Nate’s no supernatural expert, but even he knows a murdered man coming back to life to kill him can only mean one thing—the necromancer is back and out for revenge.
Recruited by Department Seven in a desperate attempt to stop Peter before he claims new victims, Nate quickly realizes he’s in way over his head. His powers are failing him, he’s haunted by Peter’s ghost, and he can’t even remember how he stopped Peter the first time—or why he feels that someone very important is missing from his life.
Ben is fighting for his afterlife. Trapped in the supernatural version of solitary confinement, he knows freeing himself will destroy New Camden’s fragile peace—but what choice does he have? The longer he spends in his magical prison, the harder it becomes to resist his inner vampire. But if Ben wants to help Nate prevent Peter taking over the city, he has to prove himself to his sire—Saltaire, a thousand-year-old vampire with no qualms about using his immense power to suppress Ben’s free will.
As the casualties mount and the city descends into chaos, Ben and Nate must overcome their worst fears and impossible odds—or be written out of existence entirely.
Dead Wrong is the fourth and sadly, final, book in St. Kevern’s Thorns and Fangs series. If you are new to my reviews, I will remind you that it is essential that this series be read in order as characters are established and events are preordained by things that have happened in previous books.
The end of Life After Humanity left us wondering ‘what now?’ and St. Kevern does not immediately answer this question when Dead Wrong begins. Instead, the reader is distracted by the supernatural drama which, in truth, has always driven the Thorns and Fangs series. This does not mean that St. Kevern is dismissive of Ben and Nate’s relationship in Dead Wrong. It is still an important component of the story and readers will not be disappointed by the sizzling connection that still exists between Nate and Ben, but I like the way in which this develops again in line with the story. In my opinion, the beginning of Dead Wrong almost brings the series full circle and it is the ‘how?’ and ‘why?’ that kept me turning the pages.
I think the aspect that touched me the most in Dead Wrong was that despite this being a paranormal story, St. Kevern still reminds us of the fragility of human life. In New Camden, where vampires, werewolves , demons, and magic exist, cancer is still an illness that kills. Though, ironically, we should wish a painful ending on this characters for their actions, I found myself feeling empathy and pity because their suffering was caused by such an emotive disease.
Dead Wrong is the end of a journey that started in 2013 when I first started writing Thorns and Fangs. I knew then that one book wouldn't be enough to wrap up Nate and Ben's journey, but I still could not have imagined how this journey would play out, or how much my life would change while working on this series.
I've got a lot of mixed feelings at seeing the final chapter of Nate and Ben's story going out into the world, but mostly I'm excited. Through working on this series, I've met some amazing friends, and worked with some very cool people. I can't wait to see what everyone makes of this story.
An ARC was generously provided, without stipulations.
Those who delayed reading the previous book in fear of the cliffhanger - it's now safe to catch-up!
A fast paced book with lots happening, the characters have come a long way. There's excitement, plenty of tension, some heat, feelz, mystery and showdowns. Altogether a satisfying conclusion.
I've enjoyed the series; found it unpredictable and fascinating with a number of colourful characters. The final chapter of Nate and Ben's story, but it would still be nice to re-visit this world.
I believe that this is the last in the Thorns and Fangs series, although I could easily see how the story might continue. I'm sad to see the last of Nate and Ben. Over the last couple of years, they have wormed their way into my heart. Nate is by far, one of my favorite queer characters that I've stumbled across and primarily because of his supernatural abilities, which relates to plants. I won't really go much further than that, otherwise, I'd spoil everything. But I have hundreds of plants, and so there's a secret part of me that wishes I could be Nate.
In this installment, Ben, our conflicted vampire, has been entered into New Camden's Final Register. New Camden is the city where the story takes place, and it has a very high population of supernatural folk. In order to maintain law and order, and to protect both supes and normals alike, there are a series of books that have been spelled that maintain a classification system, as well as carrying out the worst of the worst sort of punishments for supernaturals. If you're entered into the Final Register you only exist to yourself. It's a permanent solitary confinement. At the end of Life After Humanity - book three in the series - Ben is entered into the Final Register. The final installment in the Thorns and Fangs series sees Ben and his struggles while on the Final Register, all while not being remembered by anyone, the effects of that type of confinement, Nate's reaction to all that, all while attempting to figure out why or how the Necromancer has returned from the dead, or has he?
I highly suggest St. Kevern's books. They are clever, well written, imaginative and she knows how to paint an interesting world. St. Kevern has another series called Deep Magic, and I'm anxious to get my paws on that.
ARC provided by author and I thank her! First, it must be said that this is the potentially last book in the series and ties everything up nicely, leaving some secondary characters that could have delicious stories. Since the series follows the same main characters, the books must be read in order.
Now, with that out of the way, I'll gush. I love this series and I love this book. Gillian St. Kevern's writing is a joy to read and her characters have depth. Her stories invite you in to stay a while and I get totally immersed in her world. Nate changes so much throughout the series and by the end of this book I wanted to wrap him and Ben up and never let them go.
Can you imagine a world where no one could hear you or see you but you're completely aware of them and everything that happens? That's Ben's world in this book and you really need to read it. They say love conquers all and that's certainly true here.
Now - what's next? And whatever it is, please let it be soon!
Dead Wrong is the thrilling conclusion to the Thorns and Fangs series and it needs to be read in order, so you're warned that this review might contain spoilers, although I'll try my best not to include any.
I have to say that Ms. St. Kevern managed to surprise me with this installment, which very well might be my favorite of the four books. Not only did she manage to tie all the loose ends quite neatly, but she threw a few twists and turns that I so wasn't expecting.
The books are long, detailed and there's a lot going on. There are some storylines that run throughout the four books, some that are dealt with in the particular book they're contained in, and still, somehow the author managed not to lose me or make me feel confused with all that was happening.
I loved the progression of Nate and Ben's relationship, their growth both as individuals and as a couple and how they finally seemed to be on the same page. While there wasn't all that much sex in Dead Wrong, the chemistry and connection that the two of them shared were palpable.
I really liked the secondary cast, even the so-called-villains, really helped move the plot along and keep things interesting.
Overall, this was a great way to end the series, although I wouldn't mind catching up with Nate and Ben in the future to see how they're doing. ;) It was well-written, engaging and a series I have no trouble recommending!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Probably the final book in the series. So I read this with a definite feeling of nostalgia for all the amazing characters introduced throughout the series. Love the character development. They have all been brought to simply perfect maturity in this book