[Oct 2022] "Final Heir" Discussion

[Steph, Serious series addict]

This is the discussion thread for our October BOM: Final Heir by Faith Hunter

Details you may wish to include in your discussion:
* What did you think of the continuing storyline?
* Were all threads wrapped up in the finale?
* Did you have a favorite quote or scene?
* Would you recommend the book to others?

[Steph, Serious series addict]

I'm so bummed the series has ended! But, I'm excited about the potential for a possible spin-off.

My review/notes below --

Update, per Faith's newsletter:

SPECIAL NEWS REPORT!

Soooo…
I know you are all asking. What’s next for the JY world? It can’t be dead and gone can it?
Hmmm.
I took a poll among the street team and the winner by far was a series spinoff novel set in the future featuring Angie and (tangentially) Edmund. I have found the voice, and it’s set twenty years in the future. I like it but I don’t totally love it yet. I have no idea if the editors will like it, but I have eleven pages and by the time I hit twenty-five pages, I will know if this is going anywhere or if it got boring.

Thoughts after Reading
Finale confirmed. Sniffling continues. 🥲

"The future isn't composed of just one path, one single decision, one event. The present may be composed of those things, but not the future. The one butterfly we step on today doesn't make us who we are going to be tomorrow."

I highlighted so much of this book it looks like a glowworm barfed all over it. I read so slowly. I didn't want it to end. Hunter (and her timeline/continuity chickie) did a great job of reminding us of all the threads while weaving them into an action-packed finale. If I'm being honest, a little too action packed. I wouldn't have minded (at all) a bit more chill time for all of our hard-working, much-changed, bad-assed JY/DQ members. After having JY 1-2 books over the past 13 years, I'll very much miss reconnecting with these characters. I'd love it if she did another sort of spin-off with continued cameos in Soulwood, but I'll take what I can get.

(✮✮✮✮½)


Initial thoughts after seeing title
Okaaaay, “final” in the title doesn’t sound good … is this *sob* the *sniffle* fin- *gasp* finale?! Say it isn’t so! It can’t be. I’m. Not. Ready. 😢

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Ooooohhhhhh, I'm not reading it yet.

Nope ........ it doesn't get to end yet, until I read it!!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

😆 I felt the same, but couldn't resist reading it.

[Lis]

Loved it!! Going to pull some of my thoughts from my review, sorry if it's really long or redundant for anyone bingoing and reading reviews! Bbbbuuuuttt this is the last Jane book…. sniffle, sniffle…. Also apologizing in advance since I listen vs read, that some of my spelling may be a little off.

What did you think of the continuing storyline?
I think all books have been leading up to this final battle for power. There have been some really good highs and some very lows for Jane over the years and we have been right there with her. Some of those lows really made my heart hurt, but then you remember it's just fiction. Faith Hunter has done a great job at building this world of mithrans (vampires), witches, were creatures, skinwalkers, angels and various otherworld creatures. She grew up in the Louisiana bayou region and it really comes through in her details of New Orleans. From Beast's hunting trips into the muck to a lazy rainy day, you know the smells, the air, and the food... So N'awlins is the place for the final showdown for ultimate power as it should be. Overall it was a good ending and I'm glad we got adequate after the battle celebration time.

Were all threads wrapped up in the finale?
There are so many characters that have crossed the pages over the years and so happy that several are interwoven back into this final tale. I think time was given to all of Jane's people, Truehearts, and of course Bruiser / George, and Beast's "good mate" kind of seals that deal. The small sentence for Rick was a little lackluster, I was craving a little more there but maybe she is saving him for a later story. Pleased that so much time was dedicated to Edmund, and her "brothers" Ely and Alex. Even Leo Pellissier was likeable and surprisingly selfless to a point. I am selfishly hoping that Angie baby is the spinoff so we can still visit this world at a later time.

Did you have a favorite quote or scene?
I may or may not have listened to the last chapter "A good Ol' Boy Who Ain't Gotten Laid" (just had to get that title out there.. LOL! snicker, snicker) and the last 4 minutes about a half a dozen times... So it's simple... "I/We are happy!"

Would you recommend the book to others?
Yes, definitely. The ending of this series is very bittersweet since this is one of my all time favorites... I have been reading this series for over 10 years and not sure if I am ready to let it go just yet. But it is a great storyline, the characters have a lot of dimension and heart. I have high expectations for the spinoffs and hope for some more Soulwood, and new ones to come from this.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Awesome breakdown, Lis! I loved it, too. And, definitely share your thoughts about the heart hurts - highs and lows throughout. I, too, was looking for a bit more of a Rick update, but am hopeful more to come.

Spotted in her newsletter, Over and over I am honored and humbled by your love for Jane and Nell and the extended families they have built together. Therefore, just to the newsletter readers, I am announcing it here first that I have started the new shiny. (Drumroll)… It is set in Jane’s world, in the year 2045-ish. It has a very different feel from the Jane books, but it features some of your favorite characters. And no, I am not saying who yet, because I reserve the right to change them out and add to the character list! Anxious for whatever will be a continuation in the JY world.

[Lis]

2045ish... Does that make Angie 21? Hhmmmm... I could get on board with that!

[Lis]

And I'm still suffering from a book hangover with this one. Crazy how the "feels" hit with the conclusion of this series.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

I'm thinking maybe so, yeah. Same! I had the same issue. Book hangovers SUCK! Well, we've been getting a JY hit every year or so for over a decade ... 😔