Daybreaker

Thrilling conclusion to the Undertow series

“There were warriors, and then there was Elizabeth Lisle Walker. Killer. Wraith. Furious assassin.” - Eila.

Last Light saw the collapse of Faust, following Therophel’s brutal assault. Separated from the rest of the group in the chaos, Eila, MJ and Nikki were kidnapped by Jared Marlowe, who wanted to trade Eila to Lawson Waite in exchange for his people. Luckily the trio were able to convince him to team up with them in order to rescue those being held hostage and destroy Therophel once and for all.

Daybreaker sees Therophel surrounded with hundreds of Mortis who are being controlled by their Limiting Links. Having overthrown the Wrecker Empire of Mayhem and taken the Soul Gear for himself, Therophel needs only Eila’s power to activate Gabriel’s Gate and finally put his diabolical plans into action.

As a smug Therophel plays a waiting game, Eila and her friends, along with the newly resurrected Elizabeth and their Wrecker allies, try to come up with a strategy that will not only rid the world of Therophel’s threat, but cure the Light Death that is slowly killing her. Will they succeed and at what cost?

It was with a mixture of sadness and anticipation that I read Daybreaker. Sadness that this was the last installment and anticipation, that our favourite characters would prevail against all odds, in spite of their individual soul searching journeys. The author, as always, did not disappoint her loyal fans. Daybreaker was an exciting, fast paced unputdownable read with a spectacular climax that will leave readers satisfied with its conclusion.

Eila’s complex relationship with Elizabeth was interesting to read. Often antagonistic and other times hilarious, the two nevertheless shared an underlying respect for their individuality that set them apart from their Lunaterra heritage.

“We are guardians to those we love - to those who can’t protect themselves. To waste away in Light Death is just that - a waste. I was never afraid to die, but I was terrified of not using my last breath in defence of the ones I loved. That’s what you and I are, Eila. That’s why we are different from other Lunaterra. They were weapons, thrown against the enemy for the purpose of killing, never defending. But you and I? We are shields. We do not bow down to pain or fear. We hold until we are shattered completely and we only yield to death in the name of others. To not talk about the Light Death now stirring in your body, is to crumble to fear. You are a warrior and a warrior bows to no one, not even the threat of their own distinction.” - Elizabeth

The Wreckers and their Umbrataels were a welcome addition to the series despite their late entry into game. I feel there is so much potential for these characters yet to be explored, their background and how they will go on to rebuild their home. Possibly the odd cameos from our favourite characters to boot. Hint hint Kate Conway 😉

The Undertow series has been a thrilling and delightful journey with memorable characters that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned. I for one am going to miss them terribly.