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Pendragon: Before the War #3
The Travelers: Book Three
Before Bobby Pendragon.
Before Saint Dane.
Before the war . . .
Every territory of Halla has a Traveler. They lived for years—some even for decades—before learning of their true destiny. What was life like for Bobby Pendragon's fellow Travelers before they joined him in the fight to save every time and place that has ever existed? What led up to their becoming the guardians of Halla? The answers are here!
In this first of three thrilling Pendragon prequels, read about Vo Spader's death-defying adventures in the underwater world of Cloral, Gunny Van Dyke's race to find a murderer in 1930's Manhattan on First Earth, and the tough challenges Kasha faced on Eelong well before Bobby Pendragon arrived . . .
Before Saint Dane.
Before the war . . .
Every territory of Halla has a Traveler. They lived for years—some even for decades—before learning of their true destiny. What was life like for Bobby Pendragon's fellow Travelers before they joined him in the fight to save every time and place that has ever existed? What led up to their becoming the guardians of Halla? The answers are here!
In this first of three thrilling Pendragon prequels, read about Vo Spader's death-defying adventures in the underwater world of Cloral, Gunny Van Dyke's race to find a murderer in 1930's Manhattan on First Earth, and the tough challenges Kasha faced on Eelong well before Bobby Pendragon arrived . . .
213 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
5 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
About the author
Walter Sorrells
30 books60 followersAlso writes under the pseudonyms of Lynn Abercrombie and Ruth Birmingham. Sorrells has now stopped writing and earns a living as a knife maker. He has a Youtube channel about it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 19, 2020
A really cute fun read that gives you insight into some of the travellers! I enjoyed Patrick’s story the most, mainly because I love pretty much anything have to do with books and libraries. I would definitely say these books are written a few grade-levels down from the actual Pendragon series; the writing in the actual series is much better. But for a quick read that supplements the main series, this book did a good job!
January 3, 2019
great to read about characters Pendragon meets while Battling Saint Dane! this book gives a background into Loor, Siry, and Patrick! all are good characters but my favorite is Loor! Each
story has interesting tidbits so to give a better understanding of each person. Very enjoyable book.
story has interesting tidbits so to give a better understanding of each person. Very enjoyable book.
March 31, 2022
These Pendragon prequels have been a pretty mixed bag so far. The first one was definitely pretty weak, and the second one was somewhat better but still not quite as good as the main series. So coming into the final book I didn’t have particularly high expectations.
However, things started off pretty well. The first story is about Loor, the Traveler from Zadaa. She’s been in and out of the series since the very first book, and since I read this right before Rivers of Zadaa, it was nice to get a taste of her world and see her on her home turf. It definitely got me excited to read book six of the main series.
The story is pretty good, as it shows Loor learning to be less impulsive as she faces her first major challenge as a warrior. She’s been assigned to travel into the desert to retrieve a sacred object of her people, but soon she discovers it was all a trap to find a queen for the leader of one of the desert tribes. Seeing her endure two long trips through the desert and deal with unexpected challenges, including swimming for the first time ever, really make me appreciate why she has such a low opinion of Bobby when she first meets him. It’s clear that Loor is a badass and while she still has things to learn, none of them are about physical feats. Also, unlike some of the other stories, I feel like the necessary worldbuilding stuff was explained well enough that if I had been somebody totally new to the series I could have enjoyed reading this story.
The second story is about a boy named Siry Remudi who lives in an isolated village on an island. It was interesting reading this story because I haven’t reached the book Siry features in but I still remember the twist - It definitely colored my reaction to a lot of the story, but it’s interesting because as a prequel this story doesn’t reveal the twist to the audience for fear of spoiling book eight. The plot was relatively basic, involving Siry showing pity for a raider and coming to regret it, but it made me excited to reread the eighth book and see more of his world. More than any of the other stories this feels like it acts not just as a story about one of the characters but an effective prologue to the installment he stars in.
Unfortunately, things fell apart with the last story. This one stars Patrick Mac, the Traveler from Third Earth. I think the problem is that at least in the books I’ve read so far, Third Earth appeared as a utopian future that existed mostly to deliver plot exposition about the Hindenburg. It doesn’t really have a strong hook to it like most of the other territories, and Patrick lacks a hook to him too. He’s basically just a generic librarian and teacher.
The actual plot is a mystery that starts okay but has a pretty disappointing ending. There are hints that Third Earth is less than perfect, with revelations about people living deep in the underground maintenance tunnels, but that proves to be a red herring and doesn’t actually stop me from feeling that the setting is boring. Also, it reminds me a little too much of Gunny’s story from the first book, which was by far the weakest of that installment.
If the three stories had all been good, I might have been willing to rate this higher than 3 stars for being surprisingly enjoyable. As it is, Pendragon: Before the War fails to stick the landing and in fact ends at the same level of quality it began. I don’t exactly regret reading these three books, but I doubt I would have hurt anything by skipping them. In the end, I think even hardcore fans don’t need to track these down - and I certainly wouldn’t start here if you’ve been wondering about the series. Start with Bobby and stay there.
However, things started off pretty well. The first story is about Loor, the Traveler from Zadaa. She’s been in and out of the series since the very first book, and since I read this right before Rivers of Zadaa, it was nice to get a taste of her world and see her on her home turf. It definitely got me excited to read book six of the main series.
The story is pretty good, as it shows Loor learning to be less impulsive as she faces her first major challenge as a warrior. She’s been assigned to travel into the desert to retrieve a sacred object of her people, but soon she discovers it was all a trap to find a queen for the leader of one of the desert tribes. Seeing her endure two long trips through the desert and deal with unexpected challenges, including swimming for the first time ever, really make me appreciate why she has such a low opinion of Bobby when she first meets him. It’s clear that Loor is a badass and while she still has things to learn, none of them are about physical feats. Also, unlike some of the other stories, I feel like the necessary worldbuilding stuff was explained well enough that if I had been somebody totally new to the series I could have enjoyed reading this story.
The second story is about a boy named Siry Remudi who lives in an isolated village on an island. It was interesting reading this story because I haven’t reached the book Siry features in but I still remember the twist - It definitely colored my reaction to a lot of the story, but it’s interesting because as a prequel this story doesn’t reveal the twist to the audience for fear of spoiling book eight. The plot was relatively basic, involving Siry showing pity for a raider and coming to regret it, but it made me excited to reread the eighth book and see more of his world. More than any of the other stories this feels like it acts not just as a story about one of the characters but an effective prologue to the installment he stars in.
Unfortunately, things fell apart with the last story. This one stars Patrick Mac, the Traveler from Third Earth. I think the problem is that at least in the books I’ve read so far, Third Earth appeared as a utopian future that existed mostly to deliver plot exposition about the Hindenburg. It doesn’t really have a strong hook to it like most of the other territories, and Patrick lacks a hook to him too. He’s basically just a generic librarian and teacher.
The actual plot is a mystery that starts okay but has a pretty disappointing ending. There are hints that Third Earth is less than perfect, with revelations about people living deep in the underground maintenance tunnels, but that proves to be a red herring and doesn’t actually stop me from feeling that the setting is boring. Also, it reminds me a little too much of Gunny’s story from the first book, which was by far the weakest of that installment.
If the three stories had all been good, I might have been willing to rate this higher than 3 stars for being surprisingly enjoyable. As it is, Pendragon: Before the War fails to stick the landing and in fact ends at the same level of quality it began. I don’t exactly regret reading these three books, but I doubt I would have hurt anything by skipping them. In the end, I think even hardcore fans don’t need to track these down - and I certainly wouldn’t start here if you’ve been wondering about the series. Start with Bobby and stay there.
October 6, 2020
I did not enjoy this one more than the second one, but I think I enjoyed it more than the first one. I liked the worlds that are the settings for these stories, but not really the characters. the plot was fine, but I didn't like how the second story left off at a horrible place. It doesn't even explain what it means.
May 12, 2023
And so ends the last of my Pendragon material.
Sigh.
We get to see the last three Travelers in this book.
Siry learns to be a leader instead of an angry kid.
Loor learns to think before she acts.
Patrick learns that he is capable of so much more than he thought.
I am going to miss them all.
Sigh.
We get to see the last three Travelers in this book.
Siry learns to be a leader instead of an angry kid.
Loor learns to think before she acts.
Patrick learns that he is capable of so much more than he thought.
I am going to miss them all.
August 12, 2017
These are the adventures of Loor, Siry, and Patrick.
February 10, 2019
Solid stories, again! Definitely my favorite of the three books, and a lovely tie-in to the main series.
May 4, 2019
(reread in 2019)
The last of the prequel side stories. This one was better then the first but the second book was the best out of the three.
Onto the final book of the series
The last of the prequel side stories. This one was better then the first but the second book was the best out of the three.
Onto the final book of the series
Want to read
November 17, 2019OH GOD LOOR IS BEAUTIFUL
April 5, 2022
Some of the details contradicted the original pendragon series which is disappointing. Overall, it was a cool look into the other worlds but I think it could have been better
March 9, 2024
I LOVE LOORRRRRRR
June 26, 2025
4.5, is good!
October 31, 2022
These stories were very fun and interesting. I have to say that I was slightly disappointed that Loor's story was probably the least interesting. All that really happens to her is that she goes out into the desert, gets held hostage and then leaves. It just adds so little to her character. Siry's story was quite interesting as you begin to see why he started questioning the elders in Rayne and how he formed the Jakills. Patrick's story might have been the most interesting as he is trying to solve a good mystery while keeping his actions secret from his superiors.
April 19, 2025
While Pendragon: Before The War (Book 3 of the Travelers) was enjoyable, it didn’t quite measure up to the previous two installments. That said, it succeeds in showcasing how every Traveller has a weakness that must be confronted to truly grow—a strong thematic thread running through its three stories.
The worldbuilding in this installment was better than the last but didn’t quite match the depth of the first. The three featured territories—Denduron, Zadaa, and Third Earth—felt distinct in ways that set them apart more than previous groupings. Denduron was the easiest to picture, given literature’s tendency to lean into medieval settings. Zadaa was similarly vivid, with its vast desert landscape. Third Earth stood out the most, especially its unique academic culture, which prioritizes book knowledge over experiential learning. I’m eager to visit these worlds more fully, and from what I understand, one of them will be the focus of The Merchant of Death, the first book in the main Pendragon series.
In terms of the individual stories, Alder’s and Patrick’s stood out, while Loor’s—though meaningful—felt a bit less compelling. Alder’s arc, exploring the idea that success doesn’t erase struggles but instead brings new challenges, resonated deeply. Patrick’s journey was another standout, as he was forced into a leadership role during a chaotic class trip gone wrong—an engaging and effective way to push his development forward.
Overall, I’ve been thoroughly satisfied with Before The War. I wasn’t entirely sure if reading these prequels first was the right call, but now I see that it absolutely was. With the foundation properly set, I’m ready to dive into Pendragon—let’s see where this adventure goes next!
The worldbuilding in this installment was better than the last but didn’t quite match the depth of the first. The three featured territories—Denduron, Zadaa, and Third Earth—felt distinct in ways that set them apart more than previous groupings. Denduron was the easiest to picture, given literature’s tendency to lean into medieval settings. Zadaa was similarly vivid, with its vast desert landscape. Third Earth stood out the most, especially its unique academic culture, which prioritizes book knowledge over experiential learning. I’m eager to visit these worlds more fully, and from what I understand, one of them will be the focus of The Merchant of Death, the first book in the main Pendragon series.
In terms of the individual stories, Alder’s and Patrick’s stood out, while Loor’s—though meaningful—felt a bit less compelling. Alder’s arc, exploring the idea that success doesn’t erase struggles but instead brings new challenges, resonated deeply. Patrick’s journey was another standout, as he was forced into a leadership role during a chaotic class trip gone wrong—an engaging and effective way to push his development forward.
Overall, I’ve been thoroughly satisfied with Before The War. I wasn’t entirely sure if reading these prequels first was the right call, but now I see that it absolutely was. With the foundation properly set, I’m ready to dive into Pendragon—let’s see where this adventure goes next!
March 23, 2011
Probably the strongest of the 3 books to date! Learning about Loor was great and the story exciting. Reading about Remudi (both Siry and his dad) was interesting and helped to add much to the 8th book in the Pendragon series. Finding out about Patrick Mac was a little strange (felt like something out of a Boy's Scout adventure) and I didn't understand how it all fit in to what had come before... until I started reading the 9th book in the series :)[return][return]An interesting and fun tome!
November 17, 2010
Holy crap! When Patrick and Em saw Saint Dane at the end burning the book, that was incredibly crazy! Also the author partly screwed up the ending of Siry's part. In the original Pendragon Series it talks about how Siry lied to the others about where he found the map. He really found it in the mountain. Loor's was awesome and insane. With the whole fake reason to send her was completely crazy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2011
This book followed the same great direction as the last two and I do have to say each one of these titles has good message's for kids in them. Along with all the action and adventure kids can learn a lot with these...heck even a few adults could learn something from them as well. The only thing I was sad about with this title was that it was the last one.
May 6, 2009
June 4, 2010
Patrick's was the best. Siry's made me hate his dad. Which is sad. And Loor's was WAAAAAY out of place. Loor never loses. This isn't how I want my favorite character portrayed! Overall book two is the best.
January 16, 2016
3rd book in the prequel trilogy to give background stories about the Travelers in the Bobby Pendragon series by D.J. MacHale.
Travelers: Book Three is about Loor and the Batu, Siry Remudi and the Jakills and Patrick Mac from 3rd Earth.
Travelers: Book Three is about Loor and the Batu, Siry Remudi and the Jakills and Patrick Mac from 3rd Earth.
Read
June 17, 2009I have yet to read the book and I don't know if anyone already noticed but Siry is black in the books by MacHale
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2009
Patrick, running around a forest isn't really considered dangerous... unless you're like 10 years old.
April 13, 2011
I really getting to read about the characters' pasts before the Pendragon series. I especially liked learning more about Loor.
December 11, 2011
A great prequel to fill in the stories of three more travelers: Loor, Siry Remudi, and Patrick Mac. Full of action.
February 21, 2012
Rather interesting add on to the series. After all, Pendragon is all about, well, Pendragon. So this give more insight on the series. I just regret that I cant find the first book.
January 7, 2013
I'll add on to my review later, but did anyone notice how in all three stories there was someone with a scarred face/missing eye?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2013
I love this prequel series... it really gets you to want to read the actual books again. Very good stuff.
February 9, 2016
It was a good conclusion to the Halla short stories. This is my second favorite in this three book anthology of when each Traveler discovered their destinies in protecting Halla.
January 28, 2014
all about Patrick macs adventure on third earth to find a book thief, the betrayal that led siry remudi to become a jakill, and the young warrior loors adventure in the desert.
September 2, 2014
This book was well-written and fast-paced. The only problem is, I'm not sure what I read or how everything fits together. Confused, but intrigued.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews