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The path of truth lies hidden deep,

To find the light the climb is steep.

But in despair resolve is sound,

What once was lost will now be found.



All is lost and the prophecy seems null and void. Samantha is dead to the living world, and Marcus and Nicolas completely destroyed, but things aren’t always as they seem. To save the one they love, the boys will have to traverse the Descent, a darkness that all will enter and few will ever leave. The interference of gods and goddesses on the chessboard of blood has left the door open for a new player to enter the scene, and she holds the most powerful gift of all—sacrificial love.

Will the exit clause be invoked, dissolving of the chain that binds the trio together?

Will the Descent be the final setting for their love story or will they rise again?

As the curtain draws closed on this tale of old, who will rise and who will fall?

And what if their choice is no choice at all?

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2015

55 people are currently reading
220 people want to read

About the author

L.A. Starkey

14 books280 followers
LA Starkey or Laurie is the author of the Amazon Best Selling series, The Soul Keeper, a supernatural young adult series, and The Liarus Detective Series, a supernatural middle-grade series.

She is a former-CPA turned full-time fiction writer. Writing and reading are passions she just can’t help but indulge in on a daily basis. She lives with her husband and teenage son in Nashville, TN, and enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and coming up with new ideas!

Come find me:

Facebook => https://www.facebook.com/L.A.StarkeyA...

Email => la@lastarkeybooks.com

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5 stars
76 (39%)
4 stars
69 (35%)
3 stars
34 (17%)
2 stars
10 (5%)
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4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for K.S. Marsden.
Author 21 books741 followers
May 11, 2015
With the "death" of the Soul Keeper the race is on to rescue Sam from Hades, and to finally complete a millennia old prophecy - will Sam chose Marcus or Nick; will Zeus or his titan brother Prometheus succeed?

I have loved this series, it has been an awful lot of fun. Despite it being an adventure on an epic scale, and very serious; it has maintained a good level of humour throughout.

This third and final instalment definitely holds its own. The many threads of the story come together, and its revealed exactly how deeply all the plotting and counter-plotting goes. As well as "The Big Answer", you also get answers over all those hidden drives and schemes that were built up in the first two books.
I loved the Hades and Persephone storyline - I have to say, I wish that there was more about them. Or at least, more about where they go from here, you get the feeling that the dynamics in their relationship really shifted in the end.

If I'm very honest, even though this was a good book in its own right, I wasn't as smitten with it as I was with its predecessors. With Sam being caught between life and death, and her mind losing focus, naturally she is no longer our key narrator. The others step up to the mark, but I missed Sam.
And with a lot more of the focus shifting to all of the gods that are manipulating the story, I sometimes found it confusing keeping track. Also, on a more minor note, I wasn't thrilled with the unvarying voices of the gods. I know that it keeps it very accessible, but it felt like they could be transferred into a generic high school setting. Ok, with all the torture, murder and scheming, maybe college instead.

The only other thing that... not quite upset me, but definitely puzzled me, was the premise that was set out in the first book when the prophecy was awoken. That the fate of humankind rested upon a teenage girl choosing between two brothers. Until she chooses, the fate in charge of creating life on earth, is in a coma, putting the human race at risk.
The rest of the trilogy quickly corrects this threat, and moves on to other games. It just made me wonder why it had so much emphasis put on the consequences in the first place.

What I did love was the ending. I can't imagine a better outcome. I didn't want it to stop, though! I wanted to see what happens with Sam and Elos - what are their powers? Do they ever take the throne?

Anyway, I would definitely recommend this series to everyone - especially as the first book Deceived is available free!
Profile Image for Barbara.
156 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Where to start?
The main story concluded exactly how I wanted it to. So why only 3 stars? I was disappointed with the final leg of the journey. There was a lot of build-up in the book. Hades kept hinting at how powerful Sam and Elos were, and that he knew how the prophecy ended, Pandora was there for a minute and then she just wasn't anymore. I felt like we were building up to this epic ending and we were going to find out how truly amazing Sam was and we were going to see some butt kicking or something-- anything! Alas, it's almost as if the author forgot about all the build-up, and was in a super hurry to give us a happily-ever-after. All in all-- I enjoyed the story, but the end fell flat for me. I was like Ralphie in 'A Christmas Story' after he gets his decoder pin in the mail and decodes his first message. Feverishly excited until I reached the anti-climatic end. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wish it was a little more.... more.
Profile Image for Jeanette Rucker.
9 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2015
Wow - what a great ending. I have extremely enjoyed reading about Samantha's journey and discovery of who she is really! As I finished this one, I kept thinking this would make a GREAT movie. I love the mythology that was brought to life for me for the first time. The ending was not expected, but OMG - it was AWESOME. I also love how Hades and Pandora came into the story. Made me want to know more about them! I definitely look forward to reading more from Ms. Starkey!
If you haven't started the series, then go grab the first two, something to drink and curl up for the best adventure. You will fall in love with the characters. You will be surprised by the twists and turns. You will hate for the series to end.
Profile Image for Keeley .
511 reviews12 followers
March 10, 2015
Okay so I'm not even close to being okay with that ending. I need more Persephone and Hades. I need more Nick and Sam and Marcus. Why does it have to be over?!?!?!!
Profile Image for Enrique.
7 reviews6 followers
February 22, 2015
So here we are, Descent! The long awaited continuation to Destroyed. It was certainly quite the journey, reading about everything Samantha had to go through. Like the two previous predecessors, the ending is quite surprising and heart grabbing. This whole story had like a romantic adventure feel to it, with all the drama, and action, very suspenseful I’d have to say. The word choice throughout this story is just marvelous; I really enjoyed the rising plot, from start-to-finish you weren’t bored with any details of what occurred. Descriptive, the single word to describe this novel, it was so detailed, someone wouldn’t have a hard time making a movie out of it. I’m also glad Hades has a prominent role in this area of the novel. Sometimes the most villainous characters don’t see much of the spotlight. I always wished I could visit Mount Olympus, despite all the constant quarrels and chaos; it certainly seems like the place one could vacation at. This enchanting tale has finally unfortunately ended. I’m sad now, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to this series through the author herself, and look at this story now. It began wonderfully and became something far greater. I don’t know if I should feel happy or sad about the ending. Perhaps a mix of both, you know an author did their job properly, if you actually thought it was a true story. I wouldn’t look at this as the ending, but merely as the beginning of a new chapter. If the story would ever continue, call it, Dreamland. It was a lovely journey, I look forward to your future works, and I just found it amazing how with just a bit of words, how quickly they can influence ones’ emotions. That’s what I seek out in authors, good stories, with heart pumping plots, and emotions combined with an excellent taste of scenery to tie it all together. I would of course recommend that you read the conclusion to the Soul Keeper series. Because this series, are certainly, a “Keeper!” Until then, I thank you for the journey you have written for us humble readers! ;D
Profile Image for Courtney.
161 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2016
Short version: DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS BOOK. You'd be better off imagining your own ending and tossing this out the window/deleting it from your tablet. All I can say is thank god I only had to pay 99¢ for the trilogy.

Actual review: This was a HUGE let down for an otherwise great series. I was really looking forward to hearing more about Hades & Persephone, seeing the aftermath of Aphrodite's trial, seeing what everyone meant when they all mentioned Sam's alleged "power," some info on the Pandora/Poseidon love affair, and an ending that was actually satisfying. Instead, what you get is an ending thrown together in a few pages at the last minute, and the worst ending possible for Nick, the best character of the entire series!!

That said, I can't say I didn't see the Sam & Marcus thing coming. There were too many hints and occasions in which both Nick, Sam, and other characters alluded to Marcus's "regal" nature (obv a future king would be regal) and Nick himself repeating throughout the whole series that he'd let Marcus have her. (That said, why not at least let Nick reunite with his added-absolutely-nothing-to-the-plot former love interest, Marianne?)

Also...why are the Parkers never mentioned in this entire book? Are we really expected to buy that Sam disappeared for a weekend to Seattle and never returned to them, and they were okay with that? Way too many loose ends and a rushed ending. The only reason this even gets one star at all is because of the strength of the other two books. I definitely won't be reading this author's other books.
Profile Image for Kristen.
285 reviews245 followers
February 28, 2015
I've been so excited for this book! And L.A. Starkey did not let me down with Descent! As much as I don't want this story to be over, I felt like Descent was a perfect and satisfying good-bye to a group of characters that I've grown so close to!

Looking back to the first book in this series, I'm amazed at how L.A. Starkey has written this journey. The characters have grown in ways that I wouldn't have imagined when I started this series. There are so many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat while racing towards the end. Descent is the stellar ending that this series deserved.

I'm torn between being sad that the story is over and happy that I got to follow it. Descent is a bittersweet ending for me. I'm not nearly ready to let Sam and the others go. But what a brilliant journey that they've been on thanks to the author's wonderful prose. This series is incredible, and I recommend it to all paranormal and fantasy fans!

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.
2 reviews
October 30, 2016
Read the whole series. Loved the books. Very detailed oriented !! The ending was horrible. The ending was done in like two pages. No detail .. nothing. Will think twice bout reading any more books by the author.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
October 28, 2018
This was a very emotional ending. It’s schmaltzy and sentimental and plays heavily on everything that tugs on the heartstrings, but I kind of love it even more for being ‘in your face’ in that way. I knew there had to be a way for this to work out in everyone’s favor, however I didn’t see that particular ending coming. It actually left it open for there to be more stories to come in this universe, and I think I’d be interested in reading every one of them.
116 reviews
August 6, 2018
Wow I could not believe the ending on this series, I cried, love the way it went down, loves does conquer all and to this characters, love is the greates of all even for the king of the underworld. Love the twists and turns the characters had to endure in the story, no easy task this three had. I truly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Regina Goad.
79 reviews
February 7, 2019
Entertaining

I enjoyed the trilogy some things were left out like her parents after she went to Seattle, when she learned who her father was and who was in the yellow hoodie. I also thought it could have been completed in one longer book not 3. The story was told well and kept me interested.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
513 reviews
August 9, 2018
The conclusion to Marcus, Samantha, And Nick's story was amazing. I was enthralled by these characters and their story. I had no clue how this would conclude, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Ginger Black.
194 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2018
There has to be more. This was left so open ended.
Profile Image for Kelly Vidito.
274 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2018
A great ending to the series. One of the best paranormal stories I have read in a while. It’s a must read! I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Juanita Arquette.
21 reviews
September 28, 2018
Great story

I have not read about the gods before so I’m very pleased with this story. I would like to read more.
55 reviews
November 18, 2019
Kind of hard story to process, I kept expecting more! And I really didn’t like the ending!
Profile Image for Stacey Kym.
394 reviews15 followers
January 16, 2017
ARC kindly provided by L.A. Starkey in exchange for an honest review.

Review

'Descent' is the third and final novel in the 'Soul Keeper' trilogy, and yet I could not for the life of me give the novel a higher rating than a three star.
Ever since stumbling upon the first novel in the series, I was charmed by the idea of Greek gods and a destined love story to set things right between the wars Zeus and Prometheus waged against each other. But I've found that my interest and fascination with this story had slowly dwindled to a halt the further I ventured, reading, into the trilogy.

The number one thing that lowered my rating of this novel was its plot. A good plot means a good rating. However, the plot of this series began to morph I to yet another average story where yet another average main character ventures out to defeat the complication and bring about the average resolution. There was nothing that had me utterly enraptured or on the edge of my seat begging for more. I couldn't feel the tension or the drama which the author tried to concoct. I felt that the novel progressed at a snails pace and all the events that happened, occurred for not a particularly strong one. They happened because they had to fill the novel and create what happened in the end.

The other major reason was the execution of the novel. The writing was well done, but I cannot say anything other about it. I just didn't feel any sort of particular style with this novel nor did I feel that the prose and the dialogue between characters were particularly strong either. So many of the conversations these characters had bored me to death and wonder why the author included them. Dialogue is only included to convey important information regarding the plot. I just didn't get that from this novel.

Chemistry is also another sore point of mine. I didn't feel the romance between Nicolas, Marcus and Samantha. I didn't feel their passion, nor did I feel that they were well suited for each other. The boys were overly romantic to the point of snappiness. Their love wasn't believable. It was just a given. Fate forced them to fall in love with Sam and not because of any particular reason that Nicolas or Marcus graced upon their readers.

The resolution of the novel was also lacking. I didn't understand how it could have been wrapped up so neatly and with no further consequences. All the trouble Nicolas, Marcus and Samantha went to ought to have been for naught. All Nicholas had to do was one obvious, simple thing and the whole story resolved itself. The happily ever after just bored me. I wasn't happy with it. I didn't understand why the author had taken me on such a - sometimes tedious - journey, only to wrap things up so easily.

It took me a long time to finish this novel. I picked it up half a year ago in the belief that this was the series's saving grace. I read 39% then left it until now. The fact that there was nothing that made me want to return to this novel for half a year speaks for itself.

Congratulations to L. A. Starkey on publishing the third and final novel in the 'Soul Keeper' series!



Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
94 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2017
Things are not always as they appear to be & where one love story ends a new one begins. Ms Starkey has done an excellent job of bringing the mythical Gods, their wives, & their children to life, emphasizing their impact on the fate of mankind.

After finishing the book...I realized there were some areas that I wished the author had expanded on. One such area was the love affair shared by Pandora & Poseidon. Another area...the trial. For it being the trial of the century it was covered way to quickly and so little fan fair. Something else I have been pondering...the love of Marcus & Sam....where and when did it start. Last but not least...the Parkers. What parent in their right mind would allow their teenage daughter to take a weekend trip with two guys they had never met before; much less be okay with taking a trip and never hear from her again.

With all that said...I highly recommend this series to readers of all ages. It's a major relief to read a love story without all the other stuff getting in the way. Most books are written so that they capture the reader and wisk them off to the land of enchantment offering them the journey of a lifetime....and...Ms Starkey gives it to us in spades.
Profile Image for Sara Canny.
215 reviews9 followers
March 21, 2015
This was an amazing conclusion to an incredible series. Beginning in the worst turmoil possible Sam, in Hell with Hades, Nick and Marcus reeling from her loss. They have to do what few have ever accomplished bring someone back from the dead. And she still has to choose between them!

I loved how well this was written. The characters were incredible I fell in love with the boys, though I will admit a preference to Nick, and Sam has come so very far. Added to our main triad we get to know Hades better in this book. Personally I kinda love him, a victim of circumstance but desperate to cling to that tiny bit of hope that still resides.

I may have had an inkling how it would play out, but I couldn't begin to fathom how well it would be done. Love, and sacrifice are a staple of all Greek myths, and this book wouldn't be what it is without it. The ending will take your breath away in the best of ways.

Personally I'd love another book dedicated to what happens to Persephone and Hades after the events of this book. Their story is just as heart wrenching and Sam, Marcus, and Nicks and deserves to be told in its full splendor.
Profile Image for Amanda.
8 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2016
Oh.my.gawd!!!....

Wow, just wow. I absolutely loved this series. I have to admit, at first I wasn't 100% sure as it was a little slow to start, but suffice to say, I haven't slept in what feels like years! I read the complete series in 2 days, I just could not put it down, and let's just say, my alarm clock felt the brunt of my aggression when I needed to get up for work!

The best series I have read (and I have read over a thousand) was the afterlife saga by Stephanie Hudson, but this is definitely up there with that, I loved the whole story plot, especially the not knowing, although I'm sure I screamed a few times about that...
I loved the character's, laughed and yes, cried!!

It was brilliant and a massive 5 stars, only problem is now, finding a book series similar, I'm sure ill be depressed about that!

Profile Image for Jennifer Hinsman.
Author 2 books99 followers
March 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this series and the last book was very good. I was hoping for a little more with Sam and her powers, then joined with Elos's powers...what could they do together? I would have liked more with Hades and Persephone too, although it really wasn't their story I enjoyed them. I feel a bit confused about Nick too. I need to re-read that maybe. This really is a great read and the series deserves lots of praise. Starkey did a marvelous job writing and I'd like to read her works in the future. I recommend this series, and I already have to many friends!
Profile Image for Kelly Akemann.
850 reviews6 followers
July 21, 2015
I loved this conclusion. What a great series and great ending. The characters were so intriguing. Cannot wait to share my thoughts on this with others as I think a bunch of my friends need to get this and read it.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,078 reviews39 followers
June 5, 2015
To save the one they love, the boys will have to traverse the Descent, a darkness that all will enter and few will ever leave. But with a interference with the Gods & Goddesses Theres a new player to help. Can they bring her back?
Profile Image for Robin Shatraw.
99 reviews
December 10, 2016
Descent

Best Greek mythology stories in forever .I was hooked from the very first book .it is my deepest hope this fabulous author writes more . Makes me want to dive into the gods more and more must read entire series .
Profile Image for Amy Muehleman.
16 reviews
April 28, 2015
I was happy they finished there journey. I was also happy the certain characters got what was coming to them. Recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Bobbi.
94 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2015
Could have been 5 stars...

I loved these books and raced through them with little sleep. The ending, however, was a disappointed as it was not well done at all!
Profile Image for Stephanie Mugnano.
20 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2016
I don't know what to do with myself right now.... I think I'm going to go crawl in a hole and think about what I've just read... I just can't even...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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