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Dr. Greta Helsing #4
Strange New World
'Vivian Shaw knocks it out of the park yet again. If you aren't reading Dr Greta Helsing, you're missing out'
T. Kingfisher, New York Times bestselling author
Strange New World finds Greta Helsing, doctor to the undead, facing the strangest challenge of her career . . . accompanying an anxious angel and a sullen demon on a road trip across America in the clever conclusion to this delightful fantasy series.
After narrowly avoiding the end of the world, the leaders of Heaven and Hell are struggling to collaborate according to the terms of their new treaty - especially because angels and demons are, quite literally, allergic to each other. Seeking a solution, the powers that be decide to see if the allergy persists on Earth by sending an angel and demon on a research trip, first New York City. And what better chaperone than Dr Greta Helsing, who happens to owe Hell a few favours of her own?
But there's unrest in New York's monster underworld and Greta and her team are about to land in the middle of it. Something is off in Heaven and on Earth, and Greta will have to figure out just what that is if she hopes to protect those she loves most.
Praise for the
'Deeply compassionate and endlessly surprising, this series will steal your heart' Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author
'A playfully witty confection' Publishers Weekly
'There are as few heroines as well written and compelling as Greta Helsing' BookPage
'An exceptional and delightful debut, in the tradition of Good Omens and A Night in the Lonesome October' Elizabeth Bear, Hugo-award winning author
'Shaw balances an agile mystery with a pitch-perfect, droll narrative and cast of lovable misfit characters . . . Strange Practice is a super(natural) read' Shelf Awareness
'A book to settle into. A warm quilt of a thing that's made for curling up with . . . I miss this newest Helsing already' NPR
T. Kingfisher, New York Times bestselling author
Strange New World finds Greta Helsing, doctor to the undead, facing the strangest challenge of her career . . . accompanying an anxious angel and a sullen demon on a road trip across America in the clever conclusion to this delightful fantasy series.
After narrowly avoiding the end of the world, the leaders of Heaven and Hell are struggling to collaborate according to the terms of their new treaty - especially because angels and demons are, quite literally, allergic to each other. Seeking a solution, the powers that be decide to see if the allergy persists on Earth by sending an angel and demon on a research trip, first New York City. And what better chaperone than Dr Greta Helsing, who happens to owe Hell a few favours of her own?
But there's unrest in New York's monster underworld and Greta and her team are about to land in the middle of it. Something is off in Heaven and on Earth, and Greta will have to figure out just what that is if she hopes to protect those she loves most.
Praise for the
'Deeply compassionate and endlessly surprising, this series will steal your heart' Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author
'A playfully witty confection' Publishers Weekly
'There are as few heroines as well written and compelling as Greta Helsing' BookPage
'An exceptional and delightful debut, in the tradition of Good Omens and A Night in the Lonesome October' Elizabeth Bear, Hugo-award winning author
'Shaw balances an agile mystery with a pitch-perfect, droll narrative and cast of lovable misfit characters . . . Strange Practice is a super(natural) read' Shelf Awareness
'A book to settle into. A warm quilt of a thing that's made for curling up with . . . I miss this newest Helsing already' NPR
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2025
131 people are currently reading
1276 people want to read
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November 10, 2025I didn't realise there was to be a fourth in this series after the eschatological climax of the last one. I decided to do a series reread, which I enjoyed a lot--it's a lovely world and the characters are super endearing. This one felt, perhaps, a little bit there to please the fans, rather than organically necessary in terms of tying off any threads, but I am a fan and it pleased me greatly, so. Comfort reading for those who like their comfort chaotic.
May 26, 2025
I think, sad as it may be to say, this should have been left alone with the third book. Something about this one—whether it was pacing, plot line, or stakes—it was just off.
June 17, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Dr. Greta Helsing series, and honestly, I don’t understand why it exists. It felt like even the author kind of forgot that she was writing halfway through. There’s very little plot, and what is there feels recycled from books 1 and 3.
One of the strangest choices was the focus on angels and devils. The strength of this series has always been its take on classic creatures – vampires, werewolves, wights, zombies. This was a compelling world. But in this book, almost none of that remains. Instead, we get a version of heaven and hell that’s toothless, and the best established characters sidelined.
Shaw doesn’t seem to have a strong point of view about what either realm represents, and wants to avoid any kind of religious nuance or content. The angels and devils are functionally the same creatures, just with slightly different vibes – the angels are a bit more naive, the devils a bit more charming. But everyone’s morally ambiguous in exactly the same way, so what’s the point? I’m not even sure what the responsibilities or duties of either realm are. Why introduce heaven and hell at all if you’re not going to do something with them?
When it’s at its best, this series feels like All Creatures Great and Small, but for monsters. That’s where it shines – when Greta is practicing medicine, helping supernatural beings in a grounded, thoughtful way. So why not go back to that? Why not give us a strange medical case, a thriller-of-the-week style setup with interesting patients and actual character development?
And somehow, in book four of the series, it still doesn’t pass the Bechdel test! I was actually in disbelief when I realized that literally every other single character in this book is male. Even with the angels and devils, who are technically androgynous, Shaw goes out of her way to make it clear that they still “present as male.” It started to feel almost like a joke – like the author was playing a trick on me personally. It’s baffling. Greta is the only woman in a world full of men, highlighting lazy tropes of “chosen one” and “pick me.” I’m knocking a full star off for this alone.
Another star comes off for the complete lack of plot. And yet – I still like Vivian Shaw’s writing style! Her prose has a nice flow. Her vocabulary is rich and thoughtful. If a fifth book in the series comes out, I’ll read it. I just wish an editor would work with her to make sure something actually happens, and that maybe – just maybe – one other character in the book could be a woman.
One of the strangest choices was the focus on angels and devils. The strength of this series has always been its take on classic creatures – vampires, werewolves, wights, zombies. This was a compelling world. But in this book, almost none of that remains. Instead, we get a version of heaven and hell that’s toothless, and the best established characters sidelined.
Shaw doesn’t seem to have a strong point of view about what either realm represents, and wants to avoid any kind of religious nuance or content. The angels and devils are functionally the same creatures, just with slightly different vibes – the angels are a bit more naive, the devils a bit more charming. But everyone’s morally ambiguous in exactly the same way, so what’s the point? I’m not even sure what the responsibilities or duties of either realm are. Why introduce heaven and hell at all if you’re not going to do something with them?
When it’s at its best, this series feels like All Creatures Great and Small, but for monsters. That’s where it shines – when Greta is practicing medicine, helping supernatural beings in a grounded, thoughtful way. So why not go back to that? Why not give us a strange medical case, a thriller-of-the-week style setup with interesting patients and actual character development?
And somehow, in book four of the series, it still doesn’t pass the Bechdel test! I was actually in disbelief when I realized that literally every other single character in this book is male. Even with the angels and devils, who are technically androgynous, Shaw goes out of her way to make it clear that they still “present as male.” It started to feel almost like a joke – like the author was playing a trick on me personally. It’s baffling. Greta is the only woman in a world full of men, highlighting lazy tropes of “chosen one” and “pick me.” I’m knocking a full star off for this alone.
Another star comes off for the complete lack of plot. And yet – I still like Vivian Shaw’s writing style! Her prose has a nice flow. Her vocabulary is rich and thoughtful. If a fifth book in the series comes out, I’ll read it. I just wish an editor would work with her to make sure something actually happens, and that maybe – just maybe – one other character in the book could be a woman.
October 8, 2025
I really struggled getting into this one, which prompted me to pause and reread Books 1-3 (still love!). Then I still couldn’t get into this one. I thought maybe life’s stressors or something were a mental barrier, but then they should’ve been for the rereads too. I think it’s that I really enjoy interactions between the main characters, Dr. Helsing’s various patients, the running of their specialized clinic… This installment is more focused on a cross-country trip in the US to see how a demon and an angel get along. Since the relationships were different, maybe it was less warm or had less witty repartee. It has some similarities with The Good Place and all the bureaucracy in both Heaven and Hell.
These questions were answered but remain fuzzy: Why the US? Why is Dr. Helsing the chosen babysitter? I don’t understand saying they’re calling in the favor she owes. Didn’t Hell owe her for her & Varney’s help? When did she start collaborating with a university?
Like the other books in the series, the point of view shifted often. It also threw me that the audiobook narrator changed from the narrator of books 1-3. Catrin Walker-Booth does an excellent job, but it was an unexpected change.
There are a LOT of spoilers from the 3 books and the novella. I don’t recommend this as a standalone if there’s any interest in reading the others. It’s a good story, I just absolutely adore the others.
Strange New World is advertised as the last in the series, but I thought book 3 was…..which makes me hope maybe they’ll return again with Emily or Ruthven and “his unsuitable boyfriend”. I’d love more with the main friends:
Maybe something is wrong with the were-creatures.
Maybe Nadezhda (the witch character) gets a cat, and it chases the vampires & vampyre when they’re in bat form.
Maybe Anna (the part-Rusalka nurse practitioner) needs a new lake.
Maybe we visit Emily with her new practice and see her collaborate with Greta for the endearing little well monsters.
Maybe I should get into writing fanfic.
Edit to add: I did like the Nosforatu exploration. It’s not a vampire type I’ve come across very often.
These questions were answered but remain fuzzy: Why the US? Why is Dr. Helsing the chosen babysitter? I don’t understand saying they’re calling in the favor she owes. Didn’t Hell owe her for her & Varney’s help? When did she start collaborating with a university?
Like the other books in the series, the point of view shifted often. It also threw me that the audiobook narrator changed from the narrator of books 1-3. Catrin Walker-Booth does an excellent job, but it was an unexpected change.
There are a LOT of spoilers from the 3 books and the novella. I don’t recommend this as a standalone if there’s any interest in reading the others. It’s a good story, I just absolutely adore the others.
Strange New World is advertised as the last in the series, but I thought book 3 was…..which makes me hope maybe they’ll return again with Emily or Ruthven and “his unsuitable boyfriend”. I’d love more with the main friends:
Maybe something is wrong with the were-creatures.
Maybe Nadezhda (the witch character) gets a cat, and it chases the vampires & vampyre when they’re in bat form.
Maybe Anna (the part-Rusalka nurse practitioner) needs a new lake.
Maybe we visit Emily with her new practice and see her collaborate with Greta for the endearing little well monsters.
Maybe I should get into writing fanfic.
Edit to add: I did like the Nosforatu exploration. It’s not a vampire type I’ve come across very often.
June 26, 2025
We had to wait a long time for this one, and of course it was worth the wait. It felt like a homecoming, so lovely to read about Greta and all her vampires and what-nots. Even so it wasn’t the best of the series; it felt like there’s been a long gap, and now slowly shuffling into a restart. This series has something I’ve never seen before, heaven and hell are inverted, heaven is hell, and hell is heaven, but not quite. It’s pretty confusing but great fun. This time there was trouble in heaven, God was away and the archangels were playing up.
Not as good as the last one means in this case terrific, I couldn’t put it down, and I loved it, can’t wait for the next one.
Not as good as the last one means in this case terrific, I couldn’t put it down, and I loved it, can’t wait for the next one.
June 23, 2025
All the Dr. Greta Helsing books have serious business going on under a light coating of froth; for my money, "Strange New World" is the standout so far.
It's like this: After the events of book 3, Heaven and Hell have detente, aka the infernocelestial Accords, so everything should be peachy, except of course that it isn't. Heaven's signatory, the archangel Gabriel, is increasingly self-isolated and irritable, and someone's shooting poisoned darts, which inconvenience angels but land demons in Erebus General Hospital. Oh, and the blip in reality resulting from the near termination of the universe last time has produced some data anomalies that have drawn attention from a brainy researcher: coverup urgently required.
How often do you happen across a plot that is simultaneously (a) scary and fun; (b) a MacGuffin in its entirety? I can't do more than hint at the payoff without spoiling the whole thing, so I'll leave it at this: Keep an eye on the angel Adariel. And when you're finished reading, see if you don't find yourself with the phrase "I am that I am" rattling around in your head like the world's most philosophical earworm.
Thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
It's like this: After the events of book 3, Heaven and Hell have detente, aka the infernocelestial Accords, so everything should be peachy, except of course that it isn't. Heaven's signatory, the archangel Gabriel, is increasingly self-isolated and irritable, and someone's shooting poisoned darts, which inconvenience angels but land demons in Erebus General Hospital. Oh, and the blip in reality resulting from the near termination of the universe last time has produced some data anomalies that have drawn attention from a brainy researcher: coverup urgently required.
How often do you happen across a plot that is simultaneously (a) scary and fun; (b) a MacGuffin in its entirety? I can't do more than hint at the payoff without spoiling the whole thing, so I'll leave it at this: Keep an eye on the angel Adariel. And when you're finished reading, see if you don't find yourself with the phrase "I am that I am" rattling around in your head like the world's most philosophical earworm.
Thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
February 22, 2025
Dr. Greta Van Helsing's demon transportation, Harlach, is late, which is something he has never been. As she waits at the pre-arranged bench, he is always at when she leaves her clinic she's not really worried, and she's not quite irritated yet. Just as she is working up to one or the other, Harlach appears out of nowhere and poofs them to her husband Varney's home, where it becomes clear that something is very wrong with Harlach. He reveals that someone shot him with something like a blow dart and he appears to be having an allergic reaction to it, knowing there's no way she can treat him on this plane she has him sent to Hell.
In the meantime, Harlach's angelic counterpart, Haliel, has had a similar experience but was able to shrug it off almost immediately. He reports the incident to his boss Gabriel and thinks nothing of it. Until he discovers that his colleague, his friend, Harlach, did not recover so quickly and easily. Both of them determine that something is attacking demons, and they have no idea why, especially after the Accords were signed. And while they aren't perfect, it was supposed to end or at least help end the ongoing animosity between Heaven and Hell.
However, as Greta is about to learn, that doesn't seem to be the case. The Accords are forcing Demons to work in Heaven and Angels to work in hell, and as both groups are allergic to the other, this is resulting in numerous Angels and Demons winding up sick. And Raphael and Dr. Faust, the heads of medicine in their perspective realms have had it up to here with the powers that be not listening. So, with the help of Greta and Fass, they hatch a scheme to at least try to find a way to keep their people from being sick. Unfortunately, they have no idea that an Angel has gone rougue and he's out to cleanse the Earth of everything he deems evil, and Greta is caught straight in his crossfire.
I love this series, so of course I loved this, but this was significantly better than I thought it was going to be. The entire Heaven portion of this book was really a simple conversation about understanding oneself. And I think at this point in time in the timeline of the world how understanding oneself leads to empathy for others and being able to simply stand up for yourself. There isn't a bad guy perse in this, there is simply a very confused man who has lived his entire life with an idea of what he was supposed to be and the rules he had to follow and when those rules felt wrong he did what many would do he lashed out and hurt those around him. Those he felt broke those rules. Now given everything that is going on in the world right now I could be reading much to deeply into this and even if I am I am not sure I care because I know a lot of humans on this planet right now could do with understanding that just because you've been taught to never question something doesn't mean you shouldn't. And for that message alone, this is a five-star read easily for me.
But all that aside, we have what this series has always been at its heart, a wonderful conversation about found family and a community that takes of each other. The introduction of the New York Nosferatu as mobsters was absolutely glorious, and I fell in love with Contini not because he was a stereotypical mobster, but because he wasn't. He was incredibly smart in all of his decisions and while sure yes fine he was probably a bit more violent than he needed to be I mean he is a vamp and he is a NYC mobster and to make him not violent would have been freaking weird.
Now, though I have a few questions, ones I will not pose here because it would be a spoiler but ones I *hope* means we will get another book because all of these new characters were absolutely amazing!
Definitely recommend if you've read the series and highly recommend it if you haven't, but you enjoyed Rivers of London because this is going to be right up your alley.
As always, thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the eArc!
In the meantime, Harlach's angelic counterpart, Haliel, has had a similar experience but was able to shrug it off almost immediately. He reports the incident to his boss Gabriel and thinks nothing of it. Until he discovers that his colleague, his friend, Harlach, did not recover so quickly and easily. Both of them determine that something is attacking demons, and they have no idea why, especially after the Accords were signed. And while they aren't perfect, it was supposed to end or at least help end the ongoing animosity between Heaven and Hell.
However, as Greta is about to learn, that doesn't seem to be the case. The Accords are forcing Demons to work in Heaven and Angels to work in hell, and as both groups are allergic to the other, this is resulting in numerous Angels and Demons winding up sick. And Raphael and Dr. Faust, the heads of medicine in their perspective realms have had it up to here with the powers that be not listening. So, with the help of Greta and Fass, they hatch a scheme to at least try to find a way to keep their people from being sick. Unfortunately, they have no idea that an Angel has gone rougue and he's out to cleanse the Earth of everything he deems evil, and Greta is caught straight in his crossfire.
I love this series, so of course I loved this, but this was significantly better than I thought it was going to be. The entire Heaven portion of this book was really a simple conversation about understanding oneself. And I think at this point in time in the timeline of the world how understanding oneself leads to empathy for others and being able to simply stand up for yourself. There isn't a bad guy perse in this, there is simply a very confused man who has lived his entire life with an idea of what he was supposed to be and the rules he had to follow and when those rules felt wrong he did what many would do he lashed out and hurt those around him. Those he felt broke those rules. Now given everything that is going on in the world right now I could be reading much to deeply into this and even if I am I am not sure I care because I know a lot of humans on this planet right now could do with understanding that just because you've been taught to never question something doesn't mean you shouldn't. And for that message alone, this is a five-star read easily for me.
But all that aside, we have what this series has always been at its heart, a wonderful conversation about found family and a community that takes of each other. The introduction of the New York Nosferatu as mobsters was absolutely glorious, and I fell in love with Contini not because he was a stereotypical mobster, but because he wasn't. He was incredibly smart in all of his decisions and while sure yes fine he was probably a bit more violent than he needed to be I mean he is a vamp and he is a NYC mobster and to make him not violent would have been freaking weird.
Now, though I have a few questions, ones I will not pose here because it would be a spoiler but ones I *hope* means we will get another book because all of these new characters were absolutely amazing!
Definitely recommend if you've read the series and highly recommend it if you haven't, but you enjoyed Rivers of London because this is going to be right up your alley.
As always, thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the eArc!
June 4, 2025
I love Greta Van Helsing so much and this series is definitely one of my favorites. However, I felt like this particular one sort of falls flat. Nothing of note really happened, and I couldn't really bring myself to care overmuch about the storyline. I feel like this book (and the series overall) would have been better served if this had been shortened to be a novella, and if Bitter Waters (the actual novella for this series) had been lengthened into a full-length novel.
Hopefully Vivian Shaw decides to write more books in this universe though because I do love it and would love to read about more of Greta's adventures
Hopefully Vivian Shaw decides to write more books in this universe though because I do love it and would love to read about more of Greta's adventures
May 23, 2025
Heaven and Hell have come to some Accords, now that we have moved beyond the near earth-shattering end of the world. There will, of course, always be some differences between them, but the biggest hurdle in angels and demons working together is that they are allergic to one another. Archdemon Fastitocalon convinces Dr Greta Helsing to take a research trip to New York City with an angel and a demon in tow to study the effects of their close interaction. Greta is delighted that her husband, vampire Sir Francis Varney is coming along as well. Unfortunately, there's a nasty business with some angels and demons getting shot by darts and a prophet-like fellow running around.
It's always a delight to pick up a new book in a series that's quickly become a comfort read for me. I loved this new adventure with Greta and her friends and the new mystery they face in this book. The irreverent intersections of Heaven and Hell, and the challenging of faith (especially that of Archangel Gabriel), provide excellent philosophical conversation through angel Adariel and demon Orlax, Greta's research subjects.
This is a series you have to read in order, but I cannot recommend it enough for anyone who loves a little paranormal with their fantasy. And if the first book feels a little slow with the characters slower to develop, just reach for the second book, because the character work gets better and better with each!
Thank you to Orbit for an eARC. Strange New World is out 5/20/25.
It's always a delight to pick up a new book in a series that's quickly become a comfort read for me. I loved this new adventure with Greta and her friends and the new mystery they face in this book. The irreverent intersections of Heaven and Hell, and the challenging of faith (especially that of Archangel Gabriel), provide excellent philosophical conversation through angel Adariel and demon Orlax, Greta's research subjects.
This is a series you have to read in order, but I cannot recommend it enough for anyone who loves a little paranormal with their fantasy. And if the first book feels a little slow with the characters slower to develop, just reach for the second book, because the character work gets better and better with each!
Thank you to Orbit for an eARC. Strange New World is out 5/20/25.
March 24, 2025
Vivian Shaw has a fun writing style and I enjoyed some of the other novels in this series. Strange New World didn’t appeal to me in the same way. Couldn’t get into it. I’m not a huge fan of the more bureaucratic take on the after life. If that is your thing you’ll probably enjoy this story.
(Thanks to NetGalley for the arc)
(Thanks to NetGalley for the arc)
May 26, 2025
It’s still good, but the structure is quite repetitive by now - the third time essentially the same thing happens. Would love to see a new species and the medical adventure around it rather than all this celestial philosophy. The NY nosferatu bit was the most entertaining in the book, but not enough of it.
August 19, 2025
Review originally on JamReads
Strange New World is the fourth and final book in the urban fantasy series Dr. Greta Helsing, written by Vivian Shaw and published by Orbit Books. A cozy and fun proposal that introduces us to a new reality where angels and demons are collaborating; a road trip trying to solve the problem of allergies between angels and demons where the Dr. Helsing will be again at the center of everything, with a humour that remembers to Good Omens.
Greta agrees to go on a research trip to America, at the orders of the Archdemon Fastitocalon; trying to discover if the effects of close interaction over a demon and an angel are not shown on Earth. At the same time, some creatures are being attacked with poisoned darts, sending them directly to Erebus General, and to add salt to the wound, a prophet-like figure is running around New York; a general premise that takes us into more mischief and fun in this instalment of the series.
Not only Greta shines again due to her competence at dealing with the strangest of situations, but the duo of personalities given by the angel and the demon on the travel also adds a delicious layer to the story; Andariel, anxious to be helpful and trying to understand this new world, while Orlax is not the most proactive one, as we could have imagined with the episode on how he got into the trip.
We also have an opportunity to see how Shaw twists the story of the demons' fall from heaven, a new spin on an old tale; the shock of the two sides collaborating is another of the highlights from this book.
In terms of pacing, I would say that this instalment is a bit too slow at the initial quarter, but once our characters are in America, you can't stop reading while having a smile on your face; a great mix between serious moments and more irreverent ones that makes this a delightful experience.
Strange New World is a delightful read, especially if you are looking to read more of our proficient doctor, dealing with the supernatural as if she was battling a scar; a really fun novel which (right now) concludes with the Dr. Greta Helsing adventures.
Strange New World is the fourth and final book in the urban fantasy series Dr. Greta Helsing, written by Vivian Shaw and published by Orbit Books. A cozy and fun proposal that introduces us to a new reality where angels and demons are collaborating; a road trip trying to solve the problem of allergies between angels and demons where the Dr. Helsing will be again at the center of everything, with a humour that remembers to Good Omens.
Greta agrees to go on a research trip to America, at the orders of the Archdemon Fastitocalon; trying to discover if the effects of close interaction over a demon and an angel are not shown on Earth. At the same time, some creatures are being attacked with poisoned darts, sending them directly to Erebus General, and to add salt to the wound, a prophet-like figure is running around New York; a general premise that takes us into more mischief and fun in this instalment of the series.
Not only Greta shines again due to her competence at dealing with the strangest of situations, but the duo of personalities given by the angel and the demon on the travel also adds a delicious layer to the story; Andariel, anxious to be helpful and trying to understand this new world, while Orlax is not the most proactive one, as we could have imagined with the episode on how he got into the trip.
We also have an opportunity to see how Shaw twists the story of the demons' fall from heaven, a new spin on an old tale; the shock of the two sides collaborating is another of the highlights from this book.
In terms of pacing, I would say that this instalment is a bit too slow at the initial quarter, but once our characters are in America, you can't stop reading while having a smile on your face; a great mix between serious moments and more irreverent ones that makes this a delightful experience.
Strange New World is a delightful read, especially if you are looking to read more of our proficient doctor, dealing with the supernatural as if she was battling a scar; a really fun novel which (right now) concludes with the Dr. Greta Helsing adventures.
July 24, 2025
superstardrifter.com
This is the continuing story of Dr. Greta Helsing, London's foremost doctor for the strange and unusual. In this volume, Greta agrees to go on a research trip to New York, because since the very near end of the world, and the treaty between Heaven and Hell that averted the end of the world, it seems that angels and demons can't really work together, because as it turns out, they are... uhhhhhh literally allergic to each other.
Strange things are happening among the strange and unusual of New York City, and it might have something to do with the new treaty, and the old hostilities between Heaven and Hell.
I love the Greta Helsing books. They are always such a good time, and this one is no exception. I ended up getting the audiobook of this one, and giving it a listen as I loved the three previous audiobooks in the series. Catrin Walker-Booth narrates this one fantastically. I believe she is a different narrator from the first three books in the series, but honestly I didn't really notice. She did a great job!
Greta is such a great character. She handles even the strangest things with ease. I also love her relationship with Varney. There's little to no stress between them when Greta is getting calls from angels or demons, or suddenly needing to triage a whole bunch of nosferatu, or he's needing to go out to take care of his very specific diet.
All told, I liked this one. I didn't love it as much as the first three, however just having more of this world and these characters was exciting, so I give this one 4.5/5 stars!
This is the continuing story of Dr. Greta Helsing, London's foremost doctor for the strange and unusual. In this volume, Greta agrees to go on a research trip to New York, because since the very near end of the world, and the treaty between Heaven and Hell that averted the end of the world, it seems that angels and demons can't really work together, because as it turns out, they are... uhhhhhh literally allergic to each other.
Strange things are happening among the strange and unusual of New York City, and it might have something to do with the new treaty, and the old hostilities between Heaven and Hell.
I love the Greta Helsing books. They are always such a good time, and this one is no exception. I ended up getting the audiobook of this one, and giving it a listen as I loved the three previous audiobooks in the series. Catrin Walker-Booth narrates this one fantastically. I believe she is a different narrator from the first three books in the series, but honestly I didn't really notice. She did a great job!
Greta is such a great character. She handles even the strangest things with ease. I also love her relationship with Varney. There's little to no stress between them when Greta is getting calls from angels or demons, or suddenly needing to triage a whole bunch of nosferatu, or he's needing to go out to take care of his very specific diet.
All told, I liked this one. I didn't love it as much as the first three, however just having more of this world and these characters was exciting, so I give this one 4.5/5 stars!
March 28, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Orbit Books for this ARC.
4.5 stars
Since I first picked up the Greta Van Helsing series, I've been quite heavily invested in Vivian Shaw's work. This series made me realize how much I love supernatural doctors, and see authors unfold a whole new universe that has yet to be explored in fantasy. I was charmed by how much care Shaw put into designing the medical care needed for supernatural beings and grew to love the world the more I read about it.
It's such a shame that the Greta Van Helsing novels are nigh impossible to find in a bookstore as I feel many cozy fantasy readers would greatly enjoy this world. I know it has a bit more plot going for it than a normal cozy read does, however Shaw's world building feels like a nice warm hug. To me it comes off as low stakes despite the fact that there is a lot of world ending plot points occurring in the background. Shaw does a wonderful balance of introducing the reader to the world, whilst also introducing the other side's POV to give a few tiny morsels about the bigger problem yet to come. Shaw is meticulous in her writing, and switches from the more mundane side of things to the apocalyptic flawlessly in one self contained novel.
Compared to most other books in the Greta Van Helsing universe, Strange New World feels like it takes more time to get off the ground. Which I am not complaining about. It just took me way longer to connect the dots on what could be the big upset. Considering how Grave Importance ended, it's a tough act to follow in the next installment. So in that regards, it feels like the stakes are much lower which led to me feeling more comforted by the events that followed. I also read Bitter Waters before diving into this ARC, having felt that it would be included in the plot point. Don't worry--it is succinctly summarized and altogether an optional read! However any Shaw fan will go out their way anyways to read it.
My only major gripe for Strange New World would be the focus on Demons and Angels again. Personally, I get more enjoyment out of reading about other supernatural creatures and their ailments, and Grave Importance's focus on mummy doctoring was more preferable. The main focus in Strange New World was primarily on medical technology and how it affected Angels, which scratched that itch a little but not as well as the previous novel did. I would like to see Shaw take on more of the lesser developed supernatural entities in fantasy works. There are plenty of works out there that focus on vampires, demons, and angels... what about the rest of them?
If you've read any of Shaw's other works, you already know what's in store for you. Shaw is consistent in her work, but it's not so predictable. I had a tough time figuring out what the turning point would be. When I did come upon the turning point, I was thrilled to have connected the dots though I wished I had more to go on, like as in Grave Importance. In Strange New World, the other side felt a little disconnected as we kept bouncing between several perspectives that I did not realize were interconnected until about the 80% mark or so. The focus was more on the inner workings of heaven and hell, which is something we haven't had as much time to explore in the previous Greta Van Helsing novels.
This may be why I primarily feel this novel is much lower stakes as the main portion of it does fall on creating a research trip to diagnose the effects demons and angels have on one another in a neutral plane of existence. Unfortunately this point felt quite trivial as the reader is already aware of how they can exist based on the first chapter of the book. Shaw did get me all worked up to see a bus trip with a demon and angel in forced proximity, and I still would like to read a short story or novella that explores this notion hopefully in the near future.
Nevertheless, Strange New World is perfect for fans of the Greta Van Helsing universe, and I highly encourage other readers to just pick up Strange Practice anyways as you're all missing out.
4.5 stars
Since I first picked up the Greta Van Helsing series, I've been quite heavily invested in Vivian Shaw's work. This series made me realize how much I love supernatural doctors, and see authors unfold a whole new universe that has yet to be explored in fantasy. I was charmed by how much care Shaw put into designing the medical care needed for supernatural beings and grew to love the world the more I read about it.
It's such a shame that the Greta Van Helsing novels are nigh impossible to find in a bookstore as I feel many cozy fantasy readers would greatly enjoy this world. I know it has a bit more plot going for it than a normal cozy read does, however Shaw's world building feels like a nice warm hug. To me it comes off as low stakes despite the fact that there is a lot of world ending plot points occurring in the background. Shaw does a wonderful balance of introducing the reader to the world, whilst also introducing the other side's POV to give a few tiny morsels about the bigger problem yet to come. Shaw is meticulous in her writing, and switches from the more mundane side of things to the apocalyptic flawlessly in one self contained novel.
Compared to most other books in the Greta Van Helsing universe, Strange New World feels like it takes more time to get off the ground. Which I am not complaining about. It just took me way longer to connect the dots on what could be the big upset. Considering how Grave Importance ended, it's a tough act to follow in the next installment. So in that regards, it feels like the stakes are much lower which led to me feeling more comforted by the events that followed. I also read Bitter Waters before diving into this ARC, having felt that it would be included in the plot point. Don't worry--it is succinctly summarized and altogether an optional read! However any Shaw fan will go out their way anyways to read it.
My only major gripe for Strange New World would be the focus on Demons and Angels again. Personally, I get more enjoyment out of reading about other supernatural creatures and their ailments, and Grave Importance's focus on mummy doctoring was more preferable. The main focus in Strange New World was primarily on medical technology and how it affected Angels, which scratched that itch a little but not as well as the previous novel did. I would like to see Shaw take on more of the lesser developed supernatural entities in fantasy works. There are plenty of works out there that focus on vampires, demons, and angels... what about the rest of them?
If you've read any of Shaw's other works, you already know what's in store for you. Shaw is consistent in her work, but it's not so predictable. I had a tough time figuring out what the turning point would be. When I did come upon the turning point, I was thrilled to have connected the dots though I wished I had more to go on, like as in Grave Importance. In Strange New World, the other side felt a little disconnected as we kept bouncing between several perspectives that I did not realize were interconnected until about the 80% mark or so. The focus was more on the inner workings of heaven and hell, which is something we haven't had as much time to explore in the previous Greta Van Helsing novels.
This may be why I primarily feel this novel is much lower stakes as the main portion of it does fall on creating a research trip to diagnose the effects demons and angels have on one another in a neutral plane of existence. Unfortunately this point felt quite trivial as the reader is already aware of how they can exist based on the first chapter of the book. Shaw did get me all worked up to see a bus trip with a demon and angel in forced proximity, and I still would like to read a short story or novella that explores this notion hopefully in the near future.
Nevertheless, Strange New World is perfect for fans of the Greta Van Helsing universe, and I highly encourage other readers to just pick up Strange Practice anyways as you're all missing out.
June 24, 2025
3.25 - I LOVE this world and its characters, but the first half of this was so messy. It was mostly just phone calls and miscommunication, setting up logistics for a plot point that never happened. The second half was much better, but I didn’t like the resolution, and overall I’m not much of a fan of the heaven and hell politics. It felt more like a Good Omens novel than a Greta Helsing novel. More Greta next time, less heaven, please and thank you.
June 15, 2025
Not perfect, but happy to round up to 5. I loved the philosophical/spitiual musings and resolution in this more than the overt plot.
This appears to be the last book in the series, but I'd love to read more stories or novels set in this world and with these characters.
This appears to be the last book in the series, but I'd love to read more stories or novels set in this world and with these characters.
July 4, 2025
I’ve really loved the Greta Helsing series—it’s cozy, clever, and full of heart. Strange New World was another fun adventure with the team, and I enjoyed seeing more of Heaven this time around after so much time in Hell. I was gearing up for a big road trip with the characters (as the synopsis suggests), but there actually isn’t much of one.
That said, as the final book in the series, it felt a bit disconnected. A big character moment (Greta getting married!) happens off-page, and the ending didn’t feel like much of a conclusion. It could’ve easily continued for several more books—and honestly, I wish it had. This series has always read more like cozy fantasy—some action, but never anything that makes you feel truly stressed.
This installment was probably my least favorite of the series. Still, the world and characters are special, and I’d happily read more from Vivian Shaw in the future. Just don’t expect big action scenes—this series is more about quiet magic than chaos.
Thank you Orbit for an advanced readers copy of this book.
That said, as the final book in the series, it felt a bit disconnected. A big character moment (Greta getting married!) happens off-page, and the ending didn’t feel like much of a conclusion. It could’ve easily continued for several more books—and honestly, I wish it had. This series has always read more like cozy fantasy—some action, but never anything that makes you feel truly stressed.
This installment was probably my least favorite of the series. Still, the world and characters are special, and I’d happily read more from Vivian Shaw in the future. Just don’t expect big action scenes—this series is more about quiet magic than chaos.
Thank you Orbit for an advanced readers copy of this book.
May 16, 2025
Bear with me…….why would I start with the fourth book in a series? I honestly don’t know why I do it myself? Because I know that if the series is any good I’ll have to go out and them to my excessively long TBR and that is a problem. To be fair though I love a good series. So I’m never honestly mad at myself when I find a new one. I felt like this www one of the good ones. I was able to settle in to the story and could enjoy the book on its own. I am intrigued by the backstory enough to want to grab those books as well. A fun supernatural mystery that will have you rethinking heaven and hell.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
May 27, 2025
4.5/5
Доктор Грета Хелсинг и экзистенциальный кризис в Раю)) Хотя третьей книгой вполне можно было логично закончить серию, хорошо, что Шоу решила продолжать - натужным продолжение вовсе не выглядит.
Доктор Грета Хелсинг и экзистенциальный кризис в Раю)) Хотя третьей книгой вполне можно было логично закончить серию, хорошо, что Шоу решила продолжать - натужным продолжение вовсе не выглядит.
June 25, 2025
I can’t believe it’s done *stares at the wall* What a wonderful conclusion to an unforgettable series! Dr. Greta Helsing and her crew found a way into my cold dark heart, and they’re there to stay. Their quirky adventures and commentary made me smile throughout these books. Greta, Varney, Ruthven, and Fastitocalon are all wonderfully developed characters whose characters arcs grew throughout the series.
There’s something about the way Vivian Shaw writes that really speaks to me. She is funny while also making you think about larger world issues. In Strange New World, she addresses the problem of two opposing organizations (Heaven and Hell) trying to find a way to co-exist after their explosive war. Can demons and angels exist together? Are you “bad” just because you’re deemed as such by some out of date scripture?
Throughout the story, Shaw alternates POVs and you find yourself in the minds of several different characters. This change keeps the story fresh as you try and solve the mystery alongside the characters. Strange New World tends to focus more on characters outside of the original crew we see in the first three books, but I appreciate this departure so that she could close up the story properly.
This unputdownable series is so underrated, and I think more people should pick it up. It has a dark sense of humor with quirky supernatural creatures. There are subtle nods to gothic literature and stays true to the lore surrounding these tales. There is a research aspect I found fascinating and truly applaud Vivian Shaw for knowing her stuff.
Already looking forward to rereading these! Books 1-3 on kindle unlimited.
There’s something about the way Vivian Shaw writes that really speaks to me. She is funny while also making you think about larger world issues. In Strange New World, she addresses the problem of two opposing organizations (Heaven and Hell) trying to find a way to co-exist after their explosive war. Can demons and angels exist together? Are you “bad” just because you’re deemed as such by some out of date scripture?
Throughout the story, Shaw alternates POVs and you find yourself in the minds of several different characters. This change keeps the story fresh as you try and solve the mystery alongside the characters. Strange New World tends to focus more on characters outside of the original crew we see in the first three books, but I appreciate this departure so that she could close up the story properly.
This unputdownable series is so underrated, and I think more people should pick it up. It has a dark sense of humor with quirky supernatural creatures. There are subtle nods to gothic literature and stays true to the lore surrounding these tales. There is a research aspect I found fascinating and truly applaud Vivian Shaw for knowing her stuff.
Already looking forward to rereading these! Books 1-3 on kindle unlimited.
June 3, 2025
I am so thankful to have stumbled across this series by chance one day, a handful of years ago.
Vivian Shaw’s writing is beautiful, fun, intelligent, and engaging in an easy-to-obsess-over way.
Strange New World has all the charm of the previous books in her series, but follows an interesting, more political path this time. It honestly started to wig me out for a moment near the end, reading how Greta and company were so quick to raise their hands and step away from the messy accords of Heaven and Hell, but it ended so beautifully. Of course it was above their pay grade and who could expect them to intervene when they had all they could want?
Adariel, a new, young, comparatively inexperienced angel, being the one to take Gabriel’s hand and show grace made me feel /so much/ and in a way I have no idea how to explain. It was comforting, it was tragic, it made so much sense, but still some how confused me(in a ‘why does this make so much sense’ kind of sense)
My biggest critique is that some of the threads got buried towards the middle of the book, making some parts at the end not feel as satisfying. There were also some bits of information that felt repetitive when passed along from character to character.
I’ve never been one to push a series past its time, but these books feel so timeless. I know there will come a day where Shaw closes the Dr. Greta Helsing chapter(which brings me to tears even THINKING about it), but God, pleasee don’t let it be now. I would love, love, love a whole book about Nadezhda and/or Emily, anything more about Orlax and Adariel, honestly anything. The world is so fascinating and I can’t help, but want to know every little bit about it. 🩷
Vivian Shaw’s writing is beautiful, fun, intelligent, and engaging in an easy-to-obsess-over way.
Strange New World has all the charm of the previous books in her series, but follows an interesting, more political path this time. It honestly started to wig me out for a moment near the end, reading how Greta and company were so quick to raise their hands and step away from the messy accords of Heaven and Hell, but it ended so beautifully. Of course it was above their pay grade and who could expect them to intervene when they had all they could want?
Adariel, a new, young, comparatively inexperienced angel, being the one to take Gabriel’s hand and show grace made me feel /so much/ and in a way I have no idea how to explain. It was comforting, it was tragic, it made so much sense, but still some how confused me(in a ‘why does this make so much sense’ kind of sense)
My biggest critique is that some of the threads got buried towards the middle of the book, making some parts at the end not feel as satisfying. There were also some bits of information that felt repetitive when passed along from character to character.
I’ve never been one to push a series past its time, but these books feel so timeless. I know there will come a day where Shaw closes the Dr. Greta Helsing chapter(which brings me to tears even THINKING about it), but God, pleasee don’t let it be now. I would love, love, love a whole book about Nadezhda and/or Emily, anything more about Orlax and Adariel, honestly anything. The world is so fascinating and I can’t help, but want to know every little bit about it. 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2025
I love that we get one more book in this series! I would call these comfort reads even with the excitement of when something happens (though I guess the worst already did with the Armageddon in the last book with the nicely convenient reset into the strange new world where demons and angels are now working together, or at least trying to) because Greta always seems to be able to work with her friends to save the supernatural creatures that dwell on earth. You get to see what several of them are up to from the last book, Bitter Waters (the update to see how Lucy is doing being a ward of the great Dracula) while also taking a closer look at the angels and how Heaven has changed. That was interesting to see them evolve from something close to righteous unchanging robots, to ones that are a bit more human. And of course there has to be more Hell (and the very competent Doctor Faust) and their search to discover who is shooting poison darts at demons and other supernatural creatures. Plus there is a new area to be discovered on the way (New York) with a very old and cool Nosferatu vampire, Contini as a mobster regaining control over the city.
I would happily read many more books set in this world! Even spin offs with the other characters like Ruthven and Lucy and their adventures living with Dracula or more of the New York scene with Contini or even Orlax and Adriel as they discover this strange new world!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book. I absolutely loved it!
I would happily read many more books set in this world! Even spin offs with the other characters like Ruthven and Lucy and their adventures living with Dracula or more of the New York scene with Contini or even Orlax and Adriel as they discover this strange new world!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book. I absolutely loved it!
June 3, 2025
If this is really the end of the series, I wish it had ended one earlier with Bitter Waters instead. The plot just didn’t work for me: not only does it jump around a lot, it’s also… not very fun? To me this series is at its best when Greta is doing her thing: talking, questioning, theorizing, learning. Here she is oddly sidelined, and instead it’s all angelic politics all the time - which might have been interesting if told in a different way, or focusing on different things, but instead it’s , which was not my idea of a fun time. I came here for feel-good escapism, and did not really accomplish that. :(
This book also repeats itself a lot. At several points I wondered if this was multiple drafts of a novella that somehow got bloated to novel length because all the deleted scenes accidentally made it back into the draft; I can’t think of another excuse for how many times we read a comment, then see it word-for-word again later, or see the exact same scene from multiple viewpoints (sometimes a problem in earlier books of this series, but never this bad).
This book also repeats itself a lot. At several points I wondered if this was multiple drafts of a novella that somehow got bloated to novel length because all the deleted scenes accidentally made it back into the draft; I can’t think of another excuse for how many times we read a comment, then see it word-for-word again later, or see the exact same scene from multiple viewpoints (sometimes a problem in earlier books of this series, but never this bad).
July 6, 2025
This was good but didn’t compare to the previous books in the series imo. I think it’s because the main character Greta wasn’t the main Character in this story. It wasn’t until she was more involved that things really picked up for me.
December 30, 2025
Was very excited to pick up Strange New World by Vivian Shaw, fourth book in Dr. Greta Helsing series. The half-way book had Dracula as one of the protagonists, and, of course, he was here too. But sadly, plot revolved around the aftermath of book three.
About the Book: The heavenly reset has happened, everything’s back in order, to a degree. But calm wasn’t long lived. Someone, it seems, is trying to take out demons on Earth. And it could’ve gone undetected until something more major than a few individuals getting hurt occurred, if not for a collateral: an angel. Not that it hurt him, no, it’s just that he really cared about his demon friend who did get hurt. And all that whilst everyone’s trying hard to learn to work together, despite various allergies both these people have to one another and the respective planes. Enter Dr. Greta Helsing to solve several things all at once. Funny how initiative to help everyone and call her came from the Hell’s side, again…
My Opinion: I did really like book three, but I can’t claim to enjoy how heaven and hell in a Christian sense now just dominates the plot, leaving scraps for vampires, and even less for anything else. It felt more like Good Omens. Though even then, I like Dr. Greta Helsing more (not to mention the author is great), despite the great lack of Dracula in this book (he did show up for a little bit). The mystery is well written and allows the reader to follow the lead at an almost perfect pace, where you understand who’s behind everything mere moments before everyone else does too. A good book, just not for me. Not a fan of existential crises among demons and angels. Not sure if overall preference, or just my lack of belief in any god, and hence a slight apprehension to anything that, in my fantasy stories, implies this or that religion to be true. Either way, I won’t let it affect the score, as always. Greta and her host of vampires carried me through it all anyway.
A solid 4 out of 5. It’s a good book, despite my personal preferences.
About the Book: The heavenly reset has happened, everything’s back in order, to a degree. But calm wasn’t long lived. Someone, it seems, is trying to take out demons on Earth. And it could’ve gone undetected until something more major than a few individuals getting hurt occurred, if not for a collateral: an angel. Not that it hurt him, no, it’s just that he really cared about his demon friend who did get hurt. And all that whilst everyone’s trying hard to learn to work together, despite various allergies both these people have to one another and the respective planes. Enter Dr. Greta Helsing to solve several things all at once. Funny how initiative to help everyone and call her came from the Hell’s side, again…
My Opinion: I did really like book three, but I can’t claim to enjoy how heaven and hell in a Christian sense now just dominates the plot, leaving scraps for vampires, and even less for anything else. It felt more like Good Omens. Though even then, I like Dr. Greta Helsing more (not to mention the author is great), despite the great lack of Dracula in this book (he did show up for a little bit). The mystery is well written and allows the reader to follow the lead at an almost perfect pace, where you understand who’s behind everything mere moments before everyone else does too. A good book, just not for me. Not a fan of existential crises among demons and angels. Not sure if overall preference, or just my lack of belief in any god, and hence a slight apprehension to anything that, in my fantasy stories, implies this or that religion to be true. Either way, I won’t let it affect the score, as always. Greta and her host of vampires carried me through it all anyway.
A solid 4 out of 5. It’s a good book, despite my personal preferences.
May 29, 2025
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Strange New World
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
The title of this novel is quite the accurate one as the angels and demons try to navigate coexistence. There's a slight problem though, they are literally allergic to each other in Heaven and Hell. This hatches the idea of volunteering Greta on a road trip through America. Can angels and demons co-exist in the mortal realm? Both the demons and the angels select a candidate to be studied while on their trip. Does the premise sound bizarre? Yes, and Greta fully agrees it is, however, she and Varney embark on the journey together. But their research barely begins when supernaturals begin suffering horrible consequences from a new adversary. Greta and Varney will have to triage a whole host of creatures and figure out what in the world is going on.
The strange new world where demons and angels work together is a hard concept for some characters to understand. And the take Vivian Shaw has on why the demons fell from heaven is delightful, putting an intrinsic spin on an old tale. The difficulty in trying to understand new and evolving beliefs is explored, and there are grievous mistakes made along the way in gaining full understanding. But it all adds to the mystery and tension in the story.
And let's not pass up the fact that the angel and demon who were volunteered to travel with Greta are quite the team up of personalities. Orlax has the attitude of a teenager who would rather surf on their phone than do work. Whereas Adarial is anxious but eager to be a helpful angel trying to understand the modern world. After all, he was only created after the events of the previous novel. Both have parts to play in the reveal of mystery and take very different yet compelling journeys of self discovery.
Strange New World is a bit slower to develop than the previous novels but introduces new creatures and possibilities for the series. And it does not disappoint bringing humor and the theme of found family to the writing once again. There are cozy vibes, yet high stakes, and fans of the fantasy genre will love this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
The title of this novel is quite the accurate one as the angels and demons try to navigate coexistence. There's a slight problem though, they are literally allergic to each other in Heaven and Hell. This hatches the idea of volunteering Greta on a road trip through America. Can angels and demons co-exist in the mortal realm? Both the demons and the angels select a candidate to be studied while on their trip. Does the premise sound bizarre? Yes, and Greta fully agrees it is, however, she and Varney embark on the journey together. But their research barely begins when supernaturals begin suffering horrible consequences from a new adversary. Greta and Varney will have to triage a whole host of creatures and figure out what in the world is going on.
The strange new world where demons and angels work together is a hard concept for some characters to understand. And the take Vivian Shaw has on why the demons fell from heaven is delightful, putting an intrinsic spin on an old tale. The difficulty in trying to understand new and evolving beliefs is explored, and there are grievous mistakes made along the way in gaining full understanding. But it all adds to the mystery and tension in the story.
And let's not pass up the fact that the angel and demon who were volunteered to travel with Greta are quite the team up of personalities. Orlax has the attitude of a teenager who would rather surf on their phone than do work. Whereas Adarial is anxious but eager to be a helpful angel trying to understand the modern world. After all, he was only created after the events of the previous novel. Both have parts to play in the reveal of mystery and take very different yet compelling journeys of self discovery.
Strange New World is a bit slower to develop than the previous novels but introduces new creatures and possibilities for the series. And it does not disappoint bringing humor and the theme of found family to the writing once again. There are cozy vibes, yet high stakes, and fans of the fantasy genre will love this series.
June 1, 2025
This quickly became a favorite series for me and this installment, like the others, did not disappoint. All of the wit, charm, and heart was present, as always. Greta and friends had a new adventure / predicament to deal with. I know this was marketed as the final installment, but I truly hope to see more of Greta and her friends in the future.
I highly recommend for fans of paranormal urban fantasy who enjoy some snark and wit.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for this eARC. My review and opinions are my own.
I highly recommend for fans of paranormal urban fantasy who enjoy some snark and wit.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for this eARC. My review and opinions are my own.
March 15, 2025
This is one of my all-time favorite series I have read, and this book is no exception. This fun and quirky urban fantasy with down-to-earth characters and out-of-this-world conflicts is such a delight to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book as much as the other three in this series.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but if you loved the other novels in the Dr. Greta Helsing novels you’ll love this one as well. Dealing with the issues felt with the literal apocalypse in the last novel, we follow our main cast - with a few new characters - as they try to navigate the consequences of those actions. I loved the insight into Heaven and Hell’s politics, and how the different styles of operation affect those living in both of those realms. I also just loved how Greta and Varney now being married and their interactions with each other were so cute and domestic, I love them both so much.
I know this says it’s the conclusion to this series, but in all honesty this book felt like it could have set up for further books in the future, and I desperately hope that is the case. I thought the last book was the end (and that this series was actually a trilogy) and so I hope that I’ll have a similar happy surprise sometime in the future.
(There was also some chemistry between two unexpected characters that - if this series does continue - I need to see resolved in some way. And the fallout of that, because it would blow the politics of Heaven and Hell apart, which would be an absolute delight to read. I won’t spoil it with who, but I refuse to believe they don’t have something between them.)
A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Orbit for providing this e-ARC.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but if you loved the other novels in the Dr. Greta Helsing novels you’ll love this one as well. Dealing with the issues felt with the literal apocalypse in the last novel, we follow our main cast - with a few new characters - as they try to navigate the consequences of those actions. I loved the insight into Heaven and Hell’s politics, and how the different styles of operation affect those living in both of those realms. I also just loved how Greta and Varney now being married and their interactions with each other were so cute and domestic, I love them both so much.
I know this says it’s the conclusion to this series, but in all honesty this book felt like it could have set up for further books in the future, and I desperately hope that is the case. I thought the last book was the end (and that this series was actually a trilogy) and so I hope that I’ll have a similar happy surprise sometime in the future.
(There was also some chemistry between two unexpected characters that - if this series does continue - I need to see resolved in some way. And the fallout of that, because it would blow the politics of Heaven and Hell apart, which would be an absolute delight to read. I won’t spoil it with who, but I refuse to believe they don’t have something between them.)
A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Orbit for providing this e-ARC.
July 24, 2025
This books are always a delight. I wish we had seen more of Ruthven, I wish there were more books in general. I also liked the new type of vampires we encountered and that the conflict of the story was not with them.
So honestly perphaps this is not a full five star because I feel it is not as good as the second or third instalment but still it’s so charming and the characters are such a comfort to me that I cannot do anything but but give it a full five stars.
(Give me moooore)
So honestly perphaps this is not a full five star because I feel it is not as good as the second or third instalment but still it’s so charming and the characters are such a comfort to me that I cannot do anything but but give it a full five stars.
(Give me moooore)
June 22, 2025
I love this series. Funny, clever, great characters, good plots. That being said, this book had less to do with the main character, and more to do with folks on the side. Not a bad thing, but it left me wanting more of the good doctor and her husband (who is oddly superfluous in this book).
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