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The Wide World Trilogy #3
The Ends of the Earth:
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jan 35July 1919. Ex-flying ace James 'Max' Maxted's attempt to uncover the secret behind the death of his father, Sir Henry Maxted, murdered while serving as an adviser with the British delegation to the Paris peace conference, has seemingly ended in failure -- and his own death.
The trail uncovered by him leads to Japan and a mysterious prisoner held by Sir Henry Maxted's old enemy, Count Tomura. Unaware of Max's fate, the team he has recruited to finish the job are already there, where their paths cross that of former German spymaster, Fritz Lemmer, now rebuilding his spy network in the service of a new, more sinister cause.
In the days and weeks ahead, the quest Max embarked on in Paris will reach its dizzying end at Tomura's castle in the mountains of Honshu -- and the full truth of what occurred thirty years before will finally be laid bare.
The trail uncovered by him leads to Japan and a mysterious prisoner held by Sir Henry Maxted's old enemy, Count Tomura. Unaware of Max's fate, the team he has recruited to finish the job are already there, where their paths cross that of former German spymaster, Fritz Lemmer, now rebuilding his spy network in the service of a new, more sinister cause.
In the days and weeks ahead, the quest Max embarked on in Paris will reach its dizzying end at Tomura's castle in the mountains of Honshu -- and the full truth of what occurred thirty years before will finally be laid bare.
540 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
113 people are currently reading
778 people want to read
About the author
Robert Goddard
111 books874 followersIn a writing career spanning more than twenty years, Robert Goddard's novels have been described in many different ways - mystery, thriller, crime, even historical romance. He is the master of the plot twist, a compelling and engrossing storyteller and one of the best known advocates for the traditional virtues of pace, plot and narrative drive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
March 26, 2016
I can't remember when I've been more disappointed in a book. I loved the first of this trilogy and couldn't put it down. This one I couldn't wait to finish. The characters stumble from one obvious trap or reversal to another with so many contrived plot points it almost gets comical. The whole set up of the finale seems forced and unrealistic. Very unsatisfying and far off form for Goddard.
September 29, 2015
enjoyed this in the final part of the trilogy where the loose from books 1 and 2 were sorted as the action takes in 1919 japan in the aftermath of WW1 and the gradual changing mood of some of the nobility towards imperialism and their past in this many woven tales which end as one, the only slight disappointment or excitement is maybe a new series based on the final part of this novel.
March 20, 2016
The final book in ‘The Wide World Trilogy' and Robert Goddard remembers the ‘Wide World' bit on the cover and has the story rushing - as much as a five week sail trip can be said to be rushing - off to Japan in search of answers to the many questions raised back in Europe and in the first two ‘Wide World’ books, 'The Ways of the World' and 'The Corners of the Globe.’
The travel time to Japan can be easily explained - in case you haven’t been with us thus far - by the story being set in 1919, during and just after the Paris Peace Conference, formed by the winning side, to sort out the mess made in the Forst World War. The main character, WWI flying ‘ace’ James ‘Max’ Maxted is dead. It seems he was killed in the incident at the end of 'The Corners of the Globe.' That’s not a spoiler - at the end, he is shot. You’ll have to wonder just why Robert Goddard might want to kill his hero off until you read this book. Max’s colleagues have already arrived in Japan and are hot on the trail of the mysterious Jack Farnham, who might, if he’s still alive, be able to supply some of the afore-mentioned, much needed answers. Or shed some light on them anyway. Or not, as you know the case might also be. Hot on their trail, or maybe even there before them, is the enigmatic, ‘how does he DO that?’ devious, treacherous, German spy-master, Fritz Lemmer. The whole trail of events was set in motion by Sir Henry Maxted, Max’s father, who died even before the first book, 'The Ways of the World’ even started. Seems to run in the family, that. Max, according to his older brother, who was looking at a smooth transference of the family assets, property and titles into his hands, had one job. To sign the papers in Paris and bring their father’s body home. It was never going to be that simple and soon a whole intriguing can of worms was opened, one which has had me pretty much spellbound the whole way through the three volumes.
The series as a whole, has been wonderful. Entertaining, interesting, surprising, full of suspense and shocks and very well written indeed. There are actually signs, and I do have one or two un-answered questions of my own, that there may be further books featuring some of the characters. Those still alive, of course. The middle book, 'The Corners of the Globe,' was particularly good. It dealt with issues brought up in the first book, not by solving the clues, but by expanding them and confusing the issues even more. It was a brilliant book, I thought, quite extraordinary as a number two as well (rather like ‘The Bone Tree’ by Greg Iles, in that respect). So, it was an almost impossible level for 'The Ends of the Earth' to live up to really. Whilst it is up there, it doesn’t quite match my expectations. Not entirely my fault, blame it on a superb second book. What’s wrong? Not an awful lot, however…personally, I wouldn’t have had the story going off to Japan. I’d have had the Japanese angles of the story coming to us, as it were. The first two, stayed in Britain and France and worked superbly well. The trip to Japan, whilst necessary for the story as it is now, seems still to be, as I flippantly mentioned above, a way of justifying the ‘Whole Wide World’ tag. Moving - and finishing - the story out to Japan, removed any subconscious frame of reference we European readers had. And felt a little forced. The Japanese are so different, were so different back then, they might as well be aliens. The first two, we (thought we) knew where we were and so the surprises were even more surprising and shocking. Anything here, can be written off as 'the kind of thing they obviously get up to over there.’ The ’39 Steps’ bit in volume two, is just superb, way better for it’s simplicity and naturalness (if that’s a word) than much of the set-pieces here. And, the big castle set-piece - again, yeah, necessary for the plot as it is (well, a certain part of the castle, anyway), but it was all bit 'game-show,' 'Mission Impossible' (Implausible)-like and further removed the characters from reality, even that of the well-written streets of Tokyo.
As a whole, a really excellent, old-fashioned (in more ways than one) mystery, thriller series. With hopefully more to come and to be revealed.
More world-class reviews on Speesh Reads
The travel time to Japan can be easily explained - in case you haven’t been with us thus far - by the story being set in 1919, during and just after the Paris Peace Conference, formed by the winning side, to sort out the mess made in the Forst World War. The main character, WWI flying ‘ace’ James ‘Max’ Maxted is dead. It seems he was killed in the incident at the end of 'The Corners of the Globe.' That’s not a spoiler - at the end, he is shot. You’ll have to wonder just why Robert Goddard might want to kill his hero off until you read this book. Max’s colleagues have already arrived in Japan and are hot on the trail of the mysterious Jack Farnham, who might, if he’s still alive, be able to supply some of the afore-mentioned, much needed answers. Or shed some light on them anyway. Or not, as you know the case might also be. Hot on their trail, or maybe even there before them, is the enigmatic, ‘how does he DO that?’ devious, treacherous, German spy-master, Fritz Lemmer. The whole trail of events was set in motion by Sir Henry Maxted, Max’s father, who died even before the first book, 'The Ways of the World’ even started. Seems to run in the family, that. Max, according to his older brother, who was looking at a smooth transference of the family assets, property and titles into his hands, had one job. To sign the papers in Paris and bring their father’s body home. It was never going to be that simple and soon a whole intriguing can of worms was opened, one which has had me pretty much spellbound the whole way through the three volumes.
The series as a whole, has been wonderful. Entertaining, interesting, surprising, full of suspense and shocks and very well written indeed. There are actually signs, and I do have one or two un-answered questions of my own, that there may be further books featuring some of the characters. Those still alive, of course. The middle book, 'The Corners of the Globe,' was particularly good. It dealt with issues brought up in the first book, not by solving the clues, but by expanding them and confusing the issues even more. It was a brilliant book, I thought, quite extraordinary as a number two as well (rather like ‘The Bone Tree’ by Greg Iles, in that respect). So, it was an almost impossible level for 'The Ends of the Earth' to live up to really. Whilst it is up there, it doesn’t quite match my expectations. Not entirely my fault, blame it on a superb second book. What’s wrong? Not an awful lot, however…personally, I wouldn’t have had the story going off to Japan. I’d have had the Japanese angles of the story coming to us, as it were. The first two, stayed in Britain and France and worked superbly well. The trip to Japan, whilst necessary for the story as it is now, seems still to be, as I flippantly mentioned above, a way of justifying the ‘Whole Wide World’ tag. Moving - and finishing - the story out to Japan, removed any subconscious frame of reference we European readers had. And felt a little forced. The Japanese are so different, were so different back then, they might as well be aliens. The first two, we (thought we) knew where we were and so the surprises were even more surprising and shocking. Anything here, can be written off as 'the kind of thing they obviously get up to over there.’ The ’39 Steps’ bit in volume two, is just superb, way better for it’s simplicity and naturalness (if that’s a word) than much of the set-pieces here. And, the big castle set-piece - again, yeah, necessary for the plot as it is (well, a certain part of the castle, anyway), but it was all bit 'game-show,' 'Mission Impossible' (Implausible)-like and further removed the characters from reality, even that of the well-written streets of Tokyo.
As a whole, a really excellent, old-fashioned (in more ways than one) mystery, thriller series. With hopefully more to come and to be revealed.
More world-class reviews on Speesh Reads
October 17, 2015
The journey of James Maxted (Max) begun in the first volume of Robert Goddard’s World Wide Trilogy continues in the third volume, THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. The focus shifts to Japan as Max is determined to bring his investigation of his father’s death, Sir Henry Maxted, a British diplomat to a conclusion. In the first two installments we learn that Max does not accept the verdict of the Parisian police that his father had committed suicide and he is bent on restoring his father’s reputation and finally learn the truth. Max is certain his father was murdered and everything seems to center on a failed Japanese nationalist attempt to assassinate the Russian Tsarevitch upon his visit to Tokyo in 1891. The “Dark Ocean” is a Japanese nationalist organization that hoped to prevent any improvement in Russo-Japanese relations, as they were focused on Japanese expansion in the Far East.
Many of the characters from the previous novels reappear in THE ENDS OF THE EARTH; Sam Twentyman, Max’s engineer from World War I; Malory Hollander, an assistant to Schools Morahan; Horace Appleby, a British secret agent, and they with their allies confront the xenophobic Count Iwazu Tomura, a nationalist leader with his own murderous agenda as they try to block the sale of Frederick Lemmer’s spy network to the Japanese government. As in the two earlier novels, the book possesses numerous twists and turns one would expect from a Goddard story. Goddard’s description of the historical period is very accurate. The infighting in the Japanese government over expansion and honor is a major theme. The difficulties between Russia and Japan over the Far East would culminate in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905 and continue thereafter is accurate. Goddard also creates a number of documents and letters that keep the reader abreast of what took place in the previous novels that allows the current volume to make sense.
The plot is very suspenseful as Max’s quest continues, but as the story evolves Max is presented with a number of situations that blindside him. At times in the novel it appears that things are about to settle down, but Goddard will then introduce a new character or bring back an old one from the previous volumes to twist the plot even further. Goddard seems to have a low opinion of human nature as most of his characters seem to be seeking some sort of revenge. Max’s goal is to find the letter that Jack Farngold, an old friend whose sister is married to Tomura had sent his father in 1917. The purpose of the letter was to warn him about Tomura and Lemmer, which would explain Sir Henry’s death. As he proceeds Max will learn things about his past that are shocking and will force him to confront Tomura as he tries to uncover the mystery of his own birth.
Throughout the novel Goddard constantly provides hints from the perspective of 1919 of what to expect from Japan in the future. Goddard’s knowledge of Japanese history and geography is an asset as he sets his scenes and allows the reader insights into Japanese culture and politics between 1891 and 1919. The novel is very fast paced and at times I found myself jotting down who some of the characters were because they came and then disappeared at a rapid rate. Despite the numerous characters and shifting plot lines, the novel is surprisingly easy to follow if one pays attention. Despite a storyline seems to bring closure at the book’s end, in true Goddard fashion there are hints that some of these characters may reappear once again in the future. If you enjoyed THE WAYS OF THE WORLD and THE CORNERS OF THE WORLD, Goddard’s final installment will not disappoint.
Many of the characters from the previous novels reappear in THE ENDS OF THE EARTH; Sam Twentyman, Max’s engineer from World War I; Malory Hollander, an assistant to Schools Morahan; Horace Appleby, a British secret agent, and they with their allies confront the xenophobic Count Iwazu Tomura, a nationalist leader with his own murderous agenda as they try to block the sale of Frederick Lemmer’s spy network to the Japanese government. As in the two earlier novels, the book possesses numerous twists and turns one would expect from a Goddard story. Goddard’s description of the historical period is very accurate. The infighting in the Japanese government over expansion and honor is a major theme. The difficulties between Russia and Japan over the Far East would culminate in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905 and continue thereafter is accurate. Goddard also creates a number of documents and letters that keep the reader abreast of what took place in the previous novels that allows the current volume to make sense.
The plot is very suspenseful as Max’s quest continues, but as the story evolves Max is presented with a number of situations that blindside him. At times in the novel it appears that things are about to settle down, but Goddard will then introduce a new character or bring back an old one from the previous volumes to twist the plot even further. Goddard seems to have a low opinion of human nature as most of his characters seem to be seeking some sort of revenge. Max’s goal is to find the letter that Jack Farngold, an old friend whose sister is married to Tomura had sent his father in 1917. The purpose of the letter was to warn him about Tomura and Lemmer, which would explain Sir Henry’s death. As he proceeds Max will learn things about his past that are shocking and will force him to confront Tomura as he tries to uncover the mystery of his own birth.
Throughout the novel Goddard constantly provides hints from the perspective of 1919 of what to expect from Japan in the future. Goddard’s knowledge of Japanese history and geography is an asset as he sets his scenes and allows the reader insights into Japanese culture and politics between 1891 and 1919. The novel is very fast paced and at times I found myself jotting down who some of the characters were because they came and then disappeared at a rapid rate. Despite the numerous characters and shifting plot lines, the novel is surprisingly easy to follow if one pays attention. Despite a storyline seems to bring closure at the book’s end, in true Goddard fashion there are hints that some of these characters may reappear once again in the future. If you enjoyed THE WAYS OF THE WORLD and THE CORNERS OF THE WORLD, Goddard’s final installment will not disappoint.
November 15, 2025
Setting: Japan; 1919.
In this third and final book in the trilogy, James 'Max' Maxted has put together a team of operatives to rendezvous with him in Tokyo, with the aim of taking down German spy Fritz Lemmer and his Japanese ally Count Tomura.
But when the team assembles and Max does not appear as expected, two members of the team are approached and shown evidence that seems to prove that Max is dead, killed in Marseille during his confrontation with Dombreux where Book Two finished.
Max's team are told that they have lost and may as well leave Japan but fail to do so - with dire consequences.....
This was a fitting conclusion to the trilogy - intriguing storylines, unexpected twists and constant threat to the main characters as the story develops, right to the bittersweet end. Still scope for another book in the series and I, for one, would be perfectly happy to read it! - 8.5/10.
In this third and final book in the trilogy, James 'Max' Maxted has put together a team of operatives to rendezvous with him in Tokyo, with the aim of taking down German spy Fritz Lemmer and his Japanese ally Count Tomura.
But when the team assembles and Max does not appear as expected, two members of the team are approached and shown evidence that seems to prove that Max is dead, killed in Marseille during his confrontation with Dombreux where Book Two finished.
Max's team are told that they have lost and may as well leave Japan but fail to do so - with dire consequences.....
This was a fitting conclusion to the trilogy - intriguing storylines, unexpected twists and constant threat to the main characters as the story develops, right to the bittersweet end. Still scope for another book in the series and I, for one, would be perfectly happy to read it! - 8.5/10.
September 4, 2015
If you like a long book that has no ending so that it must be finished in the next book... without being told that eventually this will be a trilogy that still has no ending, then you might like this book.
But I do not like to read a book (the second one thinking that the story will finally end, only to find out that it will be finished in a still unwritten unpublished book for which I had to wait a few months.
Then I do not like finding out that the plot does not end at the end of the third book, but leaves the "hero" in the process of escape......
I cannot think of any valid reason for this approach to a novel. Even real life has an ending; a problem or situation has an ending.
I think that the author developed a very implausible situation which I do not think that the author had the skill to develop to its logical conclusion, a rescue of someone who was so emotionally damaged that surviving in society was probably doomed to fail. An escape flight also doomed to fail because planes do not fly without enough fuel and when overloaded....
But if you like a book like this, as an adventure book, then I would be generous to rate this 3 stars. If you want a book about the politics of this era, it would rate higher.
It is a book of too many improbable sudden connections with people in the right place at the right time with the right power to assist him. It is a book of improbable grace where enemies let him go free on his word...... I think this author cannot write a book with logical connections and consequences. The plot is too jumpy... a crisis, a sudden improbable and very unlikely "deliverance", a new plan, and the cycle repeats itself.
However, other readers seemed to like this book. Reading their reviews might give you a more balanced criticism of this book. I know that I will not waste my time reading any more books by Goddard.
I actually finished this book several days ago but did not write a review in the hope that my opinion might become more favorable over time. But it has not.
Other reviewers of this book have stated that the ending is unresolved, the wait for the third book was too long (8 months), the coincidences were unbelievable, the characters not well developed, and (possibly the best comment) a hope that a fourth book is not forthcoming.
There is a major difference between a series of books like Lee Child's where the plot has an ending and the next book is a new unrelated plot and a book that has an incomplete ending requiring reading the next book. Who wants to read more than 1000 pages and still not have an ending?
But I do not like to read a book (the second one thinking that the story will finally end, only to find out that it will be finished in a still unwritten unpublished book for which I had to wait a few months.
Then I do not like finding out that the plot does not end at the end of the third book, but leaves the "hero" in the process of escape......
I cannot think of any valid reason for this approach to a novel. Even real life has an ending; a problem or situation has an ending.
I think that the author developed a very implausible situation which I do not think that the author had the skill to develop to its logical conclusion, a rescue of someone who was so emotionally damaged that surviving in society was probably doomed to fail. An escape flight also doomed to fail because planes do not fly without enough fuel and when overloaded....
But if you like a book like this, as an adventure book, then I would be generous to rate this 3 stars. If you want a book about the politics of this era, it would rate higher.
It is a book of too many improbable sudden connections with people in the right place at the right time with the right power to assist him. It is a book of improbable grace where enemies let him go free on his word...... I think this author cannot write a book with logical connections and consequences. The plot is too jumpy... a crisis, a sudden improbable and very unlikely "deliverance", a new plan, and the cycle repeats itself.
However, other readers seemed to like this book. Reading their reviews might give you a more balanced criticism of this book. I know that I will not waste my time reading any more books by Goddard.
I actually finished this book several days ago but did not write a review in the hope that my opinion might become more favorable over time. But it has not.
Other reviewers of this book have stated that the ending is unresolved, the wait for the third book was too long (8 months), the coincidences were unbelievable, the characters not well developed, and (possibly the best comment) a hope that a fourth book is not forthcoming.
There is a major difference between a series of books like Lee Child's where the plot has an ending and the next book is a new unrelated plot and a book that has an incomplete ending requiring reading the next book. Who wants to read more than 1000 pages and still not have an ending?
April 22, 2022
This entire trilogy takes place in about 4-5 months in 1919. While providing some backstory in this volume, Goddard provides a glimpse of Paris during the peace talks.
I'll repeat what I've said before: this trilogy is all plot. The characters are believable enough to pull off the plot. "Believable enough" is just as adequate as is the writing, but probably not more so. The good guys get themselves into terrible fixes - almost as bad as that woman in the old film who is tied to the railroad tracks with the train steaming toward her. No woman tied to the railroad tracks here, but it's hard to imagine worse disasters short of death itself.
Historical thrillers must appeal to me, though it surprises me to say so. I have managed to pick up four more titles by Goddard and if I saw more cheap I'd grab them. I don't suggest he makes any attempt to be literature, but it (and the series) was such an enjoyable read I can't avoid marking it a full 4-stars.
The gathering of the weary victors of the Great War has filled Paris with such men as Sir Henry - the politicians and functionaries of dozens of governments, along with the journalists, spies, mistresses, chancers, schemers and suppliers of unspecified services drawn to the councils of the powerful as are flies to a dungheap.With such a short time span, one would think it could have been a single novel. The first volumes end in huge cliff hangers and there is no question but one must continue to read to find out what happens. The combined page length is a bit over 1400 pages, so 3 volumes it is. This installment doesn't quite pick up where the previous one left off and there are a few chapters before Goddard gets back to let us know what happened in the minutes after The Corners of the Globe ended. My reviews don't include spoilers, but I'll proffer that I was fairly confident that what was thought to have happened at the end of that book would be refuted. At least I was right about that.
I'll repeat what I've said before: this trilogy is all plot. The characters are believable enough to pull off the plot. "Believable enough" is just as adequate as is the writing, but probably not more so. The good guys get themselves into terrible fixes - almost as bad as that woman in the old film who is tied to the railroad tracks with the train steaming toward her. No woman tied to the railroad tracks here, but it's hard to imagine worse disasters short of death itself.
Historical thrillers must appeal to me, though it surprises me to say so. I have managed to pick up four more titles by Goddard and if I saw more cheap I'd grab them. I don't suggest he makes any attempt to be literature, but it (and the series) was such an enjoyable read I can't avoid marking it a full 4-stars.
March 1, 2017
My review is for the whole trilogy, not just the 3rd instalment. I have the e book combo of the 3 books all in one digital file. Goddard is one of my very favourite authors so it is hard for me not to rate this book 4 or 5. It is certainly an outstanding achievement, worthy of a 5 rating. All of his books are full of unexpected twists and turns that keep you in suspense. This trilogy may well be his masterpiece. However, I did not realize that it was all one novel spread over 1200 pages at first, otherwise, I might have given it a miss. Way too long for my limited attention span. I wondered whether this was meant to be a spoof on spy novels or a reductio ad absurdum of them. There is definitely an absurd number of twists, turns, back-stabbings and double-crosses, nearly in every chapter. Also, way too many deaths, many of which I felt were unnecessary. At first I enjoyed the suspense & action, then got jaded and started to think "Oh no not again!" As another negative, I hated the way the second book ended, so much so that I almost didn't read the 3rd book. I persisted but didn't enjoy the 3rd one, mainly skimming through parts of it just to get it over with. I felt, in the end, that it was a great story, admirable for Goddard's ability to keep the plot interesting and the characters fascinating over 1200 pages, which never dragged by the way. Still, I felt that he got a bit carried away, that it could have been condensed to one 600 page novel without much loss. I just hope that the 3rd book is the end and we aren't going to see a sequel.
April 16, 2017
Non-stop action and adventure in post-WWI Japan
In 1919, pilot James ‘Max’ Maxted sets out to uncover the mystery behind the death of his father, Sir Henry Maxted, who was murdered a few months earlier in Paris. His investigations lead him to Japan and one of Sir Henry’s enemies, the formidable Count Tomura. Max assembles a team to travel to Tokyo and meet him there to investigate a lead but, upon their arrival, they are informed that Max has been killed on the orders of a German spy, Fritz Lemmer. Shaken by the loss of their friend, Sam Twentyman and Malory Hollander persevere to uncover the truth whilst facing betrayals and persecution from the Tokyo authorities. However, not all is as it seems, and over the next few days, events are set in motion that will result in secrets that have been kept for almost 30 years finally being revealed.
Whilst it was very clear from the first few pages that this was a sequel (in fact the third book in a trilogy), I found it remarkably easy to catch on to what was going on and was able to follow the plot with little difficulty. The author manages to successfully reintroduce characters from the previous novels and explain their backstories in a way that is succinct and informative without feeling like it would be repetitive for those who have read the previous instalments. As a result of both this and the fast-paced plot, I found myself rapidly drawn in to a post-war adventure filled with mystery and conspiracy which, whilst not exactly an original theme for a book, worked extremely well and was very entertaining to experience.
The characters in the story, particularly Max and his friends, are well-constructed and believable and I felt invested in their fates despite having only minimal knowledge of their history. As well as this, every character in the story seems to have a role to play in the overall plot, meaning that there were few unnecessary background filler characters to get bogged down with. Even the more extreme characters (such as spies and assassins) feel realistic and fit in to the story well. Plot-wise, Ends of the Earth had plenty of action, suspense and adventure to keep you turning the pages, with multiple cliffhangers and surprises throughout. The pace never slows down and the writing is extremely easy to follow, yet manages to create both atmosphere and complex characters without the need for excessive descriptions. At the end of the book, most of the loose ends seem to come together, creating a conclusion that was both satisfying but also left potential for further reappearances from some of the characters.
My one criticism of this story would be that a couple of times I had to double back and check who some of the people were in the context of the story, particularly those with Japanese names that were difficult to differentiate from each other. Additionally, I feel that I would have enjoyed this book even more than I did had I read its predecessors, but it can definitely be experienced as a standalone novel with no trouble.
Overall, this was an excellent book and I am quite disappointed that I didn’t read the first two instalments beforehand. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys
historical fiction or a good adventure novel and will happily read more by this author in the future.
Daenerys
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
In 1919, pilot James ‘Max’ Maxted sets out to uncover the mystery behind the death of his father, Sir Henry Maxted, who was murdered a few months earlier in Paris. His investigations lead him to Japan and one of Sir Henry’s enemies, the formidable Count Tomura. Max assembles a team to travel to Tokyo and meet him there to investigate a lead but, upon their arrival, they are informed that Max has been killed on the orders of a German spy, Fritz Lemmer. Shaken by the loss of their friend, Sam Twentyman and Malory Hollander persevere to uncover the truth whilst facing betrayals and persecution from the Tokyo authorities. However, not all is as it seems, and over the next few days, events are set in motion that will result in secrets that have been kept for almost 30 years finally being revealed.
Whilst it was very clear from the first few pages that this was a sequel (in fact the third book in a trilogy), I found it remarkably easy to catch on to what was going on and was able to follow the plot with little difficulty. The author manages to successfully reintroduce characters from the previous novels and explain their backstories in a way that is succinct and informative without feeling like it would be repetitive for those who have read the previous instalments. As a result of both this and the fast-paced plot, I found myself rapidly drawn in to a post-war adventure filled with mystery and conspiracy which, whilst not exactly an original theme for a book, worked extremely well and was very entertaining to experience.
The characters in the story, particularly Max and his friends, are well-constructed and believable and I felt invested in their fates despite having only minimal knowledge of their history. As well as this, every character in the story seems to have a role to play in the overall plot, meaning that there were few unnecessary background filler characters to get bogged down with. Even the more extreme characters (such as spies and assassins) feel realistic and fit in to the story well. Plot-wise, Ends of the Earth had plenty of action, suspense and adventure to keep you turning the pages, with multiple cliffhangers and surprises throughout. The pace never slows down and the writing is extremely easy to follow, yet manages to create both atmosphere and complex characters without the need for excessive descriptions. At the end of the book, most of the loose ends seem to come together, creating a conclusion that was both satisfying but also left potential for further reappearances from some of the characters.
My one criticism of this story would be that a couple of times I had to double back and check who some of the people were in the context of the story, particularly those with Japanese names that were difficult to differentiate from each other. Additionally, I feel that I would have enjoyed this book even more than I did had I read its predecessors, but it can definitely be experienced as a standalone novel with no trouble.
Overall, this was an excellent book and I am quite disappointed that I didn’t read the first two instalments beforehand. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys
historical fiction or a good adventure novel and will happily read more by this author in the future.
Daenerys
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
July 30, 2017
Award winning narrator Derek Perkins reads the audio version of this historical thriller and does a great job. There are many characters, perhaps too many, from many countries and Perkins has the chance to use multiple accents: British, American, French, German, Russian, and Japanese. Originally this was meant to be a trilogy, but the conclusion of this third book clearly sets the stage for additional volumes. Liked the first book, disappointed in the second one, and satisfied with this one. I wouldn't suggest anyone jump in with this one--too much back story. Start with the first one--The Ways of the World.
May 10, 2017
I've read Robert Goddard before, but not this trilogy. This was an ARC and was the last book of the trilogy, I hadn't read the first two books, which would of helped with knowing the characters. Max was placed into many scenarios and came out unfazed. I wish I could have lived back when all this happened. The romantic in me takes off. This is a really good story I'm sorry I did't read the first two books. Robert Goddard took took history and made it come to life.
April 13, 2016
Description: A thrilling climax to Robert Goddard's bestselling adventure trilogy, The Wide World.
July 1919. Ex-flying ace James 'Max' Maxted's attempt to uncover the secret behind the death of his father, Sir Henry Maxted, murdered while serving as an adviser with the British delegation to the Paris peace conference, has seemingly ended in failure -- and his own death.
The trail uncovered by him leads to Japan and a mysterious prisoner held by Sir Henry Maxted's old enemy, Count Tomura. Unaware of Max's fate, the team he has recruited to finish the job are already there, where their paths cross that of former German spymaster, Fritz Lemmer, now rebuilding his spy network in the service of a new, more sinister cause.
In the days and weeks ahead, the quest Max embarked on in Paris will reach its dizzying end at Tomura's castle in the mountains of Honshu -- and the full truth of what occurred thirty years before will finally be laid bare.
Opening: SAM TWENTYMAN WAS A LONG WAY FROM HOME. HE HAD NEVER imagined he might stray so far from his Walthamstow roots. He was not by nature the straying kind. Yet here he was sitting on a bollard smoking a cigarette while people of several races and numerous nationalities swarmed around him on Yokohama pier.
Underwhelmed by this last book in the trilogy, it was a question of having to drive myself through. I did wonder if Goddard himself had tired of it. Baseline 3*
5* In Pale Battalions
3* Into the Blue
5* Past Caring
4* Caught In The Light
4* Long Time Coming
3* Never Go Back
3* Sight Unseen
TR Beyond Recall
3* Borrowed Time
3* Hand in Glove
WL Fault Line
4* Set In Stone
1* Found Wanting
2* Name To A Face
4* Painting The Darkness
1* Dying To Tell
3* Play to the End
3* Out of the Sun
3* Days Without Number
4* Take No Farewell
2* Closed Circle
TR Blood Count
3* Sea Change
3* The Ways of the World (The Wide World Trilogy #1)
4* The Corners of the Globe (The Wide World - James Maxted, #2)
3* The Ends of the Earth (The Wide World Trilogy, #3)
July 1919. Ex-flying ace James 'Max' Maxted's attempt to uncover the secret behind the death of his father, Sir Henry Maxted, murdered while serving as an adviser with the British delegation to the Paris peace conference, has seemingly ended in failure -- and his own death.
The trail uncovered by him leads to Japan and a mysterious prisoner held by Sir Henry Maxted's old enemy, Count Tomura. Unaware of Max's fate, the team he has recruited to finish the job are already there, where their paths cross that of former German spymaster, Fritz Lemmer, now rebuilding his spy network in the service of a new, more sinister cause.
In the days and weeks ahead, the quest Max embarked on in Paris will reach its dizzying end at Tomura's castle in the mountains of Honshu -- and the full truth of what occurred thirty years before will finally be laid bare.
Opening: SAM TWENTYMAN WAS A LONG WAY FROM HOME. HE HAD NEVER imagined he might stray so far from his Walthamstow roots. He was not by nature the straying kind. Yet here he was sitting on a bollard smoking a cigarette while people of several races and numerous nationalities swarmed around him on Yokohama pier.
Underwhelmed by this last book in the trilogy, it was a question of having to drive myself through. I did wonder if Goddard himself had tired of it. Baseline 3*5* In Pale Battalions
3* Into the Blue
5* Past Caring
4* Caught In The Light
4* Long Time Coming
3* Never Go Back
3* Sight Unseen
TR Beyond Recall
3* Borrowed Time
3* Hand in Glove
WL Fault Line
4* Set In Stone
1* Found Wanting
2* Name To A Face
4* Painting The Darkness
1* Dying To Tell
3* Play to the End
3* Out of the Sun
3* Days Without Number
4* Take No Farewell
2* Closed Circle
TR Blood Count
3* Sea Change
3* The Ways of the World (The Wide World Trilogy #1)
4* The Corners of the Globe (The Wide World - James Maxted, #2)
3* The Ends of the Earth (The Wide World Trilogy, #3)
January 14, 2018
I’ve been a long time fan of Robert Goddard but I have to confess that I haven’t liked this drawn out process of the James Maxted trilogy coming out a year between each book. Perhaps I should have bided my time so I could read all three books back to back for a more satisfying experience. By the time I’d got to the next one, I’d forgotten much of what had gone before, and while Goddard does a good job of feeding in handy reminders, it’s not the same as having the tension build naturally while the information is fresh in the reader’s mind. I hope his publishers aren’t planning to repeat the experiment any time soon.
While I liked Max as a character and I enjoyed the historical element, by the time we got to the last book in the series, it was tiring getting to grips with the unfamiliar Japanese names and locations. And I wasn’t totally convinced by the closing events of the story.
In some of his more recent titles, Goddard has veered a little off his signature style of plot twists and the “double-triple cross”, which is what I’ve loved about his books, and his characters have become a bit more “derring-do”, which, in my opinion, is to the detriment of his novels.
I see his next book, due out in March is set in Cornwall and, going by the blurb, appears to be the sort of tale which takes us back to his writing roots. I do hope so.
While I liked Max as a character and I enjoyed the historical element, by the time we got to the last book in the series, it was tiring getting to grips with the unfamiliar Japanese names and locations. And I wasn’t totally convinced by the closing events of the story.
In some of his more recent titles, Goddard has veered a little off his signature style of plot twists and the “double-triple cross”, which is what I’ve loved about his books, and his characters have become a bit more “derring-do”, which, in my opinion, is to the detriment of his novels.
I see his next book, due out in March is set in Cornwall and, going by the blurb, appears to be the sort of tale which takes us back to his writing roots. I do hope so.
August 17, 2015
Waow delighted I persevered and bought and read the third in the trilogy after being disappointed by the second in the series. The switch from France to Japan post Great War does wonders for the atmosphere and the plot and it is beautifully written at times with soime moving passages and the central characters are interesting enough to keep with it. Double crosses at nearly every step...wonderful rip roaring stuff and fascinating backdrop in Japanese history ancient and post war. Final chapters are engrossing and the castle description -- of which I will reveal nothing as it is pertinent to the plot -- is brilliantly and movingly written. Indeed even the annoyance I expressed from the second book of the habit of putting into French English accents the words spoken by the French characters fades away when they are switched to the Japanese personalities speaking Japanese...perhaps because unlike France I have not lived in Japan and then it is not so irritating as a result? Heaven knows, but I thoroughly enjoyed this work of a thriller meister.
January 3, 2018
This trilogy certainly deserves five stars and it receives a fitting ending in The Ends of the Earth. Finally, everything is tied together. While I would have preferred all three books to have been published in one, I still managed to remember much of what had happened and was so pleased to see loose ends tied. Excellent!
February 1, 2018
"What will you tell Hodgson?"
She gave a wintry little smile. "What I must."
In that brief exchange, there are three volumes of implication behind every word. I love this guy. This is just the latest reason.
Perfectly constructed, he keeps the twists coming 10 pages from the end of the third volume.
She gave a wintry little smile. "What I must."
In that brief exchange, there are three volumes of implication behind every word. I love this guy. This is just the latest reason.
Perfectly constructed, he keeps the twists coming 10 pages from the end of the third volume.
February 9, 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+❤️
What a brilliant trilogy! Take a bow Robert Goddard. If you haven't read these books you definitely need to.
What a brilliant trilogy! Take a bow Robert Goddard. If you haven't read these books you definitely need to.
November 29, 2016
Laatste boek van de trilogie. Echt spannend van genoten.
June 24, 2017
I have been reading Robert Goddard’s thrillers since acquiring a taste for some palate-cleansing reading-for-enjoyment borne of marathon sessions in the University Library reading-for-eventual-employability. I still have a bitter taste in my mouth if I’m honest, so I keep coming back for more.
His ‘Into The Blue’ (1990) is, for my money, right up there with Michael Connelly’s ‘The Poet’ (1996) in terms of how deeply the reader is drawn into the mission of their lone protagonist, winding their way through the story-line with determination and no seeming need to earn any money or worry about the stuff that keeps the rest of us where we are… I suppose it’s a function of hero-worship that each encounter delivers diminishing returns. It’s faint praise but nonetheless true to say that ‘The Ends of the Earth’ (Corgi, 2016) did not disappoint me quite as much as some of Goddard’s other recent works have.
The novel is the closing chapter on a trilogy set immediately post-WWI, a period which is interesting for its relative obscurity, book-ended as it is by much more obviously dramatic periods. It is curious that the time’s major international story (the ‘flu pandemic which carried off an estimated 50-100 million people) doesn’t really get a mention, but I guess Goddard didn’t see how it added any value or opportunity to his story. There’s very little explicit reference to the realities of life in these times (the lack of automation, difficulties with hygiene, etc) and the rigid class barriers which would have shackled most interactions are winked at but not allowed to interfere with the action. In fact, the starkest reminder that this isn’t taking place in the modern world is the credibility-stretching way in which communications travel between the various theatres of play (telegrams, it seems, are quite as reliable as email – just a bit slower).
The hero, a former RFC/ RAF pilot James ‘Max’ Maxted’s fate was left in some doubt at the end of part 2 (‘The Corners of the Globe’) as he sought to unravel the secret of his father’s death at the hands of an international group of conspirators with a motive reaching back into the 1890s. The series explores a grand theme, that apparently inconsequential choices, betrayals and promises can have an influence long into the future.
It’s probably not a spoiler to reveal that Max turns up again at the end of the first act to pursue his single-minded objective, with characteristically English determination and self-control. He’s a little annoying, if I’m honest, and I much preferred the character of the weary spy master.
As with the best writing set in the past, the author doesn’t inflict pages of exposition or scene setting on their reader, assuming a certain level of background knowledge. You do need to ‘keep up’ (a problem, when a complex trilogy such as this is released a book at a time over a few years – it’s best to read all three in a row) as the plot could not be described as simplistic. I seldom found my thinking jumping ahead of the writing due to obviously signposted twists. Indeed, I had to work quite hard as a reader to maintain the large cast and their interweaving relationships at the forefront of my mind. Equally, the story has made its way to Japan – a country and culture largely alien to the majority of English language readers – and Goddard doesn’t shirk the complexities this brings to the novel, or to his characters. I got the impression that he chose both the period and the setting partly on how under-explored they are in the popular imagination.
In the final analysis, I think I failed to connect with the main character enough to care about him or what he was trying to do. Not entirely my fault, his generic blandness was a major factor in this. I suspect the series has done rather well – the ending has been left open enough for the ‘trilogy in four parts’ to become a reality. I’ll no doubt read it.
His ‘Into The Blue’ (1990) is, for my money, right up there with Michael Connelly’s ‘The Poet’ (1996) in terms of how deeply the reader is drawn into the mission of their lone protagonist, winding their way through the story-line with determination and no seeming need to earn any money or worry about the stuff that keeps the rest of us where we are… I suppose it’s a function of hero-worship that each encounter delivers diminishing returns. It’s faint praise but nonetheless true to say that ‘The Ends of the Earth’ (Corgi, 2016) did not disappoint me quite as much as some of Goddard’s other recent works have.
The novel is the closing chapter on a trilogy set immediately post-WWI, a period which is interesting for its relative obscurity, book-ended as it is by much more obviously dramatic periods. It is curious that the time’s major international story (the ‘flu pandemic which carried off an estimated 50-100 million people) doesn’t really get a mention, but I guess Goddard didn’t see how it added any value or opportunity to his story. There’s very little explicit reference to the realities of life in these times (the lack of automation, difficulties with hygiene, etc) and the rigid class barriers which would have shackled most interactions are winked at but not allowed to interfere with the action. In fact, the starkest reminder that this isn’t taking place in the modern world is the credibility-stretching way in which communications travel between the various theatres of play (telegrams, it seems, are quite as reliable as email – just a bit slower).
The hero, a former RFC/ RAF pilot James ‘Max’ Maxted’s fate was left in some doubt at the end of part 2 (‘The Corners of the Globe’) as he sought to unravel the secret of his father’s death at the hands of an international group of conspirators with a motive reaching back into the 1890s. The series explores a grand theme, that apparently inconsequential choices, betrayals and promises can have an influence long into the future.
It’s probably not a spoiler to reveal that Max turns up again at the end of the first act to pursue his single-minded objective, with characteristically English determination and self-control. He’s a little annoying, if I’m honest, and I much preferred the character of the weary spy master.
As with the best writing set in the past, the author doesn’t inflict pages of exposition or scene setting on their reader, assuming a certain level of background knowledge. You do need to ‘keep up’ (a problem, when a complex trilogy such as this is released a book at a time over a few years – it’s best to read all three in a row) as the plot could not be described as simplistic. I seldom found my thinking jumping ahead of the writing due to obviously signposted twists. Indeed, I had to work quite hard as a reader to maintain the large cast and their interweaving relationships at the forefront of my mind. Equally, the story has made its way to Japan – a country and culture largely alien to the majority of English language readers – and Goddard doesn’t shirk the complexities this brings to the novel, or to his characters. I got the impression that he chose both the period and the setting partly on how under-explored they are in the popular imagination.
In the final analysis, I think I failed to connect with the main character enough to care about him or what he was trying to do. Not entirely my fault, his generic blandness was a major factor in this. I suspect the series has done rather well – the ending has been left open enough for the ‘trilogy in four parts’ to become a reality. I’ll no doubt read it.
June 17, 2017
This is more of the Robert Goddard that I've wanted to read. The past two books were convoluted with characters switching sides and switching back and then being killed as soon as they'd became extraneous to the action. Without giving away too much of the plot, in this we watch the characters trying to get an advantage over their enemies, and then losing that advantage. Catastrophically. Really catastrophically! Just as everything seems to come together, it all falls into disaster.
The denouement of this book is really good stuff, here Goddard writes a tight story that you might want to read in one sitting. The difficulty is that this isn't enough to sustain a novel by itself - or else it would have been a much longer novel. I can see now how the three "acts" of the novel have been structured, but the publishers have really milked this. I was angry that the first edition of The Ways of the World was not advertised as the first of the trilogy. When the second volume started, it didn't seem to follow from where there first left off and ended mid sentence. This book brought about a satisfying conclusing, although I was left handed wondering how the characters at the end would interact. And it's been set up for a follow-on story, probably along the lines of a Harry Barnett sequence of stories (although hopefully not a triology, but as stand-alone stories).
The denouement of this book is really good stuff, here Goddard writes a tight story that you might want to read in one sitting. The difficulty is that this isn't enough to sustain a novel by itself - or else it would have been a much longer novel. I can see now how the three "acts" of the novel have been structured, but the publishers have really milked this. I was angry that the first edition of The Ways of the World was not advertised as the first of the trilogy. When the second volume started, it didn't seem to follow from where there first left off and ended mid sentence. This book brought about a satisfying conclusing, although I was left handed wondering how the characters at the end would interact. And it's been set up for a follow-on story, probably along the lines of a Harry Barnett sequence of stories (although hopefully not a triology, but as stand-alone stories).
January 22, 2018
This is the final book in the trilogy featuring James 'Max' Maxted, a pre-Bond Bond.
The book picks up where the second one left off with Max's friends and allies in Japan, waiting for him to join them. But the last time we saw him, Max was on the wrong end of a pistol in Marseilles.
The action centres on Tokyo where Max's friends discover what happened in Marseilles and try to finish Max's mission for him. Things don't go to plan though and everything goes horribly wrong until Fate and several sympathetic Japanese allies intervene.
With some characters back in play and others dropping off the board, the action flicks between Japan and Europe as the battle of wits between our heroes and villains escalates.
The book is pacy enough, with plenty of twists and turns, but it does get more than a little preposterous. By the end of the book, you have to thoroughly suspend your disbelief at some of the high jinks that go on. Still, it's entertaining and wraps up all the loose ends.
The book picks up where the second one left off with Max's friends and allies in Japan, waiting for him to join them. But the last time we saw him, Max was on the wrong end of a pistol in Marseilles.
The action centres on Tokyo where Max's friends discover what happened in Marseilles and try to finish Max's mission for him. Things don't go to plan though and everything goes horribly wrong until Fate and several sympathetic Japanese allies intervene.
With some characters back in play and others dropping off the board, the action flicks between Japan and Europe as the battle of wits between our heroes and villains escalates.
The book is pacy enough, with plenty of twists and turns, but it does get more than a little preposterous. By the end of the book, you have to thoroughly suspend your disbelief at some of the high jinks that go on. Still, it's entertaining and wraps up all the loose ends.
December 31, 2022
One of those trilogies that, having read the first two which were excellent (the first one) and good (the second one), it is incumbent upon the reader to trawl through the third which continues the complicated story of what went on in late 19th century diplomatic Japan and a quest to unravel the whole thing accompanied by much bloodshed.
I would never have guessed from book one where this was going or who would survive to the conclusion which was, to my mind at least, a little underwhelming.
If anything, the denouement is rushed (after 1,000 plus pages!) and the plot reminded me of the Family Guy Star Wars send-up in which Stewie Griffin (as Health and Safety Officer Darth Vadar) questions the wisdom of the architect of the Death Star building in a potentially fatal weak point. ‘’I wouldn’t be doin’ my job if I didn’t point this out.” A simple bolt on a door from the inside would have scuppered the whole enterprise. Ho hum.
I would never have guessed from book one where this was going or who would survive to the conclusion which was, to my mind at least, a little underwhelming.
If anything, the denouement is rushed (after 1,000 plus pages!) and the plot reminded me of the Family Guy Star Wars send-up in which Stewie Griffin (as Health and Safety Officer Darth Vadar) questions the wisdom of the architect of the Death Star building in a potentially fatal weak point. ‘’I wouldn’t be doin’ my job if I didn’t point this out.” A simple bolt on a door from the inside would have scuppered the whole enterprise. Ho hum.
May 6, 2017
The final in the James Maxted trilogy which began with The Ways of the World, where James' father died, but as we go deeper we find out that he nay have been murdered. His son James begins a long, winding road which becomes murkier with the second novel The Corners of the Globe, where James finds clues that lead him to Tokyo. There are spies, deceits, double and triple agents abounding.
Bodies of the allies and enemies of 'Max' add up all leading to the main villain Count Tomura in his castle filled with death traps and more than anyone could expect.
I was happy that 'Max's' main allies survive, since they had gone though some difficult times with Tomura's cohorts. Still the ending reminded mea bit of James Bond's confrontation of Ernest Blofeld, though Tomura lives.
There is a possibility of another novel, buy only time will tell Mister Maxted.
Bodies of the allies and enemies of 'Max' add up all leading to the main villain Count Tomura in his castle filled with death traps and more than anyone could expect.
I was happy that 'Max's' main allies survive, since they had gone though some difficult times with Tomura's cohorts. Still the ending reminded mea bit of James Bond's confrontation of Ernest Blofeld, though Tomura lives.
There is a possibility of another novel, buy only time will tell Mister Maxted.
January 23, 2022
If you are a fan of mysteries, you will not want to miss Robert Goddard’s Wide World Trilogy with ex-flying ace James ‘Max’ Maxted. The setting is post World War I which is a little different for this type of trilogy but is a fascinating time period to immerse yourself in. And Goddard is a master at immersing us in Maxted’s world. He takes us to Great Britain, France and Japan with a multitude of stops in between! High tension, twists and turns, honor and betrayals, evil vs good---it’s all here. I couldn’t put these books down. Maxted is a character you will not soon forget. I highly recommend this trilogy.
July 16, 2017
A very enjoyable series and this book concludes and wraps up nicely the events of the first two books.
The ending seems contrived and only done to allow the author to write more books with the character. I'm not opposed to it, but the string left hanging felt unbelievable and forced. The promise wrong and not believable by either character. Honor, horseshit by the author.
If he wanted to use Max for future books, then end these books completely.
won't be reading any future Max books as a protest.
The ending seems contrived and only done to allow the author to write more books with the character. I'm not opposed to it, but the string left hanging felt unbelievable and forced. The promise wrong and not believable by either character. Honor, horseshit by the author.
If he wanted to use Max for future books, then end these books completely.
won't be reading any future Max books as a protest.
May 20, 2017
Found the first chapters slow and uninteresting and struggled to remember the characters and earlier plot, as it was three years since I'd read the second in this series. Eventually things sped up and felt like more classic Goddard, although I never really felt involved or caring about his hero's problems in this novel. Have read all his books but doubt I'll read any more until I've seen a review reassuring me that he's returned to his earlier format.
August 26, 2017
Pacy, page turner, tied up various threads from the other two books but
I don't know why but it felt somewhat unsatisfying as a trilogy conclusion. Usually it is book 2 that feels weak in such a series, but this time it is book 3. I can't explain it, Goddard is a good storyteller with an excellent history of researching his places and times so you feel as if you are there. Perhaps it is because 1919 Japan is so totally alien to most of us that we cannot relate in any way at all?
I don't know why but it felt somewhat unsatisfying as a trilogy conclusion. Usually it is book 2 that feels weak in such a series, but this time it is book 3. I can't explain it, Goddard is a good storyteller with an excellent history of researching his places and times so you feel as if you are there. Perhaps it is because 1919 Japan is so totally alien to most of us that we cannot relate in any way at all?
September 11, 2018
Ook dit derde deel van de trilogie staat bol van de actie en spanning. De focus wordt verplaatst naar Japan, waar Max uiteindelijk de reden ontdekt waarom zijn vader zo'n groot geldbedrag nodig had om een reddingsteam samen te stellen: de bevrijding van een gevangene. En, nog belangrijker, de identiteit van die gevangene.
Met gevaar voor eigen leven en dat van zijn kameraden besluit hij een ultieme poging te wagen de plannen van zijn overleden vader te realiseren.
3½ ster.
Met gevaar voor eigen leven en dat van zijn kameraden besluit hij een ultieme poging te wagen de plannen van zijn overleden vader te realiseren.
3½ ster.
April 18, 2020
The second book in this trilogy ended with Max about to die. And it’s not I
Until about 1/3 of the way through that we find out what happened.
Max and the team head to Japan to finish what was started in part 1. At such a distance Max and Appleby find difficulty communicating. Even the team, all in Japan also have trouble communicating. So many difficulties and although you know good will triumph it is a long road they travel.
Until about 1/3 of the way through that we find out what happened.
Max and the team head to Japan to finish what was started in part 1. At such a distance Max and Appleby find difficulty communicating. Even the team, all in Japan also have trouble communicating. So many difficulties and although you know good will triumph it is a long road they travel.
December 19, 2016
Met deze laatste in de Wijde Wereldtrilogie komt een mooi, weliswaar open einde aan een zeer degelijke reeks. Hoewel iets minder spannend dan de eerste delen, toch vallen de puzzelstukken mooi in elkaar. Een gesloten einde had hier eigenlijk ook gekund, maar een extra deel zou wat mij betreft zeker mogen verschijnen.
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