Welcome to Egypt, where the line between god and monster is blurred… vanished.
To save her town and find her friend, Kate and Jackson must confront an ancient evil originating from the tombs and temples of Egypt. With the help of an enigmatic Egyptian psychic, they will face their greatest foe yet.
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Jackson and Kate return, in this, Moncrieff’s third entry into her fantastic Ghost Writers Series. The series itself now has six books out as well as the first in a spin off series, but I’m still plugging away, now having finished the third book. Moncrieff is one of my favorite writers, but with series’ it is always a dilemma. Do you dive into the next book right away? Do you take some time between releases?
In this case, I decided to take some time away, but am so happy to have returned to the ever expanding world of these two supernatural/paranormal helpers. After events in China and then Poviglia, we now see ourselves heading to Egypt, a place that’s always held a fascinating and mystical spot in my mind.
(Side note – I’ve already read Moncrieff’s next release – the amazingly dark ‘The Restoration’ out through Flame Tree Press at the end of October – don’t sleep on that one!)
What I liked: After the events in book two, we pick up shortly after in book three. Jackson and Kate realize something else is up and things ramp up and explode from there. It’s tough to really say a lot there as I like to stay as spoiler free as possible, but if you’ve read the first two then you’ll know what I’m alluding too here.
Jackson and Kate discover some eerie warning signs (think biblical events) and decide that all clues lead to confronting the demon that has arrived in Egypt. Moncrieff does a great job of keeping things fresh as we head overseas, but the use of secondary characters never felt more important, nor as well done within the series as it has in this release.
I loved the way the things fall into place once we arrive in Egypt and Moncrieff brings the hustle and bustle alive and vibrant. The action is really well done, I think of the three so far, I liked the descriptions and cinematic scope of these moments the best and we really see just how solid of a team, but also a couple these two have become.
The ending was great, and really does act as a natural ending to a trilogy, but did keep the door open for another release – which we know does happen.
What I didn’t like: As with book two and now in book three, Jackson’s jealous trait really annoys me and ground me when it would happen. Prime example – after discovering something in Kate’s place, they take it to an insect expert. Immediately, Jackson’s thoughts go to how this guy wishes he was with Kate and not just a friend.
Why you should buy this: A fantastic third entry in a series that continues to excite and grow and twist and change, Moncrieff really did a great job of keeping Jackson and Kate feeling fresh and the tension high. Awesome stuff, but would you expect anything less from Moncrieff?
I’ve enjoyed this series from the start, but this is clearly my favorite so far. In this installment, Kate and Jackson are a solid team, even if they don’t have the greatest confidence in themselves, and it fuels the story. Plus, they get to travel to Egypt and explore a pantheon of gods not usually heard of in western culture. The introduction of likable, and even downright lovable, side characters made this story feel like home- in the sense that only at home and with the closest family and friends can you defeat anything that comes against you.
I love how both our main characters grow in this installment. This isn’t just another case of Kate using her abilities to save the day while Jackson acts as her anchor. I also love how, unlike many stories of this kind, as our characters gain in strength, they also face additional vulnerabilities.
Without spoiling too much, I think it’s important for interested readers to know that this one may make you cry, but it’s in no way a sappy story.
As always, I appreciate the diversity of the characters in this book and the respect in which each culture is represented. I can’t say enough good stuff about this book without spoiling it, so this is where I stop. Can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended to fans of horror, complex paranormal situations, diverse characters, strong female leads, and smart dark fiction.