The Greatest Challenge Of Them All (Cynster Next Generation Novels) (Volume 7)

Stephanie Laurens always fulfills my high expectations and with this book following through the next Cynster generation story I was deeply satisfied. I do love her strong characters! I have never felt disappointed reading Regency stories by Ms Laurens.

The author must be really bored with this group of people; this trilogy screams marketing ploy. The members of the earlier generation of the Cynster family and associates were interesting people who made real contributions to country and society. Their talents have not carried to the progeny featured in these volumes Even Dalziel, a really strong character, has not succeeded in producing an adult son; his heir is all adolescent attitude with delusions of grandeur. There is much reference to the men's earlier activities; the characters in this group as depicted would have been totally incapable of performing them. There is much space given to needless running around and exposition; such dialog as there is consists of women demanding to be included in various activities. The trilogy plot outline never became even one book.

Full disclosure- I love anything and everything by Stephanie Laurens. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Books 4, 5 and 6 all deal with a plot to steal/use gun powder, the Chartists, the Irish, Ann unknown old guy who is the mastermind - it all culminates in this book. Loved the plot. Loved the characters, old and new - can one possibly ever get enough of the Duke of Wolverstone?- and, of course, the trademark Laurens "happily ever after ." No spoilers here. If you've read any of her books, you know how they end . It's getting to the end that's fun!

Full disclosure- I love anything and everything by Stephanie Laurens. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Books 4, 5 and 6 all deal with a plot to steal/use gun powder, the Chartists, the Irish, Ann unknown old guy who is the mastermind - it all culminates in this book. Loved the plot. Loved the characters, old and new - can one possibly ever get enough of the Duke of Wolverstone?- and, of course, the trademark Laurens "happily ever after ." No spoilers here. If you've read any of her books, you know how they end . It's getting to the end that's fun!

As always, well written, good characters, suspenceful plot & (for those of us who have read the previous series) a quick reunion with many long-standing friends. A bit drawn out at the end is understandable (due to reunion reparte). All in all, worth the money to get away from current day complications & remember that previous generations resolved their political & familial trials. Well done.

The climax of a fascinating three part trilogy featuring three oldest of the younger generation Cynsters is a an exciting page turner! Drake and Louisa's romance is touched off through familiarity and trust in each other's strengths as together they race time to foil a dastardly plot against their government. A fitting finale loaded with wonderful details and a wide cast of useful characters. Trilogy needs to be read in order for full effect.

Drake Varisey, Marquess of Winchelsea has taken over his father's duties as protector of the realm. With the assistance of Lady Louisa Cynster, Drake continues to follow the trail of the missing gunpowder from the two previous books. As the bodies pile up, the suspense builds to a most satisfactory conclusion. I enjoyed the multi-chapter epilogue wrapping up the romances of the trilogy. All three titles are worth the read!

This was a specially wonderful read!!! I always love Laurens books, and
love to keep reading about the Cynster family!!!
I often read the Cynster books more than once, and
will read AND ENJOY The Greatest Challenge of them All
again and again!!!
Sue Harper

This completes the Latest Cynster family saga. This trilogy keeps you guessing as to is behind a nefarious plot to the Crown as well as the continuing romance between Louisa and Drake. Will they save the day? You'll have to read it to find out.

Worst book that I have read from Stephanie Laurens. First off, this is supposed to be a historical romance, but is really a murder mystery with hardly any romance. The main characters seem to really not have any chemistry and seem to come together as an afterthought. This book took me forever to read and became a quest. I kept thinking it has to get better at some point, but it never did. It was also frustrating having the characters from previous books throughout the book because time in the book is put toward their stories instead of the main characters. I really enjoyed the authors earlier work with the beginning of the Cynster clan, but it is time to move on to new stories and decide if she wants to be a murder mystery novelist or a historical romance novelist. I don’t recommend this book and have a hard time understanding some of the glowing reviews.

Stephanie Laurens continues to amaze and delight with the continuation of the Cynster family. I have been a big fan since the very first book and have not been disappointed yet. This is the third and final in the Devil's Brood trilogy. The characters are entertaining and engaging, making you feel like you are part of the story. This is the finale of the mystery that started in book 1 and the story just glides along. Along with the mystery we watch as Lady Louisa Cynster and Lord Drake finally give into the love that has been building between them. Their strength and personality together create the ultimate love story.

The last movement of a symphony builds and then comes to a grand crescendo and then--- but lets not get ahead of our self! Ms.Laurens finally picks up Drake's story and pits a perfect foil for him that fits his needs like two pieces of a jig saw puzzle! Louisa is the woman I always wanted to be if I were transported back in time!
She is intrepid and just the right amount of fear to "allow" Drake to protect her but not enough to be scared off. As the plot that started two books ago, unravels the tangled threads of this huge master-minded plot---Drake finally accepts the fact his brain has known but his heart wouldn't allow--Louisa is his soul-mate! She teaches Drake that love doesn't weaken but strengthens people!

The plot continues on its way in perfect tempo again-not too fast and never slow! It's got the great cast of characters from the lowest to the highest persons of the realm. I won't give anything away but these books all have villains you love to hate and you cheer at their "trip to justice"!

The symphony of these three books is a perfect ending and perfect chords are struck so when you have to put the book down---you feel completely satisfied and yet waiting to see what the next book will be!

A great read and great conclusion to the trilogy. Well written with well-developed plot full of intrigue, action and a nice romance. Stephanie Lauren's last few series, including this one, is a little more plot driven than character driven, but still very enjoyable.