A review by spootilious
The Dire King by William Ritter

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

 

Read: May 2, 2023
 Title: The Dire King
 Series: Jackaby #4
 Author: William Ritter
 Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical/Paranormal Fiction
 Rating: 3/5
 Review: 

Surprisingly enough, the final book of the Jackaby series is perhaps the weakest. 

Everything finally comes together in this last installment, ending in an epic battle of good vs evil, villainy vs heroism. Our loveable characters are forced to face choices including life and death. 

Overall, the writing was fine, and the story line was okay. However, the book as a whole feel a bit flat for the lead up the first three books provided us. While, the series has always been predictable the ‘twists’ in The Dire King were a bit… too much. With the exception of a certain traitor. 

It is obvious that Ritter has far more talent than this book gave him credit for, and if he had taken more time, making the book longer, focusing on nuances and build up this could be a wonderful conclusion. As it stands, it is simply acceptable. 

 Quotes: 

“I never found a book that did not have at least a little magic in it” 

“This world doesn't need showy champions. It needs people who are good, people who do good, even if nobody will ever know.” 

“Real love is when you let another person make you better. You don’t lose yourself in love—you find yourself there.” 

“I learned a long time ago that we do not survive because we’re strong—we become stronger the more we survive.”