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The Faerie Wars Chronicles #5
Der Elfenthron
Die Thronfolgerin des Elfenreichs ist in Gefahr!
16 Jahre sind seit dem Ende von 'Der Elfenlord' vergangen, da setzt es sich Mella, die Tochter von Henry und Holly Blue, in den Kopf, in die Gegenwelt zu reisen - natürlich heimlich. Doch wird sie an ihrem 16. Geburtstag nicht zur Thronfolgerin gekürt, verfällt ihr Anspruch auf den Thron - was auch der böse Lord Hairstreak weiß ...
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
2031 people want to read
About the author
Herbie Brennan
161 books403 followersWhat you should know
Name: Herbie Brennan
Occupation: Author
Favourite book: The Crimson Petal and the White, by Michel Faber.
Favourite subjects: Esoteric matters, psychical research, anomalies, Mac computers, other people and cats.
Favourite journals: Journal of the Society for Psychical Research.
Favourite holiday spot: Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland.
Number of books published: 116.
Total copies sold worldwide: 10 million +.
Herbie Brennan recently (written 2019) celebrated publication of his 116th book, Nectanebo. Traveller From An Antique Land.
Name: Herbie Brennan
Occupation: Author
Favourite book: The Crimson Petal and the White, by Michel Faber.
Favourite subjects: Esoteric matters, psychical research, anomalies, Mac computers, other people and cats.
Favourite journals: Journal of the Society for Psychical Research.
Favourite holiday spot: Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland.
Number of books published: 116.
Total copies sold worldwide: 10 million +.
Herbie Brennan recently (written 2019) celebrated publication of his 116th book, Nectanebo. Traveller From An Antique Land.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 4, 2015
I really enjoyed the first four books in the Faerie War Chronicles and was excited to see another book be released in the series. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as previous books in the series; probably because it’s been so long since I read the other books in the series (it was five years between the publishing of the fourth and fifth book...then it took me another few years to get around to reading it).
This book takes place 15 years after the last Faerie Wars Chronicles novel and focuses on Henry and Blue’s daughter Mella. Mella is determined to meet her human grandmother and causes a number of issues in doing so. This wouldn’t be that big of a deal except that Lord Hairstreak is up to his shenanigans and determined to take over the throne.
This was an okay book. Given the long time between the publishing of the fourth and fifth book, I had a bit of trouble remembering all of the characters. I also didn’t enjoy Mella as much as Henry and Blue. This was a fun little story set in the same world as the previous books and there are cameos by all the main characters in those previous books; but there just wasn’t anything here that was really engaging to propel the story forward.
The writing is humorous and snappy; but a bit silly too. The book switches between a lot of different points of view and in this case that just broke up the story too much and made it flow poorly. Pacing was a bit off at times too and there were parts that were just plain boring.
Overall this is an okay addition to the series, but I would only recommend if you are a huge fan of this series. Even though this is a full length book, it feels more like a quick and fun story set in the same world as the previous four books. The story is mostly forgettable; despite the fact that this book is a bit of a dud...I would recommend the first four books in this series as excellent middle grade fantasy reads.
This book takes place 15 years after the last Faerie Wars Chronicles novel and focuses on Henry and Blue’s daughter Mella. Mella is determined to meet her human grandmother and causes a number of issues in doing so. This wouldn’t be that big of a deal except that Lord Hairstreak is up to his shenanigans and determined to take over the throne.
This was an okay book. Given the long time between the publishing of the fourth and fifth book, I had a bit of trouble remembering all of the characters. I also didn’t enjoy Mella as much as Henry and Blue. This was a fun little story set in the same world as the previous books and there are cameos by all the main characters in those previous books; but there just wasn’t anything here that was really engaging to propel the story forward.
The writing is humorous and snappy; but a bit silly too. The book switches between a lot of different points of view and in this case that just broke up the story too much and made it flow poorly. Pacing was a bit off at times too and there were parts that were just plain boring.
Overall this is an okay addition to the series, but I would only recommend if you are a huge fan of this series. Even though this is a full length book, it feels more like a quick and fun story set in the same world as the previous four books. The story is mostly forgettable; despite the fact that this book is a bit of a dud...I would recommend the first four books in this series as excellent middle grade fantasy reads.
February 3, 2012
Admittedly, I was a little cautious about this one. When "Faerie Lord" was published it was touted as the finale to the series. Then along comes "Faeman Quest" and my first question was: why this book and why now? I thought the Faerie Wars series did very well on its own with the four books, and I was hoping that the fifth book wouldn't turn out to be a half-assed attempt to milk a little more interest out of the series.
Herbie Brennan, I'm sorry I doubted you. =^_^=
This book brought together a good mix of old and new characters, and the newbies were interesting enough to keep me from skipping over their chapters so I could more quickly catch up with my "old friends" Henry, Blue, Pyrgus, and Mr. Fogarty. Since this book is placed 15 years after the end of "Faerie Lord" it was a bit difficult to imagine Henry and Blue in their 30's, but it didn't detract from the story in a serious way.
Honestly, the only nit-picky thing I have to mention is the word "faeman." It's intended to indicate a child that is half-faerie and half-human, but the word just bothers me. It seems awkward and too overtly gendered, as if the great quest the title mentions is only worth of a faeMAN! A small sticking point, really. Otherwise a fun and entertaining read.
Herbie Brennan, I'm sorry I doubted you. =^_^=
This book brought together a good mix of old and new characters, and the newbies were interesting enough to keep me from skipping over their chapters so I could more quickly catch up with my "old friends" Henry, Blue, Pyrgus, and Mr. Fogarty. Since this book is placed 15 years after the end of "Faerie Lord" it was a bit difficult to imagine Henry and Blue in their 30's, but it didn't detract from the story in a serious way.
Honestly, the only nit-picky thing I have to mention is the word "faeman." It's intended to indicate a child that is half-faerie and half-human, but the word just bothers me. It seems awkward and too overtly gendered, as if the great quest the title mentions is only worth of a faeMAN! A small sticking point, really. Otherwise a fun and entertaining read.
June 6, 2018
41 points/100 (2.25 stars/5).
Henry and Blue's daughter, Mella, has run away from home. She ends up in Haleklind, where a plot from Lord Hairstreak is underway.
Sad thing is, I actually liked Mella as a narrator. However, her voice was way too young for her age. I think if the author had stuck to her wanting to meet her family it would have been fine, but he had to go off and do yet another villainous plot.
I honestly, honestly cannot believe that Lord Hairstreak, Silas Brimstone, and Jasper Chalkhill are still the villains. I thought that last book but didn't say anything. This book it strains credulity. Brennan actually had to make Hairstreak a talking head in order to get this to work. Why in the world go through all that trouble? Why not come up with someone or something new? Why not take the series in a different direction? I don't know, but this was rated very poorly on all of my points relating to the conflict and resolution of this book because of it.
I liked that he actually went back to Henry's family to try and resolve things. Only, nothing is resolved, at all. In fact more problems arise that don't get solved. It is very clear that that is a completely dysfunctional family, but no one wants to deal with it at all, not even the author. Unless he wants to throw the more onto the garbage heap. Throughout the series, I've honestly felt like Brennan was trying to work through issues in his own family through writing. Otherwise, there would be no reason for 90% of the plot related to his family to exist, especially in the very weird way it does.
Blue and Henry grew up to be actual people, and good for each other, despite everything. I was actually surprised at how good a character Henry and Blue became between books four and five. Before they were barely adequate to add something to the story. Now that it isn't their story anymore, they're actually good. Go figure.
Technically this is the last book in the series. Faerie Lord could be said of that, too, but then this one exists. Personally, I think Brennan was testing the waters to try and restart the series with a new main character and it didn't get the reception he hoped for, so we didn't get more. The end to this book is left very open, so he could write more if he needed to later. It is frustrating because I kind of wanted a hard ending to the series after the timeskip of 15 years.
Glad this is over, sorry it had to go this way.
Henry and Blue's daughter, Mella, has run away from home. She ends up in Haleklind, where a plot from Lord Hairstreak is underway.
Sad thing is, I actually liked Mella as a narrator. However, her voice was way too young for her age. I think if the author had stuck to her wanting to meet her family it would have been fine, but he had to go off and do yet another villainous plot.
I honestly, honestly cannot believe that Lord Hairstreak, Silas Brimstone, and Jasper Chalkhill are still the villains. I thought that last book but didn't say anything. This book it strains credulity. Brennan actually had to make Hairstreak a talking head in order to get this to work. Why in the world go through all that trouble? Why not come up with someone or something new? Why not take the series in a different direction? I don't know, but this was rated very poorly on all of my points relating to the conflict and resolution of this book because of it.
I liked that he actually went back to Henry's family to try and resolve things. Only, nothing is resolved, at all. In fact more problems arise that don't get solved. It is very clear that that is a completely dysfunctional family, but no one wants to deal with it at all, not even the author. Unless he wants to throw the more onto the garbage heap. Throughout the series, I've honestly felt like Brennan was trying to work through issues in his own family through writing. Otherwise, there would be no reason for 90% of the plot related to his family to exist, especially in the very weird way it does.
Blue and Henry grew up to be actual people, and good for each other, despite everything. I was actually surprised at how good a character Henry and Blue became between books four and five. Before they were barely adequate to add something to the story. Now that it isn't their story anymore, they're actually good. Go figure.
Technically this is the last book in the series. Faerie Lord could be said of that, too, but then this one exists. Personally, I think Brennan was testing the waters to try and restart the series with a new main character and it didn't get the reception he hoped for, so we didn't get more. The end to this book is left very open, so he could write more if he needed to later. It is frustrating because I kind of wanted a hard ending to the series after the timeskip of 15 years.
Glad this is over, sorry it had to go this way.
Read
July 27, 2011I've decided I don't want to ruin my opinion of the other faerie war books by reading this one. I believe the last book tied up a lot of what I needed it to so after 60 some pages I'm shelving it.
October 8, 2018
Manticores are herbivores. Sorry about the spoiler, I just want to highlight my favourite part of the story because it's so cute. It's like saying the rock is vegetarian.
If you like artemis fowl, you'll like Herbie Brennan's faerie wars chronicles. Oh Herbie Brennan is from Ireland too. Maybe Irish are great storytellers. I wouldn't know, never met one.
This is the fifth of an apparently ongoing series. But since it's been published in 2011, there hadn't been anymore.
The chapters are short, making this an easy read. The storyline is simple, so it's not exhausting. It contains sarcasm, I like sarcasm.
It's a good book for 9-12 year olds? And childish adults. Not young adults because then you'd think this is like one of those dystopian titles that are so popular in the young adult category nowadays.
If you like artemis fowl, you'll like Herbie Brennan's faerie wars chronicles. Oh Herbie Brennan is from Ireland too. Maybe Irish are great storytellers. I wouldn't know, never met one.
This is the fifth of an apparently ongoing series. But since it's been published in 2011, there hadn't been anymore.
The chapters are short, making this an easy read. The storyline is simple, so it's not exhausting. It contains sarcasm, I like sarcasm.
It's a good book for 9-12 year olds? And childish adults. Not young adults because then you'd think this is like one of those dystopian titles that are so popular in the young adult category nowadays.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2016
I read the first book of this series in high school, and really enjoyed it at the time. Each subsequent book has plummetted sharply downhill since the first.
This installment actually started out somewhat promising - at least, it seemed like it'd be better than the abysmal 4th book, but as usual it completely jumped the shark by the end. There was no rhyme or reason to why Aisling suddenly fell head over heels for Hairstreak. In fact, their relationship was as baffling as Blue's & Henry's in the first place - the author blatantly made no attempt to write in any sort of build-up or reason for their attraction to each other; they simply fell in love ~because reasons~.
The continual depiction of the female characters (Blue, Aisling, Mella) as "bossy" and nagging is getting tiresome and a little offensive.
And how's that for an anti-climax?? The book was building up to a potentially exciting confrontation at the end and Brennan literally tl;dw'ed it. Pyrgus (who I was glad to see back; writing him out of the 4th book was a major reason for that one being a bore) leads an army to deal with the herd of manticores, only to find... no beasts or obstacles in his path whatsoever, and finds that Mella and her clone had already wiped the floor of all adversary. We see absolutely none of the action. Not only was Yidam the laziest deus ex machina I've seen in a book in quite some time (well, since the 4th book in this series, anyway), we didn't even get to see what, exactly, even happened in the end.
And then of course, despite all of Mella (and Mella II - brilliant naming technique btw)'s evidence that Hairstreak was behind everything, Blue lets him get away with it all ~because diplomacy~. Aka: a lazy setup for a 6th book, which I'm sure will continue this pattern of uninteresting characters with zero agency, rife with deus ex machinas and another sweeping of a real climax under the rug. I think it's time for me to finally give up on the Faerie Wars Chronicles; whatever magic the author brought to table in the first book hasn't been seen in the vicinity since.
This installment actually started out somewhat promising - at least, it seemed like it'd be better than the abysmal 4th book, but as usual it completely jumped the shark by the end. There was no rhyme or reason to why Aisling suddenly fell head over heels for Hairstreak. In fact, their relationship was as baffling as Blue's & Henry's in the first place - the author blatantly made no attempt to write in any sort of build-up or reason for their attraction to each other; they simply fell in love ~because reasons~.
The continual depiction of the female characters (Blue, Aisling, Mella) as "bossy" and nagging is getting tiresome and a little offensive.
And how's that for an anti-climax?? The book was building up to a potentially exciting confrontation at the end and Brennan literally tl;dw'ed it. Pyrgus (who I was glad to see back; writing him out of the 4th book was a major reason for that one being a bore) leads an army to deal with the herd of manticores, only to find... no beasts or obstacles in his path whatsoever, and finds that Mella and her clone had already wiped the floor of all adversary. We see absolutely none of the action. Not only was Yidam the laziest deus ex machina I've seen in a book in quite some time (well, since the 4th book in this series, anyway), we didn't even get to see what, exactly, even happened in the end.
And then of course, despite all of Mella (and Mella II - brilliant naming technique btw)'s evidence that Hairstreak was behind everything, Blue lets him get away with it all ~because diplomacy~. Aka: a lazy setup for a 6th book, which I'm sure will continue this pattern of uninteresting characters with zero agency, rife with deus ex machinas and another sweeping of a real climax under the rug. I think it's time for me to finally give up on the Faerie Wars Chronicles; whatever magic the author brought to table in the first book hasn't been seen in the vicinity since.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2011
I was not very impressed with this. I liked it because of all the old characters and how they've developed and I liked Mella the new character but the story was not that great. It didn't seem as exciting and action packed as the others and the ending really seemed rushed. For recommendation I'd say read it if you like the characters but don't expect too much.
May 9, 2012
So this was left open for another in the series to follow, but at the same time a sequel isn't actually necessary in my opinion. Things ended in such a way that there's no need to continue the series. However, I'm not sure I want to let go of this world yet, so I'd definitely read another one if it does come out.
December 20, 2013
I was unsure about reading this when I saw the summary, as I couldn't imagine the idiot teenage characters of the first four books as adults. To be sure, it definitely was not as good as the previous books in the series, but it did have it's moments. I nearly died when I realized that Black Hairstreak and Aisling were going to fall in love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2020
I think this volume is the one that I liked the least. There are quite a few things that I would have liked to be different.
In fact, at the end of the book, I think the Queen should have given another name to Mella's clone and not just named her Mella II. Henry and Bleu are considering Mella II as a twin sister to their daughter that's why I would have preferred another name.
The second thing that would have been interesting is a meeting between King Henry and his sister considering the fact that they kinda hate eachother and the meeting at the wedding. Lord Noctifer becoming the brother in law of Henry.
Even though those 2 points do not have a real impact on the story, I think it could have gave something else.
Still the book is good and I enjoyed the fact that finally one member of Henry's family joined the Kingdom.
In fact, at the end of the book, I think the Queen should have given another name to Mella's clone and not just named her Mella II. Henry and Bleu are considering Mella II as a twin sister to their daughter that's why I would have preferred another name.
The second thing that would have been interesting is a meeting between King Henry and his sister considering the fact that they kinda hate eachother and the meeting at the wedding. Lord Noctifer becoming the brother in law of Henry.
Even though those 2 points do not have a real impact on the story, I think it could have gave something else.
Still the book is good and I enjoyed the fact that finally one member of Henry's family joined the Kingdom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2021
I’ve read the entire series, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. I’m not gonna pick apart the book it is simply entertaining and fun to get lost in another realm. Just sit back relax read and enjoy and laugh, I will miss these characters but for anybody who likes fantasy I recommend a series.
February 20, 2023
Would have gotten a perfect score (wholesome, funny, exciting), but Brennan threw in really gross innuendo every once in a great while that totally ruined the flow and was super distracting. Very little swearing.
January 11, 2018
Not as good as the others, in my opinion. Either should've stopped at 4 or continued on until 7 or 8. With this being the last book, it feels unsatisfyingly unfinished.
November 13, 2022
Best in the series!!
April 24, 2025
It was nice to visit with these characters once again.
March 13, 2018
Even though it is not part of the original series, I thought it kept most of the characters close to their original personalities. I liked the beginning of the book because it started with a familiar tone and place. If you are a die-hard fan of the first books, You might not want to read this.
February 28, 2014
Era il lontano 2003 quando ero una ragazza innocente e pura ed usciva il primo volume della saga di Herbie Brennan: La guerra degli elfi. La storia sembrava più che sufficientemente conclusa al quarto volume (pubblicato nel 2008 qui in Italia), quindi immaginatevi il colpo che mi è preso quando dopo tre anni di pace e tranquillità Brennan ci ha shoccato con l'uscita di un improbabile quinto volume! Per carità, sono stata felicissima all'idea ma mi sembrava parecchio forzata.. Avevamo già un finale, come si poteva riprendere la storia senza cadere nel banale, ripetersi o presentare una storia vuota e piatta?
Molte recensioni deluse mi hanno fatto vacillare, mi ero convinta che "Mi piace ricordarlo così", ma poi all'edizione economica (in sconto) non ho saputo proprio resistere e mi sono detta anche che comunque andasse a Herbie Brennan glielo dovevo, come minimo! La saga de La guerra degli elfi merita tantissimo, è altamente sottovalutata (per non dire "completamente sconosciuta") e mi aveva regalato ore piacevolissime durante la lettura.. :)
Ebbene, sono contenta della lettura, mi è piaciuta molto.. Non è perfetta, né tantomeno ai livelli dei volumi precedenti, ma credo che l'autore abbia fatto comunque un ottimo lavoro!!
Il primo volume della saga mi è stato regalato e siccome al tempo non capivo un accidenti, non solo ho denigrato il libro ma me la sono anche presa con chi me lo aveva dato per il compleanno (Che tra parentesi è anche l'artefice di avermi fatto scoprire Artemis Fowl.. Anch'esso altamente denigrato appena ricevuto xD)!
Al tempo ero più restia ad abbandonare i libri al loro triste destino e quindi mi sono fatta forza, l'ho letto e.. AMATO.
Partiamo col dire che Brennan è un genio. Un maledetto genio, che riesce a tirare fuori idee nuove pagina dopo pagina e che è capace di ribaltare ogni situazione che crea con poche frasi.. Tu lì che sei pronta a giocartitua madre la tua casa su un certo sviluppo nel libro e lui che puntualmente ti frega, si fa una grassa risata e ti sconvolge lasciandoti perplessa e a chiederti "Noooooo! E questa come l'ha escogitata??"
Con Brennan è impossibile annoiarsi, ne sa davvero una più del diavolo..!!
Questo, unito a POV alternati dei vari personaggi (spesso lasciando dei Cliffhanger assurdi!) e a capitolo brevissimi (in questo ultimo volume molto meno, ma comunque "fattibili" XD) sono i punti di forza dei romanzi di Brennan, che vi consiglio di non perdere!!
Ci sono poi personaggi indimenticabili, tra cui Rodilegno - vecchia canaglia!- e un'ironia sorprendente.. Il tutto condito da incantesimi, elfi, draghi e tanto tanto altro!!
Passando più nello specifico a questo V volume non sono rimasta completamente delusa, ma forse perché avevo le aspettative bassine e perché vabbé, come dicevo Brennas SA scrivere.. Però non è sicuramente la sua opera di punta, ecco! Se leggerete l'intera saga sicuramente leggerete anche questo per affetto.. Ma vi consiglio di farlo dopo parecchio tempo, il confronto non regge! (Fate come me.. 7 annetti dovrebbero bastare :DD)
Una cosa proprio MEH di questo libro è il Finale.. Cioè.. Ma è davvero un finale? Mi aspettavo il colpo di scena tipico di Brennan ma: A) Era sgamabile già dall'inizio e B) è davvero troppo troppo flebile per stare in piedi ._.
Tralaltro.. E' piuttosto aperto.. Ma mica ci sarà un VI volume, eh? :D
Uno ad certo punto deve saper mettere la parola fine, credo.. (Ciò non toglie che lo leggerò, per carità!)
E poi.. Brennan mi lascia in giro alcuni personaggi e non si sa più che fine fanno.. Di solito sistema tutti i tasselle, questo giro invece si è lasciato andare un po' a tarallucci e vino XD
Molte recensioni deluse mi hanno fatto vacillare, mi ero convinta che "Mi piace ricordarlo così", ma poi all'edizione economica (in sconto) non ho saputo proprio resistere e mi sono detta anche che comunque andasse a Herbie Brennan glielo dovevo, come minimo! La saga de La guerra degli elfi merita tantissimo, è altamente sottovalutata (per non dire "completamente sconosciuta") e mi aveva regalato ore piacevolissime durante la lettura.. :)
Ebbene, sono contenta della lettura, mi è piaciuta molto.. Non è perfetta, né tantomeno ai livelli dei volumi precedenti, ma credo che l'autore abbia fatto comunque un ottimo lavoro!!
Il primo volume della saga mi è stato regalato e siccome al tempo non capivo un accidenti, non solo ho denigrato il libro ma me la sono anche presa con chi me lo aveva dato per il compleanno (Che tra parentesi è anche l'artefice di avermi fatto scoprire Artemis Fowl.. Anch'esso altamente denigrato appena ricevuto xD)!
Al tempo ero più restia ad abbandonare i libri al loro triste destino e quindi mi sono fatta forza, l'ho letto e.. AMATO.
Partiamo col dire che Brennan è un genio. Un maledetto genio, che riesce a tirare fuori idee nuove pagina dopo pagina e che è capace di ribaltare ogni situazione che crea con poche frasi.. Tu lì che sei pronta a giocarti
Con Brennan è impossibile annoiarsi, ne sa davvero una più del diavolo..!!
Questo, unito a POV alternati dei vari personaggi (spesso lasciando dei Cliffhanger assurdi!) e a capitolo brevissimi (in questo ultimo volume molto meno, ma comunque "fattibili" XD) sono i punti di forza dei romanzi di Brennan, che vi consiglio di non perdere!!
Ci sono poi personaggi indimenticabili, tra cui Rodilegno - vecchia canaglia!- e un'ironia sorprendente.. Il tutto condito da incantesimi, elfi, draghi e tanto tanto altro!!
Passando più nello specifico a questo V volume non sono rimasta completamente delusa, ma forse perché avevo le aspettative bassine e perché vabbé, come dicevo Brennas SA scrivere.. Però non è sicuramente la sua opera di punta, ecco! Se leggerete l'intera saga sicuramente leggerete anche questo per affetto.. Ma vi consiglio di farlo dopo parecchio tempo, il confronto non regge! (Fate come me.. 7 annetti dovrebbero bastare :DD)
Una cosa proprio MEH di questo libro è il Finale.. Cioè.. Ma è davvero un finale? Mi aspettavo il colpo di scena tipico di Brennan ma: A) Era sgamabile già dall'inizio e B) è davvero troppo troppo flebile per stare in piedi ._.
Tralaltro.. E' piuttosto aperto.. Ma mica ci sarà un VI volume, eh? :D
Uno ad certo punto deve saper mettere la parola fine, credo.. (Ciò non toglie che lo leggerò, per carità!)
E poi.. Brennan mi lascia in giro alcuni personaggi e non si sa più che fine fanno.. Di solito sistema tutti i tasselle, questo giro invece si è lasciato andare un po' a tarallucci e vino XD
April 30, 2020
I just love seeing Henry and Blue's interactions.
September 7, 2013
When I finished Faerie Lord, I assumed it was the end of the series. Henry and Blue finally got together, Hairstreak was finally defeated without a shadow of a doubt, and seemingly, the Faeries of Night had run out of options. Then I stumbled across this book in my to-read list. Even after I picked it up, I was still skeptical. Why reopen the story when the main antagonist is dead and the main characters are settled? Usually children of the main characters work well for epilogues (i.e. Harry Potter or the Hunger Games), but having one as a main protagonist in a sequel usually makes for a contrived one. However, Mella, the daughter of Henry and Blue, is a bit too lovable and brave to be ignored.
In all the kingdoms explored in the Faerie Realm, Halekind is the one left untouched at the end of Faerie Lord. It's mentioned in regards to a character or weapon, or two, but that's all the reader hears about it. Soon enough, thanks to Mella's hijinks with her aunt Aisling, we're given the reason why. Halekind is a sort of Soviet Union, very private and exclusive, and wary of outsiders. Mella and Aisling stumble into the middle of the kingdom, by accident, and find themselves in the middle of a war. Hairstreak evil mind, is literally still alive, and he has his own method of restoring power to himself. His henchmen, Brimstone and Chalkhill are still alive and and active, if not slightly desperate and insane.
My favorite part of this book was how well-paced it was. There was never a moment when I felt that a character was completely out of danger, and there were several moments where I was convinced a character or two was dead. There were times where I felt that a scene should have been written out, rather than summarized by a character after the fact, but these were rare.
Brimstone makes for a hilarious character in this book, with his hyper-sensitivity and his imaginary friend. Henry has finally come into his own as a character, and seeing him and Blue work together was absolutely thrilling. Pyrgus also plays a huge role, and is his usual subversive self. Hairstreak also becomes a little more interesting, because he finally gets his hands dirty, rather than being that all-seeing eye that only jumps in with some scary dialogue at some plot point or another.
I would recommend this to anyone who’s at least mildly enjoyed the rest of the series, and I feel that the Faeman Quest does a better job of pulling the reader in than the previous two books.
In all the kingdoms explored in the Faerie Realm, Halekind is the one left untouched at the end of Faerie Lord. It's mentioned in regards to a character or weapon, or two, but that's all the reader hears about it. Soon enough, thanks to Mella's hijinks with her aunt Aisling, we're given the reason why. Halekind is a sort of Soviet Union, very private and exclusive, and wary of outsiders. Mella and Aisling stumble into the middle of the kingdom, by accident, and find themselves in the middle of a war. Hairstreak evil mind, is literally still alive, and he has his own method of restoring power to himself. His henchmen, Brimstone and Chalkhill are still alive and and active, if not slightly desperate and insane.
My favorite part of this book was how well-paced it was. There was never a moment when I felt that a character was completely out of danger, and there were several moments where I was convinced a character or two was dead. There were times where I felt that a scene should have been written out, rather than summarized by a character after the fact, but these were rare.
Brimstone makes for a hilarious character in this book, with his hyper-sensitivity and his imaginary friend. Henry has finally come into his own as a character, and seeing him and Blue work together was absolutely thrilling. Pyrgus also plays a huge role, and is his usual subversive self. Hairstreak also becomes a little more interesting, because he finally gets his hands dirty, rather than being that all-seeing eye that only jumps in with some scary dialogue at some plot point or another.
I would recommend this to anyone who’s at least mildly enjoyed the rest of the series, and I feel that the Faeman Quest does a better job of pulling the reader in than the previous two books.
February 23, 2012
The Faerie Wars Chronicles is my all-time favorite book series. I'm not sure if this book attempted to be a stand alone book, however you really need to read the entire series to fully appreciate it.
I whole-heartedly recommend not just this book, but the entire Faerie Wars Chronicles.
I loved the continuance of the story I originally fell in love with.. I enjoyed hearing what happened to these fantastic characters after 'Faerie Lord' - which published in 2007 and was supposed to have been the last book in the series.
Honestly, I didn't find this book to be as good as the others in this series. It's not bad, it's just not as richly described, the characters introduced here were not as fully developed and the returning characters did not seem to have the full-bodied-ness of the previous books (no pun intended - especially in regard to Lord Hairstreak).
While I enjoyed getting to know Henry and Blue's daughter, Mella, and recognized personality traits gleaned from both her parents, I was also quite disappointed in Henry's character representation here as from where he was at the end of 'Faerie Lord'. The author took Henry from being a self sufficient, confident man/hero at the ending of 'Faerie Lord' to a more or less spineless, mumbling and hen-pecked husband and I was kind of sad about that.
I would still love to see this series continued on and would definitely read any future books Herbie Brennan writes for 'The Faerie Wars Chronicles', simply because of my love for the first 4 books. And I will assume this particular book might just be a one off for him.
I believe Mr. Brennan to be a fantastic author who has created a just astounding fantasy above and beyond other fantasy books/worlds out there.
If you haven't done so already, I recommend you add The Faerie Wars Chronicles to your 'to-read' list and discover this fantastic world for yourself as soon as possible.
I whole-heartedly recommend not just this book, but the entire Faerie Wars Chronicles.
I loved the continuance of the story I originally fell in love with.. I enjoyed hearing what happened to these fantastic characters after 'Faerie Lord' - which published in 2007 and was supposed to have been the last book in the series.
Honestly, I didn't find this book to be as good as the others in this series. It's not bad, it's just not as richly described, the characters introduced here were not as fully developed and the returning characters did not seem to have the full-bodied-ness of the previous books (no pun intended - especially in regard to Lord Hairstreak).
While I enjoyed getting to know Henry and Blue's daughter, Mella, and recognized personality traits gleaned from both her parents, I was also quite disappointed in Henry's character representation here as from where he was at the end of 'Faerie Lord'. The author took Henry from being a self sufficient, confident man/hero at the ending of 'Faerie Lord' to a more or less spineless, mumbling and hen-pecked husband and I was kind of sad about that.
I would still love to see this series continued on and would definitely read any future books Herbie Brennan writes for 'The Faerie Wars Chronicles', simply because of my love for the first 4 books. And I will assume this particular book might just be a one off for him.
I believe Mr. Brennan to be a fantastic author who has created a just astounding fantasy above and beyond other fantasy books/worlds out there.
If you haven't done so already, I recommend you add The Faerie Wars Chronicles to your 'to-read' list and discover this fantastic world for yourself as soon as possible.
February 9, 2012
Despite being the next generation, we still get to hear plenty from the main cast of the original four books. Blue, Henry and Pygrus feature heavily for the good side, they have all matured somewhat although Pygrus is still pretty adventurous and rebellious. I had a problem with Henry because his character went backwards dramatically, he was pretty stupid at times and not at all his heroic self that he had become by the end of the forth book. The new character Mella reminded me a lot of an early Blue and was fun to have around. The three main bad guys (Hairstreek, Brimestone and Chalkhill) are all back, Brimestone has gone crazy and is an even more interesting character, but Chalkhill no longer does his 'camp act' and is much less entertaining.
The story itself was quite good, but wasn't as good as the previous four and didn't have many surprises or plot twists. There are several funny moments and a couple of real laugh out loud ones too. I also liked the fact that characters often make logical, but incorrect, guesses of what other people are doing when not in their presence. For example while trying to find Mella; Blue and Henry make an incorrect guess of why she returned to the Faerie Realm, but it made sense given the circumstances. By making such mistakes it makes the characters and story much more real.
The writing style was pretty simple but this makes for an easy and quick read rather than a boring one. The descriptions are detailed enough to follow what is happening and to see the world. The author does an excellent job of describing characters thoughts and feelings, and you really feel that you are inside the main characters head.
Overall it was a good book, but not as good as the rest of the series.
The story itself was quite good, but wasn't as good as the previous four and didn't have many surprises or plot twists. There are several funny moments and a couple of real laugh out loud ones too. I also liked the fact that characters often make logical, but incorrect, guesses of what other people are doing when not in their presence. For example while trying to find Mella; Blue and Henry make an incorrect guess of why she returned to the Faerie Realm, but it made sense given the circumstances. By making such mistakes it makes the characters and story much more real.
The writing style was pretty simple but this makes for an easy and quick read rather than a boring one. The descriptions are detailed enough to follow what is happening and to see the world. The author does an excellent job of describing characters thoughts and feelings, and you really feel that you are inside the main characters head.
Overall it was a good book, but not as good as the rest of the series.
April 2, 2014
I was a little trepidatious when I heard Herbie Brennan had written a final chapter in the Faerie Wars series, one of my favourites growing up, not least because I'd already made my peace with it finishing but also because all the publicity material I found described newcomer Mella as an irritating Mary-Sue type character. In fact I needn't have worried. Mella is a fine addition to the roster, never too feisty or trite to get irritating and distinct enough from her mother Blue that she doesn't feel like an expy even though the two are frequently compared. There's plenty of action from Blue as well as Henry and Pyrgus, although Comma was sadly and noticeably absent. Apparently he was off fighting pirates for the entirety of the novel, which was a bit of a limp excuse. Henry's sister Aisling finally gets her moment in the spotlight; the revelation that she and Lord Hairstreak are each other's soulmates was utterly brilliant.
The plot feels a little arbitrary, like many "last in the series" novels it felt a bit like an excuse to get all the old characters together again for one last hurrah. Blue and Henry don't really feel or act like adults; they're supposed to be in their thirties at this point but I still imagined them as teens. The ending felt rather rushed and oversimplified given the slow and careful build-up of the plot, Chalkhill and Brimstone disappear halfway through the novel and are never given any resolution, and the final chapter, where the two Mellas flirt with some sleazy Italian-esque faeries, is just plain weird. That said it's a great little read and matches the standard put forward by the previous four novels. Newcomers to the series would be best starting at the beginning but for Faerie Wars fans this is a cracking send-off.
The plot feels a little arbitrary, like many "last in the series" novels it felt a bit like an excuse to get all the old characters together again for one last hurrah. Blue and Henry don't really feel or act like adults; they're supposed to be in their thirties at this point but I still imagined them as teens. The ending felt rather rushed and oversimplified given the slow and careful build-up of the plot, Chalkhill and Brimstone disappear halfway through the novel and are never given any resolution, and the final chapter, where the two Mellas flirt with some sleazy Italian-esque faeries, is just plain weird. That said it's a great little read and matches the standard put forward by the previous four novels. Newcomers to the series would be best starting at the beginning but for Faerie Wars fans this is a cracking send-off.
June 15, 2011
This review was originally posted on my blog, Creativity's Corner
I think first I need to ask has anyone heard of this series besides me? It's one of my favorites, but every time I talk about it I get such blank stares! (Including internet *blank stares* which just makes me sad. This wonderful community should have at least one other person in it who knows the wonder of the Faerie Wars!) I'm considering a read-a-thon re-reading these, would anyone be interested in joining in?
I was a little surprised at the time skip from the end of the last book, even though I knew it had to happen. I think it was really well done though. We now get to see Henry as a grown-up - he has a 16-year-old daughter so he has to be at least 35, and is probably 40. It's rare that we see a character (especially a main character) age that much in a YA or MG series (Faerie Wars is sorta borderline - think Harry Potter mixed with Artemis Fowl). The amazing thing is that Brennan still kept Henry the same and yet believable. He was still the Henry I loved originally but he's become a father figure while I wasn't looking.
I also loved the addition of Mella to the cast. She is such a mixture of Henry and Blue that she couldn't possibly be anyone else's daughter. She's spunky independent and slightly quirky and completely loveable.
I'm so glad this isn't the last book (it better not be!) and I eagerly await the next installment! (ASAP please Mr. Brennan. That wasn't a very nice place to stop!)
I think first I need to ask has anyone heard of this series besides me? It's one of my favorites, but every time I talk about it I get such blank stares! (Including internet *blank stares* which just makes me sad. This wonderful community should have at least one other person in it who knows the wonder of the Faerie Wars!) I'm considering a read-a-thon re-reading these, would anyone be interested in joining in?
I was a little surprised at the time skip from the end of the last book, even though I knew it had to happen. I think it was really well done though. We now get to see Henry as a grown-up - he has a 16-year-old daughter so he has to be at least 35, and is probably 40. It's rare that we see a character (especially a main character) age that much in a YA or MG series (Faerie Wars is sorta borderline - think Harry Potter mixed with Artemis Fowl). The amazing thing is that Brennan still kept Henry the same and yet believable. He was still the Henry I loved originally but he's become a father figure while I wasn't looking.
I also loved the addition of Mella to the cast. She is such a mixture of Henry and Blue that she couldn't possibly be anyone else's daughter. She's spunky independent and slightly quirky and completely loveable.
I'm so glad this isn't the last book (it better not be!) and I eagerly await the next installment! (ASAP please Mr. Brennan. That wasn't a very nice place to stop!)
December 9, 2012
Hmmmm....
.....if anyone has ever read the first 4 'Fairy Wars' books then they will understand what I mean when I say that reading 'The Faeman Quest' after them was like climbing a wall after standing on the summit of Everest.
Set 15+ years after the original 'quadiligy', it follows the 'adventures' of the daughter of Holly Blue & Henry...and at that point I fell asleep. Holly Blue, Henry & Pyrgus, as adventurous fairy & human teenagers, fell into one scrape after another, usually with hilarious results and whilst in pursuit of (or being pursued by) 'Baddies' of a pantomime nature. It was all good fun. Humorous. Giggleworthy for adults & children alike, but Brennan seems to have lost his witty edge with this follow-up. Very pedestrian, predictable, and even old-favourite baddies failed to live up to expectations whilst the half-human, half-fairy offspring of Holly Blue & Henry was extremely irritating and dull. The characters of Holly, Henry & Pyrgus transcribed well into their adult characters without any of the embarrassing adults-trying-to-be-kids writing that is annoying in these situations, but it was all just a little....sad....really. And not in the 'tears' way, but in a 'shouldn't have bothered' way.
If Brennan is to write any more in this new series, then I shall not be reading. I want to quickly forget the weakness of this book & remember the original 4 with fond, amused, memories!
.....if anyone has ever read the first 4 'Fairy Wars' books then they will understand what I mean when I say that reading 'The Faeman Quest' after them was like climbing a wall after standing on the summit of Everest.
Set 15+ years after the original 'quadiligy', it follows the 'adventures' of the daughter of Holly Blue & Henry...and at that point I fell asleep. Holly Blue, Henry & Pyrgus, as adventurous fairy & human teenagers, fell into one scrape after another, usually with hilarious results and whilst in pursuit of (or being pursued by) 'Baddies' of a pantomime nature. It was all good fun. Humorous. Giggleworthy for adults & children alike, but Brennan seems to have lost his witty edge with this follow-up. Very pedestrian, predictable, and even old-favourite baddies failed to live up to expectations whilst the half-human, half-fairy offspring of Holly Blue & Henry was extremely irritating and dull. The characters of Holly, Henry & Pyrgus transcribed well into their adult characters without any of the embarrassing adults-trying-to-be-kids writing that is annoying in these situations, but it was all just a little....sad....really. And not in the 'tears' way, but in a 'shouldn't have bothered' way.
If Brennan is to write any more in this new series, then I shall not be reading. I want to quickly forget the weakness of this book & remember the original 4 with fond, amused, memories!
June 2, 2014
I really loved the first four books in this series, and while book 5 does somewhat fit in the scope of the series, it was somewhat rushed for my liking. I found that I liked the new character of Mella, who is Blue & Henry's 15 year old daughter, but there wasn't much of the book spent with her.
To me, it read like a book-long epilogue. A "where are they now" special about the characters from the first books of the series. It's a fun look at what the villains, heroes, and random side characters are doing now, but don't expect much more than that. The plot line is a little weak and sorted out far too quickly in the final few chapters of the book. I would have preferred if this was stretched out over two or three books so that the author had time to revisit old favorites while building up the world as it is now, 15 years after the epic conflicts of the original 4 books.
Overall, it's not a bad book, but unlike the others, I won't be revisiting it.
To me, it read like a book-long epilogue. A "where are they now" special about the characters from the first books of the series. It's a fun look at what the villains, heroes, and random side characters are doing now, but don't expect much more than that. The plot line is a little weak and sorted out far too quickly in the final few chapters of the book. I would have preferred if this was stretched out over two or three books so that the author had time to revisit old favorites while building up the world as it is now, 15 years after the epic conflicts of the original 4 books.
Overall, it's not a bad book, but unlike the others, I won't be revisiting it.
September 14, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this book, it really opened up an entire new story for the Faerie Realm. The introduction of Mella, the teenage daughter, allows the reader to still see the Realm through the eyes of a teenager, but in a new way. All the old loveable characters are still present too; Henry, Blue, Cardui, Pyrgus, even the dead Fogarty. The only slightly disappointing thing about this book is the way in which Hairstreak returned becasue I was excited he finally died, and then he came back to continue being evil. The book has some twists, but nothing too major, but it is so well written that I couldn't put it down. The ending nicely closed the current problems of the Realm, but still left some open for another sequel, one which I would anticipate reading.
December 30, 2011
When a book starts 16 years after the first one with the female main character from the first books telling the male character from the first books that they have a 15 year old daughter that has used a spell on them to make them forget about her.... one has doubts. It took a while for me to get enough into the book that I felt any desire to keep reading. It was all going well and the plot was building up nicely and then it just suddenly ended and the climax of the book gets revealed as a flashback in the epilogue. ARG!!!!
September 11, 2011
yay Blue isnt dead and Henry and Blue now have twins isnt that cute??? Too bad Nymph adn Pyrgus never had twins maybe in teh future books but beautiful love the work Herbie Brennan you had me scared for a second I thought Mella was going to marry Hairstreak(EW) and I thought that Blue was dead, another thing, isnt it funny that Henry and Aisling never agreed and now Aisling is going to marry Henry's nemisis HAHAHA funny place for a brother and sister to be in. Aisling should die sooner or later by Hairstreak though, personal thought
March 10, 2012
I couldn't bring myself to finish this book. The last one had quite a few holes - the blue tribe swimming under the sea whose history began when they found a ruined city and who talk to the dead through a handy little machine?
This one started with the villain's head. He somehow became powerful as... a head on a cube keeping his virtually immortal. I couldn't get past it. Maybe someone else will enjoy the end of this series, but it's not for me.
This one started with the villain's head. He somehow became powerful as... a head on a cube keeping his virtually immortal. I couldn't get past it. Maybe someone else will enjoy the end of this series, but it's not for me.
April 1, 2012
Aside from the continuing animal rights angle and the delightful send-up of Cupid-stricken love at first sight (the evil bad guy is struck, noticing the cruel curve of her mouth and the like), this was still disappointing compared tot he early books.
I think it would have benefited from following the daughter, Mella, more instead of hopping from character to character. The reader needed a rudder, someone to identify with.
I think it would have benefited from following the daughter, Mella, more instead of hopping from character to character. The reader needed a rudder, someone to identify with.
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