Gehenna isn’t on Google Maps and there’s no Angel Annihilation for Dummies. To Miriam Feldman, list lover extraordinaire, this is an irritating oversight.
It’s fine. She’s got this mission under control. Sure, her instructions are vague, and her team is trigger-happy, but she’s got plenty of motivation to carry them to victory.
Vengeance counts, right?
Plus, if ridding the world of celestial menaces doesn’t top up Miri’s karmic bank, then stopping a vampire contagion will definitely earn her some good will.
Unless it gets her killed. That’s a distinct possibility.
One which she refuses to worry about since she’s got her shiny new relationship with a sexy wolf shifter to enjoy. And honestly, his family dysfunction is making hers look pretty damn insignificant.
How’s that for positive thinking? She’s going to nail this.
Happily-ever-after, here she comes.
Ace of Shades, the thrilling finale, features a later in life romance, a heart-pounding mystery, and a magical midlife adventure.
Deborah Wilde is a global wanderer and hopeless romantic. After twelve years as a screenwriter, she was also a total cynic with a broken edit button, so, she jumped ship, started writing funny, sexy, urban fantasy and paranormal women’s fiction books, and never looked back.
She loves writing smart, flawed, wisecracking women who can solve a mystery, kick supernatural butt, banter with hot men, and still make time for their best female friend, because those were the women she grew up around and admired. Granted, her grandmother never had to kill a demon at her weekly friend lunches, but Deborah is pretty sure she could have.
This felt like the perfect ending to a series I've really enjoyed, wrapping everything up nicely into a satisfying ending.
I love the character growth arc we've seen Miri take over the 7 books of this series - it hasn't always been smooth sailing, and sometimes she's really annoyed me (as, indeed, has Laurent). But it feels worth the moments of irritation to me to have arrived in this place. I love how she spends the bulk of the book aware of and reflecting on just how precious the 'found family' she's built around her is.
Plus, in a PWF world of interchangeable middle aged women getting divorces and discovering they've inherited magical B&B's, I just really - *still* - appreciate the completely different, fresh spin Ms Wilde has put on the genre. And the fact that this may be the first urban fantasy / PNR rooted in Jewish mythology I've read doesn't hurt - I'm now really looking forward to diving into her Jezebel Files and Unlikeable Demon Hunter series (both of which I think I already have Book 1 for)
I really liked this series. It’s super cute but in the same time by this book I was bored with it and ready to be finished . Would have been better if I did not read back to back but used it as a buffer between other series
Ace of Shades is the final book in the Magic After Midlife series. I always hate the end of series, but Ms Wilde wraps it up nicely for Miri. Very nicely!! Miri finally gets all her answers. Loved every minute of this installment. I laughed, I cried, and I swooned! I’m going to miss this cast of characters.
I tried and tried to spread out my reading of this, it's the end of the era. I just wasn't ready for it to be the last of Miri and everyone else. *sigh* And while it is the end, what an ending. All the lose threads are tied up into the right bow for the right character.
This was definitely the opportunity for us check-in with all the folks who have expanded Miri's world from when we first met her. This read was a great one in terms of seeing just how thins work out for all the characters we've become attached too. And while there were things I thought would go differently, this was just great for all the Miri, Laurent, Tatiana, Emmet, Zev, Sadie, Eli and everyone else moments :D
I have put off reading this book for a few weeks knowing it is the “end” of Miriam, Laurent’s, and her found family’s stories. I think a reread of the entire series will be in short order. These characters are so beautifully written, each one complex and masterfully developed. The world is woven together with so much detail and humor. This final book will have you on the edge of your seat as Miriam works through not one but two mysteries. I don’t want to spoil it for you, and if you’ve already read books 1-6, you really don’t need much convincing to crack this one open. Don’t be like me. Dive in immediately knowing that Mitzi and Huff-n-puff will be around for visits whenever you need them. But maybe plan to do this on a day or weekend when you’re able to shut out your world and dive into this one.
Many other reviewers have complained that Goodreads doesn't have half stars, and I agree. This might be a 3.5 or 4 star book, I'm not really sure. The whole series is pretty good, but unless you are a Schadenfreude sort of person, "A humorous paranormal women's fiction" is not the best description of this series. I'd say more, paranormal women's fiction with a lot of angst and bad things happening to good people, with occasional humor.
I do have a low tolerance for drama and things going wrong all the time. One of my favorite TV shows is How it's Made. As with many books, I had to look up the ending to see what happens. So if you are looking for light and fluffy paranormal romance, this ain't it. But if you are okay with drama, then it is a good series, and the Jewish lore angle is interesting. I do see some character growth over the series. But I also had to pause and read some Eva Ibbotson to give myself a break from the drama.
Some books/series I read, at the end I’m like, yeah that was good, enjoyed that but now it’s on to the next one. Others I don’t want to get into another book/series straight away, I just need a little while before starting another one, because the one I’ve just finished was sooo good. This series, for me, is the latter and definitely on my ‘to re-read’ list! Yet I’m not as sad as I thought I’d be at finishing this series (don’t get me wrong tho, I’d love more Miri adventures!) and I think that’s because we’re leaving Miri in a very happy place with her extended family of choice and it all feels fulfilled and complete. Kudos to Ms Wilde for such excellent writing, making not only the fmc believable and fully fleshed out, but all the ‘side’ characters too, which tbh don’t feel like side characters as they’re as integral to the plot(s) as Miri is. Not to mention the action, drama, sadness, surprises and, of course, laughs along the way in this final instalment of Miri’s journey; which is not only a journey through the magical world to find the answers she’s wanted since her childhood was tragically overturned, but a journey of self discovery, acceptance and celebration of herself. Oh and I can’t leave this review without mentioning - again! - how much I love love love Mitzi and Laurent as a couple ♥️ I still can’t hear Rebel Yell without a big grin spreading across my face! 😁 I’m sure I’ve written this in a previous review in this series, but quite a few times I’d go back over what I’d just read to read it again, not because I didn’t understand or because there were errors (I did and there weren’t) but because the writing was that good and I wanted to fully absorb every sentence, word and nuance contained therein. Deborah, you are a word weaver of wonders and wisdoms of the highest order 😊 and as I’ve mentioned to you before, I love the way your mind works and the magic that spills forth from it onto paper/screen for our delectation 🥰 So, that leaves me with just one last thing to say . . . Snicker snack 😘
Gotta love Deborah Wilde and her crazy imagination. This woman is a mastermind of humor and creative writing style that is always so much fun.
I’ve been engrossed in this story since book one, and I can’t say I’m disappointed in how it ended (just that it had, in fact, end).
Miriam Feldman finally knows who had her parents killed and why, but exacting revenge is what will give her closure, or will it?
In Ace of Shades, Miri, together with her entire group of family and friends come to terms with their own identity, with their wants and needs, and they unite to bring balance to their world.
I love Laurent’s journey throughout the series, and bringing Gabriel into the plot, gives us both some more info some spice to the story, and brings Lolo amazing peace with his past and his future. Not to mention Miri’s capacity to support him and respect his past is amazing.
*minor hint/spoiler*
The dysfunction of this made up family is adorable and hilarious, and I think that’s what makes it easier to swallow the itty bit of sad we get and the whole lot of wtf we get with a certain angel in hell.
There are some serious twists and turns in this book, and all of them are so much fun. It’s a little sexier than previous books, but also more emotionally fulfilling.
I’m totally fine with a spin-off series for her daughter, by the way.
If you haven’t read this series, one-click it, grab some snacks and drinks, and make sure your reading nook is comfortable, because you won’t be moving much from that spot.
A great conclusion to a phenomenal series. Miriam meets the fallen angel, Dumah, in Gehenna where he whets her appetite for revenge of her parents and lost childhood. A new client with surprising connections comes for help with ending the vampire contagion. Now with another mission in place and a failure under her belt she must call in all those she trusts if she hopes to end the KH, finally unraveling the angels and with a bit of luck, hard work, and strong determination she just may find a solution to the virus affecting vampires. I absolutely loved this book. The author has done an amazing job with this series, its world, and characters. They are extremely likeable, it is exciting, funny, steamy, and entertaining. This is one series you do not want to miss, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Miri has a few lists and she’s checking them twice because when you are faced with unraveling the Angels that murdered her family, she must consider every Angle. Then there’s that pesky vampire contagion and what’s worse her family, found and made, is placed at risk. What’s A bada$$ woman supposed to do? Kick a$$ of course.
Here’s what I didn’t like: I guess my memory. Could’ve sworn Miri was 15 when her parents were killed but it was 13 in this book. That’s a reach because there isn’t anything I was upset about.
Here’s what I liked: everything. I laughed more in this book, in fact I had a lot more out loud reactions than the others. I think it might be the best in the series.
Overall this series is filled with well developed characters with faults and qualities to praise. I really enjoyed it.
I had such an affinity with Miriam that she allowed me a comfort and a closeness with these stories that I haven’t really had before. This character is my age, going through many of the same life circumstance’s and challenges that I am, coming to many of the same realisations that I am also just with the added fun of magic, a hot, broody Frenchman and freaky vampires.
Miriam really had to learn how not to be Parental here and to let others make their choices. She found her family in amongst the new friends that she has made along the way. And she now feels whole and happy- something we all aspire too.
I’ve truly loved this series, I was torn with reading this book- I had to read it slowly and take my time but I would’ve loved to have been able to sit and devour it in one sitting. I can’t wait to see what Deborah has for us next.
This is the final instalment in the Magic After Midlife series… which provides an exciting and satisfying finale to this gripping and intriguing series.
It is so wonderful to see such a real and gritty heroine (despite being a fantastical paranormal series) who is age appropriate, has lived life, made mistakes and has flaws like the rest of us.
The book and this series are full of excitement, twists and turns and puzzles to unravel. There are wonderful characters, great relationships and finally answers to all those final questions. This has been a great journey and this is a wonderful conclusion.
I would recommend this book and the entire series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This series has been incredible and I have loved every minute of it from the very start and this is one hell of a finale. Exciting, thrilling this fast paced midlife woman’s paranormal read just grabs you and holds on tight. Miri is such a fantastic character, she’s fun, shes strong and she’s relatable especially to all of us middle aged women out there! Her adventures have been one hell of a ride and her juggling of her life, of the magic, her daughter, her friendships and her relationships has been humorous and it’s been a lot of fun. Mystery, suspense, intrigue and a whole lotta snark draws you into this final story which answers so many questions that we had set in a world that has been so beautiful and addictive.
It's not easy to end a series well -- hat tip to Wilde for doing it so wonderfully without a cheesy epilogue that tries to tie up the rest of the characters' lives. (Also, that last bit with the two mains.... so good. And kinda relatable in the "I am just saying this thing that I have kept bottled up and is normally uncharacteristic of me but I also just had a (temporary) personality-shifting experience, so I'm going with it" way.)
The writing is always superb, and yeah, I just loved it all. Sad the series is done, but looking forward (and preordering) her next!
Well this is bitter sweet to say the least. I have loved Miri and her gang, and this is the conclusion to the series. I gobbled it up greedily while telling myself to slow down and savour it.... A masterful conclusion to the series, my questions and queries were resolved in a very satisfactory manner, tons of surprises too. I am not ready to end this here, and am praying for a spin off series at some time, maybe with Nava?
I loved this series from the start, and this story brings a great ending to Miri's journey! This is the kind of conclusion that I was looking for, but I will miss Miri and Laurent. These MCs really made this a wonderful world for me! All I can say now is I Loved It!!! Read it, great midlife series! No Spoilers! I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review because I Choose to and Loved it All!!!
Normally when I get a new Deborah Wilde book I binge read it in a day or 2. However, I knew this was the last one in this series and I was feeling sad at the loss of this wonderful assortment of characters from my life so this one took a bit longer It’s a great finale with plenty of action, adventure, sleuthing laughs and love. It’s coming of age coming home and coming to the end of a really great series. But it doesn’t disappoint.
Miriam (Miri) is kicking butt and taking names, but can she finally get her vengeance? Or has she bitten off more than she can chew this time? It's been great to follow her journey, and see an older woman taking on the world. I have loved all the quirky characters, twists of this series, and it's great to have those questions answered in this conclusion of Miri's tale. I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
The end of the series arc was epic. We get the HEA, lots of conclusions, and a great storyline. Our vengeful selves get to see the culmination of Miri's quest to avenge her parents deaths, and a boat load of Deborah's snarky dialog that I think just makes all her books. Now a storyline of Laurent's pack in Europe would be nice!
I have loved this series with Miri, Laurent, and the wonderful cast of characters. There is magic, mystery, danger, action, and adventure, along with amazing relationships. I enjoyed this entertaining and engaging series and it is bittersweet to say goodbye to this world and its inhabitants. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
Love the gritty love scene! Need more of those pls!
Love Miri' s big dysfunctional family. The characters are rich and have depth and all come together nicely in this adventure... or shall I say continuing adventure and and new investigation. I like reading about Miri coming into her power and making things right so all is well as she works towards her happy future
I plowed through this series in a matter of days. I loved the world building and the MC's growth from someone who had been hiding her magic and herself to a full blown badass who assembles a funny and helpful Scooby gang and acquires a hot boyfriend as well. Kudos for the inclusive and sex positive messaging.
Excellent series full of fun and drama. So nice to have an older heroine who actually has life experience to use when making decisions. For me, not having any real knowledge of the Jewish religion or lifestyle, made the Jewish comments etc a bit difficult but still enjoyed it very much.
Miriam is 42, and done with hiding—hiding her opinions, her magic, her blossoming love for her shifter boyfriend, or even hiding from the angels who murdered her parents. The stakes have never been higher, and she’s never had so much to live for.
A wonderful conclusion to a series with a deeply imagined world and characters.
I could easily see me and my friends in ALL the social gatherings. I could hear myself, when I was dating someone, in her inner dialogs about her ex, her daughter, her friends and Laurent. I want a Laurent! French was my second language and I wish there’d been more in the story.
Such an awesome series. So sad it's over. I love how Wilde was able to bring such an awesome, mature woman to life while also giving her such tremendous room to grow. And, I want to grow up to be Tatiana.
This was spectacular and so much fun! Sad to close the book on the series but Mir, Laurant, and Tatiana took things out with a bang leaving a fun glimpse of their future.
Hugely happy ending! Such a relief to have one of those in these days of ‘let us be realists’! I would read science books instead of novels if I wanted constant unhappy disappointment. Just saying!
The characters are amazing, the plot line fun and exciting, and this book rounded off the whole thing amazingly well. I'm so delighted I found this series and can't wait to read more by Deborah Wilde.
Thought that the seventh and final(?) book in the series was wrapped up nicely. It was a, sometimes, long road to get the Mitzi and Huff n Puff together but I enjoyed the ride. For anyone looking for amusing dialogue and ongoing drama, try this series.