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San Amaro Investigations #7
Cypress Ashes
Parker Ferro is not okay.
In the heart-pounding conclusion to the San Amaro Investigations series, Parker faces down enemies on all sides, including one within his own family. With his city under lockdown, Parker is fighting for everyone and everything that he cares about.
The fate of the thousand realms rests on his shoulders. What’s a local PI to do?
In the heart-pounding conclusion to the San Amaro Investigations series, Parker faces down enemies on all sides, including one within his own family. With his city under lockdown, Parker is fighting for everyone and everything that he cares about.
The fate of the thousand realms rests on his shoulders. What’s a local PI to do?
518 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2023
137 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Kai Butler
25 books495 followersKai has been reading and writing romance novels since she was a teenager. She lives in California with her two children and her very supportive husband.
She writes M/M romance with an emphasis on HEAs and all the feels. Her current series are San Amaro Investigations and the Imperial Space Regency Novels. She likes dashing heroes and couples with banter.
She writes M/M romance with an emphasis on HEAs and all the feels. Her current series are San Amaro Investigations and the Imperial Space Regency Novels. She likes dashing heroes and couples with banter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
March 14, 2025
A great ending to an amazing MM urban fantasy series! I don't want to say goodbye to Parker, Nick, and all the lovable side characters (Runt the demon not-a-cat, and Malik the alpha werewolf are my particular favorites I'll carry in my heart forever 💖).
This whole series is such a consistent reading experience - not exactly a five-star read, but so damn enjoyable, with its intriguing magic system, full cast of characters of all species, and a fast-paced action-filled plot that won't let the readers tell themselves "I'll stop after this chapter".
There are just so many plot points, and only some of them lead to something bigger, that sometimes I lost sight of what's truly important. The pace is genuinely so fast that we often aren't allowed to feel emotional about the high-stakes scenes, and I would've loved to delve deeper into emotions instead of yet another action - at least after their lives aren't in immediate danger (which, admittedly, wasn't very often 😅)
This last book in particular! I felt like the plot was choking me, and every time it let up a bit and I wanted to take a deep breath, it squeezed even more, giving me no time to properly feel things. It's a rollercoaster full of action, but at times, not emotional enough because there's no space for it. But hey, a goddamn war and destruction was going on, so of course there's no time for an epic feelfest 😅🙈
Well, and then came the last thirty or so pages. Karma heard my complaints, so I spent the last portion of the book a sobbing mess 😅 Such a perfect HEA! Would it be more impactful if some of the beloved characters died/stayed dead? Sure! Were some choices very convenient? Yeah! But I'm still glad it ended this way because Parker Ferro deserves EVERYTHING ❤️❤️
It's safe to say I love Kai Butler's writing, world-building, and character development ❤️ Please, don't let the horrid covers put you off picking this series up!
This whole series is such a consistent reading experience - not exactly a five-star read, but so damn enjoyable, with its intriguing magic system, full cast of characters of all species, and a fast-paced action-filled plot that won't let the readers tell themselves "I'll stop after this chapter".
There are just so many plot points, and only some of them lead to something bigger, that sometimes I lost sight of what's truly important. The pace is genuinely so fast that we often aren't allowed to feel emotional about the high-stakes scenes, and I would've loved to delve deeper into emotions instead of yet another action - at least after their lives aren't in immediate danger (which, admittedly, wasn't very often 😅)
This last book in particular! I felt like the plot was choking me, and every time it let up a bit and I wanted to take a deep breath, it squeezed even more, giving me no time to properly feel things. It's a rollercoaster full of action, but at times, not emotional enough because there's no space for it. But hey, a goddamn war and destruction was going on, so of course there's no time for an epic feelfest 😅🙈
Well, and then came the last thirty or so pages. Karma heard my complaints, so I spent the last portion of the book a sobbing mess 😅 Such a perfect HEA! Would it be more impactful if some of the beloved characters died/stayed dead? Sure! Were some choices very convenient? Yeah! But I'm still glad it ended this way because Parker Ferro deserves EVERYTHING ❤️❤️
It's safe to say I love Kai Butler's writing, world-building, and character development ❤️ Please, don't let the horrid covers put you off picking this series up!
July 10, 2023
A showstopper conclusion to this wonderful series. The epilogue was great. So wonderful! I'm going to miss Parker and Nick, Sugar and Laurel and all the amazing side characters, so damn much.
Unfortunately, I seem to have fallen into a The Mentalist-induced reading slump, so I didn't love this as much as I expected. I skimmed quite a bit of the action scenes (there is a LOT of that, and maybe that's the reason my brain couldn't keep up). I might have to re-read it when I'm in a better mood for it: I'm so angry with myself.
I'm giving it four stars because I KNOW that normal, stable and happy Iz would have loved this final installment to bits. Unfortunately, my brain couldn't keep up with the action: there was a lot of plot happening, there were a lot of pages, and I preferred the previous books that were actually centred on a police case. Don't get me wrong, the Sun God is a creepy, horrific villain, one for the ages, but the evil and twisty fae shenanigans and machinations and curious mysteries are always going to be my favourite, and I kinda hoped we would return to that (to a fae-centric plot at least) for the grand finale. But nevermind. I'm still convinced my brain is to blame for this.
On the other hand, I loved Parker and Nick to bits: their HEA was so damn satisfying and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.
Unfortunately, I seem to have fallen into a The Mentalist-induced reading slump, so I didn't love this as much as I expected. I skimmed quite a bit of the action scenes (there is a LOT of that, and maybe that's the reason my brain couldn't keep up). I might have to re-read it when I'm in a better mood for it: I'm so angry with myself.
I'm giving it four stars because I KNOW that normal, stable and happy Iz would have loved this final installment to bits. Unfortunately, my brain couldn't keep up with the action: there was a lot of plot happening, there were a lot of pages, and I preferred the previous books that were actually centred on a police case. Don't get me wrong, the Sun God is a creepy, horrific villain, one for the ages, but the evil and twisty fae shenanigans and machinations and curious mysteries are always going to be my favourite, and I kinda hoped we would return to that (to a fae-centric plot at least) for the grand finale. But nevermind. I'm still convinced my brain is to blame for this.
On the other hand, I loved Parker and Nick to bits: their HEA was so damn satisfying and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.
September 26, 2024
Holy moly 😳
I can’t believe it’s over! 😭 I’m definitely going to miss this series! I certainly hope that Kai Butler decides to revisit San Amaro in the future! Maybe a book focusing on Bastien! 🤔 Anyway, I loved this book and this series! The ending was a roller coaster of emotions but it was perfect! Five star book and five star series!
I can’t believe it’s over! 😭 I’m definitely going to miss this series! I certainly hope that Kai Butler decides to revisit San Amaro in the future! Maybe a book focusing on Bastien! 🤔 Anyway, I loved this book and this series! The ending was a roller coaster of emotions but it was perfect! Five star book and five star series!
December 4, 2023
I feel like my words won't be enough for how much this book put me into a rollercoaster. It was EPIC from start to finish. I cried, laughed, worried with Parker and Nick all through every failed preparation until the end game. With all the unpaid debts and unfulfilled promises, their future was a convoluted and narrow path they had to cross to save their loved ones. For each loss, they also gained and with that, they bled, survived, and died to restore the balance and save the thousand realms. It was a test of their faith, trust, and love for each other. Parker and Nick and their found family against all that threatens their home. Their promise of forever and protecting their bond no matter what helped them survive.
Ironic how when this series started, Parker was the morally gray person and Nick was the black and white person. With Parker becoming Windrose and Nick being touched by Darkness, add to that the bit that happened at the end, their disposition was reversed. And I liked that a lot! It showed depth and character development. A lot of things evolved in this series and that kept everything interesting and new to the eyes. Also, I didn't start this series right what with me missing the novellas and the background of their attraction but I'm glad I didn't let that deter me from continuing. Parker and Nick is now one of my beloved couples. ❤️❤️❤️All of this may have been in Nick's POV only but Parker's involvement in all their adventures had grown so much that they became real partners (in law and in crime, lol) in every possible way. From being a lone ranger who's scared of being abandoned, Nick found his other half in Nick, who will love him forever and always have his back, and a family that kept expanding inevitably. 😊
Afer all the desperate things that happened before the end, I was so resigned to feel loss and sadness over the potential destruction and death. However, all the twists and turns made me curse and scream and that ending? I was in for a surprise because I sure didn't see that coming! I literally put my phone down and clapped my hands. I'm so happy! 🥰
A solid 5 stars. Certainly couldn't have wished for a better and happier ending. ❤️❤️❤️
Ironic how when this series started, Parker was the morally gray person and Nick was the black and white person. With Parker becoming Windrose and Nick being touched by Darkness, add to that the bit that happened at the end, their disposition was reversed. And I liked that a lot! It showed depth and character development. A lot of things evolved in this series and that kept everything interesting and new to the eyes. Also, I didn't start this series right what with me missing the novellas and the background of their attraction but I'm glad I didn't let that deter me from continuing. Parker and Nick is now one of my beloved couples. ❤️❤️❤️All of this may have been in Nick's POV only but Parker's involvement in all their adventures had grown so much that they became real partners (in law and in crime, lol) in every possible way. From being a lone ranger who's scared of being abandoned, Nick found his other half in Nick, who will love him forever and always have his back, and a family that kept expanding inevitably. 😊
Afer all the desperate things that happened before the end, I was so resigned to feel loss and sadness over the potential destruction and death. However, all the twists and turns made me curse and scream and that ending? I was in for a surprise because I sure didn't see that coming! I literally put my phone down and clapped my hands. I'm so happy! 🥰
A solid 5 stars. Certainly couldn't have wished for a better and happier ending. ❤️❤️❤️
April 21, 2024
Incredible. I love Parker and Nick so much, and this was so action packed I flew through it, and I really enjoyed how intricately every plot line was woven.
This series is a fantastic series if you’re looking for ride-or-die love, found family, insane action, and incredible female characters. I cannot give this author enough props for the women she has written. Parker and Nick are so very special, and their determination was so fun to read.
Therefore, my only complaint is a lack of epilogue or a chapter where Parker and Nick can just be at the end, especially considering all the trouble they had with the god Darkness. I feel bereft without that closure! Maybe I just feel like a novella where the series “goes back to its roots” is needed…
This series is a fantastic series if you’re looking for ride-or-die love, found family, insane action, and incredible female characters. I cannot give this author enough props for the women she has written. Parker and Nick are so very special, and their determination was so fun to read.
Therefore, my only complaint is a lack of epilogue or a chapter where Parker and Nick can just be at the end, especially considering all the trouble they had with the god Darkness. I feel bereft without that closure! Maybe I just feel like a novella where the series “goes back to its roots” is needed…
June 27, 2023
Satisfying conclusion to the series!
It's a long one, and while it makes sense given how much needs to be wrapped up, there were definitely times it felt like it dragged a bit. There were also SO many interconnected storylines, it sometimes was a little exhausting to keep everything straight. But I enjoyed how everything played out, and the ending was sweet and satisfying. Overall I liked this series.
It's a long one, and while it makes sense given how much needs to be wrapped up, there were definitely times it felt like it dragged a bit. There were also SO many interconnected storylines, it sometimes was a little exhausting to keep everything straight. But I enjoyed how everything played out, and the ending was sweet and satisfying. Overall I liked this series.
July 28, 2023
Woah! That was a ride. I don't recommend reading each book back to back. This series needs it's time to shine. So take your time exploring this fae magic system. That has human mage practitioners. Dragon and wolf shifters. Demons and Primordial creatures.
I am so honored to have found these books. Exploring the fear of, always being alone. Wanting everyone to get along, was the twist. Having darkness in hearts and minds. While being blind to the gifts, right in front of you.
What a ride!
I am so honored to have found these books. Exploring the fear of, always being alone. Wanting everyone to get along, was the twist. Having darkness in hearts and minds. While being blind to the gifts, right in front of you.
What a ride!
October 28, 2023
I love this series. But I think it got too much though. The old gods and everything to do with that was just too much. It was endless, the stakes were so high, but there was no actual price for any of it. I feel this series went a bit off the rails when the old gods were introduced and that feeling that the next one had to up the stakes some more. That it wasn't coherent anymore.
I like that Parker and Nick got their happy ending. I enjoyed the series more when it focused on fae shenanigans and dealing with human cops.
I like that Parker and Nick got their happy ending. I enjoyed the series more when it focused on fae shenanigans and dealing with human cops.
August 16, 2023
Audiobook: ***5+ All-The-Realms-Stars***
Story: ***4.5 Forever-Stars***
Holy firecracker!!!
And here naive-me thought the previous one was intense...
GREG TREMBLAY, WE NEED TO HAVE WORDS! YOU MADE ME CRY! THAT WAS NOT THE PLAN!!!
SAME GOES FOR YOU PARKER FERRO, NICOLAS KING AND CONSORTS, THO!!!!
Sorry for the all-caps-exclamation-mark-shouting, but... gahhhhh! I'm gonna miss them...
Story: ***4.5 Forever-Stars***
Holy firecracker!!!
And here naive-me thought the previous one was intense...
GREG TREMBLAY, WE NEED TO HAVE WORDS! YOU MADE ME CRY! THAT WAS NOT THE PLAN!!!
SAME GOES FOR YOU PARKER FERRO, NICOLAS KING AND CONSORTS, THO!!!!
Sorry for the all-caps-exclamation-mark-shouting, but... gahhhhh! I'm gonna miss them...
July 21, 2023
i can't believe this is the final book. first few chapters had me die of boredom and the next couple dozen had me glued to the book and the last couple chapters had me shaking my head in disappointment.
July 2, 2023
A fitting end to a wonderful series.
I was sad to know that Cypress Ashes was the last book in the San Amaro Investigations series. I will miss this universe and the characters a lot. It's one of those series that helped me get over my reading slump and will have a special place in my reader's heart.
This book provides a satisfying conclusion to a series that began with Wormwood Summer.
It has angst, it has a ton of action, it has plot twists that were foreshadowed nicely as well as twists that had me gasping and going NO WAY! Frankly this book provided one of the most satisfying closure I have seen in a while (Final Fantasy 16 holds that title for now) while still leaving a little bit of opening for a sequel.
What I really liked about this was the fact that the events from here on didn't come out of the red field and was just written to get out of a tight corner. Events that unfolded were built up from the previous books. The character arcs - their growth and relationships picked up from what was laid out previously and all the growth and responsibilities were just a natural progression of things.
I like Parker a lot and it was so easy to feel for him during some of the more emotional scenes. Nick has grown on me as a character - he did balance Parker out with his steadfast personality and his unwavering love for Parker. Their relationship up to this point was far from perfect but they never let those little bumps hinder them from what was truly important - they love each other and woe to whoever would try to stop them.
The story flow and pacing was pretty good with quieter moments interspersed between fast and high emotional moments. Having secondary characters shine during moments they were given the spotlight as helped in this. Plot threads were nicely closed in between all the moments between high points in the story.
I am sad to say good-bye to this series, but I am happy to be given the ending that we got. I do recommend giving this series a try.
5 stars out of 5.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
I was sad to know that Cypress Ashes was the last book in the San Amaro Investigations series. I will miss this universe and the characters a lot. It's one of those series that helped me get over my reading slump and will have a special place in my reader's heart.
This book provides a satisfying conclusion to a series that began with Wormwood Summer.
It has angst, it has a ton of action, it has plot twists that were foreshadowed nicely as well as twists that had me gasping and going NO WAY! Frankly this book provided one of the most satisfying closure I have seen in a while (Final Fantasy 16 holds that title for now) while still leaving a little bit of opening for a sequel.
What I really liked about this was the fact that the events from here on didn't come out of the red field and was just written to get out of a tight corner. Events that unfolded were built up from the previous books. The character arcs - their growth and relationships picked up from what was laid out previously and all the growth and responsibilities were just a natural progression of things.
I like Parker a lot and it was so easy to feel for him during some of the more emotional scenes. Nick has grown on me as a character - he did balance Parker out with his steadfast personality and his unwavering love for Parker. Their relationship up to this point was far from perfect but they never let those little bumps hinder them from what was truly important - they love each other and woe to whoever would try to stop them.
The story flow and pacing was pretty good with quieter moments interspersed between fast and high emotional moments. Having secondary characters shine during moments they were given the spotlight as helped in this. Plot threads were nicely closed in between all the moments between high points in the story.
I am sad to say good-bye to this series, but I am happy to be given the ending that we got. I do recommend giving this series a try.
5 stars out of 5.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
September 19, 2023
4.5
Different to the previous books there is no criminal case to solve. San Amaro is under martial law and the army decides which parts are to be evacuated first while they are preparing for the arrival of the sun god and his armies. With the rumor of a new super weapon Parker has no doubt that the army and state officials think about sacrificing the city for the greater good but it's even worse than that. So while he tries to prepare the remaining citizens for the fight or if necessary for a late evacuation, Sun is already a step ahead and Darkness a threat to Nick's sanity.
It's tense and suspenseful and the feeling of helplessness and failure tangible. All the open strings got closed - some a bit too fast and by-the-way but aside from the late introduction of a Night Court and an unnecessary death and the then necessary resurrection it was the grand finale this series deserves.
Different to the previous books there is no criminal case to solve. San Amaro is under martial law and the army decides which parts are to be evacuated first while they are preparing for the arrival of the sun god and his armies. With the rumor of a new super weapon Parker has no doubt that the army and state officials think about sacrificing the city for the greater good but it's even worse than that. So while he tries to prepare the remaining citizens for the fight or if necessary for a late evacuation, Sun is already a step ahead and Darkness a threat to Nick's sanity.
It's tense and suspenseful and the feeling of helplessness and failure tangible. All the open strings got closed - some a bit too fast and by-the-way but aside from the late introduction of a Night Court and an unnecessary death and the then necessary resurrection it was the grand finale this series deserves.
August 20, 2023
A 4.5 stars, but rounded down. I know, *shock, horror*. Less than 5 stars! Why?
Well, as much as I've loved this series, there is a fair bit of "same old, same old" going on. There's also almost too much happening and at times it was overwhelming. Some bits I felt were a bit predictable, others on the other hand definitely were not, lol. So ups and downs along the way. And, as much as I loved it, there were bits that just didn't hit the "fantastic" mark for me.
Did I enjoy it? Oh definitely. Did I struggle from time to time, not because of emotion, but because it was all too much? Again, yes. And that's the main reason it lost that half a star. And I'm rounding down because a bit of a breather, even just a few stolen moments, would have been enough to allow me to process it all, rather than feeling I needed to put the book aside for a few hours instead.
Well, as much as I've loved this series, there is a fair bit of "same old, same old" going on. There's also almost too much happening and at times it was overwhelming. Some bits I felt were a bit predictable, others on the other hand definitely were not, lol. So ups and downs along the way. And, as much as I loved it, there were bits that just didn't hit the "fantastic" mark for me.
Did I enjoy it? Oh definitely. Did I struggle from time to time, not because of emotion, but because it was all too much? Again, yes. And that's the main reason it lost that half a star. And I'm rounding down because a bit of a breather, even just a few stolen moments, would have been enough to allow me to process it all, rather than feeling I needed to put the book aside for a few hours instead.
August 24, 2023
I abso-freakin'-lutely love this series to pieces. And I'm sooooo sad that this is the last one! 😭😭 I just really, really hope that we get some shorts or something afterwards. I love these characters so much, especially Parker and Nick together.
And Greg Tremblay... Just... *chef's kiss* Fantastic. My favourite - voice actor I've listened to yet. In each and every one of these he's stayed true to form, didn't mix characters and each one sounded unique. Instantly knew who was speaking as soon as the words started (or even from a sigh!). I would listen to a book without knowing anything else about it but that it was narrated by Tremblay. Seriously.
I really enjoyed this ending. It had a lot of very fitting aspects and how things were settled with Darkness and Sun were done very well. Some things were rather predictable, but I actually found myself glad that it had happened that way. (It would have been too sad and possibly even ruined certain parts of the ending.)
I always dislike when the military is involved in my fantasy books. Still do. They're always entitled, full of themselves, assholes (even if they're "just following orders;" sometimes especially when) and that annoys the shit out of me. And it really was not much different here. However, there was one reveal later on that really makes a huge difference here. And I really loved the addition. It made so much more sense and made that whole plot bit so much better. (And really sad!)
I want a Runt! Ugh, I love her. I do wish we got to see more of her here, though. She still had a decent role throughout but much less (in a different way) than the other books. But the demons... They're so great. I really just like a lot of the side characters as well. I loved the reactions from the other detectives (that Nick works with) when Parker talks to them about his house, him and all that it entails. Also enjoyed how things with the other courts went and how that all ends up...
😭 I'm just so sad about "end, ends, ending, etc..."
I'm rambling at this point, and I even finished listening a couple, few days ago. I wish I had quotes to look through and put with this review but, again, audiobook. Rambling would probably go on even longer anyway. No one wants that.
I will most certainly be checking out more by Butler and keeping a close eye on any extras that might come out for this series. 🤞🙏🤞🙏🤞
And Greg Tremblay... Just... *chef's kiss* Fantastic. My favourite - voice actor I've listened to yet. In each and every one of these he's stayed true to form, didn't mix characters and each one sounded unique. Instantly knew who was speaking as soon as the words started (or even from a sigh!). I would listen to a book without knowing anything else about it but that it was narrated by Tremblay. Seriously.
I really enjoyed this ending. It had a lot of very fitting aspects and how things were settled with Darkness and Sun were done very well. Some things were rather predictable, but I actually found myself glad that it had happened that way. (It would have been too sad and possibly even ruined certain parts of the ending.)
I always dislike when the military is involved in my fantasy books. Still do. They're always entitled, full of themselves, assholes (even if they're "just following orders;" sometimes especially when) and that annoys the shit out of me. And it really was not much different here. However, there was one reveal later on that really makes a huge difference here. And I really loved the addition. It made so much more sense and made that whole plot bit so much better. (And really sad!)
I want a Runt! Ugh, I love her. I do wish we got to see more of her here, though. She still had a decent role throughout but much less (in a different way) than the other books. But the demons... They're so great. I really just like a lot of the side characters as well. I loved the reactions from the other detectives (that Nick works with) when Parker talks to them about his house, him and all that it entails. Also enjoyed how things with the other courts went and how that all ends up...
😭 I'm just so sad about "end, ends, ending, etc..."
I'm rambling at this point, and I even finished listening a couple, few days ago. I wish I had quotes to look through and put with this review but, again, audiobook. Rambling would probably go on even longer anyway. No one wants that.
I will most certainly be checking out more by Butler and keeping a close eye on any extras that might come out for this series. 🤞🙏🤞🙏🤞
January 16, 2024
2.5
It took me months to finish this book... I would read a chapter and stop because it was so boring... really hard work! this last book, long awaited, was a real disappointment.
the first chapters were SO boring and when they slightly stopped being so, I even had to skip some descriptions just to move forward.
the whole part about the gods is too much, to this there are added many other collateral stories and others that take up the previous books... it's a lot of chaos and it's hard to follow the story... there's always something that interrupts the thread at the end and you struggle to move forward.
the previous books were definitely better, I preferred stories linked to the world of fairies that interacted with the human world... really a shame
It took me months to finish this book... I would read a chapter and stop because it was so boring... really hard work! this last book, long awaited, was a real disappointment.
the first chapters were SO boring and when they slightly stopped being so, I even had to skip some descriptions just to move forward.
the whole part about the gods is too much, to this there are added many other collateral stories and others that take up the previous books... it's a lot of chaos and it's hard to follow the story... there's always something that interrupts the thread at the end and you struggle to move forward.
the previous books were definitely better, I preferred stories linked to the world of fairies that interacted with the human world... really a shame
June 5, 2023
Chin up
A-MA-ZING!!!! Oh my gods, this was a rollercoaster of a series finale: a heart-pounding epic battle, plot twists so clever they stunned, tender moments that had me sniffing, and a love for the ages. It was fantastic! All my hopes surpassed, all my dreams complete, and wishes granted I hadn’t known I needed. Chin up as Sugar would say because once you start reading you won’t stop, and believe me you’ll wish you could turn the pages even faster to find out what happens.
“Sometimes you have to become something else to save the people you love.” Plunk goes my heart for these two incredible men. I FLOVE Parker Ferro and Nick King. I would live in their shadows if I could (maybe I should ask Runt for lessons) just so I could bask in the goodness, warmth, and pure love they are. Even if that means I may be dodging trouble for the rest of my life, I’m there because they are. And not only for them, I adore this cast of characters, and am squeeing in happiness over events, even if same events had me holding my breath for what felt like ages. It. is. worth. every single. one. Every gasp, every sigh, every tense moment, and every swoon, I’d do it again and again simply because of how extraordinary Nick, Parker and their family are.
A-MA-ZING!!!! Oh my gods, this was a rollercoaster of a series finale: a heart-pounding epic battle, plot twists so clever they stunned, tender moments that had me sniffing, and a love for the ages. It was fantastic! All my hopes surpassed, all my dreams complete, and wishes granted I hadn’t known I needed. Chin up as Sugar would say because once you start reading you won’t stop, and believe me you’ll wish you could turn the pages even faster to find out what happens.
“Sometimes you have to become something else to save the people you love.” Plunk goes my heart for these two incredible men. I FLOVE Parker Ferro and Nick King. I would live in their shadows if I could (maybe I should ask Runt for lessons) just so I could bask in the goodness, warmth, and pure love they are. Even if that means I may be dodging trouble for the rest of my life, I’m there because they are. And not only for them, I adore this cast of characters, and am squeeing in happiness over events, even if same events had me holding my breath for what felt like ages. It. is. worth. every single. one. Every gasp, every sigh, every tense moment, and every swoon, I’d do it again and again simply because of how extraordinary Nick, Parker and their family are.
September 14, 2023
https://smexybooks.com/2023/08/angela...
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, the finale for a truly fabulous fantasy series. This series has everything- old gods, saints, werewolves, dragons, witches of every kind, the fae, and a local private investigator and his detective lover out to save the world. The individual mysteries are just plot lines in a bigger series arc that is stunning in its breadth and depth. I wasn’t sure how this author would tie it all up and give our heroes a HEA, but after finishing I can honestly say… Kai Butler knocked it out of the park.
Parker Fero and Nick King are trying to defeat the Sun god and save San Amaro. To do that they have to embrace their darker sides, gather as many allies as they can, and evade the enemy for as long as they can. Each of them wants to protect the other, which at times gets in their way of doing the right thing, and of course, Parker always thinks he can go it alone to save everyone. So much is going on, and the fight scenes are intense and frequent, but with every page, I could see it all coming together. Every plot line from past books is picked up and woven together, and every single secondary character plays a part in the big battle at the end. I was riveted.
The ending is perfect for this couple. I’m kind of sad to be saying goodbye, I will truly miss this series.
I highly, highly recommend.
Grade- A
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, the finale for a truly fabulous fantasy series. This series has everything- old gods, saints, werewolves, dragons, witches of every kind, the fae, and a local private investigator and his detective lover out to save the world. The individual mysteries are just plot lines in a bigger series arc that is stunning in its breadth and depth. I wasn’t sure how this author would tie it all up and give our heroes a HEA, but after finishing I can honestly say… Kai Butler knocked it out of the park.
Parker Fero and Nick King are trying to defeat the Sun god and save San Amaro. To do that they have to embrace their darker sides, gather as many allies as they can, and evade the enemy for as long as they can. Each of them wants to protect the other, which at times gets in their way of doing the right thing, and of course, Parker always thinks he can go it alone to save everyone. So much is going on, and the fight scenes are intense and frequent, but with every page, I could see it all coming together. Every plot line from past books is picked up and woven together, and every single secondary character plays a part in the big battle at the end. I was riveted.
The ending is perfect for this couple. I’m kind of sad to be saying goodbye, I will truly miss this series.
I highly, highly recommend.
Grade- A
January 1, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up simply because I rarely give any book 5 stars anymore.
I re-read the last 25% of #6, as I couldn't remember where it had left off....and I'd actually forgotten how much actually happened in those chapters.
Anyway, I plan to read this again over the weekend to even better absorb it and provide a better review. There is even a lot more going on in this last book! (quiet angst that it's over)
I re-read the last 25% of #6, as I couldn't remember where it had left off....and I'd actually forgotten how much actually happened in those chapters.
Anyway, I plan to read this again over the weekend to even better absorb it and provide a better review. There is even a lot more going on in this last book! (quiet angst that it's over)
August 5, 2025
Re-read August 2025
June 21, 2023
Finale Perfection, wish I could rank it higher
Rating: 5+🌈
Well that was as close to absolute perfection as I can remember reading in a series finale, especially one as intense, as incredibly complex as well as mentally challenging at times to read as this one.
I will miss this universe and characters so.
And it starts where Saffron Wilds ends, on that heartbreaker of a cliffhanger (spoiler alert for that novel) with the God Darkness having lodged itself firmly within the body of Nick King , San Amaro police detective/alchemist and now husband of Fae Parker Ferro, the Windrose of the Fae Courts.
But Kai Butler has created over the course of seven books a fascinating, magnificent labyrinthian plot that involves a World Tree with ties to worlds and thousands of realms outside of that of Earth, the Fae Courts and its duplicitous politics that extends beyond into eras long ago and the murderous schemes of the Gods, which can mean the end of everything.
And what Gods and power struggles Butler’s has thrown at us! Most are ones we have some knowledge of, even with the author’s twists and unique perspective on one’s such as the Mother, the Sun, Darkness, the Trickster (my personal favorite), and Santa Muerte, among the main gods.
Cypress Ashes offers up the most imaginatively beautiful to think about scenes and elements, one’s I’m still trying to wrap my mind around. Magical test battles between two great spirits, Reality and Distance, with one a titch drunk on the power being offered up. It’s witches, alchemists, Laurel (if you know you know), Nick, and Parker, trying to figure out a meaningful way to fight the Sun God and what that’s means to everyone’s moral compass and mental health. Huge questions the author is asking on multiple levels.
That’s only a tiny fraction of what this story has to offer up in terms of elaborate narrative design and exciting storytelling.
There’s Sugar, the incubus, Runt, the not cat, Prometheus, the demon not dog, all the great brownies characters from the garden, the blade Tremble that can bring lightning, the Five Dragons, every important element and character, and maybe quite a few that slipped under a reader’s notice from previous books. All have important roles to play here. Some villains even find a surprising redemption.
The power of family and love, whether it’s on a small or infinitely universal and complex scale is also a key here. Where Shannon, Parker’s foster mom is now a God, Mother , to be exact, the nurturing aspect of her being that saved Parker now becomes the element that helps save everything. And Parker’s love for Nick and San Amaro.
There’s so much that Butler pours into this finale , all the narrative threads that needed pulling together, the interwoven storylines of all sizes that we needed to know how they evolved and ended. We got it, as much as we could when gods are involved.
I expect Butler is ready to move on. But I’m not. So I’m diving back in, to experience this again and see what I missed out in the first reading.
What a wild ride, what a magnificent journey this has been! Don’t miss out!
But the books absolutely must be read in order for the characters growth, the revelations, and plot details to make sense. Enjoy the books and the ride! I’m highly recommending the series and this finale!
I’d rate it higher if I could.
San Amara Investigations Series:
- [ ] A Haunting at Midnight #0.5
- [ ] A Debt Unpaid #0.75
- [x] Wormwood Summer #1
- [x] A Belated Burial #1.5
- [x] The Oak Wood Throne #2
- [x] A Gilded Iron Blade #3
- [x] A Shattered Silver Crown #4
- [x] The Heart’s Blood Arrow #5
- [x] Saffron Wilds #6
- [x] Cypress Ashes #7 - series finale
Rating: 5+🌈
Well that was as close to absolute perfection as I can remember reading in a series finale, especially one as intense, as incredibly complex as well as mentally challenging at times to read as this one.
I will miss this universe and characters so.
And it starts where Saffron Wilds ends, on that heartbreaker of a cliffhanger (spoiler alert for that novel) with the God Darkness having lodged itself firmly within the body of Nick King , San Amaro police detective/alchemist and now husband of Fae Parker Ferro, the Windrose of the Fae Courts.
But Kai Butler has created over the course of seven books a fascinating, magnificent labyrinthian plot that involves a World Tree with ties to worlds and thousands of realms outside of that of Earth, the Fae Courts and its duplicitous politics that extends beyond into eras long ago and the murderous schemes of the Gods, which can mean the end of everything.
And what Gods and power struggles Butler’s has thrown at us! Most are ones we have some knowledge of, even with the author’s twists and unique perspective on one’s such as the Mother, the Sun, Darkness, the Trickster (my personal favorite), and Santa Muerte, among the main gods.
Cypress Ashes offers up the most imaginatively beautiful to think about scenes and elements, one’s I’m still trying to wrap my mind around. Magical test battles between two great spirits, Reality and Distance, with one a titch drunk on the power being offered up. It’s witches, alchemists, Laurel (if you know you know), Nick, and Parker, trying to figure out a meaningful way to fight the Sun God and what that’s means to everyone’s moral compass and mental health. Huge questions the author is asking on multiple levels.
That’s only a tiny fraction of what this story has to offer up in terms of elaborate narrative design and exciting storytelling.
There’s Sugar, the incubus, Runt, the not cat, Prometheus, the demon not dog, all the great brownies characters from the garden, the blade Tremble that can bring lightning, the Five Dragons, every important element and character, and maybe quite a few that slipped under a reader’s notice from previous books. All have important roles to play here. Some villains even find a surprising redemption.
The power of family and love, whether it’s on a small or infinitely universal and complex scale is also a key here. Where Shannon, Parker’s foster mom is now a God, Mother , to be exact, the nurturing aspect of her being that saved Parker now becomes the element that helps save everything. And Parker’s love for Nick and San Amaro.
There’s so much that Butler pours into this finale , all the narrative threads that needed pulling together, the interwoven storylines of all sizes that we needed to know how they evolved and ended. We got it, as much as we could when gods are involved.
I expect Butler is ready to move on. But I’m not. So I’m diving back in, to experience this again and see what I missed out in the first reading.
What a wild ride, what a magnificent journey this has been! Don’t miss out!
But the books absolutely must be read in order for the characters growth, the revelations, and plot details to make sense. Enjoy the books and the ride! I’m highly recommending the series and this finale!
I’d rate it higher if I could.
San Amara Investigations Series:
- [ ] A Haunting at Midnight #0.5
- [ ] A Debt Unpaid #0.75
- [x] Wormwood Summer #1
- [x] A Belated Burial #1.5
- [x] The Oak Wood Throne #2
- [x] A Gilded Iron Blade #3
- [x] A Shattered Silver Crown #4
- [x] The Heart’s Blood Arrow #5
- [x] Saffron Wilds #6
- [x] Cypress Ashes #7 - series finale
January 23, 2024
GOD.. THIS BOOK.ok, bear with me. During all the seven books that constitute the San Amaro investigations, there was one thing that either the villain or Parker wanted: protect the city. Some have a very distorted way of doing it, but they did.
This book was Endgame part 2. You know, when captain America goes all “revengers, assemble!”? Yeah, the whole book was a battle after the other. At times I was cheering for Parker and Nick to lose, just so they could catch a break. It was a very very very emotional story too. All Parker’s and Nick’s issues coming at full speed, both wanting to promise things that they found not keep. All the strings were attached, I guess in the end, it was the most shocking thing for me. All secondary characters from all the books coming together in one purpose, making sure that their stories had a meaning…. ART. The gods, that at first I was very skeptical about were essential to the endgame. I could literally write a dissertation about how this story was important in my life, how this was top fantasy and should be best seller, but I guess fangirling about this story to everyone I know will have to do it.
This book was Endgame part 2. You know, when captain America goes all “revengers, assemble!”? Yeah, the whole book was a battle after the other. At times I was cheering for Parker and Nick to lose, just so they could catch a break. It was a very very very emotional story too. All Parker’s and Nick’s issues coming at full speed, both wanting to promise things that they found not keep. All the strings were attached, I guess in the end, it was the most shocking thing for me. All secondary characters from all the books coming together in one purpose, making sure that their stories had a meaning…. ART. The gods, that at first I was very skeptical about were essential to the endgame. I could literally write a dissertation about how this story was important in my life, how this was top fantasy and should be best seller, but I guess fangirling about this story to everyone I know will have to do it.
August 11, 2023
I had a hard time getting through this book in the series as it didn’t keep me glued to it. The action scenes were a bit step-by-step descriptions and didn’t seem to flow as well when reading it but heck if I can say how to do it better. This book might have suffered from there being sooo many things thrown into one story. I’m sure the author did that to make this a big ending to the series, but it was a bit too much for me.
Anywho… I finished it, so there’s that. And I’ll probably re-read this series sometime in the future. So, all in all, a good series to read.
Anywho… I finished it, so there’s that. And I’ll probably re-read this series sometime in the future. So, all in all, a good series to read.
June 21, 2023
I am sad to see this series end, it has been an astounding, riveting, thrilling rollercoaster ride. But I am very happy to report that the Kai Butler did the series justice with this ending. It is phenomenal, my mind is still reeling. As Kai Butler tied off the loose ends, she threw in some mighty curve balls/bombshells that took the story where I least suspected, making it even more amazing. The suspense had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I didn't know what the author had in store for us with each turn of the page; didn't know if I was gonna laugh, scream, cry, or have my mind blown.
Parker has never had it easy, but this time some challenges seemed impossible, with many powerful enemies (new and old) throwing up barricades to all of his convoluted plans. Nick and Parker's HEA was definitely hard won. And I loved every part of the journey; every suspenseful, humorous, twist & turn, steamy, and tender moment. And I can't forget about all of the secondary characters who just added that extra special touch, especially Sugar with her hilarious metaphors, Runt and Prometheus with their loyalty and protectiveness, the Pixies who actually kinda loved Parker, and Laura who put Parker in his place, and so on....
(this was hard to do without giving away spoilers, lol)
Parker has never had it easy, but this time some challenges seemed impossible, with many powerful enemies (new and old) throwing up barricades to all of his convoluted plans. Nick and Parker's HEA was definitely hard won. And I loved every part of the journey; every suspenseful, humorous, twist & turn, steamy, and tender moment. And I can't forget about all of the secondary characters who just added that extra special touch, especially Sugar with her hilarious metaphors, Runt and Prometheus with their loyalty and protectiveness, the Pixies who actually kinda loved Parker, and Laura who put Parker in his place, and so on....
(this was hard to do without giving away spoilers, lol)
January 25, 2024
4.25 stars. The journey was a little rough going, the pacing slow enough at times that I skimmed through several pages. But the end was worth the ride, and I’d love the chance to go back to San Amaro and find new stories about the familiar souls we’re leaving behind.
July 26, 2023
What a finish! Loved it
February 14, 2024
What a rollercoaster!!
July 5, 2024
I AM SAAAD to finish this series.. T^T What do I do with my life now without Parker's snark and Sugar's inappropriate methapors... xD
By far my favorite urban fantasy. Can't wait to read more books from this author.
By far my favorite urban fantasy. Can't wait to read more books from this author.
October 13, 2024
Ngl I kinda lost the plot in this one, but the happy ending made me very happy <3
August 18, 2023
Perfect Wrap Up
It's like if someone took The Dresden Files and edited it down to something far more manageable and a little less problematic. I appreciate a series with a clear narrative arc and a satisfying conclusion.
It's like if someone took The Dresden Files and edited it down to something far more manageable and a little less problematic. I appreciate a series with a clear narrative arc and a satisfying conclusion.
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