Last Run: The Gauntlet Runner is the seventh book in a gripping and mesmerizing series by S Thomas Bailey, a historical novel with a monumental conflict, a gripping plot, and characters that are richly developed, an exciting escape for fans of historical reads and novels that are action-packed; it is a great conclusion to the series. Meet Jacob Murray who is looking forward to going home after a war that has dragged on for almost seven years. The reader is transported into a mesmerizing historical setting against the backdrop of Quebec, with harsh winters, disease and dwindling supplies, and conflict raging in the background.

Tired from the war and finally united with Maggie, all Jacob cares about is to leave the war behind. But it can’t be forgotten just so easily and its repercussions are haunting, with the French desperate after losing their prized city and uncertain as to how long they may stay in the frozen city of Quebec. Although victorious, the British still have a long way to go in restoring the shattered city. Follow Jacob as he fights personal tragedy and complications from the war to rejoin his family. But can it be anything as easy as he has dreamed about?

S Thomas Bailey delivers a gorgeous treat to fans of historical novels, with characters that readers will immediately like. I haven’t read the previous books in this series, but it wasn’t hard getting into the dynamics of the story, thanks to the skillful use of backstory and the author’s storytelling brilliance. Last Run: The Gauntlet Runner Book VII is an absorbing story with a setting that comes out vividly, a sophisticated plot and characters that are well-crafted. I enjoyed Maggie and how she helps the reader perceive the perils and dynamics of war from a feminine perspective.

Jacob Murray and I are old acquaintances; he and I go way back when he first appeared in The Gauntlet Runner. I was rather emotional when I was reading Last Run: The Gauntlet Runner Book VII by S. Thomas Bailey. In the novel, Jacob is so close to his happiness that he can just taste it. After fighting in a war that has dragged on for too long, the soldier is now ready for some happiness with his family. Maggie and Jacob are finally together and they are happy, even if they are not home yet. However, they don’t have much time.

The French may have lost the golden Quebec City to the British garrison, but they are not giving up. While the French are licking their wounds and gearing up to do something else, the British are trying to bring Quebec City back to life somehow. Amidst all this, Jacob is just hoping that this war will end soon so that he can go home and become part of a happy family again. But nothing is ever easy for him and he knows it. Things go backward rather quickly, and Jacob is in the midst of it. A soldier who fought the worst and survived, he is determined to survive and come out as the winner at the end of this Last Run as well.

What can I say about S. Thomas Bailey that I have not said before? Once again, he blew me away with his craftsmanship and his writing style. Every time I open any of the Gauntlet Runner books, I feel like I am greeting an old friend. Jacob’s growth is simply too good to put into words and the relationship that he has developed with Maggie is perfect. The descriptions, the imagery, the characterizations and the suspense and mystery are all a great combination that spoke to me and had me interested from the get-go. Simply loved this! Brilliant as always!

Jacob was hoping that once he managed to save his wife and family he’d be able to head back toward New York for the winter, but a surprise attack leaves him and the whole group at the mercy of the overcrowded city with General Murray to watch over them. While Maggie and the girls take care of the wounded in the hospital, Jacob and the rest of the men are tasked with protecting the groups that venture beyond the walls. But there are many things that must be done throughout the winter to protect them all and each of them will have to push themselves in order to survive, especially being the only ones allowed out of the fort with no backup in case things go wrong. But will they even be able to make it through the winter? Or will old enemies crop up when they’re least expected?

Last Run: The Gauntlet Runner Book VII by S. Thomas Bailey is a book about love and family, but not just about the kind that’s related by blood. Jacob feels that his entire squad is his family and they look after one another. There's also plenty of action and adventure because even with the winter coming, war doesn’t just stop. There’s always something going on and always some reason to watch your back from what could be coming next. Of course, you never know if that challenge is going to come from the enemy or those on your own side in a war, and Last Run by S. Thomas Bailey is definitely no exception.

Last Run is the seventh book in the Gauntlet Runner series by S Thomas Bailey, a gritty historical narrative that follows a compelling character, Jacob Murray, a man who has found himself embroiled in a war he never wanted, a war that has lasted seven long years. It is the 1760s in Quebec and while the French, defeated, are stuck because of the winter that has frozen the river, the victorious British are worried about their bombed cities and the prospects of the French launching another assault. Now Jacob has Maggie by his side and all he prays for is for the war to end, so he can make a last run for it. But can he escape this inhospitable place with the harsh winter, a traitor bent on destroying him, and a tragedy he never saw coming?

Last Run is a powerful story that brilliantly captures the atmosphere of war and readers will love the setting, captured in vivid descriptions and with images that are glued to readers' minds. Jacob is a well-imagined character, physically and psychologically tough, a man who has been through a lot. S Thomas Bailey transports readers to a moment in history and makes them relive the political turmoil through the eyes of the best of his characters, becoming witnesses to exciting action.

I loved the sense of empathy and the humanity injected into the narrative. The description of the plight of the soldiers is masterly and the author knows how to make readers feel the desperation in his characters, the biting cold of winter, and he opens their eyes to details that are very captivating. Although I haven’t read the previous books in the series, it wasn’t difficult getting into the narrative, thanks to the author’s storytelling skills. The novel is balanced and the pacing perfect, with well-managed conflicts and gripping themes.

I am so happy for Steve and family for the ending of the first series. I am having fun thinking about what comes next when we see these great characters follow through history.