I have been following Raine and her friends since just before The Trouble With Demons, the third book in Raine Benares series. I love everything about this series, absolute everything.
Raine is a tough-as-nails, kick-ass heroine. Yeah, she does question herself sometimes, but when things get rough, she's not afraid of rolling in the dirt (literally). She's fiercely protective of those she loves and anyone who tries to hurt them should beware.
Then there's Mychael. The former Black Cat turned Paladin, spellsinger, warrior and loyal through and through.
Tamnais Nathrach, former chief (black) mage and magical enforcer to the goblin royal House of Mal'Salin, turned club owner and "law-abiding" citizen. Tam is a goblin with a capital G, meaning he loves to plan, cross the "wrong" people (Sarad Nukpana) and if it can be done with a wink in the eye and eliminating enemies at the same time? Score! ;-)
Not to mention Piaras, Raines old landladys grandson, now cadet, Talon, Tams son both by blood and the greatest disaster-magnet besides Raine, Vegard, Raines personal bodyguard, Phaelan, Raines powder-crazy pirate-cousin (aah, sorry seafaring merchant, *cough, cough*) and these people are just the beginning of a very long list of delightful, wonderful and hilarious characters I have come to know and love over the years.
All Spell Breaks Loose is the last book in the Raine Benares series and to be very, very honest I'm sad to see the end of this great adventure. As you all know - and I'm sure you've tried a numerous of times, getting to the end of an era isn't always good. Since the previous five books was so wonderful to read and Lisa has always made me laugh, cry and shiver in excitement when reading one of her books, it's safe to say, my expectations were HIGH.
Let's drops the news now: All Spell Break Loose not only lived up to my expectations, but was even BETTER! There (nods head). I've said it. If Laurie and I ever make a list of our greatest reads this year, this book will be on my list. No doubt about it. As a reader and a fan, it was a wonderful experience to read this book and to be able to put the book down when done and say; aaaah, yes. That was the way to end this! Great job, Lisa!
All Spell Breaks Loose starts almost right where Con & Conjure left; The Saghred has been stolen by Sarad Nukpana, Raine lost her magic - well, not all her magic, she has a itsy, bitsy, tiny spark that - maybe - could light a candle... maybe. Now Raine have to go to Regor (the goblin capital) to steal the rock back without being caught, find Tams old teacher, put a renegade prince on the throne, destroy the Saghred and preferably getting back to Mid with all bits and pieces still attached and breathing!
Oh, did I mention the journey to and from Regor will be trough a mirror? And the only mirror mage who has a mirror close to Regor is... (drumroll, please)... Caranades. Yes, the same mage who tried to frame and kill not only Raine and Mychael, but also Piaras. Don't turn your back on this one, Raine!
There are so many wonderful characters and scenes in this book I'm in turmoil of where to start! There are the accident that lands Piaras in the middle of the fight alongside Raine, Mychael and everybody else. Talons, not so accidental trip to Regor (Tams reaction to this is hilarious! The kid actually shuts up!), meeting ALL of Tams family (and do try and remember what goblins do best!!). Finding Tams old teacher in a Hunted house (this house still gives me the creeps!). Meeting Chigaru's ex-fiancé (the ex not being her or his choice) and meeting the woman who gave birth to Sarad Nukpana (yeah, the thing has a mother, who knew?!) - trust me when I say this; the apple DID NOT fall far from the tree!!! And a little teaser; an old goblin and stinky, stinky cheese, is NOT a good combination - EVER!! (goofy grin)
I could go on and on, but honestly, I don't want to spoil the surprises for you. The phrase -being between a rock and a hard place- comes into my mind, only here the hard place is filled with goblins, mages, dragons, treason and despair.
If you like magic, friendship, action, humor, a kick-ass heroine, hilarious characters and just a bit of romance, this is a great book! Scratch that... This entire series will be for you! You can jump into the series, but you will enjoy it more if you start with the first book; Magic Lost, Trouble Found, you will not regret it!!!
And last. Lisa Shearin: THANK YOU for bringing life to Raine and her friends, to this wonderful adventure that brought not only me, but thousands of others hours of happy reading!!!