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The Marionettes #4
Ruthless Ends
How far into the dark would you go for justice…or revenge? Betrayed by allies and aided by enemies, Valerie Darkmore’s life has twisted into something she no longer recognizes. It’s time to decide where her loyalty lies, and what—or who—she’s willing to sacrifice to save the people she loves. Her blood magic has been kept on a tight leash since her initiation, but no more. The cities are drenched in blood, old family secrets are revealed, and with evil staring her in the face from both sides, Valerie will make a choice that rocks their world to its core. The only remaining question is, who will be left standing when she does? Ruthless Ends is the fourth book in the dark fantasy romance series, The Marionettes.
474 pages, Paperback
Published October 12, 2023
630 people are currently reading
5031 people want to read
About the author
Katie Wismer
13 books3,637 followersKatie Wismer writes books with a little blood and a little spice (sometimes contemporary, sometimes romantasy.)
Be the first to know about upcoming projects, exclusive content, and more by signing up for her newsletter at katiewismer.com. Signed books are also available on her website, and she posts monthly bonus content on her Patreon (including a Patreon-exclusive book!)
When she's not reading, writing, or wrangling her two perfect cats, you can find her on her YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.
Be the first to know about upcoming projects, exclusive content, and more by signing up for her newsletter at katiewismer.com. Signed books are also available on her website, and she posts monthly bonus content on her Patreon (including a Patreon-exclusive book!)
When she's not reading, writing, or wrangling her two perfect cats, you can find her on her YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
October 28, 2023
Four books of distress and no marriage scene is
C R I M I N A L B E H A V I O R.
C R I M I N A L B E H A V I O R.
October 26, 2023
Disappointing end to a series that started off so strong. It feels like everything was rushed from Book 3 to 4 with little room to breathe and show proper character development. Mentioning characters not seen in two books was confusing and the magic and political system was confusing when not properly reintroduced.
September 29, 2024
Valerie Darkmoor is back with her vampire partner Reid, and her friends as she attempts to control her blood magic which is more powerful than ever, and everyone's lives are now on the line as villain anarchist Westcott gets closer to the estate they have fled to. But as Valerie discovers a new, darker part of her magic that could have the answers to what she needs, she ends up treading the line between light and dark in a dangerous way.
I really loved the first two books in this series as an introduction to the world, and the magic plus vampires as well as the delicious progression of Valerie and Reid's relationship. Things fell apart for me a little bit in book 3 as I felt it really suffered from pacing issues and I genuinely didn't know if the author knew what she wanted to do with the story and the characters. Things improved a little bit with this final book but not enough for it to be more than a 3-stars. I think there was so much potential here but there's a lot of question marks that still remain for me about a lot in the world - I think the politics in the world, and the worldbuilding in general is pretty poor in this series and I would have loved to have explained more.
I struggled a little bit in this book remembering everything that had happened in the previous books, and all the characters. It's been a year since I read the other books so I would have appreciate d if not a recap, but an addition to the writing to help the reader remember who different characters were and their relationship and past experiences with Valerie instead of this assumption that the reader remembers everything that happened, and will feel connected to all these side characters.
.
There was a lot thrown into this story that really didn't need to be in the book either - Connor is literally a non-character. There is no point to him and I feel like other than book one and a bit of two, he didn't need to be in anything else. The relationship and connection Valerie has with Cam is there to simply try and make readers feel like there is a love triangle when there's not and while yes, the three-way dream was hot, what was the literal point of it? In saying all of this, I will be reading Cam and Anya's spin-off as I love an arranged married to love story.
I also refuse to believe that Valerie - whose family is so closely connected to the Carrington Royal Family - had no idea that Reid was engaged to a Russian vampire princess. Like surely, this is something you would know about your royal family?
I also thought the introduction of the shadow magic/self/realm really interesting but a very strange thing to throw into the very last book rather than explore it for the entire series. I also find it weird seeing as it is a very powerful and dangerous magic that no-one would know anything about it - it was very weird to think of this whole shadow world with schools and children and food. How does it all work?? Again I think this type of magic is so big it would have benefitted from being explored in several books rather than squashed into the last one.
I love the sexy glamour and danger in this world of The Marionettes and it's a shame that the story fell a little for me with each book instead of getting better but I'm still happy to have read it and still a series I would recommend to people who like shows like True Blood or The Vampire Diaries.
I really loved the first two books in this series as an introduction to the world, and the magic plus vampires as well as the delicious progression of Valerie and Reid's relationship. Things fell apart for me a little bit in book 3 as I felt it really suffered from pacing issues and I genuinely didn't know if the author knew what she wanted to do with the story and the characters. Things improved a little bit with this final book but not enough for it to be more than a 3-stars. I think there was so much potential here but there's a lot of question marks that still remain for me about a lot in the world - I think the politics in the world, and the worldbuilding in general is pretty poor in this series and I would have loved to have explained more.
I struggled a little bit in this book remembering everything that had happened in the previous books, and all the characters. It's been a year since I read the other books so I would have appreciate d if not a recap, but an addition to the writing to help the reader remember who different characters were and their relationship and past experiences with Valerie instead of this assumption that the reader remembers everything that happened, and will feel connected to all these side characters.
.
There was a lot thrown into this story that really didn't need to be in the book either - Connor is literally a non-character. There is no point to him and I feel like other than book one and a bit of two, he didn't need to be in anything else. The relationship and connection Valerie has with Cam is there to simply try and make readers feel like there is a love triangle when there's not and while yes, the three-way dream was hot, what was the literal point of it? In saying all of this, I will be reading Cam and Anya's spin-off as I love an arranged married to love story.
I also refuse to believe that Valerie - whose family is so closely connected to the Carrington Royal Family - had no idea that Reid was engaged to a Russian vampire princess. Like surely, this is something you would know about your royal family?
I also thought the introduction of the shadow magic/self/realm really interesting but a very strange thing to throw into the very last book rather than explore it for the entire series. I also find it weird seeing as it is a very powerful and dangerous magic that no-one would know anything about it - it was very weird to think of this whole shadow world with schools and children and food. How does it all work?? Again I think this type of magic is so big it would have benefitted from being explored in several books rather than squashed into the last one.
I love the sexy glamour and danger in this world of The Marionettes and it's a shame that the story fell a little for me with each book instead of getting better but I'm still happy to have read it and still a series I would recommend to people who like shows like True Blood or The Vampire Diaries.
June 11, 2024
4 stars
I am SO SAD that this part of the series is over!!! The ending was a little bit of a let down, I expected more, but that's my own fault. All in all, this series is a solid 4.25 star series for me, and I'm so glad I finally picked it up.
If you love vampires, witches, plot twists, secrets, found family and a whole lot more... pick it up!
I am SO SAD that this part of the series is over!!! The ending was a little bit of a let down, I expected more, but that's my own fault. All in all, this series is a solid 4.25 star series for me, and I'm so glad I finally picked it up.
If you love vampires, witches, plot twists, secrets, found family and a whole lot more... pick it up!
October 21, 2023
Such a great end to an amazing series! I am so sad its over but can't wait to read the spinoff from Katie Wismer. I ate this series up and highly recommend to anyone looking for a dark paranormal romance, perfect witchy fall vibes!
I love this series and recommend to all, this was such a fun read and I'm sad it's over!
I love this series and recommend to all, this was such a fun read and I'm sad it's over!
December 31, 2023
3 stars
I was excited to read the book. But honestly, I kinda regretted reading it 'cause I was in a reading slump. First off, I didn't take any notes for any of the previous books, so I might've forgotten some of the characters and scenes. Maybe that's why I wasn't feeling this book. It was just meh. Unlike others, I always kept thinking about the plots over and over again. But this one didn't have that same pull. Most of the scenes just felt too convenient.
I'll give this series another shot in the future now that it's all wrapped up. Hopefully, I won't be as blank as I am now when I read it.
I was excited to read the book. But honestly, I kinda regretted reading it 'cause I was in a reading slump. First off, I didn't take any notes for any of the previous books, so I might've forgotten some of the characters and scenes. Maybe that's why I wasn't feeling this book. It was just meh. Unlike others, I always kept thinking about the plots over and over again. But this one didn't have that same pull. Most of the scenes just felt too convenient.
I'll give this series another shot in the future now that it's all wrapped up. Hopefully, I won't be as blank as I am now when I read it.
January 27, 2025
Listen, was I expecting the world from this conclusion? No. But was I expecting shadow people, and NO MARRIAGE SCENE?!? I AM GRIEVING. I was gypped of my ‘Reid being a groom’ visuals. I’m bitter about it.
Overall, this was a silly, fun time with a swoony MMC. I just wish Cam wasn’t even an option for Valerie, and I also wish the shadow people had been a bit more explained… but, oh well! I was satisfied with the epilogue and I love Reid so much that I’m okay.
I will give this 3.75 stars for the vibes. I liked this book, but the initial two books in this series were definitely my favorites.
Overall, this was a silly, fun time with a swoony MMC. I just wish Cam wasn’t even an option for Valerie, and I also wish the shadow people had been a bit more explained… but, oh well! I was satisfied with the epilogue and I love Reid so much that I’m okay.
I will give this 3.75 stars for the vibes. I liked this book, but the initial two books in this series were definitely my favorites.
November 18, 2022
Excited to read!!
June 7, 2024
I waited for this book and now I'm mad.
It was a good series until she did Cam so dirty. I didn't even finish it. I might some day but for now I'm just mad.
It was a good series until she did Cam so dirty. I didn't even finish it. I might some day but for now I'm just mad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
I honestly had SUCH a good time with this series. This was a really good final installment, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite in the series. Personally, I didn’t love the feelings for Cam that were still there—I didn’t mind it in the third book bc she thought Reid was dead. Also the shadow people were a little confusing.
BUT I did love the found family and the twists and turns. I ended up loving Anya, and I hope we get her and Cam’s book soon. I was STRESSING damn near this entire book!! I’m so glad Val and Reid finally got their HEA
BUT I did love the found family and the twists and turns. I ended up loving Anya, and I hope we get her and Cam’s book soon. I was STRESSING damn near this entire book!! I’m so glad Val and Reid finally got their HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2023
It was a good end to the series but I felt it was a bit rushed in some places, even sloppy at times with convenient loopholes or things that weren't fully explained.
December 7, 2025
While I did enjoy this series and the emotional investment I had in the characters, the final book left me a bit underwhelmed. The main conflict that had been building over four books was pushed to the very end and resolved far too quickly for a threat of that scale. For a romantasy, the couple had surprisingly little page time together across the series.
I loved seeing the sisters work together and the friend group show up for the main character. One of the new characters also genuinely made me curious about potential spin-offs.
Overall, I appreciate the journey, but the story would have benefitted from tighter plotting, fewer elements, and more proactive characters.
I loved seeing the sisters work together and the friend group show up for the main character. One of the new characters also genuinely made me curious about potential spin-offs.
Overall, I appreciate the journey, but the story would have benefitted from tighter plotting, fewer elements, and more proactive characters.
August 12, 2024
5⭐️ (are you surprised ? HA NO)
I don’t even know where to begin, let’s just say I’m so sad it’s over but glad bc I was a ball of anxiety reading this. I mean I thought different people died or they weren’t going to make it and I was so dang scared, I had to put this book down several times. But ofc true love prevails ALWAYS. I truly think this book wrapped everything up great. I wasn’t left wondering too much about certain people, more so it leaves room for the author to make books about the others. But just UGH idk how I will ever get over this series
I don’t even know where to begin, let’s just say I’m so sad it’s over but glad bc I was a ball of anxiety reading this. I mean I thought different people died or they weren’t going to make it and I was so dang scared, I had to put this book down several times. But ofc true love prevails ALWAYS. I truly think this book wrapped everything up great. I wasn’t left wondering too much about certain people, more so it leaves room for the author to make books about the others. But just UGH idk how I will ever get over this series
May 18, 2025
Wildly dissapointing. Lacks all of the compelling story telling and mystique of the other books. Loose threads everywhere and the shadow realm plot came out of nowhere.
The author says in the dedication she didn't really know where the story was going when she started and it shows.
REVIEW UPDATE:
I had already rated this book 1* for the above reasons, but now wish I could rate it 0* now that I know a creature name in this book is an appropriation of Native American culture (see my extended explanation on book 1 review)
The author says in the dedication she didn't really know where the story was going when she started and it shows.
REVIEW UPDATE:
I had already rated this book 1* for the above reasons, but now wish I could rate it 0* now that I know a creature name in this book is an appropriation of Native American culture (see my extended explanation on book 1 review)
September 23, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
soooo this one was a bit of a let down for me, especially after having the best time in the 3rd book 😢 just felt everything was all over the place for me, & it all felt rushed. also felt a little bored with where it went. ALSO I WAS ROOTING FOR CAM!!!! 😭
soooo this one was a bit of a let down for me, especially after having the best time in the 3rd book 😢 just felt everything was all over the place for me, & it all felt rushed. also felt a little bored with where it went. ALSO I WAS ROOTING FOR CAM!!!! 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2024
Kind of boring
December 14, 2023
I’m still compiling my thoughts but for right now it’s a solid 3. Full review in a bit.
------
Full Review:
Okay.
I have a lot of thoughts, a lot to talk about, and I’m unsure how to structure this to make it the most cohesive, so if it seems choppy, I’m sorry, but I just need to word vomit out everything I’m thinking.
So, I got an early copy of the e-book, but because of life, university, and my general distaste for reading e-books without an audio version to accompany it, I didn’t read it all the way through. I got to chapter like 4 or 5 before basically forgetting it existed for like a month. And when the audiobook came out I was up to my neck in uni work. But my semester wrapped up a couple days ago and I was finally able to give it my full attention.
It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders after finishing Ruthless Ends. Regardless of my feelings for the third book in this series, this was one of my highly anticipated books this year—and it fell short. However, I choose to see that as a positive. Because it wasn’t horrible. And that’s something, considering how I felt about book 3.
I had a lot of fun reading books 1 and 2, and it felt like all of the things that had made those books so fun had been sucked out of book 3, and even though book 4 isn’t as bad, it’s still suffering from the consequences of the 3rd.
Now, I actually quite enjoyed the way the plot panned out. There were a few things that I wish were handled with more care, mainly as well as her relationship with her mother and sisters. I also feel like I did enjoy the very first bits and pieces of the “shadow realm” and “shadow self” talk and I wish it was a topic we explored in book 3 (I’ll talk more about this a little bit later on).
The last point of plot I want to cover relates to I understand that this plot point was hinted at in book 1 and it’s main purpose here is to but it almost feels like… an out? Like everything magically fit into place? It felt like a cop out.
Because
Had it been built up AT ALL, I could have accepted
And when it’s brought up to Queen Carrrington? It’s dismissed. Because
LIKE UGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! THAT WOULDVE BEEN SO FUCKING GOOD. IT WOULDVE HURT ME
THE POTENTIAL.
FUCK I HATE CAM.
HE RUINED THIS.
I think overall, there were just way too many fucking characters for this to actually happen. Too many characters too little time. Instead of feeling like an expansive world, it felt cramped especially because we spend so little time ACTUALLY BONDING with these characters.
Val, Reid, Cam, Kirby, Monroe, Daniel, Wes, Connor, Beth (at least I think that’s her name), Queen Carrington, Rosemarie, Adrienne, Callie, Westcott, Anya, Avery, Leif, and all the other characters. We spent so much time focusing on Valerie’s interaction with Cam and Reid, Cam vs Reid, Cam or Reid, pingponging between them that we lost the chance to explore so many of her other relationships.
Like when I couldn’t have given less of a fuck. And then anyway so who cares. Jones and Saint (I think that’s their names) I don’t even REMEMBER THEM from the wolf boy camp. Like, who ARE they???
if only we STAYED at the compound instead of sending Val to the wolf camp. HELL—we could have met Cam AT the compound. Like, he comes over to the compound to check on his wolves and that’s where they meet.
Connor was so underused in this. Like, all of that talk about him and Val fake dating just for what? For it to never be brought up again??? HUH????
It just felt like everything fell to the wayside for what? For literally what?
I don’t have that huge of a problem with the setting. It was just lacking. There was very little description because at this point I feel like it was expected of us to understand the way the world looked, but all of the atmosphere of the book was sucked out of it early on, so now it’s just a mishmash of random colors and copy pasted ballroom and estate aesthetics from Pinterest in my head. It’s not atmospheric IN THE SLIGHTEST.
God, I miss book one.
-----------
Now. Now, let’s talk about CAM. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Somebody get me a tomato so I can throw it at this man.
EVERY TIME this man appeared I wanted to pelt him with tomatoes and boo him off page. I’m sorry, HE SUCKS. I AM A PROUD CAM HATER
He makes me think of that one SpongeBob meme.
[ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ifaoKZf... ]
^^^ THAT ONE
BOOOO CAM YOU STINKY SHAPESHIFTER (derogatory) BOOO!!! 🍅🍅🍅 LEAVE!!! YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OFF!!
He makes me think: *why I oughtta* while shaking my fist like an old man
[ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sVxJ016... ]
(I wanna take this moment to thank spongebob for all the visuals of me every time I saw Cam)
----
*loud sigh*
Now. Cam and Val’s relationship.
Okay.
I feel like it was thrown in there just for the sake of spice.
I know. Okay. I KNOW Val was going through some SHIT and she was so tired and so angry and just wanted to forget. To let go. To stop. Just for a second. And focus on something else. But why did it have to be Cam? Why did it have to include stringing him along? Why did she have to use him like that?
Because she used him. Period. Full stop. End of discussion. She used him to get over Reid. She knew, in the back of her traitorous mind, she knew that Cam would never be IT. He would never be HIM. So I feel like whatever “feelings” she claims to have are actually just a guilty conscious mixed with lust.
I would have much preferred if Cam and Val’s relationship remained strictly platonic. It would have been so nice to see herself come back to life with the help of Cam because “I’ve been where you are. The darkness you feel in your heart. The way time feels like it's stopped but only you notice it. The way the edges of your vision blur and the way your eyes heat and the numbness in your soul, I know what that’s like. I’VE FELT THAT BEFORE. And I didn’t have anyone to bring me back from the dark. I had to crawl, claw my way back. But you don’t have to. Because I’m here. And I will help pull you back Valerie. If you just trust me.”
(That's not an actual quote I made it up, but you get the sentiment).
And the sadness in his eyes, the weariness. A hand reaching out to hers, an attempt to bridge the gap. And she takes it. Because something in her tells her that he can be trusted.
And then he could have pulled out some ancient wolf ritual that predates witches and vampires and helped her heal. It wouldn’t be instant. It would cause her to face her darkest fears. Her most twisted thoughts. And maybe THEN just for a split second she see's something (boom, intro to shadow realm).
And she’s newly invigorated all of a sudden. She yearns to get stronger. To work harder. To BEAT Westcott because she CAN beat Westcott. And then it could be revealed later that it was her fathers shadow side helping her, relighting the spark in her soul. But it wasn’t enough to bring him over to this world. And he disappeared after a while. He just lit the fire, Valerie was the one that set it ablaze.
And then Cam and her have this heart to heart after, when she’s pondering, and she’s like “what did you mean when you said you know what I’ve been through” and he tells her about his person and he gives details over, of her personality, of the way she looked (foreshadowing for later on when Anya comes into the picture, maybe Anya could be Cam’s old partner, reincarnated?).
^^^^^ I’m just spitballing all of this, but do you see what I mean??? It had the potential to be such a menainful relationship to the both of them in Valerie's darkest moment. It would also help Cam finally, FINALLY, move on for good. They deserved to be friends.
And my version of Cam is so much better like. UGH. CANON CAM IS A WEIRDO
---
So… yeah.
I think those are all my thoughts, I may have left a few things out by accident because of how long this was and I was just getting all my thoughts down on page.
Like I previously said, a solid 3 feels right for this book. I won't be continuing this series when the Anya and Cam books come out. I still adore this author, truly, and I know her work isn't a reflection of her as a person just as my review isn't a reflection of me.
Regardless of my opinions, I still had an overall nice time, and it was fun while it lasted.
Cheers! 🥂
P.s.
Cam,
P.P.S.
I LOVED ANYA
IM SORRY
ANYA ATE CAM AND VAL UP
kinda sad she ✋ 🍅✋🍅✋🍅 aim well.
------
Full Review:
Okay.
I have a lot of thoughts, a lot to talk about, and I’m unsure how to structure this to make it the most cohesive, so if it seems choppy, I’m sorry, but I just need to word vomit out everything I’m thinking.
So, I got an early copy of the e-book, but because of life, university, and my general distaste for reading e-books without an audio version to accompany it, I didn’t read it all the way through. I got to chapter like 4 or 5 before basically forgetting it existed for like a month. And when the audiobook came out I was up to my neck in uni work. But my semester wrapped up a couple days ago and I was finally able to give it my full attention.
It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders after finishing Ruthless Ends. Regardless of my feelings for the third book in this series, this was one of my highly anticipated books this year—and it fell short. However, I choose to see that as a positive. Because it wasn’t horrible. And that’s something, considering how I felt about book 3.
I had a lot of fun reading books 1 and 2, and it felt like all of the things that had made those books so fun had been sucked out of book 3, and even though book 4 isn’t as bad, it’s still suffering from the consequences of the 3rd.
Now, I actually quite enjoyed the way the plot panned out. There were a few things that I wish were handled with more care, mainly as well as her relationship with her mother and sisters. I also feel like I did enjoy the very first bits and pieces of the “shadow realm” and “shadow self” talk and I wish it was a topic we explored in book 3 (I’ll talk more about this a little bit later on).
The last point of plot I want to cover relates to I understand that this plot point was hinted at in book 1 and it’s main purpose here is to but it almost feels like… an out? Like everything magically fit into place? It felt like a cop out.
Because
Had it been built up AT ALL, I could have accepted
And when it’s brought up to Queen Carrrington? It’s dismissed. Because
LIKE UGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! THAT WOULDVE BEEN SO FUCKING GOOD. IT WOULDVE HURT ME
THE POTENTIAL.
FUCK I HATE CAM.
HE RUINED THIS.
I think overall, there were just way too many fucking characters for this to actually happen. Too many characters too little time. Instead of feeling like an expansive world, it felt cramped especially because we spend so little time ACTUALLY BONDING with these characters.
Val, Reid, Cam, Kirby, Monroe, Daniel, Wes, Connor, Beth (at least I think that’s her name), Queen Carrington, Rosemarie, Adrienne, Callie, Westcott, Anya, Avery, Leif, and all the other characters. We spent so much time focusing on Valerie’s interaction with Cam and Reid, Cam vs Reid, Cam or Reid, pingponging between them that we lost the chance to explore so many of her other relationships.
Like when I couldn’t have given less of a fuck. And then anyway so who cares. Jones and Saint (I think that’s their names) I don’t even REMEMBER THEM from the wolf boy camp. Like, who ARE they???
if only we STAYED at the compound instead of sending Val to the wolf camp. HELL—we could have met Cam AT the compound. Like, he comes over to the compound to check on his wolves and that’s where they meet.
Connor was so underused in this. Like, all of that talk about him and Val fake dating just for what? For it to never be brought up again??? HUH????
It just felt like everything fell to the wayside for what? For literally what?
I don’t have that huge of a problem with the setting. It was just lacking. There was very little description because at this point I feel like it was expected of us to understand the way the world looked, but all of the atmosphere of the book was sucked out of it early on, so now it’s just a mishmash of random colors and copy pasted ballroom and estate aesthetics from Pinterest in my head. It’s not atmospheric IN THE SLIGHTEST.
God, I miss book one.
-----------
Now. Now, let’s talk about CAM. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Somebody get me a tomato so I can throw it at this man.
EVERY TIME this man appeared I wanted to pelt him with tomatoes and boo him off page. I’m sorry, HE SUCKS. I AM A PROUD CAM HATER
He makes me think of that one SpongeBob meme.
[ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ifaoKZf... ]
^^^ THAT ONE
BOOOO CAM YOU STINKY SHAPESHIFTER (derogatory) BOOO!!! 🍅🍅🍅 LEAVE!!! YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OFF!!
He makes me think: *why I oughtta* while shaking my fist like an old man
[ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sVxJ016... ]
(I wanna take this moment to thank spongebob for all the visuals of me every time I saw Cam)
----
*loud sigh*
Now. Cam and Val’s relationship.
Okay.
I feel like it was thrown in there just for the sake of spice.
I know. Okay. I KNOW Val was going through some SHIT and she was so tired and so angry and just wanted to forget. To let go. To stop. Just for a second. And focus on something else. But why did it have to be Cam? Why did it have to include stringing him along? Why did she have to use him like that?
Because she used him. Period. Full stop. End of discussion. She used him to get over Reid. She knew, in the back of her traitorous mind, she knew that Cam would never be IT. He would never be HIM. So I feel like whatever “feelings” she claims to have are actually just a guilty conscious mixed with lust.
I would have much preferred if Cam and Val’s relationship remained strictly platonic. It would have been so nice to see herself come back to life with the help of Cam because “I’ve been where you are. The darkness you feel in your heart. The way time feels like it's stopped but only you notice it. The way the edges of your vision blur and the way your eyes heat and the numbness in your soul, I know what that’s like. I’VE FELT THAT BEFORE. And I didn’t have anyone to bring me back from the dark. I had to crawl, claw my way back. But you don’t have to. Because I’m here. And I will help pull you back Valerie. If you just trust me.”
(That's not an actual quote I made it up, but you get the sentiment).
And the sadness in his eyes, the weariness. A hand reaching out to hers, an attempt to bridge the gap. And she takes it. Because something in her tells her that he can be trusted.
And then he could have pulled out some ancient wolf ritual that predates witches and vampires and helped her heal. It wouldn’t be instant. It would cause her to face her darkest fears. Her most twisted thoughts. And maybe THEN just for a split second she see's something (boom, intro to shadow realm).
And she’s newly invigorated all of a sudden. She yearns to get stronger. To work harder. To BEAT Westcott because she CAN beat Westcott. And then it could be revealed later that it was her fathers shadow side helping her, relighting the spark in her soul. But it wasn’t enough to bring him over to this world. And he disappeared after a while. He just lit the fire, Valerie was the one that set it ablaze.
And then Cam and her have this heart to heart after, when she’s pondering, and she’s like “what did you mean when you said you know what I’ve been through” and he tells her about his person and he gives details over, of her personality, of the way she looked (foreshadowing for later on when Anya comes into the picture, maybe Anya could be Cam’s old partner, reincarnated?).
^^^^^ I’m just spitballing all of this, but do you see what I mean??? It had the potential to be such a menainful relationship to the both of them in Valerie's darkest moment. It would also help Cam finally, FINALLY, move on for good. They deserved to be friends.
And my version of Cam is so much better like. UGH. CANON CAM IS A WEIRDO
---
So… yeah.
I think those are all my thoughts, I may have left a few things out by accident because of how long this was and I was just getting all my thoughts down on page.
Like I previously said, a solid 3 feels right for this book. I won't be continuing this series when the Anya and Cam books come out. I still adore this author, truly, and I know her work isn't a reflection of her as a person just as my review isn't a reflection of me.
Regardless of my opinions, I still had an overall nice time, and it was fun while it lasted.
Cheers! 🥂
P.s.
Cam,
P.P.S.
I LOVED ANYA
IM SORRY
ANYA ATE CAM AND VAL UP
kinda sad she ✋ 🍅✋🍅✋🍅 aim well.
June 11, 2025
Ugh I am so sad this series is over! I loved every minute of it!
September 7, 2024
Whilst the ending seemed rushed, this was such a great series. I feel like this book could’ve been split up into 2 because there was so many different elements and actions being thrown in. My brain was a ping pong ball going back and forth. I will say, the 2nd book is where I really got into the series. Overall 8/10 series. Lurved it
November 10, 2023
This was so disappointing.
I guess I didn't expect much after rating the third book in the series two stars, but I'd hoped everything would come together in the finale. I was wrong. Even though this book was 421 pages on my kindle, it read like a short story because there was so much missing.
The three things I loved about this series were the main characters, the paranormal vibes, and the smut. I felt like all three of those things were off here. The vampire and werewolf elements of it were kind of skimmed over, there was only one real smut scene that didn't compare to the ones in the previous book, and the established relationships felt wrong. It almost felt like this book was written in a rush and different plot lines fell through over and over again. Plus, there are so many characters in these books for no reason... half of the people that came up for a scene I could not for the life of me remember who they were.
The "conflicts" in this were strange.
The companion novels that are going to follow this series aren't ones I'm interested in, unfortunately. I still like this author and her books in general, but feeling sad about how this one ended up.
I guess I didn't expect much after rating the third book in the series two stars, but I'd hoped everything would come together in the finale. I was wrong. Even though this book was 421 pages on my kindle, it read like a short story because there was so much missing.
The three things I loved about this series were the main characters, the paranormal vibes, and the smut. I felt like all three of those things were off here. The vampire and werewolf elements of it were kind of skimmed over, there was only one real smut scene that didn't compare to the ones in the previous book, and the established relationships felt wrong. It almost felt like this book was written in a rush and different plot lines fell through over and over again. Plus, there are so many characters in these books for no reason... half of the people that came up for a scene I could not for the life of me remember who they were.
The "conflicts" in this were strange.
The companion novels that are going to follow this series aren't ones I'm interested in, unfortunately. I still like this author and her books in general, but feeling sad about how this one ended up.
January 21, 2024
I loved the first two books, the third was okay and I thought this one would tie a lot of the plot holes into a nice bow, but no such luck. Why did Valerie get her vamp side awakened so late? What happened to Winnie? What about the other pack master? How did the tattoo shop play into Wescott’s ideas? What happened to the rest of Valerie’s sisters? There are literally a dozen more.
Not to mention,there was more chemistry with Cam than I ever saw with Reid. He was able to get to her in one glance and deduce what was wrong. Reid, while fine, has the personality of a wet paper towel in the last two books.
I’m so sad about where this story went and for a badass blood witch, she could have done a lot more badass things, just saying.
Not to mention,there was more chemistry with Cam than I ever saw with Reid. He was able to get to her in one glance and deduce what was wrong. Reid, while fine, has the personality of a wet paper towel in the last two books.
I’m so sad about where this story went and for a badass blood witch, she could have done a lot more badass things, just saying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2022
I WANT RTO READ IT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111
October 22, 2023
The end of an era, I loved this so much
January 25, 2025
I feel… exhausted.
It started off quiet, stayed that way for more than half the book, and then suddenly everything came crashing down. It felt like it was never going to end. Every time I managed to keep up with the plan, something went wrong, and we’d switch to another. Chaos. Chaos is the only word that comes to mind.
I have so much to say, and most of it revolves around the things I hated—her stupid, unjustifiable feelings for Camden, for instance (don’t even get me started). There are tons of things I couldn’t wrap my head around because, of course, Katie had to make sure every single thread mentioned throughout the series was tied up. Understandable, but in the process, things that should’ve had more chapters and depth didn’t get the attention they deserved. The shadow realm, for example.
Yes, I hated so many things about this book, and it almost threw me into a reading slump because I just couldn’t love what I was reading. And to this day, I still can’t fathom—why all this shit with Camden?! Why did it need to be that complicated? It honestly felt like cheating, the way she thought of him. And that dream?! That fucking dream?! Whyyyyy! That alone had me screaming!
What can I say? I held so much hatred toward this book, but now that it’s over, the thought of never reading about Reid, Valerie, and this magnificent world again... well, not never, since there will be a series for Cam and Anya. Either way, I’m really going to miss them.
Lastly, I know I’m not a big fan of this book, and yeah, I could complain all day, but Ch.27? That’s why I’m still here. ;)
It started off quiet, stayed that way for more than half the book, and then suddenly everything came crashing down. It felt like it was never going to end. Every time I managed to keep up with the plan, something went wrong, and we’d switch to another. Chaos. Chaos is the only word that comes to mind.
I have so much to say, and most of it revolves around the things I hated—her stupid, unjustifiable feelings for Camden, for instance (don’t even get me started). There are tons of things I couldn’t wrap my head around because, of course, Katie had to make sure every single thread mentioned throughout the series was tied up. Understandable, but in the process, things that should’ve had more chapters and depth didn’t get the attention they deserved. The shadow realm, for example.
Yes, I hated so many things about this book, and it almost threw me into a reading slump because I just couldn’t love what I was reading. And to this day, I still can’t fathom—why all this shit with Camden?! Why did it need to be that complicated? It honestly felt like cheating, the way she thought of him. And that dream?! That fucking dream?! Whyyyyy! That alone had me screaming!
What can I say? I held so much hatred toward this book, but now that it’s over, the thought of never reading about Reid, Valerie, and this magnificent world again... well, not never, since there will be a series for Cam and Anya. Either way, I’m really going to miss them.
Lastly, I know I’m not a big fan of this book, and yeah, I could complain all day, but Ch.27? That’s why I’m still here. ;)
October 28, 2025
4.5 🌟
✓ PNR
✓ Blood Witch🧙♀️ x Vampire 🧛♂️ Prince
✓ Trials x Plot twist
✓ Slow burn
✓ Entertaining plot - 4.5 / 5
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced
✓ Spice 🌶 / 5
✓ Long chapters
✓ Magic
✓ Sacrifice
✓ Magical academy
✓ Strong fmc
✓ HEA
What an amazing ending to the series!
I'm sad it's over, but I can't wait to read Cam and Anya's story.
Even without a wedding, I'm happy that Valerie and Reid got their happily ever after.
Of all the books, I enjoyed this one the most. However, it seems too easy to take down Wescott, and sometimes it feels a little rushed.
I loved the shadow self storyline and wish it had been explained more.
Overall, it's a great series, and I highly recommend it.
✓ PNR
✓ Blood Witch🧙♀️ x Vampire 🧛♂️ Prince
✓ Trials x Plot twist
✓ Slow burn
✓ Entertaining plot - 4.5 / 5
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced
✓ Spice 🌶 / 5
✓ Long chapters
✓ Magic
✓ Sacrifice
✓ Magical academy
✓ Strong fmc
✓ HEA
What an amazing ending to the series!
I'm sad it's over, but I can't wait to read Cam and Anya's story.
Even without a wedding, I'm happy that Valerie and Reid got their happily ever after.
Of all the books, I enjoyed this one the most. However, it seems too easy to take down Wescott, and sometimes it feels a little rushed.
I loved the shadow self storyline and wish it had been explained more.
Overall, it's a great series, and I highly recommend it.
September 22, 2024
I liked this series, darker themes throughout, and a lot of fantasy elements. Some aspects of the story were a bit repetitive, and certain tropes played out for a bit too long. At times I felt like skimming pages because I just wanted the characters to get to their resolution. I also feel like Chapter 14 came out of nowhere and was a bit, unnecessary? Just because you can write something, doesn't necessarily mean you should.
February 28, 2025
2.5✨ “You were good, I’m waiting for you to be great.” (Abby Lee Miller after reading this book. Probably.)
This was a disappointing end to the series. There was a lot going on and it felt rushed since book 3. Overall I still recommend the series if you’re looking for something quick, just interesting enough to hold your attention, and don’t mind being a bit disappointed. So basically a shitty one night stand without the risk of stds. 🤷♀️
This was a disappointing end to the series. There was a lot going on and it felt rushed since book 3. Overall I still recommend the series if you’re looking for something quick, just interesting enough to hold your attention, and don’t mind being a bit disappointed. So basically a shitty one night stand without the risk of stds. 🤷♀️
March 2, 2025
Starting this series was interesting because even though it seemed like a slow read it was still entertaining.
Finishing this series I’m left annoyed and feeling let down. This entire four book series could have been 1 book. Like, if someone asked me what the series was about I wouldn’t even know what to say. Was there a plot? I’m not really sure. Was there romance? Kinda?
I’m giving three stars because it wasn’t the worst but it was good either.
Finishing this series I’m left annoyed and feeling let down. This entire four book series could have been 1 book. Like, if someone asked me what the series was about I wouldn’t even know what to say. Was there a plot? I’m not really sure. Was there romance? Kinda?
I’m giving three stars because it wasn’t the worst but it was good either.
January 12, 2024
This may be a series, that down the road I need to read again. Quite the page turner. Interesting magic system and world building. I’m looking forward to reading about Cam and Anya in the future. He deserves a happy ending. I’m also glad that Valerie and Reid got there happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2025
despite no wedding scene, this book was perfect to end the series!!! i loved the dabbling valerie did with dark magic and how her and reid got their happy ending despite how much it took to get there. curious to see how anya and cam’s story plays out 🤭
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