Rune Alexander's life is full of darkness and violence, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Does she ever get tired of fighting the monsters? Nope. As long as she has her beloved crew at her side, she can face--and fight--anything.
But when the past comes back to haunt one of her crew, a friend she thought lost forever struggles to return, and a terrible debt is repaid, Rune learns that sometimes, the toughest battles aren't fighting the bad guys. The toughest battles are learning to live with choices she didn't make, new realities she can't change, and circumstances beyond her control.
This is the final installment in the Rune Alexander series.
Laken was first published in 2008. After a few exciting years with her publishers, she struck out on her own to write the now complete Rune Alexander series, and never looked back.
She shares her Ohio home with three spoiled dogs, two fish, and a tenacious African Violet. She drinks too much coffee and continues burning up the keys of her trusty laptop, getting the stories out of her head and into her readers' hands.
Normally, I'm not a huge fan of finale books. Seams more often then not, the author just runs out of ideas or tries too hard to get a few more books in till I just stop caring. I have to admit, I was really not looking forward to this book...but oh momma, this is not that author and this is not that book! From page 1 till the end, it felt perfect. I actually felt the unending life of Rune and her crew, though I still get choked up thinking about Z (don't judge😂). The ends were all tied, I didn't have a single "but, what about...". It couldn't have ended any other way. These books are more than just awesome supernatural stories. I am my monster and my monster is me is a slogan we can all get behind. Love yourself not in spite of your perceived flaws but because of them. Let go of the guilt, it serves no purpose. We all were there with Rune through her dark and twisted self image to her strong and sure badassery. By walking with her, I learned how to do the same. Thank you Laken, for giving us this amazing piece of you, you are gifted.
The Shiv Crew series was an amazing story with love, loss, betrayal and redemption. This book ends this epic series and as always it is a perfect ending to a fantastic series. Laken Cane can weave characters that are so perfectly written that you will take them into your hearts and they are so amazingly real to you that their triumphs and defeats are yours, as well. I won't give spoilers but I will recommend this entire series ( which does need to be read as one and starts with Shiv Crew) to anyone who wants to believe that there is more to life then what we see. A truly good book (or series) to me, is when the story becomes real and I begin to see it as a show and the characters become as real to me as if I was there with them. That is the kind of series that Laken Cane writes and I have come to expect high things from this author..her books are fantastic and her world is a great one to read about. Pick up Shiv Crew and begin an epic journey into a monster's mind and find out that some monsters are the absolute best friend you might ever make. Meet Rune, Ellie, and the rest of the crew and watch your world expand as this amazing tale unfolds. And FYI this is the conclusion to the series which is as perfectly written as rest of the series was. I hope someday to read about Kadar and Reign and maybe Laken will oblige me and make it a reality but that is my only regret as the series concluded. Start Rune's journey and let the fantasy unfold.
I think the author did an interesting ending of niceness despite how I’ve perceived this series. Almost weird to witness, having the darkness and trauma in the books and then the softer tones of life in the last two books. The kids definitely softened it all, and I think it’s funny that despite all the bad stuff, some can still get cotton-balled and fluffed. I don’t hate that the author cut back on the real gritty. Thank God, honestly. I’m not sure how I’d be able to handle it if they ever went into further detail about any rapes, glances or otherwise.
The characters were good. I like Strad, though he seemed pretty tame. “The husband” at the party who looks and IS put together and just shows up because he’s awesome and chills. The “cool dude” in the movie who doesn’t need more than a few lines to show how cool he is because he just is. It almost felt like Strad had proven himself a lot over the series and so he’s okay with just being. Roma is adorable and she’s one of my favorites. Raze and Jack are the OG and I’m glad they’re still around. Rune just in general is good. I love that she can finally say she loves them all, her chosen family. She was always all over the place and it used to bother me a lot. Things are less chaotic now, and I’m glad.
I stumbled across the first book in this series and was hooked by the first chapter. I feel like I've laughed cried and loved with all the characters and Ellie is a true sweetheart with a heart of gold. Rune was so brilliant and the way the author brought us to Rune's love a heartbreak was a fabulous piece of writing. I was lucky to binge read the entire series and what a journey it's been. I've been quiet for the past two weeks so my husband gives thanks to the author 😂 I would highly recommend this series to anyone that loves a strong leading lady that's surrounded with amazing characters. Definitely full star series and I admit I'm sad it's finished but what a fab way to end. Brilliant ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book has it all. It was a well done goodbye to a series that we all never wanted to end. You can see that Laken Cane considered her fans when writing this finale and this fan is very grateful for that. I was so horrified for Ellie yet so darn proud of him at the same time. Kader was too adorable and Reign was nothing short of precious. Gunnar is a fave of mine and I will think of him fondly whenever I see a Baby Ruth. Laken never fails us with her playlists. Every book she writes is a "must read cover to cover now" kind of book. Shiv Crew will be missed.
Wow, the last one. :( Can't wait to see what she does with the babies.... At least Owen is back... I wonder how everything will work out now to be honest. Too bad it can't be like the world Owen visited in her newest series. Would be better ifshe could have all the hot guys. hah Or like find that magic like they have in Connie Suttle books where jealousy is taken away and everyone can have a million mates.
In all honesty, I have read every series by this author, except for this particular series, until now. I love her writing, but every time I went to read about the the Shiv Crew, I would get so overwhelmed that I had to stop. Recently, I decided I was going to just do it, and proceeded to plow through all the book sets and then this last book. It was still overwhelming, but I did it! This is a fantastic series, that makes you go through every emotion there is. You laugh, cry, and sometimes scream "Don't do it!". It's a complete rollercoaster of emotions , but one hell of a ride at the same time. There is such a blur between good and bad, it reminds you that sometimes people can start with good intentions, but lose that along the way or that we all make bad choices sometimes and those choices can affect someone else..... but especially, that there is ALWAYS, someone who has to make the tough decisions whether they are correct or not. I am so happy that I finally pushed myself to read this series. Thank you Ms. Cane for sharing your amazing talent with the rest of us!
Solid 5 star rating. It is such a sad thing when a series you have been following for years finally comes to an end. As a reader, I never want to see my favorite characters and series end but I do understand that all things must come to an end sooner or later. With that being said, it has been a long journey with the Shiv Crew. Rune has had to endure more than any one person should ever have to. She so deserves a happy ending and her Berserker. Ms. Cane's conclusion to the series was perfect. I love all the members of the Shiv Crew but my favorite will always be Z. :) I most absolutely will keep my eyes open for more from this author. Thank you Ms. Cane for sharing the Crew with us and for making Rune's world available in words instead of keeping it locked in your head.
I don't normally write reviews. Most of the reviews I have read are just a rewording of the blurb on the back of the book, I just can't see how that is considered a review. A review is supposed to be the reader's response to the book, good or bad. I loved this series!!! I am so sad that I have come to the end of it. Rune Alexander has been abused, betrayed, lied to and tormented, yet she manages to find the good in everybody, even monsters. All of the characters in this series are so real and I ended up in tears every time any of them suffered any sort of pain. I don't wish to give anything away about the story, only encourage others to read this beautifully written tale and grasp onto the fact that unconditional love can make flowers bloom in the darkest of corners. Thanks Laken Cane for the reminder. I'm off to read your next series...
A great ending to a series that has been rough early on and horrible in the middle but finds itself again. The bonding and characters of all is perfect. We get a big reveal with Ellie. There is that moment with the assassin - the book would have been perfect otherwise. We get another returning that was a surprise and I don't fully get but we'll see. Bill is in the forefront more since the change from the last book and he's a great (dark) companion. Big morbid developments with both babies that fits the series tone. A sweet ending. The side battles - eh, they were okay, I was more into the character and relationship development hoping this would suddenly turn into a mini reverse harem but sadly some affections will just have to only half acknowledged.
While some of the books and moments really bugged me, the ending books of this series made up for it
So sad you can't leave more than a five star review
This books and series deserves way more than just five stars as does Laken Cane. Every question answered, no cliff hangers, and the book ended just as it should have. The possibility to be returned to if need be and ending in the only way Shiv Crew could be ended. Absolute perfection!! If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. Every book has something different and new and completely untouched before. It's not the same old repetitive paranormal story or scenes or scenarios. Laken Cane has a talent out of this world. Everything she writes is golden an unique to her writing skills.
I must admit that I was pissed reading this finale of Rune and her crew. A feeling of melancholy; of being rushed, unfulfilled tainting my mind.
When I started to really pay attention, hope for a spin-off or new stories featuring my favorites began to replace the sadness. Speculation on the directions such a project could take making me smile. Lucky for me, it doesn't look like Laken Cane is slowing down. And it seems that I'll have more amazing books of hers to read soon.
This final installment, was so classic Rune, classic Shiv Crew. It kind of gave me everything I could ask for in a finale.
This series will just suck you right in! I binge-read all 11 books in 5 days and want more! It’s nonstop go with stunning plot twists and constant action and conflict but the author still manages to bring the characters to life. A good book series allows you to see the bonds between characters grow, a great book series bonds the reader to the characters as well, and this is the latter. Despite a top note of darkness and conflict the overriding current of the series is love. Romantic love, love between friends and the strength of the bonds between a chosen family.
Oh my! Through tears, laughs and wanting to throw my kindle, I survived. Shiv Crew became like friends you want to grab a drink with and just listen to them talk about their battles, triumphs, and heartbreak. I miss Z, but he was there right in the end. I would love to hear about Reign and Kader in their teenage years. I imagine the house will need repairs often, and woe the guys that fall for them! In my imagination Jack one day realizes Rone is the one for him, but maybe by then, she has moved on! Thank you for a series that took me away from my crazy busy life for short, much needed, periods of time. It's what we do...
What did we learn in this 11+ read series? Many things, such as, love and accept yourself; you can only tackle the most immediate problem in front of you; you CAN choose your family; when all doesn’t end well, deal with the new reality; some fantasies are your reality; everything isn’t your responsibility; expect the unexpected and much more.
Riding along on this final journey, Reign becomes official, Next operative, Belladonna Braden that gives them a bit of insight as well as raising suspicions among the crew; Ellie settles his own future; the gargoyle’s secret is uncovered plus; a new threat comes to town with a purpose and may be beyond even Rune’s determination. Rating: 4.5stars
It’s bittersweet for me, I have been waiting anxiously for this new book, yet sad because I know this is the last ride with Shiv Crew. All I can say is Cane left it all out there...answers to all those lingering questions and a few surprises. This book, like the rest of the series doesn’t disappoint. If you love dark worlds, lots of action, the paranormal, a crew of badass men and a kickass heroine...start this series today!!! This series will rock your world. Goodbye Shiv Crew, thanks for the amazing ride. Always a Z Girl :-)
So.... When I found out this book was released on the hubs bday I was so excited.. I've been so busy lately that I didn't realize it would be the last one.. I was so sad when I read that in the post... The FINAL book.. I was like no way!! I can't say goodbye to Rune & Shiv Crew.. I'm not ready.. There's so much more I wanna know... Well I put off the book until today, I couldn't hold out any longer.. I cried like a baby. This was the perfect ending to an incredible series & I am gonna miss them.
I have loved reading this series! Acceptance and unconditional love has been woven throughout and I can’t say enough about the skill Laken Cane has! I won’t give the ending away but everything and every one are in their place. Each character has their moment I. The sun and reaches a resolution. Some more than others. I loved the semi HEA! The only thing that would make it better is a quick novella set ten to twenty years in the future. Hint! Hint! Hint!
This series is the very reason why I'm such a big Laken Cane fan! I've loved Rune and her crew from the beginning!! The series ended perfectly and true to the characters with happily ever afters ... Shiv Crew style . I'm sad to see the series end but so excited to see what we'll see next from this amazingly talented author 🌟 As always 5 stars are not enough 🌟
Laken Cane, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for how you wrote the last book for Rune and the Crew. I was really afraid to read it because, I so scared I would have so many unanswered thoughts and questions. You nailed it! I couldn't have asked for a better send off to my favorite Crew. From Gunnar stealing a candy bar to Ellie still being Ellie, it was perfect!! Thank you Your Awesomeness!
As with all thing Laken, this book was awesome. But I was also disappointed or maybe devastated is a better word. Even after she told me Z would not be back and explained in detail why he couldn’t come back, I still held out hope that she would change her mind! But no!! Z is gone forever, for good! But how many writers can make you feel such dire emotion over a fictional story? Only the best of storytellers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Where do I begin? Those of us who have been die hard Rune fans have known this day was coming. We knew we'd have to have an official goodbye to our Crew. But, would they go out as a lion or a lamb? Would it be a finite ending or open? All I can say is WOW! We get the ending we & Rune deserves! This is one of Laken's best, if not THE best, books! Action packed, emotional, & an ending we all quote. Can't wait to see where Laken takes us next!
I actually held off reading this last book. I didn’t want the series to end, so I would re-read the others books and just put this one off “until later”. This books wraps everything up, but leaves you wanting more as Laken normally does. I truly hope that the series continues on with the girls point of view. It would be amazing to see things from big sis Kader’s point of view (hint hint Laken 🤣)!
I read the full Rune Alexander series and from one book to the next I felt I was standing right beside her in the thick of things. So, with this being the last book, I was apprehensive to read it...the end of Rune? Not true. I thought the author does an awesome job of getting through another battle, overcoming more obstacles, answering questions and allowing Shiv Crew to live on. "I am my monster. My monster is me!"
I'm stunned. I put off this book for a few years because I knew I would be heartbroken when I finished the series. Wow, what a journey. I fell in love with characters, cried, laughed, and was fully sucked into the world created. It's hard to let this series go, I've grown so attached, but what a way to end it. My mind is already wondering what other adventures they'll have in the future. This series is definitely one of my favorites.
From book 1- 11 I wasn’t disappointed. A bit frustrated with our monster but she definitely put the bad in badassery. Nice to read a series (not really a fan of series) that isn’t made up chapters of sex and fillers. Fast paced , action packed and full of friends I wish I could find outside the pages. Yup, Shiv Crew needs merchandise if they don’t have it already! Soooo, here’s to finding my Shiv Crew coffee mug and flask!
It's bittersweet to see the end of The Shiv Crew but it's been a ride seeing the characters find their hearts and their monsters. We all should be able to embrace our "monster" and love ourselves no matter who we are inside, and heal old wounds. The ending was perfect!
Magic and Bones is the grand finale to an amazing series. This book gave me everything I was hoping for in an ending if it had to end. Lots of closure, lots of sighs, and lots of reunion. Swept me up and drew me in, but ending this series is like saying goodbye to an old friend. Well done and glad to have been along for the ride.
This book was bittersweet. On one hand, I wanted the conclusion, on the other, I never wanted it to end! Ive been reading this series from the beginning, and every book has gotten better and better. This series is one of my all time favorite series. I love how unique the storylines and characters are. Will miss Shiv Crew! Hopefully we can get a spinoff with Kader and Reign!
Omg this is a great action series. You have a badass mfc and badass friends and family. It gave you laughs, love, fear, pain and grief. Then it brought you around again for another round. This was a great story and ended as it began with the crew kicking ass! Great job Laken cane!!