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The Luck Uglies #3
Rise of the Ragged Clover
In this exhilarating conclusion to the critically acclaimed Luck Uglies series, the final battle between the Luck Uglies and the treacherous Fork-Tongue Charmers comes to Rye O’Chanter’s doorstep.
Filled with adventure, humor, and a hint of magic, this middle grade fantasy series is an irresistible cross between Chris Colfer’s Land of Stories series and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon.
When Rye finally travels back home to Village Drowning to help her father with his plan to defeat the Luck Uglies’ bitter rivals, she finds it in shambles. The monstrous Bog Noblins now raid the streets at night. And people are afraid to leave their houses because no one is around to protect them.
Rye soon realizes she can’t wait for the adults to sort everything out, so she enlists her friends to come up with a plan. A plan that could change everything for Drowning . . . because the only way to save her village may just be to destroy it.
The Luck Uglies was named an ALA Notable Children’s Book as well as a New York Public Library Title for Reading and Sharing, and it won the Cybil Award for Middle Grade Speculative Fiction and a Sunshine State Young Readers Award.
Filled with adventure, humor, and a hint of magic, this middle grade fantasy series is an irresistible cross between Chris Colfer’s Land of Stories series and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon.
When Rye finally travels back home to Village Drowning to help her father with his plan to defeat the Luck Uglies’ bitter rivals, she finds it in shambles. The monstrous Bog Noblins now raid the streets at night. And people are afraid to leave their houses because no one is around to protect them.
Rye soon realizes she can’t wait for the adults to sort everything out, so she enlists her friends to come up with a plan. A plan that could change everything for Drowning . . . because the only way to save her village may just be to destroy it.
The Luck Uglies was named an ALA Notable Children’s Book as well as a New York Public Library Title for Reading and Sharing, and it won the Cybil Award for Middle Grade Speculative Fiction and a Sunshine State Young Readers Award.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2016
30 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
About the author
Paul Durham
11 books164 followersPaul Durham was raised in Massachusetts and attended college and law school in Boston. He now lives in New Hampshire with his wife, two daughters, and an enormous, bushy creature the local animal shelter identified as a cat. He writes in an abandoned chicken coop at the edge of a swamp and keeps a tiny porcelain frog in his pocket for good luck.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 1, 2016
Yes, I'm biased. So disregard this review along with one of the one-star rated reviews posted before I even finished writing the book. :)
March 12, 2016
Did you ever find yourself so caught up in a book and so in love with a set of characters that you just couldn't let it go, even when the book/series ended? That's me after finishing this book. I loved it. I loved the spitfire main (female, btw!) character, I loved her unconventional but very close knit family and best friends, I loved her village and its culture, I loved the authenticity of the ruler and government and the problems they faced, I loved the "monsters" and how they couldn't be stereotyped, I loved the villain and how there was more to his story than you originally knew, and on and on and on. It's not often that you get so much depth out of such a fun middle school read, and I'm so grateful to Paul Durham for writing a middle school fantasy with such depth and opportunity for further discussion. I can't wait to recommend it to a middle schooler. Books like this make being a librarian very easy!
August 22, 2022
This is one of my favorite book series, and is probably one of the most underrated and underappreciated books out there. Paul Durham has created such a wonderfully whimsical world, a beautiful blend of Celtic culture and a unique fantasy world of Durham's own design. Rye is one of the most relatable and fun protagonists I have seen in a while. And Harmless? Definitely one of the most bad@$$ characters I've come across in literature. There was a while where I feared that the high regard I held this series in was one that would not transfer into adulthood. But I reread this in my adulthood and found that the magic had not gone; in fact, I noticed things I would never notice when I was a child. One of my all-time favorites; I highly recommend to ANY human being... EVER.
March 18, 2016
To some, the Luck Uglies are criminals and villains. To others, they are heroes who show up just when you need them most. The Luck Uglies are a strong group headed by Harmless, the High Chieftain. That was true for a while. Now the group is splintered, with some disgruntled Luck Uglies joining forces as the Fork-Tongue Charmers. They are easy to spot. Ask any Luck Ugly to open his mouth and stick out his tongue. If it splits like a snake’s tongue, well, you have a Luck Ugly unhappy with the status quo; a Fork-Tongue Charmer.
To Read the Full Review and View Imagess, Go To: http://bit.ly/RiseOfTheRaggedClover
To Read the Full Review and View Imagess, Go To: http://bit.ly/RiseOfTheRaggedClover
May 18, 2016
I love this world, and I've adored all 3 books. Highly recommended for an entirely fresh-feeling, immersive, gorgeous adventure. Love, love, love The Luck Uglies!
November 5, 2018
The final installment in the Luck Uglies trilogy, which now ranks as one of my favorite MG series. Excellent storytelling. An exciting culmination.
February 11, 2022
Sometime in 2020, my oldest son and I started a new tradition: we started reading chapter books together before bed. Initially, I was worried they wouldn’t hold his attention, and honestly, it’s taken some practice. Over time, though, and with compelling stories, it’s become one of my favorite times of the evening. Our reading of “The Luck Uglies” is, by far, my favorite together thus far.
We started reading “The Luck Uglies” in the summer of 2021. By the end of January 2022 we were done, and I’m still grieving the loss. It’s over. My son and I have spent so many hours reading these books, deeply invested in Rye O’Chanter, her amazing family and friends, the village Drowning, the elusive Luck Uglies, the fearsome Bog Noblins, and the rest of this amazing world Paul Durham has constructed. I felt oddly emotional when I turned the final page.
“The Luck Uglies” is one of the best fantasy series I’ve read in a long while, particularly because Durham does an amazing job creating his worldscape. He carefully constructs a world with fleshed out characters, detailed mythology, and manages to intertwine hundreds of little details throughout the three books. I deeply appreciate an author who can mention something in the second chapter with the intention of it being vital in chapter fifteen. Even better – a character that disappeared in the second book only to happily show up in the third. (No spoilers!)
Rye O’Chanter, her sister Lottie, and her mother Abby are relatable, fun, honest characters that, regardless of circumstances and the world they live in, feel very, very real to the reader. My son saw his little brother in Lottie, myself in Abby, even our cat in Shady. (Although Shady has better manners, by far.) Rye’s a good kid, too. She’s rebellious, but not blatantly disrespectful. She wants answers, but also wants to keep her family safe. She’s not trying to cause problems when trouble arrives in her little town, and when the opportunity arises, she does the right thing. Every time.
I could spend hours talking about “The Luck Uglies” (is there a support group?), but I’ll end my review with this: my ADHD son sat down with me religiously, night after night, focused on these three beautiful, adventurous, funny, sometimes scary books, hoping alongside me everything would work out okay for the Village Drowning, it’s many inhabitants, and everyone Rye held dear. Bedtimes were often ignored because we just had to see what was going to happen, and the TV was ignored because Durham offered something much better. (And my kid loves TV.)
Mr. Durham, thank you for writing “The Luck Uglies” trilogy. Thank you for taking the time to build this amazing world with these amazing characters so a tired mother could bond with her hyperactive son. I appreciate you more than you know.
We started reading “The Luck Uglies” in the summer of 2021. By the end of January 2022 we were done, and I’m still grieving the loss. It’s over. My son and I have spent so many hours reading these books, deeply invested in Rye O’Chanter, her amazing family and friends, the village Drowning, the elusive Luck Uglies, the fearsome Bog Noblins, and the rest of this amazing world Paul Durham has constructed. I felt oddly emotional when I turned the final page.
“The Luck Uglies” is one of the best fantasy series I’ve read in a long while, particularly because Durham does an amazing job creating his worldscape. He carefully constructs a world with fleshed out characters, detailed mythology, and manages to intertwine hundreds of little details throughout the three books. I deeply appreciate an author who can mention something in the second chapter with the intention of it being vital in chapter fifteen. Even better – a character that disappeared in the second book only to happily show up in the third. (No spoilers!)
Rye O’Chanter, her sister Lottie, and her mother Abby are relatable, fun, honest characters that, regardless of circumstances and the world they live in, feel very, very real to the reader. My son saw his little brother in Lottie, myself in Abby, even our cat in Shady. (Although Shady has better manners, by far.) Rye’s a good kid, too. She’s rebellious, but not blatantly disrespectful. She wants answers, but also wants to keep her family safe. She’s not trying to cause problems when trouble arrives in her little town, and when the opportunity arises, she does the right thing. Every time.
I could spend hours talking about “The Luck Uglies” (is there a support group?), but I’ll end my review with this: my ADHD son sat down with me religiously, night after night, focused on these three beautiful, adventurous, funny, sometimes scary books, hoping alongside me everything would work out okay for the Village Drowning, it’s many inhabitants, and everyone Rye held dear. Bedtimes were often ignored because we just had to see what was going to happen, and the TV was ignored because Durham offered something much better. (And my kid loves TV.)
Mr. Durham, thank you for writing “The Luck Uglies” trilogy. Thank you for taking the time to build this amazing world with these amazing characters so a tired mother could bond with her hyperactive son. I appreciate you more than you know.
April 26, 2016
Loved it. I would recommend for fans of Robin McKinley's "The Blue Sword" and Megan Whalen Turner's "The Thief" books.
June 11, 2016
What’s it like to see yourself as the protagonist of the story? I remember when I first cracked the cover on Tamora Pierce’s Alanna the First Adventure and plunged into a sword and sorcery tale where a girl disguised herself as a boy to become the hero of the story. The instant joy at finding characters that could be more than sidekicks and healers. More than damsels for rescuing. Paul Durham’s The Luck Uglies evokes that fierce joy in me, well over three decades later.
It’s still fairly difficult to find a lot of fantasy stories with female protagonists playing the action adventure hero. Three years ago, when Durham’s first book, The Luck Uglies, hit the shelves, it immediately caught my attention. (You can see my review here.) That first book is still one of my favorite new fantasy titles in middle-grade fiction. Rye O’Chanter was the kind of risk-taking, thoughtful but brave protagonist that I loved.The second book in the series, Fork-Tongued Charmers came out last year. In it we learn more about Rye’s world, her father’s back story and enemies, and see her progress along the path from child to young adult. Now we come to the third book, in the trilogy and it’s . . . well, I can’t call it better than the first book, because it is so significantly the anchor book of a series, but yes, maybe it is just a hair better. For those of you new to the series, go back and read the first two books if you can before diving into this one. There’s so much that’s been set up in the first two novels that allows readers to dive into this last one with such satisfaction.
In the first story you meet Rye and her friends and family as they match wits against the Earl Longchance and the Bog Noblins. In the second, Rye must confront the Fork-Tongued Charmers and their rift from the other Luck Uglies. In this final book, the ongoing power struggle between the Luck Uglies who ally themselves with Rye’s father and those called the Fork-Tongued Charmers who wish for a new leader has come to a head. As usual, Rye’s family is at the center of it all, as is the village Drowning. But as old friends and old enemies gather to witness a final, winner-take-all contest, still more enemies gather . . . Rye will need all her wits and determination, plus the wisdom she’s gained and the friends she’s made, to save the village. But can she possibly do that and save her father in the bargain?
This is fantasy action adventure with some beautiful world-building built into it. Paul Durham creates a world threaded with magic and adventure, but one that comes across as well grounded with its own histories, legends and family legacies. While character takes center stage, they move through a landscape that is markedly different from our own yet accessible for a reader to dive into and immerse themselves in. Paul Durham doesn’t just create the story you read, but hints at far more stories we never quite get to hear about but know are out there. The world Rye O’Chanter moves through is populated with fascinating characters and terrifying monsters–and very fierce little sisters. It’s not the epic fantasy of grand-scale good vs. evil, but a smaller stakes adventure set in a significant location that readers have become familiar with over the course of three stories.
The story is firmly middle grade, in all the best ways, but I do offer that designation with a note of caution. In terms of content, if you’ve read the first two books, you know something about how dark the narrative can get, but this third book does have a few scenes that are pretty grim. I’m giving a heads-up on it without saying what those scenes are, but there’s a definite seriousness and some stark violence in this book, and that tone is set early on. Not everyone makes it out of this story alive. While I personally would consider this book a great deal of fun to read, it’s a far cry from the innocence of the opening of the first book. We’re no longer dealing with a night time book robbery by a trio of curious kids. All three friends know the stakes are much higher now, and that means they are much more serious in what they are doing. They’re not little kids anymore. Watching that growth of our young protagonists–particularly Rye herself lead to some of the most stirring scenes in the entire story. I found myself quite teary-eyed more than once at the steps they were taking to becoming wise and heroic people in their own right. And I can’t tell you my favorite moment, but I will tell you that while reading my favorite bit I just felt like cheering.
There’s one thing that drives me a little crazy about reading a really good last book in a trilogy. And that is I can’t hand it to a new reader and say “read this!” (which is what I want to do). And grabbing a pile of three books and dropping it into someone’s stunned hands with a demand that they read them is usually met with stunned stares in my experience. (I’ve done it, and now have a few friends run in mortal terror if they see me with a stack of books in my hands) I’ve read a lot of fantasy in my time. It makes me a little bit . . . critical of works that tackle subjects and tropes I’ve seen and read a hundred to a thousand times before. I try to be fair when reviewing them, since a reader coming new to these themes and tropes will read it very differently from a veteran. But it is an absolute joy when I pick up a book and find myself tearing through the pages, not knowing where the story is going, not knowing how it will end and desperately hoping it doesn’t end the way I think it will . . . and having the author not only surprise me at the end, but delight me with how satisfied I was with the closure of this trilogy. It’s a magnificent job, in my opinion. Thank you, Paul Durham for giving me such a reading adventure, and for giving this generation of readers a great protagonist in the character of Rye.
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future!
It’s still fairly difficult to find a lot of fantasy stories with female protagonists playing the action adventure hero. Three years ago, when Durham’s first book, The Luck Uglies, hit the shelves, it immediately caught my attention. (You can see my review here.) That first book is still one of my favorite new fantasy titles in middle-grade fiction. Rye O’Chanter was the kind of risk-taking, thoughtful but brave protagonist that I loved.The second book in the series, Fork-Tongued Charmers came out last year. In it we learn more about Rye’s world, her father’s back story and enemies, and see her progress along the path from child to young adult. Now we come to the third book, in the trilogy and it’s . . . well, I can’t call it better than the first book, because it is so significantly the anchor book of a series, but yes, maybe it is just a hair better. For those of you new to the series, go back and read the first two books if you can before diving into this one. There’s so much that’s been set up in the first two novels that allows readers to dive into this last one with such satisfaction.
In the first story you meet Rye and her friends and family as they match wits against the Earl Longchance and the Bog Noblins. In the second, Rye must confront the Fork-Tongued Charmers and their rift from the other Luck Uglies. In this final book, the ongoing power struggle between the Luck Uglies who ally themselves with Rye’s father and those called the Fork-Tongued Charmers who wish for a new leader has come to a head. As usual, Rye’s family is at the center of it all, as is the village Drowning. But as old friends and old enemies gather to witness a final, winner-take-all contest, still more enemies gather . . . Rye will need all her wits and determination, plus the wisdom she’s gained and the friends she’s made, to save the village. But can she possibly do that and save her father in the bargain?
This is fantasy action adventure with some beautiful world-building built into it. Paul Durham creates a world threaded with magic and adventure, but one that comes across as well grounded with its own histories, legends and family legacies. While character takes center stage, they move through a landscape that is markedly different from our own yet accessible for a reader to dive into and immerse themselves in. Paul Durham doesn’t just create the story you read, but hints at far more stories we never quite get to hear about but know are out there. The world Rye O’Chanter moves through is populated with fascinating characters and terrifying monsters–and very fierce little sisters. It’s not the epic fantasy of grand-scale good vs. evil, but a smaller stakes adventure set in a significant location that readers have become familiar with over the course of three stories.
The story is firmly middle grade, in all the best ways, but I do offer that designation with a note of caution. In terms of content, if you’ve read the first two books, you know something about how dark the narrative can get, but this third book does have a few scenes that are pretty grim. I’m giving a heads-up on it without saying what those scenes are, but there’s a definite seriousness and some stark violence in this book, and that tone is set early on. Not everyone makes it out of this story alive. While I personally would consider this book a great deal of fun to read, it’s a far cry from the innocence of the opening of the first book. We’re no longer dealing with a night time book robbery by a trio of curious kids. All three friends know the stakes are much higher now, and that means they are much more serious in what they are doing. They’re not little kids anymore. Watching that growth of our young protagonists–particularly Rye herself lead to some of the most stirring scenes in the entire story. I found myself quite teary-eyed more than once at the steps they were taking to becoming wise and heroic people in their own right. And I can’t tell you my favorite moment, but I will tell you that while reading my favorite bit I just felt like cheering.
There’s one thing that drives me a little crazy about reading a really good last book in a trilogy. And that is I can’t hand it to a new reader and say “read this!” (which is what I want to do). And grabbing a pile of three books and dropping it into someone’s stunned hands with a demand that they read them is usually met with stunned stares in my experience. (I’ve done it, and now have a few friends run in mortal terror if they see me with a stack of books in my hands) I’ve read a lot of fantasy in my time. It makes me a little bit . . . critical of works that tackle subjects and tropes I’ve seen and read a hundred to a thousand times before. I try to be fair when reviewing them, since a reader coming new to these themes and tropes will read it very differently from a veteran. But it is an absolute joy when I pick up a book and find myself tearing through the pages, not knowing where the story is going, not knowing how it will end and desperately hoping it doesn’t end the way I think it will . . . and having the author not only surprise me at the end, but delight me with how satisfied I was with the closure of this trilogy. It’s a magnificent job, in my opinion. Thank you, Paul Durham for giving me such a reading adventure, and for giving this generation of readers a great protagonist in the character of Rye.
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future!
March 9, 2017
This book has an interesting story behind it, at least in terms of how I came to read it. I was sent the first two books in this trilogy by the publisher, but I found this third book in a charity shop and just knew that I had to have it. Of course, it’s also difficult to go into the plot without revealing spoilers, purely because of its position in the trilogy. Still, I’ll do my best.
The Last Reckoning follows the triumphant culmination in a conflict that’s been growing since the first book in the series, and we get to see each of the characters – and Rye especially – as they mature from being kids to being young adults. Along the way, they learn a lot about themselves, and while there are no new books coming out as far as I’m aware, they do end in such a way that you can tell yourself your own stories, and the way is paved for the author to revisit it, if he feels like it.
Durham’s world-building is fantastic, as always, but even if you haven’t read the first two books in the series, you’re not going to struggle to tell what’s happening. In fact, Durham’s writing reminds me a little bit of Terry Pratchett – he has his own fantasy world that reflects our own, and each of his characters is easy to relate to. It holds a mirror up to our own lives, especially in this book, while seamlessly mixing in fantasy and young adult tropes in a way that breathes some life into them. It doesn’t feel cliche – it feels exciting.
The Last Reckoning is actually my least favourite book in the series, but it was still a decent book with plenty to recommend it for. Of course, you’d want to read the series in order where possible, but if you get a chance to buy this then you ought to – and then you should go out and buy the first two books to complete your collection. Durham’s writing is suitable for kids of all ages – I’m 27 and I enjoyed it – and it would make a cracking bedtime read. It also has the benefit of having a badass female protagonist, so if you know a young girl who wants to take on the world then you couldn’t do much better if you’re looking for a book to give them. It’s a great story – and worth reading.
The Last Reckoning follows the triumphant culmination in a conflict that’s been growing since the first book in the series, and we get to see each of the characters – and Rye especially – as they mature from being kids to being young adults. Along the way, they learn a lot about themselves, and while there are no new books coming out as far as I’m aware, they do end in such a way that you can tell yourself your own stories, and the way is paved for the author to revisit it, if he feels like it.
Durham’s world-building is fantastic, as always, but even if you haven’t read the first two books in the series, you’re not going to struggle to tell what’s happening. In fact, Durham’s writing reminds me a little bit of Terry Pratchett – he has his own fantasy world that reflects our own, and each of his characters is easy to relate to. It holds a mirror up to our own lives, especially in this book, while seamlessly mixing in fantasy and young adult tropes in a way that breathes some life into them. It doesn’t feel cliche – it feels exciting.
The Last Reckoning is actually my least favourite book in the series, but it was still a decent book with plenty to recommend it for. Of course, you’d want to read the series in order where possible, but if you get a chance to buy this then you ought to – and then you should go out and buy the first two books to complete your collection. Durham’s writing is suitable for kids of all ages – I’m 27 and I enjoyed it – and it would make a cracking bedtime read. It also has the benefit of having a badass female protagonist, so if you know a young girl who wants to take on the world then you couldn’t do much better if you’re looking for a book to give them. It’s a great story – and worth reading.
December 25, 2017
Another winner
My only complaint about this book is that it appears to be the last one! Perhaps Mr. Durham is hard at work on another tumultuous tale as I speak? I feel certain that Rye O'Chanter has many more adventures tucked inside her oversized boots... and when those run out, Lottie can take over!!
My only complaint about this book is that it appears to be the last one! Perhaps Mr. Durham is hard at work on another tumultuous tale as I speak? I feel certain that Rye O'Chanter has many more adventures tucked inside her oversized boots... and when those run out, Lottie can take over!!
May 12, 2016
So enjoy the final chapter in the Luck Ugly trilogy. I don't want to spoil anything for this who have not read it yet but I really enjoyed the final adventure.
July 1, 2019
My name is Rye, and the Fork-Tongue Charmers and Bog Noblins are making the woods more and more dangerous. Once rarely seen, the Bog Noblins are becoming especially bold, as they ravage villages during the night. I finally found my father, leader of the Luck Uglies, but someone else is challenging him to become chieftan. This divide may explain the growing boldness of the Bog Noblins and may lead to the destruction of Drowning. To complicate matters, the town orphans are stuck in the middle. My father is not as strong as he once was, and he needs my help. I've gathered some friends and come up with a daring plan. It may require the sacrifice of someone dear to me, and I'm not sure I'm willing to pay that price.
This book concludes the trilogy, and I recommend you read the first two installments. I hadn't read them in awhile and felt like I was missing some details. I couldn't always visualize the descriptions of creatures or characters, although there were brief descriptions at the end of the book. The Bog Noblins were the source of a physical conflict, but the unrest within the Luck Uglies was the more significant problem. It affected Rye's family and the safety of everyone in Drowning. Rye's role in everything was curious, as she bravely fought to help her friends, family, villagers, and orphans. On the other hand, she obediently took a back seat when her father told her too. That may sound strange, but young heroes in other books often take matters into their hands no matter what anyone else says. Rye usually found herself in a position to help anyhow, but it wasn't from disobedience or rebellion. Overall, I enjoyed the series but wish I'd read it straight through. I'm not sure why I didn't. Give it a shot!
This book concludes the trilogy, and I recommend you read the first two installments. I hadn't read them in awhile and felt like I was missing some details. I couldn't always visualize the descriptions of creatures or characters, although there were brief descriptions at the end of the book. The Bog Noblins were the source of a physical conflict, but the unrest within the Luck Uglies was the more significant problem. It affected Rye's family and the safety of everyone in Drowning. Rye's role in everything was curious, as she bravely fought to help her friends, family, villagers, and orphans. On the other hand, she obediently took a back seat when her father told her too. That may sound strange, but young heroes in other books often take matters into their hands no matter what anyone else says. Rye usually found herself in a position to help anyhow, but it wasn't from disobedience or rebellion. Overall, I enjoyed the series but wish I'd read it straight through. I'm not sure why I didn't. Give it a shot!
October 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
-1 purely for my disappointment and inability to handle sadness 😅
-.5 because of the legitimate deflation that happens at the end.
I was loving the first 3/4 of this until the ending....I mean seriously what was that. so much build up and excitement, clues from the first two books clearly laid out and ready to be delved into...and then...and then...just THAT? what happened? It's like the author hit a wall and said eh whatever and just penned a few pages to tie it all up and call it a day.
That's all we get about Newty?
Nothing else about Hyde? Why was he introduced and hinted at being important...for nothing? What about mending the relationship between Bognoblins and Humans?
What about Shady? And their home?
What about the promises made to the Spoke children and bringing them into society???
How did the Reever even get in the Spoke???
All that build up of Rye & the Lucky Ugly legacy...and she WHAT?
What happens with Harmless and their family now?
The freaking CISTERN SCENE??? How could you do that??? 😭 It comes across like she knowingly makes that decision... and they're CHILDREN??
and then barely grieves and it's never touched on again??? It's probably my biggest gripe with all of this, what was even the point???? So many characters just casually DIE and there's so much irreversible damage that happens really fast and is glossed over in the ending. And almost NO future glimpses of how everyone is doing...it waz disconcerting. Needed way more closure. I'm sad. And mad. My favorite cinnamon roll...gone 😭😭💀💀💀
-1 purely for my disappointment and inability to handle sadness 😅
-.5 because of the legitimate deflation that happens at the end.
I was loving the first 3/4 of this until the ending....I mean seriously what was that. so much build up and excitement, clues from the first two books clearly laid out and ready to be delved into...and then...and then...just THAT? what happened? It's like the author hit a wall and said eh whatever and just penned a few pages to tie it all up and call it a day.
That's all we get about Newty?
Nothing else about Hyde? Why was he introduced and hinted at being important...for nothing? What about mending the relationship between Bognoblins and Humans?
What about Shady? And their home?
What about the promises made to the Spoke children and bringing them into society???
How did the Reever even get in the Spoke???
All that build up of Rye & the Lucky Ugly legacy...and she WHAT?
What happens with Harmless and their family now?
The freaking CISTERN SCENE??? How could you do that??? 😭 It comes across like she knowingly makes that decision... and they're CHILDREN??
and then barely grieves and it's never touched on again??? It's probably my biggest gripe with all of this, what was even the point???? So many characters just casually DIE and there's so much irreversible damage that happens really fast and is glossed over in the ending. And almost NO future glimpses of how everyone is doing...it waz disconcerting. Needed way more closure. I'm sad. And mad. My favorite cinnamon roll...gone 😭😭💀💀💀
January 21, 2022
Rye faces a giant moral dilemma in the final book of the Luck Uglies series. Whom is she trying to save her family from Slinister and his men, the Earl's men, the Luck Uglies, or the Bog Noblins? Who is truly good? Who is truly evil? Perhaps the line is too thin to tell. Rye may not know the answers to these questions, but she knows what her heart is telling her. Will following her heart be enough? Or will it do more damage than good? Great wrap-up to the series. I love the characters, and the author has given the story so much depth and development. I would 100% recommend to fantasy readers.
September 2, 2017
4.5 for the trilogy! it had everything I love in a good story.
The covers were great, loved the maps and illustrations, fantastic heroes and villains, and the world of the luck uglies was original and fun. Looking forward to reading more stories by Paul durham 👍
The covers were great, loved the maps and illustrations, fantastic heroes and villains, and the world of the luck uglies was original and fun. Looking forward to reading more stories by Paul durham 👍
October 30, 2018
I thought it was crazy that Rye and her family were out looking for Harmless. I didn't think that Rye would be able to steal Tam's Tome from the keep. When Harmless poisoned the high chieftain mask so that the challenger would be poisoned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2020
A good ending to the trilogy. All loose ends tidied up, and there was no sense of things being hurried. Rye is a very likeable character with a strong sense of loyalty to those she loves. Action packed and fast paced
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April 9, 2021I listened to this rather quickly and didn't have my full attention on it. So, I don't think a rating would do it justice at this point. I have enjoyed the trilogy and might revisit it again at another time.
May 14, 2025
I had fun with this series. I loved the creatures and their names, the setting, the fun cast of characters. Very much recommended for young readers, or older readers who like some original adventure :)
March 18, 2018
Bravo. Original, creative, and well written. My husband and I read this in one day as part of a 24 hour readathon. It was an excellent choice.
June 3, 2018
Great conclusion to the series!!
December 5, 2018
Gray v. Slinister
January 29, 2019
sorry to see the end of the is series
November 7, 2019
Fantastic
February 18, 2020
This was a fun and imaginative trilogy. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and creatures. It's clean and has a good ending. Great read for middle school ages.
July 24, 2021
Rating PG.
Better than the 2nd one but predictable.
Better than the 2nd one but predictable.
July 23, 2023
I loved this series!
December 11, 2024
I NEED people to understand how unbelievably good this series is and read it ASAP! I never wanted it to end 💚☘️
August 1, 2025
An excellent adventure series with well-developed characters and plenty of action.
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