The last book in this series was just ok to me. The story continues with another series written by the Hendees, but honestly, I think I'll skip it. ( )

I have eagerly devoured each entry in the Noble Dead Saga since "Dhampir" was published. The half vampire/half human heroine is complex and exciting. Through each novel, pieces of her history have unravelled and her path became more clear. Until this installment. The entire saga has been something of a quest: in book four we visited her homeland, and learned more about the mysterious Chap; in book five, Lessil's history was exposed and there was a lot of action as he fought to find his mother. So, I thought that this book, the conclusion of the first series, would provide some answers about Magiere herself. Instead, it was a long quest, with little action, to find a mysterious artifact. They find it - the end. No questions answered, no real obstacles overcome.

The last book ended with our band setting out from the Elven nation to find the artifact. Magiere's dreams of black coils and "Sister of the Dead lead on" are pushing her south. Readers follow her South. Welstiel follows her South. A group of Elven assassins follows Welstiel, following Magiere south. Everyone planning to steal the orb from Magiere once she retrieves it. They travel by boat, by land, they fight the elements. It was actually kind've boring, with a climax that was anything but climactic.

I'm guessing Magiere's destiny will be an overarching plot for all 12 books. But, overall, I felt cheated. After following her for 6 books, I expected SOME resolution. That said, I do enjoy the characters very much, and the gorwing devotion between Magiere and Leesil was worth reading. Wynn has finally grown to be more than a whining tagalong. So, despite my reservations about her being the protagonist, I ordered book one of the next series, "In Shade and Shadow" anyway.

But, overall this book left me wanting - without the promise that the next book would continue her story. When will we finally learn the truth about Magiere? Recommended, but not as good as the previous books. ( )

The last in the first series of what will be the Noble Dead saga, Child of a Dead God answers some questions that have been building throughout, but leaves many open ends. The resolution is satisfying despite this, though, and I can't wait to read the continuation of the saga. I can't get enough of these books! ( )

Child of a Dead God, by Barb and J.C. Hendee, is the 6th and final book in the Noble Dead saga.

Magiere, Leesil, Wynn, and Chap leave elven lands for the South. Magiere has been having disturbing dreams driving her to an artifact in that direction. But she is not the only person after the artifact. Her evil half-brother and one of the Noble Dead, is following Magiere hoping to get his hands on it. And a group of elf assassins will do anything to bring the artifact back to their own lands.

Knowing this is an end of sorts (a spin-off series is planned for next year) to my favorite vampire fantasy series, I began reading this with a little sadness and higher-than-average expectations. Each installment has gotten a little more dark and violent. The character development has gotten more in-depth as well, to the point where I’ve actually found myself attached to some of the darker vampire characters. The Hendee’s have become true masters of character and world building. This is a fast-paced, action and adventure-filled dark fantasy. The vampires are cunning, the elves are deceptive, and Magiere doesn’t even know what the object she’s searching for is supposed to do.

While some of the plot lines that have arced over the entire series have been tied up in this sixth novel, the ending has definitely been left open for the coming spin-off series. I’m looking forward to seeing which characters this new series will follow, and more of the fabulous dark fantasy world that the Hendee’s have created. ( )

I am amazed that this series keeps hitting the mark for me like it does. Magiere and Leesil are captivating. Their unquestioning loyalty and support of eachother makes them a very attractive couple. As they have both sought out bits and pieces of their respective pasts (and usually not liking what they find) I enjoy the trip along side them.

While I am not enamored of Wynn and would truly like for her to just go away - at least for a book or two.... I have liked that with her I have found out more about Chap (as he can only be understood by her) and his role in the coming conflict.

I am more than glad to hopefully be seeing the end of Magieres half-brother. A more annoying character than I like to slosh thru.

The Hendee's have taken this 'Middle-Earth-Vampire-Faerie-Magic' realm and built an enticing world for me to live in thru their books.

I cannot wait (as usual) for Magiere and Leesil's next journey. ( )