The Descent by Alma Katsu

January 7th, 2014 Kimberly Review 74 Comments

7th Jan
The Descent by Alma Katsu
The Descent
by Alma Katsu
Series: The Taker Trilogy #3
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

The final installment in the “mesmerizing” (Booklist, starred review) and addictive trilogy—find out who truly holds the key to Lanny’s heart and whether she’ll ever be reunited with her beloved in this gripping supernatural tale of magic, lust, and longing. Lanore McIlvrae has been on the run from Adair for hundreds of years, dismayed by his mysterious powers and afraid of his temper. She betrayed Adair’s trust and imprisoned him behind a stone wall to save Jonathan, the love of her life. When Adair was freed 200 years later, she was sure that he would find her and make her existence a living hell. But things turned out far different than she’d imagined. Four years later, Lanore has tracked Adair to his mystical island home, where he has been living in self-imposed exile, to ask for a favor. She wants Adair to send her to the hereafter so she may beg the Queen of the Underworld to release Jonathan, whom she has been keeping as her consort. Will Lanore honor her promise to Adair to return? Or is her intention to reunite with Jonathan at any cost? Of all the forces of the universe, the most mysterious, confounding, and humbling is the power of love. The epic story of love and loss, magic and destiny that began with The Taker and sparked a chase around the world in The Reckoning comes to a surprising conclusion with The Descent.

Alma Katsu took us on one heck of a ride with the Taker Trilogy and the wait for The Descent the final book in this dark paranormal romance was worth the wait. I consumed this and was left satisfied on so many levels. While not as dark as it’s predecessors we get answers and a strong conclusion. Mini review: Beautifully written with fleshed out characters and an engaging conclusion.

Lanore McIlvrae has been on the run from Adair, her creator for hundreds of years. She has loved and lost. When terrifying dreams of the underworld show Jonathan, the love of her life, imprisoned and tortured she seeks out Adair’s help. A journey of discovery and the power of love begins as she asks Adair for a favor. The tale that unfolds answered questions and held me spellbound as we traveled to the depths of the underworld.

Katsu has created the most unusual and dark characters yet she managed to make me fall in love with them all. Lanore or “Lanny” is such a complex woman. At times, she is selfish and others selfless. I enjoyed watching her grow throughout the series and understanding what she was and seeing her find happiness. Adair is a dark horse. Complicated, violent, insolent and yet Katsu exposes his vulnerabilities and desires. Through flashbacks, we get to know more about this strange complex man, and I thought it was brilliantly done. We see characters whom we met previously and Katsu manages to introduce a few new characters. I love that she fleshes them all out, and each adds depth to the tale. The interaction between Lanny and Adair was fascinating and intense. Their relationship is so complicated and to see it transform from darkness to light was spellbinding.

The Descent was decadent, and all of the questions and puzzle pieces fell into place. I love the direction that Katsu took with this final book. Her writing style is completely unique, and her words are like a melody that overcome me and pulls me into the story. The overall story arc of the series was well done. The darkest was The Taker, and I can remember setting it down a few times as if the words stung. It was dark and uncomfortable and yet I needed answers! The Reckoning shows us another side of Lanny and in the Descent we finally see her complete. Adair was a character I loathed from the beginning and skillfully Katsu peeled back his dark, rotten layers to reveal the man beneath. It was impressive. I could barely set this book down as the rest of the world slipped away. Fans of the series will be delighted.

The Descent was a brilliant, well crafted ending to this dark trilogy. Alma Katsu is such a brilliant writer; her plot was well laid out even when I as the reader had no idea of its direction. I cannot wait to see what she brings us next. Katsu is on my auto-buy list even if she decided to writes manuals.

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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74 Responses to “The Descent by Alma Katsu”

  1. Lupdilup

    I’m thrilled that the final book delivers 🙂 YAY
    I was very surprised that this series is not as popular as it should be. I like dark, so this was right up my alley.
    I have the audiobook already downloaded to my phone, I can’t wait 🙂
    Thank you Kimba!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree..it is so dark and yet beautifully crafted 🙂

  3. Debbie Haupt

    Kimba, I’m so sorry I missed this, that’s what the flu will do to a reader.
    What a great review I totally agree, this was one heck of a trilogy

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, well you my friend are a regular, and that is why there is a mug with your name on it. Hope you are feeling better my friend 🙂

  4. Lily B

    Lovely beautiful writings, but what I love more is when the author leaves as with answered questions. I think it would drive me nuts otherwise.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I so agree and I love that the reveals were more AH-ha, and OMG I get it now. Nothing felt forced and I loved every dark minute of it.

  5. Liz

    I’ve seen this author around before, and I believe this trilogy. It sounds for sure like something I would be interested in, I love it dark and a little twisted. And omg, the cover is just gorgeous. I’m off to look up the other two book! Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Liz I think you would totally love this series and book one OMG, so dark and twisted and all WTF..LOL

      • Liz

        After I was here I went to GR and saw I had already TBR’d the previous ones, so yeah – they’ve totally gotten bumped up on my list!

  6. Shy

    I haven’t started this series yet but it sounds really good and we tend to like a lot of the same books so you sold me on this one.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      so glad we like similar books, and I hope you get to try this trilogy 🙂

  7. Jess

    What a wonderful giveaway! This sounds like a fantastic series. I am glad the series ends with a strong conclusion. Thanks so much for the chance to win. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You are welcome Jess, I hope you get a chance to try the Taker trilogy 🙂

  8. Jennifer Bielman

    I love when a series ends so well. I always had my eye on this series and now that I know it ends satisfyingly, I might have to get it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have never read anything else like this Jennifer, it is addictive.

  9. Adriana

    Loving The Descent cover. It’s always good when a character grows from either being selfish or naive. Many times I’ve had characters stay basically stay the same with no change. I like there was complexity in the characters and you got to know background info on what sounds like is the “bad boy.” Glad you enjoyed the ending of this trilogy [:

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Adriana this was the most unique romance I have ever read and the writing was dark and beautiful 🙂

  10. sharonda

    oh lawd Kim. I skimmed through your review & I never did that. But I have the first book on my TBR list…I’ve heard such good things about this series and from your mini review, it just got pushed up on my list 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I understand, I like to keep my reviews spoiler free but a third book is always hard..LOL Enjoy!

  11. Lauren

    Wow, this series hasn’t really been on my radar but your review has me intrigued! I love when an author shows you a different side to a character and turns your emotions around about them. I’m very curious to read this one and the darker middle book now, and it’s so nice to know the ending goes in a direction you loved. Wonderful review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The whole trilogy was cleverly crafted from begin to end, she is impressive in her story telling and complex characters.

  12. Heidi

    I am on the fence about this series. I am happy that it resolves well and this is lighter. I am holding up because of the “dark and uncomfortable” stuff… argh. I definitely cant’ do this in the winter1

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, book one was dark, and creepy yet I could not put it down and my need to know what she was/what they were drove me insane.

  13. Alma Katsu

    I want to thank you, Kimberly (I soooo want to call you Kimba, for Kimba the white lion, one of my favorite shows as a kid) for the wonderful review and all the love and support of your community of readers. I would be nowhere without the support of bloggers.

    best, Alma

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You are very welcome, I cannot wait for your next book 🙂 Oh FYI my Dad called me Kimba, after Kimba the White Lion as a child..LOl

  14. Pamela D

    Yea for a fun and satisfying series (and series end). It is interesting that this book was not as dark as the previous books. I feel that the final book in series is where books get super dark.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      She really did well at balancing the dark and the light and moving the characters from darkness as they transformed or showed growth.

  15. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Oh I have wanted to read this trilogy! I had heard that she wrote well and now I know it is so! AND it sounds like the ending is good. I usually have trouble with ending books if I have trouble with any of the series books. So great to know!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      No all three books are well crafted, and the story beautifully done. Enjoy Melissa!

  17. Kim { Book Swoon }

    I’m so glad the series ended so well for you Kimba. I’ve had my eyes on this series for sometime now, and I’m really glad to know how well it ends. I love the sound of Alma Katsu writing, something I’m sure I would soak up! Thanks for the wonderful review and giveaway. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Her writing is beautiful and the characters are so complex and vivid.

  18. aurian

    I do have the first book, but I haven’t read it yet. Do you think I might like it? I was hesitant thinking it YA, but it really is not, is it?

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh no these are Adult and dark. Book one is the darkest and if you like it you will love the series.

  19. Lindy

    This sounds like a great trilogy! I’m glad you enjoyed the final installment. Ria has this for revue as well. The underworld sounds fascinating, as does Adair. I like when we are given the vulnerabilities, and desires of dark characters. It adds depth to their character. Excellent Review Kim! You certainly piqued my interest!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Lindy, I hope you try them, it is such a unique series.

  20. Candace

    I have the first two books that I won but I do remember you saying that they are really dark so you weren’t sure if I would like them. I guess I’ll find out someday when I read them.
    I’m glad to hear that this one was fantastic too though.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You should try them, I could not put them down 🙂 The first is the darkest.

  21. Tammy

    I completely agree with your review! I also gave The Descent 4 1/2 stars. My only issue was at the end, when Adair goes to speak to a certain person (I don’t want to give it away), and I thought that scene was out of character with the rest of the series. But I adore Alma’s writing, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for her:)

  23. Christa

    My review for this is going up later this week but I loved it too. I enjoy how each book is this series has had a completely different tone but they are still part of the same story. Sad to see it go

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I totally agree, and I am stunned that she changed my opinion of the characters throughout the series.

  25. Jenea

    It seems like so long ago that I read the first book. I really liked it too, so I need to catch up for sure. It sounds like the series end on a good note. Great review, I’m glad you loved it. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      there was almost a two year delay between book two and the final book, which makes it seem so long. Hope you continue the series.

  26. Jenny

    Oooo decadent. That’s such a great word Kim! I absolutely LOVE the sound of Adair, I’m such a fan of characters who I both love and hate equally, and who exist only in the darker shades of gray. I absolutely must read this series so I can meet him!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh how I loathed and feared him in book one, this was such a compelling and complicated romance, I hope you get to experience it for yourself.

  27. Christine

    I’ve been wanting to read this series, but have stubbornly held out until all 3 books were published — I guess I can get reading now 🙂

  28. kindlemom1

    I have been so curious about this trilogy. I am so glad you liked this Kim and that it met your expectations with the ending, that doesn’t always happen these days.

    I have to admit, I love the gorgeous covers on all her books (I know, so shallow of me!)!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Brandi, I hope you get to experience this series:)

  31. Nick

    I only skimmed your review because this sounds like something I would really enjoy but I’m glad to hear that this last book was a satisfying conclusion to the series, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was satisfying Nick and the darkest romance I have ever read, it was unsettling and compelling all at the same time.

  33. Mary

    I haven’t read this series at all but it sounds like I might need to pick it up (even better now that it’s done so I can read them all in a row!). I love when the characters grow and develop and when the writing just *works*!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hope you do Mary, this was dark, unique and beautifully written 🙂

  34. Annie

    Even if she write manuals?! Okay I really need to get back to my copy of The Taker and finish it! Lol. 🙂

  36. Chene Sterckx

    Oh my gosh this sounds like my type of book/series! Thank you introducing it to me 🙂 What an awesome review!
    I really hope I win the competition *holds thumbs*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was by far the most unique romance I have ever read, hope you get to read it 🙂