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The Last Oracle #6
The Book of Havoc
With a successful challenge to the Accords behind her, and her relationship with Malcolm Campbell made public, Helena Davies’ life seems perfect.Then the attacks begin.As the enemy magi known as the Mercy wreak havoc on Warden strongholds, Helena and the oracular bookstore Abernathy’s play their role in guiding the Wardens. But the oracle knows a deadly secret, one Helena struggles to interpret while the enemy draws nearer. And the one question she needs the answer to is the one question the oracle will not are the weavers?
242 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2020
115 people are currently reading
143 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 31 reviews
April 22, 2020
This is sixth in a series of contemporary fantasy (similar to Urban Fantasy, but Melissa insists it's different) and thus some plots, character arcs, and storylines continue and build from book to book. I definitely recommend reading in order.
So the standard, non-standard disclaimer applies for this review. If you want an excuse to disregard it, look no further than that Melissa and I are cooped up together, "sheltering in place" as I write. I strive for honesty in my reviews but there's no denying that she knows where I sleep, has access to sharp pointy objects, and has the creative subtlety to get away with it if she ever tried her hand at revenge...
Anyway... So this is the sixth and you mostly know what you are getting by this point. I love Helena and Malcolm and love even more that their relationship continues to progress. Plus, they can go public, now that they've altered the Accords! They have their arguments and rocky parts and I love that we get to see them work through the things that come up, even when it isn't easy. It doesn't hurt that I have a giant crush on Malcolm but I just love seeing them work things out and come out stronger together. Getting to see his family was eye-opening and tense because his mother is a real piece of work.
There are some new developments in the mage world and it's a bit scary what the Mercy get up to now that they aren't bothering hiding any more. Almost as scary as Judy entering the dating world. With Viv and Helena in stable relationships, Judy has gotten more active in dating (probably self defense?). I was surprised that almost all my highlights from this one were from that storyline (but I shouldn't be because that friendship trio has an awesome dynamic).
Anyway, this review isn't much more than gushing, I'm afraid. I excuse myself with this being sixth so you really should know what you're getting by the time you get this far in the series and I can safely concentrate on those elements that pulled my attention.
A note about Chaste: Helena and Malcolm are living together and clearly having sex. There's nothing explicit, though there are domestic scenes of intimate living and non-specific talk of sex. I consider this chaste, but others may reasonably disagree.
So the standard, non-standard disclaimer applies for this review. If you want an excuse to disregard it, look no further than that Melissa and I are cooped up together, "sheltering in place" as I write. I strive for honesty in my reviews but there's no denying that she knows where I sleep, has access to sharp pointy objects, and has the creative subtlety to get away with it if she ever tried her hand at revenge...
Anyway... So this is the sixth and you mostly know what you are getting by this point. I love Helena and Malcolm and love even more that their relationship continues to progress. Plus, they can go public, now that they've altered the Accords! They have their arguments and rocky parts and I love that we get to see them work through the things that come up, even when it isn't easy. It doesn't hurt that I have a giant crush on Malcolm but I just love seeing them work things out and come out stronger together. Getting to see his family was eye-opening and tense because his mother is a real piece of work.
There are some new developments in the mage world and it's a bit scary what the Mercy get up to now that they aren't bothering hiding any more. Almost as scary as Judy entering the dating world. With Viv and Helena in stable relationships, Judy has gotten more active in dating (probably self defense?). I was surprised that almost all my highlights from this one were from that storyline (but I shouldn't be because that friendship trio has an awesome dynamic).
Anyway, this review isn't much more than gushing, I'm afraid. I excuse myself with this being sixth so you really should know what you're getting by the time you get this far in the series and I can safely concentrate on those elements that pulled my attention.
A note about Chaste: Helena and Malcolm are living together and clearly having sex. There's nothing explicit, though there are domestic scenes of intimate living and non-specific talk of sex. I consider this chaste, but others may reasonably disagree.
Read
February 3, 2024Re-read 1/5/24: Not quite as sick as before. I don't love this book as much, though there are moments I cherish, like Judy's dating experiences. This is probably because it was more of a struggle than any of the others. Also, I'm not sure the suspense and the plot twist relating to Santiago work very well. Is it strange to confess not loving one of your own books? I have a handful I've written that don't totally satisfy me that I've done my best work.
Read 3/18/20: This is kind of a weird entry in the series, for me anyway. The Book of Betrayal was so intense, and so many awful things happened, that this one felt smaller by comparison as I was writing it. And yet there's a lot of challenges here too, not just the ones related to the magical war between the Wardens and the Mercy, but with Helena and Malcolm learning how to live together, both literally and in the emotional sense.
I had some great help from Hallie O'Donovan in working out the character of Madeleine Campbell, Malcolm's awful mother. She pointed out that what I was doing wasn't working and that I needed to think seriously about what it would be like to be Helena, dealing with her boyfriend's mother who really, really wants her son dating someone else. (Madeleine's character ends up not being who I thought she was, in the end, but it will be another couple of books before that happens.)
Judy's dating trials were a fun interlude in the tension of the accelerating war. I stole one of her awful dates from someone else's experience, names redacted to protect the innocent. I leave it to the reader to guess which one.
And that's really all there is to it. Most of these characters will show up again. The next book, The Book of Harmony, is not, despite the title, the final book in the series. It will be out June 2, 2020, and I hope people don't mind waiting a while...though I realize as I write this that seven weeks is actually a very short time to wait between books. How the ebook revolution has changed reading and publishing!
Read 3/18/20: This is kind of a weird entry in the series, for me anyway. The Book of Betrayal was so intense, and so many awful things happened, that this one felt smaller by comparison as I was writing it. And yet there's a lot of challenges here too, not just the ones related to the magical war between the Wardens and the Mercy, but with Helena and Malcolm learning how to live together, both literally and in the emotional sense.
I had some great help from Hallie O'Donovan in working out the character of Madeleine Campbell, Malcolm's awful mother. She pointed out that what I was doing wasn't working and that I needed to think seriously about what it would be like to be Helena, dealing with her boyfriend's mother who really, really wants her son dating someone else. (Madeleine's character ends up not being who I thought she was, in the end, but it will be another couple of books before that happens.)
Judy's dating trials were a fun interlude in the tension of the accelerating war. I stole one of her awful dates from someone else's experience, names redacted to protect the innocent. I leave it to the reader to guess which one.
And that's really all there is to it. Most of these characters will show up again. The next book, The Book of Harmony, is not, despite the title, the final book in the series. It will be out June 2, 2020, and I hope people don't mind waiting a while...though I realize as I write this that seven weeks is actually a very short time to wait between books. How the ebook revolution has changed reading and publishing!
April 26, 2020
I'm so happy to come back to Abernathy's!
This is the sixth book in the series and as they all build on each other it should be read after the others, or you'll be lost...and confused, and you want to read the others anyway because they're awesome. Go them them. I'll wait...
Okay, now that you're back. I love this addition to the Abernathy's series. The war with the Mercy is intensifying and when that's not going wrong learning how to be a couple isn't without challenges. This aspect of balancing the various aspects of Helena's life as a lover, a friend, a warden, a potential daughter-in-law, and so many more things is one of my favorite aspects of this series as a whole and this book in particular. It's all interesting and just when I would start feeling like I knew what was happening in one aspect, something else would happen in another, drawing me in all over again.
Who are the weavers? Trouble... right here in river city. And I love it.
This is the sixth book in the series and as they all build on each other it should be read after the others, or you'll be lost...and confused, and you want to read the others anyway because they're awesome. Go them them. I'll wait...
Okay, now that you're back. I love this addition to the Abernathy's series. The war with the Mercy is intensifying and when that's not going wrong learning how to be a couple isn't without challenges. This aspect of balancing the various aspects of Helena's life as a lover, a friend, a warden, a potential daughter-in-law, and so many more things is one of my favorite aspects of this series as a whole and this book in particular. It's all interesting and just when I would start feeling like I knew what was happening in one aspect, something else would happen in another, drawing me in all over again.
Who are the weavers? Trouble... right here in river city. And I love it.
April 19, 2020
So, there’s one problem with this book: I got so hooked into the story that I was left hanging for the next one when it finished! This book, as do the previous books in this series, picks up not long after book 5 finishes, and plunges you straight back into the intrigues of the magic oracle/bookstore that has become Helena’s life. The challenges Helena and her friends have faced in the preceding books have grown into a full-scale war, and the action is fast-paced and exciting. I found myself wishing that I could simply pick up the next book and read on...so I guess the solution is to wait until the series is finished and read them all at once...if only I had the willpower to wait!
I’m lucky enough to be an ARC reader, but the decision whether or not to leave a review, and all opinions, are mine.
I’m lucky enough to be an ARC reader, but the decision whether or not to leave a review, and all opinions, are mine.
May 13, 2020
well done, helena
i find some of the success somewhat trite. important people die but not TOO important. and of course she would want to move into that house. and don’t we all want someone to love us more than they love their mom.
i find some of the success somewhat trite. important people die but not TOO important. and of course she would want to move into that house. and don’t we all want someone to love us more than they love their mom.
April 7, 2020
I believe the sixth installment from Melissa McShane’s The Last Oracle series, The Book of Havoc, is my favorite of the series to date. I absolutely loved Helena’s story. It was adventurous, magical and mysterious.
I am giving Book of Havoc five plus stars. I recommend this book and the rest of the The Last Oracle series to readers who enjoy fantasy reads.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I am giving Book of Havoc five plus stars. I recommend this book and the rest of the The Last Oracle series to readers who enjoy fantasy reads.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
May 6, 2023
Malcom got on my nerves. Ughhhh.
I was going to give this 3 stars because nothing much happens besides Malcom’s mom bickering and being annoying until 80%. Buuuut that fire scene moved it up to 4. I love when the Oracle tries to communicate and help her but I hate that she ignores some warnings and doesn’t try to understand and see patterns when she enters it. Like stop being self centered and pay attention….
But anyway, I can’t wait to continue to the next book!
Ohhh and one thing that annoyed me was “I wonder how she speaks Spanish if she’s Muslim.” I’m sorry, what?? Since when does religion directly correlate to the language spoken? And Islam is a religion not a nationality for that sentence to even begin to redeem itself.
I was going to give this 3 stars because nothing much happens besides Malcom’s mom bickering and being annoying until 80%. Buuuut that fire scene moved it up to 4. I love when the Oracle tries to communicate and help her but I hate that she ignores some warnings and doesn’t try to understand and see patterns when she enters it. Like stop being self centered and pay attention….
But anyway, I can’t wait to continue to the next book!
Ohhh and one thing that annoyed me was “I wonder how she speaks Spanish if she’s Muslim.” I’m sorry, what?? Since when does religion directly correlate to the language spoken? And Islam is a religion not a nationality for that sentence to even begin to redeem itself.
March 31, 2021
I've said it before but I'd enjoy this much better if it felt like there were any stakes at all to what they're doing. Malcolm and Helena keep coming up smelling like roses and I'm honestly sick it it. I really feel like killing Malcolm off in the last book would have made for a better story going forward. I'm here to read about a young woman's inexplicable bond with an ancient Oracle, not her all consuming love with a controlling and self important older dude. But maybe that means I'm not the target audience then. I was really hoping we'd get a third act break up by now but instead they're engaged and I'm not sure I want to continue with the series :/
April 30, 2020
The Book of Havoc is the 6th in this outstanding series by Melissa McShane. At first it seems like a domestic problem, namely a mother from hell, is the only problem Malcolm and Helena face. They have progressed in their relationships to living with each other, which leads them away from the cramped apartment above the Oracle to Malcolm's luxurious apartment in the same building as his mother, who seems like she is making it her life's mission to separate the two.
But they are in the middle of a war to save earth from invaders who would love nothing more than to absorb every bit of magic on the planet. Helen's role is not as a fighter but as the hands of the Oracle and this becomes literally the case in a terrifying and amazing scene in which Helena, battles knife-wielding invaders and then, near death, joins with the Oracle to fight a fire that would destroy them both.
The result is highly satisfying and Helena and Malcolm move past the problem of his mother and into a satisfying new level of commitment. But the Long War still has to be won, and it is clear that clever, brave Helena will have an important role. I can't wait for future installments in this, one of McShane's best series ever!
But they are in the middle of a war to save earth from invaders who would love nothing more than to absorb every bit of magic on the planet. Helen's role is not as a fighter but as the hands of the Oracle and this becomes literally the case in a terrifying and amazing scene in which Helena, battles knife-wielding invaders and then, near death, joins with the Oracle to fight a fire that would destroy them both.
The result is highly satisfying and Helena and Malcolm move past the problem of his mother and into a satisfying new level of commitment. But the Long War still has to be won, and it is clear that clever, brave Helena will have an important role. I can't wait for future installments in this, one of McShane's best series ever!
January 29, 2021
OMG! I love this series, so, SO MUCH!!!
I really love series that manage to develop a long-term story arc with new and exciting aspects, while also maintaining the structure of a consistent world-building, and developing the characters with new additions while still keeping their basic personalities recognizable.
This series does all of that, while also coming up with new and suspenseful adventures for Helena, Malcolm, Judy, Viv and all the other characters in each succeeding book.
I am completely in love with Helena and she is a wonderful combination of ordinary, slightly dweeby girl, and magical kick-ass warrior, when required. I have loved her since the first book and only get more into this series with each new book.
The world-building in this series is amazing! I love the whole concept of the magic and the magi and all the battles, but I especially love that the bookstore is an oracle and that magical advice is dispensed through books. It really is a book-lovers nirvana to read this series!!!
This is absolutely one of my favourite series ever, and I'm extra thrilled that the final three books in the series are all published so I can get them and continue visiting this wonderful, creative and entertaining world for three more books!!
I really love series that manage to develop a long-term story arc with new and exciting aspects, while also maintaining the structure of a consistent world-building, and developing the characters with new additions while still keeping their basic personalities recognizable.
This series does all of that, while also coming up with new and suspenseful adventures for Helena, Malcolm, Judy, Viv and all the other characters in each succeeding book.
I am completely in love with Helena and she is a wonderful combination of ordinary, slightly dweeby girl, and magical kick-ass warrior, when required. I have loved her since the first book and only get more into this series with each new book.
The world-building in this series is amazing! I love the whole concept of the magic and the magi and all the battles, but I especially love that the bookstore is an oracle and that magical advice is dispensed through books. It really is a book-lovers nirvana to read this series!!!
This is absolutely one of my favourite series ever, and I'm extra thrilled that the final three books in the series are all published so I can get them and continue visiting this wonderful, creative and entertaining world for three more books!!
December 19, 2024
I am really loving this series but in this book very disappointed in Malcolm, pushing Helena to move into his place and acting as if it’s wrong not to do it and not allowing her to feel uncomfortable in his place. He (& Helena) could have worked out a schedule, living in both places, there is nothing wrong with that, u don’t have to live in one place, & if ur partner is uncomfortable in ur place work on a solution that makes them comfortable, don’t attack them because of it! Also Malcolms saying he wants to make H happy is BS to me, IF he truly wanted to make her happy he would live wherever made her happy!
Also i am NOT happy with Helena, she was not stupid to go and check on the Oracle after her NIGHTMARE, who knows how the Oracle communicates with her, maybe it’s just a dream but maybe not, the Oracle is so important it makes sense to go and stay, she was not stupid to go and i am ticked @ her for thinking this!
Also i am NOT happy with Helena, she was not stupid to go and check on the Oracle after her NIGHTMARE, who knows how the Oracle communicates with her, maybe it’s just a dream but maybe not, the Oracle is so important it makes sense to go and stay, she was not stupid to go and i am ticked @ her for thinking this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2021
I enjoyed the plotline concerning the Mercy very much, but was decidedly uncomfortable with Helena trying to make herself fit into Malcolm's apartment and everything that came with it. I loved the further revelations about the oracle itself and was thoroughly engaged in the plot. Great continuation of the story, but not my most favorite point in the romantic relationship. At least until the end when they got their sh*t together
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 3, 2023
Another outstanding installment!!
I’m absolutely blown away at the creativity and detail that is included in this incredible world that McShane has created.
I don’t typically love when a series moves into the “war” trope. However, I found this depiction to be thorough without being horrifically graphic.
Helena and Malcolm’s relationship is a smidge saccharine for me at times but it is nice to see a supportive and mostly healthy partnership.
I’m absolutely blown away at the creativity and detail that is included in this incredible world that McShane has created.
I don’t typically love when a series moves into the “war” trope. However, I found this depiction to be thorough without being horrifically graphic.
Helena and Malcolm’s relationship is a smidge saccharine for me at times but it is nice to see a supportive and mostly healthy partnership.
August 6, 2022
These books are always solid. I've listened to most of them, and I don't listen on 1.5x, and I look forward to the time I spend on it. They are fun and move quickly enough without my speeding them up. I would like to see more about how the books work for giving an augury--how do people actually get answers to their questions from a book?
August 26, 2024
I’m loving the series arc, but this book was kinda bad. The only tension comes from a simple, 100% resolvable issue if these damn characters just communicated. It feels like lazy writing to have the only problem being resolved with a simple straightforward convo. I get really frustrated with this kind of book.
May 10, 2020
Progress
Rapid progress in the relationship with Malcolm and Helena yet they don’t actually spend as much time together as I’d like. The plot of the weavers was a bit vague and remote to be gripping.
Rapid progress in the relationship with Malcolm and Helena yet they don’t actually spend as much time together as I’d like. The plot of the weavers was a bit vague and remote to be gripping.
May 6, 2023
I read some romance, but I don't read *these* for the romance. I find the love interest super boring, but in this book he crosses the line into annoying. It detracted from the rest of the book, which was otherwise fine.
May 20, 2021
Slow to finish this book only because I was distracted by so many other shiny books. Another excellent addition to the series. Looking forward to the next in the series.
September 10, 2021
3.5 stars
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.
February 15, 2022
would give 4 stars if there weren't so many repetitive teenage-love-sex and food obsessions. I feel like it's getting worse with every book in the series
April 15, 2022
The author adds even more adventure to the series in this book. It's definitely worth the read! Malcolm and Helena both have the fight of other lives. You will have to read in order to experience it.
October 22, 2023
The saga continues!
Great entry in a great series!
This ine is full of action, heartache, and joy that makes it quite a page turner.
Great entry in a great series!
This ine is full of action, heartache, and joy that makes it quite a page turner.
December 20, 2023
I had so much fun reading this series.
June 1, 2024
Learned some more lore which was nice but honestly did not like how Helena and Viv sat around not part of the action and how pushy Viv was in particular
August 7, 2024
good reading
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. The characters are interesting and each installment has been a real page turner! Good writing!
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. The characters are interesting and each installment has been a real page turner! Good writing!
December 26, 2024
+ Learning more about the Oracle
+ Helena tackling a crazy MIL
+ Helena saves herself with weaponized books
- Communication between Malcolm/Helena till reconcile at end of book
+ Helena tackling a crazy MIL
+ Helena saves herself with weaponized books
- Communication between Malcolm/Helena till reconcile at end of book
December 18, 2025
I’ve really been enjoying this series.
June 15, 2023
"The Book of Havoc" is another strong addition to "The Last Oracle" series. The body count and violence ratchets up in this fast paced book as the Long War heats up and the Mercy throw new and unexpected magic at Helena and the Wardens. More interestingly, Helena finally comes up against a threat she may not be able to defeat, - Malcom's mother.
May 4, 2020
I gave up watching Ellen to read this book and it was worth it! I couldn't read fast enough. McShane"s writing takes you inside the story and makes you feel like you're there, standing by as Judy logs the latest augury sale, or Madeleine snipes at Helena. I know what Abernathy looks like and have seen the bookshelves through McShane"s writing eyes. I couldn't wait for book six to come out and pray there will be a book seven. This is what great reading feels like. Another great Rollercoaster ride, McShane! #Well done. #5stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews