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emjrey's review
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
I really enjoyed this series. It's definitely great as middle grade fiction-some dark themes but there's redemption, some world building, good character development and overall good plots.
_aoibheann_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
harleyrae's review
4.0
It has been years since I read the previous book in this series, that being said I was able to pick up on this story right away! It was fun and entertaining to be back in this world again. While this was not my favorite book in the series, it was a bit slower paced than I was wanting, I still thoroughly enjoy this! I can’t wait to pick up the final book and finish this series.
applegnreads's review
3.0
I wouldn't say I loathed Sep, but I would like to give him a good shake. It is great to see the other characters growing so much.
bookgirl1861's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
celjla212's review
4.0
So the Darke things that were hinted at in the previous 5 books are finally getting real. Merrin Meredith has been hiding in the Palace for weeks now, and has used the power of the Two Faced ring to place a Darke Domaine on an area of the Palace. Unfortunately what could have been quickly contained is accidentally let loose by the always slightly incompetent Silas Heap. And so everything within the castle walls becomes engulfed in Darkenesse, and it's up to Septimus to save the kingdom.
There were so so so many characters and subplots to keep track of in this book. The story skips around from Merrin, to Septimus, to Beetle, to Jenna, and so on. Not that it was hard to follow, but it was a bit bothersome to get into what was going on in one chapter only to have the point of view quickly change.
I liked that the author was not afraid to get into what's considered some pretty sinister stuff for a YA book. There is death, dismemberment, and other gory details I won't get into. But while is can get quite heavy at times, there is plenty of humor interspersed throughout to add a little levity to grave situations.
I also have to wonder about Marcia's previous decisions to keep letting Merrin go free even through all the bad things he had done before. If Marcia had been stricter on him after the events of the previous books, none of this would have happened. But, there is one more book left in this series. I can't imagine what else could happen to the characters in this world, as I thought this book had a pretty well-done ending. But I'll be there to read Fyre when it comes out.
There were so so so many characters and subplots to keep track of in this book. The story skips around from Merrin, to Septimus, to Beetle, to Jenna, and so on. Not that it was hard to follow, but it was a bit bothersome to get into what was going on in one chapter only to have the point of view quickly change.
I liked that the author was not afraid to get into what's considered some pretty sinister stuff for a YA book. There is death, dismemberment, and other gory details I won't get into. But while is can get quite heavy at times, there is plenty of humor interspersed throughout to add a little levity to grave situations.
I also have to wonder about Marcia's previous decisions to keep letting Merrin go free even through all the bad things he had done before. If Marcia had been stricter on him after the events of the previous books, none of this would have happened. But, there is one more book left in this series. I can't imagine what else could happen to the characters in this world, as I thought this book had a pretty well-done ending. But I'll be there to read Fyre when it comes out.
thomas_hense's review
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Another bedtime read with my spouse. We enjoyed it as much as the first.
zenithharpink's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
4.5
This is definitely the best book in the series. Most of my gripes about earlier books are resolved - Jenna got an attitude adjustment and the pacing - especially in the beginning - was a lot quicker. Beetle is a great character and I'm really enjoying Simon's arc as well. Merrin is iffy for me - I can't tell how I feel about him as a character. The new world details were interesting.
I recommend to fans of the series and fantasy - but I wouldn't recommend starting with this book, even though (IMO) it's the best in the series (so far).
I recommend to fans of the series and fantasy - but I wouldn't recommend starting with this book, even though (IMO) it's the best in the series (so far).