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DFZ Changeling #3
To the Bloody End
The epic conclusion to the DFZ Changeling trilogy!
No Victor lasts forever.
Victor thought he won when he became the Hero. He thought he won when he took over the DFZ. He thought he’d made himself untouchable.
He’s wrong.
Lola isn’t the sad little monster she used to be. She has a plan, she has allies, she has more magic than she ever dreamed possible. Killing one blood mage should be easy with a fairy kingdom at her fingertips, but Victor didn't make himself a god by playing fair, and his bag of tricks is far from empty. Taking him down will take everything Lola and her friends can bring, but if there’s one thing Lola’s always been, it’s determined. No matter the cost, no matter what it takes, she will see this through.
To the bloody end.
No Victor lasts forever.
Victor thought he won when he became the Hero. He thought he won when he took over the DFZ. He thought he’d made himself untouchable.
He’s wrong.
Lola isn’t the sad little monster she used to be. She has a plan, she has allies, she has more magic than she ever dreamed possible. Killing one blood mage should be easy with a fairy kingdom at her fingertips, but Victor didn't make himself a god by playing fair, and his bag of tricks is far from empty. Taking him down will take everything Lola and her friends can bring, but if there’s one thing Lola’s always been, it’s determined. No matter the cost, no matter what it takes, she will see this through.
To the bloody end.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2024
149 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Aaron
35 books3,038 followersHello, my name is Rachel Aaron, and I write the Heartstriker books, a new Urban Fantasy series about misfit dragons, starting with Nice Dragons Finish Last. I also wrote The Legend of Eli Monpress fantasy series for Orbit Books about a wizard thief and the poor bastards who have to try and stop him. PLUS I'm also the author of the new, rolicking fun Science Fiction romance Fortune's Pawn under the name Rachel Bach.
I was born in Atlanta, but I currently live a lovely, nerdy, bookish life in Denver, CO with my lightspeed son, perpetually understanding husband, and far too many plants. Besides my own books, the internet knows me best for writing very fast. The best way to get to know me is probably to read my blog or follow me on Twitter.
I was born in Atlanta, but I currently live a lovely, nerdy, bookish life in Denver, CO with my lightspeed son, perpetually understanding husband, and far too many plants. Besides my own books, the internet knows me best for writing very fast. The best way to get to know me is probably to read my blog or follow me on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 22, 2024
Wow. (wow.)
Utterly unputdownable. A perfect end to the trilogy.
Utterly unputdownable. A perfect end to the trilogy.
April 2, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
To the Bloody End is the last book of the DFZ Changeling series. This is the second series by Aaron set in the Heartstriker world. The other was the DFZ . I think to read this series it helps if you read at least the Heartstriker series to understand spirits and how this world works. I think the concepts are brushed over a bit but to really understand then reading the parent series to this world is incredible helpful. Especially since the spirit of the DFZ plays a pretty big role.
Victor has defeated Lola time and time again. Through his planning and trickery he has made himself into the Hero and taken control of the city. Lola at least managed to come out of the last book with most of her crew still intact and a lot more power after taking over a fairy burrow. She is a changeling and this makes for some interesting side effects of being the head of her own burrow. Lola still has one focus, destroy Victor, but that is proving really hard. Even with all the extra power, he has still managed to thwart every attempt she has made in the three months that have passed since the end of the prior book.
If Lola is going to win, she will need to tie together the rest of the fairies left in this world to work together, along with the few left opposing Victor, to finally take him out and free the DFZ from his control. Valente and Simon might have survived the previous book but both are still having lingering effects. Valente is fading fast but there is still hope for him if he takes a pretty big leap of faith. Simon still hears Victor in his head, to break the bond he will need to find a better way to fight. Paladin's usually would kill any blood mage, but Simon has found one that will help train him to push Victor out of his head and find a way to destroy the man who claims to be the Hero.
I found this book's pacing and storyline to be a lot better than the previous book. With A Golden Sword had some pacing issues and most of the characters were separated for the majority of the book. Now with everyone together and working towards our finale, the story flows so much better. I loved all the concepts with gossamer and how Lola made it and could control it. There are also some great cameos from a few characters of the Heartstriker series that I always love seeing again or even hearing about through the story.
Overall a really satisfying conclusion to the series. I would have liked a little more in the epilogue and some closure with Simon and his future, along with a few other characters. However, I believe we get a really solid ending to this particular storyline.
Narration:
Naomi Rose-Mock reprises her role again in the conclusion to the series. She has been consistently good throughout the series and does well with the voices. Nothing is really standout though. That could be related to the material read or the narration, I can't say but overall a solid performance that I do not have anything negative to relate. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
To the Bloody End is the last book of the DFZ Changeling series. This is the second series by Aaron set in the Heartstriker world. The other was the DFZ . I think to read this series it helps if you read at least the Heartstriker series to understand spirits and how this world works. I think the concepts are brushed over a bit but to really understand then reading the parent series to this world is incredible helpful. Especially since the spirit of the DFZ plays a pretty big role.
Victor has defeated Lola time and time again. Through his planning and trickery he has made himself into the Hero and taken control of the city. Lola at least managed to come out of the last book with most of her crew still intact and a lot more power after taking over a fairy burrow. She is a changeling and this makes for some interesting side effects of being the head of her own burrow. Lola still has one focus, destroy Victor, but that is proving really hard. Even with all the extra power, he has still managed to thwart every attempt she has made in the three months that have passed since the end of the prior book.
If Lola is going to win, she will need to tie together the rest of the fairies left in this world to work together, along with the few left opposing Victor, to finally take him out and free the DFZ from his control. Valente and Simon might have survived the previous book but both are still having lingering effects. Valente is fading fast but there is still hope for him if he takes a pretty big leap of faith. Simon still hears Victor in his head, to break the bond he will need to find a better way to fight. Paladin's usually would kill any blood mage, but Simon has found one that will help train him to push Victor out of his head and find a way to destroy the man who claims to be the Hero.
I found this book's pacing and storyline to be a lot better than the previous book. With A Golden Sword had some pacing issues and most of the characters were separated for the majority of the book. Now with everyone together and working towards our finale, the story flows so much better. I loved all the concepts with gossamer and how Lola made it and could control it. There are also some great cameos from a few characters of the Heartstriker series that I always love seeing again or even hearing about through the story.
Overall a really satisfying conclusion to the series. I would have liked a little more in the epilogue and some closure with Simon and his future, along with a few other characters. However, I believe we get a really solid ending to this particular storyline.
Narration:
Naomi Rose-Mock reprises her role again in the conclusion to the series. She has been consistently good throughout the series and does well with the voices. Nothing is really standout though. That could be related to the material read or the narration, I can't say but overall a solid performance that I do not have anything negative to relate. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
February 7, 2024
A quick, fun read that got better as it went.
Now that Lola has a fairy burrow we learn more about them, and they're so cool! I totally want one! Lola is now crazily overpowered, so I was afraid of kryptonite, but thankfully that wasn't an issue.
I think that I disliked the doppelganger Dee, because she's better than the main character. She shouldn't be smarter than Lola, but she is. She's also sweet and funny. (Toothy is great too, but I'm not sure how I feel about having multiple Lolas.)
It's not that I dislike Lola, but she's so stupid! That's my main complaint about this book. If Lola has a brain it would be 5 stars.
I don't understand what Lola sees in Valente. I don't care for him. He has zero personality.
I wish Simon wasn't in love with Lola. He deserves better and I hate the whole love triangle thing. Simon is my favorite, but I hated that he was haunted by Victor's ghost.
Tristen and Morgan remain great, but it felt like they weren't in this one as much.
I actually liked the crazy Paladin lady.
Everyone really grows up in this one. Changes, has a training montage, whatever you want to call it. Simon learns to resist Victor, Lola learns how to become a fairy King, and Valente
The ending was really good. The final battle was dramatic and not too easy. The villain didn't act stupidly or out of character. He remained just as crafty as ever, making their victory worthwhile.
There's a mini epilogue to wrap things up, but I wanted more! I want to see Lola meet Julian and company!!
Now that Lola has a fairy burrow we learn more about them, and they're so cool! I totally want one! Lola is now crazily overpowered, so I was afraid of kryptonite, but thankfully that wasn't an issue.
I think that I disliked the doppelganger Dee, because she's better than the main character. She shouldn't be smarter than Lola, but she is. She's also sweet and funny. (Toothy is great too, but I'm not sure how I feel about having multiple Lolas.)
It's not that I dislike Lola, but she's so stupid! That's my main complaint about this book. If Lola has a brain it would be 5 stars.
I don't understand what Lola sees in Valente. I don't care for him. He has zero personality.
I wish Simon wasn't in love with Lola. He deserves better and I hate the whole love triangle thing. Simon is my favorite, but I hated that he was haunted by Victor's ghost.
Tristen and Morgan remain great, but it felt like they weren't in this one as much.
I actually liked the crazy Paladin lady.
Everyone really grows up in this one. Changes, has a training montage, whatever you want to call it. Simon learns to resist Victor, Lola learns how to become a fairy King, and Valente
The ending was really good. The final battle was dramatic and not too easy. The villain didn't act stupidly or out of character. He remained just as crafty as ever, making their victory worthwhile.
There's a mini epilogue to wrap things up, but I wanted more! I want to see Lola meet Julian and company!!
March 23, 2024
4.5 stars
January 5, 2024
Magnificent! I would give this at least 7 stars, if that were possible.
January 1, 2025
Perfect ending to this trilogy!
I loved all 3 series in the Heartstriker universe and I'm hoping Rachel Aaron will write more in this amazing world!
I loved all 3 series in the Heartstriker universe and I'm hoping Rachel Aaron will write more in this amazing world!
April 9, 2025
4.5 stars
I really like that until the very end, this was a war of belief and spinning stories, as each side considered the narrative on a global level - a real media battle! So many awesome moments on the way, too.
The fae mythology expands, and Lola comes into her own completely. However we also follow a solid path for Simon and Valente as well. In the end, as much as it was a global battle, it was also a deeply personal one, as children who had been manipulated and abused fought back, through all their trauma.
The romance thread was the weakest for me, although it wound up fine.
I really like that until the very end, this was a war of belief and spinning stories, as each side considered the narrative on a global level - a real media battle! So many awesome moments on the way, too.
The fae mythology expands, and Lola comes into her own completely. However we also follow a solid path for Simon and Valente as well. In the end, as much as it was a global battle, it was also a deeply personal one, as children who had been manipulated and abused fought back, through all their trauma.
The romance thread was the weakest for me, although it wound up fine.
December 18, 2024
I liked the series, but it wasn't as engaging as the other two series in the same world. The story was interesting, but I didn't connect to the characters, so I found myself putting the book down and not having any urge to continue reading it. It took me five months to finish this book.
February 8, 2024
A really lovely end to this trilogy. I put off reading the other DFZ books forever because the end of the Heartstriker series was so perfect and I didn’t want anything to ruin it. But this and her other spin off series has been such a good read.
January 16, 2024
Fabulous, fast-paced finale to the trilogy!
How do you defeat the unbeatable Hero who thwarts plan after increasingly desperate and daring plan Lola and her friends and allies keep throwing at him?
How do you defeat the unbeatable Hero who thwarts plan after increasingly desperate and daring plan Lola and her friends and allies keep throwing at him?
February 10, 2024
Quite satisfied with the ending. I enjoyed the culmination of everything we've seen so far--the power of stories, the role of faeries, and the DFZ all wrapped up together. In true Aaron form, the flow of the story starts out super dark, with no hope in sight, flows through a fun planning phase, after which everything falls apart and plunges us back into despair... only for success to be scraped out by fingernails in a ringing climax. The end line of the book also startled a satisfied "aww!" out of me.
What I'd really like to see now, is a DFZ series with all of our powerful female leads teaming up together: Marci, Opal, and Lola, preferably also with the DFZ, to take on something new in the world... or at least, a deleted scene where they sit down to coffee. Please? Toss in Angela and Chelsea for fun.
What I'd really like to see now, is a DFZ series with all of our powerful female leads teaming up together: Marci, Opal, and Lola, preferably also with the DFZ, to take on something new in the world... or at least, a deleted scene where they sit down to coffee. Please? Toss in Angela and Chelsea for fun.
January 30, 2024
Good finish to a good series.
* possible spoiler?*
A little harder to read this one, with everything going wrong all of the time. Hit my anxious level a few times.
* possible spoiler?*
A little harder to read this one, with everything going wrong all of the time. Hit my anxious level a few times.
February 18, 2024
I LOVE the way Rachel Aaron writes her endings. It is so clear that she has thought the series through and knew how she wanted it to end before writing. She brings together all of these little nuggets of writing for an epic conclusion. Her characters are fun and quirky. I also love that she writes about different kinds of love.
February 3, 2024
I'm going to be honest I didn't like this series as much as the others, but Rachel really cones through with this conclusion.
As much as I love the DFZ I would never have chosen to live there.... but by the Bloody End it's now my #1 top alternate reality to get isekai'd too.
As far as the DFZ has fallen she rises even hire and Lola and her friends have brought with them the biggest lesson the DFZ needed to learn the Power of Community.
And our beautiful wonderful city is more magical than ever. It even has a Subway!
As much as I love the DFZ I would never have chosen to live there.... but by the Bloody End it's now my #1 top alternate reality to get isekai'd too.
As far as the DFZ has fallen she rises even hire and Lola and her friends have brought with them the biggest lesson the DFZ needed to learn the Power of Community.
And our beautiful wonderful city is more magical than ever. It even has a Subway!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2024
FEB2024: I liked a piece of the story here and there, but this was my least favorite DFZ book to date, and my least favorite DFZ trilogy. I wasn't engaged by any of the main characters, and the only secondary character who interested me was Tristan. The plot was frustrating because the arc of this trilogy is basically people fighting and mostly losing over and over again to what I imagine is a Trump-inspired villain. I suppose the villain's defeat at the end is then supposed to feel cathartic or something, but I was only pleased I could finally stop reading. Plus Aaron's writing style of boring, endless dialogue between characters has never bothered me more. I truly wish a ruthless editor on her because the mechanics of her storytelling are a slog. And the magic systems are the opposite of enchanting.
Anyway, I've read all the books in the dragon/DFZ series, but since it's clear reading her books is no longer pleasurable for me, I think I'm done with her.
She could probably suck me back in if she ever wrote another Heartstriker book about conniving dragons, though.
Anyway, I've read all the books in the dragon/DFZ series, but since it's clear reading her books is no longer pleasurable for me, I think I'm done with her.
She could probably suck me back in if she ever wrote another Heartstriker book about conniving dragons, though.
July 29, 2024
This concludes Lola's tale and it seems like the last DFZ book which makes me so so sad. Because I want to see more DFZ. Never mind, the author has a lot of other books that I can read, and I plan to!
Lola and friends' plan to kill Victor doesn't seem to work because whatever they try, the man just won't die. The hero myth is so strong and the people's belief in his invincibility and invulnerability are both cemented with each failed attack.
Lola is coming to her own as the King of the Underground Kingdom, but it's Dee who's the star in my opinion. She rocks! She masters Lola's powers faster, can do everything better and thinks things through a lot better. But it's because though she's a part of Lola, she's free of the abuse and trauma that marked Lola's entire life till she freed herself from Victor.
To add to their problems, Valente is dying, but stubbornly refuses to let Lola know. In a final act of desperation, Simon suggests getting the help of the Paladins, the UN approved group of soldiers whose sole purpose is to destroy blood mages. But the Paladins will kill Simon as well as Victor and that isn't something Lola is ready to do.
May I say that there isn't a villain of this author that I hate more than Victor? Of the three DFZ series I've read, Victor is just the absolute worst and I HATE him so much. The Gameskeeper is a close second. Victor is just... beyond anything. I want to dismember him, skin him alive, pour boiling oil over him, have him torn apart by horses, just... destroy him. Rip him into pieces and rip those pieces into pieces.
I love Lola so much, and I wish I could just bundle her in warm blankets and keep her safe. Give her all the hugs and cuddles. Dee and Toothy too. Toothy is just the cutest, fluffiest, bestest monster who shouldn't even be called a monster. All in all, the characters are amazing. Even the villain is, because see above.
The DFZ rocks in this one too. When she was under Victor's control, she was forced to do things, but the passive aggressive way she went about obeying his orders is awesome. She keeps ignoring Lola and her friends on technicalities despite Victor asking her to find them. For all her faults, she's a spirit with a fighting spirit and is absolutely determined to get rid of Victor.
Just go read the series! You know you want to!
Lola and friends' plan to kill Victor doesn't seem to work because whatever they try, the man just won't die. The hero myth is so strong and the people's belief in his invincibility and invulnerability are both cemented with each failed attack.
Lola is coming to her own as the King of the Underground Kingdom, but it's Dee who's the star in my opinion. She rocks! She masters Lola's powers faster, can do everything better and thinks things through a lot better. But it's because though she's a part of Lola, she's free of the abuse and trauma that marked Lola's entire life till she freed herself from Victor.
To add to their problems, Valente is dying, but stubbornly refuses to let Lola know. In a final act of desperation, Simon suggests getting the help of the Paladins, the UN approved group of soldiers whose sole purpose is to destroy blood mages. But the Paladins will kill Simon as well as Victor and that isn't something Lola is ready to do.
May I say that there isn't a villain of this author that I hate more than Victor? Of the three DFZ series I've read, Victor is just the absolute worst and I HATE him so much. The Gameskeeper is a close second. Victor is just... beyond anything. I want to dismember him, skin him alive, pour boiling oil over him, have him torn apart by horses, just... destroy him. Rip him into pieces and rip those pieces into pieces.
I love Lola so much, and I wish I could just bundle her in warm blankets and keep her safe. Give her all the hugs and cuddles. Dee and Toothy too. Toothy is just the cutest, fluffiest, bestest monster who shouldn't even be called a monster. All in all, the characters are amazing. Even the villain is, because see above.
The DFZ rocks in this one too. When she was under Victor's control, she was forced to do things, but the passive aggressive way she went about obeying his orders is awesome. She keeps ignoring Lola and her friends on technicalities despite Victor asking her to find them. For all her faults, she's a spirit with a fighting spirit and is absolutely determined to get rid of Victor.
Just go read the series! You know you want to!
December 25, 2024
Ahoy there mateys! The third book of the trilogy came out this year and so I read these through the Kindle Unlimited program. This series takes place in the DFZ world, "a near-future, magical Detroit where urban legends ride the streets, fairy queens have mansions uptown, and the City is an actual deity you don't want to cross." This is the third series that takes place in the DFZ. I love the DFZ!!
Lola is a fairy changeling that is controlled by an illegal, evil blood mage named Victor. She is a shape changer who needs Victor's magic pills to stay human and not turn into a monster. Lola is connected to her human sister via a silver thread. All three books deal with Victor's attempts to take over the world.
One of the more interesting aspects of this series is how fairies play into the action. Basically fairies get power from people's belief. I appreciated how this concept is used by Victor. It was fun to have an evil villain be so successful at twisting the both magic and technology for his use. He is always two steps ahead of Lola. He wins in the first two books. The world even thinks he is the Hero at points in the series. But Lola doesn't give up.
The biggest problems I had with the series were personal preferences. I did not like the resolution of Lola and her sister's storyline. I did not like Lola's choice of love interest and wish she would have got together with the other guy. I did love Tristan. I am not sure I liked the addition of Toothy and Dee. I wanted more of the DFZ! Overall though I did enjoy the series and am glad I read it.
I have not read the Heartstrikers DFZ series that started it all. I know it deals with dragons. Does anyone on the crew recommend I go back and read it? I also think I will read the Tear Down Heaven series once it has been completed. It deals with demon mercenaries and a talking cat. Arrrr!
Lola is a fairy changeling that is controlled by an illegal, evil blood mage named Victor. She is a shape changer who needs Victor's magic pills to stay human and not turn into a monster. Lola is connected to her human sister via a silver thread. All three books deal with Victor's attempts to take over the world.
One of the more interesting aspects of this series is how fairies play into the action. Basically fairies get power from people's belief. I appreciated how this concept is used by Victor. It was fun to have an evil villain be so successful at twisting the both magic and technology for his use. He is always two steps ahead of Lola. He wins in the first two books. The world even thinks he is the Hero at points in the series. But Lola doesn't give up.
The biggest problems I had with the series were personal preferences. I did not like the resolution of Lola and her sister's storyline. I did not like Lola's choice of love interest and wish she would have got together with the other guy. I did love Tristan. I am not sure I liked the addition of Toothy and Dee. I wanted more of the DFZ! Overall though I did enjoy the series and am glad I read it.
I have not read the Heartstrikers DFZ series that started it all. I know it deals with dragons. Does anyone on the crew recommend I go back and read it? I also think I will read the Tear Down Heaven series once it has been completed. It deals with demon mercenaries and a talking cat. Arrrr!
February 21, 2024
A decent conclusion to the trilogy, with each character getting a little moment to shine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2024
3.75 / 5
A satisfying end to this series, in a story that felt consistent with the previous two entries in the DFZ Changeling trio.
Lola and her crew remain highly likeable. I still had the same issues from the last two books - of Victor being too overpowered (which is the point, but it's not my personal reading preference), fairy magic being too Superman-y (able to do literally anything until hit with a dash of disbelief at which point it melts), and not enough dragons - but in all it delivered a highly readable and unique story, just like RA always spins.
The fairy magic system continued to be interesting, and I really liked seeing Lola embracing her new role as the Underground King and discovering what exactly that means for her. It's as easy as ever to root for Lola and her refusal to surrender.
All in all, a satsifying conclusion, and I greatly look forward to RA's next series.
A satisfying end to this series, in a story that felt consistent with the previous two entries in the DFZ Changeling trio.
Lola and her crew remain highly likeable. I still had the same issues from the last two books - of Victor being too overpowered (which is the point, but it's not my personal reading preference), fairy magic being too Superman-y (able to do literally anything until hit with a dash of disbelief at which point it melts), and not enough dragons - but in all it delivered a highly readable and unique story, just like RA always spins.
The fairy magic system continued to be interesting, and I really liked seeing Lola embracing her new role as the Underground King and discovering what exactly that means for her. It's as easy as ever to root for Lola and her refusal to surrender.
All in all, a satsifying conclusion, and I greatly look forward to RA's next series.
March 2, 2024
A fantastic finish to Rachel Aaron's DFZ Changeling series! If you've not read any of Rachel Aaron's Detroit Free Zone Novels, I highly recommend that you do. She is a writer who most definitely should be getting a lot more attention. The Detroit of the new era of human magic is one of the most amazing examples of fine world building I've ever seen, and the characters run the gamut from changelings to dragons to spirits of the living city, oh and dragons -- don't forget the dragons, there's never a lack of quirky chemistry, nasty blood mages and heroes, lots of heroes, mostly totally unexpected. The final book of the DFZ Changeling series was a wild ride from the beginning to the end. I can't wait to see what Rachel Aarons comes up with next, but I'm definitely hoping for more DFZ novels.
February 13, 2024
Setting/Worldbuilding: 5/10
Main characters: 6/10
Side characters: 5/10
Dialogue: 5/10
Plot: 7/10
Technique: 4/10
Prose: 7/10
Romance: 6/10
Ending: 8/10
Overall enjoyment: 7/100
Total: 60/100 (3)
Hm, I don’t know about this one. There is no Rachel Aaron book that I don’t and wouldn’t like, and this is no exception. But this is definitely the lowest I’ve ever rated a Rachel Aaron book.
I think my main issue with this was that the world building got way too complicated with the really weird rules of fairy magic AND the very difficult DFZ magic as well. That plus add in all the changeling and blood magic stuff and my head was spinning throughout the whole book. It was definitely harder to follow than her other books. I also wish there were more dragons :( I always want more dragons :(
Main characters: 6/10
Side characters: 5/10
Dialogue: 5/10
Plot: 7/10
Technique: 4/10
Prose: 7/10
Romance: 6/10
Ending: 8/10
Overall enjoyment: 7/100
Total: 60/100 (3)
Hm, I don’t know about this one. There is no Rachel Aaron book that I don’t and wouldn’t like, and this is no exception. But this is definitely the lowest I’ve ever rated a Rachel Aaron book.
I think my main issue with this was that the world building got way too complicated with the really weird rules of fairy magic AND the very difficult DFZ magic as well. That plus add in all the changeling and blood magic stuff and my head was spinning throughout the whole book. It was definitely harder to follow than her other books. I also wish there were more dragons :( I always want more dragons :(
October 27, 2024
Vote: 3,65
Class: L-B1 (FP)
(final book of the DFZ Changeling Series)
I've loved all of Rachel Aaron's works I've read and I really like the world she has built.
This series is less brilliant than the previous ones and the protagonist, Lola, is not as great as Eli Monpress, Opal and our favourite dragon; sadly even the DFZ Spirit, who is an amazing character in this world, is quite absent even if the story is totally set in the DFZ.
The final book is more catching and it has a satisfying ending, however I'm not going to give it more than three and half star.
With not too high expectations this series is entertaining and well written.
Class: L-B1 (FP)
(final book of the DFZ Changeling Series)
I've loved all of Rachel Aaron's works I've read and I really like the world she has built.
This series is less brilliant than the previous ones and the protagonist, Lola, is not as great as Eli Monpress, Opal and our favourite dragon; sadly even the DFZ Spirit, who is an amazing character in this world, is quite absent even if the story is totally set in the DFZ.
The final book is more catching and it has a satisfying ending, however I'm not going to give it more than three and half star.
With not too high expectations this series is entertaining and well written.
August 6, 2024
Series finale - if you were expecting a boss battle, you won't be disappointed. Victor just won't die, his international heroic status has given him all the power. Luckily, Lola has an amazing team beside her, and the tenets of working together, being kind and trusting each other still hold good, even if you're a fairy / human.
The plot is paced nicely - even though the action takes place over only a few days, there is plenty of it. The characters continue to develop and progress, and the feel is optimistic.
I'm really sad to be leaving the DFZ. If I ever visit Detroit, I hope to see all my fantasy friends there.
The plot is paced nicely - even though the action takes place over only a few days, there is plenty of it. The characters continue to develop and progress, and the feel is optimistic.
I'm really sad to be leaving the DFZ. If I ever visit Detroit, I hope to see all my fantasy friends there.
February 16, 2024
outstanding conclusion
Once again Rachel Aaron wraps up the story in an unexpected way as Lola has to deal with the consequences of her actions and try to finally get a step ahead of Victor before he destroys her and the city she loves. Rachel does a great job of writing characters that have different motivations and beliefs so that it is not just another Mary Sue going from victory to victory, but she has to learn from both her allies and enemies to get ahead of Victor and save the DFZ.
Once again Rachel Aaron wraps up the story in an unexpected way as Lola has to deal with the consequences of her actions and try to finally get a step ahead of Victor before he destroys her and the city she loves. Rachel does a great job of writing characters that have different motivations and beliefs so that it is not just another Mary Sue going from victory to victory, but she has to learn from both her allies and enemies to get ahead of Victor and save the DFZ.
February 9, 2025
There were some aspects that drove me nuts, like the Black Rider refusing to tell Lola what's going on with him (stupid dude) or Lola constantly trying to kill Victor instead of destroy his reputation as she obviously needs to do to destroy belief. (I say this freely here because it's the opposite of creating a spirit or god in these worlds, and stood out as a clear solution going into this read.) But I loved Lola coming into her power, feeding her people, Toothy and D, and the entirety of the resolution. Also liked seeing a few old friends from previous books pop up throughout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
Fantastic ending
Rachel Aaron wraps up the tale of Lola and her found family of blood mage damaged persons with lots of action, heart, and growth. If you liked the Black Rider so far, you'll be stoked by his transformation. Also, Victor is a well-developed, really tricky villain, and there are no easy solutions to his infamy, making this conclusion quite satisfying. I hope that these characters show up in future novels of the DFZ universe.
Rachel Aaron wraps up the tale of Lola and her found family of blood mage damaged persons with lots of action, heart, and growth. If you liked the Black Rider so far, you'll be stoked by his transformation. Also, Victor is a well-developed, really tricky villain, and there are no easy solutions to his infamy, making this conclusion quite satisfying. I hope that these characters show up in future novels of the DFZ universe.
October 4, 2024
This was a very exciting conclusion to the DFZ Changeling trilogy. I was a little worried at first about the "wheels spinning in place" at the beginning of this book, but it didn't last for long and wow, I'm always impressed when an author is willing to knock down their own "sandcastle," such as it is, and be willing to go in different directions. Victor has definitely been one of the smarter and most despicable villains I've read in a while. But everything was just freakin' cool in this book.
April 28, 2025
A lovely end to the DFZ Changeling trilogy. It was really fun to see how Valente and Lola grew into their power, and how Simon grew in emotional maturity. I was shocked by the depth of my relief as they confronted one of the creepiest villains I've ever read.
I wanted a bit more epilogue, though, as I often do. I became invested in a lot of the side characters' arcs, and I wanted to know details of their happy endings.
I wanted a bit more epilogue, though, as I often do. I became invested in a lot of the side characters' arcs, and I wanted to know details of their happy endings.
December 9, 2025
I've read a lot of Rachel Aaron's books. her entire DFZ series have been fun and well written. I think this trilogy was her most silly, insane, creative and just good fun. But it also had well written characters with great depth and satisfactory endings to their stories.
I'm gonna miss the DFZ but this was a great ending to this trilogy. Lola was a fun protagonist and her magic was so interesting. Seeing Victor get his ass beat was perfect. Can't wait for the next read!
I'm gonna miss the DFZ but this was a great ending to this trilogy. Lola was a fun protagonist and her magic was so interesting. Seeing Victor get his ass beat was perfect. Can't wait for the next read!
February 8, 2024
Suspend your disbelief!!
Rachel is a master of tying her unique magical systems into the escalating conflict, story, and developing characters. She's so consistent with the laws of her universes, but it doesn't stop the protagonist or villan from being total badasses. It is always a pleasure reading her works, she is just an amazing storyteller.
Rachel is a master of tying her unique magical systems into the escalating conflict, story, and developing characters. She's so consistent with the laws of her universes, but it doesn't stop the protagonist or villan from being total badasses. It is always a pleasure reading her works, she is just an amazing storyteller.
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