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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Great ending to a fun and interesting series.
Not really the detective/murder mystery series I signed up for since the scope changed so dramatically at the end of [b:Ghostly Echoes|28110857|Ghostly Echoes (Jackaby, #3)|William Ritter|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1464908803l/28110857._SY75_.jpg|48118993] and continued in the same vein in The Dire King.
I read the first book in the series back when it was first released. I loved it but never got around to finishing the series. That is, until I had finally caught up on review copies for February and found myself looking for something new to read. There are so many books I could have chosen during this time – other series I have been meaning to finish, books that have been languishing on my shelves for over a decade. Yet, the Jackaby series is exactly what I needed at that point in time.
The series never takes itself too seriously. It is as raucous and bizarre as the synopsis indicates. At the same time, it is very much a story with heart. Jackaby is more than the odd detective with rare skills. He has a hidden soft side that you don’t really understand until the end of the second novel. Abigail has spunk, which is something you realize almost immediately but which never fails to impress throughout the series. Even better, every once in a while there would be a sentence so in keeping with some of the brouhaha in today’s society that I had to stop and marvel at its perfection. I found myself looking forward to these gems even as they continued to surprise me when I finally ran across one.
I went into reading these novels expecting silly fun with great characters and a good mystery. What I got out of them was so much more than that. They are reminders to love and accept one another in spite of or maybe even because of our differences. They are reminders to keep your mind and your heart open and to never fail to help someone in need. They are affirmations that we are more than the boundaries set by others and that we all deserve the chance to grow and shine. While still quirky and highly entertaining, they are also inspiring. Honestly, you cannot get much better than that.
The series never takes itself too seriously. It is as raucous and bizarre as the synopsis indicates. At the same time, it is very much a story with heart. Jackaby is more than the odd detective with rare skills. He has a hidden soft side that you don’t really understand until the end of the second novel. Abigail has spunk, which is something you realize almost immediately but which never fails to impress throughout the series. Even better, every once in a while there would be a sentence so in keeping with some of the brouhaha in today’s society that I had to stop and marvel at its perfection. I found myself looking forward to these gems even as they continued to surprise me when I finally ran across one.
I went into reading these novels expecting silly fun with great characters and a good mystery. What I got out of them was so much more than that. They are reminders to love and accept one another in spite of or maybe even because of our differences. They are reminders to keep your mind and your heart open and to never fail to help someone in need. They are affirmations that we are more than the boundaries set by others and that we all deserve the chance to grow and shine. While still quirky and highly entertaining, they are also inspiring. Honestly, you cannot get much better than that.
The ending almost killed me. I was in tears and almost threw this book across the room. But no it's a precious library book so I had to deal by anxious stomping around and then finishing the last pages.
How do I even review this? My emotions were trampled, like utterly. I had a couple fits of rage, but there was also wonder, distress, bitterness and happiness.
This book picks up with the crime that was the beginning in Ghostly Echoes, but throughout this we find out that The Dire Council was in play for a lot longer than anyone thought. All of the characters that we've met throughout the series come back to play a role in the Dire War (as I am calling it). There were quite a few good speeches in this book: one by Jackaby about people and discrimination; and one by Abigail about leading and doing what is right etc. These were so amazing and they gave me such butterfly-fluttery good vibes. PLus, Abigail cheering up Jackaby is a sight and I loved that scene so much.
So many good things happened in this, but also not good things happened. Certain players weren't as good as I once thought. But through all the pain and mystery, I enjoyed my journey and as a phoenix, Abigail has risen through the ashes stronger than ever.
How do I even review this? My emotions were trampled, like utterly. I had a couple fits of rage, but there was also wonder, distress, bitterness and happiness.
This book picks up with the crime that was the beginning in Ghostly Echoes, but throughout this we find out that The Dire Council was in play for a lot longer than anyone thought. All of the characters that we've met throughout the series come back to play a role in the Dire War (as I am calling it). There were quite a few good speeches in this book: one by Jackaby about people and discrimination; and one by Abigail about leading and doing what is right etc. These were so amazing and they gave me such butterfly-fluttery good vibes. PLus, Abigail cheering up Jackaby is a sight and I loved that scene so much.
So many good things happened in this, but also not good things happened. Certain players weren't as good as I once thought. But through all the pain and mystery, I enjoyed my journey and as a phoenix, Abigail has risen through the ashes stronger than ever.
What a resounding end to the Jackaby series! With Ritter's same wit and easy-flowing story, the final battle for the human and fairy worlds comes to a head. The series makes a full circle, new alliances are formed, and A LOT of twists are had!!
I love this series. I love Jackaby and Abigail and Charlie and Jenny and Ritter's clever, fun way of writing about these creatures and their relationships. This ending though. Wow! I was crying both tears of sadness and happiness. Very pleased with this ending!
I love this series. I love Jackaby and Abigail and Charlie and Jenny and Ritter's clever, fun way of writing about these creatures and their relationships. This ending though. Wow! I was crying both tears of sadness and happiness. Very pleased with this ending!
No, shut up, I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying! [Review to come closer to release date.]
This review was originally posted on the Goldilox and the Three Weres blog.
I can't believe that this is the last Jackaby book. I'm not ready for it to be over. I've adored each book in this series but this one was darker than its predecessors. It was so action-packed and full of twists that I was all in by page two and it was freaking fantastic! It was also an emotional roller coaster. I legit cried during most of the last 50-60 pages. And honestly, I'm still a bit shell-shocked from that ending. IT WAS AMAZING AND I AM NOT OKAY!
I'm not sure what else to say in this review without being spoilery. This book was kind of a reunion book where we see characters from the previous books. It was kind of awesome seeing so many familiar faces mixed in with the new ones. Throughout this series Jackaby’s motley crew has had their fair share of fights, but none have been as gruesome or as large scale as this final battle. All kinds of supernatural creatures pop up on both sides of the fight. There are some impressive weapons that combined with the paranormal add a colorful, kind of steampunk fairy tale vibe to the story and I need more of that in my YA books. The plot is not as light and airy as the previous books, but the characters and charm of the world that define this series are never lost in the mayhem.
Jackaby and the gang were just as awesome as always and I'm going to miss them terribly! I loved about this book and this series so much! I'm going to miss the quirky characters, the humor, and the mysteries. This book has several funny moments, often thanks to Jackaby, but it also was an emotional ride. I'm going to miss Abigail and Jackaby interacting where her down-to-earthness balances out his more eccentric ways. Storywise, this book just as good as the previous books and I quite liked the twist at the end of the book even though it almost destroyed me. It felt very suiting like everything had been leading up to it.
Overall, The Dire King was an excellent end to an amazing series. It was everything I hoped for and while the ending wrapped a lot of things up, there are still some open ends left. I'm hoping that this means that we'll be getting a spin-off series. I just really, really want to see the characters again some day and I think that ending left it open for it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for more Jackaby and the gang shenanigans.
If you haven't read this series, go and get your hands on the first book ASAP! Believe me, you'll thank me later.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Initial Thoughts- 8/16/2017- Holy Hell! This book was a trip and a half. My emotions are still running high after finishing it. It was a satisfying ending to an absolutely delightful series even though it made me cry.
Full review to come after the book releases.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
I can't believe that this is the last Jackaby book. I'm not ready for it to be over. I've adored each book in this series but this one was darker than its predecessors. It was so action-packed and full of twists that I was all in by page two and it was freaking fantastic! It was also an emotional roller coaster. I legit cried during most of the last 50-60 pages. And honestly, I'm still a bit shell-shocked from that ending. IT WAS AMAZING AND I AM NOT OKAY!
I'm not sure what else to say in this review without being spoilery. This book was kind of a reunion book where we see characters from the previous books. It was kind of awesome seeing so many familiar faces mixed in with the new ones. Throughout this series Jackaby’s motley crew has had their fair share of fights, but none have been as gruesome or as large scale as this final battle. All kinds of supernatural creatures pop up on both sides of the fight. There are some impressive weapons that combined with the paranormal add a colorful, kind of steampunk fairy tale vibe to the story and I need more of that in my YA books. The plot is not as light and airy as the previous books, but the characters and charm of the world that define this series are never lost in the mayhem.
Jackaby and the gang were just as awesome as always and I'm going to miss them terribly! I loved about this book and this series so much! I'm going to miss the quirky characters, the humor, and the mysteries. This book has several funny moments, often thanks to Jackaby, but it also was an emotional ride. I'm going to miss Abigail and Jackaby interacting where her down-to-earthness balances out his more eccentric ways. Storywise, this book just as good as the previous books and I quite liked the twist at the end of the book even though it almost destroyed me. It felt very suiting like everything had been leading up to it.
Overall, The Dire King was an excellent end to an amazing series. It was everything I hoped for and while the ending wrapped a lot of things up, there are still some open ends left. I'm hoping that this means that we'll be getting a spin-off series. I just really, really want to see the characters again some day and I think that ending left it open for it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for more Jackaby and the gang shenanigans.
If you haven't read this series, go and get your hands on the first book ASAP! Believe me, you'll thank me later.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Initial Thoughts- 8/16/2017- Holy Hell! This book was a trip and a half. My emotions are still running high after finishing it. It was a satisfying ending to an absolutely delightful series even though it made me cry.
Full review to come after the book releases.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
“Hoping is a thing that other people do while people like you are rolling up your shirtsleeves and getting to work."
My favorite in order from the best of the Jackaby series respectively was the 1st, 3rd, and I can't decide between the 2nd and 4th for last place. This book dragged A LOT in the middle and was quite slow. It didn't have that magic and humour that the others seemed to have, although the conclusion was wonderful and intriguing. This is one of my favorite series and I will definitely be sad to see it go. The first book will always hold a special place in my heart.
My favorite in order from the best of the Jackaby series respectively was the 1st, 3rd, and I can't decide between the 2nd and 4th for last place. This book dragged A LOT in the middle and was quite slow. It didn't have that magic and humour that the others seemed to have, although the conclusion was wonderful and intriguing. This is one of my favorite series and I will definitely be sad to see it go. The first book will always hold a special place in my heart.
oh my God... this one is four and a half stars. Ritter saved it for me in the last moment, otherwise I'd ve been Extremely disappointed.
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes