The Shattered Tower

Wilde Justice #8

by Jenn Stark

Where there is magic...there will always be war.

Justice of the Arcana Council Sara Wilde has dedicated her life to protecting the world’s most vulnerable members of the psychic community. But as an ancient enemy of the Council closes in, inciting the Shadow Court and its followers around to deadly action, there’s no way to avoid a world-changing war.

Worse, this final battle not only threatens millions of innocent Connecteds, it has the potential to destroy everyone close to Sara. The Magician, the Devil, the Fool, Death, the Moon, Judgment—no one is safe. Even as Sara realizes how much she has come to love her found family, she knows she could lose them in a blink of an eye.

But Sara hasn’t fought this hard, for this long, to give up now. And when she combines the full limit of her abilities with her trusty Tarot cards…the game will never be the same.

Except the cards can no longer save you when you climb The Shattered Tower.

Genres: Urban Fantasy

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2021

About the author

Most recent release:


Working on: The Lost Queen, Dec. 2018

Jenn Stark is a Golden Heart award-winning author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She lives and writes in Ohio. . . and she definitely loves to write. :) In addition to her urban fantasy Immortal Vegas and Wilde Justice series and her paranormal romance Demon Enforcers series, she is also author Jennifer McGowan, whose Maids of Honor series of Young Adult Elizabethan spy romances are published by Simon & Schuster, and author Jennifer Chance, whose Rule Breakers series of New Adult contemporary romances are published by Random House/LoveSwept and whose modern royals series, Gowns & Crowns, is now available.

This author also goes by Jennifer McGowan. See that Goodreads author page
here .

Reviews

[Jenn Stark]

Leaving a comment here to share how grateful I am for those of you who have read THIS ENTIRE SERIES, which is freaking amazing since it's been like 18 books--not including the Syx's tales, so more like 22 (holy crow).

You can tell my Goodreads game is pure 🔥 given that I say in my bio that I'm currently working on THE LOST QUEEN...coming out in 2018... 😂 but please know that I value every review, and most importantly, I am grateful for you. This series would never have continued so long without readers to keep the lights on to show Sara the way. Thank you, and I hope to be poking around more in 2022! 💜

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*Thoughts*

The Shattered Tower, by author Jenn Stark, is the 8th installment in the authors Wilde Justice series which was spun-off from Immortal Vegas series. We've known since The Shadow Court book was released that Sara and the Arcane Council were going to have their hands full and that a major war was brewing. This, however, was not what I was expected. One could legitimately say that every member of the Arcane Council, including Sara, will need to stand and deliver or fall and let a powerful nemesis take over the world and terrorize the most innocent of all; young Connecteds.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the final book of the Sara and Armaeus story, so many answers are given to questions regarding the nefarious Shadow Court, such as who is part of it, who is running it, and can it be taken down? Have the dark forces won? Are Sara and Armaeus still around to take care of the more helpless Connecteds, or are they all on their own now? We’ve been following this tale for so long now we all think we have all the answers, right? Wrong! This woman, this clever clever woman, has written a wonderfully twisted finale for Sara and her Magician. And the rest of the Arcana? Oh, the twists and turns in their stories!

Excellently done, you clever lady. Jenn Stark is a UF/PNR genius, and I’m on pins and needles waiting to see what she does next! Between Immortal Vegas, Wilde Justice, Demon Enforcers, Twyst Academy, Monster Hunter Academy and Witchling Academy (all done in her pseudonym DD Chance), you have brought us the most involved, most creative, and most entertaining group of series that all connected to give us the magical universe of the Arcana. What a world it is! I truly can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Shattered Tower”, eight and final (for now 😉) “Wilde Justice” adventure hits the first page running, literally, as Sara (Wilde) brings you along while raining down hell with a vengeance, delivering non-stop, action packed deliverance on the Shadow Court, as adrenaline rush through your veins, your pulse race, and your heart pounds (both due to the action and the underlying chemistry) until reaching the mind-blowing conclusion…... the amazing and intense end … that… no I will not tell you, my lips are sealed… and honestly I am speechless anyway😉

Jenn Stark possesses a rare gift for storytelling that turns every story into a reader’s delight.
As I have already disclosed in previous reviews, I’m a huge fan of Stark’s stories/series, in any of her various pen-name incarnations. She writes it, I read it, I love it 😊 Stark’s writing style is unique, a mixture of hardcore adventure and whimsicality, that makes the book simultaneously light and surprisingly deep, with characters that show very real-life qualities in seemingly fantasy situations, an impeccable delivery, action-packed, fast-paced, and still with a carefully character description and a rich rendered UF verse.

Once more I keep repeating myself - and I will keep on doing so…until some “power that be” hears me! Jenn Stark’s “Immortal Vegas/Sara Wilde”-Verse is the best urban fantasy out there… This verse deserves its own TV-Show, seriously!!!!! For the reader every book is both a blessing and a curse…. because we are blessed with Jenn Stark’s talent and we are also cursed to keep asking for more… very well-done Ms. Stark, please keep on blessing us, there are still myriads of stories to tell… the Council is larger than life itself… with not beginning and no end…. let us deal with the ‘curse’ all by ourselves 😉 and last but by any means least… can we pleeeeaaaase get an Arcana Council Deck 😊

[Jen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shattered Tower is the eighth book in the Wilde Justice series and, although I am sad for it to end, it was a satisfying conclusion for Sara, Nikki, Armaeus and the rest of the Arcana Council. The Shadow Court has been preparing to start a war a while now but no one anticipated what they had planned. Once Sara and the Council understand the full breadth of the plot, it's difficult to see how they can stop them and save the Connecteds. It's apparent that in order to do so, the Arcana Council will need to work together to protect the world.

I've loved Sara Wilde and the Magician since the first book in the Immortal Vegas series, so part of me was really sad that this is the conclusion to Sara's story. That being said, I was very happy with where she and Armaeus end up at the end of this book. Nikki's also one of my favorite characters (spinoff please?) and she had some much deserved, great moments in this story as well. It was an epic battle, there were some tough losses but overall, it was a very satisfying conclusion. Plus, the author's note at the end of the book has given me hope that we'll see several of the supporting characters in future stories, which I eagerly await. This is a great book and a great series that I highly recommend!

[Geoffschardein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Epic read by Jenn Stark! Sara Wilde, Justice incarnate, and the Arcane Council are headed to war the cannot be avoided. The Star rises and the Shadow Court conspires to rise as well and take control. Many old friends unite and many new characters get introduced. A rousing grandiose saga of the ongoing battle of good and evil. Plenty of plots and subplots with a tapestry of magic and relationships that pulls you into a world woven to entrap your senses and suspend your disbelief.

The new Moon rising, Nikki Dawes, whose greatest asset is her ability to read people she touches is consolidating her pack; still gathering her lost werewolves but will fight for the Arcane Council none the less. As with all Jenn’s stories ever more is revealed that leads to so many possibilities. When Jenn characters come to the end of one path, often another path is revealed keeping the reader enthralled. Sadly the novel ends and the story finishes but with so many possibilities! What else would you expect with the magic of this world imaged by Jenn. I won’t spoil the tale with details, once started it’s hard to put the book down for too long, or at least I couldn’t. Read on!

[Paul Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I DO like the Sara Wilde series.. and this book is no exception! Action packed, fast paced, twisty- turny, full of intrigue, convoluted plots inside plots and possible counter-plots! What a completely WILDE ride! If you have enjoyed the rest of the series, you will not be disappointed in this latest edition! If you HAVEN`T read the series, well, I would start at the beginning if you can because the journey is totally worth the time! I am an unashamed fan of this author who writes stories that transport you to a different reality that has total believability, well constructed and consistent characters and a storyline that draws you in and keeps you there! HIGHLY recommended!

[Judy Piegza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still holding my breath

Oh WoW. I just finished the Shattered Tower, and I have to relearn how to breathe. This was a wonderful “conclusion” to Wilde Justice. I have read the entire series twice, I can’t get enough. There is just the right amount of magic, humor, anger and love in the series to keep me wanting more. I won’t give anything away, just read and enjoy. Thank you, Jenn.

[Edeena Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so hard to say goodbye to a series, and I have loved the Wilde Justice series as much as I loved the original Immortal Vegas one. This final book sums up everything bad and good and in-between, and whilst it is the end, there is still hope. Too many spoilers so I'll just sum up: this book is worth the read. Thank you, Ms Stark, for bringing us along on this amazing journey.

[Tina Brickley-langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shattered Tower has everything we've come to love about the world of Sarah Wilde and the Arcana Council, magic, action, romance, and tons of snark. So many questions were answered and problems solved, I'm still in shock a bit. Generally, when a series progresses a few books in, they become monotonous and predictable, but that's never been the case with Immortal Vegas or Justice Wilde. There have so many plot twists that I didn't see coming. I can't wait to see what Jenn Stark has for is next!

[Suzanne Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this book will knock your socks off. I could not put the book down and read it all in one go making for a late night. Sara is once again on a journey of discovery, growth and love. You will be fascinated by the Devil and captured by the Moon. Ah the Magician.... he shows such a love for Sara. This book completes their love story or so the author says. I hope not for I have truly enjoyed, loved and cheered for Sara and her journey. You will not be disappointed with The Shattered Tower.

[Trisha Dux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to see Sara’s story end (for now) but what a finale! So many elements happening at once, cumulating in a world wide showdown for the history books. Every character reaches their amazing potential and leaves hope for additional tales and spin offs into the new world that remains. Such a fantastic series with realistic, amazing characters with as many flaws as they have powers.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet sparkling Christmas!! No words can truly describe my feelings on this one. Tears were shed, hope was lit. Oh my word. Read it, read the all. I can't wait to see what happens now..

This is my honest review of my ARC.

[Ilene G> · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of a wonderful series.

Sara faces the final showdown with The Shadow Court. This book is filled with action. There are twists and surprises in the plot. I like the pace of the story.

[Traci Worm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book..... so sad, but it sounds like we may be hearing from some of the others as they develop their own stories. Yea!! Interesting, quick read, once again, you don't know what is going to happen next, even if the outcome is good or bad. It will be interesting to see if any next steps are outlined in the other stories!

[Helen Wawrejko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final battle with the Shadow Court unfolds at an unrelenting pace. This book delivers everything. Engrossing and action filled, we get vengeance, despair, death and destruction. Sara and the members of the Arcana Council work to save the connecteds under impossible circumstances. This was epic, emotional, and totally satisfying. Highly recommend this series.

[Perry Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sorry to see this end, I got caught up in the storyline and have loved learning about Sara and her world. Always looked forward to this series.

[Maggie Elizondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book of the series. I got to give it to Jenn, the book had me hanging from the beginning. It has a lot of twists and turns. Who is dead, who survived that is the question at the end of the book. Can't wait for the spin-offs. Jenn, you are a genius.

[Natasha den Dekker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa, what a way to end this series. And what a glorious ride we've been on.

I love pretty much every single character in this world. The Major Arcana come to live (there are strong Yu-Gi-Oh vibes with the Magician tbh but you know for grown ups and in Vegas) and also how all of the supporting characters have come into their own. I definitely *did not* see the twist coming with Dixie Quinn, but I love to see more of Nikki, more of Sariah and more of the Devil.

The end rushes towards us as the Shadow Council finally make their move and it's just non-stop from that moment at Angor Wat and it's great! I love how there are nods to Indiana Jones throughout all of this but also comics and just general pop culture. It always makes any urban fantasies set in our world feel more real. Like when Elon Musk gets name-checked.

I will definitely be tuning in for *any* of the additional stories in this world!!

[Amy A · Rating 4 out of 5]

The confrontation with the illusive Shadow Court is finally reaching its pinnacle. It's time for the Council, along with Justice Sara Wilde, to take a stance in the fight for Connecteds, and confronting a long-gone member of the council who has decided to work against them, even if it means they all don't make it out alive.

I knew that this moment was coming, but I wasn't fully prepared for it to actually get here. I think this is one of the most emotionally packed installments in this very long-running series (including the spinoffs in this as well) as it should be because we are getting to the end of a story arc.

The pacing is quick but it's mostly building toward the final moments, in the final battle, which for me just made the story.

Jenn Stark really knew how to make this story personal for Sara, because it has been Sara's story all along, but also to really give voice and humanity to the other members of the Council to whom readers have also gotten to know over the course of the series.

I was really surprised by Jenn Stark's ability to still throw in some interesting twists in this regard. This is a world with endless possibilities and with all the characters, and those characters' varied histories, there are definitely more stories to come. I look forward to seeing what direction is chosen next for sure!

With that in mind, I was a little less focused on there being an actual ending and more on where things are leading to. I really loved how seamlessly Jenn Stark seemed to incorporate all the different aspects that have been added to the mythology within this spinoff series over the course of 8 books. Each piece of the puzzle adding up and forming this cohesive whole.

It's been an enjoyable and eventful ride, and coming down to the wire things are going to look a lot differently in the stories to come.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides answers about the enemies who have been emboldened to take on the Council. They were hidden for a long time but the truth is finally revealed. Sara has to decide who to trust or it could lead to the death of thousands.

It has been quite a journey. I enjoyed all the surprises along the way. The truth that come out about the others on the Council are very enlightening.

I love Sara. I was hooked on the series from the first book featuring her story.

She has evolved so much during the two series and it’s a delight to see her finding her path. She stated as a loner but has quite a support team now. Nikki has a new path now too but they are united in their friendship and desire to help others.

I love her relationship with the Magician. I would be delighted to get the chance to read a story told from his point of view. He is so mysterious and always ten steps ahead of everyone else.

I highly recommend all treats books featuring the characters. It’s very addicting.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[thehotmesslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is it, the last book (maybe) of the brilliant Wilde Justice series by Jenn Stark. The story follows Sara Wilde as she again takes on the Shadow Council in a final battle of skills, wit and determination to save the Connected of this world before it is too late! But this time no-one is safe and those closest to Sara are put in the crosshairs and not everyone will survive!

I don’t want to give too much away other than you have to go and read this book to see what happens…in fact you need to go and read the whole series and get immersed in Sara and the rest of the gang! Hopefully we may see a spinoff series with a few of the characters! Another great read! I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Stark is going to give us in the New Year!

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊

More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com

[Amanda OC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss it! I love Jenn Stark's writing and have been following this series from the very beginning. The development of the characters and the incredibly imaginative journeys they have been on is amazing, and every book brings more intrigue, more adventure and more twists and turns. Every book is worth reading. This is the last book in the Wilde Justice series and put Sara, Armaeus and all the Council really through the wringer, bringing things to a close for Sara and the Magician, but leaving things wide open for so many more fantastic adventures with our other favourite characters. Jenn's books are such a treat, with subtle parallels to our world, lots of magic entwined with the nitty gritty of life, and great heroism from Sara in particular.
It's a fantastic series by a really good author. If you haven't read any of Jenn's series, then start at the beginning and strap in for a Wilde ride.

[Jen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in Sara's story and the action kicks in right from the start. The reader is swept up into action from the get go and the pace doesn't let up until the very end.
This is one of my favourite series in this genre. I love how different it is to other, more well known series and how there are so many interesting side characters that keep your attention.
That said, I was a little disappointed in the ending. Going into this story knowing it was the end I expected more closure for these characters that we've followed for 18 books, but the end was left wide open, with no explanation as to what happened to some of them at all. I'm hopeful this means that there are more books to come, in other points of view to tie up the many loose ends still dangling.
If you haven't already read this series, go right back to the start and give it a go. You won't regret it.

[Trini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started with adventure as always with Sara Wilde, and never really stopped for the entire book. The showdown with the Shadow Court that we were all waiting for came, if a little different from what I expected, but filled with surprises and twists, that I can't complain at all.

There are major changes to the world, and many, many things happening with the main characters that we've gotten know over the two Wilde series. One particular sacrifice caught me and hopefully we'll see more about it in future books :)

This arc has finished perfectly while opening so many other possibilities; can't wait to see what comes next! The fabulous Jenn Stark always manages to make me want to read the next book as soon as I finish the current one. Will do a reread of this series in the meantime until the next book :)

[Susan Klipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

So here it is, our final chapter in Sara's story. It was most satisfying. In this, the final installment, we rush headlong into the final battle with the Shadow Council. It's both bigger and more intimate than I anticipated. The whole story is a reflection on how far Sara has come, lessons she learned that serve her well in the end, and the love of the family we make. It's the end.. And the beginning..

Jenn did a great job wrapping up Sara's story. I love that it left open a completely new world of stories to tell without taking away the end of Sara's story. This has been a smart, suspenseful, exciting series and I look forward to reading it all over again!

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect ending for me with Ms. Wilde and The Magician. With Ms. Stark there are always thrilling new twists and turns and new revelations. The action was was spot on and the big bads were so easy to hate. I could've used more Ms. Nikki but hope she will have her own story one day and her progression as the Moon. I enjoyed the different global scenes throughout the book and new perspectives of the different Arcana Council members. This series has been a hella ride and look forward to the continuing stories of the Syx and hopefully more Devil and Sariah as well as Death. Thank you for this journey Ms. Stark, it was so much more than I anticipated at the beginning. xoxoxo

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenn Stark did a phenomenal job writing this final Wilde Justice story and bringing Sara's and Armaeus' battle with the Shadow Council to life. I have enjoyed each of the books in this series and feel that she brought all of the loose ends together while adding in twists and turns that I was not expecting. This paranormal romance and urban fantasy story ties together unanswered questions, presents new information to the reader, and easily holds the reader's attention. The Wilde Justice series and The Shattered Tower in particular are extremely well written and I highly recommend reading this series.

[Rulet · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never want an ending to a series of books that you have fallen in love with. The Shattered Tower is a fitting end to this series and yet I'm still sad to see it go. This book manages to give you more insight to your favorite characters, and draws you down an emotional hole that breaks and heals your heart at the same time. It's loaded with tons of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. You have to read this last book to have a feeling of completeness. Jenn leaves us with enough open doors that I'm sure I will enjoy the next series that spins off of this.

[Marilyne Menard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jenn Stark, each book is a new adventure, while keeping her wonderful penmanship and way with words. This book is no different, a peek into the Christian/Jewish myths with beautiful Sara/Armaeus as well as well as some really great moments of the council in part or whole that were in the brewing. I really loved this book. But this one has exceptionally good penmanship, those moments of Sara's wishes are gems. I can't say more without spoiler so I'll let you have the fun of reading this book too.