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Ayala Storme #4
Eye of the Storm
Earth teeters on the edge of a razor sharp blade.
With the Summit on barely-unified tenterhooks and hellkin bubbling into Earth with no sun to stop them, Ayala Storme has her hard-won family, an uncertain new love, and a team of allies -- half of whom have betrayed her in the past.
When the cities of North America begin to fall to demon hordes, Ayala has to fight her way back into Nashville in a desperate hope to save her city. With the witches trying to find the original source of the imbalance that allows hellkin a tie to Earth and the Mediators ready to draw their swords every time they see a shade, time is ticking away.
The witches are working as fast as they can, but what they find may shake the foundations of everything Ayala has ever known -- and the answers needed to salvage what's left of Earth may only lie beyond Earth itself, in the sixth hell.
The battles are over. It's time for the war.
With the Summit on barely-unified tenterhooks and hellkin bubbling into Earth with no sun to stop them, Ayala Storme has her hard-won family, an uncertain new love, and a team of allies -- half of whom have betrayed her in the past.
When the cities of North America begin to fall to demon hordes, Ayala has to fight her way back into Nashville in a desperate hope to save her city. With the witches trying to find the original source of the imbalance that allows hellkin a tie to Earth and the Mediators ready to draw their swords every time they see a shade, time is ticking away.
The witches are working as fast as they can, but what they find may shake the foundations of everything Ayala has ever known -- and the answers needed to salvage what's left of Earth may only lie beyond Earth itself, in the sixth hell.
The battles are over. It's time for the war.
529 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2016
5 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Emmie Mears
21 books153 followersEmmie Mears writes the books they always needed to read about characters they wish they could be. Emmie is multilingual, autistic, agender, and a bad pescetarian.
Emmie makes their home with two cats in Glasgow, Scotland and hopes to keep it that way.
Emmie is represented by Sara Megibow of kt literary.
Emmie makes their home with two cats in Glasgow, Scotland and hopes to keep it that way.
Emmie is represented by Sara Megibow of kt literary.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 8, 2018
This was an epic finale to a great series with an even greater lead protagonist, Ayala Storme.
Everything comes to a head in this book and so much happens I almost felt worn out by the read. Ayala is still her snarky and indomitable self but the veneers of her hard shell definitely crack and we get a much more emotional version of her.
Nana, Ayala's pet bunny rabbit, remains the same, though. You can count on that, at least.
In the final book of the series, the gates of hell have opened, literally. The entire world is on the brink of extinction with the United States falling to the demons in a domino effect. Nashville is the main stronghold left in the South and the read is very much a "last stand" kind of feel.
Where books 1 and 2 were mainly action based narratives with slow leaks of information and, book 3 was less action but had a lot of reveal, book 4 is a heavy combo of both action and plot reveals. It's a bit of a wild ride as there are a lot of threads to cover and unexpected twists. A bit of melodrama seemed to come into play, though most of the read was still well-anchored, and I got the feeling that if I were to engage my brain and start asking questions of why and what if some links of the plot might weaken but I decided to turn it off and let the author deliver the story to me as intended. It's mainly an entertaining read with a ton of action and heart.
This last book also had more of a cinematic feel to me than the others and I could easily see it being an apocalyptic themed Summer blockbuster along the lines of Independence Day and Armageddon though I will say that this was more intelligent and clever.
For those looking for relationship developments between Mira and Ayala or some kind of romance we get commitment and some emotions expressed but, other than that, we still don't get much. There is some satisfaction delivered but when the world is ending and there's a lot to cover a romance just doesn't fit so much.
We do get a good amount of friendships and chosen family warm fuzzies, though.
Overall, this is a strong, ambitious, and well done series with a really fun lead. Definitely recommend.
4.5 stars
Everything comes to a head in this book and so much happens I almost felt worn out by the read. Ayala is still her snarky and indomitable self but the veneers of her hard shell definitely crack and we get a much more emotional version of her.
Nana, Ayala's pet bunny rabbit, remains the same, though. You can count on that, at least.
In the final book of the series, the gates of hell have opened, literally. The entire world is on the brink of extinction with the United States falling to the demons in a domino effect. Nashville is the main stronghold left in the South and the read is very much a "last stand" kind of feel.
Where books 1 and 2 were mainly action based narratives with slow leaks of information and, book 3 was less action but had a lot of reveal, book 4 is a heavy combo of both action and plot reveals. It's a bit of a wild ride as there are a lot of threads to cover and unexpected twists. A bit of melodrama seemed to come into play, though most of the read was still well-anchored, and I got the feeling that if I were to engage my brain and start asking questions of why and what if some links of the plot might weaken but I decided to turn it off and let the author deliver the story to me as intended. It's mainly an entertaining read with a ton of action and heart.
This last book also had more of a cinematic feel to me than the others and I could easily see it being an apocalyptic themed Summer blockbuster along the lines of Independence Day and Armageddon though I will say that this was more intelligent and clever.
For those looking for relationship developments between Mira and Ayala or some kind of romance we get commitment and some emotions expressed but, other than that, we still don't get much. There is some satisfaction delivered but when the world is ending and there's a lot to cover a romance just doesn't fit so much.
We do get a good amount of friendships and chosen family warm fuzzies, though.
Overall, this is a strong, ambitious, and well done series with a really fun lead. Definitely recommend.
4.5 stars
January 3, 2018
Not my favorite of the series, but definitely a great series. I would have loved more on the Ayala and Mira front, but at least the author gave us a f/f couple.
August 7, 2016
4.5 stars. Some minor spoilers for earlier books follow.
Eye of the Storm is, as the blurb makes clear, about the arrival of the demon-induced apocalypse. The beginning felt a little awkward to me, in that I didn't quite follow the reasons for Ayala and her crew leaving Nashville to go back to their cabin in the woods. (That might have just been because I stayed up past my bedtime several nights in a row and missed some crucial piece of detail.) However, once the action gets going, it really gets going.
I enjoy apocalypse fiction, and Eye of the Storm definitely delivered. There is a lot of emphasis on getting back into the city, on bunkering down and surviving, on attempts to work together even though the Summit is divided on how to deal with Ayala's allies, the shades.
The witches, led by Gryfflet Ashberry, are trying to work out a spell to help them figure out what it is that allows the demons to create portals to Earth. Ayala isn't big on the research - she's more like Buffy than Willow (except that both Ayala and Willow are bisexual, of course). Still, she's involved enough that we get a sense for how his research is progressing - and once it gets to a certain point, she has to take finding answers into her own hands. By that point I'd already guessed what the big reveal/information would be, but I found what she got up to interesting reading nonetheless!
One big point of difference between this and most end-of-the-world stories is that, although we get a lot of monster-splatting action along the way, the book doesn't end in a big smack-down fight but with more of a "witches' ritual and epic speech" vibe. I was actually glad of the difference; it wasn't that the big fight didn't happen, just that we only got to see parts of it. And since there wasn't some giant uber-bad to fight - a dragon to slay or whatever - if we'd seen more of it, it would've felt a little ... samey?
This entire series is fast paced and full of action, sass, tender romance (though barely any sex), strong friendships and splattery fights. There are some swears if that sort of thing bothers you. If it doesn't, read Ayala Storme. You won't regret it.
Eye of the Storm is, as the blurb makes clear, about the arrival of the demon-induced apocalypse. The beginning felt a little awkward to me, in that I didn't quite follow the reasons for Ayala and her crew leaving Nashville to go back to their cabin in the woods. (That might have just been because I stayed up past my bedtime several nights in a row and missed some crucial piece of detail.) However, once the action gets going, it really gets going.
I enjoy apocalypse fiction, and Eye of the Storm definitely delivered. There is a lot of emphasis on getting back into the city, on bunkering down and surviving, on attempts to work together even though the Summit is divided on how to deal with Ayala's allies, the shades.
The witches, led by Gryfflet Ashberry, are trying to work out a spell to help them figure out what it is that allows the demons to create portals to Earth. Ayala isn't big on the research - she's more like Buffy than Willow (except that both Ayala and Willow are bisexual, of course). Still, she's involved enough that we get a sense for how his research is progressing - and once it gets to a certain point, she has to take finding answers into her own hands. By that point I'd already guessed what the big reveal/information would be, but I found what she got up to interesting reading nonetheless!
One big point of difference between this and most end-of-the-world stories is that, although we get a lot of monster-splatting action along the way, the book doesn't end in a big smack-down fight but with more of a "witches' ritual and epic speech" vibe. I was actually glad of the difference; it wasn't that the big fight didn't happen, just that we only got to see parts of it. And since there wasn't some giant uber-bad to fight - a dragon to slay or whatever - if we'd seen more of it, it would've felt a little ... samey?
This entire series is fast paced and full of action, sass, tender romance (though barely any sex), strong friendships and splattery fights. There are some swears if that sort of thing bothers you. If it doesn't, read Ayala Storme. You won't regret it.
June 29, 2016
Have you read the previous three books in the series?
If not, you should go do that. If you have, I'd be quite surprised if you were actually reading reviews before deciding whether or not to read Eye of the Storm. However, just in case you are, this book is absolutely worth your time.
This entire series is fantastic. I've said before that Emmie Mears has written the books I was craving to read, and with Eye of the Storm Emmie did it again.
Ayala is a great hero. She's driven, funny, flawed and totally badass. She's ready to die to save the rest of Earth if she has to, though she really would rather it didn't come to that. And she's surrounded by a whole host of characters that are really worth getting to know and getting to see through her eyes.
Go read this book. Recommend it to your friends. Review it. Share it. We need more books like this.
If not, you should go do that. If you have, I'd be quite surprised if you were actually reading reviews before deciding whether or not to read Eye of the Storm. However, just in case you are, this book is absolutely worth your time.
This entire series is fantastic. I've said before that Emmie Mears has written the books I was craving to read, and with Eye of the Storm Emmie did it again.
Ayala is a great hero. She's driven, funny, flawed and totally badass. She's ready to die to save the rest of Earth if she has to, though she really would rather it didn't come to that. And she's surrounded by a whole host of characters that are really worth getting to know and getting to see through her eyes.
Go read this book. Recommend it to your friends. Review it. Share it. We need more books like this.
December 18, 2016
I've really enjoyed reading this series! It's urban fantasy-ass urban fantasy (demon slaying! sassy quips!), which isn't an insult - I love the genre. But I also love that this has a lot of what I find missing in most of the genre. I love that Ayala is a canonically bi protagonist, and that she's written in a way that avoids the tropes that a lot of media tends to fall into with queer characters. I appreciated the increasingly nuanced approach to understanding good and evil as the series developed, and I liked the diverse cast of characters (even though there were enough of them that I struggled to keep all the names straight). I ended up upgrading to audio for all four books in the series because I enjoyed how Amber Benson brought the books to life, and it was a great way to immerse myself in this world.
November 17, 2016
(RabidReads.com)The Ayala Storme series has become a favorite of mine, and always without fail, draws me in and doesn’t let go until the last page. This latest entry by author Emmie Mears was certainly up to that task, and succeeded admirably!
By now all the characters are like old friends. The world they inhabit is just barely recognizable and that’s because the earth has become a place infested by demons of all sorts. Whole states have fallen by the wayside and are now uninhabitable. Ayala Storme is a demon hunter extraordinaire. She has fought to save Nashville until she becomes a small part of what she actually hunts. Now carrying demon DNA (of sorts)inside her and leading a group of human-like demons called Shades, she still fights for humanity. And humanity? Well, they are not sure of her allegiances for the first time. And that includes many of her fellow hunters. So now she is being hunted by both the demons and her fellow hunters. Holed up in the boonies of Kentucky, she realizes she must go back to Nashville to face everything that is hunting her. But maybe it’s too late? Because things are moving fast for the demons and state after state is falling to them.
Ayala is one of my newer favorite fictional heroines now. She is fearless as the day is long, loyal to humanity in the same way, and just an all around kick ass demon hunter. She is an extremely well drawn character, the kind you would definitely want in your corner in any situation. She cares deeply for her friends and that includes the demon shades that follow her. She is in the beginning stages of falling for her best friend, Mira. Her ex-lover from earlier in the series, Mason, is also living in Kentucky with her, along with her brother, Evis. A new character, a heavily pregnant witch named Asher is introduced early on in this book. She’s very interesting, to say the least, and very vital to the story. Of course, Nana, the bunny is also back. Every time I read one of these, I end up wanting a bunny.
This was the last book in the series and I will honestly miss it. This series has really been a perfect urban fantasy and one that I will continue to recommend to anyone that will listen to me. Any romance in this takes a back seat to all the action and yes, even mystery involved in the story. There’s a mega amount of violence and edge of your seat scenes throughout this book and the whole series. This time that all got ramped up to truly finish out this series the perfect way. Good versus Evil and who’s going to win, and all that. Because of spoilers, I chose not to tell that much about the actual story for this installment.
I listened instead of read this one. It was the first time I had listened to one from this series, and I did enjoy it. Amber Benson (from Buffy fame) is the narrator and I will be honest, it took awhile for me to get used to the voice she uses for Ayala. But, not too far in I realized that it was pretty perfect for Ayala’s personality, so I ended up being very happy with the narration. Ayala was born and raised in the Nashville area, and her accent reflected that. Other voices are also done well. Ms. Benson’s acting chops really came in handy for this read!
I loved every book in this series, and none were a disappointment to me. As I said previously, I highly recommend this whole series because of the wonderful characters, the horrible villains (both human and demon), the deftly plotted writing, and for the flat out good time of a wild ride to the end. Must read for dark urban fantasy fans!
By now all the characters are like old friends. The world they inhabit is just barely recognizable and that’s because the earth has become a place infested by demons of all sorts. Whole states have fallen by the wayside and are now uninhabitable. Ayala Storme is a demon hunter extraordinaire. She has fought to save Nashville until she becomes a small part of what she actually hunts. Now carrying demon DNA (of sorts)inside her and leading a group of human-like demons called Shades, she still fights for humanity. And humanity? Well, they are not sure of her allegiances for the first time. And that includes many of her fellow hunters. So now she is being hunted by both the demons and her fellow hunters. Holed up in the boonies of Kentucky, she realizes she must go back to Nashville to face everything that is hunting her. But maybe it’s too late? Because things are moving fast for the demons and state after state is falling to them.
Ayala is one of my newer favorite fictional heroines now. She is fearless as the day is long, loyal to humanity in the same way, and just an all around kick ass demon hunter. She is an extremely well drawn character, the kind you would definitely want in your corner in any situation. She cares deeply for her friends and that includes the demon shades that follow her. She is in the beginning stages of falling for her best friend, Mira. Her ex-lover from earlier in the series, Mason, is also living in Kentucky with her, along with her brother, Evis. A new character, a heavily pregnant witch named Asher is introduced early on in this book. She’s very interesting, to say the least, and very vital to the story. Of course, Nana, the bunny is also back. Every time I read one of these, I end up wanting a bunny.
This was the last book in the series and I will honestly miss it. This series has really been a perfect urban fantasy and one that I will continue to recommend to anyone that will listen to me. Any romance in this takes a back seat to all the action and yes, even mystery involved in the story. There’s a mega amount of violence and edge of your seat scenes throughout this book and the whole series. This time that all got ramped up to truly finish out this series the perfect way. Good versus Evil and who’s going to win, and all that. Because of spoilers, I chose not to tell that much about the actual story for this installment.
I listened instead of read this one. It was the first time I had listened to one from this series, and I did enjoy it. Amber Benson (from Buffy fame) is the narrator and I will be honest, it took awhile for me to get used to the voice she uses for Ayala. But, not too far in I realized that it was pretty perfect for Ayala’s personality, so I ended up being very happy with the narration. Ayala was born and raised in the Nashville area, and her accent reflected that. Other voices are also done well. Ms. Benson’s acting chops really came in handy for this read!
I loved every book in this series, and none were a disappointment to me. As I said previously, I highly recommend this whole series because of the wonderful characters, the horrible villains (both human and demon), the deftly plotted writing, and for the flat out good time of a wild ride to the end. Must read for dark urban fantasy fans!
June 30, 2016
This book is powerful. I actually don't have the proper words to fully encapsulate my thoughts and feelings about it.
The first installment was good. Exciting. It was a solid book. The subsequent two delved a bit deeper, treading into some untested waters. This one was the full emersion.
Ayala is not just a "strong woman." She is a person. Who is strong. And who is a woman. As a person (and in the first person present tense) she deals with love, loss, self-doubt, trust, betrayal, and a whole range of other things. And we just have to go along for the ride.
Eye of the Storm further illuminates the alternate reality of the prior novels, solidifying the fact that besides the demons and various versions of humans, this is not the Earth as we know it. However, through that, humanity is still made known.
***slight spoiler below****
It is damn refreshing to see some queer folk survive through an entire series.
Thanks for this book. It is a gift.
The first installment was good. Exciting. It was a solid book. The subsequent two delved a bit deeper, treading into some untested waters. This one was the full emersion.
Ayala is not just a "strong woman." She is a person. Who is strong. And who is a woman. As a person (and in the first person present tense) she deals with love, loss, self-doubt, trust, betrayal, and a whole range of other things. And we just have to go along for the ride.
Eye of the Storm further illuminates the alternate reality of the prior novels, solidifying the fact that besides the demons and various versions of humans, this is not the Earth as we know it. However, through that, humanity is still made known.
***slight spoiler below****
It is damn refreshing to see some queer folk survive through an entire series.
Thanks for this book. It is a gift.
July 23, 2017
Finished the entire series over two days, which should say something all on its own.
I loved the callbacks making seemingly minor things important. This series has a few that I thought were pretty well done.
The slow burn between Ayala and Mira was one of the more enjoyable relationships I've read about in quite a while.
The series isn't perfect, but it definitely sucked me in.
Ayala is perhaps a little too powerful the further in the series you go. By the end, she rarely seems to be in any actual danger. Even during her field trip .
I loved the callbacks making seemingly minor things important. This series has a few that I thought were pretty well done.
The slow burn between Ayala and Mira was one of the more enjoyable relationships I've read about in quite a while.
The series isn't perfect, but it definitely sucked me in.
Ayala is perhaps a little too powerful the further in the series you go. By the end, she rarely seems to be in any actual danger. Even during her field trip .
July 8, 2016
Not bad
For the end of a story, this book could have been worse. Unfortunately it felt a little long to me. Not enough happened to justify the length. There were a few things never answered which bugged me. The end of thus book doesn't have the climactic battle you want. Which is the main cause of my 3 star review. You get set up for this big finish that never happens. Still if you read the first three, you should read this one too.
For the end of a story, this book could have been worse. Unfortunately it felt a little long to me. Not enough happened to justify the length. There were a few things never answered which bugged me. The end of thus book doesn't have the climactic battle you want. Which is the main cause of my 3 star review. You get set up for this big finish that never happens. Still if you read the first three, you should read this one too.
July 24, 2016
Intense but satisfying end to a wonderful series. I wish some things in the book could have ended differently but it could have been worse so I guess I can't complain. Love Ayala and the whole gang. Will miss reading about them but at the same time it's very satisfying to see the whole story wrapped up. I highly recommend this unique and exciting series.
July 3, 2016
What a ending!
Eye of the storm was amazing and can't believe the series is done now! Loved how Ayala was the badass as usual but more emotions came to surface in this last book and it made you think of how fast things can change. Grab this series now and trust me you will be hooked! Way to go Emmie!!!!
Eye of the storm was amazing and can't believe the series is done now! Loved how Ayala was the badass as usual but more emotions came to surface in this last book and it made you think of how fast things can change. Grab this series now and trust me you will be hooked! Way to go Emmie!!!!
June 28, 2016
The End
What a great series. Definitely very heavy but does end with hope and a 'new' vision of normal. Action, discoveries, heartbreak, and hope all wrapped up in this story.
What a great series. Definitely very heavy but does end with hope and a 'new' vision of normal. Action, discoveries, heartbreak, and hope all wrapped up in this story.
July 10, 2016
Sorry this is over
Great book and Series and I'm sorry it's over. Didn't like the change of relationship, that came from nowhere and doesn't work but I won't deduct a mark.
Great book and Series and I'm sorry it's over. Didn't like the change of relationship, that came from nowhere and doesn't work but I won't deduct a mark.
July 12, 2016
Fantastic
Great read! Devoured all 4 of them in a week!!!! Well written and entertaining! Really good description and dialogue !
Great read! Devoured all 4 of them in a week!!!! Well written and entertaining! Really good description and dialogue !
September 26, 2016
good conclusion. might have shed a tear over some things
July 15, 2016
Whoa.
This book will run you through your catalogue of emotions. A well done finale.
This book will run you through your catalogue of emotions. A well done finale.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews