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kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Eighth and, wahhh, last in the Guardians paranormal romance series revolving around a small group of Guardian "angels" protecting humanity against demons and rogue vampires. The couple focus is on Michael, the Doyen, and Andromeda Taylor.
My Take
Wow. It's hard to believe that it's only been eight books in this series considering the impact the stories have had on me. So much has happened to such a range of people: Guardians, vampires, demons, you name it. Each of the individual installments are so complete in themselves with such different couples, and yet each has a tie to a central theme and a central cast of characters. Each has had their individual problems and troubles, their own histories, literally, and yet it all comes back to the same loving "family".
It's a series that has gone on my buy list. And I want to start re-reading this series from the beginning with "Falling for Anthony". It's a short story prequel that I didn't like, but it is the start of this series. It was Demon Angel, the first full-length story that left me thinking: WOW! I think part of my need to reread is that I can't let these characters go…
Brook has definitely put a twist on the whole demons-angels-vampires genre with this mélange of good and evil. It's a bit like life, filled with unfairness with bad things happening to good people and average ones. Only, it's what Brook does with these people, the situations into which she throws them, and how they rise above them. Except, in Brook's world, there's magic combined with family and love.
This particular installment, Guardian Demon, found me unsettled as I read it. It was a slow start and all the horrible things that Brook kept throwing at the characters found me lagging even more. I was not liking this story. However, I suspect it was a combination of my knowing this is the last in the series—which I really, really hate—and my worries over how Brook would end it as well as the problems she kept throwing at Michael and Taylor. Yup, I cried in a number of places...I hate it, even though it makes it a better story in my mind. Masochist much??
It's a love story, well, it's a paranormal romance, so naturally. But it's the oddest love story I've read in some time with a woman who hates and a man who will do anything to make Andromeda happy (I absolutely adore Michael's way of thinking), even if she must die for that to happen. Talk about strength of mind…! He loves her so much that Brook uses his love to set up his death. Sneaky. And Brook carefully includes hints galore about how Michael can be saved. It's up to us to realize how even as Taylor slowly comes to realize the truth. Phew...it's intense and nervewracking.
Part of what I love about Michael's pursuit of Taylor is how real Brook kept it. Sure, some of it was a bit far out there, and Brook used some clichéd tropes, but they carried a ring of truth with them. I understood why each felt as they did even if I didn't agree with all their reasons. I do love it when an author doesn't make me gag at the stupidity or obviousness…!
I don't understand the point Lilith is making about Michael and colors, although I did appreciate her explanation for why Michael remembered what he did notice. I did enjoy the stories about Michael's past, his reasons for learning how to heal.
I also love how Brook pulls in those metaphysical questions about one's appearance, how you would know someone no matter what or how they looked; to accept the truth about a person and not to cling to one's idea of the person; the importance of pain and hardship; the song of the individual; the goodness of humanity; the importance of truth when you love someone; being woman enough, LOL, to allow someone to rescue you; and, the point of our existence on Earth. Dang, no wonder Brook needed over 500 pages for this!
It's everyone we've read of through the series, all come together to help beat back the invasion of Earth, to protect it and humanity from becoming Hell on Earth. In some ways, I wish I had re-read everyone's stories so they'd be fresher in my mind, but ya never do know if that's what you'll feel the need for until you do read it. Too late then… It's certainly a good excuse to buy the series, *grin*
I am harboring a tiny bit of hope, based on how the story ended, that perhaps Brook will return with a series that continues from this point. There's still such a lot to clean up...
The Story
It's a rescue from Hell in so many ways, but a rescue that has reverberations, for Michael is dying, slowly, and Taylor is in a coma, again. Such anger towards so many: Taylor with Khavi and Michael, Michael against Khavi, and Lucifer's is the worst for all the plotting and planning he does on how best to twist the knife and hurt those who love and protect.
It's a clever, too clever, ruse on Lucifer's part that sets events in motion in Guardian Demon. A tightly oiled plan of kidnappings, torture, and portals that is much too successful.
But love is persistent and Michael will do everything he can to protect the one he loves.
The Characters
Detective Andromeda "Andy" Taylor died and was reborn with a kiss in Demon Forged, 5. Detective Joe Preston was Andy's partner with the SFPD, and now he works for Special Investigations (SI). Carolyn Taylor is her mom, and what an amazing woman she is! She talks about Taylor lying in her bed in a coma for two-and-a-half years and says caring for her was easy, she just had to dust her off now and then, LOL. Jason is Taylor's brother, in a coma from which he will never recover. Captain Jorgenson is Andy and Joe's old, pain-in-the-butt boss.
Michael is the Doyen, the 8,000-year-old first leader of the Guardians, the being who decides who becomes a Guardian and who must Fall. He's also half-grigori demon and half-human with the heart of a dragon, connected to Chaos (see Demon Bound, 4).
Other Guardians include:
Khavi is another grigori who foresees the future, a Guardian, and Zakril's sister. She has plans within plans—never trust her. Special Agent-in-Charge Bradshaw is based in San Francisco and is an undercover Guardian, Luther. Lilith heads up SI and was a halfling demon, a daughter of Lucifer, who chose to become human and is now married to Hugh Castleford, a former Guardian who Fell a second time for Lilith; he has kept his Gift to see lies. Sir Pup is her hellhound pet. (Busy, huh? For details, read Demon Angel, 1.)
Rosalia, a nun when she was alive, is a Guardian with a Gift for Shadows and partnered with Deacon, a reformed vampire (Demon Blood, 6); Pim is a healer; Drifter, a.k.a., Ethan, whose Gift is the ability to open steel or magnetic locks, is based in Seattle where he's mated to Charlie, a vampire (Demon Night, 3); Jake Hawkins has Gifts for teleportation and electricity while Alice can control spiders (Demon Bound, 4); Selah is strong in teleportation, and she's with Lucas, another vampire ("Paradise", 1.5); Radha can disorient her target with illusions and pierce the strongest psychic shields and is partnered with Mariko, who manipulates glass ("Ascension", 7.5) as Irena does metal who is hooked up with Alejandro whose Gift is fire, see Demon Forged, 5); Nicholas, his Gift is knowing what others fear, and Ash, a half-demon (see Demon Marked, 7), have been creating a financial cushion for the Guardians against the day the government disavows them. Jack Harrington and Annie Gallagher are vampires (see "Thicker Than Blood", 3.5). Savi and Colin are vampires linked by blood to the Chaos Realm (Demon Moon, 2 )—she's Hugh's little sister, a computer genius who can also turn into a hellhound while he's too beautiful for words and one of two daywalking vampires, nosferatu-born, and Lilith's closest friend. Powerful. Maggie Wren (Demon Forged, 5) is a human who acts as butler for Savi and Colin; she lives with Gregory Blake, a blind man with his own supernatural abilities who is Colin's great-great-great-something nephew descended from Colin's twin sister, Emily, ("Blind Spot", 5.5; Katherine Blake, Geoff's sister, was also in this short story). Icarus can make the earth shake. Rebecca is one of the novice Guardians.
Mark Brandt is the son of Senator Bill Brandt, a shell for the demon Rael (Demon Night, 3), and he works for Senator Blackwell. Camille is the vampire who leads the Parisian vampire community; she is like a daughter to Rosalia. Angie and Cora lead the Seattle community.
Anaria is a grigori: half-demon, half human, Michael's sister, and determined to avenge the murder of her children, the nephilim; we first encounter her in Demon Bound, 4. She intends to take the throne in Hell and eliminate free will. Her Gift is one of voice. She can make you want to die for her, and she intends to force humans to choose to be kind.
Lucifer is the demon who reigns in Hell. Cerberus is his pet Hellhound. As a result of the grigori experiment, Belial is leading a rebellion against Lucifer, intending to take demons back into Grace. He's also Michael and Anaria's father. Fazeal is one of Lucifer's demons on Earth; worse are the sentinels, loyal only to Lucifer who will sacrifice themselves rather than give in. Adam and Dina Meer are vampires seduced by demons. Jason Webber had married Crystal O'Dell, both victims with a wish for revenge. Patricia Johnson, Dennis Parkins, Benjamin Nguyen, and Jeffrey Green had lost loved ones and were susceptible.
Sammael is a demon from Demon Night, 3, who must provide Charlie with a pint of blood every day; he's married to Jane, Charlie's sister.
Chaos is a realm of creation and destructions, dragons and their endless hunger. Special Investigations is a paranormal, super-secret law enforcement arm of Homeland Security made up of vampires, Guardians, humans, and demons who investigate supernatural crimes. Caelum is the otherworld home of the Guardians.
The Cover
The cover is peachs and browns with a fiery background and Michael, his dark wings spread wide, gazes upon Taylor amongst the flames, his sword held aloft while Taylor lunges forward, eyes closed, long red hair streaming behind her and tangling with her white wings. It is a shame that Michael wasn't portrayed on the cover as he's described in the book.
The title is a reflection of who Michael truly is, a Guardian Demon upon whom so much depends.
My Take
Wow. It's hard to believe that it's only been eight books in this series considering the impact the stories have had on me. So much has happened to such a range of people: Guardians, vampires, demons, you name it. Each of the individual installments are so complete in themselves with such different couples, and yet each has a tie to a central theme and a central cast of characters. Each has had their individual problems and troubles, their own histories, literally, and yet it all comes back to the same loving "family".
It's a series that has gone on my buy list. And I want to start re-reading this series from the beginning with "Falling for Anthony". It's a short story prequel that I didn't like, but it is the start of this series. It was Demon Angel, the first full-length story that left me thinking: WOW! I think part of my need to reread is that I can't let these characters go…
Brook has definitely put a twist on the whole demons-angels-vampires genre with this mélange of good and evil. It's a bit like life, filled with unfairness with bad things happening to good people and average ones. Only, it's what Brook does with these people, the situations into which she throws them, and how they rise above them. Except, in Brook's world, there's magic combined with family and love.
This particular installment, Guardian Demon, found me unsettled as I read it. It was a slow start and all the horrible things that Brook kept throwing at the characters found me lagging even more. I was not liking this story. However, I suspect it was a combination of my knowing this is the last in the series—which I really, really hate—and my worries over how Brook would end it as well as the problems she kept throwing at Michael and Taylor. Yup, I cried in a number of places...I hate it, even though it makes it a better story in my mind. Masochist much??
It's a love story, well, it's a paranormal romance, so naturally. But it's the oddest love story I've read in some time with a woman who hates and a man who will do anything to make Andromeda happy (I absolutely adore Michael's way of thinking), even if she must die for that to happen. Talk about strength of mind…! He loves her so much that Brook uses his love to set up his death. Sneaky. And Brook carefully includes hints galore about how Michael can be saved. It's up to us to realize how even as Taylor slowly comes to realize the truth. Phew...it's intense and nervewracking.
Part of what I love about Michael's pursuit of Taylor is how real Brook kept it. Sure, some of it was a bit far out there, and Brook used some clichéd tropes, but they carried a ring of truth with them. I understood why each felt as they did even if I didn't agree with all their reasons. I do love it when an author doesn't make me gag at the stupidity or obviousness…!
I don't understand the point Lilith is making about Michael and colors, although I did appreciate her explanation for why Michael remembered what he did notice. I did enjoy the stories about Michael's past, his reasons for learning how to heal.
I also love how Brook pulls in those metaphysical questions about one's appearance, how you would know someone no matter what or how they looked; to accept the truth about a person and not to cling to one's idea of the person; the importance of pain and hardship; the song of the individual; the goodness of humanity; the importance of truth when you love someone; being woman enough, LOL, to allow someone to rescue you; and, the point of our existence on Earth. Dang, no wonder Brook needed over 500 pages for this!
It's everyone we've read of through the series, all come together to help beat back the invasion of Earth, to protect it and humanity from becoming Hell on Earth. In some ways, I wish I had re-read everyone's stories so they'd be fresher in my mind, but ya never do know if that's what you'll feel the need for until you do read it. Too late then… It's certainly a good excuse to buy the series, *grin*
I am harboring a tiny bit of hope, based on how the story ended, that perhaps Brook will return with a series that continues from this point. There's still such a lot to clean up...
The Story
It's a rescue from Hell in so many ways, but a rescue that has reverberations, for Michael is dying, slowly, and Taylor is in a coma, again. Such anger towards so many: Taylor with Khavi and Michael, Michael against Khavi, and Lucifer's is the worst for all the plotting and planning he does on how best to twist the knife and hurt those who love and protect.
It's a clever, too clever, ruse on Lucifer's part that sets events in motion in Guardian Demon. A tightly oiled plan of kidnappings, torture, and portals that is much too successful.
But love is persistent and Michael will do everything he can to protect the one he loves.
The Characters
Detective Andromeda "Andy" Taylor died and was reborn with a kiss in Demon Forged, 5. Detective Joe Preston was Andy's partner with the SFPD, and now he works for Special Investigations (SI). Carolyn Taylor is her mom, and what an amazing woman she is! She talks about Taylor lying in her bed in a coma for two-and-a-half years and says caring for her was easy, she just had to dust her off now and then, LOL. Jason is Taylor's brother, in a coma from which he will never recover. Captain Jorgenson is Andy and Joe's old, pain-in-the-butt boss.
Michael is the Doyen, the 8,000-year-old first leader of the Guardians, the being who decides who becomes a Guardian and who must Fall. He's also half-grigori demon and half-human with the heart of a dragon, connected to Chaos (see Demon Bound, 4).
Other Guardians include:
Khavi is another grigori who foresees the future, a Guardian, and Zakril's sister. She has plans within plans—never trust her. Special Agent-in-Charge Bradshaw is based in San Francisco and is an undercover Guardian, Luther. Lilith heads up SI and was a halfling demon, a daughter of Lucifer, who chose to become human and is now married to Hugh Castleford, a former Guardian who Fell a second time for Lilith; he has kept his Gift to see lies. Sir Pup is her hellhound pet. (Busy, huh? For details, read Demon Angel, 1.)
Rosalia, a nun when she was alive, is a Guardian with a Gift for Shadows and partnered with Deacon, a reformed vampire (Demon Blood, 6); Pim is a healer; Drifter, a.k.a., Ethan, whose Gift is the ability to open steel or magnetic locks, is based in Seattle where he's mated to Charlie, a vampire (Demon Night, 3); Jake Hawkins has Gifts for teleportation and electricity while Alice can control spiders (Demon Bound, 4); Selah is strong in teleportation, and she's with Lucas, another vampire ("Paradise", 1.5); Radha can disorient her target with illusions and pierce the strongest psychic shields and is partnered with Mariko, who manipulates glass ("Ascension", 7.5) as Irena does metal who is hooked up with Alejandro whose Gift is fire, see Demon Forged, 5); Nicholas, his Gift is knowing what others fear, and Ash, a half-demon (see Demon Marked, 7), have been creating a financial cushion for the Guardians against the day the government disavows them. Jack Harrington and Annie Gallagher are vampires (see "Thicker Than Blood", 3.5). Savi and Colin are vampires linked by blood to the Chaos Realm (Demon Moon, 2 )—she's Hugh's little sister, a computer genius who can also turn into a hellhound while he's too beautiful for words and one of two daywalking vampires, nosferatu-born, and Lilith's closest friend. Powerful. Maggie Wren (Demon Forged, 5) is a human who acts as butler for Savi and Colin; she lives with Gregory Blake, a blind man with his own supernatural abilities who is Colin's great-great-great-something nephew descended from Colin's twin sister, Emily, ("Blind Spot", 5.5; Katherine Blake, Geoff's sister, was also in this short story). Icarus can make the earth shake. Rebecca is one of the novice Guardians.
Mark Brandt is the son of Senator Bill Brandt, a shell for the demon Rael (Demon Night, 3), and he works for Senator Blackwell. Camille is the vampire who leads the Parisian vampire community; she is like a daughter to Rosalia. Angie and Cora lead the Seattle community.
Anaria is a grigori: half-demon, half human, Michael's sister, and determined to avenge the murder of her children, the nephilim; we first encounter her in Demon Bound, 4. She intends to take the throne in Hell and eliminate free will. Her Gift is one of voice. She can make you want to die for her, and she intends to force humans to choose to be kind.
Lucifer is the demon who reigns in Hell. Cerberus is his pet Hellhound. As a result of the grigori experiment, Belial is leading a rebellion against Lucifer, intending to take demons back into Grace. He's also Michael and Anaria's father. Fazeal is one of Lucifer's demons on Earth; worse are the sentinels, loyal only to Lucifer who will sacrifice themselves rather than give in. Adam and Dina Meer are vampires seduced by demons. Jason Webber had married Crystal O'Dell, both victims with a wish for revenge. Patricia Johnson, Dennis Parkins, Benjamin Nguyen, and Jeffrey Green had lost loved ones and were susceptible.
Sammael is a demon from Demon Night, 3, who must provide Charlie with a pint of blood every day; he's married to Jane, Charlie's sister.
Chaos is a realm of creation and destructions, dragons and their endless hunger. Special Investigations is a paranormal, super-secret law enforcement arm of Homeland Security made up of vampires, Guardians, humans, and demons who investigate supernatural crimes. Caelum is the otherworld home of the Guardians.
The Cover
The cover is peachs and browns with a fiery background and Michael, his dark wings spread wide, gazes upon Taylor amongst the flames, his sword held aloft while Taylor lunges forward, eyes closed, long red hair streaming behind her and tangling with her white wings. It is a shame that Michael wasn't portrayed on the cover as he's described in the book.
The title is a reflection of who Michael truly is, a Guardian Demon upon whom so much depends.
ceridwenanne's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
4.75
Completely sticks the landing of the whole Guardian series, and really showcases what a damn fine job Brook has done building a very complex mythology somewhat cribbed from Christian angel lore, but not junky or stupid like a lot of angel-based urban fantasy I've encountered. Reread as my Tired Book, because I've been busy and haven't had the attention for anything that requires more concentration.
birdloveranne's review
4.0
First three quarters dragged a bit. I'd have liked it better if it had been about 100 pages shorter.
pamgodwin's review
4.0
There is nothing generic about this action-oriented series. It's an unequaled world of slick crimson violence, with a stylish angle on afterlife and mythology, woven through a soulful love story.
And what a satisfying conclusion to this engaging mythos of the guardians fighting demons! There's a fangton of crime solving. Myriad murders and chaos. Sword fights and fire-breathing dragons. Even a flayed face and dismembered genitalia. But this creature feature doesn't ditch imagination in preference of shock de la gore. The graphic images are muted and sketched artfully, not forcibly.
The only thing I struggled with was the retreading of the investigations. The endless fact-finding and exhaustive details of suspects, victims, demons, and vampires quickly became a glazed-eye blur and felt unnecessary to the storyline. But not once was I tempted to put this book down.
Taylor's gift as a Guardian brings a fascinating incorporeal element to the series and Ms Brook portrays the application of this supernatural gift with imagination and masterful writing.
Taylor's gift is made more unforgettable in her romantic relationship with Michael. And oh, what a grand-scale romance. If you've been waiting for their union as long as I have, you won't be disappointed. The climb to get there is agonizing, laborious, and rife with sexual tension. Truly, a well-earned HEA.
And what a satisfying conclusion to this engaging mythos of the guardians fighting demons! There's a fangton of crime solving. Myriad murders and chaos. Sword fights and fire-breathing dragons. Even a flayed face and dismembered genitalia. But this creature feature doesn't ditch imagination in preference of shock de la gore. The graphic images are muted and sketched artfully, not forcibly.
The only thing I struggled with was the retreading of the investigations. The endless fact-finding and exhaustive details of suspects, victims, demons, and vampires quickly became a glazed-eye blur and felt unnecessary to the storyline. But not once was I tempted to put this book down.
Taylor's gift as a Guardian brings a fascinating incorporeal element to the series and Ms Brook portrays the application of this supernatural gift with imagination and masterful writing.
Taylor's gift is made more unforgettable in her romantic relationship with Michael. And oh, what a grand-scale romance. If you've been waiting for their union as long as I have, you won't be disappointed. The climb to get there is agonizing, laborious, and rife with sexual tension. Truly, a well-earned HEA.
seeinghowitgoes's review against another edition
3.0
And finally it all ends, I had wondered how it was all going to come together and the story of Taylor and Michael satisfied yet didn't at the same time.
It was epic, hotness, mucho action and at the same time failed in the same way that many stories do, it just didn't raise the stakes enough. For a story to be believable I had to think that there might actually be a chance of things not working out, that perhaps a HEA might not be in the cards...
Of course, in the romance world this also doesn't happen. While it did mar my enjoyment of the series, the romance between our heroes was befitting of the 8 novel wait.
It was epic, hotness, mucho action and at the same time failed in the same way that many stories do, it just didn't raise the stakes enough. For a story to be believable I had to think that there might actually be a chance of things not working out, that perhaps a HEA might not be in the cards...
Of course, in the romance world this also doesn't happen. While it did mar my enjoyment of the series, the romance between our heroes was befitting of the 8 novel wait.
elusivity's review against another edition
2.0
2 STARS.
Unlike previous novels, these two are Standard-Issue Hero and Heroine. Straight Alpha male and typical "tough" woman with trust issues, enacting female-oriented ultimate fantasy of a powerful, gorgeous, manly, strong, 8000-year-old warrior who continuously proclaims "I am yours" with sincerity, all-consumingly protective, and completely selfless. Against all of this, she eventually "melts" and trusts him. Then throws a giant tantrum when he might be going away.
I suppose I should not expect depictions of self-awareness and maturity in what is essentially a wish-fulfillment fantasy. However, a relationship based on a perfect man satisfying EVERY secret fantasy and circumventing ALL your fears is infantile. If you have trust issues, it is your responsibility to deal with them, not to place all burdens upon some person who promises to never violate your trust.
Could not stop rolling my eyes at all the talk of her sex rubbing against his hardness. Or the repetitive description of her as being SO UNIQUE, unlike ANYONE he'd EVER MET in 8000 years. For one, this cannot be true by statistics alone. For another, the woman herself is ... a bland cliche, especially compared to that ultimate STRONG but vulnerable woman, Irena. Sigh..
The Demon-Angel-Vampire Satan End-of-the-world plots are negligible, much less fascinating than in previous novels.
Is it me, or does Ms. Brook really enjoy putting Savi and Collin in situations where either one or the other or both are brutally tortured, with inevitable displays of just HOW MUCH he ADORES her and would rather die himself than see her harmed, etc etc.. They are my favorite couple and I enjoy seeing them, but really, poor Collin!
Recommended for Meljean Brook fans, who seem very satisfied with this book. For me, an anticlimactic finish to an outstanding series.
Unlike previous novels, these two are Standard-Issue Hero and Heroine. Straight Alpha male and typical "tough" woman with trust issues, enacting female-oriented ultimate fantasy of a powerful, gorgeous, manly, strong, 8000-year-old warrior who continuously proclaims "I am yours" with sincerity, all-consumingly protective, and completely selfless. Against all of this, she eventually "melts" and trusts him. Then throws a giant tantrum when he might be going away.
I suppose I should not expect depictions of self-awareness and maturity in what is essentially a wish-fulfillment fantasy. However, a relationship based on a perfect man satisfying EVERY secret fantasy and circumventing ALL your fears is infantile. If you have trust issues, it is your responsibility to deal with them, not to place all burdens upon some person who promises to never violate your trust.
Could not stop rolling my eyes at all the talk of her sex rubbing against his hardness. Or the repetitive description of her as being SO UNIQUE, unlike ANYONE he'd EVER MET in 8000 years. For one, this cannot be true by statistics alone. For another, the woman herself is ... a bland cliche, especially compared to that ultimate STRONG but vulnerable woman, Irena. Sigh..
The Demon-Angel-Vampire Satan End-of-the-world plots are negligible, much less fascinating than in previous novels.
Is it me, or does Ms. Brook really enjoy putting Savi and Collin in situations where either one or the other or both are brutally tortured, with inevitable displays of just HOW MUCH he ADORES her and would rather die himself than see her harmed, etc etc.. They are my favorite couple and I enjoy seeing them, but really, poor Collin!
Recommended for Meljean Brook fans, who seem very satisfied with this book. For me, an anticlimactic finish to an outstanding series.
emreadswhatshewants's review against another edition
5.0
Its over, its over, its over and all I want to do is cry. I cannot imagine the horror of having to wait for this book in real time but goddamn. This book is an EPIC conclusion. The action and plot, the twists, I-
Okay deep breath
I already know no other mmc will ever come as close to the level of everything that is Michael. The romance tore at my heart. All the characters we came to know and love together. This book was EVERYTHING. The author's capabilities for building and creating and delving into the human soul is unmatched. And I will forever be in awe
Okay deep breath
I already know no other mmc will ever come as close to the level of everything that is Michael. The romance tore at my heart. All the characters we came to know and love together. This book was EVERYTHING. The author's capabilities for building and creating and delving into the human soul is unmatched. And I will forever be in awe
cranberrytarts's review against another edition
5.0
Though I'm sad to see the series end, I have to admit this was the perfect way to close it. Michael didn't disappoint. As much as I enjoyed the romantic aspects of the story, I was really drawn in by the final battle between the Guardians and the Demons. A dramatic and stunning conclusion to the series.
laurla's review against another edition
-final book in the series, sad to see it end.
"back to bed, old man. i'll see you in the morning."
"just remember this old man can still run circles around you."
"so your walker doesn't roll in a straight line anymore?"
"demons can love?"
"in their way. it's more accurately obsession or a need to possess."
"some humans call that love too."
"her every look and every word were swords against which he had no defense."
"he could feel himself falling. in love. he couldn't mistake this feeling for anything else. part agony, part panic. all joy."
"all over history, humans justified the horrible things that they did to each other by believing that there was something inherently wrong with another group of people."
"did you see the house?"
"I did."
"was it as bad as he said?"
"its not that bad. it just looks like a porno waiting to happen."
"the house does?"
"don't look at me like that. its true. some insurance inspector is going to show up at the door and ask what happened. and your house will be all 'I just got so hot that my top came off. and now I've got this great big hole to fill.' then the construction men will arrive and start pounding away."
"ohmygod. you're right. I never realized how slutty our house was."
"wait until you see the pictures. she's just lying there, wide open. and the firemen were all over her."
"did they have big hoses?"
"mmm-hmm. really long ones. and they were squirting everywhere."
"so kinky. are you hearing this dear? our house is into bukkake."
"because meeting me drives people to murder?"
"now that you mention it- I've imagined strangling you a time or two."
"only once or twice? that's so sweet."
"there's just one thing to say now: fuckity-fuck fuck fuck."
"for a few seconds she would forget that he was gone. then remembering crushed her all over again."
"is there any purpose to it? any reason?"
"is there any purpose that would bring you comfort?"
"no. but if there's a reason behind it, if there was a purpose, then I could be angry again. that's easier to deal with."
"purpose does not come from above - and meaning is what we choose to make of it. what we believe is another choice. I choose to believe in a creator whose intentions I cant know. some choose to believe in no creator and still believe the universe has a purpose. some believe in no purpose. but the only thing we can be certain of is our own purpose and our own choices. you can know yours, I can know mine."
"back to bed, old man. i'll see you in the morning."
"just remember this old man can still run circles around you."
"so your walker doesn't roll in a straight line anymore?"
"demons can love?"
"in their way. it's more accurately obsession or a need to possess."
"some humans call that love too."
"her every look and every word were swords against which he had no defense."
"he could feel himself falling. in love. he couldn't mistake this feeling for anything else. part agony, part panic. all joy."
"all over history, humans justified the horrible things that they did to each other by believing that there was something inherently wrong with another group of people."
"did you see the house?"
"I did."
"was it as bad as he said?"
"its not that bad. it just looks like a porno waiting to happen."
"the house does?"
"don't look at me like that. its true. some insurance inspector is going to show up at the door and ask what happened. and your house will be all 'I just got so hot that my top came off. and now I've got this great big hole to fill.' then the construction men will arrive and start pounding away."
"ohmygod. you're right. I never realized how slutty our house was."
"wait until you see the pictures. she's just lying there, wide open. and the firemen were all over her."
"did they have big hoses?"
"mmm-hmm. really long ones. and they were squirting everywhere."
"so kinky. are you hearing this dear? our house is into bukkake."
"because meeting me drives people to murder?"
"now that you mention it- I've imagined strangling you a time or two."
"only once or twice? that's so sweet."
"there's just one thing to say now: fuckity-fuck fuck fuck."
"for a few seconds she would forget that he was gone. then remembering crushed her all over again."
"is there any purpose to it? any reason?"
"is there any purpose that would bring you comfort?"
"no. but if there's a reason behind it, if there was a purpose, then I could be angry again. that's easier to deal with."
"purpose does not come from above - and meaning is what we choose to make of it. what we believe is another choice. I choose to believe in a creator whose intentions I cant know. some choose to believe in no creator and still believe the universe has a purpose. some believe in no purpose. but the only thing we can be certain of is our own purpose and our own choices. you can know yours, I can know mine."