All Spell Breaks Loose (Raine Benares, #6)

Nov 10, 2012 Mei-Lu rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All Spells Break Loose is the sixth in Lisa Shearin's Raine Benares series. It is NOT a standalone book, it's the culmination of the story developed over the first five books. Generally speaking, my tolerance for a series expires at book three. I personally find it annoying to have to carry the characters in my head and then pick them all up again a year (or many years) later. I dislike the sense that I'm not done at the end of a book. There's a lot of series that I've abandoned simply because I...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Valerie Long rated it 5 of 5 stars

*******
Seven Stars? Yep, this is meant to be a seven-star review for Lisa Shearin’s “All Spell Breaks Loose”, the sixth sequel in her Raine Benares series. Here’s why:
First, I want to give five stars to her first-person, very personal and loose-mouthed storytelling, which really makes me become one with Raine, the main protagonist and narrator. I like how she occasionally throws in one- or two-word sentence fragments that so precisely trigger the right imaginations. This way of writing is sexy i...more *******
Seven Stars? Yep, this is meant to be a seven-star review for Lisa Shearin’s “All Spell Breaks Loose”, the sixth sequel in her Raine Benares series. Here’s why:
First, I want to give five stars to her first-person, very personal and loose-mouthed storytelling, which really makes me become one with Raine, the main protagonist and narrator. I like how she occasionally throws in one- or two-word sentence fragments that so precisely trigger the right imaginations. This way of writing is sexy in itself.
Second, I have to give five stars to the complex plot Lisa’s been unfolding across all six sequels of this series—hopefully not the last we’ll hear or read of Raine Benares. It must have been an author’s nightmare to keep track of all the little details, cast of characters, motivations, devious plots and such, and in the end tie them all together. Yes, this story comes to an end with the sixth book, somehow Lisa manages to finish an exciting series and still makes the reader long for more. There’s no sudden outburst of superpowers that would spoil the tension for every further development, but a very logical and natural way of returning to business, to put it with my words.
Third, the speed with which Lisa lets her action-packed story twist and turn really made me dizzy. It’s like racing down a thirty-story parking lot ramp on a skateboard without brakes. From a certain point on, you simply can’t jump off, neither could you slow down reading. Drop all your plans for the day, this book’s to be read in one piece.
Fourth, the final showdown deserves five stars all on its own. You know something should happen, but you can’t tell how it works until the very end, when the pieces fall together. And with all the tension that’s been building, with all that’s at stake, there’s still a place for a kind of humor that doesn’t spoil the mood—and I can’t tell without giving away the fun. Read it yourself!
Fifth, the way Lisa shows Raine’s bravery truly made me fall in love with this elf, triggered my protective instincts, made me want to hug the book and comfort it. I so love it when an author can make me cry!
So I have at least five reasons to give a five-star review, and compared to other books, which in my opinion still deserve their five stars on their own account, this one stands out by at least two stars.
This is my kind of book.
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Aug 17, 2012 Dangerous Romance Book Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have been following Raine and her friends since just before The Trouble With Demons, the third book in Raine Benares series. I love everything about this series, absolute everything.

Raine is a tough-as-nails, kick-ass heroine. Yeah, she does question herself sometimes, but when things get rough, she’s not afraid of rolling in the dirt (literally). She’s fiercely protective of those she loves and anyone who tries to hurt them should beware.

Then there’s Mychael. The former Black Cat turned Palad...more

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Aug 04, 2012 Marni rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All Spell Breaks Loose by Lisa Shearin is a great read. While Raine Benares isn't my favorite character, she's funny, irreverent, loyal, loves trouble (or trouble loves her), and entertaining, and I enjoy reading about her. Indeed, I picked up the first five books and reread them before picking up the sixth, just so the plot and characters would be fresh. If you've read the first five books, you have an appreciation of both Michael and Tam through her eyes. You also have the usual surprise plot...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I first mentioned my love of Lisa Shearin and the Raine Benares books back in February when I dared you to read MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND, the first instalment in the series. This time around, I'm talking about ALL SPELL BREAKS LOOSE, the sixth and final book in the Saghred storyline. It's a bittersweet book for me because I adore the world that Lisa Shearin has created and don't want say goodbye to these characters (even temporarily!) but, at the same time, it's exciting to finally reach the cl...more I first mentioned my love of Lisa Shearin and the Raine Benares books back in February when I dared you to read MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND, the first instalment in the series. This time around, I'm talking about ALL SPELL BREAKS LOOSE, the sixth and final book in the Saghred storyline. It's a bittersweet book for me because I adore the world that Lisa Shearin has created and don't want say goodbye to these characters (even temporarily!) but, at the same time, it's exciting to finally reach the climax of the Saghred story and to have all of the promise and buildup of previous novels fulfilled. And fulfilled they most definitely are! I read ALL SPELL BREAKS LOOSE in a single night because I was hooked from page one and couldn't bear to put it down, despite needing to wake up *very* early the next morning. And I've read it again since then because it's just so delicious.

The Raine Benares series has always had a lot of action and Lisa Shearin really puts the proverbial pedal to the metal in ALL SPELL BREAKS LOOSE. From the first chapter, you're steeped in action as Raine and company embark on their mission. There are some quiet moments in the book but it's essentially all action and adventure (with some sneaking!), which is fitting given that they are on a quest to destroy a soul-stealing rock with a mind of its own and a crazy goblin demi-god for a buddy. On Raine's side? Some elves, some goblins, a dagger capable of cracking the Saghred open, and a lot of desperate hope. Raine and her team are definitely getting the short stick in this situation but it doesn't stop them from heading to Regor to try to defeat the Saghred and Sarad Nukpana. Lisa Shearin puts her characters in a lot of danger and the tension and stakes are the highest they've ever been, which makes for a satisfying and compelling story.

Many of my favourite characters are featured in ALL SPELL BREAKS LOOSE and each of them has at least one outstanding moment. I won't describe the scenes for you since it would be very spoilerific but I can assure you that Tam, Mychael, Piaris, Talon, Valerius, and Raine all have scenes where you'll cheer with joy and excitement. There were even a couple moments that elicited excited flailing from me because they were more wonderful and apt than I'd dared to hope for. We're also introduced to an amazing new character -- Kesyn Badru, Tam's first magic teacher. He's one of those endearingly crotchety characters and he adds a lot to the story, both in terms of the main plot and our understanding of Tam, which I loved because I am such a Tam fan. There's also plenty of humour because, well, what's a Raine Benares book without some laugh-out-loud lines? My boyfriend always knows when I'm reading one of these books because I snicker a lot and then read him choice passages when he asks what I'm doing. I was going to share a couple with you but my favourites are later in the book and I really want you to enjoy the book without waiting for a particular line to pop up. I'm confident that you'll know what I'm talking abou when you get there. =)

ALL SPELL BREAKS LOOSE is a fitting climax to the Saghred storyline and I loved every moment of it. The books are basically six acts in a single story so now's the time to start reading if you haven't already. If you like stories with the perfect blend of action, humour, world building, and character development, you'll love this book and series.

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Jun 09, 2012 Alice Liu rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love that Lisa Shearin writes stories that revolve around politics and power, but are not political stories. They are more the undoing of politics, accomplished when each of her characters find ways to their own true strengths work for them, which involves a lot of trust by everyone involved. In this last (?) of the series, Raine's magic is gone and now she has to fight not only for her life, but all of elfdom, Mid, and the world as she knows it while magically crippled. It seems impossible un...more

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Jun 09, 2012 Stacey Brutger rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Even on a suicide mission, you need an exit strategy.

My name is Raine Benares—and it sucks to be me right now. I’m a seeker who managed to “find” the Saghred, a soul-stealing stone that gave me unlimited power I never asked for or wanted. Now I’ve managed to lose the rock—and the magic it gave me—to a power-hungry goblin dark mage whose main goals are my death and world domination.

I’m still bonded to the Saghred, and the dark mage can’t use the stone as long as I’m alive. If he kills me and gai...more

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Jun 09, 2012 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Raine and the gang travel to Regor with a plan to sneak in and destroy the Saghred once and for all.

It took me a little bit to get into this story because it felt kind of choppy at the start. There were lots of short sentences, fragments, and almost too much sense of the character's voice. I'm not sure if that smoothed out or if I just settled back into the style, but by a quarter of the way through I was hooked.

I loved seeing Raine go on the offensive here, especially because she was packing le...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Cassandra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As some of you may know Lisa is one of my favorite authors. I love her Raine Benares series and I have been patiently waiting for the final installment of the Saghred story line. Lisa wrapped the story line up perfectly. It left me feeling extremely happy and left it open for the series to continue or have a spinoff but didn’t end in a way that there has to be another novel. All Spell Breaks Loose is full of action and kept me on the seat of my chair. Lisa’s humor is at its best in this installm...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Alicia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

I am very conflicted writing this review. On one hand I love it when a writer continuously gives us amazing books and doesn’t lose the tone of the originals that made us fall in love with the series to begin with – on the other hand this is sadly the last book in the series. I’m torn between jumping up and down with excitement over how amazing this book is or mourning the end of an amazing series.

I honestly think that this book is, if not the best, one of the top two in this series. Despite eve...more I am very conflicted writing this review. On one hand I love it when a writer continuously gives us amazing books and doesn’t lose the tone of the originals that made us fall in love with the series to begin with – on the other hand this is sadly the last book in the series. I’m torn between jumping up and down with excitement over how amazing this book is or mourning the end of an amazing series.

I honestly think that this book is, if not the best, one of the top two in this series. Despite everything that was going on I still had a huge grin on my face while reading and I was struggling not to laugh out loud. Any author who can make you want to laugh while the characters are getting ready for what should be categorized as a suicide mission is marvelous.
The beginning of this book made me really happy – and the feeling only continued from there. In the beginning we get to see some of my favorite characters who did not have roles in the last adventure. Specifically we finally see what Raine’s dad has been up do and also how Piaras has been doing. I really liked getting an update on all of the characters. I love that the whole gang is back together again, it feels as though we have not heard from Piaras, Talon, or even Raine’s dad in a really long time and I was really missing them. Talon and Piaras are gems – and throwing them on this mission together led to quite a bit of hilarity. There are also a couple of new characters who are also amazing – and this includes Tam’s family. Even the characters that we don’t see during the adventures in this book, we at least get a bit of an update on in the end.

In this book, Raine (minus her magic) sets out to go steal back the rock that has been making her life miserable (although it did, in a way, introduce her to her new man) for the past few months. One of my favorite things about Raine, in general, is that she generally tried not to depend on her magic, she tried to use her brain and come up with more creative (and less noticeable) solutions – although that quality has been lacking a bit lately. At the start of this book, Raine has no choice, her magic is gone and she still has to go figure out how to destroy the Saghred which is being held by what she describes as a ‘demigod’. No pressure. I love that Raine gets a bit of a kick in the head and is reminded that you don’t need to be an all powerful magic holder to make an impact. At the end of the day what makes Raine an amazing heroine is that she never gives up and she is always ready for a fight; if you hit her she is going to hit you back. She is also very realistic about her shot at survival, but she is going to do what she has to do no matter what.

Overall the book is similar to the others in the series in tone – despite all of the danger and excitement, the book always feels light and fun to read, and it is also hilarious (I would say even more so than the previous ones). Our little gang of troublemakers seem to get themselves out of one bad situation and into one that is ten times worse. As Tam’s old teacher put it – “One way isn’t enough to die for you. No, you have to have more.”

For most of this adventure, political battles have been just as intense as the ones with swords and in some ways that continues in this book. It is time the old goblin king and his undead adviser to hit the road so that a new king can take over – and Imala is determined to see that it happens. Unlike the previous books where the political battles were behind closed doors, here there is a straight up rebellion in Regor – and guess who managed to get herself embroiled right in the middle of it . . .

This book is hilarious, and a worthy end to a great series. I love happy endings and I think the author did a great job of tying up all of her loose ends. I hate saying that it is the end because I feel as though we could see a lot more from these characters, but I appreciate that the author had an overarching plot line that she wanted to complete and she did it without extended the story to ridiculous proportions. I do still think that she did leave a bit of a door open for more stories though, so here’s to hoping!

Series in general:
This series is a bit unique in that the six books take place over the course of only three months. So while you do see a lot of character development, the characters don’t through a personality overhaul in just a couple of months and they are still themselves at the end of the series. I can’t stand it when I start reading a series and I can’t recognize the character’s personalities by the end of it.

This author is incredible in that she manages to put her characters through one version of hell after another – yet still manages to keep the books feeling fun and light. I know, walking into one of her books, that I will be laughing, not crying, and I love that. No matter how much she puts these characters through they still manage to keep great attitudes and don’t fall into the trap of whining hopelessly for chapters on end. If they are upset, they acknowledge it, wallow for all of three seconds, and then move on and do what they need to do.

I love it when a book series gets better over time – which is pretty rare. In this series, I was not in love with the first book, but since then I have fallen for these characters and the crazy world they inhabit. In my opinion, the first book was really not the best one; it was more of an introduction to the world, the characters, and the beginning of the overarching plot line. Once you are immersed into this fantasy world, and get used to Raine’s sense of humor, the series is addictive. It is hard to believe that all of the action over the course of these six books takes place over only a few months in the fantasy world – but that only means that I still have hope that we will see more adventures from Raine and her gang.

If you have not yet picked up this series you really need to give it a try!
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May 29, 2012 Myonlycookie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 16, 2013 Stella rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

To be honest, I almost didn't finish. I did enjoy the story, and most of the characters, but I found the level of repetition and reintroductions almost insulting.

There were whole arcs, which were heavily invested, that just stopped. Like with Rudara's murder. Having Sarad just kill him off felt anti-climatic. Or the fear that Raine's soul was to be sucked up along with all the other's? I expected at least an "I guess we were wrong".

One thing I've found with any fantasy novel, my enjoyment is i...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Ben Babcock rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read, fantasy, own

A few years ago I discovered a neat little book called Magic Lost, Trouble Found , about an elf named Raine who inadvertently becomes linked to a soul-sucking magical rock called the Saghred. Lisa Shearin provided a kickass protagonist with the kind of witty voice I love, particularly in my urban fantasy. Here we are, five more books later, and the story of the Saghred has finally reached its conclusion.

Raine, Mychael, and Tam are following Sarad Nukpana and the Saghred to Regor, the goblin capi...more

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Jun 05, 2012 Esther Yam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites

Epic ass-kicking action, check. Crafty evil villain, check. Not so crafty evil villain, check. Hot lead, and hot lead's lover, check ,double check.

This book contains everything one can ask for in a magical/fantasy type genre novel. Being the last in the series, I looked forward to the epic culmination of good vs. evil and I was not disappointed. Expect many twists and turns, more deadly mystical creatures and last but not least, the epic battles between the good, evil, and those in between.

From...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Maaike rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reading

This is the 6th and, if I understand it correctly, the last Raine Benares book for now. That is real disappointing, because this series is fun! It is a fast paced series, a lot of magic and action and very likable characters. It’s really bad it has to end.

After I read the first book somewhere in 2011 I instantly got hooked. I read the books 2-5 immediately thereafter and had to wait for this one. It felt really long…
The thing I like about this series is the fast-paced action in a great world....more

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Aug 14, 2012 Melinda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow! I do LOVE these books. Another amazing, exciting story.

I can't help but wonder if this the last in the series. The Sagred is destroyed. Nukpana, well, not dead, but the property of a demon. Guess he could still cause trouble. Michael asking Raine to marry him.(a swooning sigh for that one!) What other adventures can be had?

Please, please be another book, if nothing else than to get wedding details, get Raine into the Guardianship, and a cast of other joinings. (Maybe even get Phaelan hitch...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Nicole Gozdek rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Der 6. Band der Raine Benares-Reihe "All Spell Breaks Loose" bringt wieder sehr viel Spaß zu lesen. Die Heldin Raine sieht sich dieses Mal ihrem größten Kampf gegenüber, dem finalen Kampf gegen Sarad Nukpana, dem zurückgekehrten, fiesen, mächtigen und machthungrigen Goblin-Zauberer. Dass Raine ihre eigene Magie verloren hat und ihr der magische Stein Saghred gestohlen wurde, ist dabei nicht gerade hilfreich ...
Spannung bietet der Roman daher im Überfluss und auch alle Freunde von Raine sind natü...more

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May 31, 2012 Jenny Schwartz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, fantasy

"All Spell Breaks Loose" is a fantasy adventure that reminded me why I like the Raine Benares series so much. It has attitude.

Raine reminds me of a modern heroine from a detective mystery. She has her own agenda, she's not scared to acknowledge her fear and she doesn't take any rubbish. But Raine isn't a modern detective. She's an elf in a well-created fantasy world surrounded by series characters who are truly appealing (even the villains are villainously perfect).

The stakes are high and the...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Stacy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: from-publisher-author

Raine's long journey to defeat the Saghred is finally coming to a head. With some of her most loyal friends and allies beside her and without her magic she sets out to destroy the Saghred once and for all for her freedom and to protect those she loves.

It was a bit weird to have Raine with out her magic but in the end she proves that she can still kick butt. I have always enjoyed the world building of this series and after being on the Isle of Mid so long it was nice to have a new place to get to...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A fitting ending to a fun series. In this last book we join Raine, Mychael, Tam & some of the others we have come to love & hate in the "last battle" with the Saghred & Sared Nupakana. This was a pretty action packed book-it starts with a bang & keeps going right up to the end. I'm sad to see this series end, but she certainly leaves enough there at the end to continue, if not with Raine- there are more than enough characters to bring us back to this world. I personally vote for...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Li rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, read-in-2012, series

The sixth and final book in the Raine Benares series - the story was fast-paced and I finished the book in one go. Raine's loss of magic injected a sense of freshness into the story, and I liked that we got to explore a different setting.

Overall though, while this was a decent fantasy series, I don't feel as though I would have missed out had I not read these books. Raine's snarky voice and the light humorous feel were pluses, but the level of repetition combined with the lack of character grow...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

Spoilers, I suppose....

FINALLY! The Saghred is donezo. I'm a little disappointed with the trip to the goblin kingdom; I felt like it was all plot device versus an actual part of the story. I also think it was a shame that at the end Vegard and Phaelen got left out of the story and instead we got new people who got to be in on all the glory. I hope there are more visits to this world and even most of the characters. The key will be to make each book center around a stand alone story; an undercurr...more

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Aug 10, 2012 Aryn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked this book, number six in the series, as well as I liked the first one, which I liked A LOT. Characterization was solid, everyone acted within the parameters they were given in the first place and while I'm not quite sure how some of the events and characters ended up where and with whom they did, it was a good solid tale with a highly satisfactory ending. A lot of the violent stuff of the last couple of books was absent, which I appreciated.

While I doubt if I will start the next series t...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Sherie Davis rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Spoilers!

I gave this one a four star review because it brought to a close the Saghred story line and the bad guys got dead. Which is what I've been complaining about for like the last two books, so yay! The first bit in this book seemed really hard to get into, it wasn't until they actually got into the Goblin city and met up with Tam's brother that I felt like there was forward momentum. After that it was pretty much non stop action which was nice. I still got annoyed at Raine's being self cen...more Spoilers!

I gave this one a four star review because it brought to a close the Saghred story line and the bad guys got dead. Which is what I've been complaining about for like the last two books, so yay! The first bit in this book seemed really hard to get into, it wasn't until they actually got into the Goblin city and met up with Tam's brother that I felt like there was forward momentum. After that it was pretty much non stop action which was nice. I still got annoyed at Raine's being self centered. I mean it seems pretty clear the author wants us to believe Raine is self sacrificing, and she is to an extent, but she makes selfish decisions. Going to Regor (may have spelled that wrong)for example. Raine implies she's going because it's the right thing to do and she has to do something to set things right, maybe a little unwarranted guilt was mixed in too. The thing is her decision seems more selfish to me than anything else, like she needs to be the center of whatever is happening, it's about her need to be there taking down Sarad not about what is right or strategic. Her magic is bound, Sarad needs to kill her to become the Saghreds bond servant and she'd be instrumental in feeding the Saghred as well. To me the logical decision here is to keep her as far away as possible and let someone else not so completely compromised take out the Saghred and keep herself out of Sarads hands. By going she put herself in the position of being captured and made those around her have to spend time protecting her. That is just not a good plan. I would have swallowed her going to Regor more easily if she has been forced to go like Piaris. I would have liked Raine more if she finally started making decisions that didn't insinuate herself into situations everyone would be better off with her avoiding. It would have been nice to see some character growth there, with Raine realizing that some of the time her hand was forced but most of the time she put herself into the situation by making bad decisions. I would really have liked to see that. Her insisting on having the scythe of Nen is another example. Sigh. The other thing that was a little ...I can't think of the best word some mixture of disturbing and difficult to believe, was the way the Goblin people reacted to Sarad and his plans. Throughout this series Sarad slaughters massive amounts of people to preform his magical feats. I get that Goblins don't necessarily feel the same way about life that humans do, but it is just hard to swallow that so many go along with his ridiculousness and think its an ok idea. The implication is they're either scheming or too terrified to stand against him. I don't know though it really implies a shocking lack of self preservation. How could Goblins as a species and society survive if they are this dumb? If the Khrysani priests and other Goblin mages are routinely killing huge chunks of the population, essentially unchecked shouldn't they be extinct or endangered at least? It's sort of baffling. Aside from those irritants though, I actually liked this one. It was really nice to get some resolution and meet more Goblins. I loved Tam's old teacher, he was the best part of this book.(less)

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Sep 06, 2012 Christal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fae, fantasy-aka-swords, female-lead, goblins-trolls-gnomes, magic, demons, favorites, war, witches-warlocks-and-mages

I am very sad to see the Raine Benares series end, but I absolutely loved this book. First of all, this cover is gorgeous. This cover model finally matches how I picture Raine in my head and I am so very happy for that. The story that has been building through the past five books is finally wrapped up here and I couldn't have been happier with how it ended. Lisa Shearin has created one of my favorite series, and if she ever decides to revisit this world, I will be first in line to plunk down my...more I am very sad to see the Raine Benares series end, but I absolutely loved this book. First of all, this cover is gorgeous. This cover model finally matches how I picture Raine in my head and I am so very happy for that. The story that has been building through the past five books is finally wrapped up here and I couldn't have been happier with how it ended. Lisa Shearin has created one of my favorite series, and if she ever decides to revisit this world, I will be first in line to plunk down my money.

Throughout the books, the main characters have been Raine, Mychael, and Tam. We get to spend a lot of time with all three in this novel and I have to say that I love when they work together. Raine is such a fantastic character. She's self-confident but still questions herself and her true motivations. She has incredible amounts of heart, is a very strong person, and able to hold her own without super duper magic powers. The amount she has grown and changed over the past five books is amazing. Mychael has become one of my favorite leading men. He is steady, dependable, and quick-witted. His Black Cat background came as a bit of surprise, but now fits true within his characterization. I love the passion between him and Raine. I think they make a wonderful couple. Tam, the resident goblin mage, is amazing. He's not above using black magic when absolutely necessary, but he knows that he is endangering his soul at the same time. He is crafty and cunning, but cares deeply for those closest to him. I don't normally like love triangles. In this series, not only did I love it, I fully encouraged it. Both men were desirable for different reasons and they both had sizzling chemistry with Raine. Even though he didn't end up with Raine, I am glad it seems like Tam will be getting his HEA too.

While I missed having Phaelan, Valerius, and Vegard around, I enjoyed getting to spend more time with the other main supporting characters. Piaras and Talon were adorable as always and both managed to get themselves into trouble and come out of it heroes. I absolutely loved seeing Piaras with his inhibitions lowered. He is going to be a very scary, spell-singing warrior. Imala was also part of the journey and she is such a great character. She is a perfect foil for Tam and it is obvious that she still carries deep feelings for him. We also meet Tam's family and suffice it to say, the apple did not fall far from the tree. His family are the leaders of the rebellion and they are just as brave as Tam. I loved the scenes were Tam introduced them to Talon. They were so sweet. Tam's old magic teacher, Kesyn Badru, lends his aid to the group as well. He was absolutely hilarious but his concern for Tam and the effects black magic have had and could continue to have on him was very touching. I wish he had been in more books!

Our brave crew is on the way to Regor to reclaim the Saghred and stop Sarad Nukpana. The only drawback is that they must travel by mirror and their only choice of mirror mage is Silvanus Carnades! Once in Regor, the tight spots don't end and our heroes find themselves facing more danger than ever. The stakes are the highest they've been throughout the series and the tension doesn't let up until the end. All Spell Breaks Loose was a fitting end to the Saghred saga and I loved every bit of it. The six books combined tell one over-arching story and since they are all released, now's the perfect time to pick them up if you haven't already!(less)

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Mar 14, 2013 Snarktastic Sonja rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, reviewed

This book seemed to return to the original feel of the Raine Benares series and, as a result, I really enjoyed it. I started this series just before the 4th book came out. I read through the first four voraciously and could not wait for the 5th. Unfortunately, I was forced to wait a year. (Some authors just don't write fast enough.) When I was finally able to read the 5th book (Con and Conjure), while I enjoyed it, I felt like it lacked a little from the previous 4. It didn't seem to be as quipp...more This book seemed to return to the original feel of the Raine Benares series and, as a result, I really enjoyed it. I started this series just before the 4th book came out. I read through the first four voraciously and could not wait for the 5th. Unfortunately, I was forced to wait a year. (Some authors just don't write fast enough.) When I was finally able to read the 5th book (Con and Conjure), while I enjoyed it, I felt like it lacked a little from the previous 4. It didn't seem to be as quippy or as fast moving as they were. I was not quite sure if the book suffered from the writing or the reading - that is to say, I am not convinced my expectations were not set too high. But, with that in mind, I approached this book, the final in the series, with a bit more trepidation. I was extremely happy that I did.

First of all, I am glad Ms. Shearin decided to finish her story. I get terribly annoyed when authors tend to drag out their stories over years and years while we readers get frustrated and more frustrated trying to determine the conclusion. I did, however, miss some characters we had come to know in some of the previous books. (Here is hoping she returns to them and shares more stories with us.)

Also, Raine's snarky mind set is in full force. Again, Ms. Shearin had me laughing out loud as I read through this adventure. In addition, the action is non stop and I had trouble finding a spot where I could set the book down, a similar fashion to the first four. This series is one of very few I have read in recent years that I have read before it was completed. I am quite happy that I did so. I am also pleased that Ms. Shearin did not let me down, but finished her tale in a reasonable amount of time and did not let up on any of the characteristics that made me fall in love with Raine and all her friends and cohorts.

That this series gets lumped into the "urban fantasy" genre continues to irritate me. To me, it has little in common with the genre - there are no werewolves or vampires - and it does not take place in the present time on the present planet. The scene is set in its own world. I consider this more a "sword and sorcery" or "magic" fantasy. That is NOT to say that if urban fantasy is your thing (it is not mine) that you would not enjoy this book. One thing it does have in common with the genre is the plucky heroine that is constantly making you laugh.

All in all, great end to a great story. Now I shall have to find something else to read.(less)

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Dec 29, 2012 Christina Stind rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-books, fantasy, fiction, series

I have reached the end of this series! And there was much rejoicing! Now, don’t get me wrong. It has been an allright experience but it hasn’t been more than that and the books feel very similar. Except for specific plot details, I feel like I should just quote my review of the fifth book in the series, Con & Conjure, because I’m not sure how much new I have to say about the series as a whole or the narration of the audio books.

So things have never looked more grim for Raine Benares, the spu...more I have reached the end of this series! And there was much rejoicing! Now, don’t get me wrong. It has been an allright experience but it hasn’t been more than that and the books feel very similar. Except for specific plot details, I feel like I should just quote my review of the fifth book in the series, Con & Conjure, because I’m not sure how much new I have to say about the series as a whole or the narration of the audio books.

So things have never looked more grim for Raine Benares, the spunky seeker. After having been bonded to the Saghred, a soul-stealing stone, since early in the first book in this series, things have been cumulatively going from bad to worse but now, things are really bad. Sarad Nukpana, psychopath par excellence, has finally succeeded in getting the Saghred and after a goblin attack on Mid, Raine, her boyfriend Mychael, her former umi’atso-bound friend Tam and others decides to head to the Goblin capital of Regor to get the Saghred back from Nukpana and put the renegade prince Chigaru Mal’Salin back on the throne as well as reunite him with his girlfriend who Nukpana intends to marry. But to get there, they have to rely on Raine’s arch enemy Sylvanus Carnades since he’s a mirror mage and the only one who can get them to Regor and back safely.

Only issue – or not really only – but one of the big issues is that Raine has lost her magic. The Saghred has shut her down. She tries to hide this and it is actually rather helpful for sneaking around in Regor, but of course she can’t hide it for long and that of course creates a whole new host of problems.

The trip to Regor gives Shearin the chance to let us meet more of Tam’s family as well as Nukpana’s mother, Tam’s former teacher Kesyn Badru and more. Several of these are quite interesting although not quite as interesting as cousin Mago or Nachtmagus Vidor Kalta, who’s probably my favorite character in the series – him or Imala Kalis, the head of goblin security.

I missed Vegard a bit in this book. The big guardian is left behind on Mid to be stand-in for Mychael and make sure that the student population is not killed by the goblins – together with Raine’s pirate family. It makes sense to the story line, but I still missed Vegard’s attempt at keeping Raine safe – including sitting on her – and her flamboyant cousin Phaelan.

So the Saghred is of course hugely important in this whole series. And I have some issues with that. This rock seems to have a consciousness – at least it bears a serious grudge against Raine. I’m not sure that the idea of consciousness in objects really works in this world and parts of the plot hinges on that. I know it’s minor issue if you’re just able to suspend disbelief, however, it did mean that the final showdown didn’t quite work for me, even though it was otherwise very well executed.

This novel marks the end of the story arch that has been developed through all six books in the series. This doesn’t mean that this series is necessarily over. Lisa Shearin does leave room to take the characters up again and write some new adventures for Raine and Mychael on Mid so for people really enjoying this series, there’s hope. I’m not sure I will read another Raine Benares novel but I might read another Lisa Shearin novel. I think there’s a lot of potential in her writing.(less)

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Jun 30, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This series has been excellent from the very beginning, and All Spell Breaks Loose was no exception. The action is so non-stop, I always wonder when (or if) Raine, Tam and Mychael ever sleep! This installment takes place primarily in Regor, Tam's former home snd the capitol of the Goblin world.

For me, Tam has always been the most interesting and in-depth character in the series and meeting his family and friends gives even greater insight into his background and his struggle to remain black mag...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Jacey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Fun, fast-paced and sexy, this is the sixth and possibly final outing for Raine Benares, elf and magical finder who found one thing too many and ended up getting magically hitched to a soul-sucking stone of immense power, called the Saghred. Books one to five have involved variations on Raine trying to divorce the stone without dying in the process, alternately trying to lose it, trying to keep it and trying to reclaim it (all while trying to keep herself, her family and her friends alive) while...more Fun, fast-paced and sexy, this is the sixth and possibly final outing for Raine Benares, elf and magical finder who found one thing too many and ended up getting magically hitched to a soul-sucking stone of immense power, called the Saghred. Books one to five have involved variations on Raine trying to divorce the stone without dying in the process, alternately trying to lose it, trying to keep it and trying to reclaim it (all while trying to keep herself, her family and her friends alive) while some of the supposed good guys make life difficult and before evil goblin mage Sarad Nukpana finds a way to use the Saghred to make himself goblin king and an immortal, invincible, evil semi-god. Oh, yes, and while she's at it she's about to take part in a goblin political coup to exchange an evil king for a slightly less evil one.

At the end of the last book Nukpana had succeeded in getting the stone, but while Raine is alive and still connected to it magically he can't use it. He needs Raine dead. Nothing new there, then. Except that since losing the stone Raine's magic has taken a holiday - not just the mega-magic that came from the stone - but all the magic she ever had.

Raine; her lover Mychael, captain of the Conclave Guardians on the magical Isle of Mid; her friend, Goblin dark mage Tam; Tam's son, Talon; Imala, head of the Goblin SS. and Raine's little-brother-figure, Piaras, are thrown in at the deep end risking everything to retrieve the Saghred from Sarak Nukpana in the Goblin capital and put Prince Chigaru on the throne. To make life more complicated than it already is they're accompanied by Carnades Sylvanus, talented Mirror Mage, but currently on probation for betraying the good guys in the last book.

Because this takes place in the goblin kingdom we shed some of the usual supporting characters – Raine's nefarious pirate relatives and her recently restored father, for instance – and have a much tighter focus on Mychael and Tam, the two (once competing) men in Raine's life.

The plot leaps and lurches from one near-death experience to the next, always keeping the reader breathless. Raine is well drawn and since everything is in her first person viewpoint we get a very up-close-and-personal view of events.

Unlike the other six books which always have an obvious hook into the next adventure there's a definite and satisfying conclusion. This could be the last of Raine Benares adventures, but there are enough promises of future storylines that if the author so chooses she can continue. I've looked on her website but there's no indication of what she's currently writing. I guess I'll just have to wait, but from my experiences with Lisa Shearin's books so far the next one will be a 'buy-on-sight'.

Just one disappointment and that is that this book was not immediately available on kindle.(less)

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Jun 05, 2012 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The conclusion (probably) to the Raine Benares series, a tale of romantic fantasy in a medieval world of magic. Actress and female geek-icon Felicia Day recommends this as "Vaginal Fantasy", meaning fantasy with very clear romantic undertones with some elements of good old fashioned smut. But even if omitted, we still have a highly enjoyable epic fantasy tale.

The story could have gotten a bit more in depth (even without changing plotpoints) but it is well written and deserves a read.

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All Spell Breaks Loose (Raine Benares #6)

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