What do you think?
Rate this book
Rylee Adamson #10
Blood of the Lost
The conclusion to the Rylee Adamson series!
"My name is Rylee and I am a Tracker."
When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot.
My final salvage, and this time I’m playing for the survival of the entire world.
Orion has swept the humans with his lies, and they follow him like mindless zombies.
I have my allies, and my loved ones with me and while they fight with all they have, it is not enough.
There is only one thing left for me to do. Face Orion. Seal the Veil closed and send the demons back to where they came from.
But Orion knows my weakness. And he has stolen her away leaving me with a choice I never wanted to face.
Do I save my daughter . . . or save the world?
"My name is Rylee and I am a Tracker."
When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot.
My final salvage, and this time I’m playing for the survival of the entire world.
Orion has swept the humans with his lies, and they follow him like mindless zombies.
I have my allies, and my loved ones with me and while they fight with all they have, it is not enough.
There is only one thing left for me to do. Face Orion. Seal the Veil closed and send the demons back to where they came from.
But Orion knows my weakness. And he has stolen her away leaving me with a choice I never wanted to face.
Do I save my daughter . . . or save the world?
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
1727 people are currently reading
1512 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Mayer
161 books7,233 followersA long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 378 reviews
September 14, 2021
I AM BROKEN
I have finally read the last book in this absolutely phenomenal series, a series I have had on my tbr for years... and I have no idea why I have left it so long, but I'm here, at the end and I am a basket of emotions.
I can't really say anything about the storyline without giving it away but the emotions, especially in these last 2 books have crippled me. I have sobbed with this book and on more than one occasion. It takes a magical author to keep you interested in a series and to strike your emotions time and again. Shannon Mayaer has done just that to me! I am raw, I am happy, I am in a complete daze....
But the most amazing part is I get to read the Epilogues of my favourite characters... bring them on now!
Highly recommended if you love this kind of genre!
I have finally read the last book in this absolutely phenomenal series, a series I have had on my tbr for years... and I have no idea why I have left it so long, but I'm here, at the end and I am a basket of emotions.
I can't really say anything about the storyline without giving it away but the emotions, especially in these last 2 books have crippled me. I have sobbed with this book and on more than one occasion. It takes a magical author to keep you interested in a series and to strike your emotions time and again. Shannon Mayaer has done just that to me! I am raw, I am happy, I am in a complete daze....
But the most amazing part is I get to read the Epilogues of my favourite characters... bring them on now!
Highly recommended if you love this kind of genre!
November 23, 2015
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
BLOOD OF THE LOST passed my final installment must-have checklist with flying colours; all of this series’ characters were in attendance (both living & deceased), no stone was left unturned with regards to pending questions, and the do-or-die battle was glorious. Heck, I even liked how the love triangle was settled, and that there was actually a legit reason for Shannon Mayer’s unusually high body count instead of just an author’s prerogative.
There was no shortage of explanations in this book, and I was surprised by how well thought out they all were. Minor threads tend to slip along the way forcing quick convenient resolutions, but not Mayer, her wrap-up was so clean it squeaked. I was very impressed with her plotting prowess, and how every tangent was brought to a fitting conclusion without compromising the pacing or action. It’s apparent that all of the outcomes were outlined in advance, and that nothing was incidental.
Rylee has evolved into a powerhouse over the course of ten novels, and yet she was stripped of everything that made her special ability-wise when she confronted Orion which forced her to dig deep, and ensured that the closing fight was fresh and unique. However, as much as I appreciated that fact, and that all of the supernatural factions contributed; I was bummed by the author’s trust-in-the-power-of-love approach as opposed to her customary stabby-stabby. It was kinda… trite.
While awaiting this title I started reading THE ELEMENTALS series, and found the timeline somewhat confusing, so I’d recommend following RYLEE ADAMSON to its completion prior to commencing Lark’s story. Mayer came dangerously close to two of my deal breakers (i.e. character revival & a love triangle HEA where both guys win) only to pull out of her hair-raising nose dive, and reach an outcome that was beyond satisfying after such a close call with the ghastly alternative.
BLOOD OF THE LOST is proof that you CAN have your cake and eat it too!
BLOOD OF THE LOST passed my final installment must-have checklist with flying colours; all of this series’ characters were in attendance (both living & deceased), no stone was left unturned with regards to pending questions, and the do-or-die battle was glorious. Heck, I even liked how the love triangle was settled, and that there was actually a legit reason for Shannon Mayer’s unusually high body count instead of just an author’s prerogative.
There was no shortage of explanations in this book, and I was surprised by how well thought out they all were. Minor threads tend to slip along the way forcing quick convenient resolutions, but not Mayer, her wrap-up was so clean it squeaked. I was very impressed with her plotting prowess, and how every tangent was brought to a fitting conclusion without compromising the pacing or action. It’s apparent that all of the outcomes were outlined in advance, and that nothing was incidental.
Rylee has evolved into a powerhouse over the course of ten novels, and yet she was stripped of everything that made her special ability-wise when she confronted Orion which forced her to dig deep, and ensured that the closing fight was fresh and unique. However, as much as I appreciated that fact, and that all of the supernatural factions contributed; I was bummed by the author’s trust-in-the-power-of-love approach as opposed to her customary stabby-stabby. It was kinda… trite.
While awaiting this title I started reading THE ELEMENTALS series, and found the timeline somewhat confusing, so I’d recommend following RYLEE ADAMSON to its completion prior to commencing Lark’s story. Mayer came dangerously close to two of my deal breakers (i.e. character revival & a love triangle HEA where both guys win) only to pull out of her hair-raising nose dive, and reach an outcome that was beyond satisfying after such a close call with the ghastly alternative.
BLOOD OF THE LOST is proof that you CAN have your cake and eat it too!
January 5, 2022
Concludes the overall ARC nicely. It's another emotional rollercoaster ride plus full of action.
Rated: 4 Stars
Rated: 4 Stars
November 18, 2015
4.5
One of the best series I've ever read.
You know that book that isn't perfect, but for some reason you absolutely loved? The one that you tried to read as slow as possible, just so it will last longer? Well, that's what this series was for me.
It wasn't perfect, there were a few things that could have been improved, but for some reason I absolutely loved this whole series. Maybe it was the characters or the plot or the world builder, I don't really care. I'm just glad I found something I loved so much.
There were some things I didn't really like in this book: in the previous book, I praised Mayer's courage and now she got scared and changed her mind. Even more, some stuff were pretty cliche, if I'm honest. Even the characters feel a bit out of "character" sometimes. But all in all, this series made me laugh and cry and yell more than (almost) any book I've ever read, so in my eyes, it deserves 5 stars. An author that can make me feel as much as I felt while reading this series deserves it.
One of the best series I've ever read.
You know that book that isn't perfect, but for some reason you absolutely loved? The one that you tried to read as slow as possible, just so it will last longer? Well, that's what this series was for me.
It wasn't perfect, there were a few things that could have been improved, but for some reason I absolutely loved this whole series. Maybe it was the characters or the plot or the world builder, I don't really care. I'm just glad I found something I loved so much.
There were some things I didn't really like in this book: in the previous book, I praised Mayer's courage and now she got scared and changed her mind. Even more, some stuff were pretty cliche, if I'm honest. Even the characters feel a bit out of "character" sometimes. But all in all, this series made me laugh and cry and yell more than (almost) any book I've ever read, so in my eyes, it deserves 5 stars. An author that can make me feel as much as I felt while reading this series deserves it.
November 18, 2015
What a journey the Rylee Adamson series has been. We have watched Rylee grow into a powerful woman, gain allies, lose friends and learn to use her powers to save the world. BLOOD OF LOST finishes off the series with a ton of emotion, action and an ending that left my heart smiling.
I never find it easy to write a review on the last book in a series. I know it's important not to spoil anything, so I will keep this review kinda basic. Rylee definitely isn't the woman we first met in PRICELESS. She has overcome many obstacles in her life and has sacrificed even more, but she grew into so much more than I'm sure she ever imagined she would be. There is some love triangle type stuff going on in BLOOD OF THE LOST, but I enjoyed how it played out. I really enjoyed all the parts in BLOOD OF THE LOST with the babies. All the love for them shined through and Rylee's actions at the end really show what a great person she is and how much love she has to share.
For those that have also been following Mayer's Elemental series, it was a bit weird seeing and reading about Lark in BLOOD OF THE LOST. A lot has happened in the many years spanning the timelines from where Larks series is currently and where BLOOD OF THE LOST takes place and this book just kept adding questions to the many questions I already had for the Elemental series.
There is of course an epic battle in BLOOD OF THE LOST. People are lost, lives are changed and although I think some people will be sad, I don't think anyone will be disappointed at how everything happened. I have truly enjoyed the Rylee Adamson series and I'm sad to see it end, but I look forward to seeing what Mayer comes up with next.
* This book was provided free of charge from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
I never find it easy to write a review on the last book in a series. I know it's important not to spoil anything, so I will keep this review kinda basic. Rylee definitely isn't the woman we first met in PRICELESS. She has overcome many obstacles in her life and has sacrificed even more, but she grew into so much more than I'm sure she ever imagined she would be. There is some love triangle type stuff going on in BLOOD OF THE LOST, but I enjoyed how it played out. I really enjoyed all the parts in BLOOD OF THE LOST with the babies. All the love for them shined through and Rylee's actions at the end really show what a great person she is and how much love she has to share.
For those that have also been following Mayer's Elemental series, it was a bit weird seeing and reading about Lark in BLOOD OF THE LOST. A lot has happened in the many years spanning the timelines from where Larks series is currently and where BLOOD OF THE LOST takes place and this book just kept adding questions to the many questions I already had for the Elemental series.
There is of course an epic battle in BLOOD OF THE LOST. People are lost, lives are changed and although I think some people will be sad, I don't think anyone will be disappointed at how everything happened. I have truly enjoyed the Rylee Adamson series and I'm sad to see it end, but I look forward to seeing what Mayer comes up with next.
* This book was provided free of charge from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2016
Epic conclusion? I could not finish the book. I am absolutely furious. I baught the whole series 1 - 10 at once and really loved the series until book 9. Althow the switching POV between Liam and Rylee and later also Pam started in book 4 or 5 for me was a bit disturbing.
And then for me the writing style changed
In book 9 suddenly numerous new characters appeared without proper introduction and it got worse in book 10.
Lots of new characters, many different POVs, for me these changes destroyed the flow of the story and the whole series.
Then i realized that there were several short stories between book 6 and book 10 and you had to read them, otherwise you could not understand the abilities and relations between new and old characters, because there were no explanations in the main 9th and 10th books.
I really hate short stories and never buy them. i love to loose myself in the story this is not possible, when the story is too short.
What a disappointement
And then for me the writing style changed
In book 9 suddenly numerous new characters appeared without proper introduction and it got worse in book 10.
Lots of new characters, many different POVs, for me these changes destroyed the flow of the story and the whole series.
Then i realized that there were several short stories between book 6 and book 10 and you had to read them, otherwise you could not understand the abilities and relations between new and old characters, because there were no explanations in the main 9th and 10th books.
I really hate short stories and never buy them. i love to loose myself in the story this is not possible, when the story is too short.
What a disappointement
February 14, 2018
This was a brilliant finale! It brought everything together in the most perfect way and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I'm not sure I breathed once from the first page to the last one. A satisfying conclusion that brought a smile to my lips and tears to my eyes. I wholeheartedly recommend this series. It is one hell of a ride!
November 4, 2015
This is a very hard review for me to write. I have been with this series since the publication of Priceless, book 1 and it was one of the first Indie Urban Fantasy series I came across and so has a very special place within my heart. The characters have truly become alive to me. Shannon Mayer is a gifted writer and she knows to how to put her readers through an emotional whirlwind, so to say that this book was sad for me as it is the end of an era is an understatement. Not only that but each book seems to have become more emotional than the last and anyone who picks this up needs to have a box or two of tissues handy.
I'm not going to say anything about the story, anyone who is reading this is doing so because they love Rylee and they know that this is the last battle. Of course it's going to be emotional! I will say though that this story will stay with me forever, I adore Rylee and her family and whilst ending was bittersweet it left me with a huge feeling of hope and a sense of reason. I feel a sense of completeness and satisfaction. I adored Lark's part to play in this story and I can only say that I am glad that her story continues soon, as she has a place in my heart as special as Rylee's. I'd love to hear more of some of the characters in the future and who knows what we'll get.
A truly fitting end to a quite extraordinary series. This book resonated with me deeply, Rylee's place in my heart is assured. Thank you Shannon Mayer for the gift that you give us.
Note whilst I received an ARC hence the early review I always buy these books.
I'm not going to say anything about the story, anyone who is reading this is doing so because they love Rylee and they know that this is the last battle. Of course it's going to be emotional! I will say though that this story will stay with me forever, I adore Rylee and her family and whilst ending was bittersweet it left me with a huge feeling of hope and a sense of reason. I feel a sense of completeness and satisfaction. I adored Lark's part to play in this story and I can only say that I am glad that her story continues soon, as she has a place in my heart as special as Rylee's. I'd love to hear more of some of the characters in the future and who knows what we'll get.
A truly fitting end to a quite extraordinary series. This book resonated with me deeply, Rylee's place in my heart is assured. Thank you Shannon Mayer for the gift that you give us.
Note whilst I received an ARC hence the early review I always buy these books.
November 16, 2015
Wow...just wow so much to say but I have no words right now.
I have no idea where to even start...I can still remember borrowing Priceless in 2014 and devouring it all and immediately search for any books that followed. I purchased everything that was out at the time and read them too then stalked Amazon for the newest release faithfully. I preordered every book after that and this one was no different.
Blood of the Lost is bittersweet for me and I cried more than once while finishing this journey. Did everything happen the way I wanted it to? Absolutely not, but I enjoyed the hell out of the ride. The battle was well fought and Rylee and the gang had to work for it every step of the way...we get a few shock and awe moments and I for one am sad to see the series end. Although I have a feeling this isn't the last we will see of Rylee and the gang. For how I'll have to curb my sorrow by waiting on the next Elemental book with Lark.
Must read if you're a fan of Ms. Mayer and the rest of the Rylee series. I will def be reading this series over and over for many times to come. BRAVO Ms. Mayer.
I have no idea where to even start...I can still remember borrowing Priceless in 2014 and devouring it all and immediately search for any books that followed. I purchased everything that was out at the time and read them too then stalked Amazon for the newest release faithfully. I preordered every book after that and this one was no different.
Blood of the Lost is bittersweet for me and I cried more than once while finishing this journey. Did everything happen the way I wanted it to? Absolutely not, but I enjoyed the hell out of the ride. The battle was well fought and Rylee and the gang had to work for it every step of the way...we get a few shock and awe moments and I for one am sad to see the series end. Although I have a feeling this isn't the last we will see of Rylee and the gang. For how I'll have to curb my sorrow by waiting on the next Elemental book with Lark.
Must read if you're a fan of Ms. Mayer and the rest of the Rylee series. I will def be reading this series over and over for many times to come. BRAVO Ms. Mayer.
December 25, 2015
WORST BOOK IN THE SERIES - poorly executed wrap up to good series, too many deaths of loved characters for shaky reasons
I actually joined Goodreads just to post this, although I have been depending on the reviews for about a year now to find interesting leads to books.
If you have read the most recent previous books there are no spoilers, just logical story progression.
How can I review this book and be fair without ranting, it's not very likely but I will keep the tone as calm as possible. Well let's start by saying if you haven't read much of the series to this point it will make no sense to you to start with this one and if you have read it to this point the book is sort of compulsory just to find out how the author wraps up the series, unfortunately. It is definitely not one of her better book, and she has written some very enjoyable books in the Rylee Adamson series. That is the problem right there, there are only a few fun moments that are enjoyable, mostly the books full of misery. This book is about trying to prevent an apocalypse basically, not a spoiler if you read the last few books, and it is predictable that not every character that begins the book is there at the end, there is lots of death and painful crisis situations. It's just that so many characters die, it doesn't matter that there's a reason later in the story why they needed to die, the characters are still dead and the reader still hurts for the lose, at least I did. I won't name any names (other reviewers have already done that), but the last character in the book to die hurt the most and really was the last straw. It didn't matter that the death was heroic, it was too painful and the last little bit of suspension of disbelief any writer depends on was broken. The misery of the book had been chipping away at it, but then I looked back on the over 300 pages and realize the plot didn't really hold together, too many interactions with characters were forced as if the author needed them to behave a certain way even if it wasn't natural. Then I looked back on the series and decided it was so painful looking all those characters deaths and especially the last one that I wished I'd never started reading the series. The icing on the cake was the parting word from the author, in the first few sentences she says she hopes the readers enjoyed the book, I didn't make it past that sentence in that section to be honest. No, I did not enjoy the book at all. I am sure there will be people who disagree with me but I personally do not see how people can watch many of their favor characters die and enjoy it.
I don't plan on reading this author again for a long time. She lost a reader because of the how painful it was too lose so many loved characters and her crass comment at the end. I honestly wish her well finding a new audience. I still think she's a good writer but I would be very surprised if she didn't lose a large number of readers because of this book.
PS. Just read other reviews shocked to see any one could give a good review to such slaughter of beloved characters. Just my opinion.
I actually joined Goodreads just to post this, although I have been depending on the reviews for about a year now to find interesting leads to books.
If you have read the most recent previous books there are no spoilers, just logical story progression.
How can I review this book and be fair without ranting, it's not very likely but I will keep the tone as calm as possible. Well let's start by saying if you haven't read much of the series to this point it will make no sense to you to start with this one and if you have read it to this point the book is sort of compulsory just to find out how the author wraps up the series, unfortunately. It is definitely not one of her better book, and she has written some very enjoyable books in the Rylee Adamson series. That is the problem right there, there are only a few fun moments that are enjoyable, mostly the books full of misery. This book is about trying to prevent an apocalypse basically, not a spoiler if you read the last few books, and it is predictable that not every character that begins the book is there at the end, there is lots of death and painful crisis situations. It's just that so many characters die, it doesn't matter that there's a reason later in the story why they needed to die, the characters are still dead and the reader still hurts for the lose, at least I did. I won't name any names (other reviewers have already done that), but the last character in the book to die hurt the most and really was the last straw. It didn't matter that the death was heroic, it was too painful and the last little bit of suspension of disbelief any writer depends on was broken. The misery of the book had been chipping away at it, but then I looked back on the over 300 pages and realize the plot didn't really hold together, too many interactions with characters were forced as if the author needed them to behave a certain way even if it wasn't natural. Then I looked back on the series and decided it was so painful looking all those characters deaths and especially the last one that I wished I'd never started reading the series. The icing on the cake was the parting word from the author, in the first few sentences she says she hopes the readers enjoyed the book, I didn't make it past that sentence in that section to be honest. No, I did not enjoy the book at all. I am sure there will be people who disagree with me but I personally do not see how people can watch many of their favor characters die and enjoy it.
I don't plan on reading this author again for a long time. She lost a reader because of the how painful it was too lose so many loved characters and her crass comment at the end. I honestly wish her well finding a new audience. I still think she's a good writer but I would be very surprised if she didn't lose a large number of readers because of this book.
PS. Just read other reviews shocked to see any one could give a good review to such slaughter of beloved characters. Just my opinion.
December 25, 2015
It took me a month to read this. And that should say it all. I usually finish my books in three to four days. It felt like an introductory prequel to another series. And all the detailed battle scenes, oh my god, that was so boring. Nobody really cares, no need to describe everything . Makes those parts just fillers. A disappointing end to a lovely series.
June 22, 2021
Why why why
I am happy for Rylee and Alex, Faris must of really loved her to do what he did. However, I'm CRUSHED about Alex I don't think I can forgive the Author for that, why him especially after Dox!
Hopefully his Epilogue will be worth it.
I am happy for Rylee and Alex, Faris must of really loved her to do what he did. However, I'm CRUSHED about Alex I don't think I can forgive the Author for that, why him especially after Dox!
Hopefully his Epilogue will be worth it.
May 18, 2024
There is a Graphic Audio production of the whole Rylee Adamson Series, which includes 10 books of the series and five short stories. All this was included in my audible subscription. That's how I decided to listen to all the books and short stories. Otherwise it would have been pretty costly to listen to this production.
The first two short stories and book 1 and two were 3.5 and 4 stars. The rest of the series was a solid three stars rating.
At some point the story felt to drawn out but since I had passed the point of no return, where I just wanted to know who the stories ends I finished 15 Graphicaudio books. I think the story could have been shortened without loosing anything. From the beginning two things were predictable: One (and even more) person was Demon possessed and this person will die. And also there will be an Elemental involved, whom we meet again in book 9.
I liked Rylee and Mayer killed off some of the good guys. Two deaths were not really necessary and didn't feel right.
I would say this is a drawn out series, but okay, to listen for free in the graphic audio version. Stay away from the series if you tend to dnf series and hate it if the author kills beloved important side charcters.
The first two short stories and book 1 and two were 3.5 and 4 stars. The rest of the series was a solid three stars rating.
At some point the story felt to drawn out but since I had passed the point of no return, where I just wanted to know who the stories ends I finished 15 Graphicaudio books. I think the story could have been shortened without loosing anything. From the beginning two things were predictable: One (and even more) person was Demon possessed and this person will die. And also there will be an Elemental involved, whom we meet again in book 9.
I liked Rylee and Mayer killed off some of the good guys. Two deaths were not really necessary and didn't feel right.
I would say this is a drawn out series, but okay, to listen for free in the graphic audio version. Stay away from the series if you tend to dnf series and hate it if the author kills beloved important side charcters.
December 1, 2015
I have to say that I was really disappointed with the way this series ended. Not only that, I thought the writing was ho-hum. To me, it felt like the author was just writing to finish it, it had a forced feel to it. None of the zip the others had. The monologues were different, again they didn't feel like she was into it. I'm not sure what I was expecting for an ending, but that wasn't it. The "fight" scenes weren't giving my imagination much to work with. As the series had progressed, to me Rylee simmered down, and didn't have as much bite as she used to. No pun intended. By the end of the series, I really don't think she could have beat Orion. Yeah....I know...family...group effort, etc. Just wasn't feeling it, and really bummed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
August 17, 2017I'm going to have to dnf this for now. In the last book I noticed that I was missing pieces of the story due to new characters that were showing up that were featured and storied in spinoff series, as well as background stories of secondary characters that were featured in novellas, and brought back to this main narrative. Now I'm about 10% or so into this last book and I'm feeling like I've missed huge chunks of story.
So I'm going to set this final book in this series aside and start the Elemental series, which will ultimately bring a major player into the main story around book 9. (08/17/17)
So I'm going to set this final book in this series aside and start the Elemental series, which will ultimately bring a major player into the main story around book 9. (08/17/17)
February 1, 2019
A very good ending to this long running series. Heartbreaking in some ways, yet uplifting in others. I just never liked the person Rylee grew into - especially in the last couple of books and especially this one. Her character quit growing, deepening and becoming a better person. Instead, she turned into a cynical extremely foul-mouthed, rather nasty heroine. I ended up rooting for the other characters much more than her.
July 31, 2017
A Fitting Conclusion
The Rylee Adamson series comes to a nail biting conclusion in "Blood the Lost." I had trouble reading this book not because it was bad, but because I didn't want the series to end. We lost more of our favorite characters. One was especially hard for me to see go. My only criticism of the series was the Liam\Faris storyline. I see why Shannon played it out the way she did when the story ended, but I really dislike love triangles. I do see why she had to love Faris in order to have the end play out as it did. I can oversee it considering how amazing the series was!
The Rylee Adamson series comes to a nail biting conclusion in "Blood the Lost." I had trouble reading this book not because it was bad, but because I didn't want the series to end. We lost more of our favorite characters. One was especially hard for me to see go. My only criticism of the series was the Liam\Faris storyline. I see why Shannon played it out the way she did when the story ended, but I really dislike love triangles. I do see why she had to love Faris in order to have the end play out as it did. I can oversee it considering how amazing the series was!
August 25, 2018
Death Abounds
I borrowed the last book in the Rylee Adamson series via kindle unlimited and it’s filled with death, death and more death. The body count in this book and series is high, so if you don’t like SPOILERS STOP READING!
NO ONE IS SAFE FROM MAYER’S DEATH PEN! Both minor and major characters are dealt death blows in the thrilling and bloody conclusion of the Rylee Adamson series. First my pet peeve is Willy Nilly slaughter of characters. One major sacrifice of a key player guts my heart than all of Mayer’s deaths in this book. SPOILERS ~ Alex’s death was poignant, but his sacrifice seemed almost hallow as people were dropping like flies in this book. If the death of Alex had been the only major one of the series, this would have been a FIVE STAR series, unfortunately Mayer is kill happy. It all started with a blue orgre named Dox and the deaths just kept increasing, to the point that the deaths became passé. I don’t know if Mayer was going with Rowling’s death framework but it failed in this series. Why because I can accept the slaughter in battle, but the continual death count in each book, make me not want to invest in characters after I figured out what Mayer’s was up to. Alex’s death would have meant even more if Mayer’s hadn’t killed Blaz off too. Alex’s death was pivotal, but the others except for Faris just became redundant, as the series had a high body count. Yes, apocalyptic books have high body counts, but character development and reasoning is key. Death in real life is senseless, in books, death should propel the plot not just be a slaughter fest. Or leave the majority of body count for the last book as Rowling’s did, as it let me invest in the characters without feeling everyone’s time was running out. P.S. I think the same of GRR Martin’s killing in those books too, but epic fantasy has different criteria than paranormal romance.
***OFF SOAPBOX AS THE SUDS ARE DROWNING ME***
The authors writing style and talent evolved as the series grew. She learned to slow down her pace and invest time in some of the characters more than others. I don’t understand why she ramped up some character’s involvement in the series like Catya then dropped her quickly.
Catya had to come in Stitches, but except for a comment from Griffin was never mentioned again. Despite her supposedly being the babies protector and having an ancient soul, this was a scratch my head moment. Issues like this example is what hold this book from being a five star read.
I borrowed the last book in the Rylee Adamson series via kindle unlimited and it’s filled with death, death and more death. The body count in this book and series is high, so if you don’t like SPOILERS STOP READING!
NO ONE IS SAFE FROM MAYER’S DEATH PEN! Both minor and major characters are dealt death blows in the thrilling and bloody conclusion of the Rylee Adamson series. First my pet peeve is Willy Nilly slaughter of characters. One major sacrifice of a key player guts my heart than all of Mayer’s deaths in this book. SPOILERS ~ Alex’s death was poignant, but his sacrifice seemed almost hallow as people were dropping like flies in this book. If the death of Alex had been the only major one of the series, this would have been a FIVE STAR series, unfortunately Mayer is kill happy. It all started with a blue orgre named Dox and the deaths just kept increasing, to the point that the deaths became passé. I don’t know if Mayer was going with Rowling’s death framework but it failed in this series. Why because I can accept the slaughter in battle, but the continual death count in each book, make me not want to invest in characters after I figured out what Mayer’s was up to. Alex’s death would have meant even more if Mayer’s hadn’t killed Blaz off too. Alex’s death was pivotal, but the others except for Faris just became redundant, as the series had a high body count. Yes, apocalyptic books have high body counts, but character development and reasoning is key. Death in real life is senseless, in books, death should propel the plot not just be a slaughter fest. Or leave the majority of body count for the last book as Rowling’s did, as it let me invest in the characters without feeling everyone’s time was running out. P.S. I think the same of GRR Martin’s killing in those books too, but epic fantasy has different criteria than paranormal romance.
***OFF SOAPBOX AS THE SUDS ARE DROWNING ME***
The authors writing style and talent evolved as the series grew. She learned to slow down her pace and invest time in some of the characters more than others. I don’t understand why she ramped up some character’s involvement in the series like Catya then dropped her quickly.
Catya had to come in Stitches, but except for a comment from Griffin was never mentioned again. Despite her supposedly being the babies protector and having an ancient soul, this was a scratch my head moment. Issues like this example is what hold this book from being a five star read.
November 19, 2015
Blood Of The Lost is bitter sweet for me. But I guess all good, no, great things must come to an end, and what an end it was.
The Final battle is upon Rylee and she only has days before it is here. Things are moving fast and she has to stay ahead of it or the weight of the world will crush her. She has lost so much throughout the entire series and every loss is so crushing to her yet she knows going into the battle she will lose more and it kills her. But what can she do? She and her misfit pack have to band together with the few allies they have to save the world form the demons who wish to take over.
I will say one thing about Shannon is she is not afraid to rip your heart out by killing off beloved characters. Like real life no one is truly safe in Shannon’s world. It is what makes her truly brilliant. She bases these fantasies with bits of reality. The most precious people to us can be gone in an instant but the love that you shared with them is all that mattered in the end.
“Love is a blessing that can help us face the darkest hours of our lives.”
I also loved the way Lark tied into the end of Rylee’s story, but I will say that it surprised me. Well, honestly everything surprised me. Nothing in this book or any others is ever predictable. I absolutely do not want to give anything away because it would spoil it. I will say that from the first page of Blood OF The Lost, it is so packed with action you cannot put it down. I read it in one sitting!...Sara
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
The Final battle is upon Rylee and she only has days before it is here. Things are moving fast and she has to stay ahead of it or the weight of the world will crush her. She has lost so much throughout the entire series and every loss is so crushing to her yet she knows going into the battle she will lose more and it kills her. But what can she do? She and her misfit pack have to band together with the few allies they have to save the world form the demons who wish to take over.
I will say one thing about Shannon is she is not afraid to rip your heart out by killing off beloved characters. Like real life no one is truly safe in Shannon’s world. It is what makes her truly brilliant. She bases these fantasies with bits of reality. The most precious people to us can be gone in an instant but the love that you shared with them is all that mattered in the end.
“Love is a blessing that can help us face the darkest hours of our lives.”
I also loved the way Lark tied into the end of Rylee’s story, but I will say that it surprised me. Well, honestly everything surprised me. Nothing in this book or any others is ever predictable. I absolutely do not want to give anything away because it would spoil it. I will say that from the first page of Blood OF The Lost, it is so packed with action you cannot put it down. I read it in one sitting!...Sara
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
June 30, 2017
I can't believe it's over. What an epic journey Shannon Mayer has taken us on since book one, "Priceless." "Blood of the Lost" is the last and final book in the "Rylee Adamson" series. As much as I love this series, getting thru this final novel was a little hard at times with me getting choked-up and shedding tears on more than one occasion. What an emotionally-charged finale, which included a few surprises that I didn't see coming. If you're a fan of the series and haven't read this one yet, trust me when I tell you to keep a box of tissues by your side.
Ten books, each one a winner and worthy of the five stars I rated it. (It's been a couple of hours since I finished and still I get teary-eyed just thinking about it.) I don't think I'll ever forget Rylee, her and every person she loved, all of them a member of her family, all of whom I loved. The hardest part, the absolute tear-jerker, those who loved her dearly sacrificing their lives. Holy shit. This was absolutely brutal and heartbreaking. (Days later, rereading my review, only to shed more tears.) This is the end, sad but true.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2015
We have watched Rylee go from finding lost children and being lost herself, to this super powerful tracker with friends, family and a daughter!! Shannon has done such a wonderful job of completing this fantastic series and I'm sad to see the end. There are twists, turns and oh my goodness moments that you won't believe!!!! There will be love and heart break but the ending is done so well, you will be satisfied. Shannon stays true to the story and you won't be disappointed.
* I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review *
* I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review *
December 30, 2024
I knew from the first page I was going to love this series and it has become one of my favourites. I read it years ago and now I am leaving a review.
Rylee has the best and the worst job, to find those who are lost, the ones no one can find but it is not all sunshine and roses. Sometimes it will break your heart.
It is an intriguing, suspenseful, and mysterious thriller filled with tension. The story includes alliances, threats, betrayal, riddles, and plots, all infused with a touch of humour to keep the pages turning.
Rylee has the best and the worst job, to find those who are lost, the ones no one can find but it is not all sunshine and roses. Sometimes it will break your heart.
It is an intriguing, suspenseful, and mysterious thriller filled with tension. The story includes alliances, threats, betrayal, riddles, and plots, all infused with a touch of humour to keep the pages turning.
November 23, 2015
This was a bittersweet end to the Rylee Adamson novels.
I'll probably get over all the deaths in this book in a few days, but for now, I'm a little sad.
Thank you, Shannon Mayer, for many enjoyable reading hours!
I'll probably get over all the deaths in this book in a few days, but for now, I'm a little sad.
Thank you, Shannon Mayer, for many enjoyable reading hours!
March 23, 2016
Well. It could have ended better, but it wasn't as bad as I thought for at least half of the book. In any case - as my favorite judge on Court TV says, "Stick a fork in me, I am done."
May 14, 2022
The last in the original Rylee series.
I felt tears venture forth a couple times!
I liked the conclusion but obviously it’s not quite complete.
I want to know who was at the door at the end.
I’ll continue with rootbound in the elemental series.
I have come to really love these characters.
I want to hear about Marcela and Millie’s son.
I’ll listen to the others that bind the series together. Rylee, Liam, Pamela and lynchpin.
I’m a big fan of Shannon I just wish there was more smut in her books, a little more romance that doesn’t effect the world building.
4 star listen.
I felt tears venture forth a couple times!
I liked the conclusion but obviously it’s not quite complete.
I want to know who was at the door at the end.
I’ll continue with rootbound in the elemental series.
I have come to really love these characters.
I want to hear about Marcela and Millie’s son.
I’ll listen to the others that bind the series together. Rylee, Liam, Pamela and lynchpin.
I’m a big fan of Shannon I just wish there was more smut in her books, a little more romance that doesn’t effect the world building.
4 star listen.
July 9, 2022
I picked up the first book in the series, Priceless on a whim a few years ago. It was on sale for $0.79, I liked the cover and the blurb drew me in. I hadn't really read any urban fantasy prior to it but I've always loved fantasy and the idea of a more grown up fantasy grabbed me. And it was perfect. Everything I expected and so much more. I proceeded to demolish the remaining available books and Shannon Mayer has fast become one of my favourite authors. All of the books are full of fast paced, well written plots, hysterically funny lines and lots of heart. The characters worm their way under your skin until you're cheering with them at their successes and sobbing with them at their failures. Couldn't recommend the series more highly and will certainly be rereading many many times.
January 12, 2019
3.5* hard to pick this series up after such a long break. Still interested in the characters but not the excitement and familiarity as when I was in the middle of the series.
June 5, 2020
Oh God! This hurts so much
April 3, 2022
Wow! What a fantastic series! One other reviewer said it was an action packed, emotional roller coaster, and that description fits this series perfectly.
February 8, 2023
This one ripped my heart out, threw it on the floor, and stomped on it till I died. Such a wrenching ending but beautiful at the same time. So intense. I don't cry over books, but I cried for Alex.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 378 reviews