I got this fair-condition paperback from a local thrift shop, for another release copy.

I discovered the series via the manga adaptation of the first book, Soulless, and decided to read the original novels, which I also enjoyed. This one, the 5th and final (and, sadly, apparently never to be adapted into manga form) was quite entertaining.

While I was sad to see this lively, funny, romantic series come to an end, I thought that the author did an excellent job of wrapping up the storylines, and leaving the various couples in (reasonable) content. This included dealing with an ancient vampire queen (I should have known that Lord Akeldama's parentage would be truly impressive), the Order of the Brass Octopus, the issues of immortals falling in love with mortals - as well as other downsides of immortality, and the revelation of a serious betrayal in Lord Maccon's clan... oh, yes, and with the immense problem of giving little Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama her bath! (Since the now-three-year-old Prudence has the ability to steal an immortal's power temporarily, any contact between herself and her werewolf father results in her becoming an adorable but very, very quick wolf-cub and her father merely mortal, unable to keep up with her. There are some truly hilarious scenes early on involving this ability - and later in the story it becomes a key plot point.)

There's some angst here, though - as usual with the series - it doesn't last long. And there's an amazing amount of banter, with one of the niftiest little grace notes appearing at the very end. Alexia and Conall have some wonderful arguments (in fact, that's their standard mode of showing affection for each other), plus some steamy nights together in between crises.

[Some spoilers follow...]

And - my favorite part of the book - young Biffy, former vampire-drone and lover of Lord Akeldama, who was turned into a werewolf to save his life at the end of the third book and had been struggling to find a place in this less-fashionable world, finally finds his footing here. He gets to demonstrate his many talents, has come to terms with his separation from his old life and lover, and - finally - has moved on; and, to my great delight, he hooks up with my favorite character, Prof. Lyall. We learn more about Lyall's past, too, including the fact that he was once in love with {gasp!} Alexia's father - and that when his previous Alpha went mad at the end of his long life, he made Lyall's life a living hell... That led to an act that reshaped the pack structure in the region, and that results in another major change at the end of this book. But it may be for the best all around, and Lyall seems relieved to have the worst of his secrets revealed - not to mention having Biffy in his life. [Biffy himself makes a truly surprising discovery, one that also has quite an effect on events.]

So... we leave the Parasol Protectorate at last. But it was great fun while it lasted!

[There's a TV Tropes page for the series, with lots of entertaining info; just beware of spoilers!]

I left this book in the portable LFL at around 2. (I think this LFL moved up from Derry; it contained a couple of books I'd released at the Derry location, and the LFL itself looks familiar!) Hope the finder enjoys the book!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2017 One Word Title release challenge. ***