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Undertow #4
Last Light
For Eila Walker, a New Bedford night club with questionable morals may be her only safe point in the brewing war between her crew and drug-dealer Lawson Waite.
After managing to wrangle a deal with club maven Maia Moriarty, Eila begins to believe that FAUST may actually work as a solid safe house until she and her friends can figure out how best to track down Waite.
But brutality comes quickly to Faust. In the aftermath, a shocking truth about Lawson Waite is whispered during a death-bed confession on the roof of the decadent club.
The warning is simple: Lawson Waite is no mere man.
Now desperate to kill Waite and stop his time-altering Gabriel Gate, Eila and her crew push the limits of all their abilities in an attempt to finish what Elizabeth started so long ago.
Told through the eyes of three characters,
MJ, the shifter,
Eila, the Lunaterra, and
Raef, the soul thief,
Last Light is one wild ride into the heart of what
makes us human and what lies history has told.
(Book 1 of the 2-book Undertow Finale).
After managing to wrangle a deal with club maven Maia Moriarty, Eila begins to believe that FAUST may actually work as a solid safe house until she and her friends can figure out how best to track down Waite.
But brutality comes quickly to Faust. In the aftermath, a shocking truth about Lawson Waite is whispered during a death-bed confession on the roof of the decadent club.
The warning is simple: Lawson Waite is no mere man.
Now desperate to kill Waite and stop his time-altering Gabriel Gate, Eila and her crew push the limits of all their abilities in an attempt to finish what Elizabeth started so long ago.
Told through the eyes of three characters,
MJ, the shifter,
Eila, the Lunaterra, and
Raef, the soul thief,
Last Light is one wild ride into the heart of what
makes us human and what lies history has told.
(Book 1 of the 2-book Undertow Finale).
- GenresRomance
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2017
5 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
K.R. Conway
7 books340 followersK.R. Conway is a sarcastic bugger who likes to torment Cape Cod’s summertime tourists, taunting them about sneaky sharks and traffic-free backroads. She's been a professional journalist since 1999 when several newspaper editors lost their minds and hired her as a feature writer. She is best known, however, for her Urban Fantasy series, Undertow, which reads like a mash-up of Jaws and The Goonies.
Awards, nominations, and features include Barnes and Noble’s Seven Terrifying Summer Reads for Teens (2015), Teen Ink Magazine’s Best Picks, Girl’s Life Magazine Cool Winter Reads, newspapers, magazines, and radio. Nominations include Indie Recon Live (Best New YA, Best Opening Line, Best Book Boyfriend), YALSA, Cybil, Goodreads, IRDA, and others.
The series has spawned fan fiction, fan art, jewelry, clothing, and even tattoos. Conway, who is a member of SCBWI, teaches fiction craft at writer conferences, high schools, and libraries. She lives on Cape Cod with her equally weird family and a strange assortment of critters.
Her current manuscript in progress is a twisted retelling of D-Day as from the POV of a young Detroit mission survivor and a talented female French sniper.
Awards, nominations, and features include Barnes and Noble’s Seven Terrifying Summer Reads for Teens (2015), Teen Ink Magazine’s Best Picks, Girl’s Life Magazine Cool Winter Reads, newspapers, magazines, and radio. Nominations include Indie Recon Live (Best New YA, Best Opening Line, Best Book Boyfriend), YALSA, Cybil, Goodreads, IRDA, and others.
The series has spawned fan fiction, fan art, jewelry, clothing, and even tattoos. Conway, who is a member of SCBWI, teaches fiction craft at writer conferences, high schools, and libraries. She lives on Cape Cod with her equally weird family and a strange assortment of critters.
Her current manuscript in progress is a twisted retelling of D-Day as from the POV of a young Detroit mission survivor and a talented female French sniper.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 9, 2017
Received in exchange for a honest review
If you are picking this book up and this is your first time in this series: STOP and go back to book one or your mind will spin and you will be so lost it won’t be funny. You need to read the whole series before touching this book. If you don’t you will have your head explode with all that is going on and happening. It will be completely over your head. That said I need the last book please like now right now. Pretty please with sugar on top.
This book has so much packed into it. You can see why KR Conway had to put this ending in two books. The story is becoming more complex and twisty. Each time you think you have a handle on things Conway blows your mind with something new. And it isn’t something tiny either...There are many plots at play and each one will lead back to MJ, ELLa, Raef, Anna and Kian. The story is in the POV of MJ, Ella and Raef. The character that really matures and changes is MJ. What he goes through in this book is just wow...And his change will have your jaw drop. We still get some snarky banter, witty banter and so many twists and turns.
When the book begins you wonder what is going on for it is a character you have not seen before. Jared is introduced. He is not what I expected. I wanted to not like him but dangit I couldn’t. He was gruff, snarky, and a bumbling doof at times I mean the donut truck and dude a map would help or at least paying attention to where you are would be good. Even in his doofiness and desire to get revenge you just fall for him. His story and his people’s story help to get us a better picture of what the evil is and why they are doing what they are. I hope he sets aside his anger and revenge to help stop what is going on.
While Jared is plotting his revenge, Eila and the gang are just trying to stay alive. MJ is going through some emotions and changes but is still just so adorable and lovable. Raef just as protective of Eila but he learns that she needs him to support her more and let her lead. Let her be who she is meant to. He matures in his love for her by respecting her power and showing her he believes in her. Anna and Kian are as cute as ever. Kian just as snarky and he shows that he believes in Eila from the get go. Anna is still bubbly and sweet but shows that she is strong as well. She learns some heavy things about her mom that just blows your mind. But the most mind blowing is Elizabeth wow just wow.
This story is one where the gang tries to catch their breath and figure out what to do next. They are trying to regroup but that doesn’t exactly work for them. They get so many things thrown at them and so many things revealed it is no wonder they need a moment to relax. We see them readying for battle and growing closer as a group and their friendship grow.
The story is complex and such a wild ride. You get some draw dropping reveals. Tender moments. See some serious action and the story is strife with danger and intrigue. IT is addictive and keeps you at the edge of your seat. I couldn’t put this down and didn’t want it to end.
If you are picking this book up and this is your first time in this series: STOP and go back to book one or your mind will spin and you will be so lost it won’t be funny. You need to read the whole series before touching this book. If you don’t you will have your head explode with all that is going on and happening. It will be completely over your head. That said I need the last book please like now right now. Pretty please with sugar on top.
This book has so much packed into it. You can see why KR Conway had to put this ending in two books. The story is becoming more complex and twisty. Each time you think you have a handle on things Conway blows your mind with something new. And it isn’t something tiny either...There are many plots at play and each one will lead back to MJ, ELLa, Raef, Anna and Kian. The story is in the POV of MJ, Ella and Raef. The character that really matures and changes is MJ. What he goes through in this book is just wow...And his change will have your jaw drop. We still get some snarky banter, witty banter and so many twists and turns.
When the book begins you wonder what is going on for it is a character you have not seen before. Jared is introduced. He is not what I expected. I wanted to not like him but dangit I couldn’t. He was gruff, snarky, and a bumbling doof at times I mean the donut truck and dude a map would help or at least paying attention to where you are would be good. Even in his doofiness and desire to get revenge you just fall for him. His story and his people’s story help to get us a better picture of what the evil is and why they are doing what they are. I hope he sets aside his anger and revenge to help stop what is going on.
While Jared is plotting his revenge, Eila and the gang are just trying to stay alive. MJ is going through some emotions and changes but is still just so adorable and lovable. Raef just as protective of Eila but he learns that she needs him to support her more and let her lead. Let her be who she is meant to. He matures in his love for her by respecting her power and showing her he believes in her. Anna and Kian are as cute as ever. Kian just as snarky and he shows that he believes in Eila from the get go. Anna is still bubbly and sweet but shows that she is strong as well. She learns some heavy things about her mom that just blows your mind. But the most mind blowing is Elizabeth wow just wow.
This story is one where the gang tries to catch their breath and figure out what to do next. They are trying to regroup but that doesn’t exactly work for them. They get so many things thrown at them and so many things revealed it is no wonder they need a moment to relax. We see them readying for battle and growing closer as a group and their friendship grow.
The story is complex and such a wild ride. You get some draw dropping reveals. Tender moments. See some serious action and the story is strife with danger and intrigue. IT is addictive and keeps you at the edge of your seat. I couldn’t put this down and didn’t want it to end.
September 19, 2017
Book 4 of the Undertow series. I've eagerly awaited what was supposed to be the final book but is happily now the 4th of 5 books. If you haven't read books 1-3, stop and do that first. You will otherwise be lost. If you are up to speed, don't hesitate to jump into the latest installment. All those great things in the first books, the characters, action, cool alt-world, friendships and romance? All back and as good as ever. The chapters are told from various perspectives. This is something I like, but if you don't, fair warning. We start right where 3 ended and since Conway split book 4 into 4 and 5, don't expect any resolution of storylines here. I can't wait for December when the story concludes.
Full disclosure - I am extremely grateful to have received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure - I am extremely grateful to have received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2017
I love YA Supernatural series with suspense, twists, humour, & romance! I did a reread & fell in love with Eila, Raef, MJ & the gang! It is bittersweet but also cannot wait to read the conclusion Daybreaker soon ❤
In reading order before starting Last Light:
Undertow, Storm Front, Cruel Summer, True North, Last Light then Daybreaker comes put Jan 2018!
In reading order before starting Last Light:
Undertow, Storm Front, Cruel Summer, True North, Last Light then Daybreaker comes put Jan 2018!
December 22, 2017
I was up until 1 AM last night finishing this book. And one of my favorite parts? When the Wrecker Jared mentions the Krusty Krab. Oh my word! I am a big Spongebob fan, and that was such a delight to have that reference in there! The whole book was a delight. K.R. Conway writes with great passion for her characters and their mission that you can't help but get caught up in it.
This book was supposed to be the last in the series, but it grew beyond a single book. Daybreaker, the last book, and really the second half to Last Light, debuts in January 2018. AND I CANNOT WAIT. It's going to be an amazing finale. I'm buying copies of all the books in the series so I can highlight and make notes in them about my favorite parts.
I first found K. R. Conway on the website Netgalley. I am a librarian by day, and when I saw Undertow on the site, I knew it sounded perfect for our YA collection. I fell in love with Conway's style of writing, and her devotion to her books and readers. She also runs Wicked Whale Publishing, so when I finished my first YA novel, I knew I wanted her to publish it. She accepted it, and my first book debuts in April 2018 from Wicked Whale.
The Undertow series is wonderful. I really can't say enough good about it. The characters are captivating, and the story rolls along at breakneck speed. They are an absolute joy to read.
This book was supposed to be the last in the series, but it grew beyond a single book. Daybreaker, the last book, and really the second half to Last Light, debuts in January 2018. AND I CANNOT WAIT. It's going to be an amazing finale. I'm buying copies of all the books in the series so I can highlight and make notes in them about my favorite parts.
I first found K. R. Conway on the website Netgalley. I am a librarian by day, and when I saw Undertow on the site, I knew it sounded perfect for our YA collection. I fell in love with Conway's style of writing, and her devotion to her books and readers. She also runs Wicked Whale Publishing, so when I finished my first YA novel, I knew I wanted her to publish it. She accepted it, and my first book debuts in April 2018 from Wicked Whale.
The Undertow series is wonderful. I really can't say enough good about it. The characters are captivating, and the story rolls along at breakneck speed. They are an absolute joy to read.
October 19, 2017
Wow. 'Last Light' was packed full of excitement. Picking up right where the last book left off, we dive head first into Eila, Raef, and the gang's world and the craziness of this adventure that they're on. I mean, seriously, the twists and turns here do feel crazy at times, but that just adds to the appeal. And the mystery and anticipation. I normally like to try and guess where things will go in my reads, but this series is one where I'm taking each turn right alongside everyone else. And I love it. I love the action, the plot-twists, the friendships, the tenderness, the budding romances, and the variety of characters coming into play. I even loved the ending. We've got one more book to come, and the way this one ended, left me really excited about where we'll be going next.
September 14, 2017
Another fantastic installment of Conway's Undertow series! All the characters are back and better than ever - we get to hear an additional character's point of view as well. The book is a real rollicking ride - nonstop action and never a dull moment. It also made me laugh aloud - Conway had a true talent for writing teen voices and giving them loads of character, humor and personality. The ending left me hanging and I can't wait to read Daybreaker!
January 18, 2018
Wow! Loved getting back into this world with these characters. Looking forward to the finale!
September 10, 2017
Again K. R. Conway has me on the edge of my seat. We pick up right after True North. Can Eila and her crew of supernatural beings recover? First they need to get somewhere safe. Who exactly with or against them? The limiting links are making things insane and even more dangerous. Lawson Wait will stop at nothing.
I devoured the book and can't wait for Daybreaker!!
I devoured the book and can't wait for Daybreaker!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2018
Truly loved this series!
September 18, 2018
“Feeling the rawness of the Light throbbing inside her and snapping at my mouth and skin, as if static was rioting between us, I finally understood entirely what Rillin always had: Eila Walker was a true killer. A war machine, designed by a warrior Archangel who’d fallen to his own twisted reality and was destroyed by his own creations.”
In the aftermath of the attack on Polaris and the realisation that Halee has been hacked, the group relocate to what they hope is a safe haven at Faust, in order to plan their next offensive. Maia is appalled to learn that Waite has a time gate known as Gabriel’s Device which is capable of rewriting history. She is further shocked when she is presented with the preserved body of Elizabeth which leads to a shocking revelation regarding Elizabeth’s true state and the reason behind it.
Desperate for answers, Nikki convinces the group to help her break into her father’s desk in the hope of obtaining information regarding the Limiting Links as well as Gabriel’s Device. By understanding the way they work, she hopes to help the gang to stop her father and Waite. The desk has been rigged to explode upon interference and it’s only Nikki’s smart thinking that allows them to retrieve the items intact without anyone getting seriously hurt. Their victory is short lived however, when a hidden device in her father’s belongings, later explodes at Faust which almost kills Ana and Maia. Nikki realises her father has no qualms about killing his own daughter.
The revelation that a traitor at Faust was responsible for detonating the bomb and a death bed confession, culminates in the shocking conclusion that Lawson Waite is in fact none other than Therophel who somehow managed to survive Elizabeth’s Core Collapse on that fateful day.
Agent Howe discovers that the Soul Gear that has been in the possession of the FBI is a fake. Dalca had been double crossed by the Wreckers to whom it had been entrusted. The real one is still in the possession of Midas Fagan. Unfortunately Midas and his people are brutally attacked by Therophel, with only a few managing to reach safety from the carnage.
Unaware of this new development but realising the implications should Therophel get his hands on the Soul Gear before they do, the gang try to come up with a plan. They are unprepared when the seals protecting Faust are suddenly breached by none other than Therophel himself. As the gang desperately scramble to safety, an unknown assailant kidnaps Eila, MJ and Nikki...
Last Light is another captivating and riveting read in what has been an amazing journey throughout the Undertow series. Each book has gone from strength to strength, leaving its readers desperate for more. Its easy to see why the author was compelled to split the finale into two books as it would have been harmful to not only the plot, but to the characters that we’ve come to know and love.
While the previous three instalments were told from Eila and Raef’s point of view, the author has added a special treat for MJ fans by supplementing him to the fold. MJ’s character in particular undergoes a significant change in this book both physically and emotionally.
Two shocking revelations, particularly the one involving Elizabeth, had me squealing in delight. Just as I felt that I had figured out the direction of the plot, the author added another jaw dropping twist that blew the lid off any theory and kept me enthralled.
Jared and his ‘pet’ Sprout were a delightful addition to the group assemble, which plot aside, has been the most appealing aspect of the series for me. There were some truly laugh out loud moments with him and in particular Nikki. Just when you thought Nikki was the epitome of all things snarky, we have Jared to give her a run for her money.
These books have truly been a joy to read and its with a mixture of sadness and anticipation that I’ll be reading the final instalment.
In the aftermath of the attack on Polaris and the realisation that Halee has been hacked, the group relocate to what they hope is a safe haven at Faust, in order to plan their next offensive. Maia is appalled to learn that Waite has a time gate known as Gabriel’s Device which is capable of rewriting history. She is further shocked when she is presented with the preserved body of Elizabeth which leads to a shocking revelation regarding Elizabeth’s true state and the reason behind it.
Desperate for answers, Nikki convinces the group to help her break into her father’s desk in the hope of obtaining information regarding the Limiting Links as well as Gabriel’s Device. By understanding the way they work, she hopes to help the gang to stop her father and Waite. The desk has been rigged to explode upon interference and it’s only Nikki’s smart thinking that allows them to retrieve the items intact without anyone getting seriously hurt. Their victory is short lived however, when a hidden device in her father’s belongings, later explodes at Faust which almost kills Ana and Maia. Nikki realises her father has no qualms about killing his own daughter.
The revelation that a traitor at Faust was responsible for detonating the bomb and a death bed confession, culminates in the shocking conclusion that Lawson Waite is in fact none other than Therophel who somehow managed to survive Elizabeth’s Core Collapse on that fateful day.
Agent Howe discovers that the Soul Gear that has been in the possession of the FBI is a fake. Dalca had been double crossed by the Wreckers to whom it had been entrusted. The real one is still in the possession of Midas Fagan. Unfortunately Midas and his people are brutally attacked by Therophel, with only a few managing to reach safety from the carnage.
Unaware of this new development but realising the implications should Therophel get his hands on the Soul Gear before they do, the gang try to come up with a plan. They are unprepared when the seals protecting Faust are suddenly breached by none other than Therophel himself. As the gang desperately scramble to safety, an unknown assailant kidnaps Eila, MJ and Nikki...
Last Light is another captivating and riveting read in what has been an amazing journey throughout the Undertow series. Each book has gone from strength to strength, leaving its readers desperate for more. Its easy to see why the author was compelled to split the finale into two books as it would have been harmful to not only the plot, but to the characters that we’ve come to know and love.
While the previous three instalments were told from Eila and Raef’s point of view, the author has added a special treat for MJ fans by supplementing him to the fold. MJ’s character in particular undergoes a significant change in this book both physically and emotionally.
Two shocking revelations, particularly the one involving Elizabeth, had me squealing in delight. Just as I felt that I had figured out the direction of the plot, the author added another jaw dropping twist that blew the lid off any theory and kept me enthralled.
Jared and his ‘pet’ Sprout were a delightful addition to the group assemble, which plot aside, has been the most appealing aspect of the series for me. There were some truly laugh out loud moments with him and in particular Nikki. Just when you thought Nikki was the epitome of all things snarky, we have Jared to give her a run for her money.
These books have truly been a joy to read and its with a mixture of sadness and anticipation that I’ll be reading the final instalment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2018
Just finished Last Light on a “cliff hanger”. Or of the stressful kind but still is making me happy that I got the chance to read this when I know the last installment is already ready for me to start 😀
Eila and crew are still on some massive adventures and I never would have expected some of the twists and turns and new characters introduced. But I am loving this series (psst .... MJ is my favorite please tell me Marsh can also come back sometimes 😜)
Looking forward to finishing out this series with the last book in 3, 2, 1
Eila and crew are still on some massive adventures and I never would have expected some of the twists and turns and new characters introduced. But I am loving this series (psst .... MJ is my favorite please tell me Marsh can also come back sometimes 😜)
Looking forward to finishing out this series with the last book in 3, 2, 1
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews