What do you think?
Rate this book
Niki Slobodian #5
The Devil's Backbone
“What does Death fear?”
Niki has been to Hell and back to find a single shred of something to call a life. As Death, she has very little time to do anything but usher the lost souls to their resting places. But when Lucifer, the reason for her taste of happiness, comes up missing, Niki has to face how she feels about him. And about the prospect of losing him.
At the same time, there is something stalking the living of the World. Something from another place…somewhere far from the reaches of Heaven or Hell. And someone is opening up holes in the world and letting the monsters out.
Niki has to make a choice: save her only chance at something good, or fulfill her duties as Death and save humanity. But something is coming. Something bigger and more terrifying that could put all the worlds in peril. Something even the Creator fears. With all the angels out of commission, Niki might be the World’s — and the devil’s — last chance at survival.
And in case she didn't have enough to deal with, the Creator has given Niki another gift...
Niki has been to Hell and back to find a single shred of something to call a life. As Death, she has very little time to do anything but usher the lost souls to their resting places. But when Lucifer, the reason for her taste of happiness, comes up missing, Niki has to face how she feels about him. And about the prospect of losing him.
At the same time, there is something stalking the living of the World. Something from another place…somewhere far from the reaches of Heaven or Hell. And someone is opening up holes in the world and letting the monsters out.
Niki has to make a choice: save her only chance at something good, or fulfill her duties as Death and save humanity. But something is coming. Something bigger and more terrifying that could put all the worlds in peril. Something even the Creator fears. With all the angels out of commission, Niki might be the World’s — and the devil’s — last chance at survival.
And in case she didn't have enough to deal with, the Creator has given Niki another gift...
Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2014
17 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Murray
21 books150 followersJ.L. Murray is the author of the Niki Slobodian series (Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, The Devil Is a Gentleman, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, The Devil Was an Angel, and The Devil's Backbone), The Thirteen series (Jenny Undead and Eat the Ones You Love), After the Fire, Blood Day, the Blood of Cain series (Monstrous, Hoarfrost, Sanguine), the Gothic Folk series (The Hungry Deep), and The Collins Widow.
Murray is a firm believer that horror can be beautiful, and that good and evil are very far from black and white. She lives with her family in Eugene, Oregon and can be reached through her website at www.jlmurraywriter.com.
Murray is a firm believer that horror can be beautiful, and that good and evil are very far from black and white. She lives with her family in Eugene, Oregon and can be reached through her website at www.jlmurraywriter.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 28, 2015
I fear this would be a (even more) scathing review, if I hadn't liked this series before this debacle.
I found NS5 a hot mess, confusing and way overreaching. I'm only happy this is the last book.
I guess it happens quite a lot, this creating an heroine so over the top that normal villains don't apply anymore. So an author is compelled (or willing) to create stories that overflow into madness. This was the case here for me.
There was a thin plot, totally flat characters, a whiny insufferable (and often dumb) heroine, and enough bad dialogue to leave a bad taste in my mouth. I'm sorry, but this is what this book left me with.
This book can not be read as a standalone, you'll have some problems even if you do have read the first 4 books. Clearly, I did.
I found NS5 a hot mess, confusing and way overreaching. I'm only happy this is the last book.
I guess it happens quite a lot, this creating an heroine so over the top that normal villains don't apply anymore. So an author is compelled (or willing) to create stories that overflow into madness. This was the case here for me.
There was a thin plot, totally flat characters, a whiny insufferable (and often dumb) heroine, and enough bad dialogue to leave a bad taste in my mouth. I'm sorry, but this is what this book left me with.
This book can not be read as a standalone, you'll have some problems even if you do have read the first 4 books. Clearly, I did.
June 10, 2014
Note: I received a beta copy of this to review.
In all honesty, even though I had purchased all the previous novels in this series I had only managed to finish about 2½ of them before this was released. I'm old, this sort of thing should be expected during your second half-C.
I'm not the biggest fan of this genre (paranormal romance, is that what it is?) but I am a big fan of bad tempered characters who go out and fight the good fight and Niki Slobodian is one of my favorite ass-kicking Abbys.
Those of you that are familiar with the series don't need a description from me and those that aren't don't need to be subjected to my hamhaded attempt to describe it the exact right amount to interest you without giving away the whole show. There will be other reviews here that do a better job than I can.
What I can tell you is this is one of the best wtritten and most interesting books of the genre that I've read. It reminds me of the Dante Valentine novels of Lilith Saintcrow that I read many years ago, although with less sword and more handgun. Niki's a no-bullshit angry hardass and I've enjoyed my time with her and her little army of supporters.
In all honesty, even though I had purchased all the previous novels in this series I had only managed to finish about 2½ of them before this was released. I'm old, this sort of thing should be expected during your second half-C.
I'm not the biggest fan of this genre (paranormal romance, is that what it is?) but I am a big fan of bad tempered characters who go out and fight the good fight and Niki Slobodian is one of my favorite ass-kicking Abbys.
Those of you that are familiar with the series don't need a description from me and those that aren't don't need to be subjected to my hamhaded attempt to describe it the exact right amount to interest you without giving away the whole show. There will be other reviews here that do a better job than I can.
What I can tell you is this is one of the best wtritten and most interesting books of the genre that I've read. It reminds me of the Dante Valentine novels of Lilith Saintcrow that I read many years ago, although with less sword and more handgun. Niki's a no-bullshit angry hardass and I've enjoyed my time with her and her little army of supporters.
June 12, 2014
*sings* And now, the end is here, and so I face the final curtain.
Yes Niki you certainly did do it your way, you're going out with a bang. As sad as I always am when something ends I honestly have to say it was probably the greatest ending I have ever come across in a book. Going out on a high is hard to achieve but JL has cracked it with this book. With this being the last book in the series it brought about some reflection of what has came previously and when you realise just how much Niki has changed and grown over the five books whilst still keeping all that is inherently Niki it just crystallises in my mind just how solid a foundation this series started on whilst realising just how special the characters had become to me over time. Starting the book was like welcoming back an old friend, you dive straight back into the action and Niki never shies away from getting stuck in. As is the norm for Niki there are terrible things afoot and she feels the need to get to the bottom to it only this time it may come at the ultimate price. Will Niki trade her chance at happiness in order to save the human race? Will there be a happily ever after or will it all end in tears? All I can say to that is that this was the only one of the series to make me cry. Make of that what you will and if you want to find out why you'll need to read it for yourself. I can guarantee though that if you are a fan of the series you will not be disappointed, if you haven't yet read any of the books start at the beginning and get lost in this world that will captivate your attention from the first page till the very last.
Yes Niki you certainly did do it your way, you're going out with a bang. As sad as I always am when something ends I honestly have to say it was probably the greatest ending I have ever come across in a book. Going out on a high is hard to achieve but JL has cracked it with this book. With this being the last book in the series it brought about some reflection of what has came previously and when you realise just how much Niki has changed and grown over the five books whilst still keeping all that is inherently Niki it just crystallises in my mind just how solid a foundation this series started on whilst realising just how special the characters had become to me over time. Starting the book was like welcoming back an old friend, you dive straight back into the action and Niki never shies away from getting stuck in. As is the norm for Niki there are terrible things afoot and she feels the need to get to the bottom to it only this time it may come at the ultimate price. Will Niki trade her chance at happiness in order to save the human race? Will there be a happily ever after or will it all end in tears? All I can say to that is that this was the only one of the series to make me cry. Make of that what you will and if you want to find out why you'll need to read it for yourself. I can guarantee though that if you are a fan of the series you will not be disappointed, if you haven't yet read any of the books start at the beginning and get lost in this world that will captivate your attention from the first page till the very last.
June 10, 2014
If you're just starting with this book, I would strongly recommend that you read the other books in this series first. Not only will you be caught up with the storyline, but you will also understand the events that have shaped Niki, turning her into....whatever she is. But I digress. Our tough, ballsy protagonist has had apocalyptic troubles in the past, but the current crisis that she faces takes the proverbial cake. Someone is letting monsters out. Monsters that are wreaking havoc on both hell and earth. Niki has a nasty premonition that something is terribly wrong, and she might be the only person that can stand between humanity and the end of the world. This book hammers you from the beginning, and never lets up. If you've been along for the ride, this is a fitting ending to the Niki Slabodian series. As much as I hate to see the journey come to an end, I wouldn't want it to finish any other way. Niki, you are AWESOME. Even if you did ****SPOILER!*** (Just kidding. I'll never tell. You'll have to read it yourself.)
June 10, 2014
I've been with this series since I first got my kindle three years ago. The first book in the Niki series was one of the first books I ever downloaded. I've never regretted it. This book made the whole series complete. Niki has been through so much. I'm sad this is the last book, but it ended very well. I don't think I could have planned a better ending. The story kept me guessing, and I loved the interactions between characters. I've loved being a part of Niki's journey. This book hits every note that Niki needed for her happy ending to be a reality. She moves past the hurt that has been in her past, she lets got of everything that held her back from her duty as Death. She finally chooses to do what she wants, rather than what is good for anyone else. I can't get over how well this book was written. How beautifully it played out, and how everything falls into place. I loved it. I miss is already.
June 9, 2014
(I read a Beta version of this book, in exchange for an honest review)
I could not put this book down. I had been anxiously awaiting the "what happens next?" with Niki, and I was not disappointed at all in this book. It was sad to see this as the end of the series for Niki, but oh my, what a satisfying finish to the series this is! It seemed far too short - it's hard letting go of Niki! - and was an emotional ride the whole book long. If you loved the series, you will not be disappointed with this conclusion.
I could not put this book down. I had been anxiously awaiting the "what happens next?" with Niki, and I was not disappointed at all in this book. It was sad to see this as the end of the series for Niki, but oh my, what a satisfying finish to the series this is! It seemed far too short - it's hard letting go of Niki! - and was an emotional ride the whole book long. If you loved the series, you will not be disappointed with this conclusion.
April 23, 2017
When you're Death, and you're dating the Devil, and you've conquered demons and gods and just about everything that an author can throw at you, well then, what comes next? What does Death fear? How do you close out an epic dark fantasy series?
Tough, tough, tough. And, I think, this closing of the Niki Slobodian series suffers because what else can you do now but destroy the world and then recreate it. As awesomely amazing as this story, and the badass kickassery of Niki Slobodian is, this last episode suffered from the 'one hot mess' syndrome of too much going on at one time. That being said, I loved the story, the characters, and of course, Lucifer in his skivvies. And I'm glad to see the series end so epically, because I like closure. And, of course, I will miss Niki and her crew.
Tough, tough, tough. And, I think, this closing of the Niki Slobodian series suffers because what else can you do now but destroy the world and then recreate it. As awesomely amazing as this story, and the badass kickassery of Niki Slobodian is, this last episode suffered from the 'one hot mess' syndrome of too much going on at one time. That being said, I loved the story, the characters, and of course, Lucifer in his skivvies. And I'm glad to see the series end so epically, because I like closure. And, of course, I will miss Niki and her crew.
June 16, 2014
How Does Death Fight Back?
It's taken me a few days to come to terms with the ending of an era. The last installment of our favorite azz kicker, Niki Slobodian.
It was all I had hoped for and more. Of course, start with book one, because this is an incredible series.
Niki is still death, the grim reaper of all human souls. She is trying to find her way in a world where the souls of the dead follow and call to her, painfully so. To the point where her only solace and semblance of peace comes from her stolen moments in time spent in Hell. With Lucifer. Yes, you heard me right.
Don't hate me, but much as I loved Lucifer, looking back, I loved Sam too. I still have a hard time letting him go. Or who Sam had been once upon a time. And Gage, he is so near and dear to me.
Special note that every single time the creator has parts in this series, it is just put together exquisitely. You never know what you are going to get, and what an amazing mind Murray has to portray God in such a way. I am not a fan of organized religion, but inside myself I am very spiritual, and I really get a special kick every time she'd have the creator make an appearance. (Possible spin off? Might there be a way to pull that off?)
Our Niki is up against some stolen power that even the creator fears. But she has never been one to turn tail and run. What does death fear, they wanted to know. I think the better question is - who is fool enough to think they can best death.
"End of the world," he [Bobby Gage] said weakly. "Ain't that a bitch."
Indeed. But so is Niki and she is not one to take anything lying down.
June 11, 2014
This will be my last review for the Niki Slobodian series and I’m a bit nervous about writing it, mainly because I'm an avid reader and a useless writer. In previous reviews I always thought that my next review would be better but there will be no next one, this is it!
It’s with much sadness that I say farewell to Niki Slobodian, Bobby Gage and Lucifer. I opened this book filled with anxiety as I was wondering what J.L. Murray would dish out and how much of a bang she was going to create, because I knew there would be a bang. What I found instead was more than a bang, it was a major explosion and my ears are still ringing two days after finishing the book.
I’m not telling anyone what the book is about (please refer to the blurb for that) but I can tell you that this book was beyond expectations, and my expectations are very high for this author. The Devil’s Backbone was a wonderfully well balanced combination of a beautiful opera and a heavy metal concert.
It’s richly dark and the constant action and suspense takes you through a variety of emotions until the very last page. The old and new characters alike are elaborate and complex, deserving your full attention. Nothing is really as it seems and the roads you travel while reading The Devil’s Backbone are filled with adventure and questions and each new page brings new emotions right to the end.
What a magnificent farewell to Niki Slobodian, I could not have hoped for a better book than this.
It’s with much sadness that I say farewell to Niki Slobodian, Bobby Gage and Lucifer. I opened this book filled with anxiety as I was wondering what J.L. Murray would dish out and how much of a bang she was going to create, because I knew there would be a bang. What I found instead was more than a bang, it was a major explosion and my ears are still ringing two days after finishing the book.
I’m not telling anyone what the book is about (please refer to the blurb for that) but I can tell you that this book was beyond expectations, and my expectations are very high for this author. The Devil’s Backbone was a wonderfully well balanced combination of a beautiful opera and a heavy metal concert.
It’s richly dark and the constant action and suspense takes you through a variety of emotions until the very last page. The old and new characters alike are elaborate and complex, deserving your full attention. Nothing is really as it seems and the roads you travel while reading The Devil’s Backbone are filled with adventure and questions and each new page brings new emotions right to the end.
What a magnificent farewell to Niki Slobodian, I could not have hoped for a better book than this.
June 17, 2014
I am so amazed I have no words. None except thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
March 25, 2020🎁 The complete Niki Slobodian Series (5 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (3/25/2020)! 🎁
November 19, 2020
I can not stress enough that this series MUST be read in order!!! The first book is Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (A Niki Slobodian Novel: Book 1). The second book is The Devil Is a Gentleman (A Niki Slobodian Novel: Book 2). The third book is Before The Devil Knows You're Dead (A Niki Slobodian Novel: Book 3). The book 1-3 omnibus is The Niki Slobodian Omnibus (The Niki Slobodian Novels: Books 1 - 3). The fourth book is The Devil Was an Angel (A Niki Slobodian Novel: Book 4). This is the fifth and sadly probably the last book.
Niki has lost Lucifer. She thinks he just might have left her over her inability to verbally express her feelings. But she really hasn't been feeling herself lately... Hopefully she will be able to figure this out on her own since her father Pineme does not answer when she calls and pretty much everyone else she knows is terrified of her as he is literally Death. So with all sorts of weird going on around her Niki decides to get to the bottom of it once and for all! She WILL find Lucifer (wherever he is and whyever he is there). She will solve the mystery of the masses of dead bodies covered in ice and snow. Or she will die trying.
This is one of the most unique paranormal dystopian series out there. There is mystery and adventure... action and heartbreak. Most importantly there is loads of suspense that leaves you always guessing what will happen next! I LOVE this series and will be very sad if this is the end :( But even if it is I will continue to read this awesome author's work!
***This series is suitable for adult readers
Niki has lost Lucifer. She thinks he just might have left her over her inability to verbally express her feelings. But she really hasn't been feeling herself lately... Hopefully she will be able to figure this out on her own since her father Pineme does not answer when she calls and pretty much everyone else she knows is terrified of her as he is literally Death. So with all sorts of weird going on around her Niki decides to get to the bottom of it once and for all! She WILL find Lucifer (wherever he is and whyever he is there). She will solve the mystery of the masses of dead bodies covered in ice and snow. Or she will die trying.
This is one of the most unique paranormal dystopian series out there. There is mystery and adventure... action and heartbreak. Most importantly there is loads of suspense that leaves you always guessing what will happen next! I LOVE this series and will be very sad if this is the end :( But even if it is I will continue to read this awesome author's work!
***This series is suitable for adult readers
February 16, 2017
Wow...what a story!
I enjoyed this book , it was one thrill ride after another! With twists and turns that this series is known for... I'm sad it had to end ...all I can give this book and series is a heart pounding thumbs up!
I enjoyed this book , it was one thrill ride after another! With twists and turns that this series is known for... I'm sad it had to end ...all I can give this book and series is a heart pounding thumbs up!
July 14, 2014
Awesome end to a original story - Going to Miss Niki <3
June 28, 2014
the only problem with this book was that it ended. I love this series so much!!
August 8, 2014
Niki's powers are getting even scarier. Now that she's Death, you'd think that there be nowhere to go from there, but of course J.L. comes through for us again. **No spoilers here**
January 2, 2022
This series was such a journey. It felt so heavy with so many themes that sometimes threatened to overwhelm me with the sheer amount of emotion. It explored - no, not explored, that's too light of a word - very dark questions about morality, about death, that have plagued humanity since the dawn of time. Throughout this series, Niki sees so much bloodshed and death and loss, so much pure human suffering. She becomes disillusioned at times, to the point of breaking down and becoming dependent on alcohol to numb the pain. But, ultimately, she finds hope. She realizes that there is as much life in the world as death; as much beauty as there is ugliness. She even finds some of that herself in love.
So I feel like this series showcased all the best and worst parts of humanity. I wouldn't read it looking for something light and fluffy, though. I also want to add a slight emotional trigger warning: for those of us with precarious mental health that might be triggered by such an onslaught of human suffering (as I am), be careful. You might need to take a breather while reading thisl
So I feel like this series showcased all the best and worst parts of humanity. I wouldn't read it looking for something light and fluffy, though. I also want to add a slight emotional trigger warning: for those of us with precarious mental health that might be triggered by such an onslaught of human suffering (as I am), be careful. You might need to take a breather while reading thisl
August 8, 2020
Meh -- the series had a lot of potential, but the last book ended up very jumbled, with a lot of really over the top things, and very little character growth. We went from 'Oh she's in love' to 'Oh, he disappeared' and never got to see relationship things. And then there was all the stuff with the Creator that was more than a little ridiculous.
August 27, 2018
This book is great
There are no dislikes it should be made into a movie. Because its so great im going to read morw that this author has
There are no dislikes it should be made into a movie. Because its so great im going to read morw that this author has
November 4, 2021
Good ending.
February 12, 2015
Wow. I was completely surprised by the ending. I am sad to see the end of Nikki, but, have More Jenny Undead coming. Thank you for an amazing end to a great series.
January 29, 2016
Loved these books in the beginning, but found this finale lacking - which is understandable because there was really nowhere else to go for Niki. If I re-read it, I believe I will stop after book 4.
December 31, 2016
This was a great & unique series but the last book was all over the place.
September 28, 2016
Excellent
I read this one first and it was great. Now I am going back to read the first one. Looking forward to reading them in order.
I read this one first and it was great. Now I am going back to read the first one. Looking forward to reading them in order.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews