"How-to-write: a perfect conclusion to a series set in a wider universe" by Gail Carriger might be an apt alternative title. I really took my time with this one, but not because it was any less enjoyable than the first four. First up, we get a little bit of a time skip, but not so much as to alienate us from the characters. The ways in which they have developed and/ or are still developing make sense. I feel this book showcases how each and every character was crafted with care: their values, how they express and deal with their emotions, what challenges them and how they are, in the ecosystem of their relationships, able to overcome said challenges without too much 'plot armour'. How multi-dimensional a character's motivations can be, and how this might be shown to a reader. I realised in reading this how much I also enjoy the way in which Carriger has set up her Supernatural set. They are very clearly more powerful than the regular person, but not so without any real drawbacks or limitations to their power. The way in which this somewhat equals the playing field is so fun to read. It is SO well thought out. To everyone somewhat bored of the 'classic' Vamp or Werewolf Novels I recommend reading at least one of the books, maybe even series, set in Carrigers Universe. Pick a Leading Lady or Plot that interests you most and go for it. Last but not least, I believe it tied up all of the most important loose ends and questions I, as a reader had, without ending in a "and they lived happily ever after" or a weird little summary of literally everything else they did in their lives, after the actual end of the story. And it gives us an outlook on what Stories one might expect to read in the next couple of books. I, for my part, am excited to start reading Prudence's Stories now.
7. Aug.Aug 7, 2025
Timelessby Gail CarrigerLittle, Brown Book Group

