Don't Fear the Reaper Part 3 (Book Review)

This is it. This is Lex Sinclair’s final book for the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” trilogy, and it’s everything I thought it’d be…and then some. Sinclair puts his distinct skill and style to the test when he offers you an ending you won’t quickly forget, to a trilogy you probably won’t want to put down. This particular book contains the big showdown to what I can only refer to as a very intense ride.

The last book starts with Sapphire, Jane and Natalie, and the aftermath they face. They are emotionally broken, tired and hungry. But their journey only gets more dangerous and more complicated. After losing too many people already, they might have to say another permanent goodbye. Although still incredibly confused, and not yet as ready as he wants to be in terms of accepting his responsibility, young Sapphire steps up to save those he holds dear.

His enemy is the same entity who was introduced within the first pages of the first book, namely the Reaper. His elite squad of demons has failed to get close to Sapphire, but he’s not about to give up. At the same time, the reincarnated devil child is getting more powerful, and preparing for the fight that will decide the fate of the human race.

Wow! I’m going to say that again…wow! In all seriousness, I was expecting Sinclair to make the ending epic, and it was nothing short of spellbinding. Everything came together to finish one of the best horror trilogies I’ve read in the last year. So, with the goose bumps out of the way, let’s get into the details.

With the third segment in the series, I’m reminded of how Sinclair loves to linger on the scenery. Prepping the stage and setting the perfect atmosphere before introducing the characters is a powerful style he has adopted, and for many modern writers, it’s a difficult discipline to master. Having the patience to really draw the reader into this fictional world where the Reaper is running rampant requires more than just a lust for writing. In Sinclair’s case, it’s as much hard work as it is a natural talent, not a combination that’s seen very often.

Sinclair maintained the authenticity of his characters, and they felt familiar from the start. He also maintained the quality of his writing, and dare I say, he saved the best for last? With the last book in a trilogy, there’s always an expectancy for more emotion, action and character development, because this is the moment where everything plays out. Sinclair has nailed the last touch to the trilogy. The pacing changes at the right moments, and there’s even some romance involved. But mostly, Sinclair did what he does best, which is to tell a very dark story very convincingly.

I’ve recommended his first two books, and I’m doing the same for the third. Sinclair has an old-school style he takes a lot of pride in, and for fans who love that classic element – this book is for you. For those who’ve already taken it upon themselves to read the first two books, you are going to love what Sinclair cooked up for the ending.