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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Really wonderful conclusion to the first three trilogies that ties them all together and connects dots. Also enjoyed how it gave non-human creatures more agency.
adventurous
dark
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood
Moderate: Gore, Slavery, Torture
That's the thing with a series. You can just link it to the past and it's amazing. Tweezel, who was featured in the stories of Quint and Maris, who is so ancient but still around. And Tem Barkwater, who was part of the Wind Jackals crew in Quint, ánd Quints crew, ánd Twig, where he went into the Twilight Woods. You think he is lost but he returns. I even found out that the professor of Light/Darkness, who's last name is Vespius, is related to Linius Pallitax' wife, whos last name is also Vespius. So he also comes from a high family from way back. It is these things that makes the stories so exciting.
[4 Stars] Really wonderful end to the Rook trilogy! I still think it wasn't quite as good as the other two trilogies but intereresting nonetheless. My main problems were probably all the battle stuff. I always enjoy the adventuring more. This had less of that. I really liked reading Xanth's journey though. I really need to read the Immortals now!
This is the third book in the Rook saga of the Edge Chronicles. With Undertown destroyed by a great storm, the valiant Librarian Knights and the confident Ghosts of Screetown must lead the people to a new life in the Free Glades. But threats in the form of old connivers and new greedy warmongers must be dealt with first.
The journey of the Undertowners reads much like the Exodus of Israel. Across the Mire mudflats they travel, old and young, in carts and on foot, driving animals and carrying bundles. Their trek is complicated by the Twilight Woods, full of seductive and destructive whispers, on one side and the Edgelands, bordering the bottomless void of the Edge itself, on the other. Welcomed into the Free Glades, there is still much trouble ahead as old conniver Amberfuce the ghostwaif and greedy Hemule of the Furnace Glades scheme to keep themselves rolling in the dough at the expense of others. Also, a new Shryke battalion is being formed, and the Goblin Armies are planning an attack.
There are 2 great lessons in this book, more so than in most other Deepwoods books. One is on guilt and redemption. Xanth, the former Guardian of the Night, is still mistrusted and threatened by the townsfolk, as Rook attempts to stand up for his friend. Xanth has fully turned to the good side, but is still tormented by guilt over how he helped the Guardians torture and kill prisoners, even though he did all he could to save as many as he could, only to be thwarted many times by the sadistic Guardian executioner. His change of heart is proven to the Undertowners through his saving of Magda, at great risk to his own life. This is reminiscent of Jesus' salvation of us at the cost of His own life.
The other lesson is unity. The Undertowners, Freegladers, Librarians, Librarian Knights, and Ghosts of Screetown must band together for the protection of them all; but the most amazing demonstration of unity takes place among the Goblin Nations. While the leaders of the 5 Goblin Clans desire to work with greedy Hemule, bicker to maneuver themselves into better positions, and thirst for power and blood, not all the Goblins want to fight. Most are regular townsfolk and farmers who want to peacefully live their lives alongside the Freegladers and new Undertowners. The peaceful Goblins outnumber the warlike Goblins many times over. But what can they do against their formidable generals and overseers? It starts out with talk between 2 lowly Goblin brothers. Then it spreads to others in the community. By the end a showdown is drawn, and the lowly Goblins are part of a surprising sequence of events, making a powerful statement on the impact a united group can have when it stops talking and takes action.
There is even something for Rook as he finds out a lot about his family history through caterbird dreams. Then a meeting with a forgotten friend of the past opens his eyes, brings everything together, and provides closure for him.
As always, there's everything I love about the Edge Chronicles: an easy read, depth and mystery, imaginative settings, memorable characters, action and adventure, moral values, and no romance!
The journey of the Undertowners reads much like the Exodus of Israel. Across the Mire mudflats they travel, old and young, in carts and on foot, driving animals and carrying bundles. Their trek is complicated by the Twilight Woods, full of seductive and destructive whispers, on one side and the Edgelands, bordering the bottomless void of the Edge itself, on the other. Welcomed into the Free Glades, there is still much trouble ahead as old conniver Amberfuce the ghostwaif and greedy Hemule of the Furnace Glades scheme to keep themselves rolling in the dough at the expense of others. Also, a new Shryke battalion is being formed, and the Goblin Armies are planning an attack.
There are 2 great lessons in this book, more so than in most other Deepwoods books. One is on guilt and redemption. Xanth, the former Guardian of the Night, is still mistrusted and threatened by the townsfolk, as Rook attempts to stand up for his friend. Xanth has fully turned to the good side, but is still tormented by guilt over how he helped the Guardians torture and kill prisoners, even though he did all he could to save as many as he could, only to be thwarted many times by the sadistic Guardian executioner. His change of heart is proven to the Undertowners through his saving of Magda, at great risk to his own life. This is reminiscent of Jesus' salvation of us at the cost of His own life.
The other lesson is unity. The Undertowners, Freegladers, Librarians, Librarian Knights, and Ghosts of Screetown must band together for the protection of them all; but the most amazing demonstration of unity takes place among the Goblin Nations. While the leaders of the 5 Goblin Clans desire to work with greedy Hemule, bicker to maneuver themselves into better positions, and thirst for power and blood, not all the Goblins want to fight. Most are regular townsfolk and farmers who want to peacefully live their lives alongside the Freegladers and new Undertowners. The peaceful Goblins outnumber the warlike Goblins many times over. But what can they do against their formidable generals and overseers? It starts out with talk between 2 lowly Goblin brothers. Then it spreads to others in the community. By the end a showdown is drawn, and the lowly Goblins are part of a surprising sequence of events, making a powerful statement on the impact a united group can have when it stops talking and takes action.
There is even something for Rook as he finds out a lot about his family history through caterbird dreams. Then a meeting with a forgotten friend of the past opens his eyes, brings everything together, and provides closure for him.
As always, there's everything I love about the Edge Chronicles: an easy read, depth and mystery, imaginative settings, memorable characters, action and adventure, moral values, and no romance!
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A lot of the book is a flashback to the past, which is fine for someone who hasn't read the books, but is a bit boring for those who have. In general, I think this one missed the opportunity to explore the Freeglades more and really show the ways of living there, much of the book was concentrated on the characters and plots surrounding them. I like Xanth's story line and that's about it. Hope the next one will be more engaging.
my own figyelmezavar and difficulty with reading isnt a reflection on how good this book is
First off, I KNOW this book is too young for me. You don't have to tell me that. I started reading this series when I was younger and decided recently that I had to finish it. Pure nostalgia.
I love the edge chronicles with all my heart, I remember being enthralled with all the creatures and adventures in the first books. But... this one seemed to fall a little flat. I feel like the whole plot could have been summarised in one sentence and the battle seems to wrap up too quickly for my liking.
Nevertheless, I still love the edge chronicles and WILL make it to the end! No matter how many strangers notice me reading a book with illustrations on the train! FREEGLADER!
I love the edge chronicles with all my heart, I remember being enthralled with all the creatures and adventures in the first books. But... this one seemed to fall a little flat. I feel like the whole plot could have been summarised in one sentence and the battle seems to wrap up too quickly for my liking.
Nevertheless, I still love the edge chronicles and WILL make it to the end! No matter how many strangers notice me reading a book with illustrations on the train! FREEGLADER!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced