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The Edge Chronicles: The Cade Series #1
The Edge Chronicles: The Nameless One: First Book of Cade
Brought to you by Penguin.
Cade Quarter has never met his uncle, the infamous 'descender' Nate Quarter, who years ago committed heresy by lowering himself over the cliff-face of the Edge. But Nate has returned, and the Academy of Flight is looking for revenge against all of his supporters - including Cade. So now Cade has to run.
With no money and nowhere else to go, Cade's only option is to stow away aboard the Xanth Filatine - a mighty sky-ship bound for the city of Hive. But getting onto the ship is only the beginning of his troubles, as he runs afoul of thieving goblins, brutal skymarshals, and the threat of 'skyfiring' . . .
The Nameless One is the first book of the Cade Saga - fourth trilogy in The Edge Chronicles, the internationally best-selling fantasy series, which has featured on the UK and the New York Times best-seller lists and sold more than 3 million copies. There are now 13 titles and four trilogies in the series, but each book is a stand-alone adventure, so you can read The Edge Chronicles in any order you choose.
Chris Riddell & Paul Stewart 2014 (P) Penguin Audio 2020
Cade Quarter has never met his uncle, the infamous 'descender' Nate Quarter, who years ago committed heresy by lowering himself over the cliff-face of the Edge. But Nate has returned, and the Academy of Flight is looking for revenge against all of his supporters - including Cade. So now Cade has to run.
With no money and nowhere else to go, Cade's only option is to stow away aboard the Xanth Filatine - a mighty sky-ship bound for the city of Hive. But getting onto the ship is only the beginning of his troubles, as he runs afoul of thieving goblins, brutal skymarshals, and the threat of 'skyfiring' . . .
The Nameless One is the first book of the Cade Saga - fourth trilogy in The Edge Chronicles, the internationally best-selling fantasy series, which has featured on the UK and the New York Times best-seller lists and sold more than 3 million copies. There are now 13 titles and four trilogies in the series, but each book is a stand-alone adventure, so you can read The Edge Chronicles in any order you choose.
Chris Riddell & Paul Stewart 2014 (P) Penguin Audio 2020
Audible Audio
First published January 30, 2014
21 people are currently reading
1739 people want to read
About the author
Paul Stewart
217 books919 followersPaul Stewart is a highly regarded author of books for young readers – from picture books to football stories, fantasy and horror. Together with Chris Riddell he is co-creator of the bestselling Edge Chronicles, which has sold more than three million copies and is available in over twenty languages. They have also collaborated together on lots of other exciting books for children of all ages. The Far-Flung Adventure series includes the Gold Smarties Prize Winner Fergus Crane, and Corby Flood and Hugo Pepper, both Silver Nestle Prize Winners. Then there are the Barnaby Grimes books, two Muddle Earth adventures, and the sci-fi Scavenger and fantasy Wyrmeweald trilogies. For younger readers there is the Blobheads series, while for the very young, Paul has written several picture books, including the Rabbit and Hedgehog series, In the Dark of the Night and, his latest, Wings.
Other authors by this name disambiguation Note:
Paul Stewart - business and management books
Other authors by this name disambiguation Note:
Paul Stewart - business and management books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 3, 2015
Ok, backstory: I started reading The Edge Chronicles wayyyyyy back in the day, as a wee lad, and I loved them. A lot. A lot-lot. Was invested. Bought all the hardcovers. I remember liking the later books less (Freeglader and Vox, I think?) and I'm not sure if it was because I was getting old and dull, or because they weren't as good. Whatever the case, I recently heard that the author/illustrator duo was writing more books in the series and was like "Yesssssssss." And I bought them. And now I've just read this one. And it was so nice. The thing about the Edge Chronicles is that Paul Stewart and Chris Riddle have built an entire, rich, super intricate world. The term "world-building" gets thrown around a lot in books and reviews, and sometimes it's there, and sometimes it's not, but Stewart and Riddel really *did* build a world. There're flying ships, bizarre fauna, sentient flora, social structures, maps, scientific laws, monsters, buoyant wood, phraxdust, a seemingly endless forest full of all sorts of weirdness . . . And all that might sound really dry and boring, but it's not. It's fun and never too wordy or involved. And together with Riddel's illustrations and the fast-paced plots, it's just what makes these books so good.
Now, about this book specifically: it starts off great. There's a huge floating sky-tavern, and an orphan (or is he?) on the run, and I was reminded of all the cool things about the earlier books and got fairly giddy. Then there's a long part in the middle where our hero Cade builds a house. That's it. I wasn't bothered. I coasted along entirely on nostalgia, and the descriptions of the wildlife in the Deepwoods, but I feel like if you haven't read the earlier books and aren't already invested in the world, this interlude might be kind of confusing and off-putting. After the house-building bit there are various small-scale adventures, and then the book ends without resolving the main plots from early in the book. So pacing-wise and plotting-wise it's weird.
(However I will add: the ENDING. WITH THE BANDERBEAR? RIGHT IN THE FEELS.)
Anyway, that was a longer review than I normally write, but I really do want to recommend this series to people and future MG generations. Reading this latest book reminded me of how much I loved these books as a kid, and how magical and engrossing they were, and while I haven't re-read them, and am a bit afraid to, I really think the early books are something special.
(I just bought the first five for my little brother for Christmas. I'm hoping for no less than utter adoration. Also, if you want to read these, I recommend starting with Beyond the Deepwoods. And for completion's sake: The Curse of the Gloamglozer is my favorite. SO CREEPY AND EXCITING.)
Ok, I'm done. :)
Now, about this book specifically: it starts off great. There's a huge floating sky-tavern, and an orphan (or is he?) on the run, and I was reminded of all the cool things about the earlier books and got fairly giddy. Then there's a long part in the middle where our hero Cade builds a house. That's it. I wasn't bothered. I coasted along entirely on nostalgia, and the descriptions of the wildlife in the Deepwoods, but I feel like if you haven't read the earlier books and aren't already invested in the world, this interlude might be kind of confusing and off-putting. After the house-building bit there are various small-scale adventures, and then the book ends without resolving the main plots from early in the book. So pacing-wise and plotting-wise it's weird.
(However I will add: the ENDING. WITH THE BANDERBEAR? RIGHT IN THE FEELS.)
Anyway, that was a longer review than I normally write, but I really do want to recommend this series to people and future MG generations. Reading this latest book reminded me of how much I loved these books as a kid, and how magical and engrossing they were, and while I haven't re-read them, and am a bit afraid to, I really think the early books are something special.
(I just bought the first five for my little brother for Christmas. I'm hoping for no less than utter adoration. Also, if you want to read these, I recommend starting with Beyond the Deepwoods. And for completion's sake: The Curse of the Gloamglozer is my favorite. SO CREEPY AND EXCITING.)
Ok, I'm done. :)
February 21, 2014
A couple of years ago, I read The Immortals. It was the last book in The Edge Chronicles, after three sagas, a book of interconnecting short-ish stories, that book wrapped up ~600 years of The Edge, so many threads, in a magnificent and moving way. I never wrote a review for that book, as it was hard to express how wonderful it was and what a perfect finish to the series.
Then this comes along...
A new saga. A saga set around the nephew, Cade, of the primary protagonist of the last book, Nate Quarter.
Sometimes excitement and fear come together and you're never quite sure which one is winning. This is the mix I've experienced since I first heard it was going to be published, and I pre-ordered the book the day it was made available to do so. After The Immortals, they could not really help but ruin it after all - but still, The Edge is back!
So how did they do? Well... it's pretty good, not up to the peak of the previous book, but then it is starting a saga, not ending three. This book feels a lot like Beyond The Deepwoods to me, introducing The Edge again, at least in part, and particularly introducing the new characters, getting them bonded and setting the scene. Whilst the book has it's share of adventures and scrapes, it is totally preparing the ground for the next novel. Indeed I'm positive the next novel will start within a few minutes of the end of this book given the last few lines. I expect the next book will be a substantial improvement.
One criticism is the quantity and accuracy of the pictures. These books have always been the peak of the collaboration between Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell, and it seems to me that integration is not as entwined in recent years. The illustration style in this book is much more like it is in the Wyrmeweald series; occasional side panels on pages, or rare whole page illustrations - not the constant smattering of illustrations weaved through the text that the Edge Chronicles usually have. There are some, but mostly it is the panel variety - which are not as engaging. Perhaps it is lazy publishing, and people cannot be bothered with the effort of laying out pages more intricately; or Riddell might just prefer producing the panels. I note also that the text descriptions did not on occasion match the illustration, an outfit described but something else worn in the picture, etc. It's a shame they are finding that tricky now, as it used to be flawless. Hopefully they can improve in that regard.
I've read pretty much all of these authors' extensive works together and this series remains my favourite, as it is with millions of other people. Overall, I'm pleased that it has arisen from the dead.
Then this comes along...
A new saga. A saga set around the nephew, Cade, of the primary protagonist of the last book, Nate Quarter.
Sometimes excitement and fear come together and you're never quite sure which one is winning. This is the mix I've experienced since I first heard it was going to be published, and I pre-ordered the book the day it was made available to do so. After The Immortals, they could not really help but ruin it after all - but still, The Edge is back!
So how did they do? Well... it's pretty good, not up to the peak of the previous book, but then it is starting a saga, not ending three. This book feels a lot like Beyond The Deepwoods to me, introducing The Edge again, at least in part, and particularly introducing the new characters, getting them bonded and setting the scene. Whilst the book has it's share of adventures and scrapes, it is totally preparing the ground for the next novel. Indeed I'm positive the next novel will start within a few minutes of the end of this book given the last few lines. I expect the next book will be a substantial improvement.
One criticism is the quantity and accuracy of the pictures. These books have always been the peak of the collaboration between Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell, and it seems to me that integration is not as entwined in recent years. The illustration style in this book is much more like it is in the Wyrmeweald series; occasional side panels on pages, or rare whole page illustrations - not the constant smattering of illustrations weaved through the text that the Edge Chronicles usually have. There are some, but mostly it is the panel variety - which are not as engaging. Perhaps it is lazy publishing, and people cannot be bothered with the effort of laying out pages more intricately; or Riddell might just prefer producing the panels. I note also that the text descriptions did not on occasion match the illustration, an outfit described but something else worn in the picture, etc. It's a shame they are finding that tricky now, as it used to be flawless. Hopefully they can improve in that regard.
I've read pretty much all of these authors' extensive works together and this series remains my favourite, as it is with millions of other people. Overall, I'm pleased that it has arisen from the dead.
October 3, 2015
I wanted to read this book for so long but always was to afraid to do it. The edge chronicles are my most beloved books I`ve ever read. They are a big part of my life (like for others Harry Potter or LotR).
When Paul and Chris made the anouncment that they work on a new Edge series I was excited but at the same time afraid because the whole story had an really good end. I loved the Immortals and thought that this was the end.. I mean it was heart breaking for me that my favourite book series of all time was to end!!! It was extremly difficult to get over that fact. I sufferd a lot..
I was afraid that the edge wouldnt be the same any more..(maybe because I don`t enjoy the 3rd age of flight as much as the others..)But I liked this book. And it was good to wait that long. I wasn`t ready. But I like Cade and the book was lovely as always.. there could be some more drawings and I absolutley hate the new cover design.. But it felt good and it is still the edge. The place I love the most <3
When Paul and Chris made the anouncment that they work on a new Edge series I was excited but at the same time afraid because the whole story had an really good end. I loved the Immortals and thought that this was the end.. I mean it was heart breaking for me that my favourite book series of all time was to end!!! It was extremly difficult to get over that fact. I sufferd a lot..
I was afraid that the edge wouldnt be the same any more..(maybe because I don`t enjoy the 3rd age of flight as much as the others..)But I liked this book. And it was good to wait that long. I wasn`t ready. But I like Cade and the book was lovely as always.. there could be some more drawings and I absolutley hate the new cover design.. But it felt good and it is still the edge. The place I love the most <3
May 8, 2019
Like coming home, always. I love this series so much.
Incredible world-building, all those tasty foods and diverse wildlife. Also how the society evolves through the ages of flight, how the culture changes.
The story reminded me a bit of the first Twig book but in reverse. Cade is used to urban living and is forced to adapt in the Deepwoods on his own, very cool to discover all the wonders of this forest again trough his eyes. Also it has a lovely message: in hard times, help each other out, share your skills, everybody deserves a chance..
And the reference to someone who reckognizes Cade as a descentant to Twig (who lived aaages ago)..all the feels.
Incredible world-building, all those tasty foods and diverse wildlife. Also how the society evolves through the ages of flight, how the culture changes.
The story reminded me a bit of the first Twig book but in reverse. Cade is used to urban living and is forced to adapt in the Deepwoods on his own, very cool to discover all the wonders of this forest again trough his eyes. Also it has a lovely message: in hard times, help each other out, share your skills, everybody deserves a chance..
And the reference to someone who reckognizes Cade as a descentant to Twig (who lived aaages ago)..all the feels.
October 12, 2014
We've had Quint, Twig, Rook and Nate and now Paul Stewart and Chris Ridell return to the Edge Chronicles to introduce us to a new hero, Cade. I was a little skeptical that this was going to be any good as now that there is much less Edge then there used to be the stories are pretty much confined to the Deepwoods and seeing as though the last two books have focuses on the great civilizations there I didn't think we needed another. Fortunately we are introduced to a new, quieter area, the Farrow Ridges where fugitive Cade seeks to make a new life.
This book has perhaps the best start to any of the Edge Chronicles as Cade leaps from a platform onto a phraxship. It's exciting and means Cade starts off more interesting than the previous heroes did. The Farrow Ridges is a great new setting with some quirky characters involved. The trouble is very little happens here. When you consider that in Beyond the Deepwoods Twig traveled across the entire Edge, you realize that comparatively nothing happens here. There's an odd finale to the book which is a little more dramatic but it only ever feels like an excuse to put in a cameo from a Twig trilogy character.
Despite this though, the book does have everything we've come to expect from an Edge Chronicles book. There's the return of many classic creatures, like prowlgrins and lots of new ones too like the titular Nameless One. The phraxship at the start harks back to the Sky Pirates and is full of Edge races like Hammerhead Goblins.
As always, Chris Riddell's illustrations are fantastic, bringing the characters and fantastic creatures to life. If anything, I would say the illustrations are better than ever, which is really saying something.
Whilst this doesn't quite hit the highest heights of the series it is a welcome return and there are hints that the authors have some great plans for Cade and the Edge in the upcoming books.
This book has perhaps the best start to any of the Edge Chronicles as Cade leaps from a platform onto a phraxship. It's exciting and means Cade starts off more interesting than the previous heroes did. The Farrow Ridges is a great new setting with some quirky characters involved. The trouble is very little happens here. When you consider that in Beyond the Deepwoods Twig traveled across the entire Edge, you realize that comparatively nothing happens here. There's an odd finale to the book which is a little more dramatic but it only ever feels like an excuse to put in a cameo from a Twig trilogy character.
Despite this though, the book does have everything we've come to expect from an Edge Chronicles book. There's the return of many classic creatures, like prowlgrins and lots of new ones too like the titular Nameless One. The phraxship at the start harks back to the Sky Pirates and is full of Edge races like Hammerhead Goblins.
As always, Chris Riddell's illustrations are fantastic, bringing the characters and fantastic creatures to life. If anything, I would say the illustrations are better than ever, which is really saying something.
Whilst this doesn't quite hit the highest heights of the series it is a welcome return and there are hints that the authors have some great plans for Cade and the Edge in the upcoming books.
May 7, 2014
Cade's story begins at the top of a jutting gantry in Great Glade. He's about to jump aboard the Xanth Filatine as a stowaway and flee the city in the hopes that his uncle's opposers won't pursue him. The fact that he is related to the great descender, Nate Quarter, makes Cade a paramount target for The School of Flight (don't you just love being hunted down by important, cryptic organizations?).
Cade is eventually discovered as a stowaway and forced to jump ship (literally). Sometime after, he finds his way in a desolate (but dangerous) part of the Deepwoods; the Farrow Ridges. Here he makes friends, makes himself a suitable dwelling , and faces the mysterious Nameless One. Here in the Farrow Ridges, life is tough, but it is thrilling and adventurous, as Cade's adventures prove.
This book was a bit hard to get into at first (as all of Stewart's books have proven to be), but I liked it. I didn't think Cade was as intellectually bright as any of the other protagonists that have been displayed throughout the series, but he proved himself to be an affable character and I took a liking to him. This book was sweet, however I felt as if the epicness that was in the other books was missing here. I'll always be devoted to the series, but this one left much to be desired. In a more positive note, this reminded me of the first installment in the series, Beyond the Deepwoods, and another survival story, Hatchet, both of which I truly enjoyed. I did enjoyed this, but my expectations shouldn't have been quite so high.
Cade is eventually discovered as a stowaway and forced to jump ship (literally). Sometime after, he finds his way in a desolate (but dangerous) part of the Deepwoods; the Farrow Ridges. Here he makes friends, makes himself a suitable dwelling , and faces the mysterious Nameless One. Here in the Farrow Ridges, life is tough, but it is thrilling and adventurous, as Cade's adventures prove.
This book was a bit hard to get into at first (as all of Stewart's books have proven to be), but I liked it. I didn't think Cade was as intellectually bright as any of the other protagonists that have been displayed throughout the series, but he proved himself to be an affable character and I took a liking to him. This book was sweet, however I felt as if the epicness that was in the other books was missing here. I'll always be devoted to the series, but this one left much to be desired. In a more positive note, this reminded me of the first installment in the series, Beyond the Deepwoods, and another survival story, Hatchet, both of which I truly enjoyed. I did enjoyed this, but my expectations shouldn't have been quite so high.
July 20, 2020
Lovely, as always :) I was surprised that it was rather... slow moving. Much setup. When you think about it... For example: What did Twig in his first book? Quint? And Rook? When you compare them, it seems that they get stuff done while Cade... (spoilers) builds a cabin. But still, I like it and I can't wait for the next one!
BTW: Am I the only one who wishes that Skyfare was real? ;) I would totally give it a go.
BTW: Am I the only one who wishes that Skyfare was real? ;) I would totally give it a go.
December 20, 2015
Wow a great book. I have not read any of these chronicles before but this one will not be my last! I liked how in a way it was old fashion but at the same time you could see it in everyday life. The main character is an 11 year old who is courageous, headstrong and had an adventurous spirt.
May 10, 2018
I loved this book. I haven't even read the Quint,Twig and Rook sagas, and I'm so excited about reading the other Sagas. My favourite character was Rumblix because he's super cute and funny. I loved this book so much, a great read for the whole family. But I read it by myself in 5 days.
January 15, 2016
A Great return to this epic set of tales.
October 29, 2019
I really liked Cade as a character, and his journey on the Xanth was really nail-biting. But some other parts were quite slow, although I liked exploring the Deepwoods more. I like the characters in this book and I'm invested in them. Also, the ecological message throughout is really a powerful one, yet not on-the-nose as in some other works. The really slow pace in the middle and some deux-ex-machina moments are the reason for a star less. Everything else, it's really on the level you would expect of this series.
July 30, 2021
Decided to get back into these weird books from my youth and I’m glad I did, though I could tell that the first book was adapted from blog posts that came out before the final saga was released. Makes me feel like a little freak again
January 2, 2019
I loved this series when I was younger, so when I learned Stewart and Riddell had started another trilogy, I had to pick it up.
The original Edge Chronicles books all had interesting adventures, mysteries, and characters (especially great villains). They were also very dark, with violence and their haunting images often depicted in the illustrations. I thought all of this made the series stand out from other light-hearted kid books.
Unfortunately, this book had nothing of what I used to love from the series. It’s because I’m too old, either, since I recently reread one of the earlier books and still enjoyed it. This book lacked the mystery and interested foreshadowing from the others. None of the characters felt particularly interesting, and there was no main villain or overarching plot to tie the events of the story together. In addition, most of the smaller adventures felt copy-pasted from Beyond the Deepwoods.
I’m giving this 3 stars because I feel like it’s still *almost* on par with other middle-grade books, but it doesn’t even compare to the rest of the series
The original Edge Chronicles books all had interesting adventures, mysteries, and characters (especially great villains). They were also very dark, with violence and their haunting images often depicted in the illustrations. I thought all of this made the series stand out from other light-hearted kid books.
Unfortunately, this book had nothing of what I used to love from the series. It’s because I’m too old, either, since I recently reread one of the earlier books and still enjoyed it. This book lacked the mystery and interested foreshadowing from the others. None of the characters felt particularly interesting, and there was no main villain or overarching plot to tie the events of the story together. In addition, most of the smaller adventures felt copy-pasted from Beyond the Deepwoods.
I’m giving this 3 stars because I feel like it’s still *almost* on par with other middle-grade books, but it doesn’t even compare to the rest of the series
September 18, 2017
This is not a book review, just a bunch of random comments.
1. I found this used book on sale at the library. It cost me a quarter.
2. This book was printed in the UK. I live in Canada. This has happened to me before.
3. I put my fourth level Magus through this adventure using D & D third edition combat rules. I freaked out on page 282. I had to save myself and the other characters. The Luck Goddess helped my character (and the others). This dramatically changed the ending of the book.
1. I found this used book on sale at the library. It cost me a quarter.
2. This book was printed in the UK. I live in Canada. This has happened to me before.
3. I put my fourth level Magus through this adventure using D & D third edition combat rules. I freaked out on page 282. I had to save myself and the other characters. The Luck Goddess helped my character (and the others). This dramatically changed the ending of the book.
November 14, 2017
Good action, fantastical beasts and a theme of kindness and friendship made this a good read. My 12-year-old suggested it to me — which made it even more fun to read. Not as clever as Harry Potter and heavy on ugly creatures so I wasn’t prepared to read any more of the series . . . Until it ended with a damn teaser!!!!!! Alex and I may fight over who gets to read it first — and that would make my day!
September 21, 2018
I was nervous that this wouldn't live up to the standard of the series, but it was good. It was much less complex, did not have as much social commentary, and there were less places and people to care about, but the imaginative creatures, high value on friendship and hard work, and voice that gave you the feeling you were just seeing one little piece of an entire universe were all vibrantly present.
November 16, 2017
This book is about Cade Quarter who stows away on a phraxbarge seeking a new life in hive. Cade makes friends and enemies on the phraxbarge and has lots of adventures which leads him to nearly getting killed and having to jump off the phraxbarge when it had stopped at farrow ridges. Cade starts a new life at farrow ridges and makes lots of friends.
i loved this book it was fantastic!
i loved this book it was fantastic!
February 16, 2016
Enjoyed it, but not my kind of book. Luckily, as a school librarian, I know lots of students who will absolutely love this.
May 1, 2021
I planned to reread 'The winter Knights' next but then I found 'The descenders' in the library (which I have yet to read) so I decided to reread this book in the hope of understanding book 3 in the trilogy without reading book 2. We shall see how that goes.
'The nameless one' is a bit of a weird entry into the series that I think is best described as swiss family Robinson but fantasy (but also somehow more realistic) and actually good (don't come at me if you like that book, I had to read it in primary school and I hated it!). Cade Quarter (the nephew of Nate) has to leave Great Glade after the suspicious death of his father and stows away on a Sky tavern and subsequently finds himself in many predicaments. Despite being 350 pages I read this in two days (and it probably could have been one if I'd felt like it!) but this might be because of all the lovely illustrations.
A lot of things happen in this book but a lot of it seems to be set up for later as the conflict of this book appears and is resolved fairly swiftly. I enjoyed the worldbuilding (as always) and how the book showed how Cade had to learn how to survive in the Deepwoods. I don't understand why this book has the title it does though - for all its relevance to the plot it might have been named Rumblix (Cade's powlgrin) and the last minute deus ex machina was strange, though I might appreciate it more if I remembered more of the earlier books!
June 10, 2019
WARNING: biased gushing review from an adoring fan
Full review: https://kindkonfetti.home.blog/2019/0...
The reader is introduced to Cade, who is attempting to jump off a cliff to grab ahold of a flying skyship. Once on the ship, Cade is blackmailed by the ruthless crime lord who likes to throw his power around, despite his scrawy figure. Cade also befriends a baby hatchling which is the cutest book furbaby!
Cade ends up escaping the ship and in the Deepwoods below. There was so much nostalgia for me in the woods, the noises, the critters, the other sentient beings, and even the live flora. The beginning of the book is where most the action is, then there is a bit of a lull in the middle as Cade adjusts to his new life in the forest – trying to build shelter (and failing), catching a fever, making friends, etc. I didn’t mind being in this lull as it was so good to be back in my favourite world, but if I was visiting the Edge Chronicles for the first time, the lull may have lost the overall rating a star (but it didn’t, because this is the Edge Chronicles, and I LOVE the EDGE CHRONICLES).
There are a few little adventures scattered through the last third of the book, but then it sort of ends… I got the feeling that all of this was a nostalgic return to the Deepwoods by the authors for their readers, as well as a set up of big things to come in the next two books. And what I love about the Edge Chronicles are that no matter which book or trilogy you are reading, there are always references to other story arcs.
If you’re new to the Edge Chronicles, I would start with an earlier trilogy, maybe Twig or Quint. The world building and the pacing and the feelings are next to none. I was worried that my childhood favourite wouldn’t stand the test of time, BUT IT DOES!
Full review: https://kindkonfetti.home.blog/2019/0...
The reader is introduced to Cade, who is attempting to jump off a cliff to grab ahold of a flying skyship. Once on the ship, Cade is blackmailed by the ruthless crime lord who likes to throw his power around, despite his scrawy figure. Cade also befriends a baby hatchling which is the cutest book furbaby!
Cade ends up escaping the ship and in the Deepwoods below. There was so much nostalgia for me in the woods, the noises, the critters, the other sentient beings, and even the live flora. The beginning of the book is where most the action is, then there is a bit of a lull in the middle as Cade adjusts to his new life in the forest – trying to build shelter (and failing), catching a fever, making friends, etc. I didn’t mind being in this lull as it was so good to be back in my favourite world, but if I was visiting the Edge Chronicles for the first time, the lull may have lost the overall rating a star (but it didn’t, because this is the Edge Chronicles, and I LOVE the EDGE CHRONICLES).
There are a few little adventures scattered through the last third of the book, but then it sort of ends… I got the feeling that all of this was a nostalgic return to the Deepwoods by the authors for their readers, as well as a set up of big things to come in the next two books. And what I love about the Edge Chronicles are that no matter which book or trilogy you are reading, there are always references to other story arcs.
If you’re new to the Edge Chronicles, I would start with an earlier trilogy, maybe Twig or Quint. The world building and the pacing and the feelings are next to none. I was worried that my childhood favourite wouldn’t stand the test of time, BUT IT DOES!
February 6, 2021
A new trilogy begins, and this book is basically a western? The descriptions of the natural world are, as ever, beautiful and imaginative and evocative; all of them given great life by Riddell's illustrations. Cade is, after his initial adventures on the skyship, a settler on the wild frontier. This middle section is pleasantly low-key, though once again Stewart indulges in his habit of introducing hyper-competent women more interesting than the male protagonist and then sidelining them.
The last section is where it all falls apart. Once I realised we were in western genre territory, the question then becomes: how racist is this going to be? Turns out, yeah, quite a lot. Reminded me of the movie Bone Tomahawk, which I do not mean as a compliment. And then the deus ex machina of appearing at the end brought a long tired sigh from me. Still got the next two in this trilogy to go, but this is clearly worst in the series so far.
The last section is where it all falls apart. Once I realised we were in western genre territory, the question then becomes: how racist is this going to be? Turns out, yeah, quite a lot. Reminded me of the movie Bone Tomahawk, which I do not mean as a compliment. And then the deus ex machina of appearing at the end brought a long tired sigh from me. Still got the next two in this trilogy to go, but this is clearly worst in the series so far.
October 14, 2022
The Nameless One tells the story of Cade, a young man who is forced to flee his hometown in order to save his life. He ends up at The Farrow Ridges, a backwater place far out in the deepwoods. Only a handful of people live there and Cade soon has to get accostumed to his new surroundings.
After The Immortals, I expected to visit a different place of the edge, so initially, I was disappointed by the premis. However, as the story unfolded, my disappointment quickly turned into excitement.
With so few named characters, Stewart can focus on making their interactions meaningfull ones.
How Cade gets to know and bond with the residents of The Farrow Ridges is quite a treat. In the other edge chronicles books I always felt like the world was the protagonist and not the characters. This time however, I want to know what happens to them and not to the world. I think it is one of the better written books in the series.
Through the book, I was always excited to see what would happen next. The last few sections of the book are a bit meh though. I just didn't like the setting of the chapters, that's all.
Cade is a great protagonist. He's courageous and smart but has to fail numerous times until he finds his way in the deepwoods.
Celestia shows our "city-boy" how to survive in the deepwoods. She is trained in medicine and salves and knows how to ride prowlgrins. She lives with her father in a cabin in the woods.
Thorne is a fisherman living close to Cade and Celestia. He helps Cade building his new home and teaches him about construction.
Garnt is a Phraxpilot living alone on a wooden platform above the trees. He prefers to stay by himself but saves Cades' life and provides him with tools and a Phraxmusket.
There are other characters of course like Tug and Rumblix, but they don't play a major part in the story of this first book.
It was a great experience to revisit the edge after so many years. And it kicks off the new trilogy on a high note.
After The Immortals, I expected to visit a different place of the edge, so initially, I was disappointed by the premis. However, as the story unfolded, my disappointment quickly turned into excitement.
With so few named characters, Stewart can focus on making their interactions meaningfull ones.
How Cade gets to know and bond with the residents of The Farrow Ridges is quite a treat. In the other edge chronicles books I always felt like the world was the protagonist and not the characters. This time however, I want to know what happens to them and not to the world. I think it is one of the better written books in the series.
Through the book, I was always excited to see what would happen next. The last few sections of the book are a bit meh though. I just didn't like the setting of the chapters, that's all.
Cade is a great protagonist. He's courageous and smart but has to fail numerous times until he finds his way in the deepwoods.
Celestia shows our "city-boy" how to survive in the deepwoods. She is trained in medicine and salves and knows how to ride prowlgrins. She lives with her father in a cabin in the woods.
Thorne is a fisherman living close to Cade and Celestia. He helps Cade building his new home and teaches him about construction.
Garnt is a Phraxpilot living alone on a wooden platform above the trees. He prefers to stay by himself but saves Cades' life and provides him with tools and a Phraxmusket.
There are other characters of course like Tug and Rumblix, but they don't play a major part in the story of this first book.
It was a great experience to revisit the edge after so many years. And it kicks off the new trilogy on a high note.
May 14, 2025
I decide to read the Cade trilogy, even though the ending of The Immortals left me teary-eyed and swearing to step away from this world for a while. I miss the old David Fickling editions and was a bit sad this trilogy was published differently. Even so, I am still glad and look forward to every new volume in the Edge Chronicles.
That said, this instalment treads the same ground as Beyond the Deepwoods. The first quarter of the book, that took place on a sky tavern, was so incredibly exciting but it fizzled out once Cade fell off and ended up in the Deepwoods. The one unique plot point here was that Cade didn’t befriend a banderbear, breaking a long-standing tradition among his ancestors. It was a nice change, but the story still needed more intrigue and a solidly fleshed out villain to raise the stakes.
That said, this instalment treads the same ground as Beyond the Deepwoods. The first quarter of the book, that took place on a sky tavern, was so incredibly exciting but it fizzled out once Cade fell off and ended up in the Deepwoods. The one unique plot point here was that Cade didn’t befriend a banderbear, breaking a long-standing tradition among his ancestors. It was a nice change, but the story still needed more intrigue and a solidly fleshed out villain to raise the stakes.
October 22, 2019
This book was an absolute epic. The scenes, descriptions and plot were all satisfyingly tantalising and interesting, but not so informative that it felt like you were reading a dictionary.
Has a definite series-feel...I need to find out what happens next!
My only misgivings about this book was the use of the 'word', 'hoicked' (not certain if that counts as good grammar?) and the cover, which depicts a giant 'nameless one' about to do some damage to Cade Quarter (male MC), when in fact this monstrous beast is in fact his gentle friend. But hey, the rest of the book was amazing.
The perfect read for steam-punk, Star Wars or LotR fans. :)
Has a definite series-feel...I need to find out what happens next!
My only misgivings about this book was the use of the 'word', 'hoicked' (not certain if that counts as good grammar?) and the cover, which depicts a giant 'nameless one' about to do some damage to Cade Quarter (male MC), when in fact this monstrous beast is in fact his gentle friend. But hey, the rest of the book was amazing.
The perfect read for steam-punk, Star Wars or LotR fans. :)
October 1, 2020
Cade sets out from his home to start a new life and ends up as a stowaway on a skyship. After becoming ... Briefly, gets dobbed in and booted off but luckily has his prowlgrin pup Rumblix to keep him company. He sets up on the edge of the lake and has Throne and Celestia help him create a nice home. He then gets into some trouble, helping Celestia's father escape from the trogs. All in all quite a gentle, ramble through the Edge.
February 7, 2021
The thing I love about The Edge Chronicles is that the entire story can span hundreds of years and yet the family line of the protagonists always seems to reconnect at pivotal points in the story. There are always elements and characters of the story that seem to harken back to the beginning or prior novels. It weaves a very heartwarming and engrossing tale that constantly brings you back to the world of The Edge.
March 7, 2019
At 45% of the way through, the book's first female character shows up. There is another female character with a brief cameo at 85%. There's a rich background tapestry of men. This is fucking pathetic.
February 20, 2020
Usual great world building and illustrations, consisting of a series of vignettes in the life of the main character. Main issue us the whole book feels like nothing but set up for the rest of the series.
Also has some nice references to older books in the series.
Also has some nice references to older books in the series.
September 12, 2023
An enjoyable read, just like the rest of the Edge Chronicles series! Cade takes us to regions of the Edge yet unknown to us, and I can't wait to see where his adventure goes next and how more of the Edge unfolds in this final trilogy.
July 18, 2017
Read these as a Child, and can honestly say they make a good read today (maybe for the nostalgia).
Great illustrations, and an entirely unique setting to go with it.
Great illustrations, and an entirely unique setting to go with it.
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