When you can no longer outrun your enemies, you have two choices. Turn and fight for your life, or give up. I’ve never been one for giving up.
Unfortunately, running away from your problems only works for so long. Since I got pulled into the secret underworld of demons, Fae, and vampires, it’s been one crisis after another. I’ve been dodging and ducking, rather than hitting back. Reacting instead of acting.
Ransley Thorpe and I have been gradually backed into a corner, and we’re about to take the offensive. We may be punching way above our weight class, it's true. But if the alternative is death or captivity at the hands of our enemies, do we really have anything to lose?
The good news is, the soul-bond I share with my vampire lover means we can never be parted from each other—not even in death. With that reassurance in mind, it’s time to make sure Hell and Dhuinne come to regret the day they ever decided to take us on.
So… yeah. A half-crazy vampire and an ex-waitress are about to go up against the toughest the paranormal world has to offer. I figure it’ll either be totally badass… or the most epic smackdown in history.
USA Today bestselling author R. A. Steffan lives in New Mexico, where the sunsets paint the mountains purple, and roadrunners roam the desert endlessly in search of their coyote victims. When she’s not busy writing stories about people loving each other in all sorts of different and interesting ways, she can be found taking care of her small menagerie of critters.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
I am so glad to be done with this series. Clearly a minority here, I became less and less interested in each new book. Mostly because the more I got of Zorah, the more I couldn't stand her. Which is a shame because I really rather like Rans. By this point though I just wanted to see how it would end. And it was not an impressive ending. In fact, some parts of it were just ridiculous.
First of all, only about half of the book had any real meat to it. After that it's mostly emotional BS and that's not my thing. Also, what is with so many "Last Vampire" series becoming all willy nilly about creating more vampires. I mean, once you have two, they're no longer the last.
So we pick right up where we ended with Zorah being made a vampire. Honestly, I wasn't really all that thrilled about it when it happened, and this book did nothing to improve my opinion on it. When she's finally gotten some control over herself she learns that her father is back on Earth. And that can only mean he made a bond with a demon. When she confronts him I'm floored by how completely normal and functional he is now. Sooo he miraculously got better super fast? And then his reason for even coming. Are you for real? Thank you captain obvious.
Anyway. It's decided that Muriel has to be taken down, so there's this group pow-wow where Albigard and Nigellus are even invited. The idea isn't original as the fae had tried this in the war, but with limited success. So of course these guys are actually able to pull it off. I will admit that it was an interesting fight at least. And thankfully some people die. You can't save everyone people! But I did so love learning of the secret that Nigellus had been keeping this whole time.
After that, the story went downhill for me. There's talk of feelings, council meetings, and other tedious things. Honestly, I can't even remember that much so that's how much of an impact it made on me. I had been debating about whether or not to get Guthrie's book seeing how it's only $1, but I'm glad I didn't. I just have no desire to read more of this.
At first, I struggled with this. I was quick off the mark and got into major drama right away. As time went on, I was sucked in and thoroughly enjoyed the story. The main characters had major chemistry right off the bat that only got hotter as the story progressed. The twists and turns were fun to listen to, and when it all came to a head, I found myself wanting book 7.
Now the narration. So, the overly dramatic voice sounded very child-like to me, which made this extremely uncomfortable at the more intimate parts. The accents were all over the place, and when I thought I was listening to an Irish accent, it'd change to something else. Rands was supposed to be English, but a lot of the time, his r's were rolled as though he were from the US. Yes, there were a lot of characters with different accents, but they sounded mixed up.
Audiobook narrated by Gwendolyn Druyor, she knows her characters well, nicely edited. What a great finale to the series, finally I get what I needed from the characters, the world, and all the story behind it all. Zorah and Rans were fantastic. I so love Rans at this point. Nice way to close the series with a happy ending, the spin-off series are calling my name.
This is a review of all 6 books of "The Last Vampire." As with many self-published urban fantasy series, "The Last Vampire" is really a single story split into six novella length installments. There is no resolution to the story arc until the final novel.
The title, "The Last Vampire" refers to Rasley Thorpe, a handsome, charming, snarky and very capable 700 year old vampire. Unfortunately, the series isn't really about Ransley, but about Zorah Bright, a 26 year old mess of a person. She is the MC and POV narrator for all of the 6 books. She is also, incredibly annoying and hard to connect with as an MC. I didn't mind her for the first three books, but by the fourth book, she was grating on my nerves - any stars taken off my enjoyment rating were solely due to her continued presence in the books.
The story of why Rasley is the last vampire is finally revealed in a single chapter in the sixth book (around the 70% mark) and is achingly poignant. Otherwise by the 6th book, the story arc just kind of fizzled out.
Further stories in this universe, with characters introduced in "The Last Vampire" happen in "Vampire Bound," and "Forsaken Fae." I actually started with "Forsaken Fae" and therefore was familiar with many of the events (and all the characters) that take place in "Last Vampire." For that reason, I probably will not read "Vampire Bound," as I already know that storyline (and it's conclusion) from reading "Forsaken Fae."
CW (for the entire series): explicit sex; violence; torture
It’s a good thing these six books came as a set or I would have been really annoyed that they all (most of them?) ended with cliffhangers. (Not the last one, of course. )
Some interesting ideas, but … too much. Zorah and Guthrie adapted too quickly to their new powers and learned how to control them too easily and quickly. At the beginning of the story, Zorah was a sickly human but then learned she was a quarter demon (succubus) who needed to feed on lust. That was okay, but then Rans had Guthrie turn her into a vampire (to save her life). Okay, but within a few days, she adapted to her vampire needs and powers. Learning to turn into mist and fly within a day? So at the end of the sixth book (i.e. only a few months after finding Rans in her shed), Zorah is a succubus-vampire-fae hybrid (I forget how the fae part happens - I guess because her father was a changeling and spent time in faerie) with a life bond (one dies, they both die) with Rans and through him a demon bond with Nigellus. Also, more vampires that have no problem with sunlight and don’t actually “die” during the day. (No heartbeat etc but can be woken easily enough from sleep. )
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a wild ride of an adventure as this series’ finale continues the action and suspense that I’ve come to love, while the intricate layering of story and character alliances forge forward to a climactic battle scene that is just as emotional as it is dangerous. Although the battle may have finally been the means to an end, I found the aftermath to be quite intriguing as the authors fill in the blanks regarding Rans’ past and what the future now holds for Rans, Zorah, and their circle of friends.
Listened on audio: Although I had to warm up to Gwendolyn Druyor’s narration in the beginning of the series, her familiarity and consistency throughout continued to give life to this wonderful cast of characters and now I couldn’t imagine anyone else narrating this amazingly entertaining tale.
Good, entertaining finale! Zorah and Ransley need to figure out how to survive Muriel and the rest of their enemies. Zorah has grown on me throughout the series; she has her annoying quirks, but I like her tenacity. I liked that she became a vampire, and isn’t being whiny about it. Love the sweet and passionate connection between Zorah and Ransley! They are too cute! Some good action and interesting scenarios too! I’d recommend reading from the beginning since this is the last in the series of 6 books. The story really could’ve been half the amount of books; all the Zorah needing to feed scenes; going to sex clubs, discussing going to sex clubs etc., could’ve really been cut down a lot. The whole succubus scenario is my least favorite, but I still enjoyed the whole series. Overall, the whole series has been a fun, epic adventure!
So...I really liked this series up till the climax. Admittedly, one of the things I liked so much about Zorah from the beginning was how emotionally fragile she seemed at times. I identified with her in that way. Then she got this badass boyfriend who taught her how to fight, and she went through all this hard stuff that for sure helped her grow and toughen up. She was totally becoming a badass! Until the climax, where she spent the whole fight in a whiny ball while everyone else fought around her. Seriously? Talk about disappointing. I will say I liked the way everything else wrapped up. I just really wanted to see Zorah actually grow into the strong woman we saw hints of throughout the story, and I don't feel like the author delivered that.
So the time arrives where they all make a stand & fight. They need to win so they each add a piece to the well developed plan. Nigellus tells Rans the secret that he's been withholding. Zorah's dad comes back to earth. Gunthrie doesn't know what his plans will be but has finally accepted his place in Zorah's life. Rans & Zorah visit hell & meet with her friends. They explain to them what a vampire is & what they need to sustain life. They also meet with the council. Since Zorah has been growing & fighting her demon side has become strong enough for her to get herself & Rans out of he'll with little resistance.
The battle! Finally, This series got a bit drawn out. I can't really say I was bored with it, but I was really ready for it to be over. There was fortunately very little of the overdone sex scenes in this book but the prep for the battle was dull. Buy the salt and be done with. Take some tips from Dianne Duvall on how to set up a battle scene and keep the reader interested. This writer lacked the skill to hold my attention. I don't regret reading the series, but pretty sure I won't read demon bound.
I liked this book the same as the rest I guess but I surprisingly don't have much to say about it. Glad that everything is resolved for Zorah and Rans I guess, glad that we know what's going on, glad the series is over (because it was a solid series with a solid conclusion-- not because I wanted it to be over). I loveeeeee Nigellus. And Albigard. Everyone else idc. My eyes burned on the last paragraph LOLL so. There's that. Overall good series would read again (perhaps not reread, but pick it up for the first time again).
Well we've reached the series end. I really wasn't impressed with the lack luster ending, yeah there was the big demon/Fae battle and we got to find out what secret Nigellus was keeping. But the ending was still just meh. My two favorite characters were Ransley (love,love, love him) and believe or not Albigard. My least favorite character is (and I waited to the end just to see if she redeems herself but NO) Zorah. Her inner dialogue was killing me. Will I read Guthrie series.... Yes I will🙂
I normally don't have the patience for series, but I found this interesting. The characters were funny and grumpy yet smart and lethal when necessary. Will let you know if I manage the next series. But again if you are like me with an affinity to series this one might be worth your time.
So this series generally fluctuated from a 3-4 star range for me. I enjoyed reading it and liked the characters, but it had some flaws that bugged me a little. I'm gonna end this on a 4 star, though, because I liked it enough to want to keep reading the spin-offs.
This is a powerful dramatic end to Zorah and Rans story! Action packed, emotional and sexy, Zirah, Rans and their friends are neck deep in magical trouble as always. LOVED IT!
This was a good ending for this series and I enjoyed it overall. My main criticism is that the series is divides in 6 books with some of them only around 200 pages. It should be one single book and i really hate this putting stories in unnecessary pieces.
This was a unexpected pick for a series, but I've enjoyed every page of adventures, intrigue, lustfull & sexy series. So much so I've bought the next 4 books of the continuing saga
I honestly could not get enough Zorah and Rans! The love, the action and adventure, it all kept me captivated. I will definitely read this again and again. ❤
Zorah and Rans are great characters with a good supporting cast. It's been a whirlwind adventure with a suitable happy ending. I will be reading the spin off series. Also great taste to want to re-visit God's own country.
This is one of those series that I can rely on for some quick entertainment but that I just don’t think is amazing. It’s one where everything just feels really convenient, but that’s ok, because it’s doing what I expect.
Awesome Story, Series & Audible Listen🎧 Fascinating & Captivating!
The Last Vampire: Book Six By: R.A. Steffan, Jaelynn Woolf Narrated by: Gwendolyn Druyor Series: The Last Vampire, Book 6
This is an awesome book and series and I loved everything about it, from R.A. Steffan & Jaelyn Woolf’s wonderful writing style to the storylines and characters they created as well as the world dynamics to the Gwendolyn Druyor’s fabulous narration. The characters are fascinating and well developed. I loved both leads, Zorah has come a long way since the 1st book, she grew into herself over the series and then some. It has been an adventure for her since discovering Ransley, a great journey, and I enjoyed every step it. I am a little sad that this is the final book of the series but hopefully the authors decide to revisit these characters again sometime in the future. But for now they’ve come full circle, not everything is perfect in their world but some things have been resolved or solutions were agreed upon. It was heartbreaking to hear Ransley’s story and how he became the Last Vampire. I highly recommend this series, it is a great adventurous ride that will captivate you from start to end. R.A. Steffan & Jaelyn Woolf, thank you for this enjoyable and entertaining series.
I listened to the Audible edition, Gwendolyn Druyor is a fabulous narrator and voice artist. She brought these characters to life, gave each their own unique voice and personality. She does an amazing job portraying each character and projecting their emotions into her performance. She is great with both male and female roles and various accents too. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great & amazing listen🎧
I loved this whole series. It went in directions that I never expected. It was This not predictable and yet it Held my interest throughout. I am looking forward to the next Series that she starts.
With the plan going tits up its time for explanations to come to light. Everything tide up in a nice neat bow.
I won't go into details and spoil the ending for anyone But it's definitely worth the read I've thoroughly enjoyed the series much to my houseworks detriment lol
Now looks like I might have to follow Gramps & Bonnie to see if Rans n Zorah pop up again😜
In the conclusion to the Last Vampire series, Rans, Zorah, and the rest of their friends and foe clash for one last grab putting the demon Muriel in her place. This final installment comes with action, love, sacrifice, and the possibility that Rans and Zorah could have a happy life if they can survive.
New readers should definitely start at the beginning and not with the finale. If you’ve been reading and aren’t sure whether to go for this one, it’s the story cap you’ll probably want. Plus, it sets up the possibility for other series in this same universe starring other characters as the leads. So definitely jump in if you like this unique blend of demons, fae, and vampires in and around modern St. Louis.
As for the narration, Gwendolyn Druyor is the sound of RA Steffan and Jaelynn Woolf. She is one of the best performers out there, and she continues to deliver that here.