What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Spiritwalker
Ev will to do anything to escape her abusive husband and protect her daughter.
She accepts a job that offers a power she never believed existed.
But not all magic is rainbows and unicorns…
The last Spiritwalker seeks to break the Covenant which has reduced ancient gods to fairy tales, and Ev soon realizes that the stakes are higher than she ever imagined.
From the gritty streets of New York City to the mysterious British countryside and the deadly Paris catacombs, Ev travels take her on a blood-soaked journey of survival. Hounded by her husband, the cops, and her own dark past, she must fight to protect her daughter at all costs. But as the lines between friend and foe, human and monster, blur, Ev’s own humanity risks becoming just one more casualty in another’s war.
This is a page-turner filled with world mythology, friendship, and self-discovery, perfect for those not scared away by a little gore.
She accepts a job that offers a power she never believed existed.
But not all magic is rainbows and unicorns…
The last Spiritwalker seeks to break the Covenant which has reduced ancient gods to fairy tales, and Ev soon realizes that the stakes are higher than she ever imagined.
From the gritty streets of New York City to the mysterious British countryside and the deadly Paris catacombs, Ev travels take her on a blood-soaked journey of survival. Hounded by her husband, the cops, and her own dark past, she must fight to protect her daughter at all costs. But as the lines between friend and foe, human and monster, blur, Ev’s own humanity risks becoming just one more casualty in another’s war.
This is a page-turner filled with world mythology, friendship, and self-discovery, perfect for those not scared away by a little gore.
- GenresFiction
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2022
29 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Liv Strom
12 books33 followersLiv Strom is a Swiss-Swedish writer of speculative fiction, often featuring strong women. Her stories have appeared in Apex, Hexagon SF Magazine, and Mystery Magazine, among others, and been included on Tor.com’s Must-Read Speculative Fiction and reviewed on Locus.
Her first novel The Last Spiritwalker is a dark contemporary fantasy road trip where no one is safe, while her Tales of Bones and Roses series retells fairytales in the city of Tal, where epic fantasy and romance meet.
When not writing, she raises her three wild children on stories.
Her first novel The Last Spiritwalker is a dark contemporary fantasy road trip where no one is safe, while her Tales of Bones and Roses series retells fairytales in the city of Tal, where epic fantasy and romance meet.
When not writing, she raises her three wild children on stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 10, 2022
Now, I have to admit, while I am an avid sci-fi and fantasy reader, this book wasn't my normal fantasy read. I tend to lean more towards epic fantasy. But, it isn't every day that I get to review an author's debut novel. When the opportunity came up, I couldn't say no and I am SO GLAD I did.
Let's start with the writing. I found it accessible, evocative, and intensely captivating. The descriptions, character work, and world building had me enthralled. I connected with Ev, the main character, almost immediately. Her intense connection and fierce determination to protect her daughter was a very powerful emotional thread that the author wove expertly through the world of the novel.
Speaking of the world of the novel, I do have to warn about how dark this world is. It starts with strong themes of abuse and just gets darker and much more intense from there. But it wasn't darkness for darkness' sake, the story warranted it. The novel wouldn't work with a lighter tone.
Now, I must admit, I wasn't too keen on the novel's magic system- a mix of voodoo and blood magic which I found really unsettling. But, rather than turning me off from the book, my reaction actually enhanced the story in my eyes. As Ev struggled with the ever darkening areas she encountered, my discomfort mirrored hers and put me further into her head which carried me through the couple parts that were almost too creepy. Which I also have to give the author props for. It's been a long time since any novel has creeped me out.
All in all, this is a great novel and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who likes a healthy dash of blood with their dark fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let's start with the writing. I found it accessible, evocative, and intensely captivating. The descriptions, character work, and world building had me enthralled. I connected with Ev, the main character, almost immediately. Her intense connection and fierce determination to protect her daughter was a very powerful emotional thread that the author wove expertly through the world of the novel.
Speaking of the world of the novel, I do have to warn about how dark this world is. It starts with strong themes of abuse and just gets darker and much more intense from there. But it wasn't darkness for darkness' sake, the story warranted it. The novel wouldn't work with a lighter tone.
Now, I must admit, I wasn't too keen on the novel's magic system- a mix of voodoo and blood magic which I found really unsettling. But, rather than turning me off from the book, my reaction actually enhanced the story in my eyes. As Ev struggled with the ever darkening areas she encountered, my discomfort mirrored hers and put me further into her head which carried me through the couple parts that were almost too creepy. Which I also have to give the author props for. It's been a long time since any novel has creeped me out.
All in all, this is a great novel and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who likes a healthy dash of blood with their dark fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2023
Have just finished reading The Last Spiritwalker, by Liv Strom, and loved it. What a journey. I will admit I’m a bit squeamish, so some of the scenes I had to “look away” so to speak, and the magic used in this story was different to the usual, which was refreshing. The motivation for Ev, the main character is really strong. What parent wouldn’t do everything they can to keep their child safe. The ending was just the right amount of satisfying conclusion and opening for what comes next! Can’t wait to see what comes next.
September 4, 2023
Besides the tough female protagonist with grit and fierceness similar to N.K. Jemisin’s Essun in the Broken Earth Trilogy, this book was gripping for its confronting study of abuse trauma, the unwavering strength most women carry to protect their children, and the magical characters Ev, the protagonist, had to endure.
I loved the way the book centres on Ev’s journey to self-acceptance and redemption. Her main motivation is to be with her daughter, Alice and their safety. Somewhere in the book Ev says: I am enough. But before she reaches that point of acceptance we are taken through the magical world and introduced to different factions divided via a “Covenant”.
We are introduced to a world where magical and natural creatures are fashionably dressed with architecturally designed houses in the Catskills, mansions in Paris and boxing gyms in a New York basement. The magical system was well set out and believable. There are winners and losers, oppressors and oppressed. The language in this book was beautiful in its use for characterisation and “showing” Ev’s adventures. The pacing and action scenes were anchored in reality so that the book was fantastical, but urban in its “real-ness”.
But most of all, I loved the depth of the characters. No backstory was wasted. Everyone had a reason to be where they were. And oh my! The ending was as heart wrenching as only a mother could understand. The ending itself would require an essay on character study.
Would recommend this book for those who like fantasy books with a dash of adult dilemmas and a side of arts and beauty.
I loved the way the book centres on Ev’s journey to self-acceptance and redemption. Her main motivation is to be with her daughter, Alice and their safety. Somewhere in the book Ev says: I am enough. But before she reaches that point of acceptance we are taken through the magical world and introduced to different factions divided via a “Covenant”.
We are introduced to a world where magical and natural creatures are fashionably dressed with architecturally designed houses in the Catskills, mansions in Paris and boxing gyms in a New York basement. The magical system was well set out and believable. There are winners and losers, oppressors and oppressed. The language in this book was beautiful in its use for characterisation and “showing” Ev’s adventures. The pacing and action scenes were anchored in reality so that the book was fantastical, but urban in its “real-ness”.
But most of all, I loved the depth of the characters. No backstory was wasted. Everyone had a reason to be where they were. And oh my! The ending was as heart wrenching as only a mother could understand. The ending itself would require an essay on character study.
Would recommend this book for those who like fantasy books with a dash of adult dilemmas and a side of arts and beauty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2022
The Last Spiritwalker starts off powerfully, introducing us to Evelyn in the midst of suffering abuse at the hands of her partner, Connor. The reasons behind his violent behavior are often irrelevant and minuscule, but this time, he threatens their daughter. Ev takes this as the last straw, as she believes him completely, and decides to escape, taking their daughter Alice into hiding. She proceeds to learn boxing, and soon encounters an entire covenant of magic wielding characters that take her on an adventure, introducing her to a world she never knew existed.
The Last Spiritwalker is large and thorough; there is no shying away from violence, and Strom's novel interpolates real internal struggles against a deep, fantastical world in a unique, interesting way. The novel is copy-edited immaculately, and it is abundantly clear that a great deal of effort has gone into producing a polished work.
Although Ev's trauma surrounding the abuse she suffers is alluded to throughout the novel, the sudden switch from a very engaging and interesting narrative on her abuse and psychology, to that of an almost purely fantasy realm, is somewhat jarring. One can't help but want to know more about her and what realistic things she goes through, or has experienced, to learn more about the literary component of her life. Instead of this, the focus is almost entirely on the world of magic and Spiritwalkers, and the crisis that takes place in that realm.
It feels, however, as though the magic and some of the moods within it, including the violence and darkness, is an allusion to Ev's own struggles with domestic violence, and so her ascension within that world parallels the process of her own growth and healing.
Full of magic and spiritual wizardry, Strom's novel delivers a powerful fantasy character drama that is still unquestionably human.
https://www.editorsweekly.com/book-re...
The Last Spiritwalker is large and thorough; there is no shying away from violence, and Strom's novel interpolates real internal struggles against a deep, fantastical world in a unique, interesting way. The novel is copy-edited immaculately, and it is abundantly clear that a great deal of effort has gone into producing a polished work.
Although Ev's trauma surrounding the abuse she suffers is alluded to throughout the novel, the sudden switch from a very engaging and interesting narrative on her abuse and psychology, to that of an almost purely fantasy realm, is somewhat jarring. One can't help but want to know more about her and what realistic things she goes through, or has experienced, to learn more about the literary component of her life. Instead of this, the focus is almost entirely on the world of magic and Spiritwalkers, and the crisis that takes place in that realm.
It feels, however, as though the magic and some of the moods within it, including the violence and darkness, is an allusion to Ev's own struggles with domestic violence, and so her ascension within that world parallels the process of her own growth and healing.
Full of magic and spiritual wizardry, Strom's novel delivers a powerful fantasy character drama that is still unquestionably human.
https://www.editorsweekly.com/book-re...
October 7, 2023
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3RPR3Lb.
Ev will go to any lengths to protect her daughter and escape her abusive husband. So, when she is offered the opportunity to earn a large amount of money in a short time she jumps at it. Only to learn that she must hurt others to fuel crystals for a man's magic. After agreeing to go with him and become his apprentice she learns more about magic and those she now associates with, but will she lose her daughter and life along the way?
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Magic, a better life, and shifters...I am down. This book has a bit of romance, a big helping of fear, a healthy dose of magic, and a sprinkling of difficult decisions. Keep the world as it is or release all those with magic in their veins for better or worse? With these choices how could you not want to read?
I loved this book and not just because it had my favorite type of shifter in it. It showed both sides of those with magic. The good and the bad. Then the main character has to decide for herself and the world if they are best in their constraints or let free as they once were. A difficult choice, but I feel she made the right decision. I can't say I am sorry for what happened to her husband.
In her shoes I don't know what choices I would have made. She escaped one abusive situation to be directly in another with no way out. Then when she finally does get out she has no way to make it on her own while her daughter just wants to go home. Never realizing what truly was going on at home. I'm glad that she didn't, but that made it hard to understand why they needed to go.
Then there is the truth of her name with a tie to my one of my favorite authors. I look forward to more from this author.
Ev will go to any lengths to protect her daughter and escape her abusive husband. So, when she is offered the opportunity to earn a large amount of money in a short time she jumps at it. Only to learn that she must hurt others to fuel crystals for a man's magic. After agreeing to go with him and become his apprentice she learns more about magic and those she now associates with, but will she lose her daughter and life along the way?
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Magic, a better life, and shifters...I am down. This book has a bit of romance, a big helping of fear, a healthy dose of magic, and a sprinkling of difficult decisions. Keep the world as it is or release all those with magic in their veins for better or worse? With these choices how could you not want to read?
I loved this book and not just because it had my favorite type of shifter in it. It showed both sides of those with magic. The good and the bad. Then the main character has to decide for herself and the world if they are best in their constraints or let free as they once were. A difficult choice, but I feel she made the right decision. I can't say I am sorry for what happened to her husband.
In her shoes I don't know what choices I would have made. She escaped one abusive situation to be directly in another with no way out. Then when she finally does get out she has no way to make it on her own while her daughter just wants to go home. Never realizing what truly was going on at home. I'm glad that she didn't, but that made it hard to understand why they needed to go.
Then there is the truth of her name with a tie to my one of my favorite authors. I look forward to more from this author.
June 28, 2023
Liv Strom's take on the fantasy genre may be called dark, but I found it beautifully nuanced and profoundly and justifiably critical of many societal injustices. Domestic abuse, the treatment of women, and the necessary sacrifices of motherhood are all deeply explored here, among many other themes.
Ev is a deeply layered character, and we're with her in every step of her hard-fought journey -- not only for Alice's sake, but for our own. In the first person, we are always there, moving from the beginning, feeling powerless on a bathroom floor, through an empowerment and development of confidence and agency, and through fantastic adventures, at turns joyous and terrifying.
That the world is full of beautifully wrought "magic and monsters, and gods and humans" firmly roots this story in its fantasy genre. When taken as metaphor, though, they elevate it into a psychological and philosophical lens on the extremes of violence and love, and what we gain or lose by giving ourselves over to them.
This is a book--and an author--not to be missed.
Ev is a deeply layered character, and we're with her in every step of her hard-fought journey -- not only for Alice's sake, but for our own. In the first person, we are always there, moving from the beginning, feeling powerless on a bathroom floor, through an empowerment and development of confidence and agency, and through fantastic adventures, at turns joyous and terrifying.
That the world is full of beautifully wrought "magic and monsters, and gods and humans" firmly roots this story in its fantasy genre. When taken as metaphor, though, they elevate it into a psychological and philosophical lens on the extremes of violence and love, and what we gain or lose by giving ourselves over to them.
This is a book--and an author--not to be missed.
January 7, 2023
This is a bit darker of fantasy than I usually lean towards, but so worth the read. Ev is a woman living with an abusive husband who find she now must protect her daughter as well. As she works on finding her own inner strength, she is tested by mythological creatures, and even those she trusts. If a little gore doesn't scare you away, this is one wild ride.
January 9, 2023
Loved it!!!!!!!!!!
I enjoyed this book & found it interesting.The story has a nice build up in it. Actually the story ending surprised me:) it wasn't at all what I expected.I recommend this book & I thnk others will enjoy it as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book & found it interesting.The story has a nice build up in it. Actually the story ending surprised me:) it wasn't at all what I expected.I recommend this book & I thnk others will enjoy it as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2023
Complex characters elegantly described in this innovative and different story full of action and magic. A mother as the fantasy heroine who overcomes unimaginable hardships and unbearable pain, all for her daughter Alice. Despite all the difficulties, Ev refuses to give up and become a victim.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews