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The Books of Umber #3
The End of Time
A suspense-filled fantasy trilogy comes to a riveting conclusion—now in paperback!The adventures of Happenstance and Umber reach their epic, surprising, and emotional conclusion in this gripping end to a critically acclaimed series. As Happenstance struggles to master his unusual abilities, he realizes that time is running out—because Umber’s rivals threaten to undo all the good he has achieved, while an unexpected new enemy with terrible destructive power approaches the kingdom….
Happenstance Found, the first book in the trilogy, was named to the 2010 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List!
Happenstance Found, the first book in the trilogy, was named to the 2010 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List!
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
19 people are currently reading
1049 people want to read
About the author
P.W. Catanese
11 books235 followersP.W. (Paul) Catanese is the author of fantasy-adventure novels (published by Aladdin/Simon & Schuster). His next novel, DONNY'S INFERNO, a supernatural adventure, will be published in early 2016.
A crisp style, fast pacing, interesting characters and vivid descriptions have made Catanese a favorite with everyone from reluctant readers to teachers to adults seeking a thrilling escape. His books have been turned into acclaimed audiobooks, and translated into many foreign languages.
In its starred review, Publisher's Weekly said “Catanese dazzles in the first of the planned Books of Umber...Catanese packs a lot into the book: rich characterizations, well-choreographed action sequences and genuinely surprising twists at the end. An auspicious start to the series.”
VOYA called The Thief and the Beanstalk "a rollicking adventure meshed with complex characters and an intriguing spin on a familiar tale..."
Paul is always happy to hear from readers.
A crisp style, fast pacing, interesting characters and vivid descriptions have made Catanese a favorite with everyone from reluctant readers to teachers to adults seeking a thrilling escape. His books have been turned into acclaimed audiobooks, and translated into many foreign languages.
In its starred review, Publisher's Weekly said “Catanese dazzles in the first of the planned Books of Umber...Catanese packs a lot into the book: rich characterizations, well-choreographed action sequences and genuinely surprising twists at the end. An auspicious start to the series.”
VOYA called The Thief and the Beanstalk "a rollicking adventure meshed with complex characters and an intriguing spin on a familiar tale..."
Paul is always happy to hear from readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
January 5, 2021
Die beiden Fortsetzungen gehen genauso spannend, abenteuerlich und abwechlsungsreich wie Band 1 weiter.
Die Festung Aerie ist ein Zuhause geworden für den "gefundenen Jungen" Hap, aber Lord Umber drängt immer wieder auf Forschungsreisen, um seine Neugier zu befriedigen. Hier hat der Autor eine Fülle an Ideen was die Magie betrifft, die Charaktere in Form von Bösewichten und liebenswerten Freunden, aber auch die Hintergründe, die sich immer mehr aufschlüsseln.
Lord Umber ist ein außergewöhnlicher Charakter, vor allem durch seinen ständigen Frohmut, seinen Drang nach Abenteuer und Entdeckungen, die allerdings durch wiederkehrende Tiefpunkte unterbrochen werden. Wenn er in dieses Loch fällt, ist ihm kaum zu helfen und seine Freunde geraten dabei immer wieder an ihre Grenzen.
Hap selbst fühlt sich nicht mehr so verloren und fühlt sich wohl in der Gemeinschaft mit seinem Vormund, der tapferen Sophie, dem kampfbewährten Oates und dem getreuen Berater Balfour. Dennoch macht ihm zu schaffen, dass er eine so riesige Aufgabe vor sich hat, die sein Schicksal vorgibt, vor allem da er nicht weiß, wie ihm das gelingen soll. Er zeigt Angst und Mut, Mitgefühl und Zorn und ist eine äußerst liebenswerte Figur, die ich sehr ins Herz geschlossen habe.
Auf den vielen Reisen gibt es eine Menge zu entdecken auf den entfernten Inseln, die sie bereisen und nicht nur einmal steht ihr Überleben auf dem Spiel. Das war durchweg spannend und vor allem hält der Autor immer wieder Überraschungen parat, die neue Möglichkeiten mit sich bringen.
Aber auch in ihrer Heimatstadt Kurahaven ergeben sich unverhoffte Umstände, die Lord Umber und seine Freunde in Bedrängnis bringen.
Das liegt auch an den vielen fortschrittlichen Ideen, die Umber aus seinem unergründlichen Wissensschatz in diese Welt bringt. Ein Punkt, der zum Nachdenken bringt, denn wenn man so ein großes Wissen hat, ist es schwer zu entscheiden, was an teschnischen Errungenschaften weitergegeben wird. Ohne die Menschen zu überfordern und ohne damit den Verlauf in eine Richtung zu lenken, die aus einer gut gemeinten Idee einen zerstörerischen Aspekt werden lässt.
Denn: eine Idee einmal in Umlauf gebracht, ist sie nicht mehr aus der Welt zu schaffen ...
Auch das Ende war überraschend, denn ich habe durchweg gerätselt, wie das Ganze wohl aufgelöst werden könnte. Dem Autor ist das jedenfalls wunderbar gelungen und ich finde die ganze Geschichte sehr lebendig und auf unterhaltsame Weise erzählt. Kann ich sehr empfehlen!
Zu den Covern muss ich nix sagen oder? Die sind genial :D
Die Festung Aerie ist ein Zuhause geworden für den "gefundenen Jungen" Hap, aber Lord Umber drängt immer wieder auf Forschungsreisen, um seine Neugier zu befriedigen. Hier hat der Autor eine Fülle an Ideen was die Magie betrifft, die Charaktere in Form von Bösewichten und liebenswerten Freunden, aber auch die Hintergründe, die sich immer mehr aufschlüsseln.
Lord Umber ist ein außergewöhnlicher Charakter, vor allem durch seinen ständigen Frohmut, seinen Drang nach Abenteuer und Entdeckungen, die allerdings durch wiederkehrende Tiefpunkte unterbrochen werden. Wenn er in dieses Loch fällt, ist ihm kaum zu helfen und seine Freunde geraten dabei immer wieder an ihre Grenzen.
Hap selbst fühlt sich nicht mehr so verloren und fühlt sich wohl in der Gemeinschaft mit seinem Vormund, der tapferen Sophie, dem kampfbewährten Oates und dem getreuen Berater Balfour. Dennoch macht ihm zu schaffen, dass er eine so riesige Aufgabe vor sich hat, die sein Schicksal vorgibt, vor allem da er nicht weiß, wie ihm das gelingen soll. Er zeigt Angst und Mut, Mitgefühl und Zorn und ist eine äußerst liebenswerte Figur, die ich sehr ins Herz geschlossen habe.
Auf den vielen Reisen gibt es eine Menge zu entdecken auf den entfernten Inseln, die sie bereisen und nicht nur einmal steht ihr Überleben auf dem Spiel. Das war durchweg spannend und vor allem hält der Autor immer wieder Überraschungen parat, die neue Möglichkeiten mit sich bringen.
Aber auch in ihrer Heimatstadt Kurahaven ergeben sich unverhoffte Umstände, die Lord Umber und seine Freunde in Bedrängnis bringen.
Das liegt auch an den vielen fortschrittlichen Ideen, die Umber aus seinem unergründlichen Wissensschatz in diese Welt bringt. Ein Punkt, der zum Nachdenken bringt, denn wenn man so ein großes Wissen hat, ist es schwer zu entscheiden, was an teschnischen Errungenschaften weitergegeben wird. Ohne die Menschen zu überfordern und ohne damit den Verlauf in eine Richtung zu lenken, die aus einer gut gemeinten Idee einen zerstörerischen Aspekt werden lässt.
Denn: eine Idee einmal in Umlauf gebracht, ist sie nicht mehr aus der Welt zu schaffen ...
Auch das Ende war überraschend, denn ich habe durchweg gerätselt, wie das Ganze wohl aufgelöst werden könnte. Dem Autor ist das jedenfalls wunderbar gelungen und ich finde die ganze Geschichte sehr lebendig und auf unterhaltsame Weise erzählt. Kann ich sehr empfehlen!
Zu den Covern muss ich nix sagen oder? Die sind genial :D
April 11, 2011
As posted on Outside of a Dog:
2009's Happenstance Found took me completely by surprise. I was expecting a decent fantasy, and what I got from author P.W. Catanese was a vigorously imagined world and unforgettable characters. As the beginning of a trilogy called The Books of Umber, it worked its magic on me and had me hyped and anxiously waiting for the next installment. 2010 brought Dragon Games, and with it more intrigue, more danger and some of the creepiest creatures I've ever encountered. Seriously, the bidmis, magical beings who ceaselessly ask their master for tasks, gave me nightmares for days. You can only imagine how impatiently I awaited the release of the third and final book, The End of Time. Nearly the minute it entered my library's system, I had it checked out to my name. But I hesitated when it came to starting the book. It had been a year since I last peeked into the life of Lord Umber and his ward, Happenstance, a year of waiting for the end to come. What if it didn't meet up to my expectations? Thankfully, after just a few days of hemming and hawing, I dove right in.
In The End of Time, Lord Umber, Happenstance, and the rest of the crew are almost immediately thrown into adventure when Umber's friends try to lure him out of one of his emotional dark periods. They venture off to the land of the dragons, in order to return the stolen dragon eggs from Dragon Games. Once Umber emerges from his funk, so to speak, they return home to find their kingdom on the brink, as the king nears death, and a bloodthirsty prince waits in the wings. Then of course there’s the sorceress locked away, who’s awake after a long meditation, and ready to cause trouble. But most importantly, there’s Hap, and the seemingly impossible task Umber and Willy Nilly, the Meddler who made Hap, have placed before him. That is, saving the world, our world, from itself. To do this, Hap must learn to read the mysterious filaments that show people’s destinies, and become the powerful Meddler Willy Nilly meant him to be. Along the way, there’s death, destruction, reunions and departures, lots of action, a thrilling chase scene that retraces the steps of the trilogy and an emotional conclusion.
With both Happenstance Found and Dragon Games, it took me thirty or forty pages to really get into the story. But once they took off, they were off and running and I was with them all the way. With The End of Time, I was hooked almost immediately, because Catanese wastes no time in getting our heroes into the action, or in recapping past events. There is an assumption of knowledge that I find both refreshing and mildly frustrating. Since it’s been two years since the first book, I had forgotten certain details that came back into play. Luckily for all of us with faulty memories, though he doesn’t spend time detailing the events of the previous books, Catanese writes with such assuredness and clarity, that everything comes out as it should.
There’s something fascinating to me about Lord Umber, the man from our world who found himself in another and strove to make it a better place. He reminds me vividly of the Doctor, the titular character from the BBC phenomenon “Doctor Who”, especially as played by David Tennant. Umber’s wild enthusiasm peppered with periods of morose brooding make him real and fantastic at the same time. Having a main character suffer from manic depression (though this diagnosis is never named) in a children’s book is challenging, but Catenese is up for the challenge. Umber’s mood swings are felt deeply, and though only a thin explanation is given, readers can understand the feelings themselves, if not the medical motivation behind them.
Hap on the other hand, is a bit of a mystery to me, always. It is not until the last act of The End of Time that we get a real understanding of what a Meddler is and does, and this is after Hap makes a decision that is disappointing, but necessarily so. It’s a turn Catanese makes towards his conclusion, one that I feel he had planned all along, but it tugs at the heartstrings all the same. At the time I was reading it, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the Epilogue, which picks up the story some thirty years from when we left it. Part of me felt cheated out of more story, out of this enormous task Hap had been given. Looking back on it now, I’m more at peace with the decision to reveal what is revealed and withhold what is withheld. I’ll admit, part of me just doesn’t want to let go of these characters, rich and varied that they are. But if that’s your biggest problem, it’s a darn good problem to have.
The Books of Umber: The End of Time by P.W. Catanese
2011, Aladdin
Library copy
2009's Happenstance Found took me completely by surprise. I was expecting a decent fantasy, and what I got from author P.W. Catanese was a vigorously imagined world and unforgettable characters. As the beginning of a trilogy called The Books of Umber, it worked its magic on me and had me hyped and anxiously waiting for the next installment. 2010 brought Dragon Games, and with it more intrigue, more danger and some of the creepiest creatures I've ever encountered. Seriously, the bidmis, magical beings who ceaselessly ask their master for tasks, gave me nightmares for days. You can only imagine how impatiently I awaited the release of the third and final book, The End of Time. Nearly the minute it entered my library's system, I had it checked out to my name. But I hesitated when it came to starting the book. It had been a year since I last peeked into the life of Lord Umber and his ward, Happenstance, a year of waiting for the end to come. What if it didn't meet up to my expectations? Thankfully, after just a few days of hemming and hawing, I dove right in.
In The End of Time, Lord Umber, Happenstance, and the rest of the crew are almost immediately thrown into adventure when Umber's friends try to lure him out of one of his emotional dark periods. They venture off to the land of the dragons, in order to return the stolen dragon eggs from Dragon Games. Once Umber emerges from his funk, so to speak, they return home to find their kingdom on the brink, as the king nears death, and a bloodthirsty prince waits in the wings. Then of course there’s the sorceress locked away, who’s awake after a long meditation, and ready to cause trouble. But most importantly, there’s Hap, and the seemingly impossible task Umber and Willy Nilly, the Meddler who made Hap, have placed before him. That is, saving the world, our world, from itself. To do this, Hap must learn to read the mysterious filaments that show people’s destinies, and become the powerful Meddler Willy Nilly meant him to be. Along the way, there’s death, destruction, reunions and departures, lots of action, a thrilling chase scene that retraces the steps of the trilogy and an emotional conclusion.
With both Happenstance Found and Dragon Games, it took me thirty or forty pages to really get into the story. But once they took off, they were off and running and I was with them all the way. With The End of Time, I was hooked almost immediately, because Catanese wastes no time in getting our heroes into the action, or in recapping past events. There is an assumption of knowledge that I find both refreshing and mildly frustrating. Since it’s been two years since the first book, I had forgotten certain details that came back into play. Luckily for all of us with faulty memories, though he doesn’t spend time detailing the events of the previous books, Catanese writes with such assuredness and clarity, that everything comes out as it should.
There’s something fascinating to me about Lord Umber, the man from our world who found himself in another and strove to make it a better place. He reminds me vividly of the Doctor, the titular character from the BBC phenomenon “Doctor Who”, especially as played by David Tennant. Umber’s wild enthusiasm peppered with periods of morose brooding make him real and fantastic at the same time. Having a main character suffer from manic depression (though this diagnosis is never named) in a children’s book is challenging, but Catenese is up for the challenge. Umber’s mood swings are felt deeply, and though only a thin explanation is given, readers can understand the feelings themselves, if not the medical motivation behind them.
Hap on the other hand, is a bit of a mystery to me, always. It is not until the last act of The End of Time that we get a real understanding of what a Meddler is and does, and this is after Hap makes a decision that is disappointing, but necessarily so. It’s a turn Catanese makes towards his conclusion, one that I feel he had planned all along, but it tugs at the heartstrings all the same. At the time I was reading it, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the Epilogue, which picks up the story some thirty years from when we left it. Part of me felt cheated out of more story, out of this enormous task Hap had been given. Looking back on it now, I’m more at peace with the decision to reveal what is revealed and withhold what is withheld. I’ll admit, part of me just doesn’t want to let go of these characters, rich and varied that they are. But if that’s your biggest problem, it’s a darn good problem to have.
The Books of Umber: The End of Time by P.W. Catanese
2011, Aladdin
Library copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2011
The ending is so bitter-sweet. I feel that Happenstance, at the end, seems so unattached to his former friends. However, he was hard at work, so I guess that it was for the better. However, it is sad that he didn't visit for almost 30 years. Bittersweet. His former lover married, but for the better, becuase he got unattached due to hypnotizm. Oates, married! I almost laughed on that on. He was way too honest for anyone but that manager to declare for an honest man. ☺☺☺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2011
I am clearly a fan of fantasy and PW Catanese does it best. I have enjoyed this series as well as his stories based on fairy tales. This third book in this set was something that I was looking forward to with anticipation. It did not fail. The book is fast, moving, and utterly filled with surprises. Even though I read for pure enjoyment, sometimes books make me wonder about our world and what we might look like to other worlds if it came to that. In this book Umber and his friend are transported to a place where things like guns and metal ships do not exist. Umber uses his knowledge to help the people while his friend finds the society ripe for taking over. In the end Hapenstance, the meddler, finds a solution that forces him to make decisions that he would rather not make. Sadly, it is the end of this series, but gladly, the ending left me satisfied and settled. I love how things were tied up at the end. Great read for lovers of fantasy. Great read for boys who like strong characters and action. Probably best for strong readers in 5th grade and up.
April 30, 2013
This book was so completely amazing. Of all the Books of Umber, this is undeniably the best. It has also made my most favourite book I have ever read yet. Especially nearing the end, my heart was pounding at 4am, and when I read the epilogue, tears sprung my eyes and I couldn't help reading it twice. This book was uniquely clever and original, one I may not find in many years. This book deserves 5 stars from everyone, for every single page had me hooked until the early hours of the morning. An absolute must-read. Umber and Happenstance are a splendid duo which can bring tears to anyone's eyes. Their bond is incredible.
September 14, 2015
A well done final book of a wonderful trilogy. Hap and Lord Umber have a ring ah ding time encountering old foes and surprise manic new opponents. But the ending makes you want start reading Umber all over again. In battling Hap's arch nemesis taking him back to locations of great adventures really added impact.
March 5, 2011
You know you're reading a great series when you are angry it's all over. This one does not disappoint. How the Umber series is not the new Harry Potter, I'll never know.
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January 16, 2024love this series so much it makes me sick
February 16, 2020
The characters continued to grow and the world got expanded in several fun ways. And the prose was as good as ever. However, the end of the trilogy was fast. Specifically, the last quarter of the book crazy things happened on top of one another. It actually felt too fast. And as a result it lacked some of the emotional depth. So I liked it but it's the only one of the series I give 4 stars (not 5).
August 31, 2016
Book 3 of The Books of Umber. I finished it and said, “This might possibly be the best series ending I have ever read.”
Never mind that it’s a YA series. I keep telling you, you’re missing a lot if you wave it all off as “just kid stuff.”
I’m actually a big fan of Catanese’s work, though I’ve never gotten around to posting a review here before. (If I reviewed everything I read, nothing else would get done.) He’s got a whole series of at least five “what happened after the fairy tale” books that are just great.
The Umber series is distantly related to those, being set in possibly the same world of medieval technology, magic, and magical creatures. It features, however, a man (Umber) who was transported from a future version of our world. He’s working to provide useful cultural and technological items to his new world, but also has been given hope that he’ll be able to go back and save his old one from the violent end it was hurtling toward.
The apparent instrument of that salvation is Happenstance (known as Hap), a boy with startling green eyes and a variety of unusual powers. The most unusual one is, in theory, the ability to perceive and manipulate people’s fates. Umber has been advised to bring Hap along on all of his adventures, which are often quite hair-raising, but exactly why is not clear through most of the series.
The third volume presents the final working-out of at least three different plot threads that started back in the first volume, as well as a dangerous new element and (ta-da!) the resolution of the main plot. The other characters – Sophie the one-handed artist, Oates the man cursed to always speak the truth, Smudge the archivist, and more – also make the book far more than just the adventures of Umber and Hap.
It also includes dragons, carnivorous plants, evil princes, dangerous sorceresses, an obsessed monster, and explosions. Seriously, what’s not to like?
You’ll need to start with the first volume (Happenstance Found) to understand a bunch of the conclusion, though. I can’t recommend it enough as a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy with elements of SF and serious ethical-philosophical concepts. And it has a very, very good ending, too.
Never mind that it’s a YA series. I keep telling you, you’re missing a lot if you wave it all off as “just kid stuff.”
I’m actually a big fan of Catanese’s work, though I’ve never gotten around to posting a review here before. (If I reviewed everything I read, nothing else would get done.) He’s got a whole series of at least five “what happened after the fairy tale” books that are just great.
The Umber series is distantly related to those, being set in possibly the same world of medieval technology, magic, and magical creatures. It features, however, a man (Umber) who was transported from a future version of our world. He’s working to provide useful cultural and technological items to his new world, but also has been given hope that he’ll be able to go back and save his old one from the violent end it was hurtling toward.
The apparent instrument of that salvation is Happenstance (known as Hap), a boy with startling green eyes and a variety of unusual powers. The most unusual one is, in theory, the ability to perceive and manipulate people’s fates. Umber has been advised to bring Hap along on all of his adventures, which are often quite hair-raising, but exactly why is not clear through most of the series.
The third volume presents the final working-out of at least three different plot threads that started back in the first volume, as well as a dangerous new element and (ta-da!) the resolution of the main plot. The other characters – Sophie the one-handed artist, Oates the man cursed to always speak the truth, Smudge the archivist, and more – also make the book far more than just the adventures of Umber and Hap.
It also includes dragons, carnivorous plants, evil princes, dangerous sorceresses, an obsessed monster, and explosions. Seriously, what’s not to like?
You’ll need to start with the first volume (Happenstance Found) to understand a bunch of the conclusion, though. I can’t recommend it enough as a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy with elements of SF and serious ethical-philosophical concepts. And it has a very, very good ending, too.
April 8, 2011
I was so looking forward to continuing Hap and Umber's story and the finale was everything I expected and more. I galloped through it until about three-fourth's of the way when I came to a halt. Things were moving so quickly that the book was going to end before I was ready to leave it. Hap and Umber are besieged on every side by enemies--those from the past and new, unexpected ones. Once I began reading again, I read straight through to the end and was never disappointed. If there were loose ends, I was moving too fast to see them and never expected some of the twists taken. Hap must find his own power and save himself just when Umber's domain is also being challenged.
I read through other reviews and noted that several reviewers did not like the ending. I thought that the ending was a complement to the beginning: the story begins with Umber taking Hap under his wing and it ends with Hap returning the favor. Between, Catanese has woven a story of good versus evil and of the magic of fantasy versus the magic of technology. There is also the juxtaposition of Hap who finds himself to be a Meddler and Umber who has himself meddled in the progress of Kurahaven. And I probably should re-read this book again because it's difficult to catch everything when you're moving at break-neck speed.
One of my students brought in the first book in the series and proclaimed, "This is the best book I've ever read." I think he'll find the rest of the series equally enchanting.
I read through other reviews and noted that several reviewers did not like the ending. I thought that the ending was a complement to the beginning: the story begins with Umber taking Hap under his wing and it ends with Hap returning the favor. Between, Catanese has woven a story of good versus evil and of the magic of fantasy versus the magic of technology. There is also the juxtaposition of Hap who finds himself to be a Meddler and Umber who has himself meddled in the progress of Kurahaven. And I probably should re-read this book again because it's difficult to catch everything when you're moving at break-neck speed.
One of my students brought in the first book in the series and proclaimed, "This is the best book I've ever read." I think he'll find the rest of the series equally enchanting.
September 8, 2012
The whole time I was reading, I was sad the series was coming to an end. Book 2 is my favorite. I rarely enjoy books where the characters suddenly experience modern technology (i.e., people in a bow-and-arrow society experiencing guns, cannons and bombs). There also wasn't as much interaction with the creative creatures introduced in this book, so that was disappointing. I considered taking a star for those two reasons. However, the ending of this book and the series was AMAZING. I'm hard pressed to think of a better way of ending such a series. The fantasy elements were neat, and it was a poignant farewell to characters that I really cared about, without being too sappy. I found this series because of the picture on the spine while hanging out in the library -- thank goodness the author's name is at the beginning of the alphabet. What a wonderful find!
July 9, 2011
I listened to this as an audio book and found it captivating. Richard Poe, the reader, creates distinct voices for the characters and I was pulled in from the beginning. Catanese has created a fantastical world that intermediate and middle grade students would find thrilling. Lord Umber. Happenstance, the young meddler who has to come to terms with his powers and save two worlds. Oats, the giant man who is cursed with answering all questions truthfully. Fay and Sable from book 2. Sophie, the artist and archer. Balfor. The crazy plants that grow endlessly - thorny and Dendra. Doan and his ship. King Loden who killed his brothers and father to get the throne.
I did not read the first two books and found this book easy to understand.
I did not read the first two books and found this book easy to understand.
December 19, 2015
This enjoyable series got better with each book, and I enjoyed this final installment immensely. The series ended up among our favorites of the year. In addition to the other books and series to which I've already compared this series, I'd also add the 100 Cupboards series, by N.D. Wilson, and the 13th Reality series, by James Dashner. Interesting story line, enjoyable characters, thought provoking ideas, and a fairly fast paced read.
June 11, 2012
Truly a perfect ending to a fantastic series! There was a constant flow of suspense with unpredictable conclusions, classical fantasy creatures, wrapped in timeless moral lessons of kindness and solving problems without violence. I am hoping for a part two series-- Come on P.W., only three books!!
March 1, 2011
The finale of this trilogy does not disappoint. Amazing!
June 12, 2013
I generally do not get through books quickly as I don't have a lot of time to read, but the combination of an exciting series-conclusion, and the fact that I'm sick with a flu-like cold made for a speedy read!
The Books of Umber wrapped up nicely with this third and final installment "The End of Time." All along, you knew everything would work out (as nearly all books do), but finding out how it would all resolve was a wild ride. You don't need me to summarize (enough reviewers do that, there's no need for one more), but I will say that I wish it was longer. I would have liked more time with (and backstory about) Doane and Turiana, specifically. Both of them were fascinating characters about whose transformations I would have liked to have read more. (Totally off-topic, but if I could translate that last sentence into Mandarin, I would finally be where I want to be at this point in my study.)
As much as I loved the plot, I also loved many of the characters -- Oates as the lovable, but self-hating tough guy as well as action catalyst, and Umber as the self-doubting, manic-depressive adventurer, know-it-all moral arbiter. I enjoyed Balfour, Sophie, and even bit players Fendofel and Dendra, though Fay, Sable, Barkin, Welkin, and Dodd, felt a little flat to me. I felt like Hameron's end was fitting, but I wanted more action and detail in the ending of Loden and his reptilian henchman Larcombe. I think it's a great compliment to a book and an author to have wanted even more, so overall, a wonderful book.
On a practical note, I am genuinely shocked by the fact that none of my sources for middle school recommendations had heard of this series (my son's school librarian who is very knowledgeable and interested in middle school books, the three NYPL librarians I most often go to for recommendations, the staff at several local bookstores I go to). The Umber series has plenty of reviews on GoodReads (it was a GR recommendation that brought me to it), and the publisher is an imprint of Simon & Schuster. I added it to my blog post about books for middle schoolers, and I've told plenty of people about it. It is exciting to find something new, but very surprising that a series that was this good is under the radar in my circles.
P.W., thanks for a great story. I'm spreading the word.
The Books of Umber wrapped up nicely with this third and final installment "The End of Time." All along, you knew everything would work out (as nearly all books do), but finding out how it would all resolve was a wild ride. You don't need me to summarize (enough reviewers do that, there's no need for one more), but I will say that I wish it was longer. I would have liked more time with (and backstory about) Doane and Turiana, specifically. Both of them were fascinating characters about whose transformations I would have liked to have read more. (Totally off-topic, but if I could translate that last sentence into Mandarin, I would finally be where I want to be at this point in my study.)
As much as I loved the plot, I also loved many of the characters -- Oates as the lovable, but self-hating tough guy as well as action catalyst, and Umber as the self-doubting, manic-depressive adventurer, know-it-all moral arbiter. I enjoyed Balfour, Sophie, and even bit players Fendofel and Dendra, though Fay, Sable, Barkin, Welkin, and Dodd, felt a little flat to me. I felt like Hameron's end was fitting, but I wanted more action and detail in the ending of Loden and his reptilian henchman Larcombe. I think it's a great compliment to a book and an author to have wanted even more, so overall, a wonderful book.
On a practical note, I am genuinely shocked by the fact that none of my sources for middle school recommendations had heard of this series (my son's school librarian who is very knowledgeable and interested in middle school books, the three NYPL librarians I most often go to for recommendations, the staff at several local bookstores I go to). The Umber series has plenty of reviews on GoodReads (it was a GR recommendation that brought me to it), and the publisher is an imprint of Simon & Schuster. I added it to my blog post about books for middle schoolers, and I've told plenty of people about it. It is exciting to find something new, but very surprising that a series that was this good is under the radar in my circles.
P.W., thanks for a great story. I'm spreading the word.
January 15, 2016
I was actually very close to giving this 5 stars, but I felt the ending was way too abrupt. Overall, this has been a fun series, I highly recommend it if you're in the mood for some JV fantasy. This last installment was great. I feel like the series was well thought out (rather than being made up as he went along - as is often the case), and the author is a talented writer (I think I will now look up some of his other books). I loved some of the twists and turns in this one. Since I said the ending was abrupt, I shall now elaborate, which means spoilers.....
I feel like Turiana's story line built up to nothing... That's really all we get?? Also, I guess I thought we'd get to see some of Hap's experience when he finally went to the "other" world. But suddenly the book was ending, and he still hadn't even gone... It kind of felt like, "Um, I'm only allowed x-number of pages, so... Hap went over there and did a bunch of stuff for a long time... And then he came back for a minute when he was old... Um, the end!" Overall, I think the amount of content in the series, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd books, could have filled another volume. Then the second book wouldn't have been so crammed full, and this one could have had a slower resolution.
I was glad to see that Umber's bipolar problems did actually serve to further the plot, if in an inadvertent way (becoming so manic after drinking the wrong dose of "medication" that he planted the thorn tree), otherwise it seemed like a weird thing to put in there.
Sophie never did get much more interesting, ah well. They had their little moment, but even that was a little forced, considering how little time they spent together.
I LOVED the twist at the end, with Doane (I'm already forgetting his name, something like that), I didn't see that one coming. I credit the writer with building the case for it subtly throughout the series - as I mentioned before, I really appreciate that kind of forethought.
One thing I was NOT thrilled about was the whole "you can't embrace your powers because you care too much" thing. I was expecting them to find out that *because* he cared, he would be able to use his powers in a way unlike any other, as he was supposed to become incredibly powerful. So when the solution was to hypnotize him so that he wouldn't care anymore... Yeah. Most disappointing part of the series.
Overall, a great, fun series. Can't wait to get my daughter to read it :)
I feel like Turiana's story line built up to nothing... That's really all we get?? Also, I guess I thought we'd get to see some of Hap's experience when he finally went to the "other" world. But suddenly the book was ending, and he still hadn't even gone... It kind of felt like, "Um, I'm only allowed x-number of pages, so... Hap went over there and did a bunch of stuff for a long time... And then he came back for a minute when he was old... Um, the end!" Overall, I think the amount of content in the series, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd books, could have filled another volume. Then the second book wouldn't have been so crammed full, and this one could have had a slower resolution.
I was glad to see that Umber's bipolar problems did actually serve to further the plot, if in an inadvertent way (becoming so manic after drinking the wrong dose of "medication" that he planted the thorn tree), otherwise it seemed like a weird thing to put in there.
Sophie never did get much more interesting, ah well. They had their little moment, but even that was a little forced, considering how little time they spent together.
I LOVED the twist at the end, with Doane (I'm already forgetting his name, something like that), I didn't see that one coming. I credit the writer with building the case for it subtly throughout the series - as I mentioned before, I really appreciate that kind of forethought.
One thing I was NOT thrilled about was the whole "you can't embrace your powers because you care too much" thing. I was expecting them to find out that *because* he cared, he would be able to use his powers in a way unlike any other, as he was supposed to become incredibly powerful. So when the solution was to hypnotize him so that he wouldn't care anymore... Yeah. Most disappointing part of the series.
Overall, a great, fun series. Can't wait to get my daughter to read it :)
May 5, 2018
Happenstance's world is crumbling around him. With both elder princes dead, the throne will go to treacherous Loden, the youngest. Loden has never liked Lord Umber, Happenstance's guardian. And Happenstance also has to worry about Lord Umber's world and the billions of lives Umber expects him to save. He hardly understands himself or his power, and what he does see he can't control. But he hasn't got much time left . . . enemies are closing in.
Continuing the powerful story begun in Happenstance Found and The Dragon Games, The End of Time dives right back in. Lord Umber is still having trouble with his unpredictable mood swings, and his friends know just the cure: another adventure. If they can find some strange creature to tickle Umber's fancy, they hope to snap him out of his depressive funk. But what no adventuring will change is that Loden's ascension to the throne can't be long in coming, with the king so ill. Lord Umber has risen in fame and influence because the current king allowed him to prosper. With Loden in charge, however, everything Umber accomplished risks being trampled underfoot.
Despite such a darkening story, there's still plenty of room for humor. Lord Umber has a definite sweet spot for Fay, the beautiful queen he rescued in The Dragon Games, and much of their relationship is a comedy of errors. The attempted cure for Umber's depression is one of the funniest scenes in the book. The ever-truthful Oates still has plenty of room to inject his blunt opinions. And there is a more macabre humor in how Happenstance deals with the Executioner.
My only regret is that the Epilogue makes everything so . . . final. It's a sweet ending, in many ways, but it's definitely an ending that doesn't leave any room for further adventuring. Lord Umber is a character that will be hard to forget. I suppose there's always the opportunity to backfill some adventures into the gap of years skipped over, but it won't be the same.
Do not start at this book, or much of the subtle character drama will be lost. This is an excellent cap to the trilogy. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
Continuing the powerful story begun in Happenstance Found and The Dragon Games, The End of Time dives right back in. Lord Umber is still having trouble with his unpredictable mood swings, and his friends know just the cure: another adventure. If they can find some strange creature to tickle Umber's fancy, they hope to snap him out of his depressive funk. But what no adventuring will change is that Loden's ascension to the throne can't be long in coming, with the king so ill. Lord Umber has risen in fame and influence because the current king allowed him to prosper. With Loden in charge, however, everything Umber accomplished risks being trampled underfoot.
Despite such a darkening story, there's still plenty of room for humor. Lord Umber has a definite sweet spot for Fay, the beautiful queen he rescued in The Dragon Games, and much of their relationship is a comedy of errors. The attempted cure for Umber's depression is one of the funniest scenes in the book. The ever-truthful Oates still has plenty of room to inject his blunt opinions. And there is a more macabre humor in how Happenstance deals with the Executioner.
My only regret is that the Epilogue makes everything so . . . final. It's a sweet ending, in many ways, but it's definitely an ending that doesn't leave any room for further adventuring. Lord Umber is a character that will be hard to forget. I suppose there's always the opportunity to backfill some adventures into the gap of years skipped over, but it won't be the same.
Do not start at this book, or much of the subtle character drama will be lost. This is an excellent cap to the trilogy. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
December 6, 2012
Der dritte Teil der Reihe "Die Bücher von Umber" war mein erster Ausflug in diese zauberhafte Welt voller Trolle, Hexen, mittelalterlich anmutenden Städtchen, Prinzen und Königen, Drachen, Laternen mit Glimmerwürmern, winzigen abenteuerlustigen Männchen und vielem mehr, aber vor allem voller Lichtfäden, die die mögliche Zukunft der Menschen anzeigen und nur von Fädenziehern gelesen werden können. Ein solcher Fädenzieher ist Happenstance, eigentlich ein kleiner Junge, der jedoch von einem andern Fädenzieher ausgewählt wurde, das gleiche Schicksal wie er zu haben - Fäden zu ziehen und die Zukunft zu gestalten.
Happenstance ist ebenso wie sein Ziehvater Lord Umber und dessen kleines Gefolge eine sehr sympathische Figur. Aber auch die Bösen oder vermeintlich Bösen wie z. B. der Prinz Loden oder Hexe Tiriana sind mit viel Liebe gezeichnet und wirken auf ihre fantastische Art real. Am besten gefallen hat mir jedoch die detailreich ausgestaltete Welt gefallen (mein absoluter Liebling: die Grüne Insel). Der Autor verwendet hierzu viel Können, aber auch viel Liebe. Der Ort kann noch so unwirtlich und feindlich sein, kalt wirkt wohl kein einziges Zipfelchen dieser Welt, weil es für die Leser ungemein Vieles zu entdecken gibt. Auch Cataneses Schreibstil konnte mich begeistern: einfach gehalten, mitunter niedlich, mitunter spannend, auch mal etwas brutal, aber immernoch kindgerecht, zugleich aber nicht verkindlicht, sodass es auch für Erwachsene eine Freude ist, dieses Buch zu lesen.
Wer immernoch Harry Potter nachtrauert, sollte es mal mit Happenstance versuchen!
Happenstance ist ebenso wie sein Ziehvater Lord Umber und dessen kleines Gefolge eine sehr sympathische Figur. Aber auch die Bösen oder vermeintlich Bösen wie z. B. der Prinz Loden oder Hexe Tiriana sind mit viel Liebe gezeichnet und wirken auf ihre fantastische Art real. Am besten gefallen hat mir jedoch die detailreich ausgestaltete Welt gefallen (mein absoluter Liebling: die Grüne Insel). Der Autor verwendet hierzu viel Können, aber auch viel Liebe. Der Ort kann noch so unwirtlich und feindlich sein, kalt wirkt wohl kein einziges Zipfelchen dieser Welt, weil es für die Leser ungemein Vieles zu entdecken gibt. Auch Cataneses Schreibstil konnte mich begeistern: einfach gehalten, mitunter niedlich, mitunter spannend, auch mal etwas brutal, aber immernoch kindgerecht, zugleich aber nicht verkindlicht, sodass es auch für Erwachsene eine Freude ist, dieses Buch zu lesen.
Wer immernoch Harry Potter nachtrauert, sollte es mal mit Happenstance versuchen!
January 12, 2017
Well wasn't that wonderful? Often times in books with hints of magic, our young heroes often go through a quest to find that perfect deus ex machina that will save them and their friends from a predicament. The journey to acquiring such object is usually hard fought and so it makes the story still worth reading and in cases of great books, quite entertaining and memorable. In this case though, it is handled a little differently. I suppose it is a little too much like real life. People simply did what they could have done and it was fortunate that Hap had the powers that he did. It is was not handled in the same way with other stories where the power was unknown until some rush of emotion shed light to it, in this case it was simply a matter of problem solving. Which I really like, as it actually makes sense and is quite refreshing in a fantasy book.
Now if you are wondering why I might have a hint of disappointment, you are not entirely mistaken. But it is more "emotionally exhausted" rather than "disappointed". All the twists and turns, all the little bits of information that reemerges into another situation only to be closed by some piece of the story that was dropped like a crumb from the earlier parts and books leading you towards an ending that is emotionally spectacular!
I don't like writing long reviews, but this book left me quite raw and wanting for more :) Rarely do you see a book where all the pieces wraps itself up into a great present. And as it is with great gifts, when the thought is there and the contents are personal. It becomes perfect.
Now if you are wondering why I might have a hint of disappointment, you are not entirely mistaken. But it is more "emotionally exhausted" rather than "disappointed". All the twists and turns, all the little bits of information that reemerges into another situation only to be closed by some piece of the story that was dropped like a crumb from the earlier parts and books leading you towards an ending that is emotionally spectacular!
I don't like writing long reviews, but this book left me quite raw and wanting for more :) Rarely do you see a book where all the pieces wraps itself up into a great present. And as it is with great gifts, when the thought is there and the contents are personal. It becomes perfect.
November 16, 2015
Umber and Hap have safely returned home, but trouble soon follows. Hap is supposed to master his unique powers to become one of the most powerful Meddlers ever. It's the only way he'll be able to save millions of lives in the world Umber came from. However, an evil sorceress grows more powerful in her prison cell, and it's no secret the prince detests Umber. Umber's life will be in danger if the king's failing health does not improve, and the prince gains comtrol of the kingdom. And word is spreading of a terrible fire monster bringing death and destruction from the Far Continent. And, oh yeah, the Executioner has already killed the other Meddlers, and Hap is his next target. There's a whole lot of disaster going on!
This book is the last one in the trilogy, and you need to read the first two books. You can type "Umber" in the search box found at the top of my blog to see my other reviews. The plot in this book followed a straighter path than the first two books. The prince was a threat to Umber, and everything revolved around that problem. The other conflicts became the focus at different times, but the prince was a constant. A surprise from Umber's previous life pops up to create a huge problem. I liked how the author resolved the climax. Hap used his new-found powers to travel to many settings from the previous books. Problem creatures from those plots became solutions to Hap's problem in this book. Creative thinking by the author!
This book is the last one in the trilogy, and you need to read the first two books. You can type "Umber" in the search box found at the top of my blog to see my other reviews. The plot in this book followed a straighter path than the first two books. The prince was a threat to Umber, and everything revolved around that problem. The other conflicts became the focus at different times, but the prince was a constant. A surprise from Umber's previous life pops up to create a huge problem. I liked how the author resolved the climax. Hap used his new-found powers to travel to many settings from the previous books. Problem creatures from those plots became solutions to Hap's problem in this book. Creative thinking by the author!
January 11, 2016
Like the previous two books, I was taken for quite a ride. I love these characters and am sad to say good-bye to them at the end of this trilogy.
Spoiler-ish
Leading up to the end, Hap somewhat relives his second life backwards, more than symbolically having his life flash before his eyes. It is funny how as a reader we can become so attached to a set of characters, and want to impose our own will on a plot twist of a story, especially when it comes to the death of a character or the end of the story. Because this was the last book of the series which I have enjoyed so much, I found myself wanting to be the Meddler who could impose some will onto the path of the prose. And when I joined that physical journey which brings Hap to locations in reverse order of the story, I was glad I was only an observer.
I must admit that, although frustrating, I appreciate it when an author makes tough choices with outcomes. I haven't read others reviews of this book yet, but based on the stars, I am guessing that they are also satisfied with the conclusion... End of time closes with an epilogue, which lets the reader down gently, but still teases you with as much wonder of the unknown as it does throughout the trilogy. In addition to explaining the title of the book (nicely done!), I laughed to hear how Oates meet his wife, and got a bit emotional reminiscing with Umber on the lives of his crew.
Spoiler-ish
Leading up to the end, Hap somewhat relives his second life backwards, more than symbolically having his life flash before his eyes. It is funny how as a reader we can become so attached to a set of characters, and want to impose our own will on a plot twist of a story, especially when it comes to the death of a character or the end of the story. Because this was the last book of the series which I have enjoyed so much, I found myself wanting to be the Meddler who could impose some will onto the path of the prose. And when I joined that physical journey which brings Hap to locations in reverse order of the story, I was glad I was only an observer.
I must admit that, although frustrating, I appreciate it when an author makes tough choices with outcomes. I haven't read others reviews of this book yet, but based on the stars, I am guessing that they are also satisfied with the conclusion... End of time closes with an epilogue, which lets the reader down gently, but still teases you with as much wonder of the unknown as it does throughout the trilogy. In addition to explaining the title of the book (nicely done!), I laughed to hear how Oates meet his wife, and got a bit emotional reminiscing with Umber on the lives of his crew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2012
We start off the book with Umber falling into his moods, in fact this one is the worst yet, as a result of what happened in the previous book. Balfour, who hopes to restore Umber to his regular self, takes him (or rather kidnaps because he refuses to go) on an adventure. Luckily, something happens on the adventure to bring Umber back to his old self again ^_^ After this the reader and the gang are thrown into numerous fast paced adventures.
I loved this book. No lie. The plot, from the first book, has been tightly placed and there are no unnecessary fillers. Hap really comes into his own in this one as he accepts his role of a Meddler. Most (if not all) the mysteries surrounding the Meddlers have been revealed. We also get a better understanding of how the Meddlers think.
So we've come to the conclusion of this trilogy that has action, adventure, fantasy, mystery, and a sprinkling of romance and it was a satisfying end. We get a glimpse into all our favourite character's lives also ^_^
ahh Oates you big lug, I'm going to miss you. Umber and your eccentric ways *sniffles* and lastly Hap, may you have an adventure of a lifetime ;) (*hint* you probably will in your old age )
review can also be found at musingsandbooksandmore.blogspot.com
I loved this book. No lie. The plot, from the first book, has been tightly placed and there are no unnecessary fillers. Hap really comes into his own in this one as he accepts his role of a Meddler. Most (if not all) the mysteries surrounding the Meddlers have been revealed. We also get a better understanding of how the Meddlers think.
So we've come to the conclusion of this trilogy that has action, adventure, fantasy, mystery, and a sprinkling of romance and it was a satisfying end. We get a glimpse into all our favourite character's lives also ^_^
ahh Oates you big lug, I'm going to miss you. Umber and your eccentric ways *sniffles* and lastly Hap, may you have an adventure of a lifetime ;) (*hint* you probably will in your old age )
review can also be found at musingsandbooksandmore.blogspot.com
September 29, 2012
3.5
I rounded up because I believe these books need more exposure.
The first book in this series was pretty revolutionary to me, in that it was imaginative, surprising, and original. The second book added to the story, though some departures from the main plot to flesh out character development were -eh-. This last installment, I enjoyed, but (for my taste) the ending was too open ended. It begs for another series to tell the tale left over.
In addition, a personal issue I have is no matter the greatness of a series, someone should be able to pick up any installment and feel plugged right in. This would be impossible with this book. The tradeoff is you are reintroduced to the cast of characters you have loved in the other books. And elements of the other works become pivotal in wrapping up the story. Plot elements, characters, they were all tied up, but amazingly it was the characters' lives, and not the big questions, that were tied up most neatly.
In the end, I am a fan. I will look forward to other works by this author, and hope he revisits this world so I can get some closure in the future!
Recommend.
I rounded up because I believe these books need more exposure.
The first book in this series was pretty revolutionary to me, in that it was imaginative, surprising, and original. The second book added to the story, though some departures from the main plot to flesh out character development were -eh-. This last installment, I enjoyed, but (for my taste) the ending was too open ended. It begs for another series to tell the tale left over.
In addition, a personal issue I have is no matter the greatness of a series, someone should be able to pick up any installment and feel plugged right in. This would be impossible with this book. The tradeoff is you are reintroduced to the cast of characters you have loved in the other books. And elements of the other works become pivotal in wrapping up the story. Plot elements, characters, they were all tied up, but amazingly it was the characters' lives, and not the big questions, that were tied up most neatly.
In the end, I am a fan. I will look forward to other works by this author, and hope he revisits this world so I can get some closure in the future!
Recommend.
May 26, 2011
This talented author concludes his series about Meddler Hap, and readers will be sad to say goodbye to the many beloved characters that people Umber's world. Umber is cast deep into depression, so much so that his friends search for adventures that will reinvigorate him. The reason for his gloom? The inevitable ascension of horrific Prince Loden to the throne of Kurahaven. And sure enough, when the old king dies, Loden immediately declares war on all of Umber's inventions, accomplishments, and even the Aerie. Then a new threat surfaces, and it outshines all others. Can Umber, Hap, and their friends figure out a way to save everything that is important to them? Ultimately, it comes down to Hap, and his final, necessary embracing of his destiny. Good storytelling and an interesting, fitting end to this solid fantasy series.
August 5, 2011
This is a hard book to rate, as my opinion of it varied so greatly as I read it. I got feeling with this book that it HAD to be wrapped up in a trilogy, and so things had to move faster than would be ideal. Consequently, this book is filled with one momentous moment after another, making me think of the character Umber and his manic energy. The culmination of this book is when Hap finally learns to use his powers. The 'battle' scene with the Executioner is absolutely fabulous... I don't think I've enjoyed a sequence that much in a long time. But surrounding that scene there are a lot of gaps. How Hap came to achieve his powers, why he is so 'powerful', etc. These felt like they either weren't answered or phoned in (hypnotism? really?). So in the end, I can't give the book 5 stars, although the sequence with the Executioner is worth at least 6.
November 1, 2011
Everett read The End of Time, by P.W. Catanese: I really liked this fanstasy book, because of the storyline, which to me is important, because it's about Happenstance saving Earth, after so much revolt and pollution. Also, I like all the characters, like Oates who has a spell that makes him speak the truth. Umber, is one of the best, because he's a mixed personality guy who is happy and uplifting, and then serious, and the extremely depressed, and the regretful, but mostly happy. My favorite part was probably when all of them were working together to fight of the prince. Also, I think Oates might be my favorite, because he is happy and sad at the same time, and he's always cracking me up, because one time he said "Umber actually thinks you're a horrible snob who likes murder." So, I would probably recommend this to fantasy people, because it's a heavy fantasy.
June 28, 2014
What a wonderful story! I almost wanted to cry at the end because it was so beautifully done and bittersweet. *Blows nose in tissue* I'm telling you, this story is filled with even MORE surprises than the first two books. It has gotten very serious and scary, and there's a lot more violence in it too. But man, I loved everything about it - especially that huge battle-chasing scene between Hap and the Executioner! There's definitely a lot of 'boss battles' to read through, but that one was by far my favorite.
One thing that I noticed about the entire series, is that the torn paper illustrations you'd see every so often get more burnt and torn as the series goes on... You know what I am talking about? I thought that was cool! I didn't notice it until much later.
I can't believe the adventure is over already... The Books of Umber have quickly become my new favorite trilogy.~
One thing that I noticed about the entire series, is that the torn paper illustrations you'd see every so often get more burnt and torn as the series goes on... You know what I am talking about? I thought that was cool! I didn't notice it until much later.
I can't believe the adventure is over already... The Books of Umber have quickly become my new favorite trilogy.~
September 9, 2014
Humor was a thing that the first book did not lack. Fantasy was a thing that was not lacked in the second book. But the third? By all means, it was the best. After al, there was the "thrilling conclusion". I found myself dwelling on the fact that humor was not a part of the third book, however, despite that the book was the best. All that "meddling", all those things being revealed...wow. P.W.Catanese has a complex mind that is not often found in writers and I am glad I have found such a writer. I envy that :) Moreover, I love prologues and epilogues so I was in paradise when I found out that there was an epilogue. Yes, the epilogue was quite unexpected but I loved it! I just love books/stories/novels/whatever which end with the title. Overall, the book was a great piece. I just hope that I shall be able to gaze at more thrilling works of P.W.Catanese.
I will be waiting.
I will be waiting.
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