Shadowfever: Fever Series Book 5

By Karen Marie Moning

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Evil is a completely different creature, Mac. Evil is bad that believes it’s good.”
 
MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina, were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever. 

Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister’s murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals who have lived concealed among us for thousands of years. 

What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh—a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King, containing the power to create and destroy worlds. 

In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves. 
Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac herself and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card? 

From the luxury of the Lord Master’s penthouse to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac’s journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and to make a choice that will either save the world . . . or destroy it.

BONUS: This edition contains a deleted scene from Shadowfever and an excerpt from Karen Marie Moning's Iced.

Look for all of Karen Marie Moning’s sensational Fever novels:
DARKFEVER | BLOODFEVER | FAEFEVER | DREAMFEVER | SHADOWFEVER | ICED | BURNED | FEVERBORN | FEVERSONG

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9780440339748

Karen Marie Moning

Karen Marie Moning is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fever series, featuring MacKayla Lane, and the award-winning Highlander series. She has a bachelor’s degree in society and law from Purdue University.

Reviews for Shadowfever

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

3.5 stars

For you visual learners, what it feels like to read this series


Even though I never rated an individual book 5 stars, I think these 5 first books, taken as a whole, deserve a 5 star rating. It was engrossing and addicting, even when it was going off the rails.

The endless and what turned out to be pointless tangents the story went off on though, really started to grate on me. I know they were there to lead us readers down the wrong paths and to keep us guessing but after a while I started to find myself becoming less invested because I knew nothing was going to come of where Mac was heading.

Still, the world building was amazing and I definitely recommend this to any and all; must like fantasy/paranormal.

The next time you all come at me to read a series I'm going to run away crying, this stole my life for a couple days.

[bm2ng · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LOVED this. I was sad when I read the words "the end" but then I turned the page and saw the words "for now". I was so happy!

[sweet_serenity · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was perfect. I won't go into any detail, because I think that would just take something away from its brilliance. It's one of those rare books that you read and think, "Wow! That was exactly what I wanted in every way".

I had a love-hate relationship with the previous books in the series, giving them 3 or 4 stars. But this was the perfect conclusion, it turned everything I thought I knew from the previous books on its head. The writing was absolutely stunning compared to the sometimes mediocre stuff in the other books. The answers to all those mysteries were incredibly satisfying. I grew to love the characters and the world and everything.

Enjoy!

[crazybatcow · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sigh...Finally, the story ends. I'm content with this finale - the book is long enough to do it justice and all the loose ends are wrapped up and everything makes sense and it's overall VERY satisfying.What a terrific series. Start with book one and read them in order. If you don't like the series by the time you get to the end of the second book, just quit there because the series is just one story spread over 5 books (which - hard to believe - get progressively better). And a wonderful spread it is - overall, an excellent strong mature dark and wonderfully suspenseful paranormal romantic fantasy.

[rozziereads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

WOW. THIS BOOK WAS SO LONG AND SO AMAZING.

Well, it's not the longest I've read, but it seemed longer than it was (in a good way) because there was so much going on. The Duality sort of confused me. When she is in the white mansion. Your constantly wondering what and who Mac is. I think it's funny how Mac says that she's bi-polar, and while you read this book, you can see all the different attitude flips. I myself have a few friends/family how are indeed bi-polar, and you can see it. One second she is terrified, next it's EXTREME despair/agony, then it's a rage and hatred so deep she seems different, and of course she gets a kiss and is her pink bubbly self again. I think the flips in her attitude are part of what make her such an interesting character to read. I need to reread the series, to catch everything again.

Questions that DO get answered:
Who's the King?
Where's the Queen? Who is the Queen?
Who killed Alina?
What is Mac? Who is Mac?
Is her family ok?
What is Barrens after the book for?
What is Vlayne after it for?


There is just so much in this book that if you say one thing you end up spoiling so much. So let's just say that this book has everything you can imagine, and everything you want, plus way more.

[yas4735-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't believe that it's finally over, after waiting every painstaking year for the next one in the series. All questions have been answered, some which have been completely unexpected and some which we kind of figured out. So many revelations, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. It starts off where Dreamfever left off, so i had to go back and read that first - I was confused after reading the first chapter of Shadowfever, it had been that long! Shadowfever took me by surprise, it was sooo good, my favourite of the series now!

[myab-3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book, found it a lot more mellow than the rest of the series, but it tied everything up well. I read that there will be 5 more books in this series.. I will check them out for sure.

[pamv-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

If this would have been book number one in the series, I would not have read any of the rest. It seems as though she was paid by the word and she babbled on and on about anything and everything.

This was a disappointment and did not seem to even go with the first four books, which I enjoyed.

[nessa33-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ok...where do I start, other than to saw this was AWESOME!!!!

At the beginning of the book, I was a little stunned. I must say, the whole Barrons being the beast thing didn't actually surprise me, but the fact that Mac had a total meltdown over it....not what I was expecting at all! I figured she would have a good cry and want to lay down and die a little...not go all crazy chick on everything in her path! I am impressed that she did and totally love her for it. But it was still unexpected. She always finds a way to surprise me.

Dani really stepped up in this book and I loved seeing her that way. I was a little surpised that she was the one who led Alina to slaughter (even though the fact that it was all Rowena's doing didn't stun me in the least...bitch). I know Mac truly loves her, and when Barrons was speaking with her about it so calmly, telling her that she really needed to think hard about killing her...LOVED HIM THEN!! It showed a side of him that I was hoping to see but didn't really expect to.

On the topic of Barrons...jealous much?? I knew it from the beginning, but man did he ever show it! I was not expecting his son to be alive (so to speak) and can't imagine what he was going through. I still can't belive that he actually opened up to Mac so much after she discovered his son (and was almost killed in the process...sad to say, it was one of my favorite scenes though). I figured Barrons would have been pissed...his usual self. Maybe it was the fact that he saw her throat ripped out, I don't know. But he definitely put himself out there for her to see and it was great.

V'Lane being Cruce?? Actually didn't surprise me in the least. There was always something about him that just didn't click right. Although I always thought hat he and Mac would be awesome together if the while Barrons thing didn't work out...actually, that opinion still stands. I fully believe that V'Lane/Cruce DID have genuine feelings for her in some way. It may not have been the best match, you know...with the whole him trying to become the Unseelie King and all and being pretty evil...but it still would have been interesting.

DEG....totally a little selfish. I was not expecting him to be the King (but I was glad that it wasn't Mac...will get to THAT thought in a minute) and I know he kind of helped out at the end...but he still left everyone to deal on their own after he picked up his Concubine. I understand that he was happy to see her and all, but he could have helped Mac out with the Song of Unmaking at the very least. That pissed me off to be honest. The one thing that Barrons had actually asked for, she couldn't get and I'm pretty sure the King could have done something about it after all she had been through. Really....would it have been that hard?

Now Mac...Concubine? Unseelie King? Book? Fae? Holy identity crisis much? I'm happy that she found her way and has a real chance to be happy now. I think she really deserves it and worked her ass off to get there. I was thrilled that she was willing to pretty much give herself up to give Barrons the spell he wanted for his son and was overjoyed when he wouldn't let her. Guess the thought really does count when it comes to Barrons...who knew? Smart chick though....didn't see the K'Vruck thing coming. I never would have even thought of using him to kill Barrons' son. It is sad that he had to die, but happy that they found peace over it. I do have one problem though (I love how things change so much in this series) what the hell IS Mac? Thinking that about Barrons all this time, I never really thought much about her. Maybe I missed it (I DID stay up til 3am finishing this, lol) but I can't remember actually finding out what she really is? I know she has the book inside her, which makes her somehow part of the King. I know the King has been keeping an eye on her all these years (although other than the prophecy bit, I really can't put my finger on why). To be honest, I was surprised that she didn't end up being the Seelie Queen at the end. That's is what I figured would happen, although I'm glad it didn't. Would have seriously done some damage to her and Barrons' relationship I think. But seriously, what is she??? Did I miss something important?

All in all, I loved this book. I still have some unanswered questions (but that might just be me missing parts in my all-nighter reading marathon to finish) and thoughts about how things should have been...but this rollercoaster ride was great! So sad that it had to end, although I'm not sure I could have taken much more. I haven't felt so strongly reading a book in, well....ever.

[beautyandtheblog · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ok...where do I start, other than to saw this was AWESOME!!!!

At the beginning of the book, I was a little stunned. I must say, the whole Barrons being the beast thing didn't actually surprise me, but the fact that Mac had a total meltdown over it....not what I was expecting at all! I figured she would have a good cry and want to lay down and die a little...not go all crazy chick on everything in her path! I am impressed that she did and totally love her for it. But it was still unexpected. She always finds a way to surprise me.

Dani really stepped up in this book and I loved seeing her that way. I was a little surpised that she was the one who led Alina to slaughter (even though the fact that it was all Rowena's doing didn't stun me in the least...bitch). I know Mac truly loves her, and when Barrons was speaking with her about it so calmly, telling her that she really needed to think hard about killing her...LOVED HIM THEN!! It showed a side of him that I was hoping to see but didn't really expect to.

On the topic of Barrons...jealous much?? I knew it from the beginning, but man did he ever show it! I was not expecting his son to be alive (so to speak) and can't imagine what he was going through. I still can't belive that he actually opened up to Mac so much after she discovered his son (and was almost killed in the process...sad to say, it was one of my favorite scenes though). I figured Barrons would have been pissed...his usual self. Maybe it was the fact that he saw her throat ripped out, I don't know. But he definitely put himself out there for her to see and it was great.

V'Lane being Cruce?? Actually didn't surprise me in the least. There was always something about him that just didn't click right. Although I always thought hat he and Mac would be awesome together if the while Barrons thing didn't work out...actually, that opinion still stands. I fully believe that V'Lane/Cruce DID have genuine feelings for her in some way. It may not have been the best match, you know...with the whole him trying to become the Unseelie King and all and being pretty evil...but it still would have been interesting.

DEG....totally a little selfish. I was not expecting him to be the King (but I was glad that it wasn't Mac...will get to THAT thought in a minute) and I know he kind of helped out at the end...but he still left everyone to deal on their own after he picked up his Concubine. I understand that he was happy to see her and all, but he could have helped Mac out with the Song of Unmaking at the very least. That pissed me off to be honest. The one thing that Barrons had actually asked for, she couldn't get and I'm pretty sure the King could have done something about it after all she had been through. Really....would it have been that hard?

Now Mac...Concubine? Unseelie King? Book? Fae? Holy identity crisis much? I'm happy that she found her way and has a real chance to be happy now. I think she really deserves it and worked her ass off to get there. I was thrilled that she was willing to pretty much give herself up to give Barrons the spell he wanted for his son and was overjoyed when he wouldn't let her. Guess the thought really does count when it comes to Barrons...who knew? Smart chick though....didn't see the K'Vruck thing coming. I never would have even thought of using him to kill Barrons' son. It is sad that he had to die, but happy that they found peace over it. I do have one problem though (I love how things change so much in this series) what the hell IS Mac? Thinking that about Barrons all this time, I never really thought much about her. Maybe I missed it (I DID stay up til 3am finishing this, lol) but I can't remember actually finding out what she really is? I know she has the book inside her, which makes her somehow part of the King. I know the King has been keeping an eye on her all these years (although other than the prophecy bit, I really can't put my finger on why). To be honest, I was surprised that she didn't end up being the Seelie Queen at the end. That's is what I figured would happen, although I'm glad it didn't. Would have seriously done some damage to her and Barrons' relationship I think. But seriously, what is she??? Did I miss something important?

All in all, I loved this book. I still have some unanswered questions (but that might just be me missing parts in my all-nighter reading marathon to finish) and thoughts about how things should have been...but this rollercoaster ride was great! So sad that it had to end, although I'm not sure I could have taken much more. I haven't felt so strongly reading a book in, well....ever.

[ritastradling · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic.

[fennecgirl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's been a while since I've had a book that pulled my in so completely that I can't put it down. One day. That's all it took to finish this 600 page conclusion, and I'm thinking about starting it all over again, just to really absorb every minute detail.

KMM does not disappoint in the final book of her Fever series, and I have to say this is my favorite author by far, for this genre. I wish other authors would take note, as this is how a series should end. I wish I could say more, but I would hate to give away any major details. I will say this, however. The *new characters that showed up in this book, was the icing on this sinful cake!

[carol420 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Fever series followed her Highlander series. I loved the Highlander series and hope she writes more of them, This series takes place in Ireland and follows an American girl that goes to Ireland to find who killed her sister. The people that she meets are not all they seem to be and they have diffident agendas of their own. Fairies, magic, and supernatural beings co-exist with the humans. This series does absolutely need to be read in order.

[gilroy_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

If there is one thing I can't stand in series books, it's the inability to pick up a book anywhere in the series and understand what's going on. I couldn't stomach the first disc of this overly emo drama of naval gazing book. I had no clue what was going on, save a dead body and the whiny main character. To me, epic fail. MAYBE if I read the rest of the series, it would help, but I don't like the feel of this book's start. It feels like the author took a 500k word book and just split it up into chunks. And it sucks.

[myurbanfantasies · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review originally posted on My Urban FantasiesI usually try to provide smaller plot points when doing a review. I do this to give a little more information than the synopsis can provide, so you can get a better feel for the book. With Shadowfever it's just not possible. Every detail is a small part of an epic ending. Red herrings are revealed and all questions you may have are answered. Shadowfever is what every Urban Fantasy should be. It's an amazing story with strong characters and a hint of romance. Perfection.Shadowfever starts exactly where Dreamfever left off. Mac has just killed someone important to her, someone she cannot live without. To say she is overcome by grief would be vastly understating it. The beginning of Shadowfever is horrifically sad. I am not ashamed to say I cried like a baby. To me that says everything about an author. The ability to weave words together so the reader is able to feel exactly what a fictional character is feeling... beyond brilliant. To grieve with Mac... to feel the despair, rage, guilt and the emptiness. To go from wanting to slap Mac upside the head as she continues to deny her feelings, to applauding her when she finally admits them. It was an honor and an exceptional journey.

[mitabird · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars

What a ride this series was, though at times, it was slow moving and bumpy. I found the ending satisfying, though I'm not still not convinced that it's love between Mac & Barrons. One time Mac mentioned seeing lust and fury in Barrons' eyes and that sums up their relationship to me. I think my problem was that I was doing what Barrons told Fiona and Mac not to do, romanticize him. When Barrons says this to Mac near the end of the book, I realized that I needed to do the same.

“I’m not the hero, Mac. Never have been. Never will be. Let us be perfectly clear: I’m not the antihero, either, so quit waiting to discover my hidden potential. There’s nothing to redeem me.”

So while I don't think it's a love match, they are right for each other.

The twist and turns in this book astounded me; I didn't see them coming and I couldn't believe them either. The truth about the Seelie Queen and especially, V'lane, blew my mind. I wanted to kill him. I wanted Mac and Barrons to destroy him. He put her through so much hell. The kicker is that I liked him before this. I didn't want V'lane and Mac together, but I was hoping they could remain friends. Ha!

If it wasn't for my emotional investment in Mac, I probably wouldn't have continued reading this series. Many times I felt it was moving too slow, talking about unimportant details. A lot of the plot was dragged on, IMO. Sometimes I felt like I was watching Lost all over again. So while it wasn't the best series I've ever read, my feelings for the characters will stay with me.

ETA: One thing I wanted to mention and I forgot. The main thing that pissed me off about Barrons was how he didn't want to answer ANY of Mac's questions! Not one, as if she didn't have a right to know. She definitely did. A lot of the grief she suffered was due to lack of knowledge that Barrons' could have provided. Plus, he was just a jackass to her all the time.

[readingbeader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was afraid to start reading this because I have been disappointed by series endings before, but KMM drew me in again and answered my questions with series, wrapped up cliff hangers and satisfied me with the ending, without leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

Don't read this book unless you have read the other four, which also benefit from some of her Highlander series. (I'm now ready for Christian Keltar's story.)

I read it in one day: afternoon to early evening.

[whybehave2002 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Too bad the rating is only 5 stars. There is nothing better than a day served up with a little Jericho Barrons on the side...;)

[leila.khouane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

5 deserving Stars

I can't express how much I enjoyed this book, it evolved much more than the first instalment.

It has almost everything you might wish in a finale.

Points slightly spoilery points:

*we partially get to know what is Jericho Barrons, we still don't where was he created nor how or what's his definite purpose, him and his companions
*the author finally shed shone light on the evil book and what it exactly wanted, and fanally put it to use or rather to rest
*Mackayla roses to her full potential and fully accept what she's becoming or maybe what she alwas had been.
*We unravel the mastery death of her sister and killer.
*More knowledge about the fae history and realms
*FINALLY MACKAYLA GETS SOME SENSE INTO HER BRICK OF A HEAD AND ACCEPTS HER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ONE THAT'S ACTUALLY NOT TRYING TO STAB HER IN THE BACK!
*Good riddance of certain characters

In summoned words its the near full package for a logical, quite happy ending.

And it's deeply satisfies my disappointed self in the rest of the books.

PS- the one thing I did not like (among other ones of course) and what irked me the most was that there was waay too much detailed recaps of the other books, its like rereading previous scenes form previous ones word by word and that's just get waaay boring, this book had a total of 600 pages, it could've been less if the author knew how to summarize half of what she recounted.

[msralways · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Unbelievable ending to an amazing series! That's all I've got to say.

[piper0820 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a great ending to a fantastic series. Karen Marie Moning is a genius. I could read these books over and over and I don't think I would tire of them. The relationship between Mac and Barrons was great. I loved how it wasn't forced. It just seemed natural. Thank you Karen for such a pleasuable ride. Can't wait to read your other novels!

[camibrite · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a relief to finally know the end of this story! Although it seemed less a finished draft than the others in this series, I really enjoyed reading it and FINALLY learning who/what/etc Barrons really was. (Because that's the most important thing, right?) There were some nice curves in the road, and I'm sure I'll take the journey again someday soon.

[addictofromance · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So my normal review layout is going to be a bit different because of this story, but I don’t want to reveal too much about this story just my general thoughts on it. Now first off I will say that this was the best book of the series. We really see Mackayla be honest with herself more than in any other book. Which is what I liked most. We still have the bantering between Jericho Barrons and Mac, but there was more in the relationship that happens in this book, than the previous books. The bantering got annoying after a while, I mean we had five books of it, and most of the time I wanted to shake them and say “wake up and smell the flowers” and be honest with each other. I really enjoyed the world building that Karen Marie Moning has done with these books. Her other paranormal series, we see the beginnings of what happens in this happen, but the focus is on the actual romance, but these books the focus was the dangerous world of the fae and how it collides with the humans. I loved seeing the MacKeltars in this book, boy do I love them and poor Christian, I adored this supporting character and he does get a run of bad luck right? I hated what we learn about V’lane to be honest, because he was so amusing to me. But it did blow me away which is what Moning probably was trying to do, really shock her readers. What we learn about Barrons and his eight, well that was exciting and fun. I do hope in the spin off series, they ease off on Mac, because she isn’t as bad as they think, but one thing I liked about them was how they force her to face up to the truth and threatening her life all at the same time. And when Jericho and Mac finally come together, I wanted to do a little dance because honestly these two were giving me a headache. I don’t know if any of you felt the same way but honestly these two could really get on the nerves if you let them. But what was most satisfying is when these two stop their bickering, and actually be honest about how they feel and the sex in this was HOT!! I mean the whole series is that way honest, very sensual in moments you don’t expect. I really liked the narrator, but I don’t like how they changed narrators in the middle of the series, that was annoying. I was really loving the narrator for the first few books, and then they change it up on you, and it took a while to get used to this new one, but she grew on me. This is by far the best book of the series, and holy cow Mac’s parents are just so fun aren’t they? And I hated and loathed Rowena more in this story than in any other books, boy I loved what happened to her (I know I am bad, but for real she was awful). Especially with what she had Dani do, I know from hearing about the spin off series, that something would drive a wedge between Mac and Dani, but wow I didn’t see that one coming. So many shocks and truths we learn, but some things were left hanging but Moning I would bet did that on purpose. I am curious to know if Dani and Mac work out their issues, if we see more of Christian, and Barrons eight—I would love to see more of them especially Rioden. He was super sexy. Overall I liked this series, but not sure if I would ever read or listen to them again, I am planning on reading her spin off series eventually. But I wouldn’t mind reading her Highlander series again, those are still and always will be my favorites of this author. If you have yet to read this author, I would highly encourage you to do so, she is spectacular in her writing and will win you over even if you don’t want it to happen. Loved this book and I adore this author, excited to see what comes next.

[oldriverbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you haven't read this series you really need to start at the beginning. This Fever series caught my attention from the first book and has keep me eagerly awaiting each new book. The characters and worlds created in this series are imaginative, interesting, intense and deadly. Karen Marie Moning is a gifted writer who draws you in to her creative world and that you along on a fantastic journey. It is hard to believe this is the last book.

MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina, were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.

Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister’s murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals who have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.

What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh—a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King, containing the power to create and destroy worlds.

In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves.
Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac herself and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card?

From the luxury of the Lord Master’s penthouse to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac’s journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and to make a choice that will either save the world . . . or destroy it.

[steph1203-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing book! Amazing series! Now I need to go back and read all 5 straight through!

[cynditefft · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

If you've seen my other reviews for this series, you know how excited I was about this book. And I have to tell you, I could not be more disappointed. I almost didn't finish it.

I hear you gasping! I know, right? *groans*

The truth is, Moning had so many theories running that instead of keeping me guessing and turning pages, it just pissed me off. I wanted to get resolution on something, move on, and get resolution on something else. I'd been working on the puzzle for long enough and it was time for the pieces to start lining up.

I won't go into detail on the various--strike that, MANY--plot threads and theories in this tome because I don't like spoilers. But I will say that I expected more from the relationship with Barrons. The man's been alive for who knows how long, so you'd think he would have picked up more ways to express himself than the f-bomb stuck on repeat. Seriously, the f-bombs in this book are beyond excessive. There's a reason they're called bombs. They're supposed to have a powerful impact. This was more like f-pepper spray, it was used so pervasively.

Barrons' relationship with Mac didn't evolve like I wanted it to, but instead came across as simply rooted in possession and sex. That's it. And while those are powerful ties, that's not enough. Well, it wasn't for me anyway.

And the lack of a heart-to-heart with Dani at the end was a gaping hole. I can only surmise that Moning intends to write a spin-off with Dani and Ryodan later, which is why she left that undone.

So as much as I loved the series up to this book, I gotta say that Shadowfever didn't pull it together the way I'd hoped. Sadness. :(

[librarycin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I won't do a summary, as there would probably be too many spoilers in it for the previous books. This is book 5 in the Fever series and the final book. I really liked this. I could say this one was the best, along with book 1, Darkfever. I wasn't as happy for the first little bit of the book, but a little ways in (can't say why without it being a spoiler!), it got much better. Of course, everything gets tied up in this book (finally, instead of the cliffhangers all the other books ended on!), and there are surprises thrown in for good measure. A really good end to the series!

[bodagirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An amazing ending to a series that just kept getting better and darker. I have no idea how earlier fans stood waiting for the next book with those cliff hangers.

[creativejunkie · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The only thing saving this from 2 stars is the tiny bit we got of Mac and Barrons in this book.

My overall impression? Too much, too late. The author waited till the last 50 pages of a 2,000 page series to fill in ALL the blanks, while throwing in some new information while she was at it. It was all extremely exhausting and overwhelming to read. I didn't feel satisfied with the ending, and because everything was shoved at us at the last minute, I felt like the previous books were a waste of time.

I also really had a problem with her writing style. Question after question and page after page of internal dialogue is tedious and boring. Besides that, she switched tenses regularly and POVs without any indication in the chapters. It's like she sat down and wondered how she could possibly make the most confusing book and set out to do just that.

Highly disappointed with the last book in this series.

[theseprettywords · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Perfect ending. 4.7 stars. I would have gone all the way to five but the author's overuse of exposition makes me want to skim bits. I fell in love with Barrons slowly, lingering in a nice should-I-shouldn't-I haze for awhile there and I loved it. Just perfect.