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The Foundling #3
Death Knell
War burned her. Famine nearly killed her. Now Death is at her heels.
After her two worlds clashed apocalyptically, Luce Boudreau needed some time out. But Destiny had other ideas. When bodies begin washing ashore down the Mississippi River, Luce discovers they are part of a gruesome, lethal message. Her final sister, Death, is trying to break through.
Every sign is clear: the end is coming, but earth will be destroyed - quite literally - over Luce's dead body, even if that means she'll be battling her own nature. And her coterie will stand with her, though Cole keeps standing one step too goddamn far away. Her mysterious new partner, Adam Wu, on the other hand, seems determined to keep her close at all times. And the more Luce learns about the new world she's part of, the deeper the secrets go. Who - if anyone - can she really trust?
As the final pieces of an ancient war come together, Luce's chance to fight back comes sooner than she expected. Death can come at her . . . she's eager to return the favour.
After her two worlds clashed apocalyptically, Luce Boudreau needed some time out. But Destiny had other ideas. When bodies begin washing ashore down the Mississippi River, Luce discovers they are part of a gruesome, lethal message. Her final sister, Death, is trying to break through.
Every sign is clear: the end is coming, but earth will be destroyed - quite literally - over Luce's dead body, even if that means she'll be battling her own nature. And her coterie will stand with her, though Cole keeps standing one step too goddamn far away. Her mysterious new partner, Adam Wu, on the other hand, seems determined to keep her close at all times. And the more Luce learns about the new world she's part of, the deeper the secrets go. Who - if anyone - can she really trust?
As the final pieces of an ancient war come together, Luce's chance to fight back comes sooner than she expected. Death can come at her . . . she's eager to return the favour.
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2018
219 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Edwards
104 books2,835 followersHailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
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https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
March 15, 2020
Third book in the series and I feel a little frazzled at the end of it. There were too many "twists" and aha moments, ya know? Like, a twist is awesome. A reveal is great. But, when there is one after another after another, and then fight scenes in between each one... It was just a bit much. In bayou language:
Then there was the problem with the romance with me. I just never felt it. She was attracted to him from the start, but it was hard to understand why. She described his looks as terrible, even ugly. And, that would be fine if he was at least nice to her, but he's been an ass the whole time. He gets in her face and even pushes her around, physically. Aside from that, he doesn't exhibit any other personality. So, what's the attraction? Well, in this book we learn that there are "reasons" for it all. But, I hated that. It's like when you read a book where there are "fated mates" and the author uses it as an excuse to not write a believable romance with real chemistry. It's a cop-out.
I can't even give a real run-down on what happened in this one because it would end up looking like a list. A long, jumbled, unorganized list.
Then there was the problem with the romance with me. I just never felt it. She was attracted to him from the start, but it was hard to understand why. She described his looks as terrible, even ugly. And, that would be fine if he was at least nice to her, but he's been an ass the whole time. He gets in her face and even pushes her around, physically. Aside from that, he doesn't exhibit any other personality. So, what's the attraction? Well, in this book we learn that there are "reasons" for it all. But, I hated that. It's like when you read a book where there are "fated mates" and the author uses it as an excuse to not write a believable romance with real chemistry. It's a cop-out.
I can't even give a real run-down on what happened in this one because it would end up looking like a list. A long, jumbled, unorganized list.
November 30, 2020
So this one starts with Luce firmly back in the arms of her coterie at the bunkhouse and Cole even though he is still trying to keep a semblance of distance between them both has started to gradually become more possessive of her, his own inner primal nature for the moment winning the tug-of-war with his more logical side.
After the previous fallout with Luce's human partner Rixton, Luce is now firmly collaborating with Adam Wu as he shows her the ropes of her new job.
The enigma that is Wu continues to obscure while his mysterious father is brought into the mix for examination.
There are so many questions here not least of all their family's curious species and origins and just what Wu actually wants and expects in the long-term from his partnership with Luce.
I also do get the impression that this is maybe not his first rodeo in regards to Luce.
There is also the question of her shattered psyche and whether he has anything to do with that particular event both personally or from further afar.
Then there's that enigma Ezra, just who he is and what does he represent especially in regards to Luce and Conquest.
I pinged back and forth over his end-goal and actual identity changing my mindset multiple times over.
My eventual conclusion as of yet and at this stage of the journey is just complete conjecture but I think I have a fair idea and hopefully, the next book will prove me right for the moment, I am not sharing.
Back to Wu and what his presence could mean in regard to Luce and her destiny and I do think he is up to his pretty neck in all this.
Well, he is obviously powerful and has connections of the highest order, definitely top of the food chain.
He is holding his cards close to his chest and I do think he definitely has his own agenda, what that is does start to become clearer the further on here you get.
As for sides, I think Wu wants to be on Luce's but it may clash with his own agenda as much as he may wish that it didn't.
We also do get to see a more human side to Wu here which I really did appreciate.
So here we get to finally discover just what Miller is hiding under his skin and my guess was so spot-on, just need to see Santiago's base form now which is obviously aquatic in nature.
Pace-wise this one was way snappier than the previous book and where that was all about the connection Death Knell focuses more on the action and systematically removing their enemies.
In fact, in terms of violence, this holds the top spot so far.
Finally, that ending really put the cat among the pigeons it was just so spectacular and further muddied the waters.
This instalment just had so much going on and if you felt in the previous book that the momentum was lost here its full steam ahead in terms of the plot moving forward.
I really like how the whole picture is starting to fit together
This was a complete trip and I am still loving the ride really looking forward to book 4 just so much.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
November 21, 2018
Third in the Foundling series, Death Knell has Luce trying to get to grips with her new life. Whatever place she had in the normal world is over, this is her new reality. When dead bodies start washing up on the banks of the Mississippi River trying to talk to her, it signals that she’s not got a lot of time to get used to it. Death is coming. What she does have is her coterie and her new NSB partner, Adam Wu. But while they’re helping her deal with the fallout from Death’s imminent arrival, they’re also keeping secrets. Ones that have shattering consequences for everyone she loves and may just change her existence all over again.
Sill, we all know Luce isn’t about to give up without a fight. We really get to see her start to throw down, even if some of the scenes faded to black way before I wanted them to. I genuinely can’t wait to see when Luce/Conquest really lets loose. And boy it’s coming…. What this book does more than those before is set up the Big Bad, shifting the focus from the problems everyone, reader included, thought were going to form the final confrontation to much bigger, more powerful ones. The inclusion of Wu plays a significant role in this, he knows much more about what’s going on that anyone else in Luce’s life, especially when it comes to what’s going to happen on this world, and what he brings to the table is going to change the whole game. While everyone except her knows plenty about the past, about Conquest in particular, this instalment turns the gaze forwards as much as back. It’s an effective decision by the author, allowing Luce the space to deal with her life as Conquest, but also focus on how she, or maybe even they, can do something about what’s coming. So much about her struggle with this only makes me get behind her even more. Keep going Luce, you got this.
In contrast to all the ground shaking revelations, there are the smaller but crucial scenes of love and connection which illustrate the ever growing bonds and understanding between Luce and her coterie. The genius creation is, of course, Thom. For those not in the know, his shifter form on this terrene is human and winged tomcat. And he’s the best character by far. No, you’re biased... Ok, so he’s a cat and that’s a winner right from the start. But what really appeals about the way he’s been created is that he has these super adorable feline traits even when in his human body. They’re weaved seamlessly into the story providing laughs and cuteness on a scale rarely imagined. So in the middle of a serious discussion about what the coterie need to do next, he’ll walk in, throw in his own opinion, then plop down next to Luce so he can give her the fresh fish he just caught from the lake. A present for his mistress, just like your cat would do … whether you want it or not. And instead of freaking out about getting a dead fish, Luce merely turns to him and says something like: that looks fresh, why don’t you keep it for yourself… The book is filled with little moments like this, gone in a flash, but feel so much like you own experiences with your cat that you can’t help but love them. I know I do. It doesn’t just happen with Thom either, there are special scenes like this for most of her coterie, building the kind of reciprocal trust that’s going to be so important for the future.
However, there is, perhaps, just a bit too much explanation in this one, too many conversations where all is revealed in a way that didn’t feel natural. A lot of big players are brought fully into the story here, beings whose motivations or backgrounds had to be expanded upon, details filled in hastily to fit with wherever the plot was moving. On top of that, i’m not entirely convinced by the direction Luce and Cole’s relationship is taking, especially with the sudden appearance of someone who (is a major spoiler so I won’t say). This all fed into a rather sudden and anti-climactic ending, of the action bits at least, though it’s fair to say the final scenes set up very big things for the next instalment. Things like wholesale slaughter and the ending of worlds. Whatever my quibbles about this book, i’ll be there for that. No doubt.
ARC via Netgalley
Sill, we all know Luce isn’t about to give up without a fight. We really get to see her start to throw down, even if some of the scenes faded to black way before I wanted them to. I genuinely can’t wait to see when Luce/Conquest really lets loose. And boy it’s coming…. What this book does more than those before is set up the Big Bad, shifting the focus from the problems everyone, reader included, thought were going to form the final confrontation to much bigger, more powerful ones. The inclusion of Wu plays a significant role in this, he knows much more about what’s going on that anyone else in Luce’s life, especially when it comes to what’s going to happen on this world, and what he brings to the table is going to change the whole game. While everyone except her knows plenty about the past, about Conquest in particular, this instalment turns the gaze forwards as much as back. It’s an effective decision by the author, allowing Luce the space to deal with her life as Conquest, but also focus on how she, or maybe even they, can do something about what’s coming. So much about her struggle with this only makes me get behind her even more. Keep going Luce, you got this.
In contrast to all the ground shaking revelations, there are the smaller but crucial scenes of love and connection which illustrate the ever growing bonds and understanding between Luce and her coterie. The genius creation is, of course, Thom. For those not in the know, his shifter form on this terrene is human and winged tomcat. And he’s the best character by far. No, you’re biased... Ok, so he’s a cat and that’s a winner right from the start. But what really appeals about the way he’s been created is that he has these super adorable feline traits even when in his human body. They’re weaved seamlessly into the story providing laughs and cuteness on a scale rarely imagined. So in the middle of a serious discussion about what the coterie need to do next, he’ll walk in, throw in his own opinion, then plop down next to Luce so he can give her the fresh fish he just caught from the lake. A present for his mistress, just like your cat would do … whether you want it or not. And instead of freaking out about getting a dead fish, Luce merely turns to him and says something like: that looks fresh, why don’t you keep it for yourself… The book is filled with little moments like this, gone in a flash, but feel so much like you own experiences with your cat that you can’t help but love them. I know I do. It doesn’t just happen with Thom either, there are special scenes like this for most of her coterie, building the kind of reciprocal trust that’s going to be so important for the future.
However, there is, perhaps, just a bit too much explanation in this one, too many conversations where all is revealed in a way that didn’t feel natural. A lot of big players are brought fully into the story here, beings whose motivations or backgrounds had to be expanded upon, details filled in hastily to fit with wherever the plot was moving. On top of that, i’m not entirely convinced by the direction Luce and Cole’s relationship is taking, especially with the sudden appearance of someone who (is a major spoiler so I won’t say). This all fed into a rather sudden and anti-climactic ending, of the action bits at least, though it’s fair to say the final scenes set up very big things for the next instalment. Things like wholesale slaughter and the ending of worlds. Whatever my quibbles about this book, i’ll be there for that. No doubt.
ARC via Netgalley
December 17, 2018
Well this series is like a telescope, panning out slowly to a bigger picture. I had no idea if this was going to be the last in the series as a trilogy, or whether it would go on. While I am pleased it’s going to continue, I NEED SOME ANSWERS,PEOPLE!! Just when the picture starts to clarify that sly Hailey Edwards adds another layer. I’m already envious of people who will come to this series when it’s completely done, because they won’t have to pause between books. So, this book may answer some of your questions, but there will be more by the end of the book, I promise! And as for Luce and Cole...seriously frustrating!
November 8, 2025
I just discovered Hailey Edwards writing a few weeks and ago and have been reading through all her series like wild fire... Of course, when I saw Death Knell show up as an ARC, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on it. And, Oh My, I'm so happy I did.
This is the continuation of an urban fantasy story focusing on a "demon", Luce, who thinks she is human and her coterie of "demons" that she has learned to love as family...
What would you do if you spent your life protecting others only to find out your destiny lies in the destruction of worlds? Luce decides she is going to forge her own path even if she has to kick some ass to do it.
Just when you think you have an inclination where Edwards is heading, she shakes it all up with a complex, utterly innovated and totally bold twist that gets your heart pounding.
If you are an avid reader like me, it is such a joy to find yourself swept away by an amazing cast of characters, mind blowing originality and a flat out riveting read.
I received this ARC copy of Death Knell from Little, Brown Book Group UK
Piatkus. This is my honest and voluntary review. Death Knell is set for publication Dec 4, 2018.
This is the continuation of an urban fantasy story focusing on a "demon", Luce, who thinks she is human and her coterie of "demons" that she has learned to love as family...
What would you do if you spent your life protecting others only to find out your destiny lies in the destruction of worlds? Luce decides she is going to forge her own path even if she has to kick some ass to do it.
Just when you think you have an inclination where Edwards is heading, she shakes it all up with a complex, utterly innovated and totally bold twist that gets your heart pounding.
If you are an avid reader like me, it is such a joy to find yourself swept away by an amazing cast of characters, mind blowing originality and a flat out riveting read.
I received this ARC copy of Death Knell from Little, Brown Book Group UK
Piatkus. This is my honest and voluntary review. Death Knell is set for publication Dec 4, 2018.
June 26, 2019
OMG just got this today can’t wait to start this! The Foundling Series is so addictive.
February 21, 2019
Talk about a slow burn. I can’t think of a single romance I have become this invested in with so little physical payoff. Luce and Cole feel as inevitable as the tide, yet they move together in increments of inches. Millimeters. And even as slowly as they move, each hard won inch is a victory to celebrate. Hailey Edwards has sold me on this pairing, hook, line and sinker. And I may want this romance to happen even more than the characters do.
That being said, the book and the series aren’t romances; they’re urban fantasy. So there is a whole lot more going on on the pages. Luce is preparing for her sister, Death, to cross over into the world, and she is working with her new partner, Adam Wu, to figure out how when and where it’s going to happen. The bodies of corpses are reanimating and it seems a portend from Death herself.
The plot moved well enough with the bodies and the resulting infections that they gave the general public. Don’t misunderstand, this book is not about zombies, but the particulars of the mission are far less important than what’s going on with the characters.
I’m fascinated by Adam. There is obviously a connection between him and Luce, but the author is not ready to share it just yet. Instead, she just gives us teases here and there. Where she does really deliver, though, is on the secret of his form and more of the details about Ezra. We also finally get to see Miller’s other self as well.
The world building here is fantastic. The characters are extremely engaging, including the secondary cast, and I could eat it all up with a spoon. I will admit, however, I did get a little lost towards the end when climax happened. There were a lot of characters and species and doublecrosses happening that were a little difficult to follow. I was also not 100% sure of my understanding of who belonged to who and how when it came down to that mating stuff at the end. Cole and Luce are mated but she belongs to someone else… maybe? There were a couple of parts where I read over it twice and I still wasn’t sure of myself.
I also am not thrilled about the surprise package Death was holding for Luce. As slowly as the relationship has been moving for Luce and Cole, it feels like jumping to the end without all of the fun parts. But I will give it a chance, because I love Hailey Edwards and I love this series and I am willing to give a little trust.
I would definitely recommend this series to fans of urban fantasy and will be just as excited when book four comes out. I’ll keep you posted.
Rating: B/B+
*ARC provided by publisher
That being said, the book and the series aren’t romances; they’re urban fantasy. So there is a whole lot more going on on the pages. Luce is preparing for her sister, Death, to cross over into the world, and she is working with her new partner, Adam Wu, to figure out how when and where it’s going to happen. The bodies of corpses are reanimating and it seems a portend from Death herself.
The plot moved well enough with the bodies and the resulting infections that they gave the general public. Don’t misunderstand, this book is not about zombies, but the particulars of the mission are far less important than what’s going on with the characters.
I’m fascinated by Adam. There is obviously a connection between him and Luce, but the author is not ready to share it just yet. Instead, she just gives us teases here and there. Where she does really deliver, though, is on the secret of his form and more of the details about Ezra. We also finally get to see Miller’s other self as well.
The world building here is fantastic. The characters are extremely engaging, including the secondary cast, and I could eat it all up with a spoon. I will admit, however, I did get a little lost towards the end when climax happened. There were a lot of characters and species and doublecrosses happening that were a little difficult to follow. I was also not 100% sure of my understanding of who belonged to who and how when it came down to that mating stuff at the end. Cole and Luce are mated but she belongs to someone else… maybe? There were a couple of parts where I read over it twice and I still wasn’t sure of myself.
I also am not thrilled about the surprise package Death was holding for Luce. As slowly as the relationship has been moving for Luce and Cole, it feels like jumping to the end without all of the fun parts. But I will give it a chance, because I love Hailey Edwards and I love this series and I am willing to give a little trust.
I would definitely recommend this series to fans of urban fantasy and will be just as excited when book four comes out. I’ll keep you posted.
Rating: B/B+
*ARC provided by publisher
December 21, 2018
Luce is other, a mighty warrior sent to prepare the way for her sisters to conquer Earth. A freak development caused Luce to come through as a young girl with no memory. Raised by the police officer who found her, she grew up to follow in his footsteps. Accepting her new reality has been difficult, but she is determined to stop her siblings and save the world. She will need her coterie, a team of others who can shift to aid her.
The world and characters Edwards has written continue to fascinate me. Without providing spoilers we see character and relationship growth in Luce’s team. Some of her “other” powers emerge and she has memories or flashbacks from a time before. Adam Wu the man who recruited her and her team has been a mystery throughout the series. Edwards rewards fans with answers and even more questions in Death Knell.
There is a romance between Luce and Cole, a dragon-shifter. Their relationship is both complex and touching. The author does a phenomenal job of allow us to understand and feel where they are coming from. I worry a little about Wu’s place and how it might affect Cole and Luce. Only time will tell as we learn more about who he is and what Luce is to him. It is killing me!
A virus is causing outbreaks among the humans, and the team continues to battle War. Now it appears Death is near. The story had a good pace with reveals, tidbits and action scenes that helped solidify the team.
The last section of the story had me gripping my Kindle and the ending... O.M. G. Edwards left me screaming for more. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The world and characters Edwards has written continue to fascinate me. Without providing spoilers we see character and relationship growth in Luce’s team. Some of her “other” powers emerge and she has memories or flashbacks from a time before. Adam Wu the man who recruited her and her team has been a mystery throughout the series. Edwards rewards fans with answers and even more questions in Death Knell.
There is a romance between Luce and Cole, a dragon-shifter. Their relationship is both complex and touching. The author does a phenomenal job of allow us to understand and feel where they are coming from. I worry a little about Wu’s place and how it might affect Cole and Luce. Only time will tell as we learn more about who he is and what Luce is to him. It is killing me!
A virus is causing outbreaks among the humans, and the team continues to battle War. Now it appears Death is near. The story had a good pace with reveals, tidbits and action scenes that helped solidify the team.
The last section of the story had me gripping my Kindle and the ending... O.M. G. Edwards left me screaming for more. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 27, 2020
2.5
“You forget yourself. Wars begin, and they end, but Death is eternal.”
Death is badass.
-Love Adam Wu.
-I'm not happy with Cole. Nor Luce right now.
One of the big problems is there is not a POV from Cole. We don't know what is he thinking or if he is really thinking? Not my favorite .
I miss Thom.
“You forget yourself. Wars begin, and they end, but Death is eternal.”
Death is badass.
-Love Adam Wu.
-I'm not happy with Cole. Nor Luce right now.
One of the big problems is there is not a POV from Cole. We don't know what is he thinking or if he is really thinking? Not my favorite .
I miss Thom.
December 6, 2018
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Death Knell is the third installment in author Hailey Edwards' Foundling series. This third story finds Luce Boudreau aka Conquest, starting her new life as an agent of the NSB. Famine has been captured. War & her coterie are still on the loose. Death is close to coming through the same breach that the other three sisters did into this world. But, before we can get to that point, we need to have Luce and her partner Adam Wu, along with Luce's coterie, deal with bodies washing ashore in various places along the Mississippi River.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Death Knell is the third installment in author Hailey Edwards' Foundling series. This third story finds Luce Boudreau aka Conquest, starting her new life as an agent of the NSB. Famine has been captured. War & her coterie are still on the loose. Death is close to coming through the same breach that the other three sisters did into this world. But, before we can get to that point, we need to have Luce and her partner Adam Wu, along with Luce's coterie, deal with bodies washing ashore in various places along the Mississippi River.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
January 28, 2019
Review posted on Got Fiction?
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ve seen that I just tore through Hailey Edwards books this summer. Obviously I was super excited for Death Knell. This is the third book in The Foundling series, and I was really intrigued about where that last ending left Luce and her friends.
Quick game of catch-up: Luce Boudreau was found around age 12 in the swamp. The cop who found her took her in and was just the best dad a girl could ask for. But they both knew Luce was different. The first book was about Luce finding out about herself. The second book was about Luce joining the crew, her coterie, and leaving her old life behind. Luce is basically a dragon and she is Conquest, a ruler along with her sisters Death, Famine, and War. She’s from another realm, and her coterie followed her to Earth. They’ve all adapted and live as normally as they can, considering they’re dragons of some sort. But they aren’t the only ones to come to Earth, in fact, they aren’t even the first. So this book is where Luce is trying to prevent 2 of her sisters from breaking through to Earth.
The first half of this book swept me back into the world and I couldn’t put it down. But boy, Cole drives me nuts! If he’s going to be a love interest, let him be a love interest. Don’t jerk Luce around. But he does. He can’t let go of the fact that she is Conquest, and one day Conquest might rear her head inside Luce and take over. He’s in love with Luce, not Conquest, but Conquest enslaved him so he has all this pent-up hatred for her. But Luce is her own self. She isn’t Conquest. Cole had to come to grips with that. Which I get, but I got tired of him knowing Luce was in love with him, and he can’t even give her a crumb of his affection? Some sort of commitment…I don’t know. This is why I tend not to read Urban Fantasy. I want Romance. If this series hadn’t set Cole up to be Luce’s love interest so quickly, and so intricately, I don’t think I would be as miffed. But it was obvious right off the bat that he’s it for her. So let him be a love interest, not just backup in a fight.
The main thing that bothered me about this book is something that bothers me with this author’s Necromancy books as well; she doles out tiny bits of information to both the main character and to the readers, and it isn’t enough. I think at this point I have to realize that this is just her style. I’m willing to continue on because the worlds and characters she’s created intrigue me and are very compelling. But I just need to go in knowing that I don’t like that the heroine is basically fighting to save the world but with a blindfold on. It don’t think it would bother me as much if the rest of the people in her life didn’t know. But they all know, and they all choose to keep pieces of information from her. (*cough*Adam Wu*cough*
But, this is not a negative review! I really get into these books. The characters are so interesting and intriguing. I usually read them in one sitting because I just don’t want to put them down.
I want to see what’s coming, and I can’t wait to see what certain characters are going to do in the next book. I am seriously into the niece who Luce has taken under her protection. And I want to know more about Wu, his father, and what all of that means for Luce.
This series has a really intriguing and fresh take on dragons, and demons, and I am here for whatever comes next.
***ARC courtesy of Netgalley
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ve seen that I just tore through Hailey Edwards books this summer. Obviously I was super excited for Death Knell. This is the third book in The Foundling series, and I was really intrigued about where that last ending left Luce and her friends.
Quick game of catch-up: Luce Boudreau was found around age 12 in the swamp. The cop who found her took her in and was just the best dad a girl could ask for. But they both knew Luce was different. The first book was about Luce finding out about herself. The second book was about Luce joining the crew, her coterie, and leaving her old life behind. Luce is basically a dragon and she is Conquest, a ruler along with her sisters Death, Famine, and War. She’s from another realm, and her coterie followed her to Earth. They’ve all adapted and live as normally as they can, considering they’re dragons of some sort. But they aren’t the only ones to come to Earth, in fact, they aren’t even the first. So this book is where Luce is trying to prevent 2 of her sisters from breaking through to Earth.
The first half of this book swept me back into the world and I couldn’t put it down. But boy, Cole drives me nuts! If he’s going to be a love interest, let him be a love interest. Don’t jerk Luce around. But he does. He can’t let go of the fact that she is Conquest, and one day Conquest might rear her head inside Luce and take over. He’s in love with Luce, not Conquest, but Conquest enslaved him so he has all this pent-up hatred for her. But Luce is her own self. She isn’t Conquest. Cole had to come to grips with that. Which I get, but I got tired of him knowing Luce was in love with him, and he can’t even give her a crumb of his affection? Some sort of commitment…I don’t know. This is why I tend not to read Urban Fantasy. I want Romance. If this series hadn’t set Cole up to be Luce’s love interest so quickly, and so intricately, I don’t think I would be as miffed. But it was obvious right off the bat that he’s it for her. So let him be a love interest, not just backup in a fight.
The main thing that bothered me about this book is something that bothers me with this author’s Necromancy books as well; she doles out tiny bits of information to both the main character and to the readers, and it isn’t enough. I think at this point I have to realize that this is just her style. I’m willing to continue on because the worlds and characters she’s created intrigue me and are very compelling. But I just need to go in knowing that I don’t like that the heroine is basically fighting to save the world but with a blindfold on. It don’t think it would bother me as much if the rest of the people in her life didn’t know. But they all know, and they all choose to keep pieces of information from her. (*cough*Adam Wu*cough*
But, this is not a negative review! I really get into these books. The characters are so interesting and intriguing. I usually read them in one sitting because I just don’t want to put them down.
I want to see what’s coming, and I can’t wait to see what certain characters are going to do in the next book. I am seriously into the niece who Luce has taken under her protection. And I want to know more about Wu, his father, and what all of that means for Luce.
This series has a really intriguing and fresh take on dragons, and demons, and I am here for whatever comes next.
***ARC courtesy of Netgalley
August 29, 2019
I am late on reviewing this on Netgalley because I had to read the other two books in the series first. I just had to. And I'd definitely recommend that, because you need to know the whole story, it probably wouldn't make sense otherwise.
Hailey Edwards always takes the paranormal/supernatural and puts her own twist on it and it makes it very unique. It will be different from other books you have read that may be about the same thing. For instance, this series. Have you ever read about the four horsemen of the apocalypse? Well have they ever been women? And sisters? Well they are in this series, but it's also not exactly like the the stories you have heard of the four horsemen before. It's totally unique with Edwards' own spin on everything and with so many other types of creatures thrown in. Give this series a chance, I think you will love it!
Hailey Edwards always takes the paranormal/supernatural and puts her own twist on it and it makes it very unique. It will be different from other books you have read that may be about the same thing. For instance, this series. Have you ever read about the four horsemen of the apocalypse? Well have they ever been women? And sisters? Well they are in this series, but it's also not exactly like the the stories you have heard of the four horsemen before. It's totally unique with Edwards' own spin on everything and with so many other types of creatures thrown in. Give this series a chance, I think you will love it!
December 3, 2018
This series continues to keep me on my toes. Luce's battle against who she is now and what her previous incarnations have done just...I don't know. I'm hooked. Luce is a hot mess who's trying to reconcile the her from before with the morality her human father has instilled in her. And it's fascinating.
Throw in her overwhelming attraction to Cole and the drive within her to keep her coterie safe PLUS a few HUGE revelations about the hows and whys of what she's doing on earth and my head is spinning. In the best possible way, of course.
Not only do we get some big things happening, we also get to see a new side of Conquest's sisters. War and Famine hit hard and fast when they got to earth, but Death seems to have another tactic in mind and it's not what Luce was expecting. In any way. Any. At all.
Things continue to progress. I'm talking relationships, friendships, and alliances. Luce and Cole are finally reaching the point where they're not perpetually pushing against one another and it's fantastic. I like those two together. There are so many layers between them and they're a bit of a mess right now, but they're working things out. Slowly.
THINGS are happening. Holy wow, so many things. The next book will likely blow all the theories I've been putting together out of the water. And I'm okay with that. I'm completely ready to see where Luce's story leads me.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Throw in her overwhelming attraction to Cole and the drive within her to keep her coterie safe PLUS a few HUGE revelations about the hows and whys of what she's doing on earth and my head is spinning. In the best possible way, of course.
Not only do we get some big things happening, we also get to see a new side of Conquest's sisters. War and Famine hit hard and fast when they got to earth, but Death seems to have another tactic in mind and it's not what Luce was expecting. In any way. Any. At all.
Things continue to progress. I'm talking relationships, friendships, and alliances. Luce and Cole are finally reaching the point where they're not perpetually pushing against one another and it's fantastic. I like those two together. There are so many layers between them and they're a bit of a mess right now, but they're working things out. Slowly.
THINGS are happening. Holy wow, so many things. The next book will likely blow all the theories I've been putting together out of the water. And I'm okay with that. I'm completely ready to see where Luce's story leads me.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 20, 2020
3.5/5.0
Good points to consider:
1. The story is engaging and keeps the reader wanting more.
2. Luce, Cole and the rest of her coterie are fabulous characters written with depth - allowing readers to really love each one, for good or ill.
3. The interaction, loyalty, love and commraderie between those main characters is the basis that brings one back to each new book.
4. The whole “found in the swamp as a girl” thing is incredibly interesting, along with Luce’s human nature. It gives the entire series its heart. (See #2 below for the “but” coming.)
Bad points to consider:
1. NO ENDING!! Not even a cliffhanger - it is a full-stop. Right in the middle of the storyline. No threads tied up. No conclusion to any part. Just... quit. I HATE THAT!
2. While the “found in the swamp” was a creative and immensely promising start to the series, the play-out with Luce being one of the four harbingers of the apocolypse with all the evil, kinda weird world buidling after was dissappointing. Part of her being this horrifically sadistic creature isn’t enjoyable for me to read.
3. The afore-mentioned world is so complex it seems convoluted at times. I guess I like mine a bit more linear and not so all over the place. SO many players, it’s tiring.
Everything considred, however, my biggest problem is with the non-ending. To me those are extremely disrespectful to every reader who invests the time and money to read a book. Leaving the overall arc dangling in a series is fine as long as the arc in each individual story is closed. Completely opened-ended should never be considered unless it is written and stated as a serial.
Good points to consider:
1. The story is engaging and keeps the reader wanting more.
2. Luce, Cole and the rest of her coterie are fabulous characters written with depth - allowing readers to really love each one, for good or ill.
3. The interaction, loyalty, love and commraderie between those main characters is the basis that brings one back to each new book.
4. The whole “found in the swamp as a girl” thing is incredibly interesting, along with Luce’s human nature. It gives the entire series its heart. (See #2 below for the “but” coming.)
Bad points to consider:
1. NO ENDING!! Not even a cliffhanger - it is a full-stop. Right in the middle of the storyline. No threads tied up. No conclusion to any part. Just... quit. I HATE THAT!
2. While the “found in the swamp” was a creative and immensely promising start to the series, the play-out with Luce being one of the four harbingers of the apocolypse with all the evil, kinda weird world buidling after was dissappointing. Part of her being this horrifically sadistic creature isn’t enjoyable for me to read.
3. The afore-mentioned world is so complex it seems convoluted at times. I guess I like mine a bit more linear and not so all over the place. SO many players, it’s tiring.
Everything considred, however, my biggest problem is with the non-ending. To me those are extremely disrespectful to every reader who invests the time and money to read a book. Leaving the overall arc dangling in a series is fine as long as the arc in each individual story is closed. Completely opened-ended should never be considered unless it is written and stated as a serial.
December 8, 2018
This series is intense. The fact that I have been reading them almost back-to-back contributes to it even more. Luce is struggling with her other persona. I loved her interactions with the coterie, but I am not sure about Luce/Cole. There is so much history there, but Conquest has destroyed so much. I am not even sure they are end game! There are other players in the game and I can't wait to find out more.
This author has a phenomenal voice. I love her series 'Beginner's guide to necromancy'. This series is even darker (duh.. apocalypse!). Well done.
*** I received this copy via Netgalley. I hastened to read book 1 and 2 first so I could give a true and honest review. All opinions are my own. ***
This author has a phenomenal voice. I love her series 'Beginner's guide to necromancy'. This series is even darker (duh.. apocalypse!). Well done.
*** I received this copy via Netgalley. I hastened to read book 1 and 2 first so I could give a true and honest review. All opinions are my own. ***
August 23, 2019
Nice. I actually liked Death. Plus more secrets about Conquest and Cole are revealed.
September 2, 2020
Good, but I think I'm setting this series aside for now.
December 11, 2018
Of all of the Foundling series books to date,"Death Knell" is my least favorite. I will not recap the story line since so many others have done so. I will discuss the content. Quite honestly, it felt like a "filler" book. You know the kind. A book written to to prolong a series and doesn't supply much in the way of progressing the story in moving forward. For the first half of the book I kept asking myself, where is Ms. Edwards going with this. Unfortunately, I quickly grew tired of all of the promises of plot mobility, of a relationship with Cole and finding out what the heck was going on. It wasn't until the second half of the read that things started improving but still with little progress. I even took time away from reading the book to see what other readers thought. I was surprised to see that so many others loved it!
Don't get be wrong, I think that the series is unique and holds promise. I just don't want to read installment 20 for a relationship to evolve between the main characters or to know what is going on. If this situation does not improve in the next book, I will not be going on with this series. I'm just sayin'.
Don't get be wrong, I think that the series is unique and holds promise. I just don't want to read installment 20 for a relationship to evolve between the main characters or to know what is going on. If this situation does not improve in the next book, I will not be going on with this series. I'm just sayin'.
December 5, 2018
I have to say I read this book from cover to cover and I was tired for the least 20% so that might affect my judgement of the book but while I found it interesting and the story good, it was far from the enjoyment I had with the first 2 books.
The characters were good but the sorta/kinda love triangle was tiresome, the entry of yet another horrible person just did not fit my mood and the ending left me feeling like there was going to be senseless killing in the next book, I hope I am 100% wrong.
I am giving the book 4 Stars more for the thought that Hailey Edwards has always written books I love and I might have just been in a bit of a slump but this book just did not resonate with me like the previous offering. So 4 Stars for a book that really hit me more like 3 but hoping it was just a bad day for me and she returns with an 5 Star effort.
The characters were good but the sorta/kinda love triangle was tiresome, the entry of yet another horrible person just did not fit my mood and the ending left me feeling like there was going to be senseless killing in the next book, I hope I am 100% wrong.
I am giving the book 4 Stars more for the thought that Hailey Edwards has always written books I love and I might have just been in a bit of a slump but this book just did not resonate with me like the previous offering. So 4 Stars for a book that really hit me more like 3 but hoping it was just a bad day for me and she returns with an 5 Star effort.
December 4, 2018
Death Knell by Hailey Edwards a five-star read that will compel you. This is the third novel in the Foundling series and each instalment gets better and better, you know everyone better and the little private moments that just make you feel like your investigating as well. I don’t want to tell you the story so I will just say that Hailey Edwards has always been a go to author for me and someone I would read many things by she is by far one of my favourite authors in the Fantasy world, and this one may just be my favourite read by her, each one gets stronger than the last. Thank you for being amazing and keeping up the great writing.
December 10, 2018
I enjoyed this, even though I don't think I am doing the best job of keeping track of everything from book to book. I do like how Luce is settling in with her coterie, and there are some interesting revelations - including big one that sets things in motion for the next book
February 12, 2019
Still completely confused about the plot and overall world concept. But nonetheless an enjoyable read in that it kept my attention and I generally liked the characters. An excellent distraction.
December 7, 2018
I’ve only recently starting reading this author after having several of her books for quite a while. And, now that I am, I don’t know what took me so long to do so. That being said, this latest I’ve read is the third in the Foundling series. I love the characters, and I love how the author gives us new information in small increments. And the new revelation between Cole and Luce is a doozy! Now, I have to mention the revelation at the end of the book wasn’t a surprise to me. I did see it coming, but maybe others won’t. So, if you don’t have an inkling of this one, you are in for shocker because it’s a game changer. This universe is very unique, the author is an excellent writer, and this latest is a wonderful addition to an already great series. I can’t wait to read the next one! I do recommend this one! I was provided the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.
February 17, 2019
I enjoyed the continuation of this story. It keeps growing and hasn't felt stale or that it is going to fall off story-wise. For me, the way it is written it felt as if I was re-entering a TV show or someone's actual life.
In this one it expands away from her hometown and her human life (which are spoilery so I won't add here). There is a tug at a love triangle but it isn't annoying and a rival that is interesting and not -- for me anyway-- reasons to roll my eyes so hard that I end up throwing down the book.
Downloaded through Netgalley free in exchange for a free review.
In this one it expands away from her hometown and her human life (which are spoilery so I won't add here). There is a tug at a love triangle but it isn't annoying and a rival that is interesting and not -- for me anyway-- reasons to roll my eyes so hard that I end up throwing down the book.
Downloaded through Netgalley free in exchange for a free review.
August 29, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better with each new book and it was already great to begin with! We find out who Ezra is in this book, finally. And we meet Death, which she surprised me. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
November 26, 2018
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
what a third book this one is...we begin where the second book left off...our group are recovering and healing together but bodies are showing up and they are slightly animated...even though they are dead...
luce and wu go to investigate and things continue from there..dont want to give to many spoilers...
death is also about to breach and what with the other two this could be the beginning of the war that is coming
a brilliant read in this series, it was great to catch up with this group again and see how they progress and get along, i am even starting to like wu...
cant wait for the next book in this amazing series
what a third book this one is...we begin where the second book left off...our group are recovering and healing together but bodies are showing up and they are slightly animated...even though they are dead...
luce and wu go to investigate and things continue from there..dont want to give to many spoilers...
death is also about to breach and what with the other two this could be the beginning of the war that is coming
a brilliant read in this series, it was great to catch up with this group again and see how they progress and get along, i am even starting to like wu...
cant wait for the next book in this amazing series
August 2, 2022
4 Stars:)
November 30, 2018
Magnificent, grandiose, brilliant, sumptuous, palatial, resplendent
This was the best book out of the three. Questions were finally answered. So thrilling I couldn't put it down. I thought this was the final book, but how wrong I was!
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, so I could give an honest review.
November 18, 2018
This 3rd installment finds Luce and Cole anticipating the breach of her sister Death. Grappling with her new existence, so different from all the other incarnations of Conquest, she is now partnered with Adam Wu in a branch of the FBI. There are a lot of twisty reveals in this book, ending with a giant "what the???" cliffhanger. *Sigh* authors can be so mean. Different than all the other books from this author, she brings us into a world of demons and apocalyptic forebodings with excellent worldbuilding, little knife twisty's, brilliant side characters "other form", and a slow burn love affair, and now a huge jump to a supervillain to die for....literally. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
July 23, 2019
3.5?
Luce, I feel you... girlfriennnnd!!
Don’t get me wrong. I love Hailey Edwards and her awesome balance of para-roma quipiness with actual meaty world building. Worlds building, really!! But this was info-dump overload for me, I’m afraid. A case of Edwards needing to squish a lot of exposition in for some reason.
I’m hoping this series ends at 4, yet also wish they were more in depth? Eeeesss confusing....
Also: drinking game! Every time Luce is pulled onto Cole’s lap. Dude. It’s just weird now.
I should have asked, but my brain was punch-drunk on the influx of fresh information, and I was still reeling from the overload. (Luce, ch 24, p24)
Luce, I feel you... girlfriennnnd!!
Don’t get me wrong. I love Hailey Edwards and her awesome balance of para-roma quipiness with actual meaty world building. Worlds building, really!! But this was info-dump overload for me, I’m afraid. A case of Edwards needing to squish a lot of exposition in for some reason.
I’m hoping this series ends at 4, yet also wish they were more in depth? Eeeesss confusing....
Also: drinking game! Every time Luce is pulled onto Cole’s lap. Dude. It’s just weird now.
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