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Matt Archer #5

Matt Archer: Redemption

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“There’s more to me than you know…” When Matt Archer’s sister, Mamie, said those words to him three years ago, he had no idea how prophetic they were, or what this would mean for his family. Now, he knows. And it changes everything, bringing the war right to Matt’s doorstep. In the epic conclusion to the Matt Archer series, the endgame is near. Betrayed by an enemy, the wielders have been called off the hunt by their own government, despite increasing reports of paranormal activity—and deaths—worldwide. Matt is forced to sit on the sidelines, knowing that proving monsters exist means revealing who—and what—he is. Soon the world will know his name…which will only make his job harder. Matt’s only hope resides with a man he barely knows—his father. If Erik Archer can put together the final puzzle before the monsters do, maybe they’ll have a chance. Maybe. Mystery, tragedy and the power of family combine as Matt races to win the war and save the people he loves. There’s just one thing he’s afraid of… It might already be too late.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2014

6 people are currently reading
276 people want to read

About the author

Kendra C. Highley

27 books711 followers
Kendra C. Highley lives in north Texas with her husband and two children. She also serves as staff to four self-important and high-powered cats. This, according to the cats, is her most important job. She believes in everyday magic, extraordinary love stories, and the restorative powers of dark chocolate

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5 stars
152 (61%)
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61 (24%)
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28 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Kantami Blossom.
19 reviews
June 25, 2014
i was lucky enough to win an advanced copy from the author in a competition, and i was just shocked at the book.

at the start of my review for bloodlines i called the opening epic, bloodlines pales in comparison to the epic opening of redemption.
the drama of the congressional hearing, the monstrous(no pun intended) scale of the action, the loss of good men, and the death of heroes and an angel.

redemption up's the ante set by the previous books as all five wielders are sent worldwide to deal with infestations whilst preparing for the endgame.
in the battles waged the wielders will have to combat huge snakes, giant rat's, killer pandas, "ewoks of malicious inent", and a kung-fu demon.
and then there is still the final two prime monsters the fire dragon, and the shadow man.

matt's journey comes full circle as he is smashed, torn, broken, and then remade as the soldier from his vision in peru, after he sets out to meet the destiny that the stars have set out for him.
along the way there is humour, love, pain, suffering, and then losses so great they may well destroy matt forever.

matt archer's journey comes to a close with redemption a fitting end to a series with such spirit and emotion that i for one will be re-reading them many times.
if you haven't read them all yet check them out, i highly recommend this series to fantasy readers of all ages, you will not be dissapointed.
so check out the series then tell your friends/family about it and help spread the word and get the series get the audience it deserves.
Profile Image for Deanna Stanley.
213 reviews6 followers
June 15, 2014
I was offered an advance copy in exchange for a fair review. And wow! What a book.

When I finished book four in the Matt Archer series I really didn't see how Kendra Highley was going to finish everything in one book. But she did, and in a satisfying (if bittersweet) fashion. This is the story of the final battle of good versus evil, and Matt and his siblings play the key roles.

But first, there's congressional hearings (worse than monsters any day!), the fourth prime monster to be taken outs, and lots of cryptic prophesy (why is prophesy never clear? Just once I'd like to hear "Turn right at the fifth pine and talk to the old lady in the blue jacket.")

There is lots of action, and lots of monsters. From snakes, to pterodactyls, to pandas and goblins, so things that describe description. And our heroes have to fight them all. Fight the and die, in some cases. I did tell you this was bittersweet, didn't I?

Why are YA books so sad? This one tried to rip my heart to pieces several times. But in the end you can't help but satisfied, and happy for Matt. It's not an easy journey, but it's well worth the trip. I'm sorry to say goodbye to Matt and his friends, but I'm glad it ended this way.
Profile Image for Amanda Kern.
726 reviews8 followers
August 22, 2022
I have read the Matt Archer series from the beginning. I have also read the books multiple times. The books always left me at the edge of my seat wanting more. This time it was no different.

I won an ARC of this book from her website. I got it about 5pm this evening and I could not put it down. It also made me cry a little. I could not believe what she did. Especially about that nasty congressional meeting that was at the end of the last book.

I do recommend though rereading the last book before reading this one. If you are unsure what happened. For this one takes place right after it. Hardly any time has lapsed.

I hope this author keeps up the good work. I will defiantly be keeping an eye out for future works by her.


Profile Image for Kendra.
Author 27 books711 followers
Read
May 23, 2014
Releases July 4, 2014!
Profile Image for Andre Dias.
18 reviews6 followers
August 30, 2014
I can't praise the book enough. It has left me sobbing, silently, when the final battle drew high. I can't think of a better ending than this.
Profile Image for Katie.
107 reviews26 followers
August 15, 2014
It might already be too late.
Kendra… Kendra Kendra Kendra…. WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME!?!?
Let me start out by saying that I have been with Matt since the first book tour of Matt Archer: Monster Hunter. I was skeptical to say the least. Teenage monster hunter? Uhhhhhh…. but I decided, why not? So I signed up. Best decision of my life. Worst decision of my life? Reading this book in public places. Like the airport. The plane. The bus ride to Disneyland. Disneyland. I’m sure people looked at me like a total lunatic while I cried reading this book. So many characters left us in this book. The scene when the men are getting ready to go into the cave and you know who loses his you know what? I stopped dead in my tracks walking through Disneyland with my mouth hanging open staring at my phone, throat burning trying to keep from sobbing.

Besides being pissed that nearly everyone I cared for in this book died, this was incredible finish to the story. Everything came full circle, and the solution to the puzzle that has spanned so many books now has finally come to light (lol unintentional pun there!). And boy was it a doozy. I don’t want to say a lot, only because if I start ranting I’m going to spoil the whole book. But one thing is for certain: this is a series I will read over and over again. I love the characters so much. All of them. There was never a character I didn’t like. Even Ann and the main bad man himself I loved to hate. We lost so many over the course of these books and I hurt every time I think about them.

I only have one thing to complain about and this is going to be spoilers for those who haven’t read the book yet: where was Johnson and Blakeny and all them at the end? And where are Matt’s other groomsmen?? It better be those 2 at least! I’m glad Matt somewhat got his happy ending, especially getting his knife back. And Tink of course! And his dad AND THE TWINS! Poor Mike and Julie haha!

Thank you, Kendra, for allowing us to know Matt and his world. He will stay in my heart alongside the likes of Harry Potter for the rest of my life. I’m proud to be able to say that I have read these books and wish everyone in the world to get to know Matt like I have!
Profile Image for Book Junky Girls.
840 reviews33 followers
July 18, 2014
The totally crazy epic conclusion to what has truely been an amazing series. Taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions, be sure to keep a box of Kleenex near while reading this one!!!!

Who would have ever thought things would turn out quite like this when starting this series? It may be called the Matt Archer Series, but throughout each book we've become entangled in a great many characters lives. And now we see how things really end for everyone. We also learn what was really going on that we never could quite figure out about the spirits and the Archer family as a whole.

Matt has become a true leader and a force to be reckoned, but his role is nothing compaired to other Archers who have always been there, if just in the background. He's become better at what he does, learning to live with the consequences of his actions even if thing don't always go the way their planned.

His relationship with Ella is stronger than ever and it gives him a reason to keep fighting even when he's worn down to the bone. Will who's been at his back since they were kids has his own missions now, but he's still always there when Matt needs him most. He knows him better than anyone else and does what no one else can when things are at their toughest.

It all comes to a head in this one and if you thought the story was intense and crazy before, it's nothing compaired to how it all turns out in the end. If you think you know how everything will end you'll be surprised with every twist and turn right to the very end.
Profile Image for Rebecca Henderson.
Author 5 books20 followers
July 10, 2014
I was honored to be a beta reader for the final book in this series. What a strong, emotion-filled ending to a set of books I have truly enjoyed reading every step of the way. Highley finishes this series with even more of the intense action we've come to expect from Matt and his team -- I don't know how she did it, but she managed to ramp up the intensity and scale in climactic battle scenes that can truly be described as epic (in the enduring sense of the word, not just its current usage). The family component of Matt's story comes to a conclusion that I wasn't quite expecting, but Highley has done an excellent job of creating an overall story arc throughout all of this series so that the conclusion is *right* and doesn't seem manipulated. I am sad that this series has come to an end. I will miss looking forward to the next MA book...but now I can look forward to whatever Highley is working on next!
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,571 reviews19 followers
September 1, 2014
I received a free ecopy of this book for an honest review.

Matt Archer: Redemption is a young adult fantasy. It is the fifth and final book in the Matt Archer series. It’s one of those series in which I got attached to the characters and was sorry to see it end.

The other books have been building up to this one. It has even more action, more monsters and demons, and a lot more heartache.

The characters are well developed and still have a surprise or two. Their relationships have also developed (in a good way) over the past 3 years.

I definitely recommend Matt Archer: Redemption but I also recommend reading the entire series to get the most out of it. And what an ending! It was perfect.
2 reviews
December 23, 2017
Great ending to the series. One of my all time favorites. All of the characters were excellently portrayed throughout all the books and the ending was spell-bounding. The Matt Archer series dragged me in like the Rick Riordan Percy Jackson series, and all his other “god”/“goddesses” series’s, and just like the JK Rowling Harry Potter series, and Anthony Horowitz Alex Rider series (not over) as well. Truly epic storyline all the way to the very end. Excellent read for anyone who loves mystery, suspense, gore, sci-fy, and a little humor in the mix, to make the characters and story flow beautifully together. I loved the ending and am glad the characters who survived have a bright future ahead of them at the ending of the story.
Profile Image for Kristen Otte.
Author 16 books35 followers
July 9, 2014
With Redemption, Kendra Highley did something great–she finished a young adult series well. The storyline is tied up by the last chapter. Even though you want to see more from the characters, you don't need it. The story is complete.

If you have read the previous Matt Archer novels, Redemption follows the same pattern. It has plenty of action, but humor laced in the dialogue to ease the tension. By book five, you are rooting for the characters so it's tough to lose any of them, but it's an epic battle of good vs. evil, and Highley isn't afraid of characters making the ultimate sacrifice.

I loved this series, and will reread the series again in the future!
Profile Image for Becca Andre.
Author 29 books240 followers
July 15, 2014
I didn't think Kendra could top her last book, but I was wrong. Redemption blew me away! It opens in epic fashion, grabs you by the throat, and never lets go.

The end game has begun and it's up to Matt and his fellow wielders to save the day--and the world. As in previous books in this series, the fights are intense, and the emotions raw and hard hitting. Kendra has the rare ability to make me feel while reading. Be warned, there are some gut-wrenching moments in this book, but I couldn't see it happening any other way. Perfect!

This is an amazing conclusion to an amazing series. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Pratr- Authors.
442 reviews10 followers
July 7, 2014
Omg!!!! I. Am speechless. This book threw me for a loop. I have laughed feared and cried with all these characters. Matt Archer and the rest of the welders are in front of Congress trying to make them believe about monsters. What happens when you get all 5 welders in one spot? The monsters come to them but it's only the beginning. Will all the archers come out of this alive or will they all lose? I an so sad to see the end of the series but this book ties it all together. I give this book and the series s 5 fang review
Profile Image for Kelly.
293 reviews
July 11, 2014
I am flat out exhausted. This is a young adult novel and I am anything but a young adult...however, I fought the demons and monsters from the comfort of my own chair right along with Matt Archer and the other wielders. I had to put it down several times as it got pretty intense...jaws music intense. You know it's coming...you know someone won't make it back. Good versus Evil. Good job, Kendra C. Highley!
Profile Image for Louisa.
8,739 reviews98 followers
July 7, 2014
Oh, this was such a great book, and so sad too, I cried, and I almost never cry, and yeah, I just wish we could've had more book, especially the ending, after everything was over, or the epilogue, it had a lot of information of how their lives had gone on, but I want more!!! All in all, really great ending to the series! And I'm sad to see it go!
Profile Image for Wolfgarr.
340 reviews20 followers
September 30, 2017
Kindra C Highley In my opinion is one of that very rare 1% who CAN write about a male main character in her story and GET IT RIGHT.

Loved the series, Made me laugh, Cringe, Cry, and shout YES!!!
More importantly Highley made me CARE about the characters in this story.

+1000 Stars for Zero Gender/feminist Bull..S....
28 reviews
June 24, 2018
I have finished the entire series and am disappointed. There is now no more to read. This was an excellent series! The characters were great and the books flowed very good! I would recommend this series to any age from teenage to anyone who enjoys reading. I am 66 and really enjoyed it!
Profile Image for liirogue.
589 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2018
Wow, great ending to an incredibly enjoyable series. It's a YA series but the author isn't afraid to address some heavy issues, and this book is no exception. Heart breaking and thrilling ending.
Profile Image for Marked By Books.
88 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2014
The summary for Matt Archer: Redemption describes this book as "the epic conclusion." EPIC. Now I'd say that's a fairly accurate description.

Everything has been leading up to this. When Matt saw the vision of his team riding through the sand dunes to face an unspeakable, oncoming evil, that day was always far off somewhere in the future. But now that day is here, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. The darkness is tired of waiting, and it's coming for the Archers.

And can I just say, will somebody PLEASE make a movie out of these books? From the very beginning, they've had that big screen, action movie quality to them, coupled with Kendra C. Highley's beautifully clear writing that just makes the story jump right off of the page. These books are GORGEOUS, people! Somebody please give them the glory they deserve!

Anyway, in case you haven't noticed, I really liked this one. I can't exactly say it was my favorite of the series (but to be fair, it's got some pretty stiff competition), but it was without a doubt a very worthy conclusion to such an incredible series.

Oh, but it was sad. So very sad. Without saying too much, I can only mention that there are a lot of deaths in this one, a few very close to Matt. Kendra C. Highley does a very good job of putting me in Matt's mind during the battle scenes, so, just like him, I don't feel like there's any time to be sad until it's all over. But once it is.... man, it hits hard. Have you ever had those moments when you read something, and then seconds later have to put the book down and just breathe because you can't take it anymore?

That doesn't happen here.

You see, the thing with these books is that I can't put them down. Ever. Even if I want to, I'm so completely stuck with Matt through it all that all I can do mourn with him and keep on pulling through. And sadly, that happens a lot in this book.

It's not all sadness, though. There are still so many wonderful moments of happiness and life in a book where the world should be coming to an end. As Mamie put it, "None of us know how this is going to turn out. If the end is coming, if the darkness wins, I want to feel the sun on my face while I can. I want to eat cookies for dinner and ice cream for breakfast. I want to enjoy life, not hide. And I want the same for you, too."

Matt's all grown up now, and from where I see it, it does seem like it's all coming to an end. Horrible sacrifices were made, so many lives were taken too soon, and through it all, I have to keep reminding myself that it's just a book. That's the thing about the Matt Archer series, though: I believe in it. I believe in the talking knife spirits, and the mutant monsters, and the fact that a seventeen-year-old boy is being tasked with saving the world from darkness. It shouldn't make any sense; I should laugh at the whole thing, but I don't. Because sometimes you find a book with something behind all of the magic, something real that you can believe in. You find the story of a boy, who became a man, who became a hero. And you see the stories of everyone else around him: the soldiers who fight against a threat that shouldn't be real, the friends who never give up when you need them there at your side, and the family who will give everything to protect what they love. Yes, the Matt Archer series does throw a few things out there that seem a little ridiculous, but through all of that, the story remains as one that will pull you in and never let you go. And to that, all I can say is hang on and enjoy the ride.

Taylor


For the original review and more, please visit Marked By Books.
Profile Image for Chrissy (The Every Free Chance Reader).
702 reviews679 followers
August 17, 2014
Did I enjoy this book: How do I say this without fangirling too much? I absolutely LOVED this book. Wow. Good. Great. Fantastic. Exciting. Sad. Satisfying. I’m feeling that excited/shaky/giddy rush from finishing a great series.

How’s that? I know. I fangirled. I’m not sorry. Not even a little bit.
Seriously, this was a great end to a great series. I was expecting a slower start, but Ms. Highley jumped right in and got the party started. I was hooked from the first page until the very end. I didn’t want to put it down, but I didn’t want it to end. You know what I mean. This is the last book of the Matt Archer series. I couldn’t wait to see how it ended, but I didn’t want to say good-bye.

Redemption lived up to my high expectations. I wanted it to be great, and it did not disappoint. (I know I keep gushing about this book, but it was just so good.) There was a lot of action. I really enjoyed reading the battle scenes. Ms. Highley does a great job describing the action without overdoing it. I felt like I was watching the battles. I could see the moves, the monsters, the kills, everything. There were a few monster hunts that were not described. We only found out the outcome. I would have loved to have read about the gargoyles. I’ll bet that was a great fight.

The characters grew over the course of the series. It’s hard for me to believe that this Matt is the same Matt I met during Monster Hunter. His character grew from a scared boy to a man who carried the fate of the world on his shoulders. He was a leader, a fighter, a good man. I adore Will. I was so glad that he became a wielder. I wish we would have had a few more battle scenes with him. And a few more hunts where he and Matt worked together. Axe anyone? The other wielders did their job amazingly. One wielder surprised me, but in a very good way. Let’s just say that that wielder lived up to a nickname that wielder earned early on in the series. I loved it! Brent changed a lot, but I think he struggled with everything and his role. Mamie. Oh Mamie. Mamie. I can’t say much more. Read the book; you’ll understand.

This is a fantastic series. I loved every book. And it is definitely a series I will reread in the near future. In fact, I am going to purchase the series in paperback so I have it on my bookshelves. And I know that in my reviews of the first few books I said I would not reread it, but I was wrong. After finishing this series, I am certain that I will reread it many times.

Thank you, Ms. Highley, for writing one of my all-time favorite series–I’m talking up there just behind Harry Potter. That’s how much I have enjoyed reading the Matt Archer series. And I’m kind of hoping that Ms. Highley will release a book of “extras” from the stories she wrote on her Monsters and Mayhem blog. That would be awesome. Just saying.

Would I recommend it: Absolutely!!!

http://everyfreechance.com/2014/07/re...
Profile Image for books are love.
3,153 reviews23 followers
August 12, 2014
the last in the series and it doesn't disappoint. This is such a amazing, action packed book with humour and tenderness as well. More than just hunting monsters is dealt with here. We have family dynamics, acceptance, love and letting go occurring as well. So many heartfelt moments occur.

Mamie is the focus here even if it doesn't seem it. Mamie and brent play a role in saving humanity. Matt has more and more nightmares that show Mamie in danger. brent becomes her guard and this is part of the legend. matt's is beginning to understand his role and be comfortable in who he is and what he must do. His family dynamics has changed and he is beginning to accept the changes and also he realizes what he wants in life.

The hardest part for me was watching Uncle Mike show matt such anger and disappointment. Matt looks up to Uncle Mike and wants to make him proud and it crushes him when he sees what his Uncle thinks in his mind is a blow to him. He knows it is in the heat of the moment but still for matt it brings about all his past insecurities and feelings of not being enough. Bring that with the weight of realizing what his sister is and her role in the legend, fighting monsters, fighting to be seen as what a wielder is, being accepted as a CO, becoming a man, accepting his fate and Matt has alot going on. Add to this the burden of protecting his loved ones and humanity and this young man has a lot weighing on him. He does get closer to his dad and begins to see who he is.

Matt also learns more of who he is and his heritage. He travels the world fighting monsters and coming to the end game while trying to deal with how to end this battle. He is also trying to deal with the world as it includes his brother and sister. Brent changes in this book and we see a better version. He is no longer jealous but proud of matt and what he has become. Will comes into his own as well as he realizes more and more the burden placed upon Matt and he becomes more protective of him in the end. Saying goodbye for Will is the hardest because Matt has always been by his side but it is this acceptance to what Matt must do that helps propel Matt forward to face all that he is fated for.

the other wielders begin to see matt as friend and family and respect him and his family in ways they didn't think possible. The sacrifices they go through together and individually are seen throughout and when they make the ultimate at the end to matt it is heartwarming.

Matt has come full circle and grown up in so many ways. This last book shows us the kindness that is matt. the protector he is and his capacity to love and grieve.

A amazing end to a incredible series that will have you ensnared as he fights snakes, pandas, demons and himself so that all of the world can be safe.
Profile Image for Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books.
523 reviews143 followers
August 6, 2014
Check out the giveaway at my blog and read an excerpt too.Just click the banner below to go directly to the post.



I have to say I almost loved this series as much as I loved the Harry Potter series. Now they are nothing alike or anything, but this group of characters suck you into their lives and don't let go. I enjoyed the fascinating world the author created. Its not fantasy really, but its set in our current world with demons (monsters) coming through to this dimension. Anyway, its all told in a believable way, and I really enjoyed it. In a way this was my favorite book, as the characters , especially Matt are older. When I read the first book and he was 14 it was a bit harder for me to grasp.

I was pretty surprised that the author was able to wrap it all up nice and neat. I wasn't especially thrilled with the way it had to end, but seen it was probably necessary.
Overall a pretty good final book to a great series, that people of all ages will enjoy. (though it's a bit gory and the monsters are a bit creepy so not too young, lol)

I give this final book 5 out of 5 stars. Give it a try.

I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.

Profile Image for Laurie.
616 reviews131 followers
August 18, 2014
What an awesome conclusion to this exciting, action-packed, and thoroughly addictive series!! I don’t know how Kendra can consistently raise the bar for this Matt Archer junkie grandma but she does. With freakish monsters on the verge of overwhelming the brave wielders, the Congressional Oversight nematodes demand a hearing. Oh! The joy when the jackasses in Washington experience the unprecedented terror, turmoil, and devastation of invaders within their midst! I became so caught up in the action I actually cheered aloud.

The bittersweet ending had me in tears, but with a unquenched feeling that the future held a bright promise, and the many sacrifices made were not in vain. The losses were tremendous, but the evil tide felt the full wrath of a force dedicated to protecting those weaker or less fortunate. Wish I could give Kendra a fist bump – she deserves it!

This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.

Reviewed by Laurie-J
6 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2015
I'm an emotional wreck....

And I'm just gonna sit in this little corner of my dorm room and cry my eyes out, glad that for once I won't have to act unemotional when reading a book.

Particularly this one, because the author is a meanie.

But also funny.

And really good at keeping a story going.

And typing up all ends so I'm not left with loose ends.

But really, just know that she is a meanie. And that you should read this book.
Profile Image for Anne Wingate.
504 reviews16 followers
August 10, 2018
Best of the Best of the Best

No matter how many times I read this book, I still cry over chapters 38, 39, and 40.
I have marked more passages in this series than I have in any other series I have ever read. This feeds the spirit of honor, courage, and self-sacrifice to the nth degree. Begin at the first book --Matt Archer: Monster Hunter --and if you can manage to avoid reading straight through to the end of this one--well, you don't think the way I do.
247 reviews
July 11, 2014
A good end to the series. Stayed true to the character(s) and storyline established in the books.
Well written. No glaring errors in grammar or writing - not that I am a big stickler on it.
I do recommend the series since all books are out so you can read them all after each other.
Profile Image for andrew tatman.
14 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2015
These are great books

The whole series was amazingly good. The first one started a bit slow and teenagy but picked up speed. By the end of the series I was amazed at how good the story was
6 reviews
February 26, 2016
Good conclusion to an excellent series.

All five books were well written, fast paced, and highly entertaining. Readers must have a high tolerance for monsters and violence. A good choice for young adults and older.
18 reviews
July 15, 2014
A wonderful end to the Matt Archer series. I am sure I will re-read this again, although I am sad that the journey with Matt is at an end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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