Member Reviews

Thirteen, thirteen major challenges, thirteen in the ‘crew’, thirteen lost to the Shade, the number pops up regularly and often, and serves only to reinforce the final episode in this saga that is Charley. And let there be no questions – for this story as it surrounds Charley and Reyes is ending, in all ways marvelous, heartbreaking and SO very Charley that you can’t help but smile despite the tears. From major revelations about Ubie, a stand off with Michael the Archangel, deals made and bargains struck, and all of this in the midst of a hell dimension opening in the apartment that Charley and Reyes shared. The Shade demons, created by Reyes when banished on another plane, specifically meant to resist Charley’s powers have invaded – and Albuquerque is under martial law – no one in or out until the cause and solution for this virus can be found.

And, things aren’t good as Charley, after disobeying and flaunting her ‘bad behavior’ in front of Michael the Archangel, has been banished to a ‘hell dimension’, 10 days in human time, a century in her own, until she is released to Reyes- so they can find the way to banish the Shade. Of course, everyone has been relocated out of the apartment to a warehouse on the outskirts of town: and the gang is all there. And fortunately for us, there is plenty of time to unearth secrets, get a chance to say goodbye to some, OMG to other’s revelations, and of course, follow Charley as yet another ‘near to death’ child appears in her place- needing answers and to find his mother. With one last appearance from the evil that haunted Reyes growing up, a showdown with the Vatican, finding another piece of the puzzle that is Rocket and Blue, and a wonderful ‘last chance’ moment with Beep that brings untold tears and lots of healing to Reyes, the story moves from high to low-lights, each moment revealing yet another piece of the puzzle that is Charley’s world, in ways that just couldn’t have been any different. With all that has happened, and Charley’s tendency to pop off with a half-conceived plan (or fully conceived but destined to go pear-shaped) what I think I (and most of us) have failed to notice is her ability to act FOR the right reasons, giving those plans a bit of oomph and perhaps drawing on the luck that is so needed.

It took me 6 days (yes -six) to read this. That’s 50 pages (or about 3 chapters) a day – savoring, sobbing, digesting and even re-reading bits that seemed throwaway at first, but are supremely important. I cried. I laughed. I wanted to beg Darynda Jones to continue the story – never realizing that she found THE PERFECT CONCLUSION. Everyone says their goodbyes, and everyone is, for the moment, safe and happy. Taking her irreverent application of ‘rules, guidelines and ‘what must be’ into account, Charley bargains with Michael the Archangel, although is it really a bargain if the angel is smirking and seems to somehow respect your chutzpah? And Charley makes that ultimate sacrifice in hopes that she can, again, bargain with the fates – and concludes this story of a woman / god and her friends / family / angels, humans, demons and spirits who sought only to do the best that she could. I can’t recommend this series any stronger than that – grab them all. Read. Laugh. Cry, Repeat.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-ace/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Was this review helpful?

There is a lot I could say. This series has been one of my all-time favorites. I could be doing something mundane and be thinking of something in one of these books, and I would chuckle. Honestly my family would stop and look at me and asked me "what so funny?" I would say Charley. Her awesomeness brought laughter to me. When talk about this series I have a hard time describing it. There so much I love about this series.

As for this book. It didn't turn out the way I thought it would, but it still took me by surprise. Charley still amazing in her ability to help the world around her. Reyes is one one of the best book boyfriends you could find. He was unforgettable. There were parts that didn't want to cry at. Just knowing if I gave in I wouldn't stop. Charley handle everything as blessing. Knowing that one day everything it would work out to help her daughter. If she was there or not.

I think the reason for me why this series was special is it was close to home. Literally, I live an hour from I-25, in a different state, but not that far from New Mexico border. So it was like Charley was living close and there was who a person who brought happiness to me. Thank you Mrs. Jones for this experience of your books.

Was this review helpful?

Full review to be published online in late January.

Darynda Jones’ SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE is the swan song to the author’s popular “Charley Davidson series. Charley, Reyes, and company have taken the reader on a wild ride and have gone through so much together. Still this power couple just keep going fighting demons, drinking coffee, helping the dead and generally saving the world. Oh, but that unfortunately is exactly what they need to do here but how do they defeat something that is pretty much going to mean the end of the world? Too bad Reyes big brother isn't around but luckily Charley is home although she's not exactly sure how or why she's where she wants to be. No time for analysis though, except there are those who have been watching and they are a lot closer than she thought. Fitting end to a fun series...

Was this review helpful?

A huge thank you Darynda Jones, St. Martin’s Press/Macmillan, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book as I have loved all the books in this series! I read this book in one day!

Darynda is wonderful at giving us the laugh-out-loud moments to make the dark times easier. I can’t get enough of the Charley Davidson series and while I’m so sad it’s over, the last sentence of the book kind of hints at more to come. *fingers crossed*

You can always count on Charley Davidson (aka Part-time detective, Grimm Reaper, and a GOD from another dimension) with her humorous remarks, creative plans in helping others in their time of need, and some kick-ass powers. This is a series to own and read over and over from Book 1 to Book 13. It’s a roller-coaster of a ride of emotions, and many surprising twists and turns. This book will keep you guessing who will survive, will Reyes and Charley defeat the Shade and ultimately protect Beep.

The ending disappointed me because it was vague and a little too fast. I wanted more details on where everyone ended up and what the daily “new normal” would look like for this large group of characters. It felt rushed and so I’m hoping there will be more to come!

Was this review helpful?

Love this series. Darynda Jones delivered an epic conclusion for Charley and all her cohort. This was a very satisfying ending to the storyline.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the first 11 books in this series. These last 2 were meh, I loved majority of the characters Cookie is still my favourite. She has left the ending so there might be a Beep series which of course I it give it a try. I do love the humour in this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance read

Was this review helpful?

*** ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ****

Warning: I am not a robot! I have feelings, thoughts, likes and dislikes and this review is based on that. You should read the book to form your own opinion/thoughts. Read on!

Rating: 5million Reyes' Stars!

I never win anything, I am not a lucky person, and I have never been approved for a Darynda Jones book, but on Dec 11th, I received the most beautiful e-mail from NetGalley saying I was approved!! I screamed so loud and so long, I almost cried happy tears.

The cover, What can I say? I love all the covers in this series, so much all I want is to get all things skull.

How I pictured Charley in the battle...I always see her with wings in my mind...lol

*Spoilers ahead from previous books*
The story, If you, like me, have been on this road since the beginning then you know what we all have been waiting but at the same time dread. Charley is somehow released from her punishment, what has only been 10 days in Earth, for her had been one hundred seven years, two months, fourteen days, twelve hours, and thirty-three minutes. She wasn't alone and did learn a few things.
Now that she is released, she needs to get coffee in her system then attack all the problems in the world.
We have been reading about the ultimate fight against evil and later we learned it was Beep who will be fighting. This is one thing we didn't see, we did see a fight against demons, but not the ultimate fight (I kept expecting it, oh well).

"The heart is both the strongest part of the body and the weakest. Always go for the heart.”

I noticed or maybe it was just me dreading the ending, but all the characters seemed to also not wanting to end everything.

We were punched left and right with all the heartbreak, all the loss, I wanted to cry.

I want to say so many things but I don't want to spoil it. But we saw plot twists I hadn't expected at all, they just made the story richer, in my opinion.

The romance, Yowza! A thousand times hotter than the previous books. Holy shitballs...It was just superb...can't say more because I'll need a cigarrete.

Charley, she is still the same funny god, but I felt she grew up, maybe the one hundred seven years, two months, fourteen days, twelve hours, and thirty-three minutes helped her mature, lol.

Reyes, Reyes...Reyes...Reyes...what can you possibly say about him that hasn't been said? Only that I need him to become real. A.S.A.P.

The ending, now, we have heard that this is the last book of the series, that we will not see more of Charley or Reyes or the gang, THIS.IS.IT...so my question is, WHY?!...why do you want to torture us? Whyyyyyyy?! That ending made me think, either there'll be another book or a spinoff or something that will give us exactly what we've all been waiting for...Beep fighting against evil with her army and the answer to why did we lose the O...

Overall, did I like the book? Nope...I.LOVED.IT, with every beat of my little black heart. Would I recommend it? Nope, because then everyone would want to have Reyes and he is MINE...but go ahead, read it, you won't regret it.

Was this review helpful?

Jones is a bit like Anne Bishop (at least in Bishop's The Others series). She sets up a grand climactic clash which ultimately fizzles. I expected a lot of action and finally getting to experience more of what is supposed to be a tremendous godverse and get the same old, same old. There are a couple of surprising revelations and a few things tied up yet some things just seem to get dropped.

The ending was disappointing in a variety of ways. I realize we seem to be getting set up for a new series to focus on Beep, but couldn't we have had a bit now?

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

My Students love this series.
I'm so glad I discovered this series. I fell in love with Charley and her snarky way, and her best friend Cookie in the first book, and I sure have enjoyed the journey though the series - and I'm so sad to see it end. The kids too.

Was this review helpful?

When I picked up my first Charley Davidson book last fall, I didn't expect to fall in love with Darynda Jones' fantastic series and the equally wonderful cast of characters or speed race my way through books 1 through 12 within a two week span! Then I reread them again this spring in anticipation of Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, the final book in the series because I wanted to savor each book and make sure I was ready to say one last, bittersweet goodbye to a series that is truly one of my all-time favorites. 

As much as I hate to see the series end, I can say that I'm one-hundred percent thrilled with the way Jones wrapped everything up! The thirteenth and final installment is just a brilliant and fitting ending for Charley, Reyes, Cookie, Amber, Uncle Bob, Garrett, Osh, Angel...well, all Charley's tribe! I'll definitely miss a character who loves coffee as much as I do!

What I loved most in this book was that there were no loose ends for the characters and although there were many moments, well a lot to be honest, that brought tears to my eyes, the endings were not improbable or far-fetched, but made sense for each character and what we've grown to know and love about all of them. Jones even left it open for a possible...PLEASE...Beep spin-off, which I know so many lovers of the series will die to read!

I'm going to miss Charley and her snarky sense of humor and Reyes with his smoldering glances but most of all, I'm going to miss the friendships that Jones wrote so well. The entire series has not just been about solving mysteries, saving people, fighting demons, or saving humanity, but building friendships and relationships that have been woven as threads throughout each book. These relationships are the heart of the series and one reason why I've loved the books so much. I would honestly love to spend time with Charley and Cookie...and stare at Reyes for a while.

Book 13 has a truly a wonderful cast of characters, a fantastic plot, and is an extraordinary ending to an incredible series...if you haven't read the first twelve books, then you need to run and do so now before Summoned to Thirteenth Grave is released on January 15, 2019!! They really are one of my most beloved series ever, and I can't recommend them highly enough.

Bye, Charley and the gang, you'll be missed! I'll be waiting with anticipation for what Jones has in store for us next!!

**Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC to read in exchange for my fair and honest review.**

Was this review helpful?

*****ARC Received from NetGalley/Publisher*****

This was a fitting ending to a fun series. There were some great one-liners in the book as expected, but there were also some really emotional scenes. This book ties up the storylines for many of the characters that we met in the earlier books. Just about everyone makes an appearance and it was bittersweet to see them all again. I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in the ending, but I'm looking hoping that we'll be able to read Beep and Osh's story soon.

Was this review helpful?

Charley comes back from eternity looking for a fight,and she finds oh SO much more than she bargained for- 10 days until the ultimate show down, where she can loose her daughter AND Reyes.Hell has come to earth and its up to her and her team to TRY to save it (A god, a warrior, a spiritualist, a healer, a scholar, a magician, a caregiver, a ruler, and a handful of guardians. ). but can they? Charley is back in classic form, funny, snarky and chugging caffeine, on a mission, and in true form, more gets thrown at her (and the reader) than just saving the earth. The end fits the series and lets readers who have been there from day 1 feel a satisfaction, along with the loss, and maybe a bit of hope that they MIGHT be a spin off series....If you haven't read this series, I would recommend at least the 2 books before this one, to get enough of the backstory and characters, before reading this one. It can stand alone, but too much is missed out on!

FYI, for those who don't like books above an R rating, this isn't the series for you!

Was this review helpful?

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plain for eternity – which is the appropriate amount of time to make a person stark raving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’s allowed to return after a mere hundred years in exile. Is it too much to hope for that not much has changed? Apparently it is. Bummer.

She’s missed Reyes and her daughter, Beep, but now that she’s back on earth, it’s time to put to rest burning questions that need answers. What happened to her mother? How did she really die? Who killed her? And are cupcakes or coffee the best medicine? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.

First off it makes me very sad that this is the end, I love Charley so very much. I hate to think I don't get to read about her anymore. How do I begin to write a review for this bittersweet final book ? It's been a series I've really enjoyed and I love that the author decided to end it on episode thirteen as somehow that is just so fitting. These characters have gone through so much and recently I've been more than a little upset that Charley and Reyes cannot be with their daughter Beep and I was so hoping that this book would change all that. Still this power couple just keep going fighting demons, drinking coffee, helping the dead and generally saving the world. Oh but that unfortunately is exactly what they need to do here but how do they defeat something that is pretty much going to mean the end of the world ? Too bad Reyes big brother isn't around but luckily Charley is home although she's not exactly sure how or why she's where she wants to be. No time for analysis though except there are those who have been watching and they are a lot closer than she thought !
I began this feeling hopeful and honestly felt my heart start to sink as the story progressed. Something I kind of guessed but still this author twisted the knife. You will smile and be elated, you will feel a creeping melancholy but most of all you will want to go back to the beginning and read this wonderful series all over again because it's ends exactly as it should but my lips are sealed !

Was this review helpful?

C’est toujours difficile de terminer une saga et d’en faire une chronique sans rien spoiler. Mais je vais tenter de réussir l’exercice.

On retrouve Charley là où on l’avait laissée, enfin presque puisqu’elle est sortie de son bannissement. Souvenez-vous, elle avait sauvé la fille de Cookie de la mort et s’est retrouvée bannie de la Terre. Bref, elle est sortie. Ou en tout cas quelqu’un l’a fait sortir (et je parie que vous savez de qui je parle !) Pour résumer, ça ne va pas fort sur Terre et il reste encore quelques détails à Charley pour assurer la protection de Beep.

Ce dernier tome fonctionne comme les précédents, Charley se charge de plusieurs enquêtes à la fois qu’elle arrive à résoudre avec brio et empêche la Terre de sombrer dans le chaos. Ce que j’aime chez Charley c’est à la fois son humour, sa capacité à réfléchir (ou son absence, remarque…), son envie de protéger tout le monde et son couple avec Reyes. Je l’avoue, Reyes est l’un des personnages masculin que j’adore mais avec Charley à ses côtés… c’est genre la bombe atomique ! Ce couple c’est ce que je voudrais devenir quand je serais plus grande.

Comme c’est le dernier tome, j’avais peur d’être déçue de la fin. Peur d’avoir encore plus d’interrogations que de réponses. Mais au final, pas du tout, la boucle est bouclée. La fin est très bien pensée avec son lot de révélation surprise que je n’avais absolument pas vu venir, j’ai eu mal au cœur par moment pour Charley mais je ne peux pas m’empêcher de penser que c’était une très bonne fin.

Comme d’habitude, l’action s’enchaîne assez vite et j’ai accroché dès le début à l’écriture de Darynda Jones. Je suis fière d’avoir lu ces treize tomes et j’ai hâte de lire les aventures de la fille de Reyes et de Charley !

En conclusion, un tome qui se termine en apothéose avec ce qu’il faut d’action, de romance et de scène hot. Ca me fait bizarre de quitter Charley et Reyes alors que je les ai suivis pendant de longues années mais j’ai hâte de pouvoir lire leur héritage AKA leur fille. Et Osh ?

Was this review helpful?

Thank you met galley, St Martin Press and Darynda Jones for my free copy of Summoned to Thirteenth Grave
The Charlie Davidson Series is one of my favorites and it’s all because I love the characters so much. In anticipation for this book, which is the final installment in the series, I binged all the books so I could remember all the amazingness that is Charlie Davidson.
In this installment Charlie’s back from her banishment after a mere hundred years. But now that she’s back there are things that need her attention like saving the world, helping the departed and of course drinking coffee.
I won’t go too much into the story and thus spoil it but I was happy with the conclusion and cannot wait for the spin off as Osh is one of my fav characters.
This series reminds me of a Paranormal Stephanie Plum (with character growth) that turns into something a little darker as the series progresses. For me though what makes the series are the character. I want a best friend like Cookie, family at my back like uncle Bob and a love like Reyes - and the rest of the cast is amazing. I mentioned my love of Osh right?
If you haven’t read this series I definitely recommend. It’s light, funny and just a great read

Was this review helpful?

Darynda Jones does it again! Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave is by far the best ending to a series. Darynda summons all emotions in a reader and creates a sense of closure.

Was this review helpful?

A really great ending to Charley and Reyes story.
A little sad to see it end but hopefully there will be another series with Beep and Osh.
Really was very spellbinding it was hard to put down.
It had some very good endings for some and some unsuspected ending for others.
Voluntarily reviewed.

Was this review helpful?

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper/Goddess, has returned to her earthly plain. Being exiled for over a hundred years was super hard, but now that she's back, Charley has no idea what to expect. Finding out that barely any time has passed on earth is a major plus... allowing her more time with her hubby, Reyes and daughter, Beep. Still, all isn't sunshine and rainbows.

Charley has a question that she needs answered in order to unlock the key to the mystery that is her life. She must find out how her mother really died. To top it all off, Reyes's unleashed dimension is merging with the one on earth and the demons he had in it are out for Charley's blood. This is looking like it might be Charley's last and final quest. Find out what happens in SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE.

***SPOILERS***
Author Darynda Jones brings her Charley Davidson series to a close with SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE. Danger lurking around every corner, suspense, snark and an epic battle all add up to make it one of the best installments of the series. Each and every endearing character is showcased in this last novel and readers really get a feel for how close-knit and special they all are to one another. I was sad for the series to come to a close. Although the ending was great, it left me with a lot of unanswered questions... questions I hope will be answered in a spin-off series featuring Beep.

Was this review helpful?

YES!!!! What a fantastic conclusion! So many surprises and omg that ending. I’m over here slow clapping and wanting to run around high fiving everyone. I loved every minute of this book. I’ve been Team Charley & Reyes since I picked up the first book many years ago. It would be so awesome if this series was a movie or a show. There was a lot going down towards the end and I could not put this sucker down. It’s like I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next, but on the flip side, I didn’t want it to end. I can not wait to see what’s going to happen next. Whatever it is, I’m going to read it the minute it comes out. Seriously, this is hands down one of my favorite series that I could read over and over again.

Was this review helpful?

13th book in series

I have been a fan since the first grave and I will be looking forward to more by this author-
maybe a spin-off. I am a librarian and I have recruited other grave lovers also.
Darynda has kept my interested through the whole series.

The memes or t-shirt saying at the beginning of each chapter are always a highlight for me
I have some memorized waiting for the perfect moment for them to fly.

Thank you Darynda Jones for this series- please write a new series that we can fall in love with
all over again with. For now, I will go back to the First Grave and read them again!

Was this review helpful?