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thukpa's review against another edition
4.0
I've read this series with my big boys, and we enjoy the whole series. There is history, mythology and just regular people caught up in it all.
em_ily_816's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
beckysee's review against another edition
4.0
Nancy Farmer is bae. The conclusion of Jack's story was everything I had hoped, although saying bye to him made me really upset. The characters were perfect and the story went in directions I wasn't thinking it would. Farmer is easily one of my favorite authors.
superstormnora's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The ending is so ambiguous and I don’t know what to think
sanjastajdohar's review against another edition
5.0
A great conclusion to the series, the characters have grown and developed and the ending was a bit of a surprise, which is always positive. It feels sort of weird to part with these characters, especially Thorgil, I liked her journey and development...the mythology is woven into the story in a really interesting way as well. All in all, a great series.
garnetofeden's review against another edition
4.0
I saw less of some of the characters that were introduced in the last book than I expected, such as Pega and Hazel. Still overall an enjoyable volume, and I really liked the last couple of lines that tied it back once again to the Jack and Jill nursery rhyme.
Rating reviewed 1/28/2023.
Rating reviewed 1/28/2023.
ehays84's review against another edition
4.0
A solid end to an excellent trilogy. I am trying to work my way around a lot of the children's/young adult fiction that is out there today and somewhat current. Neil Gaiman has been my favorite find, but Nancy Farmer is my second favorite. These stories are strong on history, character, and cosmology. They are not quite as strong on description of setting, but this is a small quibble. Probably the first of the trilogy is the best, but both of the final two are almost as strong.
One of the themes of the books has been the merger of Christianity in its nascent stages in Anglo-Saxon England with Viking beliefs. The author's voice is probably most strong in the Bard, whose famous line is "you get to choose your afterlife." However, the author is not overly pluralistic or preachy in this message. For example, Jack, the main character, remains steadfastly a Christian despite also training as a bard. Furthermore, one of the Viking characters has a transformation towards Christianity through the books. Overall, I think the author does a good job of capturing the synchretism that was surely taking place in northern Europe around 800. Thanks to saints like Brigid, Patrick, Columba, David, Cuthbert, Aidan, Boniface, and Brendan, the peoples of the north did in fact become Christian. But they were not asked to give up their old ways or beliefs wholesale. A great example would be to read St. Patrick's Lorica. This is clearly a trinitarian prayer, yet one in the style and using the symbology of a Celtic charm/spell. All truth is God's truth, and not nearly every Christian missionary has been guilty of cultural imperialism, although some sadly have.
One of the themes of the books has been the merger of Christianity in its nascent stages in Anglo-Saxon England with Viking beliefs. The author's voice is probably most strong in the Bard, whose famous line is "you get to choose your afterlife." However, the author is not overly pluralistic or preachy in this message. For example, Jack, the main character, remains steadfastly a Christian despite also training as a bard. Furthermore, one of the Viking characters has a transformation towards Christianity through the books. Overall, I think the author does a good job of capturing the synchretism that was surely taking place in northern Europe around 800. Thanks to saints like Brigid, Patrick, Columba, David, Cuthbert, Aidan, Boniface, and Brendan, the peoples of the north did in fact become Christian. But they were not asked to give up their old ways or beliefs wholesale. A great example would be to read St. Patrick's Lorica. This is clearly a trinitarian prayer, yet one in the style and using the symbology of a Celtic charm/spell. All truth is God's truth, and not nearly every Christian missionary has been guilty of cultural imperialism, although some sadly have.
jtryckman's review against another edition
4.0
Though I would not rate this book as highly as "The Sea of Trolls", it is far better than its immediate predecessor, "The Land of Silver Apples."
In general, the story focuses much more on Jack and Thorgil, which helps because their relationship is the most fleshed-out. Not only that, but the characters feel more consistent - no longer are there random mood/emotional changes that feel out of place.
Like its predecessor, however, the story takes a loooooong time to properly get going, and in general seems to be lacking an overall plot. The title doesn't necessarily fit the book, as the Islands do not appear until the very end of the book (an ending which was incredibly rushed, I might add).
Overall, I enjoyed it, but it is still a step down from the first novel.
In general, the story focuses much more on Jack and Thorgil, which helps because their relationship is the most fleshed-out. Not only that, but the characters feel more consistent - no longer are there random mood/emotional changes that feel out of place.
Like its predecessor, however, the story takes a loooooong time to properly get going, and in general seems to be lacking an overall plot. The title doesn't necessarily fit the book, as the Islands do not appear until the very end of the book (an ending which was incredibly rushed, I might add).
Overall, I enjoyed it, but it is still a step down from the first novel.
brookerhees's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed it up until the ending, which felt sudden and unresolved. There was a lot of buildup throughout the book and I felt that the end sort of brushed away a lot of issues without giving them the attention I hope for in a well written book. I appreciate the depth of her writing in general, so the unexpected twist left me feeling cheated rather than satisfied.
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable, though the ending was a little too neat, almost made you want one more book
Actually listened to this book, but am switching my audio books to non-audio for my pages read records.
Actually listened to this book, but am switching my audio books to non-audio for my pages read records.