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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Even better than the first book
I really loved this book, and will be reading the third book in the series straight away. Looking forward to it.
I really loved this book, and will be reading the third book in the series straight away. Looking forward to it.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher at BookExpo America.*
I love Jasper Fforde's style of writing, and even though I've only read YA and adult fiction from him up until now, this middle grade series did not disappoint. His humor, wordplay, and ability to create likeable characters and put them in ridiculously weird situations has made him one of my favorite authors.
The Song of the Quarkbeast is the second book of The Last Dragonslayer series. I haven't read the first book, but I had no trouble following the action and the storyline. So, I don't think it's necessary to read this series in order, but I'm sure that reading the first book would make this one more enjoyable, since there are probably details and jokes carried over that I didn't understand. The Song of the Quarkbeast follows Jennifer Strange, an indentured orphan who is acting manager of a magic company. She and her sorcerers have to go up against a rival magic company in a duel of wizarding skill in order to keep their rights to practice magic.
Like all of Fforde's books, The Song of the Quarkbeast is just plain fun. It has adventure, mystery, suspense, action, and a bit of romance to top it all off. I love the strange-yet-vaguely-familiar world of the Ununited Kingdom, with its inept rulers and brutal laws. The characters are also fantastic. It's told in first person perspective from Jennifer, who is mature and intelligent, which is unfortunately rare to see in a teenage character. And that's great, because in addition to being great entertainment, this book teaches the importance of teamwork, and it shows how teenagers are capable of rising to a challenge and overcoming obstacles.
I recommend this book wholeheartedly. If you've at all enjoyed Fforde's previous works, you'll love this. And if you are a fantasy fan and have yet to delve into Fforde's wondrously weird worlds, you need to give him a try. I have read quite a few books by him and have yet to be disappointed.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
I love Jasper Fforde's style of writing, and even though I've only read YA and adult fiction from him up until now, this middle grade series did not disappoint. His humor, wordplay, and ability to create likeable characters and put them in ridiculously weird situations has made him one of my favorite authors.
The Song of the Quarkbeast is the second book of The Last Dragonslayer series. I haven't read the first book, but I had no trouble following the action and the storyline. So, I don't think it's necessary to read this series in order, but I'm sure that reading the first book would make this one more enjoyable, since there are probably details and jokes carried over that I didn't understand. The Song of the Quarkbeast follows Jennifer Strange, an indentured orphan who is acting manager of a magic company. She and her sorcerers have to go up against a rival magic company in a duel of wizarding skill in order to keep their rights to practice magic.
Like all of Fforde's books, The Song of the Quarkbeast is just plain fun. It has adventure, mystery, suspense, action, and a bit of romance to top it all off. I love the strange-yet-vaguely-familiar world of the Ununited Kingdom, with its inept rulers and brutal laws. The characters are also fantastic. It's told in first person perspective from Jennifer, who is mature and intelligent, which is unfortunately rare to see in a teenage character. And that's great, because in addition to being great entertainment, this book teaches the importance of teamwork, and it shows how teenagers are capable of rising to a challenge and overcoming obstacles.
I recommend this book wholeheartedly. If you've at all enjoyed Fforde's previous works, you'll love this. And if you are a fantasy fan and have yet to delve into Fforde's wondrously weird worlds, you need to give him a try. I have read quite a few books by him and have yet to be disappointed.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
Solid Jasper Fforde, with likeable characters and a good storyline.
Definitely an improvement from the already quite satisfactory first book in the series. There are a lot of dominoes set up for the third and final book, due out this fall in the UK and (presumably) next fall in the US - as, I realize, this book isn't due out in the states til September. I'm excited to see where they fall and what happens in this quirky land where magic is the unit of energy, marzipan an addictive drug, and certain other things (which I'll leave to you to discover - more fun that way) are just-the-right-amount of off-kilter.
The plot is a little more multifaceted (but, to my mind, better for it) and the character development stronger all around. Things are a little heavier for some younger readers but nothing ever soars above the first-book's-audience's heads. It's a delightful book that builds on the strengths of the first and is all the better for it. And you never leave a Fforde book feeling like you haven't had fun, I'll certainly say that.
More at RB: http://wp.me/pGVzJ-KF
The plot is a little more multifaceted (but, to my mind, better for it) and the character development stronger all around. Things are a little heavier for some younger readers but nothing ever soars above the first-book's-audience's heads. It's a delightful book that builds on the strengths of the first and is all the better for it. And you never leave a Fforde book feeling like you haven't had fun, I'll certainly say that.
More at RB: http://wp.me/pGVzJ-KF
Not my favorite Fforde, but a very fun world to visit - I look forward to more of the Kazam players as the series develops.
3.5 stars
I always like the first better than the sequel and there is no exception here. However, it is a fun read and great continuation of the series.
I always like the first better than the sequel and there is no exception here. However, it is a fun read and great continuation of the series.
In this second book of the series, Jennifer is still managing Kazaam while The Great Zambini is missing. In their world, magic had faded so that wizards and sorcerers use their skills for mundane tasks such as finding lost items and keeping bicycles upright. However it seems like magic might be strengthening once again and the various magic agencies are fighting for a bigger piece of the pie. Jennifer is busy trying to keep Kazaam running, despite the cutthroat competition and bureaucratic red tape, and upholding the ideals of The Great Zambini, that magic should be used for the greater good. However her competition has other plans and have resorted to extreme methods to increase their power. However for Jennifer, a big job is not what it seems, quarkbeasts are being sighted in the area and she must not only save Kazaam, but the world. I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. Most of the characters returned from the first books and it had Fforde's quirky wit. I was hoping for more character development and a glimpse of a larger story arch in the series. However, there did not seem to be any new dimensions in this book. I appreciate the strong female lead and the humor. It is an interesting world that I wish I new more about. I will continue the series. It was a fun entertaining read that I can listen to on audio book without having to worry about my kids being around.
Possibly my favorite Fforde series, and that is saying a lot!
i really really really really really like this series
Highly enjoyable read, which sort of blanket-describes almost everything written by Fforde. (Almost.)
Loved that this was more of a day-to-day adventure plot thing, rather than soaked in DESTINY and TITLES and crap; however, I found the first book funnier. Quarkbeast seemed a little thinner in terms of Fforde's fabulous humor and wordplay - though it had its moments, electromagicity and microwaves in particular. But it definitely lacked a little zip, which I hope will soon return.
Also, the UK cover is WAY better.
Loved that this was more of a day-to-day adventure plot thing, rather than soaked in DESTINY and TITLES and crap; however, I found the first book funnier. Quarkbeast seemed a little thinner in terms of Fforde's fabulous humor and wordplay - though it had its moments, electromagicity and microwaves in particular. But it definitely lacked a little zip, which I hope will soon return.
Also, the UK cover is WAY better.