It's so hard to rate this book. It's well-written, but I felt like there were too many goodbyes and loose ends.
I love that Lara and Kaliq are finally together. Other than that, this is a pretty depressing book. ( )

So sad that this is the last Hetar book because I love this series so much! I will just have to reread them all over and over again. This was another wonderful Hetar book with vividly descriptive scenes and an awesome story. I wish the series never had to end! ( )

This is the final book in the World of Hetar series which details the life of Lara, a Fairie woman, who has for over a century attempted to protect Hetar and Terah from the darkness and evil of the Twilight Lord. In this final installment, Lara comes to realize that the Light cannot always be victorious over the Dark and that sometimes, to withdraw for another day's battle is wise.

As a fairie, Lara doesn't appear to age to mortals which is very disturbing for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They cannot remember the battles that she has fought or adventures that she has had. They see only someone who is young and vital but none of the magic which sustains it. When the Twilight Lord Kolgrim (Lara's son by Kol) finds that his destiny is written to marry an Hetarian virgin who will increase his magical powers and allow him to take over the Hetar and Terah worlds, Lara tries to prevent the marriage and when unsuccessful, tries to foil the magical transfer.

As always the vibrant story is entertaining and erotic (to an extent) showing the reader the rich details of the authors imagination while bringing to life a magical world.
Those who have never met Lara and the World of Hetar in the previous books, will feel a bit lost and need to go back to read the previous volumes so that the references will all make sense. Definitely one that needs to be read after the others. ( )

The Good Stuff

* Her vivid storytelling is exceptional as always
* Wonderful descriptions of fashion, landscapes and food
* richly detailed
* My least favorite of the series, but at least it ended on a hopeful note, which I found missing in most of the book
* Scenes between Lord Kolgrim and Marzina
* Very naughty

The Not so Good Stuff

* Many of the characters are extremely unpleasant
* Very depressing at times - made me feel really old
* The amount of time passed from the previous book is very jarring for me
* I found a lot of the book that hope was missing and that really bothered me
* Reminds me of getting old and friends and family dying and I just wanted to give author a big hug and tell her everything was going to work out

Favorite Quotes/Passages

"Seeing something you love die is always difficult my love, but we have a new life awaiting us in the cosmos, Kaliq said"

“You are a society totally involved with yourselves, your acquisitions, your pleasures, all of it to the detriment of others not as fortunate. Once Hetar offered opportunity to those who strived to better themselves. You no longer offer those chances to your citizens."

"Even in the darkest night there isalight somewhere. And the knowledge of that light will give you hope.”

What I Learned

* Getting old sucks - even if you are a Faerie
* Even if you are a cool magical person your children and grandchildren may turn into spoiled nasty people

Who should/shouldn't read

* Wouldn't recommend for anyone who hasn't read the rest of the series

3.5 Dewey's (Borrow or get from library -- or buy if you have rest of series)

Received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ( )