparse and I just haven't felt the magic since the first book. Glad to have this story concluded, but it wasn't the perfect ending I was hoping for.
March 26, 2023
Fantastic and utterly satisfying conclusion to this steamy, queernormative and spellbinding trilogy. The character development across three books is pitch-perfect, as is the unfolding of world-building and plot. Fans of this series will be delighted, and newcomers have a delightful journey ahead of them. In particular, I love the main character, Harlow. It’s easy to write badass female characters who never put a foot wrong and always know what to do. What’s harder is to give us a breathtakingly real character with weaknesses and insecurities who doesn’t always do the right thing, but is always ready to get up and try again. Kudos for putting this kind of a character—soft, tender, emotional, privileged, and deep down, very angry at all the injustice around her—in the front seat. I loved every minute of it.
May 12, 2023
Review coming soon.
April 16, 2023
This was something to get through.
As with the other two books not enough worldbuilding. Single POV leaves a lot of gaps in the story.
And why is the FMC constantly brought down and not enough but when the love interest is with her they are accepted??
This series could easily have been a duology or even a stand alone. There was no need for three books 80% was unnecessary filling. That space could have been used to explain things better or just more worldbuilding and character building at least.
Overall very disappointing book and trilogy for that matter..
As with the other two books not enough worldbuilding. Single POV leaves a lot of gaps in the story.
And why is the FMC constantly brought down and not enough but when the love interest is with her they are accepted??
This series could easily have been a duology or even a stand alone. There was no need for three books 80% was unnecessary filling. That space could have been used to explain things better or just more worldbuilding and character building at least.
Overall very disappointing book and trilogy for that matter..
May 5, 2023
I could not wait to be done with this. I wasn't crazy about the second book, so a lot of the world-building didn't stick to memory. That did come back to bite me when reading this one. But I managed to follow along. Regardless, the ending was so bad!!
I can't recommend this book at all.
I can't recommend this book at all.
May 5, 2023
3 major issues here:
1. The ending was rushed! I feel like the ends got tied up so fast and not very well.
2. No POV of Larkin or true explanation of her involvement with the Ravager
3. Harlow’s character regressed! All that work she did healing for nothing
1. The ending was rushed! I feel like the ends got tied up so fast and not very well.
2. No POV of Larkin or true explanation of her involvement with the Ravager
3. Harlow’s character regressed! All that work she did healing for nothing
May 1, 2023
This book seemed like a totally different series from book 1. There are also just so many characters and different groups of people, it's really hard to keep track.
April 15, 2023
The stakes just keep getting higher for Harlow and her crew! BTAS ends with a terrible reveal & cliff-hanger, and we pick up in At5O in the aftermath. Several months after the end of BTAS, Harlow’s world has been plunged into skirmishes for survival… at least some parts of it. Inequality is an important theme throughout the series, and nowhere is this more evident than in book 3. The difference between humans and immortals, city/suburb, and inside/outside of different borders is more dramatic than ever in Harlow’s world.
As the plot picks up, the sheer number of threats that face our main characters seems insurmountable; and yet, the focus of the book is always on Harlow, her inner world, and her community — how will they work together to bring a new world into being? The found family and cozy vibes are a little few and far between — which is appropriate given the stakes of this story! — but you can absolutely expect much of the same comfort we get in books 1 and 2 as this sprawling cast makes time to enjoy being together at the end of the world.
This book also does some important work to more clearly interconnect this series with ACW’s previous and upcoming works. I love the epic world-building, though I found myself wishing we had more time/space to really sit with it all. I would have personally traded a bit of Harlow’s inner monologue for more pages that really parse the meaning of all of the intricate mythology — I have not read ACW’s other books but I want to because I want to see how all of the pieces fit together!
I also selfishly wish we could have seen a bit more of the ‘aftermath’ of the ending. There is some of this (and you absolutely *MUST* get the epilogue for a peek into our found family’s new lives!!!) but especially because the resolution to many of the threats comes so quickly/easily, I would have loved more of the realities of governing the new world that Harlow works so hard to bring into being.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and this series and I am sad to see it end. I recommend this series to anyone who wants an epic fantasy romance with strong cozy and found family vibes even in the midst of a dystopian war for democracy. You definitely want to see how it ends!!! Thanks so much to ACW for the opportunity to review an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As the plot picks up, the sheer number of threats that face our main characters seems insurmountable; and yet, the focus of the book is always on Harlow, her inner world, and her community — how will they work together to bring a new world into being? The found family and cozy vibes are a little few and far between — which is appropriate given the stakes of this story! — but you can absolutely expect much of the same comfort we get in books 1 and 2 as this sprawling cast makes time to enjoy being together at the end of the world.
This book also does some important work to more clearly interconnect this series with ACW’s previous and upcoming works. I love the epic world-building, though I found myself wishing we had more time/space to really sit with it all. I would have personally traded a bit of Harlow’s inner monologue for more pages that really parse the meaning of all of the intricate mythology — I have not read ACW’s other books but I want to because I want to see how all of the pieces fit together!
I also selfishly wish we could have seen a bit more of the ‘aftermath’ of the ending. There is some of this (and you absolutely *MUST* get the epilogue for a peek into our found family’s new lives!!!) but especially because the resolution to many of the threats comes so quickly/easily, I would have loved more of the realities of governing the new world that Harlow works so hard to bring into being.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and this series and I am sad to see it end. I recommend this series to anyone who wants an epic fantasy romance with strong cozy and found family vibes even in the midst of a dystopian war for democracy. You definitely want to see how it ends!!! Thanks so much to ACW for the opportunity to review an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2023
~ Found Family
~ Emotional Rollercoaster
~ There is no one else
✨ My Thoughts ✨
What an amazing conclusion to a fantastic trilogy. I loved this one so so much. The emotional journey the characters took in this book felt so real. This series continues to have a fantastic and diverse cast of characters. I have enjoyed watching each character grow. The female MC, Harlow, is truly one of my favorites. I have loved seeing her journey in the entire trilogy. Seeing her learn to love herself felt so real. I have truly related to Harlow a lot and I am definitely going to miss her a lot. I really enjoyed the action in this book too. I also enjoyed the sweet and tender moments with the characters. The political scheming and planning in this book was great too. I enjoyed the plot twist in the book too. Finn has to be one of my favorite Male MC. I just love how truly he gets Harlow and how cares so deeply for her. Finn's journey was also done so well. He really went through a lot in this book. I love watching him open up and how we got to see his vulnerable side of him. I really can't recommend this one enough.
Awaken The Fifth Order is book 3 in The Immortals orders trilogy. I recommend this one for 18+. Please check TW before reading. If you want a trilogy that has an amazing cast, great writing, and good emotional damage then please read. I can't wait to see what Allison comes out with next.
✨ I want to thank Allison for an ARC of this book. It truly has been a huge blessing. Thank you for letting me message you with my reactions. These are my own true thoughts. ✨
🏷️ #rissysbookshelf #allisoncarrwaechter #awakenthefifthorder #therogueorder #theimmortalorders #kindleunlimited #bookfantasybooks #bookreview #bookishrec #bookinstagram #bookworm
~ Emotional Rollercoaster
~ There is no one else
✨ My Thoughts ✨
What an amazing conclusion to a fantastic trilogy. I loved this one so so much. The emotional journey the characters took in this book felt so real. This series continues to have a fantastic and diverse cast of characters. I have enjoyed watching each character grow. The female MC, Harlow, is truly one of my favorites. I have loved seeing her journey in the entire trilogy. Seeing her learn to love herself felt so real. I have truly related to Harlow a lot and I am definitely going to miss her a lot. I really enjoyed the action in this book too. I also enjoyed the sweet and tender moments with the characters. The political scheming and planning in this book was great too. I enjoyed the plot twist in the book too. Finn has to be one of my favorite Male MC. I just love how truly he gets Harlow and how cares so deeply for her. Finn's journey was also done so well. He really went through a lot in this book. I love watching him open up and how we got to see his vulnerable side of him. I really can't recommend this one enough.
Awaken The Fifth Order is book 3 in The Immortals orders trilogy. I recommend this one for 18+. Please check TW before reading. If you want a trilogy that has an amazing cast, great writing, and good emotional damage then please read. I can't wait to see what Allison comes out with next.
✨ I want to thank Allison for an ARC of this book. It truly has been a huge blessing. Thank you for letting me message you with my reactions. These are my own true thoughts. ✨
🏷️ #rissysbookshelf #allisoncarrwaechter #awakenthefifthorder #therogueorder #theimmortalorders #kindleunlimited #bookfantasybooks #bookreview #bookishrec #bookinstagram #bookworm
April 9, 2023
“You’re the girl of my dreams, Harls. Always have been.” He pulled her close. “Always will be.”
This is it. The trilogy is done. No more excuses. Go along. Buy the first two. Preorder this one. Move along. Here here. Good job!
But on a more serious note, Finn & Harlow will leave a huge space in my heart. Or maybe not. Maybe they are taking a lot of space instead because since the series is done, they’re moving in and forever living rent free in my head & heart.
Their story hurt. A lot. There were moments that my heart was bleeding for Harlow. Bleeding for Finn. Bleeding for a long list of choices, not always theirs, that kept them apart. That kept them unhappy. That kept them in toxic places.
Their story made me immensely happy. Because there’s strength in enduring. There’s power in overcoming. There’s hope in finding a way back. Their story was a three way story. Finn’s. Harlow’s. Theirs.
And I was just there for the ride while holding Axel.
I can’t give anything away because it’s the series finale and you deserve all the gasps, the tears, the silent screams. Enjoy the journey, babes. 😎
What’s inside:
🖤fantasy romance
🖤epic battles
🖤unexpected twists
🖤you’re it for me
🖤found family
🖤HEA
Adult. 4.5 stars ⭐️
This is it. The trilogy is done. No more excuses. Go along. Buy the first two. Preorder this one. Move along. Here here. Good job!
But on a more serious note, Finn & Harlow will leave a huge space in my heart. Or maybe not. Maybe they are taking a lot of space instead because since the series is done, they’re moving in and forever living rent free in my head & heart.
Their story hurt. A lot. There were moments that my heart was bleeding for Harlow. Bleeding for Finn. Bleeding for a long list of choices, not always theirs, that kept them apart. That kept them unhappy. That kept them in toxic places.
Their story made me immensely happy. Because there’s strength in enduring. There’s power in overcoming. There’s hope in finding a way back. Their story was a three way story. Finn’s. Harlow’s. Theirs.
And I was just there for the ride while holding Axel.
I can’t give anything away because it’s the series finale and you deserve all the gasps, the tears, the silent screams. Enjoy the journey, babes. 😎
What’s inside:
🖤fantasy romance
🖤epic battles
🖤unexpected twists
🖤you’re it for me
🖤found family
🖤HEA
Adult. 4.5 stars ⭐️
March 24, 2023
i have so many thoughts and so much love for Allison and this trilogy🥹
Allison writes in the most beautiful way that I just got sucked in once I started. If it wasn’t for work I’d have finished this much faster but I think 2.5 days is pretty fast for me.
No spoilers!!! But spoiler thing on just in case
let me tell you we hit the ground HARD from the start and it’s all a whirlwind of emotions. I did message Allison telling her I’d cried twice, simply because her writing and the way I could relate to Harlow at the moment resonated so deeply with me. Her inner turmoil and growth without Finn by her side was monumental to her as a character and I love that it continues throughout the book. Harlow is growing just like everyone else and so unbelievably relatable and realistic that I can’t help but adore her.
Im also hella happy to see Axel !!!!! sweet baby boy I better see some bonus content of you causing chaos for some scratches.
the pacing was quite nice I didn’t feel rushed into anything, but I was super super ready for my faves to reunite and go back to kicking butt.
Everything was realistic, in terms for this series, and very well thought out.
The character dynamics in this series and this book just mean so much to me! I love how everyone just meshed well with one another, not even forced but because it made sense. We are introduced to a few new pals and while some may seem villainous I liked that there was more context that was given later that helped everyone understand them more.
Idk I’m babbling but I love this book so freaking much.
Truly was scared that last 10% tho
Allison writes in the most beautiful way that I just got sucked in once I started. If it wasn’t for work I’d have finished this much faster but I think 2.5 days is pretty fast for me.
No spoilers!!! But spoiler thing on just in case
let me tell you we hit the ground HARD from the start and it’s all a whirlwind of emotions. I did message Allison telling her I’d cried twice, simply because her writing and the way I could relate to Harlow at the moment resonated so deeply with me. Her inner turmoil and growth without Finn by her side was monumental to her as a character and I love that it continues throughout the book. Harlow is growing just like everyone else and so unbelievably relatable and realistic that I can’t help but adore her.
Im also hella happy to see Axel !!!!! sweet baby boy I better see some bonus content of you causing chaos for some scratches.
the pacing was quite nice I didn’t feel rushed into anything, but I was super super ready for my faves to reunite and go back to kicking butt.
Everything was realistic, in terms for this series, and very well thought out.
The character dynamics in this series and this book just mean so much to me! I love how everyone just meshed well with one another, not even forced but because it made sense. We are introduced to a few new pals and while some may seem villainous I liked that there was more context that was given later that helped everyone understand them more.
Idk I’m babbling but I love this book so freaking much.
Truly was scared that last 10% tho
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2023
Actual: 4.5 stars, rounded up
“𝘐’𝘥 𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
As the final installment of the Immortal Orders Series, Awaken the Fifth Order closes the story of Harlow and Finn. This book piles on threat after threat, heartache and sorrow and the beauty that is an imperfect world. The love that each character shares for one another, whether romantic or platonic, unfolds much like the world and plot; a morning glory rising to meet the sun.
Exploring Harlows anger and what she’s been doing and choosing was brilliant. The way Waechter handled it, around the building story is phenomenal. Life doesn’t just quit when you’re, name an emotion. It goes on and it’s up to you on how you handle it. Harlow chose her anger and internal fears, and exploring that with people who love and care for her is just *chefs kiss*
Gods growing up sucks so much, changing sucks, but watching how these characters deal with the end of the world and their own micro problems; realizing your parents make mistakes, learning to trust, letting people in, it’s amazing. Waechter did such a fantastic job.
At 46% of the book I still had a lot of questions even as events unfolded I truly did enjoy how it quietly unfolded around me, but I do take umbrage with not knowing more at this point in the final installment. It’s also quite possible I missed the hints and subtle nods that Waechter makes throughout every installment of her books. There’s a lot to catch especially when dealing with the heavy emotions everyone is feeling in AT5O.
Honestly, there’s no other way I would have chosen to end this book series.
“𝘐’𝘥 𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
As the final installment of the Immortal Orders Series, Awaken the Fifth Order closes the story of Harlow and Finn. This book piles on threat after threat, heartache and sorrow and the beauty that is an imperfect world. The love that each character shares for one another, whether romantic or platonic, unfolds much like the world and plot; a morning glory rising to meet the sun.
Exploring Harlows anger and what she’s been doing and choosing was brilliant. The way Waechter handled it, around the building story is phenomenal. Life doesn’t just quit when you’re, name an emotion. It goes on and it’s up to you on how you handle it. Harlow chose her anger and internal fears, and exploring that with people who love and care for her is just *chefs kiss*
Gods growing up sucks so much, changing sucks, but watching how these characters deal with the end of the world and their own micro problems; realizing your parents make mistakes, learning to trust, letting people in, it’s amazing. Waechter did such a fantastic job.
At 46% of the book I still had a lot of questions even as events unfolded I truly did enjoy how it quietly unfolded around me, but I do take umbrage with not knowing more at this point in the final installment. It’s also quite possible I missed the hints and subtle nods that Waechter makes throughout every installment of her books. There’s a lot to catch especially when dealing with the heavy emotions everyone is feeling in AT5O.
Honestly, there’s no other way I would have chosen to end this book series.
April 1, 2023
ALL THE GODSDAMNED STARS--FULL RTC
March 27, 2023
Alright, listen. Was this EPIC? No, not really. But I did enjoy it as much as the previous two. This one was focusing more on the plot than the romance, and that helped. But I also can't put my finger on what I was missing still.
Full review to come.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Meter: 🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥
Full review to come.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Meter: 🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥
August 11, 2023
I finished this book barely two weeks ago and I remember maybe 2% of it. So if you skip this series you’re not missing much
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