Review: Breath-taking end!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 13, 2012
The Kiera Hudson series has been a non-stop heart racing, heart pounding ride that's seen Kiera face danger, find romance and discover the ultimate betrayal, all in the lead up to the gripping conclusion that is Vampire Hollows!I've said it before and I'll say it again--this has got to be the best self published series I've ever had the pleasure of reading! Ever since the very first book, this compelling series crafted so masterfully by author Tim O'Rourke has had me completely. Tim's intensity and detail in his writing as well as the dark, enticing world he writes about have swept me away and I've fallen in love with the characters even more with each gripping instalment. A master at mystery and slight deception, Tim has constantly had me on my toes, often heading in directions completely different than he looks to be going in the beginning.Tim O'Rourke knows how to write his twists and turns into his books in such a way that you'll never see most of what happens coming. The discoveries that Keira makes and the revelations that come to light are always mind-blowing and often heart-breaking--there's so much deception and betrayal that mixes with friendship and love throughout this series. It's simply brilliant. I never know what to expect when I pick up a Kiera Hudson book and I find I anticipated having my conclusions thrown out the window each time.Kiera Hudson sure has been through a lot since first arriving in Ragged Cove, setting in motion events that would shape the whole series. She is no longer the same young woman she was in the beginning and I've loved watching her grow. She's harder, perhaps more jaded, but she's still managed to hold onto that hope and goodness that's made her a fantastic character to follow. Even in the very end, when she's faced with so much pain and decisions that seem to have no light, she still manages to do the correct thing by herself and what she knows to be right. Correct me if I'm wrong but sometimes I think Tim's loved putting her in impossible situations and seeing her get out of them--I know I've enjoyed seeing her do that. Watching her define who she is after learning her life isn't what it seems and what she is isn't quite human has been a highlight of the series. What can I say? I love this girl! I always have and even in the very end I still love her and still agree with her choices.Throughout the series Kiera has been plagued by one impossible choice; who does her heart truly belong to? Developing over time feelings for both of two men in her life, she's struggled with choosing once and for all and in this book she finally answers this question. All I'm going to say is that I'm one happy chappie! In the end I think choosing between Luke and Potter was easier for her than she expected, and this was before a startling revelation that is pure Tim O'Rourke! I've always liked Luke since the first book, but I'm sure that those who know me know I've only ever had eyes for Potter. As crazy as it sounds when going into the series, Sean Potter has always been the one for me. With his gruff, cocky nature and foul mouth he wormed his way into my heart and stole it completely.This book is more explosive at times than any of the other Kiera Hudson books! I gasped, I shrieked and if I had it in physical form I would have thrown it across the room at some parts. I was enthralled and captivated, and in true Tim O'Rourke form some of the revelations towards the end and some of the staggering things that happened had me wanting to cry and shout. I wondered how the hell things would be resolved and kept think, "No, no, no!"I'm extremely sad to see this chapter of Keira's life come to a close and see the series come to an end. Every part, every moment of this series has been emotional in some way or other and every single thing that's happened, be it good, bad, happy, or sad have all been entirely worth reading. This breathless end to a series that isn't really an ending had me on the edge of my seat and utterly captivated and I cannot wait to see what Tim does with the new level of this series he delves into at the very end of this book in the next Kiera Hudson series, Kiera Hudson-Dead Flesh!