Final Kill

Cain University #3

by Lucy Auburn

My mother's killer is on the loose. He wants to live forever—and he has help. Fat chance I'll let him get away with immortality.

The future I saw with my Conduits is coming to pass. Chaos, destruction, and violence. Worst of all, something terrible has happened to me.

I've had something vital taken from me by someone I thought I could trust.

Now it's a race to hunt down a killer, get revenge, and take back what's mine.

Can I protect myself and my Conduits from what's coming—or will we lose everything in the battle over life and death itself?

Final Kill is the last book in the Cain University series. It has violence, supernatural powers, inventive cursing, steamy scenes, a cat who may not really be a cat, and a lot more. Don't miss out on this epic finale to Ellen Arizona's story!

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Why Choose, Romance, Crime, Magic

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2020

About the author

Lucy Auburn is an urban fantasy/paranormal romance writer who lives in the Southwest. She loves writing interesting stories about strong women. Some of the writers who inspire her include Patricia Briggs and Sarah J. Maas.

Reviews

[Cheryl Sedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this series each book brings so much out in each character and this book has it all. With more revelations and eye opening things which occur between them with their weaknesses not being a hindrance to them for longer periods of time. And to the crazy ending with Brutus which shows Ellen how much she now loves her guys and then the sweet ending two years later, but with that killer last line such a tease. Totally recommend each book in this series

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Kill by Lucy Auburn is an amazing story to read. This is book number three in this amazing series that I have loved reading very much and can not wait to see what this author will write next. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Olmar Letnahs · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st book: 3.5/5 stars
2nd book: 3.5/5 stars
3rd book: 2.5/5 stars
Series: 3/5 stars

The premise of this series is great - assassin schools, magic, reverse harem romance, etc. However, with each book, I got more and more annoyed with the quality issues. These are quite obviously self published without the benefit of an editor, and it shows. There's a ton of grammatical and spelling errors, the narrative structure is incredibly weak and only gets worse, and the worldbuilding is full of holes. By the time I got to the third book, I had started to skim just to get through to the end. I'd equate the quality of these books to "just okay fanfiction."

Besides the quality issues, I just didn't love the directions the plot took. One, I don't love reverse harem romance where the girl just wants a bunch of different guys, so the men are just kinda hanging around being jealous of each other. I vastly prefer the found family type where everybody is fully consensual and there's love between the guys, even if not the romantic or sexual kind. I really think this works better in worldbuilding where polygamous relationships are common and even expected for some reason, i.e. witches covens, werewolf packs, etc. Two, the powers are never really explained, so theoretically have limitless applications, but somehow never get used beyond the obvious. I would've loved to see some creative uses of everybody's Affinities, especially some fun combinations of Ellen's fourfold powers. And finally, the Big Bad Battles are supremely anticlimactic. The action is boring, nobody ever feels in danger, and the Big Bads go down way, way too easily.

I have no plans to search out any other books by this author.

[Steph RB · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book. I thought it was fun, somewhat unique and carried by an interesting premise of a school for murderers. Ellen wasn't a perfect heroine which I appreciated and the guys weren't the "best of the best" at whatever they did with 0 faults aside from being controlling as is usual for these types of stories. But at this point in the series everything just feels way too convoluted. The plot is unnecessarily complex and I'm not even particularly sure what the main villains are after because more time is spent with Ellen thinking about...stuff? Or what they've done? Who she wants to be with? Training even though she can't do anything to help?

Honestly, I don't really want to figure it out and I just don't think I care anymore.

[Rayne Beau · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't usually write reviews but felt I should with this one. I really enjoyed the first 2 books but this one kind of dragged. It almost seemed like the author was unsure where the story was going and then the end felt very rushed. I saw I had 30 mins left of the book and felt there was no way they would be able to resolve it. I feel like there should have been less of Ellen's inner monologues about nothing and more of the build up to the end. I'm not really great at constructive criticism so I'm not sure how it could have been better. I appreciate that writing is not easy and it's impossible to please everyone. As I said I enjoyed the first books and I liked the idea, wish I had enjoyed the final book more.

[AbiR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still an enjoyable easy read. The romance did seem to jump forward quite a bit from the last book. The ending is very rushed and obvious. My main annoyance is that Ellen's blindness is never really explored fully, it's sort of like 'oh I'm blind now gee what an inconvenience' and that's it.
It sort of feels like the author got tired of this story and just wrapped it up at the earliest opportunity.
I wouldn't read it again but it wasn't a total waste of time .

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent end to this series! Ellen, Arizona finally gets the answers that she needs and eventually figures out how to defeat her nemesis! There were plenty of OMG moments and lots of magical intrigue in this final installation of the Cain University series. It is filled with suspense, romance, erotica, and mystery. I love that Ellen finally figures out that all she has to do is just to love her guys....no matter how many. Her power lies where others saw weakness. I also love that she becomes intimate with each one and finally lets herself go. The tension was killing me! Ellen's dog Killer is the best support animal on the face of the planet, and he deserves a medal. Even though is it is not revealed, I still think that Penny is MORE than a cat. She does her job well in this installation of the series and endears herself to the reader. I find that most of this final book in the series is engaging, and the characters further cemented themselves into my heart. There is a note that there are other books about other Cain University students. I am almost afraid to read those as Ellen, and her Conduits set quite a precedence.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen's weakness has started, it has left her blind. Everyone is fighting but her, she is trying to find her guys. She comes across Eve, Eve tells her to stay in the room. Ellen thought she was safe, but little did she know. Ellen is confronted by a person she thought she could trust. Now that person took the one thing she held dear.
Ellen, her guys and others will help her track down the person that took her gift away, get her revenge and take out a killer. This not going to be an easy road for Ellen. She will go through a lot of ups and downs. Ellen finds that she is falling for every of her conduits. She doesn't know what is scarier facing a killer that wears her father's face or having feeling for the guys.

The book was quite the ride to end the series, there are some twists and turns to this story. You will enjoy it as Ellen faces her demons, takes on killer and so much more. There is so much more that happened that I didn't say, I recommend you read this book. Maybe the author will have a continuation of Cain University featuring Eve or someone else.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review of Final Kill by Lucy Auburn

Ellen Arizona finally gets the answers that she sought and figures out how to defeat her nemesis!

There were plenty of inventive cursing and action packed moments, as well as magical intrigue in this final book in the Cain University series.

It is filled with suspense, romance, erotica, and mystery. I am glad that Ellen finally decides to given in and love her guys....no matter how many!
In the end, her power lies where others just see weakness.

I found that this final book in the series was engaging. The characters managed to further work themselves into my heart; some even managed to redeem themselves as far as I am concerned!

Received this as a Advance Reader Copy with the hopes I would like it and review it.

#readers #booklover #bookreview #bookstagram #authorsofinstagram #readersofinstagram #reviewersofinstagram #readersoftwitter #authorsoftwitter #reviewersoftwitter
#readersoffacebook #authorsoffacebook
#reviewersoffacebook
#bookblog

[Tarrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this plot line and Ellen Arizona makes me laugh approximately every other page. You can really tell that Ellen has a voice and her character is consistent in her thoughts and actions. Her snarky "beg forgiveness, instead of asking permission" attitude gets her into some highly entertaining situations. The author is super clever with her humor. I read some reviews from the first two books in this series that didn't appreciate the "breaking wind" scenes. Well, let's just say you are in for a funny surprise with Lucy's response via Ellen Arizona. We also get some wonderful "Tiger King" humor! I don't want to spoil anything by talking about the story line, but I will say the reader is in for one exciting and sexy ride in a way that only Ellen and her Conduits can give. 5 stars for Ellen A!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finaly Ellen Arizona has got her answers faced her personal demons let her past go and embraced her weakness and that frightening four letter word L.O.V.E and I will admit I have been forever waiting for Grayson to have his day his time with Ellen yah. Loved the final all Bad guys get there due as it should be and Ellen well to find out how things go for her and her conduits Wyatt, Mason, Liam, and Grayson read the book its dark dangerous and incredibly hot. I loved the whole series from its gross and just origins to its ending because if you have enemies like Ellen cary a big knife and a whole lot of attitude.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Book was good (other than the ridiculous cat/condom situation), Second book was still pretty good. This one I skimmed like crazy and when Grayson and Ellen finally get together it’s short, boring and anticlimactic. There’s random condom appearances and retrieval in EVERY sex scene, plus clean up. It’s ok to make the smut realistic but it has to be somewhat romantic as well.

As for the plot, meh, it went off the rails and I skimmed to the end. I’m not sure what the point of Connor even was. So many missed opportunities to ask questions of people. I wasn’t really feeling the connection of everyone as a group. Not my favorite RH and while the premise and storyline is creative and unique the execution was sadly lacking.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one thing the Cain Academy Series has always done for me is given me a superb thrilling high, and this book does the same.

From the first page I was hanging on to the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next.

With Ellen figuring out her weakness and struggling with it, someone stealing her powers and her father supposedly coming alive again this book is full of many twists and turns.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had considered Ellen a dark, funny and inconsistent heroine, but her character surpassed my expectations. She had a mission but also was satisfying her conduits needs, physical and emotional and growing up in strength and knowledge. Liked how she gave support, helped them to face their fears and in doing that she learned that she could see with more than her eyes. Lot of action, suspense, intrigue, drama, romance and passion in this story that didn’t let me get bored.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoiler Alert*
Things get more complicated in the last book in this series. Sight-loss, Losing your power and a murderer in the family will do that. Ellen (FMC) still has the help of her four conduits - Grayson, Mason, Wyatt and Levi though. They have particularly steamy ways of helping her. Grayson & Levi together!! Blimey i think they actually melted my kindle! So Hot! A brilliant end to a brilliant series

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an amazing ending to this series I’m sad that it’s the last book and I’m going to miss the array of characters good and bad, it’s a roller coaster ride of emotions with action, suspense, danger, twists and turns, drama, passion and so much more to keep you entertained and turning the pages. Sorry guys no spoilers but I will tell you that I won’t forget this series for a long time and I definitely will be reading it all again, amazing story/ series and I highly recommend this book.

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 of the Cain University series. This is a great series and book 3 did not disappoint. The story had a well written plot that grabbed you from the start and keep your interest throughout. I love the characters and they are well developed. I recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final kill

I enjoyed the overall idea of this series but by the end of this book I lost interest. It just started to drag and I had to force myself to finish. I still rated 4 stars because I did enjoy it over all. I would say that this book also needed better editing. Many times the wrong word was used such as putting they instead of the and similar mistakes happened often.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all started with a severed dick...

That little gem was so perfect to find and said by none other then Levi lol. This series was great! It started with a kick(well a kill) and just kept going! I loved all the characters so much. Of course starting with the badass Ellen, loud ass levi, grumpy grayson, softy mason, and the gentle giant wyatt . Must read!

[Jaelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

This is a very steamy, somewhat dark, paranormal romance. A woman's abusive relationship triggers killer instincts and powers that irreversibly change her life. When everything is lost she finds herself unwillingly linked to four powerful men who love to hate and hate to love her.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

This book was a good addition to this series. It had an amazing storyline with fantastic characters. Ellen was absolutely fabulous. It was a too drawn out but worth the read.

[4foxsake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending!

I really enjoyed this series. It was a little dark and twisty but all came together in the end. I think the third book was my favorite; Ellen learning to love with her weakness and healing enough from her past to love again.

[Kellie Macp1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

First kill

This was a good end to the trilogy. I was hoping for a bit more focus on the relationships and their resolutions but I understand there was a bit of the plot to tie up that took up most of the words. Still, it was a satisfying end to the series.

[Catherine Edgar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Ellen. She is so used to being in the thick of things but instead she has to depend on others to fight, to keep her alive, and to help her achieve her goals. Not an easy feat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Boge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

4.5/5
I loved this book! My only complaint—I need more! Lucy did hint at the end of this book that will be writing more about the students at Cain University. I can’t wait to read those too!

[Galina Sulaiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final kill

Ok how can you end the series teasing us who the baby daddy is? Grrrrr lol well that part is frustrating but the rest of the book was good.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final Kill

It was great to see the ending for Ellen Arizona. This book was a little rough with wrong words and bad spelling compared to the others in the series but a good read

[Cherylynn Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This was so good. I love Ellen and her men. I hate saying goodbye to a really good series. I’d love more.

[Tracey Milito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I really enjoyed this story. I was hooked from the first page to the last. I loved the characters and the ending.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!