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Danilov Quintet #5
The Last Rite
Russia – 1917. Zmyeevich, king of all vampires, is dead.
History records that the great voordalak – known across Europe as Dracula – perished in 1893 beneath the ramparts of his own castle, deep in the mountains of Wallachia. In Russia, the Romanov tsars are free of the curse that has plagued their blood for two centuries.
But two decades later and Tsar Nicholas II faces a new threat – a threat from his own people. War has brought Russia to her knees and the people are hungry for change. Revolution is in the air.
Mihail Konstantinovich Danilov – who himself carries Romanov blood – welcomes the prospect of a new regime. Like his ancestors he once fought to save the Romanovs from the threat that Zmyeevich brought them. Fought and won. But now he sees no future for a Russia ruled by a tyrant. He is joined in the struggle by his uncle, Dmitry Alekseevich - a creature born in a different era, over a century before. For more than half his existence he has been a vampire, and yet he still harbours one very human desire; that his country should be free.
But the curse that infects the blood of the Romanovs cannot be so easily forgotten and Mihail soon discovers that it – that he – may become the means by which a terror once thought eradicated might be resurrected . . .
576 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2014
8 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Jasper Kent
17 books137 followersJasper Kent was born in Worcestershire, England in 1968. He attended King Edward's School, Birmingham and went on to study Natural Sciences at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, specializing in physics.
Jasper has spent almost twenty years working as a software engineer in the UK and in Europe, whilst also working on writing both fiction and music. In that time, he has produced the novels Twelve, Thirteen Years Later, The Third Section, The People's Will and The Last Oprichnik, as well as co-writing several musicals, including The Promised Land and Remember! Remember!
He currently lives in Hove, with six rats called Olga, Irina, Masha, Star, Bugby and Beau, a dog called Bilbo and a person called Helen.
Jasper has spent almost twenty years working as a software engineer in the UK and in Europe, whilst also working on writing both fiction and music. In that time, he has produced the novels Twelve, Thirteen Years Later, The Third Section, The People's Will and The Last Oprichnik, as well as co-writing several musicals, including The Promised Land and Remember! Remember!
He currently lives in Hove, with six rats called Olga, Irina, Masha, Star, Bugby and Beau, a dog called Bilbo and a person called Helen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 21, 2017
3.5 stars
This was quite different. This was a sensation of utter relief, of being found having been lost, of drinking a glass of cool water when dying of thirst. I was in the only place I should ever want to be.
This was quite different. This was a sensation of utter relief, of being found having been lost, of drinking a glass of cool water when dying of thirst. I was in the only place I should ever want to be.
July 14, 2019
The Danilov Quintet is the second long series that I've recently concluded after starting around 10 years ago, the first book "The Twelve" being one of the first books I ever dared review online. Over the interim I've worked through the other 3 and even shared messages with the author himself!
The Last Rite is probably my of my favourites and a fitting finale for the series. The prose is very crisp and vivid, and while I accused previous books of containing too much 'navel gazing' I thought that Last Rite had a good balance of internal and external action.
At first I was concerned that the story seemed a little same-y as the other books. A somewhat gritty but reasonable MC pottering around Russia with the backdrop being a significant sequence of Russian political history. But then at almost exactly halfway a twist occurs that zapped that misconception and creates a strange tension unique to this book (can't say more because it would be pretty spoilery) and a great way of connecting the end of the series with the start.
Probably my only beef with the story could have gone on for another few chapters, it felt like the pacing went from relatively sedate to lightening fast and there was potential to draw out the plot a little further.
Overall the series was a blast and glad I dived into it back in the late naughties.
The Last Rite is probably my of my favourites and a fitting finale for the series. The prose is very crisp and vivid, and while I accused previous books of containing too much 'navel gazing' I thought that Last Rite had a good balance of internal and external action.
At first I was concerned that the story seemed a little same-y as the other books. A somewhat gritty but reasonable MC pottering around Russia with the backdrop being a significant sequence of Russian political history. But then at almost exactly halfway a twist occurs that zapped that misconception and creates a strange tension unique to this book (can't say more because it would be pretty spoilery) and a great way of connecting the end of the series with the start.
Probably my only beef with the story could have gone on for another few chapters, it felt like the pacing went from relatively sedate to lightening fast and there was potential to draw out the plot a little further.
Overall the series was a blast and glad I dived into it back in the late naughties.
April 30, 2015
These days, vampire stories are a dime a dozen. Indeed, the majority of them have nothing original to differentiate them from the rest of the often lackluster pack. Yet by mixing his own tale with Russian historical fiction, with the Danilov Quintet Jasper Kent created something definitely unique, compelling, and thoroughly enjoyable!
Twelve, Thirteen Years Later, The Third Section, and The People's Will were all engaging and satisfying reads. And with this last installment, I was looking forward to see what sort of grand finale Kent had in store for his readers. Spanning over a century and generations of Romanov and Danilov family members, I was eager to discover just how this epic tale would come to an end. And I wasn't disappointed!
Here's the blurb:
Russia – 1917. Zmyeevich, king of all vampires, is dead.
History records that the great voordalak – known across Europe as Dracula – perished in 1893 beneath the ramparts of his own castle, deep in the mountains of Wallachia. In Russia, the Romanov tsars are free of the curse that has plagued their blood for two centuries.
But two decades later and Tsar Nicholas II faces a new threat – a threat from his own people. War has brought Russia to her knees and the people are hungry for change. Revolution is in the air.
Mihail Konstantinovich Danilov – who himself carries Romanov blood – welcomes the prospect of a new regime. Like his ancestors he once fought to save the Romanovs from the threat that Zmyeevich brought them. Fought and won. But now he sees no future for a Russia ruled by a tyrant. He is joined in the struggle by his uncle, Dmitry Alekseevich - a creature born in a different era, over a century before. For more than half his existence he has been a vampire, and yet he still harbours one very human desire; that his country should be free.
But the curse that infects the blood of the Romanovs cannot be so easily forgotten and Mihail soon discovers that it – that he – may become the means by which a terror once thought eradicated might be resurrected . . .
The historical backdrop for The Last Rite is the Russian revolution of 1917, which was triggered by a combination of economic breakdown, war-weariness, and discontent with the Tsars that ultimately led to seizure of power by the Communist Bolsheviks. As is usually his wont, Jasper Kent's flair and his eye for historical details capture the minutiae of the day-to-day life in Russia during that particular era and create an evocative narrative that never fails to dazzle the eye. However, though this marks an extremely important moment from an historical perspective, the author didn't quite manage to weave these momentous events with his various plotlines the way he was able to in the fourth volume. It doesn't take anything away from the overall reading experience, but it would have been nice if the brewing revolution had taken center stage and influenced every plotline and protagonist in the same manner as in The People's Will.
This novel features the point of view of Mihail Konstantinovich Danilov. Along with his mother, as a youth he devoted his entire existence to the destruction of vampires. More than three decades have passed since he killed Iuda and Mihail is now an old man with heart problems. With Russia on the brink of revolution, Mihail's life is about to change once more as his past catches up with him. There was an unanticipated and shocking surprise as to what the other main protagonist turned out to be. I can't elaborate on that specific POV, for it would be a major spoiler. Needless to say, these two points of view create an interesting balance as we witness events occurring through the eyes of such disparate characters. Characterization has always been a highlight in the Danilov Quintet and it's certainly no exception once again with The Last Rite.
Both Thirteen Years Later and The Third Section suffered from occasional pacing issues and the same can be said of this final instalment. The People's Will was pretty much a page-turner, but the rhythm drags in certain portions of this book. Still, once the endgame has begun, from that point on the novel becomes impossible to put down!
Ever since I read Twelve and learned that the series would follow the Danilov family through the generations at the way to the Russian Revolution, I've been wondering how Jasper Kent would bring this story to a close. Although there is some foreshadowing throughout The Last Rite, I never saw the end coming. Everything comes full circle, with the sort of great finale that does justice to this epic tale of vampires.
I mention this in every single review: if you are looking for an intriguing blend of Russian historical fiction and paranormal fiction, Kent's Danilov Quintet is definitely what the doctor ordered. If you want to read something different, this series deserves the highest possible recommendation. Indeed, this should intrigue and satisfy even the most jaded genre fiction readers!
The Last Rite is a fitting end to a superior series. Jasper Kent's Danilov Quintet is definitely one of the very best speculative fiction series of the new millennium! Do yourself a favor and read these books!
For more reviews: www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
Twelve, Thirteen Years Later, The Third Section, and The People's Will were all engaging and satisfying reads. And with this last installment, I was looking forward to see what sort of grand finale Kent had in store for his readers. Spanning over a century and generations of Romanov and Danilov family members, I was eager to discover just how this epic tale would come to an end. And I wasn't disappointed!
Here's the blurb:
Russia – 1917. Zmyeevich, king of all vampires, is dead.
History records that the great voordalak – known across Europe as Dracula – perished in 1893 beneath the ramparts of his own castle, deep in the mountains of Wallachia. In Russia, the Romanov tsars are free of the curse that has plagued their blood for two centuries.
But two decades later and Tsar Nicholas II faces a new threat – a threat from his own people. War has brought Russia to her knees and the people are hungry for change. Revolution is in the air.
Mihail Konstantinovich Danilov – who himself carries Romanov blood – welcomes the prospect of a new regime. Like his ancestors he once fought to save the Romanovs from the threat that Zmyeevich brought them. Fought and won. But now he sees no future for a Russia ruled by a tyrant. He is joined in the struggle by his uncle, Dmitry Alekseevich - a creature born in a different era, over a century before. For more than half his existence he has been a vampire, and yet he still harbours one very human desire; that his country should be free.
But the curse that infects the blood of the Romanovs cannot be so easily forgotten and Mihail soon discovers that it – that he – may become the means by which a terror once thought eradicated might be resurrected . . .
The historical backdrop for The Last Rite is the Russian revolution of 1917, which was triggered by a combination of economic breakdown, war-weariness, and discontent with the Tsars that ultimately led to seizure of power by the Communist Bolsheviks. As is usually his wont, Jasper Kent's flair and his eye for historical details capture the minutiae of the day-to-day life in Russia during that particular era and create an evocative narrative that never fails to dazzle the eye. However, though this marks an extremely important moment from an historical perspective, the author didn't quite manage to weave these momentous events with his various plotlines the way he was able to in the fourth volume. It doesn't take anything away from the overall reading experience, but it would have been nice if the brewing revolution had taken center stage and influenced every plotline and protagonist in the same manner as in The People's Will.
This novel features the point of view of Mihail Konstantinovich Danilov. Along with his mother, as a youth he devoted his entire existence to the destruction of vampires. More than three decades have passed since he killed Iuda and Mihail is now an old man with heart problems. With Russia on the brink of revolution, Mihail's life is about to change once more as his past catches up with him. There was an unanticipated and shocking surprise as to what the other main protagonist turned out to be. I can't elaborate on that specific POV, for it would be a major spoiler. Needless to say, these two points of view create an interesting balance as we witness events occurring through the eyes of such disparate characters. Characterization has always been a highlight in the Danilov Quintet and it's certainly no exception once again with The Last Rite.
Both Thirteen Years Later and The Third Section suffered from occasional pacing issues and the same can be said of this final instalment. The People's Will was pretty much a page-turner, but the rhythm drags in certain portions of this book. Still, once the endgame has begun, from that point on the novel becomes impossible to put down!
Ever since I read Twelve and learned that the series would follow the Danilov family through the generations at the way to the Russian Revolution, I've been wondering how Jasper Kent would bring this story to a close. Although there is some foreshadowing throughout The Last Rite, I never saw the end coming. Everything comes full circle, with the sort of great finale that does justice to this epic tale of vampires.
I mention this in every single review: if you are looking for an intriguing blend of Russian historical fiction and paranormal fiction, Kent's Danilov Quintet is definitely what the doctor ordered. If you want to read something different, this series deserves the highest possible recommendation. Indeed, this should intrigue and satisfy even the most jaded genre fiction readers!
The Last Rite is a fitting end to a superior series. Jasper Kent's Danilov Quintet is definitely one of the very best speculative fiction series of the new millennium! Do yourself a favor and read these books!
For more reviews: www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
June 20, 2021
This series are most realistic. All story told us real russina empire history at 19-20yy
November 13, 2015
Some novels just grip you hard and refuse to let go, ‘The Last Rite’ is definitely one of those, and, as the title suggests, the last in a series, as a review novel I was given the fourth instalment in this series a little while back and, whilst confusing (as you would expect starting with the fourth) it was a very compelling read, so my bank account got a little worse off while my bookshelves got a little fuller and I started back at the beginning, no regrets at all. So, now we are 105 years ahead and the Russian vampire tale is finally reaching the end, and what an end it turns out to be, the narrative takes a slightly different style in this novel, this works though, if fits in with the progress in the timeline and development of the characters in focus very well, luckily considering that in the blurb you already know Zymeevich, a major player in this series is dead. Kent does have a tendancy to delve very deep into the descriptive, for some this may make the pace feel a little slow, but it does not take anything away from the quality.
Reading up in order is very highly recommended with the Danilov quintet, as a stand alone ‘The Last Rite’ would most likely make for a pretty good read but I do think it would be quite a struggle at the same time.
Reading up in order is very highly recommended with the Danilov quintet, as a stand alone ‘The Last Rite’ would most likely make for a pretty good read but I do think it would be quite a struggle at the same time.
July 11, 2015
Sonunda bitti. Size yalan gelir, bu seri bitmeden ölürüm diye korkuyordum. 1812’de başlayan maceramız, hayırlısıyla bitti.
Aslında anlatmak, bahsetmek istediğim çok şey var. Bu seriyi okuyan biriyle saatlerce muhabbet edebilirim. Ancak burada dilimi tutmak zorundayım. Olur da bir gün okursanız tadını kaçırmak istemiyorum.
Son Ayin’de de karşımızda bir önceki kitapta genç bir subay olan ve dedesinin ve annesi Tamara’nın hayallerini gerçekleştiren Mihail var. Var ama yıllar acımasız. Mihail artık 60’ına merdiven dayamış, kalp hastası bir adam. Kendini siyasete vermiş ve yıl 1917. Birinci dünya savaşının son zamanları. Rusya bir yandan savaşla uğraşırken, bir yandan da Bolşevik ihtilali ile uğraşıyor. Mihail ve üvey dayısı şerefsiz Dimitriy (İkinci kitaptan beri gıcığım ben bu herife. Danilov’ların en irisi ama en haysiyetsizi) ile birlikte Rusya için en iyisini yapmaya çalışıyorlar. Bir de vampirler Rusya’da toplanmış öldüğü söylenen Zimeyeviç’i geri getirmeye çalışıyorlar.
http://ucalisan.blogspot.com.tr/2015/...
Aslında anlatmak, bahsetmek istediğim çok şey var. Bu seriyi okuyan biriyle saatlerce muhabbet edebilirim. Ancak burada dilimi tutmak zorundayım. Olur da bir gün okursanız tadını kaçırmak istemiyorum.
Son Ayin’de de karşımızda bir önceki kitapta genç bir subay olan ve dedesinin ve annesi Tamara’nın hayallerini gerçekleştiren Mihail var. Var ama yıllar acımasız. Mihail artık 60’ına merdiven dayamış, kalp hastası bir adam. Kendini siyasete vermiş ve yıl 1917. Birinci dünya savaşının son zamanları. Rusya bir yandan savaşla uğraşırken, bir yandan da Bolşevik ihtilali ile uğraşıyor. Mihail ve üvey dayısı şerefsiz Dimitriy (İkinci kitaptan beri gıcığım ben bu herife. Danilov’ların en irisi ama en haysiyetsizi) ile birlikte Rusya için en iyisini yapmaya çalışıyorlar. Bir de vampirler Rusya’da toplanmış öldüğü söylenen Zimeyeviç’i geri getirmeye çalışıyorlar.
http://ucalisan.blogspot.com.tr/2015/...
November 22, 2017
A Satisfying Ending | Review of ‘The Last Rite’ (The Danilov Quintet #5)(Review originally posted on Cyn's Workshop)
What makes this novel compelling is the historical context in which the events are taking place, and amongst everything else that is also what makes the novel stand out. The series began with Twelve, taking place in 1812 during Napoleon’s Russian campaign (which we all know failed utterly) and it ends here, during the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. The series spans 102 years’ worth of history, taking a focus on a country that has so much upheaval, while also keeping them all the same characters intact, even those who were present in the story.
Throughout the series the characters have been so captivating, growing from novel to novel, but also passing along from generation to generation. But the premise, for the most part, has always been the same: defeat and destroy the vampires that plague their great Russia. It’s a concept that one would see in the Enquirer “Russia under Vampire Leader,” but the way that Kent presents the novel is remarkable. This is a story; it is about the characters and how they are pushed to their limits while also capturing the internal struggle of these characters. The characters all have some baggage, and not all of it is personal. Political belief has a strong imprint on these characters. That is not to say that it is a political novel because it is not, but the reality is that these types of things affect people in so many ways. In the novel, the reader gets to see how these characters are motivated and why they are motivated the way they are. This adds a level of reality to the novel that doesn’t subtract from the paranormal but instead adds to it. These vampires are more than just monsters, emotionless monsters most definitely, but there is so much more to them than just what many have written about them. These are not vampires anyone wants to meet in real life, and that air of darkness that Kent has woven around them, it is breathtaking because it is different. Characterization is essential in this series, and Kent makes sure to have the story revolve around them with exceptional writing.
As for the story itself, there are points where the novel drags, leaving the reader to wonder where exactly the story is going. In the previous novel, readers saw Iuda die at the hands of Mihail. Where does one go from there, from killing the main antagonist of the series? Kent brought Dracula into the series, yet he remained secondary as far as antagonists go. Moreover, his character hardly matters here since this novel captures the ending of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, taking away the possibility of him being another antagonist. So, the reader is left to wonder about the story. It is easy to see where the story might have gone; all the pieces were there, all the mystery and intrigue was carefully placed to lead the story in one direction. However, that is not where the story went, and the direction it took was utterly and wondrously unexpected. That is when the pace of the novel picks up because now something is going on other than just political upheaval. The past comes back to the all the characters, and while I am no history buff, I can say that the skill here gives me no doubt that Kent made sure that this novel was accurate. Well, accurate as it could be. It is clear to see just where he might have taken some liberties, but overall. They hardly matter to the overall plot of the story.
In the end, the story came full circle. It explored the past, tied up the future, and will undoubtedly leave the reader with a happy. (★★★★☆ | A)
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Google+ | LinkedIn
What makes this novel compelling is the historical context in which the events are taking place, and amongst everything else that is also what makes the novel stand out. The series began with Twelve, taking place in 1812 during Napoleon’s Russian campaign (which we all know failed utterly) and it ends here, during the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. The series spans 102 years’ worth of history, taking a focus on a country that has so much upheaval, while also keeping them all the same characters intact, even those who were present in the story.
Throughout the series the characters have been so captivating, growing from novel to novel, but also passing along from generation to generation. But the premise, for the most part, has always been the same: defeat and destroy the vampires that plague their great Russia. It’s a concept that one would see in the Enquirer “Russia under Vampire Leader,” but the way that Kent presents the novel is remarkable. This is a story; it is about the characters and how they are pushed to their limits while also capturing the internal struggle of these characters. The characters all have some baggage, and not all of it is personal. Political belief has a strong imprint on these characters. That is not to say that it is a political novel because it is not, but the reality is that these types of things affect people in so many ways. In the novel, the reader gets to see how these characters are motivated and why they are motivated the way they are. This adds a level of reality to the novel that doesn’t subtract from the paranormal but instead adds to it. These vampires are more than just monsters, emotionless monsters most definitely, but there is so much more to them than just what many have written about them. These are not vampires anyone wants to meet in real life, and that air of darkness that Kent has woven around them, it is breathtaking because it is different. Characterization is essential in this series, and Kent makes sure to have the story revolve around them with exceptional writing.
As for the story itself, there are points where the novel drags, leaving the reader to wonder where exactly the story is going. In the previous novel, readers saw Iuda die at the hands of Mihail. Where does one go from there, from killing the main antagonist of the series? Kent brought Dracula into the series, yet he remained secondary as far as antagonists go. Moreover, his character hardly matters here since this novel captures the ending of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, taking away the possibility of him being another antagonist. So, the reader is left to wonder about the story. It is easy to see where the story might have gone; all the pieces were there, all the mystery and intrigue was carefully placed to lead the story in one direction. However, that is not where the story went, and the direction it took was utterly and wondrously unexpected. That is when the pace of the novel picks up because now something is going on other than just political upheaval. The past comes back to the all the characters, and while I am no history buff, I can say that the skill here gives me no doubt that Kent made sure that this novel was accurate. Well, accurate as it could be. It is clear to see just where he might have taken some liberties, but overall. They hardly matter to the overall plot of the story.
In the end, the story came full circle. It explored the past, tied up the future, and will undoubtedly leave the reader with a happy. (★★★★☆ | A)
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Google+ | LinkedIn
May 12, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Russia – 1917. Zmyeevich, king of all vampires, is dead.
History records that the great voordalak – known across Europe as Dracula – perished in 1893 beneath the ramparts of his own castle, deep in the mountains of Wallachia. In Russia, the Romanov tsars are free of the curse that has plagued their blood for two centuries.
But two decades later and Tsar Nicholas II faces a new threat – a threat from his own people. War has brought Russia to her knees and the people are hungry for change. Revolution is in the air.
Mihail Konstantinovich Danilov – who himself carries Romanov blood – welcomes the prospect of a new regime. Like his ancestors he once fought to save the Romanovs from the threat that Zmyeevich brought them. Fought and won. But now he sees no future for a Russia ruled by a tyrant. He is joined in the struggle by his uncle, Dmitry Alekseevich - a creature born in a different era, over a century before. For more than half his existence he has been a vampire, and yet he still harbours one very human desire; that his country should be free.
But the curse that infects the blood of the Romanovs cannot be so easily forgotten and Mihail soon discovers that it – that he – may become the means by which a terror once thought eradicated might be resurrected...
This is book 5 of the Danilov Quartet. And what a great series this has been...
When I started this series, I had grown bored of vampires, and their ilk, as it had been done to death and I didn't feel like there was anything new on offer. Then I found Twelve and everything changed.
The best thing about this book (and the series as a whole) has been the connection to historical events. This one ties in with the Russian Revolution and the story-telling here is just fantastic. I found myself wondering how this series was going to finish and, although there were some hints along the way, I was pleasantly surprised with the conclusion.
The only downside for me was that, at times, the pacing of this novel was just a bit off. I felt like the story dragged through the middle parts - like it was just waiting to get the end. But once the end arrived, it was brilliant!
Paul
ARH
Russia – 1917. Zmyeevich, king of all vampires, is dead.
History records that the great voordalak – known across Europe as Dracula – perished in 1893 beneath the ramparts of his own castle, deep in the mountains of Wallachia. In Russia, the Romanov tsars are free of the curse that has plagued their blood for two centuries.
But two decades later and Tsar Nicholas II faces a new threat – a threat from his own people. War has brought Russia to her knees and the people are hungry for change. Revolution is in the air.
Mihail Konstantinovich Danilov – who himself carries Romanov blood – welcomes the prospect of a new regime. Like his ancestors he once fought to save the Romanovs from the threat that Zmyeevich brought them. Fought and won. But now he sees no future for a Russia ruled by a tyrant. He is joined in the struggle by his uncle, Dmitry Alekseevich - a creature born in a different era, over a century before. For more than half his existence he has been a vampire, and yet he still harbours one very human desire; that his country should be free.
But the curse that infects the blood of the Romanovs cannot be so easily forgotten and Mihail soon discovers that it – that he – may become the means by which a terror once thought eradicated might be resurrected...
This is book 5 of the Danilov Quartet. And what a great series this has been...
When I started this series, I had grown bored of vampires, and their ilk, as it had been done to death and I didn't feel like there was anything new on offer. Then I found Twelve and everything changed.
The best thing about this book (and the series as a whole) has been the connection to historical events. This one ties in with the Russian Revolution and the story-telling here is just fantastic. I found myself wondering how this series was going to finish and, although there were some hints along the way, I was pleasantly surprised with the conclusion.
The only downside for me was that, at times, the pacing of this novel was just a bit off. I felt like the story dragged through the middle parts - like it was just waiting to get the end. But once the end arrived, it was brilliant!
Paul
ARH
March 26, 2020
Seriyi tamamen bitirdikten sonra yorum yapabilirim sanırım artık,
İlk olarak serinin birinci kitabı basıldıktan sonra aldım ve devamının geleceğini fark edince okumak için uzun süre bekledim ve hızlı bir okuyucu olmadığım için de tamamını okumam hayli uzun bir zaman dilimine yayıldı.
Rus tarihini bir noktadan alıp, 1. Dünya Savaşı sonuna kadar getirdiğinde, fantastik bir perspektifle bütün tarihe şahit oldum, o bakımdan başarılı.
Fantastik öğeler ve gerçek sırıtmayacak şekilde işlenmiş ki bu da okumaya devam etmemi sağladı. İlk okuduğum vampir merkezli kitaptı ve sıkılmadan bunu yapabildim.
----Spoiler----
Son sahneler vurucu idi, hem form değiştirip ölmek bilmeyen Yuda hem de Dracula'nın sonunu art arda okumak etkileyiciydi. Ancak Yuda'nın hafıza-düşünce olarak dönmesi artık biraz sıkıcı olmuş. Zimeyeviç ile efsane bir son kapışma olabilirdi. Ben hep Aleksey'in bir şekilde olaylara döneceğini umdum fakat o noktada fantastik bir dokunuş olmadı.
-------------
İlk olarak serinin birinci kitabı basıldıktan sonra aldım ve devamının geleceğini fark edince okumak için uzun süre bekledim ve hızlı bir okuyucu olmadığım için de tamamını okumam hayli uzun bir zaman dilimine yayıldı.
Rus tarihini bir noktadan alıp, 1. Dünya Savaşı sonuna kadar getirdiğinde, fantastik bir perspektifle bütün tarihe şahit oldum, o bakımdan başarılı.
Fantastik öğeler ve gerçek sırıtmayacak şekilde işlenmiş ki bu da okumaya devam etmemi sağladı. İlk okuduğum vampir merkezli kitaptı ve sıkılmadan bunu yapabildim.
----Spoiler----
Son sahneler vurucu idi, hem form değiştirip ölmek bilmeyen Yuda hem de Dracula'nın sonunu art arda okumak etkileyiciydi. Ancak Yuda'nın hafıza-düşünce olarak dönmesi artık biraz sıkıcı olmuş. Zimeyeviç ile efsane bir son kapışma olabilirdi. Ben hep Aleksey'in bir şekilde olaylara döneceğini umdum fakat o noktada fantastik bir dokunuş olmadı.
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August 18, 2019
A great finish to the quintet.
Quite different to the previous books in the series perhaps a bit slower, but the author still plays with the same intrigue and subthemes. I find Jasper Kent's use of his story's history from the previous books well done and adds to the continuity of his novels right throughout and he wraps it up nicely.
Thanks for a great series.
Quite different to the previous books in the series perhaps a bit slower, but the author still plays with the same intrigue and subthemes. I find Jasper Kent's use of his story's history from the previous books well done and adds to the continuity of his novels right throughout and he wraps it up nicely.
Thanks for a great series.
July 19, 2023
Absolute quality the fifth and final book in the excellent Danilov series. Superb characterisation and writing throughout. A great mix of historical fiction and the supernatural, atmospheric clever descriptive intelligent and totally engaging from first to last page.
Completely and utterly recommended.
Completely and utterly recommended.
December 4, 2023
Sadly this was a disappointing end. The saga started on a high and each book didn't live up to the last. I didn't enjoy the twist and lost all of what made Iuda such a great character. It should have ended a long time ago. Unfortunately this book added nothing to the saga.
May 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this series. This was a nice end
January 7, 2018
That last book ?
A bit slower to read but still great and I have not been able to put down over the last few days
A bit slower to read but still great and I have not been able to put down over the last few days
July 14, 2019
Great ending for this quintet, but please, for total enjoyment, read them in order.
May 28, 2015
Awesome!
The only reason I didn't give it 5 was because I was hoping to see a lot more of Zmyeevich. . Also it was missing a bit of the "physics" of the world. I wanted more ancient stories, or more light on vampire physiology. .
But all those are just my preference. I still thoroughly enjoyed the book, particularly at about 1/2 way in when an unexpected key event occurs . Good to see Kent had more twists at hand.
It's got a decent progressive pacing, the plot is rich thanks to the previous 4 books. I just felt something lacking from Mihail, though to be fair, I never felt anyone's presence could match up with Aleksei's.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 was because I was hoping to see a lot more of Zmyeevich. . Also it was missing a bit of the "physics" of the world. I wanted more ancient stories, or more light on vampire physiology. .
But all those are just my preference. I still thoroughly enjoyed the book, particularly at about 1/2 way in when an unexpected key event occurs . Good to see Kent had more twists at hand.
It's got a decent progressive pacing, the plot is rich thanks to the previous 4 books. I just felt something lacking from Mihail, though to be fair, I never felt anyone's presence could match up with Aleksei's.
January 6, 2025
If you prefer to listen with added extras: YouTube SERIES Review
I adore this quintet... this series of books is without doubt one of the most compelling and beautifully written vampire stories in recent decades. The level of detail, the historical interweaving of the invasion of Russia by Napoleon and the surrounding events and sieges. There is a twist on these Vampires, they are dark and wicked and start as a means to an end, but then our beloved central character and his descendents continue to deal with the fall out of the events in this first book, and their calling upon the Vampires.
P.S. Love bookmarks? Want to print them out and use them as often as you like? Love ephemera and junk journal’s and prints too? Try out my new website The Witchery Woo
I adore this quintet... this series of books is without doubt one of the most compelling and beautifully written vampire stories in recent decades. The level of detail, the historical interweaving of the invasion of Russia by Napoleon and the surrounding events and sieges. There is a twist on these Vampires, they are dark and wicked and start as a means to an end, but then our beloved central character and his descendents continue to deal with the fall out of the events in this first book, and their calling upon the Vampires.
P.S. Love bookmarks? Want to print them out and use them as often as you like? Love ephemera and junk journal’s and prints too? Try out my new website The Witchery Woo
September 15, 2015
Ignoring the vampires (for the moment), this was a richly detailed, obviously well researched account of the Russian Revolution of 1917. I have read other fiction titles set in this time, but this give the period real feeling and I feel I have a better understanding of the timeline of events and motivations of the key groups.
February 10, 2016
Took me ages to get into it. Unfortunately it didn't become entertaining or intriguing and even then only in patches after the halfway point... Lots of plodding around and mulling over the issues without even much intrigue within the political history, therefore I got bored in places.
More like 2.5 stars but couldn't bring myself to bump it up to 3 stars.
More like 2.5 stars but couldn't bring myself to bump it up to 3 stars.
Want to read
January 23, 2015I received this book in the Goodreads First Read giveaway
Review to come....
I haven't read the other 4 books yet but the library has them. After I finish the other 4 I will read and review this one.
Review to come....
I haven't read the other 4 books yet but the library has them. After I finish the other 4 I will read and review this one.
February 15, 2015
I won this book on a goodread giveaway.Revolutions vampires and russian history lesson odd combination but strangely works. This is book 5 of the series so I did find confusing catch up areas but overall a good read.Many thanks
August 27, 2016
WOW! This book just blew my mind! An amazing finale to a great series! From the first page , first sentence I was surprised... Did not expect that! Amazing twists! By far one of the best reads and finale to a series in a long time! Looking forwards to see what Jasper Kent will come up with next!
July 18, 2020
Kent wraps up the story of a century of Russian history intertwined with the plans of the Vourdalak brilliantly. The final chapter of the Danilov’s crusade to save first the Romanovs, and ultimately Russia, is brought to satisfying and fantastic conclusion.
November 9, 2014
Kind of an unceremonious finish but the series lost steam a while ago so not entirely unsuspected.
May 25, 2020
A brilliant end to the Danilov quintet, all five books are so well researched and written historical fiction at its best.
March 13, 2015
Really good book!!!
August 21, 2015
Sürprizlerle dolu şekilde bitti seri... Jasper bence yazarlığın başında olmasına rağmen çok büyü bir iş çıkardı...
September 8, 2015
Zimeyevich, king of all vampires is dead. But I do not think Yuda died, also uncle Dimitriy still alive. Danilov who himself carries half Romanovs blood, saves the family again.
November 15, 2021
I enjoyed all the books from beginning to end.
Hopefully the author has plans to write more in the future.
Hopefully the author has plans to write more in the future.
December 21, 2016
Sonunda seri bitti. Son sayfalarını büyük bir heyecan içinde okudum. Türkiye'de bu kadar az okunmuş olması gerçekten hayal kırıklığı
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