Edge of Forever

Soul Eater #6

by Pippa DaCosta

The End is here...

Apophis has risen. New York is on its knees. Nothing stands in the way of the gods.

Or so it would seem.

But there is no light without darkness and no truth without lies. The Soul Eater has one last chance to save the world, if he can resist the temptation to destroy it.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Mythology, Supernatural, Gods

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2017

About the author

Two-time DragonCon Finalist & Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finalist--- "Wait a second. Let's cut to the chase. I write kick-ass urban fantasy & sci-fi novels with conflicted characters, breathless action, and no-holds-barred dialogue. My books may not leave you feeling all fluffy and warm inside, but they will excite you. There will be plot-twists, angst, probably a few dead bodies, and very likely your favorite character will turn out to be the bad guy. Don't say I didn't warn you..."

www.pippadacosta.com

(I review on Goodreads as a reader, not a writer. Reviews here are my personal opinion, not a professional one).

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating: 15 stars. DUH.

Disclaimer: you will learn absolutely nothing about this book while reading this review thing. Don't say I didn't warn you and stuff.

So.

➽ Quick summary of the previous instalments, for those Poor, Clueless Barnacles (PCB™) who had the despicable bad sense not to read it: spoiler spoiler spoiler. You are quite welcome.

➽ Quick summary of this instalment, for those Gloriously Insightful Barnacles (GIB™) who had the remarkably perceptive good sense to devour the previous ones eagerly because Pippa wrote them and they are THAT good and stuff: spoiler spoiler spoiler. You are quite welcome.



So.

As your sometimes acute tiny little minds might have guessed from this astoundingly astonishing introduction thing up there ↑↑, there is no way in my subaquatic kingdom hell I can write a review for this book. Because, you know, spoiler spoiler spoiler and stuff. Also because, you know, spoiler spoiler spoiler and stuff. Also also because this is the final instalment in this series , which means SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER and stuff. Also also also because, as with any Slightly Wondrous Pippa Story (SWPS™), this one kinda sorta turns you into an (choose all that apply) emotional wreck/complete, total and utter mess/pathetically heart-broken wimp/ bipolar masochist (yes, that is a thing)/beautifully blood-thirsty, revenge-seeking homicidal maniac, making it impossible for you to form any kind of not so coherent thought about it. Sometimes.

So.

Let's be delightfully messy and chaotic and convoluted and disorganized and jumbled (sorry, I ran out of synonyms) and stuff! Let's talk about Randomly Awesome Marvellous Soul Eater Stuff (RAMSES™) oh wow, I didn't even come up with that one intentionally almost. These ancient Egyptian dudes really are a never-ending source of inspiration for my little grey cell. Or not !

① Ancient Egyptian Dudes & Chicks (AED&C™) = yummy in my tummy.
Before reading this series, angels were my favourite UF assholes. But now? Bloody shrimping hell, AED&C™ are so deliciously assholish and stuff, I might die. The dudes are charmingly perverse, devious bastards and the chicks are exquisitely wicked, duplicitous bitches. It really is a thing of beauty.

② Mind-boggling newsflash:
I am slightly in lurve with Ace Dante. I mean, he is, after all, one my top 5 slaves boyfriends in the High Security Wing of my High Security Harem that secure enough for you? . And his actually being Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler not his real name , makes him even succulently darker. Ergo sexier and kinkier and steamier and stuff. Because being the spoiler spoiler spoiler of spoiler spoiler spoiler does that to a guy. I mean, it's kinda sorta wildly erotic and stuff. In a deliciously deviant, deviantly delicious way. And stuff.



Yes, I do have a PhD in Most Excellent Subaquatic Pickup Lines (MESPL™) from PUMT (Pelagic University at Mariana Trench).

③ Scandalous admission:
As much as I lurve Ace one my top 5 slaves boyfriends in the High Security Wing of my High Security Harem, remember? MINE MINE MINE, remember? , it's really Shu the Most Lusciously Enticing Sorceress (StMLES™) I'm in total, complete and utter LURVE with. I mean, how can you NOT desperately fall for a delectably ass-kicking gal who says things like:

“That little bitch-priestess was going to cut out my tongue. I am going to find her and cut off her toes, one by one, and then I’m going to make her watch while I eat them like popcorn. Then I’m going to do the same with her fingers. Her nipples too. I’ll wear those as earrings.”

Sigh. My Shukra is everything. She went from being a slightly edible chick in the first instalments to, well, you know, everything and stuff. I want to be her when I grow up. I might also want to kidnap marry her. Which would mean I'd have to marry myself If I grew up to be her and stuff, that is . Which could be technically difficult. But, hey, I'm somewhat omnipotent and omniscient and omni-pretty much everything, so no biggie and stuff. But anyway. My fascinating point is: Shukra makes my pincers tingle and stuff.



Oh, and by the way: I refuse to let my Shukra go *discretely waves at the Author Who Shall Not Be Named* I mean, Pippa DaCosta seems to have the silly notion this is the LAST book in this series and that this will be the LAST we hear of Shu (and Ace and Cat and Cujo and Chuck and Nile and the rest of the kinda sorta awesome cast and stuff well, the kinda sorta awesome cast that Pippa hasn't killed dead, anyway ). This cannot be and this will not do, obviously. I have therefore taken the future of this series into my tiny little pincers hands: I am currently sending friendly death threats to Pippa, so that she will write five a Shu spin-off and a ten Ace Dante Where The Fish Are You?! sequel. I expect positive results post haste, so be glad and rejoice and stuff.

④ Fangirling this ain't naught nope nope nope :
Brilliant Pippa DaCosta is brilliant because she never ruins her most brilliant, original, exciting, nerve-wracking stories the way 99.99% of other crappy UF authors usually do. She doesn't do clichés. She doesn't do pathetically disgusting lovey dovey stuff. She doesn't do easy way out crap. She doesn't do conventional HEA BS. No she bloody shrimping doesn’t. She kicks ass you and shakes you and crushes you and punches you and makes you want your mommy to hold your hand don't be ridiculous now, I have no mommy *eyeroll* and happily breaks the little black heart that you don't have and gladly awakens the rampaging psychopath in you. This obviously calls for Enthusiastic Cheerleading Shrimp Time (ECST™) and stuff.



» And the moral of this Spoil this Most Scrumptious Series for the Masses I Did Not Because I am Super Generous and Compassionate and Charitable Like that You are So Very Welcome My Little Barnacles Super Extra Crappy Non Review (StMSSftMIDNBIaSGaCaCLtYaSVWMLBSECNR™) is: walk like an evil Egyptian. Duh.



ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

P.S. I bet that, should she read this non-reivew thing, the Author Who Shall Not Be Named will be really happy with her decision to send me the ARC for this book. Pippa, I'm sorry. I really did try.

P.P.S.

· Book 1: Hidden Blade ★★★★★
· Book 2: Witches' Banes ★★★★★
· Book 3: See No Evil ★★★★★
· Book 4: Scorpion Trap ★★★★★
· Book 5: Serpent's Game ★★★★★

· Short-story: Chase the Dark ★★★★★



[Pre-review non-sense]

Pippa DaCosta seems to think this is the last instalment in this glorious series.



The woman really is talented hilarious. Well either that or she is slightly suicidal. Because I don't think the murderous crustaceans would take the Despicable Lack of Next Instalment (DLoNI™) very well and stuff Quick reminder:

.

➽ Full Pippa DaCosta this Better not Be the End or Else Crappy Non Review (PDCtBnBtEoECNR™) to come.



[August 28, 2017]

There is a slight possibility that I may be in possession of an ARC for this book. Maybe.

[Pippa DaCosta]

The last EVER Soul Eater book is out now!



Commissioned artwork for Shukra:



© Copyright protected.

I've finished three series, the Veil, 1000 Revolution, and now Soul Eater. And it never gets any easier. I've cried, laughed, fretted, written in the wee hours and all the hours, and cried some more through them all, but Soul Eater, as well as world-shattering, is deeply poignant because of the characters. Ace, Shukra, Cat, Cujo. They are part of my family. I've loved them, hated them, shouted at them, and cried for them with you, and I'm so sad to see it all come to an end. It's exhausting, but also incredibly thrilling to see the entire story come to fruition. I've loved every moment of Ace's journey (even the tough times - of which there were many!), and I hope you love it too...

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really solid conclusion to the Soul Eater story. Questions were answered, sacrifices made, bargains struck, plots foiled and gods at war. What wasn’t to love?



Ace is one of the best Anti-heroes I’ve read in awhile. He is really a mess but holding it together by a thread. He is playing everyone and there were times I wasn’t really sure which side of the fence he was going to fall on. I wasn’t the only one either. Good thing Shu is around to tell it like it is.

“I thought you might like it back,” Shukra was saying.
“Why?”
“To remind you that you weren’t always an epic asshole. Well, actually, you were, but you tried to be a decent asshole. Now you’re just a god in love with the idea of himself, just like all the others.”

When you are the End of All Things it is hard to make and keep friends. It is even harder to fight all of the gods at once when they all want you trapped again. So Ace has to defeat Seth, keep himself from being skewer by all the other gods and somehow not give in to all his godly urges to destroy everything. It is just another day at the office.

I’m not going to tell you what goes down, who wins, who loses and who gets a HEA. But it was all very epic. Shu and Ace are one of my favorite power couples and Shu gets the award for best new earing design as well. She should start a business.

Whatever. That little bitch-priestess was going to cut out my tongue. I am going to find her and cut off her toes, one by one, and then I’m going to make her watch while I eat them like popcorn.”
[…]
“Then I’m going to do the same with her fingers,” Shukra continued as she ran a hand through her knotted hair. “Her nipples too. I’ll wear those as earrings.”

Note to self….NEVER EVER cross Shu, she will cut you.

Even with all of the death and destruction there are some great emotional and funny moments throughout. I was always thoroughly entertained and I was actually really happy with the ending we got.

Pippa doesn’t really do conventional and so her series have been like a breath of fresh air.

[Milda Page Runner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely wraps up the series. Tons of suspense and drama which I suppose is natural before the final stand off. Surprisingly positive ending.
All in all I'm happy with the series and impressed by Pippa DaCosta writing. Certainly going to check out her other series.

[Cheryl La Pa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it to bits! Wow! What a spectacular ending to a series! Exhilarating, non-stop action, heart-stopping roller coaster ride set in the realm of the Egyptian gods riddled with laugh out loud humour.

There is nothing that I love more than curl up in bed with a hot chocolate & the latest release from Pippa DaCosta because I know that I am in for one hell of a ride! From the memorable characters, their witty exchanges, to the jaw dropping surprises along the way, I was totally captivated until the last page.

A god cannot change.
Watch me.

In this final book in the Soul Eater series, the Soul Eater tries to stop the Gods from destroying the world, but will he be able to keep the monster that he is at bay?

Ace knows that without his friends, he would become the monster they fear.
There’s Shukra, a sorceress, with her smart mouth and sassy attitude.
Just when I think you can’t disappoint me anymore, you outdo yourself.

It must have been so difficult to lounge about on your throne all day and have all those stupid people massage your enormous ego.

Then there’s Cat, a shape-shifting feline.
…her ruthlessness, her protective instincts, and her willingness to believe in the good in me. Somewhere behind all that killer instinct, she really is a pussy cat.

Ms DaCosta’s sharp writing, entertaining plot and dynamic characters make this book a winner for me. I simply didn’t want this series to end – I adore Ace, Shu & Cat and am always left wanting more!

[Maria Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddy read with both the MacHalo and the UF Freaks. Well sort of because buddy read implies stopping to comment and discuss.

I was supposed to savour this. After all it's the last book of the series. So I both wanted to read this book in seconds and to make it last forever. As usual my total lack of self control made me devour this in just a few hours.

To describe Edge of Forever I will borrow a line from it: "It was glorious!" It grabbed me by the throat and I just couldn't let go. From the moment I read the teaser at the end of the previous book I was terrified of what's to come, of whether Ace can overwhelm Apophis and be more than the Monster all gods fear. And for a while I wasn't sure which one of them will win.

There were so many delicious moments to sate even the most bloodthirsty soul! But as much as love Ace and admire what he managed to do, Shukra once again stole the limelight. Because without her, his only friend (took you long enough to figure it out, Ace! You're not really bright, are you?) our favourite soul eater would have been in deep shit. Shu brings a much needed sass to the otherwise rather glum Ace. With gems like:

“To remind you that you weren’t always an epic asshole. Well, actually, you were, but you tried to be a decent asshole.

“Can I at least hit you again? The first time was almost orgasmic.”

“Her nipples too. I’ll wear those as earrings.”

"Ace: The only reason you’re alive is because they think I’m torturing you.
Shu: Your ridiculously sad puppy eyes already are.”

and many many more, is it any wonder why I worship her? If I could I would marry her but alas she's already a prisoner guest at a high security harem that I have no prayer of ever infiltrating ;)

I can't say more for it would spoil at least some part of this awesomeness and you need to experience it spoiler-free to really appreciate it properly. All I can say is that it delivered The End of All Things with a bang.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don't have a clue how to write a review for this book. I mean how can I possibly sum up the amount of awesome packed into this series in just a few paragraphs? It's impossible I tell you, totally impossible! So if you want to skip the fangirl rambling that is sure to follow and just get the short version here it is: THIS IS AN EPIC END TO AN INCREDIBLE SERIES.

That's pretty much all you need to know really! If you've already read the first 5 books then you'll know exactly how twisty this series is, you'll know all about our favourite anti hero Ace and his kickass sidekicks Shu and Cat, you'll know exactly how evil ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses can be and you'll be prepared to have your heart ripped into teeny, tiny pieces that you'll never quite be able to put back together in the same way as before. And if you haven't already read this series then I've just told you what to expect so you won't be going in blind!

Pippa DaCosta is a fantastic writer, I devour anything she publishes like it's the highest quality chocolate and then I go straight back for seconds and thirds. No matter how much I love all of her other characters though I think Ace and Shu are my favourites, I love how devious they can both be, I love the fact that two people who were enemies for centuries have actually become reluctant friends and I love the way they play off each other's strengths and weaknesses. They make a fantastic team and I really love that there is no pesky romance between them to muddy the waters. This series was everything I never knew I wanted, who knew Egyptian gods roaming around in modern day New York could be so fascinating? Who knew That Isis and Osiris were quite so psychotic or that they might not be the worst ancient Egypt had to offer?

Reading this book was like watching a high action movie and I refuse to believe that we've seen the last of these characters. I know Pippa has said this is the end (and to be fair she has tied up all the loose ends and answered all our questions) but I'm not ready to say goodbye to the world or the characters so I really hope she changes her mind one day. I guess in the meantime the great thing about books is that they're always there for rereading and I'm already looking forward to going back to Hidden Blade and starting the journey all over again. Thank you Pippa for another fabulous adventure and I can't wait to see what you come up with next!

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace Dante you are 100% more than darkness and most certainly I trust in the lies . The perfect ending (well almost, I kind of needed Cat on the back of his Ducati) to an amazing series.

[Shawnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect ending to the series!

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome wrap up - as expected of Pippa.
I know, worst arc review ever and I will do better eventually.

(I blame it on my less than stellar health these days.)

Looking forward to my next Pippa novel.

[D. Messing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pippa Dacosta has done it again!!! This is a thrilling end to this series, and I feel very lucky to have been able to read it! I'm not going to give away any spoilers, but if you like non-stop action, lying extensively for all the right reasons, and a possible apocalypse, then this is the story for you! It is utterly gripping, I started and finished the entire story in just a couple of hours, the height of the story left me breathless!! Absolutely phenomenal story, thank you so very much for the opportunity to read and review this exceptional work!

[Rob Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet. This whole book is intense & really hard to put down. Loose ends are tied up & truths revealed. I don't want to say to much & wreck it for anyone!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didnt want to read this one! Why you ask? Because this wild ride would be over!!
Loved it so much that I read it one sitting. Loved that dynamic relationship with Ace and Shakura, they went from enemies to best friends. When everyone had given up on Ace, Shakura stood by him...albeit with a knife lol!
Im glad that with all the hardships Ace suffered, he finally got his "happy" ending. Will miss reading this series. I hope one day Pippa gives us more **hint hint** :-D

[Christine Scotney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final instalment in the Soul Eater series, Ace has more power than he possible could have imagined when we first met him. His been known by many names, The nameless one, God Killer, Soul Eater,and a few more we won't mention for spoilers, also among them is Liar and that he is until the very end. If you haven't already started reading the Soul Eater Series by the absolutely talented Pippa Da Costa, start now! Every book just gets better and better, keeps you guessing and you don't always guess right. Exceptionally well written and so easy to read, I'm going to sit back and read the 6 books again, back to back. New York has fallen into the hands of an Ancient God and the end of all things is upon us. Can the Ancient Egyptian Gods save the world or destroy it, will the apocalypse happen as prophesied. And the ending, well.........just Read it.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm was excited to read about Ace's adventure and sad this is the last book in the Soul Eater series. This book is full of destruction, betrayal, suspense, magic, gods, death, the underworld, and action that will have you turning page after page to find out what happens next! Ace is no longer the nameless one, he is Apophis, lord of the dark. Seth has filled New York with his red sand and has brought a lot of destruction to the city. People are afraid, enslaved, and want to escape the destruction of the gods. Ace has a plan to save humanity from the gods. What does it entail? Will he save humanity or will the gods take over the world? What will happen to Niles? Will he escape what the gods have planned for him? This is a book you need to read to finish the series!

[Karinloos · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say it's a Pippa book. She writes the best anti hero ever

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I must confess I both loved and hated this book. Why, you ask? Well, first off, it was terrific, and I think the best in the series! The book was well-written, tied up most loose ends (nothing major was left open), and had a great conclusion. Ace, Shu, and company battles Seth in the only way they can. The action was wonderful, and I was so riveted by the book, I read it in one setting. Thankfully, I didn’t have any prior commitments and could do that. So, what did I hate about it? I can’t believe it’s over and I hate that! The whole series was great, and I hate to say goodbye to all the characters. They’ve become like family, and I’ll miss them. That, in and of itself, shows how great a writer Ms. DaCosta is. If you are a fan and have read the previous books, you will love this ending. If you haven’t read this series, you need to try it. Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying ending to the series :)

[Nancy D Miz-Firefly aka Sparky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

[Yoanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mind is fried. Thank you very much.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic ending to this series. Loved the Egyptian mythology throughout, and despite being short books, there was a lot of action tucked into them.

[Amy Braun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that was quite the finale! Literally, most of the book was one big climax, which is likely why it was so short. But it was a good read! The ending was suitable for the series and I've got no complaints (except that I'm going to miss Ace, Shu, Cat, and Cujo!). There was tons of action and the story moved into some serious dark territory, especially in the beginning. Ace's final character transformation was impressive, and a reminder that he is not someone to mess with. I also really enjoyed the little tease in the epilogue. Not a cliffhanger, but if you're paying attention, it makes the ending all the better. This series was definitely dark and its finale is no exception, but I loved every bit of it. Ace is the ultimate anti-hero and I'm truly going to miss this universe and its impressive take on magic and urban fantasy. If you haven't picked any of these books up, do so now! They're not long books, and you can speed through them and not freak out over the cliffhangers like I did. So worth it!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good end to the series with Ace outwitting the rest of the gods.

There was a bit of flip-flopping of emotions that didn't always make sense, and I didn't get why Ace kept that priestess around when she was clearly too nosy for her own good. He could have easily found some petty reason to get angry with her and get rid of her, and still show himself to be Apophis. I mean, all the gods show such little regard for human life, so he could have easily appeared to be the same and get rid of her, but instead, he let her stick around and, surprise surprise, things started to go wrong.

But, it all kept the drama going, and I happily kept reading to the end.

Overall a great series. Highly recommended.

[Edeena Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endings are always hard. Emotionally wrenching. Devastating in one way or another. Having enjoyed this series immensely, I was dreading the conclusion. Also having inhaled every book as it hit the streets, I was waiting with baited breath for this to arrive. I don't know whether it was because this tale was too neatly wrapped up or whether it was just too short for me to be able to bid farewell to these characters, but I found myself disappointed for the first time ever. It was, on the other hand, a relief that none of the characters I loved died. I'm sorry that Ace's story is over, and congratulate Ms DaCosta on another fabulous series.

[Rachel Chiapparine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked it up from the Nook store on my tablet because I had to know how everything ends. My personal review of the book is as follows:

I really enjoyed how the(for lack of a better way of phrasing) “evil God” narrative was(in my personal opinion) flipped into examining of “light verses the dark” and how “darkness” might feel and see himself. I can’t really explain more without giving away the ending.

I also really enjoyed the “Ferryman’s” part at the very end of the book. I personally rate this book an 8 and a half out 10.

[Shannon Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fittingly explosive finale for a brilliantly badass series.

Unfortunately, while working a million hours, I still found time to devour this book in the few minutes I had here or there, and was so wrapped up in it, that I neglected to take notes. I remember that I loved this book though, and I love this series. It was a fantastic ending to phenomenal series, and I have had a wonderful time with Ace, Shu, and the whole rest of the gang.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great adventure.

What a fabulous ride. This last book brings it all together. I hat that it has come to an end but what an ending. DaCosta does a wonderful job of story telling and getting the reader invested in the characters. Some twists and turns an you have this great story. Highly recommend.

[A.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pippa Da Costa is an arc plot god. I was ranting to a friend that what I loved about this series was that it ended WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO. Everything built up to this 6th book; all the setups were paid off (at least as far as I noticed), all the Egyptian God chickens came home to roost.

It got sandy in NY, people.

5 stars

[Tina Bartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this last book in the Soul Eater series. It was an action-packed fast read chock full of twists and turns. The beginning finds Ace/Apophis in a very dark place and even he doesn't know if he can resist the lull of power and worship to retain any of his "human" qualities and emotions.

[Jayshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down!

Quite possibly, one of the greatest stories I've ever read. I hope to run into Ace and his friends again someday. I am especially interested in his daughter's tale. This can not be the end of the Dark. For how can the Light survive without it?