This post contains affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a small commission should you purchase using those links. All opinions expressed are my own. I receive no compensation for reviews.

Review: Iniquity (#5, Premonition) by Amy A. Bartol

My Thoughts

Epic, explosive and exciting.
A worthy finale to a sweeping, one-of-a-kind series.

Related Posts: Amy A. Bartol reading orders | 2015 Favorites | Epic Paranormals
Iniquity: Amazon Kindle | Amazon Paperback | iBooks

Synopsis

Dec-08 I gasp as my body curls toward Brennus like a flower to the sun, for the pleasure of it. He holds me close to him. His nose grazes the length of my neck. He breathes me in. I feel the roar and rush of my heartbeat. I’m his toy; his energy streams into me. He winds the invisible key in my back and the euphoria ratchets and coils inside of me: tick…tick…tick…
Another wicked surge of energy flows from him into me. Pain. Pleasure. Bliss. My jaw unclenches as my lips part. I make a small, breathy sound as we dance. Brennus responds with something close to a growl. “Ye’re killing me, mo chroí,” he murmurs. His hand moves down my back infusing me with a golden glow of power. My wings punch violently from me, tearing a hole in my day dress. They spread wide, like a red stain beyond my pale skin. I’m dancing now for the thrill of it. I follow his lead.

As the song comes to an end, Brennus kisses my throat. He whispers in my ear, “When ye get back, come find me, mo chroí. I’ve healed ye…now wake up and banjax whoever banished ye here…”

My Review

How do you read the end of a series you’ve loved so much? So many expectations. So many feels. So many hopes and fears for the characters that have become perhaps, embarrassingly real? Starting Iniquity, the final book in the Premonition series, was as thrilling as it was bittersweet. I wasn’t ready to let go, but at the same time, I was ready to see it all come to what I knew would be an epic climax. I’m sure the question on everyone’s mind is this: Does the book deliver?

Yes, it does. In spades.

There is so much action, so many unforeseen twists, so many emotions that surged to the surface as Evie experiences more hardships, more losses and more heartache. Amy Bartol is able to capture that larger-than-life feeling she bottled beautifully in the other novels, but with an intensified urgency as the story naturally culminates in a bloody battle between Sheol and Heaven, between Evie and an enemy who is chillingly ruthless. Past and present collide, choice and fate duel, as Evie must make difficult choices that will affect her, and others, for the whole of eternity.

Much is explained, including Xavier’s, Reed’s and Brennus’ affinity with Evie. We better understand that invisible thread that has bound Reed and Evie in this lifetime, connected them when situations have been dire, given them strength when hope waned.

“Hold onto the string, love. Until the current shifts and we can be together again.”

The above quote is one of my favorite in the series, and we really understand the depth and the reason for that tether between them. Throughout the series, Evie and Reed have been separated time and again, but despite what happened, and despite the feelings Evie felt for anyone else, it’s this unique connection, this love, that has given them both hope for happiness.

“I’m clutching the invisible thread that binds me to her. I won’t let go, not for anything in this world.”

Brennus is also back in all his charming, arrogant glory, trying to banjax Evie’s future with Reed. His devotion to her is boundless and eternal, and he certainly proves that to Evie, and even to her friends. We also see just how much Evie has managed to humanize Brennus, softening his heart despite him remaining unyielding and fierce towards any adversary. And her heart, no doubt, also recognizes Brennus in a way that is singular and very much real.

“I’m the light to his darkness. There’s no escape; he’s a part of me.”

I don’t want to divulge even the highest level of the plot line, but clearly we will learn some truths that shed light about everything that happens—past, present and future. Is there a happily ever after? Yes. The very end opens some interesting, unexpected possibilities worthy of discussion, but despite that, the novel delivers in every way that counts, with moments of passion and love, action and surprise, and of course, unbreakable friendships. The story moved me to tears more than once, and revel in believing that eternity is lived out in wild, unrestrained happiness between characters that will forever remain marked on my heart.