The Thirteenth

The best defense is a great offense... Wait a minute. Armageddon has begun, Level Seven has come "topside," toppled the Washington Monument, knocked on the front door of the White House with it, released the pale horse of the Apocalypse, and has the Neteru team labeled as the world's most wanted bio-terrorists. Pestilence, death, destruction, mayhem rule the day and night. The safest thing to do is stay under the radar. Right? Wrong. This is the Neteru team. Offense? Out of funds and on the run with babies on the way, our guardians take the battle to the darkside despite their losses, reunite with members, and make new friends to challenge the Unnamed One's greatest demon. The Thirteenth is the twelfth and final story in L. A. Banks' Vampire Huntress Legends series. I know it's fiction (and I must admit that I was hooked from the moment I saw the Sankofa tattooed at the base of Damali's spine on the cover of Minion), but one look at CNN or FOX might cause you to question whether L. A. knows something most world leaders do not. This series has been an artful weaving of current events, world mythology, and impeccable research. The diversity, a thing to be celebrated and cherished. Let's be clear. My triskaidekaphobia was because the series was ending, not the emotional rollercoaster Banks delivered as the team took it to the streets in Jerusalem, dodging daywalkers and zombies. Having become personally attached to every member of the team, I tried unsuccessfully to read slowly, but the fast-paced action was right out of a Roland Emmerich or Jerry Bruckheimer film. Fallon Nuit, Sebastian, Lilith, and Vlad Dracula turn up the heat on the team once they realize Damali is pregnant. Seeking to exploit this perceived weakness, the One Who Shall Remain Nameless, breaks the sixth seal. Ride or die, the Neteru team, tried by the fire, comes out pure gold with the help from the council of Neteru Kings and Queens and Warrior angels. When the dust clears, Banks leaves it to Yaya to bring peace to the steadfast, but mystified adults (and I was one of them), making the words of Isaiah 11:6 ring clear: "and a little child shall lead them."

What a spectacular ending to a wonderful series! However, I feel much like I did when I read the last Harry Potter book, that I was saying goodbye to some very beloved, old friends. I know I can always read the series again, but part of the joy was seeing what they were going to get into and out of, next. I don't want to say too much about some of the things in the book because unlike some other reviews, I do not want to spoil anything for anyone. Especially since this is the last book. Like a very good Merlot, it should be savored. However, once you start reading, you can't help but to gulp it down. And reach for some more. Once again, Ms. Banks has shown that she is at the top of her game and is an excellent storyteller. She is also one hell of a researcher. I tip my hat in awe and much respect to her for her wonderful gifts that she has so generously shared with her readers. This book reads like the movie it should be. I could see everything in my mind and at times had to put the book down to catch my breath. Things happen to some of the characters that made tears come to my eyes and near the end of the book, I wanted to stand up and shout YESSSSSS! Like all of the books in the series, there are some very thought provoking things; things that lingered with me long after I read the last page. I am looking forward to Ms. Banks' young adult series that is supposed to be coming next. Maybe I can share them with my grandchildren. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

The ultimate showdown is at hand and there is no rest for the weary, especially for the chosen ones, Damali and Carlos. However, we all know that Evil won't rest or sleep. The Unnamed one is hastening the end of times, pulling out all the stops to be victorious over the "light".. Lilith (who is the consort of the Unnamed One) is trying to insure her husband heir's survival (the anti-christ) while trying to control the Vampire Council. Recently elevated, Fallon Nuit has the ear of the Unnamed one, and will stop at nothing to please him. Vlad, the Impaler makes a repeat appearance with his wife all too willing to do anything to gain back the wicked couple's favor. And Sebastian is still reanimating and raising the dead. In other words, the evil doers are trying to do everything possible to bring about the final days...plaques, poisons, chaos....literally unleasing the bowels of hell (the Pale Horse), to crush good, and hasten the end of times. Meanwhile, those in the light (the guardians) are dealing with their own issues, most are pregnant, some dealing with some of the most devastating casualties to date (the deaths of several key members in the group) and realize that if they give up, there would be nothing to stand between mankind and the end of the world as we know it. Those who love the series will enjoy the "LA Banks" roller coaster ride as the forces of good and evil collide in a book that could only be called "The Thirteenth" (her 13th and final book in the series), and hopefully, seeing potential storylines and spin-offs will appease those fans disappointed by the ending of their much loved series. LA Banks has given us one of the greatest vampire series of all times, tries to resolve all issues and create hope for the future. And although the VHLS will be missed, we know and look forward to future Banks' works.

I was sad to see the series come to an end but I was not disappointed with this last book which eventually paves the way for the future of the Warriors of Light children. Ayana will be wonderful as the future mother seer and I can't wait to see what Carlos and Damali's babies will be like and the roles the children of the other Guardians will play. La Banks is so good at mixing Biblical theology, Greek mythology and vast numbers of religions and philosphies to weave her story of the end of days. Some people I was very sad to see go but they are on the side of the Light and I'm sure we'll see them again. Carlos and Damali's love for one another is intense, fiercely passionate and all-consuming. Pearl adds a nice touch of innocence, youthful exuberance and drama in her interactions with Carlos and Damali and I was soooo excited Father Patrick made an appearance. All in all this last book was pure genius, I could go on and on DO Not hesitate to buy this book you will be in awe of the gift of LA BANKS.

The final book in her 12 book series, the Vampire Huntress Legends, L.A. Banks concludes her vision with an "end of days" spectacular. I've read all twelve books. They are the best vampire books I've ever read. Banks' wrting is so tight it squeaks. Not a sentence is wasted and the action just keeps coming until you're breathless. Her ability to weave world mythology, legends, religions and even symbols into a cloth that wraps you up is remarkable. Read any one of her books and you too will say "wow." The story pulls many loose threads together finally and we witness the defeat of nearly the entire Vampire Council. Of course, Fallon Nuit survives. Evil may rear it's ugly head again. But hope is in the next generation of Neteru Guardians birthed by the team's women. Another series? We can only hope.