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Vega Jane #3
The Width of the World
This is it. Vega Jane's time. She's been lied to her whole life, so she breaks away from Wormwood, the only home she's ever known, in search of the truth. She battles horrors to fight her way across the Quag with her best friend, Delph, and her mysterious canine, Harry Two. Against all odds, they survive unimaginable dangers and make it through.
And into a new world that's even worse. Not because deadly beasts roam the cobblestones, but because the people are enslaved but don't even know it. It's up to Vega, Delph, Harry Two and their new comrade, Petra, to take up the fight against a foe that's unrivaled in savagery and cunning. Not only is Vega's life and the lives of her friends on the line, but whether she triumphs or fails will determine whether a whole world survives.
Beloved author David Baldacci delivers a shockwave of destruction and shattering revelations in The Width of the World, book three in his instant #1 global bestselling Vega Jane series.
And into a new world that's even worse. Not because deadly beasts roam the cobblestones, but because the people are enslaved but don't even know it. It's up to Vega, Delph, Harry Two and their new comrade, Petra, to take up the fight against a foe that's unrivaled in savagery and cunning. Not only is Vega's life and the lives of her friends on the line, but whether she triumphs or fails will determine whether a whole world survives.
Beloved author David Baldacci delivers a shockwave of destruction and shattering revelations in The Width of the World, book three in his instant #1 global bestselling Vega Jane series.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2017
1578 people are currently reading
4226 people want to read
About the author
David Baldacci
244 books123k followersDavid Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.”)
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
October 21, 2017
This series is very entertaining and would have been a five star but sometimes while reading it, I would lose some of the interest for a few. I think it was external issues that were surrounding me. Overall, this is a very intriguing series and I will continue if there is more books in it.
February 21, 2020
In this penultimate(?) volume, Vega Jane really comes into her own and learns to be the leader she needs to be. I am anxiously anticipating the aftermath of the tragedy at the end of this story, and the final battle.
October 16, 2019
Vega Jane and friends are back in a brand new adventure. When they escape the Quag and end up in the land of True, their fears are realized when the dreaded Maladons enslave and steal magic from people. Will they be able to save the magical people and fight the Maladons or will they die trying? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a great third installment of the Vega Jane series by David Baldacci. Be sure to check the whole Vega Jane series at your local library and wherever books/ebooks are sold.
This was a great third installment of the Vega Jane series by David Baldacci. Be sure to check the whole Vega Jane series at your local library and wherever books/ebooks are sold.
April 6, 2017
With all the mayhem, squabbles and deaths, it's hard to believe this is a teen story. My first reluctant, 1 of 10 stars
April 22, 2017
Vega Jane, Delph, Petra, and Harry Two have made it through the Quag, and find themselves in a peaceful society, which is imposed by sorcerers who have mesmerized the population, focusing on anyone magical. Fleeing the bad guys, Vega and her entourage are guided to what turns out to be her ancestral home, where she regains her composure and re-emerges as an energized leader to rally her army. Harry Two was the bright star this time.
Same problems as his earlier books in this series: the characters are inconsistent, and the lack of trust between the main characters seems silly this late in a series. I also found the British colloquialisms to be an affectation for this American author. Finally, like most others, I did not really care for the open ending of this trilogy, leaving unclear whether there would be more or not.
Same problems as his earlier books in this series: the characters are inconsistent, and the lack of trust between the main characters seems silly this late in a series. I also found the British colloquialisms to be an affectation for this American author. Finally, like most others, I did not really care for the open ending of this trilogy, leaving unclear whether there would be more or not.
October 11, 2020
Another goodie in this wonderful series, the story is hotting up at a very fast pace. I love all the different characters that Mr Baldacci comes up with. Ok so wands and magic yes very Harry Potter but, also mystical creatures and menace. These books are very readable and this is a re read for me. I love Harry Potter but I love these books as well. Thankfully I’ve got the last book in this series it was quite a lot wait for the final one and I haven’t read it yet so I’ll be interested as to how it ends.
October 10, 2016
Ik vind de Finisher serie wel leuk en fantasierijk enzo, maar het is niet 100% leuk enzo. Snap je? Neh, onduidelijk. Opnieuw. Het idee is er, de uitwerking is even wat minder.
March 2, 2018
Давам четери звезди не защото не ми хареса книгата а заради края,просто свърши в нищото,остава с впечатление,че ще има и още една книга от поредицата.Останах малко разочарована :(
April 12, 2017
Perhaps my expectations were too high for the third installment of the Vega Jane Series. I'd heard it was the best one, and the Goodreads ratings seemed to suggest so, as well.
Even without high expectations, I think I would have been a tad disappointed. The Width of the World is one of those books within a series that exists to continue the greater plot without having a plot arc of its own. There wasn't a clear beginning, middle, and end here, just a string of chapters where the characters wandered around and discovered things. It was interesting and entertaining, just not very compelling. And it had a typical mid-series, Han-Solo-in-carbonite ending (not my favorite kind).
Also, I was very frustrated by how the characters casted spells in wand fights (of which there were too many). Though Baldacci did a pretty good job of parenthetically explaining why the characters chose to walk or fly when traveling (why not just "poof" everywhere if you can?), there was no apparent reason why the characters didn't just, say, freeze their enemies straight away instead of suffering injuries in battle.
On the plus side, I continued to enjoy Baldacci's creativity, and his homages to other fantasy fiction and folk tales. I'm probably making The Width of the World sound worse than it was... it just wasn't as good as the first two Vega Jane books. But I'm totally willing to stick with the series, and I'm excited to find out what happens to Vega and friends.
Also on the plus side, as a Christian mom, I will be letting my kids read this series. I told my daughter to try to read the occasional "Oh, Hel" as "Oh, Heel" with the weird spelling to help her. The romance in these books is barely at the fledgling stage and so very appropriate for tweens. I'd recommend these books to kids eleven and up with hardly any reservations—and to adults with no reservations at all.
Even without high expectations, I think I would have been a tad disappointed. The Width of the World is one of those books within a series that exists to continue the greater plot without having a plot arc of its own. There wasn't a clear beginning, middle, and end here, just a string of chapters where the characters wandered around and discovered things. It was interesting and entertaining, just not very compelling. And it had a typical mid-series, Han-Solo-in-carbonite ending (not my favorite kind).
Also, I was very frustrated by how the characters casted spells in wand fights (of which there were too many). Though Baldacci did a pretty good job of parenthetically explaining why the characters chose to walk or fly when traveling (why not just "poof" everywhere if you can?), there was no apparent reason why the characters didn't just, say, freeze their enemies straight away instead of suffering injuries in battle.
On the plus side, I continued to enjoy Baldacci's creativity, and his homages to other fantasy fiction and folk tales. I'm probably making The Width of the World sound worse than it was... it just wasn't as good as the first two Vega Jane books. But I'm totally willing to stick with the series, and I'm excited to find out what happens to Vega and friends.
Also on the plus side, as a Christian mom, I will be letting my kids read this series. I told my daughter to try to read the occasional "Oh, Hel" as "Oh, Heel" with the weird spelling to help her. The romance in these books is barely at the fledgling stage and so very appropriate for tweens. I'd recommend these books to kids eleven and up with hardly any reservations—and to adults with no reservations at all.
March 9, 2017
Very good. Book 4 can't come soon enough!
March 11, 2017
The Width of the World is Baldacci's most disappointing book so far.
After an interesting first book—The Finisher—Baldacci must have run face first into successive writer's blocks. The storytelling in the third book has become rote and repetitious; the heroine's actions are increasingly incongruent; and the writer's lack of commitment is evident in his contradictions.
As an example, in a flying—literally—high speed 'imminent' head on collision Baldacci wrote: "I looked up ahead and saw Endemen barely ten feet from us. At our combined speeds, we would crash into each other in another few seconds. I counted one, then two."
Since 10 feet (the distance) divided by 2 (combined speeds) divided by 2 (the few seconds) equals 1.7 miles/hour (2.7 km/hour) is not exactly a high speed event; Baldacci has proven, again, that he does not take his younger readers seriously. This lack of attention to detail is, sadly, ubiquitous in his latest book.
After an interesting first book—The Finisher—Baldacci must have run face first into successive writer's blocks. The storytelling in the third book has become rote and repetitious; the heroine's actions are increasingly incongruent; and the writer's lack of commitment is evident in his contradictions.
As an example, in a flying—literally—high speed 'imminent' head on collision Baldacci wrote: "I looked up ahead and saw Endemen barely ten feet from us. At our combined speeds, we would crash into each other in another few seconds. I counted one, then two."
Since 10 feet (the distance) divided by 2 (combined speeds) divided by 2 (the few seconds) equals 1.7 miles/hour (2.7 km/hour) is not exactly a high speed event; Baldacci has proven, again, that he does not take his younger readers seriously. This lack of attention to detail is, sadly, ubiquitous in his latest book.
March 30, 2017
Book 3 of Vega Jane
The story continues which I found intriguing and full of excitement. This book allows you to fantasize and take your thoughts back to childhood imaginations. It reads very easily and quickly. I can't wait for the next book.
The story continues which I found intriguing and full of excitement. This book allows you to fantasize and take your thoughts back to childhood imaginations. It reads very easily and quickly. I can't wait for the next book.
April 23, 2017
I am waiting for another one of this series.
June 2, 2017
I am in LOVE with this story ! I cannot get enough of the underdog fight to take back their world. Impatiently awaiting the next book !!!
June 15, 2017
I kept reading assuming a very obvious ending but I guess I was wrong. A really well written fantasy novel
March 31, 2021
Vega Jane finding out an enslaved people
First part of Vega Jane adventure is coming to a world that is closer to ours. But there is still something wrong when people are happy to be worked but were fooled to do so. Again. Like this world.
Then she found the magic people is behind this. Magic is being drained from magic people and let them forget themselves and be a slave.
She is then confronted with the possible of a companion practice dark magic.
Then she found a safe haven that is hers.
Again. All good and well until the practice of magic for battle part. Which is kind of boring. Expecting a solution to finding the True or the Greater True behind all this hurt. Then when it is not going to happen, felt a bit cheated.
That's why it is getting a 4 or even a 3.5.
Reading this for Spellbound.
First part of Vega Jane adventure is coming to a world that is closer to ours. But there is still something wrong when people are happy to be worked but were fooled to do so. Again. Like this world.
Then she found the magic people is behind this. Magic is being drained from magic people and let them forget themselves and be a slave.
She is then confronted with the possible of a companion practice dark magic.
Then she found a safe haven that is hers.
Again. All good and well until the practice of magic for battle part. Which is kind of boring. Expecting a solution to finding the True or the Greater True behind all this hurt. Then when it is not going to happen, felt a bit cheated.
That's why it is getting a 4 or even a 3.5.
Reading this for Spellbound.
July 7, 2024
Entertaining fantasy!! Two thumbs up! Raised in a community where you are not permitted to go outside the city walls, our young warrior heroine and her dog and friend escape. They fought through a dangerous zone of monsters into a world of people. They slowly observe that there’s something off with the people living there. It seems they are living controlled lives. But who’s controlling them and how? This is book #3 of a 4 book series. To be continued….
June 11, 2017
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous two. It could be because I was hoping the series would be wrapped up by now, but also I think everything is a little bit too easy when you can fly, become invisible, and are awesome at magic. Even with everything Vega, Delph, Petra, and Harry Two go through, it still feels like the stakes aren't high enough for me to think that there's a chance they won't be successful. I suppose I'll read the last book when it comes out, if only to see how they get to the inevitable conclusion.
March 12, 2017
Loved it. I can't wait for the next installment.
March 16, 2017
Another amazing Vega Jane's adventure.
May 29, 2017
Best book from series so breathtaking
October 13, 2017
Mr. Baldacci should have wrapped up this series in 3 books. Interesting but the storyline is dragging.
December 2, 2017
I’m surprised I like fantasy so much.....this series just keeps getting better and better! As usual, looking forward to the next installment!
March 22, 2019
This series continues to be one of the most surprisingly wonderful things I've read.
June 26, 2020
This book felt like a filler before the final book because almost nothing happened. Also, can authors please stop with girl on girl hate, especially when it's over a guy?
October 21, 2023
Enjoyed this book as well or better than the previous books in the series.
"Those blokes don't know how good they have it," said Petra. "I mean they really don't know, do they?"
I said forcefully, "They've been fed a pack of lies and given stuff so they'll be nice little pets for the Maladons. Their minds have been taken over. Their lives are not their own. They're really slaves like the others, only they don't know it either. I wouldn't call that having it good." I stared over at her. "Would you?"
"I ..
.. I guess not. But they have food and a roof over their heads and nice clothes and servants. And plenty of money. And they don't have to work."
"Right, plenty of stuff," I replied. The only thing missing from their lives ... is a life."
We fell silent until Delph said, "I wonder how the Maladons chose the blokes? I mean did they create Greater True and fill it with people and make them better off than everybody else?"
"I think they might have, Delph."
"But what's the point to it all?" asked Petra.
Delph said, "Well, it's sort of what we was talking about, how they play one off against the other like. Like Virgil said. Create a pretend enemy so they have something to hate. Plus, considering that the folks from Greater True can travel to True, but those from True can't come here, I think it's a way to show those from True, and through them, all others living about in the country, that people can live better. That things can improve for folks. Those in True, brainwashed though they might be, can look at the rich from here and say, "See, that could be me if I work hard and keep on the dutiful path. I can reach the promised land, so to speak.' It makes life seem fair somehow."
"Those blokes don't know how good they have it," said Petra. "I mean they really don't know, do they?"
I said forcefully, "They've been fed a pack of lies and given stuff so they'll be nice little pets for the Maladons. Their minds have been taken over. Their lives are not their own. They're really slaves like the others, only they don't know it either. I wouldn't call that having it good." I stared over at her. "Would you?"
"I ..
.. I guess not. But they have food and a roof over their heads and nice clothes and servants. And plenty of money. And they don't have to work."
"Right, plenty of stuff," I replied. The only thing missing from their lives ... is a life."
We fell silent until Delph said, "I wonder how the Maladons chose the blokes? I mean did they create Greater True and fill it with people and make them better off than everybody else?"
"I think they might have, Delph."
"But what's the point to it all?" asked Petra.
Delph said, "Well, it's sort of what we was talking about, how they play one off against the other like. Like Virgil said. Create a pretend enemy so they have something to hate. Plus, considering that the folks from Greater True can travel to True, but those from True can't come here, I think it's a way to show those from True, and through them, all others living about in the country, that people can live better. That things can improve for folks. Those in True, brainwashed though they might be, can look at the rich from here and say, "See, that could be me if I work hard and keep on the dutiful path. I can reach the promised land, so to speak.' It makes life seem fair somehow."
April 17, 2021
Book one was politically based, book two was a major nod to Harry Potter. This third installment brought back politics and Harry recreations, as well as adding quite a bit of Beauty and the Beast.
Even though these are books for tweens/young adults, there is much to glean from the thoughts and ideas presented by Baldacci. How far will the Nazis, I mean Maledons, go?
Even though these are books for tweens/young adults, there is much to glean from the thoughts and ideas presented by Baldacci. How far will the Nazis, I mean Maledons, go?
July 25, 2018
Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars
Baldacci delivers the third installment of the Vega Jane series quite well. While not as faced past as the previous installments, this novel was still interesting and engaging. Vega Jane learns more about herself and her past as she escapes the Quag with her two companions, Delph and Petra. She struggles to figure out the new world they've stepped into and how to fight the Maladons. With help along the way, Vega learns the means of sacrifice, the truth behind what she sees, what she is made of.
Baldacci delivers the third installment of the Vega Jane series quite well. While not as faced past as the previous installments, this novel was still interesting and engaging. Vega Jane learns more about herself and her past as she escapes the Quag with her two companions, Delph and Petra. She struggles to figure out the new world they've stepped into and how to fight the Maladons. With help along the way, Vega learns the means of sacrifice, the truth behind what she sees, what she is made of.
January 26, 2018
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3.5 stars!
The Width of the World is Book Three in the Vega Jane and The Finisher series. It is almost as good as the first book in the series, which has thus far been the best. It has similar elements of intrigue, fantasy, and the reckless but good-hearted actions of a very determined heroine.
It is fast paced and keeps you turning the pages, keen to know what happens next. It also brings together a lot of aspects of the first two books, tying many things up quite neatly. At the same time, it offers enough suspense and intrigue to mimic what the first book had achieved and take you into an interesting fantasy world.
A lot of the childishness that was existent in Book Two is, thankfully, missing from The Width of the World. There are childish elements, but there are also clear indicators that the characters are growing up, with the responsibilities they carry gaining prominence and the childishness diminishing. That growth is actually very refreshing and fits well with the storyline too.
The story itself is quite interesting and adds quite a few new angles to the fantasy world that Baldacci has built. It's not the most unique of worlds, but definitely has its charms, making for an immersive read.
The book does have some problem areas though; one of the biggest ones being the parts where the otherwise very likable Vega Jane seemed a little too self-absorbed and obnoxious. She began to take herself a little too seriously as the leader whereas, until now, she had the utmost faith in her comrades. She definitely needed to be the leader, but there were times where her approach to the role didn't seem to fit in with the character we'd seen until then.
In spite of its pace, the book does come across as a bit too long. There are sections - of introspection mainly - that could have been cut down. If it had been a finale, the length could be explained and even understood. But (and this really caught me by surprise) it isn't the end of what I'd assumed to be a trilogy. It is more of a 'preparation for the end' kind of story. And definitely too long for that.
All in all, the book manages to keep you intrigued about the story of Vega Jane and its many other characters. It definitely keeps you interested enough to want to read the next book (whenever that may release). I'd recommend it to:
- fans of young adult (young and adult, alike)
- anyone looking for a quick read in the young adult genre (be prepared for some childishness)
- anyone interested in fantasy (and doesn't mind a little teenage drama)
3.5 stars!
The Width of the World is Book Three in the Vega Jane and The Finisher series. It is almost as good as the first book in the series, which has thus far been the best. It has similar elements of intrigue, fantasy, and the reckless but good-hearted actions of a very determined heroine.
It is fast paced and keeps you turning the pages, keen to know what happens next. It also brings together a lot of aspects of the first two books, tying many things up quite neatly. At the same time, it offers enough suspense and intrigue to mimic what the first book had achieved and take you into an interesting fantasy world.
A lot of the childishness that was existent in Book Two is, thankfully, missing from The Width of the World. There are childish elements, but there are also clear indicators that the characters are growing up, with the responsibilities they carry gaining prominence and the childishness diminishing. That growth is actually very refreshing and fits well with the storyline too.
The story itself is quite interesting and adds quite a few new angles to the fantasy world that Baldacci has built. It's not the most unique of worlds, but definitely has its charms, making for an immersive read.
The book does have some problem areas though; one of the biggest ones being the parts where the otherwise very likable Vega Jane seemed a little too self-absorbed and obnoxious. She began to take herself a little too seriously as the leader whereas, until now, she had the utmost faith in her comrades. She definitely needed to be the leader, but there were times where her approach to the role didn't seem to fit in with the character we'd seen until then.
In spite of its pace, the book does come across as a bit too long. There are sections - of introspection mainly - that could have been cut down. If it had been a finale, the length could be explained and even understood. But (and this really caught me by surprise) it isn't the end of what I'd assumed to be a trilogy. It is more of a 'preparation for the end' kind of story. And definitely too long for that.
All in all, the book manages to keep you intrigued about the story of Vega Jane and its many other characters. It definitely keeps you interested enough to want to read the next book (whenever that may release). I'd recommend it to:
- fans of young adult (young and adult, alike)
- anyone looking for a quick read in the young adult genre (be prepared for some childishness)
- anyone interested in fantasy (and doesn't mind a little teenage drama)
Read
July 13, 2017it was a great adition to the on going story of Vega Jane & her friends.
i can not wait for the final installment!!!!!
i can not wait for the final installment!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews