The Last Wizards’ Ball

Charlaine Harris continues to weave intrigue, romance, danger, and suspense into the sixth and final installment in the Gunnie Rose alternative history series, The Last Wizards’ Ball.

Lizbeth Rose and Prince Eli Savarov function as chaperones to Lizbeth’s sister Felicia during the week-long Wizards’ Ball where young magical practitioners from across the globe hope to make a romantic match and strengthen alliances.

The ball is being held in San Diego this year, but war and violence are on the rise in Europe. German and Japanese wizards are also courting Felicia, and some don’t want to take no for an answer. As the situation turns deadly, Lizbeth needs to protect her sister while navigating a world that is pulling Eli and Felicia in different directions.

Lizbeth is capable, loyal, brave, generally even-tempered, and a great shot, and has nerves of steel. She’s more relaxed when she’s not in a social situation so the ball week full of festivities is not in her comfort zone. Felicia has a gift for languages, and has and has gained confidence in herself and her abilities. She has the power to kill and to restore life. Eli was born an aristocrat and longs to be back in the good graces of the tsar. He’s not good at sharing his feelings and often fails to communicate. Other characters play secondary roles with varying degrees of depth.

Charlaine Harris is known for excellent characterization and fantastic world-building and she delivers on both of those points in this book. I was easily transported to the depicted events. Family drama, political intrigue, magic, romance, communication issues, war, and many more threads are explored during the novel. It’s also one that causes the reader to think about life, love, duty, community, and family. Exceptional characters, intense fight scenes, and thought-provoking situations made this an entertaining read.

Charlaine Harris is one of my favorite authors and she did not let me down with this conclusion to the series. The characters are compelling, led by strong and capable protagonists. While I hoped for a different ending, the ending was in keeping with the somewhat dark alternative history theme.

Overall, this book was suspenseful and action-packed. It should delight those readers who enjoy alternate history, action adventure, and fantasy novels that have a strong female lead character. However, be aware that it is also unsettling at times. The first novel in the series explains the alternative history aspect that is not fully explained in the succeeding novels. I can’t wait to read my next book by this author.

Saga Press – S&S / Saga Press and Charlaine Harris provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 22, 2025.