THIRTEEN (Women of the Otherworld #13) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

THIRTEEN by Kelley Armstrong -a review

THIRTEEN (Women of the Otherworld #13) by Kelley Armstrong

THIRTEEN is the final instalment in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. Although the number of storylines, technically cross, into the 20s (with the many anthologies and short stories available), THIRTEEN is the last of the full-length novels. There remain many stories to be told (Morgan’s and Reese’s for example) but sadly, I understand why Kelley felt the need to close the door on the Women of the Otherworld series. I am also pleased she has announced that she has, at the minimum, three more anthologies set for release starting in 2014. Let us hope that Morgan and the others will get their stories written-nothing like introducing several new characters and never revealing the exact nature of their connection to the series.

THIRTEEN is the culmination of 10 plus years of story telling all starting with Kelley’s introductory WOTO novel BITTEN, where we were first introduced to Elena Michaels –the first and only female werewolf- and her mate and ‘sire’ Clayton Danvers. But the road to THIRTEEN began in the pages of the second story STOLEN with the introduction of Savannah Levine- a young 12year old witch left orphaned when her half-demon/half- witch mother, Eve Levine, was murdered trying to escape Ty Winsloe’s compound of imprisoned supernatural beings. Now 10 years later, Savannah is a young woman, hopelessly in love with the man who helped rescue her from Winsloe’s hold, and a major player trying to stop a 13th century child killer from successfully finding a cure for mortality and revealing the existence of the supernatural race.

Many of the WOTO characters reunite in this final chapter including the revelation that someone who was long thought dead, is very much alive-and for that reason alone-a few more storylines must be written. Kelley has exposed us to many different demons, half-demons, angels and Cabals, but THIRTEEN gathers some of the Otherworld’s nastiest demons and fallen angels in a struggle between ‘the good, the bad and the lowest of the low’. Yet the one whom you would have thought wanted to destroy the world, remains an angel behind the façade of one of most hated beings in the world of religious beliefs. And with the birth of child, comes a reunion between father and daughter, and a new Pack member who reluctantly admits that family is more important than pride.

Savannah and Adam will, at last, admit they have been dancing around each other for many years. Savannah’s proclamation that she has been in love with Adam since he ‘burned’ her initials into a heart, and Adam maintains that their age difference held him back from taking the initial steps towards a relationship will quell the angst of unrequited love. Their relationship has been frustrating throughout the series, knowing that they belonged together, but it will be Adam’s admission that he has felt the same way for a very long time.

Our favorite PACK will reunite in a short story at the end of the book-FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. The previous Alpha will be vanquished from position in a head to head battle, a new Pack Alpha will be declared and their numbers will increase with the addition of a new member and his young family.

THIRTEEN is a fast paced, wild ride that will bring back many memories from the previous storylines. Cassandra and Aaron will sacrifice themselves to save a once-beloved Cabal member, while Jasper Haig is released to ensure Hope survives the end of the world. Many of the demon fathers make an appearance as the wall between the worlds slowly disintegrates, but the open portal will allow a beast so frightening, that even the powers of the supernatural are useless against its’ attack. THIRTEEN is a wonderful end to a fantastic series that will be missed by so many readers and friends. I would like to thank the talented Kelley Armstrong for allowing me to ride along on the amazing adventures of Elena, Clay and the Pack. They will truly be missed.

Reviewed by Sandy

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13 thoughts on “THIRTEEN (Women of the Otherworld #13) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

  1. Marvelous review, Sandy. You pointed out all the highlights, without spoilers. Having already read the book, I totally agree with you that it was great to see all our favorites again, but sad at the same time. I did not want this to end, and I for one will miss them all. It was a fun series, with some wonderful characters that I will never forget. Thank you, Kelley Armstrong for this super series. Hopefully, her next series, is as good.

  2. Magnificent review Sandy and a great way of saying good bye to a series and looking forward to Kelley’s next adventure. I have enjoyed each and everyone one of her characters she has wrote about and i will miss them all with the ending of this series . But good things are always right around the corner so i am looking forward to your new Adventure. And i am really looking forward to reading THIRTEEN.

  3. Fantastic review Sandy… I have this whole series on my TBO list… but not until I get that TBR pile down… Somehow it has inched its way past 200… Maybe I shouldn’t count the ones on my Ipad, what do you think?

  4. Ah man I really need to read this series. I have it on my ‘tbr’ list but have yet to find the time to read Ms. Armstrong’s stuff. I feel so bad, I keep pushing it down the list with all the other books/series/authors I keep coming across. I really need to stop doing that, not just with Ms. Armstrong’s books, but with many others, like the BDB I’ve yet to start. Had them on my Kobo for a year now and still haven’t gotten to them. I know, I know, bad Devil Mouse, bad. *slaps self on hand* 😉

  5. Great review Sandy!! I’ve had these on my list for some time and can’t wait to read them. I love her YA series and like the way she tells her stories.

  6. Pingback: 5 bat! Review: Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong | All Things Urban Fantasy - Where Para is Normal

  7. I have read the whole series and loved most of it . This book I felt Kelly tried to cram to much and the non stop fight s drove me nuts. Really disappointed in this one.

  8. Pingback: Kelley Armstrong-Interview with the Author | The Reading Cafe

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