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The Asylum Tales #3.3
Inner Demon
Gage is a powerful warlock in Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, goblins, and vampires walk free among humanity. But there are two dangerous entities murdering families and children, and Gage needs to stop them before anybody else gets hurt.
When Gage discovers a demon locked away it offers him access to dark magic in exchange for its freedom – a dangerous opportunity, but one that could save his loved ones. Gage must choose between what is right and what is easy … except he’s running out of time.
When Gage discovers a demon locked away it offers him access to dark magic in exchange for its freedom – a dangerous opportunity, but one that could save his loved ones. Gage must choose between what is right and what is easy … except he’s running out of time.
96 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 28, 2014
10 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Jocelynn Drake
153 books2,908 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Jocelynn Drake loves a good story, whether she is reading it or writing one of her own. Over the years, her stories have allowed her to explore space, talk to dragons, dodge bullets with assassins, hang with vampires, and fall in love again and again.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 26, 2014
I will never understand for the life of me why an author would choose to end a series this way. Generally, I am not a big fan of serials, but I am a fan of Jocelynn Drake. I have enjoyed her Asylum Tales books (and the Dark Days series before that.) I was actually excited to see what she would do to resolve Gage’s issues, so serial or not, I knew I would be reading.
It’s actually a good thing that this story was released in sections, because that allowed me to tell you how much I enjoyed the beginning and was captivated through the middle. Only to be so thoroughly disappointed at the end.
When this installment began, I was already wondering how Drake was going to manage to tie up the story in just nine more chapters. The action was so big. There were so many things going on. There’s the killer that’s targeting pregnant women, the Death Magic user, the Towers, Gideon, Trixie, Lilith, and the demons; all hugely important. I knew in the back of my head that maybe this would not all tie up in a neat and clean bow. What I didn’t expect, though, was what I got.
I don’t want to spoil it. But I will say that I consider the ending neither a HEA nor even a HFN. I found it to be decidedly unhappy –and largely unresolved. After the commitment of reading multiple novels and novellas prior to this point, I consider myself invested in Gage. I just can’t see how anyone who cares about this story could be ok with Drake leaving it this way. Especially when you know it’s the end of the series.
I’m at a loss.
*ARC Provided by Harper Voyager
It’s actually a good thing that this story was released in sections, because that allowed me to tell you how much I enjoyed the beginning and was captivated through the middle. Only to be so thoroughly disappointed at the end.
When this installment began, I was already wondering how Drake was going to manage to tie up the story in just nine more chapters. The action was so big. There were so many things going on. There’s the killer that’s targeting pregnant women, the Death Magic user, the Towers, Gideon, Trixie, Lilith, and the demons; all hugely important. I knew in the back of my head that maybe this would not all tie up in a neat and clean bow. What I didn’t expect, though, was what I got.
I don’t want to spoil it. But I will say that I consider the ending neither a HEA nor even a HFN. I found it to be decidedly unhappy –and largely unresolved. After the commitment of reading multiple novels and novellas prior to this point, I consider myself invested in Gage. I just can’t see how anyone who cares about this story could be ok with Drake leaving it this way. Especially when you know it’s the end of the series.
I’m at a loss.
*ARC Provided by Harper Voyager
March 14, 2015
2.5 stars. I want to give this 4 stars, but I can't! I'm pissed. Drake finally creates this incredible world filled with warlocks, magic, trolls, elves, vampires and numerous other magical creatures, but then leaves us with just as many questions. I knew from the first book in the series, that this series had great potential. The first book about Gage was a little bland, but I knew the characters had potential. I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth with this final installment. The writing wasn't bad, although, the last three books had numerous typos. I couldn't it down because I wanted to know what would happen next with Gage and Trixie, the baby, and Gideon. The Warlocks! Although, I appreciate her effort to publish the books in the first place. I guess she had to publish them in eBook format, but dammit. I want more. I love Gage's dry humor, his love for his people of Low Town and his love for Trixie. Finally, when Drake really gets his characterization solid, she ends the series. Why? Arrrr.... Oh well, no since in crying over it. It's the final book in the series, so I'll just have to live with it.
December 1, 2022
What a horrible ending you can't end a series like that!
October 30, 2014
I enjoyed the entire series up to this point. I wasn't expecting a happy ending but the conclusion felt abrupt and half assed as if someone said, "Ok I'm tired, let's just stop here." I'm so disappointed that the series ended this way because I was so looking forward to finding out what happened to the main characters and some of those on the periphery. Big let down.
November 14, 2014
Favorite Quote: “I’d make this world safe for my love. Or I’d make it burn.”
Fans of Drake’s Asylum Tales will rejoice in the fact Drake revisits Low Town and our favorite warlock slash tattoo artist-Gage Powell. Book two, Dead Man’s Deal, left readers with a few questions as to our hero’s future. Lucky for us, this three-part collection of novellas tells us what happened after book two and what’s in store for Gage now.
I have decided to review all three parts at one time in order to facilitate a clearer understanding of the storyline and it’s ultimate goal.
Reluctant heroes are my kryptonite and Drake more than delivers with Gage Powell. The sole proprietor of the Asylum Tattoo Parlor and magical tattoo artist, Gage is forced to live under very strict conditions. A former apprentice warlock who didn’t agree with the cruelty of the warlock/witch community, he escaped that world only to find himself under a death sentence. His life is contingent upon his promise to never use his magic in any shape or form except for self defense. As Gage struggles to remain under their radar, his altruistic nature often places him on the path of no return. He has a strong moral compass. He will fight to his last breath to keep his friends and the world safe from injustice though his attempts to help often land him in more trouble than he can handle.
At the end of Dead Man’s Deal Gage is blackmailed back into the very situation he spent years hiding from-as a guardian for the Tower-in order to save Low Town, his friends, and his brother’s life. Demon’s Fury (part one) picks up where Dead Man’s Deal left off. Gage and his former nemesis, Gideon, now work together and are charged with investigating a brutal murder steeped in magic. Gage is also contacted by a TAPPS agent to help investigate a separate series of murders that are sweeping the city.
Gage is at his lowest point. He struggles to reconcile himself to being a pawn for the Tower again and decides to use his position to forewarn and forearm the residents of Low Town. He has resigned himself to being their shield should the Tower ever choose to come for them. He is also unsure of how his girlfriend, Trixie, will react when she discovers he is back with the Tower. Warlocks are forbidden to be in relationships and being with him is now even more dangerous than ever.
Dark and gritty, Drake continues to build and expand her world of supernaturals who all live together; though not necessarily in harmony. Fast pacing keeps the story(s) moving at a brisk pace. Impacting action and mystery will keep you guessing as Drake introduces us to a new plot that is extremely darker than what we have seen before. Violent and unforgiving, our hero is poised to travel a path of pain, sorrow, and possible death. Dry humor continues to offset the foreshadowed bleakness. Old and new characters are brought into play, continuing to reiterate that Gage will always do what he feels is the right, regardless of the sometimes horrific consequences.
Demon’s Vow (part two) eases the reader back into the story with nary a blip. Drake continues to ramp up the action and suspense as the bodies continue to pile up. The supernatural community is on edge and conducting their own investigations though no one is forthcoming with Gage. Gage is horrified to discover that the two murder investigations may be linked. He and Gideon race to stop the killer(s) before anyone else gets hurt-including his Trixie.
The tension is incredible in this installment. Drake gives clues sparingly, choosing to focus on Gage and the consequences of his previous actions. His going back to work for the Towers was unavoidable but Trixie doesn’t see it that way and her actions leave me wishing that for once she would be there for Gage as he always is for her. A new character, TAPPS agent Serah Moynahan, has become a major player in a short span of time.
More light is shed on Gideon and the reasons for his actions in the past concerning Gage. He is both jailer and mentor to Gage which is a difficult position for both of them. Gideon knows what Gage is capable of should he choose to continue his studies and this scares him; which it should. By the end of Demon’s Vow, readers are even less sure if Gage is capable of getting what he so richly deserves-his own happily ever after.
In Inner Demon (part three) Gage pushes himself to the very edge and makes some choices that will change him though everyone is unsure exactly how fortuitous these changes will be. While searching for a way to stop the killer(s) who are cutting a bloody path through Low Town, Gage finds himself influenced by a demon whose own goals could give Gage what he’s always wanted-the destruction of the Towers. Hell is about to rain on earth and Gage is right in the middle of it.
This installment left me at odds. On one hand, Drake wraps up the mystery in an action packed nail biting finale that explains everything perfectly. I found the killer(s) motivations plausible. On the other hand, while the ending resolves the main conflict, we are left with no answers towards Gage. In fact, Drake opens up a whole new storyline, gives some tantalizing clues, then walks away. Character wise, Drake continued to develop and humanize them all to an extent, often with some bittersweet results.
Trixie and Gideon left me disappointed. For all the sacrifices Gage has made for them, I was dismayed to find they were not as willing for him. Especially Trixie. He was willing to give his life for hers and that if nothing else that should have proven his love and loyalty to her. Bronx is Bronx and his loyalty to Gage was as always commendable. Serah proved the biggest surprise and there is a small part of me that hopes to see her again and that she and Gage can find some common ground both professionally and romantically. I do hope Drake continues this series or at least writes an epilogue as too much is left up unanswered.
Regardless of my misgivings, The Asylum Tales series as a whole is an engaging noir urban fantasy that brings to life a reluctant and imperfect hero whose need to do the right thing often leads to heartbreaking results.
RATING: B-
Fans of Drake’s Asylum Tales will rejoice in the fact Drake revisits Low Town and our favorite warlock slash tattoo artist-Gage Powell. Book two, Dead Man’s Deal, left readers with a few questions as to our hero’s future. Lucky for us, this three-part collection of novellas tells us what happened after book two and what’s in store for Gage now.
I have decided to review all three parts at one time in order to facilitate a clearer understanding of the storyline and it’s ultimate goal.
Reluctant heroes are my kryptonite and Drake more than delivers with Gage Powell. The sole proprietor of the Asylum Tattoo Parlor and magical tattoo artist, Gage is forced to live under very strict conditions. A former apprentice warlock who didn’t agree with the cruelty of the warlock/witch community, he escaped that world only to find himself under a death sentence. His life is contingent upon his promise to never use his magic in any shape or form except for self defense. As Gage struggles to remain under their radar, his altruistic nature often places him on the path of no return. He has a strong moral compass. He will fight to his last breath to keep his friends and the world safe from injustice though his attempts to help often land him in more trouble than he can handle.
At the end of Dead Man’s Deal Gage is blackmailed back into the very situation he spent years hiding from-as a guardian for the Tower-in order to save Low Town, his friends, and his brother’s life. Demon’s Fury (part one) picks up where Dead Man’s Deal left off. Gage and his former nemesis, Gideon, now work together and are charged with investigating a brutal murder steeped in magic. Gage is also contacted by a TAPPS agent to help investigate a separate series of murders that are sweeping the city.
Gage is at his lowest point. He struggles to reconcile himself to being a pawn for the Tower again and decides to use his position to forewarn and forearm the residents of Low Town. He has resigned himself to being their shield should the Tower ever choose to come for them. He is also unsure of how his girlfriend, Trixie, will react when she discovers he is back with the Tower. Warlocks are forbidden to be in relationships and being with him is now even more dangerous than ever.
Dark and gritty, Drake continues to build and expand her world of supernaturals who all live together; though not necessarily in harmony. Fast pacing keeps the story(s) moving at a brisk pace. Impacting action and mystery will keep you guessing as Drake introduces us to a new plot that is extremely darker than what we have seen before. Violent and unforgiving, our hero is poised to travel a path of pain, sorrow, and possible death. Dry humor continues to offset the foreshadowed bleakness. Old and new characters are brought into play, continuing to reiterate that Gage will always do what he feels is the right, regardless of the sometimes horrific consequences.
Demon’s Vow (part two) eases the reader back into the story with nary a blip. Drake continues to ramp up the action and suspense as the bodies continue to pile up. The supernatural community is on edge and conducting their own investigations though no one is forthcoming with Gage. Gage is horrified to discover that the two murder investigations may be linked. He and Gideon race to stop the killer(s) before anyone else gets hurt-including his Trixie.
The tension is incredible in this installment. Drake gives clues sparingly, choosing to focus on Gage and the consequences of his previous actions. His going back to work for the Towers was unavoidable but Trixie doesn’t see it that way and her actions leave me wishing that for once she would be there for Gage as he always is for her. A new character, TAPPS agent Serah Moynahan, has become a major player in a short span of time.
More light is shed on Gideon and the reasons for his actions in the past concerning Gage. He is both jailer and mentor to Gage which is a difficult position for both of them. Gideon knows what Gage is capable of should he choose to continue his studies and this scares him; which it should. By the end of Demon’s Vow, readers are even less sure if Gage is capable of getting what he so richly deserves-his own happily ever after.
In Inner Demon (part three) Gage pushes himself to the very edge and makes some choices that will change him though everyone is unsure exactly how fortuitous these changes will be. While searching for a way to stop the killer(s) who are cutting a bloody path through Low Town, Gage finds himself influenced by a demon whose own goals could give Gage what he’s always wanted-the destruction of the Towers. Hell is about to rain on earth and Gage is right in the middle of it.
This installment left me at odds. On one hand, Drake wraps up the mystery in an action packed nail biting finale that explains everything perfectly. I found the killer(s) motivations plausible. On the other hand, while the ending resolves the main conflict, we are left with no answers towards Gage. In fact, Drake opens up a whole new storyline, gives some tantalizing clues, then walks away. Character wise, Drake continued to develop and humanize them all to an extent, often with some bittersweet results.
Trixie and Gideon left me disappointed. For all the sacrifices Gage has made for them, I was dismayed to find they were not as willing for him. Especially Trixie. He was willing to give his life for hers and that if nothing else that should have proven his love and loyalty to her. Bronx is Bronx and his loyalty to Gage was as always commendable. Serah proved the biggest surprise and there is a small part of me that hopes to see her again and that she and Gage can find some common ground both professionally and romantically. I do hope Drake continues this series or at least writes an epilogue as too much is left up unanswered.
Regardless of my misgivings, The Asylum Tales series as a whole is an engaging noir urban fantasy that brings to life a reluctant and imperfect hero whose need to do the right thing often leads to heartbreaking results.
RATING: B-
October 20, 2014
**I received this book for free from Harper Voyager Impulse via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Inner Demon is the final part to The Asylum Tale's serial finale. The other parts are Demon's Fury and Demon's Vow. Inner Demon picks up right where Demon's Vow left off. Warlock/Tattoo Artist Gage Powell's world has been teetering on the brink of disaster because of his desire to protect the two most important people in his life. He's made some bad choices that have nearly cost him everything that he's worked hard for. The question remains, will Gage give in to powerful temptations, or will he find a way to save his town from powerful beings set to reign hell down on Low Town? Will he finally defeat the Ivory Towers, or will they destroy him once and for-all?
*Full Review posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 10/04/2014 via Edelweiss* Expected publication: October 28th 2014 by Harper Voyager Impulse
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Inner Demon is the final part to The Asylum Tale's serial finale. The other parts are Demon's Fury and Demon's Vow. Inner Demon picks up right where Demon's Vow left off. Warlock/Tattoo Artist Gage Powell's world has been teetering on the brink of disaster because of his desire to protect the two most important people in his life. He's made some bad choices that have nearly cost him everything that he's worked hard for. The question remains, will Gage give in to powerful temptations, or will he find a way to save his town from powerful beings set to reign hell down on Low Town? Will he finally defeat the Ivory Towers, or will they destroy him once and for-all?
*Full Review posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 10/04/2014 via Edelweiss* Expected publication: October 28th 2014 by Harper Voyager Impulse
October 30, 2014
This story seems to bring to a close things for Gage. I'm glad that he found out who was killing the kids and pregnant women. I was a bit stunned to just who was responsible and their reasoning. I felt like Gage went a bit too far to catch the killer, he felt like it was his own recourse. Not sure who is right. The only thing I do know is that Gage is in for a rough time ahead with his last choice and I'm not sure he can survive and still be Gage if he does make it out alive.
July 21, 2016
Honestly I thought this series was great, but that ending! This is the last we see of Gage and his life is not resolved at all! He is separated from everyone and entering into the greatest test yet! So I gave this book only 3 stars because of that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2015
If this were not the series finale I would have rated it higher. Unfortunately I felt that too much was left unresolved and it felt incomplete to me - more like just another book in the series rather than the end.
June 14, 2015
Jocelyn, this has been a wonderful series and I hate that you didn't give us a true resolution. Gage deserves a better ending as he is great character. Please, if nothing else, a novella telling us his fate.
June 16, 2021
The Final Chapter..
I swear when a character goes bad, they jump off the cliff of insanity !! (Yeah there are Princess Bride references) Its like 'Come to the darkside, we have cookies 🍪🍪!
Gage, I guess you can say, loses his shackles if you can call love that. Trixie & bebe are off to fairy land, Gideon has written him off & Chang takes back his invite...
Then he's off in a fun tour of the underworld... yeah..its open ended for possibly more but I doubt it. JD has been more MM than MF of late.
I swear when a character goes bad, they jump off the cliff of insanity !! (Yeah there are Princess Bride references) Its like 'Come to the darkside, we have cookies 🍪🍪!
Gage, I guess you can say, loses his shackles if you can call love that. Trixie & bebe are off to fairy land, Gideon has written him off & Chang takes back his invite...
Then he's off in a fun tour of the underworld... yeah..its open ended for possibly more but I doubt it. JD has been more MM than MF of late.
February 22, 2018
I love this book. I just really didn't like the way they came out in cliffhanger installments before they released the whole thing as one book, and the way it ended on a cliffhanger too. Wah!!! I want another book that wraps everything up in a good way :(
February 6, 2015
Well. That. That was a thing.
Before I continue, you might want to read the reviews of the first two parts before proceeding:
Demon's Fury
Demon's Vow
So, I'll start with the positives. This entry was tense and exciting, I suppose. Kept me hooked from start to finish. Certain characters, like Gideon, were at their best. And the climax especially was great.
But Inner Demon was a whirlwind from start to finish. Things happened and before I had time to process, more things happened. Plot threads resolved one after the other, some in satisfying ways, others not. The final ending? Not exactly what I was hoping for after three books. Not exactly what I was hoping for after all of the Asylum books, really.
The ending was a disappointment to say the least. The icing on top of a cake baked out of a poor plot device. It cemented this story as a solid 2.5 stars for me and made me wish I'd just left Dead Man's Deal as it was.
Were there enjoyable parts? Sure. Demon's Fury started out very strong. Serah, Gideon and Bronx were as always, awesome. And you know, such a strong reaction to Gage's fate meant I was pretty invested in that guy too. But I drink in the bitterness of the plotline and its ending. It colors my disposition of the entire story.
At least I only paid $3.
Before I continue, you might want to read the reviews of the first two parts before proceeding:
Demon's Fury
Demon's Vow
So, I'll start with the positives. This entry was tense and exciting, I suppose. Kept me hooked from start to finish. Certain characters, like Gideon, were at their best. And the climax especially was great.
But Inner Demon was a whirlwind from start to finish. Things happened and before I had time to process, more things happened. Plot threads resolved one after the other, some in satisfying ways, others not. The final ending? Not exactly what I was hoping for after three books. Not exactly what I was hoping for after all of the Asylum books, really.
The ending was a disappointment to say the least. The icing on top of a cake baked out of a poor plot device. It cemented this story as a solid 2.5 stars for me and made me wish I'd just left Dead Man's Deal as it was.
Were there enjoyable parts? Sure. Demon's Fury started out very strong. Serah, Gideon and Bronx were as always, awesome. And you know, such a strong reaction to Gage's fate meant I was pretty invested in that guy too. But I drink in the bitterness of the plotline and its ending. It colors my disposition of the entire story.
At least I only paid $3.
February 26, 2017
Hated the ending!!!
February 21, 2015
(I'm reviewing Asylum Tales 3.1-3.3 all together because they are literally a single book cut into three sections between chapters for no apparent reason.)
I finished reading this book a few minutes ago and I'm heartsick. That's the only word for it. As the end approached I thought surely there was no way I could be satisfied, not after all the build-up, not with one page left. I started preparing myself for disappointment. Now I'm sitting here wishing I would just start crying—from the pain or the hope. Drake made the right choice, the bravest choice. As a writer and as a reader, all I have for her is respect. I wish this didn't hurt so much, but the pain's always been a part of the beauty of Gage's story, hasn't it?
I have the usual complaints about the lack of editing this book received—repetition (though it was cut down drastically on from Angel's Ink to now), places where the narration slips tenses for a few sentences, misspellings, and punctuation that even a novice editor should've caught. But let's make this distinction clear: The Final Asylum Tales are poorly edited, NOT poorly written. As a traditionally published author, Drake's publishing house should be held responsible for that oversight.
Jocelynn Drake created a world that was gritty, vivid, broken, beautiful, and awful. Her storytelling was powerful enough to pull us through three books and two prequels. There's so much good going on in the Final Asylum Tales, so many places where she could've taken the easy way out, tied everything up in a neat, happy bow, but she never did. Gage's descent into darkness was inevitable and excruciating. As I read the last few pages, my stomach sank and my heart broke. There's this theory that you don't cry because a story is sad, you cry because of the goodness the characters exhibit in the face of that sadness. In those last pages, my heart broke for Gage's goodness, for all the things he'd lost, for everything he'd sacrificed, for his future, for his determination.
This is a story that's going to stick with me forever. It's that haunting, beautiful, and terrible. It cut me deep, and I don't think the scars will ever go away.
I finished reading this book a few minutes ago and I'm heartsick. That's the only word for it. As the end approached I thought surely there was no way I could be satisfied, not after all the build-up, not with one page left. I started preparing myself for disappointment. Now I'm sitting here wishing I would just start crying—from the pain or the hope. Drake made the right choice, the bravest choice. As a writer and as a reader, all I have for her is respect. I wish this didn't hurt so much, but the pain's always been a part of the beauty of Gage's story, hasn't it?
I have the usual complaints about the lack of editing this book received—repetition (though it was cut down drastically on from Angel's Ink to now), places where the narration slips tenses for a few sentences, misspellings, and punctuation that even a novice editor should've caught. But let's make this distinction clear: The Final Asylum Tales are poorly edited, NOT poorly written. As a traditionally published author, Drake's publishing house should be held responsible for that oversight.
Jocelynn Drake created a world that was gritty, vivid, broken, beautiful, and awful. Her storytelling was powerful enough to pull us through three books and two prequels. There's so much good going on in the Final Asylum Tales, so many places where she could've taken the easy way out, tied everything up in a neat, happy bow, but she never did. Gage's descent into darkness was inevitable and excruciating. As I read the last few pages, my stomach sank and my heart broke. There's this theory that you don't cry because a story is sad, you cry because of the goodness the characters exhibit in the face of that sadness. In those last pages, my heart broke for Gage's goodness, for all the things he'd lost, for everything he'd sacrificed, for his future, for his determination.
This is a story that's going to stick with me forever. It's that haunting, beautiful, and terrible. It cut me deep, and I don't think the scars will ever go away.
November 4, 2014
I read these three parts of the same book back-to-back, so I have no sense of where each one ends and the next begins. Gage got himself sucked back into working for the towers at the end of book 2, and this story starts off with Gideon dragging Gage along to investigate a ritual murder site. Meanwhile, Gage has also been brought into an investigation of a murdered tattooist by the mundane authorities. Both killers are gruesome, and unfortunately, the ritual magic murderer seems to be headed in the direction of the tattooed wack job. It will not go well for anyone when they team up. The wack job happens to be in Gage's neighborhood and has been murdering pregnant women, and Trixie has just told Gage that she's pregnant with his child and has decided to go back to her people with her brother for the safety of the child. Gage is trying desperately to figure out how he can make the world safe for Trixie and their child, but he keeps coming back to the threat from the towers, and he vows to dismantle it by any means necessary. That little vow gets him in deep with a demon. By the end we've learned a lot about unicorns, dragons, demons, and death magic, and Gage has hit what looks like a very pissed off rock bottom. He takes a very drastic action at the end.
July 1, 2015
Worthy
I had. To read the final book in this series and fortunately the characters in the story never quit giving their all even when their all didn't necessarily jibe with the way that some of the other reviewers felt it should. To those reviewers, I offer this challenge, write your own book, share it with the world and don't be at all surprised when everyone doesn't appreciate the way you end your story..such is life...
The reason this book doesn't have a 5 star rating from me has more to do with the lay out (3 small books instead of one full length novel), and the poor editing that was prevalent in all three. It leaves me to wonder if there wasn't some sort of undue influence or creative differences between the author and the publishing house. If that were the case, how sad is it that the author,the readers and the characters had to suffer.
Although I am not particularly thrilled with the direction Gage's story is heading at the moment, I will no doubt follow the rest of his journey if the author is willing to continue the storyline.
I had. To read the final book in this series and fortunately the characters in the story never quit giving their all even when their all didn't necessarily jibe with the way that some of the other reviewers felt it should. To those reviewers, I offer this challenge, write your own book, share it with the world and don't be at all surprised when everyone doesn't appreciate the way you end your story..such is life...
The reason this book doesn't have a 5 star rating from me has more to do with the lay out (3 small books instead of one full length novel), and the poor editing that was prevalent in all three. It leaves me to wonder if there wasn't some sort of undue influence or creative differences between the author and the publishing house. If that were the case, how sad is it that the author,the readers and the characters had to suffer.
Although I am not particularly thrilled with the direction Gage's story is heading at the moment, I will no doubt follow the rest of his journey if the author is willing to continue the storyline.
May 21, 2015
I loved the stories. But as it went on, you knew the ending would not be what you expected.
One psycho killing the young, for Death Magic. Why, is more terrifying. To what extent will this psycho sink to?
One psycho killing pregnant women & there unborn children. What pushed her over the edge is pretty bad. But the tat & potion, just helped it along.
Gage is left trying to figure out how to stop them and keep the life he has. Only problem is that he's doing it all wrong. His hope is gone, his live is threatened, and his future looks bleak. Guess when you are having so many problems, you don't always think reasonably.
Ms. Drake has create a world that you want to keep reading about. Not only from Gage's view point, but from any others she may write about. It has it's ups & downs, but what world doesn't?
One psycho killing the young, for Death Magic. Why, is more terrifying. To what extent will this psycho sink to?
One psycho killing pregnant women & there unborn children. What pushed her over the edge is pretty bad. But the tat & potion, just helped it along.
Gage is left trying to figure out how to stop them and keep the life he has. Only problem is that he's doing it all wrong. His hope is gone, his live is threatened, and his future looks bleak. Guess when you are having so many problems, you don't always think reasonably.
Ms. Drake has create a world that you want to keep reading about. Not only from Gage's view point, but from any others she may write about. It has it's ups & downs, but what world doesn't?
July 16, 2015
Wow! I'm not sure I can put into words how I felt at the end of this series. I guess I will have to say that the ending left me wanting and sad, but only because I love Gage's character so much that I really was hoping he could finally have his heart's desire. Even so, I could not give it a lesser rating. I'm always hoping that the characters I have grown to love whenever I read a series, will find some happiness. Gage's happiness is one that may happen off page and only if he survives the alliance from hell. I wish I could read the rest of his journey but since this is the final Asylum tale, I guess that wish will go on unfulfilled.
November 27, 2014
I would love to read the book that Jim Butcher & Jocelynn Drake write together. I believe their weaknesses are the other's strengths. Jocelynn Drake would contribute to Dresden's sexual encounters that Jim Butcher insinuates but does not detail, while Jim Butcher could teach Jocelynn Drake some things about magic murder mysteries. That's just this reader's opinion.
This was a good book with a phenomenal climax, but the epilogue did not give me the closure that I expected from the final tales.
This was a good book with a phenomenal climax, but the epilogue did not give me the closure that I expected from the final tales.
January 4, 2016
I have never written a review before but finishing this series left me so lost I had to share it. I actually enjoyed the story. What confuses me is that this is the last book of the series?? This "final" book raised more questions - and possibly contained more foreshadowing - than any prior book. I'm baffled as to how this could be the conclusion of a series when there was no overall resolution for any of the characters. While the ending tied up this specific installment, it in no way completed the series. The last scene was a beginning, not an end. I'm left with more questions than answers.
November 2, 2014
I loved the rest of the books. But this one did not do it for me. First off the last three books should have just been one book. Next this book felt rushed. It did not have the same discriptions as the rest of the series. I feel like the last three books (mostly this one) was a cop-out. It felt like it was written just to get it over with. The love and passion for writing just was not there. All in all it was poorly done, I don't think I will keep recomending this to people.
December 12, 2015
I turned the last page and saw the Author's Acknowledgements. Wait! What? Though I was surprised by the ending, I can't say that I was disappointed. Well, disappointed that there is so much of the story left untold, but not necessarily disappointed with the way it ended.
A lot more action in this last book than in previous ones if my memory serves me correctly. This series could probably continue a couple of more books. Oh, well.
A lot more action in this last book than in previous ones if my memory serves me correctly. This series could probably continue a couple of more books. Oh, well.
October 31, 2014
Excellent book. I loved the universe Jocelynn created with this book. I am glad she left the end open so we can imagine how Gage's future turns out. It sucks this is the last book in the series though! We can always hope Jocelynn will revisit this universe in the future.
February 1, 2016
I have a love hate thing going on with this book. Love the book and the series, not content with the ending. It's the ending that make since but not really how or where I wanted it to end. This is the last book but it feels left open enough for another book.
October 29, 2014
I hope there is more Gage in the future!!!! It feels incomplete!! Please keep writing Gage!!!!
September 16, 2018
This ended oddly-and not too satisfyingly- for something that was supposed to wrap up this series. Drake definitely left room to revisit this.
November 13, 2014
Really upset it ended like that.
November 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this series and I am sad to see it end. I did not really get any closure but maybe someday the series will be revisited.
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October 7, 2014*Review to come*
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