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The Last Oracle #4
The Book of Lies
For over seventy years, the use of familiars—monsters bound by magic to fight beside humans in the Long War—divided magery into two factions. Now, the monsters strike back.
As Helena prepares for the Conference of Neutralities, reports of familiars breaking their bonds to attack and kill their masters raise tensions between the factions to an unprecedented high. Faced with the challenge of keeping her relationship with Malcolm Campbell secret from more than a hundred of her fellow custodians, Helena must also protect herself from rogue familiars—and they’re closer than she thinks.
As Helena prepares for the Conference of Neutralities, reports of familiars breaking their bonds to attack and kill their masters raise tensions between the factions to an unprecedented high. Faced with the challenge of keeping her relationship with Malcolm Campbell secret from more than a hundred of her fellow custodians, Helena must also protect herself from rogue familiars—and they’re closer than she thinks.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2019
122 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Melissa McShane
94 books861 followersMelissa grew up a nomad, following her family all over the United States, and ended up living in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains with her husband, four kids, and three very needy cats. Her love of reading was always a constant during those uncertain years, and her love of writing grew out of that. She wrote reviews and critical essays for many years before turning to fiction, and was surprised at how much she liked it. She loves the fantasy genre and how it stretches the imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 3, 2019
This is fourth in a series, and like most UF, each book builds on the last. So you really ought to read them in order.
Okay. I still don't have this disclaimer in any kind of standard format. I love reading Melissa's books, which is as well because I generally reread them when they're published so I can write a coherent review. That's right. Reread...
Anyway, this is the fourth and something of a turning point in the series. In this volume, we learn details about the Magi and the structure of the Accords and the Board of Neutralities. And you get the first hint of the broader story and that the invaders are much more than we even imagined. And the Long War turns out to be much more serious than any had suspected.
The background is a convention held every three years where custodians get together and talk custodianly things and the Board meets and determines Boardy things. And if you've ever been to a convention, you know that they are chiefly of interest to those attending, if to anyone. So Melissa making this interesting was quite a challenge and I'm glad it worked out so well. Of course, there are invaders to worry about, but frankly, I found it interesting even before then because of all the interesting characters we meet and the developments with some of the Board's proposals. I'd love to be able to sit down with the group representing Named Neutralities and have dinner, sometime. I think it'd be a hoot and the very opposite of boring.
Plus, we get to see more Malcolm, and I'll never have enough of that guy. Their relationship has progressed in the five months since the end of the last book, and I love their easy back and forth and obvious care for one another. Plus, they actually communicate when they run into issues and that just makes them both adorable.
Oh! And Viv finds a boy. No spoilers, but watching Viv get all tongue-tied and mumbly over a boy was just delightful! And I loved that Helena had to step in and tell her to stop trying to be conventional...
And I'll stop there. I maintain that it's a fantastic book even if I am mentioned in the acknowledgements. Plus, the ending is creepy for the events, yes, but even more for the ramifications and I can't wait to (re)read the next!
A note about Chaste: There is sex happening between Helena and Malcolm. And we get some lead-in and some surrounding bits. But nothing explicit. I still consider that chaste, but I know that some disagree.
Okay. I still don't have this disclaimer in any kind of standard format. I love reading Melissa's books, which is as well because I generally reread them when they're published so I can write a coherent review. That's right. Reread...
Anyway, this is the fourth and something of a turning point in the series. In this volume, we learn details about the Magi and the structure of the Accords and the Board of Neutralities. And you get the first hint of the broader story and that the invaders are much more than we even imagined. And the Long War turns out to be much more serious than any had suspected.
The background is a convention held every three years where custodians get together and talk custodianly things and the Board meets and determines Boardy things. And if you've ever been to a convention, you know that they are chiefly of interest to those attending, if to anyone. So Melissa making this interesting was quite a challenge and I'm glad it worked out so well. Of course, there are invaders to worry about, but frankly, I found it interesting even before then because of all the interesting characters we meet and the developments with some of the Board's proposals. I'd love to be able to sit down with the group representing Named Neutralities and have dinner, sometime. I think it'd be a hoot and the very opposite of boring.
Plus, we get to see more Malcolm, and I'll never have enough of that guy. Their relationship has progressed in the five months since the end of the last book, and I love their easy back and forth and obvious care for one another. Plus, they actually communicate when they run into issues and that just makes them both adorable.
Oh! And Viv finds a boy. No spoilers, but watching Viv get all tongue-tied and mumbly over a boy was just delightful! And I loved that Helena had to step in and tell her to stop trying to be conventional...
And I'll stop there. I maintain that it's a fantastic book even if I am mentioned in the acknowledgements. Plus, the ending is creepy for the events, yes, but even more for the ramifications and I can't wait to (re)read the next!
A note about Chaste: There is sex happening between Helena and Malcolm. And we get some lead-in and some surrounding bits. But nothing explicit. I still consider that chaste, but I know that some disagree.
Read
February 3, 2024Re-read 1/4/24: I recovered from (very minor) surgery to discover I'd come down with influenza A. Still not in a condition to read anything serious or new. I like how this one turned out. Lots of characters, lots of moving parts. I found I enjoyed re-reading this and remembering what writing it was like.
Re-read 10/18/20 to go over the audiobook for errors: wow, there are a lot of different nationalities and accents represented here! Stephanie Spicer, the narrator, did a great job--not perfect, but considering the challenge I gave her, I'm impressed.
6/24/19: Of the nine books of The Last Oracle, this may be my favorite (tied with book 5, The Book of Betrayal, and book 8, The Book of War, and yes, I know neither of those have been released yet, so you'll just have to take my word for it). Part of that is that I realized early on that a large part of the action takes place at a business conference, and I despaired of making anything that boring interesting. But it turns out that when monsters run amok, interesting happens despite the setting.
Since The Book of Peril, when the Athenaeum was introduced, I'd had plans for other "named Neutralities" like Abernathy's, and in this book, we finally get to see what those are and meet their custodians. (Though there is one named Neutrality not revealed here, and it won't be revealed until the last book; I just want it stated for the record that I Planned It All From The Start.) Helena's little world expands in this book, though the limitations of her custodianship are still in force, and I hope readers find this part of her world interesting.
This is also the book where any lingering questions from books 2 and 3 should be resolved, and the bigger picture of what is going on with the Long War is revealed. Again, the revelations from the end of this book were something I planned from the beginning, and I'm excited to see the story spread beyond Abernathy's. The next book, The Book of Betrayal, takes those revelations and cranks them up to eleven--as well as forcing a decision on Helena with regard to her relationship with Malcolm. But that's something for another day.
I've always pictured the head of the Board of Neutralities, Laverne Stirlaugson, played by Gina Torres in the movie of the book I have in my head. Mr. Ragsdale, naturally, is David Tomlinson--if you're old like me, you grew up seeing him as Mr. Banks in the original Mary Poppins. And if there's any justice in the world, the bartender Kevin will be played by a young Wayne Brady. That man has a truly killer smile.
Re-read 10/18/20 to go over the audiobook for errors: wow, there are a lot of different nationalities and accents represented here! Stephanie Spicer, the narrator, did a great job--not perfect, but considering the challenge I gave her, I'm impressed.
6/24/19: Of the nine books of The Last Oracle, this may be my favorite (tied with book 5, The Book of Betrayal, and book 8, The Book of War, and yes, I know neither of those have been released yet, so you'll just have to take my word for it). Part of that is that I realized early on that a large part of the action takes place at a business conference, and I despaired of making anything that boring interesting. But it turns out that when monsters run amok, interesting happens despite the setting.
Since The Book of Peril, when the Athenaeum was introduced, I'd had plans for other "named Neutralities" like Abernathy's, and in this book, we finally get to see what those are and meet their custodians. (Though there is one named Neutrality not revealed here, and it won't be revealed until the last book; I just want it stated for the record that I Planned It All From The Start.) Helena's little world expands in this book, though the limitations of her custodianship are still in force, and I hope readers find this part of her world interesting.
This is also the book where any lingering questions from books 2 and 3 should be resolved, and the bigger picture of what is going on with the Long War is revealed. Again, the revelations from the end of this book were something I planned from the beginning, and I'm excited to see the story spread beyond Abernathy's. The next book, The Book of Betrayal, takes those revelations and cranks them up to eleven--as well as forcing a decision on Helena with regard to her relationship with Malcolm. But that's something for another day.
I've always pictured the head of the Board of Neutralities, Laverne Stirlaugson, played by Gina Torres in the movie of the book I have in my head. Mr. Ragsdale, naturally, is David Tomlinson--if you're old like me, you grew up seeing him as Mr. Banks in the original Mary Poppins. And if there's any justice in the world, the bartender Kevin will be played by a young Wayne Brady. That man has a truly killer smile.
December 7, 2021
(2.5) Is getting less believable for me… maybe not enough depth to the characters?
July 2, 2019
This is book four in this series. You need to have read the other books to understand what is going on. Go ahead, go get them...I'll wait.
Okay...all caught up? Goood.
I loved this book. I love the expansion of the Abernathy's universe and the introduction to the other Neutralities and their custodians with their various personalities.
I love seeing Malcolm and Helena's relationship develop even though you know that sooner or later that's going to come to light and there is going to be trouble...I'm looking forward to seeing how that trouble plays out.
And mostly I looove a book that can make a conference so interesting. I've been to a lot of conferences and while it's interesting to those of us attending it's not something where it's easy to confir that interest to others. McShane manages that with a combination of familiar aspects and unique details...oh...and invaders. Don't forget the invaders.
On to book 5!!!
Okay...all caught up? Goood.
I loved this book. I love the expansion of the Abernathy's universe and the introduction to the other Neutralities and their custodians with their various personalities.
I love seeing Malcolm and Helena's relationship develop even though you know that sooner or later that's going to come to light and there is going to be trouble...I'm looking forward to seeing how that trouble plays out.
And mostly I looove a book that can make a conference so interesting. I've been to a lot of conferences and while it's interesting to those of us attending it's not something where it's easy to confir that interest to others. McShane manages that with a combination of familiar aspects and unique details...oh...and invaders. Don't forget the invaders.
On to book 5!!!
May 24, 2022
I liked this book!
The series is still fun, and for some reason, I really like the fact that the familiars are monsters, kinda. I've usually seen typical animals, so this is a nice spin.
Also, in a way, things are getting more and more interesting. Still a fast-paced plot, but the characters are developing and evolving.
If you got this far in the series, you'll probably go on reading.
The series is still fun, and for some reason, I really like the fact that the familiars are monsters, kinda. I've usually seen typical animals, so this is a nice spin.
Also, in a way, things are getting more and more interesting. Still a fast-paced plot, but the characters are developing and evolving.
If you got this far in the series, you'll probably go on reading.
August 28, 2019
I think I've said it before, but it's so wonderful getting to read a book that is *exactly* the sort of story you've been wanting to read. I'm still absolutely in love with the series (and I'm kicking myself for buying this one when it came out and the promptly forgetting I had it... especially since I'd been rather eagerly waiting for it to release) and this book really delivered, even managing to toss in a few small twists that I hadn't seen coming! And now there's nothing left but the wait for the next one!
July 18, 2019
Book of Lies is just what I’d hope from the next installment of this series. A big new struggle, clues to new ongoing threats, building on previous books’ relationships, peeks into the wider world... It’s the most exciting business conference I’ve ever heard of. Helena with her frying pan is my hero!
May 27, 2020
I love, love, LOVE this series!!! Can't get enough of this world and these characters!!
There is so much to enjoy in this series, I'm not sure where to start. I love the world-building here, and how Melissa McShane balances bringing in new elements and challenges while still maintaining what we already know and love about the world of Abernathy's. This is a world I can't wait to re-visit with each new book.
I also really love the characters in this series. Helena in particular is a wonderful main character who has all the things I love: she's strong and smart, she doesn't hesitate to do what she feels is right, but she's also not always completely confident, she is loyal to the people in her world, and most of all, she has a great sense of humour and of the ridiculous [necessary, since her entire world seems to be filled with ridiculous!]. She is just such a relatable likable character and I really love going on her adventures with her!
The supporting cast of characters are also great! From Helena's best friend Viv, to her employee and pricky sort of friend Judy, to Lucia, and Jeremiah, not to mention Malcolm. Plus Helena's family, and the magical people in Helena's new world introduced in this installment. Just everyone here is interesting and likable and further expands the interest and excitement of the overall series.
The plot development and new challenges in each book are creative and help develop the world and Helena's life, but are also well within what we already know about this world. It feels very natural as new aspects are introduced and I am loving learning more with each book.
Honestly, there is nothing about this series I don't like. I'm excited that there are still more books to come and look forward to continuing with Helena on her future adventures!!
There is so much to enjoy in this series, I'm not sure where to start. I love the world-building here, and how Melissa McShane balances bringing in new elements and challenges while still maintaining what we already know and love about the world of Abernathy's. This is a world I can't wait to re-visit with each new book.
I also really love the characters in this series. Helena in particular is a wonderful main character who has all the things I love: she's strong and smart, she doesn't hesitate to do what she feels is right, but she's also not always completely confident, she is loyal to the people in her world, and most of all, she has a great sense of humour and of the ridiculous [necessary, since her entire world seems to be filled with ridiculous!]. She is just such a relatable likable character and I really love going on her adventures with her!
The supporting cast of characters are also great! From Helena's best friend Viv, to her employee and pricky sort of friend Judy, to Lucia, and Jeremiah, not to mention Malcolm. Plus Helena's family, and the magical people in Helena's new world introduced in this installment. Just everyone here is interesting and likable and further expands the interest and excitement of the overall series.
The plot development and new challenges in each book are creative and help develop the world and Helena's life, but are also well within what we already know about this world. It feels very natural as new aspects are introduced and I am loving learning more with each book.
Honestly, there is nothing about this series I don't like. I'm excited that there are still more books to come and look forward to continuing with Helena on her future adventures!!
August 13, 2019
wowowowowow, i read this series in like, three days. cannot wait for more!
things i’ve loved:
- sex positive, not shaming
- fun, interesting world building
- strong 👏🏽 female 👏🏽 characters
- diversity
would and should read again
things i’ve loved:
- sex positive, not shaming
- fun, interesting world building
- strong 👏🏽 female 👏🏽 characters
- diversity
would and should read again
April 13, 2020
prelude to some bad sh!t
while long story advancements are usually tedious and generally make a book not great, there as enough that happened in this one just from an action standpoint to make it good. helena and malcolm make me want to barf but i get it. looking forward to seeing how helena’s past impacts the future of magery.
while long story advancements are usually tedious and generally make a book not great, there as enough that happened in this one just from an action standpoint to make it good. helena and malcolm make me want to barf but i get it. looking forward to seeing how helena’s past impacts the future of magery.
October 11, 2020
I like this whole series, except for the main character being just a colossal dumbass. I basically skim any parts of her talking or thinking and just read the rest. Also it’s 2019 Portland but somehow she’s the most conservative person on the planet. Ok. Anyway. Read it for the world-building and interesting background characters.
January 6, 2021
This one was fun and exciting! It felt like The Poseidon Adventure mixed with Alien and had me captivated. I especially love that we are finally getting some headway into the mystery behind all the other one that have been plaguing Helena. I guesses correctly about who was behind it and am eager to see where things go from here.
January 27, 2023
This installment was action packed! I flew through the novel.
I love the conference with all its new characters and learning more about some of the existing ones. I’m a smidge over the relationship with Helena and Malcolm only because it seems a little too good.
Loved that this book ended with a few remaining loose ends that can spill over into subsequent books.
I love the conference with all its new characters and learning more about some of the existing ones. I’m a smidge over the relationship with Helena and Malcolm only because it seems a little too good.
Loved that this book ended with a few remaining loose ends that can spill over into subsequent books.
April 24, 2023
The writing remains really not great, but if that's not distracting for you, these are very fun junk food. Basically this entire book takes place at a hotel during a conference. Our protagonist serves on a panel in said conference. It's a little absurd, but it actually works pretty well. Bonus points for using the conference swag water bottle as a bludgeoning weapon.
October 12, 2020
Still only 3.5 stars. I’m sucked into the world enough to continue but feel there is still things lacking that would make this a really great series. In all the books the bad guys come out of nowhere and what seems to be the overall story arc is only mentioned in passing.
February 12, 2021
It's difficult to say something about the forth book without spoiling anything. So I'll just mention that I really liked how the big mystery was resolved and repeat myself yet again by saying that this series is so much fun and easy to read.
April 18, 2021
I really like the plot of this series. I have just one thing I would change about it. I should either take the romance out or take the challenges to the romance out. It takes away focus from the main plot line.
September 16, 2021
Best one yet
I really believe this is Ms. McShane's best book yet! The characters are approachable and complex. The plot spans humor to tragedy, plot twists and surprises. She pays attention to all the right details that keep me binge reading this series.
I really believe this is Ms. McShane's best book yet! The characters are approachable and complex. The plot spans humor to tragedy, plot twists and surprises. She pays attention to all the right details that keep me binge reading this series.
December 30, 2021
This is a solid series. I enjoy the fast-paced adventure of each entry. They aren't mind-blowing, but they are definitely satisfying. There has been more sexual content in the last couple of books, but I feel like I know where the line is with this author, and she's not going to cross it.
March 20, 2022
The book of Lies is a page turner
This installment of the Last Oracle series is a page turned for sure and well worth the read! I will give nothing away here, but but Suffice it to say there are a few surprises this installment.
This installment of the Last Oracle series is a page turned for sure and well worth the read! I will give nothing away here, but but Suffice it to say there are a few surprises this installment.
April 11, 2023
4.25⭐️
“My home is yours.”
“And you, wherever you are, are my home.”
Oh this one was soo fun! She was such a badass fighting those invaders left and right. And we got an answer for a question from the previous book.
“My home is yours.”
“And you, wherever you are, are my home.”
Oh this one was soo fun! She was such a badass fighting those invaders left and right. And we got an answer for a question from the previous book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2021
I cannot put these books down. One book leads into the next and they way the story in each novel enhances the overall encompassing plot is marvelous. I dread when it will end.
June 8, 2021
3.5 stars
October 2, 2021
The Book of lies.
These books just keep getting better and better. I have read the first four now non-stop, no pause. And getting increasingly hooked.
These books just keep getting better and better. I have read the first four now non-stop, no pause. And getting increasingly hooked.
October 14, 2021
Very good series about a woman who's hired to work for an unusual bookstore and learns she's now part of a magical world she had no idea existed.
July 6, 2022
This is a fun series to read but the author loses stars because of her increase in descripted sexual intercourse scenes.
July 5, 2023
Excellent novel about a mysterious bookstore that has an oracle with magical powers.
October 20, 2023
This was a great continuation of the saga!
December 20, 2023
Great series.
March 17, 2024
Continuing excellent series
Highly recommend this series. Can't wait to read what happens next. More words more words more words because more words are required
Highly recommend this series. Can't wait to read what happens next. More words more words more words because more words are required
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews