Rise of the Crones

The Crone Wars #5

by Lydia M. Hawke

With great powers come great repercussions.

In the aftermath of her victory over the dark god Morok, Claire Emerson is ready for some well-earned peace and quiet, and for some healing time with her protector, Lucan. But tranquility evaporates when an ancient god arrives on her doorstep demanding sanctuary--and blaming Claire.

Claire's final battle with Morok tore apart the very fabric that separated the worlds, and now the Between is devouring the Otherworld, leaving the gods no choice but to flee to Earth. The chaos that follows them turns Claire's entire world upside down. Again.

Repairing the damage she caused while keeping a bunch of unruly deities in line won't be easy, but she's up to the challenge--until she learns that one of the deities is Morok, whose defeat wasn't as complete as she believed. Now, with her magick spread increasingly thin, Claire has no choice but to again fight a war she thought she'd already won. And this time, Morok isn't alone--but neither is she.

As alliances form and new enemies emerge, will Claire's struggle to restore balance be enough to save the world? Or will it plunge them all into utter annihilation?

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2024

About the author

Pen name for author: Linda Poitevin

Lydia M. Hawke is a writer possessed of both a light side and a dark one. On the dark side, she’s the author of the Grigori Legacy, an apocalyptic urban fantasy series featuring a hard-as-nails cop caught up in the war between Heaven and Hell. In her lighter moments, she writes romances (contemporary and suspense) as Linda Poitevin. And when she’s not plotting the world’s downfall or next great love story, she’s a wife, mom, friend, coffee snob, gardener, walker of a Giant Dog, keeper of many pets, and an avid food preserver (you know, just in case that whole Zombie Apocalypse thing really happens)

Reviews

[Marion Over · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rise of the Crones 📜 Lydia M. Hawke - The crone wars book 5 .⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PWF, Urban Fantasy, fantasy.
The strength and courage of Claire Emerson is inspiring. As far as characters go she's simply amazing. 60+ holding (barely) the magical powers of goddesses and tasked with saving worlds. She just wants to save the people she loves and hug her grandson.
She's defeated one evil deity and deserves this little break (even if she is chasing around a baby dragon that burps fire) but the gods knock on her door and that is the end of her reprieve.
As the deities start to show up around the world, Claire once again is thrown into the middle of the chaos that has become her life. Worst of all that evil God she killed wasn't as dead as she thought.
Blessed with some of the truest friends and allies (some of them burdensome and horrible) Claire will take on all kinds of enemies to save everything she can.

I loved everything about this series and this is a perfect addition. Exciting, witty and clever. The perfect series for any fantasy fan. Really, if you like paranormal anything you will love this series and author.

[Eperdu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phew.

And yet .. 😒

I finished it yesterday and woke up this morning feeling so confused that I re-read the last 15 chapters and realized why I was confused.

Real opinion below.

What the hell? It feels like the author just ran out of gas, pulled over to the side of the road, decided to have lunch on the side of a cliff, and then pushed us off.

I’m grumpy about this. I dislike when authors do this. Now the author gets to start a new series and we have to read that series to find out what actually happened in the series we just read. 🙄

This was so utterly unsatisfying as the end of a series, even if it’s the start of a new one.

Note: I’ll add more later when I stop being annoyed.

[Jean O'Callaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite in the series. The first three were the best. And after a wait for this one, I was disappointed to find the main character STILL WHINING and in "woe is me" mode for most of the book. I had hoped for more growth at this point.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend reading the previous books in the series, I haven't ... yet! So I found it a little confusing, there was a lot of backstory, which luckily was covered in enough detail that I still enjoyed this book. It was action-filled, fast paced with more than a few twists and turns along the way. The central character, Claire was fun and relatable to read, others in the cast of characters all added to the story in their individual ways and made for some funny moments, and some emotional ones. Being of a certain age (if not wisdom) I could relate to some of Claire's woes, old joints can be reluctant to move! and wrinkles are a fact of life. A lot of situations seemed to be resolved, some not so satisfactorily, however, the ending made it clear that the series isn't done yet, there's still more story to be told. I am leaving this review voluntarily and without compensation after receiving an ARC.

[Adria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #5 in The Crone Wars is outstanding. Although the ending wasn't necessarily the way I would have wanted it to be, it truly pulled all of the various parts together and yet...did it? Hawke is a busy writer with a mind that teams with various ideas, so I am very sure that one, or more, of the characters contained in this storyline will continue other lives. Again, one of the most important parts, for me, is the main character, Claire's age. It is something relatable for those of us older readers and it is much appreciated, because, simply because we are older, doesn't mean we are "done" yet. I also appreciate how much Claire grows from book 1 to now. It is reminiscent of real life. I hope other older readers find this series and enjoy it as much as I have.

[Diana Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished Rise of the Crones two days ago, but wasn't sure how I felt about it. I love the series, and the MC Claire, as well as the other characters, but was left sad and unsatisfied with the ending. Although the author did state there was another book, she said it has to wait, and is starting a new series...and I am unsure whether this new series is a spin-off with a character brought out in the last chapter, or a totally new series.
Overall this is a fun, urban fantasy that includes Crones, witches, mages, Arthurian characters as well as characters from Norse mythology. The sidekicks are hilarious including a cat who has several name changes and a cute baby dragon named Harry. Its definitely a series you want to read in order.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I’ve reached a certain age, it’s really great to find books with a more mature main character. I’ve been reading this series, and I just love Claire. The author doesn’t go overboard with the “oh, woe is me, I’m old” which I appreciate, but we do know she isn’t a spring chicken. Anyway, in this latest, poor Claire is dealing with the events of the last book, and she feels pretty alone. It doesn’t help that everyone wants a piece of her, and nothing is going smoothly. This is a great addition to the series, and the end was quite a shocker. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Amy McCloskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed Claire’s journey since the beginning and I am wholly in love with her and (nearly) all of the characters that support her. There are also some I love to hate.
The inner strength and resolve that Lydia M Hawke has woven into her main character is beautiful and I only hope to have the same when faced with my own troubles.
I don’t want to ruin the joy of discovery for any reader about to pick the story up. I walked into it pretty much blind and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. THAT being said - Claire has overcome so much to get here and you can’t miss a moment of it. So don’t start here. Pick up book 1, Becoming Crone, and make that journey with her.
If you’re all caught up and you’re ready for her next adventure, hold on tight. This is one hell of an emotional ride!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this latest installment in the series. I was slightly disappointed that there was not more Lucan and Claire interaction, but was very pleased with how the new found powers were shown, and how the antagonist was revealed. Though this was not the end of the series, she mentions in the back a new series that will begun that I am excited to read. Recommend this book, though, it would be best to read the other four first in order to understand. The author does a good job to help readers not get lost, but the nuances of the story would be lost if you had not read the previous ones.

[Susan Korn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fifth book in the series, Claire, our reluctant crone heroine, is poised to remedy some lingering problems from Book 4. Claire has begun to really embrace her place as the fifth Crone and her increased powers require that!
It’s so fun to read books that have gutsy female protagonists who are (ahem) older. Lydia Hawk’s writing style is engaging and far above the works by others in this genre. (But the other books featuring crones are a blast to read). If you haven’t met Claire, Lucan, Keven, and the rest of the witches, be ready to go for a great adventure!

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was actionpacked from the first page to the last. Claire is one heck of a powerfull woman. She is definitely badass with a heart of gold.
I loved the secondary characters, and didn't see a couple of plot twists coming.
And I bit my fingernails a couple of times.
This book had me crying and laughing and cheering and finally left me wanting more (preferably NOW. ;-)
Thank goodness there will be more! I will just have to be a little patient. No problem.
Lydia M. Hawke, thank you so much for yet another great book in this exciting series!
Can’t wait to find out what the last character is all about.

[gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This last book had the usual interesting characters that you need to be familiar with through reading the series. I liked the gargoyle especially. I found the ending a little unresolved and it can be hard to follow what’s going on at times. However there is more to come …. Some time in the future. I also found Claire to be an annoying character at times as she constantly doubted herself and was angry, introspective and indecisive (oh hello human characteristics). I’ll be back reading the next series though 🙂.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmmmm

I debated between a 4 and a 5 rating for this book. It was a solid 5 up till the very end. The ending was very unsatisfying to me. I am terribly disappointed and sad. The author states there will be a spin off series, that will come out next year. It will have a different main character, but Claire will play a part. Maybe then we will find out what happened to the other Crones and Harry and Gus. If not, that will be the end for me. I do not enjoy reading books that make me sad. Murder and mayhem is great, but sad is not.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her victory over the Morok, Claire is ready for a well deserved rest. She is hoping her protector, Lucan, will recover from his ordeal, but so far her hasn't. When ancient gods start showing up asking for sanctuary she realizes something is up. It turns out her battle tore the fabric separating the worlds and the gods had no choice but to escape to earth. The problem is the fabric is still tearing and threatens to affect earth.
This book was filled with action as Claire attempts to keep the people of Confluence safe from the gods, mages and gnomes that are attacking the town.

[Jan Mansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely another enthralling book in the series. I started out not being a huge fan of urban fantasy but this series has changed my mine completely. I love that there is such a cross range of real and fantasy in these books that make it "Maybe" possible somwhere out there. What a fast and furious ride, and where will it all end. Keeps you on your toes until the end of the book.
Thanks again for and fun filled read.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed following Claire, a "crone" in her 60s. I appreciate her self doubt and independence - both qualities that I think so many of us at this age share and it makes her relatable. Why do we take on all the responsibility for everything and yet doubt our abilities? I absolutely adore Harry and hope he shows back up in the final book. I am also looking forward to reading the companion books although that was definitely an unexpected twist.

[Denise Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all 5 books. I was drawn to them because the are fantastical and because of Claire's age. Kudos for Hawke for writting about all of us Crones, our oppression, our value, and our magic. The 5th book is as enjoyable as the 4 previous books. Especially Gus, I think there is more to this cat then we are currently aware of (I hope!).

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did myself a lil diservice by not reading the before books. That being said I found the story well written.
Our FMC still busy from her previous escapades and dodging and the people that "want" her.
The life things she feels made me smile and think dang girl I got you. She's Hella strong but sad as well.
Personality... character story a good mix of what just happened. Read and Enjoy.

[Sherri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in the series, so I had a bit of a learning curve to figure out who the characters were and their relationships. Even though I didn’t know the backstory, I did enjoy this exciting story. Claire is an interesting heroine and I especially enjoyed Harry. These are my thoughts after reading an early copy of the book.

[ann kellett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as I have all the others in the series, but I was disappointed by the ending, not what I was expecting but having said that it just, for me needed fleshing out a bit to arrive at the same conclusion. Definitely worth reading but the series needs to be read in order. For me these are not stand alone books.

[Lena M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Claire save the world

Claire, Lucan, Gus and Harry are back from the Otherworld, but things are a long way from done. Lucan hasn't awakened, Freya is in this world and being a right pain and Claire has to dig very deep to come up with the answers she needs. Great story and I just love Harry. How can you not love a baby blue dragon? I so want one

[Rene Averett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story, riveting and wonderful storytelling. But there's more! I'm weirdly both delighted and disappointed this isn't the end of the series. Disappointed because I was expecting the wrap up, but also delighted because there is still more to tell. Sneaky, Ms. Hawke... very sneaky. Highly recommend this well done series.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished reading the series because I wanted to know how it ended. It ends without an ending going into another series which I will not read.

I just can't abide one more book of Claire vacillating between being powerful and timid. Stop questioning yourself Claire. Perhaps that happens in the next book series, perhaps not.

[Zara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series! It's hard to find a "later in life" kind of MC, and this one is dynamic and well done. Great mix of magical, mythical, and IRL. The series is best read in order, so plan on lots of good reading!
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow ! Loved it !!

What a ride ! From start to finish!! Jammed pack with mystery and intrigue! Beautifully woven together and new characters !!! The last page had me ! Don’t want to spoil this for ya but be warned because it’s gonna get you craving more !!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A triumph with hope for the future!

I am not a fan of cliff hangers but this was a well-done and satisfying cliff to be left on. We got a long-awaited and much deserved triumph before being teased with a lot of hope for the future. Eagerly awaiting the next adventures!

[Lori Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rise of the Crimes book 5

Wow, what an amazing series of books. I was concerned with how this book was going to end but what a triumph this author provided. I am sad that I won't have access to these characters anymore. Definitely an awesome series to read!

[JaNell Knowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crone series won't let you go !

I loved every part of these books. Even the constant action which normally would make me edgy. I really want more of this series to be honest. I love intelligent hard hitting women and the books are full of these sharp characters

[Joyce Rachum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite out of the series.

Kind of disappointed in book 5. The ending was convoluted and felt wrong. I'm hoping whenever she gets around to book 6 that it redeems itself. Meanwhile kind of dissatisfied with it.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant story from Lydia M Hawke.
I couldn’t stop reading, so many twists I didn’t see coming..
Love love love that age isn’t a factor in being a hero.
Can’t wait for the next story in this series.
Recommend to all