Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. This is my unbiased review.

This is the fifth book in the Gunnie Rose series. It isn't my favorite.

Books 1-3 were more self-contained, Book 4 was focused on Felicia, and now, with Book 5, it seems Harris is shifting things to start the path to a serial. She does help the reader along a bit; I didn't feel the need to go back to read all of the previous books to keep up with what was happening, but I might anyway.

I do, however, feel I will have to re-read this book because I am left feeling we were thrown a red herring early on, one that created the drama and angst that fed the entire story. I'm not certain "what he said" is "what he says he said" (being cryptic so as not to spoil anything). And if that is the case, then the whole story is pointless.

Five stars for world building and great characters + three stars for an unsatisfying plot full of strange holes = FOUR STARS.

Like the others in this series this is one that I couldn't put down once I started it. I get so lost and immersed in the world that Harris has created. This one did hit more emotionally than the others have so far. Without giving away spoilers I will say it brought me to tears several times but then had me laughing at something either Lizbeth or Felicia had said. I can't wait to see what's next for these sisters.

Oh boy. More time in this world is always enjoyable! While The Serpent in Heaven is a very action-packed book, All the Dead Shall Weep has more of an everyday waiting feel. Charlaine Harris makes everyday things interesting though, and because her characters are so badass, I wanted to know every mundane and not so mundane thing they did. Also, don't get me wrong, there is action, it's just not as much as the last. In this book we are in Texoma with Felicia and Peter visiting. There is a misunderstanding at the start of this along with some grief, but we get to see Lizbeth and Felicia be sisters and learn about each other. We also get to see the life Lizbeth and Eli have been living that we missed from the last story.

For this book it is from both Lizbeth and Felica’s point of views. We get to see their dynamic while working alongside each other. Both are equally as cool, so I never wanted to skip one for the other. That last line also promises even more craziness to come along with the Wizard’s Ball. This whole reimagined world is just so fascinating to read about. I love these books so much. Definitely read this for the sister bonding, the parade of suitors, and the ladies practicing what they are good at.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books, Gallery / Saga Press for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

This is my favorite dystopian western series ever! (Yes, it is also my only dystopian western series because I supposedly don't like westerns.) Lizbeth and Felicia both provide first person narration and at times that made things a little confusing for me. But maybe because I was devouring the book as fast as I could because for some reason I just love, love, love these characters and their world! Lizbeth was in a weird place in this book and her character felt a little off kilter. That made having Felicia's point of view a wonderful addition to the story. I loved seeing more of her mother's and stepfather's personalities come out in this book. While there was plenty of action, this installment seemed like more of a set up for future books, rather than a story unto its own. The foreshadowing cliff hangers make me antsy for the next installment! As always, this is a good reason to read the books in order.

Set in a fractured and lawless United States, Lizbeth Rose makes her living as a hired gun/bodyguard. It's a hardscrabble existence, but Lizbeth has managed to stay alive, fall in love, marry, and is looking forward to spending time with her half-sister, Felicia, visiting from San Diego, now known as the seat of the Holy Russian Empire. But nothing stays calm in Lizbeth's unstable world for long.

Charlaine Harris is an auto-buy author for me. This series is as bingeable as her others, but I think her most unique. It's hard to categorize as it's many things--a dystopian alternative history fantasy western with magic and dangerous politics. The world-building is fantastic, gritty, and full of quirks, danger, and compelling characters. It's not my typical reading, but Harris has made me love this wild, weird world, and I look forward to each new installment.

I love a strong FMC with flaws and complexities, and we get two in this series. Lizbeth is no-nonsense, highly skilled, and even though she has had to kill to survive, she has a heart and a conscience. Felicia is young but wise beyond her years, loyal, and coming into her own with her powerful magic. This time, the story is told in dual POV of Lizbeth and Felicia, and it worked! We see them spend more time together, their relationship deepening, and we get more of a look at Lizbeth's life at home instead of on the road working jobs. There is more emphasis on the characters and their relationships, and the storyline sets up big events coming in the series, but it's still action-packed. I don't want to avoid spoilers, but it is Charlaine Harris, so you can expect a few knockouts and jaw-droppers! I loved this, and I cannot wait for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books Saga Press for the gifted ARC.

I've never really enjoyed what I would consider Wild West-type stories.. At least until I picked up the first book in this series, now each book that releases is on my most anticipated list. I have fallen for Lizbeth and Eli, especially LIzbeth, she is such a badass! and after the last book when we get to really get to know Felicia and Peter I couldn't wait to see more of them as well. That they all come together in this book was definitely an added surprise. ( I did not read the synopsis before requesting or before I started reading)

So much happened in this book, I don't want to give anything so I won't get too specific but, we get some gunfights, loved ones are taken hostage, lots of magic, good news and bad, and a tragic event at the end that almost had me throwing the book. Lizbeth and Felicia grow closer and I loved seeing not only Lizbeth's shooting skills but Felicia's magic. I love all the main characters and I can't wait to see where their story is going to go from here, I hope this series continues through many more books!

Another great book in the Gunnie Rose series by Charlaine Harris!
This story follows the further adventures of half sisters, Felicia and Lisbeth. Felicia’s magical training is coming along as she attends school in San Diego. The first half of the story mainly focuses on Felicia and Lizbeth joins in the second half. Expect adventure, intrigue and a bit of romance. While I really enjoyed the book, there are definitely some bittersweet moments. I am eagerly looking forward to reading more of their story. Happy reading!

Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery/Saga Press for gifting me an early copy of this novel. Below is my honest review.

I'm not sure what's up with this one, but it feels... unfinished. It feels like the middle of a larger book, with lots of random action but no real plotline driving the story forward. Honestly, it felt like an episode of a TV show where some of the season-long main storyline is progressed a little bit, but there is no start or finish to a storyline for the specific episode.

In addition to this, there is some conflict between Lizbeth and Eli that makes absolutely no sense. It felt forced and contrived, and I wasn't a fan of it, especially considering it's bashed in your face the whole book.

There's also one part where it's just like "Oh, dead, okay." I was taken aback that it was so nonchalant.

And I wasn't pleased with how the Native American character felt extremely stereotypical and tropy, rather than realistic or respectful.

There were pros to this book though. Lizbeth and Felicia's relationship takes front and center, and they grow closer as sisters. We also get to see more of Lizbeth's mother and stepdad and friends in her hometown. We get to see the extent of Felicia's abilities, and we get to meet quite a few potential suitors for her for the upcoming Wizard Ball, where she might be expected to find a husband. And let's not forget the mention of Agatha Christie, or the name drop at the end that sets up some serious implications for future books.

I still enjoyed the book overall, mostly because it does push the story forward and I have enjoyed the rest of the series, so I'll definitely pick up the next book when it comes out. But I can't recommend this one nearly as much as the earlier ones in the series. It just wasn't as strong.

I have loved this series so far. Lizbeth is an awesome female lead. A lot happens in this book that is a lead-up to the next. It definitely leaves you on a cliffhanger.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for my honest opinion

Gunny Rose and her sister Felicia move on to the next chapter in their intertwined saga.

This time Felicia brings her magic and power to the fight along with Gunny Rose’s gun and knife skills.

The plot thickens and now both are trying to figure out what is going on across New America, Dixie, the Holy Russian Empire, and the other powers that be and why Felicia and Gunny Rose have become a focal point. Even more importantly, why does someone want Gunny Rose dead.

Strong women, strong magic and strong sisterhood add up to another good read and another opportunity to see what the sisters can do when they are fighting on the same side against unknown enemies while trying to figure out love, relationships, and their futures.

CHARLAINE HARRIS
All the Dead Shall Weep:Book #5 of the Gunnie Rose Series

I always enjoy a peek into Lizbeth Rose’s life and I wouldn’t miss a single edition of the Gunnie Rose series. It’s an adventurous life filled with magic and daring, though Lizbeth has only a small magical capability. Shooting bad guys is Lizbeth’s talent, and she’s very good at it. It’s her husband, Eli, and her half-sister, Felicia, whose talents are in demand as magicians.

Set in an alternate universe, in a time rather like 1900s teens and twenties, there’s been a calamity that has ravaged the world, so the population is sparse, especially in Texoma. I don’t want any spoilers here, so I’m not going to give away the plot. Suffice it to say there’s lots of action, lots of learning more about these great characters, lots of well-imagined gunfights, magical fights, and just plain old mundane aggression. Not to mention the many magicians vying to win Felicia hand in marriage at the upcoming Wizard’s Ball. Competition is fierce.

Charlaine Harris has penned another winner. I will say that I thought the end came a little abruptly, but maybe that’s because I wanted to read more.

Charlaine Harris is a national treasure! I have been reading her books forever it seems and I always fall in love with her characters. This was non stop action and some emotional rollercoasters too. Loved it and would recommend to my patrons.

I received an ARC copy from #Netgalley.

Another great installment of the Gunnie Rose series. There was definitely a lot of drama, action, and heartbreak in this one. I don't want to spoil anything so I won't go into a lot of details. The ending was sad, but foreshadows some interesting stuff to come in the next book. I can't wait.

I was so glad to see that this 5th book in the Gunnie Rose series brought Lizbeth back into the story. I really enjoyed book #4, The Serpent in Heaven, which featured Felicia, but having the sisters together was wonderful.

All the Dead Shall Weep is told in alternating viewpoints between Felicia and Lizbeth, during a school break visit while Felicia is visiting Lizbeth in her hometown. While she is there, Felicia is attracting suitors interested in meeting her before the Wizard's Ball coming up in a few months and of course there is a new militia wandering the countryside attacking the town.
And to top it off Lizbeth's husband, Eli, has been called away and left Lizzie wondering if he will be back.

All in all, an excellent installment in the series and I can't wait to see what comes next for the sisters.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

I’m an enormous fan of this gripping series. This book, #5 in the series, sees Lizbeth handling crises close to home with her sister. We learn much more about her sister’s powers which come in to play. Lizbeth’s relationship to Eli takes a hit. If you were wondering if this was the end of the series, it most certainly is not, based upon the last word in the book.

I found this book fast paced and engaging from the first page. There is just enough backstory added to refresh my mind but not so much as to bore the fan. Harris weaves Native American and Hispanic culture into her world building well. I read the book in a day because it was that engaging. Harris is really on top of her game with this series and it makes for very enjoyable reading.

3.5 stars rounded up.

All the Dead Shall Weep is the 5th book in the Gunnie Rose series, and since it continues the stories of Lizbeth and Felicia, the previous books should be read first. That said, it’s been several months since I read the previous books, and I didn’t have much trouble following what was going on since the author gave little hints and reminders of things that had happened previously.

In general, I’ve really enjoyed reading this series, but this book was probably my least favorite. It doesn’t mean it was a bad book, it just didn’t seem to have the adventure and excitement that the previous books had. There was very much an “air of sadness” throughout the book- right from the start we learn that Lizbeth recently miscarried a baby and Eli has been distant, then Eli (and his brother Peter) are gone for most of the book. With the love interests gone, there isn’t much of any romance in this book. There was a little bit of adventure, but most of the story took place in Lizbeth’s hometown of Nueva Mexia. Honestly, a lot of the book felt like we were waiting around to see if Eli would come back and wondering what was going on with a mysterious militia. There’s more excitement in the end, but honestly this whole book feels like it’s leading up to bigger things that haven’t happened yet. And I just don’t feel like there was a lot of character development over the course of the story, though there is growth in the relationship between the sisters. I enjoyed the book well enough since I like the characters and world that was built from the previous books. But I’m hoping there will be a book #6 that feels more like the previous books and dives into some of the things that weren’t wrapped up in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review the upcoming release from Charlaine Harris, the fifth book in the "Gunnie Rose" series - "All The Dead Shall Weep", told from two viewpoints, in alternating chapters.

Prince and Princess Savarova - Eli and Lizbeth Rose - have relocated to Segundo Mexia after the events chronicled in the previous book, "Serpent of Heaven", and they are awaiting the arrival of Lizbeth's half-sister and Eli's brother, Peter. Felicia' powers have grown stronger and stronger, and her abilities as a 'death magic" wielder have caused problems too numerous to mention. So they're hoping for a respite away from the HRE and San Diego (and also from Felicia's murderous relations). But it's not so easy to escape the drama!

First up, the settlement is attacked by what looks like a rogue militia and Eli and Peter go after them, followed closely by Lizbeth and Felicia, whose talents are more than useful in exacting revenge. Then, just when they seem to be settling down again, Eli is called back to San Diego, and he takes Peter with him, but the split from Lizbeth finds her wondering if the Prince really wants to be married to her.

The main storyline involves the upcoming Wizard's Ball, where eligible single magicians can make advantageous marriages: and it seems as though a lot of them want Felicia, and they're not willing to wait for the Ball to put forth their suits. And it seems as though most of them feel that if Lizbeth were out of the way (i.e. dead!) that they'd have better luck in a match. They could not be more wrong, as the reader will soon find out. ( I kept waiting for a Princess Bride reference, but thankfully it was only in my head - you'll have to figure it out for yourself).

In what seems to be a deja-vu situation, there is another, worse, attack on Segundo Mexia, putting all in danger (including Lizbeth's mother and stepdad, who had just recently shared some wonderful news). As the town defends itself, with a lot of magical assistance, Eli and Peter arrive back in time to help 'save the day', but with an unforeseen disastrous result.

This felt to me like a placeholder book, setting us up for the next book which I presume will centre around the Wizard's Ball, but nonetheless it was an enjoyable read.

Recommended, but you must read the previous books in order to fully appreciate the various characters, plots and references.

All The Dead Shall Weep

This is book 5 of Charlaine Harris's Gunnie Rose series.

I have been reading Harris' books for decades. Netgalley kindly provided me with an ARC for review. Usually, when I finish a book, I can write a review fairly quickly. After finishing All the Dead Shall Weep, I was left thinking: "what was that? What do I say?" I decided to put it aside, reread it, and go from there.

The book easily withstood a second reading within weeks of the first. In other words, it is an interesting enjoyable read. Unlike the earlier books, this one really was "an installment". The reading experience was very much "This is happening, and then suddenly this, and then suddenly this...What is Going On!?"

Unlike the earlier books, events occur around Rose's settlement, so we see more interactions with Gunnie Rose, her family, and the people around her. We also enjoy her and Felicia getting to know each other, and learning to work with and around each other. The story is told from Rose's and Felicia's point of view, which I really enjoyed.

The blurb makes it clear that many of the goings on are in the lead-up to the Wizard's Ball. Hopefully, that happens in the next book. If there are more "lead-up" books, I will be Very Annoyed.

The first few books in this series were structured around Gunnie Rose having a task, what happens during the task, and then what happens after. The Serpent In Heaven is about Felicia and her life at school in San Diego. This book can, I suppose, be seen more as a continuation of the "Felicia's life" structure.

Of course, I will pounce on the next book emitting loud cries of pleasure. In fact, I expect before reading that one, I will reread this one for the third time with great enjoyment.

This book was another hit from the author as this series continues. The author does a decent job of fitting in the past to make the story understandable for those who have not read other books in the series. However, reading the other books would be helpful to the reader. The storyline itself has a lot of enjoyable mystery and suspense. This is a book which I would recommend to others.

5 out of 5.

Peter Savarova, Eli's younger brother, and Felicia Dominguez Karkarova, Lizbeth's half-sister, come to visit shortly after Lizbeth's miscarriage. Felicia senses the strain between them. When Eli and Peter soon depart for San Diego with no explanation, Lizbeth is positive that her marriage is over, that living in a small town in the middle of nowhere was not enough for her grigori husband.

Felicia and Lizbeth grow closer as events keep putting them in danger. It appears that someone wants Lizbeth dead. Not to mention a sudden influx of suitors for Felicia now that she is old enough and powerful enough, despite still in training, to attend the ball used as a matchmaking event. At least it all helps take Lizbeth's mind off her heartache.

This is a NetGalley ARC, courtesy of Simon & Schuster, with an anticipated release date of September 5, 2023. I cannot thank them enough for this early look at one of my favorite series!

Prepare yourself for a wild ride and some extremely emotional and angst ridden moments. Harris does a spectacular job with the mythology aspect of her worldbuilding, building on events, people, and hints from the previous books in the series. The mix of genres is more than welcome, even if it makes it tough to categorize when posting reviews on Goodreads and StoryGraph.

I particularly love the well-drawn characters. Everyone is real, having bad and good in them. No one is 100% of either. And, more importantly, the characters grow. For instance, throughout the series I've progressed from finding Felicia an annoying brat I was ready to see the last of to truly enjoying her feistiness and inner strength. Or Peter, who first appeared as a nonentity to a sweet, kind and caring young man on the verge of manhood. My heart aches.

The subplots and background events through the last couple of books have really got me thinking and guessing as to what comes next, increasing the suspense. Particularly the hints of war and aggression. Then there is that last line. I honestly look forward to what comes next.

(reviews posted on Goodreads, StoryGraph, Tumblr, and linked on Twitter)