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Underworld Detection Agency #6
Under the Final Moon
It's not the end of the world--until it is. Sophie Lawson may be a mere human with no special abilities except a strong immunity to magic. But the havoc she's wreaked on the supernaturals who come up against the Underworld Detection Agency have earned her plenty of enemies. Still, a girl can't freak out every time a horribly barbecued corpse is found with her business card in its hand. Or see a sudden glut of earthquakes, wildfires and three-headed dogs as just another day in California. But Alex Grace, her favorite fallen angel, is concerned--or saying he is to see more of her. Getting Sophie to see all the signs of the Apocalypse is an interesting way to heat things up. Or maybe what's making everyone hot under the collar is the fact that all Hell is about to break loose...
352 pages, ebook
First published August 5, 2014
22 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Jayne
28 books684 followersHannah is the author of the UNDERWORLD DETECTION AGENCY CHRONICLES from Kensington books and the upcoming young adult thrillers TRULY, MADLY, DEADLY and SEE JANE RUN available from Sourcebooks, Inc. When she's not battling the demons of the Underworld or tackling a murderer at Hawthorne High, Jayne kicks her feet up in her San Francisco bay area home and attempts to share couch space with two enormous cats.
Now that you're here, kick up your feet and stay awhile...
Now that you're here, kick up your feet and stay awhile...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 24, 2014
I wasn't quite as taken with this sixth installment of the series. The recap, which happens fairly early on, was confusing even for someone who wasn't a new reader. Will's comments are now grating rather than amusingly blunt, and his ability to keep the identity of the Vessel of Souls seems distinctly suspect . Between that and Sophie's verbal diarhhea, as well as her constant dithering (Will-Alex-Will-Alex) which even bothers Nina, it seems there's very little character development. Everything and everyone just seems to be carried forward from the last book, except for Sophie's blase attitude towards her ex-sister.
The plot, unfortunately, seemed even more sketchy. () The ending just whooshed by, so quickly I had to go back and reread to see what I'd missed. Nope, nothing - it really did get resolved in a trice. Oh well.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The plot, unfortunately, seemed even more sketchy. () The ending just whooshed by, so quickly I had to go back and reread to see what I'd missed. Nope, nothing - it really did get resolved in a trice. Oh well.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2014
I'm not going to get into the story line because it's a bit complicated, but Sophie's father, Satan, appears to be behind arson connected with Sophie.
I can only give Under the Final Moon an OK rating because of many weaknesses, many of which permeate the series. Despite the misleading covers for this series (which I've complained about in another review) the heroine, Sophie, is not a kick ass Buffy wanna be. That doesn't have to be a bad thing, but she's not klutzy or humorous to make up for that. She's just ineffectual and, honestly, a tad bit stupid. She is warned repeatedly by other characters and she continues to stick her head in the sand. This time it's because of her new policy to be Zen and not get freaked out by what happens around her. It's more like she paralyzed by what's happened to her in the previous books and exploring that would have made this a more interesting book.
Other problems:
This is urban fantasy, romance is not the priority. So, why does there have to be a love (or more accurately a sex, I wasn't feeling real love, certainly not commitment, on anyone's part) triangle between Sophie, a fallen angel and her guardian? Throughout the series it has really gone no where, though there is a resolution here, possibly because this may be the last book in the series (not sure, the author's website doesn't say). Why one guy drops out of the triangle seems legit but the other stepping back in doesn't ring true.
Will is Sophie's guardian yet he has a full time job as a fire marshal and even when he's not working Sophie goes off getting into trouble with Will no where to be found. What kind of guardian is that?
Sophie is let go from the UDA when her personal problems cause an earthquake endangering the agency. There's no panic about what she's going to do for money, job hunting, signing up for unemployment, etc. Kale the receptionist later on didn't seem to know Sophie had been let go. What receptionist isn't the first to know about staff changes?
There's some repetition of things, like the UDA is 35 floors underground.
Alex's (fallen angel, now police detective) moods change on a dime. He tries not to grin when Sophie tells him she was almost killed twice?!? Leaves a restaurant before Sophie, but is right there when she is attacked?!?
I enjoy the Underworld Detection Agency characters, but they don't get much time here at all.
At one point it's stated that Nina and Sophie have been roommates for 12 years, than 7 by Nina.
At 87-88% Sophie's thoughts about her father and suddenly dreaming about a Father Knows Best dad makes no sense given everything she's was told about him.
For new readers, I would not recommend they bother to start the series, there's no payoff, though I did like the first book more than the following ones. For those that rate it higher as UF "light" and find it amusing, I can't agree. Part of me was going, "You have to be kidding me, she can't be that stupid." thinking dogs would go for veggie burgers instead of regular burgers. That was the only potential humor I saw in the book.
For urban fantasy, I want a smart but not perfect hero or heroine, a good group of supporting characters and an action packed story line. The secondary characters were poorly/under utilized in the story, Sophie was less than a heroine (despite the ending) and there was no resolution at the end with the bad guy. The story line had potential, but the getting from point A to B to C, etc. was poorly done. Yet, despite all that I didn't hate it, I just can't recommend it.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I can only give Under the Final Moon an OK rating because of many weaknesses, many of which permeate the series. Despite the misleading covers for this series (which I've complained about in another review) the heroine, Sophie, is not a kick ass Buffy wanna be. That doesn't have to be a bad thing, but she's not klutzy or humorous to make up for that. She's just ineffectual and, honestly, a tad bit stupid. She is warned repeatedly by other characters and she continues to stick her head in the sand. This time it's because of her new policy to be Zen and not get freaked out by what happens around her. It's more like she paralyzed by what's happened to her in the previous books and exploring that would have made this a more interesting book.
Other problems:
This is urban fantasy, romance is not the priority. So, why does there have to be a love (or more accurately a sex, I wasn't feeling real love, certainly not commitment, on anyone's part) triangle between Sophie, a fallen angel and her guardian? Throughout the series it has really gone no where, though there is a resolution here, possibly because this may be the last book in the series (not sure, the author's website doesn't say). Why one guy drops out of the triangle seems legit but the other stepping back in doesn't ring true.
Will is Sophie's guardian yet he has a full time job as a fire marshal and even when he's not working Sophie goes off getting into trouble with Will no where to be found. What kind of guardian is that?
Sophie is let go from the UDA when her personal problems cause an earthquake endangering the agency. There's no panic about what she's going to do for money, job hunting, signing up for unemployment, etc. Kale the receptionist later on didn't seem to know Sophie had been let go. What receptionist isn't the first to know about staff changes?
There's some repetition of things, like the UDA is 35 floors underground.
Alex's (fallen angel, now police detective) moods change on a dime. He tries not to grin when Sophie tells him she was almost killed twice?!? Leaves a restaurant before Sophie, but is right there when she is attacked?!?
I enjoy the Underworld Detection Agency characters, but they don't get much time here at all.
At one point it's stated that Nina and Sophie have been roommates for 12 years, than 7 by Nina.
At 87-88% Sophie's thoughts about her father and suddenly dreaming about a Father Knows Best dad makes no sense given everything she's was told about him.
For new readers, I would not recommend they bother to start the series, there's no payoff, though I did like the first book more than the following ones. For those that rate it higher as UF "light" and find it amusing, I can't agree. Part of me was going, "You have to be kidding me, she can't be that stupid." thinking dogs would go for veggie burgers instead of regular burgers. That was the only potential humor I saw in the book.
For urban fantasy, I want a smart but not perfect hero or heroine, a good group of supporting characters and an action packed story line. The secondary characters were poorly/under utilized in the story, Sophie was less than a heroine (despite the ending) and there was no resolution at the end with the bad guy. The story line had potential, but the getting from point A to B to C, etc. was poorly done. Yet, despite all that I didn't hate it, I just can't recommend it.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 11, 2015
3.75
Well I guess this is the last one? The buildup was long and then the ending was over in less than 10 pages. I'm a little confused lol. While some things were wrapped up there's still something missing that keeps it from feeling final. I was glad to have Nina more of a presence in this one than the last book. I've enjoyed the ride when you're in a mood for a quirky read. I've kind of gone through all of my quirky series now...I'll have to find a new one or two!
Well I guess this is the last one? The buildup was long and then the ending was over in less than 10 pages. I'm a little confused lol. While some things were wrapped up there's still something missing that keeps it from feeling final. I was glad to have Nina more of a presence in this one than the last book. I've enjoyed the ride when you're in a mood for a quirky read. I've kind of gone through all of my quirky series now...I'll have to find a new one or two!
September 23, 2014
Struggling to read, Sophie gets on my nerves and there is not enough of the Vamps (Nina and Vlad).
Sophie comes across more whiney and unsure than ever, or maybe I am just not in the mood and fett up with the series.
Reading the other reviews this may end up to be a 2 stars, too much misery and not enough story.
And well, it might be the last, a bad ending or the last one for me in this series. But so far I am not nearly at the end, so I'll wait and see...
Wow struggling on, reading way better books in between and am now at 70% nearing the end and cannot wait to put it away.
After getting this far, I ask myself wether the other books in the series where really that better or if I had changed.
Without reading them again, I cannot say for sure.
But this book feels too long and as with other books I get the impression that the author gets paid per word-/page-count, which just does not produce anything a reader like me wants (for nearly the same reason I do not read Stephen King).
This could have worked better in a much shorter way, like a novella. Or by killing Sophie in the beginning, or whatever else good comes to mind.
As it is, her bad self-image, no decisions-making attitude and her whiney, tear-filled moods are killing me. And destroy my wanting to read another book in this series or another book by this author. And this is a book I preordered and was looking forward to ... I shudder to think of it.
Although near the end, I just had to read a different, better book before closing this for good (or bad, or whatever).
Choosing from my huge virtual ebook stack of paid for but yet unread books: Kiss Me, Kill Me, a realistic romantic suspense-thriller.
Having finished it, it was too long with no real story, bad or no twists (if you call the ending a twist).
The ending was ok, but could not save the book, as it was accompanied with more self-doubt and whining about her decision (and inner monologue).
So, I hope this series will not get another book.
Not recommended, except for closing the series or die-hard fans. In looking back at the other books of the series I am not sure wether I gave them too much credit. Maybe I have changed. And this gets 2 stars and a promise to myself not to read another book by this writer anytime soon.
This should have been a short 2-3 read, but the 25 days from start to finish reflect how much I struggled to read this book.
As it was pre-ordered and paid for, and once I got over the 30% barrier I also hated to abandon it. As it is: a time-consuming mistake not to abandon it.
Sophie comes across more whiney and unsure than ever, or maybe I am just not in the mood and fett up with the series.
Reading the other reviews this may end up to be a 2 stars, too much misery and not enough story.
And well, it might be the last, a bad ending or the last one for me in this series. But so far I am not nearly at the end, so I'll wait and see...
Wow struggling on, reading way better books in between and am now at 70% nearing the end and cannot wait to put it away.
After getting this far, I ask myself wether the other books in the series where really that better or if I had changed.
Without reading them again, I cannot say for sure.
But this book feels too long and as with other books I get the impression that the author gets paid per word-/page-count, which just does not produce anything a reader like me wants (for nearly the same reason I do not read Stephen King).
This could have worked better in a much shorter way, like a novella. Or by killing Sophie in the beginning, or whatever else good comes to mind.
As it is, her bad self-image, no decisions-making attitude and her whiney, tear-filled moods are killing me. And destroy my wanting to read another book in this series or another book by this author. And this is a book I preordered and was looking forward to ... I shudder to think of it.
Although near the end, I just had to read a different, better book before closing this for good (or bad, or whatever).
Choosing from my huge virtual ebook stack of paid for but yet unread books: Kiss Me, Kill Me, a realistic romantic suspense-thriller.
Having finished it, it was too long with no real story, bad or no twists (if you call the ending a twist).
The ending was ok, but could not save the book, as it was accompanied with more self-doubt and whining about her decision (and inner monologue).
So, I hope this series will not get another book.
Not recommended, except for closing the series or die-hard fans. In looking back at the other books of the series I am not sure wether I gave them too much credit. Maybe I have changed. And this gets 2 stars and a promise to myself not to read another book by this writer anytime soon.
This should have been a short 2-3 read, but the 25 days from start to finish reflect how much I struggled to read this book.
As it was pre-ordered and paid for, and once I got over the 30% barrier I also hated to abandon it. As it is: a time-consuming mistake not to abandon it.
July 7, 2017
It's just so sad to see how low a once decent series has sunk. As other reviewers have written, I too got the impression Hannah Jayne got tired of her creation and that showed in this, her final novel in the "Underworld Detective Agency" series.
The only one thing I can praise in this book was the continued snark and humor that was present throughout the whole series. And now, on to the negatives.
Sophie was still the same weak, whiny, scared-of-her-shadow character she's always been. It also seemed she was crying about something or other in every other chapter! No matter how many times Sophie says or thinks she's "kick ass" in Under the Final Moon, that doesn't make it so. Sophie goes against type in this genre of UPF since the norm is a gutsy, take-no-prisoners leading lady. Maybe I should feel Sophie is a breath of fresh air because she's not like other UPF heroines, but I didn't feel that way. Rather, for me, she was one of the weak links in the cast of characters. In fact, throughout the whole series, my favorite character was Vlad. His attempts to Bram Stoker all vampires was just too funny!
As for the actual plot in this novel, it seemed all "sound and fury signifying nothing." Fires, murders, cryptic/scary prophesies all came to a whimper of an ending. Truly this book could have been a novella and nothing would have changed! Also the pace was OK, but the story lines just seemed to jump all over the place.
And speaking of something coming to a whimper, tsk tsk tsk. The author took the cheap and easy way out of Sophie making a deliberate choice between Alex and Will by having Will "disappear" once the Vessel of Souls was removed from Sophie. I can't get on board what is a presumed HEA for Sophie and Alex when he won by default. Shame on Hannah Jayne for not having the guts to make her heroine flat out state who ultimately wins her heart.
As I stated before, by this point you could tell Hannah Jayne was tired of this series, and all I can say is if her heart wasn't in it any longer, then thank goodness the series is over! That way, she can't s*** on her creation any more than she already has.
The only one thing I can praise in this book was the continued snark and humor that was present throughout the whole series. And now, on to the negatives.
Sophie was still the same weak, whiny, scared-of-her-shadow character she's always been. It also seemed she was crying about something or other in every other chapter! No matter how many times Sophie says or thinks she's "kick ass" in Under the Final Moon, that doesn't make it so. Sophie goes against type in this genre of UPF since the norm is a gutsy, take-no-prisoners leading lady. Maybe I should feel Sophie is a breath of fresh air because she's not like other UPF heroines, but I didn't feel that way. Rather, for me, she was one of the weak links in the cast of characters. In fact, throughout the whole series, my favorite character was Vlad. His attempts to Bram Stoker all vampires was just too funny!
As for the actual plot in this novel, it seemed all "sound and fury signifying nothing." Fires, murders, cryptic/scary prophesies all came to a whimper of an ending. Truly this book could have been a novella and nothing would have changed! Also the pace was OK, but the story lines just seemed to jump all over the place.
And speaking of something coming to a whimper, tsk tsk tsk. The author took the cheap and easy way out of Sophie making a deliberate choice between Alex and Will by having Will "disappear" once the Vessel of Souls was removed from Sophie. I can't get on board what is a presumed HEA for Sophie and Alex when he won by default. Shame on Hannah Jayne for not having the guts to make her heroine flat out state who ultimately wins her heart.
As I stated before, by this point you could tell Hannah Jayne was tired of this series, and all I can say is if her heart wasn't in it any longer, then thank goodness the series is over! That way, she can't s*** on her creation any more than she already has.
November 5, 2017
What is with these people who are giving this book good ratings? Did they actually read it? I loved the series up until this book. The characters were funny and left you wanting to get to know them. This book however was a totally disappointment. There was NO real story line, No further character growth. Nothing.!!!
The main character Sophie just whined and cried all through the book. It got so bad at one point I wondered how there wasn't more people wanting to kill her. Then there is all the jumping around in the story that made no sense at all. For example there is one point where She and Alex are walking to his car, then driving off, only to have the words changed up a bit and them doing it all over again. Did they leave and come back???? What was also annoying is how the author threw in the fact that Nina worked in fashion for a bit. The characters were talking about something else then suddenly it's just thrown in there with no connecting wording for it to fit there. And what was with Nina being able to be out in the sun driving around. What happened to her frying and dying in the sun? And why all the dropped parts. There are a number of places where it starts to get interesting only to have the issue dropped and a new day start. Leaving you wanting to know what happened after or because of something.
Another thing that was annoying about this book was that despite the back and forth with Sophie and the guys, Both men knew whether or not they could actually be with her in the end. So basically both guys were stringing her along with the promise of loving her. Which in my view makes Alex even more of and A - - but Will one also. I could go on about what else is wrong with this book yet but instead I'll jump to what bothered me most. I think the worst part of the book was the ending. The book had all this build up and then nothing. It was like a bad firecracker that just fizzled instead of going off. There was no action, no dramatic ending or interesting aspect to it at all. In fact I didn't really get it.
This book was way beyond just being disappointing. It down right SUCKED!!!.
L.
The main character Sophie just whined and cried all through the book. It got so bad at one point I wondered how there wasn't more people wanting to kill her. Then there is all the jumping around in the story that made no sense at all. For example there is one point where She and Alex are walking to his car, then driving off, only to have the words changed up a bit and them doing it all over again. Did they leave and come back???? What was also annoying is how the author threw in the fact that Nina worked in fashion for a bit. The characters were talking about something else then suddenly it's just thrown in there with no connecting wording for it to fit there. And what was with Nina being able to be out in the sun driving around. What happened to her frying and dying in the sun? And why all the dropped parts. There are a number of places where it starts to get interesting only to have the issue dropped and a new day start. Leaving you wanting to know what happened after or because of something.
Another thing that was annoying about this book was that despite the back and forth with Sophie and the guys, Both men knew whether or not they could actually be with her in the end. So basically both guys were stringing her along with the promise of loving her. Which in my view makes Alex even more of and A - - but Will one also. I could go on about what else is wrong with this book yet but instead I'll jump to what bothered me most. I think the worst part of the book was the ending. The book had all this build up and then nothing. It was like a bad firecracker that just fizzled instead of going off. There was no action, no dramatic ending or interesting aspect to it at all. In fact I didn't really get it.
This book was way beyond just being disappointing. It down right SUCKED!!!.
L.
July 20, 2014
Under the Final Moon is the 6th book in the Underworld Detection Agency and evil is about to rear its ugly head.
Sophie Lawson thought her life couldn't get more complicated, she thought wrong. Cerberus, earthquakes and spontaneous human combustion are just a few of her troubles these days. Throw in a visit from daddy, the devil, and it makes for a packed filled plot.
Under the Final Moon is a fast paced, action intense, humor driven storyline. The characters are quirky and fun. The story had an intensity that drew me in but for some reason I didn't connect to the characters actual plight...the vacillation between Alex and Will didn't help.
In the end, Under the Final Moon is a fun, exciting, urban fantasy with a dark and menacing vibe... Entertaining and enjoyable, Jayne once again plunges us deep into her imaginative world. 3.5 Stars
I received this ARC copy of Under the Final Moon from Kensington Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 5, 2014.
Written by: Hannah Jayne
Series: Underworld Detective Agency
Sequence in Series: 6
Page Count: 352 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Rating: 3.5 Stars
ISBN-10: 0758281145
ISBN-13: 978-0758281142
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Sophie Lawson thought her life couldn't get more complicated, she thought wrong. Cerberus, earthquakes and spontaneous human combustion are just a few of her troubles these days. Throw in a visit from daddy, the devil, and it makes for a packed filled plot.
Under the Final Moon is a fast paced, action intense, humor driven storyline. The characters are quirky and fun. The story had an intensity that drew me in but for some reason I didn't connect to the characters actual plight...the vacillation between Alex and Will didn't help.
In the end, Under the Final Moon is a fun, exciting, urban fantasy with a dark and menacing vibe... Entertaining and enjoyable, Jayne once again plunges us deep into her imaginative world. 3.5 Stars
I received this ARC copy of Under the Final Moon from Kensington Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 5, 2014.
Written by: Hannah Jayne
Series: Underworld Detective Agency
Sequence in Series: 6
Page Count: 352 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Rating: 3.5 Stars
ISBN-10: 0758281145
ISBN-13: 978-0758281142
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 30, 2014
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
I haven’t been able to confirm anywhere that this is the final book in the Underworld Detection Agency series, but it definitely felt like the end of Sophie’s story. A lot of things were resolved in this book and while I agree that some of it felt rushed and underwhelming, I still really enjoyed this book and how things went down. From the start, I’ve enjoyed the humor and the craziness of this series. The supernatural world that Hannah Jayne created was always interesting, a little scary, but also fun. You never knew what Sophie was going to say or do next, although sometimes I felt like she was a little disjointed and a little bipolar. The secondary characters were a lot of fun too and the romantic possibilities were yummy (I was always Team Alex though).
This book continued along the same path and it was great to finally get to the bones of Sophie’s family drama. We finally get to meet dear old dad. He was not quite what I expected, but the lead up to meeting him was great. I did get a little annoyed with Sophie’s back and forth, one minute she had daddy issues, the next she wanted to kick his butt. It fit the character well, but went on a little too long.
I’m sad to see Sophie and friends go, but I’m glad that I got to go along for the ride. I will definitely remember this series and check out anything else by Hannah Jayne in the future.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
I haven’t been able to confirm anywhere that this is the final book in the Underworld Detection Agency series, but it definitely felt like the end of Sophie’s story. A lot of things were resolved in this book and while I agree that some of it felt rushed and underwhelming, I still really enjoyed this book and how things went down. From the start, I’ve enjoyed the humor and the craziness of this series. The supernatural world that Hannah Jayne created was always interesting, a little scary, but also fun. You never knew what Sophie was going to say or do next, although sometimes I felt like she was a little disjointed and a little bipolar. The secondary characters were a lot of fun too and the romantic possibilities were yummy (I was always Team Alex though).
This book continued along the same path and it was great to finally get to the bones of Sophie’s family drama. We finally get to meet dear old dad. He was not quite what I expected, but the lead up to meeting him was great. I did get a little annoyed with Sophie’s back and forth, one minute she had daddy issues, the next she wanted to kick his butt. It fit the character well, but went on a little too long.
I’m sad to see Sophie and friends go, but I’m glad that I got to go along for the ride. I will definitely remember this series and check out anything else by Hannah Jayne in the future.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
August 1, 2014
**I received this book from NetGalley / Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Under the Final Moon, which features Sophie Lawson as its protagonist, is supposedly the final installment in the Underworld Detection Agency series. Sophie is the only "breather" aka human who works for the Underworld Detection Agency in keeping human eyes away from the supernatural. If you haven't read this series before now, you might want to reconsider jumping straight into this story. There are characters, situations, and silliness galore that you truly won't have any idea of what is happening if you do.
**My Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews**
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 06/17/2014 via NetGalley* Expected publication: August 5th 2014 by Kensington
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Under the Final Moon, which features Sophie Lawson as its protagonist, is supposedly the final installment in the Underworld Detection Agency series. Sophie is the only "breather" aka human who works for the Underworld Detection Agency in keeping human eyes away from the supernatural. If you haven't read this series before now, you might want to reconsider jumping straight into this story. There are characters, situations, and silliness galore that you truly won't have any idea of what is happening if you do.
**My Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews**
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 06/17/2014 via NetGalley* Expected publication: August 5th 2014 by Kensington
June 24, 2015
I don't know what it is about Sophie Lawson. But she is one of very few Urban Fantasy protagonists that I don't totally hate.
Yes there is a love triangle. Yes the entire series is about some mythical "Vessel of Souls" that somehow resides inside the protagonist. Yes there are fallen angels and vampires and trolls.
But despite all of this, I am always eager to read about Jayne's cast of unique characters. And despite all of this, I really enjoyed Under the Final Moon.
Is this the final book in the series, though? I don't know--and I hope not! I am not very happy with the ending if it is. I really hope that the "Final" in the title is just a word, and not a hint that it all ends here. 'Cause it can't. I feel that a lot of stuff was left unresolved.
So here's to hoping there is at least one more book.
V.E.R.M. totally demands it. :P
Thanks to Goodreads First Reads for letting me read and review this book. :)
Yes there is a love triangle. Yes the entire series is about some mythical "Vessel of Souls" that somehow resides inside the protagonist. Yes there are fallen angels and vampires and trolls.
But despite all of this, I am always eager to read about Jayne's cast of unique characters. And despite all of this, I really enjoyed Under the Final Moon.
Is this the final book in the series, though? I don't know--and I hope not! I am not very happy with the ending if it is. I really hope that the "Final" in the title is just a word, and not a hint that it all ends here. 'Cause it can't. I feel that a lot of stuff was left unresolved.
So here's to hoping there is at least one more book.
V.E.R.M. totally demands it. :P
Thanks to Goodreads First Reads for letting me read and review this book. :)
January 17, 2016
For the most part, I have enjoyed this light, easy to read series; however, after reading Under the Final Moon, I feel let down. From the weak plot that felt contrived and unfocused at times to the lack of a real climax to the hastily thrown in resolution that we're told about and really didn't make sense and to the poor editing (as least in the kindle version, I just felt cheated and left with a feeling of "huh?"
I gave it 2 stars because there were a few silly zingers where I laughed out loud, but it could have been better.
I gave it 2 stars because there were a few silly zingers where I laughed out loud, but it could have been better.
August 9, 2014
As always trouble follows Sophie wherever she goes! Is this the last one? I'm not sure. But I did enjoy it!
Read
June 28, 2020Excellent
April 16, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Sophie Lawson may be a mere human with no special abilities except a strong immunity to magic. But the havoc she's wreaked on the supernaturals who come up against the Underworld Detection Agency have earned her plenty of enemies. Still, a girl can't freak out every time a horribly barbecued corpse is found with her business card in its hand. Or see a sudden glut of earthquakes, wildfires and three-headed dogs as just another day in California. But Alex Grace, her favorite fallen angel, is concerned--or saying he is to see more of her. Getting Sophie to see all the signs of the Apocalypse is an interesting way to heat things up. Or maybe what's making everyone hot under the collar is the fact that all Hell is about to break loose...
I hadn't read any of the previous novels in this series. After reading this book, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you do read Books 1-5 first. Terribly confusing otherwise. I am giving this an average of 3 stars based solely on the content of this story...
I had read a bunch of reviews that said that the first few books were funny, had great character development and slick plots. None of that was obvious in this book. Having said that, the storyline and multiple arcs were pretty well delivered, although it did suffer somewhat from pacing. There were times when I thought the story got a little flat - but, conversely, there were times when I thought that the story needed to pull back a bit and let the story simmer some more.
I am not usually a fan of "vampire romance" novels but this one did have some originality that I appreciated. From other reviews of this series, it seems like that was constant throughout, which makes me want to go back and start from the beginning, just to see if this book makes total sense...because, on its own, it is a little confusing...
Finally, the ending doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, so I am hoping that reading the other books will help bring clarity to that issue.
Paul
ARH
Sophie Lawson may be a mere human with no special abilities except a strong immunity to magic. But the havoc she's wreaked on the supernaturals who come up against the Underworld Detection Agency have earned her plenty of enemies. Still, a girl can't freak out every time a horribly barbecued corpse is found with her business card in its hand. Or see a sudden glut of earthquakes, wildfires and three-headed dogs as just another day in California. But Alex Grace, her favorite fallen angel, is concerned--or saying he is to see more of her. Getting Sophie to see all the signs of the Apocalypse is an interesting way to heat things up. Or maybe what's making everyone hot under the collar is the fact that all Hell is about to break loose...
I hadn't read any of the previous novels in this series. After reading this book, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you do read Books 1-5 first. Terribly confusing otherwise. I am giving this an average of 3 stars based solely on the content of this story...
I had read a bunch of reviews that said that the first few books were funny, had great character development and slick plots. None of that was obvious in this book. Having said that, the storyline and multiple arcs were pretty well delivered, although it did suffer somewhat from pacing. There were times when I thought the story got a little flat - but, conversely, there were times when I thought that the story needed to pull back a bit and let the story simmer some more.
I am not usually a fan of "vampire romance" novels but this one did have some originality that I appreciated. From other reviews of this series, it seems like that was constant throughout, which makes me want to go back and start from the beginning, just to see if this book makes total sense...because, on its own, it is a little confusing...
Finally, the ending doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, so I am hoping that reading the other books will help bring clarity to that issue.
Paul
ARH
August 21, 2022
Don’t even bother reading this one because you will regret all the time you wasted on this series. I doubt I will give Hannah Jayne another chance as an author because this book is beyond terrible. New authors I expect growing pains. I’ll even give seasoned authors a chance if one book is bad but this exceeded bad by a long shot. This book and the previous one obviously had no editing. Vampires running around in daylight all over the place. It’s like entire chapters were accidentally deleted or something. You are reading then nothing makes sense. You go back a couple pages and read again and it makes no sense at all. Different people, place and conversation from one paragraph to the next. Less than zero character development. Sophie blathers endlessly and act likes she’s about 13. This series had so much potential and it was all wasted in this book. You can read the last chapter a couple of times and it still doesn’t make a lick of sense. This is seriously one of the worst books I’ve read in years and I read about 100-120 books a year in all genres. Hannah Jayne if you did have an editor on this book then fire them asap and never use them again. I can’t stress this enough. An editor should actually read the book and be able to point out inconsistencies as well as breaks in the story line. If I was editing this book it would look like it was bleeding due to how much work it needs.
January 5, 2018
One goal for this year is that I want to be tougher on the books that I read. This book was good, not the best that I've ever read by her. I've definitely preferred the beginning books in the series and by the time I got to like this one, let's just say I'm glad that it's over. The love triangle was getting really boring at this point and the way it ended wasn't very satisfying either. And all the daddy drama for it to just end the way it did was really just eh in my opinion. The other thing I really dislike that happens a lot in this book is how often the other just jumps into a whole other topic. Like they'll be talking about something and bam we have an entire scene change, which gets confusing. Anyway, it was a decent series and I'm glad to move on to something new.
February 9, 2021
I enjoyed the story and have always thought the spunk and enthusiasm of the characters was great. The pacing of this book, which I gather is the final book in the series, was a bit odd. The first 80% of the book was exposition, and the major confrontation of the series wrapped up in a somewhat confusing action series in the last 5% of the book. I would have liked there to be a bit more of a denoument to wrap up all the story lines and character arcs before the end of the series! Still, it's a fun urban fantasy series with a spunky heroine and swoon worthy male leads.
January 27, 2021
Sophie’s decides to mellow out about all the drama in her life but events, and her friends, have other ideas. Her dad (Satan) has decided that it’s time for Armageddon.
Last of series. Her friends were a little better in this as all her previous problems and danger comes together. Ending kind of abrupt and, after on all the lead up, too easy.
Fave scenes: Alex, Will & the elevator, the Rolling Stones joke, Nina’s brownies and Sophie telling both of the guys to ‘get out’.
Last of series. Her friends were a little better in this as all her previous problems and danger comes together. Ending kind of abrupt and, after on all the lead up, too easy.
Fave scenes: Alex, Will & the elevator, the Rolling Stones joke, Nina’s brownies and Sophie telling both of the guys to ‘get out’.
September 22, 2017
Great book, just abrupt ending
This book straps up this series. It was really good, they all are. But I am a tad bit disappointed that it just ended. I'm left with some questions about what happens now? Still with reading.
This book straps up this series. It was really good, they all are. But I am a tad bit disappointed that it just ended. I'm left with some questions about what happens now? Still with reading.
May 24, 2019
Amazing.
I so want cake too!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I 💗💗 this series!
Soooo, daddy shows, slicing happens, Armageddon averted??
Series is well written, characters are wonderful.
I'm in awe of Sophie.
I so want cake too!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I 💗💗 this series!
Soooo, daddy shows, slicing happens, Armageddon averted??
Series is well written, characters are wonderful.
I'm in awe of Sophie.
May 14, 2019
Loved this series, sad its over...looking for more books by Hannah Jayne.
January 5, 2020
I wish this was no the end of thevseries. It was cute, funny, and a good read. Plenty of excitement, romantic tension, and true friendships/relationships. I enjoyed this book and the entire series.
July 4, 2024
This was fun. I'm thinking the spazness of the main character might get old quick but checked another out to be sure.
November 9, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Sophie Lawson is a normal girl working in abnormal world!
Opening Sentence: “I could feel the cold stripe of fear going up my spine-like icy fingers walking slowly up vertebra after vertebra.”
The Review:
Yes, I hang my head sheepishly because this is another series I haven’t read! But I loved this book, this is my second book by Hannah Jayne and I am quickly becoming a fan, so I am for sure adding this series to TBR list asap! I’m not sure how closely it follows book five, but this opens with a bang and stays going strong the entire book. Sophie Lawson is back and quickly finds a new case with her right in the center of it. A vampire named Lance spontaneously combusted, but he was looking for Sophie. He even had her card on him before catching fire. Sophie is pulling right in the middle as it seems like all hell is breaking loose and maybe it is because Sophie Lawson is the daughter of Satan.
Sophie is getting chased the Grigori, which is a angel affiliated group trying to murder her because of the Vessel of Souls and the fact that she is Lucas’s daughther (he is also known as Satan). She is off again with her angel ex-boyfriend Alex, and a new man, Will, the werewolf seems to be interested in her as well. She is trying desperately to figure out what is going on with endangering all the people she cares about. The gates of hell have been blown open and will Lucas stop at nothing to find his daughter? Or is he really after something she has?
You will just have to read the book to find out. I know, sorry not sorry! There was a ton going on in this book, some romance, a lot of action, father-daughter issues and really Sophie had her hands full. I know there are things I missing because I haven’t read the first five books but I love a series that can pull you in no matter what number book you find and just suck you right in. Sophie was great, snarky and kicking butt. She was probably the only person unconcerned about the potential for moral dilemma due to the fact that she had possession of the Vessel of Souls.
I also really liked that in a world full of supernaturals from vampires to angels, that she was a kick butt heroine with no special powers except a strong immunity to magic. Normally someone who is the daughter of Satan would probably be super powerful and struggling with a dark side. But that wasn’t the case and I loved that about her, she was happy with who she was, she knew who she was and who she cared about.
I am not a fan of love triangles but this seemed to be more of getting closure from a past relationship and the beginning of a new relationship. Will was pretty cool, not that he played a huge part throughout the entire book. I enjoyed that Sophie didn’t always need to be saved and her friendship with Nina and Vlad is hilarious, I love great strong friendships. They are what make the world go around and just make a book even better. So if you are fan of this series, it is clearly still on fire or if you are looking for a new series check this one out! I will be going back and reading them from the beginning!
Notable Scenes:
“My mouth dropped open and now the flicker of anger was a full-on inferno.”
“Alex took a step closer to me, and it was the first time his fingers brushed over mine all over again.”
“My father is Satan.”
“I had gone from a glowing cocoon of two-man love to being the loneliest person on the planet in a matter of minutes.”
“Hipster, demon, or undead, I was pretty much used to seeing every king of fashion that retail and San Francisco could come up with.”
FTC Advisory: Kensington provided me with a copy of Under the Final Moon. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Sophie Lawson is a normal girl working in abnormal world!
Opening Sentence: “I could feel the cold stripe of fear going up my spine-like icy fingers walking slowly up vertebra after vertebra.”
The Review:
Yes, I hang my head sheepishly because this is another series I haven’t read! But I loved this book, this is my second book by Hannah Jayne and I am quickly becoming a fan, so I am for sure adding this series to TBR list asap! I’m not sure how closely it follows book five, but this opens with a bang and stays going strong the entire book. Sophie Lawson is back and quickly finds a new case with her right in the center of it. A vampire named Lance spontaneously combusted, but he was looking for Sophie. He even had her card on him before catching fire. Sophie is pulling right in the middle as it seems like all hell is breaking loose and maybe it is because Sophie Lawson is the daughter of Satan.
Sophie is getting chased the Grigori, which is a angel affiliated group trying to murder her because of the Vessel of Souls and the fact that she is Lucas’s daughther (he is also known as Satan). She is off again with her angel ex-boyfriend Alex, and a new man, Will, the werewolf seems to be interested in her as well. She is trying desperately to figure out what is going on with endangering all the people she cares about. The gates of hell have been blown open and will Lucas stop at nothing to find his daughter? Or is he really after something she has?
You will just have to read the book to find out. I know, sorry not sorry! There was a ton going on in this book, some romance, a lot of action, father-daughter issues and really Sophie had her hands full. I know there are things I missing because I haven’t read the first five books but I love a series that can pull you in no matter what number book you find and just suck you right in. Sophie was great, snarky and kicking butt. She was probably the only person unconcerned about the potential for moral dilemma due to the fact that she had possession of the Vessel of Souls.
I also really liked that in a world full of supernaturals from vampires to angels, that she was a kick butt heroine with no special powers except a strong immunity to magic. Normally someone who is the daughter of Satan would probably be super powerful and struggling with a dark side. But that wasn’t the case and I loved that about her, she was happy with who she was, she knew who she was and who she cared about.
I am not a fan of love triangles but this seemed to be more of getting closure from a past relationship and the beginning of a new relationship. Will was pretty cool, not that he played a huge part throughout the entire book. I enjoyed that Sophie didn’t always need to be saved and her friendship with Nina and Vlad is hilarious, I love great strong friendships. They are what make the world go around and just make a book even better. So if you are fan of this series, it is clearly still on fire or if you are looking for a new series check this one out! I will be going back and reading them from the beginning!
Notable Scenes:
“My mouth dropped open and now the flicker of anger was a full-on inferno.”
“Alex took a step closer to me, and it was the first time his fingers brushed over mine all over again.”
“My father is Satan.”
“I had gone from a glowing cocoon of two-man love to being the loneliest person on the planet in a matter of minutes.”
“Hipster, demon, or undead, I was pretty much used to seeing every king of fashion that retail and San Francisco could come up with.”
FTC Advisory: Kensington provided me with a copy of Under the Final Moon. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
January 5, 2015
This is a fun series, and you can’t help but like the girl who wants to be bad-ass, and imagines herself as bad-ass, but can’t quite live up to it. But this is the last book in the series, and now it’s show time.
Sophie is the Vessel of Souls. Everyone wants the vessel, which is somehow inside her. She has a myriad of friends, including a vampire, a fallen angel, and the guardian, who was sent to guard and protect the vessel of souls.
Sophie also works for the Underworld Detection Agency which is an organization that handles pretty much all things supernatural, from providing insurance coverage for inhabitants of the underworld to investigating a vampire killing. Although Sophie is a human, she is also immune to all magic and underworld super powers. She has the capability to see through the veil that keeps other humans from noticing things like 3′ tall trolls, or rotting zombies.
She also manages to get herself into trouble just about every time she steps out the door, which makes for some comical situations. This time, she is investigating signs of the apocalypse. Oh…. and did I mention her father is Satan? She has dreamed her whole life that her father would come back for her, but she never dreamed he’d be Satan, and now she wants nothing to do with him. But how do you hide from Satan?
Alex (the fallen angel) and Will (the guardian) are both interested in Sophie, and of course they are both hot, so she can’t seem to decide between the two of them, and there is a lot of chest puffing and arm flexing when both are in the room. They seem to be more interested in besting each other than actually protecting and taking care of Sophie. I’ve been rooting for Will…. mostly because he has a sexy British accent. Otherwise, I could take ‘em or leave ‘em. Despite how much Sophie finds them both sexy, I find them both a little immature and bland.
Sophie is definitely good at heart, and actively wants to defeat Satan, but she is no superhero, she doesn’t even know simple self-defense moves. Even though her heart is in the right place throughout the entire series, it’s pretty amazing how she’s managed to survive. I guess good always triumphs over evil?
I found it interesting that when her dad shows up, Alex, who says he loves her, and Will, her guardian, are nowhere close by. Wasn’t this their job? To take care of and protect Sophie? Or maybe, just maybe, she was able to take care of herself all along.
There were a lot of spelling errors in this book that should have been caught by an editor or even spell check. It was kind of distracting, especially when the same word is misspelled more than once.
The covers of these books are kind of misleading, since Sophie looks and acts nothing like the woman on the cover. I believe that the image on the cover is to show how Sophie wants to see herself, and how she wishes herself to be. Which is why it’s kind of funny. Sophie is definitely not the woman on this cover, no matter how much she wants to be.
Despite the coming apocalypse, the series is campy and entertaining. Sophie’s ability to mess things up every time she tries to fix or solve something can be annoying, but also pretty comical.
I did enjoy the series. It’s a fun, easy read, and you’ll root for Sophie, even if she doesn’t always root for herself.
Sophie is the Vessel of Souls. Everyone wants the vessel, which is somehow inside her. She has a myriad of friends, including a vampire, a fallen angel, and the guardian, who was sent to guard and protect the vessel of souls.
Sophie also works for the Underworld Detection Agency which is an organization that handles pretty much all things supernatural, from providing insurance coverage for inhabitants of the underworld to investigating a vampire killing. Although Sophie is a human, she is also immune to all magic and underworld super powers. She has the capability to see through the veil that keeps other humans from noticing things like 3′ tall trolls, or rotting zombies.
She also manages to get herself into trouble just about every time she steps out the door, which makes for some comical situations. This time, she is investigating signs of the apocalypse. Oh…. and did I mention her father is Satan? She has dreamed her whole life that her father would come back for her, but she never dreamed he’d be Satan, and now she wants nothing to do with him. But how do you hide from Satan?
Alex (the fallen angel) and Will (the guardian) are both interested in Sophie, and of course they are both hot, so she can’t seem to decide between the two of them, and there is a lot of chest puffing and arm flexing when both are in the room. They seem to be more interested in besting each other than actually protecting and taking care of Sophie. I’ve been rooting for Will…. mostly because he has a sexy British accent. Otherwise, I could take ‘em or leave ‘em. Despite how much Sophie finds them both sexy, I find them both a little immature and bland.
Sophie is definitely good at heart, and actively wants to defeat Satan, but she is no superhero, she doesn’t even know simple self-defense moves. Even though her heart is in the right place throughout the entire series, it’s pretty amazing how she’s managed to survive. I guess good always triumphs over evil?
I found it interesting that when her dad shows up, Alex, who says he loves her, and Will, her guardian, are nowhere close by. Wasn’t this their job? To take care of and protect Sophie? Or maybe, just maybe, she was able to take care of herself all along.
There were a lot of spelling errors in this book that should have been caught by an editor or even spell check. It was kind of distracting, especially when the same word is misspelled more than once.
The covers of these books are kind of misleading, since Sophie looks and acts nothing like the woman on the cover. I believe that the image on the cover is to show how Sophie wants to see herself, and how she wishes herself to be. Which is why it’s kind of funny. Sophie is definitely not the woman on this cover, no matter how much she wants to be.
Despite the coming apocalypse, the series is campy and entertaining. Sophie’s ability to mess things up every time she tries to fix or solve something can be annoying, but also pretty comical.
I did enjoy the series. It’s a fun, easy read, and you’ll root for Sophie, even if she doesn’t always root for herself.
August 7, 2014
2.5
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Being the Vessel of Souls, Sophie Lawson has become used to having her life threatened on an almost daily basis. Being the only “breather” working for the Underworld Detection Agency, she’s also used to seeing her fair share of murder and mayhem. She’s decided to take a more Zen-like attitude. She doing pretty good, until inexplicable acts of arson nearly break her Zen resolve. Despite the ominous feelings in the air, Sophie is willing to chalk it up to coincidence.
However, when one victim is carrying Sophie’s business card and his last words are “find her,” there’s little to no denying that something big is coming. Things get even more complicated when Sophie’s estranged father is thrown into the mix as the possible culprit behind all the strange occurrences.
Under the Final Moon went by in a kind of blur. It was still filled with the quirky and humorous characters synonymous to the series, but I found it also littered with, what I felt were, random short scenes that ended abruptly and didn’t lead to anywhere in the end. Because of this, many of the plotlines that grasped my attention were not given their due. This was especially true of scenes with Sophie’s father as well as the climax of the book. I would have loved for these areas to be expanded upon, but they ended up starting and being resolved in a couple pages at most. By the time Sophie decided to get serious about everything happening, more than half the book had already flown by.
I’m a pretty big fan of a witty, somewhat scatterbrained heroine. Sophie has these qualities in spades. She’s always getting into some crazy situation and somehow stumbling her way out again, but this time these things were a bit overwhelming. There’s a nice balance that must be observed, however, because despite being a little crazy, our heroines are also smart and capable. Sophie has gotten through a lot in the series so we know she’s capable, but when there’s too much craziness going on around her and when every other page she seems to be breaking out into tears, it’s very easy to forget how capable she is.
Under the Final Moon wraps things up in the series. Although for all the looking I did, I couldn’t find a definite ‘yes this is the final book’ quote anywhere. The end is definitely the end of the story arc. The issue with the Vessel of Souls is seemingly solved, although again not coherently, and Sophie must finally make her decision between Guardian Will and Fallen Angel Alex. I’ve really enjoyed watching Sophie go back and forth between these two hot guys with her feelings. I have my pick, but I honestly couldn’t say whom Sophie would choose. It seems as though Hannah Jayne felt the same way because when it comes down to it, and without giving anything away, I felt like Sophie was given an easy out.
I hate that I feel unfavorably about this book, but I think that’s because I was so surprised at the way it was executed. I would say if you’ve read the series up to this point, read Under the Final Moon, get the closure, although be prepared to possibly be unsatisfied.
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Being the Vessel of Souls, Sophie Lawson has become used to having her life threatened on an almost daily basis. Being the only “breather” working for the Underworld Detection Agency, she’s also used to seeing her fair share of murder and mayhem. She’s decided to take a more Zen-like attitude. She doing pretty good, until inexplicable acts of arson nearly break her Zen resolve. Despite the ominous feelings in the air, Sophie is willing to chalk it up to coincidence.
However, when one victim is carrying Sophie’s business card and his last words are “find her,” there’s little to no denying that something big is coming. Things get even more complicated when Sophie’s estranged father is thrown into the mix as the possible culprit behind all the strange occurrences.
Under the Final Moon went by in a kind of blur. It was still filled with the quirky and humorous characters synonymous to the series, but I found it also littered with, what I felt were, random short scenes that ended abruptly and didn’t lead to anywhere in the end. Because of this, many of the plotlines that grasped my attention were not given their due. This was especially true of scenes with Sophie’s father as well as the climax of the book. I would have loved for these areas to be expanded upon, but they ended up starting and being resolved in a couple pages at most. By the time Sophie decided to get serious about everything happening, more than half the book had already flown by.
I’m a pretty big fan of a witty, somewhat scatterbrained heroine. Sophie has these qualities in spades. She’s always getting into some crazy situation and somehow stumbling her way out again, but this time these things were a bit overwhelming. There’s a nice balance that must be observed, however, because despite being a little crazy, our heroines are also smart and capable. Sophie has gotten through a lot in the series so we know she’s capable, but when there’s too much craziness going on around her and when every other page she seems to be breaking out into tears, it’s very easy to forget how capable she is.
Under the Final Moon wraps things up in the series. Although for all the looking I did, I couldn’t find a definite ‘yes this is the final book’ quote anywhere. The end is definitely the end of the story arc. The issue with the Vessel of Souls is seemingly solved, although again not coherently, and Sophie must finally make her decision between Guardian Will and Fallen Angel Alex. I’ve really enjoyed watching Sophie go back and forth between these two hot guys with her feelings. I have my pick, but I honestly couldn’t say whom Sophie would choose. It seems as though Hannah Jayne felt the same way because when it comes down to it, and without giving anything away, I felt like Sophie was given an easy out.
I hate that I feel unfavorably about this book, but I think that’s because I was so surprised at the way it was executed. I would say if you’ve read the series up to this point, read Under the Final Moon, get the closure, although be prepared to possibly be unsatisfied.
September 9, 2015
Being the Vessel of Souls comes with a price; despite the fact that harboring the Vessel wasn't something Sophie signed up for, the consequences unfortunately are hers to face. She's been threatened, beaten, almost murdered several times and in this installment, she's got a host of new adversaries that make the previous ones look tame. The Grigori have gotten word of who and what Sophie is and they are hellbent, literally, on putting the Vessel into dear old papa Satan's hands.
The series thus far has been leading up to the culmination of the inevitable meeting between Sophie and Satan and with that meeting comes Armageddon. With random earthquakes, gruesome murders, and fires happening all over San Francisco, Sophie knows the time is near. Even with knowing who her father is, she still harbors some hope that Daddy Dearest will welcome her into his embrace and be the father she was missing her whole life.
After what I thought was a most disappointing fifth installment in the UDA series, I was hoping this series would redeem itself for me in Under the Final Moon. In some ways, it almost did, but mostly it did not. I had high expectations for the inevitable showdown and some parts were almost laughable. I am also growing tired of the "conveniences" Jayne takes with her current story in order to move things along. In book 5, she made Sophie get affected with magic when her claim to fame is magical immunity. In this book, despite the back and forth with Sophie and her loves about starting a relationship, both men knew whether or not they could truly be "the one" for Sophie and not only was Sophie strung along for the sake of the story, but so were the readers.
What started as a truly unique, fun series has quickly gone downhill for me. The inconsistencies and the continuity problems seem to grow as the series progresses. If indeed this is the final installment (keeping in mind I haven't found any concrete evidence of it being such, mainly just hearsay), I am glad that the big storyline of Satan vs Sophie has found a resolution. I am also happy that Sophie has chosen a man, or rather the man has chosen her since the bastard knew for awhile.
Certainly things could have played out a bit better, but it left me feeling moderately satisfied with several storylines. If this doesn't turn out to be the last and there are more to come, I will most likely read them in hopes of the series redeeming itself and turning back into what it originally was: an original, quirky series that made me laugh instead of a series that has gotten a wee too big for its britches and isn't following the rules of continuity.
**eARC received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
The series thus far has been leading up to the culmination of the inevitable meeting between Sophie and Satan and with that meeting comes Armageddon. With random earthquakes, gruesome murders, and fires happening all over San Francisco, Sophie knows the time is near. Even with knowing who her father is, she still harbors some hope that Daddy Dearest will welcome her into his embrace and be the father she was missing her whole life.
After what I thought was a most disappointing fifth installment in the UDA series, I was hoping this series would redeem itself for me in Under the Final Moon. In some ways, it almost did, but mostly it did not. I had high expectations for the inevitable showdown and some parts were almost laughable. I am also growing tired of the "conveniences" Jayne takes with her current story in order to move things along. In book 5, she made Sophie get affected with magic when her claim to fame is magical immunity. In this book, despite the back and forth with Sophie and her loves about starting a relationship, both men knew whether or not they could truly be "the one" for Sophie and not only was Sophie strung along for the sake of the story, but so were the readers.
What started as a truly unique, fun series has quickly gone downhill for me. The inconsistencies and the continuity problems seem to grow as the series progresses. If indeed this is the final installment (keeping in mind I haven't found any concrete evidence of it being such, mainly just hearsay), I am glad that the big storyline of Satan vs Sophie has found a resolution. I am also happy that Sophie has chosen a man, or rather the man has chosen her since the bastard knew for awhile.
Certainly things could have played out a bit better, but it left me feeling moderately satisfied with several storylines. If this doesn't turn out to be the last and there are more to come, I will most likely read them in hopes of the series redeeming itself and turning back into what it originally was: an original, quirky series that made me laugh instead of a series that has gotten a wee too big for its britches and isn't following the rules of continuity.
**eARC received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 31, 2014
This continues the Underworld Detection Agency series and I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to review this book if honest. The main character Sophie is half human and half demon with a dead mother and an absent father who truthfully she is much better off without. In spite of who or what her father is Sophie has no mad bad powers or anything but she can see through magic and now works as the only human or " breather" as the supes refer to her at the UDA. It's not an easy life but she has good friends and a very complicated love life. The real problem is Sophie has many enemies and as she is the keeper of the Vessel of Souls her life is constantly in danger. If the devil can get his hands on the Vessel than Armageddon could become a reality. Unfortunately things start happening that seem to signify the gates of hell opening and that is bad very bad. Sophie needs answers and she needs them quick but just who can she trust ?
I'm undecided if I like this series or not! Sophie is not the usual kick ass type of heroine and if I'm honest in this book she was constantly falling apart and in tears but she has no choice but to keep going. Then there's the love triangle ( mentally rolling my eyes) with on the one hand sexy fallen angel Alex and on the other we have guardian of the Vessel Will. I'm sorry but I didn't really feel any chemistry going on and I just wanted Sophie to make up her mind. In truth it just didn't feel as if Alex had any feelings for her and I found him quite wooden and distant . Will had much more charm but in terms of heat ? Their relationship left me cold!
I do think there's an interesting array of supporting characters with the quirky vampire Nina adding quite a lot of humour to the proceedings and yes Sophie is written as a woman with brains and attitude but it still felt a little juvenile at times to me. There's lots going on and Sophie faces numerous trials and yet I can't quite bring myself to describe it as action packed as I felt some of the scenes could have been fleshed out more. I found the ending a little abrupt and I'm not sure if this is the last in this series or not. I would recommend to those readers who enjoy urban fantasy that is lighter in tone and ideal for those who don't wish to be bogged down by too much sexual tension. As this is book six I think it would be a good idea to start with Under Wraps and follow the characters journey . An interesting idea but for me not a keeper.
Copy received via Net galley for an honest review
I'm undecided if I like this series or not! Sophie is not the usual kick ass type of heroine and if I'm honest in this book she was constantly falling apart and in tears but she has no choice but to keep going. Then there's the love triangle ( mentally rolling my eyes) with on the one hand sexy fallen angel Alex and on the other we have guardian of the Vessel Will. I'm sorry but I didn't really feel any chemistry going on and I just wanted Sophie to make up her mind. In truth it just didn't feel as if Alex had any feelings for her and I found him quite wooden and distant . Will had much more charm but in terms of heat ? Their relationship left me cold!
I do think there's an interesting array of supporting characters with the quirky vampire Nina adding quite a lot of humour to the proceedings and yes Sophie is written as a woman with brains and attitude but it still felt a little juvenile at times to me. There's lots going on and Sophie faces numerous trials and yet I can't quite bring myself to describe it as action packed as I felt some of the scenes could have been fleshed out more. I found the ending a little abrupt and I'm not sure if this is the last in this series or not. I would recommend to those readers who enjoy urban fantasy that is lighter in tone and ideal for those who don't wish to be bogged down by too much sexual tension. As this is book six I think it would be a good idea to start with Under Wraps and follow the characters journey . An interesting idea but for me not a keeper.
Copy received via Net galley for an honest review
July 2, 2014
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
This is the sixth book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I found it funny and liked the quirkiness of the characters. Yet, though I liked the book I didn’t feel connected to it. It probably has more to do with the fact of how much Sophie cries in it than anything else, but in saying that the book kept my attention, though it had a very abrupt ending. Still it was interesting and filled with danger and conflict as well as a little intrigue.
Opening Scene:
I could feel the cold strip of fear going up my spine-like icy fingers walking slowly up vertebra after vertebra.
The Review:
Sophie is having a hard time, what with her on off relationships with Will and Alex she knows she’ll have to make a choice soon. Then with a barbequed corpse holding her business card things aren’t really looking up. Sophie though is determined to be more positive, after all just how much worse can things get, she already has plenty of people trying to kill her already so no need to keep crying and having panic attacks. Well that’s until it looks like daddy dearest is coming for a visit, and since Sophie’s father is well the devil literally and has never had anything to do with her previously, Sophie knows things are so much worse than she ever imagined.
Memorable Scene:
“We need to talk.”
While normally those words would make me swoon and rethink today’s lingerie choices (white cotton panties dotted with pastel pink hearts; no-nonsense-and no cleavage-beige bra), the set of his jaw let me know that this wouldn’t be a tea-and-cookies kind of chat.
My stomach flopped in on itself.
“And a kind hello to you, too.”
Alex led me to his office, one hand clamped around my elbow as if I might dart away or steal something at any moment. It was awkward and annoying, but I guess he had just cause: I may have pilfered a cup of coffee, a jelly donut, or a piece of pivotal evidence in an open investigation once or twice.
I sat down in the hard plastic visitor’s chair, and he sat behind his desk in his I’m-the-boss chair, arms crossed, eyes holding mine.
FTC Advisory: Kensington Publishing Corp. through Net Galley provided me with a copy of Under the Final Moon by Hannah Jayne. Published through Kensington Publishing Corp. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
This is the sixth book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I found it funny and liked the quirkiness of the characters. Yet, though I liked the book I didn’t feel connected to it. It probably has more to do with the fact of how much Sophie cries in it than anything else, but in saying that the book kept my attention, though it had a very abrupt ending. Still it was interesting and filled with danger and conflict as well as a little intrigue.
Opening Scene:
I could feel the cold strip of fear going up my spine-like icy fingers walking slowly up vertebra after vertebra.
The Review:
Sophie is having a hard time, what with her on off relationships with Will and Alex she knows she’ll have to make a choice soon. Then with a barbequed corpse holding her business card things aren’t really looking up. Sophie though is determined to be more positive, after all just how much worse can things get, she already has plenty of people trying to kill her already so no need to keep crying and having panic attacks. Well that’s until it looks like daddy dearest is coming for a visit, and since Sophie’s father is well the devil literally and has never had anything to do with her previously, Sophie knows things are so much worse than she ever imagined.
Memorable Scene:
“We need to talk.”
While normally those words would make me swoon and rethink today’s lingerie choices (white cotton panties dotted with pastel pink hearts; no-nonsense-and no cleavage-beige bra), the set of his jaw let me know that this wouldn’t be a tea-and-cookies kind of chat.
My stomach flopped in on itself.
“And a kind hello to you, too.”
Alex led me to his office, one hand clamped around my elbow as if I might dart away or steal something at any moment. It was awkward and annoying, but I guess he had just cause: I may have pilfered a cup of coffee, a jelly donut, or a piece of pivotal evidence in an open investigation once or twice.
I sat down in the hard plastic visitor’s chair, and he sat behind his desk in his I’m-the-boss chair, arms crossed, eyes holding mine.
FTC Advisory: Kensington Publishing Corp. through Net Galley provided me with a copy of Under the Final Moon by Hannah Jayne. Published through Kensington Publishing Corp. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
August 8, 2014
Under The Final Moon, Hannah Jayne
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
I've read all of this series from the first book, and loved each part, from Sophie, klutzy but so genuine, to Vamp Nina, self obessed but yet when the chips are down Neens is there, the agency staff- an assorted bunch with some funny quirks, and of course the delicous pair of Guardian Will and fallen angel Alex. Sophie wants them both, but as Nina keeps saying, she has to choose....and who can forget little Cha-Cha, that dog is a real star !
So, onto the final part, the espisode that all the others have been leading up to, and her enemies are now out in force. In the past there's been more or less one (type) of enemy at a time, now they're round every corner, in every bar, following her every move and the Agency feels they just can't deal with it. Poor Sophie, gives her all and then she's on her own. She understands, but it's still hard to accept when it seems she can't even go for a consoling drink without getting attacked, and Will and Alex are dealing with the aftermath of all the city's fires and earthquakes. Seems Sophie's dad is finally ready to visit – and that puts her in danger. She knows what dear old dad wants and its not a friendly “hello, I've missed you....” - but something far more life threatening.
There was lots going on in this book, but somehow it didn't hook me as past episodes have. I'm not sure why, maybe just the multiple enemy scenes, or perhaps that Will and Alex didn't seem as connected with Sophie as they usually are – they were both very busy with other things. The ending comes over well, I didn't see that happeneing which was good, but overall I just felt underwhelemed after the brilliance of the earlier books. I expected to feel more emotional, more sad at saying goodbye to the cast but it just seemed to happen so suddenly that I was taken by surprise.
Stars: Four, its still a good read and one that wraps everything up well.
ARC supplied via Netgalley
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
I've read all of this series from the first book, and loved each part, from Sophie, klutzy but so genuine, to Vamp Nina, self obessed but yet when the chips are down Neens is there, the agency staff- an assorted bunch with some funny quirks, and of course the delicous pair of Guardian Will and fallen angel Alex. Sophie wants them both, but as Nina keeps saying, she has to choose....and who can forget little Cha-Cha, that dog is a real star !
So, onto the final part, the espisode that all the others have been leading up to, and her enemies are now out in force. In the past there's been more or less one (type) of enemy at a time, now they're round every corner, in every bar, following her every move and the Agency feels they just can't deal with it. Poor Sophie, gives her all and then she's on her own. She understands, but it's still hard to accept when it seems she can't even go for a consoling drink without getting attacked, and Will and Alex are dealing with the aftermath of all the city's fires and earthquakes. Seems Sophie's dad is finally ready to visit – and that puts her in danger. She knows what dear old dad wants and its not a friendly “hello, I've missed you....” - but something far more life threatening.
There was lots going on in this book, but somehow it didn't hook me as past episodes have. I'm not sure why, maybe just the multiple enemy scenes, or perhaps that Will and Alex didn't seem as connected with Sophie as they usually are – they were both very busy with other things. The ending comes over well, I didn't see that happeneing which was good, but overall I just felt underwhelemed after the brilliance of the earlier books. I expected to feel more emotional, more sad at saying goodbye to the cast but it just seemed to happen so suddenly that I was taken by surprise.
Stars: Four, its still a good read and one that wraps everything up well.
ARC supplied via Netgalley
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