I have finally finished the loooong odyssey. Long only because I never saw the last few books, in my local store, back when the series was originally released. And, being poor, I could not afford the astronomical prices to get a second hand paperback. And the final kicker that I enjoy ebooks far less... and I just never managed to read this last book.

One of my favourites in the series. Along with [b:The Dracula Caper|674272|The Dracula Caper (Time Wars, #8)|Simon Hawke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1300810619l/674272._SY75_.jpg|660284] and [b:The Argonaut Affair|674269|The Argonaut Affair (Time Wars, #7)|Simon Hawke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1273506417l/674269._SY75_.jpg|660281]. So the books where the Temporal Agents fight vampires and werewolves (or, at least, genetically created facsimiles), the monsters and gods that Odysseus encountered, and finally, the Gunfight Near the OK Corral. My childhood fantasies are fulfilled.

A satisfyingly complex and consistently entertaining foray. And I'm glad that temporal paradox played a more major role than ever, before. Fitting, for the final installment.

Was it a good final? Well, it definitely wraps up one of the long-running subplots, so I guess it serves the function. But... to be honest, enjoying this last book only makes me wish there were going to be more... but Simon has already stated that he has decided to move on, to other books. Ah, well...

If you enjoyed the other books, you'll enjoy this one. But honestly, they're not standalones, even though each novel has a plot which is resolved. So I'd suggest starting at the beginning, if you haven't, already.

The problem with the later Time Wars books is that so much of the text is devoted to bringing the reader up to speed with all that's gone before. And, given that the books are quite short, it's almost literally half the book that involves explanations of the characters and the background plot. That is a real detractor from the last book, but, once the background is finally dispensed with, the plot is definitely worthy of a final book. Perhaps the only problem is that in the end, all the team can do is go along for the ride. They are pretty much pawns in this scenario and the ending has little to do with them. They are just left to explain it all. Even Drakov plays pretty much only a cameo role.

The wonderful characterisations notable in some of the titles is missing, but the plot is still engaging and the development of Neilson's and Jenny's characters is interesting and sympathetic. I'm glad that in the end I found out what happened, although the fate and origin of Darkness remain wrapped in mystery. ( )

So ends the Time Wars series. Book 12 is set in Tombstone, Arizona in 1881 right before the famous shootout at the OK Corral. (Okay, actually it was down the street from the OK Corral, as Mr. Hawke informs us.) Three temporal observers have gone missing and are later found dead. The time commandos investigate, and get caught up in a mess that involves all of their ongoing foes: the time agents from the alternate universe, the temporal mafia and the freelance mad scientist who is looking for revenge. Once again so many threads make for a weaker story, despite the way Mr. Hawke makes them play off each other. But the tale is entertaining enough. Plus you get a nice little history about the old west. Seeing it's the climax of the series, I'm tempted to rate it higher, but in all honesty it fails to rise above good waiting room material. But as to the series overall, I enjoyed the ride. Thanks, Mr. Hawke.
--J. ( )