A Book Obsession..: Last Breath (Early Review)

Last Breath (Early Review)

, by Kt Clapsadl

Last Breath by Rachel Caine

Morganville Vampires #11

With her boss preoccupied researching the Founder Houses in Morganville, student Claire Danvers is left to her own devices when she learns that three vampires have vanished without a trace. She soon discovers that the last person seen with one of the missing vampires is someone new to town-a mysterious individual named Magnus. After an uneasy encounter with Morganville's latest resident, Claire is certain Magnus isn't merely human. But is he a vampire-or something else entirely?

Things never get a chance to calm down in Morganville as it seems like one crisis after another arises. The last few installments have proved that. However, now vampires are going missing, and it doesn't seem like the "rebels" are to blame this time. His very being permeates evil and he's been the last one seem with some of the missing. Yet it seems as if Claire is the only one who can see him. With the town's vampires acting quite strange, she may be the their only hope, but at what cost?

There was a slight change in the way this book was narrated from previous installments. In Bite Club there were times when we would get a direct view into Shane's head and that really helped the reader get a better idea of the whole picture. In Last Breath, Rachel Caine took that idea one step further and added in a few chapters with perspectives other than Claires. Amelie, Shane, Michael and Eve all get a little time showing their side of things. I particularly liked getting into Amelie's head as it shows a lot of her inner struggle. She's always going to do what she thinks is best for her people, no matter the cost. However, that look into her head showed how much of a struggle it was for her to make those sacrifices and hard choices. She really isn't quite the cold creature she seems to be.

After the slight let down of the last installment, I had high hopes for redemption in Last Breath. I got what I asked for and then some as Last Breath completely blew my socks off. Things started off somewhat sedately, and built so steadily until the pressure almost snuck up on me as it boiled over. It is a wonder that I have any fingernails left after that nail biting read that kept me on the edge of my seat. You would think after reading the past ten installments, there wouldn't be much room for surprise, but Last Breath was one big shocker after another. One of the biggest being the answer to a long standing question: Why would vampires build their town in the middle of a desert when the sun is so deadly to them? This complex addition to the world building was pulled off brilliantly, adding a horrific twist to things that I never could have seen coming.

While the nonstop action was heart pounding, the utter depth of raw emotion was what really cemented this as the very best of the series. The highs are so high that you feel like you are soaring right along with the characters. As for the lows, well lets just say devastation has never been more aptly portrayed. Anger, fear, loss, betrayal, jealousy, love, and desperation, all play huge roles in Last Breath. But the one emotion that stands above it all is hope, and nothing is stronger than that. To be able to feel such hope after everything that happens in this book is nothing short of amazing, and it made Last Breath a truly phenomenal read. I highly recommend setting aside a solid block of time to read this book, as once started, it will be impossible to set down. You won't want to miss this utterly captivating book that will leave you breathless in the end. Bravo!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Last Breath: The Morganville Vampires

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Want to Meet Rachel?

To celebrate the release of LAST BREATH, the 11th book in the New York Times bestselling Morganville Vampires series, Rachel Caine is throwing a “Welcome to Morganville Bash” in a city near you!

Readers who purchase books at the store will be eligible to win free raffle bags filled with notebooks, pencils, vampire swag, books and other cool Penguin gear goodies!

There will also be free goodies for everyone who attends.

Come to the bookstore, meet RACHEL CAINE, have your books signed, and participate in a raffle drawing to receive cool prizes!

Wednesday, November 2nd
MURDER BY THE BOOK
2342 Bissonett Street
Houston, TX 77005
6:30 PM

Thursday, November 3rd
BARNES & NOBLE #2662
Oakview Mall
3333 Oakview Drive
Omaha, NE 68144
7 PM
*w/ Chloe Neill

Saturday, November 5th
VEGAS VALLEY BOOK FESTIVAL
Historic Fifth Street School
401 S. 4th St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
ALL DAY

Sunday, November 6th
BARNES & NOBLE #2614
Roseville
2100 North Snelling Ave

Roseville, MN 55113
2 PM
*w/ Chloe Neill and Andrea Cremer

Monday, November 7th
BARNES & NOBLE #2808
5275 Harvery Street
Muskegon, MI 49444
7 PM

Tuesday, November 8th
BARNES & NOBLE #2086
301 Main Street
Exton, PA 19341
6 PM

Wednesday, November 9th
BARNES & NOBLE #2908
3454 Erie Boulevard East
Dewitt, NY 13214
7 PM

Saturday, November 12th
BARNES & NOBLE #2344
861 NE Mall Blvd
Hurst, TX 76053
3 PM