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The Elders #3

Hayward's Revenge

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The final installment of the Elders Series! Lachlan, Kiera, Willow, and Leah are joined by Fynn Alden as they confront an ancient evil in an old haunted lighthouse on the Porte des Morts strait in Door County, Wisconsin - literally the door of death. Join them in this exciting, haunting tale.

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2021

35 people are currently reading
445 people want to read

About the author

Cailyn Lloyd

5 books84 followers
Author of the bestselling trilogy, the Elders, Cailyn Lloyd, spent three years living in a truly haunted house and experienced firsthand the nuances of strange and eerie places. Haunted Ground is her highly anticipated fifth novel in the ghost and horror genre.

In addition to writing, Cailyn is an accomplished weather photographer and her work has appeared in newspapers, textbooks and publications including Life Magazine. She is also a composer and musician with three album releases to her credit. Cailyn lives near the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin and when she’s not writing spooky stories, loves hiking with her dogs and spending time with her children.

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Laurie.
26 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series, but this one, by far, was my favorite installment. The characters throughout the series were well rounded, intersting and loveable, but this book really nailed it with the indroduction of Leah, who is no longer an infant. Really LOVED this.
Profile Image for Derrick.
216 reviews131 followers
February 23, 2021
Oh the end (maybe?) of every trilogy I've ever read is always bitter/sweet. I hate to see it end, while at the same time, I'm glad everything is (hopefully) finally resolved. I really enjoyed how each book had its own separate story. I felt like the author did an exemplary job of weaving the stories together. It really made for an amazing reading experience!

I should probably stop rambling on about the trilogy as a whole and say something about this book in particular. This book is pretty much non-stop suspense and it was so fun to read. I fell in love with all the characters especially little Leah. She's such a special little girl, wise beyond her years. All the characters, both male and female, are strong in their own way. This one didn't have quite as many horror elements as the previous two. That's okay though because I felt like the great writing and astounding story telling more than made up for it. The world building and imagery was mind-boggling especially once we finally got the full scope of everything in this book. One thing I would like to have seen is more backstory on The Elders. The author should totally do a prequel about that... just saying. Overall, third book in the trilogy is great. Trilogy as a whole is great. I would recommend all three books to anyone looking for a good set of paranormal horror stories.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Steve Stred.
Author 89 books676 followers
February 5, 2021
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **

The third book in Lloyd’s ‘The Elders Book’ series has arrived and after seeing how things progressed in books one and two, I was curious to discover where Lloyd was going to take the narrative.

With this one, Lloyd brings some familiar characters together to close out the trilogy.

What I liked: ‘Hayward’s Revenge’ opens up with a chilling opening chapter and from there we get thrown into one of the more intriguing ‘doorways to Hell’ stories I’ve read in some time.

The characters were both familiar and fresh, which leads this book to really stand out as it could be read as part of the series, or as a stand-alone, which shows how strong the plotline is, especially considering this is the finale.

The setting in this book was outstanding and super creepy. The synopsis truly only gives you an idea of what you’re in for but with Lloyd’s deft writing, this place comes to life and is frightening.

What I didn’t like: I don’t know if I truly feel like the characters got the closure I expected in a trilogy finale. Maybe I was expecting something different? I know this sounds like a minor thing and an individual reader thing, but with what they had to endure and overcome over the three books, I was a bit surprised when it ended.

Why you should buy this: Cailyn Lloyd is a fantastic writer and with this, the third and final book of the series, you can either finish it off or read it as a stand-alone. I’d lean more towards picking up all three, as there are some truly dark moments within these three books.
Profile Image for Brennan LaFaro.
Author 26 books156 followers
February 21, 2021
One of the best things about Cailyn Lloyd’s Elders series is the settings each book revolves around. A haunted house, or at least the like, in Shepherd’s Warning. An underground cavern in Quinlan’s Secret. Now a forbidding lighthouse aptly named the doors of death in Hayward’s Revenge. The first two books told largely different stories with some intertwining details, but the third and final installment ties it together and puts a nice bow on it.

The evil force that’s been plaguing the characters from the first two books finally gets a name here as things get intense enough to draw the McKenzies in with Kiera and Willow. Threads are tied to link everything that’s been happening. Essentially, Hayward’s Revenge does what you hope the final book in a trilogy will do.

What sets it apart is that, even though it serves as a bookend, it could function as a standalone as well if one were so inclined. Lloyd gives us glimpses into earlier events, a brief “previously on” for the seasoned reader that provides enough useful bits of exposition to allow a new reader to enjoy the ride. Would you appreciate the characters as much if meeting them for the first time? Probably not as much, but Lloyd still provides depth and connection relevant to the story at hand.

Some may find fault with the ending, not being content to wrap everything up with an ending that overexplains and eschews ambiguity. Lloyd finds the middle ground of providing answers and giving the reader closure, even if it’s not set in stone, and leaving the created world open for more stories. For the reader who enjoys drawing their own conclusion for what happens next, you’ll be satisfied.

Lloyd’s inviting style of writing is once again on display. Her voice takes us from page one of Shepherd’s Warning to page 359 of Hayward’s Revenge setting the scenes in an effective way that doesn’t allow description to overstay its welcome. Vivid action scenes rife with sensory description are sprinkled throughout (Be on the lookout for a scene involving lightning and a sword) and the pacing fills 300 plus pages nicely without meandering and allowing the reader to get bored.

A strong trilogy from start to finish, if you’re not reading Cailyn Lloyd’s fiction, you’re doing yourself a major league disservice.


I received a copy from the author for review consideration.
Profile Image for Christine Scotney.
210 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2021
Wow I don’t know what say.
Each book in the trilogy is a story within itself, totally different scenarios and scenes, yet tied together by a 500 year old curse/spell/invocation Anna Flecher wielded all those years ago on the Mackenzie family.
Fast paced and intriguing.
The final instalment in the Elders series is set at a lighthouse.Strange things are happening with the light at the lighthouse, but it’s been decommissioned for years and attracts the attention of a supposed witch and also a ghost hunting crew.
We see the return of Dana and Leah, as Leah is near run over by a driverless car. Leah needs Lachlan’s help, but he is still in a coma from dealing with this darkness previously.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Elders series, this instalment had me scared on the edge of my seat, it also made me cry. Truly a book worth your time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mary.
351 reviews13 followers
April 8, 2021
I'm traumatised by what I have just read ... read it - you'll understand!

I had to take a day to recover from this book, before writing this review, without giving any spoilers away which is super difficult!!

I loved this whole series, and I think this book was my favourite, despite the part that made me take a whole day off of reading to recover!

Character development, plot development, overall execution - flawless!!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ... even though this could be read as a stand alone, I would recommend you read all of books in The Elder series by this author.

That's all I'm saying, can't say more without spoiling it! READ IT!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,929 reviews9 followers
October 24, 2021
Hayward’s Revenge is the final book book in the Elders trilogy by Cailyn Lloyd.

The darkness survived and goes after little Leah. Her mom takes her away to try to protect her but will they be safe as long as the darkness is there?

This was my favorite book of the series. It has Dana and Leah from Shepherd’s Warning and Willow and Keira from Quinlan’s Secret. They join forces with the Elders. This one didn’t start out slowly like the first two and it didn’t let up. By the end, I felt drained as if I’d been fighting the evil along with them.

I’m sad the trilogy has been completed and hope there may be another book in the future.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book from BookSirens and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
932 reviews
May 17, 2021
Hayward’s Revenge, the final installment of the Elder Series, has a bittersweet ending. Lachlan and Fynn, both Elders, will join forces with Kiera, Willow and Leah to end the darkness that has been growing stronger with each passing day. Together, they will confront the evil in an old lighthouse of Porte des Morts. The descriptions of the setting, the storyline, and the characters make this a great read. The other books in the series build to the momentous confrontation that make it impossible to pause the reading of this paranormal gem. A fantastic trilogy from start to finish. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
126 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the series. It ties in well with the 1st two, but still works really well as a standalone book. As always the action is well paced, the characters strong and believable. This is my favourite of the three. I recommend all 3 book inthe trilogy especially this one. Looking forward to Cailyn's next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
10 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2021
The elders

I absolutely loved all the elder books, they were amazing, Cailyn Lloyd has a talent that is remarkable. Her writing grips you so that you can not put the book down each page builds to a shocking and horror edge of you're seat ending. I do hope to read much more by this writer as she is truly gifted
Profile Image for Fatimah Gunn.
156 reviews8 followers
May 19, 2022
Amazing

You really get all the feels reading this book! It’s so action packed and you’re rooting for everyone to make it out alive. One of the best series I have ever read. I also like that you can read each book individually and not feel lost. A superb writer and I’m going to hunt down more of her books!
17 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2023
Elders series

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It was well written, kept me reading into the night. Serious with a smattering of humour. I would like to see a sequel to the series with the spirits of Kenric, Hayward, and Fynn coming to help Leah, Dana, Willow and Keira with another entity. I highly recommend these books if you want a good exciting read.
Profile Image for Mariah Fannin.
121 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2024
I like the end of this trilogy but for some reason this book didn’t stick with me like the first two�� possibly because of how many characters were in this one and I feel like the crossover between them all didn’t hit.

I would definitely still suggest this to anyone interested in supernatural fiction with lore!
29 reviews
February 3, 2021
Intense

Well written, could barely put the book down. Welcome twist on good versus evil paranormal adventure.. Have read the other books in this series and am looking forward to whatever this author creates.
151 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2021
Good reading

A gripping tale of magic and darkness, good and evil..But the ending left me kinda confused. What happened to the wizards and also never really gave an explanation of where they originally came from. They were old but never said how they came to be.

Profile Image for Cailyn Lloyd.
Author 5 books84 followers
May 8, 2021
This review refers to the Audiobook version and the quality of the narration. Hillary Huber does a wonderful job of characterization and her narration truly brings the story to life. Recommended if you enjoy audiobooks.
18 reviews
May 28, 2021
This is an amazing trilogy about the battle of good and evil. The characters are tightly woven into each other’s lives building bonds that remain after they are separated. Cailyn Lloyd is an exceptional story teller. This is a must read series.
19 reviews
June 4, 2021
All 3

I totally enjoyed this story it was a real adventure.felt like I was there with everyone to the end.
I'm going to miss all the characters.thanks for the story.look forward to your next book😁👍✌
Profile Image for Barbi.
481 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2023
Breathtakingly bad....and long...and slow. Don't. Just don't.
Profile Image for Catriona Lovett.
631 reviews13 followers
March 9, 2021
Beware Where the Ley Lines Meet In Darkness

This third book in The Elders trilogy (which I hope won't actually end at three books) offers a cataclysmic conclusion to the story of Lachlan, Kiera, and Willow. Cailyn Lloyd's attention to research is shown by the authenticity of the added details, whether their subject is Gaelic swear words or geography or modern ghost hunting or ancient myths or alchemy. Knowing her subjects so well makes her books more entertaining and believable.

These stories are so full of action and suspense that they're exceedingly hard to put down. They're populated by brave and capable heroes and staggeringly threatening villains. The smart, proficient, and well-armed kickass women are well-represented in several characters, as are wise, patient, capable, and caring men. I loved all the characters, old and new, and hope that they'll be featured in future novels by this talented author.

I feel honored to have received my copy of Hayward's Revenge free via BookSirens and thank them, Ms. Lloyd, and her publisher. I freely and gladly offer my endorsement and hearty recommendation of this book and the whole series to any reader who likes horror.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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