Anyan may be trapped in an evil dragon and Blondie may be gone, but Jane knows one thing: she's not about to give up. She's ready to tear down heaven and earth to save her lover, despite those who believe he's lost.
Luckily for Jane, those who've given up on Anyan do not include those closest to her. Defying The Powers That Be, Jane and Company form their own crack squad of misfits, in whose hands the fate of the world may well rest.
With a little help from her friends, the Universe, and lots of snacks, Jane embarks on her greatest adventure yet, confident that with great sacrifice comes great reward. The question is, who will be that sacrifice?
Nicole D. Peeler is an essayist and novelist, as well as an associate professor at Seton Hill University, where she directs their MFA in Writing Popular Fiction. Find out more at https://nicolepeeler.com, or sign up for her free newsletter at https://nicolepeeler.substack.com/.
This book literally could not come out fast enough especially after the horrifying, heart wrenching cliffhanger of Tempest's Fury! In unsuspecting moments, my mind would wander about I would think about how Jane could possibly fix things and if there would be a HEA for this last book of the series or would NP be cruel?
Hopefully, you've read through Tempest's Fury or this review is not going to make a lot of sense but just to try to catch you up to speed: Morrigan, an evil Alfar, joined with an original evil, The Red, to try to rule the world. Her original plan to have her lover join with The White (another original and The Red's lover/brother...a bit weird I know) failed and by sheer fate, someone else was joined with The White. If you read the book blurb, you will be spoiled!! Jane has become the Champion and along with her friends work to try to kill both The Red and The White permanently.
I was sooo nervous to start reading but once I did, I was happy to be back in Jane's world. It was sweet how the creature handled things although I felt maybe...just maybe that was a little too easy? I felt Jane was a bit tougher even though, believe me, I know how awful that was.
I loved how everyone came together, even Ryu...bless his little cold heart! I am really proud of how he has grown as a person...and a leader. The biggest surprise is Hiral...I really enjoyed what he brought to the story and the friendship that developed between him and Jane. But it was great how everyone played a part and supported each other.
I do have to say that I felt all the alchemy information, poems and all that cryptic stuff was a bit of a snooze fest. I did try really hard to pay attention but it was a just a little underwhelming except the part where Jane got it when they went dancing and what she did afterwards. That was brilliant!! Rough for everyone else especially Anyan...but brilliant!
And. The. Epilogue. Awesome. Amazing. Stupendous. Loved every single moment of it. Much, much more that I expected or even hoped for.
~*~*~*~Good things comes in twos!!~*~*~*~
All's well that ends well. Thank you, Nicole Peeler, for a great ride!
Favorite quotes:
♥ "I’ve missed you," he whispered in my ear. "I’ve missed you so much…"
♦ "Finally get your chance at dominance, eh?"
"I’m a dragon slayer, and don’t you forget it."
♦ "You just like watching me handle my mage balls."
♥ "I love you, puppy," I told him, just because I could.
My rating: 1.5 of 5 stars A copy of Tempest Reborn was provided to me by Orbit for review purposes.
*Spoilers ahead. And cussing. In case you have sensitive ears or whatnot.*
Tempest Reborn wastes no time in diving right into the story and right where Tempest's Fury left us all in the lurch. Jane's boyfriend Anyan is still trapped in the White Dragon but Jane is still the champion and still responsible for stopping the Red and the White, even if that includes killing Anyan in the process. Naturally she can't do it alone but she luckily has more help on her side than she realizes.
Admittedly, I adored this series from the start yet my adoration has lessened in recent installments. It still didn't stop me from reading them, obviously, but it was still vexing. Tempest Reborn is the final installment of the series. Final. End of. Conclusion. Grand finale. Yet this felt like it was thrown together all haphazardly and rushed and like it was some indie novel that completely skipped the vital editing process. Take this for instance:
"Nothing was ever simple in the Great Island, however, the supernatural name for Great Britain, as both the Alfar..." Then 3 pages later: "[...]referring to the official supernatural leaders of the Great Island, or what the humans called Britain." Then 8 pages after that: "But between our constantly being a step behind and the political machinations of the Great Island, what the supernaturals called Britain..." *pulls out hair*
Even the funny Jane moments felt forced and not at all funny: "It's like we have a permanent line of communication, an exclusive line, but we're still totally separate. And sometimes we're in more communication than others. Sometimes it's like we haven't bothered to pick up the Bat Phone at all for a while, and it's like it's not even there. But then if need, it voilà! Bat Phone." Make it stop.
And the sexy-time scenes... they felt a bit superfluous. I mean I'm sure people still have sex when the world is going to complete shit but after a while it was like, "Get the fuck up and DO something people!" And lastly there was the scene where they're discussing plans for the finale battle and then Jane spontaneously says, "Let's go dancing!" The storyline just took a strange turn of events and got crazy serious and was nothing like the fun Jane True series I grew to love. Without going into extreme detail this plot includes the following: alchemy and how the process of turning metals to gold is really a metaphor for separating the soul from the body, discussions with the (actual) Universe and the creation of all things and the balance between good and evil, tea with the Dalai Lama and later some assistance from the 'monk army' in a battle, then let's throw in some government conspiracy type shit and super-spies to boot. It just didn't seem fitting with the rest of the series and what's been going on the past 5 books.
*sigh* I just don't even know what to think I'm so very bummed. Quite sad to see this series come to an end and have it end as it did. At least I can look forward to a new project from Nicole Peeler.
At some point in this book I went on a stalking mission, I had to find out when the next one was coming out, who Nicole Peeler is, and where I could get more of whatever she was writing. I learned three things, first that there is a new series happy shimmy. Secondly, Nicole Peeler is rad. Lastly, this was the last Jane True book.
I fucking loved this series. I'm picking up everything Nicole Peeler is putting down, forever and always.
I've been completely unable to articulate my absolute adoration for this series from the start. I've taken some time to ponder this, as a reviewer I'm usually somewhat okay at slapping some words together to formulate a proper review. Not Jane True. I think I greatly underestimated how wonderful this series is. How much I love the characters and plot and world and all the things.
I think I struggled with it so much because I didn't see how madly in love I was with it. It just creeped in slowly, I'd wake up and think about Jane and her awesome universe and just bounce into the story. It was easy, entertaining, simple, joyful, and intoxicating. I did not see this coming. I forgot how wonderful it is to sit down and feel happy to read. No emotional hostage situations, just feel good, FUCK YES THIS BOOK feelings.
The funny part in all of it, is that's exactly what happened. It hit me hard to say goodbye to this. If you are looking for a funny, quirky, feel good read THIS IS THE SERIES FOR YOU.
I didn't like where the 5th title went with the story arc, and while this one fixed the problem, it wasn't really much better. Dr. Peeler's writing style has evolved since Book 1, but not for the better. The story arc - especially in this title - became far too melodramatic for the genre, and the writing too pretentious. There are British idioms sprinkled throughout, for example, presumably as a reminder that Dr. Peeler has spent time in the U.K., since they're not relevant to the story (yes, Jane spends a small amount of time there, but surely not enough to pick up idioms - and from whom? The Alfar? *snort*)
Very disappointing ending (generally, not necessarily specifically) to what began as a nifty series. And with regard to the specifics of the ending, the "double magic bullet" that fixed everything just made me roll my eyes. Really? That fixed everything? Please.
Suspect that I would think long and hard about trying future work by Dr. Peeler. I don't know whether it was the job change or something that might have occurred naturally, but the revelation of literary pretention was a huge turn off for me. Glad the series is over; sorry it had to end this way.
Ok.. This was such a waste Of my time. I'm sorry, but this book is just... Bluuuuh.
If it wasn't the last book of this series, I would've been really pissed, but as it is, I'm glad it has come to an end, although not a dignifying end.
Where to begin?!
Pros,
One, the HEA. I'm a sucker for HEAs
Two, none of my favorite characters died.
Three, it didn't drag out the events. No much anyway!
Cons, (From my POV)
One, Jane probably cried hundred and ten times in this book, she cries almost every damn page and it's gotten pretty annoying pretty fast.
Two, I believe the author's line of work has affected her style of writing at some point. There's just too much repetition and explanations to things and plans that doesn't really require that much explaining, or was already mentioned before, but like a teacher repeating the lesson to make sure we ALL understood... Thank you, but give us some credit :D
Three, the universe? Really?really? .... I ... Hahahah. That's just ridiculous I'm sorry. I think it was aimed to be original, but having a 1- ancient creature with shit loads of power and knowledge 2- Original (cyntaf)who is an older version of humanity with shit loads of power and knowledge. 3-Budha? 4-the universe?? I'm sorry, it got a little old by the time the creature was mentioned so adding those extra über strong characters while our heroine just borrows their strength doesn't really endear her to me and doesn't impress me in the least. You already had solid characters in your book, why overdo it?
Four, the part where Jane keeps mentioning the dragon shit over and over again. *sigh* I just dislike childish characters. If I wanted to read a character like this I would've picked up a children's book.
Five, the lack of explanation of how the heck Anyan was found inside the dragon. I mean, he was supposed to be the dragon, or he was a were dragon or he was trapped inside the dragon as a man or wtf is it? At some point in the shower Jane asks how they found him, and Anyan basically said who the hell knows that's magic!! Aaarrrggghhhhh! Kill.me.now. Seriously? You don't feel inclined to explain how he ended up being trapped inside the dragon's body when he was supposed to be the dragon himself!?
Six, Jane came to the conclusion that she MUST kill the red only when Trill was injured. So basically, all the other people the red killed were not important enough for our dear Jane to sympathies or decide for sure that she needs to do the right thing. Only when a friend was hurt that it was worth it? What kind of a champion is that! I'What makes us human is empathy. And Jane's character lacks empathy for anyone other than her immediate circle.
Seven, So basically Morrigan is a megalomaniac who is also smart enough to kill her ruling husband and hide the fact that she was in love with his second for years and yet, she is foolish enough to fall for their trap? Even when her spies were "accidentally" gotten rid of, she still falls for their schemes?
Eight, the ending was as cliche as it gets, the sex throughout the book was not sexy, (to me at least) and the bossy man, obedient woman, primal sex, make me food, relationship is not sexy as well.
Nine, the book tried to mix humor with seriousness but unfortunately it always swayed to the humor side ruining the texture of the dialogue and the importance of the happenings in the story, it was a huge turn off.
Ten, the fight scenes weren't very good. Lack of detail makes it hard to imagine the picture. I cant help but compare with Ilona Andrews where the fight scenes are so wonderfully explicit you feel you're right there with the characters. But I guess each have their style if writing.
If this wasn't the last book of the series I wouldn't have read the next one. It makes me sad because I really liked the previous books because they had a clear plot ( and I adored Blondie). This one just wasn't as..... Tight
Anyway, this book had me biting all my nail polish off, reading as quickly and thoroughly as possible until the last possible moment I needed to sleep (damn job, making me responsible.) The action was incredibly fast paced. I felt like there wasn't a moment to catch my breath.
I was pretty surprised by the way the conflict was resolved. I didn't see that happening at all!
Really I don't know what to say about this book that doesn't involve spoilers. Basically, Peeler will keep you guessing right up until the very last second. The people I thought would turn out to be bad guys weren't, and the actual bad guys didn't do what I thought they would either.
Finally, there was Jane. She changed so much throughout this series. Jane has finally become a champion. She is, without a doubt, a hero. What made reading about her final journey so enjoyable was that she never lost her sense of humor. Jane kept her spirit even through the very worst losses. This series has definitely made me a huge fan of Jane True.
I loved the earlier books in this series, but wasn't as keen on the 5th book and this one just didn't feel all that great. It seemed shallow and there were too many asides and cultural references which are really going to date it. After waiting for Jane to get together with Anyan all they do is have sex, which isn't even that interesting to read about, I do get tired of 'love of a lifetime' relationships that seem totally based on what happens in the bedroom as the characters don't ever seem to have a conversation about anything interesting or important.
The ending was all just too quick and too neatly wrapped up, I'm sad that I'm not sad there won't be any more Jane True books...
After the soul stomping ending of the last Jane True book, I was ready for this book to sweep me off my feet and continue the wild ride from page one. Let me warn you now, it doesn't do that. In fact, for the first 90+ pages, I found myself struggling to get through the book. There's a lot of quiet misery, which I understand. But there is a huge amount of time devoted to existential ideas and ideology inside the world building. I found myself asking What happened to the characters I love so much in this series? The relationships? The action? The short answer: they're here. You just don't see them until about a third of the way into the book.
That being said, the second two thirds of the book were great. After the requisite amount of research (*shudder*) Jane figures out what she needs to do to save Anyan from a lifetime trapped inside an evil white dragon. Jane must work with her band of friends and supporters to get the job done. It's a mishmash of her people from Rockabill and those she has met in her various adventures. (Honestly, I wish I would have done a series re-read, because I kind of struggled remembering who everyone was.) But it became increasingly obvious just how vital her team is to her success.
It's a great finish to the series in a few ways: most notably with Jane and Anyan. One of my chief complaints about their relationship has always been in how it's been ridiculously parceled out. The wait for them to finally get together was excruciating. Thankfully, all of that is over. We finally see Jane and Anyan as they were meant to be together. Plenty of love; plenty of sex. Plenty satisfying. Also great: Nicole Peeler ties up her loose ends nicely. We get resolution on many lingering threads. We see what happens to all these characters we have gotten to know. And finally --we see Jane come full circle. She has evolved into this awesome champion... only to find it's her fragile humanity --her heart-- that makes her capable of saving the world. Good stuff.
There were a couple of niggles. Like I said, the start was really slow. And this book is really missing the humor I have come to love from Jane and the series. There's a great line about sex surrounded by Oreos and a river of milk that gave me a chuckle, but all in all... it's heavy. The prior installments really balanced the humor and the serious in a way this book just didn't.
All in all, though, I liked the way it ended. Peeler throws in a good surprise or two and kept me emotionally invested until the end. A satisfying conclusion to a good series.
The first two books in the Jane True series were some of the very first adult Urban Fantasy I read after Sookie, and as such, I have a bit of a soft spot for Jane. However, soft spot or not, TEMPEST REBORN was an easy to read amalgamation of action and humor, with sexy and tender moments thrown in for good measure. Starting right where TEMPEST’S FURY leaves off, we’re thrown directly back into it all, the result being that from page one, I was hard pressed to put this book down to either work or sleep.
One of my favorite things about Jane is that I felt like I’ve grown with her over the course of the series. She has changed so much from the first book, and every step of the way, I understood her and what was going on in her head. She’s a very real character, somebody who didn’t go out seeking the incredible power she was given but dealt with it the best she could. She truly comes into her own in TEMPEST REBORN, thrust into a situation where suddenly people are looking to her in the absence of Anyan or Blondie. Even with that, though, she still manages to maintain her sarcastic, cheeky humor throughout it all, with her frequent pop culture references and interjections from her libido.
Along with Jane, Peeler has created a whole cast of characters that we’ve had time to get to know, and love, over the past six books. I found myself genuinely upset at some of the inevitable losses as a result of the clashes between the White and the Red and Jane and her gang. There are so many great characters I don’t think I’m able to name a favorite- would it be Iris, who showed great strength in her recovery from her kidnapping experience, Hiral, a more recent addition who was not only amusing but an incredible asset to Jane, making me love him more, or even Ryu, who redeemed himself completely in this book by recognizing Jane for who she was, not who he wanted her to be.
TEMPEST REBORN was an absolute treat for me to read. Like Jane with Anyan, I both wanted to get right to it, but I also wanted to savor it so it would go on forever. While I’m sad this is it, I was also satisfied with the conclusion (though there was a brief bit in the epilogue that rubbed me the wrong way) and I’m content with just being able to go back and start the series all over again.
I didn't realize that this book was the last in the series, it made me sad to learn that. For the most part I have really enjoyed reading them, looked forward to getting my hands on a new book. However I found this book to be tedious to get through, could only manage to read 50 pages at a time before switching to a different book, not the usual for me. In fact, had this been book #1 or #2 in the series I would have dnf'ed it.
I did like that the humans in Jane's life have been let in on her secret, something that needed to happen. I loved that they were in on the planning and more importantly, gave Jane the support she needed.
I liked the conversations that Jane had with the creature, especially the last one.
I liked the epilogue, thought it wrapped things up in a good way.
Sixth and last in the Jane True urban fantasy series revolving around Jane, the champion who's lost her love.
My Take I was somewhat afraid to read this---I was worried about Anyan and if Jane could get him back after events in Tempest's Fury, 5!
I was a bit disappointed that Peeler didn't include her usual Jane-isms against/about seals. And I was disappointed with the universe popping in to help out. It felt like a cheat, an easy out.
Actually there were a lot of things I was disappointed in, primarily that this concluded too easily. Hmmm, maybe that's why all those good guys had to die...'cause otherwise, I don't get it. It's the end of the series, so why kill off a bunch of good guys? It doesn't contribute anything to the storyline except to make me cry. I don't understand the purpose of the costumes at the end either.
I do enjoy Peeler's numerous contemporary references from Supernatural to Star Trek, Rambo to Scooby Doo, Weird Science to Dilbert; it keeps the fun in.
Whoa, humans and supernaturals are Life 2.0? That'll rock'em back on their heels! Too bad the English Alfar can only understand one alliance: the take-orders-from-us or you're-against-us. Oooh, yeah, Jane! I love her new take-charge attitude. And the "slap in the face" she gives Luke and Griffin.
Hmmm, history and no coincidences…it's clever and does make me think. Always a useful way to wake up the brain cells.
Okay, not expecting that one. Although it figures that it gets that switch-up at the end. All in all, I'm rather disappointed with this last story. Oh, it does everything I want it to do at the end, but it seems too easy with some silly bits in between.
The Story Anyan's "death" and Blondie's true death send Jane spiraling into depression, and it's only the Creature's intervention that prevents it. Just as it's only Magog, Gog, and Hiral between Jane and the Alfar who are only interested in using Jane, and they do their best to protect her, even as they too grieve.
It'll be them against the Alfar who simply want the Red and the White destroyed while Jane and crew are determined to rescue Anyan...somehow...without killing the White.
The Characters Jane True is a selkie, and she's been "gifted", making her the world's and the Creature's champion. The Creature is a good child of Earth and Water, and he has chosen Jane to be his champion who will wield Blondie's labrys.
The folks back in Rockabill include: Jane's dad, Calvin, is okay with finally learning who and what Jane truly is. Tracy and Grizzie (she's pregnant) are Jane's bosses at Read It and Weep, their bookstore. Iris is a succubus who is involved with Caleb, a satyr who never wears pants!Trill is a kelpie; Nell is a gnome. Amy is a nahual waitress at the café. Gus is a stone-spirit who lends a hand.
Morrigan was the Alfar queen until she killed her husband, Orin, and resurrected the Red Queen and White King, two of the biggest bugaboos in supernatural lore who are the product of a rape by Fire of Air. Anyan, a barghest who shifts into a dog form, a fierce warrior with a fiercer rep, and Jane's love, was absorbed, possessed by the White in Tempest's Fury. The Healer is back. He's a nasty goblin with a penchant for torture who kidnapped Jane and Iris in Tempest's Legacy, 3.
The Alfar can manipulate the four elements The American contingent Ryu, a baobhan sith, is co-leading the Alfar in America with Nyx since Orin's death. Daoud is a djinn who keeps pulling stuff out of his pants. Maeve is the Initiative human working with Ryu.
The English contingent Magog is a Raven shifter partnered with Gog Coblynau, an earth elemental. Hiral is a perverted three-foot creature who stinks, a gwyllion, with some extremely useful skills. Technically, they're all spying on Jane for the English Alfar. Jack Young is a wyvern who leads the British supernatural rebels. Luke is the de facto leader of the Alfar in Great Britain, but, I think Griffin, his second, is the true leader.
Daniel Rankin was the British Military Intelligence liaison with the supernaturals at York, but he intervenes to work directly with Jane. Trevor is Daniel's American equivalent. In title only.
Graeme is a rapist incubus freed in Tempest's Fury by Lyman.
The Cover The cover is a cartoon, consistent with the later covers. It's a dark background with bright highrises and claws of red reflecting in the windows as the Red and the White dragons wreak havoc in Hong Kong while Jane stands strong, labrys in hand.
A fairly satisfying conclusion to a crazy storyline. A fair bit of repetition that should have been edited out, but just don't let it bug you. Jane has come a long way and has a lot more to do. It wraps up and things are nuts. If you like the other books, you have to read the finish! Paranormal light with a quirky heroine and a cast of paranormal characters.
So many series are ending lately, and Nicole Peeler's Jane True series is one I am sad to see go, but I felt like Nicole did a superb job of ending it! I can still remember when I first stumbled upon this series. I was at Borders--sob!-- and I saw Tempest Rising in the science-fiction/fantasy section and first thought it was a YA book due to the cover. I read the back of the cover and thought it sounded pretty good and was totally blown away with it! Now here we are 6 books later and the series is ending!
Tempest Reborn concludes Jane's story and after the cliffhanger ending of the last one, I wasn't sure what to expect to happen. Luckily Nicole and Jane do not disappoint with all the action, humor and suspense!
Jane is in a state of shock once she saw her lover Anyan become the White dragon and leave with the Red dragon. She had come so close to putting what she thought was an end to the Red's plans but then she is sideswiped when the Red hits Anyan and thus becomes the White. After Jane recovers, she is determined to get her man back, at whatever the cost. Luckily, she has her friends--both new and old--at her side, willing to help.
It's hard for me to describe the pacing to this one, overall it was perfect! I guess that's the best way to describe it, perfect! I initially thought that trying to save Anyan and end the Red would take the whole book, but it didn't. At least for that first half of the mission! Jane even connects with Anyan in her dreams, leaving her to wonder if she's really dreaming or is Anyan really sending her a message. And there's some happy lovin in those dreams!
Ryu also returns to the scene to help Jane out. I started this series so long ago and have read sooo many books in between that I cannot remember exactly how things ended with Ryu and Jane. I got the impression though while it wasn't with intense anger and spite--at least I don't think it was--it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows with everyone parting happily. But seeing Ryu there, willing to help, made me feel better about him. Ryu was trying to change Jane into being his perfect woman, but Jane was already who Jane wanted to be. I liked that we got to see him this last time around and know that he'll be just fine without Jane.
Jane still has a lot on her plate. The Red still needs to be stopped once and for all, for her anger is even greater than it was before. She's killing people recklessly and purposefully. When Jane loses close allies, she is ready to do anything and everything to take the Red down. But there will be a great sacrifice to make before she can achieve that final goal.
Tempest Reborn was simply amazing! Jane never ceases to delight and entertain and I so mark her down as being one of my BFFs from novels! I love how she can always make me laugh no matter the circumstances of what's going on around her. That's not to say that Jane is immature and can't take things seriously, because she does. But she just tends to have a bright outlook on life, or she tries to at least.
There was a good deal of romance in this one, both "dreamlike" and real life. I love Anyan for that! It always amazes me in series when the heroine starts with one boyfriend/lover and I love him, but then by the end of the series there's a new leading man and I end up loving him just the same. That's kind of the case here with this series.
The ending was wonderful! I truly didn't know what to expect, other than a HEA ending. Urban Fantasy doesn't always have those in every book, but when that series ending comes up, I expect a HEA ending because the characters have gone through so much crap and danger, that I think they well deserve a break! Luckily, all my favorite Urban Fantasy authors seem to agree with this idea! So you can expect a delightful happily ever after in this one for all the characters!
Tempest Legacy still reigns supreme as my favorite Jane True book, but Tempest Reborn was a nice end to a compelling series. This book is packed with action and some nice scenes between Jane and Anyan, but it did get a little convaluted with all the alchemy and mythology explanations. I found my self skimming over these sections so that I could get back to the main story faster. Most of the explanatory sections were towards the beginning of the book so the last half was definitely a smoother, quicker read. While I am sad to see the series end, I think Ms. Peeler did a good job of wrapping up her storyline while still keeping the characters true to themselves.
Anyan has been taken over by the white dragon and Jane will do anything in her power to get him back. She still also has to stop Morrigan, aka the Red, and her forces, as well as helping the humans, halflings, and supes learn to work together. The issue with Anyan is solved fairly quickly in this book, but the majority is dedicated to taking down the Red. Jane and her friends find help from numerous unexpected places and have their work cut out for them in deciphering ancient texts. It takes everyone working together as a team to beat back Morrigan, but it takes a one lone sacrifice to truly bring her down. The only question is, who will be the sacrifice?
Jane acted like a true champion in Tempest Reborn, standing strong and doing what needed to be done. She was still funny and a little bit flighty but she didn't shirk her duties or turn her back on anyone. Even when it hurt and all wanted to do was hide, she still stepped up to the plate and lead. Anyan's role was a bit smaller than in other books, but he was the same hunky puppy as always. Ryu really shone in this book! I was never his biggest fan, but here he proved me wrong. He was loyal and supportive and was really there for Jane when she needed him in a completely platonic way. I'm glad to see that they have finally reached a point where they can be friends. The creature that Jane has a mental connection with was still in this book and helped to ground some of the stranger moments... like when the Universe decides to talk through Grizzie... yeah... Anyways, the creature gets a thumbs up! Almost everyone is back in this book including Iris, Caleb, Nell, Daoud, and Trill. Nyx is even makes an appearance towards the end. It was a good send off for each of the characters.
It's tough to lose a good series, but I think Ms. Peeler did a good job of pacing her books and ended things at an appropriate place. She didn't drag them out too long, nor did she short-change any of the storylines. I like the place that we leave Jane and Anyan at; it was believable and actually felt organic to the characters and their relationship. Though it does hurt to lose Jane, I applaud Ms. Peeler for creating a satisfying and believable end to her story with Tempest Reborn.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for providing an ARC copy of this book!
I wasn’t going to bother with a review of Tempest Reborn. And the only reason I’m writing this review is for Marcela from The Bookaholic Cat. She asked me on Twitter if I was going to write a review because she was curious about 2 star rating (which is really more like 2.5) on Goodreads. So here goes my quick thoughts on the ending of the Jane True series.
If you’ve been following my reviews of the Jane True series you’ll see that I loved it in the beginning then by the middle I was a little disappointed in the direction the series took. I almost didn’t even listen to Tempest Reborn. But that part of me that needed to see the series to the end (thank goodness this was the last book or I would have stopped) had to listen.
By the time I reached Tempest Reborn, Jane’s world had changed so much and not for the better IMO. It went from fun, light, flirty and sexy to dark, violent and confusing. The dark and violent I’m cool with but when I have a hard time keeping up with who the new characters are and not really caring about the main characters and what they are trying to accomplish then it’s a sad day.
Jane True is an Urban Fantasy series that means that the romance aspect is usually drawled out over the series. But when it’s not the safety of the world that’s cockblocking the characters but the characters themselves, I’m out. That trope was like beating a dead horse.
I didn’t like the creature character or the whole white and red dragon thing. I really felt like I was reading a totally different series and that I was dumped into the middle of it. The Jane True series felt like a series with multi personality disorder, it didn’t know if it was fun and quirky or dark and weird.
The ending was wrapped up well enough with Jane getting her HEA but by that time I just didn’t care about her romantic life.
It’s a shame that once the series got a great narrator like Kristine Hvam that I lost interest in it. Honesty if it was not for Hvam’s narration I would have not gone back to the series.
Please don’t take my dislike for Tempest Reborn as a dislike for the whole series or the writing. I really enjoyed the earlier books the series. I just feel like there was too much change, too fast and that maybe with a few more books to let it slowing grow would have been better. {Shrugs} That’s just my opinion. I’m totally on board with reading anything else that Nicole Peeler puts out and I look forward to seeing what she brings to the fiction world next.
In the sixth and final installment of the series I once adored, Jane True shines brighter than ever. In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I’d lost some of my love for her in the last two books. I felt that Peeler was tired of Jane and she made me tired of her, too. But this time, the old Nicole Peeler was back and I could tell how much she enjoyed writing this conclusion.
Tempest Reborn picks up exactly where the last book left off. Jane has suffered many losses and she’s desperate, just like she was when she lost her first love, Jason. But unlike then, she’s not alone – she has allies, friends and family, but most importantly, she is connected to the ancient creature that likes her and wants to lend its strength.
After being pushed and ordered about by everyone but the selected few, Jane finally decides to take control and start acting like the champion. The new Jane is a leader, someone who makes decisions and bears the consequences. With the barghest gone, Ryu is back to help her, but the old flame has long been extinguished. I loved seeing them get comfortable in their friendship and I loved that Ryu got a taste of his own medicine in a way that made him wary, but not resentful.
The romance in Tempest Reborn is exquisite. It’s exactly what I wanted to see ever since Jane and Anyan first showed feelings for each other. Their relationship started as very unbalanced, with Anyan as the more mature and far more experienced, but as Jane suffered one ordeal after another, she also developed a thicker skin and enough self-confidence to be the barghest’s equal. Their happily ever after is wonderful and deeply satisfying and I can’t thank Peeler enough for allowing me to see these characters in such a good, believable place before saying goodbye.
Jane was never one to take sole credit for her accomplishments, but I felt that now more than ever, she realized how much he community means to her. Despite being the champion, the chosen one, she insisted that she was nothing without her friends, and she was probably right.
Although books four and five left a lot to be desired, I still recommend this series as a whole to those who love their urban fantasy with charming characters and a healthy dose of mildly ludicrous humor. I haven’t a clue what the lovely Dr. Peeler is working on next, but I hope she’ll stay true to herself.
I was so terribly sad to see the end of the Jane True series. Having said that, I must say she went out with a BANG. Our beloved little half human, half selkie heroine was born to be just who she is...able to recharge her energies by swimming in the ocean, able to love with her whole being, unwilling to let the man she loves be captive to the white dragon evil that has been reborn to the Earth. With more and more deaths happening around her it's time for Jane to embrace her calling as Champion and kick evils ass! With the help of supernatural beings all over the planet, Jane has to figure out a very cryptic poem and knuckle down to do the impossible. I so LOVED this series...well enough to re-read several times. What's next Nicole Peeler? Because I know what ever it is I will love!
I can't beleive how disappointingly aweful this is. I just can't get past the 'Universe' character. The 'Creature' was bad enough, but these ever-larger Deus Ex Machina are such lazy devices to use in a plot.
This was a cute, sassy little series at the start but has seriously lost it's way. I really get the feeling that the author didn't know where to take this and has gone all Giain Zen on our backsides - it's very silly.
And I can't follow the strange explainy philosophy about the Universe interferring, but hiding it and 'it has to be a human'... what is this garbled nonsense? I don't think Ms. Peeler was even convinced of the logic she was trying to set up.
While Tempest Reborn was better than the WTF fest that was Tempest Fury and I'm beyond thrilled that Dr. Peeler was true to her word and fixed the frak out of the mess she made, I still wasn't completely satisfied with the finale to the Jane True series. That being said, I did really like it. I just wanted less alchemy and Red/White weirdness and more Jane snarkiness.
The series is finally over. It ends pretty much exactly as you imagine it will, a bunch of deus ex machinas and happily ever afters, difficult and interesting choices magicked away, and no real consequences for what should have been really momentous stuff. And a lot of fairly dull sex, including some in dream sequences. Whatever.
Jane has followed other people's ways to fight the Red and prevent the White from becoming... and it didn't work. Now it's her turn to do what she thinks should be done.
Jane has come a looooooong way in this series. She's grown and learned so much. She's become a stronger person for all she's witnessed and lived through. All her life experiences will surface and help drive her along in this book. She's learned to stand up and be the leader she's been told she is. She will be that leader now.
This book kept me reading and wanting to see what happens with the White. My heart was going out to Jane with this one. And then what she had to do based on the information they found. Oh Jane. This girl has to do some awful things to hopefully get to a life she can live. She makes some tough choices. It is partly perspective and I love how Jane sees things.
I really enjoyed her crew that's with her. Her friends return and help her in their way, whether human or magical. They are the best to be with her and support her in this time.
The ending of the book... It's totally worth it.
I don't want to give anything away as this is the last book in the series and you should experience all the amazing, sadness, and glory without spoilers. :)
I've enjoyed this series, and I'm enjoying that it's ending. Sometimes you want more of the story and the characters and the author doesn't want to stop either and it ends up dragging out for too long and being not so good (yes, Sookie, I'm looking at you). I appreciate that this story is nicely wrapped up, even if there might be a couple of loose ends So overall a nice balance of plot, likeable characters, supernatural stuff, sexy stuff. Only disappointment is that the kickass halflings from the Borderland didn't join in on the big end of the world fight. I kept expecting them to show up, but they didn't.
Tempest Reborn starts exactly where Tempest's Fury ended (and yes I'm still not pleased with that cliffhanger ending). Jane is reeling because her lover Anyan has been turned into the White and has flown away with the Red. Together with her friends, Jane is determined to find a way to get Anyan back. To succeed, Jane must fully embrace the fact that she is the champion and be prepared to make sacrifices that she never dreamed possible. If that were not enough, because the entire world is under threat, the government has taken notice of Jane and is determined to make her into their own super special weapon.
Alright, fair warning, this review is going to be full of some fanpoodling because not only do I love this series, I love Peeler's writing. I must admit that I went into Tempest Reborn with a touch of sadness because it is the last in the Jane True series. To be honest, I could have kept on reading this series but I am glad that Peeler decided to end it on a high note, rather than just continuing the series for the sake of continuing the series, until it became unrecognizable to its fans.
After finishing Tempest Reborn, I must admit that it really feels like Jane has matured so much from the weak and afraid young woman that she started out as in Tempest Rising. With Anyan gone and Blondie dead, Jane has no choice but to rise to the occasion and become the champion she was always destined to be. Now, everyone looks to her for answers and direction. One of the things I really liked about Jane, is though she had access to so much power, rather than letting it corrupt her, she really saw the killing of the Red and the White as a team effort. She knew that without her band of merry scoobies that she would not be able to accomplish the task in front of her, even though she had the creature to help and occasionally pull her out of tight spots. Jane is strong without actually being a weapon and has moments of weakness and despair, which work to reveal her vulnerability in the face of so much destruction.
When Jane's relationship began with Anyan it was so very unbalanced because of course the Barghest being a supernatural creature for all of his long life, was well aware of how the world really worked. Now that Jane has come to accept her role in the battle to save the world from the Red and the White, their relationship is on far more of an even keel. Anyan still wants to save and protect her but Jane is adamant that there are some decisions she has to make on her own and some missions she must complete without him. Anyan does not like it but he backs off when he realises that Jane is right.
There were parts of this story that were esoteric. Much of fighting the Red and the White comes down to the process of alchemy. At times, it felt a little forced and repetitious but it did work as an excellent vehicle to dispatch the Red and the White. Jane also had a meeting with the Dali Lama and his fighting monks. This scene did reeked of appropriation but I did find myself absolutely enthralled by it all. The universe even popped in to explain to Jane about the importance of balance.
From start to finish the Jane True series had very few POC and very few GLBT characters. At best, they were peripheral characters and most certainly not a part of Jane's most intimate fighting circle at the very end. It is however worth noting that relationship between Grizzie and Tracy was loving and real but the fact that they were human -- meant that Jane's supernatural life was a mystery for them for most of the novels and even when they did find out -- their humanity kept them from being in her fighting circle. At times they almost felt like a tokens.