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The Bloodhound Files #6
Undead to the World
Jace’s return to Kansas is an instant reminder that there really is no place like home. The tavern is still brimming with losers, practical jokers, and motorcycle chicks. Even the town’s only Goth is still wearing eyeliner. But just as Jace is about to click her heels and hightail out of there, she’s roped into a brand-new case. Somebody is possessed. And the bodies are piling up…
They call him the Gallowsman. According to legend, he was sentenced to hang—though his crimes still have not been specified. When he was strung up to die, his spirit stuck around waiting for people to hang themselves…so he could steal their bodies. Now, with the undead rising up and going on a rampage, Jace must put her own neck on the line. Can she get the Gallowsman to give up the ghost?
They call him the Gallowsman. According to legend, he was sentenced to hang—though his crimes still have not been specified. When he was strung up to die, his spirit stuck around waiting for people to hang themselves…so he could steal their bodies. Now, with the undead rising up and going on a rampage, Jace must put her own neck on the line. Can she get the Gallowsman to give up the ghost?
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 27, 2012
28 people are currently reading
1143 people want to read
About the author
D.D. Barant
22 books474 followersPseudonyms: Don DeBrandt & Donn Cortez & Dixie Lyle
DD Barant lives in Vancouver, BC, and loves monsters, chocolate, animals, reading, comics and lying naked on the beach, while hating bullies, narrow-minded people, Sea Urchin Sushi and gluten. He has stated that DD Barant is a pseudonym, and that it is not the only pseudonym under which he writes.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/ddbarant
http://ddbarant.com
DD Barant lives in Vancouver, BC, and loves monsters, chocolate, animals, reading, comics and lying naked on the beach, while hating bullies, narrow-minded people, Sea Urchin Sushi and gluten. He has stated that DD Barant is a pseudonym, and that it is not the only pseudonym under which he writes.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/ddbarant
http://ddbarant.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
November 3, 2013
Let me start off by saying this is an urban fantasy series I often recommend, because many people have not discovered it. I'll also say that I thought the direction this book took was really interesting. But unfortunately, the last paragraph of the book makes me unable to recommend this series to anyone in the future. This book, which is said by the author to be the last of the series ends on a cliffhanger (is it still a cliffhanger if it's the last book? Or is it just a non-ending?) The one question the series has been based around, if Jace goes home or not? Unanswered. She tells Charlie & Cassius what she's going to do but the reader doesn't get to know. I feel as though this is a betrayal of readers who've invested time into the series and characters. (I'm bitter, I admit it!)
May 13, 2014
I am pissed off. Seriously, thoroughly, most whole heartedly annoyed. I know it is just a book series, I get it is a work of fiction but being the last book in a series is a BIG responsibility. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED this series right up until the very last rip off bullshit ending sentence.
The story itself was fantastic. Everything you would expect from a novel in this series. Weird twisting plot, snappy dialogue, drama, action, character reveals, terrible b grade lines that make me laugh despite myself and an incredibly fast pace. This is the reason why I rated it with 4 stars.
But the ending...NO NO NO and a THOUSAND times NO!
And that is all I have to say about that.
The story itself was fantastic. Everything you would expect from a novel in this series. Weird twisting plot, snappy dialogue, drama, action, character reveals, terrible b grade lines that make me laugh despite myself and an incredibly fast pace. This is the reason why I rated it with 4 stars.
But the ending...NO NO NO and a THOUSAND times NO!
And that is all I have to say about that.
March 30, 2018
The conclusion of Jace's story that despite the ambiguous ending, did not feel unfinished.
The book starts with a different Jace in a world much like our own, devoid of magic. She is apparently suffering from delusions and is obsessed with this Jace of a TV show that she keeps watching, identifying with her so much that she needs medication to function properly.
It turns out that .
Lots of action, supernatural killers, twists and turns and a clever misdirection in the form of .
Our heroes more or less damaged manage to live to see another day, and Jace .
A very enjoyable, clever series with a sense of humor that I fully appreciated. I will definitely look out for other installments in the series or set in Thropirelem in the future, as the author has not ruled out the possibility.
Previous Book Reviews:
✦ Killing Rocks (The Bloodhound Files, #3)
✦ Better Off Undead (The Bloodhound Files, #4)
✦ Back from the Undead (The Bloodhound Files, #5)
The book starts with a different Jace in a world much like our own, devoid of magic. She is apparently suffering from delusions and is obsessed with this Jace of a TV show that she keeps watching, identifying with her so much that she needs medication to function properly.
It turns out that .
Lots of action, supernatural killers, twists and turns and a clever misdirection in the form of .
Our heroes more or less damaged manage to live to see another day, and Jace .
A very enjoyable, clever series with a sense of humor that I fully appreciated. I will definitely look out for other installments in the series or set in Thropirelem in the future, as the author has not ruled out the possibility.
Previous Book Reviews:
✦ Killing Rocks (The Bloodhound Files, #3)
✦ Better Off Undead (The Bloodhound Files, #4)
✦ Back from the Undead (The Bloodhound Files, #5)
February 13, 2013
After ending Back from the Undead I realized I needed a pause from the series, as it left me confused and reeling. (One of few cases where's there's really too much on the plate.)
Therefore, I had decided to wait before reading the sixth book. Then I saw on the author's blog that Undead to the World would be the last. I couldn't stop myself, I moved it from my TBR folder into "NOW" :D
I'm happy and sad at the same time, happy because I read it and found it's the best in the series for me (together with Dying Bites), sad as I'm saying goodbye to an heroine a I love. She's pure wit and brain in a world in which she is the ultimate (literally) prey.
I loved the plot and the story, and the banter between Charlie and Jace are always funny and witty. It's rare a book this good, with such a quick pace but that never lets down character-wise.
I loved it more because the readers are actual part of the story, as they have to understand with Jace who's who.
You'll see many who rightly will bemoan the ending. I think it a perfect way to end a series.
The Bloodhound Files is one of the very few UF series in which characters and worldbuilding are original to the bones. I'll miss it. Arrivederci, Jace.
Therefore, I had decided to wait before reading the sixth book. Then I saw on the author's blog that Undead to the World would be the last. I couldn't stop myself, I moved it from my TBR folder into "NOW" :D
I'm happy and sad at the same time, happy because I read it and found it's the best in the series for me (together with Dying Bites), sad as I'm saying goodbye to an heroine a I love. She's pure wit and brain in a world in which she is the ultimate (literally) prey.
I loved the plot and the story, and the banter between Charlie and Jace are always funny and witty. It's rare a book this good, with such a quick pace but that never lets down character-wise.
I loved it more because the readers are actual part of the story, as they have to understand with Jace who's who.
You'll see many who rightly will bemoan the ending. I think it a perfect way to end a series.
The Bloodhound Files is one of the very few UF series in which characters and worldbuilding are original to the bones. I'll miss it. Arrivederci, Jace.
December 9, 2012
Synopsis: Jace Valcheck works as a waitress in Thropirelem, KS. She's not all right in the head, and everyone in town doesn't forget to remind her that. At least she has her favorite TV show she secretly watches, The Bloodhound Files. But now that dead bodies are showing up, and people are turning into something supernatural, Jace realizes not everything is as it seems...
Review: There are a lot of expectations in a final installment of a series. Undead to the World is the last book in the series, for the foreseeable future according to the author. I love the world Barant has created for us, and the details of his world were expanded in this book. However, there were many gaps in this installment that has left me feeling, incomplete.
First, what I did like. As I said before, the parallel worlds created in these books is unparalleled (pun fully intended). In this book, we see all the same characters from the previous books, but pictured as different people. Kansas was so different from alternate world Seattle, yet brilliant in its own way.
A fresh take on the mystery/crime plot, but story fit seamlessly into the series. Gallowsman was an intriguing villain, one we see and not see. Not forgotten were our regular villains and ambiguous bad guys. As a reader, we experience through Jace's eyes, as confusing as her own predicament. The crime and Jace's life mystery unfold complementary to each other. There were flashback moments where we got to see some of the characters' past, and those were crafted beautifully.
However, even with all of that, Undead to the World fell short. I was really disappointed in the characters. All the characters felt like their depth went AWOL. I understand why that was the case at the beginning, but why later on in the book? Why was Jace not witty or Cassius not charming? My favorite character(s) Tair/Dr. Pete, came across as so boring, I was yawning through their scenes. The Tair/Dr. Pete problem ended in a dull and unimaginative manner. Oh, and my other favorite, Charlie? Well, not what I expected.
Why do all the guys fall in love with or obsess over Jace? Like really...
As a final book, we expect to see a some resolution to the characters' thoughts and confusion, we don't get that here. I don't need all my questions answered, but a story always has a point--and there was no point, no lesson learned, no takeaway. Although I loved the overall plot, at many points it felt disjointed. Book two through four flowed flawlessly with each other and on their own, but the last book was choppy to the end.
Still, if you liked the previous installments, then you will want to finish the series. Perhaps the author will have a chance to give us a more satisfying conclusion.
Sex: kissing, sex scenes that are not vulgar.
Violence: people die, there are vampires and werewolves, what did you expect?
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Series Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Quote: Not that love doesn't matter; it’s the reason for the love that doesn't. I don’t care if you love me because you think I’m temporary or because you find wrinkles sexy or because I’m a dead ringer for someone you knew in Pompeii before it blew up; what I care about is the fact that you do. Right here, right now, you love me. I know that’s real. And that’s all that matters.
Review: There are a lot of expectations in a final installment of a series. Undead to the World is the last book in the series, for the foreseeable future according to the author. I love the world Barant has created for us, and the details of his world were expanded in this book. However, there were many gaps in this installment that has left me feeling, incomplete.
First, what I did like. As I said before, the parallel worlds created in these books is unparalleled (pun fully intended). In this book, we see all the same characters from the previous books, but pictured as different people. Kansas was so different from alternate world Seattle, yet brilliant in its own way.
A fresh take on the mystery/crime plot, but story fit seamlessly into the series. Gallowsman was an intriguing villain, one we see and not see. Not forgotten were our regular villains and ambiguous bad guys. As a reader, we experience through Jace's eyes, as confusing as her own predicament. The crime and Jace's life mystery unfold complementary to each other. There were flashback moments where we got to see some of the characters' past, and those were crafted beautifully.
However, even with all of that, Undead to the World fell short. I was really disappointed in the characters. All the characters felt like their depth went AWOL. I understand why that was the case at the beginning, but why later on in the book? Why was Jace not witty or Cassius not charming? My favorite character(s) Tair/Dr. Pete, came across as so boring, I was yawning through their scenes. The Tair/Dr. Pete problem ended in a dull and unimaginative manner. Oh, and my other favorite, Charlie? Well, not what I expected.
Why do all the guys fall in love with or obsess over Jace? Like really...
As a final book, we expect to see a some resolution to the characters' thoughts and confusion, we don't get that here. I don't need all my questions answered, but a story always has a point--and there was no point, no lesson learned, no takeaway. Although I loved the overall plot, at many points it felt disjointed. Book two through four flowed flawlessly with each other and on their own, but the last book was choppy to the end.
Still, if you liked the previous installments, then you will want to finish the series. Perhaps the author will have a chance to give us a more satisfying conclusion.
Sex: kissing, sex scenes that are not vulgar.
Violence: people die, there are vampires and werewolves, what did you expect?
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Series Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Quote: Not that love doesn't matter; it’s the reason for the love that doesn't. I don’t care if you love me because you think I’m temporary or because you find wrinkles sexy or because I’m a dead ringer for someone you knew in Pompeii before it blew up; what I care about is the fact that you do. Right here, right now, you love me. I know that’s real. And that’s all that matters.
December 17, 2012
3.7 stars rounded up
It was a good thing that I did go through a couple of reviews at Amazon first, so I had prepared myself for what would be coming. It definitely helped because this book opened with a different world altogether:
Jace is a part-timer at both the local diner and the hardware store at Thropirelem, Kansas. Her best friend is Charlie Allen, the owner and bartender at the local tavern. Jace's obsession is with a TV show called The Bloodhound Files. One night, a local troublemaker, Terrance Adams, tells Jace the myth of Gallowsman. Then things start to get weird in Thropirelem...
------
I did think the story was smart and "alternate world" were the key words here. I had fun figuring out who were the 'real people' after Jace finally figured out everything. ALTHOUGH, I might enjoy it better if I was able to finish Killing Rocks (book #3 of this series). That was the only book I couldn't get into, thanks to the confusing alternate worlds plot. I felt like some of the important players here were introduced there, so I might be missing something. But, it was quite fast-paced, and even with the alternate world, I didn't have problem to get into it.
Jace still kicked-ass; with her wit, and sarcasm, and trained ability as field psychologist, she was able to find out what had been going on. My adoration just triplicated for Charlie; the alternate version and the real one. He was more than just an very important side-kick. He was the only person Jace trusted from the very beginning and I could say that he was the rock, the one that kept Jace going.
Unfortunately, I also had a couple of MAJOR disappointments:
One, it had to do with the resolution for the plot of Ahaseurus. This character had been looming over the series. As powerful sorcerer who was obsessed with Jace, I was waiting for an epic battle against him. Especially since he was the one responsible for kidnapping Jace to this alternate world in the first place.
But guess what? I didn't get that AT ALL. Ahaseurus was killed off-screen. It was a BIG let down and such a downer for his character and how his story had been built up.
Two, the sort-of cliffhanger ending. Uuuurgh, I hated it! Especially since was said to be the final book for the foreseeable future. Again, a big let down and it wasn't comforting because if this series would never be continued, then I would never know what Jace's decision would be... I wanted to have closure, darn it!!
It has been a good series, though, in overall (despite the hiccup I had with book #3; hey, maybe I should go back and give it another try!).
It was a good thing that I did go through a couple of reviews at Amazon first, so I had prepared myself for what would be coming. It definitely helped because this book opened with a different world altogether:
Jace is a part-timer at both the local diner and the hardware store at Thropirelem, Kansas. Her best friend is Charlie Allen, the owner and bartender at the local tavern. Jace's obsession is with a TV show called The Bloodhound Files. One night, a local troublemaker, Terrance Adams, tells Jace the myth of Gallowsman. Then things start to get weird in Thropirelem...
------
I did think the story was smart and "alternate world" were the key words here. I had fun figuring out who were the 'real people' after Jace finally figured out everything. ALTHOUGH, I might enjoy it better if I was able to finish Killing Rocks (book #3 of this series). That was the only book I couldn't get into, thanks to the confusing alternate worlds plot. I felt like some of the important players here were introduced there, so I might be missing something. But, it was quite fast-paced, and even with the alternate world, I didn't have problem to get into it.
Jace still kicked-ass; with her wit, and sarcasm, and trained ability as field psychologist, she was able to find out what had been going on. My adoration just triplicated for Charlie; the alternate version and the real one. He was more than just an very important side-kick. He was the only person Jace trusted from the very beginning and I could say that he was the rock, the one that kept Jace going.
Unfortunately, I also had a couple of MAJOR disappointments:
One, it had to do with the resolution for the plot of Ahaseurus. This character had been looming over the series. As powerful sorcerer who was obsessed with Jace, I was waiting for an epic battle against him. Especially since he was the one responsible for kidnapping Jace to this alternate world in the first place.
But guess what? I didn't get that AT ALL. Ahaseurus was killed off-screen. It was a BIG let down and such a downer for his character and how his story had been built up.
Two, the sort-of cliffhanger ending. Uuuurgh, I hated it! Especially since was said to be the final book for the foreseeable future. Again, a big let down and it wasn't comforting because if this series would never be continued, then I would never know what Jace's decision would be... I wanted to have closure, darn it!!
It has been a good series, though, in overall (despite the hiccup I had with book #3; hey, maybe I should go back and give it another try!).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2020
EDIT:
I've only just realised that this is the final book in the Bloodhound Files series. D.D Barant said on his blog entry (August 12, 2012), "Let’s start with some Good News, Bad News, shall we? The Good News is that Book Six of the Bloodhound Files, UNDEAD TO THE WORLD, is finished. The Bad News is, it looks like this is the final installment of TBF for the foreseeable future. Boo, I know."
Although he says that it's the final book in the series for now, I don't have much hope that the series will be revisited.
The series is not completed, although it could have been nipped in the bud with this book, and this book led you to believe that there were more books on the way! Even at the end of the book, there was no mention of it being the final book in the series. If I had known this then I would have stopped ages ago.
Very poor "end" to the series.
I've only just realised that this is the final book in the Bloodhound Files series. D.D Barant said on his blog entry (August 12, 2012), "Let’s start with some Good News, Bad News, shall we? The Good News is that Book Six of the Bloodhound Files, UNDEAD TO THE WORLD, is finished. The Bad News is, it looks like this is the final installment of TBF for the foreseeable future. Boo, I know."
Although he says that it's the final book in the series for now, I don't have much hope that the series will be revisited.
The series is not completed, although it could have been nipped in the bud with this book, and this book led you to believe that there were more books on the way! Even at the end of the book, there was no mention of it being the final book in the series. If I had known this then I would have stopped ages ago.
Very poor "end" to the series.
December 3, 2012
The Bloodhound Files is a series unafraid to disregards the laws of physics for the sake of a great story, and UNDEAD TO THE WORLD is one of the best yet. Though heavy on plot and a little light on character, Jace’s banter and action has always been enough to keep me coming back for more.
Barant is not afraid to push the boundaries of his world outward in every book, and his mind bending plots often have me questioning “reality” alongside the characters. UNDEAD TO THE WORLD is a prime example of this mechanic, opening to a recognizable world that is oh so askew from where I had expected to find Jace. Much of a reader’s ability to try and unravel this puzzling plot hinges on recognizing hints of familiar characters in their new incarnations, so I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone who isn’t caught up on the series.
Despite being “a book apart” from Thropirelem, UNDEAD TO THE WORLD will be immediately familiar to fans. The story runs a convoluted plot on a steady diet of witty repartee. I’ll follow Jace and Charlie anywhere and my favorite parts of this book were when they were simultaneously figuring things out and bantering back and forth. As much as I enjoyed this funny, interesting book, the ending lowered my rating from 4 bats to 3. The climax of UNDEAD TO THE WORLD took a reasonable (and expected) cliffhanger and mashed on a little love triangle angst that had only the barest prior references, a move that lowered my appreciation over all.
Barant’s plots, while intricate and impressive, also tend to be so over the top I feel a bit disconnected. While UNDEAD TO THE WORLD does a better job with all the moving parts and magical mechanics that characterize this series, this book-long digression from Thropirelem left me very conflicted. Barant has orchestrated some every interesting possibilities for his characters, but those tantalizing futures were buried under a rather abrupt cliffhanger that turned me off. Fans of the series won’t want to miss this one, and despite my frustrations, I know I’ll be back for more.
Sexual Content: Kissing, references to sex.
Barant is not afraid to push the boundaries of his world outward in every book, and his mind bending plots often have me questioning “reality” alongside the characters. UNDEAD TO THE WORLD is a prime example of this mechanic, opening to a recognizable world that is oh so askew from where I had expected to find Jace. Much of a reader’s ability to try and unravel this puzzling plot hinges on recognizing hints of familiar characters in their new incarnations, so I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone who isn’t caught up on the series.
Despite being “a book apart” from Thropirelem, UNDEAD TO THE WORLD will be immediately familiar to fans. The story runs a convoluted plot on a steady diet of witty repartee. I’ll follow Jace and Charlie anywhere and my favorite parts of this book were when they were simultaneously figuring things out and bantering back and forth. As much as I enjoyed this funny, interesting book, the ending lowered my rating from 4 bats to 3. The climax of UNDEAD TO THE WORLD took a reasonable (and expected) cliffhanger and mashed on a little love triangle angst that had only the barest prior references, a move that lowered my appreciation over all.
Barant’s plots, while intricate and impressive, also tend to be so over the top I feel a bit disconnected. While UNDEAD TO THE WORLD does a better job with all the moving parts and magical mechanics that characterize this series, this book-long digression from Thropirelem left me very conflicted. Barant has orchestrated some every interesting possibilities for his characters, but those tantalizing futures were buried under a rather abrupt cliffhanger that turned me off. Fans of the series won’t want to miss this one, and despite my frustrations, I know I’ll be back for more.
Sexual Content: Kissing, references to sex.
March 6, 2013
To say I was a tad confused at the beginning of this book would be a mahoosive understatement.
First I convinced myself I had some how missed a book out. No, all books present and correct.
Then I thought the author had done a 'Dallas' on us and all the previous books were either a dream or the ramblings of an unstable mind.
Neither is the case and as the book progresses all becomes clearer and clearer.
This is another great book from a great series. Full of action, banter and characters that I am now very emotionally attached to.
SO IMMAGINE MY FEELINGS ABOUT THE ENDING? WTF?
Why would you do this to us D D Barant? Why?
And with no news of if or when another book is on the horizon?
Is this all really a ploy of the Gallowsman to leave us all hanging?
It don't want to be left guessing. This is Jace's life we're talking about. Infact, not just the life of Jace but Cassius and Charlie too. And what about all those still on Thropirelem the planet? I NEED THE WRITTEN PROOF AND I NEED IT NOW!
First I convinced myself I had some how missed a book out. No, all books present and correct.
Then I thought the author had done a 'Dallas' on us and all the previous books were either a dream or the ramblings of an unstable mind.
Neither is the case and as the book progresses all becomes clearer and clearer.
This is another great book from a great series. Full of action, banter and characters that I am now very emotionally attached to.
SO IMMAGINE MY FEELINGS ABOUT THE ENDING? WTF?
Why would you do this to us D D Barant? Why?
And with no news of if or when another book is on the horizon?
Is this all really a ploy of the Gallowsman to leave us all hanging?
It don't want to be left guessing. This is Jace's life we're talking about. Infact, not just the life of Jace but Cassius and Charlie too. And what about all those still on Thropirelem the planet? I NEED THE WRITTEN PROOF AND I NEED IT NOW!
November 15, 2017
Okay! Its 2 stars! Sad but true!
I'm giving this much because i'm kind of piss of. I hate open endings. The book have to be the most amazing thing i read if i'm going to endure a open end. Dont like it and dont need it. I understand that life its open, and not everything has a ending. But closer is there, and its kind of a end. You know?! Acctualy i find out today that this is the end of the series. I was: WTF? Thats not cool. So i'm going to have to imagine a end?! Really?! Really frustated! Soo thats it! Lets move on!!
Bye bye and good reads, with endings! YaY
I'm giving this much because i'm kind of piss of. I hate open endings. The book have to be the most amazing thing i read if i'm going to endure a open end. Dont like it and dont need it. I understand that life its open, and not everything has a ending. But closer is there, and its kind of a end. You know?! Acctualy i find out today that this is the end of the series. I was: WTF? Thats not cool. So i'm going to have to imagine a end?! Really?! Really frustated! Soo thats it! Lets move on!!
Bye bye and good reads, with endings! YaY
December 11, 2013
I'm a sucker for series written with intelligence and appeal. This is one such series. The author can really do no wrong, and I trust her instincts more than I do mine. There have been some remarks about a different direction or unsatisfying ending, yet to me those aspects make it all the more appealing. It is a new direction and it is time in the series for this to happen. I hope it's very interesting new direction and keeps me a customer for several years to come.
August 24, 2018
This ending sucked. I would never have put time into a series that ended like this. In one sentence, it puts me off the whole series. It’s like the last season of how i met your mother packed into one sentence...
May 27, 2013
OMG! I Have no words! That ending how can he do that to us! This was one crazy ride sooo much going on I was a little confused at times but Jace kept me going! I wish that there were 10 more books!
November 22, 2017
I had heard about the cliffhanger ending. But OH MY GOD. That was just mean.
Read
February 14, 2018Way different then rest of series.
Crazy reality, world whatever Special Agent Jace is tossed into. Jace doesnt know who she is not and the reader follows the clues with her. From special messages on her hidden fav tv show to people she knows but don't know.
I pushed myself got about halfway and didn't care to finish. Had to return to library so it will just end like that for me.
Crazy reality, world whatever Special Agent Jace is tossed into. Jace doesnt know who she is not and the reader follows the clues with her. From special messages on her hidden fav tv show to people she knows but don't know.
I pushed myself got about halfway and didn't care to finish. Had to return to library so it will just end like that for me.
March 2, 2015
Since the beggining of this book, I've been right alongside Jace. She lost her memory and I've read her other books quite some time ago and my memory was faulty at best. I rediscovered everything at the same time Jace did. And boy was that stressful. There were some characters I remembered of course, namely Charlie and Cassius but mostly my light bulb only lit when Jace got some important piece of her memory back.
It cost me so much watching her friends die. Even if they were only strangers with their memories. Logically I know they weren't the real deal, that they were all safely tucked on their planes of existence but emotionally it still hurt and Galahad was just so heartbreaking.
Last thirty pages were actually painful to read. So much death. So many things that could and did go wrong. Charlie loving Jace was so surprising. No, not surprising. I always knew he loved her. They were partners and best friends. It was obvious. Being in love with her though...Although that's not exactly right either is it? Charlie Allen (the "fake") really did fell in love with her but the real Charlie doesn't really confirm or deny if he feels it too. We are simply left wondering.
Just like we are left wondering what Jace decides at the end. Did she accept Cassius's help to send her to her original plane? Did she decide to go back with Cassius to his? Or did she stay with the "fake" Charlie in this new plane?
Seems like a little overkill of choices if you ask me. All have their damned good and bad aspects. I understand her wanting to go home but I also think she fell in love with Cassius and his world. And suddenly she realizes she spent months in a new plane deeply believing she was part of it too. Way too complicated...
I began this book thinking this series was reaching its end and I got this conflicting feeling of glee and doom.
Then I read the end...Guess what? No ending to this series yet. I feel thrilled and disappointed at the same time. I had managed to accept it and now I feel kind of cheated. And the cliffhanger just makes it damn worse!
*If this showed up in your feed recently I apologize. I was merely trying to correct the errors. Also sorry if I didn't manage to catch'em all.
It cost me so much watching her friends die. Even if they were only strangers with their memories. Logically I know they weren't the real deal, that they were all safely tucked on their planes of existence but emotionally it still hurt and Galahad was just so heartbreaking.
Last thirty pages were actually painful to read. So much death. So many things that could and did go wrong. Charlie loving Jace was so surprising. No, not surprising. I always knew he loved her. They were partners and best friends. It was obvious. Being in love with her though...Although that's not exactly right either is it? Charlie Allen (the "fake") really did fell in love with her but the real Charlie doesn't really confirm or deny if he feels it too. We are simply left wondering.
Just like we are left wondering what Jace decides at the end. Did she accept Cassius's help to send her to her original plane? Did she decide to go back with Cassius to his? Or did she stay with the "fake" Charlie in this new plane?
Seems like a little overkill of choices if you ask me. All have their damned good and bad aspects. I understand her wanting to go home but I also think she fell in love with Cassius and his world. And suddenly she realizes she spent months in a new plane deeply believing she was part of it too. Way too complicated...
I began this book thinking this series was reaching its end and I got this conflicting feeling of glee and doom.
Then I read the end...Guess what? No ending to this series yet. I feel thrilled and disappointed at the same time. I had managed to accept it and now I feel kind of cheated. And the cliffhanger just makes it damn worse!
*If this showed up in your feed recently I apologize. I was merely trying to correct the errors. Also sorry if I didn't manage to catch'em all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2013
3.5 Stars
Granted, most books in 'The Bloodhound Files' series had me slightly confused at some point during their convoluted plot-lines, but in the beginning of this story I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Luckily I worked it out alongside Jace and could start to enjoy this fresh take on the characters and their world(s).
We get to see some old favourites re-emerge, meet new and old adversaries, have some loose ends tied up (though not necessarily in a satisfying way ), and of course we have Jace's sarcastic voice guide us through her adventures.
The ending is something I'm not entirely sure what to think of. It seems a massive cliffhanger, but as I've heard that this may be the last book in the series I wonder if it isn't a fitting ending for Jace's story? I guess everyone will have to decide that for themselves.
All up I enjoyed this instalment more than the last one, but I still don't think it was as good as the earlier books in the series. That said, should there actually be another book, I'd definitely pick it up.
Granted, most books in 'The Bloodhound Files' series had me slightly confused at some point during their convoluted plot-lines, but in the beginning of this story I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Luckily I worked it out alongside Jace and could start to enjoy this fresh take on the characters and their world(s).
We get to see some old favourites re-emerge, meet new and old adversaries, have some loose ends tied up (though not necessarily in a satisfying way ), and of course we have Jace's sarcastic voice guide us through her adventures.
The ending is something I'm not entirely sure what to think of. It seems a massive cliffhanger, but as I've heard that this may be the last book in the series I wonder if it isn't a fitting ending for Jace's story? I guess everyone will have to decide that for themselves.
All up I enjoyed this instalment more than the last one, but I still don't think it was as good as the earlier books in the series. That said, should there actually be another book, I'd definitely pick it up.
July 4, 2015
This was one of my absolute favourite Urban Fantasy series right up until the end. I ended the sixth book and was craving my next fix, wondering when the seventh book would be released.
And that would be never.
HOW CAN SOMEONE DO THAT!? How can you end this awesome series with a cliffhanger like that?! It totally ruined my enjoyment of the earlier books. I know thats kind of strange, but it's true. It feels unfinished and it makes me so, so sad.
And that would be never.
HOW CAN SOMEONE DO THAT!? How can you end this awesome series with a cliffhanger like that?! It totally ruined my enjoyment of the earlier books. I know thats kind of strange, but it's true. It feels unfinished and it makes me so, so sad.
May 1, 2013
This was actually my favorite book in the series. I thought it made absolute sense, considering how the last book ended.
But really, it was lazy writing. D.D. Barant already fell prey to the "Tell-not-show/ information dump" approach to novels, but I was willing to see past that (more or less). However, his failure to properly finish the novel is purely disrespectful to readers.
But really, it was lazy writing. D.D. Barant already fell prey to the "Tell-not-show/ information dump" approach to novels, but I was willing to see past that (more or less). However, his failure to properly finish the novel is purely disrespectful to readers.
January 6, 2013
Hated the ending. It took me so long to get into this alternative story line...too bizarre. I certainly am hooked in for the next in the series though.
January 2, 2019
WTF kind of ending is this?? Loved this series but so mad at the ending
November 20, 2017
CONTAINS SPOILERS
I really liked the rest of this series from the start I was hooked by the world where guns don't exist and humans are the minority race. A powerful sorcerer pulls Jace into this world from our own and is one of the protaganists through all the books and in this one he's killed by a stab to the back
In this last book I was disappointed, Barant puts Jace in an alternate world again with few explanations kills off the sorcerer and doesn't really say whether Jace decides to go home or not which is annoying.
Having said that it's so well written you can't help but read it it's just irritating that he seems to opt out of the new world he created Good but not as good as the others
I really liked the rest of this series from the start I was hooked by the world where guns don't exist and humans are the minority race. A powerful sorcerer pulls Jace into this world from our own and is one of the protaganists through all the books and in this one he's killed by a stab to the back
In this last book I was disappointed, Barant puts Jace in an alternate world again with few explanations kills off the sorcerer and doesn't really say whether Jace decides to go home or not which is annoying.
Having said that it's so well written you can't help but read it it's just irritating that he seems to opt out of the new world he created Good but not as good as the others
May 21, 2021
Ok book with some good bits but most of it was ok. The good scenes were Jace talking to Azura, her with Charlie (both versions), Dr. Pete Adam (from Book 1 & 2, before Tair took over), the real Stoker & the real Cassius scenes. The rest were ok.
Last book in the series. Wish there was more, an epilogue. So we can see what decision Jace made. Never mind, I'll just have to leave it up to my imagination.
Last book in the series. Wish there was more, an epilogue. So we can see what decision Jace made. Never mind, I'll just have to leave it up to my imagination.
December 26, 2021
One of the most original series I've read in awhile. Loved it. Fair warning... a lot of people hate the ending. Read the other reviews, I won't spoil it. But I gotta admit... I kinda like it. One of the reasons I prefer books to movies is that I can let my imagination free. This ending definitely did that. 5 stars.
February 9, 2025
This book felt all over the place in the first 2/3 and I’m wondering if the reader was supposed to feel as disoriented as Jace was. When it started coming together, it was a little better but still some things were super anticlimactic. And the cliff hanger, does DD Barant hate this series and the readers? Just so unnecessary.
May 20, 2018
A little better
Wondering if the author is not rushing things. The alternate reality story sucked. It went on too long and come on nobody noticed them all missing??? No one noticed a new reality? Who has that kind of power?? Disappointed!!!!
Wondering if the author is not rushing things. The alternate reality story sucked. It went on too long and come on nobody noticed them all missing??? No one noticed a new reality? Who has that kind of power?? Disappointed!!!!
other
October 11, 2023Last book of the series but ends on a cliffhanger. Um, no.
Plus, this takes place in another alternate world. I’m listening to the audiobook so I can’t jump forward to see when or if this ends and the world just isn’t that interesting to me.
Plus, this takes place in another alternate world. I’m listening to the audiobook so I can’t jump forward to see when or if this ends and the world just isn’t that interesting to me.
August 16, 2017
I have loved this series but if you jumped into this one without having read the others you'd be lost.
June 14, 2018
this was probably my least favorite of the series, it just didn't resonate with me.
February 13, 2019
Wait what, why? Where's the rest? Colour me confused
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