I was surprised to see that Apocalypse Array was out with a different cover. I didn't recognize it at first, and I'm a little disappointed that my set does not match for this series. I thought that perhaps it was a different publisher, and there is no news on Lyda Morehouse's website regarding this change. So if you have been waiting expectantly for the next book in this combination futuristic telling of end times it is OUT!
(...) I love when authors use the web to show more of their world.
This book is a stunning end to the series. It begins with the wedding of Satan and Anti-Christ, and ends with the Apocalypse. Bringing back all of the familiar characters, angels and humans alike without straying too far from the plot into any individual person's special abilities or purposes. There were quite a few moments when I could not put the book down because of the events unraveling.
I really enjoy Lyda's style of writing characters and their interactions. We jump from scene to scene seeing different pieces of the entire picture from different points of view. Each character definitely has a different voice, and isn't overpowered by an all knowing narrator's voice. We also see the depth of characterization in the character's interactions with each other. I definitely found the Mouse-Deidre-Michael plot very life like. Each character has layers, and depth. For example, Deidre acts as the mother, protector, cop/detective, and girl looking for a relationship all at one point. In every character I see the shades of color that make up any individual's choices.
Lyda does a great job of blending technology with everyday life. I see reflections of the real world in her universe. People retreating from the link, or wanting to meet up and see what is beyond the avatar sounds very much like the eb and flow of popularity with internet connections.
I also like the way she blends in news stories that give us a different perspective again on the events occuring.
For new comers to this series, you could pick up this book without having read any of the others and follow along. It would probably be better to start from the beginning to get all the details, hidden agendas, and built up suspense.
I don't want to spoil anything, as it was a really enjoyable read so I won't summarize the plot. There are definite surprises, and an ending that just finishes this series off well. I couldn't imagine a sequence that would work for this series, but Lyda has done a magnificent job.
Like any of the really good books, I closed the cover wanting to know what happens next, while also wishing that somehow that part of that world was here.