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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
This is the seventh and final book in the Keys to the Kingdom series. If you haven't read the previous six, for goodness sake, go back and find the first one and get cracking. This is an excellent series with a rich and complex world and characters that feel real. None of this is a surprise, because these are really the hallmarks of Garth Nix's writing. Also, the cost in the end is absolutely appropriate - not too much, but not too little. This is another area in which Nix excels.
I'm delighted to say that not only does Nix tie up the loose ends (and they really do make sense, despite some of the quibbles in other reviews), and it looks like he had the important details plotted out all along. While there are things that I completely saw coming (I'm a writer and I do that), some parts of the end took me completely by surprise. Sometimes when a book takes me by surprise, it's because the author did something stupid that doesn't make sense. In this case, it's because the author is a whole lot brighter than me and it made perfect sense (and I'm delighted to be surprised).
If you're a fan of Nix's other work, do keep in mind that these are middle grade books, so there are some things that don't get the attention or time (and therefore the full emotional impact they could) that they would in his work intended for older readers.
I'm delighted to say that not only does Nix tie up the loose ends (and they really do make sense, despite some of the quibbles in other reviews), and it looks like he had the important details plotted out all along. While there are things that I completely saw coming (I'm a writer and I do that), some parts of the end took me completely by surprise. Sometimes when a book takes me by surprise, it's because the author did something stupid that doesn't make sense. In this case, it's because the author is a whole lot brighter than me and it made perfect sense (and I'm delighted to be surprised).
If you're a fan of Nix's other work, do keep in mind that these are middle grade books, so there are some things that don't get the attention or time (and therefore the full emotional impact they could) that they would in his work intended for older readers.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A really nice rounded end to this series of books.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Wow. This book is an awesome end to a great series. One confirmation of a dread I'd been having since Friday, a non-cliche ending, consequence and lasting change to the world created by Nix... Man, can't say enough good about this book. Really excellent, I'm feeling a little down because the ride is over, but the series is such a fast and easy read I can always go back and read it again. I'm sure catching twists and foreshadowing that I blundered right on by the first time around.
Excellent.
Re-read with the kiddos in 2022. I'm not sure it's as good as my previous review makes it out to be. Definitely a book written for children and a little disconnected from the plotline of the previous books. It was ok.
Excellent.
Re-read with the kiddos in 2022. I'm not sure it's as good as my previous review makes it out to be. Definitely a book written for children and a little disconnected from the plotline of the previous books. It was ok.
Not the ending I was expecting! But I think I appreciate that it was realistic and not “everyone and everything is magically okay!” Like… shit got real and almost everyone died and then the protagonist became god??? That’s pretty wild. Can’t believe after over a decade I’ve finally finished this series!
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Weird
This last book is just weird. It's very confusing and I'm not even sure what totally happened. I can honestly say I'm glad the series is over!
This last book is just weird. It's very confusing and I'm not even sure what totally happened. I can honestly say I'm glad the series is over!
adventurous
slow-paced