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My Brother's Keeper Trilogy #3
The Final Rule
Ellis and Jon need answers.
What is there to understand?
Why does it have to happen?
And what reason could ever justify losing those you love?
If only there was a simple answer. But the more questions they ask, the farther they must travel into the darkness and the things they see are not human, or even possible.
They are, in fact, Big and Terrible.
The plague is rising in Gilford. To stop it from spreading Ellis will have to embrace his destiny and Jon will have to let him go. Both men must be willing to lose everything in order to save the innocent.
It is, after all, rule number six.
What is there to understand?
Why does it have to happen?
And what reason could ever justify losing those you love?
If only there was a simple answer. But the more questions they ask, the farther they must travel into the darkness and the things they see are not human, or even possible.
They are, in fact, Big and Terrible.
The plague is rising in Gilford. To stop it from spreading Ellis will have to embrace his destiny and Jon will have to let him go. Both men must be willing to lose everything in order to save the innocent.
It is, after all, rule number six.
261 pages, ebook
First published March 25, 2014
42 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Wilder
50 books1,790 followersGeorgia born and bred, I am an artist, a writer, and a general pain in the ass.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
November 1, 2016
Holy crap on a cracker! This trilogy has put me through the wringer. I've laughed. I've cried...well more like sat in a corner sobbing with my thumb in my mouth.
I've raised my fist to the heavens and raged....well, not really but I wanted to.
Everything.....
The love between these two characters is phenomenal. They had their ups and downs but in the end they were true to each other and true to the light. (You'll have to read to figure out what that means)
This was very different from my normal reads. I love pnr and supernatural stuff and have read plenty. But this was different...there was way more suspense and really, just horror than I'm used to. It is very Stephen Kingish...I hate to compare to other authors and it wasn't necessarily the writing but just that deep dark underlying feel throughout the books.
It was truly an outstanding series. I love this author and will definitely be reading more of her work.
Now I need some unicorns and rainbows..
I've raised my fist to the heavens and raged....well, not really but I wanted to.
Everything.....
The love between these two characters is phenomenal. They had their ups and downs but in the end they were true to each other and true to the light. (You'll have to read to figure out what that means)
This was very different from my normal reads. I love pnr and supernatural stuff and have read plenty. But this was different...there was way more suspense and really, just horror than I'm used to. It is very Stephen Kingish...I hate to compare to other authors and it wasn't necessarily the writing but just that deep dark underlying feel throughout the books.
It was truly an outstanding series. I love this author and will definitely be reading more of her work.
Now I need some unicorns and rainbows..
April 20, 2014
This is the final book in this series, and I have to say upfront thank god! I don’t think I could take much more intenseness and heartbreak. Jon and Ellis start to realize they need a plan to defeat “the big and terrible” that is threatening everyone’s lives. Now that I have reached the final book I see this as a horror story and nothing more IMO. Had I known that starting out I doubt I would have started it. Like I said in my review of book 2, this series has too much darkness, to much sadness and honestly it goes from one intense scene to the next. I never was able to relax and just take a breath. I was so stressed out reading this series, the lighter scenes just felt like a chance to take a breath and unclench my jaw.
But I fell in love with the characters of this series in the first book and I had to see them to the end. At the end though I felt exhausted, I seriously need a book with some happiness next!
But I fell in love with the characters of this series in the first book and I had to see them to the end. At the end though I felt exhausted, I seriously need a book with some happiness next!
June 9, 2017
I think I am totally relieved that this is over.
This one lost its magic. What the first two books had going for them I felt was just not there with this one.
I was at times frightened but mostly I was annoyed.
I might even be slightly confused.
I think book 2 ruined it all for me. Even if it was one of the rules.
Seriously glad I picked this series up finally though. Just didn't love this one.
This one lost its magic. What the first two books had going for them I felt was just not there with this one.
I was at times frightened but mostly I was annoyed.
I might even be slightly confused.
I think book 2 ruined it all for me. Even if it was one of the rules.
Seriously glad I picked this series up finally though. Just didn't love this one.
February 25, 2019
I loved this book. I suspected that this series had a bit of supernatural in it but, wow, it was way better than what I imagined. As Rudy said: "Everything happens for a reason." So many events were explained. I fell in love with Rudy all over again. He was such a brave man. So many sacrifices, so much anguish and suffering, and in the end Jon had to be strong to let go, and Ellis had to be brave to do what needed to be done.
This book definitely had faster pace than previous two. I kept wondering how Lenny could just go unchecked and do whatever he wanted. He was just the tip of the iceberg. The tale that this author spun was fascinating, but it also had a double meaning. Everybody has a choice. Even if there is a little bit of darkness in each and everyone of us, we all have a choice to make - to give into it or to go into the light. The ending was happy sad for me. I really like Ellis and Jon, and I was sad to say goodbye, but also happy that they finally were at peace and happy. I highly recommend this series! It is amazing!
This book definitely had faster pace than previous two. I kept wondering how Lenny could just go unchecked and do whatever he wanted. He was just the tip of the iceberg. The tale that this author spun was fascinating, but it also had a double meaning. Everybody has a choice. Even if there is a little bit of darkness in each and everyone of us, we all have a choice to make - to give into it or to go into the light. The ending was happy sad for me. I really like Ellis and Jon, and I was sad to say goodbye, but also happy that they finally were at peace and happy. I highly recommend this series! It is amazing!
April 21, 2014
3.5 Stars
(Overall rating for the series: 4.0 Stars)
Eighteen mo-fo hours since I finished this series and I'm still a little strung out. It was one fucked up mind trip. I finally had to add a "horror" shelf because, ultimately, that's what this was, much to my dismay. And therein lies my quandary: I'm not a horror fan. The Big and Terrible definitely fit that bill and I didn't care for it. Let's back this up ...
This series explores the age old philosophical debate about good and evil; light versus dark; man versus the inhuman. It's not my favorite subject because things tend to get a little preachy for my tastes. And, honestly, they did here. So, that detracted from the book ... for ME. Now, if that subject titillates you, by all means read this!
You know what? Even if it doesn't, Adrienne Wilder's writing is so wonderful that I would recommend reading this series anyway. The characters and world building is that good. Here are some caveats, though:
(Overall rating for the series: 4.0 Stars)
Eighteen mo-fo hours since I finished this series and I'm still a little strung out. It was one fucked up mind trip. I finally had to add a "horror" shelf because, ultimately, that's what this was, much to my dismay. And therein lies my quandary: I'm not a horror fan. The Big and Terrible definitely fit that bill and I didn't care for it. Let's back this up ...
This series explores the age old philosophical debate about good and evil; light versus dark; man versus the inhuman. It's not my favorite subject because things tend to get a little preachy for my tastes. And, honestly, they did here. So, that detracted from the book ... for ME. Now, if that subject titillates you, by all means read this!
You know what? Even if it doesn't, Adrienne Wilder's writing is so wonderful that I would recommend reading this series anyway. The characters and world building is that good. Here are some caveats, though:
1. Violence and gore --> there's a lot. Suck it up and power through. It's worth it.Bottom line: I feel like a hollowed out husk. I can't say I loved this series but I can say that it was unforgettable. The characters made everything worth it. The super sucky lows were actually balanced out by the incredible highs so ... read it.
2. Yin, yang, and balance --> This book is about good, evil, and balance. There's a lot of love in this book. Loving relationships and loving characters. Just ... a lot of love. So, think about ... balance. If there's that much love there's also gotta be that much _____. Yeah, refer back to my Kleenex caution in my review of book 2.
3. Useless police force --> In my world, the atrocities suffered by Ellis, Rudy, and Jon would've brought down some serious police power. It was that fucked up! But here, nada. WTF!!?! I realize that that was part and parcel of the Big and Terrible but still. I was pulling my hair out!
4. Mind trip --> the yin-yang-balance went one step too far.
April 1, 2014
Book 3 in the My Brother’s Keeper series ramps up into full-blown horror with Jon and Ellis confronting the Big and Terrible (see book blurb) out in the pecan grove, complete with extreme weather and ground phenomena and other supernatural occurrences. Refreshingly, our heroes gain some allies (George the retired sheriff from the first two books becomes a strong supporting character) and form a battle plan as the plot shifts into a very familiar Christ-the-Redeemer direction with Ellis in the role of the Chosen One.
This book was a mixed experience for me. It is well-written and well-plotted with the fight between good and evil escalating throughout and the pacing remaining strong. It’s true that the romance between Jon and Ellis takes a backseat to the horror plot – it’s just not easy to create a mood of sexiness and fun when the heroes are under so much stress that they’re reduced to panicked overprotectiveness on Jon’s part and brittle snappishness from Ellis. But the story manages to evolve their relationship as Ellis attempts to prove himself and get Jon to stop coddling him.
However, the book is more horror than anything else, and the horror turns out not to be very original. Books 1 and 2 withheld much about the Big and Terrible, and now that Book 3 has laid it all out, it doesn’t look much different from other storylines I have read from Summer of Night by Dan Simmons to various books by Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I know it has to be difficult to write horror and keep it original since so many plots seem to be variations on ultimate evil trying to take over. I’m not sure if most horror fans will embrace this book BECAUSE it takes them down the familiar plot twists that they already know and love, or if they will feel disappointed that there is nothing new here.
As for me, I see the early scenes in Book 1 involving Rudy with Jon and Ellis first getting to know each other to be original, interesting, and engaging. By contrast, the horror stuff that happens in Book 3 is skillfully reproduced, but not unique and fresh. I received a free copy of this book from the author via Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a mixed experience for me. It is well-written and well-plotted with the fight between good and evil escalating throughout and the pacing remaining strong. It’s true that the romance between Jon and Ellis takes a backseat to the horror plot – it’s just not easy to create a mood of sexiness and fun when the heroes are under so much stress that they’re reduced to panicked overprotectiveness on Jon’s part and brittle snappishness from Ellis. But the story manages to evolve their relationship as Ellis attempts to prove himself and get Jon to stop coddling him.
However, the book is more horror than anything else, and the horror turns out not to be very original. Books 1 and 2 withheld much about the Big and Terrible, and now that Book 3 has laid it all out, it doesn’t look much different from other storylines I have read from Summer of Night by Dan Simmons to various books by Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I know it has to be difficult to write horror and keep it original since so many plots seem to be variations on ultimate evil trying to take over. I’m not sure if most horror fans will embrace this book BECAUSE it takes them down the familiar plot twists that they already know and love, or if they will feel disappointed that there is nothing new here.
As for me, I see the early scenes in Book 1 involving Rudy with Jon and Ellis first getting to know each other to be original, interesting, and engaging. By contrast, the horror stuff that happens in Book 3 is skillfully reproduced, but not unique and fresh. I received a free copy of this book from the author via Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2020
So, this is the last in the trilogy...5 stars from me.
Another nail-biting, horror-filled, suspense-packed episode, the final book in the Brother's Keeper series.
Not going into a lot of detail; quite frankly, if you haven't read the other 2 books, it's a complete waste of my time and yours for me to go into who did what, how, to whom and with what. Just know that these stories MUST be read in order and are definitely not standalone.
All I can say is I cheered at the end, I was SO relieved that my two guys were still in one piece and together. Yes, there was lots of death (Rudy, I heart you), hate and fear and we discovered what the Big and Terrible actually was BUT we all know that the reasons behind the trilogy DO exist in real life....light and dark, good and evil, life and death... there has to be balance in everything .
Everything has to have balance
Where there is evil, there is good.
Where there is death, there is life.
The road runs both ways
Rules number four, five, six and seven
AND the final rule....We choose our fate.
Another nail-biting, horror-filled, suspense-packed episode, the final book in the Brother's Keeper series.
Not going into a lot of detail; quite frankly, if you haven't read the other 2 books, it's a complete waste of my time and yours for me to go into who did what, how, to whom and with what. Just know that these stories MUST be read in order and are definitely not standalone.
All I can say is I cheered at the end, I was SO relieved that my two guys were still in one piece and together. Yes, there was lots of death (Rudy, I heart you), hate and fear and we discovered what the Big and Terrible actually was BUT we all know that the reasons behind the trilogy DO exist in real life....light and dark, good and evil, life and death... there has to be balance in everything .
Everything has to have balance
Where there is evil, there is good.
Where there is death, there is life.
The road runs both ways
Rules number four, five, six and seven
AND the final rule....We choose our fate.
July 6, 2021
What did I just read?!???
This series may have dragged on for too long. This was a hard one to slug through tbh. What started out as such a promising series kind of wither away on book 3.
The Big and Terrible, the rules, AGAIN both characters ALWAYS in peril, just made this more angsty than necessary. Also, Lenny seemed immortal.
This story sort of went off the rails and became a bad episode of Supernatural. It was VERY odd. For this reason, I skimmed the last 20% of the book. I just wanted it to be over. It ended and made me realize sometimes it’s better to stop reading while you are ahead 😬😬 Ellis and the rules. Jon and the rules. Finally over. No more rules.
This series may have dragged on for too long. This was a hard one to slug through tbh. What started out as such a promising series kind of wither away on book 3.
The Big and Terrible, the rules, AGAIN both characters ALWAYS in peril, just made this more angsty than necessary. Also, Lenny seemed immortal.
This story sort of went off the rails and became a bad episode of Supernatural. It was VERY odd. For this reason, I skimmed the last 20% of the book. I just wanted it to be over. It ended and made me realize sometimes it’s better to stop reading while you are ahead 😬😬 Ellis and the rules. Jon and the rules. Finally over. No more rules.
December 12, 2021
Splendid!!!
November 23, 2014
I think the writer set out to flay the reader. At several points during the series, I kept wondering what we could have possibly done to the author to deserve such suffering. By the middle of the second book, I only kept reading because I had to reach to happy ending. Surely the author's conscience would have caused her to write a happy ending or at least a resolution to make up for the assault which was this story.
I would have given it a higher rating because it was well written but my heart is too sore after this. I am not sure what I gained by reading it. I read to relax, and enjoy and to find common ground with characters and writers from around the world. I did not get any of that here.
Kudos to the writer because the book is at least a page turner. I would have put down any other book like this a long time a go but I persisted through all three looking for the band aid to put over the open wounds.
I would have given it a higher rating because it was well written but my heart is too sore after this. I am not sure what I gained by reading it. I read to relax, and enjoy and to find common ground with characters and writers from around the world. I did not get any of that here.
Kudos to the writer because the book is at least a page turner. I would have put down any other book like this a long time a go but I persisted through all three looking for the band aid to put over the open wounds.
October 25, 2017
4.5 Stars
Wow, I'm not sure you'd realize right off what you've signed up for when start this series...and that can be a good thing. Being kept off balance, questioning and a little confused can make a great experience. It definitely kept things interesting!
After what happened in the last book I wasn't sure how things would play out; my heart was a little bit broken. I was quite certain it would be once again and steeled myself for the pain, knowing it would hurt.
But, wow, what a ride!
Wow, I'm not sure you'd realize right off what you've signed up for when start this series...and that can be a good thing. Being kept off balance, questioning and a little confused can make a great experience. It definitely kept things interesting!
After what happened in the last book I wasn't sure how things would play out; my heart was a little bit broken. I was quite certain it would be once again and steeled myself for the pain, knowing it would hurt.
But, wow, what a ride!
June 4, 2016
3.5 stars. So, finished this trilogy. This third and final part was a bit long winded and esoteric. Not convinced of the reasoning behind the conclusion here.
"I am cruelty. I am hate. I am the angry man who beat his son. I am the bigot. I am the pain you feel when you bleed. That's what I am, Jon. And so much more." The air between crackled with ozone. "And. I. Have. Infected. Millions."
The Big and Terrible.
"I am cruelty. I am hate. I am the angry man who beat his son. I am the bigot. I am the pain you feel when you bleed. That's what I am, Jon. And so much more." The air between crackled with ozone. "And. I. Have. Infected. Millions."
The Big and Terrible.
October 9, 2017
Scary tense wrap up to the series. My heart is still broken over Rudy, but you do get to make peace with his death. The romance takes a back seat. There's a few fights but the love does shine through. The Big and Terrible is horrific and the battle to defeat it is a little ridiculous. But I did become emotionally invested in the gay couple who help battle it in only like 1 page of them. I'm glad to see love win out but I wish I had read all three a little closer together.
August 28, 2019
reread 4/2015
February 13, 2023
Whatever it was he wanted to say evaporated under the pain-filled darkness in Jon’s gaze. Whatever Lenny said to Jon didn’t just scare him, it had left behind open wounds.
FFS. Everything hurts. The moment with Lenny mentioned in the above quote was just one INNUMERABLE moments in this series where I felt both nauseated and stabby. I can’t even make light of it. Everything was sickening. And…. that tracks with the theme of this trilogy soooo should be expected I suppose… but bares repeating. Bc like I said in my other reviews, this is serious sh!t.
I don’t want to say too much here because it will spoil the previous books, but The Big and Terrible that’s been looming over this story comes to a very insane head in this book and there was literally not a single second that didn’t bring immense pain along with it. Over all, I'd say the trend of this series is "Needs Must", as that was the rationale everytime something happened that made me want to burn down the entire world. Needs. Freaking. Must.
This moment, Ellis’s reaction hit me deep down to my bones. I personally felt enraged even knowing what was happening. It’s a symptom of the human condition & perhaps the strongest coping mechanism of our psyches to over analyze at times in order to force our minds to find motivation and rationalization in the most vile of acts, and when Jon finally said those words out loud after everything that happened, even I couldn’t help feel that it was shifting blame, rationalizing something that shouldn’t and COULD NEVER be explained. Because it was so abhorrent that it had to be taken as that. Even though his words weren’t excusing a damn thing it still felt that way, and honestly that’s how I felt throughout this whole book. I equal parts appreciated the message, while simultaneously conflicting thoughts plagued me about… well everything I just said.
Everything below is included word for word in each of my reviews for the 3 books of My Brothers Keeper, because …. Ya. This is serious sh!t, bruh.
Honestly, darkness is my jam, but it wasn’t until now that I’ve realized it was darkness in a characters traits, accepted, that I tend to chase. This is not that. This isn’t just dark it’s about WORST possible levels of ‘bad’ humanity can reach. My Brothers Keeper is straight up tragic, horrific, with themes that slowly begin to unfurl as something along a paranormal theme as you go - which I had NO IDEA was coming.
DO NOT go into this series lightly. It’s full of unjust treatment, tragedy, ableism, every single form of bigotry you can think of - which tracks with the underlying theme of a battle against *pure fvcking evil*
I cannot say specifically what it was took issue with - a v specific standard and general (personal) rule as far as plots of any story - because it is a spoiler.
That said, the CW & themes should not be taking lightly. I recommend any person going into these books read them, think about it in detail, maybe for an entire day, before diving in.
FFS. Everything hurts. The moment with Lenny mentioned in the above quote was just one INNUMERABLE moments in this series where I felt both nauseated and stabby. I can’t even make light of it. Everything was sickening. And…. that tracks with the theme of this trilogy soooo should be expected I suppose… but bares repeating. Bc like I said in my other reviews, this is serious sh!t.
I don’t want to say too much here because it will spoil the previous books, but The Big and Terrible that’s been looming over this story comes to a very insane head in this book and there was literally not a single second that didn’t bring immense pain along with it. Over all, I'd say the trend of this series is "Needs Must", as that was the rationale everytime something happened that made me want to burn down the entire world. Needs. Freaking. Must.
”There are no such things as monsters,”
“But what if there is?” Ellis shoved himself off the bed. Jon stood. “And what if this monster, this Big and Terrible monster, makes people sick?”
This moment, Ellis’s reaction hit me deep down to my bones. I personally felt enraged even knowing what was happening. It’s a symptom of the human condition & perhaps the strongest coping mechanism of our psyches to over analyze at times in order to force our minds to find motivation and rationalization in the most vile of acts, and when Jon finally said those words out loud after everything that happened, even I couldn’t help feel that it was shifting blame, rationalizing something that shouldn’t and COULD NEVER be explained. Because it was so abhorrent that it had to be taken as that. Even though his words weren’t excusing a damn thing it still felt that way, and honestly that’s how I felt throughout this whole book. I equal parts appreciated the message, while simultaneously conflicting thoughts plagued me about… well everything I just said.
Everything below is included word for word in each of my reviews for the 3 books of My Brothers Keeper, because …. Ya. This is serious sh!t, bruh.
Honestly, darkness is my jam, but it wasn’t until now that I’ve realized it was darkness in a characters traits, accepted, that I tend to chase. This is not that. This isn’t just dark it’s about WORST possible levels of ‘bad’ humanity can reach. My Brothers Keeper is straight up tragic, horrific, with themes that slowly begin to unfurl as something along a paranormal theme as you go - which I had NO IDEA was coming.
DO NOT go into this series lightly. It’s full of unjust treatment, tragedy, ableism, every single form of bigotry you can think of - which tracks with the underlying theme of a battle against *pure fvcking evil*
I cannot say specifically what it was took issue with - a v specific standard and general (personal) rule as far as plots of any story - because it is a spoiler.
That said, the CW & themes should not be taking lightly. I recommend any person going into these books read them, think about it in detail, maybe for an entire day, before diving in.
July 10, 2017
**3.5 stars**
well. This is the 3rd book of the trilogy. It was good, but the spark just wasn't there. That something extra we lost in book 2.
However, the imagination it took for these books was amazing. Very unique story line. This book ties everything up nicely. Worth the read.
well. This is the 3rd book of the trilogy. It was good, but the spark just wasn't there. That something extra we lost in book 2.
However, the imagination it took for these books was amazing. Very unique story line. This book ties everything up nicely. Worth the read.
February 6, 2020
4 1/2 Hearts
Reviewed for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Jon and Ellis are still reeling from the events in Rules Four & Five and in this installment they finally discover just what the Big and Terrible is. As Jon and Ellis struggle to find a solution to the evil spreading its way through Gilford they struggle with their own relationship as Jon becomes protective. Ellis has to dig deep to confront an evil that terrifies him and Jon struggles with the darkness that tries to trap him, and both have to face the reality of all the rules.
This is a brilliant ending to an incredible story; we get the answers we weren’t even looking for and a closure that leaves us in peace. I can’t stress how important it is that this series is read in order, everything that has happened in the previous books comes to an explosive end in this story and we finally see the true face of evil. We begin to see all the connections coming to fruition, the death of Jon’s brother, the death of Jon’s friend, his unexpected stop in Gilford and then finally Rudy’s life and death. We see how each part has led to the final confrontation and then we can only hope for their survival.
Jon and Ellis’ relationship is driven to the edge again as Jon tries to shield Ellis from the danger, both men are plagued with fear as they face an unknown and they have to trust in each other. It is hard for both men as they plunge into the unknown but luckily they have a strong ally in George (ex-Sheriff), now, even George is skeptical at first but when he sees with his own eyes the evil that Jon and Ellis have tried to explain he throws his lot in and does everything he can to help them. Seeing them pulling together to face an evil that is seeping into the town is amazing and you see the strength of the characters and their determination to wipe the evil out.
As this story progresses you see a change in Ellis as he becomes his own man, he becomes more confident and less willing to be told what to do. Ellis clearly wants to pull his own weight and be seen as an asset and not a burden. Jon finally accepts his own faults and their relationship can only get better and better. These men pull the light out of the darkness to keep their love shining it isn’t easy not by a long shot and they have many heart-breaking moments coming their way. This is a wonderfully written story which has violence, danger and fear that seep through the pages; there is also a much unexpected twist that had me torn between grinning like a loon as Karma strikes and revulsion at what Jon and Ellis have to face.
I recommend this to those that love stories where love is a hard traveled road, where danger is not far from your door, the evil is not what you expected and where the outcome is very unsure but a happy ending is all you hope for.
Reviewed for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Jon and Ellis are still reeling from the events in Rules Four & Five and in this installment they finally discover just what the Big and Terrible is. As Jon and Ellis struggle to find a solution to the evil spreading its way through Gilford they struggle with their own relationship as Jon becomes protective. Ellis has to dig deep to confront an evil that terrifies him and Jon struggles with the darkness that tries to trap him, and both have to face the reality of all the rules.
This is a brilliant ending to an incredible story; we get the answers we weren’t even looking for and a closure that leaves us in peace. I can’t stress how important it is that this series is read in order, everything that has happened in the previous books comes to an explosive end in this story and we finally see the true face of evil. We begin to see all the connections coming to fruition, the death of Jon’s brother, the death of Jon’s friend, his unexpected stop in Gilford and then finally Rudy’s life and death. We see how each part has led to the final confrontation and then we can only hope for their survival.
Jon and Ellis’ relationship is driven to the edge again as Jon tries to shield Ellis from the danger, both men are plagued with fear as they face an unknown and they have to trust in each other. It is hard for both men as they plunge into the unknown but luckily they have a strong ally in George (ex-Sheriff), now, even George is skeptical at first but when he sees with his own eyes the evil that Jon and Ellis have tried to explain he throws his lot in and does everything he can to help them. Seeing them pulling together to face an evil that is seeping into the town is amazing and you see the strength of the characters and their determination to wipe the evil out.
As this story progresses you see a change in Ellis as he becomes his own man, he becomes more confident and less willing to be told what to do. Ellis clearly wants to pull his own weight and be seen as an asset and not a burden. Jon finally accepts his own faults and their relationship can only get better and better. These men pull the light out of the darkness to keep their love shining it isn’t easy not by a long shot and they have many heart-breaking moments coming their way. This is a wonderfully written story which has violence, danger and fear that seep through the pages; there is also a much unexpected twist that had me torn between grinning like a loon as Karma strikes and revulsion at what Jon and Ellis have to face.
I recommend this to those that love stories where love is a hard traveled road, where danger is not far from your door, the evil is not what you expected and where the outcome is very unsure but a happy ending is all you hope for.
July 14, 2015
The final book in the My Brother's Keeper Trilogy finally gave us the answer to the question that has been teased throughout the first two books. What is making good people do bad things in Gilford? I was totally blown away by the events in Rule Four and Five, so was eager to see how everything would pull together.
I was not disappointed. I loved how Ellis and Jon grew together, how their strengths and weaknesses played off each other. Even in the midst of an epic battle, there was plenty of heat. It was a satisfying conclusion on all fronts!
I was not disappointed. I loved how Ellis and Jon grew together, how their strengths and weaknesses played off each other. Even in the midst of an epic battle, there was plenty of heat. It was a satisfying conclusion on all fronts!
May 1, 2015
3.5 STARS
Unfortunately I found the finale a touch too drawn out and angsty, even for an adult novel. It's still good but really dragged in places for me. Book 1 & 2 were excellent and this is still a great read, I personally found it could have done with a lot of the angst cut out.
Unfortunately I found the finale a touch too drawn out and angsty, even for an adult novel. It's still good but really dragged in places for me. Book 1 & 2 were excellent and this is still a great read, I personally found it could have done with a lot of the angst cut out.
April 12, 2015
This series was really intense, but through the angst, my own tears for loss and the suspense I made it through all three books. In the end I truly and utterly enjoyed them.
September 20, 2017
4.5 Stars ... this book, it left me speechless for a while. While there were some communication problems that annoyed me, in the end the emotion and love triumphed all.
May 31, 2021
4 stars!
“... the gift of being loved and loving someone else, makes the pain obsolete.”
This is the part #3 of “My Brother's Keeper” and Can't be read as a Standalone or out of order.
This book was definitely a Wild Ride!
We do get to, FINALLY, understand WHAT is happening and WHY things happened as they did in the past.
“...rule number five: Everything happens for a reason.”
There were still Lots of Feels in this book!
This turned out to be a very much Deeper story than I thought it was, initially.
I think I really enjoyed the story in it's whole...despite the pain. 😅
This book surely did heal a bit of my Broken heart 💔 from reading book #2.
So, if you survive reading book #2, definitely push through finishing this one. It will give you perspective and some understanding of it all.
“... the gift of being loved and loving someone else, makes the pain obsolete.”
This is the part #3 of “My Brother's Keeper” and Can't be read as a Standalone or out of order.
This book was definitely a Wild Ride!
We do get to, FINALLY, understand WHAT is happening and WHY things happened as they did in the past.
“...rule number five: Everything happens for a reason.”
There were still Lots of Feels in this book!
This turned out to be a very much Deeper story than I thought it was, initially.
I think I really enjoyed the story in it's whole...despite the pain. 😅
This book surely did heal a bit of my Broken heart 💔 from reading book #2.
So, if you survive reading book #2, definitely push through finishing this one. It will give you perspective and some understanding of it all.
Want to read
December 25, 2019🎁 The Complete My Brother's KeeperSeries (Books 1 -3) is FREE on Amazon today (12/25/2019)! 🎁
May 8, 2014
Trish reviews The Final Rule by Adrienne Wilder
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: Rule number six: save the innocent.
Rule number seven: Everything has to have balance.
The final rule: we choose our fate.
Rudy is dead. Jon and Ellis are locked in combat with an evil so vile that it’s known only as the Big and Terrible. In Gilford, crimes are increasing at an alarming rate, and becoming more and more depraved. As the darkness gathers, Jon and Ellis desparately search for answers to questions that, only a little while ago, would be considered insane. In order to defeat the Big and Terrible, and prevent the evil from spreading, Ellis must embrace his destiny, and Jon must be willing to let him go. In order to protect the innocent, both men must be willing to lose everything.
In The Final Rule, Adrienne Wilder brings her epic trilogy My Brother’s Keeper to its dramatic conclusion. From the very beginning I found myself pulled into this stark, strangely haunting tale of despair, hope, cruelty, love, sacrifice, and the willingness to pay the ultimate price in order to protect the innocent. Each book is a full length novel, but must be read in order. Ms Wilder’s style of writing is simple, yet eloquent, concise, and highly original. She has a definite gift for painting a vivid potrait of life in a small town, but giving little glimpses of the evil that lies beneath its placid surface. Told in a combination of flashbacks and present day, this story is a very unique, fresh twist on the classic “good vs evil” theme. The story does have a HEA ending, but only after much pain and sacrifice. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both this book and the trilogy, and would strongly advise you to get My Brother’s Keeper for yourself.
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: Rule number six: save the innocent.
Rule number seven: Everything has to have balance.
The final rule: we choose our fate.
Rudy is dead. Jon and Ellis are locked in combat with an evil so vile that it’s known only as the Big and Terrible. In Gilford, crimes are increasing at an alarming rate, and becoming more and more depraved. As the darkness gathers, Jon and Ellis desparately search for answers to questions that, only a little while ago, would be considered insane. In order to defeat the Big and Terrible, and prevent the evil from spreading, Ellis must embrace his destiny, and Jon must be willing to let him go. In order to protect the innocent, both men must be willing to lose everything.
In The Final Rule, Adrienne Wilder brings her epic trilogy My Brother’s Keeper to its dramatic conclusion. From the very beginning I found myself pulled into this stark, strangely haunting tale of despair, hope, cruelty, love, sacrifice, and the willingness to pay the ultimate price in order to protect the innocent. Each book is a full length novel, but must be read in order. Ms Wilder’s style of writing is simple, yet eloquent, concise, and highly original. She has a definite gift for painting a vivid potrait of life in a small town, but giving little glimpses of the evil that lies beneath its placid surface. Told in a combination of flashbacks and present day, this story is a very unique, fresh twist on the classic “good vs evil” theme. The story does have a HEA ending, but only after much pain and sacrifice. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both this book and the trilogy, and would strongly advise you to get My Brother’s Keeper for yourself.
May 5, 2015
Magnifique dernier Tome, on retrouve Ellis et Jon dans leur combat contre le mal. Tout est rudement bien mené et la fin est épique !!
C'était vraiment une belle série, qui vous fait ressentir tout un panel d'émotions très fortes.
J'ai eu très peur, comme j'ai été très triste. INTENSE est ce qui qualifie le mieux cette trilogie.
Bravo à l'auteur et à l'équipe de Men Over The Rainbow pour la traduction.
Par contre les petits points négatifs : je ne supportait plus "les règles", je crois même les connaître par cœur maintenant. Avec les "un jour tu comprendras" et "maintenant tu vas comprendre" qu'est-ce que Danny pouvais me faire criser. Et l'affrontement avec le "puissant et horrible" était flou, ou bizarre, je ne m'attendais pas à ça et j'ai du relire le passage pour être sûre.
C'était vraiment une belle série, qui vous fait ressentir tout un panel d'émotions très fortes.
J'ai eu très peur, comme j'ai été très triste. INTENSE est ce qui qualifie le mieux cette trilogie.
Bravo à l'auteur et à l'équipe de Men Over The Rainbow pour la traduction.
Par contre les petits points négatifs : je ne supportait plus "les règles", je crois même les connaître par cœur maintenant. Avec les "un jour tu comprendras" et "maintenant tu vas comprendre" qu'est-ce que Danny pouvais me faire criser. Et l'affrontement avec le "puissant et horrible" était flou, ou bizarre, je ne m'attendais pas à ça et j'ai du relire le passage pour être sûre.
August 3, 2015
3.5 stars. I was really enjoying this series until now. In fact, I gave the first two novels 5 star ratings they were that good. Then the whole paranormal-good vs evil-man-eating plants-projectile vomiting-craziness threw me completely out of the story. I finished the novel because I never DNF but I will admit I skimmed the last few chapters. Overall, I'd give the whole series a 4 star rating. I loved Rudy, Ellis's special brother and all the secondary characters who supported the MCs. Even the villain, as repulsive as he was, bounced off the page, he was so well portrayed. The emotional connection between Jon and Ellis was alternately breathtaking and painful. I would recommend this series keeping the paranormal element in mind.
October 20, 2018
It was really hard for me to finish this one. So much unnecessary angst, so much unnecessary cheesiness, so much 'I have no idea what's happening' scenes.
Not to mention the rules. Because everything is about the rules and balance and free will and other enlightened stuff. Nope. Just nope. I can't deal with books that try to convert me. Even if it's subtle.
And the ending... that was just so cliché I can't even...
The scenes where there was so much evil seemed more digusting than anything else, and in a way disgusting things do frighten me, just not as much as it was intended.
It wasn't bad actually, but it wasn't good either.
Not to mention the rules. Because everything is about the rules and balance and free will and other enlightened stuff. Nope. Just nope. I can't deal with books that try to convert me. Even if it's subtle.
And the ending... that was just so cliché I can't even...
The scenes where there was so much evil seemed more digusting than anything else, and in a way disgusting things do frighten me, just not as much as it was intended.
It wasn't bad actually, but it wasn't good either.
June 22, 2014
I wasn't as enthralled with this series as much as other readers seem to have been. It good and it was interesting but I found myself getting bored somewhere in book 2 and I was skimming in book 3. Little things bothered me since the very beginning and they kept piling on. I was ready for this book to be over long before it actually was.
November 19, 2014
my ratings from book were 5 then 4 and now 3 for this book... I love the first book then as I go on through the series I wouldn't really say it got boring bec' it was full of actions but it got hmmmmm uninteresting especially when Rudy died and so much mystery, too much maybe and I find the 4th to the and so forth rule annoying... I can't even remember how many rules were there. ¯\(°_°)/¯
June 1, 2014
What a ride. If you haven't read any other of Ms Wilder's books, they are all very good.
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