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Walker Papers #9
Shaman Rises
Joanne Walker has two
Defeat the enemy… or lose her soul trying
For over a year, Joanne has been fighting the Master—the world's most abiding evil entity. She's sacrificed family, friendships, even watched potential futures fade away…and now the Master is bringing the final battle to Joanne's beloved Seattle.
Lives will be lost as the repercussions of all Joanne's final transformation into her full Shamanic abilities come to her doorstep. Before the end, she'll mourn, rejoice—and surrender everything for the hope of the world's survival. She'll be a warrior and a healer. Because she is finally a Shaman Rising.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2014
104 people are currently reading
1599 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Murphy
97 books1,795 followersCE Murphy began writing around age six, when she submitted three poems to a school publication. The teacher producing the magazine selected (inevitably) the one she thought was by far the worst, but also told her–a six year old kid–to keep writing, which she has. She has also held the usual grab-bag of jobs usually seen in an authorial biography, including public library volunteer (at ages 9 and 10; it’s clear she was doomed to a career involving books), archival assistant, cannery worker, and web designer. Writing books is better.
She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.
She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.
She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.
She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
February 11, 2018
Such an awesome way to end a series!
I can't believe how wonderful this book was.
At one point, the series got a bit boring and predictable but I decided to stick with it, see what happens. I'm so glad I did!
I cried and I laughed and it surprised me so much! If you started this series, it's definitely worth reading it 'til the end. Only bad side, well, it could have been longer. I'm really gonna miss all these characters, I fell in love with each and every one of them!
Gotta go check this author out.
I can't believe how wonderful this book was.
At one point, the series got a bit boring and predictable but I decided to stick with it, see what happens. I'm so glad I did!
I cried and I laughed and it surprised me so much! If you started this series, it's definitely worth reading it 'til the end. Only bad side, well, it could have been longer. I'm really gonna miss all these characters, I fell in love with each and every one of them!
Gotta go check this author out.
June 29, 2015
In 2014 this was the book I was desperate to read! I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen...
Little did I know that this was going to be boring as hell -_-
Full review to come.
Little did I know that this was going to be boring as hell -_-
Full review to come.
May 15, 2014
3.6 - 3.9
An ARC was received by NetGalley and Mira in exchange for a fair an honest review
I wanted to love this. I waited a long time for this book and even longer for the culmination....and I was a little disappointed.
Everything felt rushed (which in all honesty, it's felt that way since book 7 - not counting "No Dominion" here) with no real development in terms of
With Jo rushing around like a chicken with her head cut off, I felt the sense of urgency but I also felt disconnected. Maybe because there was no stopping to take a breath and with the scope of what the Master is and can do, I, as a reader, needed to. I needed to reconnect with the Jo that I fell in love with in the first four books and get to know the Jo that has blossomed since the Werewolf bite.
A few other things that bugged me (and I'm really only this critical because I have a lot of respect for Ms. Murphy and I really like this series)
1. Jo's inner dialogue, especially in this book, didn't match her conversational dialogue. It's a small pet peeve when your character is using words that an Ivy League graduate would use but then than talks like a normal person.
2. The insane amounts of description. This could've been cut down to make more room for the aforementioned development.
3. Not enough Billie or any Melinda!
4. Needed a lot more Morrison and Jo.
5. Too much confusion with all the Cernunnos and Master .... stuff. Very Master/Doctor but still.....
So, while I was a bit disappointed with this book (pacing! pacing! pacing!)....this is still a series that ranks in my top fifteen.
I'm still going to buy this book when it comes out so that it can go up on my shelf but I really really hope that there are Jo novellas that come out after this that enhance her character.
An ARC was received by NetGalley and Mira in exchange for a fair an honest review
I wanted to love this. I waited a long time for this book and even longer for the culmination....and I was a little disappointed.
Everything felt rushed (which in all honesty, it's felt that way since book 7 - not counting "No Dominion" here) with no real development in terms of
With Jo rushing around like a chicken with her head cut off, I felt the sense of urgency but I also felt disconnected. Maybe because there was no stopping to take a breath and with the scope of what the Master is and can do, I, as a reader, needed to. I needed to reconnect with the Jo that I fell in love with in the first four books and get to know the Jo that has blossomed since the Werewolf bite.
A few other things that bugged me (and I'm really only this critical because I have a lot of respect for Ms. Murphy and I really like this series)
1. Jo's inner dialogue, especially in this book, didn't match her conversational dialogue. It's a small pet peeve when your character is using words that an Ivy League graduate would use but then than talks like a normal person.
2. The insane amounts of description. This could've been cut down to make more room for the aforementioned development.
3. Not enough Billie or any Melinda!
4. Needed a lot more Morrison and Jo.
5. Too much confusion with all the Cernunnos and Master .... stuff. Very Master/Doctor but still.....
So, while I was a bit disappointed with this book (pacing! pacing! pacing!)....this is still a series that ranks in my top fifteen.
I'm still going to buy this book when it comes out so that it can go up on my shelf but I really really hope that there are Jo novellas that come out after this that enhance her character.
July 17, 2014
It's tricky to write a review of a book like this, because it's book #9 in a series, so if you've made it this far you know what you're in for. And also, fair disclosure, the author is a friend of mine.
In a lot of ways this is quite different than the previous 8 Walker Paper books. While you've still got the very likeable protagonist, it doesn't have the mystery with lots of sudden plot twist structure of the others. Instead, we go quickly into Final Confrontation mode (okay, there are still some twists. It's a C.E. Murphy book!) and it's an extended thrill ride until the finish.
This is my go-to series to recommend when people want a breezy urban fantasy with a likeable, non-stereotypical, female lead character. It doesn't ever devolve into tacky sex. It doesn't have Mary Sue tendencies. (While the protagonist absolutely ramps up in power, so do her challenges, and boy is she fallible!) The supporting cast sticks with you.
There's something great about a series that does what it is trying to do well, and the Walker Papers absolutely do this. At the top of the class for its subgenre, and worth a peek for those who aren't automatically enticed by urban fantasy!
In a lot of ways this is quite different than the previous 8 Walker Paper books. While you've still got the very likeable protagonist, it doesn't have the mystery with lots of sudden plot twist structure of the others. Instead, we go quickly into Final Confrontation mode (okay, there are still some twists. It's a C.E. Murphy book!) and it's an extended thrill ride until the finish.
This is my go-to series to recommend when people want a breezy urban fantasy with a likeable, non-stereotypical, female lead character. It doesn't ever devolve into tacky sex. It doesn't have Mary Sue tendencies. (While the protagonist absolutely ramps up in power, so do her challenges, and boy is she fallible!) The supporting cast sticks with you.
There's something great about a series that does what it is trying to do well, and the Walker Papers absolutely do this. At the top of the class for its subgenre, and worth a peek for those who aren't automatically enticed by urban fantasy!
July 10, 2014
This is one tough review for this reader to write. I am very sad to see this series end. This may well be the best volume in one of the best series I have ever read. C.E. Murphy deserves high praise for doing the nearly impossible, write a series in which every volume outdoes its predecessor. Murphy knows her readers well, very well indeed.
This finale moves along at a blistering and breathtaking tempo. Even Joanne Walker finds herself gasping for breath as the final battle with "the Master" explodes over much of Joanne's beloved Seattle. Somehow, master storyteller Murphy manages to intertwine moments of tender intimacy within the frenetically paced action. She also ingeniously summarizes the major points and moments which took place during the entire series,and brings in and/or back every significant character the reader has met along the way. This is superlative writing by a superlative writer.
Along the way, Murphy has proven her knowledge of both Celtic and Native American shamanism as well as mythopoetic/archetypal perspectives and knowledge. She has taken great liberties with that knowledge and has required great suspension of disbelief of the reader, but she has done so so successfully that, in the end it is only the story that matters.
I will not give away anything of the ending,except to say that it caught me by surprise and was very gratifying and consistent with the underlying message of the series as a whole.
In closing, I want to thank C.E. Murphy for this grand compelling story and for these wonderful characters, who have come to seem like family to me. I do hope I get to visit with them in the future and get caught up on how things are going. Pretty please, Ms Murphy?
This finale moves along at a blistering and breathtaking tempo. Even Joanne Walker finds herself gasping for breath as the final battle with "the Master" explodes over much of Joanne's beloved Seattle. Somehow, master storyteller Murphy manages to intertwine moments of tender intimacy within the frenetically paced action. She also ingeniously summarizes the major points and moments which took place during the entire series,and brings in and/or back every significant character the reader has met along the way. This is superlative writing by a superlative writer.
Along the way, Murphy has proven her knowledge of both Celtic and Native American shamanism as well as mythopoetic/archetypal perspectives and knowledge. She has taken great liberties with that knowledge and has required great suspension of disbelief of the reader, but she has done so so successfully that, in the end it is only the story that matters.
I will not give away anything of the ending,except to say that it caught me by surprise and was very gratifying and consistent with the underlying message of the series as a whole.
In closing, I want to thank C.E. Murphy for this grand compelling story and for these wonderful characters, who have come to seem like family to me. I do hope I get to visit with them in the future and get caught up on how things are going. Pretty please, Ms Murphy?
October 20, 2018
Well, that's it for Walker Papers. I've read the last book. I'm find myself sadly disappointed. This particular story relied very heavily on the magic system. A system that changed with the wind. I did not read the series for a new type of magic, mystery or magical confrontations. I read the series because I really liked Jo Walker and the people in her life.
The book was one endless loop of recap event, followed by info dump to rationalize event and repeat. If I trimmed the recaps into actual events and cut down the reminder dumps, I would be reading a short story.
I am detail oriented. I like it when details are thrown about in the story and pulled together in various connections. It's weird to read one of my favorite series and get sad. I did not get excited as various points & details were linked together and tied up in a messy bow. I felt gloomy because it took work to read the story. I didn't want to read it. I didn't like 2/3 of the book. The last few books in the series do not have the same story voice as the earlier novels. That sucked.
Oh well. I will remember this series fondly because of the earlier pieces.
The book was one endless loop of recap event, followed by info dump to rationalize event and repeat. If I trimmed the recaps into actual events and cut down the reminder dumps, I would be reading a short story.
I am detail oriented. I like it when details are thrown about in the story and pulled together in various connections. It's weird to read one of my favorite series and get sad. I did not get excited as various points & details were linked together and tied up in a messy bow. I felt gloomy because it took work to read the story. I didn't want to read it. I didn't like 2/3 of the book. The last few books in the series do not have the same story voice as the earlier novels. That sucked.
Oh well. I will remember this series fondly because of the earlier pieces.
January 4, 2019
Amazing ending to my favorite series. Nonstop action and emotional rollercoaster, ahoy! I gasped at least twice, cried, and bounced with joy. I didn't want to finish the book because I love this series and these characters so much, but I still couldn't put it down, and because of this book I honestly have no idea what I fed my kids yesterday. I also for some reason found my cell phone in the refrigerator. Anyway, if I were to complain about anything, it'd be that I would have liked more time with the Hollidays, but that's about it (well, and what did happen to MB? Did I miss that?). I loved seeing all these people from earlier books and having so much circle round to Joanne's early shaman days. I really liked how Murphy handled the Master's origin and how she had Jo deal with him because, honestly, I couldn't see any other way for that fight to go down without everyone dying.
SO MUCH LOVE for Gary and Morrison. I adored Annie, too. And this is all I have enough brainpower for writing in a review. This is probably a good example of why I'm not a writer, too. Now I need to find my keys. If my phone was in the fridge, maybe my keys will be in the freezer. (ETA: Nope, pantry. This is what happens when I read while putting away groceries.)
SO MUCH LOVE for Gary and Morrison. I adored Annie, too. And this is all I have enough brainpower for writing in a review. This is probably a good example of why I'm not a writer, too. Now I need to find my keys. If my phone was in the fridge, maybe my keys will be in the freezer. (ETA: Nope, pantry. This is what happens when I read while putting away groceries.)
June 17, 2014
It's been a brutal year filled with non-stop changes for Joanne Walker. This is the end for her. The Master who has destroyed her life is finally going to confront her directly. Or is he? Joanne experiences even more loss in this book. While she's fighting him directly, he is using her friends and loved ones against her.
Ms. Murphy weaves a tale of heart-break, betrayal and a happily for now. This book leaves a reader feeling unresolved in some aspects while explaining why the Master is the way he is. It's fascinating and when a reader thinks about it, it makes so much sense why he is so aggressive and why he keeps trying to gain a foothold in this world.
Ms. Murphy excels at creating her characters to be fallible. No matter how great their intentions are and how they want to be, there is always a chink in their armor which brings them to their knees. In this story, it is one gut punch after another. Honestly, I'm not sure how Joanne survives the betrayals and reveals. The entire situation seems hopeless. Even when a god comes to help her, it may not be enough to win against the Master.
This story is an exercise in frustration, perseverance and sacrifice. Joanne may perform magic and she may fight as a warrior, yet it isn't enough to save everyone. What I liked about this is the realism. If it was an easy sacrifice, it wouldn't mean as much. Still, the amount of losses Joanne experiences is probably above the threshold for most Americans who love their Disney endings. This story takes on a Grimm-esque flavour. There are definitely many lessons a reader can take away from this book. It's almost too heavy handed at times which may leave a reader feeling battered down and screaming "Uncle" for mercy. For the masochist readers who thrive and revel in emotional trauma as well as brutal physical endurance, this story will be right up their alley.
I must admit, for the majority of this book, the main emotion I felt is hopelessness. I cringed, anticipating the next bad thing to happen. Ms. Murphy never failed me as she continued with the collateral damage. At one point, it was almost easier to urge Joanne to just let it all go and have someone else take the mantle to save the world because it was all too much. Ms. Murphy's rallying of the troops balances this desolation in a way that only strong family and friends bonds can accomplish. It's a beautiful thing and one learns that losing a battle does not equal losing the war. And winning a battle or two doesn't equate to winning the war. In this fast paced fighting, keeping an eye on the end game is what counts. This urban fantasy is recommended to those who enjoy rooting for the underdog.
*provided by NetGalley
Ms. Murphy weaves a tale of heart-break, betrayal and a happily for now. This book leaves a reader feeling unresolved in some aspects while explaining why the Master is the way he is. It's fascinating and when a reader thinks about it, it makes so much sense why he is so aggressive and why he keeps trying to gain a foothold in this world.
Ms. Murphy excels at creating her characters to be fallible. No matter how great their intentions are and how they want to be, there is always a chink in their armor which brings them to their knees. In this story, it is one gut punch after another. Honestly, I'm not sure how Joanne survives the betrayals and reveals. The entire situation seems hopeless. Even when a god comes to help her, it may not be enough to win against the Master.
This story is an exercise in frustration, perseverance and sacrifice. Joanne may perform magic and she may fight as a warrior, yet it isn't enough to save everyone. What I liked about this is the realism. If it was an easy sacrifice, it wouldn't mean as much. Still, the amount of losses Joanne experiences is probably above the threshold for most Americans who love their Disney endings. This story takes on a Grimm-esque flavour. There are definitely many lessons a reader can take away from this book. It's almost too heavy handed at times which may leave a reader feeling battered down and screaming "Uncle" for mercy. For the masochist readers who thrive and revel in emotional trauma as well as brutal physical endurance, this story will be right up their alley.
I must admit, for the majority of this book, the main emotion I felt is hopelessness. I cringed, anticipating the next bad thing to happen. Ms. Murphy never failed me as she continued with the collateral damage. At one point, it was almost easier to urge Joanne to just let it all go and have someone else take the mantle to save the world because it was all too much. Ms. Murphy's rallying of the troops balances this desolation in a way that only strong family and friends bonds can accomplish. It's a beautiful thing and one learns that losing a battle does not equal losing the war. And winning a battle or two doesn't equate to winning the war. In this fast paced fighting, keeping an eye on the end game is what counts. This urban fantasy is recommended to those who enjoy rooting for the underdog.
*provided by NetGalley
September 4, 2014
Shaman Rises is the thrilling conclusion to the wild, out-of-body experience that is the Walker Papers series. Picking up right where Mountain Echoes left off, Joanne is barely given time to catch her breath before she is flying home to her beloved Seattle to stop an ancient evil from destroying the city.
This book is like a going away party for the series. All our favourite characters are back and even a few mere acquaintances make appearances. Mainly, it was great to get to see Gary, Billy, Coyote and Cernunnos again. Suzanne Quinley, also makes a starring appearance and this is totally conjecture on my part, but it would be great to see more of her in her own series (hint, hint Ms. Murphy) especially after what happens to her at the end of this book.
My one complaint (okay, I have two but I'll get to the other in a minute) is that what with everything that was going on and the rapid pace the story took, there was very little time for Morrison and Joanne. We just finally get to see the two together (after several books of romantic tension between the two characters), and then we never really get to see them together. Morrison is relegated to the background for most of the story.
My other complaint is one I have voiced before. I've never been a fan of all the trippy astral plane, out-of-body experiences that Joanne takes, but I've grown to accept it as part of the story. Although I admit to having to squelch the urge to start skimming, but only because I just wanted to find out what happened next.
Throughout this series, Joanne has been a great heroine to root for. From her early struggles to accept and then find balance with her growing powers, she has remained true to herself and completely human. It was an entertaining ride to be a part of as she grew into her role as warrior shaman. I'm going to miss this series.
This book is like a going away party for the series. All our favourite characters are back and even a few mere acquaintances make appearances. Mainly, it was great to get to see Gary, Billy, Coyote and Cernunnos again. Suzanne Quinley, also makes a starring appearance and this is totally conjecture on my part, but it would be great to see more of her in her own series (hint, hint Ms. Murphy) especially after what happens to her at the end of this book.
My one complaint (okay, I have two but I'll get to the other in a minute) is that what with everything that was going on and the rapid pace the story took, there was very little time for Morrison and Joanne. We just finally get to see the two together (after several books of romantic tension between the two characters), and then we never really get to see them together. Morrison is relegated to the background for most of the story.
My other complaint is one I have voiced before. I've never been a fan of all the trippy astral plane, out-of-body experiences that Joanne takes, but I've grown to accept it as part of the story. Although I admit to having to squelch the urge to start skimming, but only because I just wanted to find out what happened next.
Throughout this series, Joanne has been a great heroine to root for. From her early struggles to accept and then find balance with her growing powers, she has remained true to herself and completely human. It was an entertaining ride to be a part of as she grew into her role as warrior shaman. I'm going to miss this series.
May 28, 2014
As the author notes, this has been a long series so the short introductory book-by-book recap was very useful in reminding me of the overall outline without giving away details (especially as I just realized I'd missed one).
It's beginning to feel that all the bad guys are thinking, "Let's break Joanne". With great talent and power comes great responsibility, and she - as always - steps up to the plate willingly, throwing everything she has and is into the fray. Her loyal friends, Gary and Coyote and Morrison and the others, stand with her against the darkness, but all of them, including Joanne, are very human. They're not superheroes, able to turn emotions on and off or to disregard trauma or sacrifice as "part of the job". They suffer, they agonize over decisions and consequences, and in the end do what they must, doing anything they can to help because that's what Joanne does.
Unable to walk away if she can do something, anything, she has the sacrificial nature of a true hero. She's not heedless of the consequences, but acknowledges them and does what she can anyway, pouring herself out for her city, and for her the action never stops. As readers, we don't get time to breathe either - she races from scene to scene at breakneck speed, dragging us with her as we try to keep up... and then suddenly things screech to a halt. She sees truth, and she tries to stay true to herself and to find the best possible future for everyone. Her confrontation with the Master proves it.
Joanne's association with Coyote and other magic users has finally changed her: her shamanic language is more poetic than it used to be, and she's more certain of her place, her standing in the magical community, but the rest of it is just as much fun as it always has been. I love C.E. Murphy's humor and occasional cultural Easter egg disguised as a turn of phrase, especially the ones which almost slip by until my brain says, "What?!" (Example: Schrodinger! That's not a spoiler. But yes, I was channeling the Tenth Doctor.)
I can't say much about the end without giving away something, but I will say this: I breathed a sigh of satisfaction.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's beginning to feel that all the bad guys are thinking, "Let's break Joanne". With great talent and power comes great responsibility, and she - as always - steps up to the plate willingly, throwing everything she has and is into the fray. Her loyal friends, Gary and Coyote and Morrison and the others, stand with her against the darkness, but all of them, including Joanne, are very human. They're not superheroes, able to turn emotions on and off or to disregard trauma or sacrifice as "part of the job". They suffer, they agonize over decisions and consequences, and in the end do what they must, doing anything they can to help because that's what Joanne does.
Unable to walk away if she can do something, anything, she has the sacrificial nature of a true hero. She's not heedless of the consequences, but acknowledges them and does what she can anyway, pouring herself out for her city, and for her the action never stops. As readers, we don't get time to breathe either - she races from scene to scene at breakneck speed, dragging us with her as we try to keep up... and then suddenly things screech to a halt. She sees truth, and she tries to stay true to herself and to find the best possible future for everyone. Her confrontation with the Master proves it.
Joanne's association with Coyote and other magic users has finally changed her: her shamanic language is more poetic than it used to be, and she's more certain of her place, her standing in the magical community, but the rest of it is just as much fun as it always has been. I love C.E. Murphy's humor and occasional cultural Easter egg disguised as a turn of phrase, especially the ones which almost slip by until my brain says, "What?!" (Example: Schrodinger! That's not a spoiler. But yes, I was channeling the Tenth Doctor.)
I can't say much about the end without giving away something, but I will say this: I breathed a sigh of satisfaction.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2014
I was given a copy of this book by NETGALLEY, for an honest REVIEW.
C.E. Murphy does it again with SHAMAN RISES. She takes you on wild ride that leaves you gasping and wondering what the next page will reveal. This book has non-stop action, with a well-developed story line and character development. Joanne is a SHAMAN RISING coming into her own finally getting a grip on his SHAMAN gig. When she thinks that she has no more to give, she finds that one little spark that gives her the reason to defeat the bad guy. We start out with Gary calling Jo(Joanne) and telling her that his wife Annie is not dead, but very much alive. He also needs her help in keeping her alive and out of THE MASTER’S hands. When she gets to Seattle and meets Gary in Annie’s hospital room, she has to reach Annie in her soul garden by spirit walking. When she gets there her garden is infused with this oily black goo, which is THE MASTER trying to get to her. Jo locates her wrapped in a cocoon with a vortex above her trying to get to her. This is only the one of many fights that she has in trying to keep THE MASTER from taking over the body of the one’s she loves. SHAMAN RISES has passion, heartache and finally love, but what will defeat the THE MASTER. Well, pick-up your copy of SHAMAN RISES in paperback or e-book. You will be glad you did. I give SHAMAN RISES 5/5 stars. I HATE TO SEE THIS SERIES ENDING,BUT I CAN ALWAYS READ IT OVER AND OVER. I RECOMMEND SHAMAN RISES BY C.E. MURPHY TO EVERYONE.ALSO IF YOU HAVE NOT READ ANY OF THE OTHERS, I URGE YOU TO READ THEM. URBAN SHAMAN IS A GREAT START TO THE SERIES
C.E. Murphy does it again with SHAMAN RISES. She takes you on wild ride that leaves you gasping and wondering what the next page will reveal. This book has non-stop action, with a well-developed story line and character development. Joanne is a SHAMAN RISING coming into her own finally getting a grip on his SHAMAN gig. When she thinks that she has no more to give, she finds that one little spark that gives her the reason to defeat the bad guy. We start out with Gary calling Jo(Joanne) and telling her that his wife Annie is not dead, but very much alive. He also needs her help in keeping her alive and out of THE MASTER’S hands. When she gets to Seattle and meets Gary in Annie’s hospital room, she has to reach Annie in her soul garden by spirit walking. When she gets there her garden is infused with this oily black goo, which is THE MASTER trying to get to her. Jo locates her wrapped in a cocoon with a vortex above her trying to get to her. This is only the one of many fights that she has in trying to keep THE MASTER from taking over the body of the one’s she loves. SHAMAN RISES has passion, heartache and finally love, but what will defeat the THE MASTER. Well, pick-up your copy of SHAMAN RISES in paperback or e-book. You will be glad you did. I give SHAMAN RISES 5/5 stars. I HATE TO SEE THIS SERIES ENDING,BUT I CAN ALWAYS READ IT OVER AND OVER. I RECOMMEND SHAMAN RISES BY C.E. MURPHY TO EVERYONE.ALSO IF YOU HAVE NOT READ ANY OF THE OTHERS, I URGE YOU TO READ THEM. URBAN SHAMAN IS A GREAT START TO THE SERIES
November 3, 2019
Meh.
My biggest complaint with this book is also my biggest complaint with the series as a whole. The main character, Jo, spends all nine books going, "I did a thing -wait, oh no, that was a huge mistake that is blindingly obvious in hindsight and now I've just made everything worse." To be fair, she doesn't commit the same mistake twice, but there's always another different obvious blunder around the corner. I never felt like I had a grasp on the rules of the world or the magic system, so Jo would do something and my reaction was always *shrug* okay, sure. And then it turned out it was the wrong thing to do. *shrug* okay, if you say so.
The saving grace of the series was the Jo/Morrison relationship. Those parts were full of sexual tension and compulsively readable. But then in this book, it's like Morrison became not a character in his own right, but was just there to be the perfect supportive boyf. Perfectly understanding, perfectly out of the way, perfectly boring. *shrug* okay, if you say so.
My biggest complaint with this book is also my biggest complaint with the series as a whole. The main character, Jo, spends all nine books going, "I did a thing -wait, oh no, that was a huge mistake that is blindingly obvious in hindsight and now I've just made everything worse." To be fair, she doesn't commit the same mistake twice, but there's always another different obvious blunder around the corner. I never felt like I had a grasp on the rules of the world or the magic system, so Jo would do something and my reaction was always *shrug* okay, sure. And then it turned out it was the wrong thing to do. *shrug* okay, if you say so.
The saving grace of the series was the Jo/Morrison relationship. Those parts were full of sexual tension and compulsively readable. But then in this book, it's like Morrison became not a character in his own right, but was just there to be the perfect supportive boyf. Perfectly understanding, perfectly out of the way, perfectly boring. *shrug* okay, if you say so.
September 28, 2015
This book brings about the close to the series in a good way. I really liked how all of the previous characters and what they have gone through had a place in this book. All of the crap that Joanne and the others have gone through have lead up to this last battle.
Things started out a bit slow, Annie was back and they had to find out why and where she was and what they learned actually made sense. It seemed like once they got that figured out it was non stop action, non stop good guys against the bad guys, non stop one of Joanne's friends getting used against her, non stop can Joanne fix this, get past this. There were times that I wasn't sure that the good guys were going to prevail or if they did that it would come at a price too great to pay.
I liked how things ended, liked the place that Joanne is left in, liked that finally Joanne has embraced her place in the world and so have those that love her.
Things started out a bit slow, Annie was back and they had to find out why and where she was and what they learned actually made sense. It seemed like once they got that figured out it was non stop action, non stop good guys against the bad guys, non stop one of Joanne's friends getting used against her, non stop can Joanne fix this, get past this. There were times that I wasn't sure that the good guys were going to prevail or if they did that it would come at a price too great to pay.
I liked how things ended, liked the place that Joanne is left in, liked that finally Joanne has embraced her place in the world and so have those that love her.
June 4, 2014
The stories that I want to tell, especially as a director, don't necessarily have a perfect ending because, the older you get, the more you appreciate a good day versus a happy ending. You understand that life continues on the next day; the reality of things is what happens tomorrow. - Drew Barrymore
I am convinced that it is not the fear of death, of our lives ending that haunts our sleep so much as the fear... that as far as the world is concerned, we might as well never have lived. - Harold Kushner
I don’t know whether to smile at another great Joanne Walker book by C. E. Murphy, or to cry like a baby, because this is the end. The last volume in this amazing series. And amazing it is. Ms. Murphy created in Joanne Walker, born Siobhan Walkingstick, one of the most interesting, strong and non-stupid heroines of all time.
Beginning back in 2005, we first met Joanne, a mechanic for the Seattle Police Department, whose life was suddenly turned on its head. Flying back from Ireland, where she has just buried her mother, Jo looks down from her window – to see a young woman fleeing across the parking lot of a church, and a man with a wicked looking knife. Jumping into a cab with a 70-odd year old cab driver, Gary, Joanne tracks the church, finds the woman - and suddenly finds that she has three days to learn to use her shamanic powers in order to save the world from Cernunnos and the Wild Hunt.
What followed was one of those series that I simply couldn’t put down – that I made a point of re-reading every single volume before the next came out. Well, re-listening, as Gabra Zackman (well, Christine Carroll did the first volume) literally nailed the character and voice of Joann, a smart but often fragile heroine, strong, hardheaded, and more than willing to do the hard things to protect her friends and her city. With her best friend Gary, a 70-odd year old taxi driver, and a diverse group of magical and non-magical friends, the series has held my heart for the last ten years.
In this, the final volume, all the stories of the previous books come together, the warp and weave of an immaculate tapestry, story lines resolved, lives saved and lost, with each character’s part reaching full resolution, whether in joy or in heartrending pain. Characters we have loved throughout the series are brought back to the story line in order to fulfill their destinies and do their part to save a world threatened by their oldest and most vicious enemy, The Master a monster of darkness, death and spite, intent on blackening all goodness in the world. And it is Joanne’s job, with the help of her friends, to stop the blackness descending upon the world.
As the book blurb states, and which means more than I can say:
Lives will be lost as the repercussions of all Joanne's final transformation into her full Shamanic abilities come to her doorstep. Before the end, she'll mourn, rejoice—and surrender everything for the hope of the world's survival. She'll be a warrior and a healer. Because she is finally a Shaman Rising.
I can’t stress enough how much I will miss Joanne Walker. She has brought me many hours of joy over the last several years. Of course, that doesn’t mean that I won’t go back over and again to read her tale. If you haven’t read the series before, start at the first, and work your way through. If you love stupendous, well-realized character development, meticulous world building, and stories which will make you laugh, cry, suffer, and generally run through the gamut of human emotions with the heroine and her friends, I can’t recommend this series highly enough.
Goodbye, Joanne. I will think of you often, and with great regard.
______________________________________________________
Note: I received my copy of Shaman Rises from Netgalley in return for an honest review. I have “honestly” loved this series from its inception, and will miss the exploits of Joanne and her friends more than I can say.
Here are all eleven stories, in order:
(Book 1.5 is included in the collection, "Banshee Cries"
(Gary's story, as he rides with the Wild Hunt through time in order to save the world once more)
I am convinced that it is not the fear of death, of our lives ending that haunts our sleep so much as the fear... that as far as the world is concerned, we might as well never have lived. - Harold Kushner
I don’t know whether to smile at another great Joanne Walker book by C. E. Murphy, or to cry like a baby, because this is the end. The last volume in this amazing series. And amazing it is. Ms. Murphy created in Joanne Walker, born Siobhan Walkingstick, one of the most interesting, strong and non-stupid heroines of all time.
Beginning back in 2005, we first met Joanne, a mechanic for the Seattle Police Department, whose life was suddenly turned on its head. Flying back from Ireland, where she has just buried her mother, Jo looks down from her window – to see a young woman fleeing across the parking lot of a church, and a man with a wicked looking knife. Jumping into a cab with a 70-odd year old cab driver, Gary, Joanne tracks the church, finds the woman - and suddenly finds that she has three days to learn to use her shamanic powers in order to save the world from Cernunnos and the Wild Hunt.
What followed was one of those series that I simply couldn’t put down – that I made a point of re-reading every single volume before the next came out. Well, re-listening, as Gabra Zackman (well, Christine Carroll did the first volume) literally nailed the character and voice of Joann, a smart but often fragile heroine, strong, hardheaded, and more than willing to do the hard things to protect her friends and her city. With her best friend Gary, a 70-odd year old taxi driver, and a diverse group of magical and non-magical friends, the series has held my heart for the last ten years.
In this, the final volume, all the stories of the previous books come together, the warp and weave of an immaculate tapestry, story lines resolved, lives saved and lost, with each character’s part reaching full resolution, whether in joy or in heartrending pain. Characters we have loved throughout the series are brought back to the story line in order to fulfill their destinies and do their part to save a world threatened by their oldest and most vicious enemy, The Master a monster of darkness, death and spite, intent on blackening all goodness in the world. And it is Joanne’s job, with the help of her friends, to stop the blackness descending upon the world.
As the book blurb states, and which means more than I can say:
Lives will be lost as the repercussions of all Joanne's final transformation into her full Shamanic abilities come to her doorstep. Before the end, she'll mourn, rejoice—and surrender everything for the hope of the world's survival. She'll be a warrior and a healer. Because she is finally a Shaman Rising.
I can’t stress enough how much I will miss Joanne Walker. She has brought me many hours of joy over the last several years. Of course, that doesn’t mean that I won’t go back over and again to read her tale. If you haven’t read the series before, start at the first, and work your way through. If you love stupendous, well-realized character development, meticulous world building, and stories which will make you laugh, cry, suffer, and generally run through the gamut of human emotions with the heroine and her friends, I can’t recommend this series highly enough.
Goodbye, Joanne. I will think of you often, and with great regard.
______________________________________________________
Note: I received my copy of Shaman Rises from Netgalley in return for an honest review. I have “honestly” loved this series from its inception, and will miss the exploits of Joanne and her friends more than I can say.
Here are all eleven stories, in order:
(Book 1.5 is included in the collection, "Banshee Cries"
(Gary's story, as he rides with the Wild Hunt through time in order to save the world once more)
February 21, 2018
An amazing and fulfilling end to a awesome series. I will miss spending time with Joanne and friends while driving to and from work.
June 27, 2014
See this review and others like it at Badass Book Reviews!
Shaman Rises is the end of the road for Joanne Walker and her friends -- they will either destroy or be destroyed by the Master. This book was a rollercoaster ride from the very beginning and, even though I didn't know this was the last book in the series until right before I started reading it, I felt pretty satisfied with the way everything ended. I am hoping that we will get some short stories or another novella sometime in the future because there are a few things I still have questions about.
This book picks up right where Mountain Echoes ended; I mean exactly where it ended. There was no rest at all for Joanne between these two trials so she's not exactly running at 100%. Being who she is though, there was no hesitation for Jo to pack up and run back to Seattle. The Master has decided to bring the fight to her and she's the only one who can stop him from destroying her city.
One of the things I really liked about Shaman Rises was seeing all of the secondary characters again -- and I do mean all of them! Of course we have Morrison and Gary Muldoon, but we also get to see the Holliday, Coyote, Suzanne Quinley, and Cernunnos again. There were also very minor characters who's lives Joanne has touched sprinkled throughout the book. It really felt like a homecoming for her.
Of course, no battle can completely avoid sorrow and loss and some characters do pay the ultimate price. Though I hated losing those that we did, the pain made the battle more realistic and gave Jo an extra jolt of determination that she needed. Though all of her friends contributed in their ways, I have to say that I was most captivated by Suzanne. I loved her in the earlier books but here she has really come into her own. The granddaughter of a god, she has incredible strength and even helps to keep Jo going at times. Suzie Q takes on an incredible burden towards the end of Shaman Rises and she is someone who I would definitely love to see again... hopefully in her own novella one of these days.
With so much non-stop action, I did think some of the development between characters was lost. I would have liked to see a little more between Jo and Morrison because I feel like it has been go-go-go for them ever since they got together. It would have been to have at least a few scenes of just them and their deepening affection in Shaman Rises. I also would have liked a little more with the Hollidays, but I understand why they were sidelined for most of the story. They only other thing that stopped me from giving this 5 stars is that I actually felt a little confused during some of the action scenes. Jo has always been an interesting character because much of her fighting is done mystically and often in other worlds, but sometimes that fast-paced magically fighting combined with the transition between different realities got a little hard to follow.
In the end, I think this was a very successful series for C.E. Murphy and Shaman Rises was a great final entry. Even though I had some problems with the first few books, I think this is one of the better Urban Fantasy series around. Jo is a unique characters who stayed entirely human for the duration of the series and struggled to balance her growing powers. She never became all-powerful and often had to depend on the help of others, but she grew into herself and her role as warrior shaman. I will miss her and the rest of the colorful characters that populate The Walker Papers. Here's hoping for a wonderful new series for C.E. Murphy very soon!
Thank you to Harlequin Luna and Netgalley for providing an ARC copy of this book!
Shaman Rises is the end of the road for Joanne Walker and her friends -- they will either destroy or be destroyed by the Master. This book was a rollercoaster ride from the very beginning and, even though I didn't know this was the last book in the series until right before I started reading it, I felt pretty satisfied with the way everything ended. I am hoping that we will get some short stories or another novella sometime in the future because there are a few things I still have questions about.
This book picks up right where Mountain Echoes ended; I mean exactly where it ended. There was no rest at all for Joanne between these two trials so she's not exactly running at 100%. Being who she is though, there was no hesitation for Jo to pack up and run back to Seattle. The Master has decided to bring the fight to her and she's the only one who can stop him from destroying her city.
One of the things I really liked about Shaman Rises was seeing all of the secondary characters again -- and I do mean all of them! Of course we have Morrison and Gary Muldoon, but we also get to see the Holliday, Coyote, Suzanne Quinley, and Cernunnos again. There were also very minor characters who's lives Joanne has touched sprinkled throughout the book. It really felt like a homecoming for her.
Of course, no battle can completely avoid sorrow and loss and some characters do pay the ultimate price. Though I hated losing those that we did, the pain made the battle more realistic and gave Jo an extra jolt of determination that she needed. Though all of her friends contributed in their ways, I have to say that I was most captivated by Suzanne. I loved her in the earlier books but here she has really come into her own. The granddaughter of a god, she has incredible strength and even helps to keep Jo going at times. Suzie Q takes on an incredible burden towards the end of Shaman Rises and she is someone who I would definitely love to see again... hopefully in her own novella one of these days.
With so much non-stop action, I did think some of the development between characters was lost. I would have liked to see a little more between Jo and Morrison because I feel like it has been go-go-go for them ever since they got together. It would have been to have at least a few scenes of just them and their deepening affection in Shaman Rises. I also would have liked a little more with the Hollidays, but I understand why they were sidelined for most of the story. They only other thing that stopped me from giving this 5 stars is that I actually felt a little confused during some of the action scenes. Jo has always been an interesting character because much of her fighting is done mystically and often in other worlds, but sometimes that fast-paced magically fighting combined with the transition between different realities got a little hard to follow.
In the end, I think this was a very successful series for C.E. Murphy and Shaman Rises was a great final entry. Even though I had some problems with the first few books, I think this is one of the better Urban Fantasy series around. Jo is a unique characters who stayed entirely human for the duration of the series and struggled to balance her growing powers. She never became all-powerful and often had to depend on the help of others, but she grew into herself and her role as warrior shaman. I will miss her and the rest of the colorful characters that populate The Walker Papers. Here's hoping for a wonderful new series for C.E. Murphy very soon!
Thank you to Harlequin Luna and Netgalley for providing an ARC copy of this book!
June 18, 2016
I think what matters most is how you feel when you finally close a book. The emotions that flood through you as you read the final lines, finish the last page. What has the writer left you with after your journey together?
In this case, it's hope. And satisfaction. A smile, and a lot of snot and tears.
Thanks, C.E. Murphy. And I say that without an ounce of sarcasm.
I knew from the moment I picked up Urban Shaman that I'd found a series to love. Whatever confusion I experienced along the way never diminished my fondness for the world or my utter glee at sharing time with such well-drawn, likable characters. Jo has been an exasperating, determined delight; Gary a study in ever-present courage and wonder; Morrison a steady force of encouragement (and dishy, too). They have distinct flaws, but that's just served to make each of them more relatable. The same can be said of most of the beings Jo encountered along the way, each bringing their own strengths and weaknesses to the mix and shoring up the authenticity of the world.
Which makes saying goodbye that much harder.
In Shaman Rises, Murphy brings everything full circle - emphasis on everything. Usually a fast-paced storyteller, she litters an already jam-packed plot with so many nods to the past that the action is positively frenetic. I found myself re-reading passages to solidify what was happening. I also had to google a few characters and events from previous installments to remind myself of the connections and implications. The all-inclusive nature didn't drag the story down or seem out of place in the grand scheme of things, but it did make me wish I'd done a series re-read prior.
Those little info-gathering pauses did nothing to diminish the number of feelings that cascaded through me. This is an intense volume, made all the moreso because Murphy just does not let up. My fierce empathy for Joanne had me crying and gasping and laughing and, towards the end, feeling just as wrung out as she did. I'm sure my own personal difficulties at the moment had a hand in me effortlessly following Joanne's mercurial emotions...but still. I've grown so attached to these characters; is it any wonder I'm going to start grieving or spilling tears of happiness right along with them?
I'm not going to deny that Jo takes some wrong turns - she's the type who learns by pushing boundaries. Or that Murphy made a few odd choices in trying to ratchet up the tensionof the final face-off with the Devourer. It's not all perfect.
But the ending is. It's the kind of closing that makes you feel something better is on the horizon. That although we too often experience loss and pain, something bright and shining can still be wrought from the wreckage. That a little belief - if not from us, then from others - can make all the difference.
Thanks. I needed that.
In this case, it's hope. And satisfaction. A smile, and a lot of snot and tears.
Thanks, C.E. Murphy. And I say that without an ounce of sarcasm.
I knew from the moment I picked up Urban Shaman that I'd found a series to love. Whatever confusion I experienced along the way never diminished my fondness for the world or my utter glee at sharing time with such well-drawn, likable characters. Jo has been an exasperating, determined delight; Gary a study in ever-present courage and wonder; Morrison a steady force of encouragement (and dishy, too). They have distinct flaws, but that's just served to make each of them more relatable. The same can be said of most of the beings Jo encountered along the way, each bringing their own strengths and weaknesses to the mix and shoring up the authenticity of the world.
Which makes saying goodbye that much harder.
In Shaman Rises, Murphy brings everything full circle - emphasis on everything. Usually a fast-paced storyteller, she litters an already jam-packed plot with so many nods to the past that the action is positively frenetic. I found myself re-reading passages to solidify what was happening. I also had to google a few characters and events from previous installments to remind myself of the connections and implications. The all-inclusive nature didn't drag the story down or seem out of place in the grand scheme of things, but it did make me wish I'd done a series re-read prior.
Those little info-gathering pauses did nothing to diminish the number of feelings that cascaded through me. This is an intense volume, made all the moreso because Murphy just does not let up. My fierce empathy for Joanne had me crying and gasping and laughing and, towards the end, feeling just as wrung out as she did. I'm sure my own personal difficulties at the moment had a hand in me effortlessly following Joanne's mercurial emotions...but still. I've grown so attached to these characters; is it any wonder I'm going to start grieving or spilling tears of happiness right along with them?
I'm not going to deny that Jo takes some wrong turns - she's the type who learns by pushing boundaries. Or that Murphy made a few odd choices in trying to ratchet up the tensionof the final face-off with the Devourer. It's not all perfect.
But the ending is. It's the kind of closing that makes you feel something better is on the horizon. That although we too often experience loss and pain, something bright and shining can still be wrought from the wreckage. That a little belief - if not from us, then from others - can make all the difference.
Thanks. I needed that.
October 9, 2014
I would have given it 3 starts except for two things:
1. There was too much action with Jo and co lurching from one over the top, against the odds magical battle to the next with very little character interaction. What I like about this series is Joanne's interactions with the other characters but even though pretty much everyone she has met in the previous books puts in an appearance we are given very little character interaction. The constant magical battles seemed a little repetitive too.
2.
1. There was too much action with Jo and co lurching from one over the top, against the odds magical battle to the next with very little character interaction. What I like about this series is Joanne's interactions with the other characters but even though pretty much everyone she has met in the previous books puts in an appearance we are given very little character interaction. The constant magical battles seemed a little repetitive too.
2.
September 1, 2016
Wow. A fitting end to the series. Dear reader, I did cry. Joanne Walker, reluctant shaman, rises to the occasion once again. C. E. Murphy provides a convenient timeline/synopsis of all the previous books, but as always, I recommend starting from the beginning, if you've missed the series.
Over the course of eleven books (two collections), Joanne Walker has gone from being a brassy, bossy mechanic to a powerhouse shaman comfortable with gods. She's had her world turned upside down and inside out and back again, fought everything from embarrassment to zombies, loved and lost and found. She's had to blend the Celtic and Cherokee blood and magic within her. Now the Devourer, the Soul-Eater, will confront Joanne on her home turf of Seattle, in the body.
Just read the series, if you haven't. Look up Murphy's Negotiator trilogy, if you haven't read that. Wait for whatever Murphy writes next, because she writes with humor, heart, and soul--and with the magic she writes about.
Over the course of eleven books (two collections), Joanne Walker has gone from being a brassy, bossy mechanic to a powerhouse shaman comfortable with gods. She's had her world turned upside down and inside out and back again, fought everything from embarrassment to zombies, loved and lost and found. She's had to blend the Celtic and Cherokee blood and magic within her. Now the Devourer, the Soul-Eater, will confront Joanne on her home turf of Seattle, in the body.
Just read the series, if you haven't. Look up Murphy's Negotiator trilogy, if you haven't read that. Wait for whatever Murphy writes next, because she writes with humor, heart, and soul--and with the magic she writes about.
August 17, 2017
Title: Shaman Rises
Author: C.E. Murphy
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Format: Ebook
Pages: 384
Rating: 5
Setting: Seattle
Main Characters: Joanne, Morrison, Gary
Supporting Characters: Anne, Coyote, Suzy, Billy
Summary: Joanne Walker, shaman, is in the final battle against the Master. The good news is that she’s finally accepted the magic within her but will she survive.
Thoughts: I’m pretty sure I read this already but the story still grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. This is one of the best series I’ve read, full of adventure, love, laughs, surprises, and many tears. I loved Joanne from the moment I picked up the first book, she’s so real. She doesn’t always know what to do, has emotional breakdowns, yet keeps fighting the good fight with determination strength that won’t seem to quit. Well done Ms. Murphy.
Author: C.E. Murphy
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Format: Ebook
Pages: 384
Rating: 5
Setting: Seattle
Main Characters: Joanne, Morrison, Gary
Supporting Characters: Anne, Coyote, Suzy, Billy
Summary: Joanne Walker, shaman, is in the final battle against the Master. The good news is that she’s finally accepted the magic within her but will she survive.
Thoughts: I’m pretty sure I read this already but the story still grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. This is one of the best series I’ve read, full of adventure, love, laughs, surprises, and many tears. I loved Joanne from the moment I picked up the first book, she’s so real. She doesn’t always know what to do, has emotional breakdowns, yet keeps fighting the good fight with determination strength that won’t seem to quit. Well done Ms. Murphy.
July 20, 2015
I kept putting off reading this book because I knew it was going to be the kind of cruelly amazing that broke my heart over and over again. And I was not wrong.
It was incredible. It was horrific. It was beautifully written and absolutely heartbreaking. There was entirely too much bad and only just enough good to keep me (and probably the characters, too, for that matter) from giving up. But in the end it was a truly amazing conclusion to one of my favorite series.
So I suppose my recommendation is to read at your own risk. You won't regret it, but then again you kind of will. But mostly not.
Also, I would like to point out that as a rule, I'm not usually one to cry. There are exceptions to any rule, though, and this qualifies, so I would also recommend keeping a few tissues handy.
July 25, 2014
I was disappointed in this conclusion. I thought it was very depressing and mostly filled with disaster after disaster which didn't give Jo any time to interact with her friends, family and lover.
I hate a book that has a strong heroine who somehow just doesn't fight with all her strength until she gets pissed off because someone she loves gets hurt or killed. Then it's like "bring it" and she proceeds to kick their ass like it's child's play. To me this is just a cop out and is very unrealistic.
Unfortunately most of this was so esoteric as to be over my head and I just thought "yeah whatever". A sad commentary on a rather fantastic series up to this point. Goodbye Jo, Morrison, Gary, Coyote and Melinda. It was nice knowing you.
I hate a book that has a strong heroine who somehow just doesn't fight with all her strength until she gets pissed off because someone she loves gets hurt or killed. Then it's like "bring it" and she proceeds to kick their ass like it's child's play. To me this is just a cop out and is very unrealistic.
Unfortunately most of this was so esoteric as to be over my head and I just thought "yeah whatever". A sad commentary on a rather fantastic series up to this point. Goodbye Jo, Morrison, Gary, Coyote and Melinda. It was nice knowing you.
July 2, 2014
I love it when a series has a real end, especially when it completes an arc that has been planned and building through the entire series. It's obvious that The Walker Papers have always been intended to be that kind of series, and I am gratified that CE Murphy has fulfilled that promise. Shaman Rises completes Joanne's story leaves the reader both with a feeling of fulfillment and a sense of continuation. I will miss the anticipation of a new installment, but don't feel like anything else needs to be said. I won't object to a short story or such once in a while, but all the important parts of the story have been told. To paraphrase the movie Ever After, they will live happily ever after, but more importantly, they'll Live.
July 30, 2014
The final book in the Walker Papers series by C.E. Murphy is an excellent end to an excellent series. What I really love about Murphy is how she has taken so many myths from so many different cultures and turned them into such an interesting story! She has been able to meld them all together in a storyline that makes sense and engages readers.
In this last book, Murphy does an excellent job of wrapping up most of the lose ends of JoAnn's, the main character, life. JoAnn has her final battle with the Master, facing off against him with many old characters from prior novels showing up to help support her. It is here that she finally truly embraces who she is and what she is destined to do. With this acceptances, she finds a strength she needs to face this formidable foe.
In this last book, Murphy does an excellent job of wrapping up most of the lose ends of JoAnn's, the main character, life. JoAnn has her final battle with the Master, facing off against him with many old characters from prior novels showing up to help support her. It is here that she finally truly embraces who she is and what she is destined to do. With this acceptances, she finds a strength she needs to face this formidable foe.
June 25, 2014
As much as I hate to read a book that concludes a well-loved series, what choice do you have, really? This book was so well done. Some things happened that were obvious and logical. Some things happened that were heart-wrenching and surprizing. But in the end, all the things that happened were correct. Ms. Murphy concluded the story in a way that made sense and was satisfying, even if it made us cry at times. Thank you for an epic adventure with fantastic characters that I will revisit with pleasure.
June 28, 2014
I have loved this series from the very first book, and I wasn't sure how the author could possibly wind it all up in a way I found satisfying and right. Ha! I should have had more faith.
Joanie Walker and C.E. Murphy did it again. This book is everything I wanted--even some things I didn't know I wanted, and it was such a joy to visit with my old friends one more time. Now I just have to go back and reread the entire series from the beginning.
Six stars!
Joanie Walker and C.E. Murphy did it again. This book is everything I wanted--even some things I didn't know I wanted, and it was such a joy to visit with my old friends one more time. Now I just have to go back and reread the entire series from the beginning.
Six stars!
November 16, 2015
I thought the book tied the story of the series pretty well together by the end, but the story itself was sort of a disappointment. Jo went from crisis to crisis with no moments carved out for her to interact with everyone. I was disappointed that there were no quiet moments with her, Morrison, and Gary. I was happy that Morrison and Jo got together, but was disappointed there was so little payoff - not a sex scene, but just time to acknowledge their coming together more.
August 28, 2014
The Shaman thing still annoys, but I so like the way she thinks. She takes the options available to her even if they aren't pleasant.
All the "we're behind you, dear" and "we'll be the hero's side-kicks" is bothersome. And her man stands by as she does all this metaphysical stuff. Be manly!
But Gary, gotta love Gary.
"Gary really had taught me the thing that mattered the most. All I had to do was ... believe." p. 332
It's done.
All the "we're behind you, dear" and "we'll be the hero's side-kicks" is bothersome. And her man stands by as she does all this metaphysical stuff. Be manly!
But Gary, gotta love Gary.
"Gary really had taught me the thing that mattered the most. All I had to do was ... believe." p. 332
It's done.
November 27, 2014
I liked this series but I feel this book was not quite the culmination I had hoped for. In fact, I'm going to timidly say this series could have ended about 2 books back. It was good, not great and I'm sorry to say I'm so tired of all the shamanic tricks and garden descriptions that I was starting to skim. I'm glad this the last book because I don't want the series to have ended badly. :(
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January 12, 2016miniseries: Walker Papers #9
Great ending to an awesome series! I'm very sad the Walker Papers are done. Jo, Gary, and Morrison were a wonderful group of characters and the plot incredible. The last book ties things up with many surprises and Joanne kicks butt again! ~ Kim S.
Great ending to an awesome series! I'm very sad the Walker Papers are done. Jo, Gary, and Morrison were a wonderful group of characters and the plot incredible. The last book ties things up with many surprises and Joanne kicks butt again! ~ Kim S.
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