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The Edge Chronicles (chronological) #12
Doombringer
Cade Quarter is building a new life for himself in the wild Farrow Ridges, miles away from civilization – and from the enemies who are seeking him. But when his new home is threatened by villainous mire-pearlers, Cade and his friends must find a way to defend the land they love, and the wise and beautiful secrets it holds.
Doombringer is the second 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.
Doombringer is the second 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.
355 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2015
18 people are currently reading
1322 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 1, 2015
About six years ago I started this series. I read them all (at the time there were ten books), and then I read them again last year. After reading book ten for the first time, I recall Stewart and Riddell announcing that they they'd finished writing the series. It was a very satisfying end. All loose ends were tied off. It was the end to over six hundred fifty years of fictional history.
Lo and behold book eleven comes out five years later. And it was good, but it didn't deserve that glorious five star rating that all of its predecessors did. Maybe I'd been expecting too much, but I doubt it. Book ten was so good that anything afterwards would ultimately fade in comparison. The trouble is that Stewart and Riddell are ruining a good thing. Leave it be.
So that's my main issue with the series currently, but my problem with with this book is a bit more internal. After having read A Song of Ice and Fire , my opinion on reading changed a bit. Well everything did technically. My vocabulary is even a bit different, perhaps more archaic at times. It was a major influence. So then I started this book last week, and honestly what the hell. I'm reading a children's book. Don't get me wrong, children's books are great, but me and any book that I feel like I've 'grown out of' do not mix. That's a fact. I will even irritate myself. My internal monologue starts mimicking all of the dialogue and it takes like twice as long to read anything until I get over myself. So for that reason mainly, I will not be continuing with this series. It can't even begin to compare to what this series was once. Book ten was monumental in every sense. Now my tastes have matured and this series isn't even what it used to be. It used to be something that I would read even now. It didn't feel like a children's book series because the plot was so mind-blowingly good.
Now the plot and writing style are a bit childish and honestly I'm a little disappointed to say the least. Whether it's in my evolving tastes or in the books is hard to say. Perhaps a bit of both.
There was another issue I had with the book. The protagonist, unlike the other four in the series, is essentially a blank canvas. His personality isn't distinct if it even exists. I didn't find him fascinating in the last book and I sure as hell don't find him fascinating now.
So this may all seem unworthy of four stars, but it's a good book. It's not great, but it's bearable. If a book is less than five stars, I'm going to bitch. It just goes without saying.
Lo and behold book eleven comes out five years later. And it was good, but it didn't deserve that glorious five star rating that all of its predecessors did. Maybe I'd been expecting too much, but I doubt it. Book ten was so good that anything afterwards would ultimately fade in comparison. The trouble is that Stewart and Riddell are ruining a good thing. Leave it be.
So that's my main issue with the series currently, but my problem with with this book is a bit more internal. After having read A Song of Ice and Fire , my opinion on reading changed a bit. Well everything did technically. My vocabulary is even a bit different, perhaps more archaic at times. It was a major influence. So then I started this book last week, and honestly what the hell. I'm reading a children's book. Don't get me wrong, children's books are great, but me and any book that I feel like I've 'grown out of' do not mix. That's a fact. I will even irritate myself. My internal monologue starts mimicking all of the dialogue and it takes like twice as long to read anything until I get over myself. So for that reason mainly, I will not be continuing with this series. It can't even begin to compare to what this series was once. Book ten was monumental in every sense. Now my tastes have matured and this series isn't even what it used to be. It used to be something that I would read even now. It didn't feel like a children's book series because the plot was so mind-blowingly good.
Now the plot and writing style are a bit childish and honestly I'm a little disappointed to say the least. Whether it's in my evolving tastes or in the books is hard to say. Perhaps a bit of both.
There was another issue I had with the book. The protagonist, unlike the other four in the series, is essentially a blank canvas. His personality isn't distinct if it even exists. I didn't find him fascinating in the last book and I sure as hell don't find him fascinating now.
So this may all seem unworthy of four stars, but it's a good book. It's not great, but it's bearable. If a book is less than five stars, I'm going to bitch. It just goes without saying.
March 28, 2019
I hate that I'm giving an Edge Chronicles book any less than 4 stars. By default, the whole idea of the Edge, and the imagination that has gone into it, the world and lands and creatures, and all the accompanying illustrations - that's 5 stars right off the bat. So I can only take points off from a book.
Cade is a bit of a blank, unengaging state, sure, an uninteresting void of unique personality - but he's also noticeable for how little different he is to all other other protagonists of the Edge. And maybe it's just the more cynical adult in me talking (I was obviously much younger when I started the series), but thinking about that, how he's pretty much the same guy but ALSO kinda boring... then I wonder, well, what was so special about the others? Were they ALL essentially the same character, but excelled and allowed us to warm to them only because of the situations they were placed in? It doesn't help that all the Edge protags kinda look like the same person through the illustrations. Twig, Quint, Rook, Nate... Cade's the first one to not have black hair. Their lady friends too, can all be easily swapped around and you might not even notice.
Twig has always been my favourite but that might only be because he was Number One and all others have been, to some degree, like lesser repetitions, shadows of Twig. Are we able to clearly define them as characters without talking about how they look or what they do? Are we to expect a cloned protag in every new saga of the Edge? Why not try something new, someone wildly different? A woman? A different race?
And THAT made me think of something that irked me just for thinking it. So I'll subject you to the thought too.
That thought is: Do black fourthlings exist? I mean, I don't think I've seen a single black character in twelve books... That's a long time to keep not having any diversity (and yes, I accept that none of them are humans, but fourthlings might as well be, they're a human substitute at least). Maybe it's just because they'd be harder for Chris to shade with his particular drawing technique that makes use of a lot of solid blacks and whites. Still, it'd be nice in theory if Paul and Chris varied the protag somewhat. If not, then at least give Cade more of an identity that clearly separates him from the others.
So that whole character problem, and the general less than inspiring main plot and other characters, and the fact entire chapters are just mildly adventurous filler with zero significance, and yeah basically the whole shebang, only drops this to a low four stars. Because it's still the Edge. I like the Farrow Ridges, the tranquil peacefulness of it. I'm fine for it to be a more low key adventure. However, there was only issue I had that bothered me so much I had to drop it to a devastating 3 stars (yep, I hardly ever give something 3 stars - it always seems too harsh).
Okay,
This was a book that seemed designed to be mostly padding. Now, as I've said, it's STILL the Edge, and Edge is 5 stars stuff, but even that couldn't save this from being 3 stars.
I'm sorry Paul and Chris, I love the series, been following it since I was an early adolescent, but given Cade's adventures I wish you'd stopped at The Immortals. The last part of that was AMAZING, the final illustration in particular was HUGE in all it revealed and portended. But more wasn't needed. That final mindblowing illustration, my favourite novel illustration ever, despite all it promised, was better left speculated upon in our own heads. I really want the Descenders, the next book, to blow me away, but I'm worried it won't, and it'll actually rob that final part of The Immortals of all its monumental impact.
Cade is a bit of a blank, unengaging state, sure, an uninteresting void of unique personality - but he's also noticeable for how little different he is to all other other protagonists of the Edge. And maybe it's just the more cynical adult in me talking (I was obviously much younger when I started the series), but thinking about that, how he's pretty much the same guy but ALSO kinda boring... then I wonder, well, what was so special about the others? Were they ALL essentially the same character, but excelled and allowed us to warm to them only because of the situations they were placed in? It doesn't help that all the Edge protags kinda look like the same person through the illustrations. Twig, Quint, Rook, Nate... Cade's the first one to not have black hair. Their lady friends too, can all be easily swapped around and you might not even notice.
Twig has always been my favourite but that might only be because he was Number One and all others have been, to some degree, like lesser repetitions, shadows of Twig. Are we able to clearly define them as characters without talking about how they look or what they do? Are we to expect a cloned protag in every new saga of the Edge? Why not try something new, someone wildly different? A woman? A different race?
And THAT made me think of something that irked me just for thinking it. So I'll subject you to the thought too.
That thought is: Do black fourthlings exist? I mean, I don't think I've seen a single black character in twelve books... That's a long time to keep not having any diversity (and yes, I accept that none of them are humans, but fourthlings might as well be, they're a human substitute at least). Maybe it's just because they'd be harder for Chris to shade with his particular drawing technique that makes use of a lot of solid blacks and whites. Still, it'd be nice in theory if Paul and Chris varied the protag somewhat. If not, then at least give Cade more of an identity that clearly separates him from the others.
So that whole character problem, and the general less than inspiring main plot and other characters, and the fact entire chapters are just mildly adventurous filler with zero significance, and yeah basically the whole shebang, only drops this to a low four stars. Because it's still the Edge. I like the Farrow Ridges, the tranquil peacefulness of it. I'm fine for it to be a more low key adventure. However, there was only issue I had that bothered me so much I had to drop it to a devastating 3 stars (yep, I hardly ever give something 3 stars - it always seems too harsh).
Okay,
This was a book that seemed designed to be mostly padding. Now, as I've said, it's STILL the Edge, and Edge is 5 stars stuff, but even that couldn't save this from being 3 stars.
I'm sorry Paul and Chris, I love the series, been following it since I was an early adolescent, but given Cade's adventures I wish you'd stopped at The Immortals. The last part of that was AMAZING, the final illustration in particular was HUGE in all it revealed and portended. But more wasn't needed. That final mindblowing illustration, my favourite novel illustration ever, despite all it promised, was better left speculated upon in our own heads. I really want the Descenders, the next book, to blow me away, but I'm worried it won't, and it'll actually rob that final part of The Immortals of all its monumental impact.
June 29, 2015
Cade Quarter has built a life for himself in the Farrow Ridges, a hospitable paradise. But phraxminers are coming who want to industrialise the area and drain the Farrow Lake. Cade and his collection of odd friends must risk it all in order to save their homeland.
I really enjoyed this book. It continued the story from The Nameless One and expanded Cade's world. We see a whole crowd of characters and creatures in this book and it felt much more on the same scale as earlier books in the series.
I like the theme of the book too, that the Edge is essentially undergoing an industrial revolution and is being ruined because of it. It's fairly unsubtle but my telling of what can happen in a fantasy place it reminds us of our world.
And as ever the book is full of the amazing places and creatures of the Edge. Lots of returning favorites and a few new ones too. The part where Cade rides his prowlgrin Rumblix in a competition in Hive is particularly brilliant. After so many books the Edge feels like a tangible place that I would like to visit but would be terrified to do so.
Another great Edge Chronicles book which continues Cade's story and sets up what will no doubt be a dramatic third book.
I really enjoyed this book. It continued the story from The Nameless One and expanded Cade's world. We see a whole crowd of characters and creatures in this book and it felt much more on the same scale as earlier books in the series.
I like the theme of the book too, that the Edge is essentially undergoing an industrial revolution and is being ruined because of it. It's fairly unsubtle but my telling of what can happen in a fantasy place it reminds us of our world.
And as ever the book is full of the amazing places and creatures of the Edge. Lots of returning favorites and a few new ones too. The part where Cade rides his prowlgrin Rumblix in a competition in Hive is particularly brilliant. After so many books the Edge feels like a tangible place that I would like to visit but would be terrified to do so.
Another great Edge Chronicles book which continues Cade's story and sets up what will no doubt be a dramatic third book.
June 23, 2016
The first book of Cade, The Nameless One, was packed with the usual epic writing and epic illustrations we've come to expect from Stewart and Riddell, but it lacked the solid plotting and developed characters of the previous Edge books. Doombringer, the second book of Cade, is a step up from it's predecessor. This one is has more plot, a little more character development if still not enough, and some solid forward momentum (including a teeth-gritting cliffhanger). Like with all the Edge books, there are some awesome set pieces, plenty of action, rich and detailed world building and Riddell's line drawings. More happens this time around, and the final chapter offers an intriguing set up for the third and (I think) final book in the Cade saga.
While it's still not strong enough on character development and plot like the other trilogies, Doombringer is better than the Nameless One and sets up what could be an epic final book to this saga.
Highly recommended, but read the first book, and start from the very beginning of the Edge Chronicles with Beyond the Deepwoods (or Curse of the Gloamglozer if you want to read this series in timeline order).
While it's still not strong enough on character development and plot like the other trilogies, Doombringer is better than the Nameless One and sets up what could be an epic final book to this saga.
Highly recommended, but read the first book, and start from the very beginning of the Edge Chronicles with Beyond the Deepwoods (or Curse of the Gloamglozer if you want to read this series in timeline order).
February 26, 2019
Doombringer is a fantasy novel by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell. Cade and his friends live in the Farrow Ridges, a small area in the vast Deepwoods. When trouble begins to brew with the mire-pearlers(poacher-like people), Cade must call for as much help as he can get, as time is running short until the mire-pearlers arrival. The race to defeat the mire-pearlers takes Cade and his friends all across the Deepwoods. In this journey, Cade finds refuge, but also discovers a deep secret concealed in the Farrow Ridges, one that could change the Edgeworld forever.
Stewart and Riddell teach the importance of the natural world. The Edge Chronicles is an enthralling book series that will take readers on a journey from the very first page. Readers that have read books such as Harry Potter will enjoy these books because of the variety of characters and settings to explore. The Edge Chronicles features everything that a good book series needs; action, diversity, and perspectives . The books will provide not only detail from the text, but also have magnificent line sketches. The Edge Chronicles has backstabbing betrayals and heartfelt messages that will make readers feel like they have actually visited the Edge every time they pick up the book. The Edge Chronicles are a phenomenal book series for anyone looking for a great story.
Stewart and Riddell teach the importance of the natural world. The Edge Chronicles is an enthralling book series that will take readers on a journey from the very first page. Readers that have read books such as Harry Potter will enjoy these books because of the variety of characters and settings to explore. The Edge Chronicles features everything that a good book series needs; action, diversity, and perspectives . The books will provide not only detail from the text, but also have magnificent line sketches. The Edge Chronicles has backstabbing betrayals and heartfelt messages that will make readers feel like they have actually visited the Edge every time they pick up the book. The Edge Chronicles are a phenomenal book series for anyone looking for a great story.
April 11, 2018
Had I wanted to read On Walden Pond, I would have done just that.
This and its predecessor are sad shells of what this series is all about. Almost no adventure, a blah main character, and entirely too much time spent describing the wildlife.
I love the Edge and it's creatures, but I also love the excitement, political unrest, and hijinks the other books all deal with so well.
I made it over halfway through this book and just couldn't deal with Cade anymore. I will donate this book and The Nameless One and pretend that one of my favorite bok series of all times ends at #10, like it should have.
One star earned from Chris Riddell's illustrations being completely gorgeous, as always.
This and its predecessor are sad shells of what this series is all about. Almost no adventure, a blah main character, and entirely too much time spent describing the wildlife.
I love the Edge and it's creatures, but I also love the excitement, political unrest, and hijinks the other books all deal with so well.
I made it over halfway through this book and just couldn't deal with Cade anymore. I will donate this book and The Nameless One and pretend that one of my favorite bok series of all times ends at #10, like it should have.
One star earned from Chris Riddell's illustrations being completely gorgeous, as always.
August 4, 2016
I've missed the edge so much, I spent my time with this book, just savoring every detail and I'm so glad I did. Like all edge books this was amazing and filled with so many tiny details and mentions to the other books and it was utterly amazing!
The ending has me even more excited for the next book, Nates book is one of my favorites and I can't wait to get to see a bunch of characters from it again!
The ending has me even more excited for the next book, Nates book is one of my favorites and I can't wait to get to see a bunch of characters from it again!
October 12, 2015
Once again an excellent book from the bestselling tandem of Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell. Great writing combined with great illustrations make this a nice 12th book. This one was much better than the 11th, as I thought it had much more of an overall plotline and more action, however, the story arc is still somewhat disconnected between books. After promising an end to the Edge Chronicles after book 10, Stewart and Riddell satisfy their readers still.
June 3, 2017
Double whammy cliff-hanger holds reader hovering, back is Drax, malevolent old enemy finger-chopper gang leader, forth is elegant beautiful blonde woman from .. the last word in the book .. "Sanctaphrax", in full-page portrait, tips of well-worn boots peek from floor-length cloak . Leaves me unhappily questing for more in series.
not Typos, British to Canadian:
p 160 disorientated to disoriented
p 340 titbits to tidbits
not Typos, British to Canadian:
p 160 disorientated to disoriented
p 340 titbits to tidbits
June 21, 2015
Now with more slavery and sustainable farming practices!
More info on the descenders forthcoming!
More info on the descenders forthcoming!
August 30, 2015
I love the stories, complex histories and the drawing. Please keep the Edge alive!
September 18, 2019
As always, Chris Riddell's black and white drawings add so much. Doombringer had some good thrilling moments, but I feel like Cade might have sat this one out for all that he had any actually usefulness in achieving the major plot actions . . . And I'm wondering if "fourthlings" is supposed to be a play on Tolkien (i.e., not "halflings") But if I remember correctly (and I just double-checked the Edge Chronicles Wiki), it had to do with mixed blood (from the "four corners of the Edgeworld," not size. They certainly aren't half-hobbit-sized!)
February 10, 2021
For all the industrialisation vs environmentalism that's going on here (always present in the Edge books but really at the forefront in this one), the narrative is rather clueless about what it means to be a coloniser. Cade and his friends may aid the webfoots and the wild hammerhead tribes against the mire-pearlers, but they are still complicit in the exploitation of that environment, they just happen to be nice and smiling about it.
It's certainly thornier and more complicated than it was last time around in The Nameless One, but it's also let down by a more narrative-style problem, in that a significant chunk of this book is spent on an excursion to Hive that ultimately , meaning it essentially feels like a waste of time.
As ever, the imagery is astonishing (prowlgrins leaping through waterfalls! entire flaming trees launching straight up into the sky!), but this is a weak way to end the series, and I'm hoping The Descenders pulls something extraordinary out of the bag.
It's certainly thornier and more complicated than it was last time around in The Nameless One, but it's also let down by a more narrative-style problem, in that a significant chunk of this book is spent on an excursion to Hive that ultimately , meaning it essentially feels like a waste of time.
As ever, the imagery is astonishing (prowlgrins leaping through waterfalls! entire flaming trees launching straight up into the sky!), but this is a weak way to end the series, and I'm hoping The Descenders pulls something extraordinary out of the bag.
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November 20, 2023I really enjoyed this story from the moment I started reading it. I loved the relationship between Oden and his daughter. He really would do anything for her but as the story went on you could see the strength that she had as well. This is one of those epic fantasy stories that seems to have a life of its own. So much happens and at the end of the book you are left with the feeling that it maybe isn’t as over as we think.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed how captivating and exciting it was. I loved the pace of the book. It fit with the story and helped to create the overall feel. This is a great story and I am going to be looking in to more from this author.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed how captivating and exciting it was. I loved the pace of the book. It fit with the story and helped to create the overall feel. This is a great story and I am going to be looking in to more from this author.
June 1, 2021
Another great addition to the pile of books I have from the Edge Chronicles. These stories spanning hundreds of years in the timeline of this universe is something that really makes the story age like fine wine as you hear of the main characters from the first books touted as legendary and mythical characters, buildings, and events given greater grandeur as the centuries passed. This story continues to age like fine wine and every new addition to the universe is just as enjoyable as the last. It's lovely to constantly be returning to The Edge.
January 2, 2025
Not as slow as the first book in the Cade series but it still had its problems. Primarily the focus on Cade just living a peaceful life in Farrow Lake. It started to get better with the arrival of The Doombringer that threatened the peaceful lives of all who lived at Farrow Lake but is quickly pushed aside for a random side quest to Hive that didn't matter at all in the end. However, the ending made up for this as a familiar villain from the previous book makes his reappearance! I'm looking forward to the next and final book in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2019
The book started great, with a quick pace and a really captivating plot, but the middle part, almost all through the end had a slower pace, still well written, but not as enthralling. If it were criss-crossed with calm parts, instead of packing all the action at the end, I think I would have given it 5 stars. That being said, the characters are great, the scenery and the illustrations superb as usual. I'm really curious what the last book will bring.
March 3, 2020
Overall weirdly paced, large problems/antagonists are built up then seemingly resolved in ways that feel quick. Somehow doesn't feel rushed overall.
As always fun to spend more time in the edge and see how things have changed since the previous books.
As always fun to spend more time in the edge and see how things have changed since the previous books.
May 14, 2025
This had more action but surprisingly less grit than the average volume in the Edge Chronicles, even though the villains here are equivalent to real world traffickers. A bit disappointed to say the least.
August 3, 2021
Definitely feels like a children’s book but still captivating with beautiful illustrations. Can definitely feel the series peter out after the tenth book
January 16, 2022
A truly wonderful second book in the Cade series.
These books are just really full and clever with their stories and really easy to read.
These books are just really full and clever with their stories and really easy to read.
September 4, 2023
I'm curious as to where this is going. So far, every episode in the Cade-sage is quite separate, but still...
September 13, 2023
A thrilling follow-up to "The Nameless One"! Cade's adventure is so unlike those that have come before, yet also refreshingly familiar. I cannot wait to see what the final book has in store!
April 12, 2025
Love the Edge Chronicles, but I don't know what it is about the Cade saga, but they don't quite hit the same.
March 9, 2016
I got about half way through. In copm comparison to the rest of the Edge Chronicles which I really enjoyed, I have found this series to not be quite as enthralling. Perhaps I am just not in the right mood for it at this time.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews