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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
After enjoying book one The Last Dragonslayer, I was pleased to get an early peek at its sequel (not really early as it has already been released in the UK). I picked this up one weekend expecting more hilarious shenanigans from Jennifer Strange and her coterie of magicians and assorted associates. As I anticipated, this was quintessentially Ffordian. I think if you enjoyed the first book and Fforde's writing in general, then you'll want to check out this sequel.
This go-around makes mention of the resurgence of magic following the events of the first book and continues some of the same threads but mostly the story is new, giving us further insight into the world of the Ununited Kingdoms. The big threat is over the future of magic with the king and wizard Blix eager to monetize it for their own gain while Jennifer and her crew want it available for everyone. These divergent philosophies battle it out, culminating in a bridge rebuilding competition to decide the fate of magic.
But really the plot doesn't much matter. Instead you'll be enchanted by the charming writing with its asides and the way that everything will come together. Small details are carelessly tossed to the side but later events prove how we had all the clues we needed, if only we could piece them all together the way Fforde does!
Jennifer continues to be plucky as foundlings are and we get to spend some time with the mysteriously disappearing and reappearing Great Zambini as well as all the fun characters from last book. I think my favorites here were greedy King Snodd IV and the King's Useless Brother (this is his actual title from the book) who is easily distracted by just about everything.
Overall: Though you could probably read this as a standalone, I do recommend checking out the first book beforehand and just being prepared for a zany ride!
After enjoying book one The Last Dragonslayer, I was pleased to get an early peek at its sequel (not really early as it has already been released in the UK). I picked this up one weekend expecting more hilarious shenanigans from Jennifer Strange and her coterie of magicians and assorted associates. As I anticipated, this was quintessentially Ffordian. I think if you enjoyed the first book and Fforde's writing in general, then you'll want to check out this sequel.
This go-around makes mention of the resurgence of magic following the events of the first book and continues some of the same threads but mostly the story is new, giving us further insight into the world of the Ununited Kingdoms. The big threat is over the future of magic with the king and wizard Blix eager to monetize it for their own gain while Jennifer and her crew want it available for everyone. These divergent philosophies battle it out, culminating in a bridge rebuilding competition to decide the fate of magic.
But really the plot doesn't much matter. Instead you'll be enchanted by the charming writing with its asides and the way that everything will come together. Small details are carelessly tossed to the side but later events prove how we had all the clues we needed, if only we could piece them all together the way Fforde does!
Jennifer continues to be plucky as foundlings are and we get to spend some time with the mysteriously disappearing and reappearing Great Zambini as well as all the fun characters from last book. I think my favorites here were greedy King Snodd IV and the King's Useless Brother (this is his actual title from the book) who is easily distracted by just about everything.
Overall: Though you could probably read this as a standalone, I do recommend checking out the first book beforehand and just being prepared for a zany ride!
Book two of the Chronicles of Kazam series, as expected, a quite enjoyable and easy read. If you like a story without big complications, some fantasy and strong female characters, it is a good series (book 3 is next in my list).
Funny, suspenseful, and full of adventure, just like Fforde's other works; The Song of the Quarkbeast was an entertaining read and hard to put down.
3.5 stars
This is the second book in Fforde's Chronicles of Kazam trilogy. It's written for young readers but it's a lot of fun for adults. I read the first book about a year and a half ago but for some reason hadn't continued with the series. I decided it was time to finish it.
Jennifer Strange is still managing the Kazam House of Enchantment and is essentially an agent for the sorcerers who work and live there. The other house is called Industrial Magic and between the two they manage the only eight licensed sorcerers on the planet. Thanks to the events of the first book there has been a return of magic to the Ununited Kingdom but it's still not widespread.
The leader of the other house is plotting with the King to control magic for profit. A challenge between the two houses involving rebuilding a bridge will determine which side will win.
These books are witty and fun and full of interesting characters and creatures. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy them.
This is the second book in Fforde's Chronicles of Kazam trilogy. It's written for young readers but it's a lot of fun for adults. I read the first book about a year and a half ago but for some reason hadn't continued with the series. I decided it was time to finish it.
Jennifer Strange is still managing the Kazam House of Enchantment and is essentially an agent for the sorcerers who work and live there. The other house is called Industrial Magic and between the two they manage the only eight licensed sorcerers on the planet. Thanks to the events of the first book there has been a return of magic to the Ununited Kingdom but it's still not widespread.
The leader of the other house is plotting with the King to control magic for profit. A challenge between the two houses involving rebuilding a bridge will determine which side will win.
These books are witty and fun and full of interesting characters and creatures. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy them.
This was a cute book. It says it's for teens, and my perception of teen reading abilities may be skewed, but it definitely reads a little younger - maybe tween/pre-teen. I picked it up so my son would have an easy read while he's out of school this summer but I ended up reading it myself. Very cute and I'd like to read more of the series.
While I liked this book and the last one, they can get a bit tiresome after awhile because sometimes he just seems to be babbling. I also thought the ending went on way too long. But I liked this book better than the last one, but I think I gave the last one four stars. I'll have to go back and change that. Anyway, I like Jennifer and I think her job is interesting, and I especially the wizards at Zambini Towers and the Transient Moose is my favorite:)
Smart, strong female in quirky, sometimes satirical fantasy. Fun YA series.
A great sequel to The Last Dragsonslayer and an addictive read. I highly recommend this book.
Bahaha. Fforde's wit is just so smusing. Devoured this book in 2 hours. Great read, highly enjoyable, really face-paced but easier to understand than the Thursday Next series which is heavily bogged down with literary jokes. I really enjoyed this series so far and am glad affords decided to venture into YA fiction.