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The Grey Gates #5
Chosen
Demons on the loose. Ritual murders. An ancient vampire breathing down her neck.
Some days Max just doesn't know where to start. The problems facing her city are piling up, and there seems no end or solution in sight.
Max's job used to be dealing with supernatural creatures. Now she's got to tackle demons from the underworld who are far more powerful than anything she's come across before, and who seem intent on bringing an end to the daylight world.
Part of Max would love to sit this one out. Let someone else save the world for a change. But was it ever really a choice?
Chosen is the fifth and final book in The Grey Gates. If you like your fantasy mixed with a bit of mystery, a bit of magic and a heroine who can hold her own, you'll love this new series by Vanessa Nelson. Get your copy of Chosen now to complete Max's story.
Some days Max just doesn't know where to start. The problems facing her city are piling up, and there seems no end or solution in sight.
Max's job used to be dealing with supernatural creatures. Now she's got to tackle demons from the underworld who are far more powerful than anything she's come across before, and who seem intent on bringing an end to the daylight world.
Part of Max would love to sit this one out. Let someone else save the world for a change. But was it ever really a choice?
Chosen is the fifth and final book in The Grey Gates. If you like your fantasy mixed with a bit of mystery, a bit of magic and a heroine who can hold her own, you'll love this new series by Vanessa Nelson. Get your copy of Chosen now to complete Max's story.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2024
489 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books418 followersI am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, two giant dogs and a host of fictional characters.
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
February 19, 2024
I enjoyed it, but ... I wanted a bit more from Max. Let me clarify.
Max's backstory is pretty horrifying. She was used horribly by the Order - sent on a suicide mission, and when she succeeded, cast out ... so they could take all the credit. Across the board, the Order is arguably the most corrupt institution in this entire series. They don't do their jobs at all, and in fact send this untrained apprentice in to do their most sacred job, but yet lord it over everyone as if they are practically gods. They are worthless, useless, condescending, entitled dickheads. And this book underscores it, because they contribute absolutely nothing to the resolution of the crisis. And no, they don't get credit for the warriors' actions - the warriors of the Order, the non magic users, are honorable soldiers who allow the Order's magic users to treat them as shit on their shoes. Those asswipe magic users don't get to take credit for Bryce and his team's help in saving the world when those same slack-ass magic users sat the whole fight out.
I appreciated Max's arc in this series, slowly rebuilding her self-esteem as she realized how flawed the Order is, and stopped letting their treatment of her (when she was an apprentice there) define her. But it didn't go far enough. These last two books, her narrative is bursting with defense of them, and in particular, defense of Kitris, the most useless bag of shit ever put in charge of any organization in the history of humanity. And I'm going to be frank, it was so nauseating I had trouble rating this above 3 stars.
Kitris is a monstrous, abusive asshole. Her defense of him, and insistence that he was always working in service of the Lady (fucking WRONG, he was working in service of himself and his own ego) and that he was good at his job as the head of the Order (fucking laughable, given how clueless they were about the demons about to usher the dark god into this realm ... the prevention of which is the entire reason for the Order's existence). This dumbass utterly failed at his job, but never failed to swoop in after the fight was over and take credit for it. And then, adding insult to injury, his successor - the equally useless asshole, Orshiasa - .
I hated all of that. And I hated that Max allowed it. And even more than that, I hated that the Order was allowed to continue on at the end of this series. They are a corrupt organization who should have been ripped down, brick by brick, as punishment for failing to the job they were built to do ... and for acting like they are so far above everyone else. They are useless magical bullies who should be forced to shovel shit for the rest of their natural lives. Period.
I wanted the warriors to all realize that, and break away to leave the dumbass magic users floundering in ineptitude. I mean, why do they deserve the protection of warriors they treat so poorly...when they actually DON'T DO ANYTHING to help the world? When they've completely and utterly failed, in every way, to fulfill their purpose as an organization?
So I liked the story, I did. I liked Max's growth in every other respect. But I am just so fucking tired of doormat FMCs that allow worthless people to walk all over them. So, so tired.
Max's backstory is pretty horrifying. She was used horribly by the Order - sent on a suicide mission, and when she succeeded, cast out ... so they could take all the credit. Across the board, the Order is arguably the most corrupt institution in this entire series. They don't do their jobs at all, and in fact send this untrained apprentice in to do their most sacred job, but yet lord it over everyone as if they are practically gods. They are worthless, useless, condescending, entitled dickheads. And this book underscores it, because they contribute absolutely nothing to the resolution of the crisis. And no, they don't get credit for the warriors' actions - the warriors of the Order, the non magic users, are honorable soldiers who allow the Order's magic users to treat them as shit on their shoes. Those asswipe magic users don't get to take credit for Bryce and his team's help in saving the world when those same slack-ass magic users sat the whole fight out.
I appreciated Max's arc in this series, slowly rebuilding her self-esteem as she realized how flawed the Order is, and stopped letting their treatment of her (when she was an apprentice there) define her. But it didn't go far enough. These last two books, her narrative is bursting with defense of them, and in particular, defense of Kitris, the most useless bag of shit ever put in charge of any organization in the history of humanity. And I'm going to be frank, it was so nauseating I had trouble rating this above 3 stars.
Kitris is a monstrous, abusive asshole. Her defense of him, and insistence that he was always working in service of the Lady (fucking WRONG, he was working in service of himself and his own ego) and that he was good at his job as the head of the Order (fucking laughable, given how clueless they were about the demons about to usher the dark god into this realm ... the prevention of which is the entire reason for the Order's existence). This dumbass utterly failed at his job, but never failed to swoop in after the fight was over and take credit for it. And then, adding insult to injury, his successor - the equally useless asshole, Orshiasa - .
I hated all of that. And I hated that Max allowed it. And even more than that, I hated that the Order was allowed to continue on at the end of this series. They are a corrupt organization who should have been ripped down, brick by brick, as punishment for failing to the job they were built to do ... and for acting like they are so far above everyone else. They are useless magical bullies who should be forced to shovel shit for the rest of their natural lives. Period.
I wanted the warriors to all realize that, and break away to leave the dumbass magic users floundering in ineptitude. I mean, why do they deserve the protection of warriors they treat so poorly...when they actually DON'T DO ANYTHING to help the world? When they've completely and utterly failed, in every way, to fulfill their purpose as an organization?
So I liked the story, I did. I liked Max's growth in every other respect. But I am just so fucking tired of doormat FMCs that allow worthless people to walk all over them. So, so tired.
February 29, 2024
I can’t pinpoint why I’m somewhat dissatisfied.
This are my (purely personal) nits.
-Some of it is the lack of solid background. She’s now and was too 8 years ago a semigoddess. She hasn’t studied magic in the meantime. what’s the difference? A few uses of casual magic?
yes, she now knows it can be done, but meh it doesn’t seem that solid to me. Right yea, solid not so much. She reacts in self defence even now, so why not 8 years ago?
-Some is the fact they keep loosing all the battles (even if not the war). There’s no balance until there is.
-I probably needed a better/longer ending too. I mean this world has realised it was all a lie. There’s a much bigger one outside. A one page ending doesn’t seem enough. :) [But this honestly was a weak point all along, it wasn’t solid at all. Not even the mission in the Wild made it so, a world like ours needs so much that some petrol isn’t enough].
-Sorry what did happen at the end with the order? Out of the blue they went balooney?
Purely a side note, there’s no vampire stalkering her. why that description?
May 8, 2024
This is the action-packed finale of the Grey gates series. Things are all wrapped up, the bad guys… well the “other” demon bad guys all taken care of etc. But all those things that have bothered me throughout the series… like character growth just didn’t pan out.
The worst of it, however, is that NOTHING is made better in the Order! And that just infuriates me. It honestly ruined any good ending this book otherwise had. And just as a warning to those who are, like me, hoping for resolutions? NOPE! STOP DREAMING! They don’t happen! Max never does get the credit she deserves. The priestess nor Kitris ever acknowledge her. The Lady is a witch (figuratively speaking). The only good thing is that Max finally gets her man.
Ticks me off. I spent five books for this. But, I’ve enjoyed the series enough that the ending still deserves three stars I guess.
The worst of it, however, is that NOTHING is made better in the Order! And that just infuriates me. It honestly ruined any good ending this book otherwise had. And just as a warning to those who are, like me, hoping for resolutions? NOPE! STOP DREAMING! They don’t happen! Max never does get the credit she deserves. The priestess nor Kitris ever acknowledge her. The Lady is a witch (figuratively speaking). The only good thing is that Max finally gets her man.
Ticks me off. I spent five books for this. But, I’ve enjoyed the series enough that the ending still deserves three stars I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2024
What a wonderful ending to the series! My only wish is that there was on-page spicy time, but the off-page sweetness was nice too.
May 9, 2024
A nice epilogue, but otherwise a slog to get through. Maybe I just expecting something different or more complex from this series. The tone ended up being so discordant, at times unrelentingly gruesome and hopeless, and then directly after, jarringly unserious. The final argument scene between the Lady and Arkus is a good example of this dissonance.
Still, I wouldn't dissuade people from picking up the series if it sounds interesting.
Still, I wouldn't dissuade people from picking up the series if it sounds interesting.
July 6, 2024
The final installment of Nelson's The Grey Gates is here!! I was quite surprised when I got the Amazon news. I thought it would be released on Leap Day. Apparently it was moved forward several weeks.
As this is the final book, the showdown was between Max, Cas & Pol (her shadow-hounds), Bryce, and the rest of the gang (the warriors of the Order, Lord Kolbyr, Audhilde, and more) and Lord of the Underworld, Arkus, and his demons. The main objective is to stop Arkus from stepping into the human world.
I thought it was pretty exciting. Yes, there were casualties from both sides () but it was expected somehow, this being the end of the series. Max settled down with her magic - she got the respect from those important in keeping the city safe. AND the most important characters, whom I grew to like I mean, survived and that made me happy.
The ending felt peaceful...
As this is the final book, the showdown was between Max, Cas & Pol (her shadow-hounds), Bryce, and the rest of the gang (the warriors of the Order, Lord Kolbyr, Audhilde, and more) and Lord of the Underworld, Arkus, and his demons. The main objective is to stop Arkus from stepping into the human world.
I thought it was pretty exciting. Yes, there were casualties from both sides () but it was expected somehow, this being the end of the series. Max settled down with her magic - she got the respect from those important in keeping the city safe. AND the most important characters, whom I grew to like I mean, survived and that made me happy.
The ending felt peaceful...
April 29, 2025
"Chosen" is the final book in the Grey Gates series and I must say it was a disappointment. We have a heroine who had the potential but nothing was done to develop her. She finds out she has special magic but nothing is done to train her. She randomly uses them when the in stressful situation. When she discovers a new ability it's totally forgotten about when it would have useful. And the 'tree' scene? Where the heck did that come from?!!! It didn't make any sense. I'm glad I've read this author's other work and enjoyed it. The plot and character development were anemic. Sad.
KU ebook
KU ebook
May 1, 2024
I am disappointed by the end of this series. I actually loved books 2-4, but this last one left me wanting.
Things with the Order did not get resolved in my opinion. There was so much history involving them and they were completely absent from this whole book. Kitris' storyline doesn't make sense to me at all, and I see that whole thread of the story really confusing. A lot of build up for...nothing.
Same with Emmeline.
I also really hated the way Max learns to use her magic, or doesn't learn I should say. She spends zero time trying things out, practicing or anything. She just suddenly is able to use magic when she needs to with no explanation. She also is always doing the bare minimum with it and in a world of intense magic, the weapons people rely on most are still guns.
Things with the Order did not get resolved in my opinion. There was so much history involving them and they were completely absent from this whole book. Kitris' storyline doesn't make sense to me at all, and I see that whole thread of the story really confusing. A lot of build up for...nothing.
Same with Emmeline.
I also really hated the way Max learns to use her magic, or doesn't learn I should say. She spends zero time trying things out, practicing or anything. She just suddenly is able to use magic when she needs to with no explanation. She also is always doing the bare minimum with it and in a world of intense magic, the weapons people rely on most are still guns.
February 10, 2024
This was a very good series that tied everything up in the end. There are great characters, interesting story, lots of action, It is an easy, quick read. Unfortunately there are no more books in this series to read.
November 12, 2024
3.5 stars. I am sorry, by the time I got here to the end of the 5th story- I honestly did not care about Arkus, the demons, the Grey Gates- all I cared about was the last 1-2% of the story.
Don't get me wrong, its well written and intriguing world building but ever, ever so slow burn that its practically non-existent. But the whole Lady thing with Arkus and the Gates there at the end, was torturously dragged out.
And yes, Bryce kisses her in hell to anchor her, which was faintly ridiculous... but NO ACTION.
And I clocked this comparison 2x by the time we got to 11%:
"The hotel’s reception area was bigger than her house"
Her house was tiny, why use that as a comparison?
I am still upset by not knowing why the Grey Gates were opened 8 years ago, and why all the sleek new cars when they are recycling bullet casings??
Why give it 3.75?
For this ending, Highlights & spoilers:
"Footsteps sounded behind her and her mouth curved up in a smile, the smile deepening as an arm slid around her waist from behind.
Bryce held her close, pressing a kiss just under her ear. She drew a breath in, catching the faint scent of the forest from the soap he preferred."
----------
"He’d come home with her that first night and hadn’t left.
They’d had visits from the rest of his team from time to time, and had spent a lot of time helping with the clean-up of the Marshals’ headquarters and across the city, but Bryce always came home with her and she knew, without needing the words to be said between them, that he always would."
5 stars for Bryce and the creatures of the Wild, and some of the characters I suppose but that's all!
:)
Don't get me wrong, its well written and intriguing world building but ever, ever so slow burn that its practically non-existent. But the whole Lady thing with Arkus and the Gates there at the end, was torturously dragged out.
And yes, Bryce kisses her in hell to anchor her, which was faintly ridiculous... but NO ACTION.
And I clocked this comparison 2x by the time we got to 11%:
"The hotel’s reception area was bigger than her house"
Her house was tiny, why use that as a comparison?
I am still upset by not knowing why the Grey Gates were opened 8 years ago, and why all the sleek new cars when they are recycling bullet casings??
Why give it 3.75?
For this ending, Highlights & spoilers:
"Footsteps sounded behind her and her mouth curved up in a smile, the smile deepening as an arm slid around her waist from behind.
Bryce held her close, pressing a kiss just under her ear. She drew a breath in, catching the faint scent of the forest from the soap he preferred."
----------
"He’d come home with her that first night and hadn’t left.
They’d had visits from the rest of his team from time to time, and had spent a lot of time helping with the clean-up of the Marshals’ headquarters and across the city, but Bryce always came home with her and she knew, without needing the words to be said between them, that he always would."
5 stars for Bryce and the creatures of the Wild, and some of the characters I suppose but that's all!
:)
March 17, 2024
Worth your time
I've just completed this series and really enjoyed it. I went straight from one book to the next in the series which always makes it more enjoyable for me if the world building is good enough to suck you in, and this one is. I commend the author for her attention to detail. She gave you just enough in the beginning to string you along (without you feeling like it), and explains the world, characters, story line as you continue along from book to book in the series. Start with Outcast (first of the series), and be ready to put everything else in your life on hold because you won't want to set this aside. I think I finished the entire series in a little under a week, but I am a voracious reader, but that being said, because I read so much, it's easy for me to get board with a series if it's not good enough to trap me, lol.
I really fell into this one, and enjoyed all the books. I'm not sure if I could pick a favorite. Definitely my favs were Cas and Pol! I'd like to know more about the other warriors too.
You should take a break from life and read this series.
Happy reading to you all!
I've just completed this series and really enjoyed it. I went straight from one book to the next in the series which always makes it more enjoyable for me if the world building is good enough to suck you in, and this one is. I commend the author for her attention to detail. She gave you just enough in the beginning to string you along (without you feeling like it), and explains the world, characters, story line as you continue along from book to book in the series. Start with Outcast (first of the series), and be ready to put everything else in your life on hold because you won't want to set this aside. I think I finished the entire series in a little under a week, but I am a voracious reader, but that being said, because I read so much, it's easy for me to get board with a series if it's not good enough to trap me, lol.
I really fell into this one, and enjoyed all the books. I'm not sure if I could pick a favorite. Definitely my favs were Cas and Pol! I'd like to know more about the other warriors too.
You should take a break from life and read this series.
Happy reading to you all!
February 18, 2024
Nelson's books are become a recurrent guiltily pleasure. After a while they're fairly predictable and you know what you're getting into, but the battles are fun, the heroine and heroes feisty and good wins in the end without too much enduring grimness.
I'm marking this final one down a bit for playing a bit too much like a computer game in places, and for making both the deities we meet annoying and childish. The lack of any clear boundaries on Max's powers made the ending seem a little pulled out of a hat too, and less satisfying than the ending of the Ageless series. (I'm pretty sure Nelson is a pantser writer and not a System type. Which is generally fine with me). But I'll probably read whatever she writes next.
I'm marking this final one down a bit for playing a bit too much like a computer game in places, and for making both the deities we meet annoying and childish. The lack of any clear boundaries on Max's powers made the ending seem a little pulled out of a hat too, and less satisfying than the ending of the Ageless series. (I'm pretty sure Nelson is a pantser writer and not a System type. Which is generally fine with me). But I'll probably read whatever she writes next.
August 1, 2024
I enjoyed the overall world, but I found the conclusion of the series to be weak and rather pointless. All the battles and conflicts never resulted in anything meaningful. The demons never died. Good vs. evil ended up as a cordial discussion rather than any movie-worthy battle. The Order sucked and never showed any reform. The romance between two main characters was like a lukewarm bath, and I wasn't convinced of any passion. The other books had more tightly planned action arcs, but this one tried to tie up all the loose ends with twists and turns and ended up very meh IMO.
November 4, 2025
A great ending to a strong series. It starts with a bang and doesn't let up. Max is a great character, and I love Cas, Pol, Bryce, and the other warriors and marshalls. If you like your urban fantasy heavy on the demon fighting and light on romance, this series is perfect.
March 20, 2024
I really need to go back and make sure all the books in this series are rated 4 stars.
This is the first series of books by Vanessa Nelson I read so I think that’s why I’m the most attached to Max, but I also genuinely love this series.
Is it perfect? No. For instance, there’s a bit in this book where Max tries calling Bryce and Khari answers instead and then Max is filled with hurt and doubt that Bryce didn’t call her when he and his team were in trouble and needed help.
But then, this is never addressed because the next scene with Bryce and Max is all lovey dovey. So, I’m left wondering what the point of that was. It’s not like Max ever thought later “that was a moment of weakness/doubt.”
Some of the world building in this book was a little weak, particularly in the Underworld, but really it was fine since that wasn’t the focal point and I was also reading late at night lol
I am sad to see this series end. I really love Max and I’m glad she got closure after her first trip to the Underworld. I enjoyed the scenes with Max and her people when they were talking about who was going to get the Codex and go to the Underworld and Bryce knew. He just knew it would be Max. And I do love that she expressed her doubt to him that she didn’t think she could because of that past trauma. It was all just full circle for her and this time she was stronger.
I think I started to get a little annoyed that she just kept repeating how much she didn’t want to do it. But when I think about it now, that’s a very authentic reaction. Max is strong and a badass but also, human. We can’t all be Buffy Summers. And shit, even Buffy had moments of doubt and dread.
Now, let’s take a moment to gush over Bryce and Max. I am in love, love, love with them. Right from the start in this book with her admitting she liked being the center of his attention. AS SHE SHOULD BE!!! Every shared moment got better and better. I knew he had to be freaking when Max got carried away in the UW and when he got back to her and said he’d told her he’d find her and the “emotion” in his eyes. Ugh!! And then how he knew she created that tree and it brought him to tears! Then, they all get back and start dispersing and he’s waiting with Cas and Pol. They are a family.
Then I just about died when we got the “two weeks later” chapter and find out Bryce went home with her and hasn’t left and she knows he won’t. DEAD I tell you! Max is certainly the most progressive FMC we’ve had from Vanessa Nelson and maybe it’s because of the time setting, but we know she slept with Malik so she’s no prude. When Bryce slips his arm around her waist and reveals that he told her he likes holding her during a quiet, private moment…bish, please. We all know that was a post-coitus moment❤️🔥
So, Bryce and Max got their HEA but I wouldn’t mind a bonus chapter or two or a novella about them a year or so from now…are they still living in Haven? I know she’s the guardian for it, but I think back to their reaction in Book 3 when they saw the world the vault was in and I felt like they would both want to travel and see the world. Soooo did they take a really long honeymoon or vacation? Do they have weekly family dinners with his family? Did the rest of his team join the Marshals too? These are lingering questions and no one is writing fanfic for them! lollll
Well, this review is almost more for the series as opposed to this specific installment, but I can say there was sufficient buildup but the meeting with the big bad was slightly anticlimactic (it felt a little confusing…maybe because I was tired when I read it?).
Some of the other books had stronger action/plot but this book was stronger when it came to Max’s growth and her and Bryce. There’s a line somewhere when Max realizes Bryce is her person and that says a lot for the woman we first meet, trying to function all on her own.
Goodbye Max (and Bryce)! I enjoyed your journey!
This is the first series of books by Vanessa Nelson I read so I think that’s why I’m the most attached to Max, but I also genuinely love this series.
Is it perfect? No. For instance, there’s a bit in this book where Max tries calling Bryce and Khari answers instead and then Max is filled with hurt and doubt that Bryce didn’t call her when he and his team were in trouble and needed help.
But then, this is never addressed because the next scene with Bryce and Max is all lovey dovey. So, I’m left wondering what the point of that was. It’s not like Max ever thought later “that was a moment of weakness/doubt.”
Some of the world building in this book was a little weak, particularly in the Underworld, but really it was fine since that wasn’t the focal point and I was also reading late at night lol
I am sad to see this series end. I really love Max and I’m glad she got closure after her first trip to the Underworld. I enjoyed the scenes with Max and her people when they were talking about who was going to get the Codex and go to the Underworld and Bryce knew. He just knew it would be Max. And I do love that she expressed her doubt to him that she didn’t think she could because of that past trauma. It was all just full circle for her and this time she was stronger.
I think I started to get a little annoyed that she just kept repeating how much she didn’t want to do it. But when I think about it now, that’s a very authentic reaction. Max is strong and a badass but also, human. We can’t all be Buffy Summers. And shit, even Buffy had moments of doubt and dread.
Now, let’s take a moment to gush over Bryce and Max. I am in love, love, love with them. Right from the start in this book with her admitting she liked being the center of his attention. AS SHE SHOULD BE!!! Every shared moment got better and better. I knew he had to be freaking when Max got carried away in the UW and when he got back to her and said he’d told her he’d find her and the “emotion” in his eyes. Ugh!! And then how he knew she created that tree and it brought him to tears! Then, they all get back and start dispersing and he’s waiting with Cas and Pol. They are a family.
Then I just about died when we got the “two weeks later” chapter and find out Bryce went home with her and hasn’t left and she knows he won’t. DEAD I tell you! Max is certainly the most progressive FMC we’ve had from Vanessa Nelson and maybe it’s because of the time setting, but we know she slept with Malik so she’s no prude. When Bryce slips his arm around her waist and reveals that he told her he likes holding her during a quiet, private moment…bish, please. We all know that was a post-coitus moment❤️🔥
So, Bryce and Max got their HEA but I wouldn’t mind a bonus chapter or two or a novella about them a year or so from now…are they still living in Haven? I know she’s the guardian for it, but I think back to their reaction in Book 3 when they saw the world the vault was in and I felt like they would both want to travel and see the world. Soooo did they take a really long honeymoon or vacation? Do they have weekly family dinners with his family? Did the rest of his team join the Marshals too? These are lingering questions and no one is writing fanfic for them! lollll
Well, this review is almost more for the series as opposed to this specific installment, but I can say there was sufficient buildup but the meeting with the big bad was slightly anticlimactic (it felt a little confusing…maybe because I was tired when I read it?).
Some of the other books had stronger action/plot but this book was stronger when it came to Max’s growth and her and Bryce. There’s a line somewhere when Max realizes Bryce is her person and that says a lot for the woman we first meet, trying to function all on her own.
Goodbye Max (and Bryce)! I enjoyed your journey!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2024
A satisfying series ending! 3.75 Stars!
This series was truly enjoyable and easy to read. It had amazing characters, magic, supernaturals, lots of action and many surprises. I would definitely recommend this series, especially because it keeps you on your toes and there is never a dull moment. The only hiccup for me was the way the FMC Max was portrayed. I really liked her and my heart broke for her at times, for all that she had been through, and her determination to set things right. She was smart and cared for everyone, and of course, her shadow-hounds were adorable! On the other hand, even though by the end of the series, she was more in control of her magic, she still doubted herself too much for my liking, and her growth as a character was not enough. I didn’t mind that she had help from the other characters, but the author should have made her more assertive of herself and act more like a leader considering her powerful magic. All in all, a great series that will have you well entertained! 💜🩷💜 Highly Recommended
This series was truly enjoyable and easy to read. It had amazing characters, magic, supernaturals, lots of action and many surprises. I would definitely recommend this series, especially because it keeps you on your toes and there is never a dull moment. The only hiccup for me was the way the FMC Max was portrayed. I really liked her and my heart broke for her at times, for all that she had been through, and her determination to set things right. She was smart and cared for everyone, and of course, her shadow-hounds were adorable! On the other hand, even though by the end of the series, she was more in control of her magic, she still doubted herself too much for my liking, and her growth as a character was not enough. I didn’t mind that she had help from the other characters, but the author should have made her more assertive of herself and act more like a leader considering her powerful magic. All in all, a great series that will have you well entertained! 💜🩷💜 Highly Recommended
February 27, 2024
Great finish.
Thank you for writing this series of books set in Haven. The Wild is moving back. The Grey Gates were closed, and there was light throughout the Darkness of the Underworld
Lots of stories of people who were there from the beginning have been sorted. Max and Bryce have at last found each other.
The world is opening up to the island.
Loved every minute, and the friends that Max has made will support and stand by her. Enjoy all who read it. Xx
Thank you for writing this series of books set in Haven. The Wild is moving back. The Grey Gates were closed, and there was light throughout the Darkness of the Underworld
Lots of stories of people who were there from the beginning have been sorted. Max and Bryce have at last found each other.
The world is opening up to the island.
Loved every minute, and the friends that Max has made will support and stand by her. Enjoy all who read it. Xx
February 6, 2024
Satisfying Ending
This is the last book in The Grey Gates series, and while I'm a bit sad, I think this was a fitting ending. Was waiting patiently for this and was not disappointed. I finished reading it in a day.
The book picks up a day after the last book with Max as usual, at the scene of another crime. She is dragged into a meeting via a request from Kolbyr that inevitably leads to her trying to save her corner of the world from destruction...yet again. Fortunately, this time, she has backup and is no longer a green apprentice but Marshall with just the right amount of experience for this task. Lots of action in this book!
Most of the questions I had about the series are wrapped up here, and those not answered aren't as vital. While I was a tad bit irritated with Max & Bryce's relationship, I do like how things end. I wanted more separate one on one moments w the two of them, but I know not everyone likes romance in their reads.
All in all, things ended the way they should, and this is a must-read for anyone who likes this series. I'm glad the author didn't drag things out and knew the perfect way to have us say goodbye to these characters but wouldn't mind a spin of or another series in this world. Maybe a bit more on the warriors and how they came to be?
This is the last book in The Grey Gates series, and while I'm a bit sad, I think this was a fitting ending. Was waiting patiently for this and was not disappointed. I finished reading it in a day.
The book picks up a day after the last book with Max as usual, at the scene of another crime. She is dragged into a meeting via a request from Kolbyr that inevitably leads to her trying to save her corner of the world from destruction...yet again. Fortunately, this time, she has backup and is no longer a green apprentice but Marshall with just the right amount of experience for this task. Lots of action in this book!
Most of the questions I had about the series are wrapped up here, and those not answered aren't as vital. While I was a tad bit irritated with Max & Bryce's relationship, I do like how things end. I wanted more separate one on one moments w the two of them, but I know not everyone likes romance in their reads.
All in all, things ended the way they should, and this is a must-read for anyone who likes this series. I'm glad the author didn't drag things out and knew the perfect way to have us say goodbye to these characters but wouldn't mind a spin of or another series in this world. Maybe a bit more on the warriors and how they came to be?
February 13, 2024
wow… just wow!
Oh my heart. Max and her friends have finally finished it. I don’t want to see them go but this was a magical ride! How amazing it has been. I kept thinking that poor max would never survive everything thrown at her. I was right, she wouldn’t have, on her own. But she has family now. It’s spectacular! There was some dark moments. Max had so much to overcome. And yet it ended up being full of beauty. I can say that this world building was phenomenal. Such a unique take on things. And the character building and development was out of this world. A+ over and over again!!
Oh my heart. Max and her friends have finally finished it. I don’t want to see them go but this was a magical ride! How amazing it has been. I kept thinking that poor max would never survive everything thrown at her. I was right, she wouldn’t have, on her own. But she has family now. It’s spectacular! There was some dark moments. Max had so much to overcome. And yet it ended up being full of beauty. I can say that this world building was phenomenal. Such a unique take on things. And the character building and development was out of this world. A+ over and over again!!
January 4, 2025
I am very disappointed by this series. This last part, supposed to be the cherry on the cake, is an anvil on a shortbread.
There are so many logical flaws in the story that listing them would be impossible.
In the end, I will only remember what annoyed me the most: a heroine who spends her time whining and who only acts when she is on death's door, repetitions galore, characters who only live and think when the author takes them out of their temporal stasis. And who act most of the time in defiance of common sense. And Deus ex machina galore.
The universe manages to be both simplistic and much too dense, with elements that almost never serve any purpose.
In short, a series to forget, despite an interesting and promising first volume, all the rest is messy, poorly articulated and poorly mastered. A few excellent action chapters float through all of this.
There are so many logical flaws in the story that listing them would be impossible.
In the end, I will only remember what annoyed me the most: a heroine who spends her time whining and who only acts when she is on death's door, repetitions galore, characters who only live and think when the author takes them out of their temporal stasis. And who act most of the time in defiance of common sense. And Deus ex machina galore.
The universe manages to be both simplistic and much too dense, with elements that almost never serve any purpose.
In short, a series to forget, despite an interesting and promising first volume, all the rest is messy, poorly articulated and poorly mastered. A few excellent action chapters float through all of this.
September 5, 2024
Start with book 1.. Poor Max but semi happy ending. Reread Aug 2024.
March 20, 2024
I honestly just loved this series so much! Max and Bryce are so cute together.
I thought that the characterization was really good. Kolbyr still freaks me out, but I think he was probably my favourite of the bunch. I will forever be cackling about the scene in book two or three when he was kidnapped for the first time and the demons kept messing up their ritual. He really just seemed more bored than anything else. He was basically like, "Really, you idiots, you dragged me along to use me for this ritual and now you can't even figure it out? What a waste of my time." Too funny.
I thought that parts of the series were a little slow, but it did pick up in this final installment. The main thing I'm a bit disappointed by is the lack of exploration of the world outside Haven Island. The discovery of other countries and people was so earth shattering to the characters that I would have liked to see it explored a bit more by the author.
I did like how she had so much support from the other characters. While I do like stories where the main character ends up being super powerful and single-handedly saves the world, it also sometimes breaks my suspension of disbelief. Even in a fictional world, I don't think it's super realistic for somebody to save the world all on their own. And for Max, that's even more pronounced. I felt that her skill with magic was directly related to her belief in herself, and her self-esteem improves a lot throughout the series as the people around her make it clear that they believe in her, support her, and love her. Without that support, I don't think she could have gained the skills necessary to contain Arkus.
I also thought her arc was realistic in that she really did not want to do all that stuff to save the world, but she knew that she had to do it anyway. She knew that she was, quite literally, the only one who could accomplish it. I also liked that she stood up to the Lady and made it clear that she wasn't just a mindless servant, but rather a person with her own hopes and dreams that were being disrupted by this mandate to save the world. She was also dealing with quite a lot of trauma. I can't imagine growing up in the orphanage, and going from there to the Order, being terrible at everything, and then used as essentially a sacrifice. Not only that, accused of lying about it! Like, what was Kitris's deal, honestly? He knew the Grey Gates were closed, he knew that all the warriors that had gone with Max were dead and she came back... What did he think had happened? (Also, to be honest, when he killed himself in the fourth book, I definitely thought it was going to be revealed that it was part of some kind of compulsion or spell put on him.)
I would really like to see a spin-off or novella set in this world after the conclusion of the main series.
I thought that the characterization was really good. Kolbyr still freaks me out, but I think he was probably my favourite of the bunch. I will forever be cackling about the scene in book two or three when he was kidnapped for the first time and the demons kept messing up their ritual. He really just seemed more bored than anything else. He was basically like, "Really, you idiots, you dragged me along to use me for this ritual and now you can't even figure it out? What a waste of my time." Too funny.
I thought that parts of the series were a little slow, but it did pick up in this final installment. The main thing I'm a bit disappointed by is the lack of exploration of the world outside Haven Island. The discovery of other countries and people was so earth shattering to the characters that I would have liked to see it explored a bit more by the author.
I did like how she had so much support from the other characters. While I do like stories where the main character ends up being super powerful and single-handedly saves the world, it also sometimes breaks my suspension of disbelief. Even in a fictional world, I don't think it's super realistic for somebody to save the world all on their own. And for Max, that's even more pronounced. I felt that her skill with magic was directly related to her belief in herself, and her self-esteem improves a lot throughout the series as the people around her make it clear that they believe in her, support her, and love her. Without that support, I don't think she could have gained the skills necessary to contain Arkus.
I also thought her arc was realistic in that she really did not want to do all that stuff to save the world, but she knew that she had to do it anyway. She knew that she was, quite literally, the only one who could accomplish it. I also liked that she stood up to the Lady and made it clear that she wasn't just a mindless servant, but rather a person with her own hopes and dreams that were being disrupted by this mandate to save the world. She was also dealing with quite a lot of trauma. I can't imagine growing up in the orphanage, and going from there to the Order, being terrible at everything, and then used as essentially a sacrifice. Not only that, accused of lying about it! Like, what was Kitris's deal, honestly? He knew the Grey Gates were closed, he knew that all the warriors that had gone with Max were dead and she came back... What did he think had happened? (Also, to be honest, when he killed himself in the fourth book, I definitely thought it was going to be revealed that it was part of some kind of compulsion or spell put on him.)
I would really like to see a spin-off or novella set in this world after the conclusion of the main series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2024
Hey there! Just wanted to remind you about this amazing book, 'Chosen' by Vanessa Nelson. It's the fifth and final book in The Grey Gates series, and it's totally captivating! The story follows Max, the brave protagonist, as she faces some seriously tough challenges from demons in the underworld who want to bring darkness to the daylight world.
Max's city, which used to be peaceful, is now full of supernatural threats. Demons are causing chaos and leaving a trail of ritual murders behind. As the city's protector, Max has to stand against these dark forces and stop them from plunging the world into darkness.
Max is such a relatable and strong heroine. Even though she's tired from years of battling supernatural beings, her commitment to protecting her city never falters. When she encounters the most powerful demons she's ever faced, Max has to find strength from within to overcome them.
'Chosen' beautifully combines elements of fantasy and mystery. The supernatural world is so vividly depicted, with demons and vampires lurking in the shadows. The story is full of suspense and surprises, keeping readers on the edge of their seats right from the start to the finish.
Max's city, which used to be peaceful, is now full of supernatural threats. Demons are causing chaos and leaving a trail of ritual murders behind. As the city's protector, Max has to stand against these dark forces and stop them from plunging the world into darkness.
Max is such a relatable and strong heroine. Even though she's tired from years of battling supernatural beings, her commitment to protecting her city never falters. When she encounters the most powerful demons she's ever faced, Max has to find strength from within to overcome them.
'Chosen' beautifully combines elements of fantasy and mystery. The supernatural world is so vividly depicted, with demons and vampires lurking in the shadows. The story is full of suspense and surprises, keeping readers on the edge of their seats right from the start to the finish.
July 30, 2024
Amazing series!
I tried to leave a gushing review on the first book of this series and Amazon ate it. It disappeared. So I’m going to say again that this is an extraordinarily good writer whose series should be read.
Fabulous plotting with real resolutions in every book even while leaving enough details so you read the next in the series which is sadly uncommon in fantasy today. These books don’t just end so you have to read the next in order to finish the story. It’s poor storytelling to worry more about selling your next book and Vanessa Nelson doesn’t do that!
It’s also really good world building- creative, different, fascinating. It’s been awhile since I’ve been so sorry that I have finished a series. I’m genuinely a bit sad to let Max and the island go. This world is unique, yet plausible which is hard to pull off. Kudos to Nelson for the achievement.
I don’t ever give plot details because stupid people like me read them and know too much then. I say I won’t read the details every time and do it anyway so I’m doing my part by not describing plots but each of the five books in this series satisfies.
Get the books. They are worth reading!
I tried to leave a gushing review on the first book of this series and Amazon ate it. It disappeared. So I’m going to say again that this is an extraordinarily good writer whose series should be read.
Fabulous plotting with real resolutions in every book even while leaving enough details so you read the next in the series which is sadly uncommon in fantasy today. These books don’t just end so you have to read the next in order to finish the story. It’s poor storytelling to worry more about selling your next book and Vanessa Nelson doesn’t do that!
It’s also really good world building- creative, different, fascinating. It’s been awhile since I’ve been so sorry that I have finished a series. I’m genuinely a bit sad to let Max and the island go. This world is unique, yet plausible which is hard to pull off. Kudos to Nelson for the achievement.
I don’t ever give plot details because stupid people like me read them and know too much then. I say I won’t read the details every time and do it anyway so I’m doing my part by not describing plots but each of the five books in this series satisfies.
Get the books. They are worth reading!
March 7, 2025
I am so disappointed with this and how everything ended.
I was hoping for many things. I was hoping for a change in the Order, the five families to get what they deserved, for the "big bad" to be defeated, for the people of the City to to get mad at the Goddess for what she had done, for Max to be more mad at the Goddess for everything she did to Max, for Max to be more pissed at her father for what he did, for the epilogue to be longer since the City just found out they aren't the only people in the world, and for there to be more magic.
Did I get any of that? Not really. There were also some things in the other books that I thought would impact this book (e.g., the vault keeper woman gave Max a key so they could send letters to each other ... but that never happened?). And UGH the whole thing with the Goddess and her brother ... It really irritated me and ruined things for me. Also, 5 books in and Max just realized she could heal people?
Just. There are so many things that irritated me. Throughout the series, there were some things that niggled at me, but I was hoping everything would get better or get fixed. Nope.
I was hoping for many things. I was hoping for a change in the Order, the five families to get what they deserved, for the "big bad" to be defeated, for the people of the City to to get mad at the Goddess for what she had done, for Max to be more mad at the Goddess for everything she did to Max, for Max to be more pissed at her father for what he did, for the epilogue to be longer since the City just found out they aren't the only people in the world, and for there to be more magic.
Did I get any of that? Not really. There were also some things in the other books that I thought would impact this book (e.g., the vault keeper woman gave Max a key so they could send letters to each other ... but that never happened?). And UGH the whole thing with the Goddess and her brother ... It really irritated me and ruined things for me. Also, 5 books in and Max just realized she could heal people?
Just. There are so many things that irritated me. Throughout the series, there were some things that niggled at me, but I was hoping everything would get better or get fixed. Nope.
February 5, 2024
good
The time has come. Max and her friends are fighting against the Dark Lord’s forces on all sides, while he creates chaos in the city. And when the Grey Gates reappear, Max knows she will once again have to save the world…
This is the fifth and final book in this series, bringing the story of Max in a full circle, back to an explosive conclusion.
As Max, Bryce, Cas, Pol, and Bryce’s team work together, it’s a race against time while demons create havoc around them.
Max saved the world once before, and no-one believed her. It took a lot out of her, and the ghosts of the past, are just some of the things she has to face.
It’s a great story, Max and co. definitely have their work cut out for them, making for an engrossing tale. There’s a lot of action, adventure, and magical happenings, a hint of romance and of course danger.
Cas and Pol are my votes for stars of the book, closely followed by Lord Kolbyr (who stepped up to the bat in fine fashion!).
A fabulous ending to an enthralling series, well worth the read for contemporary and urban fantasy lovers.
The time has come. Max and her friends are fighting against the Dark Lord’s forces on all sides, while he creates chaos in the city. And when the Grey Gates reappear, Max knows she will once again have to save the world…
This is the fifth and final book in this series, bringing the story of Max in a full circle, back to an explosive conclusion.
As Max, Bryce, Cas, Pol, and Bryce’s team work together, it’s a race against time while demons create havoc around them.
Max saved the world once before, and no-one believed her. It took a lot out of her, and the ghosts of the past, are just some of the things she has to face.
It’s a great story, Max and co. definitely have their work cut out for them, making for an engrossing tale. There’s a lot of action, adventure, and magical happenings, a hint of romance and of course danger.
Cas and Pol are my votes for stars of the book, closely followed by Lord Kolbyr (who stepped up to the bat in fine fashion!).
A fabulous ending to an enthralling series, well worth the read for contemporary and urban fantasy lovers.
February 7, 2024
A mostly satisfying end to the series. Competent, tied off.
I've really loved the earlier books in this series (1-3) and will definitely keep rereading those for enjoyment but this one (and 4 to a degree) felt a bit rushed. Comparing it to the ends of other series by this author (Taellaneth, Ageless Mysteries) it was missing something - at least to me, it was missing something I was after in the finale, that this author absolutely can do well.
I don't know if other readers have the same vibe, but I wish this one had been set aside for a bit longer and come back to after it had time to breathe. That later review might have given it more of the energy of the early books, and added back in some of the passion for these characters.
That said, I know endings are hard and it is possible I'm being too picky. I'm grateful the series is finished at all!
Vanessa Nelson is a great author, and I'm absolutely going to keep reading any book they publish. I'm really interested to see what comes next!
I've really loved the earlier books in this series (1-3) and will definitely keep rereading those for enjoyment but this one (and 4 to a degree) felt a bit rushed. Comparing it to the ends of other series by this author (Taellaneth, Ageless Mysteries) it was missing something - at least to me, it was missing something I was after in the finale, that this author absolutely can do well.
I don't know if other readers have the same vibe, but I wish this one had been set aside for a bit longer and come back to after it had time to breathe. That later review might have given it more of the energy of the early books, and added back in some of the passion for these characters.
That said, I know endings are hard and it is possible I'm being too picky. I'm grateful the series is finished at all!
Vanessa Nelson is a great author, and I'm absolutely going to keep reading any book they publish. I'm really interested to see what comes next!
May 16, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this series, and purchased Vanessa Nelson's Taellaneth series to begin reading soon, as I have kind of neglected a few housekeeping things the past few days as I gobbled the series. I rated Chosen a star lower than the preceeding books. I loved seeing Max's growth (her confidence, building trust in others, her relationships, AND her learning to try different things with her magic) through all 5 books. I read some reviews that were a bit scathing that she didn't practice her magic...well, the woman worked 20+ hours a day, saved the world a few times, was seriously injured multiple times throughout the series, and started having a life by series end - when was she supposed to have time for practice? ; ) ALL that being said, I would have given it 5 stars, but I did feel the ending was a bit disjointed...or maybe I just didn't want it to end yet. Recommend it highly and know I will re-read this series in a few years. Great to find another author whose books I love, and I look forward to reading more of her work!
July 20, 2024
This Is What You Have To Do…
GreyGates5; 4.5 ⭐️
🎶 We’ve come, to the end of the road🎵 at least for now.
It was a good ending, better than I expected from the beginning of the book. There was so much unrest, and escalating violence, that implosion seemed eminent.
Max has made some interesting alliances, and many of them are influential people. She is always cognizant of the true power players, and quietly aware of the nuances of changes in hierarchy. Her magical abilities have always let her mark “other” while choosing not to out anyone, who didn’t reveal themselves. And those abilities have enabled conversations that are unique to Max.
Bryce and his team of warriors trust her, and have earned the respect of the Marshals; and have worn away Max’s fear of responsibility for more than her two dogs. She can work with people now, in a way that was too foreign before the series started. So, real growth happened. Yay.
I hope it’s not our last foray into this world, just all for right now!
GreyGates5; 4.5 ⭐️
🎶 We’ve come, to the end of the road🎵 at least for now.
It was a good ending, better than I expected from the beginning of the book. There was so much unrest, and escalating violence, that implosion seemed eminent.
Max has made some interesting alliances, and many of them are influential people. She is always cognizant of the true power players, and quietly aware of the nuances of changes in hierarchy. Her magical abilities have always let her mark “other” while choosing not to out anyone, who didn’t reveal themselves. And those abilities have enabled conversations that are unique to Max.
Bryce and his team of warriors trust her, and have earned the respect of the Marshals; and have worn away Max’s fear of responsibility for more than her two dogs. She can work with people now, in a way that was too foreign before the series started. So, real growth happened. Yay.
I hope it’s not our last foray into this world, just all for right now!
February 10, 2024
A FUN AND FRESH SERIES
This series was Different, interesting, well written. This is not a series of novels but instead is exactly what it means to be: a summer read: fun, fast paced, exciting without being over written, boring or filled with minutiae that can weigh down a book. Most importantly, it is NOT formulaic. Fun doesn't mean "same old, same old" with Ms. Nelson!
(SPOILER ALERT) The heroine is human enough to be filled with angst from her childhood and manages to work through some of it but it is not miraculously resolved. That can make her irritating at times ("get over it") but also makes her real while still managing to make her someone likeable and believable as a true heroine. And, she is not given a magic makeover but instead as to baby step her way while managing to save the world.
This series was Different, interesting, well written. This is not a series of novels but instead is exactly what it means to be: a summer read: fun, fast paced, exciting without being over written, boring or filled with minutiae that can weigh down a book. Most importantly, it is NOT formulaic. Fun doesn't mean "same old, same old" with Ms. Nelson!
(SPOILER ALERT) The heroine is human enough to be filled with angst from her childhood and manages to work through some of it but it is not miraculously resolved. That can make her irritating at times ("get over it") but also makes her real while still managing to make her someone likeable and believable as a true heroine. And, she is not given a magic makeover but instead as to baby step her way while managing to save the world.
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