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Arise (Syrenka #3)

by Amber Garr (Goodreads Author)

4.38 of 5 stars 4.38 · rating details · 98 ratings · 39 reviews

With power comes the responsibility to accept its consequences.

After the betrayal of those closest to her, Eviana Dumahl struggles to cope with her new reality. Kidnapped, broken, and confused, she is forced to engage in a war that will alter merfolk politics forever. With her estranged father leading the charge, Eviana has no choice but to stand by his side. Her continued...more

Paperback, 284 pages

Published July 4th 2012 by CreateSpace

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May 02, 2013 Majanka rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews-april-2013, book-tours, young-adult, paranormal-romance, mermaids

Originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-rev...

Arise is the final installment in the Syrenka Series. I previously read and reviewed Promises (Syrenka #1) and Betrayal (Syrenka #2). Of all parts, Arise is my favorite, and I’m about to tell you why.

Although I love the setting of this series, Eviana never convinced me. She still doesn’t. She’s this picture perfect mermaid who goes around making out with three guys during this series, and always finding reasons to blame others fo...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Dawnandwini rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow the conclusion to this great romantic trilogy. What more can you ask for? Thrilling suspense with action, forged alliances and betrayal happening almost around every corner. Deep secrets a unveiled, wars fought,some unexpected tragedies and an ending that will had me smiling and crying at the same time.
In this finale we continue with the story being told from the POV of Eviana and Kain. Eviana has just been captured by her new found father, and just found out that she has been betrothed whil...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Dawn ross rated it 5 of 5 stars

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Sep 04, 2012 Tifferz rated it 5 of 5 stars

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So, Eviana's and Kain's journey continues and not how I was expecting! I was entrapped into this third story and not let go till the last word was read. Ms. Garr has truly surpassed my expectations. She was not afraid to have bad things happen. I think they needed to happen and it was done with finesse! I enjoyed the ups and downs and the curve ball! I felt elated when Eviana figured things out and acted exactly how I wanted her to! I have to say her father is crazy and power hungry. I I finish...more

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Aug 23, 2012 Krista rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mermaids, book-tour, cover-love, fantasy, favorite-ya, indie-author, magic, review-on-blog, young-adult, water-fairies

Review of Entire Series:
This is an enchanting series full of breathtaking images, heartfelt emotions and a new world to emerce yourself in. The Syrenka Series brought me back to my childhood when my sister and I used to pretend we were mermaids swimming in our pool. I loved the idea of a fresh take on the mermaid mythos. The mermaids in the Syrenka series were not bound to the ocean, but lived on land and transformed when they swam. The way the author Amber Garr described the experience of being...more Review of Entire Series:
This is an enchanting series full of breathtaking images, heartfelt emotions and a new world to emerce yourself in. The Syrenka Series brought me back to my childhood when my sister and I used to pretend we were mermaids swimming in our pool. I loved the idea of a fresh take on the mermaid mythos. The mermaids in the Syrenka series were not bound to the ocean, but lived on land and transformed when they swam. The way the author Amber Garr described the experience of being in the water and the exhilaration that the main character Eviana felt when she was in her element was inspiring.

The series revolves around Eviana (named after the water?) and she is to be in an arranged marriage to unite important families. However, Eviana is in love with someone else - and not a merman. Brendan is a Selkie and changes into a seal and their love is forbidden. Add teenage love, lust, and stubbornness and you can guess what happens next. Eviana runs from her family responsibilities, but by doing so has ignited a series of events that she couldn't even fathom.

What I really liked about the series was the idea that actions have consequences, even if you think you are doing them for the right reasons. Eviana is made to look at her choices and realizes that some things she should have done differently. Eviana eventually grows up and takes responsibility for herself and finds strength and courage to fight a war.

I really love Kain. He loves unconditionally and is always there for Eviana, even when she doesn't deserve it. There is more than just Kain and Brendan though, Graham is introduced in the second book and throws a wrench in the triangle. Romance is a very big element in the series, but more importantly the ideas of friendship and loyalty reign.

There are so many twists and turns and each book will leave you gasping. I had a hard time dealing with certain events - no I'm not telling you what they are - and I cried, screamed, and wanted to chuck my Nook across the room. People are never who you think they are and betrayals abound. The deaths of characters along the way is heartbreaking, but no death is in vain.

The Syrenka series/trilogy is a fantastic ride. I was hooked after the first few pages of Promised and could not think of anything else until I finished Arise. Each book ends with a cliffhanger so be ready with the next book on hand!

I loved that water creatures from all different myths and legends were combined to make up the Syrenka world. I especially like the water sprites, namely Abhainn for his wit and terrifying form. The characters Ms. Garr created were well rounded and fully fleshed out and the flow of the story never waivers. The prose is beautiful and written well.

I will happily read this series over and over; it is a keeper! I recommend this series for anyone who likes romance, mythology, mermaids, and general awesomeness!
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Sep 28, 2012 Rubysbooks rated it 5 of 5 stars

Arise was a book full of surprises. I honestly wasn't expecting half of the things that happened in this book. I liked that. A lot.

Eviana and her friends go through a lot of things into this last part of the trilogy. It seems as though their struggle to end Lucian's scheming and plans aren't going to end too soon. The best part of Arise is that we get to actually understand why Eviana was chosen as leader. She's much more mature than in Promises, much more focused on what she has to do for her c...more

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Jul 28, 2012 Jammie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, read-2012

Well, first off. Arise is the third and final book in the fantastic Syrenka Series, so if you have not read the first two books you should because they are awesome. I loved Arise just as much as I loved the first two books. I am always worried about endings to series for some reason, but I think this was a fantastic ending.

Eviana is dealing with the recent betrayals of those closest to her, but now must also work out how to escape her kidnapper and get back to her friends and family to fight on...more Well, first off. Arise is the third and final book in the fantastic Syrenka Series, so if you have not read the first two books you should because they are awesome. I loved Arise just as much as I loved the first two books. I am always worried about endings to series for some reason, but I think this was a fantastic ending.

Eviana is dealing with the recent betrayals of those closest to her, but now must also work out how to escape her kidnapper and get back to her friends and family to fight on the right side of the war. Eviana will discover new powers, love and how much her friends are willing to sacrifice for her and this war.

I really loved getting Kain's point of view in this book, for quite a few reasons. I love Kain's character, so it was lots of fun getting inside his head, and I love books with alternating views, it gives you more perspective on both of their feelings. Also it was good seeing what was going on with everyone else while Eviana wasn't there, which I am sure was the whole reason for it. I love all of the characters in this book and the whole series. I am a lover of developed secondary characters, and while the secondary characters weren't a huge part of this series, I felt like they were all really well developed with their own stories, without taking away from the overall story.

The end half of the book got really intense. I just had no idea what they were going to do, how they were going to get out of it and how everything was going to be resolved. On that note, Lucian was a seriously creepy antagonist. He was an awesome bad guy, but super creepy. I did cry at the end of this book, and then my sad tears changed to happy tears. Not that the sad thing became a happy thing, just a happy ending.

Overall Arise was a fantastic ending to a fantastic series! I have loved this whole series, and I would highly recommend checking them out.

Again thanks to the author, Amber Garr, for sending me a copy of this book.

This review is also on my blog The Confessions of a Book Nerd :)(less)

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Aug 09, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: r2r-complete, read-2012

(I received a digital copy of this book for free as part of the ‘Syrenka’ blog tour. Thanks to Amber Garr and Bookshelf confessions)
This is book 3 in the Syrenka series, and kicks off where ‘Betrayal’ left off.

Eviana has been kidnapped by Lucian – the man who has been ruining things for the Syrenka, selkies, and water sprites alike, and the man who now claims to be Eviana’s biological father.
Drugged and confused, Eviana is stuck, locked in her Lucian’s boathouse, and unable to even plan an escap...more

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Sep 12, 2012 Nancy (The Avid Reader) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amber-garr, bewitching-book-tours, read-in-2012

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I recieved a copy of Arise from the author Amber Garr via Bewitching Book Tours blog tour for The Syrenka Series.

In Betrayal Book Two of The Syrenka Series Eviana found out that Lucian was her biological father. Lucian is a very evil merman who wants to take over the world. When he can't convince Eviana to go along with his plan to become the ruler of all the merfolk clans he kidnaps her. He uses Graham who is a council member to try to p...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Nicki rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was the PERFECT end to the series. We finally get to see Eviana take her place in the world and learn what love can be. I'm so glad that she finally realized where she belonged, but was saddened that she had to get there with the loss of another. I do like that she wasn't betrayed though, I think I wouldn't have liked it if that love would have been tainted. I would love a novella ten years from now though, just to see how their world is and how other characters have ended up. Thank yo...more

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Jun 04, 2013 Nickle [NightOwlReads] Love rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reading-challenge, tbr-challenge3, 2012aug-indie-authors, 2012-paranormal-fantasy

Read the review in my blog, Night Owl Reads

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Aug 23, 2012 Regina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mermaid, mythology, romance

wow its a perfect end but so much had to happen to get there. i am very sad about what happened to one of the main characters who i didnt feel much more in book one but i grew to appreciate. He is very important to Eviana so reading about his loss and her reaction made me tear up a bit as if i could feel her pain. aaah so many feels!!!And also Graham turned out to be not what i thought he was which was disappointing but necessary to the plot. This entire series had me in its thrall from beginnin...more

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Aug 31, 2012 Debdatta Dasgupta Sahay rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy

‘Betrayal’ ended with the huge bombshell and Eviana’s kidnapping. ‘Arise’ picks up right after that. Eviana is in captivity along with Graham. The future of the merpeople and especially her clan depends on her decisions and actions. She has limited choice and is unsure about who to trust. Kain wakes up from his injuries to realize that it is up to him to rescue Eviana. However, as he proceeds with his plans, he finds a few unexpected allies who will stand by him and like him they will do anythin...more ‘Betrayal’ ended with the huge bombshell and Eviana’s kidnapping. ‘Arise’ picks up right after that. Eviana is in captivity along with Graham. The future of the merpeople and especially her clan depends on her decisions and actions. She has limited choice and is unsure about who to trust. Kain wakes up from his injuries to realize that it is up to him to rescue Eviana. However, as he proceeds with his plans, he finds a few unexpected allies who will stand by him and like him they will do anything to save her. But unfortunately not everything goes according to his plan and before he knows he is not only fighting for Eviana, but also for his life and for the future of his people. With the mermaid world at the brink of war, who do they trust?

Eviana is truly a likeable character. Except for her love life in book two, she has lived up to all the expectations that one can have from her. She is strong and she is caring. The few goof-ups / mistakes on her part make her more human (Or, should I say mermaid?) In this edition of the series, she discovers a lot of things about herself and her family. She is finally aware of the actual significance of the burden that she carries. Kain on the other hand has been the most dependable and strong character throughout the series and that doesn’t change in this final installment. There’s a lot expected from him and he lives up to each and every expectation. Graham is a character that I loved and hated at the same time. You have to give credit to the role he plays in the series. Brendan finally redeems himself though at a very high cost.

Amber Garr has done it yet again! She is truly the master of twists. After reading the first two books, I was sure that I had some idea about how this is going to go and I was also expecting a lot of twists. But still, the story managed to catch me off-guard a number of times and what a plot. The ending was in sync with the complete series and I am sad to see it end. I would have loved to read more about Kain [Yes, I am all for team Kain if you hadn’t realized it already] and Daniel.

I loved the complete series and the final installment was the perfect ending too.
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Sep 05, 2012 Stephanie Ward rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned, for-review, ebook

'Arise' is the final exciting book in the Syrenka trilogy that brings mythological sea creatures to life. It continues to focus on Eviana, our heroine of the series, as well as her clan members and friends. Having to deal with the betrayal of those she loves, as well as being kidnapped and broken, Eviana is forced into a war between the mer clans that will change their lives forever.

I found the final book to be just as fast-paced and fun with lots of fantasy, magic and great adventure as the fir...more

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Sep 12, 2012 Ron rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is going to be a short one, because one thing the Syrenka series does is weave the plot and build on from previous work, so I can't say much without giving away the previous books... And while I realize that some spoiles for book 1 and 2 might be expected, I'd rather not go there, since this tour is for the whole series and I know there's a lot of you out there who are just getting to enjoy this magical world.

That said... Wow!

There were several things about Arise that shocked me. The fir...more This is going to be a short one, because one thing the Syrenka series does is weave the plot and build on from previous work, so I can't say much without giving away the previous books... And while I realize that some spoiles for book 1 and 2 might be expected, I'd rather not go there, since this tour is for the whole series and I know there's a lot of you out there who are just getting to enjoy this magical world.

That said... Wow!

There were several things about Arise that shocked me. The first, I think, was the emotional aspect. Again, I could not predict how it'd end, or what happened along the way, and THAT's a treat. Then, I had another surprise: my reactions to the cast changed drastically from one book to the next. I went from wooing this one character to consider him an obstacle, to think of someone as obnoxious to find him charming, to barely notice someone to cheer him and his budding relationship on... There are precious few authors out there who can get thta kind of rise out of me!

Style-wise, Arise was solid and coherent, keeping the tone and pace of the previous two books--that perfect balance between following a story with all necessary details and dragging it, if you know what I mean. However, there was something new: this time, we got a Kain POV, and I enjoyed it inmensely. On the one hand, it was important to see what was going on with the world, but it also helped to show us the inner working of a boy who's been forced to become a man, much too serious for his age, and who knows love with a depth I hadn't really registered before, even though all the signs were there.

Finally, there's the plot itself. A good mix between political, action and romance, it delivered a satisfying conclusion after the huge build-up, which is something to be praised. I mean, when Betrayal had rised the stakes sky-high, it's really difficult to pull off a conclusion that doesn't feel forced, fake, convenient... And that's exactly what Amber Garr did: she kept me guessing, kept the characters real (yes, I realize the Bad Guy is really extreme, but I buy him: there are men like that in the real world), and kept the action believable.

In one word: Outstanding.

After having gone through the series, I can safely call it a "must read" in its genre, and I honestly can't wait for more from this author. (less)

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May 20, 2013 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Actual rating 4.5!
I actually like how it ends! It really is a surprise considering the fact that I normally love the uh....main hero more, which in this case it was Brendan (*for the first 2 books*). (view spoiler)

And FINALLY!!!!!! That LUNATIC is dead or should I said both LUN...more

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Feb 23, 2013 Chasity rated it 5 of 5 stars

Let me begin by saying what a way to end a trilogy! What a touching, compelling novel!
I am truly addicted to these characters now. Amber Garr created such an amazing world, with such realistic, heartfelt characters

Eviana really seems doomed in this final installment nothing her and the group do seems to work against the great force of Lucian. Also many of their allies turn on them; it would seem their chances of winning were dwindling greatly. Will the good be able to overcome the evil or will E...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Tien rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour, paranormal, young-adult

I swear by everything that’s holy that I wrote my review for Betrayal (book 2) before I even touched Arise! The fact that my wish came true was a miracle!! Well, not quite, it’s really the work of Amber Garr in totally pre-empting her reader’s wish (me, in this case) of which I am completely grateful for. When I first saw that chapter in Kain’s POV, my ‘Yes’ reverberated through the house and my fist was pumping the air, I was so freaking excited for it. I really couldn’t believe my luck! Here I...more

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Sep 11, 2012 Candace (Lovey Dovey Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Arise, the final novel of The Syrenka Series, overflows with drama, emotions, and action! Since it's told in the perspective of both Kain Matthew and Eviana Dumahl, it better captures the intensity of the characters than the previous two novels. Discovering that both sides of their story will be shared hints at the outcome of the story, but it doesn't quite prepare readers for the drama to unfold.

The plot is very straight forward. Amber Garr gets right to the point and keeps the story moving. Re...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Katrina (Kindred Dreamheart) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-reader, blog-tour, blog-review

While Arise is book three of a series, it reads like the conclusion of a trilogy. At the same time hints are drooped that could support more. It is told in multiple points of views, so readers get insight into the head of the very dashing, Kain! The story begins with our heroine,Eviana, in captivity. Devastated, alone, on hunger strike, and mentally defeated dealing with the family revitalization delivered from Lucian in book two. Talk about depressed! Meanwhile, Kain is seriously wounded, the g...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Mandy (I read Indie) Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE YET TO READ EITHER Promises OR Betrayal. IT WILL HAVE SOME SPOILERS!

Eviana is being held captive by her creepy, weirdo of a father. He is trying to make her accept a life that she believes is wrong…one that consists of merpeople ruling over humans. But is she strong enough to deny what is in her blood?

Oh.My.Flippin.Goodness! When I first started reading ARISE I was about as confused with my feelings of Graham as Eviana was. Can she trust this guy? I mean he did hel...more PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE YET TO READ EITHER Promises OR Betrayal. IT WILL HAVE SOME SPOILERS!

Eviana is being held captive by her creepy, weirdo of a father. He is trying to make her accept a life that she believes is wrong…one that consists of merpeople ruling over humans. But is she strong enough to deny what is in her blood?

Oh.My.Flippin.Goodness! When I first started reading ARISE I was about as confused with my feelings of Graham as Eviana was. Can she trust this guy? I mean he did help turn her over to her psychotic and delusional father right? But why is he being tortured by Lucian? And why does she feel this attraction to him? Yep, confusion, confusion, confusion. But goodness, goodness, goodness…cause you have no idea where the story is going to go.

One of my favorite parts of the book you might ask? Kain's POV. Why you might ask? Cause I absolutely love him. I have always been rooting for him since he was first introduced in PROMISES. And to hear his side of the story throughout the book was pure heaven. The guy is a total doll. But what about Brenden and Graham; how do they fit into Eviana’s life? Eviana has 3 guys vying for her affection in one way or another and she doesn’t have 3 seconds to herself to sort through her emotions. So when all is said and done…the heart wants what the heart wants! Who will be standing by Eviana’s side when the series ends?

He looked at me with such love, that it nearly broke my concentration. In one swift motion, he grabbed me by the waist and lifted me up against him. His mouth covered mine and I didn’t hold back. I wrapped my legs around his sides and enjoyed the feel of every part of his body.

Swoon with me folks! But who is Eviana talking about? Hmmm, guess you will have to read to find out.

To say I am sad to see this series end is an understatement. The Syrenka series was one of the first mermaid stories I have read and it is one of my favorite series period. Can it not just go on forever? Please? Or hey…spin off? That could work too! Fans of mermaids and mermen should definitely check this series out. Who likes a little romance and suspense? Well the story has that too. You cannot go wrong when it comes to the Syrenka series…it has it all!(less)

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Jul 05, 2012 Candy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: lord-love-a-lobster

From head to tail, The Syrenka Series has 1) captivated me by the inviting swells of enchanting whimsical creatures 2) pulled me under with unseen currents of paniful love 3) sucked me into whirlpools of despairing chaos 4) knocked me down with tidal waves of tragedy and 5) has picked me up to float on the peaceful waves of happiness. Poetic much? That may be but its true and even more so in this conclusion of the series, Arise. Allow me to expound:

1) Throughout the trilogy, we are introduced to...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Michelle added it

Eviana was captured in Book 2 and it left me worrying for her and wondering how she would be getting out of that complicated situation. Of course her friends would be trying to save her but will they be successful?

The Syrenka Series is a captivating series filled with mermaids, selkies and water sprites. You'll keep wanting to read more once you start with the series. Arise does not disappoint and delivers a satisfying conclusion to the whole series. The manipulation of emotions in Arise was gre...more

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Sep 09, 2012 Dani C. (Paulette's Papers) rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a captivating conclusion to this wonder paranormal romantic trilogy! Arise is another book that you can’t put down until you have finished it.

Now if you haven’t read the first two in the Syrenka Series, I recommend you do. I think you will be totally lost if read Arise without having read the first two books.

In Arise we see Eviana dealing with betrayals and being kidnapped. Surprising secrets come out and heartbreaking tragedies happen. This is another action pack and emotional story that w...more

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Jul 23, 2012 E rated it 5 of 5 stars

This one was my favorite of the trilogy and was way more difficult for me to put down and still wanting more. :) This is one happy reader.

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Aug 16, 2012 Kathryn Wyckoff rated it 3 of 5 stars

Not the best mermaid books I've read, but this series was entertaining. This was my least favorite of the books.

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Oct 03, 2012 Haley ~ YA-Aholic rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

YAY!!! Such an amazing ending to the series! (: Full review of the series coming soon!

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Jul 27, 2012 Amber Garza rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-challenge

Review to come

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Jul 07, 2012 Renee added it

Shelves: summer-2012, 2012-reading-challenge

I felt conflicted with Promises and really like Betrayal, but Arise felt "eh" for me. I think it comes down to the fact that the writing style is not consistent with the age of the characters. If there was less mention of intimacy (sex) and the age of the characters were 16-18, I think this would be a great series. I like the tale overall, I just think some parts should be "tweeked" to be marketed to a younger demographic.

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Nov 06, 2012 Erica rated it 4 of 5 stars

An excellent ending to a great trilogy!!!

This edition was so action packed I could hardly stop from reading it. There's betrayal and violence an death and compulsion and twists and turns and a little love thrown in the mix.

A real page turner. I felt this last installment completely covered the trilogy nicely ending on a high note with no real unanswered questions.

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About Amber Garr

Amber Garr spends her days conducting scientific experiments and wondering if her next door neighbor is secretly a vampire. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Florida with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. She writes both adult and young adult urban fantasies and when not...more

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