Monday, October 23, 2017

Such a Satisfying Conclusion (Rituals Review)

TITLE: Rituals (Cainsville #5)
AUTHOR: Kelley Armstrong
PUBLISHER: Random House Canada
PUBLISHING DATE: August 15, 2017

FROM GOODREADS: Olivia Jones must make a choice. Caught between two rival supernatural forces, Liv was granted a brief period in which to make her decision. Now that time has run out. Whichever side she chooses, someone she loves will pay. Her lover, Ricky. Gabriel Walsh, the man she knows she cannot, must not love. Her parents, already trapped in prison.And now there is a new, terrifying power rising - one that doesn't distinguish between good and evil intentions. It feeds on chaos and destroys without mercy. Unless Liv acts fast, no one will survive. In this gripping thriller, international bestselling author Kelley Armstrong brings the Cainsville series to a powerful, richly rewarding climax. 

MY THOUGHTS: So first of all, it's hard to give this book the review it deserves since it's the fifth and final one in the series and doing so would give all kinds of spoiler away. That being said, I looked back at all my ratings and each book has garnered at least 4/5 stars with the last two capturing a complete 5/5 from me. I think that shows what a strong series this has been for me and how much I have loved it. And while I am sad to see it over, man, what a ride.

I'm not going to mention the plot, but will go as far as saying that this installment introduces us to some pretty awful characters (some we thought were dead) some terribly horrible supernatural creatures (the sluagh) and tow Dryads who add comic relief in a book where you wouldn't expect it. In fact, Helia and Alexios are such a great addition to this tale and I truly enjoyed every scene they were in. Finally, I have to address the love triangle. There is a strong one in this book but because it has been woven so delicately into the Fae folklore and prophecy, it was not annoying or overwhelming. In fact, it is very well developed and there is absolutely no insta-love. And I waited 5 long books to find out how this element played out and can I say I'm thrilled with the conclusion. In fact, I'm so happy with Liv's decision, I may have jumped up and down. Also, I love that fact that Armstrong doesn't wait until the very end to disclose this wrap-up and that once its is disclosed, it continues to be worked into the plot.

So if you can't tell, I would highly recommend the Cainsville series. I've read the entire Women of the Underworld series (minus a few short story/novella collections) and while I loved it as well, Cainsville clearly outdid it. Plus, there's an adorable Fae Hound in this book who I dearly love. 

RATING: 5 Paws

11 comments:

  1. I love Kelley Armstrong, but I haven't had a chance to read this series. I guess I need to get to it sooner rather than later!

    Do You Dog-ear?

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  2. Aww! I'm glad to hear it was a great ending!!

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  3. Wow. You really love this series! It looks like I'll be breaking ny vow not to start a new series until I'm caught up on the ones I have to finish. LOL

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  4. Ugh love triangles! I loved the Otherworld books but haven't enjoyed any other series of hers that I've tried so far.

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    1. But I think because it's so rooted in the folklore, and because there is no instalove and the relationships take time to develop, it probably shouldn't even be considered a love triangle.

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  5. ok ok ok I can tell you are going to make me read this series too AND Women of the Underworld since we are at it! LOL

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  6. Those ratings say a lot for this series. I need to put this one on my library list.

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  7. I am seeing so many great reviews for this one. I definitely need to work this series into my reading schedule.

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