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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
Another fun and action packed instalment of The Chronicles of Kazam.
Fforde is so good at world building - it seems so real, as if I could just step through the pages and be there too.
Also, I love the characters' development throughout this series... Can't wait for the next book!
Fforde is so good at world building - it seems so real, as if I could just step through the pages and be there too.
Also, I love the characters' development throughout this series... Can't wait for the next book!
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:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Good silly fun, written for young adults, but I enjoy anything by Fforde. Excellent for reading during lockdown. It finishes with a great cliffhanger, so no doubt his heroine will have another outing before too long.
I love Fforde's absurd juxtapositions: a Quarkbeast is described as being a creature "often described as a cross between a labrador and an open knife drawer, with a bit of velociraptor and scaly pangolin chucked in for good measure. Despite its terrifying appearance and an odd habit of eating metal, the Quarkbeast was a loyal and intelligent companion." Another example is of two young dragons who play their part in the story: one has the very dragonlike name of Feldspar Axiom Firebreath IV, but the other is called Colin.
I love Fforde's absurd juxtapositions: a Quarkbeast is described as being a creature "often described as a cross between a labrador and an open knife drawer, with a bit of velociraptor and scaly pangolin chucked in for good measure. Despite its terrifying appearance and an odd habit of eating metal, the Quarkbeast was a loyal and intelligent companion." Another example is of two young dragons who play their part in the story: one has the very dragonlike name of Feldspar Axiom Firebreath IV, but the other is called Colin.
It is always with mixed emotions that I finish reading a Jasper Fforde book, and this is no exception. Another wild romp through the unUnited Kingdoms with Jennifer Strange and her assorted band of misfits is ultimately delightful and satisfying, a perfect way to finish my 2015 reading list. Fforde's imagination seems to know no bounds, as every possible creature comes to life in his pages, somehow couched within a recognizable political paradigm that, not unlike a Pixar film, contains enough adventure to entertain the young and a healthy dose of farcical realism to tickle the more sophisticated reader. Bravo, I'm already anticipating the next Kazam adventure.
UPDATE: I have re-read this, nearly 10 years after I originally read it, in anticipation of, as I mentioned originally, the next Kazam adventure. I waited quite a while! (see my review of The great Troll War). I'm happy to report that this book totally holds up, just as the previous two volumes did. The energy and imagination of this series is unmatched, and Jennifer Strange is a terrific heroine. I am indeed looking forward to the (final?) book in this series, as Jennifer works to keep good things good, and evil things gone!
UPDATE: I have re-read this, nearly 10 years after I originally read it, in anticipation of, as I mentioned originally, the next Kazam adventure. I waited quite a while! (see my review of The great Troll War). I'm happy to report that this book totally holds up, just as the previous two volumes did. The energy and imagination of this series is unmatched, and Jennifer Strange is a terrific heroine. I am indeed looking forward to the (final?) book in this series, as Jennifer works to keep good things good, and evil things gone!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
A fun read, but a touch of sadness. Jennifer has been commissioned by the Great Shandar to find the Eye of Zoltar a legendary stone of unknown powers that belonged to an evil wizard. She also has to go to Cambria in the Ununited Kingdom to bargain for the release of the Once Magnificent Boo. And has been saddled with the bratty princess to teach her proper behavior and compassion.
And everything gets complicated from there. She refuses to call the search a quest because there is way too much paperwork involved in a quest.
Can't wait for the next.....
And everything gets complicated from there. She refuses to call the search a quest because there is way too much paperwork involved in a quest.
Can't wait for the next.....
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Another home run for Jasper Fforde. If you're looking for something a little different with a bit of humor and fantasy, but a bit askew, you really should try The Chronicles of Kazam. Great for summer reading! This installment is the third book with more to come and Jennifer Strange is still as smart, witty, and quick as ever. She takes center stage here and does a fine job. I don't think I've ever been disappointed with one of Fforde's books. They are just so fun, I get sucked right in, and his characters are like old friends you just pick back up with, no matter how long it's been since your last visit.