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Lorelei Clay wants to play offense for a change. She’s tired of hiding from the past she didn’t even know she had. With a promising relationship and new friends in a small town she loves, Lorelei wants to be free to live life on her terms, without the threat of death or capture hanging over her.

Kane Sullivan hasn’t exactly been hiding from his past—more like he moved without a forwarding address. Unfortunately for him, the boss he tried to overthrow never gave up the search.

And now the former prince of hell has been found.

Kane wants to do whatever it takes to keep his problems from endangering his found family. He knows better than anyone what Lucifer is capable of.

Lorelei is willing to do whatever it takes to protect the demon she loves, but if she can’t convince him to get in the game, they risk losing everything they’ve built together.

When the supreme demon finally makes his move, Lorelei realizes there are some nightmares that even she can’t control…

You don’t want to miss Half Dead , the penultimate book in the Crossroads Queen urban fantasy series.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2025

1430 people are currently reading
378 people want to read

About the author

Annabel Chase

351 books1,470 followers
Annabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.

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5 stars
1,738 (57%)
4 stars
837 (27%)
3 stars
361 (11%)
2 stars
64 (2%)
1 star
25 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
866 reviews7 followers
January 12, 2025
Nope. Nope. BIG nope. Can't explain without spoilers, but ... did not leave me happy.
Profile Image for Witchmetal.
359 reviews17 followers
March 19, 2025
Eight books in and I still don't like the main character. Love most of the others characters though. That's why I kept continuing the series. I'm done with the series now.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,855 reviews21 followers
January 2, 2025
Good

WARNING! CLIFFHANGER! This one is a 5/5 on my trauma scale, so if you hate cliffhangers, you might want to wait for the next book before reading this one!

Lorelei has come to love a number of people in the town of Fairhaven, so it’s no surprise when she ends up making a bargain with the devil in order to save the life of one of the people she loves.
This results in a series of trials she needs to pass, and there is always a catch…

Things start to come to a head in this book, leaving us with several tearful moments and an enormous cliffhanger!
Some miscalculations, and a bad decision or two, cause some trouble for Lorelei and Kane, and it is definitely not resolved by the end of the book.
This one is an angst filled read, with some sad moments, some intriguing cameos from previous characters, and even some action at times.
We even get to see Lorelei become more comfortable with her Melinoe side (something I think she will find most useful in what is to come).
It’s an enjoyable story (with the exception of the cliffhanger part!), and as such is a great addition to a very entertaining series.
This isn’t a standalone story by any means, start with the first Crossroads Queen book, and read them in order to get the full benefit of the ongoing story, because it is just about to come to a head.

This one is recommended for urban fantasy and PWF fans.
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,771 reviews153 followers
December 22, 2024
Half Dead is the 8th book in the Cross Roads Queen Urban Fantasy series by Annabelle Chase.

This book WOW, how do they keep getting better! I am going to be so sad when the series ends.

Lorelie and Kane are doing great and has really settled into her life. I love the characters in this book.

But the Corporation is relentless. I won't say too much more without giving anything away, but this book blew me away!

Loved this book so much!!!!! Don't miss the action, romance and adventure!

Can't wait for the last and final :( book in the series to see how everything turns out!
Profile Image for Shamell Klinger.
144 reviews18 followers
January 4, 2025
So good

Just WOW!! This is by far the best book out of the series so far. It got so intense. I devoured it in one sitting. I don't know how how I'm going to wait 3 months for the final book after the way this one ended.
Profile Image for Shelley.
5,598 reviews490 followers
April 15, 2025
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

Annabel Chase's Half Dead is the Eighth installment in the author's Crossroads Queen series. This is the next-to-last installment in this series. The story centers on Lorelei Clay, a complex protagonist with unique powers tied to nightmares and the dead, and Kane Sullivan, a former prince of hell with a past that refuses to stay buried. Before we get to the meat and potatoes of the story, Lorelei takes a trip into enemy territory. That would be The Corporation, which has been hounding Lorelei for months.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Jenette.
Author 1 book19 followers
January 4, 2025
I don’t think I really enjoyed any part of this book but that didn’t stop me from finishing it. It was kind of cheesy? Lame? Extra special with love and affection and appreciation being thrown around? Like an excessive amount of appreciation that felt disingenuous and like someone was trying to regurgitate a therapy session? I don’t know, most of the characters annoyed me here and that could have been my mood but it also could have been the fact that this was book 8 and it was basically the same as all the ones that came before it?

All I can say is thank god there’s only one more that I’ll have to push through for the resolution.
Profile Image for jynee.
48 reviews
January 6, 2025
2.25 stars — disappointed… but not really surprised? lol

the cliffhanger at the end was so obvious from the beginning. every book of this series follows the same formula (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing) but this instalment really showed how much lorelei just lets things happen to her lol
she’s so complacent and self righteous and stuck in her ways… it’s obvious why the author had to revert to a big conspiracy for the outcome in the end.
somehow, this book made me dislike lorelei even more although i’m sure with all the tie backs and feel good vibes with long standing characters, it was supposed to do the opposite.
i don’t know, this series has been dragged out for what it’s worth and i can’t fault the author for milking it to the end. i just hope the last book will give us the resolution to every open plot line.
15 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2025
I love these characters and wish them success in the last book. Anxious for it to arrive!
Profile Image for Becki Jane.
38 reviews
February 13, 2025
So I did feel this book was slightly rushed but given the sheer amount that happened in less than a week I am really not surprised it needed to be.

Yet again Annabel’s character and world building is excellent - and your knowledge of the various Pantheons is very impressive too. I mean, doors?!

Just an FYI, if a certain characters don’t get their comeuppance in the final book I will throw an epic hissy fit.
Profile Image for Khushi Gala.
147 reviews
February 16, 2025
Ratings:⭐⭐⭐

This book felt like a filler book. Melonie was not up to the mark as her other books. The co-operation finally got Lorelie to accept their deal.

I felt this book was a bit boring. The spice in the book was great. I'm sad that there is only one book remaining in the series.

We have been reading this series since 2023, and it's a bitter sweet end but I'm genuinely excited about how Annabel is going to end the series.

Finally Happy Reading!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
128 reviews6 followers
February 7, 2025
What the…!?!

I just finished and….wow….please refer to the headline. No other words necessary. Except Amazon wants eight more words….Mind. Blown! I need the next book.
727 reviews6 followers
January 8, 2025
Lorelei can be a bit of an airhead at times. and this is one of those again.
1,466 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2025
good

I was excited when this book came out because I really like Lorelei, Kane, her ghosts, and the rest of her friends. in this book, Lucifer comes to town and wants to drag Kane back to hell, but Lorelei strikes a deal with him to save her boyfriend‘s life. I felt like there was a lot of extra fluff in this book that didn’t really need to be here. It was just more of a filler than anything else. I can’t wait till the last book in the series comes out.
2,843 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2025
fantastic storytelling

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I waited until the last book in the series was released to read Half Dead, the penultimate book in the series. That way I could happily breeze right through both books. Or so I thought. Best laid plans.

Because I keep forgetting that Chase can break my heart, that when dealing with death, demons, ghosts, and the underworld, things happen that are traumatic and I’ll need a break before I can finally finish the books.

And yes, this ends on a cliffhanger even.

Still, after I finished sobbing in parts, admiring the sheer artistry of Annabel Chase’s work and plotting, that even a new character that made a minuscule appearance in, yes, an incredible scene, left me absolutely bereft, I was absorbed in Lorelei’s story. From a totally different angle of an outsider, now Lorelei is firmly connected to the people and paranormal beings of Fairhaven, characters we’ve gotten to know and care deeply about.

Kane is a huge part of this narrative, and as his and Lorelei’s relationship has evolved, so does any threat to him become a threat to her as well as the town.

The Corporation continues to expand its presence and entity’s evil impact. It’s truly a fascinating and awful villain.

Half Dead (Crossroads Queen Book 8) by Annabel Chase is a fantastic book. Only the cliffhanger aspect caused it to miss a 5-star rating. This hurt my heart, made me realize how amazing the storytelling is, and incredible the characters.

Time for the finale.

Highly recommended!


Great cover art and design.
Cover by Trif Designs, which has changed to reflect the fact that the word has gotten out that Lorelei Clay is a demigod. So great touch with that head halo/crown addition. Love the castle in the background.

Crossroads Queen - series complete :
Dead to the World #1
Dead of Night #2
Dead Last #3
Dead Wrong #4
Dead Weight #5
Play Dead #6
Dead Heat #7
Half Dead #8
Dead End #9 - series finale
Profile Image for Danielle.
535 reviews10 followers
January 25, 2025
Hmmm, not my favorite in the series.
Lorelei is an awesome character, but sometimes she does really dumb things, things that make her character development almost regress instead of grow. It's frustrating. While she had great moments in this book, during some of the important ones, she fails to see what is right in front of her and goes back to making rash decisions. Meh.
The plot was pretty good, a bit fluffy, but I imagine that was to set up the last book.
I do have one slight pet peeve about the series as a whole. I'm hiding it behind a spoiler tag because while it doesn't give any specifics away, it is a plot spoiler. Read at your own risk!



I will of course read the last book, because despite some of my frustrations, I do like the characters and I want to see what happens to them.
Profile Image for D K.
589 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2025
Mind-blowing penultimate book 🔥🔥🔥 One of the BEST Series out there ❤️

This series is TOTALLY captivating, engaging and unique. Lorelei is an amazing and complex FMC. She is smart, fierce,, sarcastic, funny, a total kick-ass, as well as kind and very loyal to those she cares about. This book in particular was extremely emotional and so unpredictable. I am on pins and needles waiting to see how this saga will end, and truthfully, a bit sad that the next book will be the last book of the series. The ending of this one was simply MIND-BLOWING and so unexpected. Annabel Chase always manages to bring the characters to life and write such diverse and entertaining stories. This series is no exception. It is great to see the growth in Lorelei and how the story progresses in such an organic way. If you are into supernatural characters, great humor, action and a bit of romance, you will definitely fall in love with this series! There are always surprises, new characters and plenty of adventure. Nana Pratt and Ray are such a stroke of genius and add so much more to the story. This is one of the most fascinating series I have read this past year and a TRUE FAVORITE OF MINE. Highly recommended. 💜🩷💜
Profile Image for Starr Perry.
399 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2025
Dancing and Duking It Out with the Devil

I ADORE this series based on mythology’s gods and goddesses in the most unusual and intriguing way!!!

Lorelei, Guardian of the crossroads and resident of Fairhaven, watches over the supernatural town where she lives by choice. Kane is her beloved and a reformed demon of the underworld, whom was tortured by Lucifer and in the run from his Evilness.

Unfortunately they have major changes coming their way when his Evilness finds them. The Prince of Darkness issues a series of 3 challenges to Lorelei (also known as Melinroe, mythological goddess of death, the underworld etc) to save her beloved Kane from eternal torture and damnation - she must win, and of course NO one ever beats Lucifer. Or do they? What price will she pay?

An absolutely fascinating series, unusual and unique characters, action packed intrigue in the plot and an absolutely worthwhile read
1,308 reviews4 followers
January 5, 2025
Lorelei is happy with her ghosts, werewolf friends, miscellaneous supernaturals and of course, her love – Kane, the reformed prince of hell.
Things are going well until the seer, Birdie, is found murdered and Lucifer comes to town. And she has a meeting with the Corporation.
To save Kane, Lorelie agrees to perform three tasks for Lucifer, if she wins, he leaves town, if she wins everyone is dead except Kane who will be tortured for eternity.
This book has magic, other realms, a multitude of different characters – gods, sprites, demons, dragons. There is also a lot of action, suspense, tension, surprises and humour. The ghosts living with Lorelei are always good for a laugh.
This is a easy, quick read in a very enjoyable series. Unfortunately it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and the next book won’t be out until April.
Profile Image for Mooncat.
363 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2025
Lucifer is in the town. To protect Kane from being dragged back to hell, Lorelei makes a deal with the devil. The there is still the Corporation relentlessly trying to recruit her. Between one hell and a merciless paradise, which side will Lorelei end on?
It’s the second to last book and it shows. Not enough story for the book to stand on its own but the nearing confrontation with Lucifer and the Corporation frankly lacked to keep me on the edge of the seat. I did enjoy her traveling through different realms at last, but there again, with one exception I was left feeling unsatisfied with the whole story arch. It’s boring, because it’s too predictable.
So on to the conclusion. I hope there will yet wait some surprises for me.
Profile Image for Felicia.
343 reviews12 followers
August 15, 2025
The ending was telegraphed near the beginning of the book. Still so annoying. I like aspects of these books, such as the quirky side characters and the mixture of different myths, but they’re missing a pinch of something - besides the fact that half of the content is filler and this series doesn’t need to be nine books AT ALL. Kane and Lorelei finally have an actual relationship, and it just feels so bland. What even is Kane’s personality? She went through these trials because she’s in love with him (well, she would do it for some random person she saw in the street, regardless), but up until now they’ve hardly even spent time together. I’m pretty sure I know how the next one will end too, and I’m looking forward to finishing, unfortunately.
33 reviews
January 7, 2025
Talk about a nail biter!

There is so much action in this book, that you simply can’t put it down. If you have read all of the previous books, then you already love our MFC, and our MMC. You are also very heavily invested in seeing their HEA. There are some heartbreaking outcomes, and some good outcomes for some of the other characters in the story. Melanoe does a lot of self reflection in this book, but one constant that you can count on, is her deep love for Kane Sullivan. She is also incredibly devoted to the citizens of Fairhaven, and protecting the Crossroads. This book is an exciting ride, and I highly recommend it!
1 review
July 3, 2025
I was really disappointed with this book. It felt like the author checked out on writing.

Spoiler alert:

Lucifier gives her three challenges, first off they were not even put in a position they had to agree. They could have just fought.

Then in one of the challenges she just unicorns it. Oh I am in this magical realm let me see if I have cellphone reception… yup okay let me google it.

Then for the final challenge, its a fight. Instead of just battling she decides this no name side character fight is finally too tough after everything in the series she has gone through. Oh well i give up, let me ask the corp for help and indenture myself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
21 reviews
January 4, 2025
Ok, that was - intense.

It's a five star because of the almost philosophical contemplations on love and all the emotions the book triggered. I really enjoyed that and it makes the book stand out from the others in the series and from other books.

But a cliffhanger?!? Seriously? Makes me apprehensive of what might come in the finale.

Kudos also to Vivienne Leheny. Again, she does a stellar job with the audiobook narration. Her Lucifer (may he rot in hell - oh, wait.....) is absolutely chilling.
295 reviews
January 5, 2025
Grrr. Lorelei is a bit thick and merrily does as she wants without stopping to consider if it's the right thing. I hope in the next one, she uses the chance of being in the corporation to take them all down once and for all. The story is good. she gets three trials and Lucifier will not torture Kane, but it's all as set up. A really good story and an ending that leaves you seething with annoyance. Still Lorelei has things that will work in her favour. Still dealing with Lucifer and ignoring the cost to everyone else is more than you would expect from her.
Profile Image for Lynn Hacic.
134 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2025
I found I liked this book better than #7. Lorelei faces 3 challenges in order to save Kane and discovers a lot about herself along the way. Overall, it’s better to move through life with people at your side. And stop feeling guilty about EVERYTHING you do!

I figured out 1/2 of the reveal at the end and will be be interested to see how Annabel Chase ties this all together in the book #9 - the last one of this series (is due out in April 2025).

I look forward to the conclusion of the adventures in Fairhaven (and beyond).
Profile Image for Beth.
2,910 reviews26 followers
November 14, 2025
Read it in one sitting!

Ack! That ending!! What a great book. So much introspection. I stayed up all night reading it one sitting. I have loved the character arc for these people. I love the way the people we’ve met have rallied around Lorelei. I love the way love is discussed. The growth we’ve seen in Lorelei and her re-connection to the world has been a lovely story. Now I guess we’ve got two hurdles to get over. Deal with The Corporation and then with her aunt vis-a-vis the underworld. Can’t wait to read the last book though I’m sorry it will be the last book.
295 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2025
My goddess of nightmares, with a moat

Omg I have loved every single one of chases books Crossroads Queen and this was another man that cliff has me so mad for lorelei and Kane our ghost and the rest of the gang!!! I can't wait for her to accept her true self and show the corporation just who Melinoe a true Goddess is capable of when u go after the people she loves!! A great read.
Profile Image for Redlikeme.
3 reviews
January 17, 2025
Wasn’t one of my favorite installments in the series, but I love the series overall. I can’t believe the next one is the last one.

I was really getting worried with all the talk of letting Ray go. The ghosts are what keep me coming back honestly. I was fully ready to read 10 more of these adventures in Fairhaven. Lucifer came in and squashed all our hopes and dreams. Sadness.

“Did you ever experience love?”
“Not until today”
DESTROYED AND SOBBING INTO MY COUCH.
Profile Image for Nicola Dorrall.
36 reviews
January 4, 2025
Fantastic Read

Oh, I read far too fast and devoured this book in 24 hours. This book, like the previous are fast paced and full of humour, wisdom with a little romance thrown in. I have to say it was a clever ending that I wasn't expecting, and now damn it, I have to wait 4 months for the final book.
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