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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Love this series! Glad it isn't ending with this book, but could have done without the cliffhanger ending. ;)
Read this a while ago. I gave it a five stars, and I have no idea why. From what I remember, we got to see more of Jackaby and Abigail’s character that we missed in the second book. Good plot too.
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not half as good as it’s predecessors, but damn i missed these characters.
Jackaby's definitely become one of my favourite series. I expected a fun, light hearted Sherlock Holmesesque story with magical creatures, but it is so much darker and has much more substance than what I thought it would be. Abigail is an amazing protagonist, she proves it in every single book. She's strong and driven, but she also has her flaws.
I loved learning about Jenny in this book, and seeing the big picture. There are still many questions that need answers and I'm itching to get to Dire King in the near future. I'm also sad for this series to end, as it truly took me by surprise and I ended up absolutely loving it.
5/5 stars!
I loved learning about Jenny in this book, and seeing the big picture. There are still many questions that need answers and I'm itching to get to Dire King in the near future. I'm also sad for this series to end, as it truly took me by surprise and I ended up absolutely loving it.
5/5 stars!
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Jackaby series back to what it should be! I admit I was left a little disappointed after the last book but had every hope that this book would be better, and boy was it ever!
Also, want to quickly say that the paperback editions aren't stiff spine-breakers but gorgeous floppy paperbacks that sit open without damaging the spine. (I know it's a minor publishing/manufacturing detail and not the author's decision, but I love and appreciate it all the same.)
Characters
Jackaby is back to being one of my favourite male protagonists ever. He's so quirky and charming but with a sense of naivety to him. He's still vaguely oblivious to human emotion and his bedside manner is just as appalling as ever but I really love that about him. He's very blunt in his delivery, but we saw some personal development this time too.
Jackaby has always being a man of mystery (a character trope I absolutely devour) I loved how enigmatic he's been throughout the series so far but finally, in this book, we see a little bit of his past. He actually opens up to Abigail a little, though not completely.
We also discover the true nature of his character. He isn't guarded and secretive because he's untrusting, but because he's loyal, and there's actually something in the world he loves and wants to protect. Jackaby is an absolute joy to read and I adore peeling back the layers of his character.
Abigail Rook has equally become one of my favourite female protagonists ever. She's strong and brave. She's not without fear, but she's also willing to face those fears in order to help the people she cares about and in pursuit of doing the right thing. She's so very human in the best possible way. She's relatable.
She shone in this book. There were certain tasks that only she was capable of doing and she really applied herself well. She can keep her nerve under pressure and she doesn't need a man to save her. She's feisty but respectful, inquisitive yet cautious. She's the perfect complement to Jackaby's character and I wish there were more books to come. I love seeing them work together.
Jenny also grew tremendously in this book. No longer is she the powerless ghost hiding in her own house, but a powerhouse in her own right. Her development is incredible. We discover the truth about her death as well as so much more, including possible budding feelings for someone else. I love those shy, slow-burning romances, just a snippet revealed here and there. I'm living for it!
Plot
In this book, we see our detective duo investigating the death of their friend and resident ghost, Jenny. Her past has been shrouded in mystery since the day of her murder and she hasn't been able to remember a thing.
When esteemed scientists start going missing, Jackaby and Rook jump on the case but soon discover they aren't random attacks. Everything is connected and the truth of Jenny's murder is closer than they realise.
The plot of Ghostly Echoes is the best one so far. The pacing was spot on, I never once got bored. There was drama, action and a spot of tender moments, all when they were needed and all in the right places. I really can't fault a thing about this book.
I was absolutely gripped throughout and I flew through the last quarter of the book in one sitting. I normally prefer to savour these books but I simply couldn't put it down. The suspense at the end of every chapter was unbearable and this is without a doubt how chapters should be written; leaving you hungry for more.
It's the very definition of a page-turner and I haven't been this excited about a book in a while.
Setting
Ghostly Echoes took us to new ground, not just outside of the town of New Fiddleham, but outside of our own realm of existence. The Annwyn and beyond. The Afterlife. This was so fascinating and I loved the idea that all afterlives and underworlds exist simultaneously, it's merely the believing in it that matters.
Abigail's journey to place was vivid and haunting, but strangely beautiful. It felt definitely sinister but there was also a peacefulness about it. The Annwyn itself was wonderfully described in gorgeous contrast to the dark and gritty world of New Fiddleham. I felt like this time around we got to peer a little closer into those dark corners of the town and see the terrible underbelly of it.
Very well done, indeed.
Writing Style
The writing was great as always and as expected. First person told from Abigail's perspective.
The pacing was spot on, I never once got bored. There was drama, action and a spot of tender moments, all when they were needed and in the right place. I really can't fault a thing about this book.
The dialogue was great, and the banter and humour was so suited to these characters. Classic Jackaby humour.
It was quite heart-warming to see little meaningful messages written into the narrative too; touching and oh so relevant in our times. Like this scene when Jackaby helps a transgender person being attacked in the street. He refers to her as a she and when Abigail curiously asks about it he replies with this:
"Underneath she was herself - as are we all. Lydia Lee is as much a lady as you or Jenny or anyone. I imagine the midwife or attending doctor probably had another opinion on the matter, but it only goes to show what doctors really know."
"Shouldn't a doctor be able to tell at least that much?"
Jackaby's expression clouded darkly. "I have great respect for the medical profession, Miss Rook," he said soberly, "but it is not for doctors to tell us who we are."
That last line made me smile. So much truth has never been written in a single line. It moved me.
It also seemed very fitting for a man like Jackaby to defend someone being brutally judged by others for simply being different to them, and also reinforces the kindness and compassion he has hidden away within.
Final Impression
I really loved this book and now I'm super hyped for The Dire King My only problem is I have the whole series in paperback and so I have to try and wait patiently for August. But I guess it's something to look forward to.
This is one of my favourite book series and I'll be very sad to part ways with these characters. One can only hope that the author will return to them one day. I certainly wouldn't turn down the opportunity to go on another adventure with Jackaby and Rook.
Also, want to quickly say that the paperback editions aren't stiff spine-breakers but gorgeous floppy paperbacks that sit open without damaging the spine. (I know it's a minor publishing/manufacturing detail and not the author's decision, but I love and appreciate it all the same.)
Characters
Jackaby is back to being one of my favourite male protagonists ever. He's so quirky and charming but with a sense of naivety to him. He's still vaguely oblivious to human emotion and his bedside manner is just as appalling as ever but I really love that about him. He's very blunt in his delivery, but we saw some personal development this time too.
Jackaby has always being a man of mystery (a character trope I absolutely devour) I loved how enigmatic he's been throughout the series so far but finally, in this book, we see a little bit of his past. He actually opens up to Abigail a little, though not completely.
We also discover the true nature of his character. He isn't guarded and secretive because he's untrusting, but because he's loyal, and there's actually something in the world he loves and wants to protect. Jackaby is an absolute joy to read and I adore peeling back the layers of his character.
Abigail Rook has equally become one of my favourite female protagonists ever. She's strong and brave. She's not without fear, but she's also willing to face those fears in order to help the people she cares about and in pursuit of doing the right thing. She's so very human in the best possible way. She's relatable.
She shone in this book. There were certain tasks that only she was capable of doing and she really applied herself well. She can keep her nerve under pressure and she doesn't need a man to save her. She's feisty but respectful, inquisitive yet cautious. She's the perfect complement to Jackaby's character and I wish there were more books to come. I love seeing them work together.
Jenny also grew tremendously in this book. No longer is she the powerless ghost hiding in her own house, but a powerhouse in her own right. Her development is incredible. We discover the truth about her death as well as so much more, including possible budding feelings for someone else. I love those shy, slow-burning romances, just a snippet revealed here and there. I'm living for it!
Plot
In this book, we see our detective duo investigating the death of their friend and resident ghost, Jenny. Her past has been shrouded in mystery since the day of her murder and she hasn't been able to remember a thing.
When esteemed scientists start going missing, Jackaby and Rook jump on the case but soon discover they aren't random attacks. Everything is connected and the truth of Jenny's murder is closer than they realise.
The plot of Ghostly Echoes is the best one so far. The pacing was spot on, I never once got bored. There was drama, action and a spot of tender moments, all when they were needed and all in the right places. I really can't fault a thing about this book.
I was absolutely gripped throughout and I flew through the last quarter of the book in one sitting. I normally prefer to savour these books but I simply couldn't put it down. The suspense at the end of every chapter was unbearable and this is without a doubt how chapters should be written; leaving you hungry for more.
It's the very definition of a page-turner and I haven't been this excited about a book in a while.
Setting
Ghostly Echoes took us to new ground, not just outside of the town of New Fiddleham, but outside of our own realm of existence. The Annwyn and beyond. The Afterlife. This was so fascinating and I loved the idea that all afterlives and underworlds exist simultaneously, it's merely the believing in it that matters.
Abigail's journey to place was vivid and haunting, but strangely beautiful. It felt definitely sinister but there was also a peacefulness about it. The Annwyn itself was wonderfully described in gorgeous contrast to the dark and gritty world of New Fiddleham. I felt like this time around we got to peer a little closer into those dark corners of the town and see the terrible underbelly of it.
Very well done, indeed.
Writing Style
The writing was great as always and as expected. First person told from Abigail's perspective.
The pacing was spot on, I never once got bored. There was drama, action and a spot of tender moments, all when they were needed and in the right place. I really can't fault a thing about this book.
The dialogue was great, and the banter and humour was so suited to these characters. Classic Jackaby humour.
It was quite heart-warming to see little meaningful messages written into the narrative too; touching and oh so relevant in our times. Like this scene when Jackaby helps a transgender person being attacked in the street. He refers to her as a she and when Abigail curiously asks about it he replies with this:
"Underneath she was herself - as are we all. Lydia Lee is as much a lady as you or Jenny or anyone. I imagine the midwife or attending doctor probably had another opinion on the matter, but it only goes to show what doctors really know."
"Shouldn't a doctor be able to tell at least that much?"
Jackaby's expression clouded darkly. "I have great respect for the medical profession, Miss Rook," he said soberly, "but it is not for doctors to tell us who we are."
That last line made me smile. So much truth has never been written in a single line. It moved me.
It also seemed very fitting for a man like Jackaby to defend someone being brutally judged by others for simply being different to them, and also reinforces the kindness and compassion he has hidden away within.
Final Impression
I really loved this book and now I'm super hyped for The Dire King My only problem is I have the whole series in paperback and so I have to try and wait patiently for August. But I guess it's something to look forward to.
This is one of my favourite book series and I'll be very sad to part ways with these characters. One can only hope that the author will return to them one day. I certainly wouldn't turn down the opportunity to go on another adventure with Jackaby and Rook.
3.5 stars
Sadly, I didn't have any connection with the characters and my favourite book remains the first one. I really liked the possession aspect of it and the plot was really good, especially towards the end, but sometimes it feels like the resolution comes out of nowhere, thanks to the fantasy aspect.
Sadly, I didn't have any connection with the characters and my favourite book remains the first one. I really liked the possession aspect of it and the plot was really good, especially towards the end, but sometimes it feels like the resolution comes out of nowhere, thanks to the fantasy aspect.