Thirteen: Women of the Otherworld

By Kelley Armstrong

The exciting, page-turning LAST episode of Kelley Armstrong's acclaimed, bestselling Women of the Otherworld series!
 
Savannah Levine, a young witch of remarkable power and a dangerous pedigree, staggers away from a bomb blast in New Orleans, glad that she's managed to rescue her half-brother Bryce from the supernatural revolutionaries who'd held him captive. But everyone and everything she holds dear is still at risk. The reveal movement has shaken the Otherworld to its core and the resulting chaos has thinned the boundaries between dimensions, allowing creatures of the deeper realms to break through and wreak havoc, on supernaturals but also on innocent humans.
 
Although she's been temporarily stripped of her powers, Savannah knows she has a crucial part to play in this war of survival. Only in the final battle will Savannah find out her true capacities, and what love will drive her to do. A powerful and deeply satisfying end to a unique saga: thrilling, surprising and harrowing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Jul 24, 2012
• ISBN: 9780307359063

Kelley Armstrong

Kelley Armstrong is the author of over fifty novels, including the Rip Through Time mysteries and the horror novel, Hemlock Island. She lives with her family in Canada.

Reviews for Thirteen

[donnerlibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thirteen is the final book in Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series. It also concludes a trilogy of books focusing on Savannah, a young witch, that includes Waking the Witch and Spell Bound. While there have been threats to the supernaturals in previous books, those threats were localized and focused, requiring only a few of the familiar series characters to neutralize. The trilogy that ends the Otherworld series takes the threat to a whole new level and every major character from the series makes an appearance to work together for the future of supernaturals and humans. Even the demons and angels show up for this fight, although it isn't always clear which side they fall on.The Otherworld series was originally called the Women of the Otherworld until Armstrong felt constricted by the limitation to only female narrators. She worked some of the men into other books in the series and gave them their own short story collection, Men of the Otherworld. In true Women of the Otherworld form though the focus of the final books is on Savannah, a character we have watched grow up throughout the series.The action in Thirteen is fast paced as Savannah and the others start out a step behind the group of supernaturals who wants to reveal themselves to the world by infecting those in positions of power with a virus giving them supernatural abilities. This is a book that goes full tilt ahead without stopping to let anyone take a breath. All of our favorite characters from past books make an appearance and we get to hear from many of them in their own chapters.Thirteen is an emotional roller coaster as the confrontations are intense and various characters lives hang in the balance. Armstrong wraps up the series with a very satisfying conclusion that still leaves the door open a crack for the possibility of more. I love how the entire series is tied together with the book beginning with the prologue from Bitten and ending with a short story centering on Elena, the female werewolf who started it all.If you haven't read the Otherworld series yet, I would highly suggest starting at the beginning. Although some of the books can be read as stand alone novels or read out of order, the build up to this final book will be better if you see the characters develop over time. The Otherworld series has been one of my favorite series and I'm very sad to see it end. But endings also mean new beginnings and I'm curious to see what Armstrong will be writing next.I received a copy of Thirteen from the publisher for review.

[mikerhode · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A lot of plot threads were left dangling in this wrapup of the series.

[glennis.leblanc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

So this is the wrap up of the Women of the Otherworld series and the plus is the world doesn't come to an end and you know at some point she will dip back into this world but who is to say who she will write about next time. Everyone makes a bow at some point during the story which gets to be a bit packed with people. And for a showdown with the big bad why would you send someone who's magic isn't 100% up to snuff. It was ok but I think I am tired of Savannah as a lead.

[amberfib · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thirteen was the best series finale I've ever read, I do believe. Armstrong brought back all of our favorites in this epic ending, and we got to see how each narrator's story ended. Everyone got a turn, and I really enjoyed that. While this book was all about Savannah's final journey, Armstrong included a very short epilogue of sorts letting us know how things wrapped up for Elena and Clay as well. She wanted things to come full circle, and I'm glad she handled things that way. I enjoyed the last story being about Savannah, but I liked the very, very end being about Elena and Clay. This ending was perfect, in my opinion, and while I was sad that the series was over, I ended the book feeling happy. Armstrong really couldn't have written a better ending to this series.The narration was different from previous Otherworld books. Savannah told most of the story in first person narration, but randomly, one of the narrators of previous books got to tell their story. However, the other narrators were in third person limited POVs. Still, the narrators reflected on their lives so that we could also reflect on the character growth of all of the narrators over this series. Each narrator got a turn: Jamie, Elena, Paige, Hope, and Eve. The switch in narrators didn't bother me, and I enjoyed remembering each character's individual journey. I loved all of the narrators (other than Hope) in the series, and I was glad to see how they each came into their own. Savannah's character development was fantastic over the arc of the past three novels, and I am very happy with how she turned out. Cassandra really surprised me at the end, and I grew to respect her more as a character as well. I was left with good feelings about everyone in the series.There was nonstop action and adventure, though there was really no mystery. By this point in the story, we knew who all of the bad guys were. People surprised the characters, betrayed them, etc., but I always saw it coming beforehand. Anytime something seemed to work out in a character's favor, I knew that it was too simple and things would fall apart shortly. That always happened. Armstrong really tested her characters up until the very end. There was no tranquil ending for the women of the Otherworld, and I'm sure they wouldn't want one. The pacing was spot on, and even though I purposefully dragged this book out, I was never bored. I just didn't want the series to end, so I read a little tiny bit at a time over a few days to ensure I made the series last as long as possible. I know, it's silly, but that's what I did anyway. The ending tied everything up nicely, and I truly feel that every question that's ever been raised in the series has been answered. I'm content with how everyone's story ended. The ending was open, however. There is the possibility of Armstrong writing another book if she wants because it's clear that the adventures are far from over, but I feel that the story arc itself has ended. Things were tied up nicely, and if there isn't another Otherworld book written ever, then I'd be perfectly happy with how things ended. I really do not want to spoil this book for anyone, so I am going to end this review here. The Otherworld series has been my favorite series for years, and will probably continue to be my favorite series for the rest of my life. Every single book grabbed me, and this last one was no different. I'd recommend this book to everyone who's ever read the series. If you haven't read the series, go buy Bitten right now!

[lisamaria_c · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm a fan of Kelley Armstrong because of the series this book is a part of--Women of the Otherworld. As the flyleaf put it, a world of "witches, werewolves, necromancers, vampires, and half-demons." And Angels. And thank goodness, the vampires aren't often seen, but are bit players. A relief given how they're usually all over urban fantasy. If anything, the werewolves are at the heart of the series--Armstrong began with them in Bitten. I started though a couple of books in with Dime Store Magic and Paige and Lucas, the characters featured there remained my favorites. In fact, it took a long time for me to warm up to Clay and the other weres. This book is the "final installment," the climax, and though primarily from the first person point of view of the witch Savannah Levine, it includes all the characters that had their say in previous books in the series and gives each of them a turn at a point of view: Elena the werewolf, Paige the witch, Eve the angel, Hope the half-demon and Jaime the necromancer. And it tied up a lot of loose threads neatly. It's a nice sendoff and I doubt will disappoint fans of the series. Definitely no standalone, nor do I think it's the best of the installments. I've rated some books in the series as high as five stars. Not because I think anyone will mistake this for literary fiction--but because I just loved the characters, or even was moved to tears at some point. Over the years of reading these characters, they've come to feel like friends. I guess I'd put this in the category of great comfort reads--not in any way challenging--very light reading--but a world and characters I loved to spend time with. And in a note in the back, Armstrong says that although this is where she planned to end this arc, she doesn't rule out more novels with this world and these characters in the future. And I'd certainly be happy to see more of them.

[vampiregirl76 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it! Out of the last three books, this one is the best. It took me a while to enjoy Savannah's narrating, but I eventually warmed up to her. It was great seeing the characters of Women of the Otherworld series back for one last story.Thirteen is everything I've come to love about WOTO. Fast paced action, danger with a good helping of romance. There is one character appearance that will definitely shock readers. I didn't see it coming at all. It's sad to see this series come to and end, it's one of my favorites. But I'm satisfied how it concluded and I think fans of the series will feel the same way. For those readers hoping for more of Savannah and Adam, Ms. Armstrong doesn't disappoint.

[mnm123_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great finish to the series. Savannah has really grown up and it was great the way all the past characters came together to fight the threat.

[mountie9_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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 enjoyable5 Dewey'sI received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a lovely, satisfying conclusion to one of my favorite series. It had all the danger, excitement, and wonderful characters of the novels that came before it. I was also really glad to see that most of the characters from the earlier novels had a role in this one. I don't want to provide spoilers for anyone who might be sensitive to those. But I can say that the battle to defeat Giles De Rais was hard and took all the courage and intelligence that the characters have developed over the course of this long series. This story also saw Savannah come into her own as a full-fledged and grown up Woman of the Otherworld. I liked the way that the story began with and ended with Elena so that we could see how far she had come through a number of hard fought battles. We could also see where she was now and breathe a sigh of relief for the way things turned out for her. The final note from Kelley also gives us some hope that we might someday see more from the Otherworld. I liked that the story didn't really end. We can feel confident that there is still more love and more adventure in store for the characters we have come to love which is their version of "and they lived happily ever after."I recommend this one highly to lovers of urban fantasy. But don't start with this one. Start with Bitten and get to know all the men and women of the Otherworld.

[lemurkat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

And thus concludes, finally, one of the best Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance series that I have read. It's been quite a journey - from the day I first discovered "Bitten" in our remainder bins at work - bought it and began deovuring my way through the series, then eagerly awaiting the next instalment. Daydreaming about Jeremy and Lucas, or wishing to be Elena. Later in the series, my attention began to dwindle. I could not love Hope, did not really feel endeared to Savannah. Sure, she's a mature woman now - but I still remember her as the angsty brat that gave Paige so much strive.

"13" is a whirlwind of a novel. A rollercoaster. After the slow nature of the two preceeding books, it's almost like Kelley just wanted to get everything into this one. The characters barely have room to breathe - let alone eat or sleep! And she cannot let her characters go - every one of the main cast must appear in some manner - excepting Antonio and Nick, who are safely installed with the Russian pack. The body count is astronomical. There's pretty much no character development. If you'd picked up this novel without reading the previous twelve - or at least a number of them, you would either not be able to follow what was going on and/or not really care about any of the characters. It's all action-action-action. Which makes the teeny romance bits entirely not. Romantic, I mean.

Did I enjoy it? Yes - although it did lack some of the compellingness of the earlier novels. Maybe because, as I've said, I'm not a huge fan of Savannah. Most of the others I've read within a day - two at the most. This one took me five days - including my weekend. It did not feel as epic as I had expected - and I'm not sure I can really let these guys go just yet. Can't I keep one of them? Jeremy maybe?

[jeremypreacher · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I suspect this will work better for me after a full-series reread, which I am not feeling up to right now. There were a lot of plot threads wrapped up, which is nice, but it all felt very rushed and I think I need to have the context closer to the top of my brain to really appreciate it.

[readsalot81 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this a lot better than Spellbound.. but I'm not disappointed this series is coming to an end.

I do look forward to seeing what she'll put out in the future though.

[unreachableshelf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Overall I loved this book. I've come to terms with Savannah and Adam as a couple, even though I still can't really say that I like it, but what I loved was the family stuff. Savannah and Eve getting to see each other in the flesh again. The demons getting involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren. The interaction between Savannah and her brothers. And when a few characters had near misses with death, I totally bought it, although that might have at least as much to do with what GRRM makes me expect from a series with many main characters as it does with Kelley Armstrong's writing.I do have one quibble: Hope's chaos hunger weakening because her daughter took some of her powers uncomfortably suggests a damaged woman being "fixed" by motherhood to me. However, since it was not primarily Hope's book although she does play a major role in the plot, that didn't ruin the whole thing.

[tldegray-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm giving this book four stars because it ended the series just the way I like. Though this was Savannah's book, everyone made an appearance, so it's as if I got to say goodbye to all the characters I've followed for so long. It's also one of those endings that isn't so much an ending as a pause, because even though I won't be reading about them, their lives and adventures will go on.

It made me happy, and that's all I really ask for a series ender.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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.

[christineellei · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This final entry into Ms. Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series brings together all the characters that readers have grown to enjoy and love over the years. Savannah and her entourage are still embroiled in the war between the “supernaturals”, some wanting to expose their existence to humans and the rest thinking it’s a bad idea.

I have enjoyed all of the Women of Otherworld books, and this book was a very nice wrap up. Some hanging issues were nicely resolved and some were touched upon but left a little open ended. Ms. Armstrong has said on her website that she may revisit the characters in a stand alone book in the future, so there is a little wiggle room for a story. The (bonus) Elena story at the end of the book was fitting, as the series started with Elena’s story.

[nbmars · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thirteen is the thirteenth installment of Kelley Armstrong’s “Otherworld” series, part of the flavor of fantasy genre that emphasizes in-depth character development over the old comic-book style portrayal of superpowered beings.I read only a few of the twelve preceding books - and loved them, but just never got around to going the whole nine (or in this case, twelve) yards. But jumping to the thirteenth caused some problems: first because I often felt like I was missing some vital pieces of information, and second because, in spite of that sense of disorientation, I liked it so much that I wanted to go back immediately and read all twelve. And I didn’t want it to end! I felt almost like I did at the end of Maggie Stiefvater’s “Shiver” series – although the Shiver Trilogy ends on a much sadder note, I experienced the same sense of loss over not wanting to say goodbye to the characters.Fantasy books feature characters who live on the edge of experience, and who pull us along with them on their fascinating journeys. Every moment is more intense than any experienced by “regular” characters. Even in murder mysteries, for much of the time, the characters are just going about their lives, getting coffee, shuffling paperwork, and trying to juggle jobs and relationships. But for paranormals, a large part of their existence just involves dealing with the fact of their differences and with all the interesting repercussions because of them. And also, since they are paranormals, the stresses and threats and challenges they encounter are unlike any experienced by non-supernaturals. Even when they love, it can be fraught with problems: what if they fall in love across species lines? What if one is immortal and one isn’t? What if they try to have children? What if one dies, after the two of them have spent so many eons together? Or even: what is a simple kiss like, when it happens between two people who aren’t entirely human?Thirteen is not without action, nor Kelley’s trademark sense of humor, nor explorations of love and loyalty and even a surprising look at Lucifer, but it clearly is a “wrapping up” kind of story. There is also, because we know it is the end of the saga, a generous dose of the bittersweet. I don’t think anyone who has read the previous books will be disappointed that their favorite characters don’t make an appearance. But the main focus of this book is Savannah Levine, a half-witch with a rather distinguished pedigree. Now 21 years old, when we first met her in the second book she was only 12. My personal favorites, Elena and Clay, play a role in Thirteen, but like everyone else, they are just sort of coming in before the curtain closes to wave goodbye to everyone (metaphorically speaking). Savannah takes some big steps toward growing up in this book, and ends up in a place I think readers will find satisfying.Evaluation: I love Kelley Armstrong, but before reading Thirteen I recommend reading the preceding volumes (or at least books one, eleven, and twelve) in the Otherworld Series. I’m sad that the author is done with this series, but also I’m thinking she can now devote more time to her Nadia Stafford books, which can only be a good thing!Rating: 3.5/5

[london_stj · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kelley Armstrong is one of the stronger urban fantasy authors I have had the pleasure to read. Unlike some authors, who find themselves laden with too many characters and too little plot as a series continues, Armstrong has no difficulty picking and choosing protagonists for individual novels, and leaving others behind. For this reason, the series never really becomes stale, and while I prefer certain character sets as a reader, I can appreciate Armstrong's efforts with the series as a whole. Armstrong has said on Twitter that she always intended the Otherworld series to finish with thirteen books, and so presents Thirteen as the conclusion. In this installment a great deal of resolution is offered, in largely satisfactory ways. The conflicts are consistent with the rest of the series, and the characters remain consistent, so the development of the novel will likely appease longtime fans of the series. As an added bonus, Armstrong revisits the beginning of the series in a prologue, and offers an epilogue for a nicely circular narrative. I would likely rate this book as a single volume at a 4 or even a 4.5, but Armstrong is bumped to a five for consistency and strong management of the series as a whole.