Grim Reaper Charley Davidson is back in the final installment of Darynda Jones’ New York Times bestselling paranormal series–Summoned to Thirteenth Grave. Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plane for eternity -which is exactly the amount of time it takes to make a person stark, raving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’s … looking out for her, and she’s allowed to return after a mere hundred years in exile. Is it too much to hope for that not much has changed? Apparently it is. Bummer.
She’s missed her daughter. She’s missed Reyes. She’s missed Cookie and Garrett and Uncle Bob. But now that she’s back on earth, it’s time to put to rest burning questions that need answers. What happened to her mother? How did she really die? Who killed her? And are cupcakes or coffee the best medicine for a broken heart? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.
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I truly love this series and I’m admittedly sad that this is the final book in Charley and Reyes’ story (or is it???). They are one of my all-time favorite book couples – both of their characters have so much depth and I just love reading them. Charley is a study in contradictions: she’s both kick-ass and incredibly loving/giving as well as both brave and incredibly ridiculous. And Reyes is just {sigh}.
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave was both sweet and bittersweet for me and wraps up the story pretty nicely although, without giving away anything, it wasn’t quite the full resolution I was hoping for (although in retrospect, I shouldn’t have been too surprised at what wasn’t resolved). It answered some outstanding questions from the series and in doing so, provided some surprises and even potentially leaves the door open for future “related” books (fingers crossed).
I commend Ms. Jones for building a world that was both incredible but believable, and for writing a series of books that literally had me laughing out loud at times while reading them. I hope we see Charley and Reyes again sometime in the future, even if it’s just as a cameo.
*copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave is the final installment in the Charley Davidson series. I strongly suggest you begin this series with First Grave on the Right and read the books in the series in order to fully understand the world Darynda Jones has built. I’ll keep this review spoiler free for this book, but it could include information from other books in the series.
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave picks up at a time after the previous book, where Charley was banished from the earthly plain for breaking the biggest rule set by Jehovah. Charley does return to earth just in time to help solve the issue with the demons trying to take over New Mexico, or possibly the rest of the globe.
I really don’t feel like I can say more about the happenings in the book without giving away spoilers. I will say I felt like Ms. Jones wrapped up many of the character’s storylines in a satisfying way. I will say I was totally thrown by a few things that we discovered in Summoned to Thirteenth Grave. I also found myself feeling really emotional with a few of the character wrap-ups. I loved seeing Charley and Reyes back together again, and finally felt like both characters had finally grown up a bit. They communicated much better than in past books and I felt like they both had matured.
While I felt like Ms. Jones did a really great job with the wrap up of this series, I do feel like the climatic fight scene was a bit too easily won. I’m really hopeful that the rumors of a spinoff with Beep are true and we get to spend time with favorite characters again in the future.
Rating: 4 Stars (B+)
Review copy provided by publisher
Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones a heart-melting five-star read. This is the thirteenth and final novel in the Charley Davidson series and I can honestly say I haven’t laughed as hard or cried as hard in any of the previous novels in the series. Mrs. Charley Davidson is such a crazy brilliant character, of all of the books I have read she is the one character I would love to be real, she embodies the c word in the best way possible. What I enjoyed about this book was the background characters that we have met before and catching up with them, hearing some more of their stories, checking in with Mr Wong made my heart palpate, and Gemma Vi Davidson I can honestly say that she wasn’t someone I wanted to know more about, but in this novel, she had me alternating between wanting to shake her and hug her so tight I would never let go, making me cry real actual tears at one point. I was so sad to hear that this novel was the last one in the series, but I’m glad that it went out on a literal bang, I adored the ending and can only hope that although this is the end of this series that Beep may get her own, after all she gets her own army. Thank you Darynda Jones for Bringing Charley and Reyes into our lives.
The final Charley Davidson story is EPIC! Charley and her crew have to fight an epic battle to save humankind. I was entertained with epic snarkiness from my favorite grim reaper. I swooned over the epic love between Charley and Reyes that is tested to its limits. I felt every emotion! Who knew Charley Davidson could reduce me to tears?
The story brings the closure I wanted to many of the themes that I followed throughout the series. What an Epic ending to this wonderful series…And that ENDING! OMG!!
Well I haven’t read the twelve proceeding books but you can figure out what’s going on without too much difficulty. When Charlie (Charlotte) appears in the Sahara desert she is confused because she was sent to a hellish realm for restoring a life after they had passed. She swore it was 100 years not the 10 her husband Reyes claimed it to be, after he greets her he explains that Shade demons are taking over humans because we left a portal door open. As the demons spread Charlie, Reyes and their mismatched teams of friends put all that they have into saving the humans and protecting her infant daughter. This book has witches, demons, angels and the dark and white light who have the same characteristics as the humans they are trying to save. If you want a paranormal battle this story is perfect.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
Beautifully brilliant ending to a emotional and engaging series that I just loved falling into. This last story had it all danger, mystery, action, adventure and heart pounding twists that come out of no where and leave you breathless….. I have to admit I was supersized by some of the things that happened and highly entertained by this thrilling journey.
Summoned the Thirteenth Grave is the final book of the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. I’ve been in love with Charley and Reyes throughout the whole series and I am so sad to read their finale! Reading 13 was bittersweet for me but I could not imagine their story finishing in any other way. Jones did a spectacular job in wrapping up the series perfectly. I’m not one to post spoilers so I will just say this, fellow Charley fans will not be disappointed in the final 13th book! I can’t wait to see what Darynda writes next, hopefully Beep’s story? 😉
I can’t believe we’re at the end of the Charley Davidson Series! *cries* Charley and the gang have been among my most favorite characters and while I’m very sad to say goodbye, I also can’t wait to see what Darynda has in store for us in the future for “Beep”!
With the crazy ending from The Trouble with Twelfth Grave, I couldn’t wait to see what had happened to Charley. And boy does a lot happen while she is “gone” from the earthly plane. Mayhem has ensued, and some pretty big things will have to happen to right the wrongs. Laughter, sorrow, secrets revealed and of course the hotness between Reyes and Charley, Darynda brings all the feelings in this very satisfying ending to a fantastic series!
I loved this book! Charley and Reyes are just incredible together! I’m just upset this is the last book in the series! Filled with all the usual humor of a Charley Davidson book, Charley and her crew have to take on a Shade taking over their hometown, with demons invading people’s bodies.
As it is the last book, so many things are tied up, but nothing seemed rushed or forced, and things I never would have expected are uncovered.
The final battle of the book had a very Darynda/Charley/Reyes twist, so of course I wasn’t expecting it. And the ending was perfect. Now I’m just hoping for a Beep series… please?
What an incredible Finale. This is seriously one of the best series I have read to date. If I had to describe it in a few words… It was Epic!! Brilliant!! Fun and Entertaining!!
It has everything I love from the humor, the fun side characters, the suspense, and most of all, the ultimate love story between Charley and Reyes. The first few books was slow to bring us that love story but once it did, it was truly beautiful. These two are one of my favorite couples.
There were some very, sad moments but I am happy with how this concluded. I do feel there may be more to come. Maybe in a spin-off of the series? I really hope that is what the author has planned. She has a devoted reader in me after this series and that means I will always ask for more.
I can honestly say that I could read about these characters forever. I’ve enjoyed each and every book and will be re-reading this series again and again.
“A god, a warrior, a spiritualist, a healer, a scholar, a magician, a caregiver, a ruler, and a handful of guardians. This was my world. These were my people.”
I have pondered and pondered on how to write a review for the end of a series I hold so dear. How do I sum up everything I feel for characters that are as real to me as the air I breathe, the sun on my face, or the book in my hand? So many hours I have spent laughing and crying with Charley and “her people”. And Reyes…sigh…how do I let go of my number one book boyfriend? After careful consideration of all my inner monologues, I’ve come to a conclusion…I can’t. There is no way to write a review for this story without spoiling it for others.
So instead of giving the typical blurb, my thoughts, etc. for a review, I’m going to say two words: “Thank you.” Thank you Darynda Jones for so masterfully weaving a story that has captivated this reader more than words can say. Thank you for ending the series in a way that made me run through the gauntlet of all the feels. Thank you for showing us through your characters that it’s ok to be flawed, to be imperfect, and to be loved just as we are. Thank you.
Now dear reader, if you are new to the Charley Davidson series, you have an opportunity most of us devoted fans did not…you can BINGE read and be ready for the conclusion of one of the best urban fantasy romances you will ever encounter!
*Received ARC via NetGalley for honest review*
Advanced Readers Copy
Title: Summoned to Thirteenth Grave (Charley Davidson #13)
Author: Darynda Jones
Publisher:Edition: Kindle
Amount of Pages: 288
Genre: Paranormal, Adult
Date Read 11-12-2018 – 16-12-2018
Favourite Quote: “But I couldn’t get enough of him. This man I’d dreamed of every minute of every hour for one hundred years.”
Review:
I want to start my review by saying thank you for granting me this arc. It was really unexpected and I know my friend hated me just a little when I told her I got it.
I’m not sure what to say about this book. Overall it fell a bit flat? I expected more, especially when the story was build up to be so epic, don’t get me wrong I still liked it, but I don’t know, I expected more I guess. I felt like the focus was more on the upcoming battle beep has to fight and her story. This book was really setting up for a possible spin off.
Overall it has a good and an ending that fitted reyes and charley.
What is this book:
This book starts off where the last one ended. Charley was kicked of the face of the earth. Quite literally.
If that wasn’t enough, there’s still a war coming, a war beep will have to fight with her army. And lets not forget the hell dimension that got out, is raging on the town. People are getting sick, going crazy. Like the apocalypse is near. And there is limited time to stop it.
Will Charley and co pull it off, will they be able to save the world or will all be lost
What is did I like about this book:
I liked Charley and Cookies banter. I really liked seeing Charley and Reyes spend some time together. Charley can be as immature as ever but she has a good heart and tries to do the best she can for the people she loves.
Like i mentioned above there where a few things I didn’t like. There was something missing in this book. It felt flat, like it was more a set up for more than an actual conclusion.
I wasn’t a big fan of the reveals that kept adding, it got a bit much and hard to keep track off. It might have been different if I did a reread before starting this one, but I just couldn’t wait.
Don’t get me wrong, I still liked this book, it just wasn’t what I personally expected and I felt a bit disconnected to the story I suppose. I don’t know how to explain it properly because I feel bad. I really wanted to love this book and I hate that I can’t explain properly why I didn’t. Especially when Netgally was kind enough to grant me this arc and Darynda is an awesome person.
Rating:
4 I liked it Stars
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones was an amazing finish to this series. I laughed (as always), I cried and I cheered for Charley, Reyes and the whole gang.
Ms. Jones brought everyone together for this book. So many of the loose ends were tied up as Charley and Reyes faced their toughest challenge yet. Rocket and Blue’s history is revealed, Strawberry Shortcake is back for another visit, and then we have the biker gang back for a short visit, too. Charley and Reyes have more than just a Hell dimension taking over the world but it’s nothing that they can’t handle together. I have loved every one of the books in this series and this one was the best one yet. I can’t imagine a life without Charley Davidson in it now. As many have already said, it’s a bittersweet experience that encompassed everything I expect from Ms. Jones’ writing – engrossing mysteries, love, laughter, demons and coffee addiction. I only have one little question: Where is Osh?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Jones is a bit like Anne Bishop (at least in Bishop’s The Others series). She sets up a grand climactic clash which ultimately fizzles. I expected a lot of action and finally getting to experience more of what is supposed to be a tremendous godverse and get the same old, same old. There are a couple of surprising revelations and a few things tied up yet some things just seem to get dropped.
The ending was disappointing in a variety of ways. I realize we seem to be getting set up for a new series to focus on Beep, but couldn’t we have had a bit now?
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
YES!!!! What a fantastic conclusion! So many surprises and omg that ending. I’m over here slow clapping and wanting to run around high fiving everyone. I loved every minute of this book. I’ve been Team Charley & Reyes since I picked up the first book many years ago. It would be so awesome if this series was a movie or a show. There was a lot going down towards the end and I could not put this sucker down. It’s like I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next, but on the flip side, I didn’t want it to end. I can not wait to see what’s going to happen next. Whatever it is, I’m going to read it the minute it comes out. Seriously, this is hands down one of my favorite series that I could read over and over again.
In business and gambling the word is to quit when you’re ahead. In showbiz it’s quit while you’re at the top. So I guess we can’t whine overlong about this being the last of a long run of excellent work.
But we can still whine.
It’s been great and always worth rereading, and this last one is excellent but bittersweet. Don’t want to say too much about the plot except that it is at the top.
I do wonder who’s hiding in Darynda’s imagination waiting to get out, though.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley. Thank you so much!
4.5 STARS!!!
No Way In Hell is this the last book with an ending like that unless there will be other books featuring Beep and Osh characters. There is so much more to this story that needs to be told. That readers of this series needs to know. If there would be other books, I can honestly say I can’t wait to devour them because they can be nothing short of fantastic based on this series. There were huge twists in this story, especially with Ubie. I did not see that one coming at all!! Talk about total blindsided. It was definitely his well kept and hidden secret. He sacrificed a lot for Charley. I was not ready for this story to end. The ending wasn’t what I had wished it would be but it was great none the less. This book and this series as a whole does not disappoint and it’s perfect for all paranormal lovers. It’s a series filled with wonderful characters both human and paranormal, laughs, steamy scenes, twists and turns and ending that will leave you begging this author for more. I look forward to reading more of her work and this is one series I will recommend to my paranormal loving friends.