Izzy Sage is settling into her new job, enjoying her new romance, and only has one thing on her mind: Choosing a new assistant to help her at Belle Isle’s death gate. All of that changes when the gate malfunctions. Instead of dragging someone over, though, it sends five people back. Years ago, a group of trainees disappeared while on a tour of the facility. There was no rhyme or reason to what happened and the higher-ups assumed they died during the malfunction. Five of them have returned though, and they haven’t aged a day. Naturally, the reaper world is buzzing with the news. Izzy, however, thinks something bigger might be going on. Her belief only becomes stronger when another creature shows up in the middle of the night and attacks. The malfunctioning gate is hiding a sinister secret, and it might just have something to do with what happened to Izzy’s parents so many years ago. Oliver has ties to the initial incident, too, and even though he knew the men way back then, he’s discombobulated by what’s happening now. When you add to that the arrival of Paris Princeton, Izzy has her hands full. Thankfully she’s not alone on the job. She has the Grimlocks to back her play … and serve as emotional sounding boards. Together, Izzy and the Grimlocks are neck deep in trouble and searching for answers. They need to find them before the unthinkable happens and they lose one of their own, because when the gate starts acting weird again, someone is going to have to cross over to the other side – face death itself – and reclaim the most valuable prize imaginable. Izzy’s life is about to take a turn. Somehow, she needs to stay on her feet to see it through. That’s easier said than done when death is your business but if anyone can make it to the other side and live to tell the tale, it’s Izzy. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.
When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail. Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Only the Lost A Death Gate Grim Reapers Thriller, Book 3 By: Amanda M. Lee Narrated by: Sarah Grace Wright Izzy gets a new assistant and she has magic too, but a mysterious side also. The Death Gate shoots out 5 men that crossed over 60 years prior. Giant creatures are killing guards. I love these books for the creative writing, situations, clever snark, great thrills, wonderful imagination, and sweet romance. I love paranormal, humor, and light romance and I get that with these books! Narration is super!
4.5 Stars... This series is starting to heat up; the overall storyline is beginning to reveal itself with the focus on a specific paranormal entity... Izzy's and Braeden's relationship intensifies and gets pushed to the next step... The Grimlocks continue with their shenanigans and fold Izzy into their family seamlessly... We also meet Paris who is a crossover from the Covenant College series ( I need to read that series to fully understand her background and the role she will play in this series.)… So much is happening and all of it is good... Looking forward to the next installment:)
Couldn't even make it to the end. I think this isn't a spin off,but a continuation of Aisling's story. If I wanted to read about her, I would have just read her series. I was curious and did a search. Her name is literally in this book over 400 times. Braden? His is in the 200s. I gave it another go, but now Im dropping this series.
Okay so the addition of Paris joining the crew and linking in The Covenant College series is awesome and I'm nicknaming her Prickly Paris until she settles in…
I love Izzy but then I love all of Amanda's characters especially the female leads, strong, snarky, sassy women are the best.
I have to say I laughed when I realized who Paris was because like Redmond I wondered if she was hi soul mate and now I'll keep wondering…lol
This mystery is really intriguing I love how Izzy's series is spinning-with the Grimlock family but melding into so much more than just Reapers I can't wait to see where Amanda goes from here, there really is so much scope for the imagination.
Well talk about the full freaking gamut of emotions just wow and that's about all because I just can't do spoilers… Izzy truly is a perfect fit into the Grimlock family I honestly didn't think I could love a series more than Aisling's but I'll be honest Izzy's series is a massive awesome step up again.
Only the Lost was interesting, but it felt more like the Grimlocks books than Izzy's book. I liked it, and it was pretty cool, but I was expecting a little bit more.
Such a fun, engrossing read. Izzy and Braden are still getting to know each other, and I love how Cormack and the other Grimlock’s have embraced Izzy into their family.
There is new assistant, Paris, who has joined Izzy and Oliver in managing the Gate. There is more to Paris than meets the eye, but I’m assuming that will be unveiled over the next few books. However, her arrival coincides with a major incident with the gate that made for a rather interesting turn of events that causes Izzy, Cormack, and the Powers That Be to reconsider what they actually know about the Gate... plus we meet Bob 😉
The running theme about who Lily will smile at first was so cute - she will be so spoiled - and her family’s love of their newest member is beautiful. And Jerry is hankering for peach tuxedos for the wedding. You know, the usual.
If I have any negatives about this story it’s how the story doesn’t focus on the wraiths, but gets sidetracked by the snarky interactions between the Grimlocks, Izzy, Oliver, and other characters. Plus, the truth about Izzy’s parents deaths is only briefly touch upon when it should have been a huge part of the narrative considering what happens.
Awesome fast paced read with lots of action and snarky interaction between the characters,great storyline and awesome characters, great family interaction and mystery,magic abound and love the way the story interleaved with previous stories and characters awesome read
The Grimlock family continues to be endlessly amusing, especially Cormack and Aisling, and the great love in the family could be clearly felt (hence the three stars) but the lead female's actions in the story make no sense.
She is suppose to be the gatekeeper, guardian of the gate to the afterlife. But, instead of actually showing up on time (in three books I don't think she has been on time once) and doing her actual job, she keeps insinuating herself into Grimlock family investigations.
This is especially glaring in this book because it involves people coming thru the gate so, as the gatekeeper, her first priority should have been guarding and monitoring the gate while dealing with anything that came thru, not to mention, keeping people out out the gate room for safety sake and the employees in her charge on this side of the gate safe from it. (Running some emergency drills would not have been out of the realm of intelligence.) At the least, she should have been staying on the island so she was close in case of a gate emergency. But she does none of this, leaving the gate for her staff to handle and choosing to run around having adventures with Grimlocks and staying at their mansion instead.
Hopefully she will show some competence and responsibility in the next book.
The romance continues to be flat and passionless but it took up little page time so it was not a detriment to this book, unlike the last.
This has very quickly become one of my favourite paranormal series'. Book 3 was just as good as the first two.
The series has all the things that - for me - make for good paranormal stories. The world-building is creative, clever and engaging. It's different but has enough connection to other paranormal worlds, i.e. vampires and witches with similar abilities and back-stories, that make it easy to understand and connect with the world.
The characters are just fantastic! Izzy especially is a fabulous protagonist, with complexities and issues, but still strong, smart and determined to protect and help those she loves. But ALL the characters here are equally as likable and relatable. The Grimstock family are just a big bag of crazy in every flavour, but lovable as all get out at the same time. They are awesome.
The plots that the author comes up with are a perfect combo of connections to the earlier, continuing plot-lines, but also new and expanding things to ratchet up the suspense and drama for the characters.
Probably my absolute favourite thing about this series is the humour, which is beyond amazing! The way the humour slips in as comic relief and the most unexpected moments is just the best and I often find myself laughing out loud during the most dramatic parts of each book, which is tremendous.
I will definitely be continuing with this series - it is DEFINITELY a keeper!!
I wasn’t crazy about Book 1 because there was so much bickering in the conversations it got a bit tiresome but I’m so glad I kept going because Book 2 was better and had so many laugh out loud scenes. Each book has a story arc that is complex and interesting enough to keep you guessing and reading. The magic and story lines aren’t imitative of other books in the genre and the characters are definitely unique and well drawn.
Through her new boyfriend, Braden, gate keeper, Izzy Sage, has joined the very compelling Grimloch family of competitive, spoiled and loving people who work together as reapers collecting souls and trying to solve mystical puzzles. Book 3, which also has some very funny moments as well as a surprising tearjerker, introduces a new element into the series, the revenants, as well as Izzy’s very competent, new assistant, Paris Princeton.
My one complaint is that Aunt Maxine doesn’t really play much of a role nor does Izzy’s grandfather. It would have been quite cool to have these two magically competitive “elders” duking it out too.
I truly do not know how many ways the author can summarize previous books multiple times in a book or keep repeating the same things they know over and over again. It’s killing me. You can read the first third skip the middle go to the last two-three chapters and have a issue to overcome, then get all the relevant information, battle, and conclusion. The middle is unnecessary repetition of the previous book, sibling dynamics and the same stupid arguments and unnecessary chatter.
Furthermore there’s been no character growth, three books in fmc has barely grown in emotions let alone skills or ability. The same can be said of every character. It’s frankly boring, the covers initially snapped my attention, the bruja voodoo hoodoo magic and reaper thing was intriguing… but nothing happens the world building died and so did character arc and development.
For sometjing ranked as paranormal thriller I have never been more bored. 9 books leaving six to go and idk if it’s worth it if they all continue like this one. The lack of development and really leaning into bruja thing is triggering all my rage at the potential these could have had.
I love this world. I am happy that the Grimlock story continues with a much added dose of Paris and soon Zoe. I love how the stories are tied together with the added world of a gate and Izzy. Izzy has moved back to Michigan to find out the answers to what happened to her parents and falls straight into the Grimlock world. In this third book we are getting to the heart of what happened and what will be coming. It will take a few magical people to win the fight which is coming and Amanda M Lee is only getting better with the tale. I cannot wait to move on to the next book to see what is going to happen. This is a must read series of books but you need to start with the Aisling Grimlock series and possibly a trip to the Coventry series to be in the loop of what is to come. Enjoy the journey!
Izzy Sage has got her hands full,juggling a new romance,finding a new assistant and finding out why the death gate is malfunctioning instead of pulling people through its sending people back not just random people,trainees that disappeared over 20yrs all looking like that hadn't aged at all,all are confused and don't believe that they have been missing for years. Mysterious monster at appearing,body are being found on the island and around the island.Izzy must find put going on before the island is overrun with monster but a something traumatizing happens that bring everything to a halt and everyone feeling the lost especially Izzy and the Grimlocks
***SPOILERS*** "Only the Lost" gutted me. Amanda M. Lee is a master at creating memorable, relatable characters with whom you fall in love. Her knack for snark is off the charts, but her real talent is in describing human interaction. She draws you so far into the story that you begin to hear the characters' voices as you're reading.
Some favorite familiar friends from her other series appear just as Izzy, and the Grimlocks face off against a paranormal enemy who is building an army to take over the world. They've never been in such danger because a fight is coming. One that threatens to rip apart Izzy & the Grimlocks.
Amanda M Lee is a new all time favorite author. She has a way of drawing you into a book and getting your feeling involved. I can't wait to read the next one in this series. I love the Grimlock's and all of the other characters. I love how she gets other characters from other series into the mix. I have never laughed and cried reading a book as I have reading hers books. The only other Authors that have manged to do that are Nora Roberts, JD Robb, Catherine Coulter, and Richard H. Stephens. Would love to find more that can do that.
I love this combination of Izzy Sage and the Grimlocks; especially Izzy's friendship with Aisling. The Death Gate malfunctions again and this time it sends back some of the missing reapers from 60 years ago. While investigation into the phenomenon, another person is sent back and the mystery begins to unravel. Before action can be taken though, someone must go into the gate to forge a rescue. While all of this is taking place, the Grimlocks are furiously fighting over who will get baby Lily to smile at them first. Typical Grimock fun with lots of creep factor thrown in.
This was a great addition to the Death Gate Grim Reapers series! Lots of character development in this book and we learn of a great threat that will be faced in future chapters. Towards the end I almost had a panic attack but everything turned out for the better.
I think this book was fine, but there still wasn't much progress in writing and in the plot as I would have liked. The action scenes fall flat, and the dialogue is cute but at times awkward and jarring. Crossing my fingers for the last book. Just wish the writing and plot was more smooth with better action scenes to make the bow.
As much as I have enjoyed Amanda M. Lee's other books This series shows a tremendous growth as an author. The snark is a little less but still there ( thank goodness!). The plot line is ever evolving and the emotional rollercoaster she takes you on is riveting to say the least. Well done!
Wow this one best do far in the series. I think i.like more than original Aisling Grumlock series has all the characters we love from that series plus new ones. this series it more than just reapers it open a much bigger world and then some . New superstar and my favorite Jerry in it.
I enjoy that the author continues to be riveting with this series. I like the characters and their relationships. I'm glad we finally got a glimpse of the gate, or what's on the other side, and that hopefully Izzy will get answers about her parent's deaths. On to the next book...
I love all of Ms Lee's books. This series is great because the Grimlock family plays an important roll in the books plots. My only complaint is I sometimes feel like the main character isn't as "fleshed" out. With so many other books in Amanda's work I may have missed something. I would love to see more of Bub too.
More Death Gate,, and could it actually be 2-way? More Lily. Who will get the first smile? Did you catch the name of Izzy’s new assistant? (Reference the Coventry series). And a brief cameo from a certain god. Izzy will have earned her beignet bar.
This book is my favorite one so far. Only complaint is the FMC's annoying habit of agreeing to do something "domestic" and then telling the audience that's it's not because she is domestic, but wants to. I don't see the need for her to defend her actions any time they border on something akin to "a woman's role"
That’s not really a review but I hate spoilers so it’s all I’m going to say. The book is good. Read the other ones in the series first or this one won’t make sense. But the most important thing is Griffin should have apologized to Izzy. I’m disappointed that the author didn’t include that.
Leave out the obnoxious, overwrought and over-sexed teenage girls. I realize you’re foreshadowing the next books, but Sami’s phone calls added absolutely nothing to this book. I spent a good part of my life teaching 14-year-olds, and the girls who act like that primarily come from deeply dysfunctional backgrounds.
Way to make me cry. I loved it. The overall mystery of the gate that’s been going on since the first book. My only problem is sometimes these seem more like Grimlock stories instead of Izzy stories. That being said I still love the whole Grimlock family.
I am enjoying these books. Between the characters actually having real conversations about relationships and work issues there is the zombies and ghosts. I do know that it is fantasy because who can have a ice cream bar every night and not gain any weight?
I live the Grimlocks and Izzy. This series is so very very good. The writing us amazing. The action and suspense is gripping. Amanda M Lee is an excellent writer. I love everything she writes!!!!