The Last Immortal

Lady Ramillia Winmoore recounts in memoir form her life as one of the few immortal women, the search for her own identity and the struggle for her freedom.
I have to say that the book is not suitable for everyone because of the amount of trigger warnings it contains, including sexual abuse (both adult and child), incest, rape, sadomasochism, violence and I'm sure I've left some out.
That said, from the first moment I was captivated by its engaging and original plot, I felt immersed in the story of Victorian gothic horror and I empathized with characters that keep you intrigued. Of course if you do not have problems with the above mentioned TW, I recommend it to lovers of gothic horror with a touch of eroticism.

Lady Ramillia takes you on a wild ride through her life Victorian gothic horror style. My jaw was dropped the entire time, and my head was spinning with Lady Ramillia. You are given mere breadcrumbs to piece together before you’re hit with a bunch of dark turns and crazy twists you didn’t expect! Be forewarned going in that there are a lot of triggers, and as Lady Ramillia warns, "not for the faint of heart"— she means it. ⚠️ If you have any child-related triggers, step away from the book; it doesn’t deserve 1 star. It’s definitely not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. I on the other hand, will shelve this with my classics. Thank you NetGalley and BHC Press for the opportunity to read this ARC for free.

Some of the triggers include:
Assault/Murder
Animal cruelty
Blood/Gore
Cannibalism
Child SA
Child birth
Child death
BDSM
Drug use
Forced Abortion
Human Skin wearing
Incest
Mental health issues
Pedophilia
Reanimated corpse
SA
Self Harm

Once you get past the graphic depictions of mental, physical, and sexual violence, "The Last Immortal" is a story of power and redemption. Or that is to say feminine power and redemption. Gibson explores the many facets of the female psyche; the mother, the child, the ruthless survivor, and raw sexuality. Each of these personalities enables the protagonist to overcome many obstacles even death. Throughout the novel it is evident that we are dealing with an anti-hero. As the books states nothing is black and white or gray it just is. As the book comes to a close, we are forced to watch and cringe at the final corruption of our heroine. The genius of this book is unique and lives with you long after the final page.

This book has a lot of trigger warnings and violence as well as gore. When you get past all those things, the gothic elements and overall dark theme of the story is very well crafted and I enjoyed reading the adventures of the main characters. It was a wild and twisted ride, but interesting.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and author for the free copy of this book!

This book is a wild ride, and while my first instinct is to call it an almost coming-of-age story, that would be still fairly inaccurate. The novel – split into three books - detail different periods of the main character, Ramillia's, life as she grows into her own, stomaching revelation after revelation while going through one life-altering event after another.
It was honestly quite hard to stomach some of what she goes through, to say nothing of what her company endures, and I would encourage anyone who would like to read the book to pay attention to the list of trigger warnings included. I will not be including any of that content here, but be warned that there are moments that warrant warning and they occur repeatedly throughout the story.
On a lighter note, my favorite part of this book had to be the evolution of Ramillia as a character – this feels kind of like a cop-out as it’s what the story centers on, but it really is done in such a way as to make you feel as if you were watching a sort of metamorphosis of a young woman. Seeing her interactions with familiar – to an extent – characters as both she and the reader learned new things about them – and her! – was especially satisfying.
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. It’s one of those stories that I can tell will be sticking with me for a while, and I don’t doubt that I will pick it up again closer to its release so I can hopefully pick up on some details or foreshadowing that I may have otherwise overlooked.

This is not a book for everyone; it is heavy on the trigger warning and when they say this is a dark fantasy, boy do they really mean it. However, despite all of that I absolutely loved this book between the heroine and the prose (so cool that this is written like a memoir) and the plot. As a librarian, I usually get people asking me to recommend books that might make them uneasy or have some horror elements to it; this is definitely the book that I would recommend to them!

"The Last Immortal" has taken me almost 2 weeks to get through because of its density. It is actually 3 books combined into 1, albeit 3 different parts.
The details the author packs into her novel leave next-to-nothing to the imagination. The vocabulary was strong throughout (for better or for worse) and at times I felt that the story was dragging along and I needed to push myself through it. I'm glad I persevered, however, because this story is one that is going to stick with me for awhile.
The idea of Carriers versus Incolas is a completely original one, and to follow the story of Ramillia throughout different periods of time was awesome.

There have been many reviews that give it a poor rating because of it's lack of TWs - HOWEVER - each and every TW is clearly listed in the beginning of the story, within the "from the author" section. So for that I am thankful!

Can't wait to watch a bigger audience react to this book! Special thanks to NetGalley & BHC Press for the ARC!

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I am so conflicted about how I feel about this book. At some points I wanted to DNF but I was also morbidly curious about where it was going. It felt like so much was happening but at the same time, I felt like I was reading the world's longest book.

The first thing to mention is that this book is DARK. There are a tonne of trigger warnings in the authors note including SA, CSA, self harm and gore but I'd also be wary of animal cruelty, cannibalism, murder, incest, human skin wearing, child birth and death, abortion, drugs and paedophilia. This is definitely one of the darkest book I've read and some of it was almost enough to stop me reading.

This story follows our FMC Ramillia through her childhood abuse, into a mental asylum, a forced marriage and into victorian high society. In her life she discovers the hidden world of carrier and Incolas; those who can borrow others' bodies. This is a story of survival, power, revenge and redemption.

It does feel like a very long book, each of the three sections could easily be it's own book. However, there's consistently something going on so it doesn't feel as though there are any lulls which makes it hard to put down. My only disappointment was that the ending didn't really feel in-keeping with the rest of the tale, it kind of jumped into the realm of completely fantastical.

Whilst not for the faint of heart it is a great, albeit mind spinning, tale. The concept of carriers and Incolas is such a unique idea and really well explored. Be prepared to not really know what's happening, but being enthralled anyway. If the triggers aren't enough to put you off, it's well worth a read.

This book was the wildest of wild rides and I can’t believe how insanely wild it got. This one will stay with me, probably forever!!

3.75 ⭐

The writing style and the "Penny Dreadful"- inspired atmosphere of "The Last Immortal" make it a perfect choice for an October read. This book places a resilient female protagonist at its heart, crafting a compelling survivor narrative that I genuinely adored and found skillfully executed. The book also presents a refreshing approach to mental health representation, seamlessly integrating it into character development and the broader story.

Despite these good points, I couldn't quite give this book a 4-star rating due to a few issues. First and foremost, the magic system introduced in the story was difficult for me to understand. The quick and somewhat underdeveloped presentation of this supernatural aspect left me somewhat bewildered, making it a missed opportunity for deeper engagement.

Furthermore, the ending felt overly abrupt and left me with a sense of inconclusiveness. It left me wanting closure but I’m guessing this is possibly to tease a second book?

But perhaps most importantly, I felt the need for improved trigger warnings in the book. While some warnings were present, I believe that, given the book's content, providing more detailed and explicit trigger warnings would have been immensely valuable. This would help readers navigate sensitive subjects more comfortably and potentially avert negative reactions.

“The Last Immortal”, with its captivating writing style, October-appropriate atmosphere, and a strong focus on a resilient female lead, does offer a compelling reading experience and showcases the author’s talent.

Thank you NetGalley and BHC Press for providing this ebook in exchange for an honest review!

I truly enjoyed this novel as it featured a Victorian Vampire gothic type vibe ( and well I am obsessed).
There a triggers ( so sign me up!), but they are listed for the readers so it is nice and helpful for someone who may be wanting to avoid a certain trigger.

This book truly is one for a DARK theme lover of books.

That cover drew me in and I was so glad I was able to read this. I enjoyed getting to know Lady Ramillia, I enjoyed the idea of a gap of memory. The story was really well written and I was invested in the story. The rest of the characters were what I was looking for and loved the Gothic horror elements. Natalie Gibson has a great writing style.

I have to say that this was a heavy read for me.
I feel some kind of mixed love and hate for it.

The trigger warnings are there for a reason, and I truly appreciated reading these before heading right into the book, although I thought it was a little to heafty at times even though I knew these things were coming.

I loved the writing style and that it was made like a memoire, and I’d definitely recommend it to those who love some dark gothic with horror elements.

A special thanks to NetGalley and BHC Press for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!

This books needs every trigger warning under the sun. Every one. CSA, rape, incest, graphic violence-- the list goes on. For the first 60%-ish, I had to find fun, easy things to read inbetween chapters because it was just dark and made me feel bad inside!
All this aside, it was... intriguing. I don't know if "enjoyed" is the correct word here. I read it! I finished it! I was intrigued by what would happen next! But, my God, was this book just a slew of on awful thing happening after another. And it never got better! There was no point where it got better! It was sad and miserable the whole way through! But I sorta like it! I think about it a lot!
Anyway, be warned if you choose to read this! It's heavy and very awful things happen! But it's well written and well-plotted, so it's an enjoyable(?) read.

Thank you to Netgalley and BHC Press for giving me ARC.

This is a really dark book. It has a lot of trigger warnings listed but I think it needs a lot more. The author did warn us that it is not for the faint heart and it is 100% true.

It is wild. I enjoyed the twist and turns of this book. It is very intriguing. Please be prepared of the TW.

Some of the triggers include:
Assault/Murder, Animal cruelty, Blood/Gore, Cannibalism, Child SA, Child birth, Child death, BDSM, Drug use, Forced Abortion, Human Skin wearing, Incest, Mental health issues, Pedophilia, Reanimated corpse, SA, Self Harm, Violence, basically all the TW you could think of.

This was a particularly difficult read; as much as I wanted to love it, the violence often got to me in extreme ways and made me set the book aside and come back to it when I was ready to again. It is a harrowing tale of feminine rage, sexuality, and the brutality of being a woman. You definitely need to go in prepared to read this book. All in all, I did enjoy it.

The archive date for this book says its in Jan, but my app says my time has run out to read it so sadly I didnt finish. What I did read was a REALLY dark gothic thriller with a great voice. I preordered the book on amazon so I could complete it.

The Last Immortal by Natalie Gibson is a gothic horror/ historical fiction that follows a young girl Ramillia Winmoore through her life as an immortal. She is one of the few female Incola that is highly sought ater due to her ablility to breed other carriers like herself. Ramillia finds herself soon married to Jullian, a very powerful Incola who has lived for thousands of years and wants to have as many children he can with her to build his empire of carriers. This premise of this book is very interesting as they are not vampires and can still live forever. I felt that the book could have been cut down some since the author repeated some of the same facts in previous chapters. Other than that I thought it was good a read. Read a likes I would recommend would be The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling, Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas and House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

Thanks to Netgalley for the arc of this book!

As a warning to all who would read this book, this book deals with heavy, HEAVY subject matter. I believe there was an incident where all of the appropriate trigger warnings were noted. I believe this has been corrected; however, there are still issues of racism, sexism, abuse, and gore contained in this book. As the reader, you know your triggers and limits, and if this feels like something that may trigger you, I highly suggest reading something else.

Now, that being said, I did truly enjoy this book. It was delightfully dark, witty, and had some spice in it too. It definitely felt on an Anne Rice level for the gothic and sensual themes that it held.

Ramillia is an orphan, a tragedy of which she cannot remember, and is currently imprisoned in an old, European mental asylum. While there, she learns that she is to be bethroed to a gentleman named Julian. After he manages to secure her freedom, she and Julian begin a whirlwind courtship with each other and he lets her know his secrets, secrets which then change the course of her young life.

I enjoyed how Gibson made the book so exhilarating and almost a whirlwind with how fast the pacing is. Despite this being a fairly long book, I found myself devouring it. Gibson's habit of placing the most shocking part of the next part at the very beginning and leading the reader up to it was very exciting to me. I found myself trying to follow the mystery and the plight of The Last Immortal.

However, as much as I did enjoy this book, I did feel that some of the gore could have been toned down, as well as some clarification of the ending parts and characters. I'm not pleased with how one of the signature characters that Ramillia gains, is just abruptly ended. I felt that that could have been more fleshed out for me. I also would have liked the ending to be fleshed out a bit more than it was. I felt that there was so much more that could have happened in the last third of the story than what did occur.

Overall, this was a good book and if you're not someone easily squicked, I would highly suggest it. It's a pretty good one!

This book proved to be quite a challenging read for me, evoking a complex blend of affection and aversion. The trigger warnings, while beneficial, felt a bit overwhelming at times, despite my anticipation of the content. The narrative's memoir-like structure and captivating writing style were highlights for me, making it a compelling recommendation for enthusiasts of dark gothic literature with a touch of horror.

This was interesting! I can't say I liked the narrative voice but I think it was an intentional authorial choice and well done. I did really enjoy all the surprise twists and turns the narrative took and was shocked by several. It felt a little too long for me and I did stop several times when I lost steam.

Oh, holy fuck. Can I curse on these reviews? Never done it before. Sorry if it's not allowed. But seriously, holy fuck. This book is DARK in terms of its contents, and has just about every trigger warning you could imagine. I did not fully know what I was getting myself into when starting this book, and I'm someone typically okay with darker themes.

That being said, I also had a hard time with the plot in the way that it felt like stuff was going so fast, but also that the book was sooo long. So with that being said, and my unsure feelings, I'm just going to rate this at the middle of the road with a 2.5 rating, and be on my way.

thank you to NetGalley and BHC Press for the advanced reader copy!
*spoiler free review*

wow, this book was really something. it was truly unlike anything I've ever read. it was very dark, and contained a lot of triggers, so read with caution! the whole book made my skin crawl (in a good way) and definitely lived up to its tag as a gothic. I loved the style that it was told in, with the sort of "unreliable narration" and it being told as a story from the future MC. does that make sense? fans of horror and the paranormal would be all over this.

it is definitely a heavy read so it required some breaks, but i was sucked in immediately and needed to know what happened, so it was easy to keep turning the page. i might not recommend this for the beginners of this genre, but those established and familiar with the triggers and vibe will burn through this book. thank you again!!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was gruesome, heavy and dark as hell. I wish I was able to write a more intelectual, long review but the most I’m able to say about this book is that I’m gonna be thinking about it for a while. Not sure if in a bad or good way.

3.5 stars for now.

Awesome book! The writing and the story were both great. The characters were very well developed and memorable.

***SPOILERS***

****It is important for me to point out that I thought this novel was well constructed, and that the themes used weren't done flippantly to further the plot. Rather they were used carefully and with respect, to create an indepth character, and her personal journey. That being said, I personally have not experienced the themes (or triggers), and therefore saying it was done "well" would be doing a disservice to those who have. Please read the trigger warnings carefully, and if you're unsure about the triggers included ask someone who has read the novel.****

Thanks to Netgalley and BHC Press for providing me an ARC of this book!

Readers be warned, the tale you're able to read is not one for the faint of heart.

This book was... a lot. Now that isn't to say it was a bad novel, in fact for the most part I enjoyed the story it told. However, there is a lot going on, and it is easy to get lost. The novel is best seen as "three" seperate books within the one. It is segmented into parts, and definitley should be read that way to simply digest and understand what is going on.

Written as a "flashback" or journal, the reader gets to learn the things that make Ramillia, Ramillia, at the same time she does. This leads for a breadcrumb tale, with plot twists and carefully placed "wow" moments throughout.

Set in the gothic-era, Ramilia is no stranger to violence and pain in her life, or is she? Having suffered from "black outs" for the majority of her life, she slowly begins to learn what these black outs actually mean for her, and tghe unfortunate circumstances that caused them. Once Ramilia begins her path of understanding, knowledge, and power, she slowly begins to see what has been around her, the entire time. She is not "normal". Natural, yes. But "normal", she is everything but. Having a genetic variation to the regular human, Ramilia is immortal. But that isn't all. She is a "carrier" and an "incola", meaning she can *ride around in peoples heads and bodies, if she so chooses*, but unfortunatley, that means the same can be done to her. She learns this the hard way, and loses a piece of herself and her husband - thus setting off the plot for the rest of the novel.

This novel becomes a story of reclaiming ones power, through whatever means necessary, and redeeming what perception one has of themsevles - the rest of the world be damned. Unfortunatley for our protagnist, the "be damned" ends up resulting in her swaying from the very things she fought so hard to obtain. Family, Power, Wealth, Life.

What I liked:
- The reclamation of power from Ramilia
- The way those around her didn't see her "splinters" as making her "crazy", and rather respected her, her power, and that she was still HER regardless of the things that "afflicted" her beyond her outward self.
- The writing was beautiful. Gibson has an amazing way with words
- The world building, utilised enough of the known past to make the novel relatable whilst still creating and "underworld" heirarchy on a global scale.

What I didn't like:
- When Ramilia manages to leave the facility in which she is held, only to become *enamoured* with a strange man, enough to flippantly gloss over the disappearance (and death) of her friend, and the gaslighting of her brothers death. I understand after reading further this was a key plot point to the development of Ramilias character, but I still thought it was too teenage dream romance for the overall vibe of the novel.
- The ending.. DID SHE MANAGE TO KILL THE OCTOPUS OR NOT MAN.. (I don't like a cliff-hanger, sue me)

Would I read this again:
Yes, but not for some time. I think it's such a detail dense novel that it would be easy to DNF the first time around, let alone the second.

This book was an absolute treat for me personally.
To describe this book as dark would be an absolute understatement, it dives into a person's deepest, darkest place and brings stuff to the surface you would think you haven't got.

Please Please!!!! Read the trigger warnings, they are there for a reason and Natalie Gibson was not joking about them!

Story:
Lady Ramillia, the heroine of this book, at first young and naive locked away and ill-treated, to be set free and experience as something very special the deepest and darkest places in her mind and in the world. Set in the Victorian era, its beautiful dresses and parties, but there is a very dark side behind in secret rooms and places.

It's the idea that as soul and a body is not one for those immortals called "Incula" they can switch places with a so-called "Carrier" a "gene" trait or mutation if you will, they can "ride" for a short time, or they can switch bodies forever, but there are rules that must be applied to switch permanently.

Writing:
The style of writing made it easy for me. I love this style! The details that were placed could trigger my imagination and when I closed my eyes I could have been there, even though trust me you don't want to go where our Lady Ramillia went.

What I loved/didn't like
Everything, I can't find one bit that I found boring or so that I could lay that book down. The only thing is that it could have been longer or ended with a cliffhanger so we could have had a part two. Sadly, there is none.

Imagine waking up with amnesia to be told you killed your own parents, that is what happened to poor Lady Ramillia. There is no secret that Ramillia had suffered, but to what extent? In part one, we learn about her past. In parts 2 and 3, it is her future that we are concerned about.

Verdict

Dark gothic is not a genre for everyone, but the story is solid with questions answered and a journey of a girl from naive girl to hardened woman. One theme stays throughout the book: Ramillia wants peace and happiness. She has to fight hard to get it, but you will have to read to the end to find out if she gets it. Although I am not pleased with how it ends, I think it is a closure for everyone. If you love violent, gory genre with plenty of heavy themes, you will like The Last Immortal.

From the moment I saw this incredible cover I had to get my hands on an arc and it truly did not disappoint!!!!! What an incredible read it fulfilled all my reads needs. A must add to my shelf the moment physical copies go out!

This book is definitely dark and not for everyone but I enjoyed it!

Ramillia realizes too late that her father only married her mother because she had a child-like body.

After what happens to her parents she is sent to West Freeman Asylum for Lunatics.

Being manipulated by the doctor. She suffers through a lot of trauma and discovers that there is more than he’s letting her know.

She becomes friends with Hester and when Lawrence comes to take her back home. She brings her friends along.

From more secrets and lies. We find out that Lawrence has plans for Lady Winmoore.

This book is broken up to three different parts where we learn all that she’s been through and how she overcomes it.

This book was a wild and crazy ride!!

Lady Ramillia only remembers portions of her childhood. Convicted of the murder of her parents she doesn't remember, Ramillia is sent to the insane asylum where she was put through horrendous "treatments". After years being tortured she is saved by Sir Julian Lawrence who declares that she is to be his wife. Swept into a new lifestyle Ramillia soon learns that she belongs to an secret society, but the cost of being in that secret society may be more than she is willing to pay.
This book was very well written with a very unique plot. I did enjoy the story, but at times it was much darker than I was expecting it to be. Definitely make sure to check all trigger warnings before starting this book. I do recommend this book if you enjoy the horror genre and are looking for a truly unique story with twists that you won't see coming.
Thank you Netgalley and BHC Press for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

TW:
Child SA
R*p*
Violent Murder
SA
Dismemberment

I had to take time away for myself after reading this book. I did not read the book description upon applying, and maybe I should have, but now I’m afraid I would not have picked it up if I had. I also read the reviews for the book once I hit roughly 15%, and I should not have done that either, because it made me want to DNF it shortly thereafter.

This book…should come with a very, very long list of trigger warnings. A lot of it is dark and disturbing, and I will not lie and say that I can’t see why so many people could not finish it. While dark and disturbing, the book also made think in a way that I had not anticipated that I could or would about this type of fantasy. Though it is not without its horrors, I absolutely loved the perspective I acquired because of it.

Immortality isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and some of us already know this without it being said. However, after reading, I cannot view my own answer on whether I’d choose to be immortal or not, especially as a female, the same way as I may have previously.

So yes, trigger warnings are absolutely necessary, but if you feel you can stomach it, I very very VERY highly recommend this book and all it entails.

I requested this book because of two things,;
the book description and the book cover.
both are amazing.
and then I started reading....oh my god this book is amazing.
I want to talk about somethings so, a detailed review is coming.

Dark. Gothic. Erotically disturbing.

Wow! This was dark. I knew it would be pretty dark but I didn't expect for it to get THAT dark. A few moments in this book will stick with me for a very long time, I won't say in my nightmares but certainly looming in the darkest corners of my mind.

This is not a book for the faint hearted by any means and from start to finish it was a very heavy read with some content that may be both triggering and deeply disturbing to some individuals. I think perhaps there may be some more trigger warnings on the first page.

I loved the setting. It was refreshing to read a new gothic fiction that actually depicted the ambience of gothic novels of old. I am a big fan of Poe and there were moments in this book that were somewhat reminiscent of his style which, I loved.

Perfect for all the twisted souls out there who love the most twisted of tales and are not easily disturbed!

Thank you NetGalley and Natalie Gibson for this ARC!

Wow, what a wild ride this was. 4⭐ This is going to be a long review. I have so many emotions right now, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget this book.

❤️ Atmosphere
❤️ Strong, resilient female lead
❤️ World-building and magic system
❤️ Character development
❤️ Vivid, evocative descriptions
❤️ Unpredictable plot twists
❌ Incomplete trigger warning list
❌ Anti-climactic ending

At first, I thought it would be *another* one of these books where triggering content is laid on thick just for the sake of shocking the reader. But as I read, I realized that Gibson perfectly described the way men graced with immortality could lose their humanity, their greed eventually turning to perversion. She showed us the very worst parts of mankind, with all sins laid bare. Thinking back on what I just read, I don’t think she could have done otherwise or toned it down: the cruelty and depravation were central to the plot. That being said, please please please, do read the list of trigger warnings provided by the author as well as the list below. Some warnings are minor spoilers, but I think it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you dive in this book.

● Trigger warning list provided by the author: graphic violence and gore, language, scenes of sexual nature, BDSM, SA, self harm, and child SA.
● My own additions: incest (lots of it), pedophilia, cannibalism, gang rape, animal cruelty, murder and mutilation (including of children), incest, human skin wearing, child birth and death (miscarriage, forced abortion), mental health issues, undead / reanimated corpses, drugs, and dismemberment.

Plot:
A highborn Victorian lady, Ramillia spends many years in an asylum after the gruesome murder of her parents. She endures years of torture and suffers from memory gaps until an arranged marriage to a very powerful man grants her freedom. Finally, everything seems just right. But the veil slowly lifts and Ramillia realizes that her idyllic life is a deception, and the horrors she now faces are far worse. Armed with skills she doesn’t know she has, Ramillia will stop at nothing to attain freedom for herself and all oppressed.

This book hooked me and intrigued me right from the start. It’s not an action novel, but there are so many twists and turns that it never gets slow. I usually smell plot twists and tropes for a mile away. But whenever I thought “Oh, I see where this is going,” Gibson would either go in a completely other direction, or she would go that way but add a totally unexpected twist (like killing off a main character behind the scenes and telling us about it later). My mind was blown many times. With first-person POV narrating and the early realization that the narrator is unreliable, in addition to never knowing if a character is in charge or is being controlled by another being, made it easy to suspect everyone and everything.

It was a difficult book to read, but the focus on female resilience and power in a deeply patriarchal setting was *chef’s kiss*. The social criticism was omnipresent, but not overpowering.

Characters:
There were many characters, and they were all memorable. The character development was on point, and characters were so complex and nuanced that even the ones that seemed most evil could evoke a sense of empathy. With the exception of the very few characters that I absolutely loved (*cough* Leon and Ed *cough*), I toggled between love and hate for most of the main characters, including Ramillia.

Writing:
Unpretentious and accessible, yet lavish. Biting. Sometimes the shortest and simplest of phrases forced me to reflect on uncomfortable topics. The descriptions (settings, characters, food, clothing, etc.) was vivid and evocative, and Gibson was amazing at describing human emotions. I loved her prose and is interested in reading more of her books.

This book was not at all what I expected! It was a little hard to follow at first but once I got the concept, it was a really intriguing book! Loved the strong female character and her story. It can be a bit gruesome at times so check trigger warnings.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

The first this to say is that you must be aware of trigger warning before you pick this up. I do not have any but this read was very dark. I did enjoy the writing style and it has the gothic feel. Once you get over all the triggers, it is well written, and I enjoyed the storyline of power and redemption. 3.5 stars Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the this e-arc.

This was a really captivating narrative. Once you understand more, the world and the main character's experiences become somewhat clear, but once you do, you won't want to put it down!

In order to recall her life, Lady Ramillia Winmoore is creating a book in which she is chronicling every moment of her life. Every section is separated into a "phase" of her existence, and Ramillia's whereabouts are a mystery. I enjoyed reading the book because of its engaging plot overall and my need to know what was going to happen next. In spite of her odd actions, I definitely learned to love Ramillia.

However, I will concede that there ought to have been more clarity in the trigger warnings—or lack thereof. There was a lot of gore, trauma, darkness, and taboo content that not everyone would enjoy.

My opinion of the book was impacted by a few things, including the confusing and oblique way in which the multiple points of view were switched between. It would take me some time to figure out who was speaking. There were a few recaps at the start of Parts 2 and 3 that seemed pointless and redundant. Each section appeared to be its own book, even if that was not the case. In addition, the ending felt hurried, and despite all the build-up over the entire book, it wasn't a satisfying conclusion.

The worldbuilding was intriguing and the writing style was enjoyable. If someone wasn't a fan of the dark or horror genres, I'm not sure if I would suggest it.

Gothic horror at it's best but with warnings. This book is not for everyone - it contains very hard subjects. But after adjusting to the events and writing style the reader is pulled in for a riveting tale.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to experience this book.

:::3.5:::

The writing is beautiful. The gothic atmosphere is heavy and I would definitely recommend reading the content warnings before going in. I felt there were too many instances of info dumping that messed with the pacing, especially in the beginning, and that had me struggling to continue. I would recommend this to anyone looking for very dark gothic horror

This was fantastic! I loved this book!!! It is definitely going to be on my to keep shelf. I was hooked from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down til the very end! Great read!!
I just reviewed The Last Immortal by Natalie Gibson. #TheLastImmortal #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

This was a really captivating narrative. Once you understand more, the world and the main character's experiences become somewhat clear, but once you do, you won't want to put it down!

In order to recall her life, Lady Ramillia Winmoore is creating a book in which she is chronicling every moment of her life. Every section is separated into a "phase" of her existence, and Ramillia's whereabouts are a mystery. I enjoyed reading the book because of its engaging plot overall and my need to know what was going to happen next. In spite of her odd actions, I definitely learned to love Ramillia.

However, I will concede that there ought to have been more clarity in the trigger warnings—or lack thereof. There was a lot of gore, trauma, darkness, and taboo content that not everyone would enjoy.

My opinion of the book was impacted by a few things, including the confusing and oblique way in which the multiple points of view were switched between. It would take me some time to figure out who was speaking. There were a few recaps at the start of Parts 2 and 3 that seemed pointless and redundant. Each section appeared to be its own book, even if that was not the case. In addition, the ending felt hurried, and despite all the build-up over the entire book, it wasn't a satisfying conclusion.

The worldbuilding was intriguing and the writing style was enjoyable. If someone wasn't a fan of the dark or horror genres, I'm not sure if I would suggest it.

The first thing : Please read the trigger warnings! this book wont be for everyone and is very dark and gory!

This was a different book to what i have read recently but i did enjoy it once in understood the story more. a good book if you love gothic fiction!

3.5 stars would be my rating

Absolutely loved this the writing style was right up my alley and I’m going to need more books from this author asap

I love a dark fantasy but please check trigger warnings for this book! If you're a fan of horror or paranormal, I think you'd like this. The atmosphere is very gothic, and told from an almost "unreliable narrator" perspective.

This story was super intriguing. At first the whole world and what is happening to the main character is slightly confusing but once you learn more I couldn't put it down!
Lady Ramillia Winmoore is narrating her whole life through this memoir she's writing to remember her life by. Each part is divided into a "phase" of her life and there's a mystery as to has happened to Ramillia. Overall the plot of the book was entertaining and I kept wanting to read to find out what was happening. Ramillia def grew on me even if she did some crazy stuff.

But I will say that the trigger warnings (or lack there of) should have been more explicit. There was a lot of taboo/dark/trauma/gore that might not be for everyone.

Some things that affected my rating of the book were all the POVs we got and the switch between them was confusing and not very obvious. Id have to reread some stuff to get who was talking. At the beginning of Part 2 & 3 there were some recaps that felt unnecessary and repetitive. It made it seem like each part was it own book but it wasn't. The ending also seemed abrupt, and for all the build up that happened in the whole book it just wasn't a satisfying ending.

I enjoyed the writing style and the world building was interesting and unique. I'm not sure I'd reread it or recommend to someone who isn't into dark/horror genres.

The Last Immortal is penned as a gothic dark fantasy horror and that absolutely hits the nail on the head. All I would add to this is that there are VERY dark themes - that’s not a criticism (you can’t criticize a dark book for being dark can you?) but it has to be mentioned. Going into this I didn’t think the dark themes would particularly bother me but there were several occasions where I really struggled with the book as things just got so dark and so… twisted!

I think what really stood out to me was how the book managed to CONTINUALLY get more twisted. There were a couple of dark themes I saw coming and so they weren’t a surprise but throughout the book there would dark turns and reveals that just turned my stomach honestly. At 66% I put the book down and just stared into space questioning how twisted this book was. Then again at 68% I was just blown away with how this book managed to continue to come up with and portray such twisted relationships… There were situations and relationships in this book that I couldn’t imagine getting worse and yet somehow they always did!

I can’t say I enjoyed reading The Last Immortal - but I don't think you’re meant to enjoy reading a book this dark!

Putting aside the issues of some of the themes in this book, there were a lot of strengths to The Last Immortal.
The world building was top tier. Set in the Victorian era, the atmosphere was set beautifully. Perfectly blending the Victorian era with an entire underground society with its own history and hierarchy - when I reflect back on the world building it really did feel faultless honestly.
I also loved that every character felt complex and nuanced in their own way. While none of the characters were particularly likable (I’m assuming this was deliberate), each felt individual and like they had their own rationale for their behaviour and decisions. Honestly the character building was really good but I do wish there had been at least someone a bit more likable.

I think my only real complaint was that it was all a bit slow for my liking and I feel like this would have been a much stronger book if it had been tightened up. In particular I hated how the author would recap things for us. Now I understand the premise is that we’re reading Ramillia’s journals and so in that context it might make sense to briefly explain who X is and what they did. But I literally just read what that character did 2 chapters ago - why am I reading a recap of it? Things like this really bogged the story down for me and made the pacing a struggle. The last third in particular really lost my interest and I struggled through it.

This is certainly a book I will never be reading again. I am sure there is an audience for it but for me it skews too dark and too slow.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC

P.S
Having written my review and then looked online I’ve seen there is a huge divide on the ratings and I think this division seems to hinge on whether there were ample trigger warnings provided. All I can say is that my copy had all the appropriate trigger warnings, so while I can’t say I was prepared for what I read (because the dark themes far exceeded what I had imagined) I also can’t complain that they didn’t warn me!

The Last Immortal by Natalie Gibson is a wilddddd ride!

It’s a very dark gothic fantasy/horror novel….and it’s pretty messed up. I wouldn’t normally describe a book like this but wow. This book won’t be for everyone and it’s definitely not for anyone under the age of 18. It has every trigger warning imaginable and then some. From SA, child SA, rape, incest, almost all forms of abuse, graphic violence, gore, language, BDSM, self-harm, abortion, murder, and so much more. This is a very dark and heavy read so again, it’s not for everyone.

With that being said, I loved this one! The character development and world building were both amazing. It immediately sucks you in and keeps you interested. As soon as you think you’ve figured out where it’s taking you or who someone truly is…it does a complete 180. Again, it’s very dark and it doesn’t really let up. As soon as you think it can’t possibly get more violent and horrifying…it does haha. It’s split into three sections and has multiple time jumps so it felt slightly rushed at times. I would’ve liked to see this spread out over multiple books but the author pretty much ties everything together perfectly. I loved this one and definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling, dark ride set in a Victorian Era fantasy world.

So while this one was extremely interesting it is definitely not for the faint of heart, the trigger warnings are there for a reason, but if you can stomach them this was a wild ride all on its own and it was a bit of a slow build I personally was glad that I stuck it out and I will be purchasing this one for sure

This book was very interesting, had a unique plot and characters. This was my first book from Natalie but I will definitely be checking out more! Thanks Netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read and review. 3.5 stars.

This book was extremely dark, which I love -- definitely a heavy read and you absolutely need to check your content warnings on this one. This book was so full of action and big reveals the ending felt a little out of the blue. Maybe if there was more alluding to this ending earlier in the book it would have felt more satisfying. Once you get past the graphic depictions of mental, physical, and sexual violence, "The Last Immortal" is a story of power and redemption. At first, the whole world and what is happening to the main character is slightly confusing but once you learn more I couldn't put it down!

The last immortal is a dark fantasy book that unifies the Carriers trilogy into one book.

The story opens with Ramillia in an insane asylum. Doctors tell her she is there because she killed her family in a fit of rage, which she continues to have and of which she remembers nothing. She lives imprisoned and mistreated, but everything changes with the appearance of a benefactor, Sir Julian Lawrence, whom she marries through an arranged marriage. But appearances can be deceiving and Ramillia must pay a price to get out of the asylum.

This is a story of redemption, but also of what power can do to a person. Ramillia is a woman who goes through all the facets that a woman can go through in her life and leaves taboos aside. She breaks with what was expected at the time and overcomes countless obstacles.

It's a story that fascinated me and managed to get me out of a pseudo slump. Ramillia fits perfectly into what an anti-hero is. It's impossible not to become emotionally attached to her and the characters around her. She is a character who starts from the bottom, to rise and fall many times, corrupting herself along the way. At the beginning we read her as completely innocent and hopeful about life, but as the story progresses, she becomes more and more fractured, becoming a very ruthless woman.

It has a very good representation of post-traumatic stress disease, although, given the time in which it occurs, we are never given the name of the diagnosis.

It is a raw and real story, in which it is evident that nothing is black and white. Ramillia loves and hates in equal parts, sometimes even the same person. She seeks to understand what is behind the actions of each person around her.

If you are fans of Jay Kristoff's Nevernight or Empire of the vampire like I am, you will surely enjoy this book. It is a dark and disturbing book at times, but, according to my tastes, it is very much worth it.

Reviewed both on Goodreads and Instagram.

Before I get into the review this book does contain a lot of dark themes, which are accurately described in the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book so please make sure to check those out before you read!

I overall did enjoy this book! It contained some really strong writings but at times I felt like we repeating information we had previously learned a few chapters back and that happened a few times throughout the book. I like that it was split into 3 parts, but considering the book was less than 600 pages it felt like I was reading an 800+ page book at time. I think it would've benefitted from splitting the book into two.

The "magic" system was really unique and I haven't read anything similar to this which is refreshing. I use the term magic loosely because the MC says herself its not magic they use. The FMC was more of an anti-hero because in no way was she a good person. Yes she did try to stop the main evil but she was also evil in herself which I thought was interesting. The world that was built was very thorough and I enjoyed reading and learning about the world and how it worked. I liked how it was written in a style where the FMC was recounting the past and wrote a journal. And how she did not conform to societies standards at the time. She grew a lot from relying on her husband to being someone who can stand on her own without a mans help. Which was refreshing and she became a power house in her own right.

"The Last Immortal" by Natalie Gibson is a haunting tale that weaves together elements of gothic horror, paranormal intrigue, and a journey of self-discovery. As a reader, I was drawn into the rich Victorian-era darkness, reminiscent of the atmospheric worlds crafted by Anne Rice, one of my all-time favorite authors.

Gibson's storytelling mirrors Rice's ability to blend the supernatural with the deeply personal. The protagonist, Lady Ramillia Winmoore, unfolds her mysterious past with a narrative style that keeps you guessing and turning the pages. The reminiscent echo of Anne Rice's atmospheric charm is palpable, especially in exploring immortality, the intricate web of relationships, and the haunting backdrop of a bygone era.

The novel's strength lies in its well-constructed plot; every twist and turn is a carefully crafted revelation. The gothic setting is not just a backdrop but a character in itself, adding layers to the narrative that will appeal to fans of dark, atmospheric storytelling.

While the book stands on its own merits, the subtle homage Rice adds an extra layer of enjoyment for those familiar with her work. The echoes of her influence are particularly felt in the nuanced portrayal of immortal characters and the exploration of the dark side of humanity.

The complex and nuanced characters contribute to the story's depth. The writing style, vivid and evocative, captures the essence of the era while maintaining accessibility. Gibson's ability to seamlessly blend the supernatural with the historical is commendable.

For those interested in reading this beautiful gothic horror, please be warned that it contains heavy, dark material and themes that can be triggering to many, especially if you are not familiar with this genre. Please be sure to check all trigger warnings before reading.

In conclusion, "The Last Immortal" is a compelling read that successfully immerses you into a beautiful but horrifying gothic world that will leave you gobsmacked. Natalie Gibson has crafted a tale that stands tall in the genre, offering a fresh perspective on immortality, power, and the resilience of the human spirit. A must-read for fans of gothic horror with a touch of the extraordinary.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

I actually really enjoyed this book. It was different from what I expected and that was a welcome discovery.

Check trigger warnings and really evaluate if you can handle a book like this. If you can handle a very dark, gothic thriller, give it a shot. This book continues to change in my head - sometimes I liked it, other times I did not. Parts were very slow, and its mostly vibes over plot.

Really interesting premise. Haven't finished it yet, but I'm definitely hooked. Can't wait to see how it ends!

I loved it. I will definitely put this book in my re read pile for gothic horror. It is perfect to read for the spooky season. My favorite time of the year. It was so many twist and turn throughout this book.

In "Immortal Betrayal," Natalie Gibson spins a tale of chilling intrigue and dark secrets that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from the very first page. Through the eyes of Lady Ramillia Winmoore, a Victorian aristocrat burdened with the curse of immortality, we are plunged into a world of violence, cruelty, and unimaginable horrors.

From the opening lines, Gibson grabs hold of our imagination and never lets go, immersing us in Ramillia's harrowing journey from the confines of the West Freeman Asylum for Lunatics to the twisted machinations of her benefactor, Sir Julian Lawrence. As Ramillia struggles to uncover the truth behind her fragmented memories and the sinister society of immortals she has been ensnared in, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and revelation.

Gibson's masterful prose paints a vivid picture of a gaslight-era world steeped in Gothic horror and paranormal intrigue. From the fog-shrouded streets of Victorian London to the shadowy halls of Sir Julian's mansion, every setting is rendered with exquisite detail, evoking a sense of dread and foreboding that lingers long after the final page is turned.

But it is the character of Lady Ramillia herself who truly captivates. Despite the horrors she endures, she remains a resilient and compelling protagonist, driven by a fierce determination to reclaim her freedom and uncover the truth about her past. As she navigates a treacherous world where friends and foes alike wear masks of deception, readers will find themselves rooting for her every step of the way.

"Immortal Betrayal" is a gripping tale of suspense, betrayal, and the enduring power of the human spirit. With its richly imagined world, complex characters, and heart-pounding twists and turns, it is a must-read for fans of Gothic horror and dark fantasy alike. Prepare to be swept away on a journey that will leave you breathless and begging for more.

The Last Immortal is not for the faint of heart. It is a heavy book that is very dark. Fans of paranormal and horror will devour this though! It is dark and atmospheric, truly living up to the gothic tag. Prepare to read with your jaw dropped and your head in a tail spin because this book just simply does not stop. I will say though, it is a very trigger laden book. Don't be afraid to take breaks if needed. Some scenes and instances may leave you feeling deeply uncomfortable and that's ok. While I enjoyed this one, it was a little hard to get through some particular parts.

Thank you to NetGalley and BHC Press for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.

I want to thank NetGalley, Publishers BHC Press, and the author Natalie Gibson for providing this e-ARC. Witch, I will be giving my honest and sincere review.

Please make sure you're aware of the trigger warnings this book contains, Some of the triggers include:
Animal cruelty, assault, murder, cannibalism, blood, gore, child sa, childbirth, child death, BDSM, drug use, forced abortion, human skin wearing, incest, mental health issues, pedophilia, reanimated corpse, sa, self-harm.

Lady Ramillia Winmoore is sent to an asylum, convicted of her parent's murder, where her nightmares became with mistreatments and invasive treatments. She only remembers parts of her childhood.
We see mental health representations not only in our FMC but in other patients and society in general.
Ramillia is saved by Sir Julian, whose estates she will soon be married to him.

The book's narrative is mostly filled with our FMC, thoughts, since she was put away from society for most of her living life she's adjusting to all she can absorb. The book evolved at a slow pace.

Heavily graphic and descriptive, full of violence and shocking events for a child to grow up to. Allow for a Gothic Horror I imagined it as the darkness sombre and gruesome of Frankenstein in a Tim Burton atmosphere.
I recommend this book to Gothic Horror lovers, full of twists.

It's quite violent and graphic but I liked the story ot this nightmarish characters and this world where there's no piety or friends.
it's intriguing and well plotted. Loved the original world building.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine