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Jackaby #4
The Dire King
The fate of the world is in the hands of detective of the supernatural R. F. Jackaby and his intrepid assistant, Abigail Rook. An evil king is turning ancient tensions into modern strife, using a blend of magic and technology to push Earth and the Otherworld into a mortal competition. Jackaby and Abigail are caught in the middle as they continue to solve the daily mysteries of New Fiddleham, New England — like who’s created the rend between the worlds, how to close it, and why zombies are appearing around. At the same time, the romance between Abigail and the shape-shifting police detective Charlie Cane deepens, and Jackaby’s resistance to his feelings for 926 Augur Lane’s ghostly lady, Jenny, begins to give way. Before the four can think about their own futures, they will have to defeat an evil that wants to destroy the future altogether.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2017
206 people are currently reading
6652 people want to read
About the author
William Ritter
15 books1,863 followersWILLIAM RITTER is an Oregon educator and author of the New York Times bestselling Jackaby series. He is the proud father of the two bravest boys in the Wild Wood, and husband to the indomitable Queen of the Deep Dark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,045 reviews
May 9, 2018
It's only been like, nearly two years since I've read the last book, so no big deal right? Nothing that could go wrong.
Except me forgetting like nearly everything, haha this fine all is FINE.
In any case, I don't really have a review for this book. I liked the finale but in that detached way, you know? Like I've been lowkey invested in this series (though I guess you could contest that since I waited months to actually read this) and now I'm just kinda whatever over everything?
The charm was still there! Some lines were very witty and actually made me laugh, so kudos to that. Buuuut. Everything else just kinda felt flat to me? Like there was humour and whatnot but the real voice to it was kinda gone.
I'm glad I finished the series! I have a bad habit of Not Doing That so go me!
---
KJSKFWASMKHSADLKSAD
THE COVER GUYS
THE COVER
man i love the red i can't wait to read this
---
while i'm SO excited for this, the talk of FEELINGS is off putting.
just what game are you playing here?
Except me forgetting like nearly everything, haha this fine all is FINE.
In any case, I don't really have a review for this book. I liked the finale but in that detached way, you know? Like I've been lowkey invested in this series (though I guess you could contest that since I waited months to actually read this) and now I'm just kinda whatever over everything?
The charm was still there! Some lines were very witty and actually made me laugh, so kudos to that. Buuuut. Everything else just kinda felt flat to me? Like there was humour and whatnot but the real voice to it was kinda gone.
I'm glad I finished the series! I have a bad habit of Not Doing That so go me!
---
KJSKFWASMKHSADLKSAD
THE COVER GUYS
THE COVER
man i love the red i can't wait to read this
---
while i'm SO excited for this, the talk of FEELINGS is off putting.
just what game are you playing here?
September 15, 2017
So, here we are with the last book in the Jackaby series. It was both thrilling and bittersweet to read this book. It's always sad when a series end. I would recommend reading this series from the beginning and not read this one without having read the previous three books. In many ways is it one story that has taken place over four books.
What I loved about this book and the whole series are the quirky characters, the humor, and the mysteries. The Dire King has several funny moments, often thanks to Jackaby, who in many ways reminds me of a younger Sherlock Holmes. Which makes Abigail Rook his Watson. And, yeah she does play her sidekick role very well, adding balance to Jakaby more eccentric ways. Storywise is this book just as good as the previous books and I quite liked the twist at the end of the book. It felt very suiting like everything has been leading to this and I do hope, despite this being the last in this series, perhaps to see the characters in a new series one day? *puppy eyes*
The Dire King is an easy-going and well-written book and I recommend it warmly!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
What I loved about this book and the whole series are the quirky characters, the humor, and the mysteries. The Dire King has several funny moments, often thanks to Jackaby, who in many ways reminds me of a younger Sherlock Holmes. Which makes Abigail Rook his Watson. And, yeah she does play her sidekick role very well, adding balance to Jakaby more eccentric ways. Storywise is this book just as good as the previous books and I quite liked the twist at the end of the book. It felt very suiting like everything has been leading to this and I do hope, despite this being the last in this series, perhaps to see the characters in a new series one day? *puppy eyes*
The Dire King is an easy-going and well-written book and I recommend it warmly!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
January 19, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Young Adult + Historical + Fantasy + Mystery
The Dire King is the fourth and final book in the "Jackaby" series. Since the last book in the series ended, R.F. Jackaby and Abigail Rook have been looking into a series of strange and horrible murders that have happened in the city of New Fiddleham. The plot starts up where the previous book in the series left off. As they investigate the case further, they find that the killings are linked to an old and powerful evil known as the Dire King. This evil wishes to return to the world in order to cause mayhem and havoc.
Soon after, Jackaby and Abigail will discover that they are in a race against time to prevent the return of the Dire King. They have to find their way through a dangerous environment full of magical monsters and dark magic while fighting the Dire King's loyal followers, who want their lord to get back to being king.
As the situation gets worse, Jackaby and Abigail not only have to face their own personal demons, but they also have to face the potential that the Dire King is too powerful for them to vanquish. They are helped along the journey by their friends, such as Jenny Cavanaugh and Charles, who are of great assistance in the struggle against the Dire King.
I did not enjoy reading the series as a whole, and its conclusion did not win me over either. I didn't find it to be very impressive at all. This was meant to be the final book, and it was supposed to provide a satisfactory ending. It seemed more like the conclusion of an adventure than anything else. I am going to unhaul these books as soon as I can. My only regret is that I will miss looking at these gorgeous covers on my bookshelf. I can’t say the same about the stories, though.
Genre: Young Adult + Historical + Fantasy + Mystery
The Dire King is the fourth and final book in the "Jackaby" series. Since the last book in the series ended, R.F. Jackaby and Abigail Rook have been looking into a series of strange and horrible murders that have happened in the city of New Fiddleham. The plot starts up where the previous book in the series left off. As they investigate the case further, they find that the killings are linked to an old and powerful evil known as the Dire King. This evil wishes to return to the world in order to cause mayhem and havoc.
Soon after, Jackaby and Abigail will discover that they are in a race against time to prevent the return of the Dire King. They have to find their way through a dangerous environment full of magical monsters and dark magic while fighting the Dire King's loyal followers, who want their lord to get back to being king.
As the situation gets worse, Jackaby and Abigail not only have to face their own personal demons, but they also have to face the potential that the Dire King is too powerful for them to vanquish. They are helped along the journey by their friends, such as Jenny Cavanaugh and Charles, who are of great assistance in the struggle against the Dire King.
I did not enjoy reading the series as a whole, and its conclusion did not win me over either. I didn't find it to be very impressive at all. This was meant to be the final book, and it was supposed to provide a satisfactory ending. It seemed more like the conclusion of an adventure than anything else. I am going to unhaul these books as soon as I can. My only regret is that I will miss looking at these gorgeous covers on my bookshelf. I can’t say the same about the stories, though.
November 22, 2021
After finishing such a good series, I just want to wrap myself in a cuddly blanket, drink a good tea and reminisce.
August 2, 2017
I have enjoyed this entire series and I was more than excited to get my greedy hands on an early copy of this book.
As always, Jackaby and the gang are delightful. There's all sorts of banter and magic and baby swoons. Of course there is an epic battle because it's the last book and everything has reached it peak...
...I refuse to spoil things, but know that I was screaming at a couple of things that happened. Things I definitely wasn't expecting. Some were amazing, some were heartbreaking.
It's one hell of a way to end a series.
**Huge thanks to Algonquin Young Readers for providing the arc free of charge**
As always, Jackaby and the gang are delightful. There's all sorts of banter and magic and baby swoons. Of course there is an epic battle because it's the last book and everything has reached it peak...
...I refuse to spoil things, but know that I was screaming at a couple of things that happened. Things I definitely wasn't expecting. Some were amazing, some were heartbreaking.
It's one hell of a way to end a series.
**Huge thanks to Algonquin Young Readers for providing the arc free of charge**
March 9, 2020
Oh my gosh, what an ending to this series!
The Dire King: A Jackaby Novel by William Ritter is the fourth and final book! The author makes the characters so well developed, and by the fourth book I feel I know them like family! The world building is awesome and original, the plot is great, and it is witty and has sprinkles of humor throughout the book. But the ending of this series as fabulous! Emotions everywhere, but we'll worth it! Terrific series!
The Dire King: A Jackaby Novel by William Ritter is the fourth and final book! The author makes the characters so well developed, and by the fourth book I feel I know them like family! The world building is awesome and original, the plot is great, and it is witty and has sprinkles of humor throughout the book. But the ending of this series as fabulous! Emotions everywhere, but we'll worth it! Terrific series!
September 26, 2019
Jackaby: ★★★★
The Map: ★★★★
Beastly Bones: ★★★★★
Ghostly Echoes: ★★★★★
The Dire King: ★★★★
—
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Okay, so I fell in love with the Jackaby series after I read the first book earlier this year. It was such a fun, light read that still was a heavy hitter when it came to teaching its readers about life. I loved that I got to dive into such a chaotic fun world where I could check out and just enjoy the ride while William Ritter so perfectly puts a microscope on humanity and what has become of it, example; “Happiness is bliss - but ignorance is anesthetic.". I mean look at that, read it again. Ritter just has such great insight into the world we live in now, how the world was back in the late 1800's and, better still, has the ability to mix those two times together in a way that can teach young minds things from an angle that they might not have experienced before. I loved the world so much that when I finally got myself onto Netgalley and saw that they had The Dire King on there I was so excited... until I saw that they were no longer accepting requests, but that I could wish for it. I did so but figured my wish wouldn't be granted until I got an email while at my sister's place crying because of life. I stopped mid cry, got all excited and managed to pull myself out of my pity party. Now that I've given you TMI on my background with this book let's get into the actual review.
The Dire King is the last installment in the Jackaby series. It follows the latest adventure of Abigail Rook and R. F. Jackaby as they fight for human life to keep the veil between the reality we all know and the one hiding all the stuff of folklore and the supernatural, and face off with their most villainous foe so far; The Dire King.
"Hoping is a thing that other people do while people like you are rolling up your shirtsleeves and getting to work."
Abigail Rook is such an amazing protagonist. It was really very clever for Ritter to have the story told from her point of view as you get to see Jackaby, not as he believes he is, but as Rook sees him. Not only that but she's a damn good protagonist. She's is such an amazing example of the good humanity has to offer, characters like that are so important, especially in the times we're in now where it's very easy to forget that there are good people out there. Yes, she's a work of fiction but damn it I've got to believe there's at least one person out there like her, no matter how fictional, otherwise I might go on a murderous adventure of my own and I quite like the world outside of a cage so I'd prefer to avoid it, plus my mum would be very disappointed. It's best for everyone involved if I continue to disillusion myself.
Rook has come a long way since the first time we met her in the first book, Jackaby. She's learned so much and proven time and time again that women do belong where the adventure is and we'll no longer sit on the side lines just because we're told to.
“I really have no time for all that How are you? I am fine, thanks. Here's another inane question. Here's an equally banal reply. Charmed. Delighted. nonsense.”
“They're called niceties, sir,” I said. “People say them.”
“They're stupid. And people are stupid.” He paused at the front door. “Come to think of it, the word nice used to mean stupid, so I suppose that's apt.”
I adore Jackaby so much, the guy speaks to me so much. Jackaby is who I would be if I wasn't so weighed down by a customer service job, in fact, I'm a lot like Jackaby when I'm not at work. I'm blunt, honest, straight to the point, hate small talk, and prone to picking up on things others miss. Maybe that's why I love this series so much, actually, it definitely is. Jackaby gets me and he's filled with so much wisdom. He'll always have a place in my heart.
Here's a list of some of my favourite slices of wisdom from Jackaby,
"Fight the monsters, then, Philip. Don't fight the innocent bystanders who happen to come from the same place. You're not afraid of magic, not really. You're just afraid of what you don't understand-and too stubborn to try understanding." Yesss Jackaby, get salty.
"If you are going to make a lot of idiotic accusations, you might at least try to avoid making mutually exclusive ones!" I see what you're doing Ritter, and I like it.
"We cannot make the world less awful by being more so ourselves." I think that might be a message for Trump, pity I don't see him as the reading type.
Okay, just one more quote to summarise the person Jackaby is.
"I want to throw a wrench in the works of his grand plan. I want him to watch it fall apart around him."
"And how do you intend to do that?" Jackaby asked.
"You," said Pavel, "are the biggest wrench I know."
"Thank you, Miss Cavanaugh," Jenny intoned behind him. "It was nothing, really,"
she replied to herself. "I underestimated you, Miss Cavanaugh. Oh, I was just happy to help. You are special and precious to me, Miss Cavanaugh. Please now, Mr. Jackaby, you're simply too much."
I love Jenny Cavanaugh. I want my own sarcastic ghost friend.
I also love the relationship she has with both Jackaby and Rook. They all bounce off each other so well, making these books or the more enjoyable to read. Jenny is strong and she's a survivor, it takes just looking at the fact she's a ghost who chose to stay on Earth when she could have moved onto the other side happily, to see that.
"I don't trust him."
"Of course not." Pavel flopped his head toward Charlie. "But that's only because I would happily throw you to my least favorite wolves if I thought it might give them indigestion. See? Honest.
It must not be denied but I am a plain-dealing villain. That's Shakespeare, love. Much Ado. Don't look so surprised. I like Shakespeare. Makes me feel classy. Classy and honest-I'm the whole package."
Raise your hand if you've ever wanted to be friends with a villain. Honestly I just want to have a sleep over with all my favourite characters from the Jackaby series, I don't think that's too much to ask.
I love Pavel, he is what he is and that's all, I like that. He's funny and nasty. He's honest and disloyal. He's really all I can ask for in a villain turned ally. I think Pavel is what Jackaby was probably capable of becoming if he wasn't so good. So have another funny interaction because I couldn't choose which one to use for this review;
"I thought I might give you the opportunity," Pavel managed, his voice slow and labored,
"to make up for your poor manners during our previous encounter."
"You threatened to kill me," I said.
"I was making small talk."
"And then you actually tried to kill me."
"I get tired of small talk. You take things too personally."
"I have never found a book that did not have at least a little magic in it," said Jackaby. "They can't help it. They're made out of words and sometimes even pictures."
The Dire King had a lot of twists and turns and I really did enjoy every minute of it. I really hope we get a spinoff series because I'm really not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet!
___
│Blog│Instagram│Twitter│Tumblr│
The Map: ★★★★
Beastly Bones: ★★★★★
Ghostly Echoes: ★★★★★
The Dire King: ★★★★
—
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Okay, so I fell in love with the Jackaby series after I read the first book earlier this year. It was such a fun, light read that still was a heavy hitter when it came to teaching its readers about life. I loved that I got to dive into such a chaotic fun world where I could check out and just enjoy the ride while William Ritter so perfectly puts a microscope on humanity and what has become of it, example; “Happiness is bliss - but ignorance is anesthetic.". I mean look at that, read it again. Ritter just has such great insight into the world we live in now, how the world was back in the late 1800's and, better still, has the ability to mix those two times together in a way that can teach young minds things from an angle that they might not have experienced before. I loved the world so much that when I finally got myself onto Netgalley and saw that they had The Dire King on there I was so excited... until I saw that they were no longer accepting requests, but that I could wish for it. I did so but figured my wish wouldn't be granted until I got an email while at my sister's place crying because of life. I stopped mid cry, got all excited and managed to pull myself out of my pity party. Now that I've given you TMI on my background with this book let's get into the actual review.
"We're going to die," I said.
"Only probably."
The Dire King is the last installment in the Jackaby series. It follows the latest adventure of Abigail Rook and R. F. Jackaby as they fight for human life to keep the veil between the reality we all know and the one hiding all the stuff of folklore and the supernatural, and face off with their most villainous foe so far; The Dire King.
"Hoping is a thing that other people do while people like you are rolling up your shirtsleeves and getting to work."
Abigail Rook is such an amazing protagonist. It was really very clever for Ritter to have the story told from her point of view as you get to see Jackaby, not as he believes he is, but as Rook sees him. Not only that but she's a damn good protagonist. She's is such an amazing example of the good humanity has to offer, characters like that are so important, especially in the times we're in now where it's very easy to forget that there are good people out there. Yes, she's a work of fiction but damn it I've got to believe there's at least one person out there like her, no matter how fictional, otherwise I might go on a murderous adventure of my own and I quite like the world outside of a cage so I'd prefer to avoid it, plus my mum would be very disappointed. It's best for everyone involved if I continue to disillusion myself.
Rook has come a long way since the first time we met her in the first book, Jackaby. She's learned so much and proven time and time again that women do belong where the adventure is and we'll no longer sit on the side lines just because we're told to.
“I really have no time for all that How are you? I am fine, thanks. Here's another inane question. Here's an equally banal reply. Charmed. Delighted. nonsense.”
“They're called niceties, sir,” I said. “People say them.”
“They're stupid. And people are stupid.” He paused at the front door. “Come to think of it, the word nice used to mean stupid, so I suppose that's apt.”
I adore Jackaby so much, the guy speaks to me so much. Jackaby is who I would be if I wasn't so weighed down by a customer service job, in fact, I'm a lot like Jackaby when I'm not at work. I'm blunt, honest, straight to the point, hate small talk, and prone to picking up on things others miss. Maybe that's why I love this series so much, actually, it definitely is. Jackaby gets me and he's filled with so much wisdom. He'll always have a place in my heart.
Here's a list of some of my favourite slices of wisdom from Jackaby,
"Fight the monsters, then, Philip. Don't fight the innocent bystanders who happen to come from the same place. You're not afraid of magic, not really. You're just afraid of what you don't understand-and too stubborn to try understanding." Yesss Jackaby, get salty.
"If you are going to make a lot of idiotic accusations, you might at least try to avoid making mutually exclusive ones!" I see what you're doing Ritter, and I like it.
"We cannot make the world less awful by being more so ourselves." I think that might be a message for Trump, pity I don't see him as the reading type.
Okay, just one more quote to summarise the person Jackaby is.
"I want to throw a wrench in the works of his grand plan. I want him to watch it fall apart around him."
"And how do you intend to do that?" Jackaby asked.
"You," said Pavel, "are the biggest wrench I know."
"Thank you, Miss Cavanaugh," Jenny intoned behind him. "It was nothing, really,"
she replied to herself. "I underestimated you, Miss Cavanaugh. Oh, I was just happy to help. You are special and precious to me, Miss Cavanaugh. Please now, Mr. Jackaby, you're simply too much."
I love Jenny Cavanaugh. I want my own sarcastic ghost friend.
I also love the relationship she has with both Jackaby and Rook. They all bounce off each other so well, making these books or the more enjoyable to read. Jenny is strong and she's a survivor, it takes just looking at the fact she's a ghost who chose to stay on Earth when she could have moved onto the other side happily, to see that.
"I don't trust him."
"Of course not." Pavel flopped his head toward Charlie. "But that's only because I would happily throw you to my least favorite wolves if I thought it might give them indigestion. See? Honest.
It must not be denied but I am a plain-dealing villain. That's Shakespeare, love. Much Ado. Don't look so surprised. I like Shakespeare. Makes me feel classy. Classy and honest-I'm the whole package."
Raise your hand if you've ever wanted to be friends with a villain. Honestly I just want to have a sleep over with all my favourite characters from the Jackaby series, I don't think that's too much to ask.
I love Pavel, he is what he is and that's all, I like that. He's funny and nasty. He's honest and disloyal. He's really all I can ask for in a villain turned ally. I think Pavel is what Jackaby was probably capable of becoming if he wasn't so good. So have another funny interaction because I couldn't choose which one to use for this review;
"I thought I might give you the opportunity," Pavel managed, his voice slow and labored,
"to make up for your poor manners during our previous encounter."
"You threatened to kill me," I said.
"I was making small talk."
"And then you actually tried to kill me."
"I get tired of small talk. You take things too personally."
"I have never found a book that did not have at least a little magic in it," said Jackaby. "They can't help it. They're made out of words and sometimes even pictures."
The Dire King had a lot of twists and turns and I really did enjoy every minute of it. I really hope we get a spinoff series because I'm really not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet!
"Things will not be as they once were," she said.
"Maybe they're not supposed to be," Jackaby said heavily. "There are times from which history does not bounce back. This feels like an end, but maybe also a beginning."
___
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March 22, 2018
This is the 4th book in the Jackaby series. They fall into the Young Adult Fantasy category. I liked the first two, but my enjoyment is steadily declining. This one wasn't my favorite. I did 'page math' more than a few times. I enjoy the two MCs, but in this one, they didn't really evolve. And the steps they did make in progression were just too 'pretty', which unfortunately didn't build any tension. So I'll round up to 3 stars.
October 6, 2020
I’ve been struggling with what exactly put in this review, because it’s gonna be really hard to talk about this book without spoilers, since it’s the fourth and final installment of the series :) but I will do my best, even if it’s gonna be a short one :) if you haven’t heard about these books, they are all about Abigail Rook, a young woman who in 1892 lands in America and finds, by total accident, a job as an assistant with Jackaby, sort of a private detective… but a pretty unusual one :) think someone like Sherlock Holmes but with supernatural abilities :) we follow the same group of characters throughout the whole series, so I highly recommend you to read all the novels in order, otherwise you might be a bit lost… especially since each new installment builds upon what we learned in the previous one :) because I can’t talk about specifics when it comes to this particular book, let me just say that I believe it’s a very fitting ending to this story… I do think that some things felt a bit rushed, but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the book in general :) what I love about this series is that it introduced such a rich and interesting world… I see a lot of potential for future stories set in it and I sincerely hope that we will see a companion story or two, possibly a whole series, sometime in the future :) might be just my wishful thinking, but a girl can dream, right? :) also, the audiobooks of the whole series are absolutely amazing, so if you like to read books in that format, I highly recommend you to check them out… but no matter the format, if you haven’t read these gems yet, you are missing out :) definitely remedy that situation immediately :)
XOXO
A
XOXO
A
October 16, 2017
3.5 STARS...
The supernatural world and the mortal world are almost merging together as one world. The Dire King is bent on breaking the rift between the worlds We see if Jackaby and his friends can stop that from happening. This book has a bit of everything in it. We got seers, humans, seelie and unseelie, shapeshifters, heroes, villains, etc. We finally find out who the Dire King is and I have to say that I didn't have a clue. The someone who was helping the Dire King, well, lets just say, I was pretty disappointed in who it was because it was kind of a blow for one of my favorites in this series.
Did we ever find out Jackaby's real name? I don't remember his "real" name ever being said. It was mentioned a couple of times that Jackaby wasn't his real name, but I just can't remember.
This was a pretty good ending to this series. I'm not sure how I feel about the turn of events that happened at the end, but I'm not sure how else it could have ended. Overall, I think this series was fun to read. I would like a new series with these characters just to see how everyone deals with the differences that occurred at the end of this series. It would be quite interesting and enjoyable. Maybe even have Jackaby's point of view instead of Abigail's.
The supernatural world and the mortal world are almost merging together as one world. The Dire King is bent on breaking the rift between the worlds We see if Jackaby and his friends can stop that from happening. This book has a bit of everything in it. We got seers, humans, seelie and unseelie, shapeshifters, heroes, villains, etc. We finally find out who the Dire King is and I have to say that I didn't have a clue. The someone who was helping the Dire King, well, lets just say, I was pretty disappointed in who it was because it was kind of a blow for one of my favorites in this series.
Did we ever find out Jackaby's real name? I don't remember his "real" name ever being said. It was mentioned a couple of times that Jackaby wasn't his real name, but I just can't remember.
This was a pretty good ending to this series. I'm not sure how I feel about the turn of events that happened at the end, but I'm not sure how else it could have ended. Overall, I think this series was fun to read. I would like a new series with these characters just to see how everyone deals with the differences that occurred at the end of this series. It would be quite interesting and enjoyable. Maybe even have Jackaby's point of view instead of Abigail's.
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August 13, 2022This is simply not sustaining my interest. Why? It's full of elements I should enjoy (folklore-based fantasy system, mystery, quips, smart mc).
I loved the first Jackaby book, liked the second less but still enjoyed it, was kind of meh about the third... I tried the first of a different series by this author and dnf that either. Oh well.
I do recommend book 1, though! And the larger plot arc really isn't present yet then, so it works as a stand-alone.
I loved the first Jackaby book, liked the second less but still enjoyed it, was kind of meh about the third... I tried the first of a different series by this author and dnf that either. Oh well.
I do recommend book 1, though! And the larger plot arc really isn't present yet then, so it works as a stand-alone.
October 11, 2017
The Jackaby series has completely crept its way into my heart at this point. Looking back, it is so bizarre to me how disappointed I was with the first book. The three books since then have been such a journey. My heart is broken but is also… full. I have no words for my love of this cast, of this world. This series uses so many of my favourite elements and manages to twist them into unique and compelling stories with ease. I am in awe of Ritter’s writing. It remains lush and poignant while retaining that biting sarcastic tone that makes Jackaby and Abigail such memorable protagonists. I adore the two of them more than words can express. I was not disappointed with this sequel in the slightest. It was bloody and brutal and beautiful. I selfishly want more.
September 27, 2017
War changes things.
I'm not sure what it was about this one. Up until, literally, the last 3 pages, this was a 1 star read. It's a lot of build up and plodding through details and information. I didn't find any of the fight scenes interesting or compelling nor was I dazzled by the bad guys and their dastardly decisions.
But the end finally pulled it all together. The last few pages had wonderful lyrical quality and were beautiful. I was finally excited in the story and where it would go from there. I wonder if this is the end or if we'll be pulled into this world again. I would read another......I think.
I'm not sure what it was about this one. Up until, literally, the last 3 pages, this was a 1 star read. It's a lot of build up and plodding through details and information. I didn't find any of the fight scenes interesting or compelling nor was I dazzled by the bad guys and their dastardly decisions.
But the end finally pulled it all together. The last few pages had wonderful lyrical quality and were beautiful. I was finally excited in the story and where it would go from there. I wonder if this is the end or if we'll be pulled into this world again. I would read another......I think.
September 3, 2022
The fact that Ritter gave me a funeral instead of a wedding just reinforces my distrust in authors.
June 20, 2019
4.5*
“I never found a book that did not have at least a little magic in it”
Wow! This fourth and final instalment delivers. Ritter brings together elements from all the previous books, putting together a thrilling story, full of magic, action and banter. As good as the plot is, the strength is as always in the characters, from Jackaby and Abigail, to Jenny and Charlie, who are all on their journey of discovery. Great resolution too - one that validates the whole series.
“I never found a book that did not have at least a little magic in it”
Wow! This fourth and final instalment delivers. Ritter brings together elements from all the previous books, putting together a thrilling story, full of magic, action and banter. As good as the plot is, the strength is as always in the characters, from Jackaby and Abigail, to Jenny and Charlie, who are all on their journey of discovery. Great resolution too - one that validates the whole series.
February 11, 2018
Great conclusion to the series! I'm so glad I decided to pick up these books
August 20, 2017
Omg, my babies. I need a fifth book. And a sixth. And so many more. Perfect ending to the series. Review to come.
This series has easily become one of my favorite series ever. It started out very subtle. A good first book that left me intrigued, a second book that had me so super sold, and a third book that left me so very, very eager for the fourth. And the fourth - this very book? It left me super book depressed because WHY CAN'T I HAVE MORE??? This book was the perfect finale for this series, and I can't wait until I get to see what Ritter does next.
This book was perhaps the most fun I've had in this series and perhaps in a book in a long time. We get all the wonderful Jackaby elements: a fascinating, complex mystery that didn't have me guessing the culprit right away; cute little ships that took away nothing from the true story; lovable and complex characters; our sassmaster paranormal Sherlock at his absolute finest. However, this story brings something that I had always been intrigued about: the inclusion of all new supernatural creatures. That's right - this book is brimming with supernatural creatures and I LOVED EVERYTHING SECOND OF IT. IT MADE IT SO FUN AND SO FANTASTIC AND I'M STILL CRYING AND IN A BOOK HANGOVER BECAUSE IT WAS SO MUCH FUN.
The plot was intriguing; Jackaby was at his finest (seriously, his sass was unparalleled in this one); Miss Rook is still one of my favorite heroines ever; Charlie is adorable; and the supernatural elements were handled with so much care and craft. Ritter's writing style is absolutely brilliant. AND MY BABY DOUGLAS WAS THERE AND MENTIONED AND HE'S JUST AN ABSOLUTE DUCK GEM.
There were a few items that I thought could have used a bit more details to them and there were some questions left unanswered (which I really, really wanted answered). And the ending did wrap up a bit more abruptly than I wanted to since I mean, a LOT happened at the ending and I wanted a bit more of how everything was dealt with. However, I think the ending was a very fitting end and really how it needed to have ended.
If you haven't gotten in on this series yet, you definitely need to dive in pronto. This series will have you laughing, cheering, and maybe even shedding a tear every once in a while. It has wonderful heroines who kick some major butt, hilarious supernatural creatures, two fantastic heroes, and plots that are intricate and intriguing. This book was a wonderful way to end the series and you best believe after I finished this book, I immediately preordered it and then went and went in completed my set by buying the other three books. That's how good this was. Five crowns for this finale and an Anna rating, because I get some major Jackaby vibes from her.
Favorite Quotes:
"It may not have been woven with wool from a rare yeti, or dyes mixed by Baba Yaga," I told him, "But I'm sure it was made with love. And also with an ice pick."
*******************************
"It is quite an honor, sir," I said. "Er - your majesty. It's quite an honor, your majesty, sir." I immediately wished I remained silent.
"And what is she?" Arawn regarded me with detached amusement.
"She is my associate," Jackaby answered. "And she is generally quite sharp. Usually. Sometimes. She'll surprise you from time to time."
********************************
"Of course we're going to go looking for the rend," said Jackaby. "And the crown, the spear, and the shield. There's too much at stake now to start worrying about little things like being brutally murdered."
*******************************
"That will suffice," Jackaby grumbled loudly from behind me. "Yes, yes. You are young and your love is a hot biscuit and other abysmally romantic metaphors, I'm sure. You do recall that you saw each other yesterday?"
********************************
"All right then, my sage young apprentice - what do we do next?"
"Something foolish, I imagine," I said. "Foolish and decidedly dangerous. That sounds about our style, doesn't it?"
This series has easily become one of my favorite series ever. It started out very subtle. A good first book that left me intrigued, a second book that had me so super sold, and a third book that left me so very, very eager for the fourth. And the fourth - this very book? It left me super book depressed because WHY CAN'T I HAVE MORE??? This book was the perfect finale for this series, and I can't wait until I get to see what Ritter does next.
This book was perhaps the most fun I've had in this series and perhaps in a book in a long time. We get all the wonderful Jackaby elements: a fascinating, complex mystery that didn't have me guessing the culprit right away; cute little ships that took away nothing from the true story; lovable and complex characters; our sassmaster paranormal Sherlock at his absolute finest. However, this story brings something that I had always been intrigued about: the inclusion of all new supernatural creatures. That's right - this book is brimming with supernatural creatures and I LOVED EVERYTHING SECOND OF IT. IT MADE IT SO FUN AND SO FANTASTIC AND I'M STILL CRYING AND IN A BOOK HANGOVER BECAUSE IT WAS SO MUCH FUN.
The plot was intriguing; Jackaby was at his finest (seriously, his sass was unparalleled in this one); Miss Rook is still one of my favorite heroines ever; Charlie is adorable; and the supernatural elements were handled with so much care and craft. Ritter's writing style is absolutely brilliant. AND MY BABY DOUGLAS WAS THERE AND MENTIONED AND HE'S JUST AN ABSOLUTE DUCK GEM.
There were a few items that I thought could have used a bit more details to them and there were some questions left unanswered (which I really, really wanted answered). And the ending did wrap up a bit more abruptly than I wanted to since I mean, a LOT happened at the ending and I wanted a bit more of how everything was dealt with. However, I think the ending was a very fitting end and really how it needed to have ended.
If you haven't gotten in on this series yet, you definitely need to dive in pronto. This series will have you laughing, cheering, and maybe even shedding a tear every once in a while. It has wonderful heroines who kick some major butt, hilarious supernatural creatures, two fantastic heroes, and plots that are intricate and intriguing. This book was a wonderful way to end the series and you best believe after I finished this book, I immediately preordered it and then went and went in completed my set by buying the other three books. That's how good this was. Five crowns for this finale and an Anna rating, because I get some major Jackaby vibes from her.
Favorite Quotes:
"It may not have been woven with wool from a rare yeti, or dyes mixed by Baba Yaga," I told him, "But I'm sure it was made with love. And also with an ice pick."
*******************************
"It is quite an honor, sir," I said. "Er - your majesty. It's quite an honor, your majesty, sir." I immediately wished I remained silent.
"And what is she?" Arawn regarded me with detached amusement.
"She is my associate," Jackaby answered. "And she is generally quite sharp. Usually. Sometimes. She'll surprise you from time to time."
********************************
"Of course we're going to go looking for the rend," said Jackaby. "And the crown, the spear, and the shield. There's too much at stake now to start worrying about little things like being brutally murdered."
*******************************
"That will suffice," Jackaby grumbled loudly from behind me. "Yes, yes. You are young and your love is a hot biscuit and other abysmally romantic metaphors, I'm sure. You do recall that you saw each other yesterday?"
********************************
"All right then, my sage young apprentice - what do we do next?"
"Something foolish, I imagine," I said. "Foolish and decidedly dangerous. That sounds about our style, doesn't it?"
August 22, 2017
THE DIRE KING is the conclusion to this Sherlockian series where the sidekick is an absolute hero and being paranormal isn't so very strange.
As with all the books in the JACKABY series, I was absolutely enchanted by THE DIRE KING. The world building always draws me in, and Ritter's brilliant combination of the Victorian setting and supernatural elements is always so much fun and an absolute joy to read.
The plot of this book is full of twists and turns, and it's a bit darker than the other books in the series have been thus far, which I really enjoyed. There are a lot of fantastic action scenes all building up to the epic battle at the end, which is full of paranormal creatures as well as characters from previous books in the series.
I typically find Jackaby's character to be funny and entertaining, and he did fall a bit flat for me in this final installment in the series, which is probably due to the dire situation the characters find themselves facing. I would have liked to have seen just a bit more of his classic eccentrism and quirkiness though.
Abigail Rook, as ever, is a phenomenal heroine. I love that Ritter has taken a character that is really the sidekick in the series, and put her in a position to show her strength and that she is a total hero in her own right. She's smart, brave, and definitely the kind of character I love reading about.
I'm posting this review a little teary eyed, because I'm sad that the series is over. I think an annual October re-read may be in my future. If you haven't read these books yet, definitely do. They are an absolute delight.
As with all the books in the JACKABY series, I was absolutely enchanted by THE DIRE KING. The world building always draws me in, and Ritter's brilliant combination of the Victorian setting and supernatural elements is always so much fun and an absolute joy to read.
The plot of this book is full of twists and turns, and it's a bit darker than the other books in the series have been thus far, which I really enjoyed. There are a lot of fantastic action scenes all building up to the epic battle at the end, which is full of paranormal creatures as well as characters from previous books in the series.
I typically find Jackaby's character to be funny and entertaining, and he did fall a bit flat for me in this final installment in the series, which is probably due to the dire situation the characters find themselves facing. I would have liked to have seen just a bit more of his classic eccentrism and quirkiness though.
Abigail Rook, as ever, is a phenomenal heroine. I love that Ritter has taken a character that is really the sidekick in the series, and put her in a position to show her strength and that she is a total hero in her own right. She's smart, brave, and definitely the kind of character I love reading about.
I'm posting this review a little teary eyed, because I'm sad that the series is over. I think an annual October re-read may be in my future. If you haven't read these books yet, definitely do. They are an absolute delight.
November 6, 2024
Read Completed 8/29/17 |3 stars
For some reason, this was the least engaging book of the series for me and I felt a little bogged down and that things were going slowly in the middle. I had a hard time picking the book back up because I felt like it wasn't really progressing for a while, but I also know that's my lack of reading time that really hurt my reading pace as well.
I did absolutely love the ending! There was the perfect amount of bittersweet that every series finale should have. Things were wrapped up nicely, concepts exchanged hands, not everyone was perfectly okay, and it presented a new life for the characters after the events of this series wrapped up. I thought that was handled beautifully!
For some reason, this was the least engaging book of the series for me and I felt a little bogged down and that things were going slowly in the middle. I had a hard time picking the book back up because I felt like it wasn't really progressing for a while, but I also know that's my lack of reading time that really hurt my reading pace as well.
I did absolutely love the ending! There was the perfect amount of bittersweet that every series finale should have. Things were wrapped up nicely, concepts exchanged hands, not everyone was perfectly okay, and it presented a new life for the characters after the events of this series wrapped up. I thought that was handled beautifully!
March 10, 2018
Actual review: 3.75
“Those things aren't magical."
"Of course they're magical! You infuriating man! If a unicorn came and sat in the corner of your office every day, then by the end of the year you'd be hanging your coat on its horn. There is magic in your life! Not appreciating it does not make it any less magical. Yes, some of that magic is dangerous, but so are scissors and electricity and politics- and plenty of other completely human inventions!”
This was quite the adventure, ladies and gentlemen.
♥ THE WORLD
I loved the historical world with a sprinkle of magic. The world building was something that was quirky and fun, but surprisingly with depth which makes the story serious at times. The world is not completely new or creative per se, but Ritter wrote it in a way that made it his own, which I could appreciate.
♥ THE CHARACTERS
I will miss the characters greatly. These are the type of fun-loving characters you won’t mind reading about once every few months. Their interactions are funny, and the connections they have towards one another is heart-warming. I love Jackaby, I love Jenny, I love Abigail and I love the duck. They are easy to love and easier to read about.
♦ THE STORY AND THE KING
As far as the story and the villain goes, I was unimpressed with the progression of it. I was happy with the mystery, which was decent, and I was substantially satisfied with the ending, but honestly, it didn’t blow me away, the way I was hoping that it would. It was almost subpar for my liking.
♣ SERIES REVIEW – 7/10
This was a delightful series. It was easy to read and it was easy to have fun while reading. It’s the sort of book one could read to be entertained, to make you laugh and love the characters. The quirkiness of the concept and the characters really sold me on this series. I would consider it mainstream, as long as you go into not expecting anything more than a good time.
Goodbye, Jackaby, my old friend. It has been a treat knowing you. This ending has been bittersweet, and I know that I will remember you and miss you fondly.
"I have never found a book that did not have at least a little magic in it," said Jackaby. "They can't help it. They're made out of words and sometimes even pictures."
“Those things aren't magical."
"Of course they're magical! You infuriating man! If a unicorn came and sat in the corner of your office every day, then by the end of the year you'd be hanging your coat on its horn. There is magic in your life! Not appreciating it does not make it any less magical. Yes, some of that magic is dangerous, but so are scissors and electricity and politics- and plenty of other completely human inventions!”
This was quite the adventure, ladies and gentlemen.
♥ THE WORLD
I loved the historical world with a sprinkle of magic. The world building was something that was quirky and fun, but surprisingly with depth which makes the story serious at times. The world is not completely new or creative per se, but Ritter wrote it in a way that made it his own, which I could appreciate.
♥ THE CHARACTERS
I will miss the characters greatly. These are the type of fun-loving characters you won’t mind reading about once every few months. Their interactions are funny, and the connections they have towards one another is heart-warming. I love Jackaby, I love Jenny, I love Abigail and I love the duck. They are easy to love and easier to read about.
♦ THE STORY AND THE KING
As far as the story and the villain goes, I was unimpressed with the progression of it. I was happy with the mystery, which was decent, and I was substantially satisfied with the ending, but honestly, it didn’t blow me away, the way I was hoping that it would. It was almost subpar for my liking.
♣ SERIES REVIEW – 7/10
This was a delightful series. It was easy to read and it was easy to have fun while reading. It’s the sort of book one could read to be entertained, to make you laugh and love the characters. The quirkiness of the concept and the characters really sold me on this series. I would consider it mainstream, as long as you go into not expecting anything more than a good time.
Goodbye, Jackaby, my old friend. It has been a treat knowing you. This ending has been bittersweet, and I know that I will remember you and miss you fondly.
"I have never found a book that did not have at least a little magic in it," said Jackaby. "They can't help it. They're made out of words and sometimes even pictures."
January 1, 2018
What a lovely end to a fantastic adventure. I will miss Jackaby, Abigail, and the rest of the crew from New Fiddleham. Sad to see it end.
May 14, 2023
3.5 stars.
The ending was great, but I didn't like it as much as previous books in the series.
The ending was great, but I didn't like it as much as previous books in the series.
October 29, 2021
For Mira and Helena and Leah and Gailian and all the rest of the unready heroes growing up today, who will open new doors in the course of their lives that I did not even realize were locked in mine.
With a book dedication like this on the opening page, William Ritter has given a befitting end to the series, though a little more about Abigail and Charlie would have been the cherry on top.
The plot twist towards the end surely calls for another beginning, which if ever manifest, I am wholeheartedly supporting!
With a book dedication like this on the opening page, William Ritter has given a befitting end to the series, though a little more about Abigail and Charlie would have been the cherry on top.
The plot twist towards the end surely calls for another beginning, which if ever manifest, I am wholeheartedly supporting!
March 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this as a conclusion to this story! I'm glad I've finally wrapped up this series but I'm also sad to see it go. I know this author has a middle grade series that I'm kinda interested in but I hope this author will continue to write interesting stuff.
There's a lot going on in this book. They basically have to fight a war in this book so this definitely moved away from simple mystery solving, which I was a little sad about because I really like that part of these books. I also generally don't enjoy reading battle scenes, even if they are really well written. However, I understand the need for a bigger conclusion for the finale of the series and I thought it was pulled off well. This plot did feel a bit chaotic at times but really I thought that fit the general tone of the rest of the series and I really enjoyed seeing all the pieces get pulled together.
The characters are still great. Charlie's family is introduced in this book and his sister Alina ended up playing an important role but I do wish we had gotten to know her better outside of the action scenes but it was nice to see more of Charlie's background. I liked the way that all the characters plot lines wrapped up as well, even if it was a bit harrowing.
I'm sad to see this series go but I liked how it wrapped up. Honestly, I think this is super underrated as a series. Charlie is honestly one of my favorite love interests ever and I would really encourage people to give this series a chance.
There's a lot going on in this book. They basically have to fight a war in this book so this definitely moved away from simple mystery solving, which I was a little sad about because I really like that part of these books. I also generally don't enjoy reading battle scenes, even if they are really well written. However, I understand the need for a bigger conclusion for the finale of the series and I thought it was pulled off well. This plot did feel a bit chaotic at times but really I thought that fit the general tone of the rest of the series and I really enjoyed seeing all the pieces get pulled together.
The characters are still great. Charlie's family is introduced in this book and his sister Alina ended up playing an important role but I do wish we had gotten to know her better outside of the action scenes but it was nice to see more of Charlie's background. I liked the way that all the characters plot lines wrapped up as well, even if it was a bit harrowing.
I'm sad to see this series go but I liked how it wrapped up. Honestly, I think this is super underrated as a series. Charlie is honestly one of my favorite love interests ever and I would really encourage people to give this series a chance.
March 3, 2019
Is it August 22nd yet?? Because seriously, I anticipate this book being the best Jackaby we've seen yet! From the first page, the book is unputdownable! So far, we are seeing more characters, more of London, and more supernatural creatures than we have had in the series so far. William Ritter is delivering everything we have been waiting for in what I think will be an amazing climactic battle for London and even humanity. I am so incredibly excited to read the full book. I have no doubt that I will sit down and read the full book in less than a day. I wasn't fully on board with Jackaby in book 1. Book 2 he grew on me a little. Book 3 we finally heard a little bit of background and now in book 4 the whole gang needs to come together so we'll see what Mr. Ritter has in store!
Full review when the book releases!! Can't wait!!
---
Well, I was right. This book was the absolute best in the series! I laughed, I cried, and I sat on the edge of my seat reading. I had hardly realized how attached I became to these characters, but I very much love Jenny, Jackaby, Charlie, and 'Miss Rook.' The plot in this finale of a book is greatly in-depth and I loved the chase and the multiple guesses that the team makes as to who the Dire King truly is. We see so many different magical creatures that its almost hard to keep track, and some I haven't even heard of. I feel like I could go on for hours about this book because I was so blown away by it. I am so sad that this is the end. I would love to see it go on, maybe now from Jackaby's POV. I'm just gushing about this one!!
Full review when the book releases!! Can't wait!!
---
Well, I was right. This book was the absolute best in the series! I laughed, I cried, and I sat on the edge of my seat reading. I had hardly realized how attached I became to these characters, but I very much love Jenny, Jackaby, Charlie, and 'Miss Rook.' The plot in this finale of a book is greatly in-depth and I loved the chase and the multiple guesses that the team makes as to who the Dire King truly is. We see so many different magical creatures that its almost hard to keep track, and some I haven't even heard of. I feel like I could go on for hours about this book because I was so blown away by it. I am so sad that this is the end. I would love to see it go on, maybe now from Jackaby's POV. I'm just gushing about this one!!
September 6, 2017
I have loved this series and its characters from the first moment I picked up the first book, and closing the back cover of this copy of The Dire King makes my heart and soul ache with emotion, both happy and sad. Finishing a series is always really difficult for me, and although I have more than a few books on my shelf back home that should be next on my Currently Reading slot, I'm going to need to take at least the rest of the day to properly say goodbye to this one, this world, these characters. William Ritter is his clever best in this final installment, and I am not ashamed to say that I unabashedly cried tears both happy and sad in a rather public café as I read the final fifty or so pages. I cannot wait to see what he brings to the table next. This series might be ending, but Ritter's reign as one of my favorite authors is definitely only just beginning.
After all: the sun is rising.
After all: the sun is rising.
January 22, 2019
This came together well as an ending to the series. There were a couple of surprises - Charlie's sister, the identity of The Dire King (I pretty much figured this out), and a few loose ends that were never wrapped up - Douglas stays a duck? Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series.
If pressed, I think that the second book was the weakest. The historical urban fantasy element was fun, and I would read more books with sort of an aesthetic - it reminded me a little bit of the Fantastic Beasts franchise from a visual sense - merging early American elements with paranormal investigation and a strongly feminist sensibility.
There is some room at the end for additional books in Jackaby's world of New Fiddlesham, but whether William Ritter stays in the familiar place he's created or moves to write about someplace else, I'll give whatever comes next a try!
If pressed, I think that the second book was the weakest. The historical urban fantasy element was fun, and I would read more books with sort of an aesthetic - it reminded me a little bit of the Fantastic Beasts franchise from a visual sense - merging early American elements with paranormal investigation and a strongly feminist sensibility.
There is some room at the end for additional books in Jackaby's world of New Fiddlesham, but whether William Ritter stays in the familiar place he's created or moves to write about someplace else, I'll give whatever comes next a try!
July 18, 2019
** 4.5 stars **
Biannual Bibliothon | July 2019
Challenge: Wild card/ free choice
DEAD. LOL.
Reasons why this got 4.5 stars
Because The Dire King put me through a bit of an emotional roller coaster. The characters themselves have hands down been one of favourite things about this series. The friendship, relationship and banter between Jackaby, Abigail, Jenny and Charlie and how they’ve evolved over the course of 4 books was absolute perfection. Also, the wit this book contains is something else! There were a handful of moments that had me chucking to myself, like the quote I included above. Simple, yet so entertaining.
I swooned. And I really wasn’t expecting to swoon at all going this series but here I am, swooning...
*Cue me swooning*
FEELS. ABSOLUTE FEELS.
THE LAST 60ISH PAGES!! I was flying through the last 25-30% of the book, but the last 60ish, maybe 50 pages had me SHOOK, tear up a bit, SHOOK again, PISSED, and then SHOOK!!!! But seriously that part with the Twain? UGH. THE EMOTIONS!
The Twain, he..he? Was just a random character and at times seemed minor but I feel like him and what he represented or more so what his purpose was to the storyline. I’m not kidding when I say that last part had me leaking happy tear and in awe.
Reasons why this didn’t get 5 stars
I probably could knock off a full star but I decided to only take off half. I was honestly a little bored for about the first 60% of the book? Okay, bored is not the word. I wasn’t as excited or engaged in the storyline. I’ve had three books to build up to what was to come and to find out of Jackaby + Abigail and friends would be successful in taking down the Dire King and at some point throughout the first 10-15% of the book I honestly stopped caring about how and when that would happen and was more interested in the characters theme selves and what we become of them during this final journey.
Also, the whole Seeley/ Lord Arawn world. I understood it’s importance but it some ways it was too much to dump on readers in the final book. While it wasn’t completely information overload, it was the whole let’s tack on another important world that impacts the outcome of the fight with the Dire King and here’s the history why that kind of lost me at some point.
Would I recommend the Jackaby series? HECK YES!!! It’s hard for me to describe this series but it’s honestly a little Sherlock meets Buffy meets Doctor Who and I’m here for all of it, and so should you!
Biannual Bibliothon | July 2019
Challenge: Wild card/ free choice
“You threatened to kill me,” I said.
“I was making small talk.”
“And then you actually tried to kill me.”
“I get tired of small talk. You take things too personally.”
DEAD. LOL.
Reasons why this got 4.5 stars
Because The Dire King put me through a bit of an emotional roller coaster. The characters themselves have hands down been one of favourite things about this series. The friendship, relationship and banter between Jackaby, Abigail, Jenny and Charlie and how they’ve evolved over the course of 4 books was absolute perfection. Also, the wit this book contains is something else! There were a handful of moments that had me chucking to myself, like the quote I included above. Simple, yet so entertaining.
“Miss Finstern,” said Jackaby. “You’re looking rather...villainous. Have you considered not destroying the world, though?”
I swooned. And I really wasn’t expecting to swoon at all going this series but here I am, swooning...
“Not all all. My heart was always yours,”
*Cue me swooning*
“All due respects to Romeo and Juliet, but I don’t think love is sacrifice at all. Real love is when you let another person make you better. You don’t lose yourself in love-you find yourself there.”
FEELS. ABSOLUTE FEELS.
THE LAST 60ISH PAGES!! I was flying through the last 25-30% of the book, but the last 60ish, maybe 50 pages had me SHOOK, tear up a bit, SHOOK again, PISSED, and then SHOOK!!!! But seriously that part with the Twain? UGH. THE EMOTIONS!
The Twain, he..he? Was just a random character and at times seemed minor but I feel like him and what he represented or more so what his purpose was to the storyline. I’m not kidding when I say that last part had me leaking happy tear and in awe.
Reasons why this didn’t get 5 stars
I probably could knock off a full star but I decided to only take off half. I was honestly a little bored for about the first 60% of the book? Okay, bored is not the word. I wasn’t as excited or engaged in the storyline. I’ve had three books to build up to what was to come and to find out of Jackaby + Abigail and friends would be successful in taking down the Dire King and at some point throughout the first 10-15% of the book I honestly stopped caring about how and when that would happen and was more interested in the characters theme selves and what we become of them during this final journey.
Also, the whole Seeley/ Lord Arawn world. I understood it’s importance but it some ways it was too much to dump on readers in the final book. While it wasn’t completely information overload, it was the whole let’s tack on another important world that impacts the outcome of the fight with the Dire King and here’s the history why that kind of lost me at some point.
Would I recommend the Jackaby series? HECK YES!!! It’s hard for me to describe this series but it’s honestly a little Sherlock meets Buffy meets Doctor Who and I’m here for all of it, and so should you!
October 4, 2020
Come see this review and more at my blog, The Scribe Owl!
4/5 stars!
Jackaby: ★★★☆☆
Beastly Bones: ★★★☆☆
Ghostly Echoes: ★★★★☆
The Dire King: ★★★★☆
What a bittersweet conclusion to such a great series! Honestly, for most of the book I was thinking it wasn't as good as Ghostly Echoes, but that ending. Wow, can William Ritter write an ending. I'm so surprised that he only has two series, Jackaby and a middle-grade one. I hope he writes more because I just can't get enough!
For this conclusion, most of the loose threads and bits and pieces from the rest of the series come together to form a picture so very fitting for this series: exquisitely written, humorous, and mildly tragic. Jackaby and Abigail are the only ones who can stop the Unseelie Dire King and his Dire Council from opening the rift between the mortal and magical worlds and letting them collide once and for all. With little help from the Seelie fae, they have to bring all of the residents of New Fiddleham, human and otherwise, together for the fate of their world.
As always, I absolutely adore William Ritter's writing. As I said earlier, I could just read it forever! Mr. Jackaby's strange wisdom and humor always just elevate the book about a whole star! I really need a new series from Ritter, pretty please with a cherry on top?
I've said this in every review and I'll say it again: Jackaby is everything. From his mannerisms to his personality, everything about R. F. Jackaby is amazing. He's obviously my favorite character, though some of the others are pretty great too. Let's fast-track them: Abigail Rook, the Watson to Jackaby's Sherlock, Jenny Cavanaugh, the fiercely protective ghost of 926 Augur Lane, and Charlie Cane/Barker, the sweet little romantic with an eye for Miss Rook. The one character I didn't like was Alina, Charlie's sister, who annoyed me to no end.
One complaint is that we didn't get all the threads wrapped up. What's Jackaby's real name? Are we ever going to get a wedding with Abigail? How are Jenny and Jackaby going to make things work? I feel like this series could keep going forever, though I know William Ritter has said it's his last in the series.
After this crazy four-book ride, I'm going to miss this series. I hope William Ritter writes a new series soon, you can believe I'm going to buy it. I'd highly recommend this series, I hope you love it as much as I do!
Read for Fright night 2020 with The Procrastinators Book Club!
4/5 stars!
Jackaby: ★★★☆☆
Beastly Bones: ★★★☆☆
Ghostly Echoes: ★★★★☆
The Dire King: ★★★★☆
What a bittersweet conclusion to such a great series! Honestly, for most of the book I was thinking it wasn't as good as Ghostly Echoes, but that ending. Wow, can William Ritter write an ending. I'm so surprised that he only has two series, Jackaby and a middle-grade one. I hope he writes more because I just can't get enough!
For this conclusion, most of the loose threads and bits and pieces from the rest of the series come together to form a picture so very fitting for this series: exquisitely written, humorous, and mildly tragic. Jackaby and Abigail are the only ones who can stop the Unseelie Dire King and his Dire Council from opening the rift between the mortal and magical worlds and letting them collide once and for all. With little help from the Seelie fae, they have to bring all of the residents of New Fiddleham, human and otherwise, together for the fate of their world.
As always, I absolutely adore William Ritter's writing. As I said earlier, I could just read it forever! Mr. Jackaby's strange wisdom and humor always just elevate the book about a whole star! I really need a new series from Ritter, pretty please with a cherry on top?
I learned a long time ago that we do not survive because we’re strong—we become stronger the more we survive.
I've said this in every review and I'll say it again: Jackaby is everything. From his mannerisms to his personality, everything about R. F. Jackaby is amazing. He's obviously my favorite character, though some of the others are pretty great too. Let's fast-track them: Abigail Rook, the Watson to Jackaby's Sherlock, Jenny Cavanaugh, the fiercely protective ghost of 926 Augur Lane, and Charlie Cane/Barker, the sweet little romantic with an eye for Miss Rook. The one character I didn't like was Alina, Charlie's sister, who annoyed me to no end.
One complaint is that we didn't get all the threads wrapped up. What's Jackaby's real name? Are we ever going to get a wedding with Abigail? How are Jenny and Jackaby going to make things work? I feel like this series could keep going forever, though I know William Ritter has said it's his last in the series.
After this crazy four-book ride, I'm going to miss this series. I hope William Ritter writes a new series soon, you can believe I'm going to buy it. I'd highly recommend this series, I hope you love it as much as I do!
Read for Fright night 2020 with The Procrastinators Book Club!
August 25, 2017
This review was originally posted on the Goldilox and the Three Weres blog.
I can't believe that this is the last Jackaby book. I'm not ready for it to be over. I've adored each book in this series but this one was darker than its predecessors. It was so action-packed and full of twists that I was all in by page two and it was freaking fantastic! It was also an emotional roller coaster. I legit cried during most of the last 50-60 pages. And honestly, I'm still a bit shell-shocked from that ending. IT WAS AMAZING AND I AM NOT OKAY!
I'm not sure what else to say in this review without being spoilery. This book was kind of a reunion book where we see characters from the previous books. It was kind of awesome seeing so many familiar faces mixed in with the new ones. Throughout this series Jackaby’s motley crew has had their fair share of fights, but none have been as gruesome or as large scale as this final battle. All kinds of supernatural creatures pop up on both sides of the fight. There are some impressive weapons that combined with the paranormal add a colorful, kind of steampunk fairy tale vibe to the story and I need more of that in my YA books. The plot is not as light and airy as the previous books, but the characters and charm of the world that define this series are never lost in the mayhem.
Jackaby and the gang were just as awesome as always and I'm going to miss them terribly! I loved about this book and this series so much! I'm going to miss the quirky characters, the humor, and the mysteries. This book has several funny moments, often thanks to Jackaby, but it also was an emotional ride. I'm going to miss Abigail and Jackaby interacting where her down-to-earthness balances out his more eccentric ways. Storywise, this book just as good as the previous books and I quite liked the twist at the end of the book even though it almost destroyed me. It felt very suiting like everything had been leading up to it.
Overall, The Dire King was an excellent end to an amazing series. It was everything I hoped for and while the ending wrapped a lot of things up, there are still some open ends left. I'm hoping that this means that we'll be getting a spin-off series. I just really, really want to see the characters again some day and I think that ending left it open for it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for more Jackaby and the gang shenanigans.
If you haven't read this series, go and get your hands on the first book ASAP! Believe me, you'll thank me later.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Initial Thoughts- 8/16/2017- Holy Hell! This book was a trip and a half. My emotions are still running high after finishing it. It was a satisfying ending to an absolutely delightful series even though it made me cry.
Full review to come after the book releases.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
I can't believe that this is the last Jackaby book. I'm not ready for it to be over. I've adored each book in this series but this one was darker than its predecessors. It was so action-packed and full of twists that I was all in by page two and it was freaking fantastic! It was also an emotional roller coaster. I legit cried during most of the last 50-60 pages. And honestly, I'm still a bit shell-shocked from that ending. IT WAS AMAZING AND I AM NOT OKAY!
I'm not sure what else to say in this review without being spoilery. This book was kind of a reunion book where we see characters from the previous books. It was kind of awesome seeing so many familiar faces mixed in with the new ones. Throughout this series Jackaby’s motley crew has had their fair share of fights, but none have been as gruesome or as large scale as this final battle. All kinds of supernatural creatures pop up on both sides of the fight. There are some impressive weapons that combined with the paranormal add a colorful, kind of steampunk fairy tale vibe to the story and I need more of that in my YA books. The plot is not as light and airy as the previous books, but the characters and charm of the world that define this series are never lost in the mayhem.
Jackaby and the gang were just as awesome as always and I'm going to miss them terribly! I loved about this book and this series so much! I'm going to miss the quirky characters, the humor, and the mysteries. This book has several funny moments, often thanks to Jackaby, but it also was an emotional ride. I'm going to miss Abigail and Jackaby interacting where her down-to-earthness balances out his more eccentric ways. Storywise, this book just as good as the previous books and I quite liked the twist at the end of the book even though it almost destroyed me. It felt very suiting like everything had been leading up to it.
Overall, The Dire King was an excellent end to an amazing series. It was everything I hoped for and while the ending wrapped a lot of things up, there are still some open ends left. I'm hoping that this means that we'll be getting a spin-off series. I just really, really want to see the characters again some day and I think that ending left it open for it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for more Jackaby and the gang shenanigans.
If you haven't read this series, go and get your hands on the first book ASAP! Believe me, you'll thank me later.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Initial Thoughts- 8/16/2017- Holy Hell! This book was a trip and a half. My emotions are still running high after finishing it. It was a satisfying ending to an absolutely delightful series even though it made me cry.
Full review to come after the book releases.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
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