Charlaine Harris delivers what might be my most disorienting reading experience in "The Wizard's Last Ball," as I foolishly jumped into this series at what appears to be its conclusion. Walking into this established world felt like arriving late to a party where inside jokes and shared histories swirl around you—intriguing but occasionally frustrating.

I grabbed this book primarily for the promise of magical action scenes, particularly those featuring Lizbeth as a gunslinger. Her character carries an impressive weight, but I have to admit, I got only one confrontation and that left me disappointed.

What makes this urban fantasy stand out is how Harris reimagines the approach of WWII through an alternative historical lens. The brewing global conflict isn't just backdrop—it's the crucible that forces characters to make defining choices. The historical pressure mounts as secret ruses and questionable alliances add layers of complexity to what might otherwise be a straightforward magical adventure.

The characters evolve against this looming darkness in ways that suggest rich backstories I've missed by starting here. Their relationships carry emotional resonances that clearly echo from earlier books, making me curious about the foundations I haven't witnessed.

The ending struck dual chords—both melancholy and hopeful—that resonated even without the full context of previous books. While I found genuine entertainment in this volume, my recommendation is clear: don't follow my path. Start from the beginning. This book offers substantive standalone adventure, but I suspect the emotional impact and character nuances would be significantly more powerful with the full series as foundation.

Massive thanks to Saga Press at Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for my advance review copies. All my thoughts are my own.

There are certain things you can generally count on in a Charlaine Harris book. You can count on excellent writing, superb characterization and the absolute best world building in the business. This book had all of that, plus plenty of action and excitement. But, usually, when Harris ends a series - and this book is supposed to be the final book in the Gunnie Rose series - you can expect a feeling of completion, a feeling that the story has ended in a way that makes sense. I ended this book feeling there was a lot I still needed to know. I’m hoping that Harris will return to this world and give us the rest of the story.

Most people probably know Charlaine Harris as the True Blood author. I first read her years ago when I came across the Lily Bard/Shakespeare series, a mystery. Mysteries are my favorite, but I liked Harris's writing so much that I read everything I could find by her. The Gunnie Rose series, a dystopian alternate history of the United States, is a great story about magic, and family, and identity, and survival. What we know as the United States is six different territories, who are very different and who do not necessarily like each other, and who have very different views of those who use magic. Lizbeth is a "Gunnie," an excellent shot who makes her living as a hired gun to protect others.

The Last Wizard's Ball has been announced as the last in the series. While I would definitely read another book if one magically appeared, I have to say I like the way Harris ended things here. I don't want to give away the ending, but it is both surprising and appropriate, both bitter and sweet.

In this final book, Lizbeth Rose has left her home in Texoma (what would be Texas, Oklahoma and surrounding areas) and is in the Holy Russian Empire (the far west--think California and the Pacific Northwest) with her magical husband. The two of them are protecting Lizbeth's sister Felicia, who is making her appearance in the debutante season in which those with magical powers look to pair off in relationships built on love and/or power. Felicia, a powerful death magic practitioner, is being hunted by persons unknown, but who seemed determined to kill her, and don't seem to care how many others die in the process. Lizbeth and her husband Eli must keep Felicia safe and also figure out who is behind this. But the two of them don't always agree on how best to do this.

Other mysteries and secrets abound in the story. Are all of those here for magical pairings who they seem to be? Why does Felicia act strangely when certain people are nearby? Why is Eli attending secret meetings? Why are Felicia and Eli both keeping Lizbeth in the dark--what are they hiding?
And in the background of this intrigue and danger lies the growing menace in Europe as a man named Hitler is looking to recruit those with magic to help with his plans to murder all of the Jews and take over Europe. Will Felicia and Eli be recruited to fight? Do the German and Japanese contingents at the endless parties have ulterior motives for being there? What is Lizbeth's role in all of this?

Harris does an excellent job of pulling all of these different strands together as the book and the series draw to a close. This isn't really the type of series where you expect everyone to live happily ever after--there's too much death, too much killing, too much pain. But each character gets an ending that makes sense for them, and we are left with the possibility of happiness.

While there is death and killing and hard choices in this dystopian world, Harris writes with a light touch, showing us the humor and beauty and love that exists even in a world as hard as this alternate America. That's a ray of hope we can all use.

The final book in the Gunnie Rose series has Lizbeth in San Diego with her husband and sister so that her sister Felicia can attend the Wizard's Ball. Held every three years, the ball gives magic users a change to get to know one another and make marriage alliances.

Lizbeth is not enjoying herself. She doesn't like San Diego or dressing up or attending social events. She is there out of a sense of duty to her sister and to keep her sister alive. As one of the most desired attendees, Felicia is a lovely death wizard with a great amount of power. She's also carrying a reputation since it is well known that she murdered her family. Nonetheless, Felicia is being courted by wizards from all over the world.

Tensions are high at the gathering since Hitler is making plans for Germany which include killing all the Jews and invading everywhere. The German wizards and the Japanese who are allied with Germany are there in force trying to recruit Felecia to their cause. And if she can't be recruited, her death would work as well.

The story is filled with attempted murders from arrows shot at a tea garden, to a bomb under a table at a tearoom, to an assassin trying to get to Felecia during a welcoming party. Besides the stress of keeping Felecia alive, Lizbeth and her husband Eli are facing stresses in their marriage. He's keeping secrets that could impact their future.

With everyone choosing sides in the upcoming war, Lizbeth and Eli find themselves at odds with each other. Despite their love for each other, their futures look to be taking different paths. And Felecia has chosen her own difficult path for her future.

Although I'm told that this is the final book in the series, there are definitely a number of loose hanging threads in the story. I enjoyed it for its worldbuilding and its characters.

I wanted to love the final book in the Gunnie Rose series. I really did… I just don’t. While the series centered around Lizbeth, she felt like a side character this book. The matchmaking for her half-sister Felicia took up the majority of the storyline which set up lots of tie ins with the World War/historical aspects. The closure for Lizbeth at the end of the book felt rushed and anti-climactic.

I am still glad I read the series and will just have to imagine an alternate ending for Lizbeth.

Thank you Charlaine Harris and Saga Press for providing this ARC via NetGalley. Comments and opinions above are my own.

#lastwizardsball #NetGalley

~3.5 stars~

Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for the free review copy of this book! All opinions in my review are completely my own.

The Last Wizards’ Ball is the 6th (and I believe final) book in the Gunnie Rose series, so you’ll want to be sure to read the previous books before this one. I’ve generally loved this series, though the last two books seem to be my least favorite.

This book kept my interest well enough. Like the other books in the series, there’s plenty of drama and mystery, though it felt less adventurous than some of the other books. Since the story centers around the Wizards’ Ball, a lot of new characters from around the world are introduced, and sometimes I had a little trouble keeping track of who was who. We get to see many returning characters as well, though I felt much less of a connection to Felicia than I had before. A major plot-point of this story was the lead-up to World War II. In some ways it was interesting to see how those events might play out in this alternate history, but sometimes it also felt a bit forced. Honestly I wasn’t thrilled with how things ended after the long journey with these characters, but I also wasn’t completely surprised. All in all I’m glad to have followed this series all the way through.

This is the 6th and final book in the Gunnie Rose series. I am so sad there will not be a 7. Eli and Lizbeth are going with Felicia to San Francisco and the Wizard's Ball. Wizards from around the world attend to look for spouses . Some are there to kill their rivals. Felicia is a major target because of her power. I was a little disappointed in the ending, especially since there is not another book.

I loved some parts of this book and hated other parts. It wasn't what I was expecting, and not in a good way. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

4.5 out of 5.

Gunnie Rose 6

Lizbeth Rose's half-sister Felicia has been invited to the Grand Wizards' Ball, a way for magic users from all over the world in search of mates to connect. Felicia is essentially the belle of the Ball considering her power, her specialty, and her beauty. But with war pending in Asia and Europe, she's also someone wanted by Germany and Japan to add to their war efforts.

Lizbeth is escorting Felicia to the various get-togethers, increasingly aware of the dangers surrounding them. Add Eli's secrecy and longing to return to the Tsar's court and Lizbeth is feeling truly out of her comfort zone. But she's determined to do whatever she must to protect her family.

I wish to thank Saga Press, Simon & Schuster Publishing, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this, the last planned installment of the Gunnie Rose series. This has become one of my favorite series over the years. I'm truly sad to hear that this is the last entry. Anticipated publication date is July 22, 2005. Seriously, pre-order NOW!

As usual, the action was well done, even if more up close and personal this time. The cracks in Lizbeth and Eli's marriage are spreading despite their love. Lizbeth despises secrecy, especially when it surrounds something that involves her. Her uncomfortableness with the society rules she must abide by while escorting Felicia to the various events are acknowledged by those around her, but it is a life that Eli was raised in. As to Eli himself, he is torn between his potential return to his former life in the HRE and his love for his wife. If I could sum up my thoughts and reactions, it would probably be "sometimes love isn't enough". Or even, "opposites attracting doesn't always end in forever after."

I always suspected this would come, yet had hoped that they would find a middle ground that could make both of them happy. Sadly whatever happiness that Eli and Lizbeth find will not be together. There is a lot of scope for the future in the series despite it being announced as the sixth and final book. After all, New America has their greedy little eyes on Texoma. Perhaps, sometime down the line, there will be short stories or novellas, even if another novel will never arrive.

"#1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Charlaine Harris returns with the sixth and final installment in the critically acclaimed Gunnie Rose series as sisters Lizbeth Rose and Felicia must face their fates at the last Wizards' Ball.

Lizbeth Rose's sister Felicia attends the Grand Wizards' Ball, and as one of the most powerful - and beautiful - death wizards in a generation, she is highly sought after as one of the belles of the ball.

However, war and violence are on the rise in Europe as German and Japanese wizards are also courting Felicia…and some are refusing to take no for an answer.

As the façade of genteel wizard society turns deadly, Lizbeth must learn to not only protect her sister, but also navigate the arcane world that is pulling her sister and husband into a dangerous dance with death that could change the world as they know it.

#1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Charlaine Harris has crafted a murderous and magical family drama in this sixth and final installment to the beloved and bestselling Gunnie Rose series."

If you've been waiting to binge this series now's the time!

This was all around an amazing series. I loved the alternative world, the characters and the depth of these books. While the ending was a bit sad it was a great ending nonetheless. Hoping one day in the future this series will be continued. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Lizbeth just yet. Great job Mrs Harris!

I can't say I'm sad this series has come to an end. Not too fond of *how* it ended, but it is probably for the best that it is indeed done. I suspect the almost-two-years since book 5 doesn't help, but I just didn't really care much about anyone in the story or what was happening to them. However, there are plenty of other series I am reading (or have read) with pretty long gaps between releases, and I'm still excited to dive back into those worlds and characters' lives regardless of the lengthy breaks. But with this series, getting through this final book just felt like an obligation.

Wow, for the last book in this short series, I must say it raised more questions than it answered. You might even say that there is no way this series can be finished.

I found it very clever of Ms. Haris to base this series in the early to mid-19th century, more along the lines of the 1940's since in this novel, what appears to be WWII is starting, but with Wizards!

Trouble comes at Lizbeth and her sister Felicia from many different directions. There are issues with Lizbeth's marriage, death is courting Felicia, the Wizard Ball is a week of activities which are driving Lizbeth crazy, and believe it or not, Lizbeth may be being courted even though still married!

There were so many characters in this novel that I had a bit of trouble keeping them all straight. I suggest that you may want to re-read books 4 and 5 before reading this one, so you can refresh your memory on what has happened in the past. I wish I had, but that gives me a good excuse to re-read the series one after another!

This was a fast read - about 5 hours e-book, just perfect for when you want a little fantasy with a mystery thrown in. Fast enough to take on a trip or to the beach, and a good series for book clubs.

I loved it!

*ARC supplied by the publisher, Simon and Schuster/Saga Press, the author, and NetGalley.

I want to thank NetGalley for allowing me this precious opportunity and provide an honest ARC review.

I personally enjoyed this story, although I am sad it has ended, and short. I have been a huge fan of Harris writing and all her series.

Many may be disappointed, but when you think about it…it’s the perfect ending for the series. Yes, I can’t say much but it’s sad and a good read.

Read the other five before reading this one. You’ll absolutely love it!!

Thanks to Netgalley and Saga Press for the pre-release copy of The Last Wizards' Ball by Charlaine Harris. Below is my honest review.

I really loved the beginning of this series, but I'm not as pleased with the prior book and this book. It felt like she didn't really know how to tie things up, and I was hoping for more of a happy ending than we got. Kinda felt like the last few books of Sookie's series... just not as good as the rest, almost like she'd checked out. I hate to say that, but it's how I felt then and it's how I feel now about Lizbeth's series.

One thing that I adored from the first half of the series was Lizbeth and Eli's relationship, which took a nosedive in the last two books, and I was very unhappy with the end of the series and how it left things.

On a better note, the events of this one were superb. It was Bridgerton meets dystopian alternate universe, with a mix of magic and historical fiction mixed in. But it also felt like this one didn't really have a plot - there wasn't a whodunnit, there wasn't a main thread that drove the story and had a beginning, middle, and end. It just had a story that we watched happen and then it was over, without much closure as we only get Lizbeth's viewpoint so we never know the rest.

All in all, I liked the series, but the first few books set up a fantastic story and the last few let me down. Three stars for this one, and I guess three stars for the series overall. Still recommended for Charlaine Harris fans, as the characters are great.

My thanks to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity of reading, I believe the last book of the series, in exchange for an impartial review.
To be honest it was not my favorite book of the series, and I definitely recommend you read the books in order, and since I don't want to give anything away the review will have to be a bit vague. It took me a couple of days to digest it and overall the ending makes sense but in my heart I wanted it to end differently. Either way I will always remain a huge fan of Charlaine Harris, I will be rereading the series since I needed to get myself another fix of Gunnie Rose.

Thank you to Net Galley and Saga Press Books for the advanced reader copy of the sixth and final book in the Gunnie Rose series by Charlaine Harris.

This is a spoiler free review- so I can't say much in case you haven't started the series yet- But you NEED to start this series!

4 Stars - Charlaine Harris never disappoints! Historical Fantasy mixed with a Western with a splash of Romance. You need to check this series out if you are looking for a fantasy read unlike any other.

This book picks up where the last left off. Lizbeth is tasked with providing protection to a magician at the Wizards' Ball. For those of you that are not familiar with this series, the Wizards' Ball is kind of like "the season" for the ton. All of the magicians from around the world have gathered in the Russian occupied faction of what was once the west coast of the United States to try and find a spouse that will increase their familial magic lines. Lizbeth is protecting the "diamond" of the event, the magician that is the most sought after due to her particular kind of magic.

The story is action packed and has an ending that you will not see coming! This was a fantastic ending to the series. I love how this author stays true to her characters in the ending of her books.

There is a greater focus in this book on the historical aspects of the story line. I really enjoyed this and hope that we get a spin off series focusing on the magicians and their place in the war.

I am sad to see Gunnie Lizbeth Rose's adventures draw to a close, and will miss spending time in alternate early 20th Century North America with Lizbeth, Felicia, and their allies and adversaries. But also, man, that character has been through Some Stuff! in her short life, and deserves a conclusion, capably delivered by the always entertaining and thoughtful Charlaine.

Lizbeth Rose and her husband are escorting her sister Felicia to the Grand Wizard's Ball held in San Diego this year. It is a chance for young wizards to meet others like them and maybe find love or a companion for life. And just like at a debutante ball, there are intrigues, matchmaking, and other underhanded dealings. Add in political events happening elsewhere, there is added pressure for Lizbeth Rose to navigate as her sister and husband are being pulled one way while she feels pulled in a different direction. This is a bittersweet tale of family being torn apart by forces outside their control. This may be the last Gunnie Rose book, but I am not sure if Charlaine Harris is done exploring this universe. If you have been following this series, you definitely need to read this book!

Thanks Netgalley and Saga Press for the chance to read this title!

I thoroughly enjoy this series. This author is always up to something interesting. I read anything she comes up with.

This is the sixth book in the Gunnie Rose series and it's hard to review books like these that follow a linear plot without giving away spoilers. The story builds as it goes along. And the author also sheds and adds characters as she decides what the story needs. That said, I enjoyed this. It was entertaining. But I also have no idea where and if these characters will go next. It does seem like we're being set up to go do battle with the Nazis. And since this is alternate history, the author could basically do anything she likes. We shall see.