by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cainsville #5
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
The fifth book and the exciting conclusion to bestselling author Kelley Armstrong's "impossible-to-put-down" Cainsville series, in which she mixes hard-hitting crime writing with phenomenal world-building to create a brand of fiction all her own.
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.
RITUALS by Kelley Armstrong is the fifth and final novel in the Cansville series, one I have thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. Armstrong delivered a satisfying conclusion while leaving the door open for at least a few novellas.
Answers we finally get answers to the big questions. Who would Oliva choose Ricky or Gabriel? Will her parents be set free? Who will she accept, the Cwn Annwn or Tylwyth Teg? Of course, her journey hasn’t been an easy one. Armstrong introduces us to a dark new evil in RITUALS ..but in the end, it was worth it and I devoured this story.
For those dying for answers regarding the triangle that has plagued us since book one, Armstrong removes that from the table fairly quickly and ooh-la-la. I was delighted and conflicted as the losing man was both gracious and wonderful. They were all so adult about it. Her choice rang true and was ultimately what I wanted. I was glad it resolved quickly because Olivia is about to face her biggest challenge yet! A new evil emerges and in typical Armstrong fashion, this force is scary and demanding.
A new evil emerges and in typical Armstrong fashion, this force is scary and demanding. Oliva needs to choose between the Cwn Annwn and the Tylwth Teg but this new evil a third form of Fae demands she align with them. This causes plenty of action scenes before leading to a huge showdown.
We learn about Gabriel and Oliva’s births and discover just how much meddling has gone on involving this third branch of the Fae. Armstrong thrilled me with all of these shocking tidbits as Gabriel and Oliva ran around in circles demanding answers and piecing things together. We see growth in all of the characters even among the Fae as they must work together to face down this new threat.
I thought Armstrong did a stellar job of wrapping up the Cainsville series. Olivia’s decision regarding the Cwn Annwn and Tylwyth Teg felt very much like her. I would love to revisit this world. I have come to love the different supernatural creatures and rich characters. For me, this is one of my favorite series by Armstrong and I hope she delivers more. There were a few minor questions left, but I am hoping Armstrong delivers a few novellas.
Rituals by Kelley Armstrong delivered a satisfying conclusion to the Cansville Series Share on X
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
verushka
This is one of those series I gave up on because I just wasn’t in the mood for a love triangle — I have to admit that she deals with it quickly here makes me think I should probably think about revisiting this! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I think she gives us a valid reason for the triangle and most folks had a clear understanding of who she wanted. I hope you pick it back up.
Kin
I am two books behind and need to catch up
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy them Kin!
Sarah
I’ve got this in my tbr. Looking forward to the conclusion!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet. Sarah. I hope you enjoy it as well.
Geybie's Book Blog
This author has been recommended to me many times but I haven’t read any of her books yet. Is there still another book? Is this the final? Anyway, awesome review as always, Kim. Loved it. ❤️
kimbacaffeinate
This was the final book in the Cainsville Series Geybie. I hope you end up trying one of her series.
Tyler H. Jolley
I love when a series concludes and the feeling is like after Thanksgiving Dinner: full, satisfied, no regrets. With all the stuff happening with right now, I’m so happy we have books to lose ourselves in.
kimbacaffeinate
I could not agree more Tyler.
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
Picked this up at NolaStoryCon and I think I’m only missing one out of the series now. I’ve read book 1 but haven’t gotten to the rest yet. One day LOL
kimbacaffeinate
Nice. I am determined to go to NolaStoryCon one year!
Jessica
This sounds pretty fun. I’m trying to expand my pickings when it comes to various genres and this is a series that I’ve seen a few reviews on that were pretty intriguing. Lovely review!!
kimbacaffeinate
I had a good time with this series and hope you do as well.
Leona
Oh my gosh! I am so excited to start this series! I’m usually not a huge fan of love triangles because they sometimes seem never-ending, but I’m even more intrigued by the series because the heroine finally picks someone . Weird reason to want to read a book I know lol
kimbacaffeinate
As annoying as it can be, it did make sense here.
Christy LoveOfBooks
Yup, a series and author I need to read.
So this comment system is commentluv?
kimbacaffeinate
No, this is Nose Graze’s Comment Love 🙂 You can download for free.
Mary
I’ve only read 2 of her books but I liked them and this does sound like one I would like.
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to hear that Mary.
Heidi
I need to give this series a second chance. I really loved the first book, but then I got really annoyed with the love triangle, particularly because I feel very strongly she needs to be with a certain guy, and she is messing around with another. Sigh..
kimbacaffeinate
Hahaha. Yes, but it truly made sense based on who they were.
Stormi Johnson
I so need to start this series! I guess it’s a good time now that it’s wrapped up. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Indeed. Enjoy Stormi.
Jenea's Book Obsession
This series sounds like it has gotten better with each book! I can’t wait to be able to read it. My library doesn’t have any of them, but hopefully soon.
kimbacaffeinate
Ugh. They need to fix that stat. Want me to call them? LOL
sherry fundin
I’ve been seeing this around and only seeing good things. Will need to check the library.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope they have them, Sherry.
Kristin (Book Sniffers Anonymous)
I haven’t read this series but I’m glad to hear it was all wrapped up nicely. Although, I don’t know if I could handle a love triangle for four books.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, it made me crazy at times, but honestly, it was understandable.
Debbie Haupt
Oh what a great cover Kim. Loved you review, it’s going on my list!
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe. Just refer to me as your book pusher.
Debbie Haupt
Oh you definitely are 😉
Nadene
Love the sound of this one. Not sure I will be adding to my list though. TBR is huge. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I understand that problem *eyes TBR pile*
Ailyn
oh very nice, maybe one day I’ll get into it… TBR is already quite long =(
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe…yep. I understand that problem!
Mystica
Not my genre but thanks for the review. I like to read reviews on books I may not actually get into, just to keep aware of what is happening in other genres.
kimbacaffeinate
You never know when you’ll decide to try a different genre.