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The Last Witch #3
The Last Witch: Volume Three
After the turbulent and heart breaking events of Lilly and Gabriel's almost wedding, nothing will ever be the same.
The world has been thrown into violent chaos. Hunters have declared all out war on those with magic in their blood and everyone has been caught in the crossfire.
But Hunters, it would seem, are far from the world's biggest threat.
A dark evil has been unleashed. One driven by wrath and an insatiable hunger for vengeance.
And the fate of the world and all those in it rest in a single pair hands.
The final spell has begun.
The end draws near.
And Lilly Hooper's fate has been sealed.
Volume three brings the gripping, dark and intense Last Witch trilogy to its climax.
Get ready. This is no fairy tale.
The world has been thrown into violent chaos. Hunters have declared all out war on those with magic in their blood and everyone has been caught in the crossfire.
But Hunters, it would seem, are far from the world's biggest threat.
A dark evil has been unleashed. One driven by wrath and an insatiable hunger for vengeance.
And the fate of the world and all those in it rest in a single pair hands.
The final spell has begun.
The end draws near.
And Lilly Hooper's fate has been sealed.
Volume three brings the gripping, dark and intense Last Witch trilogy to its climax.
Get ready. This is no fairy tale.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2020
287 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lawrie
18 books473 followersMJ Lawrie has always had a love for storytelling. Formerly a film student, she started writing her debut series, The Last Witch, shortly after the birth of her first baby. Driven mad by the boredom of nap times and avoiding housework at all costs, she decided to finally get to work on her lifelong dream of writing a book. A true lover of fantasy, dark romance and thriller fiction, she's combined the three and poured her unusual imagination into the creation of characters that you love to hate and hate to love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
December 10, 2020
FIVE HEARTBREAKING STARS.
Well, where to begin.
The impact of these books truly cannot be overstated, even to the last, gritty second. I was enthralled by the deliciously dark and depraved world constructed in LW 1&2, and let me tell you… book three did not disappoint. To anyone hoping for an easy ride, you are sorely mistaken. In classic Last Witch style, MJ makes you work for every last drop of emotion offered in this whirlwind journey. Each sentence brings fresh horror, heartbreak and occasionally, a tantalizing crumb of hope. I found myself chasing that trail all the way to the end, fascinated and gripped by the unpredictable twists and turns that this final installment contains. It is a true rollercoaster of emotions, one that will leave you biting your nails on the edge of your seat, simultaneously desperate for it to end and begging for the action to never stop. This series is dark fantasy at its absolute finest, and I will forever treasure Lilly and her story for the strength, determination and inspiration it has come to mean to me. Like all brilliant books, you are unwilling to part with these characters that have come alive in the pages so viscerally. I almost felt like Lilly was watching over my shoulder as I read those final chapters. Five stars does not feel like enough to describe the sheer quality of this series. The paperbacks will forever hold a place of honour on my shelves.
And yes… the sky is still absofuckinglutley pink. Forever.
Well, where to begin.
The impact of these books truly cannot be overstated, even to the last, gritty second. I was enthralled by the deliciously dark and depraved world constructed in LW 1&2, and let me tell you… book three did not disappoint. To anyone hoping for an easy ride, you are sorely mistaken. In classic Last Witch style, MJ makes you work for every last drop of emotion offered in this whirlwind journey. Each sentence brings fresh horror, heartbreak and occasionally, a tantalizing crumb of hope. I found myself chasing that trail all the way to the end, fascinated and gripped by the unpredictable twists and turns that this final installment contains. It is a true rollercoaster of emotions, one that will leave you biting your nails on the edge of your seat, simultaneously desperate for it to end and begging for the action to never stop. This series is dark fantasy at its absolute finest, and I will forever treasure Lilly and her story for the strength, determination and inspiration it has come to mean to me. Like all brilliant books, you are unwilling to part with these characters that have come alive in the pages so viscerally. I almost felt like Lilly was watching over my shoulder as I read those final chapters. Five stars does not feel like enough to describe the sheer quality of this series. The paperbacks will forever hold a place of honour on my shelves.
And yes… the sky is still absofuckinglutley pink. Forever.
Read
December 24, 2020The Last Witch: Vol 3 is now available on Amazon :)
December 11, 2020
What an emotional rollercoaster ride! I absolutely adored this book. Lawrie has provided her readers with an outstanding ending to a truly brilliant series. The writing is impeccable and never lets you go. I had to go back and read the ending three times as I wasn't ready to say goodbye.
I'm sure I will read the series all over again very soon.
I'm sure I will read the series all over again very soon.
March 30, 2021
It's been a long time since I was so invested in a book series that I cried and laughed with the characters and this series did just that. This is an absolutely heartbreaking but beautiful end to a series that I will likely be re-reading very soon.
I also bought kindle unlimited just to find out what happened...
I also bought kindle unlimited just to find out what happened...
April 15, 2021
Nothing I say can do this whole series any justice. Just wow. I've never read anything like it, and it doesn't take long before you're completely sucked into the world & characters. I actually feel a loss for finishing this book, knowing I won't get to follow the characters lives anymore. I cannot recommend this series enough
April 28, 2021
Wow
I have no words. What a beautiful book. The way it tackles mental health and a mother's undeniable love. Just. Wow.
I have no words. What a beautiful book. The way it tackles mental health and a mother's undeniable love. Just. Wow.
August 1, 2025
This final book was everything and if I thought things were going to resolve easily then I was so mistaken. The further I progressed the more anxious I became and the knocks just kept on coming. My jaw was hitting the floor with each new reveal and just when I thought it surely couldn't get any worse, yep you've guessed it things derailed further. This was dark twisted and so good. The world this author has crafted was immersive and elaborate and exceptionally dark this managed to send me to the depths of despair before once again giving me a sliver of hope and lifting me back up. Honestly, I was getting whiplash from the constant highs and lows this put me through and boy was it addictive reading.
Out of the three books, this was my favourite and in my opinion the best. My main complaint with series like these is how anti-climactic the finale can be. No complaints here and this delivered in every way. This series has been such a trip and I've been invested every step of the way. I've lived and breathed Lily, Gabriel and their ragtag family so I'm sad to finally have to let them go. Be aware this does get progressively darker with each instalment with this final book being the blackest yet but the pay-off was so worth it. I highly recommend this series especially if you like your fantasy dark gritty and unpredictable.
Out of the three books, this was my favourite and in my opinion the best. My main complaint with series like these is how anti-climactic the finale can be. No complaints here and this delivered in every way. This series has been such a trip and I've been invested every step of the way. I've lived and breathed Lily, Gabriel and their ragtag family so I'm sad to finally have to let them go. Be aware this does get progressively darker with each instalment with this final book being the blackest yet but the pay-off was so worth it. I highly recommend this series especially if you like your fantasy dark gritty and unpredictable.
January 12, 2024
THE SKY IS PINK!! The sky is pink!!!
Where do I begin? Fiat and foremost, the author is a beautiful soul! She can write her heart out on tragedy and make you feel it to your soul. She writes it enough that you’re crying with the FMC but you can’t put the book down. You can’t look away, and you absa-f$&k-utely are here for the arcane witches fury and revenge! I love every book this author writes! I have read them all and I will ALWAYS TELL every soul who will hear me to read her books! This is a super dark tale and the final book to the series and what a journey!
Where do I begin? Fiat and foremost, the author is a beautiful soul! She can write her heart out on tragedy and make you feel it to your soul. She writes it enough that you’re crying with the FMC but you can’t put the book down. You can’t look away, and you absa-f$&k-utely are here for the arcane witches fury and revenge! I love every book this author writes! I have read them all and I will ALWAYS TELL every soul who will hear me to read her books! This is a super dark tale and the final book to the series and what a journey!
December 23, 2020
What a book think I’m broken now too but what a ride this series has been .Lilly is one god dang strong little witch she has been put through so much but she still goes through what she has to for the one she loves and those she doesn’t even know .I Hated the part of Gabriel broken I think I seen it coming a little but didn’t want to also even though Grayson and Hendrix were really really bad in the end I really didn’t like their ending even though she forgave Tobias in the end .The Ending reading that Lilly was going to be giving up all her hearts power yeah I broke and cried at this Part the words she says to Gabriel I needed those damn tissues . But the twist was good and you get the HEA you need just wish it wasn’t cut so short I needed just a bit more story in the Arcane realm with them being reunited happy and in love . But over all a big 5 Stars from me and this was a recommendation from someone in a book group on fbook I’m so glad I checked it out .
December 17, 2020
A must read, simply stunning
I have now read all three books in this series and must admit I was a little worried about the last one thinking how do you end such a gripping series.
I needn't have worried it is fantastic!! I was there within the pages going through all the twists and turns, battles etc. I really did try to put it down but couldn't. If your into stories of witchcraft and supernatural then this is a definite must read.
I have now read all three books in this series and must admit I was a little worried about the last one thinking how do you end such a gripping series.
I needn't have worried it is fantastic!! I was there within the pages going through all the twists and turns, battles etc. I really did try to put it down but couldn't. If your into stories of witchcraft and supernatural then this is a definite must read.
December 17, 2020
What a ride this series has been. Not only does this trilogy go down as my favorite fantasy read of 2020, but it is one of my top favorites of all time.
This book had so many twists and emotions throughout and it is officially the second fantasy series to ever make me cry (other being the last book of Throne of Glass by Maas, if you read that book you know what I am talking about).
This book has dark topics that may not be for every reader, but it lends itself to the story soooo well.
This is definitely a series I will reread in the future and I rarely do that!
A fiznillion stars.
This book had so many twists and emotions throughout and it is officially the second fantasy series to ever make me cry (other being the last book of Throne of Glass by Maas, if you read that book you know what I am talking about).
This book has dark topics that may not be for every reader, but it lends itself to the story soooo well.
This is definitely a series I will reread in the future and I rarely do that!
A fiznillion stars.
December 13, 2020
What can I say!? This book broke me. I’ve honestly laughed and cried throughout this amazing series. Volume three was the most epic end to the trilogy. the most heroic and touching story of Love, Magic, betrayal and destiny. I adored the characters and couldn’t help but call in love and fall apart along side them. This story is so dark and tragic, I couldn’t help but sob from the torment Lilly & family go through but M.J. Lawrie had me, unable to tear myself away. This is my book of 2020! 5 stars are not enough!
March 12, 2024
Best book series I've read in a long long time
August 13, 2024
great ending just wish she was the only one who remembered all the events after travelling in time though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
December 27, 2020
If you enjoy the psychology and interaction of people however different they are.
Characters so believable. Excellent storyline from beginning of series to the end. Highly recommended. Combined supernatural and human, showing both sides and how they react.
Characters so believable. Excellent storyline from beginning of series to the end. Highly recommended. Combined supernatural and human, showing both sides and how they react.
December 28, 2020
Loved, loved, loved these books.
Well written, emotive and fantastic story. This last book actually made me cry, both with sadness and happiness at different points and its rare for a book to do that to me. Fabulous ❤
Well written, emotive and fantastic story. This last book actually made me cry, both with sadness and happiness at different points and its rare for a book to do that to me. Fabulous ❤
August 30, 2023
The Final Bloodstone Ceremony. The Final Battle. Who will Survive?
*Spoilers May be Present*
In The Last Witch - Vol: 3
When the two main characters in your novel are not only Soul Mates, but also WITCHES! then you know that these two are going to go through numerous trails & tribulations, before they get their HEA.
And!
When you like the two bad guy protagonists MORE than the these two love struck lead characters
You enter into this story with trepidation, & hold your breath.
But.
It’s actually HEA between Gabriel, and Lilly that M.J. Lawrie has been pushing us towards from the beginning through this three book series.
Lilly & Gabriel, along with their rag tag group of fellow witches are put through battle, after battle, as they jump from one precarious situation to another.
With Witch Hunters, vigilante’s, vampires, the power hunger Grayson, & then Theo on their tails.
We are taken to deserted train car take downs, bloodstone ceremony battle grounds, beach blood bathes worthy of several GOT finales ( complete with mythical fire breathing creatures)
But back to the start of this book.
Lilly Hooper has finally broken completely.
She is cutting a swathe through anyone who stands in her way, without an ounce of empathy as she cruelly tortures humans, witches & Vampires that did her wrong.
Starting with Tobias Kendryck, (Toby Smith)
As the white haired, lilac eyed, Toby, he was broken, & as cruel as Lilly now is.
So she takes great pleasure in using her compulsion powers on him, beating him down & forcing him to do her bidding.
Toby, himself, has been doomed to a life of grief, & mystery in penance for his alter ego’s pasted crimes.
He is now a hollow broken boy, living with the belief that he deserves all the pain & misery coming his way
Lilly, though, also has to deal with the threats of the deranged Theo, who wants to use her Arcane witch powers to raise his dead wife Abigail, while killing as many Descendants along the way for power
Then there’s his influence over the growing army of The Hunters, with their ability to detect witches
So.
Here’s the thing…
When you are writing not only about a witches, but THE most powerful witch, The “Arcane.”
It comes in handy to have magic at hand when it came to -
A) have a plot slump
Or
B) a crossroads in the story, when you are having trouble figuring out what direction to take the characters in.
You can always ..
A) Have a witch call on a NEW spell
Or,
B) Have Connor FIND a new spell in The Journal.
And if you don’t have the element needed, You touch a witch who does.
Simple 🤷🏻♀️
You know how we had Daenerys & her dragons.
Well.
In this book Lilly has her wolves born out of fire.
M.J. Lawrie teases us so many times with cliffhangers, where these two &, their friends, were they’re on the edge of perishing only to miraculously escape with a spell or cleverly placed sub, character.
It becomes emotionally exhausting!
There is no WAY, This author is not going to let Lilly & Gabriel get their HEA.
That’s why every drama between them is eventually resolved.
In the second half of the book, after the 2nd bloodstone ritual, things kick up another notch, a time leap into the future by one year.
This is when we find Lilly alone with her father Jensen, making their way through a new dystopian world of Hunters & vigilantism where she has no memories of the past 12 months, no magic, & no baby.
Panic-stricken, & trying to piece together her memories, & find out what happened to her child, she & Jensen set of on a treacherous journey to locate the nomad camp, Gabriel, & the rest of her friends, always aware that she is going to have to complete the final bloodstone ceremony to free all the witches & return them to the Arcane realm.
It’s this last bloodstone ceremony that will prove to be the most harrowing to fulfil.
As their adversaries are also aware of the time and place
But there is something else.
A secret Lilly is keeping. 🤔
WOW!
This book really puts you through the wringer.
M.J. Lawrie has a knack of dragging these characters through the most heinous, awful, gut wrenching situations, & then
Pulling them out of it
WITH!
MAGIC.
Lilly is broken…or is it unbroken 🤔 white hair, then she is her red haired green eyed normal (?) self again.
What annoyed me about her though IS, there was a point where she forgave Gabriel, for his evil actions, yet she put poor Tobias through HELL!
( yeah Tobias was one of my favourite characters)
There were elements ( elements..witches 🤷🏻♀️ 😂 ) of Lilly’s character that just plain annoyed the crap out of me.
And while we’re at it, Gabriel came across at little arrogant at times also
However, overall, one thing this last book could NOT be described as is dull.
There was action a-plenty.
A of course we did end up getting that HEA in the most predictable soppiest reunion EVER!
Every trope was ✅ off the box to give reads their Awww shucks moment.
Four stars
*Spoilers May be Present*
In The Last Witch - Vol: 3
When the two main characters in your novel are not only Soul Mates, but also WITCHES! then you know that these two are going to go through numerous trails & tribulations, before they get their HEA.
And!
When you like the two bad guy protagonists MORE than the these two love struck lead characters
You enter into this story with trepidation, & hold your breath.
But.
It’s actually HEA between Gabriel, and Lilly that M.J. Lawrie has been pushing us towards from the beginning through this three book series.
Lilly & Gabriel, along with their rag tag group of fellow witches are put through battle, after battle, as they jump from one precarious situation to another.
With Witch Hunters, vigilante’s, vampires, the power hunger Grayson, & then Theo on their tails.
We are taken to deserted train car take downs, bloodstone ceremony battle grounds, beach blood bathes worthy of several GOT finales ( complete with mythical fire breathing creatures)
But back to the start of this book.
Lilly Hooper has finally broken completely.
She is cutting a swathe through anyone who stands in her way, without an ounce of empathy as she cruelly tortures humans, witches & Vampires that did her wrong.
Starting with Tobias Kendryck, (Toby Smith)
As the white haired, lilac eyed, Toby, he was broken, & as cruel as Lilly now is.
So she takes great pleasure in using her compulsion powers on him, beating him down & forcing him to do her bidding.
Toby, himself, has been doomed to a life of grief, & mystery in penance for his alter ego’s pasted crimes.
He is now a hollow broken boy, living with the belief that he deserves all the pain & misery coming his way
Lilly, though, also has to deal with the threats of the deranged Theo, who wants to use her Arcane witch powers to raise his dead wife Abigail, while killing as many Descendants along the way for power
Then there’s his influence over the growing army of The Hunters, with their ability to detect witches
So.
Here’s the thing…
When you are writing not only about a witches, but THE most powerful witch, The “Arcane.”
It comes in handy to have magic at hand when it came to -
A) have a plot slump
Or
B) a crossroads in the story, when you are having trouble figuring out what direction to take the characters in.
You can always ..
A) Have a witch call on a NEW spell
Or,
B) Have Connor FIND a new spell in The Journal.
And if you don’t have the element needed, You touch a witch who does.
Simple 🤷🏻♀️
You know how we had Daenerys & her dragons.
Well.
In this book Lilly has her wolves born out of fire.
M.J. Lawrie teases us so many times with cliffhangers, where these two &, their friends, were they’re on the edge of perishing only to miraculously escape with a spell or cleverly placed sub, character.
It becomes emotionally exhausting!
There is no WAY, This author is not going to let Lilly & Gabriel get their HEA.
That’s why every drama between them is eventually resolved.
In the second half of the book, after the 2nd bloodstone ritual, things kick up another notch, a time leap into the future by one year.
This is when we find Lilly alone with her father Jensen, making their way through a new dystopian world of Hunters & vigilantism where she has no memories of the past 12 months, no magic, & no baby.
Panic-stricken, & trying to piece together her memories, & find out what happened to her child, she & Jensen set of on a treacherous journey to locate the nomad camp, Gabriel, & the rest of her friends, always aware that she is going to have to complete the final bloodstone ceremony to free all the witches & return them to the Arcane realm.
It’s this last bloodstone ceremony that will prove to be the most harrowing to fulfil.
As their adversaries are also aware of the time and place
But there is something else.
A secret Lilly is keeping. 🤔
WOW!
This book really puts you through the wringer.
M.J. Lawrie has a knack of dragging these characters through the most heinous, awful, gut wrenching situations, & then
Pulling them out of it
WITH!
MAGIC.
Lilly is broken…or is it unbroken 🤔 white hair, then she is her red haired green eyed normal (?) self again.
What annoyed me about her though IS, there was a point where she forgave Gabriel, for his evil actions, yet she put poor Tobias through HELL!
( yeah Tobias was one of my favourite characters)
There were elements ( elements..witches 🤷🏻♀️ 😂 ) of Lilly’s character that just plain annoyed the crap out of me.
And while we’re at it, Gabriel came across at little arrogant at times also
However, overall, one thing this last book could NOT be described as is dull.
There was action a-plenty.
A of course we did end up getting that HEA in the most predictable soppiest reunion EVER!
Every trope was ✅ off the box to give reads their Awww shucks moment.
Four stars
March 31, 2025
This whole series KILLLLLLED ME in such an amazing way. The way I cried reading this book let alone this series! I couldn't get enough so well written and the characters were amazing I looooved this book and series!
December 20, 2020
Absolutely loved these 3 books
January 10, 2024
This is a spoiler free review.
I have never cried so hard and for as long as I did with this book. The whole series has some gut wrenching heartbreaking moments, but this book had me ugly sobbing for near an hour as I tried to finish it.
I’ve never had a book series move me like this, and it’s 1000% one of my favourite series of all time
I have never cried so hard and for as long as I did with this book. The whole series has some gut wrenching heartbreaking moments, but this book had me ugly sobbing for near an hour as I tried to finish it.
I’ve never had a book series move me like this, and it’s 1000% one of my favourite series of all time
October 26, 2023
I give her 3.5 ⭐️
This book was so hard for me to finish because of my connection with the characters, and the constant trauma they were experiencing. It was genuinely an emotional rollercoaster. I’m glad our enemies are de*d, and I’m happy with the ending. Gabriel is such a beautiful man/husband. I loved that in this book we got to learn more deeply about the people in Lilly’s life such as Connor, Tobias, and the fact that Collins is Gabriel’s real brother. I love that everything was connected, everything had a purpose such as the ring that Lilly gave to Amara (and even the reasoning as to why Rebecca gave it to Lilly), the bloodstone made amongst Grayson, Gabriel, and Lilly, the role of Mama Quinn in Lilly’s life, and more.
Tobias. Such a complex man. I feel for him, I really do. I believe that Lilly and Gabriel are soulmates, but there’s something about Tobias. His love for Lilly. We saw it when he almost came out of his break in the Miller’s Barn (book 2?), after he rescued Lilly from Theo’s slaughter camp, and time and time again. Is it his guilt, or does he love Lilly. He intrigues me so much and even though he’s not “real”, I wish the best for him 🥺 My heart breaks for him and I wish I could give him a hug. I feel like he was fated to be a part of Lilly’s life and was meant to prepare her for EVERYTHING. Along the way, things got blurry, especially since he hasn’t always been the sweetest man.
The reason why the book got a lower rating is that some things seemed more unrealistic or predictable than other points in the series. I know everything is connected and meant to be which is one of the main themes, but it was harder to digest. A literal roller coaster.
When Lilly woke up at the Orchard in the end, I felt this sense of nostalgia, dread, and heartbreak. It’s crazy to think how everything was when she first arrived compared to now. The SICK things Lilly and her friends/family have lived through.
I really enjoyed this series and will miss my book characters🥺 I loved the name of the series the more I read because, the Last Witch has meant a few things each time. The last Hooper witch, the last Arcane witch, THE last witch on earth when she sent every other witch to the Arcane realm.
This book was so hard for me to finish because of my connection with the characters, and the constant trauma they were experiencing. It was genuinely an emotional rollercoaster. I’m glad our enemies are de*d, and I’m happy with the ending. Gabriel is such a beautiful man/husband. I loved that in this book we got to learn more deeply about the people in Lilly’s life such as Connor, Tobias, and the fact that Collins is Gabriel’s real brother. I love that everything was connected, everything had a purpose such as the ring that Lilly gave to Amara (and even the reasoning as to why Rebecca gave it to Lilly), the bloodstone made amongst Grayson, Gabriel, and Lilly, the role of Mama Quinn in Lilly’s life, and more.
Tobias. Such a complex man. I feel for him, I really do. I believe that Lilly and Gabriel are soulmates, but there’s something about Tobias. His love for Lilly. We saw it when he almost came out of his break in the Miller’s Barn (book 2?), after he rescued Lilly from Theo’s slaughter camp, and time and time again. Is it his guilt, or does he love Lilly. He intrigues me so much and even though he’s not “real”, I wish the best for him 🥺 My heart breaks for him and I wish I could give him a hug. I feel like he was fated to be a part of Lilly’s life and was meant to prepare her for EVERYTHING. Along the way, things got blurry, especially since he hasn’t always been the sweetest man.
The reason why the book got a lower rating is that some things seemed more unrealistic or predictable than other points in the series. I know everything is connected and meant to be which is one of the main themes, but it was harder to digest. A literal roller coaster.
When Lilly woke up at the Orchard in the end, I felt this sense of nostalgia, dread, and heartbreak. It’s crazy to think how everything was when she first arrived compared to now. The SICK things Lilly and her friends/family have lived through.
I really enjoyed this series and will miss my book characters🥺 I loved the name of the series the more I read because, the Last Witch has meant a few things each time. The last Hooper witch, the last Arcane witch, THE last witch on earth when she sent every other witch to the Arcane realm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
This trilogy was one hell of a bumpy ride! I don’t know if i need a week long vacation… therapy or Jesus! Jokes aside.. for me this author has one powerful pen! I can’t separate the things i liked and disliked about this book is everything intertwined. I speak for myself of course but i get the sensation that i was sucked into the book. The time work different it’s like being in a sort of other space… so much things keep happening but it’s like you are standing still. Like the first book all three of them are like this.. it feels never ending. 3 words describing this book and in general the trilogy .. Rage.. yelling and drowning.
Rage: there is so much rage and suffering and trauma throughout this series that there is not so much space for anything else.
Yelling: there is A LOT like genuinely a LOT of yelling in this books. And like i said at the beginning i feel the power of her pen because i could actually hear them yelling.
Drowning: i felt like i was drowning basically through all three but especially the second and third ones. While you read you are her.. the FMC and thus nothing never happened to me of the horrible things that happened to her you are so sucked into the book that you and her are the same. And you feel like you are drowning in all the sadness.. rage.. and suffering she been through.
Reading all 3 back to back is exhausting.. I start to breathe probably the last chapter and the epilogue of this one.
This is a trilogy about traumas.. and the power that it takes to overcome them.. the power that requires forgiveness as a conscious choice after being chewed up and spit out from the world and left with nothing but a broken mind..
The romance component is there because it can be a powerful ally but is not the main event.
No spice
I already experienced the pen of M.J.Lawrie with the Crimson Coven.. and also there is was sucked in the book but not like this.. this was a whole new level.
Rage: there is so much rage and suffering and trauma throughout this series that there is not so much space for anything else.
Yelling: there is A LOT like genuinely a LOT of yelling in this books. And like i said at the beginning i feel the power of her pen because i could actually hear them yelling.
Drowning: i felt like i was drowning basically through all three but especially the second and third ones. While you read you are her.. the FMC and thus nothing never happened to me of the horrible things that happened to her you are so sucked into the book that you and her are the same. And you feel like you are drowning in all the sadness.. rage.. and suffering she been through.
Reading all 3 back to back is exhausting.. I start to breathe probably the last chapter and the epilogue of this one.
This is a trilogy about traumas.. and the power that it takes to overcome them.. the power that requires forgiveness as a conscious choice after being chewed up and spit out from the world and left with nothing but a broken mind..
The romance component is there because it can be a powerful ally but is not the main event.
No spice
I already experienced the pen of M.J.Lawrie with the Crimson Coven.. and also there is was sucked in the book but not like this.. this was a whole new level.
October 9, 2021
Like the first and second book I'm finding this a hard review to write, I still stick by the author not being able to decide if this was a YA or NA book, I was hoping that by the final book we would have a decision, but alas it was not meant to be, we still had a very vanilla relationship with brushed over sex scenes and vivid unspeakable torture, this time to more characters than just the lead. The worst thing for me is the fact the rape scenes are more detailed than the 'making love' scenes, that for me is not appropriate. I stand by the review of the first book, there need's to be trigger warnings mentioned either in the description or at the start of the book.
All that being said, this was a good book overall, the plot was constantly there, with great twists and turns and it was a good conclusion to the series and a good ending. My only slight disappointment to the ending is how short and abrupt it was, yes it was a happy ending but after everything we've gone through reading this series I feel we deserved at least one scene from their happy ending played out, but alas it was not meant to be and at least our brains will be able to think about the future of their lives. Finally, I do feel like the antagonist's deserved worse endings than they got, it was all too quick, I'm not sure if that's because the author wanted to get to the happy ending sooner or not, but for me personally I would have like to see at least just a little bit of misery to their lives for all they put our heroine and her family through and not just quick, didn't see it coming deaths.
This series is definitely a world you should consider jumping into, I'm glad I picked it up, but I'm not sure I will be rereading anytime soon, it's not for the faint hearted, but enjoy the plot and the twists and turns, you'll be hooked from the beginning.
- Kat
All that being said, this was a good book overall, the plot was constantly there, with great twists and turns and it was a good conclusion to the series and a good ending. My only slight disappointment to the ending is how short and abrupt it was, yes it was a happy ending but after everything we've gone through reading this series I feel we deserved at least one scene from their happy ending played out, but alas it was not meant to be and at least our brains will be able to think about the future of their lives. Finally, I do feel like the antagonist's deserved worse endings than they got, it was all too quick, I'm not sure if that's because the author wanted to get to the happy ending sooner or not, but for me personally I would have like to see at least just a little bit of misery to their lives for all they put our heroine and her family through and not just quick, didn't see it coming deaths.
This series is definitely a world you should consider jumping into, I'm glad I picked it up, but I'm not sure I will be rereading anytime soon, it's not for the faint hearted, but enjoy the plot and the twists and turns, you'll be hooked from the beginning.
- Kat
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2023
“The Last Witch: Volume III” by M.J. Lawrie
**SPOILERS**
Lilly is a broken witch who has embraced her inner monster. She is hunting down everyone who has wronged her and maiming anyone who gets in her way. This third book really brings full circle to all of Lilly’s abuse growing up, as we realize it started as a toddler by her mom, who didn’t even really want her. We figured out so many heartbreaking truths about Lilly and Gabriel as he tries to heal her broken soul to bring back his wife.
The time jumps were a bit frustrating; the one-year jump into the future and then the five-year jump back in time almost made everything feel cheated in some way. But that didn’t stop the tears from rolling when she started releasing all the powers to the Arcane realm. Jeesh! I actually had to stop and google if the book ended happily ever after, because that scene really crushed me.
I called it on who the Grey Cloak was, but I did not expect the process it took to create him. That was extremely traumatic to read and actually really surprised me. A lot of the brutality in this series surprised me, and I kept thinking, Well, that's the worst thing they can do to each other, but then they go and top it.
Thank you for a happy ending. I think erasing the last 5 years was the only way things could possibly be fixed, though I do feel like it cheats the story a bit. It’s like saying at the very end of Harry Potter that he woke up under the cupboard from a fantastical dream about witches and wizards.
**SPOILERS**
Lilly is a broken witch who has embraced her inner monster. She is hunting down everyone who has wronged her and maiming anyone who gets in her way. This third book really brings full circle to all of Lilly’s abuse growing up, as we realize it started as a toddler by her mom, who didn’t even really want her. We figured out so many heartbreaking truths about Lilly and Gabriel as he tries to heal her broken soul to bring back his wife.
The time jumps were a bit frustrating; the one-year jump into the future and then the five-year jump back in time almost made everything feel cheated in some way. But that didn’t stop the tears from rolling when she started releasing all the powers to the Arcane realm. Jeesh! I actually had to stop and google if the book ended happily ever after, because that scene really crushed me.
I called it on who the Grey Cloak was, but I did not expect the process it took to create him. That was extremely traumatic to read and actually really surprised me. A lot of the brutality in this series surprised me, and I kept thinking, Well, that's the worst thing they can do to each other, but then they go and top it.
“The path to freedom has always been slick with blood because those who withhold the freedom of others never return it willingly. It must be taken back. Sadly, fighting and freedom tend to go hand in hand. As does life and death. Happiness and misery. Suffering and bliss. One cannot live without the other.”
Thank you for a happy ending. I think erasing the last 5 years was the only way things could possibly be fixed, though I do feel like it cheats the story a bit. It’s like saying at the very end of Harry Potter that he woke up under the cupboard from a fantastical dream about witches and wizards.
April 23, 2023
Well that was a traumatic rollercoaster. So much happens in here it's hard to remember that Lilly was broken when this book begins!!!!
This is one of the most traumatic series I have read. It is literally the story of a girl being abused, tortured and raped by so many people in a very short space of time it is insane.
I actually ended up looking up to double check it had a happy ending because I was so miserable. Happily so, like good book happy even in the midst of absolute misery!
Anyway, I am glad how things ended for Grayson and Theo. Yay for mama Quinn! Grayson's character development was so sad. He was so twisted and evil, and what he ended up was so miserable. I think him and Theo were so evil, they never needed to break! They were already essentially soulless!
Hendrix could have been good. The second book hinted at hope that he could be good, and then threw that hope out.
I'm definitely going to read the little novella now. This is genuinely one of the best series of books I have read but do not read if you don't enjoy dark fantasy - because this is DARK!
This is one of the most traumatic series I have read. It is literally the story of a girl being abused, tortured and raped by so many people in a very short space of time it is insane.
I actually ended up looking up to double check it had a happy ending because I was so miserable. Happily so, like good book happy even in the midst of absolute misery!
Anyway, I am glad how things ended for Grayson and Theo. Yay for mama Quinn! Grayson's character development was so sad. He was so twisted and evil, and what he ended up was so miserable. I think him and Theo were so evil, they never needed to break! They were already essentially soulless!
Hendrix could have been good. The second book hinted at hope that he could be good, and then threw that hope out.
I'm definitely going to read the little novella now. This is genuinely one of the best series of books I have read but do not read if you don't enjoy dark fantasy - because this is DARK!
January 26, 2021
Sublime - an unforgettable story that will leave you praying for more...
I've read both the previous books and loved them, but the author took this book up an entire level.
The timing and pacing in the story are exquisite. I thought I'd reached the climax of the book; I looked down and was only at 40% - where else could the story go? Well, through wave after wave of peril where Lilly faced unimaginable difficulties as she fought to protect her friends and loved ones - mostly at the cost of her own welfare.
To call this a rollercoaster of emotions is unfair because no rollercoaster I've ever been on has delivered the thrills, spills, highs and lows of this book.
Be prepared with a flask of coffee and a couple of boxes of tissues - you'll need them because once you start reading this you'll want to keep going through the night. Oh, consider having a cushion close to hand to muffle your sobs.
It's a book that will stay with you forever.
I've read both the previous books and loved them, but the author took this book up an entire level.
The timing and pacing in the story are exquisite. I thought I'd reached the climax of the book; I looked down and was only at 40% - where else could the story go? Well, through wave after wave of peril where Lilly faced unimaginable difficulties as she fought to protect her friends and loved ones - mostly at the cost of her own welfare.
To call this a rollercoaster of emotions is unfair because no rollercoaster I've ever been on has delivered the thrills, spills, highs and lows of this book.
Be prepared with a flask of coffee and a couple of boxes of tissues - you'll need them because once you start reading this you'll want to keep going through the night. Oh, consider having a cushion close to hand to muffle your sobs.
It's a book that will stay with you forever.
February 10, 2024
Holy crap the emotional trauma
Ok so I almost didn't finish this book because I absolutely did not like broken Lilly and was having a hard time staying with the story. I'm so glad I struggled through because once everything starts slotting into place it was impossible to put the book down. Be prepared for a long and tortuous emotional roller coaster ride though. I was full on ugly crying for hours! Hours! I'm still dehydrated with a headache and red puffy eyes and that was 4 hours, 3 bottles of water, two doses of Excedrin and dinner since I finished. I won't give anything away but after all that there is a HEA. Also if SA is a trigger for you, you may want to skip this. The SA scenes are not super detailed or graphic but they are not glossed over either as the victims pain and emotions take center stage during those moments. They are also mentioned throughout the story at various times.
Overall I enjoyed this series and I'm going to continue on with the next book.
Ok so I almost didn't finish this book because I absolutely did not like broken Lilly and was having a hard time staying with the story. I'm so glad I struggled through because once everything starts slotting into place it was impossible to put the book down. Be prepared for a long and tortuous emotional roller coaster ride though. I was full on ugly crying for hours! Hours! I'm still dehydrated with a headache and red puffy eyes and that was 4 hours, 3 bottles of water, two doses of Excedrin and dinner since I finished. I won't give anything away but after all that there is a HEA. Also if SA is a trigger for you, you may want to skip this. The SA scenes are not super detailed or graphic but they are not glossed over either as the victims pain and emotions take center stage during those moments. They are also mentioned throughout the story at various times.
Overall I enjoyed this series and I'm going to continue on with the next book.
September 6, 2021
Holy
There are few novels that I label as “one of the best”… but this series definitely qualifies for the title. It gripped me right from the start and I couldn’t stop reading until I was completely finished with the series, reading the ENTIRE NIGHT! The author invoked maximum emotional reactions from me and I’m a little embarrassed at how loudly I screamed at a book. It felt like I was watching season 7 of Game of Thrones all over again. I have never rooted for characters to die so hard not have I longed for well deserved peace for other characters so badly than I have while reading this series. Truly remarkable and the ending is full breath of fresh air! This author is a must and trust that I will be stalking her on all platforms to keep up with her work. Great job sis!
There are few novels that I label as “one of the best”… but this series definitely qualifies for the title. It gripped me right from the start and I couldn’t stop reading until I was completely finished with the series, reading the ENTIRE NIGHT! The author invoked maximum emotional reactions from me and I’m a little embarrassed at how loudly I screamed at a book. It felt like I was watching season 7 of Game of Thrones all over again. I have never rooted for characters to die so hard not have I longed for well deserved peace for other characters so badly than I have while reading this series. Truly remarkable and the ending is full breath of fresh air! This author is a must and trust that I will be stalking her on all platforms to keep up with her work. Great job sis!
May 5, 2023
Great trilogy
Started reading book 1 over a week ago and finished the trilogy today. From, the first page I was hooked. The story is so enthralling I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The books are very well written and the characters so well defined you feel you know them personally. I will say that while this is a book about witches in a human world, the simile is not lost on a slight parallel with their plight to the Christians book of revelations heaven and hell ßcenerio. This was a great thrill of a ride that left me crying at the end. Only issue I found was a lack of how the world got there. It was told somewhat through out the backstop, but it would have only made the story better had that been developed more at the beginning. Now....onto the last little book in this series
Started reading book 1 over a week ago and finished the trilogy today. From, the first page I was hooked. The story is so enthralling I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The books are very well written and the characters so well defined you feel you know them personally. I will say that while this is a book about witches in a human world, the simile is not lost on a slight parallel with their plight to the Christians book of revelations heaven and hell ßcenerio. This was a great thrill of a ride that left me crying at the end. Only issue I found was a lack of how the world got there. It was told somewhat through out the backstop, but it would have only made the story better had that been developed more at the beginning. Now....onto the last little book in this series
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