Leviathan

Matthew Corbett #10

by Robert McCammon

It is August of 1704, and Matthew Corbett and his companions have narrowly escaped the island of Golgotha and are recuperating in the town of Alghero on the northwestern coast of Sardinia, currently under Spanish rule. Hudson Greathouse is at his limits, both mentally and physically, after their harrowing ordeal.

Their respite is short-lived when the Spanish authorities learn of their abandoned quest for Brazio Valeriani and the mirror created by his father, Ciro. This mirror is rumored to have the power to summon demons from the underworld, and the Spanish authorities are eager to possess it. Consequently, a professional witch-hunter and soldiers are assigned to accompany Matthew, Hudson, Professor Fell, and Cardinal Black as they resume their quest.

Their only lead on Brazio's whereabouts takes them to Venice. Unbeknownst to them, members of an established crime family also seek the mirror for their own nefarious purposes, and a betrayal from within Matthew's cohorts puts the family on their trail. The journey presents numerous challenges, including a close encounter with the French-Dutch war, forcing Hudson to confront personal demons from his past and putting the entire group in grave danger.

As they race towards the mirror with multiple competing agendas for its future, Matthew finds help and support from unexpected places. The quest will push him to his limit once again, cause him to question his own beliefs about what is real and what is fantasy, and ultimately what his future holds.

Leviathan is the final installment in bestselling author Robert McCammon's acclaimed series of historical thrillers featuring Matthew Corbett, a brave and resourceful "problem-solver." Matthew aims to solve the mystery of the mirror once and for all and end his entanglement with Professor Fell, so he can return to New York to start his life with Berry Grigsby. However, this ultimate test of his wits, cunning, and ingenuity might prove to be more than even Matthew Corbett can handle.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Thriller, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Adventure, Audiobook

377 pages, Hardcover

Published December 3, 2024

About the author

Pseudonyms: Robert R. McCammon; Robert Rick McCammon

Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.

His newest book, Leviathan, is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover (Lividian Publications), ebook (Open Road), and audiobook (Audible) formats on December 3, 2024.

McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.

Reviews

[Dave Edmunds · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐'s

Initial Thoughts

The end of an absolute era. Robert McCammon is one of my favourite authors and if I had to pick which of his stories I like best (flintlock pistol to my head) , then I would have to say his Matthew Corbett series. It's one of my favourite reading experiences full stop. And this right here is the final book in the series. Bittersweet or what?

I've been a fan of his since I read the amazing Boy's Life, and it's been a wild ride. Not all of his books are great. Yes I'm talking about The Night Boat. But a lot of them are. And the Matthew Corbett series is arguably the pinnacle of his collection.

So what's it all about? Well, McCammon is known as a bit of a horror author, having started his career with books like Baal and They Thirst. But he's far more than that. And this series is a showcase of what he's capable of.

Is it horror? Most certainly not. Although it does contain elements of horror. It's much better categorised as historical fiction though. McCammon himself describes it as if "I could combine the mystery and puzzles of Sherlock Holmes, the action of James Bond, the weird villains of Dick Tracy, the atmosphere of the Hammer costume-piece horror films of the '50s, and bring in my interest in American history, detective fiction, and whatever else." That's actually a pretty good summary and straight from the horses mouth.

It has taken exactly twenty years for McCammon to write the series, which began in 2002 with Speaks the Night bird. The research that has went in to it is certainly impressive and McCammon has talked in interviews about the enjoyment he's had in researching the colonial era and it is evident in the writing throughout this series. I found it absolutely fascinating.

It also showcases McCammon's knack for characterisation, particularly in the last book, King of Shadows, where he manages to humanise some of the most vile characters and actually had me sympathising with them... If I was capable of sympathy that is.



So, what you have here is one of my favourite reading experiences. And this is the final book. I can't wait.

Let's go...

The Story

It's 1704, and this story begins right after King of Shadows with Corbett and his crew leaving the island of Golgotha. A place that quite literally makes you loose your mind.

Hudson Greathouse and Professor Fell are in tow and joined by some new and old characters in the search for Ciro Valeriani's infamous mirror. A mirror that purportedly allows the summoning of demons from the underworld. Because who doesn't want to hang around with a bunch of demons?

Unfortunately, things just never go easily for Matthew, and there's a violent and determined crime family who also want to get their hands on the mirror. And they don't intend to ask nicely for it.

As they both edge closer to the ultimate goal things are going to get desperate for young Matthew. Will he make it home to his main squeeze, Berry Grigsby in one piece, or will he end up with a pair of cement boots and sleeping with the fishes? Either way, there's going to be plenty of blood spilt by the end of this one. Damn, do I love this series!

Final Thoughts

You know what? I'm going to bloody miss this series. In fact, I'm feeling a little bit sad. Who knew I had such a range of emotion in me?

I always miss the characters when these long series end. Especially the good ones. And this series has been bloody spectacular. The highlights being Freedom of the Mask and Mister Slaughter. Those two books are absolutely world class.

But I've got to say, Leviathan is not the best book in the series. But that would be extremely difficult as the other books are so bloody good. In fact, if I was ranking the series this one would be last. Ouch! But it's still bloody fantastic.

It just felt a bit rushed and didn't have the same level of engagement as the others. Matthew felt a little bit pedestrian to the story at points and the level of banter between characters wasn't quite as good as it has been. But it really is a victim of setting the expectations so high!

But if you are reading this and haven't give this series a try, then definitely check out the first one, Speaks the Nightbird. You can thank me later with a box of Lindt chocolate or bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. But if you like that one, you'll most certainly enjoy everything else.

Good news for me, there's a book of connected short stories called Seven Shades of Evil that I haven't tried yet. So there's always that if I need a fix. Because this one is sadly over for me and I need a new series to get hooked on. Any recommendations then let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading and...cheers!

[Rebecca Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful conclusion to an excellent series. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book. The story was exciting with lots of memorable characters. There was a satisfying ending for all the characters. This has become a favourite series for me and one I would love to revisit.

[Майя Ставитская · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of Matthew Corbett from Robert McCammon's mystery-detective series of the same name have reason to rejoice - the tenth book (actually the twelfth or even the thirteenth, there are variants in the series #2.5, #3.5, #6.5. The peculiarity of the formally tenth book is that it is stated as the last, but it is hard to believe, The novel ends with a cliffhanger that leaves no doubt that it will continue to be.

Уже конец?
В зеркалах, отражаясь, дрожит
Наша хрупкая жизнь.
У поклонников Мэтью Корбетта из одноименного мистико-детективного цикла Роберта Маккаммона есть повод для радости - десятая книга (на самом деле двенадцатая или даже тринадцатая, в серии есть варианты #2.5, #3.5, #6.5. Особенность формально десятой книги в том, что она заявлена, как последняя, но верится с трудом, роман заканчивается клиффхэнгером, не оставляющим сомнений - продолжению быть.

Итак, "Левиафан": конец лета 1704, Корбетт и его друзья чудом спаслись с острова Голгофа, попав, не то, чтобы из огня в полымя, но в почетном плене у сицилийского наместника Сантьяго ( Сицилия под властью враждующей с Англией Испании, а наших героев, не вдаваясь в подробности их американскости. причисляют к англичанам). Возможно им удалось бы составить о себе лучшее мнение, однако у отвратительного кардинала Блэка. их невольного спутника, найден испанцами чернокнижный манускрипт, изобличающий в друзьях не простых "англез", но охотников за зеркалом, созданным магом Валериани. Тем, что позволяет вызывать из потустороннего мира демонов и ставить их себе на службу (последнее сомнительно, но когда это останавливало жаждущих мирового господства?)

Мэтью с Хадсоном, переживающим экзистенциальный кризис после вынужденного убийства того, кого он считал другом, перешедшего на темную сторону - эту пару отряжают в экспедицию вместе с мерзким Блэком и профессором Феллом, который весьма кстати оказался здесь же, в Альгеро. Бывший глава уголовного мира завязал с преступным прошлым, вернулся к естествоиспытательству. а природный дар рисовальщика снискал ему в местном свете славу модного дизайнера. По правде сказать, Хадсон не производит впечатления человека, способного на какие-бы то ни было экспедиции, он, в своей крайней фазе депрессии, больше похож на живой труп: не ест, не спит, почти не разговаривает. не моется, зарос кудлатыми волосьями.

Сопровождающей от испанцев к экспедиции прикомандирована Камилла, которую Сантьяго аттестует охотницей на ведьм, но Мэтью подозревает, что она скорее сама ведьма. Как подозрения рифмуются с декларированным неверием героя в силы потустороннего зла, вторгающегося в мир людей - мне не понять. Но очевидно в этом большая часть обаяния героя и цикла: вечно сталкиваться с необъяснимым, оставаясь вечным скептиком. Следы Бразио Валериани ведут в Венецию, туда и отправляется экспедиция. Удивительно, но присутствие Камиллы оказывает на Хадсона благотворное влияние, он начинает следить за собой, нормально ест, даже возвращается к физическим упражнениям, восстанавливая кондиции, утраченные в депрессивные месяцы.

Поиски зеркала приведут героев во многие места, столкнут с разными колоритными персонажами, среди которых двуногие волки в серебряных масках, и каждый получит по заслугам. А Мэтью вернется наконец из бесконечного европейского вояжа в Нью-Йорк, чтобы жениться на любимой Берри. И вот главное, ради чего я рассказываю о романе - теперь его можно послушать в исполнении Игоря Князева. Энтузиасты перевели и отредактировали, а Театр АбуКИ начитал для Всероссийского общества слепых Логос ВОС.

[Corey Woodcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well there it is. 5 years after meeting young Matthew in that inn in deepest darkest Colonial South Carolina, our journey together ends. And its end “arrives like a grim-lipped miser pinching out candles in church”, as McCammon said on page one of Speaks The Nightbird, where this whole thing began. I’m not at all happy that this is where we are, but hey, all things must pass, as that once be-mop-topped young Liverpudlian once said. Since discovering this series, I have eagerly paid far more than I can really afford for the earliest possible copy of these books so I could jump right in. With Leviathan, I actually put off reading it for a few months. I liked knowing I had one more Corbett journey left.

I didn’t review every book in this series. They all got five stars and book one got a glowing review, so it seems appropriate to actually leave a review here and address both the series as a whole and the final entry. The series as a whole has been a journey through time and across the globe with our (no longer so) young Matthew. Every book has been its own vibe, and the series itself consists of a few different “era”. Though I have given them all five stars, I do have my preferences. The first book remains my favorite and I think it’s unlikely that will change. Other high points in the series for me were King of Shadows, Freedom of the Mask, and Mister Slaughter. The Halloween short story Night Ride was great fun too. Yet for me these novels are simply different degrees of greatness. They all have something about them that makes them stand out, something truly special that makes them unique within the series.

However—and it pains me to say this—I fear that the only think Leviathan has that will immediately come to mind, when compared with the others, is that it is the final novel. That’s right….in fact, I almost went 4 stars on this one. ALMOST.

But cmon, this is still a great novel. And the amount of high quality books it has to compete with in this series is truly remarkable. This is a series where every book is excellent, and this final entry wraps up the series just fine. It has some twists and shocking turns along the way, and will keep you barreling towards the finish. I thought it may have felt a tad rushed compared to this sprawling series that it wraps up, but in no way was this an unacceptable final entry.

And just like that, it’s over. Now, the rereads begin. And while I’m genuinely saddened to have to say good bye to these characters and this series, that has a little bit of everything for everybody, this is without a doubt a series I will be rereading, and I’m going to start this year. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of taking this long journey with Matthew Corbett.

I prefer this series to Stephen King’s (arguable) opus of a series, the Holly Gibney books. KIDDING, of course I mean The Dark Tower. I even prefer this to William Kent Krueger’s absolutely wonderful Cork O’Connor series. This series sits at the top of my list of best series, right alongside Peter Straub’s downright brilliant Blue Rose books.

It doesn’t matter what you’re into. Doesn’t matter if you’re into historical fiction. As long as you can handle some violence, this is a must-read series, and I will without a doubt continue to rave about it for years to come, to whoever will listen. Thank you Mr. McCammon.

[Andy Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very satisfying conclusion to an immensely enjoyable series.

[Blair Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leviathan is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. I’ve enjoyed this series and will miss the adventures, but the epilogue was a fitting conclusion👌

"I suppose every hero needs a formidable adversary.”

"You're not a moonbeam anymore, Matthew. You're a star."
-Robert R. McCammon

[Lukasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe it's over, but the Matthew Corbett series has ended with Leviathan. And what an ending it is! Leviathan is everything I hoped it would be. Each character gets a satisfying resolution, all the arcs are excellent, and the new villains are truly the worst yet. And that's saying something, considering the bad guys Matthew has faced before.

Matthew Corbett is an amazing series and a master-class in characterization. Highly, highly recommended.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to at least write a short review here because I think the book and series deserve it. The Matthew Corbett series has been an absolute joy to read over the last year plus and the final volume was no exception. While I found the previous installment somewhat of a frustrating side quest this lived up to pretty much every expectation. We get all of our favorite characters in pursuit of a supernatural (?) object and some of the best villains in the series in my opinion. I really liked how McCammon gave the side characters, particularly Greathouse, some real time to shine here. I've always loved him as a character and sometimes felt he got sidelined for Matthew. There is a Greathouse chapter here that is among the best in the series in my opinion. There are also plenty of twists and turns that I did not expect along the way that kept the pages turning. I never felt any drag. If anything I felt it maybe wrapped up a bit quickly with a really long falling action. I think that's to be expected a bit in a final series installment so I didn't dislike it. What I felt a bit more mixed about was the epilogue. It was quite unusual and the book would have worked without it. That said it doesn't change anything about how much I enjoyed this book and the series as a whole.

Please go read Matthew Corbett. It's worth all the time spent to read it. Really a hidden gem. I will be mourning the fact that there will not be any more.

[Alex W · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable finale to a fantastic series. Bummed it’s over.

[Dave TN · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this ends the series I started reading over 20 years ago. I clearly remember being so excited when Speaks The Nightbird came out and the hours spent reading that very different kind of McCammon novel. I loved it: the time period, the story and the characters.

I met Mr. McCammon in 2008 shortly after reading The Queen of Bedlam. I remember discussing the book with him and he said the series was going to be getting darker, and it certainly did.

This final book wrapped things up very well. I’m not going to say anything more than that. I didn’t read any reviews prior to finishing the book, and I’m glad I didn’t. I highly recommend the series, but be sure to start with Speaks The Nightbird and read them in order.

I’m looking forward to whatever comes next from Robert McCammon!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back with another vague-ass, spoiler-free review. The newest McCammon is awesome as usual.

I keep banging on the horror element in this series and you get a big taste of it right from the start in “Leviathan”. I mention it only because this is categorized as historical fiction (rightly), but you need to know that these stories can get gruesome. This isn’t a Diana Gabaldon novel (no snark against Diana Gabaldon). But your mom likes those books, and she may not like Robert McCammon. But she should.

The Matthew Corbett series concludes here, and it does have a proper ending. So, sadly, I expect this is the last time we’ll see Corbett and the superb supporting cast.

New villains appear here and they’re just as wild as the previous installments. One of the brightest points of this series are the inventive and unforgettable reprobates peppered throughout each book. I’ll miss them, even though many got what was coming to them.

I discovered McCammon in 1990, but by 1992 I had read everything he published to that point. Then he disappeared for almost a decade. He came back with Speaks the Nightbird, which later became the Matthew Corbett series. I’m happy to report that Robert McCammon is still my favorite writer even after all those years (and hiatuses). I feel lucky to have discovered his writing.

[Dez Nemec · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was read as a proofreading assignment, so I did not choose the title. but what a read! I thought it started a little slow, but once the action was moving, I couldn't stop. The story was so very good. I'm a little sad to say goodbye to Matthew Corbett.

Dropping a 1/2 star for a bit of a slow beginning, but otherwise a perfect tale. 4 1/2 stars.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow. This is a stellar wrap up to a phenomenal series. McCammon has created some of the best fictional characters from his wild imagination along with some of the most hideous villains. I would follow Matthew Corbett into many more incredible adventures but sadly this one is our last together. I am anticipating starting again from the beginning and the fun of living it all again. I recommend listening to the entire series on audio book as the excellent narration of Edoardo Ballerini only enhances this brilliant series. Bravo!

ETA: Having finished the entire series again I really do love, love, love it! 3/26/25.

[Cal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly cannot believe the ride is over. And what a ride it was…This series was truly incredible, the storytelling is top notch. This was a satisfying conclusion. Ever so slightly underwhelming but satisfying nonetheless. So glad I stumbled into this story arc. Excited to read Gone South and Boys Life eventually!

[Jordan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read any of the previous books in this series, then you know where Leviathan, the concluding novel of this series, was going to go.

Matthew, fresh off his harrowing journey through London, and even his unexpected marooning on Golgotha, has barely any time to recuperate as he’s once again thrust into the search for the supposed paranormal mirror mentioned all the way back in Queen of Bedlam. Along the way characters complete their final arcs. Some with redemption, some with grisly ends that are deserved, and others with endings that leave McCammon’s true masterpiece open for possible spinoffs and other short stories. The story unfolds in near perfect pacing and McCammon, like the true master storyteller he is, wraps up everything absolutely perfectly.

I’m the the first to admit this may not be the most action packed or even the penultimate book in this series, but upon the reading of the final page, Leviathan is, unsurprisingly, another incredibly strong entry into what has been the most consistent series of books I believe I have ever read.

And, with a slight sigh of emotion, thus ends Leviathan and the Matthew Corbett series. To say I’m bummed out and sad is a bit strong, but I’m am truly going to miss Matthew, Berry, Hutson, and the plethora of wonderful and amazing characters McCammon wrote throughout the entirety of this truly amazing 10 book series. From Speaks the Nightbird’s one-off intention, to a concluding novel that, in a strange way harkens back to the original feel of the first book, I count myself fortunate to have experienced such a fantastic set of stories that never once disappointed, never once bored me, and always kept me glued to the pages.

[Wouter Luijten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read, some big gripes with the story however:

- Book 1-7 build up a story where Matthew is going up against Professor Fell and Cardinal Black. They were great antagonists and I was very interested in how the story would proceed. Book 8 suddenly spent a significant amount of time exploring Maccabeus DeKay, a "new" antagonist who is promptly killed off. At least we got some background on Cardinal Black, surely that is to fleshen him out as the real antagonist right? Book 10 suddenly has Fell and Black (somewhat unwillingly) siding with Matthew. We're now left without an antagonist. Enter two new antagonists, at the series finale, that we suddenly have to care about... Venus was interesting. Mars was just shallow. There were hints at something interesting, in that he was terrified about leaving the house. Being forced into a criminal empire due to the death of their parents. But none of that is explored.

- Cardinal Black. He was hinted at in Freedom of the Mask. He had a whole book named after him. A large part of King of Shadows is dedicated to exploring his background. In the first part of this book, I think in one chapter even, he's kidnapped and unceremoniously ripped to pieces. No face-off with Matthew. No closure. Nothing. What a waste. At least Fell got a decent send-off.

- What I liked about the Corbett series is that there was a healthy amount of superstition going on, but it was always grounded in reality. It started off in book 1 with a supposed witch. All the supernatural happenings where explainable if you looked past the superstition. Now here we are with a magic mirror that has demons coming out and Dominus being an actual entity that latches onto people. I'm fine with fantasy books. I'm not so fine with books that start out as history fiction and at the finish line suddenly become fantasy.

- The epilogue was unbelievably cringe. Bighouse Houston... Really? Surely there was a better way of wrapping it up instead of asking the readers to believe in knowing people over different lifetimes? Just having Matthew and Berry grow old and have kids together, reading something about Hudson in Spain. Anything. But no we get Bighouse Houston in 2052.

3 stars because it was still a fun read in itself. But as a series finale it was disappointing. It's like
McCammon didn't know where to go with the book after Cardinal Black.

[Klaas Bottelier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leviathan is the final instalment, part 10, of the Matthew Corbett series. And while it was not my favorite book in the series, it was still a satisfying conclusion to what is one of my all-time favorite book series.

I will not be going into the story too much for fear of spoilers, all I will say is that Matthew Corbett and his companions are in trouble again, they find themselves in search for a mythical mirror and this takes them further into Europe and meeting all sorts of wonderful and interesting characters again.

It is this quality of creating amazing characters, all memorable and mostly grey, possessing both good and bad qualities, is mostly why I love McCammon’s books so much. The story here is good too and the writing is sublime as always.

If you are not familiar with the Matthew Corbett series, it is highly recommended, great fun. You should start at the beginning though, Speaks the Nightbird. Now this series is done, and I can’t wait to see what Robert McCammon comes up with next.

[Jason Parent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful ending to a wonderful series. I will miss these characters and will reread some day for sure.

[Kevin Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

77/100

At last, Matthew Corbett is finished. A little disappointed with this one as the finale, if I'm being honest. It's still a good book, but I was just expecting... more? Overall though, this is still a great series as a whole with some genuinely fantastic entries. Journey before destination, or whatever the hell Brando Sando says

[Matt Klinkhamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful ending to a wonderful series. The Matthew Corbett books have been in my life for a long time. I have had to reread and get caught up as the books have come out. Mccammon has always been one of my favorite authors and in my opinion the Corbett books have been his masterpiece. Perhaps my favorite series of all time I was hoping he would stick the landing. Perfectly fits in the series with equal parts fresh story and awesome callbacks, it was everything I could have hoped for. I am somewhat sad it’s over but grateful for the many hours of entertainment I have experienced and the many parts of my life these characters have seen me through. Bravo.

[Scott C · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very sad to see this amazing series ending. This was the one that brought Robert McCammon back to us :) The book itself did not disappoint, wrapping up loose ends, wonderful nods and easter eggs to past stories and an excellent ending. I hope that one day we return to Matthew and Berry to see what troubles and adventures they got up to in their lives.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long road, 22 years and 10 books later the Matthew Corbett series is a wrap.

1704, Alghero Sardinia, Corbett, Greathouse, Professor Fell and Cardinal Black have just arrived from their ordeal in Golgotha. Greathouse is a shell of the man he was, and Corbett has to convince the Spanish governor not to hang the lot of them.

Book starts off not long after the previous one, the mysterious mirror still possibly out there. There are new baddies, and danger galore in the pages that follow.

This series was a wild ride, from late 17th century until the end in 1704.

[Matthew Lauderdale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Woof. Leviathan was by far one of the most disappointing reads I've ever had. I absolutely love Robert McCammon; my number one favorite book of all time was written by him, and I've had an amazing time with the Matthew Corbett series. But unfortunately, this one was a major miss for me and it doesn't come even remotely close in quality to the rest of the series. Even the previous entry, The King Of Shadows, which I had some issues with was much better than this one. It almost feels like McCammon just didn't know what he wanted to do with the story and came up with this just to have an ending. But let's start with the good: McCammon's writing, as always, is great! The man knows how to write, and he's especially good at pulling you into a radically different era and making it accessible to read but believable. Second, I liked the resolution to Matthew, Greathouse, and Fell's storylines, although Fell's felt a little too abrupt and I wish more time was given. I also enjoyed that, in a series where we see a lot of wild and weird things that appear to be supernatural, we are given a definitive answer as to the nature of these things. But unfortunately, all of these things are unable to carry the rest of the story. Now that this book is over, I can definitively say that the previous book, although enjoyable, had nothing to do with the events of this one, which is frustrating. Equally frustrating is the unceremonious death to a major character that feels extremely out of place and makes the rest of the book feel like it's spinning its wheels. Why, in the final book of the series, are we getting NEW antagonists? And why are they so basic and forgettable? We've had some AMAZING villains throughout the series, but the Scaramangas are just...Italian gangsters. That's it. Sure, one of them has a pet lynx, but they were so boring that only my anger at having them be pushed into the limelight will make me remember them. I also don't think the plot justifies a book of this length, and this one wasn't even that long. But in comparsion to the rest of the series, this was the food equivalent of a plain piece of toast. But the most egregious error for me is the epilogue, set in the year 2052 looking at Matthew's ancestor. WOW I HATED THIS AND THOUGHT IT WAS ONE OF THE STUPIDEST THINGS I'VE EVER READ. The epilogue alone made me want to dock the book two stars. Now, all of this makes me probably seem very grouchy but let me say, I *loved* this series. The vast majority of it is absolutely fantastic stuff and I will definitely reread it again. The final two books stumble, and much more than I expected, but the series is well worth reading. I eagerly look forward to whatever McCammon comes up with next, and I give this series as whole an easy recommendation to people who like historical books, horror, suspense, and murder mysteries.

[Arhip Cristian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, clean ending to all the stories developed over the last 9 books.

[Dominic Audy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One last journey for Matthew Corbett that wraps up a storyline seeded as early as the second book in the series that came more to the forefront toward the mid-series and now reaches its climatic conclusion. Leviathan is a finale that doesn't offer a large amount of surprises, but rather stays true to the spirit and promises of the whole series and delivers yet another satisfying helping of thrills, mysteries, adventure, messy bloodbaths, horrifying yet also absolutely fun and grotesque villains, some flirts never fully consummated with the supernatural, witty humour and very fine character work as Matthew, in many ways, completes his coming of age.

With a truculence that in turns calls to mind Indiana Jones, Alexandre Dumas and fellow southern writer Robert Jordan, Robert McCammon completes with this tenth volume in grand fashion a series that, despite a few minor hiccups, is truly exceptional and immensely entertaining. After all this time at their side, it's not easy to say goodbye to Matthew, Hudson, Berry, Professor Fell and all the others, but McCammon at least gives each of them a meaningful and satisfying end of arc.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's over, and I don't want it to be. 😭 This book was an excellent conclusion to an incredible series, and I am devastated to say goodbye to a cast of unique characters who have come to be like friends within my heart over the span of these 10 books. This novel continues to do well everything that made me fall in love with every installment, with high-stress, impossibly dangerous situations, little bursts of wit and humor, sentimental nostalgia laced throughout, and heartwarming moments that have been a long time coming. Robert McCammon is a truly masterful author, and I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for the gift that is the Matthew Corbett series. It deserves so much more attention; the world needs to be read from beginning to end and not just stop after Speaks the Nightbird (book #1). As evidenced by my previous reviews in books from this series, I've dreaded the day that I would turn the final page. Call me a drama queen, but my heart is going going to hurt quite a while from missing more adventures in this series. If you couldn't tell, YES, I RECOMMEND THIS WHOLE DAMN SERIES.

[Merry Greenleaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was marvelous! I hated to get to the end. I took my time and still wish I hadn't finished it!
It is very well written and drew me in so that I was right there with Matthew in his prison home as he wished to just go home and marry his beloved Berry.
I don't know where Robert McCammon finds his evil characters but he really created a pair of them in this book! I thought Professor Fell was despicable and cruel, or the insane Cardinal Black, but the two, strange, dark Italian villains in this book might be even worse than Fell and Black combined.
I didn't want to read the horrible torture parts but I did, lol.
If you have not read any of Robert McCammon's books, you won't do yourself wrong starting with the Matthew Corbett series. I've read them all and they're all brilliant. I've also read all of McCammon's other books and they too are brilliant stories. Boy's Life stayed with me for some reason and Swan Song too. :) Happy Reading.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Singularly, it wasn't my favorite book of the series, but it concludes a saga that started 22 years earlier about as neatly as it can. The final adventure of Matthew and Hudson sees a few new characters along with a trio of very nasty villains with the Mars and Venus siblings along with the ultra strong quasi wolfman Lupo. The ease at which one of the long-time villains meets their horrible end to this new trio tells you that the protagonists are up against it. It's a riveting adventure that has a satisfying conclusion while recalling the previous books of the series. It's not the amazing first book, nor Mister Slaughter, nor The Providence Rider, but it's top-half of the series, and commendable end to a wonderful mix of horror, adventure, and historical fiction from a criminally underrated author.

[Richard Brunelle iii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farewell Matthew Corbett. I feel lucky that I’ve been able to spend so many years with these wonderful characters. This was a fantastic finale to the entire saga that manages to be a great stand alone story as well as book end to the series that manages to expertly remind you of all the past adventures along the way. Wonderful ending getting to check in with all the characters from the early books and then a fun twist epilogue. Bravo, Mccammon.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the adventures of Matthew Corbett, and I'm sorry that the series has concluded. After the "intermission" that was Book 9 (except for story 8 out of 7!), this book was a fitting ending, with each main character's story line satisfactorily resolved. Thank you, Robert McCammon!!