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Jinx #3
Jinx's Fire
The young wizard Jinx concludes his suspenseful and dryly humorous adventures in the magical forest of the Urwald with this third installment in the series that ALA Booklist says “deserves a permanent place in the children’s fantasy pantheon, with Narnia and Earthsea” (Jinx's Magic, starred review). This action-packed conclusion is perfect for readers of fantasy adventure series such as Septimus Heap, the Sisters Grimm, and Fablehaven.
The forest is under attack and its magic is fading. Can Jinx summon enough of his magic—the bright fire within him—to rescue Simon, defeat the Bonemaster, unite the Urwald, and fight off the invaders? He is the Urwald's only hope. . . .
The forest is under attack and its magic is fading. Can Jinx summon enough of his magic—the bright fire within him—to rescue Simon, defeat the Bonemaster, unite the Urwald, and fight off the invaders? He is the Urwald's only hope. . . .
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2015
88 people are currently reading
1238 people want to read
About the author
Sage Blackwood
6 books238 followersSage Blackwood is the pseudonym of Karen Schwabach
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
March 20, 2015
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
I have been a big fan of Jinx and company from the very first book, which felt like such a perfect Brandy book. The conclusion of Sage Blackwood's trilogy, Jinx's Fire, finished the story beautifully and is definitely my favorite of the three.
Spoilers for first two books abound. Read those first:
Jinx
Jinx's Magic
The Urwald is in danger from more than one direction and has no hope of defending itself if there is not unity amongst the people. Jinx, Sophie, Elfwyn, Wendell, and a dedicated group of others are working to make this happen as quickly as they can. Time is running out. At the same time, they are still dealing with the threat of the Bonemaster from within, and the Urwald's magic is fading. Where is it going? Can it be restored? And where has the Bonemaster put Simon? Jinx is the only one who can find the answers to these questions, and harnass the Urwald's power to save them all, but only if he is willing.
Jinx has some serious attitude in this book, and I loved every single snarly word of it. He has fully grown into his snarky grumpy self. It was particularly funny for the first part of the book, because you could tell he greatly missed having Simon to take it out on. Poor Jinx surrounded by all these people far more sensitive. And Elfwyn who is not interested in encouraging him in it anymore than necessary. It made for highly amusing interactions and scenarios despite the danger Jinx often finds himself in and the fraught political situation. Blackwood fully comes into a complete and sensible balance between humor and darkness in this final book. Both elements were always in the trilogy, but in this one they both feel equally organic and necessary. I love what an imperfect hero Jinx is. He is temperamental and a little too sure of himself at times. At others he is afraid to fully jump in and use the power he has to make things right. The struggle he has with that latter is a real one and is fully convincing. While I found myself empathizing with Elfwyn's impatience with Jinx, his hesitation to use the full force of his powers is completely understandable. I feel like this story was a brilliant finish to Jinx's character arc. From the young boy left in the woods at the beginning of book one to the often surly teenager he is in this book, his story has been fully realized. I really appreciate the combination of maturity and naivety Jinx has in this story. He has a lot of responsibility, but he is still very young. His confusion and embarrassment over all romantic relationships is adorable and hilarious.
Elfwyn is another character who fully came into her own during this book. I grew quite worried about her during book two and missed her presence greatly. This book more than made up for that as she is right there with Jinx through the majority of his adventures. And she makes her opinions known and heard. I love how she takes no nonsense from him and challenges him while simultaneously showing him support and friendship. It is just all kinds of wonderful. The way he tries so hard to be considerate of her curse, listens to her suggestions even when he doesn't want to hear them, and allows her to participate fully despite his worry for her at times is equally wonderful. I want to go back and read every scene between the two of them over again.
As with the previous books, Jinx's Fire has distinct parts. The beginning is the unification and strengthening of protection for the Urwald. The middle focuses on locating Simon and the Bonemaster. The last part is the epic battle to save the Urwald from its numerous invaders. These parts all flow together well, overlap in many ways, and weave together to tell the story of people fighting to protect their home and families. I felt all of these resolved in ways that made sense for the world and characters. I especially appreciated the shades of gray in some of the decisions that had to be made and the outcomes.
As the end of a much loved trilogy, Jinx's Fire delivered for me on every level. The end left a goofy grin on my face. If you haven't read any of this trilogy yet, now is the perfect time. If you have, you definitely do not want to miss this conclusion.
I read an ARC received via Edelweiss from the publisher, Harper Children's. Jinx's Fire goes on sale March 24th.
I have been a big fan of Jinx and company from the very first book, which felt like such a perfect Brandy book. The conclusion of Sage Blackwood's trilogy, Jinx's Fire, finished the story beautifully and is definitely my favorite of the three.
Spoilers for first two books abound. Read those first:
Jinx
Jinx's Magic
The Urwald is in danger from more than one direction and has no hope of defending itself if there is not unity amongst the people. Jinx, Sophie, Elfwyn, Wendell, and a dedicated group of others are working to make this happen as quickly as they can. Time is running out. At the same time, they are still dealing with the threat of the Bonemaster from within, and the Urwald's magic is fading. Where is it going? Can it be restored? And where has the Bonemaster put Simon? Jinx is the only one who can find the answers to these questions, and harnass the Urwald's power to save them all, but only if he is willing.
Jinx has some serious attitude in this book, and I loved every single snarly word of it. He has fully grown into his snarky grumpy self. It was particularly funny for the first part of the book, because you could tell he greatly missed having Simon to take it out on. Poor Jinx surrounded by all these people far more sensitive. And Elfwyn who is not interested in encouraging him in it anymore than necessary. It made for highly amusing interactions and scenarios despite the danger Jinx often finds himself in and the fraught political situation. Blackwood fully comes into a complete and sensible balance between humor and darkness in this final book. Both elements were always in the trilogy, but in this one they both feel equally organic and necessary. I love what an imperfect hero Jinx is. He is temperamental and a little too sure of himself at times. At others he is afraid to fully jump in and use the power he has to make things right. The struggle he has with that latter is a real one and is fully convincing. While I found myself empathizing with Elfwyn's impatience with Jinx, his hesitation to use the full force of his powers is completely understandable. I feel like this story was a brilliant finish to Jinx's character arc. From the young boy left in the woods at the beginning of book one to the often surly teenager he is in this book, his story has been fully realized. I really appreciate the combination of maturity and naivety Jinx has in this story. He has a lot of responsibility, but he is still very young. His confusion and embarrassment over all romantic relationships is adorable and hilarious.
Elfwyn is another character who fully came into her own during this book. I grew quite worried about her during book two and missed her presence greatly. This book more than made up for that as she is right there with Jinx through the majority of his adventures. And she makes her opinions known and heard. I love how she takes no nonsense from him and challenges him while simultaneously showing him support and friendship. It is just all kinds of wonderful. The way he tries so hard to be considerate of her curse, listens to her suggestions even when he doesn't want to hear them, and allows her to participate fully despite his worry for her at times is equally wonderful. I want to go back and read every scene between the two of them over again.
As with the previous books, Jinx's Fire has distinct parts. The beginning is the unification and strengthening of protection for the Urwald. The middle focuses on locating Simon and the Bonemaster. The last part is the epic battle to save the Urwald from its numerous invaders. These parts all flow together well, overlap in many ways, and weave together to tell the story of people fighting to protect their home and families. I felt all of these resolved in ways that made sense for the world and characters. I especially appreciated the shades of gray in some of the decisions that had to be made and the outcomes.
As the end of a much loved trilogy, Jinx's Fire delivered for me on every level. The end left a goofy grin on my face. If you haven't read any of this trilogy yet, now is the perfect time. If you have, you definitely do not want to miss this conclusion.
I read an ARC received via Edelweiss from the publisher, Harper Children's. Jinx's Fire goes on sale March 24th.
October 21, 2018
Review of Jinx’s Fire by C.J. Okafor
Blissful,Thrilling, and Brilliant Magical Adventure-Kirkus
BY: Sage Blackwood
I personally picked this book because it is a part of a series of books and I have an interest in magic. The book’s main character Jinx has plenty of magic that he uses in the book; for instance, he uses the path of fire to move trees and fight back the invading countries of kelyland and bragwood. .Meanwhile, King Raymond from keyland is trying to overthrow his evil uncle off the throne but ends up hiding in the Urwald and cutting down trees. Another example of magic is when Jinx uses life force magic instead of death force magic. Jinx has to find Simion, his teacher of magic, and understand what it means to become a listener and the other wick. It’s okay, you wouldnt understand what wick is unless you’ve read the book. Jinx must travel to the nadir of all things to find Simion but also defeat the bonemaster, the other wick, the invading lands, and create a treaty among the trees and the restless. Can he do it all?
The good part of the book is that it is filled with magical adventure that thrills the heart and it never gets boring. I think this book should be a movie. L can already imagine Jinx commanding the trees. There are no flaws in this book. There are a few books before this one: Jinx, and Book 2, Jinx Magic. I recommend this book to be read by kids from 10-12. It’s amazing! Jinx understands what it means to be a listener but also becomes a teacher. This book is compared to Percy Jackson series because the Percy Jackson series has Greek mythology and Jinx has no mythology at all. They both have special fighter weapons, like Percy’s sword, Riptide, and Jinx has a special weapon, too (but I won’t spoil that). They both have adventures and quests that always make them heroes and lead them to meet best friends who help them along the way.
Blissful,Thrilling, and Brilliant Magical Adventure-Kirkus
BY: Sage Blackwood
I personally picked this book because it is a part of a series of books and I have an interest in magic. The book’s main character Jinx has plenty of magic that he uses in the book; for instance, he uses the path of fire to move trees and fight back the invading countries of kelyland and bragwood. .Meanwhile, King Raymond from keyland is trying to overthrow his evil uncle off the throne but ends up hiding in the Urwald and cutting down trees. Another example of magic is when Jinx uses life force magic instead of death force magic. Jinx has to find Simion, his teacher of magic, and understand what it means to become a listener and the other wick. It’s okay, you wouldnt understand what wick is unless you’ve read the book. Jinx must travel to the nadir of all things to find Simion but also defeat the bonemaster, the other wick, the invading lands, and create a treaty among the trees and the restless. Can he do it all?
The good part of the book is that it is filled with magical adventure that thrills the heart and it never gets boring. I think this book should be a movie. L can already imagine Jinx commanding the trees. There are no flaws in this book. There are a few books before this one: Jinx, and Book 2, Jinx Magic. I recommend this book to be read by kids from 10-12. It’s amazing! Jinx understands what it means to be a listener but also becomes a teacher. This book is compared to Percy Jackson series because the Percy Jackson series has Greek mythology and Jinx has no mythology at all. They both have special fighter weapons, like Percy’s sword, Riptide, and Jinx has a special weapon, too (but I won’t spoil that). They both have adventures and quests that always make them heroes and lead them to meet best friends who help them along the way.
January 14, 2016
I don’t read all that much Middle Grade; a lot of it reads too young for me. But sometimes great charm in worldbuilding (those butter churns!) meets complex, interesting, unusual characterization and also beautiful style and then it can be magic. For me, Blackwood’s trilogy is right up there with the Middle Grade stories of Diana Wynne Jones, and I don’t say that very often.
Okay, so, I’m sure lots of you have already read the first two books, but let me see if I can do this without significant spoilers.
The first book of this MG trilogy, Jinx, is self-contained, but you may be aware that the second, Jinx’s Magic, is not. It feeds directly into the third book of the trilogy, Jinx’s Fire.
Because the third book is continuing the story established earlier, Jinx and the whole Urwald already face a clear threat, a complicated problem that needs to be solved before they have much chance of dealing with the threat, and a ton of relationships that need to be worked out among the various characters.
Well, there are three different threats, actually. At least three. And several different complicated problems. And, yes, a ton of complicated relationships.
Although the Bonemaster is one Seriously Creepy Villain – he’ll suck out your soul with a straw, you know, and stack up your bones criss-cross – in some ways the threat he poses is not as great as the more fundamental threat posed by possible invasion from outside the Urwald. I mean, the Bonemaster belongs to the Urwald. He’d hardly want to see the forest completely destroyed. That isn’t the case for outside invaders who see the forest as a great source of lumber, and valuable land once it’s cleared. So Jinx and Elfwyn and everyone sure have their job cut out for them.
Similarly, although the problem of getting Simon’s soul back is a big deal, the more serious problem is the gradual disappearance of the Urwald’s intrinsic magic, and in order to deal with either problem, Jinx, or someone, really needs to figure out how the Urwald’s magic actually works.
And all the way through, the characters have to grow up and/or work out their relationships; such a pleasure to spend time with them all.
Elfwyn really grew up in this story. She started out with such a typical fairy-tale problem: how to get rid of this annoying curse. Then Blackwood takes Elfwyn and her curse in such an unexpected direction. I love Elfwyn’s determination and her willingness to take responsibility for things and put herself in peril. Honestly, she seems like perhaps the most clear-sighted character in the whole trilogy. The relationship between Jinx and Elfwyn is really well done, though personally I don’t feel the trace of potential romance was actually necessary. The key relationship for me is the one between Jinx and Simon.
I think maybe I have a particular fondness for really well-drawn father figures, and Simon is possibly my favorite character in the trilogy. He is such a total jerk in some ways, especially at first, and then eventually does the right thing almost despite himself. He’s complicated – a little bit evil, but not really. He’s irascible and snappish and touchy and has a horrible relationship with his own father and keeps a zillion cats and oh yes is married to a sensible scholarly woman from another world. The relationship between Jinx and Simon is what hooked me in the first place and I loved seeing them together again in this book.
Jinx is grumpy and impatient in this book, and one does wonder how much of that attitude he learned from Simon and how much is just him. In some ways he’s been growing into himself over the course of this trilogy, becoming more confident. In other ways, he is resisting his own gifts as hard as he can. I will say, his persistent hesitation to use his particular brand of magic to deal with the invasion practically drove me mad. It’s not that I don’t get his hesitation, but I’d have been right there with everyone else shouting at him to go on and get it done. I do think Blackwood kind of elided the carnage we’d really see in that kind of situation, thus allowing Jinx to drag his feet a bit longer than I think was reasonable. On the other hand, this is a MG story, not a bloody tour through war and the brutality attendant on conquest, so probably it was a good idea to pass lightly over the less fairy-tale aspects of the invasion.
In the end, the resolution of the story solidly shuts the door on all the various threats facing the Urwald – or at least the urgent threats. Not quite the traditional happily-ever-after, the ending nevertheless brings the trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. Overall, an engrossing story involving characters who virtually step off the page, set in a beautifully drawn fairy-tale world. An excellent choice for an advanced MG reader or for an adult who enjoys really well-written MG stories, I think this trilogy is going to be collecting new fans of all ages for a long time to come.
Okay, so, I’m sure lots of you have already read the first two books, but let me see if I can do this without significant spoilers.
The first book of this MG trilogy, Jinx, is self-contained, but you may be aware that the second, Jinx’s Magic, is not. It feeds directly into the third book of the trilogy, Jinx’s Fire.
Because the third book is continuing the story established earlier, Jinx and the whole Urwald already face a clear threat, a complicated problem that needs to be solved before they have much chance of dealing with the threat, and a ton of relationships that need to be worked out among the various characters.
Well, there are three different threats, actually. At least three. And several different complicated problems. And, yes, a ton of complicated relationships.
Although the Bonemaster is one Seriously Creepy Villain – he’ll suck out your soul with a straw, you know, and stack up your bones criss-cross – in some ways the threat he poses is not as great as the more fundamental threat posed by possible invasion from outside the Urwald. I mean, the Bonemaster belongs to the Urwald. He’d hardly want to see the forest completely destroyed. That isn’t the case for outside invaders who see the forest as a great source of lumber, and valuable land once it’s cleared. So Jinx and Elfwyn and everyone sure have their job cut out for them.
Similarly, although the problem of getting Simon’s soul back is a big deal, the more serious problem is the gradual disappearance of the Urwald’s intrinsic magic, and in order to deal with either problem, Jinx, or someone, really needs to figure out how the Urwald’s magic actually works.
And all the way through, the characters have to grow up and/or work out their relationships; such a pleasure to spend time with them all.
Elfwyn really grew up in this story. She started out with such a typical fairy-tale problem: how to get rid of this annoying curse. Then Blackwood takes Elfwyn and her curse in such an unexpected direction. I love Elfwyn’s determination and her willingness to take responsibility for things and put herself in peril. Honestly, she seems like perhaps the most clear-sighted character in the whole trilogy. The relationship between Jinx and Elfwyn is really well done, though personally I don’t feel the trace of potential romance was actually necessary. The key relationship for me is the one between Jinx and Simon.
I think maybe I have a particular fondness for really well-drawn father figures, and Simon is possibly my favorite character in the trilogy. He is such a total jerk in some ways, especially at first, and then eventually does the right thing almost despite himself. He’s complicated – a little bit evil, but not really. He’s irascible and snappish and touchy and has a horrible relationship with his own father and keeps a zillion cats and oh yes is married to a sensible scholarly woman from another world. The relationship between Jinx and Simon is what hooked me in the first place and I loved seeing them together again in this book.
Jinx is grumpy and impatient in this book, and one does wonder how much of that attitude he learned from Simon and how much is just him. In some ways he’s been growing into himself over the course of this trilogy, becoming more confident. In other ways, he is resisting his own gifts as hard as he can. I will say, his persistent hesitation to use his particular brand of magic to deal with the invasion practically drove me mad. It’s not that I don’t get his hesitation, but I’d have been right there with everyone else shouting at him to go on and get it done. I do think Blackwood kind of elided the carnage we’d really see in that kind of situation, thus allowing Jinx to drag his feet a bit longer than I think was reasonable. On the other hand, this is a MG story, not a bloody tour through war and the brutality attendant on conquest, so probably it was a good idea to pass lightly over the less fairy-tale aspects of the invasion.
In the end, the resolution of the story solidly shuts the door on all the various threats facing the Urwald – or at least the urgent threats. Not quite the traditional happily-ever-after, the ending nevertheless brings the trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. Overall, an engrossing story involving characters who virtually step off the page, set in a beautifully drawn fairy-tale world. An excellent choice for an advanced MG reader or for an adult who enjoys really well-written MG stories, I think this trilogy is going to be collecting new fans of all ages for a long time to come.
September 11, 2015
3.5 stars
A satisfying and well-deserved conclusion to this trilogy.
I continue to love Jinx and Simon and all the supporting cast.
Of course, it was Simon and Jinx's relationship in the first book that really caught my interest and so it was wonderful to finally see them together again once Jinx completes his quest and is able to find Simon and rescue him.
Jinx could tell from the warm blue cloud around Simon's head that the wizard was extremely glad to see him too. Jinx thought the least Simon could have done was say he was glad to see Jinx. But that was Simon for you.
Then again, Jinx thought, I suppose that's me, too.
And everyone else has such satisfying and fitting storylines, from Elfwyn really coming into her own and being chosen as the leader of the forest folk, and Sophie! Sophie being reunited with Simon. And I love the idea of her really being a force for change back in Samara. There was the wonderful surprise at the end of Jinx finding his long-lost sister Gertrude (I think it was Gertrude - definitely a G name)! I continued to heartily despise Reven, but even Jinx in his vexation and frustration never treated him as a villain, but as another being. Same with all the enemy soldiers. Jinx has to make terrible choices about what to do with his power and that struggle is at the heart of his journey in this book. Other people are all just telling him to use his power to end this war and he hesitates over and over again, trying to decide what is right. I understand everyone's eagerness for him to act and put a stop to this devastating conflict, but I also understood Jinx's position and his qualms about doing so.
Jinx is such a splendid character. He is flawed in a way that a lot of MG characters especially are rarely written. He is grumpy and surly, to say nothing of the snark. He is not a people person. He can be overly confident and always wants to be in control. He doesn't trust other people to do things properly.
I also really like the personal dynamics between all the characters. They are all so well done and I just wish that we got to spend more time with them.
I could have been quite satisfied without any romance in this series. So, I was mildly disappointed when they started to shove Elfwyn and Jinx together. No! Unnecessary and definitely unwanted! Ugh. At least it was not made a major plot point or focused on too much. But I would have preferred to do without it entirely.
In the end, I really like this series and happily recommend it!
A satisfying and well-deserved conclusion to this trilogy.
I continue to love Jinx and Simon and all the supporting cast.
They just sat there mutually, mopingly missing Simon. And this despite the fact that Simon was, when you got right down to it, not a very nice person.
The thing was, he was their not very nice person.
Of course, it was Simon and Jinx's relationship in the first book that really caught my interest and so it was wonderful to finally see them together again once Jinx completes his quest and is able to find Simon and rescue him.
And Jinx had seldom been so happy to see anyone in his life. Simon really was one of Jinx's favorite people. Simon was impatient, disagreeable, and always on Jinx's side no matter what.
You couldn't ask for more than that.
Jinx could tell from the warm blue cloud around Simon's head that the wizard was extremely glad to see him too. Jinx thought the least Simon could have done was say he was glad to see Jinx. But that was Simon for you.
Then again, Jinx thought, I suppose that's me, too.
And everyone else has such satisfying and fitting storylines, from Elfwyn really coming into her own and being chosen as the leader of the forest folk, and Sophie! Sophie being reunited with Simon. And I love the idea of her really being a force for change back in Samara. There was the wonderful surprise at the end of Jinx finding his long-lost sister Gertrude (I think it was Gertrude - definitely a G name)! I continued to heartily despise Reven, but even Jinx in his vexation and frustration never treated him as a villain, but as another being. Same with all the enemy soldiers. Jinx has to make terrible choices about what to do with his power and that struggle is at the heart of his journey in this book. Other people are all just telling him to use his power to end this war and he hesitates over and over again, trying to decide what is right. I understand everyone's eagerness for him to act and put a stop to this devastating conflict, but I also understood Jinx's position and his qualms about doing so.
Jinx is such a splendid character. He is flawed in a way that a lot of MG characters especially are rarely written. He is grumpy and surly, to say nothing of the snark. He is not a people person. He can be overly confident and always wants to be in control. He doesn't trust other people to do things properly.
I also really like the personal dynamics between all the characters. They are all so well done and I just wish that we got to spend more time with them.
I could have been quite satisfied without any romance in this series. So, I was mildly disappointed when they started to shove Elfwyn and Jinx together. No! Unnecessary and definitely unwanted! Ugh. At least it was not made a major plot point or focused on too much. But I would have preferred to do without it entirely.
In the end, I really like this series and happily recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2017
This is an excellent series, and finishes up most satisfactorily. We read it aloud to the kids (elementary school age) at bedtime and they loved it. One even said a couple of times when we found ourselves among tall trees: "This feels like the Urwald!" Sign of a good book. :) Looking forward to Sage's next book avidly!
July 25, 2022
i think jinx should be allowed to say fuck
December 24, 2017
4/5
I like this book, and the series but I can't say I love it with all my being.. Possibly to do with the fact I was trying to finish it on the plane to with a husband intent on making me growl and laugh reluctantly by insisting on telling me all about physics and air and other dumb stuff (otherwise fascinating but not in a stuffy enclosed plane) because he was bored and didn't have a book to read. DON'T BOTHER ME WHEN I'M IN A BOOK DAMMIT. Lol.
Also finally finished it while severely lacking sleep and high fever BUT I NEEDED TO FINISH IT YOU KNOW. But I admit these conditions don't lend to full appreciation.
Its a decent trilogy and has a poking fun kind of humor which gently teases and therefore I found many lines worth highlighting.
A really interesting world and the magic system of Jinx is pretty cool. But there was many things accepted at face value which I think bothered me.. I mean wouldn't you wonder initially why the hell a werewolf followed you around with a notebook and spectacles trying his best not to eat you while other werewolf were slavering cliches of themselves? And other shit. Instead of accepting it and moving on.
The treatment of things tended to be too casual.
As for Jinx he was a worthy main character with a distinct prickly personality. All the people were well depicted and interleaved with sly humor.
The time line was very random, where months and years could pass by. I felt it was rather lacking in emotional connection at times.
Maybe I was expecting a lot more than I should have. It does very very well within it's genre and middle grade age group.
#incoherentreview
I like this book, and the series but I can't say I love it with all my being.. Possibly to do with the fact I was trying to finish it on the plane to with a husband intent on making me growl and laugh reluctantly by insisting on telling me all about physics and air and other dumb stuff (otherwise fascinating but not in a stuffy enclosed plane) because he was bored and didn't have a book to read. DON'T BOTHER ME WHEN I'M IN A BOOK DAMMIT. Lol.
Also finally finished it while severely lacking sleep and high fever BUT I NEEDED TO FINISH IT YOU KNOW. But I admit these conditions don't lend to full appreciation.
Its a decent trilogy and has a poking fun kind of humor which gently teases and therefore I found many lines worth highlighting.
A really interesting world and the magic system of Jinx is pretty cool. But there was many things accepted at face value which I think bothered me.. I mean wouldn't you wonder initially why the hell a werewolf followed you around with a notebook and spectacles trying his best not to eat you while other werewolf were slavering cliches of themselves? And other shit. Instead of accepting it and moving on.
The treatment of things tended to be too casual.
As for Jinx he was a worthy main character with a distinct prickly personality. All the people were well depicted and interleaved with sly humor.
The time line was very random, where months and years could pass by. I felt it was rather lacking in emotional connection at times.
Maybe I was expecting a lot more than I should have. It does very very well within it's genre and middle grade age group.
#incoherentreview
August 1, 2021
It's a Final series with a great conclution which is absolutely satisfying me. It's a kind of happy ending story but went through into the story, it wasn't easy for Jinx and friends to reach that, endanger their life in ventures was a bet, forsooth. Defeating of the Bonemaster for the last, and preparing all clearings in a battle to fight, King Rufus, and Reven or King Reymond and King Bluetooth.. i'm so glad to exsecute this book series. Similar to the 2 books previous. It's A book with a page turner kind of as well.
May 31, 2022
Rated PG.
I loved this. I love it. It is so much like The Magic Thief series, but it is so individual and special and gripping. Everything about this series is just incredible--it's like a magical (but sensible) version of Diana Wynne Jones's books, with the special sort of dimension/world-jumping.
The thing that has always bothered me about Jones's books is that they don't always tie together. They don't make sense. They are sometimes very hazy and muddled, especially at the end--but no matter how complicated the setting and characters get in the Jinx series, everything still feels almost entirely clear and sensible, no matter how senseless everything is (given that the main character talks to trees and makes transportation portals just because he decides to "know" they are there).
However, one of the things that is so amazing about fantasy is that, when it is done right, it makes sense and says something about our own world and life. Take magic, for instance. Magic does not equal Deus Ex Machina. In fact, when it is done right, magic is another variable in an immensely complicated equation. Yes, it can solve problems, but it has the ability to make things massively messy and terrible when utilized to fix everything. When an author uses magic to tie everything in a neat bow, that's not really realistic most of the time. And Sage Blackwood understands that. He understands that! Do you have any idea how exciting that is?
One of the themes of this book can probably be boiled down to the old Spiderman adage, "With great power comes great responsibility." What Blackwood adds to this, though, is the point that great power equals great power to destroy or help--often both.
I also liked the conflict between ice and fire--the conflict between death and life. The greatest thing, though, is that Blackwood understands that death is something that comes from us. That's a profound thing--for an author to understand and be able to communicate, within a children's or young adult book, the fact that people are not and cannot be perfect. Jinx just personifies some of our own struggles.
For all these reasons, and more, I highly recommend this series to everyone. It is one of those series that is powerful, vivid, and imaginative--and somehow never dissolves into trite or stereotyped sayings and events, even if it does have its roots in fairy tales. I was absolutely hooked from page one of the first book, and I have been excited about the series all the way through.
Read this. I don't think you will regret it.
I loved this. I love it. It is so much like The Magic Thief series, but it is so individual and special and gripping. Everything about this series is just incredible--it's like a magical (but sensible) version of Diana Wynne Jones's books, with the special sort of dimension/world-jumping.
The thing that has always bothered me about Jones's books is that they don't always tie together. They don't make sense. They are sometimes very hazy and muddled, especially at the end--but no matter how complicated the setting and characters get in the Jinx series, everything still feels almost entirely clear and sensible, no matter how senseless everything is (given that the main character talks to trees and makes transportation portals just because he decides to "know" they are there).
However, one of the things that is so amazing about fantasy is that, when it is done right, it makes sense and says something about our own world and life. Take magic, for instance. Magic does not equal Deus Ex Machina. In fact, when it is done right, magic is another variable in an immensely complicated equation. Yes, it can solve problems, but it has the ability to make things massively messy and terrible when utilized to fix everything. When an author uses magic to tie everything in a neat bow, that's not really realistic most of the time. And Sage Blackwood understands that. He understands that! Do you have any idea how exciting that is?
One of the themes of this book can probably be boiled down to the old Spiderman adage, "With great power comes great responsibility." What Blackwood adds to this, though, is the point that great power equals great power to destroy or help--often both.
I also liked the conflict between ice and fire--the conflict between death and life. The greatest thing, though, is that Blackwood understands that death is something that comes from us. That's a profound thing--for an author to understand and be able to communicate, within a children's or young adult book, the fact that people are not and cannot be perfect. Jinx just personifies some of our own struggles.
For all these reasons, and more, I highly recommend this series to everyone. It is one of those series that is powerful, vivid, and imaginative--and somehow never dissolves into trite or stereotyped sayings and events, even if it does have its roots in fairy tales. I was absolutely hooked from page one of the first book, and I have been excited about the series all the way through.
Read this. I don't think you will regret it.
February 12, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Jinx's Fire brings this wonderful children's fantasy series to a satisfying conclusion, tying up loose threads but avoiding a saccharine pat ending. And truly, that has been where this series has excelled: highest writing standards, interesting and complex plot, and an overall arc that is well thought out and makes great use of three books. I would compare this to Harry Potter not because it is a boy in a fantasy setting but because this is children's literature that doesn't talk down to kids yet is infinitely rewarding for adult readers as well. It will stand the test of time.Story: Jinx has rescued Sophie but now he has a bigger challenge: finding Simon and rescuing him before his spirit is used up by the Bonemaster. But the fourteen year old also has to save the Urwald from his old friend Reven - who is now so obsessed with regaining his kingdom that he has declared war against two other kingdoms and plans to destroy the forest in the process. Unfortunately for Jinx, the longer Simon is imprisoned, the more power is sapped from the Urwald. He may not have enough power left to save his friends, forest, and self.
The story continues its unique blend of "Jinx in Wonderland" - a world where everyone is mad except for our young hero. Author Blackwood is always winking slyly in the background, littering the story with amusing bon mots but tempering the humor with pathos and insight. That combination makes for a story that is grounded but never crushing. Jinx's character isn't an optimist and the despairing nature of his situation could have been daunting otherwise.
I really appreciated how smoothly yet intelligently the various threads from the previous two books began to tie together in Jinx's Fire. Surprisingly, it really did all make sense - from the werewolves to Jinx's own family. And yet - it didn't feel like a deus ex machina - few of the solutions were easy or pat.
I really agree that this series should be a classic - it has all the wit, charm, humor, and nuanced writing that make for a great story. I'm very glad to have found this series and read all three. It is a treasure to hand down to my daughter. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
August 12, 2016
Is it March yet?! Update: FINALLY,March is here and gone. :)
I felt like a little kid again as I raced down the stairs the minute the doorbell rang, for I knew it was Jinx’s Fire being delivered to my doorstep! I savored the cover and investigated the chapter headings, so excited to be at long last reading Jinx’s final adventure.
I had no idea what to expect and that is one of the many elements I like about this trilogy…you never quite know where the plot is going to twist and turn. This installment was busy as many different happenings were going on. Jinx is in the midst of uniting the Urwald to fight the impending armies threatening the land whilst figuring out a way to rescue Simon and rid the Bonemaster without killing anyone else in the process. Sophie, Elfwyn, Wendell, and the others work alongside him (most of the time…).
While I like many of the characters, Jinx has to be my favorite. He is not your typical hero. He is not big and strong, is rather sassy and not at all tactful (they are many humorous moments when the author plays on this fact) but yet in his own rough way, he cares deeply for his friends and is stronger in other ways than just physical stature. I liked the good vs evil theme throughout the book as the characters struggle to find the fine line between evil and good. There is also aspects of war and how that should be handled, which was another interesting aspect of the story. The ending was very good and Urwaldish (if that makes any sense). I do not remember how I stumbled across these books, but I am so glad I did!
I felt like a little kid again as I raced down the stairs the minute the doorbell rang, for I knew it was Jinx’s Fire being delivered to my doorstep! I savored the cover and investigated the chapter headings, so excited to be at long last reading Jinx’s final adventure.
I had no idea what to expect and that is one of the many elements I like about this trilogy…you never quite know where the plot is going to twist and turn. This installment was busy as many different happenings were going on. Jinx is in the midst of uniting the Urwald to fight the impending armies threatening the land whilst figuring out a way to rescue Simon and rid the Bonemaster without killing anyone else in the process. Sophie, Elfwyn, Wendell, and the others work alongside him (most of the time…).
While I like many of the characters, Jinx has to be my favorite. He is not your typical hero. He is not big and strong, is rather sassy and not at all tactful (they are many humorous moments when the author plays on this fact) but yet in his own rough way, he cares deeply for his friends and is stronger in other ways than just physical stature. I liked the good vs evil theme throughout the book as the characters struggle to find the fine line between evil and good. There is also aspects of war and how that should be handled, which was another interesting aspect of the story. The ending was very good and Urwaldish (if that makes any sense). I do not remember how I stumbled across these books, but I am so glad I did!
April 12, 2015
This is a very good story, well told. It's also very rooted (heh) in other stories. I got Macbeth (the trees) and Harry Potter (ice like Horcruxes) as the most obvious influences, and Diana Wynne Jones in the overall messiness and multiple threads, maybe even in the slight humor. Not that DWJ corners the market on detailed, entertaining MG fantasy, but that it's impossible to separate this book from other books I've read because it doesn't feel like a wholly original beast.
I don't know that it has to. Jinx's Fire a good book. It's just twined together in my head with stuff I've read previously, and that affected the way I read it.
I don't know that it has to. Jinx's Fire a good book. It's just twined together in my head with stuff I've read previously, and that affected the way I read it.
January 28, 2015
Summon, Search, Rescue, Negotiate, Unite, Defeat, Prevail - A Tall Order for Jinx's Finale
Some wizard apprentice books are very matter of fact and the style is straightforward and almost pedantic. Some, especially for younger readers, are more fantastical and the style of the magic is a bit dreamier and vaguer, (or, they are played for laughs). Some others, even for younger readers, are written to a much higher level in terms of complexity, vocabulary, and "literary" style. "Jinx's Fire" is written in a sort of in-between fashion. It can be so spare and abrupt that it feels almost casual or tossed off; yet sometimes a passage is striking and memorable, and calls up the feelings readers got from Book One. From chapter to chapter, and even page to page, you're never quite sure which style your going to get.
That said, there are still many more grace notes, arresting details, and knowing observations slipped into the tale than is usual for this kind of book, and that adds a bit of unexpected weight to the undertaking. I favored, and still prefer, the first book in this trilogy. It featured a younger Jinx who was just learning about magic and the forest, and it was a great pleasure to meet the many and varied supporting characters. There was also a deep sense of wonder, and suspense surrounding the type of story Jinx would have. This is the third and final book in the series. We've gone from an innocent, befuddled wizard's apprentice to a hero who raises armies and negotiates treaties. Clearly, Jinx is older and wiser and he's figured out, along with the reader, how things work and what must be done. And now he has grownup things to do.
As a consequence the book is a wrap up and it feels like it. It is thorough and workmanlike and checks off all of the loose ends. Some of it is rushed, and some of it is pretty thin. This may just be the fate of third, (or seventh or twelfth), books. Packing your suitcase to go home from vacation is never as much fun, or any fun, compared to packing to leave on vacation.
So, if you've followed the story this far you pretty much have to read this volume, if only to secure closure. If you're new to Jinx's saga it seems to me that this is not the place to begin.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
Some wizard apprentice books are very matter of fact and the style is straightforward and almost pedantic. Some, especially for younger readers, are more fantastical and the style of the magic is a bit dreamier and vaguer, (or, they are played for laughs). Some others, even for younger readers, are written to a much higher level in terms of complexity, vocabulary, and "literary" style. "Jinx's Fire" is written in a sort of in-between fashion. It can be so spare and abrupt that it feels almost casual or tossed off; yet sometimes a passage is striking and memorable, and calls up the feelings readers got from Book One. From chapter to chapter, and even page to page, you're never quite sure which style your going to get.
That said, there are still many more grace notes, arresting details, and knowing observations slipped into the tale than is usual for this kind of book, and that adds a bit of unexpected weight to the undertaking. I favored, and still prefer, the first book in this trilogy. It featured a younger Jinx who was just learning about magic and the forest, and it was a great pleasure to meet the many and varied supporting characters. There was also a deep sense of wonder, and suspense surrounding the type of story Jinx would have. This is the third and final book in the series. We've gone from an innocent, befuddled wizard's apprentice to a hero who raises armies and negotiates treaties. Clearly, Jinx is older and wiser and he's figured out, along with the reader, how things work and what must be done. And now he has grownup things to do.
As a consequence the book is a wrap up and it feels like it. It is thorough and workmanlike and checks off all of the loose ends. Some of it is rushed, and some of it is pretty thin. This may just be the fate of third, (or seventh or twelfth), books. Packing your suitcase to go home from vacation is never as much fun, or any fun, compared to packing to leave on vacation.
So, if you've followed the story this far you pretty much have to read this volume, if only to secure closure. If you're new to Jinx's saga it seems to me that this is not the place to begin.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
February 9, 2024
“i see,” said jinx, who didn’t.
- probably my favorite line from this book
jinx learns how to be morally grey. probably an equal balance of character focus and Things Happening. i loved jinx getting older, being flawed, and realizing he’s fallen in love. i love the imperfect, not-fairy-tale ending of a mostly compromise of things being mostly okay but definitely not back to the way they were, and that’s just how life is. i love jinx basically acting like a young simon (but not realizing it). i love simon and sophie. i love the urwald and all of the things in it / of it. i love wendell and elfwynn.
in my opinion, these books have all the things a middle grade fantasy series should have!! 5 stars
- probably my favorite line from this book
jinx learns how to be morally grey. probably an equal balance of character focus and Things Happening. i loved jinx getting older, being flawed, and realizing he’s fallen in love. i love the imperfect, not-fairy-tale ending of a mostly compromise of things being mostly okay but definitely not back to the way they were, and that’s just how life is. i love jinx basically acting like a young simon (but not realizing it). i love simon and sophie. i love the urwald and all of the things in it / of it. i love wendell and elfwynn.
in my opinion, these books have all the things a middle grade fantasy series should have!! 5 stars
May 23, 2017
Marvelous conclusion to an excellent trilogy. Really fascinating, "high fantasy" for a younger audience. Wonderfully written, with a kind of lyrical poetry on the one hand, yet breezy, easy to read, and unaffected on the other hand. Delightful characters, and an engaging story line. Gently humorous throughout, but also thoughtful and thought provoking. Well recommended.
August 15, 2019
Final installment in the Jinx trilogy. He may not be the most tactful boy in the Urwald, but he's certainly the most powerful. But he can't end a war and save a friend without help. Complex, unique, and very satisfying to the curmudgeon-loving soul. A personal favorite.
September 27, 2022
Idk, the first one was fun
The second was okay
But didn’t like this one
The second was okay
But didn’t like this one
August 7, 2016
Minor spoilers ahead.
Reader thoughts: Jinx is a bit short with people, but I am too, and so it felt more real. Many of the Urwalders are downright rude. From abandoning children in the forest to "our right to eat individuals shouldn't be infringed upon" and the rest.
The "poor ogre" ha!
The magic still wasn't well defined, but I did know everyone's limitations, and so it felt all right. The abstract "paths" turned out okay, too, but they felt too accessible. Besides, they took too long. Ice=death=hate but isn't evil. I'm not sold on that any more than Jinx is. At least truth was valued by the paths and by the Free and Independent Peoples of Urwald.
Bringing a nation together isn't easy, even for young magician Jinx and his allies. There was too much death and fighting, but how else should the conflict have been resolved? It made sense in the end.
I had many questions!
And why was Jinx able to 1, bring back something with him when he was told he couldn't? And 2, how could he use the paths again? And 3, how does the not-eating-for-two-months thing work?
4, why didn't we ever get to see werechipmunks? 5, how can someone become an ogre?
Writer thoughts: Some things were skipped that should have been difficult (like, getting Satya to agree to return), but there weren't too many of these. A writer may have to gloss over a couple points of conflict, but pay attention so your plot isn't moved by coincidences (unless you're writing a Star Trek movie, in which case it's a gimmick).
I liked that Jinx's magic was getting weaker and weaker. That was a neat conflict, and it connected the story all together in a nice way.
Reader thoughts: Jinx is a bit short with people, but I am too, and so it felt more real. Many of the Urwalders are downright rude. From abandoning children in the forest to "our right to eat individuals shouldn't be infringed upon" and the rest.
The "poor ogre" ha!
The magic still wasn't well defined, but I did know everyone's limitations, and so it felt all right. The abstract "paths" turned out okay, too, but they felt too accessible. Besides, they took too long. Ice=death=hate but isn't evil. I'm not sold on that any more than Jinx is. At least truth was valued by the paths and by the Free and Independent Peoples of Urwald.
Bringing a nation together isn't easy, even for young magician Jinx and his allies. There was too much death and fighting, but how else should the conflict have been resolved? It made sense in the end.
I had many questions!
And why was Jinx able to 1, bring back something with him when he was told he couldn't? And 2, how could he use the paths again? And 3, how does the not-eating-for-two-months thing work?
4, why didn't we ever get to see werechipmunks? 5, how can someone become an ogre?
Writer thoughts: Some things were skipped that should have been difficult (like, getting Satya to agree to return), but there weren't too many of these. A writer may have to gloss over a couple points of conflict, but pay attention so your plot isn't moved by coincidences (unless you're writing a Star Trek movie, in which case it's a gimmick).
I liked that Jinx's magic was getting weaker and weaker. That was a neat conflict, and it connected the story all together in a nice way.
April 4, 2019
I've enjoyed this series, overall, but it never really got further than that. I felt like it could've been more, but just never quite managed. Maybe the storytelling is just a bit too plain. Or Jinx just too slow on the uptake.
That said, he did grow up a lot, throughout the trilogy, and I appreciated that he realized, towards the end, that he can be a bit slow. LOL
I also think his progression, and the progression of the world around him, was pretty well done and believable. He slowly learns his powers, because he has no one to really teach him (and he is fairly thick). But he comes mostly into his own, in this book, and it was nice to see him finally step up and own his power, as much as he was resistant to doing so.
I also liked the other characters a lot, but wish we saw more Simon in this one.
Also, I felt like the thing with the Bonemaster was far too easily resolved. Ultimately, the story became much more about the war and the Bonemaster storyline was kind of almost shunted to the side.
I did like how the war stuff was resolved, though, especially the fact that not everything was tied up neatly in a bow at the end - though I could have done without the "if this was a story" stuff. I'm kind of tired of that particular trope in books and movies...
It ends well, resolving all of the major things, but it also shows how the world continues and there are still issues to deal with and resolve, and everything doesn't just end when the bad guy is defeated or the war is won or lost.
Overall, I enjoyed this series, though I'm not sure it's one I would feel the need to revisit down the line.
That said, he did grow up a lot, throughout the trilogy, and I appreciated that he realized, towards the end, that he can be a bit slow. LOL
I also think his progression, and the progression of the world around him, was pretty well done and believable. He slowly learns his powers, because he has no one to really teach him (and he is fairly thick). But he comes mostly into his own, in this book, and it was nice to see him finally step up and own his power, as much as he was resistant to doing so.
I also liked the other characters a lot, but wish we saw more Simon in this one.
Also, I felt like the thing with the Bonemaster was far too easily resolved. Ultimately, the story became much more about the war and the Bonemaster storyline was kind of almost shunted to the side.
I did like how the war stuff was resolved, though, especially the fact that not everything was tied up neatly in a bow at the end - though I could have done without the "if this was a story" stuff. I'm kind of tired of that particular trope in books and movies...
It ends well, resolving all of the major things, but it also shows how the world continues and there are still issues to deal with and resolve, and everything doesn't just end when the bad guy is defeated or the war is won or lost.
Overall, I enjoyed this series, though I'm not sure it's one I would feel the need to revisit down the line.
November 13, 2014
At first I wasn't sure if I'd like this one as much as the previous installments, because there were so many plot threads and it jumped around. But then a little ways into the story it all came together very nicely and it was a great conclusion to the story! I can't say much about why, not without putting too many spoilers out there, but it was at turns funny and poignant and magical, and I really enjoyed it!
March 26, 2015
I tore through this in one day because I was so anxious/eager to find out what was going to happen. And then when I did, I was sad, because now the story is done. Done most satisfyingly, yes, but done. It's a good thing I'm as avid a re-reader as I am reader. That means I can revisit Jinx &co as often as I want. And I foresee that I will indeed want to, many times. This is one of my favorite MG trilogies ever.
April 18, 2015
I loved Jinx's Fire so much I went back to book one and read the entire series again, including book three. Haven't done anything like that since I was a wee lad. Such great, unflinching characters and a such a warm, good-natured voice. Also, although not a comedy, I haven't laughed so much for ages. In delight, mainly. Do yourself a favour and give these wonderful books a try.
PS. I am having out for a sequel series staring Gertrude and small Silas!
PS. I am having out for a sequel series staring Gertrude and small Silas!
Read
April 22, 2016In the final installment of the Jinx series, the Urwald is in a terrible state. Three different nations are approaching from all sides, with the goal of taking over the forest. Now, Jinx must take the responsibility of taking leadership of the survivors. He must also befriend the other non-human inhabitants of the Urwald. Now he must also protect the remaining inhabitants, push back the advancing armies, find a way to save Simon, and defeat the Bonemaster. But no pressure or anything right?
May 25, 2015
A brilliant, magical, and thoroughly satisfying end to the Jinx series!! My only complaint is that it ended. Witty, humorous, darkly magical, and filled with twists at every turn--this series has a permanent place in my heart!
July 24, 2015
This was a well-written trilogy, with rich characters and an engrossing plot. I just hate that this is the end of reading about Jinx and the Urwald. If my thoughts could be seen they would be steel gray clouds with flashes of lightning.
May 16, 2016
I think this is a good book for people who like it fantasy books. If you are going to read this I would recommend reading the first 2 first to know what is happening. It is a good book filled with excitement.
November 18, 2015
the whole series was great, loved all three books
May 14, 2016
A wonderful, magical, levitating ride!
September 30, 2018
A great ending to a magical trilogy.
It was a pleasure to meet again with Jinx, Sophie, Elfwyn and the others (not you, Reven) fighting to defend the Urwald's rights. In this last volume, the characters are way more grown ups and stop taking bad decision on bad decision like it was sometimes the case in the previous books. We can feel a real unity between them when they decide to ally for the common good.
The first part of the book can be a little confusing between all the back and forth with the KNiP portals but Sage Blackwood had to install them in order to continue her story with more fluidity. Quickly, we discover new places, new foes and new powers. Everything is smoothly running from page to page to produce a thrilling story.
I admire Jinx determination throughout the whole story. The poor boy is surrounded by the dumbest people with narrow minds but still, he finds the strenght to fight for them and for his country. In three books, Jinx grown from a wizard apprentice to a powerfull Listener and leader able to solve the most complicated issues even if sometimes his teenager temper can reemerge.
The only bad point of this book, if I have to name one, was the almost complete absence of Simon. I always liked his character and his role is pretty useless in this volume. He went through a lot during his captivity with the Bonemaster and needs time to adapt and regain his magical abilities, however I would have liked to see him more in this volume.
It was a pleasure to meet again with Jinx, Sophie, Elfwyn and the others (not you, Reven) fighting to defend the Urwald's rights. In this last volume, the characters are way more grown ups and stop taking bad decision on bad decision like it was sometimes the case in the previous books. We can feel a real unity between them when they decide to ally for the common good.
The first part of the book can be a little confusing between all the back and forth with the KNiP portals but Sage Blackwood had to install them in order to continue her story with more fluidity. Quickly, we discover new places, new foes and new powers. Everything is smoothly running from page to page to produce a thrilling story.
I admire Jinx determination throughout the whole story. The poor boy is surrounded by the dumbest people with narrow minds but still, he finds the strenght to fight for them and for his country. In three books, Jinx grown from a wizard apprentice to a powerfull Listener and leader able to solve the most complicated issues even if sometimes his teenager temper can reemerge.
The only bad point of this book, if I have to name one, was the almost complete absence of Simon. I always liked his character and his role is pretty useless in this volume. He went through a lot during his captivity with the Bonemaster and needs time to adapt and regain his magical abilities, however I would have liked to see him more in this volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2022
Ooh, I just LOVE the last few sentences!! It brings the whole series full circle.
Now that I'm older, I definitely think that Jinx was an idiot at times and all, but I also just love his whole personality. Younger teenage/pre-teen boys are very much amusing (older teens somehow always end up acting more so like mature adults - meaning they're not really fun at all. They're just there for emotional rollercoasters which ends up getting quite exhausting after a while.) I AM sorry for his whole height affair though, as funny as it was, because I know how that feels, alas (though I'm certain teenaged boys probably feel it more). I suppose middle grade books featuring male characters are generally just more humorous overall though... But I really am glad that I was able to finish the series. Jinx clearly grew over the series, both age-wise and experience-wise (though perhaps not height-wise - sorry, couldn't resist lol), and I'm just glad to have seen it happen. (Simon is a really bad influence on him though - teaching him to curse and have bad moods and all)
Now that I'm older, I definitely think that Jinx was an idiot at times and all, but I also just love his whole personality. Younger teenage/pre-teen boys are very much amusing (older teens somehow always end up acting more so like mature adults - meaning they're not really fun at all. They're just there for emotional rollercoasters which ends up getting quite exhausting after a while.) I AM sorry for his whole height affair though, as funny as it was, because I know how that feels, alas (though I'm certain teenaged boys probably feel it more). I suppose middle grade books featuring male characters are generally just more humorous overall though... But I really am glad that I was able to finish the series. Jinx clearly grew over the series, both age-wise and experience-wise (though perhaps not height-wise - sorry, couldn't resist lol), and I'm just glad to have seen it happen. (Simon is a really bad influence on him though - teaching him to curse and have bad moods and all)
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