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Daybreaker
In the epic conclusion to the Undertow series, 18-year-old Eila Walker is no longer the last surviving Lunaterra, and her Trial, Rillin, finally has the young woman he lost so long ago, back in his arms: Elizabeth.
But Elizabeth, despite being a brilliant fighter, is not exactly a thrill-a-minute. Her abrasive personality often rubs everyone the wrong way. But despite their mutual loathing, Eila must find common ground with Elizabeth, for Elizabeth is the only one who knows how to kill Therophel once and for all.
But the task of murdering the fallen angel won’t be easy – he’s overthrown the Wrecker empire of Mayhem and taken it for himself. Now fortified within the towering tree walls, and protected by hundreds of Linked Mortis, Therophel clearly has the upper hand.
But the fallen angel, while powerful, may’ve underestimated the resolve of a crew of supernatural teenagers from Cape Cod . . .
But Elizabeth, despite being a brilliant fighter, is not exactly a thrill-a-minute. Her abrasive personality often rubs everyone the wrong way. But despite their mutual loathing, Eila must find common ground with Elizabeth, for Elizabeth is the only one who knows how to kill Therophel once and for all.
But the task of murdering the fallen angel won’t be easy – he’s overthrown the Wrecker empire of Mayhem and taken it for himself. Now fortified within the towering tree walls, and protected by hundreds of Linked Mortis, Therophel clearly has the upper hand.
But the fallen angel, while powerful, may’ve underestimated the resolve of a crew of supernatural teenagers from Cape Cod . . .
Paperback
Published March 10, 2018
About the author
K.R. Conway
7 books343 followersK.R. Conway is a sarcastic bugger who likes to torment Cape Cod’s summertime tourists, taunting them about sneaky sharks and traffic-free backroads. She's been a professional journalist since 1999 when several newspaper editors lost their minds and hired her as a feature writer. She is best known, however, for her Urban Fantasy series, Undertow, which reads like a mash-up of Jaws and The Goonies.
Awards, nominations, and features include Barnes and Noble’s Seven Terrifying Summer Reads for Teens (2015), Teen Ink Magazine’s Best Picks, Girl’s Life Magazine Cool Winter Reads, newspapers, magazines, and radio. Nominations include Indie Recon Live (Best New YA, Best Opening Line, Best Book Boyfriend), YALSA, Cybil, Goodreads, IRDA, and others.
The series has spawned fan fiction, fan art, jewelry, clothing, and even tattoos. Conway, who is a member of SCBWI, teaches fiction craft at writer conferences, high schools, and libraries. She lives on Cape Cod with her equally weird family and a strange assortment of critters.
Her current manuscript in progress is a twisted retelling of D-Day as from the POV of a young Detroit mission survivor and a talented female French sniper.
Awards, nominations, and features include Barnes and Noble’s Seven Terrifying Summer Reads for Teens (2015), Teen Ink Magazine’s Best Picks, Girl’s Life Magazine Cool Winter Reads, newspapers, magazines, and radio. Nominations include Indie Recon Live (Best New YA, Best Opening Line, Best Book Boyfriend), YALSA, Cybil, Goodreads, IRDA, and others.
The series has spawned fan fiction, fan art, jewelry, clothing, and even tattoos. Conway, who is a member of SCBWI, teaches fiction craft at writer conferences, high schools, and libraries. She lives on Cape Cod with her equally weird family and a strange assortment of critters.
Her current manuscript in progress is a twisted retelling of D-Day as from the POV of a young Detroit mission survivor and a talented female French sniper.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 25, 2018
When the characters in a series are so engaging that you wish they were real, you know you've found something special. Such is the case with the Undertow series by K.R. Conway, which culminates with Daybreaker. Throughout the previous books we've tagged along on the incredible adventures of Eila Walker and crew, each piece of the tale taking us to all that unfolds in Daybreaker. Without spoiling any of the excitement, I can tell you that Conway's finale is masterful. Not only are we reunited with our favorite characters (don't ask me to choose!), but we're also drawn into a most thrilling, and fitting conclusion that, while it might make readers sad the saga is done, will also leave them satisfied.
Conway's writing style is hip enough to appeal to the targeted YA audience, but also offer older readers a can't-put-down experience. I especially appreciate the chance to hear from multiple narrators, each offering a unique perspective on difficult situations.
Though definitely entertaining, there are some important messages woven within Conway's story, which makes this book (and the others in her series) a solid choice for book groups, where they'll likely spark some lively discussion.
Conway demonstrates through her skilled storytelling that she's definitely an author on the rise.
Conway's writing style is hip enough to appeal to the targeted YA audience, but also offer older readers a can't-put-down experience. I especially appreciate the chance to hear from multiple narrators, each offering a unique perspective on difficult situations.
Though definitely entertaining, there are some important messages woven within Conway's story, which makes this book (and the others in her series) a solid choice for book groups, where they'll likely spark some lively discussion.
Conway demonstrates through her skilled storytelling that she's definitely an author on the rise.
April 5, 2018
One word: Amazeballs
This ended with a bang. A glorious wonderful adventurous bang filled with danger, intrigue, romance, happy endings, surprises and love.
We see old enemies come together to work together to fight evil and come out as friends. We see Mortis be saved and find a way to happiness. We see evil get their just desserts.
All our favorite characters shine in this book. From MJ to Raef to even Nikki. She does alot more than I expected in here and I was happy to see her and MJ come together. The wreckers were just too cute those little kids. They are crafty and wise as well. Raef words cannot describe him. He is awesome. And what he does at the gate just wow. His love for Eila knows no bounds and those two are perfect together. They go through so much in this series you can’t help but hope they have a happy ending. Elizabeth, at first irritated me but she was adjusting to the new way of life, she grew on me with time. Her sacrifices from long ago helped with the fight of today against Therophel. And so happy for her in the end.
the story was well written and really engaging. You cannot put this down because each page brings you more danger, intrigue and romance. We see different POV’s and I think my favorite is MJ. I love how it’s raw and honest. Raef is next because he just gives a calm presence but also really gives us a complete picture of what is happening. The story is filled with action, compromise, danger, friendship and love. We see how friendship helps those fighting to trust one another and work together. How working together and not separately helps to destroy evil and bring about peace between enemies as well. The story is creative and fun at times but just amazing and there is great building of characters and situations. You feel like you are a part of the book and what is going down.
I hope though that every once in a while we get a story on how everyone is doing because you fall in love with the characters and their story to finding love and friendships and just want to continue reading about them.
A wonderful book from beginning to end.
This ended with a bang. A glorious wonderful adventurous bang filled with danger, intrigue, romance, happy endings, surprises and love.
We see old enemies come together to work together to fight evil and come out as friends. We see Mortis be saved and find a way to happiness. We see evil get their just desserts.
All our favorite characters shine in this book. From MJ to Raef to even Nikki. She does alot more than I expected in here and I was happy to see her and MJ come together. The wreckers were just too cute those little kids. They are crafty and wise as well. Raef words cannot describe him. He is awesome. And what he does at the gate just wow. His love for Eila knows no bounds and those two are perfect together. They go through so much in this series you can’t help but hope they have a happy ending. Elizabeth, at first irritated me but she was adjusting to the new way of life, she grew on me with time. Her sacrifices from long ago helped with the fight of today against Therophel. And so happy for her in the end.
the story was well written and really engaging. You cannot put this down because each page brings you more danger, intrigue and romance. We see different POV’s and I think my favorite is MJ. I love how it’s raw and honest. Raef is next because he just gives a calm presence but also really gives us a complete picture of what is happening. The story is filled with action, compromise, danger, friendship and love. We see how friendship helps those fighting to trust one another and work together. How working together and not separately helps to destroy evil and bring about peace between enemies as well. The story is creative and fun at times but just amazing and there is great building of characters and situations. You feel like you are a part of the book and what is going down.
I hope though that every once in a while we get a story on how everyone is doing because you fall in love with the characters and their story to finding love and friendships and just want to continue reading about them.
A wonderful book from beginning to end.
February 25, 2018
Conway is the bomb!!! This entire series has been amazing, but Daybreaker has to be the best. The fight between good and evil, light and dark, and faith in one's fellow 'man' is always present, but so is the power of love. These teens are hit from every side with a new danger and they fight through and come out stronger. Eila, who Raef would give up everything for, Ana, the love of Kian's life, Elizabeth, who Rillin has loved for a hundred years, and MJ, who brought out Nikki's soft side. This small group, along with new friends and family will fight to the bitter end. After all they have been through, the fight is finally over, but not everyone will escape unscathed. Join them on the last leg of their journey and to the surprising end. Amazing, terrifying, and tear-jerking, Daybreaker is not a book you want to miss, so order yours now, while you can. Five stars for Daybreaker.
February 24, 2018
Fantastic ending to a wonderful series! Almost non-stop action, loads of humor, drama, suspense, and plenty of romance. All in Conway’s brilliant writing style and unique voice. I couldn’t have asked for a better finale to the series!
June 12, 2018
I enjoyed the entire series. Coming from Massachusetts and having a book set there was very nostalgic. The characters are very well rounded and the story line was good.
April 7, 2018
Great ending to a great series! I will miss these characters.
September 22, 2018
“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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2018
This was the perfect ending to a great series. I don't want to say too much and give away anything, but this book reads fast, has plenty of action and romance, and is just plain fun. The addition of Jared, Sprout, and the Wreckers made the story richer, and really, who wouldn't like mermaids whose tails, when out of water, form delightful little shadowy creatures called umbraetals? Everything was wrapped up at the end, with no lost hanging threads to wonder about. Great story - excellent series.
Can't wait to see what K. R. Conway writes next!
Can't wait to see what K. R. Conway writes next!
August 19, 2020
Full disclosure: I'm the author. This last book of Undertow was tough to write and was originally part of Last Light, but it made for a massive book, so it was split. Writing it was both like finally breathing after a marathon swim, yet not quite willing to come ashore. To leave behind characters that defined my hand as a writer was not easy, but in them I did see possible futures, potential new paths, and so I wove in little threads of possibilities into this final, wild ride.
September 29, 2019
K.R. Conway has done it again in her conclusion of the Undertow series.
The author deftly spins a sci-fi story that has numerous subplots and does so by keeping the reader continually engaged. There a are no slow spots or “fillers” here. Everything is needed.
There is no advance hint of the conclusion. This series finale does not disappoint. Another “home run”!!!
The author deftly spins a sci-fi story that has numerous subplots and does so by keeping the reader continually engaged. There a are no slow spots or “fillers” here. Everything is needed.
There is no advance hint of the conclusion. This series finale does not disappoint. Another “home run”!!!
January 11, 2021
This book was capturing and forced me to turn every page until I found out the answers popping in and out of my head. The ending for Eila and her crew was unexpected but very well deserved. Much love to Miss Conway.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews