Bea Reviews Kitty Saves the World by Carrie Vaughn

Publisher: Tor Books
Series: Kitty Norville #14
Source: my local library
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Challenges: Finishing the Series | What An Animal
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit* |  | iTunes | Barnes & Noble
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Blurb from goodreads:

The final novel in the New York Times bestselling series

It’s all come down to this, following the discoveries made by Cormac in Low Midnight, Kitty and her allies are ready to strike. But, when their assassination attempt on the evil vampire Dux Bellorum fails, Kitty finds herself running out of time. The elusive vampire lord has begun his apocalyptic end game, and Kitty still doesn’t know where he will strike.

Meanwhile, pressure mounts in Denver as Kitty and her pack begin to experience the true reach of Dux Bellorum’s cult. Outnumbered and outgunned at every turn, the stakes have never been higher for Kitty. She will have to call on allies both old and new in order to save not just her family and friends, but the rest of the world as well.

Bea's Thoughts:

I hesitated to read this one because it's the last book in the series and I HATE reading final books in series. They make me sad because the story is over and I worry it won't live up to my expectations. "Kitty Saves the World" didn't blow me away but I liked it. The story did leave me with a desire to go back and re-read the first book. I didn't like it the first time I read it and gave away my copy. Then a friend gave me book two and I loved it. :D  That pretty much sums up the series for me, it's been up and down all the way but it's been a heck of a ride. I wonder though if my reactions to that first book would have changed over time. I'm sure my library has it so I'll find out at some point. :)

Vaughn brought back characters from earlier books but she didn't go crazy; they served a purpose in the story and at least one is a fan fave. Certainly, I was happy to see that person return. There was also a surprise new character. I say surprise, but when I thought about, it made sense. He was interesting and I kinda liked him and I kinda wanted to drop him on Ceti Alpha 5 without any food or supplies. There are some other players, rather mysterious, that I have mixed feelings about. Their presence was logical given the introduction of the other new character but they felt too much of an easy out for some things. And there's a twist in Kitty and Ben's personal life that also left me with mixed feelings. I think the book would have been stronger without the epilogue. 
 
The story brings the whole Long Game and Dux Bellorum story lines to a conclusion. It's not a rousing conclusion, it felt anti-climactic, but it did showcase Kitty's growth during the series: her strength, her ability to ask for and to accept help, her quick thinking, and her compassion. But story threads are tied up and there's even a happy ending. It was a little slow at times and there were a few too many convenient moments, but "Kitty Saves the World" was solid story telling with good character development and Kitty's trademark snark and wit.

I do hope Cormac and Amelia will get their own series, and not just because then we get to see more of Kitty, Ben, and the gang. I disliked the whole idea of Amelia when she was introduced but I've grown to like her and her and Cormac together. Cormac, of course, is just cool. :)

Go; grab "Kitty Saves the World". It may not blow your socks off but it's a good ending to the series.