The Last Wizards’ Ball is book six in the Gunnie Rose series and the final installment. The book is best read as part of the series and in order as the story continues from book to book. (This series is set an alternative timeline where the USA is divided into territories owned by different countries and this book is set at the beginning of World War I.) Lizbeth Rose and Eli return to the Holy Russian Empire(California) to protect Lizbeth’s sister, Felicia as she attends the Wizard’s ball to find a spouse. Felicia’s death magic makes her a desirable partner for possible multiple family alliances but it also puts a bullseye on her back. Some factions have decided to see Felicia dead if they can’t have her. Action packed and a little heartbreaking, the story brings things to a head for Lizabeth, her friends, and her family. The ending was not what I pictured for the end of the series but the book was another great addition to the series. I’m definitely sad to see Gunnie Rose go and hope the author spins off into another series with the main characters. My voluntary, unbiased, and non-mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

A decent finale for the saga of Lizbeth Rose, Eli, and Felicia. Not exactly what I was expecting or hoping for, but it does the job, and I don't feel disappointed. There's definitely an opening for more books should Harris want to write more in this saga, but if not, there is also sufficient closure.

In this 6th book in the Gunnie Rose series, Lizbeth Rose is in California aka The Holy Russian Empire to chaperone her sister at The Wizard's Ball. The ball is a series of social events where the elite young members of the magical community mingle in order to make marriage alliances. Lizbeth's sister Felicia is very much in demand due to her power over death and her impressive family connections. Complicating matters, Hitler is moving towards war in Europe and many of the factions at the ball are making political maneuvers in addition to matrimonial ones. Lizbeth is very much out of her element at the high society parties, but her husband Prince Eli has been a part of this world his entire life and is making maneuvers of his own. Things turn deadly quickly in this charged atmosphere and there are many shocking developments that will change Lizbeth's life and those of her loved ones dramatically. There were several shocking plot twists and I can't wait to see what happens next. #NetGalley #TheLastWizardsBall

I’ve been reading this author since her Sookie series first came out. I was happy with this series even if it isn’t exactly my favorite genre. We’ve finally reached the “concluding” book, and I was a little thrown by the end, but I really shouldn’t have been. I wasn’t happy with how the Sookie series ended, either. Is this well-written, interesting, and enjoyable? Yup, it sure is. Was this a satisfying and conclusive ending? Well, not really. I can’t say much without giving away too many things, but I thought everyone was acting out of…character, and I really didn’t like the ending for poor Lizabeth. I’m just a little baffled. Anyway, if you enjoyed the other books, you’ll probably like this one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

I can't believe this series is over. I was not ready to end. I'm really going to hope the author changes her mind. I need to know what happens next in these characters' lives. This book did not end where I thought it would but I'm not unhappy with it.

I am so sad that this was the end of the series! The Last Wizard's Ball was the perfect ending to the Gunnie Rose Series, even if I never wanted it to end. As may be expected, since this is the sixth book, this is not a stand alone read. And why would you want to even try to read this without reading the rest of the books first? Charlaine Harris is a master of worldbuilding and story development. Each detail builds on what came before to bring the reader an incredibly immersive reading experience.

It is finally time to experience the Wizard's Ball that has been teased for several books now. Lisbeth Rose goes back to the Russian society where she is so uncomfortable and out-of-place to make sure her sister Felicia has the best start to her magical life possible. Naturally havoc begins occurring, culminating in the ball where everything goes sideways. Because I don't want to spoil it, I will simply say this book has my favorite twist of all time.

Totally worth your time!

I really loved thos as a closing to the Gunnie Rose series. Without leaving spoilers I appreciate the ending, I felt it was right and true to the characters. The author made me so invested in these characters throughout this series I'm definitely sad it's over..but I loved this book. It did feel that it dragged on at times in the middle and that there was just event after event and I also get very frustrated with the trope that the main characters just don't communicate and I feel that it just kept happening over and over. I still gave it 4 stars because I loved this book, the whole series, and felt it was a fitting completion.

Charlaine Harris delivers another intriguing tale with The Last Wizards Ball, a book that effortlessly blends magic and mystery in a world that feels both familiar and wonderfully strange. As someone who's followed Harris's work, I was eager to dive back into her richly crafted universe, and this latest installment did not disappoint.

The story centers around Lizbeth, a character I’ve grown to admire for her strength and resilience. In this book, we see her navigating a series of unexpected challenges that kept me on the edge of my seat. Harris has a knack for creating characters who are not only relatable but also deeply complex, and Lizbeth is no exception. Her journey is filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing and eagerly turning pages.

Harris’s world-building is, as always, top-notch. She paints a vivid picture of a semi-apocalyptic landscape that is both haunting and beautiful. The blend of alternate history and fantasy elements creates a setting that is uniquely her own, and I found myself completely immersed in this world.

For those new to the series, I recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the depth of the characters and their relationships. However, for fans like me who have been following Lizbeth's adventures, this book is a satisfying continuation that adds new layers to her story.

In summary, The Last Wizards Ball is a captivating read that combines Harris's trademark suspense with a touch of magic. It's a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, imaginative tale.

I received my copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I can never get enough of Charlaines work, her characters are always on point and the story is always engaging and keeps you reading way beyond your bed time. Another amazing book and a must read

A very definite final book to an engaging series. Lizbeth has always been a character that knew her own mind. This book takes you through her efforts to launch her sister into grigori society. There is lots of intrigue and conflict over the events of the world which mirror 1930s Eastern Europe. I have loved this series and was pleased the ending allowed the characters to go their own way. Very enjoyable, I could not put this book down.

I've really enjoyed this series from the beginning; it was just so fun yet dark and different from most things out there. I really enjoyed the characters and the almost archaic writing style. Overall, I've enjoyed every single book and while I did like this last installment, I can't help being a little disappointed about it as well. So much happens and so much...just doesn't.

I should have known going into this series with so much bleakness and death that it wouldn't end exactly how I wanted it to but the ending.. was not at all what I was expecting or hoping for. I don't want to give anything away, but it was sort of sad. Sort of a letdown, but the more I think about it, days later, it is fitting to the rest of the storyline and overall feel and theme of the series.

It was not a bad read at all, and again, it was fitting to the original storyline and feel of the characters and world Harris created, but it was sad there wasn't more.

Charlene Harris delivers a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the Gunnie Rose series with The Last Wizards’ Ball. The novel masterfully blends action, magic, and political intrigue as sisters Lizbeth and Felicia navigate the dangers of the Grand Wizards’ Ball. Felicia’s immense power draws dangerous attention, and the tension builds as global forces conspire to control her. Harris’s storytelling is as sharp as ever, with rich world-building, compelling characters, and a plot that keeps readers turning pages late into the night. Fans of the series will find this final installment both emotionally resonant and action-packed—a perfect sendoff to an unforgettable saga. Five stars!

From the time the first book came out, I adored this series. I read each one as soon as they came out, and I'm grateful to NetGalley and the author for giving me a chance to read this one before the release date. I'm incredibly sad to see the series end. I have loved the progression of the characters and their journeys. The cover art is fantastic and suits the story well. It seemed like many characters changed their personalities in this book, which I wasn't such a fan of. But then again, people can change and so can characters. I just wish things could have been tied up a little more neatly at the end. Especially for the end of a series. But I will always give this series five stars, and will eagerly await her next series.

A good ending to a great series. I have enjoyed the Gunnie Rose character and her exploits. The alternate America world building was fascinating and insightful.

This is the 6th book in series which is not a typical fantasy and a unique story line. It was a nice ending to series. This book gives you a nice introduction from the last book so you can pick up this book and just start reading. But overall this book and story was not one of my favorites.

.This was the end of a series so definitely needs the rest to make sense. Many plot points are drawn from previous books in the series. It is interesting to follow through with how all the characters have evolved, it's intriguing watching Lizbeth struggle with her sisters status. The politics are frustrating and dow right dramatic.. Overall it was nice to get some sort of closure, but this series didn't have the pull her previous books, like the rookie stack house series

I'm not going to lie, The Last Wizard's Ball was such a letdown for me.

I really loved the first two or three books, but the last ones have felt very erratic, especially this one. I am so confused at all the changes in the characters in this book. No one felt like themselves. It was a huge disappointment, because there was so much potential for character growth.
The plot would have been pretty good, but again, the characters got in the way, and instead it ended up feeling very wooden.
I absolutely loathe how this book ends. Even if that was the ending planned from the start, it was handled so poorly, that it kind of ruined the series for me. The whole thing is rushed and not well explained, and again, the character responses and actions are so baffling. I think Lizbeth deserved a better ending to her story.

Another excellent installment in Harris's series starring Lizbeth Rose, gun for hire. This novel is set in the Holy Russian Empire--California--and takes place before and during a ball attended by magic-users from all over, many of whom use the ball as a marriage market. Lizbeth's sister is a debutante, but the ball hasn't even begun before someone starts trying to kill her. The story moves well and Lizbeth's breakup with her husband (we all saw it coming, yes? it's not a spoiler) is a big part of Lizbeth's development. I hope this isn't the end, as I like this setting and characters.

Charlaine Harris’s The Last Wizards' Ball delivers an intriguing premise with its mix of magic, political tension, and family loyalty, but the execution falls short. The story of Lizbeth Rose protecting her sister Felicia in a deadly game of wizardry and power has plenty of potential, especially with its high-stakes setting and Felicia’s captivating role as a death wizard. However, the writing feels uninspired and overly generic, lacking the vivid prose or emotional depth needed to fully bring the world and characters to life. While fans of the Gunnie Rose series may appreciate the closure this final installment provides, the lack of narrative flair makes it a middling conclusion to an otherwise inventive series.

This was a great sixth entry in the Gunnie Rose series, it had that element that I was expecting and enjoyed from the series and from Charlaine Harris. The overall feel worked with what was happening and enjoyed this as a final chapter in this series. It was everything that I was hoping for and was glad I read this. Charlaine Harris always does a strong storyline and characters and I am excited for more.