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Otherworld #13
Thirteen
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Paranormal Fantasy (2012)War is coming to the Otherworld. A sinister cult known as The Supernatural Liberation Movement is hell-bent on exposing the truth about supernaturals to the rest of the world. Their violent, ruthless plan has put everyone at risk: from werewolves to vampires, from witches to half-demons.
Savannah Levine - fiery and unpredictable - stands at the heart of the maelstrom. There is a new, dark magic inside her, granting her the power to summon spells of terrifying strength. But whether this magic is a gift or a curse, no one knows.
On the eve of battle, all the major players must come together in a last, desperate fight for survival - Elena and Clay; Adam and Savannah; Paige and Lucas; Jeremy and Jaime; Hope, Eve and more...They are fighting for lives.
They are fighting for their loved ones.
They are fighting for the Otherworld.
Savannah Levine - fiery and unpredictable - stands at the heart of the maelstrom. There is a new, dark magic inside her, granting her the power to summon spells of terrifying strength. But whether this magic is a gift or a curse, no one knows.
On the eve of battle, all the major players must come together in a last, desperate fight for survival - Elena and Clay; Adam and Savannah; Paige and Lucas; Jeremy and Jaime; Hope, Eve and more...They are fighting for lives.
They are fighting for their loved ones.
They are fighting for the Otherworld.
444 pages, Hardcover
First published July 24, 2012
215 people are currently reading
12478 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
293 books33.6k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,095 reviews
March 14, 2025
Thirteen marks the final entry for full-length novels in the Otherworld series. Perhaps uncreative with its title, Thirteen can also indicate bad luck and superstition, so maybe it works well enough.
I'm happy the author changed the formula up a bit by having this be multiple point of view. The series has been filled with a few mains, not just one, so having their individual perspectives makes sense. Still she mainly makes this a Savannah book, leaving the young witch as the focal point to wrap up the series. Kind of strange considered it started and continued so strongly with Elena, but Elena does get her ending and wrap-up here too. A surprising perspective is Eve, who grew on me with 13. Jaime has some fun moments as well.
Switches sometimes leads to a little realism of personality lost. That's unfortunate but it's still workable if you already know and love the characters by reading the twelve books preceding it.
Another bad thing about doing the technique of switching points of view of main characters throughout a series is that you have to make the characters stand apart with different personality traits and voice. You can't just depend on the person's hang-ups with their life and how they're different just because they have different abilities. Armstrong mainly succeeds with that, especially through Elena in the earlier books, Jaime, Paige and Eve. By the time I get to Savannah, she seems to be a blend of the group. She stood out as her own personality in earlier books more than being in her head.
A disappointment I have with the series is Adam. He is introduced in Stolen and we get so little of him until Savannah finally grows up and develops a relationship with him. Through glimpses in earlier books he is shown as fun and intriguing. In Stolen he's showing as three dimensional with rough edges that may turn dangerous if provoked. Through Paige's books he's shown as incredibly powerful and rare. When he finally gets into his own books with Savannah, however, he comes across plain with power, generic in personality and a little dull. Such a shame. Instead with Savannah's books he's lukewarm (no pun intended), vanilla and rather boring. There is no spark of individuality, playful banter, bizarre humor, or risk taking. His personality is kind of just there, as is their relationship.
Thirteen does excel with how well it wraps up so many connecting storylines. I'm happy with everyone's ending. There's a surprise thrown in with a returning villain who everyone thought was long gone, and there's another surprising redemption with an enemy everyone knew was around but had written off as purely wicked.
The Cabal gets a presence and not a full wrap-up as the author leaves it open-ended on if Lucas will ever take over or not. The riddle of this is finally solved in the 2016 anthology release, Otherworld Chills, in 'Baby Boom.'
Fans of the series should be pleased. It's better than some of the other final books, regular characters are granted much needed page-time, there's a creatively done story that brings all the supernaturals together to fight, and we get to see more people's happily-ever-after. Until the short stories that is...Keep bringing them on too. This series is awesome and I hate seeing it end.
I'm happy the author changed the formula up a bit by having this be multiple point of view. The series has been filled with a few mains, not just one, so having their individual perspectives makes sense. Still she mainly makes this a Savannah book, leaving the young witch as the focal point to wrap up the series. Kind of strange considered it started and continued so strongly with Elena, but Elena does get her ending and wrap-up here too. A surprising perspective is Eve, who grew on me with 13. Jaime has some fun moments as well.
Switches sometimes leads to a little realism of personality lost. That's unfortunate but it's still workable if you already know and love the characters by reading the twelve books preceding it.
Another bad thing about doing the technique of switching points of view of main characters throughout a series is that you have to make the characters stand apart with different personality traits and voice. You can't just depend on the person's hang-ups with their life and how they're different just because they have different abilities. Armstrong mainly succeeds with that, especially through Elena in the earlier books, Jaime, Paige and Eve. By the time I get to Savannah, she seems to be a blend of the group. She stood out as her own personality in earlier books more than being in her head.
A disappointment I have with the series is Adam. He is introduced in Stolen and we get so little of him until Savannah finally grows up and develops a relationship with him. Through glimpses in earlier books he is shown as fun and intriguing. In Stolen he's showing as three dimensional with rough edges that may turn dangerous if provoked. Through Paige's books he's shown as incredibly powerful and rare. When he finally gets into his own books with Savannah, however, he comes across plain with power, generic in personality and a little dull. Such a shame. Instead with Savannah's books he's lukewarm (no pun intended), vanilla and rather boring. There is no spark of individuality, playful banter, bizarre humor, or risk taking. His personality is kind of just there, as is their relationship.
Thirteen does excel with how well it wraps up so many connecting storylines. I'm happy with everyone's ending. There's a surprise thrown in with a returning villain who everyone thought was long gone, and there's another surprising redemption with an enemy everyone knew was around but had written off as purely wicked.
The Cabal gets a presence and not a full wrap-up as the author leaves it open-ended on if Lucas will ever take over or not. The riddle of this is finally solved in the 2016 anthology release, Otherworld Chills, in 'Baby Boom.'
Fans of the series should be pleased. It's better than some of the other final books, regular characters are granted much needed page-time, there's a creatively done story that brings all the supernaturals together to fight, and we get to see more people's happily-ever-after. Until the short stories that is...Keep bringing them on too. This series is awesome and I hate seeing it end.
July 31, 2012
I've been a fan of the Otherworld series ever since I picked up Bitten and fell in love with the hot, complicated and largely dysfunctional romance between Clay Danvers and Elena Michaels. Over the years, I have liked some stories more than others. Some had better narrators, others had a stronger story arc, and yet others appealed more to the romance lover in me. But these last two Otherworld books took the series to an entirely different level. Thirteen was everything I wanted... everything I needed... for a fitting farewell to these characters I have come to care so much about.
I will do my very best to keep from spoiling you on the particulars. In broad strokes, I can tell you that the story picks up where Spell Bound left off. It follows Savannah on her journey to recover her powers and stop the faction of supernaturals trying to out themselves to the human world. This, of course, as she tries to finally snag the man she has loved all her life.
But while Savannah is the anchor of the story, this book belongs in part to everyone we have come to know in the Otherworld universe. We spend time with Elena, Paige, Eve, Hope, Jaime, Cassandra and the men who love them. We get bits and pieces in their POVs --enough for me to remember who I love and why. We see how far everyone has come, the evolution of their lives, but all folded seamlessly into the framework of this current crisis.
And it is a crisis. The action is almost non-stop. The danger is very real. In fact, there is one heart stopping moment, where I felt like Kelley Armstrong stabbed me in the heart with a rusty butterknife. It was that wrenching. It's also a testament to how deeply connected I feel to these characters and their lives.
Armstrong weaves together so many threads from so many of her previous books. We see (or at least hear about) all the major players that have shaped the series. Some, I never thought we would ever see. Some I thought we had seen the last of. They're all connected by our core cast of characters either by blood, by friendship or by feud. It's brilliant.
I wouldn't change a thing. Well, that's not entirely true. I would have liked to see a page or two of payoff on the relationship we have waited on between Savannah and Adam. I didn't need (or even want) the romance to take over the story, but I felt robbed with a love scene that fades to black. Armstrong has given us good love scenes in the past, but here, for whatever reason, she opts not to.
When all is said and done, our characters lives are still a work in progress. But we have enough closure that I was very satisfied. And a little sad. I will miss this series... but at least it went out with a bang instead of a whimper.
*ARC Provided by Dutton
I will do my very best to keep from spoiling you on the particulars. In broad strokes, I can tell you that the story picks up where Spell Bound left off. It follows Savannah on her journey to recover her powers and stop the faction of supernaturals trying to out themselves to the human world. This, of course, as she tries to finally snag the man she has loved all her life.
But while Savannah is the anchor of the story, this book belongs in part to everyone we have come to know in the Otherworld universe. We spend time with Elena, Paige, Eve, Hope, Jaime, Cassandra and the men who love them. We get bits and pieces in their POVs --enough for me to remember who I love and why. We see how far everyone has come, the evolution of their lives, but all folded seamlessly into the framework of this current crisis.
And it is a crisis. The action is almost non-stop. The danger is very real. In fact, there is one heart stopping moment, where I felt like Kelley Armstrong stabbed me in the heart with a rusty butterknife. It was that wrenching. It's also a testament to how deeply connected I feel to these characters and their lives.
Armstrong weaves together so many threads from so many of her previous books. We see (or at least hear about) all the major players that have shaped the series. Some, I never thought we would ever see. Some I thought we had seen the last of. They're all connected by our core cast of characters either by blood, by friendship or by feud. It's brilliant.
I wouldn't change a thing. Well, that's not entirely true. I would have liked to see a page or two of payoff on the relationship we have waited on between Savannah and Adam. I didn't need (or even want) the romance to take over the story, but I felt robbed with a love scene that fades to black. Armstrong has given us good love scenes in the past, but here, for whatever reason, she opts not to.
When all is said and done, our characters lives are still a work in progress. But we have enough closure that I was very satisfied. And a little sad. I will miss this series... but at least it went out with a bang instead of a whimper.
*ARC Provided by Dutton
August 24, 2012
As seen on The Readventurer
Have Kelley Armstrong's books always been like... this? So superficial, so packed with mindless action? I know I didn't particularly like her YA novels or her last two adult novels, but were her earlier works this bad too, and I was just too inexperienced and liked them in spite of their flaws? I will have to investigate this and read her earlier books one of these days and for now just assume that they used to be better, and I had a legitimate reason to become a fan of both Women of the Otherworld and Kelley Armstrong.
Thirteen is just meh. I feel like gone from this series are hot romances, spunky heroines and interesting mythologies. What's left are: family reunions and running around.
I have the vaguest memories of the two previous books in the series - Waking the Witch and Spell Bound. It's hard for me to remember anything except the feelings of disappointment in Savannah, her romance with Adam and the hectic, cliff-hangery plots. This disappointment carried over into Thirteen.
There is nothing "stunning" about this conclusion, IMO. The gist of this story is that this group of supernaturals (The Supernatural Liberation Movement) is creating havoc, trying to force the rest of supes to come out and take over the world. And, of course, only Savannah and hew crew can save humanity. The thing is, the balance of power from the get-go is so much in our friends' favor, I don't know why anyone would worry about the outcome. For goodness sake, they have an angel (Eve) and Lucifer on their side! With no suspense, no mystery and no real danger, the novel reads like a mix of numerous kidnappings (I am pretty certain that any book shouldn't have any more than one kidnapping; this one has at least three!), escapes, betrayals, main characters doing and saying what they've done and said in every book already (they are, in a way, their own cliches) and the stupidest villains ever who reveal their plans to anyone who asks.
The only thing Thirteen accomplishes successfully is a HEA FOR ALL, with love proclamations and babies. Armstrong even manages to give each and every woman of the Otherworld the last word by letting Elena, Jaime, Hope, Eve and Paige narrate one needless chapter each. Otherwise Thirteen is a poor hide-and-seek extravaganza with people getting kidnapped and released/rescued every ten pages and not a moment of contemplation, a piece of cool world-building, or even some decent sexy times to shake things up. (I don't think one measly, passionless "slide in" is worth mentioning.)
A sad conclusion to the series, to be sure. I am tired of repeating this, but I wish authors would cut off their series while they are ahead instead of producing low-quality junk and losing their credibility. My adieus to this series, which is going to migrate from my series-still-like to series-abandoned-lost-steam shelf, and to another author who I once respected but am not sure now I would care to support any more.
Have Kelley Armstrong's books always been like... this? So superficial, so packed with mindless action? I know I didn't particularly like her YA novels or her last two adult novels, but were her earlier works this bad too, and I was just too inexperienced and liked them in spite of their flaws? I will have to investigate this and read her earlier books one of these days and for now just assume that they used to be better, and I had a legitimate reason to become a fan of both Women of the Otherworld and Kelley Armstrong.
Thirteen is just meh. I feel like gone from this series are hot romances, spunky heroines and interesting mythologies. What's left are: family reunions and running around.
I have the vaguest memories of the two previous books in the series - Waking the Witch and Spell Bound. It's hard for me to remember anything except the feelings of disappointment in Savannah, her romance with Adam and the hectic, cliff-hangery plots. This disappointment carried over into Thirteen.
There is nothing "stunning" about this conclusion, IMO. The gist of this story is that this group of supernaturals (The Supernatural Liberation Movement) is creating havoc, trying to force the rest of supes to come out and take over the world. And, of course, only Savannah and hew crew can save humanity. The thing is, the balance of power from the get-go is so much in our friends' favor, I don't know why anyone would worry about the outcome. For goodness sake, they have an angel (Eve) and Lucifer on their side! With no suspense, no mystery and no real danger, the novel reads like a mix of numerous kidnappings (I am pretty certain that any book shouldn't have any more than one kidnapping; this one has at least three!), escapes, betrayals, main characters doing and saying what they've done and said in every book already (they are, in a way, their own cliches) and the stupidest villains ever who reveal their plans to anyone who asks.
The only thing Thirteen accomplishes successfully is a HEA FOR ALL, with love proclamations and babies. Armstrong even manages to give each and every woman of the Otherworld the last word by letting Elena, Jaime, Hope, Eve and Paige narrate one needless chapter each. Otherwise Thirteen is a poor hide-and-seek extravaganza with people getting kidnapped and released/rescued every ten pages and not a moment of contemplation, a piece of cool world-building, or even some decent sexy times to shake things up. (I don't think one measly, passionless "slide in" is worth mentioning.)
A sad conclusion to the series, to be sure. I am tired of repeating this, but I wish authors would cut off their series while they are ahead instead of producing low-quality junk and losing their credibility. My adieus to this series, which is going to migrate from my series-still-like to series-abandoned-lost-steam shelf, and to another author who I once respected but am not sure now I would care to support any more.
October 23, 2017
I read the last 82% of this book in one sitting - stayed up until after midnight! I just couldn't stop. I'm really sad that the series is over. I have a few short story anthologies to read, but the main story is over. She did say in the little note at the end of the book that more might come, one day, for a bigger story. I'd LOVE it. Maybe following the kids???
Want to read
November 30, 2011I know I have a lot of catching up to do before this comes out. But all I can say is please, please, please let this be from Elena's viewpoint. I don't know if I could handle it any other way!
July 3, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟
August 17, 2019
Being the finale of the beloved series, Women of the Otherworld, I was so excited to read this.
It begins where it began. No that is not a typo. Kelley Armstrong kicks things off with a letter from herself, which frankly I thought was a nice touch. Which leads onto the very first chapter, all the way back to Bitten. In doing so I though this was the perfect way to put you into the right mind-space to begin the end.
The plot in this book is crazy! I am not sure how Armstrong kept track of all the goings on because this is packed with action and characters and little links to how this might end. Of course this can sometimes get a bit confusing but I was never left wanting to put it down.
I am so pleased with how it all wrapped up and ended, Savannah is definitely the lead role in this book, however all the characters that we have seen along the way are in this and play key parts. There is so much crammed into this novel it is hard to review without giving bits of it away. I will say in some places it seemed a little whimsical, things that proved impossible during the other 12 books seemed as easy at simply clicking your fingers in this book, but for the sake of a happy ending I will gladly overlook this.
This truly is a fantastic fantasy series led by the voices of talented women each different not only in power but personality. This world that Armstrong has created is brilliantly in depth without being overly complicated. I am sad to see this series go, however upon finishing this, it was released that Armstrong is releasing a new novel about Kate and Logan, so it appears, it is not quite over. Yet.
It begins where it began. No that is not a typo. Kelley Armstrong kicks things off with a letter from herself, which frankly I thought was a nice touch. Which leads onto the very first chapter, all the way back to Bitten. In doing so I though this was the perfect way to put you into the right mind-space to begin the end.
The plot in this book is crazy! I am not sure how Armstrong kept track of all the goings on because this is packed with action and characters and little links to how this might end. Of course this can sometimes get a bit confusing but I was never left wanting to put it down.
I am so pleased with how it all wrapped up and ended, Savannah is definitely the lead role in this book, however all the characters that we have seen along the way are in this and play key parts. There is so much crammed into this novel it is hard to review without giving bits of it away. I will say in some places it seemed a little whimsical, things that proved impossible during the other 12 books seemed as easy at simply clicking your fingers in this book, but for the sake of a happy ending I will gladly overlook this.
This truly is a fantastic fantasy series led by the voices of talented women each different not only in power but personality. This world that Armstrong has created is brilliantly in depth without being overly complicated. I am sad to see this series go, however upon finishing this, it was released that Armstrong is releasing a new novel about Kate and Logan, so it appears, it is not quite over. Yet.
August 11, 2021
Women of the Otherworld Series
(001) ★★★★★ F&W • GR Bitten
(002) ★★★★★ F&W • GR Stolen
(003) ★★★★★ F&W • GR Dime Store Magic
(004) ★★★★☆ F&W • GR Industrial Magic
(005) ★★★☆☆ F&W • GR Haunted
(006) ★★☆☆☆ F&W • GR Broken
(007) ★★★☆☆ F&W • GR No Humans Involved
(008) ★★☆☆☆ F&W • GR Personal Demon
(009) ★★☆☆☆ F&W • GR Living with the Dead
(010) ★★★★☆ F&W • GR Frostbitten
(011) ★★★☆☆ F&W • GR Waking the Witch
(012) ☐☐☐☐☐ • GR Spell Bound
(013) ☐☐☐☐☐ • GR Thirteen
Blog • Bookstagram • Goodreads
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(001) ★★★★★ F&W • GR Bitten
(002) ★★★★★ F&W • GR Stolen
(003) ★★★★★ F&W • GR Dime Store Magic
(004) ★★★★☆ F&W • GR Industrial Magic
(005) ★★★☆☆ F&W • GR Haunted
(006) ★★☆☆☆ F&W • GR Broken
(007) ★★★☆☆ F&W • GR No Humans Involved
(008) ★★☆☆☆ F&W • GR Personal Demon
(009) ★★☆☆☆ F&W • GR Living with the Dead
(010) ★★★★☆ F&W • GR Frostbitten
(011) ★★★☆☆ F&W • GR Waking the Witch
(012) ☐☐☐☐☐ • GR Spell Bound
(013) ☐☐☐☐☐ • GR Thirteen
Blog • Bookstagram • Goodreads
Twitter • LinkTree • Club • Club Bookstagram
August 3, 2012
First of all I love this series! I enjoyed most of the books immensly, but if I had read this book first I would never have bothered with the rest of the series.
To me it feels like the conclusion of the Darkest Powers/Darkness Rising series. The tone and feel is completely different from the first books, something that has set in since Waking the Witch. It changed from a series that was definitely adult to a YA series. The gore isn't as gorey as in the first books, the sex is reduced to a guessing game.
There was so much going on in this book that it became confusing, but at the same time it lacked depth. The book is mainly written in the voice of Savannah, but then sometimes it switches to another woman and then just a I begin to enjoy the switch it switches back... There is also no pack interaction in this book. Nick and Antonio are absent, the twins are absent. The other new packmembers are absent. And the werewolves that are left don't act like werewolves but like tired grown-ups, not once do they change (or did I miss it?). Jaime is reduced to a ditzy blonde, Hope and Paige have some token scene. Other then Savannah (and perhaps Eve) the women don't feel like the kick-ass heroines they were in their 'own' books.
The story itself is flimsy and not finished (something with one group wanting to out the supernaturals by infecting people with a supernatural virus and letting them loose and on a killing spree and another wanting to prevent that) and just keeps on going from one place to another. There are no places to breath. I think to enjoy a story you have to have some places in the story to relax and savour the story.
I found this a dissapointing end to the series! I was even kind of angry when I finished the book, this was it??? This watered down, confusing story was what we were left with? I so hope the short stories Kelley promised are better!
To me it feels like the conclusion of the Darkest Powers/Darkness Rising series. The tone and feel is completely different from the first books, something that has set in since Waking the Witch. It changed from a series that was definitely adult to a YA series. The gore isn't as gorey as in the first books, the sex is reduced to a guessing game.
There was so much going on in this book that it became confusing, but at the same time it lacked depth. The book is mainly written in the voice of Savannah, but then sometimes it switches to another woman and then just a I begin to enjoy the switch it switches back... There is also no pack interaction in this book. Nick and Antonio are absent, the twins are absent. The other new packmembers are absent. And the werewolves that are left don't act like werewolves but like tired grown-ups, not once do they change (or did I miss it?). Jaime is reduced to a ditzy blonde, Hope and Paige have some token scene. Other then Savannah (and perhaps Eve) the women don't feel like the kick-ass heroines they were in their 'own' books.
The story itself is flimsy and not finished (something with one group wanting to out the supernaturals by infecting people with a supernatural virus and letting them loose and on a killing spree and another wanting to prevent that) and just keeps on going from one place to another. There are no places to breath. I think to enjoy a story you have to have some places in the story to relax and savour the story.
I found this a dissapointing end to the series! I was even kind of angry when I finished the book, this was it??? This watered down, confusing story was what we were left with? I so hope the short stories Kelley promised are better!
July 26, 2012
(IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED DON'T READ THIS!
And don't expect good reviews from me because i am not good with words.)
I stayed up until 6am to finish this book, because I could not just stop reading and go to sleep like that. I have been waiting too long for this book, but now I am incredibly sad this wonderful (but, yes, flawed) series has ended. I was actually afraid to be disappointed by 13, because while I actually like Savannah and her story line, Waking The Witch and Spell Bound didn't exactly leave me in awe. And while, yes, I liked Adam/Savannah, it was hard to get into these two in her books, but 13 made me really love them and they have become a beloved pairing of mine. And all of this sexual tension, damn... and when they finally have sex it fades to black? HOW SADDENING WAS THAT?
One of my favorite things about this book was the Mother/Daughter reunion of Eve and Savannah, it hit me right in the chest. And Kristof being able to see two of his children again, I certainly teared up.
I was pleasantly surprised that 13 was not only narrated by Savannah. Which brings up another thing though... I am still sad that we never got a Cassandra book. I love Cassandra and Cassandra/Aaron are one of my favorite relationships in this series so it was disappointing that we never really got a lot of these two. I know that this is the last book of this series, but that doesn't mean we don't get more Women of The Otherworld novellas/short stories, right? Maybe...
[MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD]
Malcolm is alive? JESUS FUCKING CHRIST. I certainly did not expect that. And I wonder if Jeremy is ever going to find out.
Okay, throughout this book I was so fucking worried about several characters (Karl, Hope, Cassandra, Eve, ...) but most of all Cassandra because of this issue about Cassandra not wanting to be a vampire anymore. BUT HALLELUJAH EVERYONE I CARED ABOUT SURVIVED.
I loved this book.
And don't expect good reviews from me because i am not good with words.)
I stayed up until 6am to finish this book, because I could not just stop reading and go to sleep like that. I have been waiting too long for this book, but now I am incredibly sad this wonderful (but, yes, flawed) series has ended. I was actually afraid to be disappointed by 13, because while I actually like Savannah and her story line, Waking The Witch and Spell Bound didn't exactly leave me in awe. And while, yes, I liked Adam/Savannah, it was hard to get into these two in her books, but 13 made me really love them and they have become a beloved pairing of mine. And all of this sexual tension, damn... and when they finally have sex it fades to black? HOW SADDENING WAS THAT?
One of my favorite things about this book was the Mother/Daughter reunion of Eve and Savannah, it hit me right in the chest. And Kristof being able to see two of his children again, I certainly teared up.
I was pleasantly surprised that 13 was not only narrated by Savannah. Which brings up another thing though... I am still sad that we never got a Cassandra book. I love Cassandra and Cassandra/Aaron are one of my favorite relationships in this series so it was disappointing that we never really got a lot of these two. I know that this is the last book of this series, but that doesn't mean we don't get more Women of The Otherworld novellas/short stories, right? Maybe...
[MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD]
Malcolm is alive? JESUS FUCKING CHRIST. I certainly did not expect that. And I wonder if Jeremy is ever going to find out.
Okay, throughout this book I was so fucking worried about several characters (Karl, Hope, Cassandra, Eve, ...) but most of all Cassandra because of this issue about Cassandra not wanting to be a vampire anymore. BUT HALLELUJAH EVERYONE I CARED ABOUT SURVIVED.
I loved this book.
October 1, 2012
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 4.0
Full Review shortly
I really liked having a final reunion with most, if not all, of the characters that have played a huge role in the success of this series. We all knew that Savannah and Adam were going to move in a certain direction and I'm kind of glad it ended just the way it did. There's no HEA, rather the possibility that we will see these characters again in Novella's or other stories down the road. Obviously, Armstrong doesn't want to let these characters fade into the sunset.
I think the most surprising character to me was Eve Levine. She's really come a long way from being an awful character to one that has found her wings literally. I like the fact that she's a bounty hunter of sorts for wayward spirits.
It was nice seeing Hope and Karl again as well. I had forgotten that Hope was pregnant and her story line is wrapped up rather nicely and maybe, just maybe, little Nita will find a place in future Armstrong works.
More later.....
*Rating* 4.0
Full Review shortly
I really liked having a final reunion with most, if not all, of the characters that have played a huge role in the success of this series. We all knew that Savannah and Adam were going to move in a certain direction and I'm kind of glad it ended just the way it did. There's no HEA, rather the possibility that we will see these characters again in Novella's or other stories down the road. Obviously, Armstrong doesn't want to let these characters fade into the sunset.
I think the most surprising character to me was Eve Levine. She's really come a long way from being an awful character to one that has found her wings literally. I like the fact that she's a bounty hunter of sorts for wayward spirits.
It was nice seeing Hope and Karl again as well. I had forgotten that Hope was pregnant and her story line is wrapped up rather nicely and maybe, just maybe, little Nita will find a place in future Armstrong works.
More later.....
August 20, 2017
bueno esto da un cierre a una saga importante de mi vida.
este libro último no es la maravilla que uno espera , pero es bueno. resalta la relación de Adam con Savanah no de la forma que uno quiere mas amorosa pero si con la forma amor-amistad segura que ellos ha tenido desde siempre .
siento que es un buen cierre a la saga , aveces nos quedamos descontentos pero da un final justo ni muy felices para siempre pero tampoco abierto a demasiadas interpretaciones. he esperado mas de ALGUNOS PERSONAJES pero otros me han sorprendido y me han enamorado mas .
Elena y Clay han sido una pareja favorita y su amor se quedará conmigo por siempre porque es algo realista y sincero. los quiero .
este libro 3 de 5 la saga 4de 5.
este libro último no es la maravilla que uno espera , pero es bueno. resalta la relación de Adam con Savanah no de la forma que uno quiere mas amorosa pero si con la forma amor-amistad segura que ellos ha tenido desde siempre .
siento que es un buen cierre a la saga , aveces nos quedamos descontentos pero da un final justo ni muy felices para siempre pero tampoco abierto a demasiadas interpretaciones. he esperado mas de ALGUNOS PERSONAJES pero otros me han sorprendido y me han enamorado mas .
Elena y Clay han sido una pareja favorita y su amor se quedará conmigo por siempre porque es algo realista y sincero. los quiero .
este libro 3 de 5 la saga 4de 5.
September 1, 2012
A great book that finishes _ for now, right?? _ a great series. Eve, Kristoff, Savannah, Adam, Elena, Clay, Hope, Karl, Jeremy, Jaime, Cassandra, Aaron, Benicio, Sean, they are all here for the conclusion of this series.
The book picks up right after Spellbound _ so if you don't remember Savannah's last adventures, you better re-read it.
The world of the Otherworld is on the verge of disaster and upcoming war. There's factions that defend that their existence should be revealed, and others who don't. And in this matter, even Lord Demons will have a word in it....
Lot of things are happening, and even long dead characters will make an appearance in this one....Something of which, i really wasn't expecting. Even in a fantasy book filled with werewolfes, and witches, i thought that coming back from the dead was impossible! Luckily nothing is impossible when one has the amazing imagination of author Kelley Armstrong, and i loved those parts. Even if they were bittersweet...because everything ends, right?
A very action packed story, with romance and drama. OMG, there was a part in the story, when my heart almost STOPPED. And i was like: DON'T YOU DARE KILL THAT CHARACTER!!
Yes, i'm a fan :) and i will always be.
The book picks up right after Spellbound _ so if you don't remember Savannah's last adventures, you better re-read it.
The world of the Otherworld is on the verge of disaster and upcoming war. There's factions that defend that their existence should be revealed, and others who don't. And in this matter, even Lord Demons will have a word in it....
Lot of things are happening, and even long dead characters will make an appearance in this one....Something of which, i really wasn't expecting. Even in a fantasy book filled with werewolfes, and witches, i thought that coming back from the dead was impossible! Luckily nothing is impossible when one has the amazing imagination of author Kelley Armstrong, and i loved those parts. Even if they were bittersweet...because everything ends, right?
A very action packed story, with romance and drama. OMG, there was a part in the story, when my heart almost STOPPED. And i was like: DON'T YOU DARE KILL THAT CHARACTER!!
Yes, i'm a fan :) and i will always be.
July 20, 2014
I reaped the benefit of a few years distance from this series, otherwise I imagine I would have struggled to make it thru this alleged final volume. The magic, and steaminess, of Bitten is long gone. In its place are overly complicated evil plots, a vast number of kidnappings, and a supernatural world that is at times, ridiculously overwhelming. Having said that, I couldn't not read the series finale, though I doubt the series will end here. Though that special something that appeared in earlier volumes no longer prevails, I have become incredibly fond of the characters, and I enjoyed seeing each of them achieve some sort of resolution. Granted that resolution was a sappy sweet happily ever after, but I would have been pissed if Armstrong forced her readers to read the demise of any of the characters they have come to love. All in all, it wasn't a bad way to spend a Sunday, and had this been the start of a series, and not the end of one, I would have rated it a notch higher. However, I'm holding firm to my 3 star rating, because I know Armstrong can do better. It appears her years writing YA has caused her to censor her adult works, which fills me with disappointment. Until next time Ms. Armstrong, and please, write in some steam...you're good at that.
June 7, 2023
5 stars. Despite me not loving the previous two books in this series, Armstrong was able to bring it home and really make the finale something incredible. I was honestly so worried but this was a fantastic way to the end the series.
The entire gang are in this and it was such a wonderful time to see everyone interacting with each other. This is primarily in Savannah’s point of view but there are some chapters where we get Eve, Elena, Hope, Paige and Jaime’s pov which was fun. Also, we get on page interaction between Savannah and her mother Eve and that hit me all in the feels. Eve is already dead when the series starts so we never get to see those two interact so I thought it was beautiful and I liked the way it was done. I loved seeing them work together.
The stakes were high in this and there were a lot of intense moments. This was paced really well. There was never a dull moment for me and I was extremely happy with the way everything wrapped up because all of these characters deserve HEAs. I’ve loved this series so much and I’m glad that there are still a bunch of short story collections because I seriously cannot get enough of this world and these characters. I look forward to re-reading these books again because this has become one of my favorite series.
The entire gang are in this and it was such a wonderful time to see everyone interacting with each other. This is primarily in Savannah’s point of view but there are some chapters where we get Eve, Elena, Hope, Paige and Jaime’s pov which was fun. Also, we get on page interaction between Savannah and her mother Eve and that hit me all in the feels. Eve is already dead when the series starts so we never get to see those two interact so I thought it was beautiful and I liked the way it was done. I loved seeing them work together.
The stakes were high in this and there were a lot of intense moments. This was paced really well. There was never a dull moment for me and I was extremely happy with the way everything wrapped up because all of these characters deserve HEAs. I’ve loved this series so much and I’m glad that there are still a bunch of short story collections because I seriously cannot get enough of this world and these characters. I look forward to re-reading these books again because this has become one of my favorite series.
March 19, 2021
Thirteen
3.5 Stars
The narrative in this final installment is presented via the shifting perspectives of the various heroines in the series - Elena, Paige, Eve, Jamie, Hope and Savannah. Each provides closure for their respective storylines, but the sequences from Elena's point of view are the most compelling. This only reinforces the idea that this series would have been much better if the focus had remained on her rather than introducing so many other characters and plots.
Nevertheless, this particular book completes Savannah's arc as she comes to terms with her heritage and her powers. While there is some development for her character - she matures from the spoiled and bratty girl of the previous books to a young woman who takes responsibility and considers the consequences of her actions - there is still an irritating disconnect between the apparent strength of her powers and her actual ability to use them effectively.
The romance is also disappointing as Adam and Savannah never live up to their potential. Unfortunately, their relationship still reads more like bickering siblings than lovers. The one and only sex scene is glossed over so quickly it might never have happened at all.
All in all, despite the ups and downs of the series, the Women of the Otherworld has had its exciting and compelling moments, and this book does provide a satisfying conclusion overall.
3.5 Stars
The narrative in this final installment is presented via the shifting perspectives of the various heroines in the series - Elena, Paige, Eve, Jamie, Hope and Savannah. Each provides closure for their respective storylines, but the sequences from Elena's point of view are the most compelling. This only reinforces the idea that this series would have been much better if the focus had remained on her rather than introducing so many other characters and plots.
Nevertheless, this particular book completes Savannah's arc as she comes to terms with her heritage and her powers. While there is some development for her character - she matures from the spoiled and bratty girl of the previous books to a young woman who takes responsibility and considers the consequences of her actions - there is still an irritating disconnect between the apparent strength of her powers and her actual ability to use them effectively.
The romance is also disappointing as Adam and Savannah never live up to their potential. Unfortunately, their relationship still reads more like bickering siblings than lovers. The one and only sex scene is glossed over so quickly it might never have happened at all.
All in all, despite the ups and downs of the series, the Women of the Otherworld has had its exciting and compelling moments, and this book does provide a satisfying conclusion overall.
May 1, 2018
I have such mixed feelings about coming to the end of this series; I started reading it in 2008, and now here I am, reading the end of it 12 years later. It’s a little sad, but I was so excited to see how this would wrap up for these characters I have spent so much time with.
This book is action-packed. There is so much going on throughout the whole thing that you hardly have time to catch your breath before a new crisis has begun. I loved it. I’m so glad that we’ve had so many books in which to get to know the characters, because it made this book so exciting and I was already completely attached to the characters and rooting for them to succeed. Thirteen takes everyone we’ve met in the series and brings them together in the greatest way in order to defeat these people who are threatening the stability and existence of the Otherworld. There are tons of twists and turns and still more developments with characters’ relationships. Everyone gets their own time to shine, and I sped through this book, because I just couldn’t bring myself to stop turning the pages.
There’s plenty of closure, but it’s not a wrapped-up-perfectly type of closure, just a sense of resolution and some rest for the characters (for now) until they tackle their next big crisis, which is what I like. I can easily imagine the characters moving on with their lives and taking on their next challenges. The bonus short story featuring Elena was a perfect way to end the book, since that’s who we started with.
Women of the Otherworld is easily one of my favorite all-time series. If you’re going to read just one paranormal series in your lifetime, I would choose this one. Armstrong has an incredible ability to write edge-of-your-seat thrillers while making you fall in love with an entire cast of characters, following each of their stories in detail without overwhelming the narrative with too much clutter. I’m so happy these books exist.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
This book is action-packed. There is so much going on throughout the whole thing that you hardly have time to catch your breath before a new crisis has begun. I loved it. I’m so glad that we’ve had so many books in which to get to know the characters, because it made this book so exciting and I was already completely attached to the characters and rooting for them to succeed. Thirteen takes everyone we’ve met in the series and brings them together in the greatest way in order to defeat these people who are threatening the stability and existence of the Otherworld. There are tons of twists and turns and still more developments with characters’ relationships. Everyone gets their own time to shine, and I sped through this book, because I just couldn’t bring myself to stop turning the pages.
There’s plenty of closure, but it’s not a wrapped-up-perfectly type of closure, just a sense of resolution and some rest for the characters (for now) until they tackle their next big crisis, which is what I like. I can easily imagine the characters moving on with their lives and taking on their next challenges. The bonus short story featuring Elena was a perfect way to end the book, since that’s who we started with.
Women of the Otherworld is easily one of my favorite all-time series. If you’re going to read just one paranormal series in your lifetime, I would choose this one. Armstrong has an incredible ability to write edge-of-your-seat thrillers while making you fall in love with an entire cast of characters, following each of their stories in detail without overwhelming the narrative with too much clutter. I’m so happy these books exist.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
July 26, 2012
Series FINALE! What? Say it isn't so.
July Update: Well, if this is what the series has come to, I'm glad it's over. This book was all action, no depth. The plot was completely scattered about, as were the main characters... here, there and everywhere. I have enjoyed this series for the characters (except for Eve, I just can't get into her), but this conclusion merely had highlights of the personalities of the wonderful women and men I've been reading about for years. And to finish it off, the ending was quickly wrapped up with a nice, little, boring bow. Overall, very disappointing.
July Update: Well, if this is what the series has come to, I'm glad it's over. This book was all action, no depth. The plot was completely scattered about, as were the main characters... here, there and everywhere. I have enjoyed this series for the characters (except for Eve, I just can't get into her), but this conclusion merely had highlights of the personalities of the wonderful women and men I've been reading about for years. And to finish it off, the ending was quickly wrapped up with a nice, little, boring bow. Overall, very disappointing.
September 19, 2012
Contains spoilers for all previous 'Otherworld' books
‘13’ is the thirteenth and final book in Kelley Armstrong’s epic urban fantasy ‘Women of the Otherworld’ series.
This is the all-star final showdown, slow-clap finale to Armstrong’s much loved series. This is the book fans have been waiting for, but I’ve got to say … I was not impressed. Much as it pains me to admit.
Savannah Levine is again narrating, rounding out her POV books to a nice trilogy – ‘Waking the Witch’, ‘Spell Bound’ and now bringing it all together with ‘13’. But even though this is, again, Savannah’s book, every previous female protagonist gets one chapter devoted to them, so throughout the book we’re switched to Elena, Hope and Paige’s point of views.
Armstrong certainly has made ‘13’ an epic finale (maybe a little too epic?) with supernatural in-fighting between all supernaturals. The Supernatural Liberation Movement want to ‘out’ supernaturals (and presumably take over the world?) but they have a fight on their hands, against those who would prefer to keep their secrets. So all species are drawn into this one – vampires, werewolves, witches, psychics, necormancers, angels and most especially demons (many of whom are watching over their human offspring, and hedging bets on which side will come out victorious). Savannah Levine seems to be in the middle of it all – a powerful witch with a demon grandfather, deceased witch mother and warlock father who now have ties to the otherworld.
If it sounds like there’s a lot going on, that’s because there is. And that was actually a real problem for me – the helter-skelter plot really detracted from the characters and turned this into a rather cold, impersonal ‘sayonara’.
This feeling of detachment was particularly prevalent with the ‘romance’ aspect of this final book, between Savannah and Adam Vasic. It’s partly the fact that the groundwork for them really hasn’t been there in previous instalments. In Savannah’s other two narrated books, Adam was a bit player, and it was Savannah’s feelings for him (even in his absence) that were the focus. They literally came together in the last few pages of ‘Spell Bound’, and now we jump into the very chaotic events of ‘13’, when they really don’t have time to reconcile their newfound feelings and it just generally makes for a jumble. But, like I said, that’s partly due to the groundwork not being there for these characters in previous books . . . and you realize that maybe Savannah’s previous narration turns were a little too plot-heavy and not focused enough on her relationships. Really, the two books Savannah narrated followed similar storylines of Savannah going solo on an investigation into a small country town. We’ve really only got to know her on her own, and what we know of her in relation to other characters (Paige, in particular) we’ve only garnered when she was a secondary character in their books or short stories.
It’s actually reiterated a few times that Savannah and Adam are kind of testing the waters – this will be the first major relationship for both of them, and they’re wary about losing a friendship if the romance doesn’t work out. Then there’s the age-gap (Lucas, creepily, points out that Adam is only one year younger than him). But Savannah maintains that if it’s a mistake, she’ll have to make it on her own terms. Now, I completely understand that fast-tracking Adam and Savannah’s relationship from ‘childhood crush’ to ‘soul mates’ would have been disingenuous and would have had readers scoffing. But at the same time, this is the last book, and for that reason I would have liked more fireworks and epic love, as opposed to the rather ho-hum ‘let’s just see how it goes’ and ‘we’re taking things slow’ route. All in all, Adam and Savannah were a fizzle, not a sizzle. I was actually more invested in the small snippet scenes between werewolf, Karl, and his pregnant psychic wife, Hope because they had that deep, connected love story between them – and it just added more weight and meaning to all of their scenes. Karl and Hope actually ended up highlighting the hollowness of Savannah and Adam.
I did spend a bit of ‘13’ thinking this felt more like the book before the last book. Like Armstrong was still laying a lot of breadcrumbs and setting up her long-game ending … maybe because the many character reappearances, near-deaths and open-ended relationships felt more like build-up than finale.
There’s ‘a word from Kelley Armstrong’ at the beginning of the book, where she acknowledges the fact that many fans would have preferred that this final book finish with Elena narrating (and coming full-circle in the series that she started, with ‘Bitten’). Armstrong acknowledges that, but says she’s had the idea for Savannah to be the final narrator for a while now – since she’s the character we’ve seen grow from teenager, into young adulthood. Nevertheless, it just so happens that some of the most interesting exchanges and moments in ‘13’ are concerned with the Pack, and involve Clay and Elena anyway. It’s these moments that far outshine the rest of the goings on with Savannah, demons, angels and Adam. I feel like Armstrong inadvertently touched on this in one particular scene. . .
I grinned. “Yes, typical five-year-olds – playing Metallica and learning French for fun. As for the bunnies, I’m not going there.”
“Don’t. Anyway, sounds like situation normal at the Lester house tonight. The kids fighting, while Mom’s telling them to stop bickering before their dad comes down to chew them out.”
“Except at our place,” Clay said, “it’s me saying ‘Cool it before Mom comes down.’”
“Because I’m much scarier than he is,” Elena said. Now if I could just convince every mutt in the country to see it that way.”
Adam said, “So Lester’s upstairs?”
“Oh, sure, bring the conversation back on track,” I said. “Spoilsport.”
My sentiments exactly.
But I think Armstrong must have been more swayed by readers clamouring for Elena’s POV than she let on, because there’s another note from her at the end, followed by an Elena short story called ‘From Russia, With Love.’ In this ‘final note from Kelley’ she admits that ‘13’ didn’t wrap with the ‘Otherworld’ characters going quietly into the night, their stories neatly tied up.
“God, we’re getting responsible,” I said.
He smiled. “Being careful just means we’ll live long enough to have more adventures.”
If readers feel like this universe is still expanding, that’d be because it is – with Armstrong planning three short story anthologies (the first of which is slated for 2014) and she’s also not saying ‘no’ to a possible revisit to the ‘Otherworld.’ I certainly hope she does, particularly because a certain basement discovery in ‘13’ has great impact on the Pack, and the short ‘From Russia, With Love’ reminds readers that there are still some interesting, untapped werewolf secondary characters to be explored – like suave Nick Sorrentino and Australian wolf, Reese.
All in all, I was really disappointed with this book. It felt like Armstrong was so laser-focused on the big, grand, sweeping finale plot that all those characters we’ve come to know and love fell by the wayside. Clay and Elena, as always, were the most interesting aspect of the book – and their short story at the end was perhaps the major highlight of the whole thing. The romances of Lucas and Paige, Karl and Hope, heck, even Cassandra and Aaron all really highlighted what was missing from the ‘we’re testing the waters’ fledgling romance with Savannah and Adam – and made me realize that if you’re going to write about the end of the world, maybe don’t focus on a first-date couple, rather go for the epic love story of soul mates? Just a suggestion.
I certainly hope Armstrong continues to write ‘Otherworld’ short stories, and revisit a few characters, because ‘13’ was not how I envisioned this thing ending. Not at all.
2.5/5
April 27, 2019
Pas le meilleur tome, intrigue qui traine un peu trop, mais néanmoins une bonne conclusion à une série qui aura été intéressante de bout en bout. Il reste quelques nouvelles et les aventures des jumeaux à venir, et qui sait, peut-être qu'elle reprendra les personnages dans quelques années ?
April 22, 2018
Thirteen is the final book for Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld. While I’m very sad to see the end of one of my favorite series, I’m also glad that Armstrong chose not to drag it out until she was beating a dead horse.
The world is turning to chaos as the Supernatural Liberation Movement sets into motion their plans to expose the supernatural population. With powerful demons now choosing sides, all the factions of the Otherworld must work together if they hope to successfully stop the movement. Still caught in the middle of the brewing war is Savannah Levine, who has yet to completely regain her powers.
Even though Thirteen is told primarily from Savannah’s point of view, this is definitely everyone’s story. Her character arc is mostly over near the beginning, so the focus shifts fully to the impending battle as everyone pulls together. With things completely out of control, Savannah is just along for the ride at different points, as other character’s take the wheel. I really loved that we got one chapter from the viewpoint of each of the previous narrators in the series. Armstrong executed this wonderfully as all of those chapters worked to move the plot forward. It also seemed critical that they be told from that particular person’s point of view, rather than Savannah’s. So, it was a nice nod to all the main characters without interrupting the story's flow.
My only confusion here is that, by the end, I felt like there should’ve been a novel for Cassandra. Cassandra has been a reoccurring character since Stolen and, while I don’t believe that we need a full length book for every character, she played an oddly large part here. She also seemed to have had a character arc happen off-page, which is the main reason I felt like there should’ve been a story for her. She does have a short story (found in Otherworld Nights) that touches briefly on it, but her change felt bigger than that.
All in all, this was a fantastic ending to the series that left a few open possibilities for Armstrong to explore in her novellas. So, while we may not get another full length Otherworld book, I'm glad that we are still getting small tidbits every now and then.
The world is turning to chaos as the Supernatural Liberation Movement sets into motion their plans to expose the supernatural population. With powerful demons now choosing sides, all the factions of the Otherworld must work together if they hope to successfully stop the movement. Still caught in the middle of the brewing war is Savannah Levine, who has yet to completely regain her powers.
Even though Thirteen is told primarily from Savannah’s point of view, this is definitely everyone’s story. Her character arc is mostly over near the beginning, so the focus shifts fully to the impending battle as everyone pulls together. With things completely out of control, Savannah is just along for the ride at different points, as other character’s take the wheel. I really loved that we got one chapter from the viewpoint of each of the previous narrators in the series. Armstrong executed this wonderfully as all of those chapters worked to move the plot forward. It also seemed critical that they be told from that particular person’s point of view, rather than Savannah’s. So, it was a nice nod to all the main characters without interrupting the story's flow.
My only confusion here is that, by the end, I felt like there should’ve been a novel for Cassandra. Cassandra has been a reoccurring character since Stolen and, while I don’t believe that we need a full length book for every character, she played an oddly large part here. She also seemed to have had a character arc happen off-page, which is the main reason I felt like there should’ve been a story for her. She does have a short story (found in Otherworld Nights) that touches briefly on it, but her change felt bigger than that.
All in all, this was a fantastic ending to the series that left a few open possibilities for Armstrong to explore in her novellas. So, while we may not get another full length Otherworld book, I'm glad that we are still getting small tidbits every now and then.
March 5, 2014
Thirteen (or 13) marks the end of an era. For at least a few years, there won't be any full-length Women of the Otherworld books. I'm still hoping she will write some spin-offs in the form of a trilogy or something. I think I'm completely in denial that this actually might really be the end.
I have had a hard relationship with the last few books in this series, but Thirteen returned to that what made me fall in love with the series. Awesome characters, cute interactions, and plenty of action. I won't try to give a summary of the plot, but it will suffice to say that shit hits the fan in Thirteen. Most notable are the parents and grandparents of our lovely half-demon supernaturals that rear up their heads. I loved the way Ms Armstrong handled these lord demons, making them scary yet somehow vaguely relateable and human.
Almost all characters make a short appearance in the book. This was done with variable success - I think some characters could have used more page time, while others could have done with some less. The book has the same length as all of the other Women of the Otherworld books, but for this kind of "letting all characters pass by" to work it should have been longer. There is a conflict between Paige and Lucas that is never fully resolved. We don't really know what will happen to Eve and Kristoff. In itself the ending was satisfying, but I can't help the feeling that I was expecting more from the ending of such a long series with such a big and diverse cast of characters.
There is plenty of action in Thirteen and it was one of the quickest reads I've had lately. Savannah finally finds some balls, and the dynamics between and inside Cabals have always been a fascination of me. The book ticked more than enough boxes to fulfil my criteria of a good book, and if it hadn't been the last one it might have been a five-star book. But it leaves me with questions, and I know there won't be a next book to answer them.
Having read the entire Women of the Otherworld series now, I can whole-heartedly say that I recommend them. They're good urban-fantasy, and a few of them have been amazing. Most of them were great. A few were okay. Because of the narrator changes it gives more the impression of books set in a world, rather than one continuous narrative (like with the Sookie Stackhouse books). The ending might not have been perfect, but it was a good one. It didn't leave me with a bad taste in my mouth, just a desperation to find more Paige, Elena, Savannah and Jaime.
I have had a hard relationship with the last few books in this series, but Thirteen returned to that what made me fall in love with the series. Awesome characters, cute interactions, and plenty of action. I won't try to give a summary of the plot, but it will suffice to say that shit hits the fan in Thirteen. Most notable are the parents and grandparents of our lovely half-demon supernaturals that rear up their heads. I loved the way Ms Armstrong handled these lord demons, making them scary yet somehow vaguely relateable and human.
Almost all characters make a short appearance in the book. This was done with variable success - I think some characters could have used more page time, while others could have done with some less. The book has the same length as all of the other Women of the Otherworld books, but for this kind of "letting all characters pass by" to work it should have been longer. There is a conflict between Paige and Lucas that is never fully resolved. We don't really know what will happen to Eve and Kristoff. In itself the ending was satisfying, but I can't help the feeling that I was expecting more from the ending of such a long series with such a big and diverse cast of characters.
There is plenty of action in Thirteen and it was one of the quickest reads I've had lately. Savannah finally finds some balls, and the dynamics between and inside Cabals have always been a fascination of me. The book ticked more than enough boxes to fulfil my criteria of a good book, and if it hadn't been the last one it might have been a five-star book. But it leaves me with questions, and I know there won't be a next book to answer them.
Having read the entire Women of the Otherworld series now, I can whole-heartedly say that I recommend them. They're good urban-fantasy, and a few of them have been amazing. Most of them were great. A few were okay. Because of the narrator changes it gives more the impression of books set in a world, rather than one continuous narrative (like with the Sookie Stackhouse books). The ending might not have been perfect, but it was a good one. It didn't leave me with a bad taste in my mouth, just a desperation to find more Paige, Elena, Savannah and Jaime.
March 28, 2013
For months I have been horribly disappointed in every new urban fantasy novel I've picked up. The sickeningly over-done romances, especially. The "I hate you but also want to fuck you even though you're a terrible but misunderstood person! You have piercing eyes that see right through me! My panties have disintegrated!"
They're awful. AWFUL!
Kelley Armstrong was one of the authors that made me love this genre, and between this book and the last Kim Harrison, I think I'm just going to give up on UF altogether (until the next Hallows or *possible* Otherworld follow-up) because nothing else is comparing. I've been spoiled. Both authors have a knack for writing strong female characters, and being able to incorporate love interests and sex scenes without trying to write a book around those parts alone. I've fallen in love with these characters. I choked up so many times. I love Savannah and while I would have loved if the other characters had actual narrative time instead of just third person perspective, Savannah has really grown on me. No other urban fantasy books or series have lived up to the Hollows and the Otherworld for me, so I think I might just have to start looking elsewhere.
I can't help but think there has to be another Otherworld to come eventually. The reveal with the werewolves (which I saw coming as soon as that scene started) cannot be left alone.
In any event, I finished this book in three days and was heartbroken when it was over. Loved it.
They're awful. AWFUL!
Kelley Armstrong was one of the authors that made me love this genre, and between this book and the last Kim Harrison, I think I'm just going to give up on UF altogether (until the next Hallows or *possible* Otherworld follow-up) because nothing else is comparing. I've been spoiled. Both authors have a knack for writing strong female characters, and being able to incorporate love interests and sex scenes without trying to write a book around those parts alone. I've fallen in love with these characters. I choked up so many times. I love Savannah and while I would have loved if the other characters had actual narrative time instead of just third person perspective, Savannah has really grown on me. No other urban fantasy books or series have lived up to the Hollows and the Otherworld for me, so I think I might just have to start looking elsewhere.
I can't help but think there has to be another Otherworld to come eventually. The reveal with the werewolves (which I saw coming as soon as that scene started) cannot be left alone.
In any event, I finished this book in three days and was heartbroken when it was over. Loved it.
July 29, 2012
All great things must come to an end, I guess. Fortunately, we have some upcoming short stories to look forward to - short stories that will hopefully clear up the loose strings left hanging from the end of this book!
While I've never been Savannah's biggest fan, I was generally pleased with how her story, and her narration, wrapped up this series. (That being said, I was beyond elated that Armstrong provided flexible narration so that I could hang out in Elena, Jaime, Hope, Eve and Paige's minds again.) This dramatic finale was extremely action-packed and suspenseful, . With quick dialogue, sweet fighting scenes and fun political intrigue, Thirteen is one great end to an amazing series, even though I wish there was more evidence that supported Savannah + Adam, and made me a tad more comfortable with what, to me, felt a littleforced like cradle-robbery, no matter how mature Savannah is.
I highly recommend this series to all readers interested in anything involving suspense, romance, mystery, or paranormal. The Otherworld stays true to its world and tone throughout, with great characters, supernatural lore, and romance to accompany even better writing.
While I've never been Savannah's biggest fan, I was generally pleased with how her story, and her narration, wrapped up this series. (That being said, I was beyond elated that Armstrong provided flexible narration so that I could hang out in Elena, Jaime, Hope, Eve and Paige's minds again.) This dramatic finale was extremely action-packed and suspenseful, . With quick dialogue, sweet fighting scenes and fun political intrigue, Thirteen is one great end to an amazing series, even though I wish there was more evidence that supported Savannah + Adam, and made me a tad more comfortable with what, to me, felt a little
I highly recommend this series to all readers interested in anything involving suspense, romance, mystery, or paranormal. The Otherworld stays true to its world and tone throughout, with great characters, supernatural lore, and romance to accompany even better writing.
Read
March 16, 2013can't wait for this I've read all her books love clay & elana
September 11, 2012
Seriouly sad this is the last book :( but i cant wait <3 i LOVE kelley armstrong's books, shes so talented :) kinda sad the last book froms Savannah's view, but oh well:)
July 19, 2012
Please note: As this is a new release, this will be a mostly spoiler-free review of “Thirteen”. However, since the other books have been out for a while, they are fair game. Please do not reveal spoilers in the comments to allow others the chance to enjoy the book.
There’s something about reaching the final book in a series that you love that makes you a little crazy. There’s a large part of you that’s excited and says, “It’s here! Finally!” However, there’s also a smaller part of you that whispers, “Wait. Hang on. Don’t let it be over just yet.” I found myself in that dilemma with “Thirteen”, Kelley Armstrong’s latest – and (for now) final novel of the Otherworld series.
I’ve been anticipating this book for months, and owe my mailman some cookies for grabbing the package out of his hands the way that I did. Still, once it arrived …. I waited. I examined the beautiful cover, and read the notes inside. I picked it up a dozen times, and started to make my way to the couch to begin, only to put it down again for something terribly important like washing dishes or making dinner. Like Elena at the start of “Bitten”, I knew I wanted and needed to do it, but I wasn’t ready. And then suddenly, at 11 at night, I was. I opened it and read until 4 am, then woke up early to sneak out onto the balcony with a coffee to finish it off. Let me tell you – “Thirteen” is a book you will want to savor and enjoy, even if that means staying up all night to do so.
“Thirteen” begins where “Waking the Witch” and “Spellbound” left off. Savannah Levine is still pretty much without her powers (although she’s starting to understand why and how to reclaim them), and there is something big brewing in the world that involves all our Otherworld characters. Be warned: there is no slow start this book. Savannah, Adam, Jaime and Jeremy are thrown into another precarious situation with the Supernatural Liberation Movement right from the beginning, but this time, the stakes are much, much higher. With the veils between worlds thinning, the beasties they encounter are more deadly and less familiar, and the action a little more gory than in the past. All rules go out the window as Savannah and her supernatural family and friends struggle to survive and to make sense of what is happening around them. There are encounters with demons and Cabals, hellhounds and fallen angels, and it takes the work of everyone in order to bring the story to a conclusion. Despite the horror, there are still elements of humour, emotion and yes, even romance, and you need these moments to catch your breath and to be able to move on to the next adrenaline ride.
“What’s wrong?” he murmured as he pulled me against him.
“I have rug burns.” I rubbed my ass. “I’m trying to figure out how I got rug burns.”
“We were on the floor.”
“Were we?”
“Briefly, yes.”
“Huh.” I pushed up in bed. “How’d I miss that?”
~ page 274
The story itself is fast-paced and gripping, leaving you breathless at certain moments and cursing the author at others (Um, sorry about that Kelley. Were your ears burning?). People are hurt, and people die in this book, and you may not necessarily like how it happens, but it’s understandable and underscores the horror of the situation. Old friends and enemies met in previous novels and novellas appear, and there are some definite surprises in store. If you have read her most recent novella pack “The Hunter and the Hunted”, you will appreciate the little references within this book – but fear not if you haven’t because the story more than stands alone without it. Oh, and that question posted on message boards across the Internet as to who will/won’t die in this book? Not going to answer that for you, sorry. You’ll have to read it to find out.
What makes this a truly great closing book for the series, however, is the evident commitment to the characters. While the main narrator is Savannah, those of us who have followed the series from its beginnings with “Bitten” are rewarded with a chapter or two of narration from the viewpoint of each of the female narrators of the series – Elena, Eve, Jaime, Hope and Paige. This is also a reminder that each book in the series has played a part in this final chapter, and if you go back to read them through again (like I did – ahem), you will pick up on so many details that were there, almost from the beginning. Savannah has grown from the frightened and frighteningly powerful young girl held with Elena in “Stolen” into the self-assured and confident adult witch that she is meant to be as she fights to stop events from unfolding. It’s a transformation that’s been a long time coming, and while we as readers have watched her grow, it’s a little hard for us – and for other characters – to accept that she is now truly an adult.
“When Paige watched her step from that jet, she realized the “little” part was gone now. Savannah didn’t need Paige to hold her hand and tend to her bumps and bruises. She could look after herself. Paige was happy about that. Proud of that. But maybe, just maybe, a little sad, too.” ~ page 237
Choosing to end the series with Savannah shows the transition and continual growth that the author has allowed in this series, and gives another generation a chance to share their experiences. Ultimately, though, for me the series ends the way it began – with Elena. There’s even the first chapter of Bitten at the start of “Thirteen” hard-copy version to remind you of where it all began. She too has evolved, accepting who she is and her role within her Pack over time, but now things change again. It’s been an incredible progression from the solitary young woman to the confident adult, assured of her place in the world and in her family. Elena has always been one of my favourite characters in the series, partly because her journey seems to mirror every woman’s struggle to accept who she is meant to be. The bonus chapter at the end of the paper copy, entitled “From Russia with Love” wraps things up in a way that satisfies every need.
Kelley Armstrong writes such immensely strong female characters that your time with them is like spending time with your favourite female friends – mind you, friends that can talk to the dead, turn into wolves and cast spells if you annoy them. You know them well, and cheer for them as they battle their way onwards, and mourn for them as they suffer great losses. I would say, though that this book is an “au revoir”, and not a “good-bye” as the characters have the opportunity to connect with each other in different ways, touching base and starting new chapters within their own lives. Armstrong has even promised anthologies of short fiction with these characters, starting in 2014, and I know I’ll be first in line to read them when they appear.
“Thirteen” is available from Random House at all fine book and e-book retailers, including Indigo, Amazon and your friendly neighbourhood indie bookstore! My copy was graciously provided by the publishers for an honest review.
There’s something about reaching the final book in a series that you love that makes you a little crazy. There’s a large part of you that’s excited and says, “It’s here! Finally!” However, there’s also a smaller part of you that whispers, “Wait. Hang on. Don’t let it be over just yet.” I found myself in that dilemma with “Thirteen”, Kelley Armstrong’s latest – and (for now) final novel of the Otherworld series.
I’ve been anticipating this book for months, and owe my mailman some cookies for grabbing the package out of his hands the way that I did. Still, once it arrived …. I waited. I examined the beautiful cover, and read the notes inside. I picked it up a dozen times, and started to make my way to the couch to begin, only to put it down again for something terribly important like washing dishes or making dinner. Like Elena at the start of “Bitten”, I knew I wanted and needed to do it, but I wasn’t ready. And then suddenly, at 11 at night, I was. I opened it and read until 4 am, then woke up early to sneak out onto the balcony with a coffee to finish it off. Let me tell you – “Thirteen” is a book you will want to savor and enjoy, even if that means staying up all night to do so.
“Thirteen” begins where “Waking the Witch” and “Spellbound” left off. Savannah Levine is still pretty much without her powers (although she’s starting to understand why and how to reclaim them), and there is something big brewing in the world that involves all our Otherworld characters. Be warned: there is no slow start this book. Savannah, Adam, Jaime and Jeremy are thrown into another precarious situation with the Supernatural Liberation Movement right from the beginning, but this time, the stakes are much, much higher. With the veils between worlds thinning, the beasties they encounter are more deadly and less familiar, and the action a little more gory than in the past. All rules go out the window as Savannah and her supernatural family and friends struggle to survive and to make sense of what is happening around them. There are encounters with demons and Cabals, hellhounds and fallen angels, and it takes the work of everyone in order to bring the story to a conclusion. Despite the horror, there are still elements of humour, emotion and yes, even romance, and you need these moments to catch your breath and to be able to move on to the next adrenaline ride.
“What’s wrong?” he murmured as he pulled me against him.
“I have rug burns.” I rubbed my ass. “I’m trying to figure out how I got rug burns.”
“We were on the floor.”
“Were we?”
“Briefly, yes.”
“Huh.” I pushed up in bed. “How’d I miss that?”
~ page 274
The story itself is fast-paced and gripping, leaving you breathless at certain moments and cursing the author at others (Um, sorry about that Kelley. Were your ears burning?). People are hurt, and people die in this book, and you may not necessarily like how it happens, but it’s understandable and underscores the horror of the situation. Old friends and enemies met in previous novels and novellas appear, and there are some definite surprises in store. If you have read her most recent novella pack “The Hunter and the Hunted”, you will appreciate the little references within this book – but fear not if you haven’t because the story more than stands alone without it. Oh, and that question posted on message boards across the Internet as to who will/won’t die in this book? Not going to answer that for you, sorry. You’ll have to read it to find out.
What makes this a truly great closing book for the series, however, is the evident commitment to the characters. While the main narrator is Savannah, those of us who have followed the series from its beginnings with “Bitten” are rewarded with a chapter or two of narration from the viewpoint of each of the female narrators of the series – Elena, Eve, Jaime, Hope and Paige. This is also a reminder that each book in the series has played a part in this final chapter, and if you go back to read them through again (like I did – ahem), you will pick up on so many details that were there, almost from the beginning. Savannah has grown from the frightened and frighteningly powerful young girl held with Elena in “Stolen” into the self-assured and confident adult witch that she is meant to be as she fights to stop events from unfolding. It’s a transformation that’s been a long time coming, and while we as readers have watched her grow, it’s a little hard for us – and for other characters – to accept that she is now truly an adult.
“When Paige watched her step from that jet, she realized the “little” part was gone now. Savannah didn’t need Paige to hold her hand and tend to her bumps and bruises. She could look after herself. Paige was happy about that. Proud of that. But maybe, just maybe, a little sad, too.” ~ page 237
Choosing to end the series with Savannah shows the transition and continual growth that the author has allowed in this series, and gives another generation a chance to share their experiences. Ultimately, though, for me the series ends the way it began – with Elena. There’s even the first chapter of Bitten at the start of “Thirteen” hard-copy version to remind you of where it all began. She too has evolved, accepting who she is and her role within her Pack over time, but now things change again. It’s been an incredible progression from the solitary young woman to the confident adult, assured of her place in the world and in her family. Elena has always been one of my favourite characters in the series, partly because her journey seems to mirror every woman’s struggle to accept who she is meant to be. The bonus chapter at the end of the paper copy, entitled “From Russia with Love” wraps things up in a way that satisfies every need.
Kelley Armstrong writes such immensely strong female characters that your time with them is like spending time with your favourite female friends – mind you, friends that can talk to the dead, turn into wolves and cast spells if you annoy them. You know them well, and cheer for them as they battle their way onwards, and mourn for them as they suffer great losses. I would say, though that this book is an “au revoir”, and not a “good-bye” as the characters have the opportunity to connect with each other in different ways, touching base and starting new chapters within their own lives. Armstrong has even promised anthologies of short fiction with these characters, starting in 2014, and I know I’ll be first in line to read them when they appear.
“Thirteen” is available from Random House at all fine book and e-book retailers, including Indigo, Amazon and your friendly neighbourhood indie bookstore! My copy was graciously provided by the publishers for an honest review.
January 21, 2019
Oh My Word, I loved it, I loved how the series ended. I loved the pace, the characters how it all unfolds. I just LOVED it... Did I mention I LOVED IT?
LOL. Not but seriously you get a little of everyone and how they are all being affected by what is going on, how they all come together for the cause. It really was a great way to end a series I don’t even feel like I listened to 13 books. I want more and thank goodness a few novella’s and anthologies are in audio because you dang right I will be listening.
Clay and Elena are my Jam but really I loved all the characters in their own way and I don’t think it would have been the same without them all.
I really enjoyed Joanna Parker’s narration in these final books.
LOL. Not but seriously you get a little of everyone and how they are all being affected by what is going on, how they all come together for the cause. It really was a great way to end a series I don’t even feel like I listened to 13 books. I want more and thank goodness a few novella’s and anthologies are in audio because you dang right I will be listening.
Clay and Elena are my Jam but really I loved all the characters in their own way and I don’t think it would have been the same without them all.
I really enjoyed Joanna Parker’s narration in these final books.
July 24, 2012
The Good Stuff
I was worried when I started reading this as I would be lost as I haven't read all of this series -- but Kelley is such a gifted author she gives you enough to figure out what is going on without frustrating longtime reader of the series
Non stop action, you are constantly holding your breath and you so do not want to put the book down (This was very frustrating because I have so much to do right now -- I really needed to put it down -- ah well stayed up to 2am so I could finish)
Fabulous ending -- ties up a lot of stories but also leaves things open so if Kelley feels like writing more of the series she can -- wonderful!
So many of the characters are so lifelike and real, you feel like they are actually people
I have said it before Kelley is one of the most gifted storytellers alive - she always sucks you into a story, I have yet to be disappointed
Some nice light moments thrown in at just the right times
Shows all sorts of families, not just those that consist of a mom, dad and biological children
Female characters are strong and in most cases fabulous role models
Characters are not perfect, in other words real (Yes I know there are no such thing as vampires and werewolves, and thank god none of the demons she described in this book -- icky!)
The Not So Good Stuff
A lot of gory violence (not necessarily a bad thing -- just more a warning)
So hard to write a review for this one without any spoilers - so I will just say -- get thee to a bookstore and buy now, you will not be disappointed!
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"We worked quite well together," Cass said. "Or we did, after you two started speaking to each other again. Please don't ever send her to me when you're angry with her, Adam. It's dreadful. All that moping and angst. It's like being partnered with one of those fictional vampires."
"Gotta admit, as good as Clayton Danvers looks from the other side, he looks even better in person." She paused. "Just don't tell Elena I said that." Another pause. "Or your father."
I smiled. "Nothing wrong with window shopping when you aren't looking to buy."
"Is this the point where I explain my master plan? Um, no. Thanks, but I have more important things to do."
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
Obviously if you have read the rest of the series you will LOVE this
I would recommend reading the rest of the series before you read this, but if you have only read a couple of them, you will still find them enjoyable
5 Dewey's
I received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review
I was worried when I started reading this as I would be lost as I haven't read all of this series -- but Kelley is such a gifted author she gives you enough to figure out what is going on without frustrating longtime reader of the series
Non stop action, you are constantly holding your breath and you so do not want to put the book down (This was very frustrating because I have so much to do right now -- I really needed to put it down -- ah well stayed up to 2am so I could finish)
Fabulous ending -- ties up a lot of stories but also leaves things open so if Kelley feels like writing more of the series she can -- wonderful!
So many of the characters are so lifelike and real, you feel like they are actually people
I have said it before Kelley is one of the most gifted storytellers alive - she always sucks you into a story, I have yet to be disappointed
Some nice light moments thrown in at just the right times
Shows all sorts of families, not just those that consist of a mom, dad and biological children
Female characters are strong and in most cases fabulous role models
Characters are not perfect, in other words real (Yes I know there are no such thing as vampires and werewolves, and thank god none of the demons she described in this book -- icky!)
The Not So Good Stuff
A lot of gory violence (not necessarily a bad thing -- just more a warning)
So hard to write a review for this one without any spoilers - so I will just say -- get thee to a bookstore and buy now, you will not be disappointed!
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"We worked quite well together," Cass said. "Or we did, after you two started speaking to each other again. Please don't ever send her to me when you're angry with her, Adam. It's dreadful. All that moping and angst. It's like being partnered with one of those fictional vampires."
"Gotta admit, as good as Clayton Danvers looks from the other side, he looks even better in person." She paused. "Just don't tell Elena I said that." Another pause. "Or your father."
I smiled. "Nothing wrong with window shopping when you aren't looking to buy."
"Is this the point where I explain my master plan? Um, no. Thanks, but I have more important things to do."
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
Obviously if you have read the rest of the series you will LOVE this
I would recommend reading the rest of the series before you read this, but if you have only read a couple of them, you will still find them enjoyable
5 Dewey's
I received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review
August 3, 2012
I wish that this had been more a conclusion of Savannah's individual arc than a finale for the series, because the attempt to give the entire Otherworld a sendoff made for a cluttered, unsatisfying read.
Everyone of significance got a spotlight moment, so Savannah's big showdown was lost in the mix. One antagonist group's plan felt nonsensical, possibly because it didn't get enough attention. The carnage was mostly contained to redshirts that were sympathetic only because of their roles as victims. The one character moment that shocked me was immediately undone.
There was a lot of talking and planning and jetting back and forth across the country, and a love scene felt awkwardly shoehorned in. Several threads were either left hanging or abruptly snipped, including one character from wolf stories past that was unnecessarily re-introduced and then ignored.
My biggest problem was that, after so much build-up, the final stakes weren't all that high beyond the personal level. Yeah there's a supernatural doom virus involved, but it's secondary to a rescue. The villain's potential for future harm was limited.
This book got caught in some limbo between being overly epic and not epic enough, and I'm sorry to see things wrap up this way.
Everyone of significance got a spotlight moment, so Savannah's big showdown was lost in the mix. One antagonist group's plan felt nonsensical, possibly because it didn't get enough attention. The carnage was mostly contained to redshirts that were sympathetic only because of their roles as victims. The one character moment that shocked me was immediately undone.
There was a lot of talking and planning and jetting back and forth across the country, and a love scene felt awkwardly shoehorned in. Several threads were either left hanging or abruptly snipped, including one character from wolf stories past that was unnecessarily re-introduced and then ignored.
My biggest problem was that, after so much build-up, the final stakes weren't all that high beyond the personal level. Yeah there's a supernatural doom virus involved, but it's secondary to a rescue. The villain's potential for future harm was limited.
This book got caught in some limbo between being overly epic and not epic enough, and I'm sorry to see things wrap up this way.
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