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The Immortal Empire #3
Long Live the Queen
The fantastic conclusion to the Immortal Empire series that started with the spectacular God Save the Queen.Xandra Vardan thought life would be simpler when she accepted the goblin crown and became their queen, but life has only become more complicated. Everyone -- vampires, werewolves, and humans -- wants the goblins on their side, because whoever has the goblins -- wins. With human zealots intent on ridding the world of anyone with plagued blood and supernatural politics taking Britain to the verge of civil war, Xandra's finding out that being queen isn't all it's cracked up to be, and if she doesn't do something fast, hers will be the shortest reign in history.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2013
21 people are currently reading
1528 people want to read
About the author
Kate Locke
9 books415 followersKate Locke has always enjoyed making things up — a trait that often got her into trouble as a child, but by which she enjoys making a living. Before writing fiction full time she worked as cook, a journalist and in a photo finishing lab where she saw enough pictures of naked people to rival Hugh Hefner. A guy once asked her out after giving her a roll of film that he expressly requested she develop and print. The entire roll was images of him stark naked in the woods. And no, that’s the kind of thing you just don’t make up.
In her late 20s Kate sold her first book and enjoyed a 10 year career writing under a different name. Her love of fantasy and the paranormal refused to leave her alone, and one day, while sitting on the couch thinking of making a very scary career move, she started jotting down notes for a book she wanted to write just for the pure enjoyment of it; a book just for herself. That book became God Save the Queen. Her agent thought they could sell it — Kate wasn’t certain. Then, the day after having her gall bladder removed (again, can’t make this stuff up), Kate got the call that Orbit books — her dream publisher for God Save the Queen — had made an offer. And it’s been more exciting than she ever imagined.
Like Xandra Vardan, the heroine in God Save the Queen, Kate values those she loves above all else, and has hair a color not typically found in nature. Unfortunately, Kate’s comes from a bottle. She’s married to a fabulous man who doesn’t seem to care what she does to her hair, puts up with her occasional* craziness, helps her plot, and treats her like she’s the best thing since lipgloss.
Kate Locke is pseudonym for Kathryn Smith aka Kate Cross/Kady Cross
In her late 20s Kate sold her first book and enjoyed a 10 year career writing under a different name. Her love of fantasy and the paranormal refused to leave her alone, and one day, while sitting on the couch thinking of making a very scary career move, she started jotting down notes for a book she wanted to write just for the pure enjoyment of it; a book just for herself. That book became God Save the Queen. Her agent thought they could sell it — Kate wasn’t certain. Then, the day after having her gall bladder removed (again, can’t make this stuff up), Kate got the call that Orbit books — her dream publisher for God Save the Queen — had made an offer. And it’s been more exciting than she ever imagined.
Like Xandra Vardan, the heroine in God Save the Queen, Kate values those she loves above all else, and has hair a color not typically found in nature. Unfortunately, Kate’s comes from a bottle. She’s married to a fabulous man who doesn’t seem to care what she does to her hair, puts up with her occasional* craziness, helps her plot, and treats her like she’s the best thing since lipgloss.
Kate Locke is pseudonym for Kathryn Smith aka Kate Cross/Kady Cross
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
October 3, 2016
Initial Thoughts: If you've read and likedGod Save the Queenand The Queen Is Dead, then you are in for a real treat. Long Live the Queen was a fun romp through an alternate history of England where Queen Victoria is a vampire and the aristocracy (read full blooded vamps) rule the roost. Our heroine Xandra has come into her own and she holds up quite well against Queen Victoria. There's some fantastic banter between the two and the story is fast paced and fun. Be warned that this book has a special vocabulary and the technology is quite clever. Luckily, there is a glossary at the end of the book that should explain all. Best to read this series in order for full enjoyment.
My Review: I’d forgotten just how much I enjoyed this quirky little series. The vocabulary does take some getting used to, however there is a glossary at the end of the book which does explain quite a lot. Long Live the Queen is the third book in Kate Locke’s Immortal Empire series and I think that it is the best book so far.
The Immortal Empire series is based upon a slightly alternate history of the British Empire. Due to the plague, there have been some genetic mutations resulting in the aristocracy and their full blood status. These full bloods are either werewolves or vampires. At the top of the food chain are the goblins, a furry, mole-like population of creatures who love their meat, especially the human kind. The goblins are my favorite creatures just because of their presence everywhere. They make the best spies.
In this version of the British Empire, Queen Victoria is the monarch and has been for about 175 years. Yup, the Queen is a vampire. Humans are not too happy about the situation and The Human League has been wreaking havoc everywhere. Some historical figures do appear in this book and you should be able to recognize them, however they sure do behave rather differently in this book.
The steampunk elements are cleverly done. A rotary is a mobile phone, Tracknav is their equivalent of GPS, digigrams are text messages, and so on.
The main character Xandra Vardan has matured since the first book. She’s more at ease as to what she has become and has accepted her leadership role. She still sees herself as a monster and she kind of likes that aspect of her personality. Xandra’s relationship with Alpha werewolf Vex is progressing nicely and they seem very happy together. Xandra is not as impulsive as she once was and I was surprised by her diplomatic skills.
Xandra’s interactions with Queen Victoria were hilarious. Xandra walked a thin line between pissing off the monarch and working with her. Xandra is both snarky and badass and she gets away with a lot of things an average citizen would not get away with. The adversarial relationship was quite entertaining. What’s even funnier is when Xandra unwittingly rescues a human and creates a winning PR outcome.
There is a lot to like about the Immortal Empire series. If you enjoy steampunk with a touch of paranormal then this is the series to read. I can’t wait to read more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for a review copy of this book.
Check out my review on Badass Book Reviews .
My Review: I’d forgotten just how much I enjoyed this quirky little series. The vocabulary does take some getting used to, however there is a glossary at the end of the book which does explain quite a lot. Long Live the Queen is the third book in Kate Locke’s Immortal Empire series and I think that it is the best book so far.
The Immortal Empire series is based upon a slightly alternate history of the British Empire. Due to the plague, there have been some genetic mutations resulting in the aristocracy and their full blood status. These full bloods are either werewolves or vampires. At the top of the food chain are the goblins, a furry, mole-like population of creatures who love their meat, especially the human kind. The goblins are my favorite creatures just because of their presence everywhere. They make the best spies.
In this version of the British Empire, Queen Victoria is the monarch and has been for about 175 years. Yup, the Queen is a vampire. Humans are not too happy about the situation and The Human League has been wreaking havoc everywhere. Some historical figures do appear in this book and you should be able to recognize them, however they sure do behave rather differently in this book.
The steampunk elements are cleverly done. A rotary is a mobile phone, Tracknav is their equivalent of GPS, digigrams are text messages, and so on.
The main character Xandra Vardan has matured since the first book. She’s more at ease as to what she has become and has accepted her leadership role. She still sees herself as a monster and she kind of likes that aspect of her personality. Xandra’s relationship with Alpha werewolf Vex is progressing nicely and they seem very happy together. Xandra is not as impulsive as she once was and I was surprised by her diplomatic skills.
Xandra’s interactions with Queen Victoria were hilarious. Xandra walked a thin line between pissing off the monarch and working with her. Xandra is both snarky and badass and she gets away with a lot of things an average citizen would not get away with. The adversarial relationship was quite entertaining. What’s even funnier is when Xandra unwittingly rescues a human and creates a winning PR outcome.
There is a lot to like about the Immortal Empire series. If you enjoy steampunk with a touch of paranormal then this is the series to read. I can’t wait to read more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for a review copy of this book.
Check out my review on Badass Book Reviews .
October 29, 2016
I just could not finish this, I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series and really went into this with high hopes and was hoping to enjoy reading more on Vex McLaughlin also goblin queen Xandy Varden.
I managed about half-way before I gave in, as it just lacked for me, I could not get into it and it bored me too, it lacked a little pizzazz (not sure what that means, but seemed fitting lol).
really sad that this series didn't go all the way for me, as I don't like to not finish the full story, but it happens to most series, sometimes 3 books in or even 8 books in, let's see if the next series is gonna go all the way.
Happy reading!!! xx
I managed about half-way before I gave in, as it just lacked for me, I could not get into it and it bored me too, it lacked a little pizzazz (not sure what that means, but seemed fitting lol).
really sad that this series didn't go all the way for me, as I don't like to not finish the full story, but it happens to most series, sometimes 3 books in or even 8 books in, let's see if the next series is gonna go all the way.
Happy reading!!! xx
February 18, 2014
3.75 STARS dew to some minor plot inconsistences and small plot holes, that stll managed not to diminish the fun. I did enjoy it very much, the characters really grew on me and some surprised me pleasantly. The worldbuilding was very interesting also and I wish it was explored even further. I feel like I already miss this world and its people and if there is another book in the future I would definitely read it.
April 25, 2015
**I received this book for free from (Orbit) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Steampunk, Paranormal
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Long Live the Queen is the conclusion of The Immortal Empire trilogy. Goblin Queen Xandra Vardan faces even more challenges, some very personal, when the secrets about the labs, those responsible for creating them, and one very special creation comes calling on Xandra causing one major problem after the other. Will Xandra be able to pull it all together in time to survive the political upheaval and brutality that's coming for her?
*Full Review posting @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd via NetGalley 11/11/2013* Published: November 12th 2013 by Orbit
*Genre* Steampunk, Paranormal
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Long Live the Queen is the conclusion of The Immortal Empire trilogy. Goblin Queen Xandra Vardan faces even more challenges, some very personal, when the secrets about the labs, those responsible for creating them, and one very special creation comes calling on Xandra causing one major problem after the other. Will Xandra be able to pull it all together in time to survive the political upheaval and brutality that's coming for her?
*Full Review posting @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd via NetGalley 11/11/2013* Published: November 12th 2013 by Orbit
May 9, 2015
The end...
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I came to the end and was all "There should be more!" Seriously, there should be more, like at least one more. I know some books go on and on, but I felt like, at least one more would have been good. Sigh.
Mooooooooooore!
Xandra does her best to try to find those behind the evil labs. Humans are angrier than ever, and I loved some of the points in this one. Xandra asked when someone they loved had last been hurt, they were all silent. Damn humans, keep it down.
So that happens, drama, politics and danger.
But hey I still want more, I felt like, ok I got an ending, but then, what happened next. I felt like I wanted to stay longer in this world. I will miss this world.
Recommended series.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I came to the end and was all "There should be more!" Seriously, there should be more, like at least one more. I know some books go on and on, but I felt like, at least one more would have been good. Sigh.
Mooooooooooore!
Xandra does her best to try to find those behind the evil labs. Humans are angrier than ever, and I loved some of the points in this one. Xandra asked when someone they loved had last been hurt, they were all silent. Damn humans, keep it down.
So that happens, drama, politics and danger.
But hey I still want more, I felt like, ok I got an ending, but then, what happened next. I felt like I wanted to stay longer in this world. I will miss this world.
Recommended series.
October 8, 2017
Trigger warnings: blood, gore, violence, death of a parent, human bodies being eaten. (That last one's probably less of a trigger warning and more of a this-grossed-me-out warning, tbh.)
I think this is probably my favourite of the trilogy. I loved getting to know more about Queen Victoria and her past, and I did *not* anticipate the big reveal where William was concerned. There were a couple of elements of the story that I wish had been a little more fleshed out than they were (), but on the whole it was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
I think this is probably my favourite of the trilogy. I loved getting to know more about Queen Victoria and her past, and I did *not* anticipate the big reveal where William was concerned. There were a couple of elements of the story that I wish had been a little more fleshed out than they were (), but on the whole it was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
November 11, 2013
Xandra, Goblin Queen, is coming more and more accustomed to being a goblin and even staring down Victoria (or sniping at her across the table) but even as her life grows more stable the city and the country succumbs to more and more unrest. There’s a movement led by Xandra’s own mother to depose the aristocracy, some vampire aristocrats are gunning for the Queen, the human masses are rising up violently – and under it all the brutal, horrific experimentations continue in secret laboratories on half-bloods; inflaming all factions.
Into this powder keg a creature is released – she looks a lot like Xandra but is even more dangerous. But who was she created to target? Xandra? Victoria? Or just causing mayhem? As anger on the street grows and the hunt for the monster grows more pressing, Xandra has to play politician and diplomat to try and bring the country back from the edge of civil war.
This plot grabbed me and held me – even though it took me to the edge of cringing several times, it also backed off every time. I kept thinking “no, she’s going to play mummy and ignore the danger!” or “no she’s going to risk everyone for this creature!” And it didn’t happen. She was sympathetic – but she wasn’t a fool. The plot itself had twist within twist – ok, I knew who the big bad was pretty early (he wasn’t exactly subtle – or, rather, he was subtle but it was such a classic trope) but who was working with him, why and, ultimately, what his end game was remained a mystery right until the end. With Xandra’s father, the Queen, her mother, her sister and so many other figures constantly stepping into the shade as possible accomplices – then out then back in again it was a mystery to see who Xandra could trust and who it would finally be who turned on her in the end.
The action was exciting, the intrigue was deep without being confusing and the twists were twisting indeed all working extremely well with this setting which I love so much
I love Xandra’s growth as a character – her growing acceptance of being a goblin and not just that she is a goblin but her place in goblin society, her growing affection and ties to the other goblins and their practices. It’s amazing how a book can present its protagonist starting to eat human flesh and it still be read as an excellent moment of character growth and self-acceptance. Yes, I cheered the cannibalism! Beyond the goblins, Xandra is accepting her role as aristocrat and a leader and even slowly expands her viewpoint beyond her people to the country as a whole. I love her transition between wanting to keep her people and loved ones safe (and viewing Victoria as a threat) to slowly seeing the wider societal problems that are tearing the country up (and viewing Victoria as an important ally, even if they still don’t get on). There’s a definite shift in Xandra, a lot of growth – but still that fierce loyalty that characterised her more than anything.
Read More
Into this powder keg a creature is released – she looks a lot like Xandra but is even more dangerous. But who was she created to target? Xandra? Victoria? Or just causing mayhem? As anger on the street grows and the hunt for the monster grows more pressing, Xandra has to play politician and diplomat to try and bring the country back from the edge of civil war.
This plot grabbed me and held me – even though it took me to the edge of cringing several times, it also backed off every time. I kept thinking “no, she’s going to play mummy and ignore the danger!” or “no she’s going to risk everyone for this creature!” And it didn’t happen. She was sympathetic – but she wasn’t a fool. The plot itself had twist within twist – ok, I knew who the big bad was pretty early (he wasn’t exactly subtle – or, rather, he was subtle but it was such a classic trope) but who was working with him, why and, ultimately, what his end game was remained a mystery right until the end. With Xandra’s father, the Queen, her mother, her sister and so many other figures constantly stepping into the shade as possible accomplices – then out then back in again it was a mystery to see who Xandra could trust and who it would finally be who turned on her in the end.
The action was exciting, the intrigue was deep without being confusing and the twists were twisting indeed all working extremely well with this setting which I love so much
I love Xandra’s growth as a character – her growing acceptance of being a goblin and not just that she is a goblin but her place in goblin society, her growing affection and ties to the other goblins and their practices. It’s amazing how a book can present its protagonist starting to eat human flesh and it still be read as an excellent moment of character growth and self-acceptance. Yes, I cheered the cannibalism! Beyond the goblins, Xandra is accepting her role as aristocrat and a leader and even slowly expands her viewpoint beyond her people to the country as a whole. I love her transition between wanting to keep her people and loved ones safe (and viewing Victoria as a threat) to slowly seeing the wider societal problems that are tearing the country up (and viewing Victoria as an important ally, even if they still don’t get on). There’s a definite shift in Xandra, a lot of growth – but still that fierce loyalty that characterised her more than anything.
Read More
November 6, 2013
Long Live the Queen was a spell binding, mind twisting, macabre tale. This was my first trip into Kate Locke's The Immortal Empire world and she utterly captivated me.
Obviously, this book can stand alone. Although, I will be back reading the first two books in this series because I was entranced by Locke's writing.
We are catapulted deep into the dark aristocratic world, a world where werewolves, vampires and goblins rule. A world where humans, halfies (½ breeds) and pure bloods hold onto a tenuous truce. Each faction is vying for power and they are on the brink of a civil war. They have traitors in their midst and political mechanizations are afoot. Hatred and fear abound. This isn't light reading, these supernatural beings will eat you alive and the humans will kill without provocation.
Locke provides an intriguing mystery, riveting plot twists and turns and she humanizes what would otherwise be considered ruthless creatures. I loved this book. I was swept away into a world in which I cheered for the goblins. I felt the cold fury and blood lust of their queen and wanted revenge for the heart ache and attacks she endured.
Get swept away into Long Live the Queen, a fabulous steampunkish dark fantasy.
I received this ARC copy of Long Live the Queen from Orbit Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication November 12, 2013.
Written by: Kate Locke
Series: The Immortal Empire
Sequence in Series: Book 3
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date: November 12, 2013
ISBN-10: 0316196142
ISBN-13: 978-0316196147
Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Steampunk, Historical Fiction, Paranormal
Age Recommendation: Adult
Learn more at: Kate Locke's Website
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Obviously, this book can stand alone. Although, I will be back reading the first two books in this series because I was entranced by Locke's writing.
We are catapulted deep into the dark aristocratic world, a world where werewolves, vampires and goblins rule. A world where humans, halfies (½ breeds) and pure bloods hold onto a tenuous truce. Each faction is vying for power and they are on the brink of a civil war. They have traitors in their midst and political mechanizations are afoot. Hatred and fear abound. This isn't light reading, these supernatural beings will eat you alive and the humans will kill without provocation.
Locke provides an intriguing mystery, riveting plot twists and turns and she humanizes what would otherwise be considered ruthless creatures. I loved this book. I was swept away into a world in which I cheered for the goblins. I felt the cold fury and blood lust of their queen and wanted revenge for the heart ache and attacks she endured.
Get swept away into Long Live the Queen, a fabulous steampunkish dark fantasy.
I received this ARC copy of Long Live the Queen from Orbit Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication November 12, 2013.
Written by: Kate Locke
Series: The Immortal Empire
Sequence in Series: Book 3
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date: November 12, 2013
ISBN-10: 0316196142
ISBN-13: 978-0316196147
Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Steampunk, Historical Fiction, Paranormal
Age Recommendation: Adult
Learn more at: Kate Locke's Website
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
September 13, 2020
2019
Another great addition to the series!
Xandra really comes into her own in this story. She accepts who she is as a goblin. And a queen. She fully accepts her love for Vex. She is a strong, feisty, determined girl. And she is wonderful.
I'm a little sad that Penny Dreadful isn't really a part of this story because I think she is the best.
Vex, of course, is still a handsome son of a gun. Sexy. Dangerous. Loving and perfect. He dotes on Xandra and she on him. They are #couplegoals. I love how much they support and love each other.
They whole clone/Ali thing was a little bizarre to me. I mean, the science was a little wonky, in my opinion. She was apparently three weeks old but couple fight like she'd been training in it for 200 years. She couple best both Xandra and Vex, two very strong, very skilled fighters. And the fact that she'd aged so much in one time really made me question it. I know that was tied to the fact that goblins grow up faster than other species (as mentioned in the book) but I don't think the scientists in the labs could have quite gotten Ali where they needed her to be in three weeks.
However, it had an ending that I could support (I won't elaborate more than that to avoid spoilers, but endings are very important to me.
Another great addition to the series!
Xandra really comes into her own in this story. She accepts who she is as a goblin. And a queen. She fully accepts her love for Vex. She is a strong, feisty, determined girl. And she is wonderful.
I'm a little sad that Penny Dreadful isn't really a part of this story because I think she is the best.
Vex, of course, is still a handsome son of a gun. Sexy. Dangerous. Loving and perfect. He dotes on Xandra and she on him. They are #couplegoals. I love how much they support and love each other.
They whole clone/Ali thing was a little bizarre to me. I mean, the science was a little wonky, in my opinion. She was apparently three weeks old but couple fight like she'd been training in it for 200 years. She couple best both Xandra and Vex, two very strong, very skilled fighters. And the fact that she'd aged so much in one time really made me question it. I know that was tied to the fact that goblins grow up faster than other species (as mentioned in the book) but I don't think the scientists in the labs could have quite gotten Ali where they needed her to be in three weeks.
However, it had an ending that I could support (I won't elaborate more than that to avoid spoilers, but endings are very important to me.
October 3, 2016
Sadly, this was one of those times when I delayed too much in reading the sequel and I grew too detached from the series. :(
The writing was easy to read, the plot was nicely developed, the ending was surprising and good, BUT... The story never engaged me as much as previous books.
I'm sad that Kate Locke does not have more books published, since I really loved the idea and the characters from The Immortal Empire series. But I saw that she writes under other pen names too, so I'll check those out...
The writing was easy to read, the plot was nicely developed, the ending was surprising and good, BUT... The story never engaged me as much as previous books.
I'm sad that Kate Locke does not have more books published, since I really loved the idea and the characters from The Immortal Empire series. But I saw that she writes under other pen names too, so I'll check those out...
December 26, 2013
A perfect ending to a fantastic paranormal steampunk series that I'm sad to see come to an end.
Xandra has faced numerous problems since learning of her status among the goblins. She has struggled with her identity, with others' reactions to her and has had a difficult time of deciding which direction she wants her life to take. But in this conclusion she has become more powerful, more confident, and more deserving of the title that she has been given.
Vex remains by her side, just as supportive and charming as always. Her family is there for her also...well, most of them anyway. Good or bad, each of them played important roles in the story and some had their lives changed for the better. Not every character received a happily ever after, but I think we can all agree that those who did were the ones who really mattered.
From beginning to end, I was hooked on this story and easily devoured it in just a few days. I don't know what Locke will be working on next, but whatever it is I will definitely be reading it. She's a talented author with a great imagination and I highly recommend reading her series.
Xandra has faced numerous problems since learning of her status among the goblins. She has struggled with her identity, with others' reactions to her and has had a difficult time of deciding which direction she wants her life to take. But in this conclusion she has become more powerful, more confident, and more deserving of the title that she has been given.
Vex remains by her side, just as supportive and charming as always. Her family is there for her also...well, most of them anyway. Good or bad, each of them played important roles in the story and some had their lives changed for the better. Not every character received a happily ever after, but I think we can all agree that those who did were the ones who really mattered.
From beginning to end, I was hooked on this story and easily devoured it in just a few days. I don't know what Locke will be working on next, but whatever it is I will definitely be reading it. She's a talented author with a great imagination and I highly recommend reading her series.
May 26, 2020
What a fun story arc. Really enjoy it. I like the characters, the world building and the problems they are facing. Now to find more by this author!
January 3, 2015
Although I really liked the ending to this trilogy, I liked the first two books better. It really was a 4 1/2, lower side.
So my main reason for not liking it as much as the first two is that I saw the bad guy from the beginning and instead of being along for the ride, I felt more waiting for her to discover what I already was pretty sure of. For the first two books, I was along for the ride even during the relationship part. In this one, the relationship is well established and you get how well established it is, the trust they have in one another and the acceptance of who each one is. I really liked this part and it was nice to see that they would work issues out. Vex was the ultimate boyfriend, wanting to protect and succeeding some of the time, yet coming to understand who Xandra is and not getting in the way and controlling her.
The final battle scene was another issue for me in that strengths seemed to appear out of nowhere. I was actually waiting for this as it was building to it. I knew it was coming and was disappointed by the use.
In this installment, Xandra is accepting her role as the goblin queen and what that entails. I don't think that it is too much of a spoiler to say that the part that involves eating is not for the faint of heart. Still it was appropriate where it was put.
So over all the predictability brought my enjoyment down just a little but it was a very satisfying ending to the overall story
So my main reason for not liking it as much as the first two is that I saw the bad guy from the beginning and instead of being along for the ride, I felt more waiting for her to discover what I already was pretty sure of. For the first two books, I was along for the ride even during the relationship part. In this one, the relationship is well established and you get how well established it is, the trust they have in one another and the acceptance of who each one is. I really liked this part and it was nice to see that they would work issues out. Vex was the ultimate boyfriend, wanting to protect and succeeding some of the time, yet coming to understand who Xandra is and not getting in the way and controlling her.
The final battle scene was another issue for me in that strengths seemed to appear out of nowhere. I was actually waiting for this as it was building to it. I knew it was coming and was disappointed by the use.
In this installment, Xandra is accepting her role as the goblin queen and what that entails. I don't think that it is too much of a spoiler to say that the part that involves eating is not for the faint of heart. Still it was appropriate where it was put.
So over all the predictability brought my enjoyment down just a little but it was a very satisfying ending to the overall story
June 29, 2021
This book was an outstanding - and outstandingly amazing - conclusion to the Immortal Empire trilogy. I'm rather in shock that it's over, though. It had a highly satisfactory ending but... Xandra and Vex are still alive, so how can that be "The End"? Argh...
But I did/do love this story. I was rather surprised that the "big bad" turned out to be I knew it would be someone high up, but I wasn't expecting it to be someone we'd met in an earlier book. I don't know who I was expecting it to be, but this wasn't it. So that was a nice surprise. :-)
I loved the revelations about William, and seeing Xandra become fully confident as Queen of the Goblins was pretty fantastic, too. I was a bit concerned that Vex was going to earn a place on my "heroes gone wrong" list, but thankfully the stick up his butt turned out to be not so much up his butt as alongside it and soon gone. I was very happy that he stayed true to the Vex character that we grew to know and love in the first two books. It could so easily have gone another way.
I don't really know what else to say, so I guess I'll stop here with one final "I loved this book!"...
I loved this book! I bought the trilogy a few years ago and finally read them. :-)
First Read: December 26-27, 2015.
Second Read: June 7-9, 2021.
But I did/do love this story. I was rather surprised that the "big bad" turned out to be I knew it would be someone high up, but I wasn't expecting it to be someone we'd met in an earlier book. I don't know who I was expecting it to be, but this wasn't it. So that was a nice surprise. :-)
I loved the revelations about William, and seeing Xandra become fully confident as Queen of the Goblins was pretty fantastic, too. I was a bit concerned that Vex was going to earn a place on my "heroes gone wrong" list, but thankfully the stick up his butt turned out to be not so much up his butt as alongside it and soon gone. I was very happy that he stayed true to the Vex character that we grew to know and love in the first two books. It could so easily have gone another way.
I don't really know what else to say, so I guess I'll stop here with one final "I loved this book!"...
I loved this book! I bought the trilogy a few years ago and finally read them. :-)
First Read: December 26-27, 2015.
Second Read: June 7-9, 2021.
March 31, 2016
Oh how I wish this one had been longer.
As with the first two books, this one was not perfect, yet it was still really enjoyable. I’d like to say it was my favourite in the series, yet part of me argues number two earned that position. Whatever way you look at it, it was still an enjoyable read.
As with the prior books, questions are answered as we learn more and more about the world. Whilst there were some inconsistencies in this book, it wasn’t enough to leave me unwilling to finish the series. I just convinced myself – to the best of my ability – that they did not exist.
In terms of why this one is arguably my favourite, it is because of the storyline. It was such fun. So much was going on, with the answers to our questions being given. Quite a bit of what happened was predictable, yet it did not stop me from enjoying it. However, the reason I question whether this is actually my favourite, is due to the fact it seemed rushed. I feel as though more should have happened, as everything felt as though it came together too quickly. If nothing else, I felt as though I wanted more from the world (I guess, in that sense, I would happily read more books set in this world).
Overall, it was a great series. Not my favourite series ever, but still an enjoyable one.
As with the first two books, this one was not perfect, yet it was still really enjoyable. I’d like to say it was my favourite in the series, yet part of me argues number two earned that position. Whatever way you look at it, it was still an enjoyable read.
As with the prior books, questions are answered as we learn more and more about the world. Whilst there were some inconsistencies in this book, it wasn’t enough to leave me unwilling to finish the series. I just convinced myself – to the best of my ability – that they did not exist.
In terms of why this one is arguably my favourite, it is because of the storyline. It was such fun. So much was going on, with the answers to our questions being given. Quite a bit of what happened was predictable, yet it did not stop me from enjoying it. However, the reason I question whether this is actually my favourite, is due to the fact it seemed rushed. I feel as though more should have happened, as everything felt as though it came together too quickly. If nothing else, I felt as though I wanted more from the world (I guess, in that sense, I would happily read more books set in this world).
Overall, it was a great series. Not my favourite series ever, but still an enjoyable one.
November 14, 2013
Another great addition to an awesome series!!
Xandra has established herself as the Goblin Queen. I was happy to see that she's come to terms with her nature and all that it entails - i.e. eating humans. I love Xandra! She's a nice mixture of rough and tough, sarcastic but with a heart that loves her goblins, her siblings and Vex.
Vex...mmmmm....Vex.... I would love to read at least one chapter in his POV. So delicious!!
This is most definitely one of my favorite series and also one that is hard to review without spoiling.
Xandra has established herself as the Goblin Queen. I was happy to see that she's come to terms with her nature and all that it entails - i.e. eating humans. I love Xandra! She's a nice mixture of rough and tough, sarcastic but with a heart that loves her goblins, her siblings and Vex.
Vex...mmmmm....Vex.... I would love to read at least one chapter in his POV. So delicious!!
This is most definitely one of my favorite series and also one that is hard to review without spoiling.
February 2, 2014
I dont know why this one didnt grab me as much as the first two, but my mind was wandering a lot. i think i wasnt invested in the mystery of this one. it was like I had no emotional attachment to any of the characters. I think I needed to read something lighter after Allegiant. I should have saved this book for the right moment :)
December 12, 2014
A 3.5stars. Was enjoyable but plot was abit ponderous and the story did suffer.
world building excellent.
world building excellent.
September 16, 2021
This series started off so strong with God Save the Queen. I enjoyed the concept, the writing style, the characters, and was digging the novel. I was lukewarm about the second entry into the trilogy, but still had hopes for the final addition. Unfortunately, it only got worse with Long Live the Queen. The series kept losing steam and then ran out of gas at the end.
There was a lot not to like about this novel. The one thing that really bothered me is the illogical treatment of technology. So, the series sets up as not quite being a steampunk novel, but with technology that is considerably behind our technology. But somehow we are supposed to believe that their cloning technology is light years ahead of ours. Somehow they are not able to just clone a human fetus (which would be a serious stretch given the disparity in technology), but they can clone a fully grown were/goblin. They also have extremely advanced bioweapons.
It also felt tired. The storyline never advanced from the first novel. It just felt like more of the same. The fight scenes were poorly described. The author just kind of skimmed over them, even during climactic fight scenes. Xandra is a very generic character, the type that has been done to death in this genre. If you have read the first two novels in the trilogy, you will probably want to finish it, but I would not bother.
Carl Alves - author of Blood Street
There was a lot not to like about this novel. The one thing that really bothered me is the illogical treatment of technology. So, the series sets up as not quite being a steampunk novel, but with technology that is considerably behind our technology. But somehow we are supposed to believe that their cloning technology is light years ahead of ours. Somehow they are not able to just clone a human fetus (which would be a serious stretch given the disparity in technology), but they can clone a fully grown were/goblin. They also have extremely advanced bioweapons.
It also felt tired. The storyline never advanced from the first novel. It just felt like more of the same. The fight scenes were poorly described. The author just kind of skimmed over them, even during climactic fight scenes. Xandra is a very generic character, the type that has been done to death in this genre. If you have read the first two novels in the trilogy, you will probably want to finish it, but I would not bother.
Carl Alves - author of Blood Street
September 5, 2023
I... don't even know what to say. I think that I am depressed that the series is finished? I think that there is a big hole in my life (and heart) now that I have completed all 3 books. That's how you know it was really, REALLY good- you just don't want it to end. In fact, the first thing I did when I finished was go straight to KL's website and submit a contact form begging for a novella that touches on the characters' lives some point in the future. I NEED THE CLOSURE.
Locke blew me out of the water. There was so much character development throughout the series, but I fell dangerously in love with most of the main characters. I was enthralled by the setting/world building- a perfect blend of a modern world with total steampunk vibes, the plot(s) really sucked me in (obviously, since I finished the book in literally 2 days; I could not put it down), and the feeling of kickass girl power made me feel like I could do anything.
15/10 recommend. It's an easy, fun read (definitely for adults, though; there's a good bit of gore, sexual innuendos, and a lot of cussing if that's not your thing. Personally, I felt that made it all the more relatable). The Immortal Empire series is now my 2nd favorite series ever. Worth the read...and the rereads.
Locke blew me out of the water. There was so much character development throughout the series, but I fell dangerously in love with most of the main characters. I was enthralled by the setting/world building- a perfect blend of a modern world with total steampunk vibes, the plot(s) really sucked me in (obviously, since I finished the book in literally 2 days; I could not put it down), and the feeling of kickass girl power made me feel like I could do anything.
15/10 recommend. It's an easy, fun read (definitely for adults, though; there's a good bit of gore, sexual innuendos, and a lot of cussing if that's not your thing. Personally, I felt that made it all the more relatable). The Immortal Empire series is now my 2nd favorite series ever. Worth the read...and the rereads.
June 28, 2020
This was a nice - tightly written - trilogy. Each book had mystery/suspense of its own but bubbling away in the background was the building overall arc - which book 3 addresses. Tying up pretty much all the threads, giving us the HEA Xandy & Vex deserve. Not everyone's story ends well - but that's life.
Very much enjoyed Xandy's meetings with Victoria as they both try to out-Queen one another.
Lots of layers in this series - action, humour, romance - all came together together with creative world building and marvellous characters. A great read.
Very much enjoyed Xandy's meetings with Victoria as they both try to out-Queen one another.
Lots of layers in this series - action, humour, romance - all came together together with creative world building and marvellous characters. A great read.
March 11, 2018
Fantastic end to the trilogy. Some very well done twists that made sense and a satisfactory ending. Well done!
February 5, 2021
What a conclusion!! Very satisfying.
The three book series are very good.
An fresh take on the mystical that deserves the five star rating.
The three book series are very good.
An fresh take on the mystical that deserves the five star rating.
February 19, 2019
That was a fun ride! A nice ending to the trilogy.
October 31, 2021
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 5 Story 5
Things are hotting up for Xandra, and she’s got plenty of decisions to make. Trying to discover the “WHO” behind the laboratories, who is in charge, who (beyond her stepmother - now deceased) is experimenting with cells stolen from the captives – who created her shifting-ultra-strong yet childlike daughter. Tensions with Xandra and the Queen have been fraught with dual-purpose, and William’s (the Goblin Prince) dislike of the “leech’ with a basic understanding of the fact that Victoria isn’t stupid (along with revelations of who he was BEFORE the plague are momentary blips as Xandra puzzles out the answers she needs and makes decisions that will affect the remainder of her (as now uncertain) long life.
I’m going to admit that many of the twists and answers I received here were unexpected, and we have the inclusion of Bertie, Victoria’s son and heir to the throne a bit of an enigma – saying the right things and always being in the mix, with plenty of ‘one step ahead’ of our heroes here. When Xandra takes the time to speak to her father – a man known as absent and rather distant, after his second wife’s death – he’s suddenly attacked by her ‘doppelganger’ and left for dead. With a note – so everyone knows that things aren’t quite as they seem. When her mother is found in flagrante delicto with Bertie just before he has her arrested – with Fiona and Xandra witnessing the episodes – things are starting to show... the cracks are revealing, and it is only for Xandra to be coronated as The Queen of the Goblin Plague and take her rightful place for things to end.
It will take an epic fight, plenty of subterfuge and a turncoat from the Werewolves to spin again after finding his own moral compass to sort things out and bring a reasoned and reasonable peace to the Empire on which the sun never sets, and we have time for Xandra to find a new normal and happiness in her life. With several twists, the end comes satisfactorily – the Goblins, the Aristos and even the Humans and Weres have a new set of rules, opportunities and chance for happiness in this oddly constructed peace that nods to the past and future for the good of all concerned. There are still new threats to be honest – and could leave the door open for more to come, but this series as it stands is complete, fun and totally obsession worthy. Narration for the conclusion is provided by Moira Quirk and she did a marvelous job with the storytelling – being clear and concise when needed, giving clear voice and accent to characters and giving us a Xandra that felt as complete in her voice and inflections as she did on the page – even with all of her complicated new-additions. I am wholly obsessed with this fun, twisty and clever story that, while not perfect in construct, provided hours of enjoyment and fun during the listen – exactly what I want in an audiobook series to deliver.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 5 Story 5
Things are hotting up for Xandra, and she’s got plenty of decisions to make. Trying to discover the “WHO” behind the laboratories, who is in charge, who (beyond her stepmother - now deceased) is experimenting with cells stolen from the captives – who created her shifting-ultra-strong yet childlike daughter. Tensions with Xandra and the Queen have been fraught with dual-purpose, and William’s (the Goblin Prince) dislike of the “leech’ with a basic understanding of the fact that Victoria isn’t stupid (along with revelations of who he was BEFORE the plague are momentary blips as Xandra puzzles out the answers she needs and makes decisions that will affect the remainder of her (as now uncertain) long life.
I’m going to admit that many of the twists and answers I received here were unexpected, and we have the inclusion of Bertie, Victoria’s son and heir to the throne a bit of an enigma – saying the right things and always being in the mix, with plenty of ‘one step ahead’ of our heroes here. When Xandra takes the time to speak to her father – a man known as absent and rather distant, after his second wife’s death – he’s suddenly attacked by her ‘doppelganger’ and left for dead. With a note – so everyone knows that things aren’t quite as they seem. When her mother is found in flagrante delicto with Bertie just before he has her arrested – with Fiona and Xandra witnessing the episodes – things are starting to show... the cracks are revealing, and it is only for Xandra to be coronated as The Queen of the Goblin Plague and take her rightful place for things to end.
It will take an epic fight, plenty of subterfuge and a turncoat from the Werewolves to spin again after finding his own moral compass to sort things out and bring a reasoned and reasonable peace to the Empire on which the sun never sets, and we have time for Xandra to find a new normal and happiness in her life. With several twists, the end comes satisfactorily – the Goblins, the Aristos and even the Humans and Weres have a new set of rules, opportunities and chance for happiness in this oddly constructed peace that nods to the past and future for the good of all concerned. There are still new threats to be honest – and could leave the door open for more to come, but this series as it stands is complete, fun and totally obsession worthy. Narration for the conclusion is provided by Moira Quirk and she did a marvelous job with the storytelling – being clear and concise when needed, giving clear voice and accent to characters and giving us a Xandra that felt as complete in her voice and inflections as she did on the page – even with all of her complicated new-additions. I am wholly obsessed with this fun, twisty and clever story that, while not perfect in construct, provided hours of enjoyment and fun during the listen – exactly what I want in an audiobook series to deliver.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
February 5, 2014
You can also find this review on my blog: Wings of Nephilim
I received a copy Long Live the Queen via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Favorite Quote:
"For a little while we were indeed immortal, and forever stretched out before us."
I feel like this book went by so fast. I really enjoyed it. It had a nice feeling of completion that tied up a lot of loose ends. The conclusion to this fabulous series was another wild ride that was well worth it.
Once again I was immersed in the realm of a darker London which I've mentioned multiple times that I adore. The plagued blood was simply fascinating in all three books and I felt that the biggest part of this book was well thought out. It was hinted at in book two and fleshed out in this novel.
Once again I was swept away by the characters. There were many times I wanted to punch Xandra in the face (she's overly hostile when unnecessary many times) and other times when I wanted to sigh in happiness (whenever she was with Vex). I was slightly saddened there was less of Vex in this book but we had quite a few scenes that were just so awesome to make up for it. *squee* That end~! Anyway. I also really enjoyed Queen Victoria. That actually completely surprised me. I thought for sure I'd be rooting for her throat to get ripped out the whole novel. I was pleasantly surprised though. Plus with the other side characters it was a gorgeous mix that I loved.
The hidden plots were incredibly written and the depiction of the world around the aristocracy seemed incredibly realistic. The factions were once again in top form and you could feel the tension in the pages. The villains were also realistic and I always enjoy legit reasoning instead of characters that are evil because the can be. I also enjoyed how they showed that the plagued were not immortal, that there were ways for them to be killed and quite a few times you were wondering who would make it through the novel.
Strangely I barely noticed this series was in first-person. It almost read like third except a few moments of Xandra's bloodlust. The writing is a fun read in all three and I really felt like the third brought in a solid ending. I was quite happy with the ending as well which is just another notch up in my mind.
Overall I really enjoyed this whole trilogy. I loved the setting, plot, romance, mystery, sub-plots, sub-romances, the politics (which took a much larger part as I expected - well done too), the characters, everything. I think it's a very solid group and I loved all three books (not an easy feat). I definitely would read these novels again. They are a proud portion of my hard-cover physical book collection.
I received a copy Long Live the Queen via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Favorite Quote:
"For a little while we were indeed immortal, and forever stretched out before us."
I feel like this book went by so fast. I really enjoyed it. It had a nice feeling of completion that tied up a lot of loose ends. The conclusion to this fabulous series was another wild ride that was well worth it.
Once again I was immersed in the realm of a darker London which I've mentioned multiple times that I adore. The plagued blood was simply fascinating in all three books and I felt that the biggest part of this book was well thought out. It was hinted at in book two and fleshed out in this novel.
Once again I was swept away by the characters. There were many times I wanted to punch Xandra in the face (she's overly hostile when unnecessary many times) and other times when I wanted to sigh in happiness (whenever she was with Vex). I was slightly saddened there was less of Vex in this book but we had quite a few scenes that were just so awesome to make up for it. *squee* That end~! Anyway. I also really enjoyed Queen Victoria. That actually completely surprised me. I thought for sure I'd be rooting for her throat to get ripped out the whole novel. I was pleasantly surprised though. Plus with the other side characters it was a gorgeous mix that I loved.
The hidden plots were incredibly written and the depiction of the world around the aristocracy seemed incredibly realistic. The factions were once again in top form and you could feel the tension in the pages. The villains were also realistic and I always enjoy legit reasoning instead of characters that are evil because the can be. I also enjoyed how they showed that the plagued were not immortal, that there were ways for them to be killed and quite a few times you were wondering who would make it through the novel.
Strangely I barely noticed this series was in first-person. It almost read like third except a few moments of Xandra's bloodlust. The writing is a fun read in all three and I really felt like the third brought in a solid ending. I was quite happy with the ending as well which is just another notch up in my mind.
Overall I really enjoyed this whole trilogy. I loved the setting, plot, romance, mystery, sub-plots, sub-romances, the politics (which took a much larger part as I expected - well done too), the characters, everything. I think it's a very solid group and I loved all three books (not an easy feat). I definitely would read these novels again. They are a proud portion of my hard-cover physical book collection.
August 20, 2014
I have really enjoyed the Immortal Empire series and am actually quite sad to see it come to an end but I would rather Kate Locke ended things on a high note and that's exactly what she has done with Long Live the Queen. As much as I'm hoping she'll change her mind and continue to explore this world and it's fantastic characters I'm happy that she has tied up all the loose ends and given readers a satisfactory ending. Do I think there is room for a spin off series? Absolutely yes, but I won't be upset if there isn't.
Xandra has come a long way since the first book, not only has she accepted her goblin heritage she is now proud of it and she has really come to care for the goblins who fall under her rule. She never wanted to be a queen but she is determined to be the very best one possible and she will do anything in her power to prevent her goblins being taken advantage of by the rest of the supernatural population. The goblins are a powerful force to be reckoned with and even Queen Victoria has come to realise that she will have to work with Xandra if she wants to prevent a war between the humans and the supernatural races. The alliance between the goblins and the werewolves is a natural one considering Xandra's relationship with Vex but they are all much more wary of the vampires and Victoria. Especially when it is clear that someone high up in the vampire hierarchy is behind the missing halfies and the gruesome experiments that are being carried out on them.
There is a lot going on in this book as Kate Locke ties up the various outstanding plots from the series. We finally get to uncover who is behind the experiments but we also see some very interesting and unexpected results from the time Xandra spent in captivity. Xandra is betrayed by people she should be able to trust but she also makes some unexpected allies that are sure to change everything. We get to see her spending time with her siblings which I've always enjoyed and we also see some progression in her relationship with Vex. I've said it before but I'll say it again - I love them together! Most of all I love the fact that Vex sees Xandra as an equal, he may be a powerful alpha and his instincts tell him to protect her but he would never try to stop her fighting for her people, he just stands up and fights right alongside her.
I don't want to say too much more but I'm sure anyone who has enjoyed the previous books will love this final instalment. I am sad it's come to an end but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Kate Locke in the future and she's already on my auto-buy list!
Xandra has come a long way since the first book, not only has she accepted her goblin heritage she is now proud of it and she has really come to care for the goblins who fall under her rule. She never wanted to be a queen but she is determined to be the very best one possible and she will do anything in her power to prevent her goblins being taken advantage of by the rest of the supernatural population. The goblins are a powerful force to be reckoned with and even Queen Victoria has come to realise that she will have to work with Xandra if she wants to prevent a war between the humans and the supernatural races. The alliance between the goblins and the werewolves is a natural one considering Xandra's relationship with Vex but they are all much more wary of the vampires and Victoria. Especially when it is clear that someone high up in the vampire hierarchy is behind the missing halfies and the gruesome experiments that are being carried out on them.
There is a lot going on in this book as Kate Locke ties up the various outstanding plots from the series. We finally get to uncover who is behind the experiments but we also see some very interesting and unexpected results from the time Xandra spent in captivity. Xandra is betrayed by people she should be able to trust but she also makes some unexpected allies that are sure to change everything. We get to see her spending time with her siblings which I've always enjoyed and we also see some progression in her relationship with Vex. I've said it before but I'll say it again - I love them together! Most of all I love the fact that Vex sees Xandra as an equal, he may be a powerful alpha and his instincts tell him to protect her but he would never try to stop her fighting for her people, he just stands up and fights right alongside her.
I don't want to say too much more but I'm sure anyone who has enjoyed the previous books will love this final instalment. I am sad it's come to an end but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Kate Locke in the future and she's already on my auto-buy list!
July 12, 2017
The final installment of the Immortal Empire series is a fitting finish. It gives us enough twists and turns, mystery, romance, and humor to really enjoy the overall story told starting all the way back in God Save the Queen. The surprises are fast and furious, the reveals are neatly handled, and the relationships truly grow into their own as each layer is peeled back.
Locke adds in a few new elements---namely a Frankenstein element that fits quite neatly into the subtle laboratory work mentioned and hinted at in the earlier installments. The fact that the tissues harvested from Xandy in the second book have generated into a monster is a neat twist and gives us another layer of examination at just who and what is a monster. We're forced to encounter that question in Ali's existence exquisitely. On one hand, it's clear that this killing machine is doomed and must be put down---on the other, she's as much a victim as the rest when the true monster behind it all is revealed.
Locke keeps us guessing through out. At some points, we suspect that Victoria may be the one behind everything. As the suspect bingo card is crossed off, it becomes quite clear that the perpetrator has to be quite close to the throne. And yet, Victoria is also the red-herring that we must rule out. Why would she go out of her way to create such trouble, wreak such havoc, or imperil her position this way? What would Victoria gain from these labs and this scheme? It'd set up another Great Insurrection, and that would only end badly for the Immortal Queen of England. So, Locke gives us clues, teases us along, and surprises us as we dig deeper into that mystery that has been present since the first chapter of the first book.
There can only be one real culprit. If it isn't Churchill---already long dead---or Ainsley, the vampire that stole Dede's child---or Victoria, then who? There's one person who would gain and has been waiting so very long to become King. Bertie, Prince of Wales. Unlike the man who would become Edward VII in our timeline, this Bertie has had over a century of waiting, partying, and plotting. He's the one that has done the worst---namely the one that murdered Albert, his own father. The way Locke presents this reveal is shocking and reveals just how depraved the Prince has become at this stage. We witness him, quite literally naked and exposed, in bed with Xandy's mother----only to betray her and hand her over to the authorities for a murder he committed. He used the same method to kill Xandy's father, Vardan, as he did his own. Bertie has been cooking up quite a monstrous scheme---and we see it reach its near culmination with his meddling with the nature of the plague, making it shift into a highly virulent form either to kill or change humankind. He wants to be a dictator. And in this way, as he manipulates Ali, we see him as the true monster while she's merely the physical extension of his utter depravity.
The sheer death and gruesome detail of Vardan's murder---and Albert's in the long past---captures that depravity even further. It is dark and messy and graphic in nature. We need to witness it with Xandy so we can truly understand the evil that is at the root of the scheme Bertie has unleashed upon this world. And the actions he takes after with sending the finger not to Xandy but to his own mother seals that cruelty he'd hidden so well for years.
The story of Xandy continues to also evolve beautifully. In the first and second book, she struggles so much with accepting her true nature. She's afraid of what it might mean, what she might do, who she might become. She's uncertain about feeding as a goblin, afraid that she'll become the monster all the humans think they are. She finds herself going back and forth from acceptance to denial. In this final installment, that is no longer the case. Instead, Xandy has totally embraced herself. Faced with the strange look alike in Ali, she can now see the mirror reflection of her deepest fears brought to life and reject them as simply fears. She's not like this Ali. She's not willing to rip people apart in seeming pleasure. She's not cruel or vicious. She can be ruthless when necessary, but Xandy can now see that she's more than the monster she feared becoming. Instead, Xandy can truly see that she's stronger for who she is---and while she's realizing that perhaps she's not as strong as she thinks she is, she can take heart that she's better for that vulnerability. This transformation truly reaches its culmination when we see her in the Den before the big showdown. Her acceptance of the heart, the first Goblin Queen's blood, and the blood from the entire plague captures that true sense of self expertly. She truly becomes who she's always meant to be in that moment---odd transformations and urges and all. It's a dark and gruesome moment from a human standpoint---and yet perfect for her kind and the situation.
Locke handles her characterization of Victoria extremely well. She's the imperious, long lived, smart, and secluded monarch we'd recognize in our own world---the one that held Europe together in the period before WWI---and yet we see some glimpses of who she may have been mixed in with the qualities she certainly didn't hold (ie, being a vampire). She swears. She's a fighter with training. She's vulnerable. She's a mother faced with a difficult choice. She's lonely and in need of someone like Xandy and Xandy's sister, Avery, to broaden her widowhood world. Victoria, seen in glimpses in the first two books, truly becomes a real woman and character in this story. She's a mentor to Xandy all the while being an adversary. She fights with Xandy almost like a sister. All in all, Victoria almost deserves her own book series----from the time she takes the throne to shaping this world.
Vex and Wiliam also get to shine. Secrets about Wiliam come to light as well---some shocking and so fitting considering the nature of his relationship with Victoria. The humanity of the goblins continues to shine as they rally around their queen and other hurt members throughout. William is steadfast at Xandy's side. He's the father she wanted but didn't have growing up and is the rock her queenship will be built upon. He's gentle under his gruffness and smart and strong. He mentors her in a way no other seems to do---including Vex. Vex, on the other hand, is heart-stoppingly sexy and comes much into his own in this book. He is not willing to remain simply patient with some of Xandy's tendencies to go wild---especially after both of them have suffered so much at Ali's vicious hands. It's just the push Xandy needs to finally do what she should have done two books ago: agree to marry the Alpha as we knew she would.
Xandy also grows in relationship with her sister, Ophelia, and we see them truly become the siblings they fight being the rest of the series. After all, it is Fee that calls Xandy in the moment she realizes their mother is betraying the cause with the Prince of Wales. We see them bond over Rye, as one is willing to let the other court the former love.
In that way, this book series ends brutally with the death of two children---one laboratory made, the other made by greed---but ultimately shines as a story about love and family. Victoria, Xandy, Vex, William, Fee, and the rest all do what they do to stop the nefarious plot to save their country and their family. After all, family doesn't really end with blood in this series---it's where it begins.
Locke adds in a few new elements---namely a Frankenstein element that fits quite neatly into the subtle laboratory work mentioned and hinted at in the earlier installments. The fact that the tissues harvested from Xandy in the second book have generated into a monster is a neat twist and gives us another layer of examination at just who and what is a monster. We're forced to encounter that question in Ali's existence exquisitely. On one hand, it's clear that this killing machine is doomed and must be put down---on the other, she's as much a victim as the rest when the true monster behind it all is revealed.
Locke keeps us guessing through out. At some points, we suspect that Victoria may be the one behind everything. As the suspect bingo card is crossed off, it becomes quite clear that the perpetrator has to be quite close to the throne. And yet, Victoria is also the red-herring that we must rule out. Why would she go out of her way to create such trouble, wreak such havoc, or imperil her position this way? What would Victoria gain from these labs and this scheme? It'd set up another Great Insurrection, and that would only end badly for the Immortal Queen of England. So, Locke gives us clues, teases us along, and surprises us as we dig deeper into that mystery that has been present since the first chapter of the first book.
There can only be one real culprit. If it isn't Churchill---already long dead---or Ainsley, the vampire that stole Dede's child---or Victoria, then who? There's one person who would gain and has been waiting so very long to become King. Bertie, Prince of Wales. Unlike the man who would become Edward VII in our timeline, this Bertie has had over a century of waiting, partying, and plotting. He's the one that has done the worst---namely the one that murdered Albert, his own father. The way Locke presents this reveal is shocking and reveals just how depraved the Prince has become at this stage. We witness him, quite literally naked and exposed, in bed with Xandy's mother----only to betray her and hand her over to the authorities for a murder he committed. He used the same method to kill Xandy's father, Vardan, as he did his own. Bertie has been cooking up quite a monstrous scheme---and we see it reach its near culmination with his meddling with the nature of the plague, making it shift into a highly virulent form either to kill or change humankind. He wants to be a dictator. And in this way, as he manipulates Ali, we see him as the true monster while she's merely the physical extension of his utter depravity.
The sheer death and gruesome detail of Vardan's murder---and Albert's in the long past---captures that depravity even further. It is dark and messy and graphic in nature. We need to witness it with Xandy so we can truly understand the evil that is at the root of the scheme Bertie has unleashed upon this world. And the actions he takes after with sending the finger not to Xandy but to his own mother seals that cruelty he'd hidden so well for years.
The story of Xandy continues to also evolve beautifully. In the first and second book, she struggles so much with accepting her true nature. She's afraid of what it might mean, what she might do, who she might become. She's uncertain about feeding as a goblin, afraid that she'll become the monster all the humans think they are. She finds herself going back and forth from acceptance to denial. In this final installment, that is no longer the case. Instead, Xandy has totally embraced herself. Faced with the strange look alike in Ali, she can now see the mirror reflection of her deepest fears brought to life and reject them as simply fears. She's not like this Ali. She's not willing to rip people apart in seeming pleasure. She's not cruel or vicious. She can be ruthless when necessary, but Xandy can now see that she's more than the monster she feared becoming. Instead, Xandy can truly see that she's stronger for who she is---and while she's realizing that perhaps she's not as strong as she thinks she is, she can take heart that she's better for that vulnerability. This transformation truly reaches its culmination when we see her in the Den before the big showdown. Her acceptance of the heart, the first Goblin Queen's blood, and the blood from the entire plague captures that true sense of self expertly. She truly becomes who she's always meant to be in that moment---odd transformations and urges and all. It's a dark and gruesome moment from a human standpoint---and yet perfect for her kind and the situation.
Locke handles her characterization of Victoria extremely well. She's the imperious, long lived, smart, and secluded monarch we'd recognize in our own world---the one that held Europe together in the period before WWI---and yet we see some glimpses of who she may have been mixed in with the qualities she certainly didn't hold (ie, being a vampire). She swears. She's a fighter with training. She's vulnerable. She's a mother faced with a difficult choice. She's lonely and in need of someone like Xandy and Xandy's sister, Avery, to broaden her widowhood world. Victoria, seen in glimpses in the first two books, truly becomes a real woman and character in this story. She's a mentor to Xandy all the while being an adversary. She fights with Xandy almost like a sister. All in all, Victoria almost deserves her own book series----from the time she takes the throne to shaping this world.
Vex and Wiliam also get to shine. Secrets about Wiliam come to light as well---some shocking and so fitting considering the nature of his relationship with Victoria. The humanity of the goblins continues to shine as they rally around their queen and other hurt members throughout. William is steadfast at Xandy's side. He's the father she wanted but didn't have growing up and is the rock her queenship will be built upon. He's gentle under his gruffness and smart and strong. He mentors her in a way no other seems to do---including Vex. Vex, on the other hand, is heart-stoppingly sexy and comes much into his own in this book. He is not willing to remain simply patient with some of Xandy's tendencies to go wild---especially after both of them have suffered so much at Ali's vicious hands. It's just the push Xandy needs to finally do what she should have done two books ago: agree to marry the Alpha as we knew she would.
Xandy also grows in relationship with her sister, Ophelia, and we see them truly become the siblings they fight being the rest of the series. After all, it is Fee that calls Xandy in the moment she realizes their mother is betraying the cause with the Prince of Wales. We see them bond over Rye, as one is willing to let the other court the former love.
In that way, this book series ends brutally with the death of two children---one laboratory made, the other made by greed---but ultimately shines as a story about love and family. Victoria, Xandy, Vex, William, Fee, and the rest all do what they do to stop the nefarious plot to save their country and their family. After all, family doesn't really end with blood in this series---it's where it begins.
February 27, 2017
The plot was bad. It was very similar to Up From the Grave although in all fairness this book was published first. I liked the plot even less in Up From the Grave. At least in this book the problem was dealt with the right way.
A young, crazy killer appeared, and she looked just like Xandy. Something about psychotic, killer children being developed in labs from stolen genetic material isn’t interesting to me. Being a mother I understand the desire to protect your kid, but I can’t relate to it in a situation like this when the kid is a lab experiment gone wrong and is a complete danger to society. There isn’t any humanity in them to save.
The characters in this series needed more personality. Xandy did have personality, but she was a queen. She needed to tone it down and be more regal. Everyone else was bland. Vex was too damned perfect. He always did and said the right thing. Having a guy like that IRL is great but in literature it’s fucking boring. William was a lot like Vex except he wasn’t a love interest. Frankly I couldn’t understand why either of those guys were invested in Xandy.
I never really understood why Xandy was a queen anyway. She didn’t have the right temperament for it. William was the one who was knowledgeable of goblins and their ways. She could walk in sunlight when the others couldn’t, but how did that make her worthy of being queen?
Xandy was a racist. She hated humans. Most of them weren’t nice to any of the supes, but it’s not fair to judge a whole race on the actions of some. It was rather hypocritical of her. Being a halvie she was looked down on for most of her life just because of what she was, but she didn’t seem to be capable of relating to others in the same situation. It was this issue more than any other that made it really difficult for me to like her.
The world building was the main thing that made this series stand out. It was in London with an alternate history where only some modern technology existed. Vampires, werewolves, and goblins were all known about by humans. Each faction has their own hierarchy although vampires were the ones who ruled the humans. It was original, which is damn hard to find.
A young, crazy killer appeared, and she looked just like Xandy. Something about psychotic, killer children being developed in labs from stolen genetic material isn’t interesting to me. Being a mother I understand the desire to protect your kid, but I can’t relate to it in a situation like this when the kid is a lab experiment gone wrong and is a complete danger to society. There isn’t any humanity in them to save.
The characters in this series needed more personality. Xandy did have personality, but she was a queen. She needed to tone it down and be more regal. Everyone else was bland. Vex was too damned perfect. He always did and said the right thing. Having a guy like that IRL is great but in literature it’s fucking boring. William was a lot like Vex except he wasn’t a love interest. Frankly I couldn’t understand why either of those guys were invested in Xandy.
I never really understood why Xandy was a queen anyway. She didn’t have the right temperament for it. William was the one who was knowledgeable of goblins and their ways. She could walk in sunlight when the others couldn’t, but how did that make her worthy of being queen?
Xandy was a racist. She hated humans. Most of them weren’t nice to any of the supes, but it’s not fair to judge a whole race on the actions of some. It was rather hypocritical of her. Being a halvie she was looked down on for most of her life just because of what she was, but she didn’t seem to be capable of relating to others in the same situation. It was this issue more than any other that made it really difficult for me to like her.
The world building was the main thing that made this series stand out. It was in London with an alternate history where only some modern technology existed. Vampires, werewolves, and goblins were all known about by humans. Each faction has their own hierarchy although vampires were the ones who ruled the humans. It was original, which is damn hard to find.
December 11, 2013
This was a really stunning and awesome conclusion to this series. I have to say I am going to miss these characters as they provided me with lots of days of entertainment and fun. The characters were so well developed and well thought out that I couldn't help but to fall in love with them. I became invested in their lives and how it was all going to play out. Xandy has a lot to deal with in this book as she has to come against a creature that is just as powerful as her,she suffers another loss and then she has to find out who the big bad enemy is that behind everything and trying to take her out. I loved that this time around Xandy got more than enough help from her family to deal with all that she had going on. She really had a huge support system this time and she would need it.
As this story continues I was thrown for a loop on the creature that was introduced this time around as I didn't think the people out to get Xandy would go this far with their experiments. I was in shock and yet intrigued at the same time on how they pulled it all off. I liked that having this creature around brought out an even stronger and maternal side to Xandy and made her really step up the plate to keep her family safe. I found myself going through all the emotions in this tale as the author threw so much at you and kept you guessing the whole time. I have to say when we find out who is behind it all the fall out from it all is not what I expected and it shocked me. I loved how it all ended though and this was a wonderful conclusion to this series.
Overall I loved the way the author concluded this series and I was happy to see that Xandy and Vex get their happily every after. The author wraps up all the story lines and does all the characters justice in giving them closure. This book was even more fast paced than all the others and I was shocked to see that I was finished with it so quickly. The author created a world within the world of Britain and took most of my notions and turned them on it's head and made it a completely different world. I would highly recommend this one to others.
As this story continues I was thrown for a loop on the creature that was introduced this time around as I didn't think the people out to get Xandy would go this far with their experiments. I was in shock and yet intrigued at the same time on how they pulled it all off. I liked that having this creature around brought out an even stronger and maternal side to Xandy and made her really step up the plate to keep her family safe. I found myself going through all the emotions in this tale as the author threw so much at you and kept you guessing the whole time. I have to say when we find out who is behind it all the fall out from it all is not what I expected and it shocked me. I loved how it all ended though and this was a wonderful conclusion to this series.
Overall I loved the way the author concluded this series and I was happy to see that Xandy and Vex get their happily every after. The author wraps up all the story lines and does all the characters justice in giving them closure. This book was even more fast paced than all the others and I was shocked to see that I was finished with it so quickly. The author created a world within the world of Britain and took most of my notions and turned them on it's head and made it a completely different world. I would highly recommend this one to others.
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