Becca Ritchie

So, I’m not known for remembering when follow-ups for books come out. It’s horrible of me, truly. I think I should probably start marking things down in a calendar but that is all beside the point. When I was approached to review the second half of the Raging Ones duology, I was beyond excited to jump on the opportunity. I remembered how much I loved the first book and how shocked I was at the ending. I worried if I’d get the answers I wanted, and if it would be satisfying. There was show more absolutely NO REASON TO WORRY! The Last Hope by Krista and Becca Ritchie was absolutely everything I could have asked for and more as a follow-up. Obviously, spoilers for the first book to follow.

Character developed continued and carried through the novel. We’re introduced to a new character, Stork, and goodness gracious, I loved him. I even grew to love Court after being lukewarm toward him in the first novel. Each character seems to grow into themselves, as well as their role, especially the three that are linked. We’re treated to something truly spectacular in this novel, which was initially seeded in the first book of the duology — the freedom of love and the lack of triangles. There was never once a moment of worry that we would have to read through will Mykal or Court need to choose between the other or Franny, or will Franny need to choose between Mykal, Court, Stork, or Zimmer. Love was love was love and that’s all that mattered throughout, the one cosmic universal, which I suppose in the end, might not have been that universal. But yes, reading a YA book without the stress of characters being pit against one another is such a refreshing rarity, and it’s great to see it continue in The Last Hope.

Pacing, which was my initial complaint with the first book in the duology, was perfect in this concluding novel. There was purpose to every scene, every page, and there was never any lag. In fact, it almost worried me at how well and quickly paced it was as I was sure there would be no way for the authors to answer everything. I kept looking at how much was left in the book and panicking over how it would end. Turned out there would be no need for me to worry about the ending, it was everything I didn’t know I needed. Which is another thing that makes the novel so fantastic — the ending which was something I wanted but didn’t expect! That is such a hard thing to do, especially in YA fiction. Half the time, the ending is completely predictable while the rest of the time we get endings that are such a surprise solely to surprise with no forethought or foreshadowing. Here, the ending surprised me, but was definitely an earned ending. It made sense, did not feel forced, and boy howdy, did I cry.

The Last Hope by Krista and Becca Ritchie is a marvelous ending to a fantastic duology. With expert pacing and terrific character development, The Ritchie sisters truly know how to deliver a book with an ending that delivers and produces plenty of tears — both happy and sad. If you haven’t picked up The Raging Ones, do so now and then pick up The Last Hope. It’s definitely worth it!

// I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. // show less

He's my last real friend. But I know that's not entirely true. He's the only real one I've ever had.

Finally. Finally! We get Ryke and Daisy's story! I have been waiting it seems like forever to see something blossom between these two. I was not disappointed!

Daisy and Ryke have kept in contact throughout the year breaks between the books. I loved that we finally got to see inside their friendship. Things haven't been easy with Daisy and thank god for Ryke. He has been there for her no show more matter what. The build up was fantastic with these two! It wasn't instant but it didn't take the whole book to get to either! Once things started with them, it was just beautiful and I admit some parts were hilarious... Their connection felt... well for lack of a better word, right! I didn't feel like it was forced at all.

Anyways, I have to say I was threw for a loop with some of the major issues faced in this book. Daisy hasn't been given enough credit by anyone except Ryke in the other books, so it was good to see all the relationships evolve! Daisy isn't as tough as she plays off to be either and seeing what she was dealing with was hard.

I want to fucking feed her first, and then I want to fuck her hard.

Ryke was everything and more than I expected! Getting inside his head was so eye-opening. He is such a good person and I think sometimes it's hard to see just how kind he is and how selfless. My heart broke for him. There was one scene with Lo that tore me apart for Ryke. I found myself angry with Lo. But the way Ryke handled things just made me cry more. Paris was a difficult part of this book. But without Paris this book would be nothing like it is.

The story is really long, but I didn't want it to end!!! I stayed up all night, unable to put it down. I really hope we do get more in the Calloway Sisters series.

" What we fucking have," he says. "I love you beyond physical attraction." He cups my smooth cheek, looking deep into my eyes. "I love you Dais, because you're the wildest fucking girl with the biggest fucking heart. And without you in my life"- he shakes his head like it's a inconceivable picture- "I'd be the unhappiest fucking guy."

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The prose is so purple it's like you can smell grape kool aid while you read it. The characters are vapid, shallow, superficial--there is absolutely no way for a reader to connect. Their descriptions of themselves are so over-the-top and then they even contradict themselves when a situation arises to make themselves sound even better than they did before. It's like the authors wanted to set a new standard for the concept of a Mary Sue--and succeeded. And then as we meet the entire family, we show more learn that they are all just as ridiculously shallow, self-involved, and Mary Sue as the main characters--and their sudden "concern" for Maximoff seems out of character, disingenuous, and completely ridiculous. I had to put this down several times and eventually just powered through to get to the end, which I only did because I had to read it for a reading group challenge. I hoped that as I came back to it each time it would maybe get better...but it only seemed to get worse.

I can't remember the last time I gave a book a one-star review. I'd give this a zero if it was an option. show less

Wow! Just wow! Why haven’t I read these authors before? I loved everything about his story. Seriously, I’m kicking myself for not diving into these stories sooner. I recently found myself captivated by the beautiful chaos of Harriet and Ben’s relationship, and it’s got me feeling so raw.

I adore Ben Cobalt, heir to the Cobalt Empire, who is juggling a massive secret that he’s keeping from his family. The tension is high, and with his brothers keeping an eye on him, it’s like a show more pressure cooker just waiting to blow. Ben is planning a way out until Harriet, the punk rock, quick-witted firecracker who breezes into his life and shakes things up in the best way possible. But is she enough?

I won’t ruin the plot by revealing what Ben’s big secret is or how Harriet swoops in like a superhero, but let me just say that their dynamic is electric. The moments they share? Absolutely heart-melting. You’ll find yourself grinning like an idiot in one moment and sobbing your head off in another.

But don’t get too cozy! This book also comes packed with plenty of “OMG, what’s happening?” moments that will have you racing through the pages, desperate for answers. The twists had me gasping out loud, and I found myself wondering “what the heck?!” more times than I can count.

The best part of this book for me was the Cobalt brothers. These guys have so much personality that it’s hard not to fall for them. Each brother brings something unique to the table, from their witty banter to those unexpected moments that just tug at your heartstrings. The dynamic between them is electric, and you can feel the sibling rivalry, camaraderie, and undeniable love. It feels so real and relatable!

This story isn’t just about the heart-racing moments. It’s also about the beautiful tragedy that unfolds. There’s a rawness here with love, secrets, and the kind of chaos that leaves bruises. It’s difficult to not feel every twist and turn right in the pit of your stomach. All I can say is I’m a new fan of the Ritchie’s and I can’t wait to read more about the Cobalt family!

Thank you to the Ritchie’s for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review. show less