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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
I liked this book. Its the second book in The New Policeman series, Its the follow on from the last book although you could read it as a stand alone book but the story makes much more sense after reading the first book, I think that's what I like most about it. Again JJ Liddy is the main character in this with a couple of other strong characters. If you are into Irish folk lore, fairies and things like that. I think you would like this.
The Last of the High Kings (2007) is Kate Thompson's sequel to her wonderful debut novel The New Policeman (2005). Some time has passed since J.J. was last seen visiting Tir na n’Og to discover where all the time was going. In fact, quite a bit of time has passed. J.J. is now grown with a wife and children of his own. At first, this time lapse was a jolt as was the changed tone between this book and its predecessor--there was something inherently Irish-sounding in the narrative of The New Policeman that was lacking in Thompson's new book. At least, I thought it was. Upon re-reading it became apparent that the "Irish-ness" was equally present in both novels.
J.J. and his wife Aisling have made a fine home on the Liddy family farm even though J.J.'s music career keeps him too busy for any actual farming. The Liddy children, teen Hazel, eleven-year-old Jenny, nine-year-old Donal, and the destructive two-year-old Aiden also keep their parents busy. Jenny is particularly difficult to reign in with her willful nature and predilection for skipping school to wander the fields with a mysterious white goat.
Although at the core of the story, none of that is where the story starts. Instead the story begins with a young man, now many, many years dead, waiting on a hill of stones to learn where his future lies. Years later, on that same beacon, a ghost stands guard over the hillside for reasons long forgotten. Throughout the novel this ghost's fate will intertwine with those of the Liddys in unexpected ways that will change the family forever.
The Last of the High Kings, as the name might suggest, integrates a lot of Irish lore into its plot. Fairies, pukas, and of course ghosts, all play important parts in the story. These magical elements work in strange contrast with the commentary on global warming and other man-made maladies that run beneath the surface of the storyline.
In terms of plot, The Last of the High Kings was not always as enchanting as The New Policeman, partly because readers will already know all about Tir na n’Og and Aengus Og but also because this book had to tread different ground and, at times, made J.J. much less clever than readers of the first book will remember. These problems became less bothersome as the plot moved forward and the story began to move along quite nicely by the halfway point.
The characters found within these pages really are just as charming as those found in The New Policeman. Written in the third person, the narrative follows many characters' points of view. At first this might make the book seem scattered, but it gets easier as the characters become more familiar. Donal, the quiet and introspective member of the Liddy clan, is a particularly delightful addition. This technique also allows Thompson to look at the family as both individuals and a larger unit. While The New Policeman was largely about the land of eternal youth and fairy lore, The Last of the High Kings is firmly grounded in this world dealing with fantastical elements but also especially with the Liddys reconnecting as a family.
(This book will stand alone without its prequel, however to get the full picture it is really vital to read both titles.)
J.J. and his wife Aisling have made a fine home on the Liddy family farm even though J.J.'s music career keeps him too busy for any actual farming. The Liddy children, teen Hazel, eleven-year-old Jenny, nine-year-old Donal, and the destructive two-year-old Aiden also keep their parents busy. Jenny is particularly difficult to reign in with her willful nature and predilection for skipping school to wander the fields with a mysterious white goat.
Although at the core of the story, none of that is where the story starts. Instead the story begins with a young man, now many, many years dead, waiting on a hill of stones to learn where his future lies. Years later, on that same beacon, a ghost stands guard over the hillside for reasons long forgotten. Throughout the novel this ghost's fate will intertwine with those of the Liddys in unexpected ways that will change the family forever.
The Last of the High Kings, as the name might suggest, integrates a lot of Irish lore into its plot. Fairies, pukas, and of course ghosts, all play important parts in the story. These magical elements work in strange contrast with the commentary on global warming and other man-made maladies that run beneath the surface of the storyline.
In terms of plot, The Last of the High Kings was not always as enchanting as The New Policeman, partly because readers will already know all about Tir na n’Og and Aengus Og but also because this book had to tread different ground and, at times, made J.J. much less clever than readers of the first book will remember. These problems became less bothersome as the plot moved forward and the story began to move along quite nicely by the halfway point.
The characters found within these pages really are just as charming as those found in The New Policeman. Written in the third person, the narrative follows many characters' points of view. At first this might make the book seem scattered, but it gets easier as the characters become more familiar. Donal, the quiet and introspective member of the Liddy clan, is a particularly delightful addition. This technique also allows Thompson to look at the family as both individuals and a larger unit. While The New Policeman was largely about the land of eternal youth and fairy lore, The Last of the High Kings is firmly grounded in this world dealing with fantastical elements but also especially with the Liddys reconnecting as a family.
(This book will stand alone without its prequel, however to get the full picture it is really vital to read both titles.)
2.5 I probably would have enjoyed this slightly more if I'd read The New Policeman. I found the story was very slow and very vague. The Characters were always talking about their plan, but never saying what it was. Also, not much happened that was of much importance or excitement until the last few chapters.
I don’t know if it’s just Thompson’s writing style, but both of these books so far have been very enjoyable reads. There’s not a whole lot of action or plot, but the characters are lovable and the read is easy.
J.J., Jenny, the ghost at the beacon, the puka, Donal
J.J., Jenny, the ghost at the beacon, the puka, Donal
I was fairly confused through the first half of the book, feeling like I had missed out on some basic information about the story. Well, it turns out that I had! Although no where on the cover, the end flaps, or anywhere in the book itself is it indicated, this is the second book in a series! Sigh. I hate reading series out of order. By the time I was halfway through, I had pieced together enough information to be able to make sense of it. But I didn't love it because it was a struggle getting there. I would still recommend it to to those who enjoy books about fairies and changelings, and how their world intersects with ours. But I would recommend reading The New Policeman first.
I enjoyed this sequel to The New Policeman, but for whatever reason it didn't have quite the same magic. It still had that entertaining blend of Irish mythology and fantasy with real world issues, and the characters were well-drawn, and it had a nice sense of humor in the tone. I was a little distracted by the fact that our main character, JJ, is now in his 40s with several children - I couldn't help but wonder if children would enjoy that as much as a story told primarily from a child's point of view. Sections are from the point of view of the children, but JJ is still at the forefront. Overall a fun read, and worth taking a look at if you enjoyed The New Policeman (which I highly recommend), but probably not a good stand-alone.
Another story of the Liddy family of Ireland and their dealings with Tir Na Og. I didn't think it was as good as the first book, but it was a quick read with some great moments.
THis was a really great book, AND, as an added plus, it picked up all the loose threads I complained about in the New Policeman!
I liked this one a LOT more than the New Policeman!
I am 13 and highly recommend this book!
I liked this one a LOT more than the New Policeman!
I am 13 and highly recommend this book!
Also a kid’s book, but could easily pass as a Stardust-style adult fantasy if marketed differently. The two books compliment each other well - it chronicles the relationship between a family in Ireland and the alternate dimension where time fails to pass. Throw in a couple of the old stories you hear about changelings and the roots of old Irish folk songs, and you have a great story to run with. I was honestly very, very sad when I was done with these.
Wow. Just....wow. So incredible! I found it impossible to put this book down, and I read it all in one sitting. The plot is so perfectly woven, and all those little mysteries come together so deliciously.
I adore every single character! I loved meeting our old friend J.J. grown up with a family of his own, the destructive and adorable two-year-old Aidan, the mysterious Jenny, the chilling puka, good old Mikey, and the dependable Donal. I usually don't like books with too many POVs, but the different perspectives are handled flawlessly in the writing, and I never even noticed the changes because I was so wrapped up in the story.
The writing is nothing short of spectacular! Every word is so flavorful, and I found myself whispering the words aloud as I read. The gorgeous Irish setting and background of fairy legends is so strong that it's practically its own character. I felt immersed in this enchanting world of fairies, ghosts, and changelings who hobnob with poor human folk.
I can't wait to read more from this author!
I adore every single character! I loved meeting our old friend J.J. grown up with a family of his own, the destructive and adorable two-year-old Aidan, the mysterious Jenny, the chilling puka, good old Mikey, and the dependable Donal. I usually don't like books with too many POVs, but the different perspectives are handled flawlessly in the writing, and I never even noticed the changes because I was so wrapped up in the story.
The writing is nothing short of spectacular! Every word is so flavorful, and I found myself whispering the words aloud as I read. The gorgeous Irish setting and background of fairy legends is so strong that it's practically its own character. I felt immersed in this enchanting world of fairies, ghosts, and changelings who hobnob with poor human folk.
I can't wait to read more from this author!