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The Last Oracle #3
The Book of Mayhem
With two threats to the oracular bookstore Abernathy’s behind her, Helena finally feels secure in her role as custodian. But when a new danger rises, it threatens not the store, but the magi of Portland. As tensions between the factions grow, and monsters terrorize the city, the conflict tests Helena’s neutrality and requires her to solve the mystery—before she becomes the next victim.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2019
About the author
Melissa McShane
75 books837 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 50 reviews
April 19, 2019
Mayhem rules! :)
Review to come.
Review to come.
Read
February 3, 2024Re-read 1/3/24: Still recovering, and it gives you an idea of how fast I read if you note the dates on these first three reviews. This one is one of my top three favorites in the series, because I am always happy when my heroine finally gets together with her hero. And... that's all.
Read 4/17/19: I usually get excited with a new release. With this one, I mainly feel relief. For the story behind this book's publication, click here.
This book was always meant to follow close on the heels of The Book of Peril, and the fact that it didn't still makes me sad. But I do love it. It happens to be the fastest book I ever wrote (17 days start to finish) and I still remember how well it came together despite my not plotting it out. I can also remember the moment I realized who the villain was--that, too, was not plotted. This series in general marks my transition from thorough outlining to a more relaxed approach to plotting. I still use outlines, but not as often.
There are a lot of changes here: Helena's tense relationship with her sister, Viv and Judy's mutual antagonism (based on my experience with having two best friends who weren't friends with each other), and of course Helena's continuing attraction to Malcolm Campbell. While I try to include Helena and Malcolm's mutual love of classic films in every book, in this case it was clear early on that Casablanca would be a powerful central theme. It is one of my favorite movies, and I loved that it fit Helena and Malcolm's relationship so well.
I hope readers will find the ending of this one more satisfying than the previous. It's bittersweet, but to me it's far more hopeful. And it prepares readers for book four, The Book of Lies, which I'm proud of because I made a business conference interesting.
I've finally compiled lists of all the movies cited in these books, as well as the real books the oracle gives out as auguries (some of them I had to make up, but about 95% of the books actually exist, and I own about 90% of those), but I'm not sure where to put them. So if you have any suggestions, let me know.
Read 4/17/19: I usually get excited with a new release. With this one, I mainly feel relief. For the story behind this book's publication, click here.
This book was always meant to follow close on the heels of The Book of Peril, and the fact that it didn't still makes me sad. But I do love it. It happens to be the fastest book I ever wrote (17 days start to finish) and I still remember how well it came together despite my not plotting it out. I can also remember the moment I realized who the villain was--that, too, was not plotted. This series in general marks my transition from thorough outlining to a more relaxed approach to plotting. I still use outlines, but not as often.
There are a lot of changes here: Helena's tense relationship with her sister, Viv and Judy's mutual antagonism (based on my experience with having two best friends who weren't friends with each other), and of course Helena's continuing attraction to Malcolm Campbell. While I try to include Helena and Malcolm's mutual love of classic films in every book, in this case it was clear early on that Casablanca would be a powerful central theme. It is one of my favorite movies, and I loved that it fit Helena and Malcolm's relationship so well.
I hope readers will find the ending of this one more satisfying than the previous. It's bittersweet, but to me it's far more hopeful. And it prepares readers for book four, The Book of Lies, which I'm proud of because I made a business conference interesting.
I've finally compiled lists of all the movies cited in these books, as well as the real books the oracle gives out as auguries (some of them I had to make up, but about 95% of the books actually exist, and I own about 90% of those), but I'm not sure where to put them. So if you have any suggestions, let me know.
September 6, 2021
I couldn’t keep going. Did not finish at 23%. I understand that characters are human and make mistakes. But I just can’t get behind a character admitting to someone that they care about them romantically and then purposely going out with someone else and starting a serious relationship (including sleeping with) that other character. Plus, the insane family tension in the beginning of this book!? Ugh.
There didn’t need to be a doomed romance. It doesn’t add to the book at all. I loved the first two of this series. Why can’t you just be friends with someone you love and who loves you? And get on with the good bits of the story and world building?
So disappointing. I don’t think I’ll be reading any more of this series. I can deal with human foibles, but I want to like my main characters. This genre of fantasy/romance is one where I expect my heros/ines to be somewhat like able. Especially if I liked them in the first two books.
There didn’t need to be a doomed romance. It doesn’t add to the book at all. I loved the first two of this series. Why can’t you just be friends with someone you love and who loves you? And get on with the good bits of the story and world building?
So disappointing. I don’t think I’ll be reading any more of this series. I can deal with human foibles, but I want to like my main characters. This genre of fantasy/romance is one where I expect my heros/ines to be somewhat like able. Especially if I liked them in the first two books.
April 17, 2019
This is third in a series and, as with most UF, it's best to read in order as stories, plots, and characters extend from one book to another.
Once again, it's time for my still-non-standard disclosure. While I strive for honesty in my reviews, it is no doubt a lost cause for Melissa's books. She is the light of my life, balm to my soul, and keeper of all things worthy. Also, she knows where I sleep.
I really like Helena. In this one, she's struggling with keeping her distance from the man she has a serious crush on (and maybe a little bit more). Darn those neutrality clauses in the Accords that keep them apart! At least she has her friends and her job and her new boyfriend to keep her busy. Yeah, I'm not a fan of the new boyfriend, either.
The main plot of this one has less to do with overt action against Abernathy's and more mystery about people being killed in mysterious ways. Fault lines in the mage world get thornier with Helena and her friends being minor voices of reason in a cacophony of intolerance and hate. I love that Helena is so passionate about working together against the common foe and not letting petty disputes blow up into actual schisms.
My favorite part of this book is also the hardest because it's so hard on Helena. What do you do when I love that she has the honor of her position and determines to do the right thing even in the teeth of how hard this is on her. I also love her determination to maintain her neutrality despite being tested over and over by those who want her partisanship.
So yeah, Helena is a delight and I love the developments in this story. I love her friends (Judy and Viv find common ground!) and I love her family and I love the developments with Malcolm.
A note about Chaste: Helena has a boyfriend in this story and she admits to Judy that they're having sex. We see some kissing action that heads towards more, but Melissa always pulls back before anything happens on-page. Sexual interludes clearly happen, but none of it is actually seen. Including, near the end, when
Once again, it's time for my still-non-standard disclosure. While I strive for honesty in my reviews, it is no doubt a lost cause for Melissa's books. She is the light of my life, balm to my soul, and keeper of all things worthy. Also, she knows where I sleep.
I really like Helena. In this one, she's struggling with keeping her distance from the man she has a serious crush on (and maybe a little bit more). Darn those neutrality clauses in the Accords that keep them apart! At least she has her friends and her job and her new boyfriend to keep her busy. Yeah, I'm not a fan of the new boyfriend, either.
The main plot of this one has less to do with overt action against Abernathy's and more mystery about people being killed in mysterious ways. Fault lines in the mage world get thornier with Helena and her friends being minor voices of reason in a cacophony of intolerance and hate. I love that Helena is so passionate about working together against the common foe and not letting petty disputes blow up into actual schisms.
My favorite part of this book is also the hardest because it's so hard on Helena. What do you do when I love that she has the honor of her position and determines to do the right thing even in the teeth of how hard this is on her. I also love her determination to maintain her neutrality despite being tested over and over by those who want her partisanship.
So yeah, Helena is a delight and I love the developments in this story. I love her friends (Judy and Viv find common ground!) and I love her family and I love the developments with Malcolm.
A note about Chaste: Helena has a boyfriend in this story and she admits to Judy that they're having sex. We see some kissing action that heads towards more, but Melissa always pulls back before anything happens on-page. Sexual interludes clearly happen, but none of it is actually seen. Including, near the end, when
May 20, 2019
Now that was a lot of fun. Some interesting elaboration on the role of custodians within the magical world, a bit more depth about the oracle, and some compelling tension.
Naturally I have some complaints:
The pacing is still all over the place, too. I have trouble reconciling the rocky progress of these books with the assuredness of the Tremontane novels.
Naturally I have some complaints:
The pacing is still all over the place, too. I have trouble reconciling the rocky progress of these books with the assuredness of the Tremontane novels.
April 17, 2019
I read this as an ARC a while ago and I have been waiting for it to come out so I could squee over it with other readers! I'm so glad we're finally here!
The Book of Mayhem picks up with the magical community still bickering with each other even though their attention really should be focused on the invaders and the Long War. As usually Helena finds herself in the middle of the whole mess doing her best to live the Accords as a custodian of a neutrality, trying to get everyone to stop seeing each other as the enemy, and painfully doing her job even when it means hurting the person she's got a huge crush on and has come to maybe even love.
There's some really great movement on many accounts in this volume. Helena deals with having a boyfriend who is a good guy, he really is, but he's not the right guy for her and she's not the right girl for him. It's a really interesting exploration of what happens when you live the phrase 'If you can't be with the one you love then love the one you're with.' It takes a lot of skill to look at this situation and not demonize the boyfriend even as Helena is trying to help Malcom and to decide what she really wants. I love that the author didn't take the easy way out, but makes Helena deal with her choices and face her emotions.
I also really love the developments with Judy and Viv in this book. They finally find more common ground than just both being friends with Helena. This is so fun and it really adds more depth to the world as we're allowed to see all kinds of relationships and how they interact with Helena and when they don't.
The end leaves me ready to launch into the next book. I love wandering through the Abernathy's world!
The Book of Mayhem picks up with the magical community still bickering with each other even though their attention really should be focused on the invaders and the Long War. As usually Helena finds herself in the middle of the whole mess doing her best to live the Accords as a custodian of a neutrality, trying to get everyone to stop seeing each other as the enemy, and painfully doing her job even when it means hurting the person she's got a huge crush on and has come to maybe even love.
There's some really great movement on many accounts in this volume. Helena deals with having a boyfriend who is a good guy, he really is, but he's not the right guy for her and she's not the right girl for him. It's a really interesting exploration of what happens when you live the phrase 'If you can't be with the one you love then love the one you're with.' It takes a lot of skill to look at this situation and not demonize the boyfriend even as Helena is trying to help Malcom and to decide what she really wants. I love that the author didn't take the easy way out, but makes Helena deal with her choices and face her emotions.
I also really love the developments with Judy and Viv in this book. They finally find more common ground than just both being friends with Helena. This is so fun and it really adds more depth to the world as we're allowed to see all kinds of relationships and how they interact with Helena and when they don't.
The end leaves me ready to launch into the next book. I love wandering through the Abernathy's world!
April 16, 2019
The anxiously awaited third book of The Last Oracle series does not disappoint. Helena Davies, is managing her role as the keeper of the living Oracle, (disguised as a horribly organized, dilapidated bookstore) hidden in plain sight in Portland, for an equally hidden magical community on the brink of collapse due to a cold civil war.
In this installment, Helena battles her feelings for the incredibly hunky, and completely forbidden, Malcolm Campbell; Helena faces a tense interactions with a suspicious sibling; increasing conflict threatens Helena's life, loved ones, and the entirety of her adoptive magical community. I am not a spoiler of fantastic fiction, so that is all I can reasonably say, just know that it is excellent!
McShane decorates the beautiful landscape of the Pacific Northwest with dynamic and colorful characters. They have penetrating issues, fears, strengths and insecurities. Helena is so relatable and complex, it's hard to believe she's invented. I enjoy this series so much!
On a side note, I really appreciate the new cover art, it's much more subtle and symbolic than the previous, which were about as strictly representational as urban fantasy can get. After reading the book, the symbology is effortlessly apparent. Not that anyone should judge a book by it's cover! If this book were covered in brown paper, it would still be a fantastic read.
In this installment, Helena battles her feelings for the incredibly hunky, and completely forbidden, Malcolm Campbell; Helena faces a tense interactions with a suspicious sibling; increasing conflict threatens Helena's life, loved ones, and the entirety of her adoptive magical community. I am not a spoiler of fantastic fiction, so that is all I can reasonably say, just know that it is excellent!
McShane decorates the beautiful landscape of the Pacific Northwest with dynamic and colorful characters. They have penetrating issues, fears, strengths and insecurities. Helena is so relatable and complex, it's hard to believe she's invented. I enjoy this series so much!
On a side note, I really appreciate the new cover art, it's much more subtle and symbolic than the previous, which were about as strictly representational as urban fantasy can get. After reading the book, the symbology is effortlessly apparent. Not that anyone should judge a book by it's cover! If this book were covered in brown paper, it would still be a fantastic read.
May 10, 2019
I adore this series. Magic and books and old movies and love and food... It’s a perfect storm of all my favorite things.
The story is compelling, factions converging on war, a serial killer on the loose with just the right amount of possible culprits, big developments in Helena’s relationships - boyfriends, friends, and family alike. For all the tense action-y mysteries, however, my favorite part might just be her dealings with her sister. Well, and the ending, of course. 😊
And yes, I’m posting this review at 2:45. Because I couldn’t put it down and I can’t stop talking about it. Advance copy - review mine. All that jazz.
The story is compelling, factions converging on war, a serial killer on the loose with just the right amount of possible culprits, big developments in Helena’s relationships - boyfriends, friends, and family alike. For all the tense action-y mysteries, however, my favorite part might just be her dealings with her sister. Well, and the ending, of course. 😊
And yes, I’m posting this review at 2:45. Because I couldn’t put it down and I can’t stop talking about it. Advance copy - review mine. All that jazz.
May 20, 2019
The latest book in this series definitely delivered on what I was wanting... some action, some romance and more delving into the nature of the series' universe. I'm also really loving the characters and their development through each book and am now anxiously awaiting book #4!
April 16, 2019
My only complaint is that it's too short. I need more!
February 1, 2021
I think that's the first time that I read three books in one series without spacing them out. The last oracle books are simply very entertaining and addictive. Third book had some moments in the end that were annoying, like the main character acting reckless, where in the previous book I was so happy that she wasn't and some other small things I don't want to mention because of spoilers, but it was nothing big and I had a good time. Definitely will continue on!
May 21, 2019
At last! The next installment of Melissa McShane's series, The Last Oracle, is here. She just can't write fast enough for me! The Book of Mayhem is the third book in the series, but it is obviously not the last, and I am glad. Although you can read this book as a stand-alone, you shouldn't. If you do, you won't realize the high stakes involved: the future of humanity, all humanity, is at risk because of invaders who steal magic that humans all need to function, though only trained mages have enough magic and knowledge to be able to use it.
I won't summarize the whole plot, for two reasons. One, others have already done so, and two, as a reader I do not like to read detailed summaries. They take away some of the fun of the book.
I loved being back at Abernathy’s bookstore. I am a little in love with Malcolm, our heroine's love interest. I admire Helena enormously. She is so brave and sometimes a little bit foolhardy. She gets herself in terrifying situations as a result of her bravery and her cleverness.
I also loved that Helena and Malcolm ' s romance moves to a whole new level as the result of their respective risk-taking. There is character development here, and adventure, and suspense. I can't wait until the next installment arrives! So why didn't I give it a five - star rating? Fairly or unfairly, it wasn't as heart-stopping an adventure as the first in the series, and the device of Malcolm showing up "just in time" has, IMHO, been used one too many times.
I received a free review copy of this book, but this review is my honest opinion.
I won't summarize the whole plot, for two reasons. One, others have already done so, and two, as a reader I do not like to read detailed summaries. They take away some of the fun of the book.
I loved being back at Abernathy’s bookstore. I am a little in love with Malcolm, our heroine's love interest. I admire Helena enormously. She is so brave and sometimes a little bit foolhardy. She gets herself in terrifying situations as a result of her bravery and her cleverness.
I also loved that Helena and Malcolm ' s romance moves to a whole new level as the result of their respective risk-taking. There is character development here, and adventure, and suspense. I can't wait until the next installment arrives! So why didn't I give it a five - star rating? Fairly or unfairly, it wasn't as heart-stopping an adventure as the first in the series, and the device of Malcolm showing up "just in time" has, IMHO, been used one too many times.
I received a free review copy of this book, but this review is my honest opinion.
April 10, 2019
I adore this author and this series.
Quirky premise and engaging characters with plenty of action continuing in this installment.
I am so grateful for the bit at the end, especially after the ending of the last one!
So happy the author has many more books planned for this series.
Only quibble, I don't like the new covers. They look cheap and not indicative of either the content or the quality of the writing.
Quirky premise and engaging characters with plenty of action continuing in this installment.
I am so grateful for the bit at the end, especially after the ending of the last one!
So happy the author has many more books planned for this series.
Only quibble, I don't like the new covers. They look cheap and not indicative of either the content or the quality of the writing.
May 6, 2019
This world is so interesting! I love learning more about it with each new book in the series. I'm already looking forward to the next one! It's definitely a series to be read in order.
April 22, 2019
I’m a big fan of Melissa McShane, and the wonderful fantasy worlds she creates. When I was asked to be an advanced reader and given free books, I was thrilled, and have truly enjoyed every single one I’ve read. That said, the world of The Last Oracle didn’t pull me in at first; it was less fantastic than McShane’s other worlds, set in our current day and time. The second book in the series (The Book of Peril) drew me in further, and with this third book, well, I’m hooked. Bring on the rest! The relationships between the main characters develop further in this book, and the plot lines become a bit more complicated, which I liked, although unfortunately one of the quirkier characters from the previous books, Viv, didn’t get much of a role in this story, so I missed her. I enjoyed seeing more of the main character Helena’s background, and finally meeting her family, although I felt Malcom’s character was a bit flat throughout most of the book; I could see why at the end, but it felt a little lacking as I was reading. Overall another book I truly enjoyed, and I’ll be eagerly anticipating the remainder of this series. All opinions are, of course, my own, despite the free book!
April 27, 2019
Kind of a happy ending!!!
I enjoy this series very much and was glad that the 2 lovers got to exchange feelings with each other. The suspense is every bit as good as that in the first 2 books. The world just gets more detailed and fascinating. I just wish that Mcshane could write as fast as I can read
I enjoy this series very much and was glad that the 2 lovers got to exchange feelings with each other. The suspense is every bit as good as that in the first 2 books. The world just gets more detailed and fascinating. I just wish that Mcshane could write as fast as I can read
April 25, 2019
The Book of Mayhem concludes Melissa McShane's series, The Last Oracle. I have enjoyed this series and this one does not disappoint. It is probably my favorite. I am going to give it a well deserved five plus stars.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
June 10, 2022
I want so bad to love this series, the main plot is actually interesting and the writing is not bad at all. But the main character is quite frankly disappointing. She was so promising in the beginning but as the story went on from book one. It felt like trying to convince me that she was something special and smart, when the story proved quite the opposite. Felt like they are trying really hard to make her seem like way more than she actually is.
The love interest did not help. I found myself wishing the guy would get killed off at some point or she finds out he isnt who she thought he was so we could move on already. It was just irritating to read. At this point it feels unnecessary. The trope could have been much better executed. I understand characters have human flaws to make them more relatable but this made her seem unfocused and frivolous.
There is also precious little so far to justify why she was chosen and allowed to blunder along in such an important role. Frankly anyone could do what she is doing and some might arguably do it better. She seems to whine quite a lot. I'm supposed to believe she is the chosen one when she is quite frankly easily replaced. She doesn't even do anything special, the oracle does most of the work, as do the ther people do the side characters. It would have been nice to read more about them. They add more to the story than the main character does.
The storylines also never feel truly wrapped up. Lots of loose ends. Maybe those would be solved in later books.
I've gotten this far because I still enjoyed the writing, the plot, world building and the general idea behind it all. And it would have been enough to make up for a subpar main character if not for the poorly executed forbidden love. It takes up too much of the story to be ignored.
I would rather read about Lucia, Viv or even Judy. Frankly, hey would make better main characters.
I'll explore other books by this author though as i actually like her writing.
The love interest did not help. I found myself wishing the guy would get killed off at some point or she finds out he isnt who she thought he was so we could move on already. It was just irritating to read. At this point it feels unnecessary. The trope could have been much better executed. I understand characters have human flaws to make them more relatable but this made her seem unfocused and frivolous.
There is also precious little so far to justify why she was chosen and allowed to blunder along in such an important role. Frankly anyone could do what she is doing and some might arguably do it better. She seems to whine quite a lot. I'm supposed to believe she is the chosen one when she is quite frankly easily replaced. She doesn't even do anything special, the oracle does most of the work, as do the ther people do the side characters. It would have been nice to read more about them. They add more to the story than the main character does.
The storylines also never feel truly wrapped up. Lots of loose ends. Maybe those would be solved in later books.
I've gotten this far because I still enjoyed the writing, the plot, world building and the general idea behind it all. And it would have been enough to make up for a subpar main character if not for the poorly executed forbidden love. It takes up too much of the story to be ignored.
I would rather read about Lucia, Viv or even Judy. Frankly, hey would make better main characters.
I'll explore other books by this author though as i actually like her writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2020
This one definitely took a turn I wasn't expecting! Part of me really wants to ship Helena and Malcolm, but another part of me feels like she really doesn't know him as well as she thinks? There seems to be so much about his past and family that he has only hinted at, and I wonder if she should be privy to more information?
I definitely enjoy this series, but there is some "unreliable narrator" issues that keep popping up - especially since it sometimes feels like only half the mystery is ever solved. Or at least, revealed.
Still, I keep getting dragged in and cannot stop listening. Onward to the next one!
I definitely enjoy this series, but there is some "unreliable narrator" issues that keep popping up - especially since it sometimes feels like only half the mystery is ever solved. Or at least, revealed.
Still, I keep getting dragged in and cannot stop listening. Onward to the next one!
March 2, 2020
I am nuts about this series! Book 3 was the best so far, and I've already ordered books 4 & 5.
Paranormal fiction is a favourite genre for me, and this series has it all. The world-building is creative, clever and well-conceived, the characters are likable but flawed, and the plot has plenty of twists and turns and suspense to keep you reading past your bedtime.
I especially love the Oracle/bookstore and how it deals with Helena and the requests that are brought to it. The Oracle feels like an extra character and it's fun.
The book leaves some loose ends, but the plot of this book is properly resolved by the end, which is always a big plus for me. Even with a continuing series, it's the mark of a talented writer to be able to end a book in the series to give resolution to the reader while still keeping the overall world and storyline going for future books. Melissa McShane does this with this series and I applaud her for it!
I am also enjoying the development of Helena's character as this series progresses. She is a likable character, and watching her come into her own in her role in this weird and wonderful world she's landed in is really enjoyable.
Can't wait to continue with this series. It's a favourite in the paranormal genre and I highly recommend it!
Paranormal fiction is a favourite genre for me, and this series has it all. The world-building is creative, clever and well-conceived, the characters are likable but flawed, and the plot has plenty of twists and turns and suspense to keep you reading past your bedtime.
I especially love the Oracle/bookstore and how it deals with Helena and the requests that are brought to it. The Oracle feels like an extra character and it's fun.
The book leaves some loose ends, but the plot of this book is properly resolved by the end, which is always a big plus for me. Even with a continuing series, it's the mark of a talented writer to be able to end a book in the series to give resolution to the reader while still keeping the overall world and storyline going for future books. Melissa McShane does this with this series and I applaud her for it!
I am also enjoying the development of Helena's character as this series progresses. She is a likable character, and watching her come into her own in her role in this weird and wonderful world she's landed in is really enjoyable.
Can't wait to continue with this series. It's a favourite in the paranormal genre and I highly recommend it!
December 30, 2020
I am loving the world this is set in, but unfortunately I'm still not keen on Helena; kind of wish we get to read more about Judy, whom I've fast become attached to.
Pacing and story was great, just wasn't too keen on the romance side of things (this, coming from an avid trashy romance reader).
Pacing and story was great, just wasn't too keen on the romance side of things (this, coming from an avid trashy romance reader).
October 15, 2021
This series has provided the perfect audiobooks for me--I've looked forward to exercising, cleaning, driving. The world building holds up perfectly well but is not over-complicated. I like the main characters but they aren't trying to be deep, which is just nice sometimes. There's always a good mystery, but the story is also also short and sweet. The prose is solid and never trying too hard. I won't be reading these again and again, but there was nothing about them that annoyed me. They've been a little jolt of happiness and satisfaction in my reading/listening world lately. I was very sad to see that the other books in the series are not available as audiobooks on Scribd:(
March 11, 2022
Nathan in Love
I had read another review on this book and some of her other ones were someone mentioned the author repeated herself a The storyline that also makes the series compelling... Which I found a true. But with that being said there is enough of good riding and storyline to keep me moving on to the next the next book. The story and the series hold my interest and makes me want to find out what's going to happen with Helena coma Judy, and Viv. Additionally there are other characters that are supportIng tbe story line that also makes the series compelling.
I had read another review on this book and some of her other ones were someone mentioned the author repeated herself a The storyline that also makes the series compelling... Which I found a true. But with that being said there is enough of good riding and storyline to keep me moving on to the next the next book. The story and the series hold my interest and makes me want to find out what's going to happen with Helena coma Judy, and Viv. Additionally there are other characters that are supportIng tbe story line that also makes the series compelling.
November 9, 2024
Someone is killing wardens and Helena's sister visits
What I enjoyed:
* I'm happy Helena and Judy are getting along now
* the overall mystery is interesting and I want to know who/what is behind it all
What could have been better:
* Helena has lots of issues. Her sister isn't the monster she remember/made her out to be. She is dating someone while in love with someone else. And she does the TSTL thing
What I enjoyed:
* I'm happy Helena and Judy are getting along now
* the overall mystery is interesting and I want to know who/what is behind it all
What could have been better:
* Helena has lots of issues. Her sister isn't the monster she remember/made her out to be. She is dating someone while in love with someone else. And she does the TSTL thing
March 10, 2020
perhaps it is the old movies
there is a SUPER cheesy line near the end. but helena is into old movies. good mystery. enjoyed the wise, unfairly accused. justin’s turning out to be a good character. though bias abounds. i don’t read almost any fantasy, and little set in modern times, but i really like this series. a lot. helena is cool.
there is a SUPER cheesy line near the end. but helena is into old movies. good mystery. enjoyed the wise, unfairly accused. justin’s turning out to be a good character. though bias abounds. i don’t read almost any fantasy, and little set in modern times, but i really like this series. a lot. helena is cool.
July 3, 2020
Magic is dangerous
The only downside to this series are that the books aren't long enough. I want to read more and more. Book 3 continues Helena' s journey at Abernathy's bookstore and almost gets her killed. In the end, she realizes her bf is just a distraction and things fall into place as she once again stumbles into magical danger.
The only downside to this series are that the books aren't long enough. I want to read more and more. Book 3 continues Helena' s journey at Abernathy's bookstore and almost gets her killed. In the end, she realizes her bf is just a distraction and things fall into place as she once again stumbles into magical danger.
March 17, 2022
Not worth my time anymore. Helena isn't very likeable. What kept me going was the side characters and overall plot and concept for these books. Plus I learned that McShane isn't very clean (aka intimate scenes) so I may be done picking up her stuff. It's a shame because she's a pretty good writer. Oh well. To each their own.
April 9, 2023
“You’re making me blush, love”
“Nothing I dreamed came close to this”
Ahhhhhhhhh finally we see his true feelings!!
This book is my favorite so far! We see character development from Helena and even Judy. There is also more action and a different plot than the previous 2 books will be continuing onto the next :)
“Nothing I dreamed came close to this”
Ahhhhhhhhh finally we see his true feelings!!
This book is my favorite so far! We see character development from Helena and even Judy. There is also more action and a different plot than the previous 2 books will be continuing onto the next :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
The internal politics of this series's world involves two factions of wizards, and in this one there seems to a serial killer targeting one faction, and everybody gets cranky and angry and paranoid. And then our romantic interest has to go on the run/into hiding! There was better setup/writing this time from the perspective of following the rules of the mystery genre.
June 21, 2023
In "The Book of Mayhem" Helena and the gang are back for another strong addition to "The Last Oracle" series. This time, in addition to the usual monster fighting hijinks and bookstore /augury complications Helena is faced with finally dealing with her feelings for Malcom and working out some deeply rooted tensions with her older and seemingly more successful sister.
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