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The Thickety #4
The Last Spell
The spellbinding conclusion to the critically acclaimed Thickety series. In The Thickety #4: The Last Spell, Kara and her brother Taff must find the hidden pieces of Princess Evangeline’s grimoire to defeat Rygoth and her army of witches in one last good versus evil battle.
Kara and Taff have discovered that the Spider Queen is searching for Princess Evangeline’s grimoire, the Vukera. Legends say that any witch who wields its dangerous magic would be indestructible. Kara and Taff have to stop the Spider Queen from finding the ancient weapon—and destroying everything.
They will travel through time with an old enemy, come face-to-face with the creatures that guard the grimoire’s pages, and unravel a king’s dangerous secret, before one final battle against the Spider Queen. But can Kara save the people she loves and cast a spell that could change magic forever?
Kara and Taff have discovered that the Spider Queen is searching for Princess Evangeline’s grimoire, the Vukera. Legends say that any witch who wields its dangerous magic would be indestructible. Kara and Taff have to stop the Spider Queen from finding the ancient weapon—and destroying everything.
They will travel through time with an old enemy, come face-to-face with the creatures that guard the grimoire’s pages, and unravel a king’s dangerous secret, before one final battle against the Spider Queen. But can Kara save the people she loves and cast a spell that could change magic forever?
512 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2017
44 people are currently reading
1335 people want to read
About the author
J.A. White
14 books615 followersJ. A. White lives in New Jersey with his wife, three sons, and a hamster named Ophelia that doesn’t like him very much. When he’s not making up stories, he teaches a bunch of kids how to make up stories (along with math and science and other important stuff). He wishes dragons were real because it would be a much cooler way to get to work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 6, 2016
I'm feeling a bit sad that this was the final book in this amazing series. Because this world is amazing. And I adore the characters so much. And oh, how I want more more more. I'm thrilled to have read this fourth book early. And I loved it oh so much. Eee. It is so beyond amazing.
I'm trying to find words to describe how much I loved this final book. So far words are failing me. Because I simply loved this book so much. It was everything I wanted from a final book. Yes, it is beyond heartbreaking at times, and the ending broke me a little, but it was so perfect. Loved.
As always, the writing is beyond gorgeous. And I so adore this author. Jerry is awesome. And gosh, I simply cannot wait to read more books by him. I am just crossing all my fingers that there might be more books from this world, lol. There doesn't need to be anything else after this ending, but I want more. So much. So yes. I'm hoping for that. But either way, I would read anything that Jerry writes and I'm so excited for his upcoming books. Anyway. The Last Spell was all kinds of amazing. There is so much happening in this book. So many revelations. And I loved reading all of those. I loved how everything in this series fit together. So good. I love how all the books are from Kara's point of view. She is the best.
Like the previous books, there is a journey in this one. And it is all kinds of exciting. I loved how much happens in this book. I love all the places they see, and the new characters they meet too. I loved the hunt for the first grimoire. So interesting and exciting and dangerous and just so awesome. I loved every moment in this book. Even that heartbreaking part at the ending. Hmph. And near the ending too. And gosh. This book was actually all kinds of sad. Sobs. But stunning too. And full of hope as well. Loved it.
There is more of everything in this book. More heartbreak. More romance. More amazing friendships. More witches. And all of it was so amazing. I'm not sure how else to describe it. I loved every moment of this book. And oh, the characters. Kara is still the most amazing girl. I love how she has grown since book one. How much better she understands the world now and everyone in it. She is just the cutest and most protective one. I love how she wants to keep everyone safe. How she cares for everyone. It's amazing.
I simply adore Kara. And her brother Taff is still all kinds of awesome too. He is so cute and still so smart and I love how this is his and Kara's story. It has been about them working to get their father back. Their life back. I have adored reading about their journey to do all that. I was a bit heartbroken that a whole year had passed at the end of book three, when only a week had gone by for Kara and Taff. It was so sad. Ahh. But it had to happen. And I'm also sort of glad it did too. It moved the plot so fast ahead. Ack.
There is also more of Lucas in this book. Sigh. And oh, how I adore this boy. He is still the most amazing. And I love reading about him the most. Him and Kara together is the best. Eee. A small romance in this book. It was everything I wanted it to be. Okay, I wanted a bit more, but it was so perfect even so. There is also more of Grace in this book. I'm unsure what I think of her. I think I grew to love her a bit. But her ending was a bit bittersweet, but I think I'm okay with it. Maybe. I'm a bit sad about it, tbh. I did like Grace.
There are a whole bunch of creatures in this book. And I loved that the most. Reading about different animals is always fun. And I love how Kara is able to talk to most of them. Eee. So exciting. My favorite was the cutie that she got from the Well of Witches. She was awesome. Sniffs. But yeah. I loved reading about all the creatures. They were all so interesting. Also a bunch of people too, that I enjoyed reading about. I do adore Safi and Bethany. Mostly. They are pretty interesting. Just, yeah. So much amazing.
Then there is the villain. Gah. This woman was all kinds of awful and wrong. And I couldn't help but love reading about her even so. Though I did want her dead at all times. Hmph. She did a whole bunch of bad stuff. But yeah. I loved reading about how Kara was trying to defeat her. There is a big battle in this book. And it was pretty amazing. I loved reading it. Just, ack. This book was so good. The villain was awful. The main characters were the best. This book had it all. And I'm so thrilled with it. Eee. Such a perfect story.
I'm unable to say more about this book. I just have no more words. This was such a stunning finale book. The ending was exciting and evil and I loved every moment of it. Oh. The memory things destroyed me, though, and I'm not sure I will get over it. Hmph. But it was so perfect too. And ahh. I loved it all. The Thickety: The Last Spell was everything I wanted it to be. The perfect final book to an amazing middle grade series. I have loved reading these books the most. You must all read them too. Right away. Now.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2016/1...
I'm trying to find words to describe how much I loved this final book. So far words are failing me. Because I simply loved this book so much. It was everything I wanted from a final book. Yes, it is beyond heartbreaking at times, and the ending broke me a little, but it was so perfect. Loved.
As always, the writing is beyond gorgeous. And I so adore this author. Jerry is awesome. And gosh, I simply cannot wait to read more books by him. I am just crossing all my fingers that there might be more books from this world, lol. There doesn't need to be anything else after this ending, but I want more. So much. So yes. I'm hoping for that. But either way, I would read anything that Jerry writes and I'm so excited for his upcoming books. Anyway. The Last Spell was all kinds of amazing. There is so much happening in this book. So many revelations. And I loved reading all of those. I loved how everything in this series fit together. So good. I love how all the books are from Kara's point of view. She is the best.
Like the previous books, there is a journey in this one. And it is all kinds of exciting. I loved how much happens in this book. I love all the places they see, and the new characters they meet too. I loved the hunt for the first grimoire. So interesting and exciting and dangerous and just so awesome. I loved every moment in this book. Even that heartbreaking part at the ending. Hmph. And near the ending too. And gosh. This book was actually all kinds of sad. Sobs. But stunning too. And full of hope as well. Loved it.
There is more of everything in this book. More heartbreak. More romance. More amazing friendships. More witches. And all of it was so amazing. I'm not sure how else to describe it. I loved every moment of this book. And oh, the characters. Kara is still the most amazing girl. I love how she has grown since book one. How much better she understands the world now and everyone in it. She is just the cutest and most protective one. I love how she wants to keep everyone safe. How she cares for everyone. It's amazing.
I simply adore Kara. And her brother Taff is still all kinds of awesome too. He is so cute and still so smart and I love how this is his and Kara's story. It has been about them working to get their father back. Their life back. I have adored reading about their journey to do all that. I was a bit heartbroken that a whole year had passed at the end of book three, when only a week had gone by for Kara and Taff. It was so sad. Ahh. But it had to happen. And I'm also sort of glad it did too. It moved the plot so fast ahead. Ack.
There is also more of Lucas in this book. Sigh. And oh, how I adore this boy. He is still the most amazing. And I love reading about him the most. Him and Kara together is the best. Eee. A small romance in this book. It was everything I wanted it to be. Okay, I wanted a bit more, but it was so perfect even so. There is also more of Grace in this book. I'm unsure what I think of her. I think I grew to love her a bit. But her ending was a bit bittersweet, but I think I'm okay with it. Maybe. I'm a bit sad about it, tbh. I did like Grace.
There are a whole bunch of creatures in this book. And I loved that the most. Reading about different animals is always fun. And I love how Kara is able to talk to most of them. Eee. So exciting. My favorite was the cutie that she got from the Well of Witches. She was awesome. Sniffs. But yeah. I loved reading about all the creatures. They were all so interesting. Also a bunch of people too, that I enjoyed reading about. I do adore Safi and Bethany. Mostly. They are pretty interesting. Just, yeah. So much amazing.
Then there is the villain. Gah. This woman was all kinds of awful and wrong. And I couldn't help but love reading about her even so. Though I did want her dead at all times. Hmph. She did a whole bunch of bad stuff. But yeah. I loved reading about how Kara was trying to defeat her. There is a big battle in this book. And it was pretty amazing. I loved reading it. Just, ack. This book was so good. The villain was awful. The main characters were the best. This book had it all. And I'm so thrilled with it. Eee. Such a perfect story.
I'm unable to say more about this book. I just have no more words. This was such a stunning finale book. The ending was exciting and evil and I loved every moment of it. Oh. The memory things destroyed me, though, and I'm not sure I will get over it. Hmph. But it was so perfect too. And ahh. I loved it all. The Thickety: The Last Spell was everything I wanted it to be. The perfect final book to an amazing middle grade series. I have loved reading these books the most. You must all read them too. Right away. Now.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2016/1...
September 12, 2016
Edited a lot here just because I realized how stupid I was being putting major spoilers under a spoiler tag for an anticipated book. Made things more vague, may put them back after publication.
I literally snatched this out of our ARC box when it came I was so FRIGGIN' PUMPED FOR IT. I started it at work and I finished it as soon as I got home and man, it's a great finish. (It's already in the hands of my friend who I've been gushing at back and forth about the series ever since its start.)
It continues mostly everything I love of the series. The creepiness is admittedly dialed back somewhat to me in the sense that the book is more action-y than the others. In comparison to the first three books, which focused significantly on certain settings (1: the village, 2: the Thickety, 3: the Well of Witches), there is no grounding of *A* location in the Last Spell - which is fine, but means that the book takes on more of a movement heavy tone that allows less of the subtle nervousness that freaked me out in the first novel, or the tension of the Thickety realm in the second. But the creepiness was, as everything was, tied to moral ambiguity. Difficult decisions. Making the right decision, it turning out badly, but it not necessarily having been the wrong thing to do. And plenty of that still exists in the book, and gives it that immense strength that the author has enforced throughout.
One of the things I liked most about it is how free Kara feels in this last installment. Not that she isn't being chased by horrors beyond the imagination and so forth, but due to the events of the last book, Kara doesn't feel claustrophobic in herself. She has a new clarity to her decisions and consequences, which, even if they aren't the greatest, it isn't because it reflects badly on her, and she finally understands that after the results of the last book. It doesn't give her a confidence that abounds, but it's definitely a breather from the first three. A character development that has made her stronger without losing herself entirely. I loved loved loved this message in #3, and it's nice to see it fleshed out more here.
My favorite thing about #4, though, is definitely Grace. I wasn't sure if I would have been excited to see her before I started; I was thinking a lot about it even before I got the ARC. Not necessarily because she's a poorly written character, but because through Kara I really just hated her down to the core, and didn't feel enthusiastic about seeing her again. She was a character written perfectly to hate, and the glimpses of her better character weren't enough to turn it around, especially when considering her history... until this one. It's hard to emphasize how much I was with Kara in regards to Grace. The immediate suspicion, the conflict, the reluctant acceptance (but with lingering hesitation). Through and through I wanted her to be good, even if I hated her.
So... some things definitely did feel a little bit quick to the finish, but, at the end of the end of it all, I didn't care.
This was an amazing series, something I wish I'd had the pleasure of reading as a kid so that I could think of it fondly not just as a classic but as a formative thing for me. But to read it as an adult has also set a bar for children's lit, a focus on compassion - not necessarily even love as it happens, but a wider consideration of people's beings and feelings. Any hiccups it has (and I'm not one to say that it doesn't) are outweighed by the better messages it holds and presents. I'm so sad that it's over and yet INCREDIBLY EXCITED TO READY ANYTHING HE'S GOT GOING SOON.
I literally snatched this out of our ARC box when it came I was so FRIGGIN' PUMPED FOR IT. I started it at work and I finished it as soon as I got home and man, it's a great finish. (It's already in the hands of my friend who I've been gushing at back and forth about the series ever since its start.)
It continues mostly everything I love of the series. The creepiness is admittedly dialed back somewhat to me in the sense that the book is more action-y than the others. In comparison to the first three books, which focused significantly on certain settings (1: the village, 2: the Thickety, 3: the Well of Witches), there is no grounding of *A* location in the Last Spell - which is fine, but means that the book takes on more of a movement heavy tone that allows less of the subtle nervousness that freaked me out in the first novel, or the tension of the Thickety realm in the second. But the creepiness was, as everything was, tied to moral ambiguity. Difficult decisions. Making the right decision, it turning out badly, but it not necessarily having been the wrong thing to do. And plenty of that still exists in the book, and gives it that immense strength that the author has enforced throughout.
One of the things I liked most about it is how free Kara feels in this last installment. Not that she isn't being chased by horrors beyond the imagination and so forth, but due to the events of the last book, Kara doesn't feel claustrophobic in herself. She has a new clarity to her decisions and consequences, which, even if they aren't the greatest, it isn't because it reflects badly on her, and she finally understands that after the results of the last book. It doesn't give her a confidence that abounds, but it's definitely a breather from the first three. A character development that has made her stronger without losing herself entirely. I loved loved loved this message in #3, and it's nice to see it fleshed out more here.
My favorite thing about #4, though, is definitely Grace. I wasn't sure if I would have been excited to see her before I started; I was thinking a lot about it even before I got the ARC. Not necessarily because she's a poorly written character, but because through Kara I really just hated her down to the core, and didn't feel enthusiastic about seeing her again. She was a character written perfectly to hate, and the glimpses of her better character weren't enough to turn it around, especially when considering her history... until this one. It's hard to emphasize how much I was with Kara in regards to Grace. The immediate suspicion, the conflict, the reluctant acceptance (but with lingering hesitation). Through and through I wanted her to be good, even if I hated her.
So... some things definitely did feel a little bit quick to the finish, but, at the end of the end of it all, I didn't care.
This was an amazing series, something I wish I'd had the pleasure of reading as a kid so that I could think of it fondly not just as a classic but as a formative thing for me. But to read it as an adult has also set a bar for children's lit, a focus on compassion - not necessarily even love as it happens, but a wider consideration of people's beings and feelings. Any hiccups it has (and I'm not one to say that it doesn't) are outweighed by the better messages it holds and presents. I'm so sad that it's over and yet INCREDIBLY EXCITED TO READY ANYTHING HE'S GOT GOING SOON.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2018
the theme of the book is that anything can be good.
August 24, 2017
Very satisfying end to an imaginative and well-crafted series. Throughout the series, Kara develops her powers as a Wexari as she works to protect her friends and family, defeat the evil foe Rygoth, and heal magic. The final installment delivers even more magical elements and tons of action while answering longstanding questions and developing the personal bonds that Kara holds dear. I would whole-heartedly recommend to anyone who enjoys magic, whimsy, or quality story-telling in general.
As an audio, I really enjoyed the production. Moira Quirk is very talented and the various voices were well done.
As an audio, I really enjoyed the production. Moira Quirk is very talented and the various voices were well done.
October 17, 2018
The fourth and final book in the Thickety series. The highlight of the series is the strong bond between Kara and her younger brother, Taff. Together, they battle Rygoth, who seeks to reunite the four parts of the grimoire that belonged to Princess Evangeline, so she can become invincible. Grace plays an important role in the final book, and her allegiances always uncertain. I particularly enjoyed Kara creating a being from Taff's imagination in order to stop time. And, of course, Lucas cannot remain with Timoth Chen and his Greycloaks, and heads off to find/help Kara and Taff. Classic good vs. evil themes, with impressive world building and battles.
August 24, 2017
Very satisfying conclusion to a fantastic magical series. Such a tremendously detailed and well-thought-out world. The writing is amazing, as it has been throughout the series; there's just something about it that makes you so eager to read more of the story.
October 20, 2017
This is the final book in The Thickety series by J.A. White. Our oldest really enjoyed the books in this series and was very excited to read this fourth book, and I'm happy to both catch up to her and finish the saga.
The story was very dramatic and has some surprising twists. The story comes full circle, with a former enemy becoming an uneasy sort-of-ally and beloved characters returning in earnest.
Strange creatures abound in this tale. Evil combat ostriches and a time-stopping yonstaff appear along with old friends from previous tales.
I really enjoyed listening to Moira Quirk narrate the audiobook - she really captures the various voices and personalities of the different characters and I was entranced by the story, unable to stop listening until the end.
This conclusion of the epic tale has a lot of action, and far fewer creepy atmospheric scenes. The ending is somewhat anticlimactic, but very satisfactory.
In the final pages, I read how the author had originally intended this book to be a stand-alone story, but that it morphed into a four-book series. I think with some more editing, it could have (and perhaps should have) been condensed more than it was, but I still really enjoyed it.
interesting quotes (page numbers from hardcover edition with ISBN13 9780062381392):
"Kara wished that Bethany were here with her right now. She often longed for the company of witches - the good ones, at least." (p. 30)
"'My own father thought I was evil. How could there possibly be any good in me?'
'There's good in everyone,' Kara said. 'It's just a matter of bringing it out.'" (p. 176)
"At first Mary had lived up to her evil reputation, but in the end she had overcome the darkness within her and saved their lives." (pp. 343-344)
"'There's good in all places,' Mary said. 'People too.'
'Do you really believe that?'
'I do.'
'Then why is there so much evil in the world?' Taff asked.
'Because it's easy,' Mary said. 'Easier to destroy than to build. Easier to blame than to forgive. Evil corrupts. Tempts.' She waived her hand dismissively. 'Anyone can do that. Rygoth's nothing special. But good - good heals, redeems. That's hard. That takes someone truly remarkable.'" (p. 346)
"'We can only control our actions. The results?' She shrugged. 'What happens, happens. And who knows? Even bad things may happen for a good reason.'" (p. 347)
"For the first time Kara understood the extent of the sacrifice demanded by wexari magic, for memories are the building blocks of life. They make us who we are, she thought. They guide us, teach us, and act as a comforting blanket when days are cold. Without our memories, we're barely even human." (p. 364)
"If there's one thing that all monsters have in common, it's that they haven't known enough love in their lives." (p. 365)
The story was very dramatic and has some surprising twists. The story comes full circle, with a former enemy becoming an uneasy sort-of-ally and beloved characters returning in earnest.
Strange creatures abound in this tale. Evil combat ostriches and a time-stopping yonstaff appear along with old friends from previous tales.
I really enjoyed listening to Moira Quirk narrate the audiobook - she really captures the various voices and personalities of the different characters and I was entranced by the story, unable to stop listening until the end.
This conclusion of the epic tale has a lot of action, and far fewer creepy atmospheric scenes. The ending is somewhat anticlimactic, but very satisfactory.
In the final pages, I read how the author had originally intended this book to be a stand-alone story, but that it morphed into a four-book series. I think with some more editing, it could have (and perhaps should have) been condensed more than it was, but I still really enjoyed it.
interesting quotes (page numbers from hardcover edition with ISBN13 9780062381392):
"Kara wished that Bethany were here with her right now. She often longed for the company of witches - the good ones, at least." (p. 30)
"'My own father thought I was evil. How could there possibly be any good in me?'
'There's good in everyone,' Kara said. 'It's just a matter of bringing it out.'" (p. 176)
"At first Mary had lived up to her evil reputation, but in the end she had overcome the darkness within her and saved their lives." (pp. 343-344)
"'There's good in all places,' Mary said. 'People too.'
'Do you really believe that?'
'I do.'
'Then why is there so much evil in the world?' Taff asked.
'Because it's easy,' Mary said. 'Easier to destroy than to build. Easier to blame than to forgive. Evil corrupts. Tempts.' She waived her hand dismissively. 'Anyone can do that. Rygoth's nothing special. But good - good heals, redeems. That's hard. That takes someone truly remarkable.'" (p. 346)
"'We can only control our actions. The results?' She shrugged. 'What happens, happens. And who knows? Even bad things may happen for a good reason.'" (p. 347)
"For the first time Kara understood the extent of the sacrifice demanded by wexari magic, for memories are the building blocks of life. They make us who we are, she thought. They guide us, teach us, and act as a comforting blanket when days are cold. Without our memories, we're barely even human." (p. 364)
"If there's one thing that all monsters have in common, it's that they haven't known enough love in their lives." (p. 365)
November 8, 2021
I would say that of the 4 books in the series, this was my favorite. Because you need to read through the first three in order to build the foundation that this book rests on, it felt more "intricate" than the rest. It seemed more exciting but simultaneously had more purpose, which adds a lot of depth to the excitement. I appreciated how well everything seemed have tied in with the three preceding books and how it felt like everything I had questions about was addressed. Given that this book seems acceptable for a wide variety of ages, I will admit that there were times that were "overly cheesy" or over-communicative, but the overarching story and themes were ones I appreciated. For those who are fans of Harry Potter, I would say this is the same realm of interest, maybe a little darker at times and a little over-simplified others, but an enjoyable ride!
July 1, 2022
Although the plot and climax were a little underwhelming for me in this one, I still loved the characters and the world and the magic. I loved the relationship between Kara and Taff throughout the entire adventure. I loved the creative ways Kara and Taff used their different abilities, especially Kara’s creating ability and Taff’s surprise ability in the end battle. I was expecting a little bit more depth and clarity in the history of Evangeline and the Well of Witches and whatever was corrupting the magic but it just seemed a little simplistic to me, yet left a lot of unanswered questions. Overall, I really enjoyed this dark, yet sweet middle grade series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2017
Oh gods. This book!!!! THIS! BOOK! I cried, I cheered, I think I whispered "oh my god" about twenty times. This is a truly incredible ending to a fantastic series. I was worried sick about the outcome of the book and there was at least one death that broke my heart. But overall this series is mind blowing. I want to cuddle the entire collection!
October 16, 2020
At last I reach the last book. So sad that it's over it's truly amazing and I'd recommend it to anyone, literally. I enjoyed the dark logic plot in this and the character development for the main characters, and thankfully it has a happy ending.
Definitely one of my favorites!
5/5, lemme give it a six please.
Definitely one of my favorites!
5/5, lemme give it a six please.
July 11, 2018
I'm still a bit unsure between 4 to 5 stars for this book.
I mean I love the story but I've noticed some of J.A. sentences were not the same as in his previous books. Something lacked in his writing. Maybe he rushed to finish this one?
More of a Review to come later.
I mean I love the story but I've noticed some of J.A. sentences were not the same as in his previous books. Something lacked in his writing. Maybe he rushed to finish this one?
More of a Review to come later.
October 19, 2019
A perfect ending to an absolutely brilliant series. I cannot recommend this spooky/horror middle grade series enough. Full review to come!
January 10, 2022
Read- January 2022
- I honestly think this was my favourite book in this series and there is a chance that when I put this through CAWPILE that the rating will be raised to a 4 star rating. I didn't really enjoy the first book but I have enjoyed every book since then and I'm so glad I carried on reading the series. For sure an underrated series and I highly recommend (Note, I was correct and once I put this through CAWPILE it came out at a 4 stars)
- I honestly think this was my favourite book in this series and there is a chance that when I put this through CAWPILE that the rating will be raised to a 4 star rating. I didn't really enjoy the first book but I have enjoyed every book since then and I'm so glad I carried on reading the series. For sure an underrated series and I highly recommend (Note, I was correct and once I put this through CAWPILE it came out at a 4 stars)
July 31, 2019
Finally finished this series — and I’m so glad that I stuck with it.
After reading ‘The Thickety’ series, as well as reading his standalone ‘Nightbooks’ novel (read it in 2018 and therefore couldn’t log it here), I feel confident in saying that J.A. White is a wonderful children’s author. He creates characters that you care about, he’s not afraid to get dark, and he develops scenarios that keep you on the edge of your seat.
I found this final book satisfying for three reasons: character development (including relationships between characters), setting, and (finally!) the explanation to a certain ongoing mystery in the series.
First, character development: the biggest draw to this last novel is the emphasis on the protagonist and her little brother. In a lot of ways, this series began with a young girl desperately trying to take care of her sick little brother — and it ends with a young witch working with her (now healthy) brother to make the world a safer place for him. The author creates scenarios that really highlight how devoted the two are to each other, and also ends the series on a moment between the two of them. I appreciate that even though the author chose to include a mild romance, he does not let it overshadow the protagonist’s relationship with her brother — their relationship is clearly still the focal point of the series.
I also really enjoyed how the antagonist Grace was handled here. I do not want to give away any spoilers, but I found that the author was both delicate and realistic with her development. He manages to flesh her out, exploring the complexity behind her motives, etc., without completely blotting out all the undeniably evil and awful things that she has done in the first book.
Next, setting: my favorite part of this book is probably the first section — ‘The Hourglass Tower.’ This book does a really strong job of creating quiet, unsettling imagery that makes you question everything you read. You feel that finger of dread down your spine, but you don’t know why, exactly. There’s a particularly compelling image of people’s names carved into doorways and the unspoken consequences behind this name-carving.
I also appreciate how this series ends where it begins: the Thickety. Not as spooky as the first novel, but I loved the riots of autumn trees and the symbolism behind ending something where it began. You can really see how the protagonist has changed as a character when you put her in the same environment that she once lived in — as well as see how the environment has changed because of her. I was particularly pleased with the author’s decision to include the ‘Shadow Festival’ (essentially, an old-fashioned Halloween) once again in the series ... really stirred my love for all things orange and October and bump-in-the-night.
And finally: an explanation to a mystery that has been plaguing this series since its first book. That mystery being — ‘Why does magic tempt women to do bad things??’
As a fantasy lover, I’m fascinated with magic, and often get frustrated with novels that characterize all supernatural abilities as ‘evil,’ which just feels like a one-dimensional letdown to me. In fact, I actually actively avoided this novel as a teenager after reading the first few chapters because I thought that it was going in that direction.
However, the reality is that this series and its depiction of magic is so much more complicated than that. There’s an explanation behind the grimoires’ ‘wicked influence’ — and the solution is NOT the highly anticlimactic trope of ‘giving up your powers.’
While the first novel is certainly my favorite (I find it captures the Halloween-October spookiness the best), this novel is definitely a close second. Conclusions are difficult, and I thought that this novel tied up the characters and the plot nicely. Its strength probably lies in the fact that it focuses on characters who are pivotal to the first book rather than the weaker characters introduced in the second. There are a few bits toward the end of this novel that are a little corny, in particular a solution to a certain dangling problem — but in a honesty, the overall novel was too strong for these more minor faults to bother me. Perhaps if the solution was for the ongoing conflict of the series, but it was for a subplot introduced in this final book, so I will give the author a pass here.
The theme of this review seems to be ‘I don’t want to give things away.’ And I don’t. But I do highly recommend that you give this series a shot. It’s a wonderful romp through Halloween land.
Overall — emotional, compelling, and creepy when it needs to be. I imagine myself revisiting it again. Perhaps during the pumpkin season next year, who knows?
After reading ‘The Thickety’ series, as well as reading his standalone ‘Nightbooks’ novel (read it in 2018 and therefore couldn’t log it here), I feel confident in saying that J.A. White is a wonderful children’s author. He creates characters that you care about, he’s not afraid to get dark, and he develops scenarios that keep you on the edge of your seat.
I found this final book satisfying for three reasons: character development (including relationships between characters), setting, and (finally!) the explanation to a certain ongoing mystery in the series.
First, character development: the biggest draw to this last novel is the emphasis on the protagonist and her little brother. In a lot of ways, this series began with a young girl desperately trying to take care of her sick little brother — and it ends with a young witch working with her (now healthy) brother to make the world a safer place for him. The author creates scenarios that really highlight how devoted the two are to each other, and also ends the series on a moment between the two of them. I appreciate that even though the author chose to include a mild romance, he does not let it overshadow the protagonist’s relationship with her brother — their relationship is clearly still the focal point of the series.
I also really enjoyed how the antagonist Grace was handled here. I do not want to give away any spoilers, but I found that the author was both delicate and realistic with her development. He manages to flesh her out, exploring the complexity behind her motives, etc., without completely blotting out all the undeniably evil and awful things that she has done in the first book.
Next, setting: my favorite part of this book is probably the first section — ‘The Hourglass Tower.’ This book does a really strong job of creating quiet, unsettling imagery that makes you question everything you read. You feel that finger of dread down your spine, but you don’t know why, exactly. There’s a particularly compelling image of people’s names carved into doorways and the unspoken consequences behind this name-carving.
I also appreciate how this series ends where it begins: the Thickety. Not as spooky as the first novel, but I loved the riots of autumn trees and the symbolism behind ending something where it began. You can really see how the protagonist has changed as a character when you put her in the same environment that she once lived in — as well as see how the environment has changed because of her. I was particularly pleased with the author’s decision to include the ‘Shadow Festival’ (essentially, an old-fashioned Halloween) once again in the series ... really stirred my love for all things orange and October and bump-in-the-night.
And finally: an explanation to a mystery that has been plaguing this series since its first book. That mystery being — ‘Why does magic tempt women to do bad things??’
As a fantasy lover, I’m fascinated with magic, and often get frustrated with novels that characterize all supernatural abilities as ‘evil,’ which just feels like a one-dimensional letdown to me. In fact, I actually actively avoided this novel as a teenager after reading the first few chapters because I thought that it was going in that direction.
However, the reality is that this series and its depiction of magic is so much more complicated than that. There’s an explanation behind the grimoires’ ‘wicked influence’ — and the solution is NOT the highly anticlimactic trope of ‘giving up your powers.’
While the first novel is certainly my favorite (I find it captures the Halloween-October spookiness the best), this novel is definitely a close second. Conclusions are difficult, and I thought that this novel tied up the characters and the plot nicely. Its strength probably lies in the fact that it focuses on characters who are pivotal to the first book rather than the weaker characters introduced in the second. There are a few bits toward the end of this novel that are a little corny, in particular a solution to a certain dangling problem — but in a honesty, the overall novel was too strong for these more minor faults to bother me. Perhaps if the solution was for the ongoing conflict of the series, but it was for a subplot introduced in this final book, so I will give the author a pass here.
The theme of this review seems to be ‘I don’t want to give things away.’ And I don’t. But I do highly recommend that you give this series a shot. It’s a wonderful romp through Halloween land.
Overall — emotional, compelling, and creepy when it needs to be. I imagine myself revisiting it again. Perhaps during the pumpkin season next year, who knows?
September 11, 2023
I LOVED THIS SERIES ALL THE WAY THROUGH LIKE I WAS SO INVESTED I LOVE THIS SERIES DESRLY
THOUGH HARROWING, IT VERY KUCH WARMED MY COLD DEAD HEART, ABANDONED IN THE DARK OF THE THICKETY🫶🫶🫶
THOUGH HARROWING, IT VERY KUCH WARMED MY COLD DEAD HEART, ABANDONED IN THE DARK OF THE THICKETY🫶🫶🫶
May 28, 2024
Oh man. What a killer ending to an epic series. I would definitely recommend this to any HP fans. The world of the Thickety may not be as large as HP, but the story is just as compelling. Definitely worth your time reading this series and shelf-worthy.
May 13, 2017
This is the final book in the Thickety series. It slants more towards middle-grade than young adults, and like many novels written by men with female protagonists, the main character doesn’t quite come to life. The best part of this series to me is the wonderful relationship between Kara, our heroine, and her younger brother, who she loves and protects unreservedly. I appreciated how this portrayal of a sister and brother united against the world bucks the current trend of normalizing or even glorifying sibling conflict. The world-building is intricate, and the magic system is interesting and cool. Over the course of the novels, the plot has been uneven, and definitely does not have any resolution until this last volume. The first book in this series was excellent, the second only acceptable, and I wavered about picking up the last. In the end, it was a winning story with youthful idealism and touching sibling love, and I would recommend it now that the entire series is available, especially for younger teens.
October 20, 2017
Spoilers!
I have very much enjoyed this series. I forgot about the paper well of witches from the last book. This last book has wrapped things up well and I love Sordyr in the last few chapters, he seems like a little old man now. I can't really put into words how this book makes me feel. I feel proud that I have been able to read it and that I have gotten to spend 4 years with these characters, the good, the bad and those that changed.
Little Taff who is just so clever, Grace who you never knew where her loyalties laid, Lucas who is strength and heart. I loved Topper! He would have been a beautiful animal. Kara is so powerful and it was devastating when she forgot who she was.
Awesome book.
I have very much enjoyed this series. I forgot about the paper well of witches from the last book. This last book has wrapped things up well and I love Sordyr in the last few chapters, he seems like a little old man now. I can't really put into words how this book makes me feel. I feel proud that I have been able to read it and that I have gotten to spend 4 years with these characters, the good, the bad and those that changed.
Little Taff who is just so clever, Grace who you never knew where her loyalties laid, Lucas who is strength and heart. I loved Topper! He would have been a beautiful animal. Kara is so powerful and it was devastating when she forgot who she was.
Awesome book.
June 22, 2017
This was the perfect ending to a delightful series. When I started reading The Thickety, I thought I was in for a little creepy light reading. What I got was an epic fantasy adventure sprinkled with pragmatism and philosophy and left me with much to think about and some new thoughts about human nature. While kids will love this book, adults should too. Read these books. Buy these books. Love these books. Whatever you do, don't miss out on Kara and her adventures in and away from The Thickety.
August 31, 2017
I'm not even sure what to write. All I know is that I will miss Kara and Taff dearly. J.A. White did such an amazing job crafting an amazing series and amazing characters. Tears will most likely be shed over what a brilliant job this author did. I'm practically speechless.
November 2, 2017
Reading The Thickety series was such a wonderful journey full of amazing sights, magic, adventures, friendships, and the everlasting message of kindness, bravery, and loyalty in the face of evil. Such an incredibly imaginative world White has created for our young readers and I am so happy to have been a part of it!
April 22, 2019
Loved the entire series but the 4th one is by far the best of them and that was hard to do because the bar on plot, characters and prose was set so high in the previous three. Amazing writing. My 9 year old and I read the series together and we laughed, we cried and hung on the edge of our seats throughout the entire ride. So when is the movie coming out? :-)
March 26, 2018
The end. ::bawls::
May 22, 2020
Amazing and fascinating series. A must read to all
August 7, 2022
The adventure is finally over...in a very traditional "happy ending" way!
This story kept me on edge from the first book A Path Begins. It is a continuous adventure, with very few breaks. This final book tries to fasten all loose ends mentioned before (except one maybe!). It is a swift tail, faster than the previous one, which made it more fascinating.
I can't tell anything about the events in it without risking a spoiler... thus
All in all, it was a great adventure. I loved it even though there were some slack and sad moments. I wanted to read more of Kara, but I think it's time I find something else to read other than magic because it was the only thing I was thinking about for the last few months!
This story kept me on edge from the first book A Path Begins. It is a continuous adventure, with very few breaks. This final book tries to fasten all loose ends mentioned before (except one maybe!). It is a swift tail, faster than the previous one, which made it more fascinating.
I can't tell anything about the events in it without risking a spoiler... thus
All in all, it was a great adventure. I loved it even though there were some slack and sad moments. I wanted to read more of Kara, but I think it's time I find something else to read other than magic because it was the only thing I was thinking about for the last few months!
November 19, 2017
Just finished reading the last book of this stunning series on a morning that's not particularly sunny nor dark.
Before I start going back to take notes, I want to write down my thoughts.
It's been such a journey for me that I think the series will also be special to me.
I've never read a series like this. Two months over a year. From last year's September to this year's November.
Wow.
This story completely carried me away. I felt as if I was living the story myself, immersed in a magical world so charming and beautiful yet filled with much darkness.
I get so lost in it whenever I read this series' books. That was real magic.
It saddens me slightly to think that this will be the last of Kara's journeys, but at the same time the warmth of the ending is so calming and peaceful that I can hardly will myself to think otherwise.
I still can't get over Grace's death completely though. The feelings I had towards this character was so complicated.
I hated her in the first two volumes, hated her corruptness and the way she smiled innocently while conjuring evil. She was so typical, like the serpent beneath the innocent flower.
Then things changed when I reached the third volume. We saw a different Grace, one that was not standing tall above everyone else, one that did not wear her wickedness but instead a mask that was hard to see through. She had her fears, and was no longer perfect and powerful. To be honest, I never thought that she would come back. But she did, and her return was like a thick mist, unable to see through. Even when she vanished in the end, I still had no idea of what she was thinking. She was not as easy to read as when she was just pure evil.
The fourth volume brought this mystery into light. In this book, Grace was still evil, and she returned to her old self, being a good actress. Then, little by little, her pretense was no longer all fake. She found goodness within her along the journey with Kara. MShe was lost between goodness and evil.
When she felt betrayed and hurt by her queen, did she hoped that she had stayed with Kara? Would everything be different if she chose to believe the goodness in her?
Even now, I could not stop thinking about her. After all, she sought redemption, and in the end she gave herself to goodness.
For that, she was a character that's worth remembering.
Taff is my other favourite character. He grew so much during the journey, as he faced dangers alongside Kara, yet still he kept a child's heart. He was always hopeful, and had marvellous ideas. It would not be exaggerating to say that I've never quite seen a character Taff's age that's as extraordinary as him.
Before I start going back to take notes, I want to write down my thoughts.
It's been such a journey for me that I think the series will also be special to me.
I've never read a series like this. Two months over a year. From last year's September to this year's November.
Wow.
This story completely carried me away. I felt as if I was living the story myself, immersed in a magical world so charming and beautiful yet filled with much darkness.
I get so lost in it whenever I read this series' books. That was real magic.
It saddens me slightly to think that this will be the last of Kara's journeys, but at the same time the warmth of the ending is so calming and peaceful that I can hardly will myself to think otherwise.
I still can't get over Grace's death completely though. The feelings I had towards this character was so complicated.
I hated her in the first two volumes, hated her corruptness and the way she smiled innocently while conjuring evil. She was so typical, like the serpent beneath the innocent flower.
Then things changed when I reached the third volume. We saw a different Grace, one that was not standing tall above everyone else, one that did not wear her wickedness but instead a mask that was hard to see through. She had her fears, and was no longer perfect and powerful. To be honest, I never thought that she would come back. But she did, and her return was like a thick mist, unable to see through. Even when she vanished in the end, I still had no idea of what she was thinking. She was not as easy to read as when she was just pure evil.
The fourth volume brought this mystery into light. In this book, Grace was still evil, and she returned to her old self, being a good actress. Then, little by little, her pretense was no longer all fake. She found goodness within her along the journey with Kara. MShe was lost between goodness and evil.
When she felt betrayed and hurt by her queen, did she hoped that she had stayed with Kara? Would everything be different if she chose to believe the goodness in her?
Even now, I could not stop thinking about her. After all, she sought redemption, and in the end she gave herself to goodness.
For that, she was a character that's worth remembering.
Taff is my other favourite character. He grew so much during the journey, as he faced dangers alongside Kara, yet still he kept a child's heart. He was always hopeful, and had marvellous ideas. It would not be exaggerating to say that I've never quite seen a character Taff's age that's as extraordinary as him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2018
I believe I said this in my review of J.A. White's second book in the Thickety seriers, but I'll say it again. This series is the best magical series for kids I've ever read. I think it's better than (JK Rowling, forgive me) the Harry Potter series. White's imagination is incredible! The creatures, lands, and people he invents are impressive in detail and scope. His characters make difficult decisions and he doesn't shy away for making difficult decisions for his plot and characters. I especially, appreciated this because I felt like he wasn't taking his young audience for granted. White tells readers that there is always a cost to magic, and there is, no matter how much a reader loves or hates a character. White's character development sometimes leads said character to a perilous spot and the reader holds her breath to see if baser traits or growth win out.
I appreciated the character development of Grace in this last book of the series. Grace is the villain in the first book, "The Thickety." It's hard to know if Grace's growth is genuine throughout the book, she's a crafty witch, but I enjoyed that as her character developed and her relationship with the other main characters deepened, she was also used as comic relief in what is otherwise a dark book.
My 11 year-old daughter and I started reading the series last year. This book especially elicited a ranged of emotions from us. We squirmed in fear, anger, and anticipation. We marveled at the author's creativity. We laughed and we cried - several times. We both think J.A. White is a master world creator and storyteller and I'm so thankful we stumbled into the Thickety.
I appreciated the character development of Grace in this last book of the series. Grace is the villain in the first book, "The Thickety." It's hard to know if Grace's growth is genuine throughout the book, she's a crafty witch, but I enjoyed that as her character developed and her relationship with the other main characters deepened, she was also used as comic relief in what is otherwise a dark book.
My 11 year-old daughter and I started reading the series last year. This book especially elicited a ranged of emotions from us. We squirmed in fear, anger, and anticipation. We marveled at the author's creativity. We laughed and we cried - several times. We both think J.A. White is a master world creator and storyteller and I'm so thankful we stumbled into the Thickety.
March 7, 2018
I just love when I write a really touching review and Goodreads decides to rain on my parade and not save it.
As this last book opens, Kara and Taff are tasked with finding the man in the hourglass tower. He is the one who knows the locations of the four grims Rygoth is willing to kill for. The problem with that task is that the hourglass tower exists out of time. Now Kara and Taff have to find a way to stop time before Rygoth's witches capture her. Even if they manage to stop time, they'll still need to protect the grims from the Spider Queen.
I am an emotional person and finishing book series is often difficult. However, Kara and Taff are possibly my favorite main characters in a long time. The selflessness of Kara and the innocence of Taff always shows how positive and loveable The Thickety series can be.
I was genuinely saddened by some of the tragedies in this book and was always looking for some magical plot twist that would undo them. But, this book stays true to the message it gives: magic like that comes at a cost. And the cost for undoing the saddest parts means the book wouldn't pull at my heartstrings as much. So expect some sad events but also expect some really heartwarming ones as well.
Ending series like this is hard (definitely some tears with that ending) and I know I am going to be coming back to this series time and time again. I can't explain the fondness I have for this book now.
As this last book opens, Kara and Taff are tasked with finding the man in the hourglass tower. He is the one who knows the locations of the four grims Rygoth is willing to kill for. The problem with that task is that the hourglass tower exists out of time. Now Kara and Taff have to find a way to stop time before Rygoth's witches capture her. Even if they manage to stop time, they'll still need to protect the grims from the Spider Queen.
I am an emotional person and finishing book series is often difficult. However, Kara and Taff are possibly my favorite main characters in a long time. The selflessness of Kara and the innocence of Taff always shows how positive and loveable The Thickety series can be.
I was genuinely saddened by some of the tragedies in this book and was always looking for some magical plot twist that would undo them. But, this book stays true to the message it gives: magic like that comes at a cost. And the cost for undoing the saddest parts means the book wouldn't pull at my heartstrings as much. So expect some sad events but also expect some really heartwarming ones as well.
Ending series like this is hard (definitely some tears with that ending) and I know I am going to be coming back to this series time and time again. I can't explain the fondness I have for this book now.
November 10, 2018
I finally finished this series!
I took too much time between finishing the 3rd and beginning the 4th. There are pieces I forgot, but White reminds the readers of significant connections.
The creatures White creates are incredible. When I saw the work of Montana artist Deborah Butterfield, http://www.danesecorey.com/artists/de... I thought of some of J.A. White creatures.
The tension between characters is interesting, along with love and commitment for family. In a sense this book ends where it begins. I can't explain because it would be a spoiler.
The tension between the good and evil of magic is always challenged. I resently finished another book in which there is conflict between the good and evil of magic "Julia Vanished" by Catherine Egan.
page 168-169
""There's good in all places," Mary [Kettle] said, "People too."
...
"Then why is there so much evil in the wordl?" Taff asked.
"Because it's easy," Mary said. "Easier to destory than to build. Easier to blame than forgive. Evil corrupts. Tempts ....Anyone can do that ...But good? Good heals. Redeaems. That's hard. .. That takes someone truly remarkable.""
I took too much time between finishing the 3rd and beginning the 4th. There are pieces I forgot, but White reminds the readers of significant connections.
The creatures White creates are incredible. When I saw the work of Montana artist Deborah Butterfield, http://www.danesecorey.com/artists/de... I thought of some of J.A. White creatures.
The tension between characters is interesting, along with love and commitment for family. In a sense this book ends where it begins. I can't explain because it would be a spoiler.
The tension between the good and evil of magic is always challenged. I resently finished another book in which there is conflict between the good and evil of magic "Julia Vanished" by Catherine Egan.
page 168-169
""There's good in all places," Mary [Kettle] said, "People too."
...
"Then why is there so much evil in the wordl?" Taff asked.
"Because it's easy," Mary said. "Easier to destory than to build. Easier to blame than forgive. Evil corrupts. Tempts ....Anyone can do that ...But good? Good heals. Redeaems. That's hard. .. That takes someone truly remarkable.""
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