Review: The Descent by Alma Katsu

• Series: The Taker Trilogy
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Gallery Books (January 7, 2014)
• ISBN-10: 1451651821
• Source: Publisher

*Please Note: This is the third book in a trilogy. If you have not read the previous two books, The Taker and The Reckoning *gasp* please do not proceed in reading this review.*

Lanore McIlvrae has struggled to rid herself from the grasp of Adair. Yet when she begins having nightmares of Jonathan, her deceased former lover, is being tortured in the dark depths of the underworld. Reluctantly, Lanore  admits that Adair is her only salvation. It is he alone that can devise a means for her to go to the hereafter and beg for Jonathan’s release.

She finds Adair on a secluded island off the coast of Italy.  The reunion is bittersweet; the passion they shared for one another is still quite alive.  Lanore finds two female tourists, Terry and Robin, living with Adair. Although he admits to spending his nights (and days) in bed with them, he hasn’t formally made them his companions. The jealousy is double-sided, for the two women are less than thrilled to see Adair’s reaction to Lanore’s arrival.

When Lanore finally gets around to asking Adair for help, his quick response shocks her. When the journey to the hereafter begins, neither Lanore nor Adair or quite prepared for the battles they are both forced to endure, both physically and emotionally. It is quite possible that Lanore will, too, become one of the captives of the Queen of the Underworld, never returning to Adair as she promised.

In this thrilling conclusion to the Taker trilogy, readers will notice a marked difference in overall tone as compared to the previous two books. The Descent itself is a journey, not only Lanore’s to the Underworld but a journey to the past, to Adair’s youth and the start of his obsession with alchemy. Readers glimpse a wholly different side of Adair than previously witnessed, a side that shows his vulnerability and genuine love for Lanore.

The imagery in The Descent, too, is spectacular. Her descriptions of the secluded island in which Adair resides are so genuine and real that you’ll feel the harsh wind across your face, feel the desolation that the island exudes. Lanore’s journey through the Underworld, her encounters with those from her past, are absolutely mesmerizing.

Fans of this blog know that I’m not fan of romance. That said, the love that Lanore and Adair share, a love that transcends time, space, and other worlds, is one that I couldn’t help but appreciate. Never did I fathom that I would find myself rooting for this unlikely couple!

In conclusion, I do believe that The Descent is the perfect conclusion to a truly stunning trilogy.  Highly, highly recommended!

Side note: I will be interviewing Alma at One More Page Books in Arlington, VA at the release party for The Descent (Tuesday, January 14th at 7pm). Have any questions you would like asked? Add them to the comments below and I will do my best to include them in the interview. Want to order a personalized copy of the book? Click here!

Disclosure: I consider myself a friend of the author, Alma Katsu.  I am mentioned in the acknowledgements and have offered the author words of encouragement and support throughout her publication journey. That said, this relationship did not at all influence my review of this book.