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The Chosen #4

Redemption

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The explosive conclusion to the bestselling series The Chosen.

*Four shall fight. Two shall remain.*
The game of immortal elements has advanced to an unexpected level since Will and Emma have joined. But was their union a part of Water's careful orchestration? Has the game swung to his advantage? With Emma's life -- and the lives of those she loves -- at risk, every move could be deadly.

*A mother’s quest to protect her son has turned into a fight with eternal ramifications.*
Realizing she’s the weakest participant in the final version of the game, Emma will do anything within her power to save Jake and Will. Even if it means dying.

*A man who will do anything to save the woman he loves.*
As Will struggles with the implications of his destiny, he’s left to question the true intentions of the father he’s never known and what it means to Emma’s survival. The woman he is now bound to for eternity.

*A boy who is the key.*
In loneliness and desperation, Jake friends the lurking shadows, and now his heart battles between love and hate. The shadows offer to help him save his mother but does it come at a price?

The final confrontation is on the horizon and Emma is forced to confront her nightmare—is she the destruction of the world or the savior?

450 pages, ebook

First published October 1, 2012

295 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read

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Denise Grover Swank

132 books5,888 followers

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5 stars
1,160 (43%)
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908 (34%)
3 stars
472 (17%)
2 stars
101 (3%)
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20 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Kauffman.
70 reviews21 followers
November 11, 2012
Meh. I LOVED the first three books in this series; I couldn't put them down and I reread them multiple times waiting for Redemption to come out - it was basically a let down. Obviously I had to read it, you don't just quit half way through the last book in a series but I mean, really? Emma was such an annoying, whiny bitch the entire time - what happened to the kickass girl from the start? Jake totally creeped me out, not even my own Mommy-senses could override that this time around. The ending was good, and definitely a tear-jerker, however the last quarter of the book was really the only portion I enjoyed reading. I'd happily reread Chosen or any of the other two books, but I can't see myself picking this one back up again.
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,030 reviews25.3k followers
February 7, 2013
I loved, loved, loved this series. Emma's love for her son, the love she and Will share, and the non stop action kept me on the edge of my seat. My only complaint might be that there was just so much going on in the final book that I ended up with some questions. I really could not put these books down.
Profile Image for Miranda.
437 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2019
Twists after twist and all well put together with amazing detail.
The end came closer and closer and I felt like I was in an emotional rollercoaster. Trying to think of ways that Emma, Will and Jake could all survive the battle.
The whole book I was hanging on to my seat in suspense, worry, sadness, excitement on how it will end.
This was an intense ending to the series, slightly feel like should be more to it and ended with one question I had but other than that, what an AMAZING ride.
Profile Image for Jagged.
1,076 reviews31 followers
June 30, 2013
I loved this series. I mean, wow! It was fantastic.
That said, I was really disappointed with how this ended. And I don't mean the conclusion. That was fine, it was even surprising.

Emma, oh how I have mixed feelings for you already. I decided that I really just don't like you. She kept a mind to be a martyr in this book, which I suppose was to keep her in line for the ending. But it annoyed me. She was such a fucking selfish hypocrite. She kept secrets while telling Will he wasn't allowed to have any. Her expectations of him were just down right awful. She was pregnant--again--with his child, which made the ending not too surprising, since there was a need for four elements. However, she expected will not to feel any loyalty to this child, but instead put her son, Jake, first. At first, I thought she was a good mother. But as the series progressed, and then especially with this book, she just proved herself to be selfish. Sure, she had made it apparent from the get go that Jake was her only motivation. And I would feel the same way with any of my kids. But there is no way that she should have ever expected Will to put hers before his own.

Emma made stupid decisions, and normally that pisses me off. In this case, however, I felt that it fit into to circumstances. She was distraught and single minded. Panicking for the sake of her child, confused and angry, I think her decisions reflected those emotions perfectly. Not many people keep their had about them under duress.

Will, oh how I have loved his badassery. My only complaint with him is that he let Emma walk all over him. Her nasty retorts, and her need to talk about things while not letting him get things off his chest, really annoyed me. She had a lot of double standards that he just put up with. I really don't think a man of his type would respond in the ways he did. Will was very practical, while Emma worked solely off her emotions. So Will succumbing to his emotions the amount of times he did, just really didn't fit with his development. It also ruined his whole masculine aura.

I liked the incorporation of the shadows. I liked how Marcus was used as a wild card. I really enjoyed Aiden's ruthlessness. I was so disappointed with the last battle, though! This series is just packed with action. The whole reason I loved these books as much as I did, was due to the amount of action and how well it was handled. The last battle was so hyped up throughout the series that I expected more. It was supposed to be epic and should have lasted more than one chapter! Like I said, the conclusion was fine, and that didn't need to change, there just needed to be MORE. It was so anticlimactic. What was the real purpose in having them practice with their power when it wasn't even needed? Jake was a badass! No...it ruined everything. What's worse is that Swank can do better. She has proved it with all of the books before this one. So. What. The. Fuck. Happened?

Aside from the shitty battle, the overall book was really worth 4 stars. But because of the books before this, and this one not doing them justice, I just can't give it more than 3.
Profile Image for Jessica.
67 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2012
I'll start out by saying that I've been following this series for a few years. It all started one day when I was on the train commuting to work with a brand new membership to Amazon Prime burning a hole in my pocket. I'd purchased the membership because I'm addicted to books and online shopping. To not stray too far off topic I would definitely recommend splurging on the membership if you have either problem. I couldn't even tell you how much I've probably saved over the last few years because of it.

Anyway, in an effort to lower my exorbitant book buying budget, I was determined to exploit the new lending library and find a free title. That first day of free-book-glee I stumbled upon 'The Chosen' by Denise Grover Swank.

For the most part, The Chosen Series has been an okay ride, and one of the better titles I've found through the Lending Library. It's a supernatural series with the main focus laying squarely on the trials that single mother, Emma Thompson, goes through searching for her son, Jake. There are elementals who control fire, water, wind and earth. There are scenes of utter destruction and scenes brimming with hope. It was interesting for sure. But was it worth it?

In some cases yes, others no. 'Redemption' was entertaining - The Chosen (book #1) was a bestseller for a reason. The first few installments where new and interesting details surrounding the characters, their abilities and their relationships are flying around at full throttle had an energy that kept me reading and kept my interest.

Unfortunately, this final installment felt like it was missing something. It was like the gas ran out or the author got bored and it resulted in a full length novel with the feeling of a long, drawn out, wrap up. Emma, who had been so fierce throughout, became whiny and repetitive. While the focus had always been on rescuing her son in the first three novels, it was all she would talk about in the last one. Again, I get it, I'm not a mom, and maybe that has something to do with it. But the characterization simply felt off to me.

In the end, if you've got Amazon Prime, and you've made it this far in the series, then reading through 'Redemption' is no-brainer. Pick it up and go get yourself some closure. Heck - if you've got Amazon Prime and you're looking for something new, go for the whole series! But if you don't, and you've got something else lined up, I'd probably recommend you approach with caution.

Like this review? Hate it? Want to read more like it or lambast me for my opinion? Awesome! I look forward to seeing you over at To The Point!
Profile Image for Heather .
450 reviews138 followers
July 4, 2013
Wow! What an ending! Denise Grover Swank has done it again! This book kept me on the edge of my seat and chewing my nails. It had been a while since I read books 1-3 so I went back and got a brief recap. There is no overlap in the books, they just take right off one after the next.

In this amazing series are four immortal elements. Earth, Air, Water and Fire. They have been playing a bloody and manipulative game for centuries using mortal humans as their pawns. Finally, one of the elements decides that it is time for this to end. He sets in motion the final battle of the elements that will be a showdown to the death. Four will enter, two will remain.



Emma finds herself in a serious predicament. She could be the cause of the end of the world or she could save the world and she has no idea how it will all play out.



Emma finds her father. Things get very dramatic...



Will and Emma continue to love one another but their love may not be enough to save them both. Emma must decide if she can trust Will. Jake begins exhibiting an unusual amount of power and attracts unwanted attention.



This centuries old battle for control of the Earth is about to end in an explosive conclusion.



Hold on to your hats because this is one bumpy ride! This book keeps you guessing until the very end. I was gripping my Kindle hoping to squeeze out the ending sooner. I just HAD to know how it ended and I was not disappointed. This showdown is one for the books. If you haven't read this series yet and you are a fan of Urban Fantasy, then you simply must.

5 Stars!
Profile Image for Anne Cargile.
Author 12 books6 followers
January 6, 2013
Another reviewer said it best for me: what happened to the kick ass Emma of the first book? She felt very waffley and flighty for me and I felt like the ending was a bit of a let down. I actually liked that Jake struggled so hard and went nuts, but I didn't feel like his story wrapped up satisfactorily. I got the answers to almost all of my questions from the earlier books resolved and that was very cool, but I'd probably not pick this one up again. Book 1, definitely. Loved that!
27 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2013
I loved the first two books in this series! Fast paced and intriguing but this last book was soooo slow :( and I was left with an empty space where the ending was! Woke up this morning thinking that I hadn't finished the book yet because I never got closure :/
Profile Image for Trisha Leigh.
Author 13 books519 followers
September 8, 2012
I couldn't imagine a more heart wrenching, beautiful, perfect ending to this series. Masterful.

Full review soon.
Profile Image for Janelle.
11 reviews27 followers
September 14, 2012
Loved this book!! I wish I could tell you guys more, but it truly is an amazing end to an amazing series!!

Denise is most certainly an EVIL GENIUS!!
Profile Image for Yvonne.
969 reviews82 followers
December 30, 2012
What a fantastic ending to this series, although I'd love to know what Emmanuella meant at the end!
432 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2019
The is the last book in the Chosen series by D.G.Swank. I have lived, grown, battled with these characters for three previous books. As a reader, I knew that the end was near and there was going to be a huge battle. I have no answers as to how an author should end a story like this and although I am happy with the way it ended it somehow didn't feel "right." I could totally see another book coming out about Emanuella and Rapheal... Just saying. Am I glad I read this series - sure! I really have no complaints, especially since these books are all available through kindle unlimited. I actually took a long break between book 1 and 2 thinking that I just couldn't "get into" this story. Thankfully, book 2 was already loaded on my phone and a long wait at the doctors office gave me time to open it. I loved the characters, lots of action, and I was constantly guessing what could really happen.
Profile Image for Brooke “yummychzcake” Harrell.
26 reviews
February 21, 2019
This series is the most fulfilling fantasy type series I have encountered thus far. And read multitudes of books in my 50 plus years. This should be an epic movie or series to tantalize the senses and keep all on the edge of our seats.
Profile Image for Nicki.
298 reviews6 followers
March 7, 2018
I loved this series. This wasn't my favorite book in the series but that was mostly because of so much evil going on. But it was action packed and entertaining just like the rest of the books in the series. And I am pretty happy with the way it ended.
Profile Image for Dee Avila.
Author 7 books48 followers
December 4, 2013
You know when you cry a few chapters in it's going to be a great book. The ride Ms. Grover Swank took me on as we approach the epic ending had me laughing, crying and holding my breath.
The fourth and final(?) book in the series is everything I expected from Denise and her writing. The action was non-stop but never felt like I've been there with these characters before. The choices the three main characters Emma, Will and Jake have to go through are heartbreaking and brought me to tears several times. I couldn't see a way out of the situation little Jake was in. I hoped it would work out in the end and that was where the breathe holding came in.
Denise Grover Swank could not have ended this epic series in a better way. She left me thinking there could be more in the future! Maybe, hopefully this isn't where we leave our friends.
In short I loved this series from the action scenes to the mild love scenes to love between a mother and child. It is definitely a series I will reread again and again.
Profile Image for Shawna Wood.
714 reviews20 followers
February 9, 2017
Redemption was everything I hoped series ending would be. Emma, Jake and Will and in a fight for their very essence. This is no longer about a game of love, but a game in which their very life is at stake.

As Emma and Will work together to save Jake, they soon learn that all is not at seems and the odds are stacked against them. Only two can survive, and Emma is willing to sacrifice herself so her son and Will may live.

Jake has been living with a madman willing to use Jake and his power in order to defeat the others. However, Jake will not go quietly into the night. He misses is mother and is afraid, but lurking in the shadows is an old power desperate to gain prominence once again. In order to save himself and his mother he makes a deal with the shadows, one that will require sacrifice Jake might not be willing to make.

This final installment as one wild thrill ride. Death and destruction reign supreme as Emma and Will frantically try to find a way to end this murderous game and to save their make-shift family
Profile Image for Alexandria.
557 reviews41 followers
January 23, 2013
And so, sadly, the fun has come to an end. This was a great series. And I was happy with how things turned out, even though it was a little predictable towards the end. Nevertheless, I remain a faithful captive to this series. It was enthralling, exciting, and had just enough romance and sexy time to keep me happy. If not for the ending, this novel would have been perfect. But I'll get back to that. The story was fun, and I was glad to see that everything didn't center around Emma. You get a taste of all the characters, and each one brings something different to the table.

But back to the ending. How could you do this to me Denise Grover Swank? Your a cruel sadistic bitch. You can't just throw out hinting one liners like that! Is there going to be another installment? Will there be more awesome characters in said installment? I hate you.....but I love you too. And I definitely plan on reading more books by you in the future. 4 stars!
Profile Image for Monique.
1,278 reviews57 followers
August 7, 2014
This series is for readers that like there stories to be fast paced and a bit of action. And of course there is the relationship side to it too.

Emma and Will have been put through the wringer in this series but they are doing it together.

It has finally come down to the battle between all the characters. And of course you know its going to be huge. This series would make a great movie or tv series. There is so much action to keep the guys interested and romance for the gals.

I felt a bit sad when I finished this book and series, after staying up late with each book, due to it being the last of the series. If there ever was a chance that Denise picked it up again, I would be there again for the ride.
Profile Image for Azalea.
27 reviews
August 17, 2015
For me, this book had way too much repetition in it. It felt like a regurgitation of the first three put together with an ending that left me unsatisfied. After reading her comments saying how much of the book was changed from the first draft, I feel this book may have been rushed. I was left wanting more than what was given. There were several grammatical errors and typos, the more I read these in published works, the more I question the care given to the process.
Profile Image for Emily Pearson.
Author 7 books78 followers
October 14, 2012
Seriously, I can't breathe! What a truly phenomenal piece of literature Denise! You simply blow me away. I was stuck in meetings all day being a nervous wreck just wanting to read this and I'm telling you what, nothing has ever been so worth the wait! I'm speechless. Thank you for wonderful, pure entertainment and for the almost heart attack I had about a million times. Keeps me on my toes!
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
March 13, 2019
"Redemption" is a good ending to the Chosen series. This series was one of those that one minute you loved it and the next you felt it was too convoluted for words. However, Ms. Swank ended up rescuing the plot towards the end.

This series started out with a mother who was bound and determined to protect her five year old son who has special skills. Once Jake is taken by one faction in a brewing war. Jake added a tender aspect to the story line that was missing in the second installment because of little interaction with him. However, the third and final books he is more prominent and I truly believe it saved the storyline.

In so many series the idea of 'destiny' plays a huge role. So often, we are told that destiny cannot be changed; yet, Ms. Swank has cleverly taken the position that destiny changes with the character's determination and actions. In "Redemption" the odds are against Emma, Will and Jake but through shear determination and fortitude Emma manages to outwit her enemies and destroy them in the end. Sacrifices will be made and I must say that I was surprised by one critical one. Additionally, this final book has the added aspect of some of the characters I grew to dislike redeeming themselves with me.

Overall, I enjoyed this series. Would I say that it was stellar? No, but it was cleverly written and the plot was creative. If I would have recommended any changes it would be that there be less antagonists and a little more humor.
Profile Image for Musings of a Middle-aged Mum.
188 reviews
November 20, 2020
I have read books by D G Swank before and I love her, so I was very excited to read Chosen.
This book did not disappoint. It follows the story of Emma and her son Jake who live a life on the run from mysterious armed men who are hunting to kill, and appear to get help from a stranger, Will.

This book is supernatural/fantasy, but full of a mother's love for her son. A mother who will do anything to protect him, even giving up her old life to live in hotels from a suitcase. When I chose this book, it was based on the title alone, for my A to Z challenge, so I didn't know what it was going to be about in advance. As I was reading through, I thought that the child, Jake, was the Chosen one, since he is the one with supernatural powers, but it turned out not to be the case.

I couldn't put this book down. It is very well written and kept me wanting more. So much so, that I had to find out what happened next, and next, and next. Not only that, the kindle books have been updated to contain short stories, that give further information about each of the characters, so I had to read those too: Chosen, (short story Emergence), Hunted, (short story Homecoming), Sacrifice, (short story Middle Ground), and Redemption.

Very good, I highly recommend this series.
54 reviews
July 7, 2019
It's not what you expect.

I have to start this off by saying Denise gave this series the justice it deserved! I always hate when a series comes to an end up I can live with this, I loved it!
Emma and Will are faced with difficult task after difficult task. Not only are they trying to find Jake but try and find a way to survive even with the rules stating "four will fight only two will remain".
Jake my heart breaks for him over and over again. It's hard to remember he is only 5 years old but he has to endure so much for someone so young. His power keeps growing but can he chose where his loyalty lies when he is stuck with the monster known as Aiden, fire himself.
All the elementals are just fighting for survival and to be one of the victors. But who will win.

You won't be disappointed with this book, although it's an end to the series it's a beautiful way to end. You need to read it and you will understand.
Profile Image for Amanda .
311 reviews56 followers
November 14, 2017
3.5 Short review. The final installment in the series. This one took awhile to get off the ground there were many twists, some good some a little confusing. I really feel after reading all four books that if Emma had listen to Will instead of second guessing him and being overly emotional so many times they could have saved Jake sooner, but she also would had figured out how to access more of her power. Even Marcus point out that Emma was Will's handicap which she definitely was, he had good ideas and good plans the Emma kept screwing up by thinking emotionally instead of logically like Will. I did like the ending but I wish that things were more flushed out and that we learn about where all the characters ended up **Spoilers** I do wonder if unlocking the gate just freed other Emma or did it free others. **End of spoilers** It sorta felt like it was open ended.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
February 4, 2021
Redemption ends the game that has been going for centuries between the elements without water until he enters the game with the goal of ending the game and bringing balance to the world.

Two of the children of elements, fire and water are Emma and Will. They are unwilling drawn into the game and the final showdown. Redemption is the lead up to the final showdown with Emma's five year old son, Jake being drawn into the conformation and being made a part of the prophecy. The shadow world enters with helping Jake to become the most powerful part of the conformation until Emma finds her true source of power.

The ending was a surprise, because four would fight and two would live. I loved the excitement and the twists and turns that kept me reading this entire series and couldn't wait to read the ending but wish it didn't end at the same time.
101 reviews
April 28, 2018
Wow! I am honestly speechless after this one. I knew this book would be the ending of everything but I honestly wasn’t sure what would happen and how it would all go down until the very last minute. I couldn’t even make a guess until the story reached that point and even then, the twists and turns kept me on my feet. I want to say this is the best book of the series but they are honestly all amazing for different reasons and I feel like it may be comparing apples to oranges. Either way, this book is phenomenal! I loved the writing, the story line, and the action. I felt the emotions of the characters and I loved every second of it. I am sad to see the Chosen series end but I think the ending was absolutely amazing!
Profile Image for Rebekah.
354 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2019
I didn’t really enjoy this series. I felt like the whole premise of the story was weird - it’s all leading up to basically a cage fight but with magic, which then didn’t even last that long considering it took 4 books to get there. The story was all over the place, and really repetitive - Will asks Emma to do something, she says yes, then does what she wants and fucks everything up. Over and over again. And I just cannot believe that Jake is 5. Honestly, I really feel like this book wasn’t written by DGS as I normally love her writing and this just wasn’t enjoyable. (And it’s nothing to do with the genre, I normally enjoy a wide range of genres including urban fantasy.) 3 stars as there were a few bits that were ok, but overall I was just waiting for it to be over.
Profile Image for Patricia Black.
74 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2020
How many people will the elements strike before they get what they want? During this final battle to the death Emma, Will, and Jake each have their own battles to fight. Will Emma be the one to save them all even if it means death? Will Will come to terms with his true destiny? Will Jake be able to save his mother? Will the price be worth what each of them have to pay?

There are so many questions going into this book and it does such a great job answering them all. Even though it answers questions that you have going into it, something does happen at the end that leaves you with a "huh, I wonder what that means" feeling. A lot of time with books the ending feels open ended, but this book does a good job with "closing the chapter" so to speak, even after leaving you with a "huh" moment.
Profile Image for Amanda.
308 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2018
This is marketed as an "explosive" conclusion and boy, they sure were NOT wrong! So much action throughout this last book and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was hoping so badly for a happy ending throughout the entire novel and as I kept reading I was just so unsure of how it could even happen. I won't ruin it to anyone else by saying whether my wishes came true or not, but regardless, the ending is fantastic. Towards the end I started to tear up and about threw the book (Ok, my phone since I read ebooks) across the room, but so glad I finished it. Now on to another DGS series!
52 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2018
I liked the book, but it still was not my favorite of DGS's books. I am glad this series is finally over. There was so much going on, so many changes, so many twists that I just couldn't keep up. This is not my favorite series, but that being said it was still very well written. I am happy that Emma finally found her true power and became the women that has been suggested throughout the entire series. I am sad that it was in the last chapter that she finally found herself. The end of the series also keeps you guessing if there is maybe going to be a spin off of the series. I guess we will wait and see.
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