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The Yellow Hoods #3
All the King's-Men
More than a hundred years ago, a king declared that all geniuses, scientists and inventors were abominations, save for those willing to become his Conventioneers. His edict spread like wildfire through the kingdoms, and drove the hunted into the arms of the secret societies, the Tub and the Fare.
Decades later, having taken control of the remains of the crushed Fare, a young Marcus Pieman follows up on rumors of a homeless, teenage Abominator in his city. When the scared Nikolas Klaus looked up at Marcus for the first time, a tremendous bond was forged. But has Nikolas been part of Marcus’ plans from the beginning? And has Marcus been a pawn of the original Fare the entire time?
A betrayal leads Tee to a showdown with her greatest foe. Who breaks and who lays bleeding in the middle of nowhere?
And Mounira learns the truth about the once great inventor, Christophe Creangle.
Decades later, having taken control of the remains of the crushed Fare, a young Marcus Pieman follows up on rumors of a homeless, teenage Abominator in his city. When the scared Nikolas Klaus looked up at Marcus for the first time, a tremendous bond was forged. But has Nikolas been part of Marcus’ plans from the beginning? And has Marcus been a pawn of the original Fare the entire time?
A betrayal leads Tee to a showdown with her greatest foe. Who breaks and who lays bleeding in the middle of nowhere?
And Mounira learns the truth about the once great inventor, Christophe Creangle.
350 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2015
2 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Adam Dreece
30 books276 followersIn 2014, I stopped my "hopefully one day" dream of becoming an author, stopped doing nothing with my writing, and kicked off my indie author life. Twenty-five years of doing nothing with my writing was enough, and after two medical events, I was filled with drive to change my life.
I've written the much loved young adult series, The Yellow Hoods, a world where steampunk and fairy tale meet.
In 2016, I showed two other sides of myself as an author, The Wizard Killer - Season One which is post-apocalyptic fantasy written in an episodic style, and the upcoming science fiction book, The Man of Cloud 9, which is infused with some of my high tech life from before I was an author.
I'm a frequent public speaker at schools and conventions, a dyslexic with some motivational chronic issues, and live in Calgary, Alberta with my wife and kids.
I've written the much loved young adult series, The Yellow Hoods, a world where steampunk and fairy tale meet.
In 2016, I showed two other sides of myself as an author, The Wizard Killer - Season One which is post-apocalyptic fantasy written in an episodic style, and the upcoming science fiction book, The Man of Cloud 9, which is infused with some of my high tech life from before I was an author.
I'm a frequent public speaker at schools and conventions, a dyslexic with some motivational chronic issues, and live in Calgary, Alberta with my wife and kids.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 12, 2015
All the King's Men took this series to a whole new level.
I loved the second book so much that I didn't expect the third to top it. Adam Dreece's storytelling skills keep getting better and better!
All of the storylines in this book are woven together seamlessly and beautifully. This story touches a lot on friendship, brotherhood, family, and betrayal. We learn more about our heroes and villains and get a look into many of the character's back stories. My favorite part of the book was getting to learn more about Nikolas and Marcus's past.
Tee is on the run with Elly, Franklin, Mounira, and Christina. She has been burdened with secrets involving Elly that are tearing her apart. Also reeling from a fresh loss, she's having a difficult time and before long, finds herself face to face with an old enemy.
Richy and Eg are off looking for Bakon, while Bakon is looking for the Pieman's. They soon find each other in a surprising place!
The plot twists involving Richy and Bakon were two of my favorite! I can't go on enough about how intricate and flawless the intertwining storylines are in this series! It's fun when you read these books and recognize something from a fairy tale - I'm sure I haven't known all of them.
Each book that Dreece writes just bring so much more momentum to this series! I get incredibly excited thinking about reading these to my son in a few years. A tale of action and adventure mixed with life lessons on the bonds of family and friendship. What more could a reader ask for?
www.meetmybookboyfriend.wordpress.com
I loved the second book so much that I didn't expect the third to top it. Adam Dreece's storytelling skills keep getting better and better!
All of the storylines in this book are woven together seamlessly and beautifully. This story touches a lot on friendship, brotherhood, family, and betrayal. We learn more about our heroes and villains and get a look into many of the character's back stories. My favorite part of the book was getting to learn more about Nikolas and Marcus's past.
Tee is on the run with Elly, Franklin, Mounira, and Christina. She has been burdened with secrets involving Elly that are tearing her apart. Also reeling from a fresh loss, she's having a difficult time and before long, finds herself face to face with an old enemy.
Richy and Eg are off looking for Bakon, while Bakon is looking for the Pieman's. They soon find each other in a surprising place!
The plot twists involving Richy and Bakon were two of my favorite! I can't go on enough about how intricate and flawless the intertwining storylines are in this series! It's fun when you read these books and recognize something from a fairy tale - I'm sure I haven't known all of them.
Each book that Dreece writes just bring so much more momentum to this series! I get incredibly excited thinking about reading these to my son in a few years. A tale of action and adventure mixed with life lessons on the bonds of family and friendship. What more could a reader ask for?
www.meetmybookboyfriend.wordpress.com
April 13, 2015
I recommend this book for ages 12 plus.
The third book in Adam Dreece’s Yellow Hoods series follows all of the plot points that were opened up in the first two books. Although the overall main character is still Tee, there are many different story lines that are taking place both in the past and the present.
While I have enjoyed the rapid pacing of the developing plots in the first two books of the series, the third book took a bit of a breather, but still impressed me with how the story boldly moved forward. Since this is the middle book in the series I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. There was more “traveling” and getting from point A to point B in this book, as the characters adventure moved them into strange and fantastic new places.The slightly slower pace of the book allowed the author to build fresh and deeper perspectives that brought the characters new life as the story unfolded through their eyes. Every single one of the characters have come extremely far from the first book, and it is incredible to see. One of the most fun things when reading one of Adam Dreece’s books is seeing how he intertwines fairytale characters into his books. I have read many “fairytale retellings,” but this series is probably the best I’ve read when it comes to how fairytales are used. Sometimes the character will blatantly be a representation of a fairytale, and some can only be figured out by a certain sentence or quote. Another amazing yet frustrating thing about this books is how they all seem to have the most amazing cliffhangers, making you impatiently excited for the following book.
My favorite character(s) are Gretel, Hans, and Saul. I think they are my favorites because there is so much that could be done with their characters. I’m very excited to see where Adam ends up going with them.
This book had no swearing, extremely mild romance, and minor violence.
The third book in Adam Dreece’s Yellow Hoods series follows all of the plot points that were opened up in the first two books. Although the overall main character is still Tee, there are many different story lines that are taking place both in the past and the present.
While I have enjoyed the rapid pacing of the developing plots in the first two books of the series, the third book took a bit of a breather, but still impressed me with how the story boldly moved forward. Since this is the middle book in the series I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. There was more “traveling” and getting from point A to point B in this book, as the characters adventure moved them into strange and fantastic new places.The slightly slower pace of the book allowed the author to build fresh and deeper perspectives that brought the characters new life as the story unfolded through their eyes. Every single one of the characters have come extremely far from the first book, and it is incredible to see. One of the most fun things when reading one of Adam Dreece’s books is seeing how he intertwines fairytale characters into his books. I have read many “fairytale retellings,” but this series is probably the best I’ve read when it comes to how fairytales are used. Sometimes the character will blatantly be a representation of a fairytale, and some can only be figured out by a certain sentence or quote. Another amazing yet frustrating thing about this books is how they all seem to have the most amazing cliffhangers, making you impatiently excited for the following book.
My favorite character(s) are Gretel, Hans, and Saul. I think they are my favorites because there is so much that could be done with their characters. I’m very excited to see where Adam ends up going with them.
This book had no swearing, extremely mild romance, and minor violence.
March 15, 2017
Series Video Review: https://youtu.be/WIhk4Z0TUFw
This is another fun and entertaining installment in the Yellow Hoods series. The plot takes off where the second book left off, bringing the reader right back into the adventure. As always,the writing is laced with humour and witty banter between the characters. This particular book delves into the politics of the kingdom, further expanding the reader's knowledge of the surrounding world. Also, the series continues to provide additional backstories on all of the characters. Once again, the character development focuses heavily on "found families", which is an understated concept in young adult literature.
The series is formatted similar to literature like Harry Potter where the characters, plot and themes transition from middle to young adult with each publication. All the Kind's Men is the book where the Yellow Heads series definitively shifts from middle grade into the young adult category. Over the course of the story, the Yellow Hood children have been slowly growing up and finally reach their teenage years in this third novel. As the Yellow Hoods mature, they are becoming more confident and independant from each other, even splitting up to go on separate adventures. Tensions arise between these friends as their relationships change and evolve in these transitional years. Furthermore, the tone and seriousness of the plot continue to darken with each book, appealing more and more to a wider, older audience.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. As always, my opinions are my own.
This is another fun and entertaining installment in the Yellow Hoods series. The plot takes off where the second book left off, bringing the reader right back into the adventure. As always,the writing is laced with humour and witty banter between the characters. This particular book delves into the politics of the kingdom, further expanding the reader's knowledge of the surrounding world. Also, the series continues to provide additional backstories on all of the characters. Once again, the character development focuses heavily on "found families", which is an understated concept in young adult literature.
The series is formatted similar to literature like Harry Potter where the characters, plot and themes transition from middle to young adult with each publication. All the Kind's Men is the book where the Yellow Heads series definitively shifts from middle grade into the young adult category. Over the course of the story, the Yellow Hood children have been slowly growing up and finally reach their teenage years in this third novel. As the Yellow Hoods mature, they are becoming more confident and independant from each other, even splitting up to go on separate adventures. Tensions arise between these friends as their relationships change and evolve in these transitional years. Furthermore, the tone and seriousness of the plot continue to darken with each book, appealing more and more to a wider, older audience.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. As always, my opinions are my own.
May 10, 2016
This book, true to Adam Dreece form, was entertaining, fast paced, exciting, and well written.
The story hits the ground running without giving the you much time to catch their breath, so my suggestion to readers is to not let much time go by between reading books 2 and 3, or you may waste a few precious pages trying to remember what's going on.
The story hits the ground running without giving the you much time to catch their breath, so my suggestion to readers is to not let much time go by between reading books 2 and 3, or you may waste a few precious pages trying to remember what's going on.
June 14, 2017
Just when you thought you knew all the characters. Dreece keeps stuffing them in, with more betrayals and flashbacks than you could shake a shock-stick at. If your memory is anything like mine, it isn't the gripping plot alone that keeps you from putting these books down. It's the fear that when you pick it up the next day you won't remember who is on what side anymore. Tee, Elly, Richy, and Nikolas Klaus haven't left us, nor have the Cochon brothers from Along Came a Wolf, but the leaders of the Tub and the Fare join the Pieman family in seeing just how many people can fit into a 340 page steampunk romp. (Answer: about 30). I wonder if Dreece reads much Russian literature? Tolstoy would be proud.
It seems that Dreece uses All the King's-Men to start tying the history of Eorth with its present political climate, as he brings the series to its climax. Tee and the Yellow Hoods are joined on their flight through the wilderness by new friends and questionable leaders as they flee the agents of the Fare and other rogue factions bent on toppling the government and taking over the world. Again, some bloodshed, gunshots, and deaths. Suggestions of child abuse and mentions of kidnapping, but written from the perspective of the (safe) survivor which takes out much of the sting. An even mix of female and male characters. With an even mix of strong and weak traits. Take a spy novel, add teenagers, set it in the medieval era and then hose everything down with a good spray of steampunk and you'd have yourself The Yellow Hoods series. It's good stuff.
It seems that Dreece uses All the King's-Men to start tying the history of Eorth with its present political climate, as he brings the series to its climax. Tee and the Yellow Hoods are joined on their flight through the wilderness by new friends and questionable leaders as they flee the agents of the Fare and other rogue factions bent on toppling the government and taking over the world. Again, some bloodshed, gunshots, and deaths. Suggestions of child abuse and mentions of kidnapping, but written from the perspective of the (safe) survivor which takes out much of the sting. An even mix of female and male characters. With an even mix of strong and weak traits. Take a spy novel, add teenagers, set it in the medieval era and then hose everything down with a good spray of steampunk and you'd have yourself The Yellow Hoods series. It's good stuff.
March 12, 2017
The Yellow Hoods - Books 1-5
This clever mix of fairytales and steampunk is a wonderful and original, fast-paced series. Delightful for young(ish) readers and adults, albeit on different levels.
I spent the best part of two weeks in the company of Tee, her friends and family, and their rivals, and enjoyed every minute of it.
The plot and the sub-plots weave back and forth seamlessly, making an entertaining and riveting read that’s hard to put down. (How the author kept everything straight while writing the series is beyond me, but he did it well.)
There are more twists and turns than a roller-coaster ride, some danger and tragedy, plenty of wit and humour, and lots of action and adventure. A general theme of growing up.. .family, friendship, confidence, loyalty and more, runs smoothly within the story.
The author brings the large and diverse cast of characters to life, and as they continue to develop and change throughout the series, we learn more of their hidden depths… and flaws. At the same time, he paints a detailed picture of the world they inhabit, starting with the small village in book one to a much larger expanse by book five, as our heroes (and villains) travel further away from their homes.
I liked the names of the characters, many of them plucked from fairytales and myths and given a twist… my favourite, being Ron-Paul Silskin!
This clever mix of fairytales and steampunk is a wonderful and original, fast-paced series. Delightful for young(ish) readers and adults, albeit on different levels.
I spent the best part of two weeks in the company of Tee, her friends and family, and their rivals, and enjoyed every minute of it.
The plot and the sub-plots weave back and forth seamlessly, making an entertaining and riveting read that’s hard to put down. (How the author kept everything straight while writing the series is beyond me, but he did it well.)
There are more twists and turns than a roller-coaster ride, some danger and tragedy, plenty of wit and humour, and lots of action and adventure. A general theme of growing up.. .family, friendship, confidence, loyalty and more, runs smoothly within the story.
The author brings the large and diverse cast of characters to life, and as they continue to develop and change throughout the series, we learn more of their hidden depths… and flaws. At the same time, he paints a detailed picture of the world they inhabit, starting with the small village in book one to a much larger expanse by book five, as our heroes (and villains) travel further away from their homes.
I liked the names of the characters, many of them plucked from fairytales and myths and given a twist… my favourite, being Ron-Paul Silskin!
May 3, 2017
Not kindle unlimited, got the trilogy {plus} set by whining at the writer that he wasn't on ku, sometimes that works, but only bother to do it if really want to read the book{s}.
Do you remember any of the fairy tales or nursery rhymes you heard when you were little? How about Rub-a-dub-dub, Simple Simon, Chicken Little, Humpty Dumpty, or Santa Clause, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty and the Beast, or Alice in Wonderland? Want or need your memory jogged? This is, but isn't, those stories.
In the first book when Steampunk meets fairy tale, inventions and inventors, fairy tales are real, and a secret society named Tub is led by a butcher, a baker, and a candlestick maker, and are caught in someone else's plot to steal the first steam engine plans. Want to picture the lands, just look at the first page illustration. Want to more about everything that happened?
In the second and third books, another secret society called the Fare starts real trouble, AND their plans are finally revealed.
Along Came a Wolf (The Yellow Hoods #1)
Breadcrumb Trail (The Yellow Hoods, #2)
All the King's-Men (The Yellow Hoods, #3)
The Yellow Hoods Boxset (Books 1-3) {includes mini-book 2.5: Snappy & Dashing
Beauties of the Beast (The Yellow Hoods, #4)
The Day the Sky Fell (The Yellow Hoods #5)
Snappy & Dashing: A Yellow Hoods Companion Tale #1 (The Yellow Hoods) {2.5} {this is standalone but best read if you can at the end of 2 before 3} This has a serial story type feeling to it, which is not necessarily a bad thing, and seems longer than the usual serial, just noting it. This was more the type of fairy tale would have read when younger Hated the ones read to me, why I started reading by myself at age 4} and fits in nicely with the reworked fairy tales getting more predominate lately. This one was part of the 3+set.
Do you remember any of the fairy tales or nursery rhymes you heard when you were little? How about Rub-a-dub-dub, Simple Simon, Chicken Little, Humpty Dumpty, or Santa Clause, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty and the Beast, or Alice in Wonderland? Want or need your memory jogged? This is, but isn't, those stories.
In the first book when Steampunk meets fairy tale, inventions and inventors, fairy tales are real, and a secret society named Tub is led by a butcher, a baker, and a candlestick maker, and are caught in someone else's plot to steal the first steam engine plans. Want to picture the lands, just look at the first page illustration. Want to more about everything that happened?
In the second and third books, another secret society called the Fare starts real trouble, AND their plans are finally revealed.
Along Came a Wolf (The Yellow Hoods #1)
Breadcrumb Trail (The Yellow Hoods, #2)
All the King's-Men (The Yellow Hoods, #3)
The Yellow Hoods Boxset (Books 1-3) {includes mini-book 2.5: Snappy & Dashing
Beauties of the Beast (The Yellow Hoods, #4)
The Day the Sky Fell (The Yellow Hoods #5)
Snappy & Dashing: A Yellow Hoods Companion Tale #1 (The Yellow Hoods) {2.5} {this is standalone but best read if you can at the end of 2 before 3} This has a serial story type feeling to it, which is not necessarily a bad thing, and seems longer than the usual serial, just noting it. This was more the type of fairy tale would have read when younger Hated the ones read to me, why I started reading by myself at age 4} and fits in nicely with the reworked fairy tales getting more predominate lately. This one was part of the 3+set.
February 15, 2017
In many ways this is the start of the main intrigue that was hinted at the first book and laid out for us in the second. Secret wars and shadow secret wars, secret societies hiding in shadows within shadows.
Yet all this is grounded through strong characterization. Though they are acting under stress and duress in this book, their core remains the same and it aches to see Tee and Elly make decisions counter to their best interests as they struggle with grown-up responsibility when they clearly aren't ready.
Then there's the slow spiral of two characters one a former villain and the other a former protagonist. The progression these two make moving from one extreme to the other, the one becoming more sympathetic and the other less is a great juxtaposition that doesn't feel in your face.
The villians of Eorthe are multifaceted, you understand their rationale (or their madness) and each becomes a clear Nemesis for another character, a bogey man (or woman) that will haunt them.
Then of course there's the grey centre where do many more of the characters live. Some who were introduced seemingly as heroes, some seemingly as villains, but grey through and through nonetheless. I read somewhere once that a good villians must truly see themselves as the hero of the story and that's certainly the case with so many here. Everyone believes in their cause and that their way is just and true. Can't wait to see where things go next.
Yet all this is grounded through strong characterization. Though they are acting under stress and duress in this book, their core remains the same and it aches to see Tee and Elly make decisions counter to their best interests as they struggle with grown-up responsibility when they clearly aren't ready.
Then there's the slow spiral of two characters one a former villain and the other a former protagonist. The progression these two make moving from one extreme to the other, the one becoming more sympathetic and the other less is a great juxtaposition that doesn't feel in your face.
The villians of Eorthe are multifaceted, you understand their rationale (or their madness) and each becomes a clear Nemesis for another character, a bogey man (or woman) that will haunt them.
Then of course there's the grey centre where do many more of the characters live. Some who were introduced seemingly as heroes, some seemingly as villains, but grey through and through nonetheless. I read somewhere once that a good villians must truly see themselves as the hero of the story and that's certainly the case with so many here. Everyone believes in their cause and that their way is just and true. Can't wait to see where things go next.
April 15, 2015
I didn't know how Adam Dreece could possibly top the excellence of Book 2 of his Yellow Hoods series, but somehow he manages to do so in the brilliant Book 3. How? By weaving together a wonderfully imaginative, entertaining tale that has all the things I loved about Book 2 - heart, soul, action, intelligence, deliciously evil villains, loveable heroes - and taking it all to the next level. The book fills in a lot of the backstory of the major older characters and the origins of the secret societies they are affiliated with, while also offering a ton of new exciting action and adventure for the Yellow Hoods and their friends. There are more cool inventions that capture the reader's imagination, truly touching emotional scenes, and laugh out loud humor. Somehow Dreece makes it all work together seamlessly. Like Book 2, this is a book that can certainly be enjoyed by younger readers, but it also has a depth and range of nuance that will be appreciated by more mature readers. 'All the King's Men' is truly masterful storytelling. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I can't wait for Book 4!
April 20, 2015
The Yellow Hoods is a great read. the characters are wonderfully endearing and I love all the science. The whole series is a charming hodge podge of classical and mechanical, although I must say that I was very relieved to find out there would be a fourth book (Beauties of the Beast) because All the King's-Men was confusing as heck. I mean I loved it, it was an engaging read with magnificent characters and lovely moments, and all the individual scenes made sense, but I have no idea what was going on. Really great though - I really liked the feel of the stories - the way they gently pull you in.
November 30, 2015
... ... ... ...This was really good...
One of the things I can really appreciate about Adam Dreece's writing is that he actually knows how to write a story from a kid's point of view. Most authors say that their protagonist is twelve and make them sound like a twenty year old. Adam says his protagonist is twelve, and they sound like they're twelve. He has a fifteen or so year old boy in there, he acts like a fifteen year old boy. It's SO refreshing. They have their mature moments, certainly. But they actually react to things the way a twelve year old would react. They act like children.
And now to find the next one...
One of the things I can really appreciate about Adam Dreece's writing is that he actually knows how to write a story from a kid's point of view. Most authors say that their protagonist is twelve and make them sound like a twenty year old. Adam says his protagonist is twelve, and they sound like they're twelve. He has a fifteen or so year old boy in there, he acts like a fifteen year old boy. It's SO refreshing. They have their mature moments, certainly. But they actually react to things the way a twelve year old would react. They act like children.
And now to find the next one...
November 11, 2015
Book 2 may have been my favorite of the series, All the King's-Men, definitely comes in a very very close second. Action packed to the brim, I got so into this book, I was done in a week.
This book proceeded to make me fall more in love with his work, and all the characters in the book. The way that everything is so intertwined, and he keeps you on the edge of your seat, just to push you off that cliff you weren't expecting by some long lost forgotten piece of information.
I've recently read this, and I'm still struggling to find just the right words to describe how wonderful this book, nay, this whole series has been.
This book proceeded to make me fall more in love with his work, and all the characters in the book. The way that everything is so intertwined, and he keeps you on the edge of your seat, just to push you off that cliff you weren't expecting by some long lost forgotten piece of information.
I've recently read this, and I'm still struggling to find just the right words to describe how wonderful this book, nay, this whole series has been.
March 18, 2015
Dreece has outdone himself in this third installment of the Yellow Hoods. In an intricately woven tale of betrayal and brotherly bonds, we come to understand that Eorthe is crumbling, and it began long before we knew. As Tee's world comes crashing down around her, she must come to terms with the fact that she and her friends may be the last hope for a world made free. Artfully woven together, the pieces fall into place one by one as Dreece reveals a masterful plot that draws you in and grips you tight. Don't miss out on All the Kings Men. The Eorthe is burning, the Yellow Hoods will ride!
April 23, 2015
The Yellow Hoods Emergent Steampunk series is growing, moving, and keeping me totally hooked. As the series progresses the characters are developing and the plots are getting even more mature and complex. Once you start you just can't stop; All The Kings-Men is an essential read for followers of the compelling author Adam Dreece and the mysterious world of The Yellow Hoods! (Haven't started yet? Go get book 1 and just follow the breadcrumbs!)
June 7, 2015
While I did enjoy it greatly, it became a little frustrating jumping back and forth between all the characters. With an ending that leaves you with absolutely no idea what is going to happen to any single main character, it's definetly an ideal cliff hanger. It is also a new experience to be a reader reading this and for Tee to have secrets not even the readers know of yet.
August 26, 2015
Adam Dreece continues to build the adventure and the suspense in this book as we start to see the plots unfolding between the different factions. We get to learn a little bit more about the history of the characters, which brings an added depth to their stories. Can't wait for the next instalment!
May 16, 2015
One Again Adam has out done himself in this series, each book just keeps getting better and better,The plot thickens, who does what next and where will they end up. Waiting impatiently for the next in the series to come out
April 18, 2017
3rd book in a great series. Our favorites are here, Tee, Elly, their families and friends. They continue testing and using new inventions to help them win the day--or at least delay tragedy. I highly recommend this book.
December 22, 2017
Officially a 4.5 star review.
Just a quick reminder. This is the third book in the Yellow Hoods series. These books cannot be read out of order or as standalones. Each one depends on the previous book. If you haven’t read the first book, Along Came a Wolf, then head on over to read the review then go buy it. You won’t regret it.
As with most series where I reviewed the previous books years ago, I sat and re-read the first two books before reading All the King’s-Men. I was quickly captivated by the series all over again. The blend of fairy tales coming together in a steampunk universe is fun. Mr. Dreece did a remarkable job intertwining the two. It was also fun to watch as a steampunk world begins rather than all of the inventions being present already.
Tee, Elly, and Richie are the Yellow Hoods. It started off merely as the trio having matching cloaks to help fuel their imaginative play. However, after they are faced with their first challenge, the cloaks take on an entirely new meaning. They are seen as a group carefully trained and in service to the Tub, a secret organization to help protect inventors from a king who didn’t want anyone smarter than him.
All the King’s-Men felt more like a connecting book. Each book builds off of the previous book in such a way they could almost be merged into a single novel. However, each successive book gets longer, so that would make for one hefty tome. Also, in this book, the characters are split up with a lot of new characters being introduced. Add in quite a few kingdom names and I’ll admit I became confused. Part of that could very well stem from the fact I read books on my Kindle. It made it difficult to be able to bounce back to the map provided at the beginning of the book. (I know, use the bookmark function, but I have a love/hate relationship with it.) So definitely take the time to study the map and take into account the relationship of where the countries are located. You’re going to need it.
With the addition of each new character, and keeping in mind the previous trials the Yellow Hoods have faced, I became quite suspicious and paranoid. Is this new character good or bad? Throughout this book, the reader is left wondering.
All the King’s-Men also started taking on a darker tone. It retained necessary moments of humor, but the reader will definitely recognize the characters are headed toward even darker times. Even at over 300 pages, this book didn’t feel quite finished. Reading straight through from book one to book four, it’s easy to see that All the King’s-Men is a bridge book. As such, it does end on a cliff hanger. However, the fourth book is available, so it’s easy to snag it and continue the journey with the Yellow Hoods. Which I’ll admit I did exactly that before writing this review. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, so kept reading.
This book contains a lot of subplots intertwining with the over all plot. It’s fairly impressive how Mr. Dreece keeps them all straight and moving towards a common goal.
While this series is definitely written at a middle grade level, I’d recommend them to anyone no matter their age. With clean language throughout and no sexual overtones, it makes for a refreshing read.
Just a quick reminder. This is the third book in the Yellow Hoods series. These books cannot be read out of order or as standalones. Each one depends on the previous book. If you haven’t read the first book, Along Came a Wolf, then head on over to read the review then go buy it. You won’t regret it.
As with most series where I reviewed the previous books years ago, I sat and re-read the first two books before reading All the King’s-Men. I was quickly captivated by the series all over again. The blend of fairy tales coming together in a steampunk universe is fun. Mr. Dreece did a remarkable job intertwining the two. It was also fun to watch as a steampunk world begins rather than all of the inventions being present already.
Tee, Elly, and Richie are the Yellow Hoods. It started off merely as the trio having matching cloaks to help fuel their imaginative play. However, after they are faced with their first challenge, the cloaks take on an entirely new meaning. They are seen as a group carefully trained and in service to the Tub, a secret organization to help protect inventors from a king who didn’t want anyone smarter than him.
All the King’s-Men felt more like a connecting book. Each book builds off of the previous book in such a way they could almost be merged into a single novel. However, each successive book gets longer, so that would make for one hefty tome. Also, in this book, the characters are split up with a lot of new characters being introduced. Add in quite a few kingdom names and I’ll admit I became confused. Part of that could very well stem from the fact I read books on my Kindle. It made it difficult to be able to bounce back to the map provided at the beginning of the book. (I know, use the bookmark function, but I have a love/hate relationship with it.) So definitely take the time to study the map and take into account the relationship of where the countries are located. You’re going to need it.
With the addition of each new character, and keeping in mind the previous trials the Yellow Hoods have faced, I became quite suspicious and paranoid. Is this new character good or bad? Throughout this book, the reader is left wondering.
All the King’s-Men also started taking on a darker tone. It retained necessary moments of humor, but the reader will definitely recognize the characters are headed toward even darker times. Even at over 300 pages, this book didn’t feel quite finished. Reading straight through from book one to book four, it’s easy to see that All the King’s-Men is a bridge book. As such, it does end on a cliff hanger. However, the fourth book is available, so it’s easy to snag it and continue the journey with the Yellow Hoods. Which I’ll admit I did exactly that before writing this review. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, so kept reading.
This book contains a lot of subplots intertwining with the over all plot. It’s fairly impressive how Mr. Dreece keeps them all straight and moving towards a common goal.
While this series is definitely written at a middle grade level, I’d recommend them to anyone no matter their age. With clean language throughout and no sexual overtones, it makes for a refreshing read.
March 13, 2017
Didn't enjoy it as much as the first 2, but still a really solid addition to the story and looking forward to book 4!
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