| Title | : | Grave War (Alex Craft, #7) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1984805959 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781984805959 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 405 |
| Publication | : | First published November 24, 2020 |
Grave witch Alex Craft has forged an uneasy truce with the world of Faerie, but she’s still been trying to maintain at least some semblance of a normal life in the human world. So it’s safe to say that stepping up as the lead investigator for the Fae Investigation Bureau was not a career path she ever anticipated taking.
When an explosion at the Eternal Bloom threatens to upend the fae who make their home in our world, Alex finds herself in charge of the most far reaching investigation she’s ever tackled. And it’s only her first week on the job. With the threats mounting and cut off from half her allies, Alex can’t wait on the sidelines and hope the fae’s conflicts stay contained within their borders.
Grave War (Alex Craft, #7) Reviews
-
I have been a fan of this series from the very beginning and have come to love these characters and all they have been through. So it is with a little sadness that I opened this one up knowing this was it. I would never see these characters again and I was hoping like heck, it would end well for them all.
I never should have doubted how Price would handle this series. She loves these characters just as much as I do after all.
There was so much packed into this book. So much happens, so much is explained, so much is revealed. It was just so. Much. In the best possible ways.
I could not be happier how this ended for Alex and her misfit gang. It was so much fun, so heart warming and most of all, stayed true to the rest of the series.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.* -
NOOOO! I DON'T WANT THIS SERIES TO END !!
-
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Well, the series is done. And while I just picked up the series a few weeks ago to binge to get to this ARC, I'm sad. I've had this series on my to-read for a while and was really excited to go through it. I fell in love with Death and Falin and Dugan. I became friends with Rianna, Holly, and Tamara. I started to think in terms of Fae politics. And I was jealous of Alex's cool abilities.
So yeah, I'm sad she's done. I'm glad she's said she wants to write more in this world, but I'm disappointed she's said Alex's story is done.
While I really liked this book - I gave it 4.5 stars rounded up! - I do feel like there were so many little threads that need some closure and would have been great stories to tell in this world.
Because of this, I'll keep on hoping for more from this world, for more shadows and secrets, for more shades, for more winter frost, for more spinning hazel eyes. -
It didn't feel like the final book in the series until the very end. Alex was mostly on her own, stumbling around trying to figure things out. The main thing that made this not feel final was that Alex didn’t have much personal growth. She didn’t choose to do things that changed her life; drastic life changes happened and she rolled with it.
Most of the book was boring. And compared to where this series started, it doesn’t even feel like the same series. I hated it that half of her life was constantly being phased out, especially since I found the other half to be more interesting. In the later books, the love triangle fell flat. Romance was barely a part of this. Until the end, Alex was unsure of her current relationship. I liked both of her love interests, but she didn’t end up with the person of my choosing. It wouldn’t have bothered me as much if the end of the relationship with the guy I preferred hadn't been handled so poorly.
There were several big twists revealed at the end, but since it was the end, it didn’t mean much. These reveals only would affect Alex’s life going forward, so there were only a few chapters explaining how the changes affected her. I’m glad I read the series but was not impressed with this book. -
My enjoyment of this series was directly impacted by the length of time between publishing dates. I purchased book 1 in this series Oct 2010 & my interest in this series dissipated the longer it took to finish it. By the time book 7 was published it’d been 11 years & the ending was not worth the length of time I invested.
IMHO The length of time between books should directly impact the quality of the work. This story was predictable, the FMC came across as ill equipped & not overly crafty or smart.
My experience will of course be different than those starting the series after completion. They have the benefit of no wait time & the ability to wrap up the story while it’s fresh & the entertainment value isn’t diminished by time.
3 meh stars -
As series endings go, it was...fine? I mean, there's a happy ending slapped on to the end of a storyline. But Alex spent most of the time making really dumb decisions, and failing to think things through, and you don't get to spend much time with any of the rest of the series characters, and there are a few Big Reveals that don't end up meaning much of anything and some hanging questions that never get explored or resolved. It reminded me a bit of the ostensible final book in Kim Harrison's "Hollows" series (before the recent reboot).
-
You know, I think I would have liked this book a whole lot more if I hadn't of had to wait 10 million years between each book. I remember when I read the first few books, I was so into the series. I loved the characters and the story line. As the wait between books began to span YEARS, I just kind of stopped caring. I know that things happen in people's lives, and I'm not saying anything bad about the author. I am saying that I lost interest in the book because of the long wait.
When I got this one, I wasn't too sure if I was going to read it, but I had to have closure. I'm a masochist like that.
I'm glad that I read it, but it took me so long to remember past plots and to get back into the feel of the story and characters, that I kind of found it boring? Confusing? Exasperating? I don't know, I just didn't LOVE it is all. Don't get me wrong, the book falls inline with the other books as far as writing and content is concerned, but I guess that I just lacked the enthusiasm needed to really enjoy a book.
I'm happy that we have a resolution and that the guy I have loved since book 1 is the one standing with Alex at the end, but I'm not sorry that this is the last book. -
The end? Oh no, I had not realised it before the actual epilogue. But it was a perfect ending and I was happy.
Alex in in charge of FIB, and is unsure. Faelan is Winter King, and well issues there too (I still want her with Death though, alas no, I can't even remember what happened. Anyway, this is not a book to jump in too, like all UF it has to be read in order. A lot has happened. Grave Witch stuff, evil queens, ghosts and much more. And in this final installment a bomb ruins a gateway and all of Faerie suffers.
Alex has a lot on her plate. Things go down, and yes I can't really say more about that. It has been a great series and I will miss it. There are too few new UF series that wow me these days. These from the golden days are always good reads.
I read the first few and then I have listened to Emily Durante narrate these last 3 and she has been great. I like her voices for everyone, her tone and feel of the book. I highly recommend listening to this series. -
No rating. I skimmed along and finally skipped to the end. Too much time between each book led to not remembering plot threads, and ultimately not caring. Sad ending to a series I used to really enjoy.
-
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Grave War is the seventh and final installment in author Kalayna Price's Alex Craft series. The story opens with Falin Andrews now the Winter King. He is being pushed by his council to choose a Consort from one of the other courts as well as dealing with challengers to his crown and worrying that if Falin were to fall, Alex would be left unprotected. Alex and her plane weaving ability makes her a primary target for every court, most especially the Summer Court. What's even more disturbing is that someone is leaving blood roses for Lexi everywhere she goes. There are only (2) people who call her by that name, and one of them is now dead.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20... -
![julia ☆ [owls reads]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1636739475i/5520447._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
3 stars
Grave War didn't really feel like the end to the series. The mystery regarding Faerie was pretty interesting and the major twist surrounding Alex's dad was wonderful and caught me entirely off guard, but Alex once again was a bit of a dummy. Only this time, she also came across as incompetent and undeserving of the titles she acquired in this and the previous novel. I also didn't enjoy the main bad guy reveal and twist: it was predictable. The pace was on point, though, and I found myself not wanting to put the book down if only to see what was going to happen to Faerie.
And the romance... I just didn't like that, throughout the entire series, it seemed like Alex had no agency regarding her own relationships and either went along with things passively or ignored them outright and didn't address any issues she had with what was going on. Price tried to turn that into Alex having commitment issues, but it really really didn't work for me. With that, the happy ending was also pretty lukewarm to me. -
4.5 stars
Kaylayna Price did not miss a beat in this final installment of her long running Alex Craft series. I have to say, I have a really enjoyed these books, and while some have not always gone in the direction I had hoped for, the series has never let me down. This ending not only satisfied, but throughout the many years these books have spanned, the tone, the feel, and the characters have never gone off course.
So as I say in every review I do for these books, this is not the place to enter the series. Go back to Grave Witch and start there. Because so much has happened. What is so cool, though, is Price is able to get me right back inside of this world with very little effort. She reminds me of all that has happened, or at least all that matters, without ever making it feel like an info dump. I’m just back with these people I know and wondering how the heck they are going to get everything fixed by the end.
As this installment begins, someone has closed the doors between the mortal world and Faerie. And now that Alex is the head of the FIB, she not only has a personal interest, but a professional one in figuring out who did it, why, and how to undo it.
Her HEA, Falin, is trapped on the other side. Some of her friends are too. And the fae who remain on the mortal side are fading. It’s a lot to deal with. But what a great ride it is.
There are some great surprises I don't want to spoil, but I'll say I loved the way this all worked out. I loved that we got to see Death again. What unfolded with Alex's dad and the rest of her family. And of course with Falin and the fate of Faerie.
(BTW, I saw a review out there that said this ends on a cliffhanger. It doesn't. There's resolution in my opinion, particularly with the epilogue.) I think fans of the series will walk away satisfied.
*ARC provided by publisher -
If you have been a fan of the Alex Craft series then get yourself ready for Grave War because not only is it action-packed and amazing but it is also the last book of the series. Acccck, I know! I wasn’t ready either!! This realization, of course, makes me a little sad because truthfully, I did not realize going in that this was to be the last book. Okay, I know that truth is tough to acknowledge at times but also consider that this means that the Author will hopefully be starting something new :D. Did I just make everything better??
What clued me in to the ending being nigh was that as I was reading this entertaining story, I started to realize that several reveals taking place were actually tying up overarching plot points. Ooh, everyone loves to see long-standing questions and theories being brought to fruition and explained. Much was cleared up, brought to a head, and there were even some, “gasp,” moments with shocking reveals! I enjoyed every minute but at the same time I didn’t want the story to end.
Which it did, sadly, but the ending of Grave War was quite satisfying (even a little swoony) and was worth getting through all the drama and fighting that comes with those of the Faerie courts. Alex had her issues – like not thinking things through – but with her supportive cast, everything worked out, as best as it could, in the end. Overall, Grave War was a wonderful series ending installment and I look forward to some day in the future starting this series again at book one!
This review is based on a complimentary book I received from NetGalley. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating. -
More of a 4.5, but I'm giving it the full 5 just out of sentimentality.
This series is urban fantasy at its most urban fantasy. The main character is an attractive young woman in her early 20s who stumbles into epic magical adventures, with just a little bit of magic and attitude as her only defense. This series is set in modern times, in a fictional universe where everyone has known about magic for about 70 years. Somehow, through spunk and luck, the protagonist manages to befriend or date major players in the magical hierarchy, including the newly crowned King of Winter fae (whom she is dating).
I don't always care for Alex Craft, the protagonist. Can't relate to her commitment issues, can only grudgingly relate to her problem wearing clothes appropriate for work (in this issue she tries to defend leather pants at what is the equivalent to an FBI office), and I judge her for her lack of education and preparation for the major responsibilities handed to her.
This, the final installment of the Grave Witch series, basically opens with Alex feeling just how unprepared she is to be made Special Agent in Charge of a paranormal FBI office. Then, on her second day, Alex keeps hammering home just how unprepared she is to deal with a major disaster incident. She communicates with the Incident Commander and we keep hearing within her own thoughts how she has no idea who outranks who in this scenario, and she isn't sure how she could best help.
She wasn't qualified for any of these jobs. She should have gotten a bachelor's degree in something at least, and then become an actual agent at the agency she was now inexplicably made the head of. Because she was a total outsider, she didn't know anything about their computerized database, how to assign agents to a case, how to interact with other government agencies, what her role was in a major disaster, etc. Emergency Management is a field unto itself, but no one benefits from an FBI figurehead showing up on scene and demonstrating that she has no clue what is going on, including whether she is in charge. Then it's ludicrous that the Incident Commander just lent her some bunker gear, and Alex talked about securing the straps, as if they're all obvious.
Did he give her a PASS device (motion detector, like firefighters normally get) that would beep if she went 20 seconds without moving? She didn't comment on it. Did she get an air pack? There was no reference to it. I know that she removed her face plate in the middle of a fire, which is a galactically bad idea. Setting aside the question of how she was able to breathe inside the burning building without an air pack. I doubt Alex put the neck covering on correctly, given how she didn't mention it at all. Sounds like she just put on half of the correct bunker gear, and probably put it on wrong, and then went into a burning building just so she could die of smoke inhalation there.
Anyway.
Then this urban fantasy novel went all in on the clichés by the end.
I have a very real problem with Alex simply being handed all this authority, all these titles and powers, without really earning them. It's a terrible message for people reading this. I understand that it's fantasy, and it's a common problem, but Alex is terribly lucky that she could just keep stumbling her way through fae politics and governmental agency bureaucracy without getting even more people killed.
Still, this series was a welcome diversion. I'm a little sad to see it go. But there are other, better urban fantasy series out there, and most of the best ones are still going. -
This was a fun conclusion, and I'm glad that Price got the chance to end her series with a big finale. I think there are some unanswered plot points that got dropped because she had one more book to end the series, but they weren't major points, and enough was answered to make this a satisfying book.
I kind of wonder how the series changed as it progressed, because while there were things laid early in the books, Alex's necromantic powers and connection with death (and Death) took a backseat about midway through. Not exactly a complaint, I'm just curious. -
And so I've come to the end of the Alex Craft series. The series has veered more towards fae plotlines in these last two books and that's suited me just fine since that's the aspect of Alex's life that interested me the most. In this book it seems that all of faerie is under attack so the stakes have never been higher. To make matters worse, Alex is on her own for about half of the book, cut off from those who could help her the most. It was a fast paced ride, probably more so because I get the feeling the author was trying to tie off as many plot threads as she could. I don't know if this series ended because the author ended it or if it was the publisher's decision but, to me, the series still had so much more potential. The places Alex finds herself in both in her personal and professional lives opened up whole new avenues to explore and I'm sad that that won't happen. Plus, though my theory about Alex's father was correct, I still have lots of questions about her family. There is no cliffhanger ending and I couldn't be more pleased with the way Alex's love life wrapped up (though technically that happened in the last book...this one just sealed the deal). Though this was an uneven series at times, it's mostly enjoyable and I'm sad that I've reached the end.
-
I'm giving this one 5 stars because it is a wonderful series wrap up. I was surprised at, not so much the *how* it turned it out, but *how* it got there. I was happy. I was content. I'd love to see more in the world . . . as long as nothing was ruined . . . maybe follow a side character. Dugan could work. Right?
-
Let's be honest. Those of us that made it through the end did it because they don't like unfinished series. I liked the books overall, but they were very predictable and repetitive. Sadly, this is a common thing among most of the urban fantasy series, especially when they are long ones. I finished it in 4 hours in a lazy afternoon. It was enjoyable, but as I said, predictable.
Why Death disappeared in the last two books? I liked him so much! -
My guess about who Daddy Dearest was was correct. I think everything wrapped up well, but I do think the poor "dog" Reanna was in love with and his curse could have been addressed.
Like they were just forgotten and left hanging. With her new power Alex could have done them a solid. -
Why does everyone bring the series I love to an end??? I'm so sad to hear this.😭
-
Grave War is book #7 of the Alex Craft series of urban fantasies. I have read all the books and am a little sad that the series has now come to an end.
Alex is a Grave Witch, she can raise the dead, she is also a Plane-weaver who can weave realities, she has a few witchy skills, but she began the series as a Private Investigator. Alex is acquainted with Death, the person who collects souls and not the actual event. She also has a strong connection to the Fae world.
In this final story a bomb goes off in Nekros, where Alex lives and closes down the connection to the Faerie world. It means that all Fae this side of the door are cut off from the essence which keeps them alive. The current ruling Fae court is the Winter Court, but it isn’t just this court that is suffering. Doors to Faerie all over the world are closing. In her new role as head of the Fae Investigation Bureau, Alex takes responsibility for finding one last door to Faerie for everyone stranded, before it is too late.
This really is a good series, but to do it justice you need to start at the beginning. In fact I think that I might re-read it all, especially as I have all seven books now. If you enjoy urban fantasy, then try it. -
Bravo! Very satisfying end to this wonderful series!
-
When you start to read the last book in a beloved series, there is a lot of anticipation and expectations for these characters that you have come to know.
Alex Craft is now the lead in the Fae Investigation Bureau. Finding herself investigating an explosion that threatens the Fae world, Alex struggles to find her footing while completely cut off from her allies and friends.
I must admit, I was a bit surprised by the direction Price took with Grave War. Alex spent a large portion of this book away from her gang. I guess my expectations did not even come close to the character growth I have come to expect from Alex and her decision making. In the end, it just didn’t grab me like the other books in this series did. 3.5 stars
I’m sad this run is over. I did really enjoy the ride. I am glad I went along for Alex Craft’s story.
I received this copy of Grave War from Berkley Publishing. This is my honest and voluntary review. -
This book was a let-down compared to the rest of the series, and I loved every book up to this. Feels like the author just wanted to end it, and spent more than half of the book putting Alex in a role with the FIB that had zero substance. It's almost like the author wrote the first half of the book with the intention of continuing the series but got tired of it halfway through.
While I had no problem with Alex ending up with Falin, I have to say I am a bit annoyed at the complete lack of closure with Death. The scene in the alley felt like an afterthought.
Also, zero interaction with Nekros PD in this book despite John and Jenson being constant characters throughout the series. Guess we'll never get to know what Jenson's problem with Alex was or get any kind of resolution with John.
I could go on and on about my complaints here, but needless to say I'll be stewing over this for awhile. -
Maybe if there wasn't such a long wait between books I would've enjoyed this more. I did reread books 1 -3 before book 4 came out because of the 4 year wait/pause. But even with that I could barely remember any of the plots/characters of the previous book. Therefore, much of the time I had to try and figure out what was going on with the fey politics, and characters would show up and I had no idea who they were. There also felt like there was too much of Alex thinking things and not doing things. I found I really enjoyed the parts where there was some action, instead of just describing various fey people frowning and Alex trying to figure out what they were thinking. And I missed Death. One tiny scene with him and that's it?
-
Seventh and last in the Alex Craft paranormal fantasy romance series and revolving around Alex, one of the few grave witches.
My Take
It's a story of compassion and consideration. Of acceptance. All it takes is struggle, betrayal, torture, and damage. All kinds of damage.
Yeah, you'd be right in thinking that this means action. Lots and lots of it. Right along with a number of surprises, both good, bad, and scary.
Part of Alex's character arc has been learning that she's actually a fae that her father had disguised. And in Grave War we learn just why Daddy Dearest did it.
In each story we've learned a little bit more about how the fae territories move and grow (or shrink) and how pledging to a court affects independent fae. We learn all of this through first person protagonist point-of-view from Alex's perspective.
That mention of Disney being its own space was too funny.
More reveals include how the FIB is viewed by other law enforcement agencies as well as the fae themselves. I can kind of understand that attitude because FIB agents aren't that interested in the small stuff. They just fluff it off. That instance with Jenny Greenteeth back in
Grave Visions, 4, is a good example. It's also a reflection of how "our" own world's law enforcements work together, unwillingly. Hmmm, maybe we need an Alex?
And Alex discovers the truth of the FIB, of herself, of her true family.
The Story
Politics, politics, politics...that winter court is pushing hard for Falin to take a consort.
A bomb. Now the door to Faerie is gone. With it, the magic in North America will dry up...no fae will be able to survive. And Faerie itself is fracturing.
The Characters
Alexis "Alex" Craft is a grave witch who can raise the shades of the dead via her private investigation business, Tongues for the Dead, as well as a planeweaver who can pull various realities together. Now she's the special-agent-in-charge of the Fae Investigation Bureau. PC is her Chinese Crested dog. Casey Caine is her "perfect" sister. Bradley is their missing older brother.
Alex's roommates in her castle (in Caleb's backyard) include Rianna McBride, Alex's best friend, a grave witch, and a changeling, who is her business partner. Desmond is a barghest and Rianna's constant companion. Addicted to fairyfood, Holly, another friend, a fire witch, and the assistant district attorney, is dating Caleb, an independent green man, wardsmith, artist...and Alex's landlord...okay, maybe not anymore. But they do live in Alex's castle. Roy Pearson is the ghost who works as Alex's self-appointed sidekick... Roy is dating Icelynne, a ghost who had been a handmaiden to the Winter queen (
Grave Visions, 4); they both live in the castle. Ms B is the brownie who takes care of the castle and the office.
Death is a soul collector with whom Alex has been in love for years. Other soul collectors include "Raver" and the Mender.
Nekros City is...
...a sort of newly unfolded space that "arrived" seventy years ago during the Magical Awakening and is situated between Georgia and Alabama. Its governor, a Sleagh Maith fae in hiding and a member of the Humans First Party as well as Alex's father, is George Caine — and an emissary of the High King. James is his driver. Henry is his officious, snotty aide.
The pregnant Tamara, the chief medical examiner, is on bed rest. Ethan is her husband. Captain Oliver is with the Arson Bomb Squad. Lieutenant Martinez is the task leader with Anti-Black Magic Unit (ABMU); her team includes Halloway and Callen.
This Fae Investigation Bureau (FIB) is...
...the earth-based fae version of the FBI that belongs to Winter. Agent Nori hates Alex but is assigned to guide Alex. More agents include Tem who'll be Alex's bodyguard, Bleek, Mabel is also a healer, Lea, and Moor who is a satyr. Hilda Larine is the local representative for the Office of Ambassador of Fae and Human Relations.
Faerie
The High King rules all of Faerie and its courts of Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter and Shadow and Light. Falin Andrews is now the Faerie king...of Winter. No longer the Winter Queen's Winter Knight. The queen's former advisors include Maeve and Lyell.
Prince Dugan is heir to the Shadow realm and sort of un-betrothed to Alex. Nandin is the king of Shadows and Alex's greats-uncle. Ciara is a shadow cat. Nandin has a planebender. The tricksy Kyran is the self-declared ruler of the Court of Nightmares and the son of Nandin.
Ryese, the Winter queen's nephew, is the son of the Queen of Light. Jenny Greenteeth hates Alex. Blayne had been the Light queen's consort when Ryese was born. The King and Queen of Summer hate each other.
The Eternal Bloom is a fae bar; half is for the fae and the other half is for the tourists. It also holds one of the few doors to Faerie. Lusa Duncan is the star reporter for Witch Watch. An amaranthine tree is sacred and heralds a door to Faerie. A small town in Alaska and a fae bar in Terraville also blew up. A Sleagh Maith is a fae noble, and they have terrible reputations. Theodore Coleman had been a vice-presidential hopeful...and a horror in hiding (
Grave Witch, 1). The Organization of Magically Inclined Humans (OMIH) appears to be a policing organization of witches. Humans First is an antiwitch, antifae organization.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a complement of oranges and blues in the background, one with the orange of an amaranthine tree against a shadowy blue and flames at its base. In front of this is the blonde-haired Alex in a black tank top and jeans, wearing her bulky charm bracelet and several necklaces. The text is primarily white starting with an info blurb at the top with the author's name below it. Below this is a testimonial to the left of the tree trunk. Below that, in a very pale gray, is the scroll-bordered series info level with Alex's chest. Starting at her waist is the title.
The title is what Alex encounters, a Grave War with existence on the line. -
4.5 Stars... A thrilling finale to a uniquely captivating series... Faerie is fractured, the Fae are fading, magically spelled roses are wreaking havoc, and doors to Faerie are disappearing... And it’s only the second day on the job for grave witch turned Agent in charge of the FIB, Alex Craft... Uniting the Fae courts and attempting to save Faerie leads Alex down roads to her past and secrets needing unveiled... As the truths surface, Alex is faced with her true destiny and a path she never could have foreseen... A beautifully crafted story leading readers on a twisting journey to a highly satisfying conclusion for our beloved characters:)
-
This was a great book. I liked the ending and it was a little surprising to me. I am glad this was a good ending for the series. I enjoyed the last book with the Alex Craft! This was a great book!
-
Surprising wrap up to the series. I've enjoyed all the books and would have never guess that this is where the story would go from where we started.
