"The Last Hour Between Worlds" is one of the most interesting fantasy books I have read recently. It is also very difficult to describe without spoilers. The entire story takes place at a single party that sinks through different layers of reality known as Echoes. Each layer is more dangerous and different from what we know. The transition from one layer to the next is controlled by a magical clock that also resets time. As the party guests sink into successive Echoes, they have no memory of what happened to them before. The only ones aware of the whole situation are the book's main character, Kembral, and her professional and personal nemesis, Rika.

As the book features very original but also rather abstract worldbuilding, it's not very easy to get into. In the beginning, you really have to concentrate to understand everything. It took me some time to catch on to the rules of the world and understand the magic system. About 25% into the book, everything became clear, and I really enjoyed my time in this offbeat universe.

When I started reading, I was afraid that I would find the confined setting and rather linear plot boring and predictable. Nothing could be further from the truth. With each new Echo layer, the stakes increased, and more information about the world and the magic system was delivered. In my opinion, the whole book is very fast-paced—there are no unnecessary lengths, and the reader is drawn into the vortex of action from the very beginning.

Another advantage of the novel is its well-written characters. Kembral is probably the first FMC I know who has just had a baby and is struggling with the challenges of early motherhood, from lack of social interactions to sleep deprivation. I also liked the romance subplot in this book. I think it was good that it remained a side plot, as the heroines had to act very quickly to save their lives and the lives of others. Pushing the romance between Kembral and Rika to the forefront would have been artificial and unrealistic in this context.

"The Last Hour Between Worlds" is probably not a book I would normally reach for, but I'm glad I did because I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I will definitely read the sequel. I recommend this book to anyone looking for good "bottle novels" set in a fantasy world with high stakes.

My review will be published on Goodreads and on retailers' websites within two weeks prior to the release day.

Not so much Groundhog day as a party that just won't end. We've all been to one of those, right? Only not like this...

Sngle mother to a still new baby has been sent by her sister to a New Year party to get some much needed time out. But not only is Kembral finding it hard to relax without her baby, the party isn't as much fun as she expected. She's breastfeeding so can't drink, her boss is there and pressurising her to return to work as a Hound early, the party is full of people she would rather avoid including an important politician she knows is corrupt, oh, and her arch nemesis and one time love interest is acting very shady. The sooner the year ends and she can get home to her baby the better. But before the clock can strike midnight disaster strikes - and then the party restarts at the same time, everyone restored with their memories wiped, everyone but Kembral. Only the party isn't quite as it was, they have all fallen into an echo, an almost but not quite reflection of their world, where everything is different and infinitely more dangerous, the differences and danger increasing the further into the echo levels you fall. What is going on? Why are assassins targeting the party guests? What's the significance of the clock in the corner? And will Kembral solve the mystery and get back to her child?

Clever, inventive and very original The Last Hour Between Worlds is absorbing, exciting and unlike anything I have read before. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Highly recommended.

Really interesting concept that was executed well!

I enjoyed getting to explore a world with layered realms and a healthy dose of political intrigue. The romance subplot was an unexpected bonus, but loved the way it provided additional background info on the main characters and felt I was able to connect to Kembral more. The authors writing style is very engaging and I struggled to put this book down!

This was a gripping read, I thought the characters were intriguing and I'm going to keep an eye out for more from this author.

The Last Hour Between Worlds by Melissa Caruso
Rating: 4.5/5
Release Date: 21 November 2024

Kembral Thorne relishes her rare break from motherhood at the year-turning ball. However, festivities take a deadly turn as guests begin to drop like flies. Duty calls for Kembral, a member of the Guild of Hounds, as she senses trouble brewing. Complicating matters is her longstanding adversary, the notorious cat burglar Rika Nonesuch, also lurking amidst the chaos.

Central to the chaos is a mysterious clock, triggering the ballroom's descent into surreal and perilous realms with each chime. As the party navigates through increasingly hazardous versions of their city, Kembral must rely on her cunning—and begrudgingly, on Rika—to untangle the enigma before catastrophe befalls their world.

Caruso's latest fantasy mystery was a delight, I couldn't have been more pleased. It kept me guessing right up until the final page, and the world-building—where reality takes on wilder and more perilous echoes—was refreshingly original.

This story is a brilliant blend of cleverness, wit, and plenty of twists and turns. It also features a cast of characters who leap off the page with authenticity and empathy.

I highly recommend this read.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK | Orbit, and the author,Melissa Caruso, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.