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The Wizards of Once #4
Never and Forever
The final book in the Wizards of Once quartet - the No.1 bestselling series from the author of How to Train Your Dragon. Warriors and Wizards combine forces against the dreadful power of the Kingwitch, whose searing evil threatens not only the Wildwoods, but all its creatures.
Xar and Wish are on the final leg of their journey. First The Mines of Unhappiness. Here, starvation is never far away for the Magical creatures who toil in its horrible depths. Xar and Wish must escape and fast; Xar needs to take control of his ever-growing Witchstain, and Wish must achieve her Destiny. But the Tazzelwurm is in their way, a grotesque monster who threatens to block every entrance.
Time is not on their side, but the forests are calling them. Will their combined strength be enough for the BIGGEST quest so far; to defeat the Kingwitch once and for all?
"A rollercoaster of suspense and surprise" GUARDIAN
"Cowell is moving towards national treasure" BIG ISSUE
"Another coup from Cowell" SUNDAY TIMES
Xar and Wish are on the final leg of their journey. First The Mines of Unhappiness. Here, starvation is never far away for the Magical creatures who toil in its horrible depths. Xar and Wish must escape and fast; Xar needs to take control of his ever-growing Witchstain, and Wish must achieve her Destiny. But the Tazzelwurm is in their way, a grotesque monster who threatens to block every entrance.
Time is not on their side, but the forests are calling them. Will their combined strength be enough for the BIGGEST quest so far; to defeat the Kingwitch once and for all?
"A rollercoaster of suspense and surprise" GUARDIAN
"Cowell is moving towards national treasure" BIG ISSUE
"Another coup from Cowell" SUNDAY TIMES
384 pages, Hardcover
First published November 17, 2020
116 people are currently reading
1572 people want to read
About the author
Cressida Cowell
209 books2,448 followersCressida Cowell grew up in London and on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland. She was convinced that there were dragons living on this island, and has been fascinated by dragons ever since. She has a BA in English Literature from Oxford University, a BA in Graphic Design from St Martin's and an MA in Narrative Illustration from Brighton. Cressida loves illustrating her own work, but also loves writing books for other people to illustrate as the end result can be so unexpected and inspiring. Cressida has written and illustrated eight books in the popular Hiccup series. The unique blend of child centred humour and sublime prose made Hiccup an instant hit. How to Train Your Dragon is now published in over 30 languages. A DreamWorks Animation feature film is out in March 2010. Also the author of picture books, Cressida has won the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 and has been shortlisted for many others. Cressida lives in Hammersmith with her husband and three children.
Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
6. A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)
Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
6. A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
August 23, 2021
Check out the spoiler-free interview I did with author Cressida Cowell on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/R3mzRkQhOXk
Cressida Cowell really did save the best 'til last.
I cannot quite believe how utterly shocked and satisfied I am with the ending of this Wizards of Once saga, and I really, really want more with how things ended, but at the same time, we don't really need more because [redacted], so when it was revealed that [redacted] was the unknown narrator and that [redacted] was [redacted] and [redacted] was [redacted], well, quite simply, my mind was blown.
This had so many exciting moments, I cannot tell you. It started off with high stakes anyway but the stakes just seemed to get higher and higher and higher with every passing chapter. I genuinely think this is the best book Cowell has written, not just in the Wizards of Once series, but ever. It is so well-rounded and character arcs just had such beautiful moments to them, not just for our main heroes, but for even the smallest of the hairy fairies and ensemble cast.
I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I wept tears of joy. This was everything for a Wizards of Once fan and I know, as soon as you get to that last page, you will be satisfied too.
Cressida Cowell really did save the best 'til last.
I cannot quite believe how utterly shocked and satisfied I am with the ending of this Wizards of Once saga, and I really, really want more with how things ended, but at the same time, we don't really need more because [redacted], so when it was revealed that [redacted] was the unknown narrator and that [redacted] was [redacted] and [redacted] was [redacted], well, quite simply, my mind was blown.
This had so many exciting moments, I cannot tell you. It started off with high stakes anyway but the stakes just seemed to get higher and higher and higher with every passing chapter. I genuinely think this is the best book Cowell has written, not just in the Wizards of Once series, but ever. It is so well-rounded and character arcs just had such beautiful moments to them, not just for our main heroes, but for even the smallest of the hairy fairies and ensemble cast.
I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I wept tears of joy. This was everything for a Wizards of Once fan and I know, as soon as you get to that last page, you will be satisfied too.
August 16, 2022
These books are the reason why I got into audiobooks. I never liked them before, but then David Tennant reading these was just so damn delightful! And there's music and sound effects! I thought, well, if this one was good . . .
Nothing I've listened to so far beats this series though, which is funny, and scary, and clever, and fast paced as well as being stellar audiobooks!
Nothing I've listened to so far beats this series though, which is funny, and scary, and clever, and fast paced as well as being stellar audiobooks!
August 28, 2024
تمااااام شد! معرکه بود! مدتها بود که با یه مجموعهی فانتزی اینقدر حال نکرده بودم!
در عین صاف و سادگی، همهچیزش سر جای خودش بود. کاراکترای خوب، داستان جذاب، قلم گیرا و صدالبته، ترجمهی دلنشینش واقعا من رو مجذوب خودش کرد. کرسیدا کاول حرف نداره!
البته این هم بگم که مخاطب اثر نوجوانان هستند و نباید انتظار ارباب حلقهها یا گیم اف ترونز ازش داشته باشید. در ژانر خودش و در جایگاه خودش و در گروه سنی خودش، دوستداشتنی و کمنظیر بود.
و در آخر، "باید به قصهها گوش بسپاری، چون قصهها همیشه معنایی دارند."
زمانهی جادو، ترجمهی چکامه چکامیان، نشر پرتقال🍊
در عین صاف و سادگی، همهچیزش سر جای خودش بود. کاراکترای خوب، داستان جذاب، قلم گیرا و صدالبته، ترجمهی دلنشینش واقعا من رو مجذوب خودش کرد. کرسیدا کاول حرف نداره!
البته این هم بگم که مخاطب اثر نوجوانان هستند و نباید انتظار ارباب حلقهها یا گیم اف ترونز ازش داشته باشید. در ژانر خودش و در جایگاه خودش و در گروه سنی خودش، دوستداشتنی و کمنظیر بود.
و در آخر، "باید به قصهها گوش بسپاری، چون قصهها همیشه معنایی دارند."
زمانهی جادو، ترجمهی چکامه چکامیان، نشر پرتقال🍊
January 24, 2021
My kids (6 & 8) loved this series but this book didn’t quite match the others as the action is slower. The ending was a real disappointment and just plain weird. It goes off on a totally unrelated tangent and we felt a little fooled after being told the unknown narrator was someone who had been in it from the first book but turned out not to be. Trying to guess who it was was a real highlight throughout the story and to have been given a false clue in an earlier book felt disingenuous. Maybe we missed something... Overall I’m glad to read this series but wish we’d skipped the last chapter and epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2021
New Words Learnt - 0
As some might know from my previous reviews, Cressida Cowell is my favourite author. Her 'How to Train Your Dragon' series is one of my favourite book series, and her writing style and humour is just so, SO GOOD. Add to that the nostalgia of her writing, illustrations, and masterful songwriting, and you got yourself a success every single time, a guaranteed 5 stars rating. Woohoo!
Except, no. Not this time, the finale of The Wizards of Once. It only got four (changed to three at the end of writing this review). How? Why? Is such a thing even possible? I'm afraid that I'm today years old when I learnt such a tragic lesson. So, before I go into the negatives, let's just repeat that the book, story, journey, characters, humour and more were still very good, and every child and book-loving adult across the country should read it. They don't change, they're a staple to her books, and you know you're going to get a good one too. With that said, let's dive deeper and see where it all went (slightly) wrong.
THE STORY FELT A BIT RUSHED:
Already starting with a controversial one, this issue could stem from the fact that I left a large gap of time between the 3rd and 4th instalment. Still, the same could be said with the later HTTYD books (I'm not going to stop comparing the two book series, they're too similar) but they felt grand and epic, whereas this finale seemed quick and cosy. We literally went backwards chronologically in the beginning, which is a nice storytelling technique and all, but here we lost the momentum of gearing towards the high finale. A small side-quest is done? Great let's start the climax at the halfway point. Still, I liked the 'The Banquet' chapter at the end, sandwiched between two not-so-very-good chapters. This entry is more subjective, and it could change with future marathon reading of the series.
LAST MINUTE WORLD-BUILDING:
Ok, so you felt the story was a bit rushed, but it's not THAT bad, after all the book has clever writing and unexpected twists. Right? Yes, yes, but remember those are the minimum standards set by Cowell herself for her books. Usually so good at world-building, the climax here had a bunch of new elements thrown in for the convenience of the plot. Could it be that I wasn't paying enough attention in the series, or that my memory is not saving the valuable information as it used to? Perhaps, I'll know next summer when I plan a CC marathon. Who knows I might look like a fool. But for now, it looked cheap and out of place.
UNSATISFYING ENDING and EPILOGUE:
Ending and Epilogue were unsatisfying and in places downright insulting. New information given where learning such knowledge is unforgivable. For more info read the spoiler section above.
A LAUGHABLY, SADDENING BAD AFTER-CLIMAX:
Despite the disappointing final chapters, I still hold The Wizards of Once close to heart. The sense of wonder and magic that it evokes is amazing, and hopefully I can forget/ignore certain knowledge to enjoy the books with all my heart.
No Dragon-O-Meter review because the Tatzelwurm is half-cat.
As some might know from my previous reviews, Cressida Cowell is my favourite author. Her 'How to Train Your Dragon' series is one of my favourite book series, and her writing style and humour is just so, SO GOOD. Add to that the nostalgia of her writing, illustrations, and masterful songwriting, and you got yourself a success every single time, a guaranteed 5 stars rating. Woohoo!
Except, no. Not this time, the finale of The Wizards of Once. It only got four (changed to three at the end of writing this review). How? Why? Is such a thing even possible? I'm afraid that I'm today years old when I learnt such a tragic lesson. So, before I go into the negatives, let's just repeat that the book, story, journey, characters, humour and more were still very good, and every child and book-loving adult across the country should read it. They don't change, they're a staple to her books, and you know you're going to get a good one too. With that said, let's dive deeper and see where it all went (slightly) wrong.
THE STORY FELT A BIT RUSHED:
Already starting with a controversial one, this issue could stem from the fact that I left a large gap of time between the 3rd and 4th instalment. Still, the same could be said with the later HTTYD books (I'm not going to stop comparing the two book series, they're too similar) but they felt grand and epic, whereas this finale seemed quick and cosy. We literally went backwards chronologically in the beginning, which is a nice storytelling technique and all, but here we lost the momentum of gearing towards the high finale. A small side-quest is done? Great let's start the climax at the halfway point. Still, I liked the 'The Banquet' chapter at the end, sandwiched between two not-so-very-good chapters. This entry is more subjective, and it could change with future marathon reading of the series.
LAST MINUTE WORLD-BUILDING:
Ok, so you felt the story was a bit rushed, but it's not THAT bad, after all the book has clever writing and unexpected twists. Right? Yes, yes, but remember those are the minimum standards set by Cowell herself for her books. Usually so good at world-building, the climax here had a bunch of new elements thrown in for the convenience of the plot. Could it be that I wasn't paying enough attention in the series, or that my memory is not saving the valuable information as it used to? Perhaps, I'll know next summer when I plan a CC marathon. Who knows I might look like a fool. But for now, it looked cheap and out of place.
UNSATISFYING ENDING and EPILOGUE:
Ending and Epilogue were unsatisfying and in places downright insulting. New information given where learning such knowledge is unforgivable. For more info read the spoiler section above.
A LAUGHABLY, SADDENING BAD AFTER-CLIMAX:
Despite the disappointing final chapters, I still hold The Wizards of Once close to heart. The sense of wonder and magic that it evokes is amazing, and hopefully I can forget/ignore certain knowledge to enjoy the books with all my heart.
No Dragon-O-Meter review because the Tatzelwurm is half-cat.
December 7, 2022
I genuinely Do. Not. know what to say...
The first 350 pages felt like a funny and fast paced, yet rushed, conclusion. There were some huge anticlimaxes there, but I was on the edge of my seat a few times and I laughed a lot. The characters got some much needed, yet quick development.
3 stars for a good, but somewhat easy resolution of the series.
And then there were the last 15 pages or so.
Nothing could have prepared me for that. I did not see it coming at all and it did not match the 1525 other pages in this series. It does not match the characters, it does not match the timeline, it does not match the entire world of the wildwoods I’ve known for four books.
It kind of ruined the magic of it all
The first 350 pages felt like a funny and fast paced, yet rushed, conclusion. There were some huge anticlimaxes there, but I was on the edge of my seat a few times and I laughed a lot. The characters got some much needed, yet quick development.
3 stars for a good, but somewhat easy resolution of the series.
And then there were the last 15 pages or so.
Nothing could have prepared me for that. I did not see it coming at all and it did not match the 1525 other pages in this series. It does not match the characters, it does not match the timeline, it does not match the entire world of the wildwoods I’ve known for four books.
It kind of ruined the magic of it all
March 2, 2022
Yes I did cry and yes I did love that the book knew I was crying 😭😭 Full review to come soon
November 30, 2020
“Never and Forever.” The wonderful finale to a wonderful series.
I have had this book in my possession for a few weeks, but I just couldn’t, didn’t, want to immediately read it. Then it would truly be over. And I didn’t want it to be over. The first book that started it all that I got as a special edition during my trip to England/London in 2018, I am so glad that back then I couldn’t resist bringing that with me, because it started an amazing journey.
In this one the group is on their final legs, it is the last tiny bits and then a big battle. There is a lot resting on their shoulders and I was rooting for them again all the book. There is a lot happening in this book, though at times I thought how much longer till the big battle, and why does it take so long? But in the end, reading it all, I can say that it was well done, there is not a step skipped. There is details in everything. While I would love the battle sooner, I feel that now they were completely prepared. Now everything was done that should have been done.
I love the characters so much. Wish, Xar, Bodkin, but also the others that we meet along the journey. But our main characters? They didn’t just make the journey to the end boss, but they also made a journey in growing up. In becoming more wise, stronger, better, more controlled with their feelings. The biggest one for me would be Xar. Xar who at times was a spoiled brat who loved bragging and was doing all sorts of not so nice things at times. I wasn’t always a fan of him, but in the last book and this one he was just so much better. He still had his tendencies to just brag or lie, but it was much less than before. He changed so much. He really grew up and that made me tear up when he himself noticed it as well.
Then there are Wish’s mom and Xar’s dad. The two are still trying to get to their kids and stop the mission. I wasn’t always a fan of them given how they acted, how they constantly tried to take control, and how they constantly bickered. But nearer to the end I did like them more. They tried. And after a certain event they seemed to warm up a bit more and become more human.
I love that Squeezjoos (whose name is still awesome) got so much of the spotlight this time. He has been kidnapped by the Kingwitch and is turning… turning into something vile and bad. We see that he at times does have control, but for most he is not who he was and that just saddened me. To see such a sweet character turned into this.
The end battle with the Kingswitch and all that happens after, HOLY WOW. That was just intense and I was cheering so hard for Wish. Cheering for her to win. To defeat that evil. To make sure that this world can be safe again. It was really an epic battle, truly an end boss level of WOW.
There is tons of excitement through the story. I really couldn’t stop reading. Though I had to at one point as I had to sleep, but if I didn’t have to sleep I would probably just continued reading and reading and reading until the very last page. Holy WOW, this book was a rollercoaster of amazingness. But also made me sad, made me cry, made me laugh, made me shake my fast at the villains, I was afraid of those witches that lurked in the woods. I loved it.
At the end we find out who the narrator is, I have to say it was still a surprise, but I also somewhere thought that it could be that person. And no, sorry if you are very curious, but I am not telling you. Go read this amazing series. I am very happy it was this person it totally fitted with everything and their role they had in the book.
OH OH, and I loved that the title comes back in this book! And in a glorious way even~
I love the illustrations and how they make the story come further alive.
All in all, this is one of my favourite series now and I would highly recommend it to everyone in need for adventure, magic, unlikely friendship, character growth, and amazing stories. Read it!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have had this book in my possession for a few weeks, but I just couldn’t, didn’t, want to immediately read it. Then it would truly be over. And I didn’t want it to be over. The first book that started it all that I got as a special edition during my trip to England/London in 2018, I am so glad that back then I couldn’t resist bringing that with me, because it started an amazing journey.
In this one the group is on their final legs, it is the last tiny bits and then a big battle. There is a lot resting on their shoulders and I was rooting for them again all the book. There is a lot happening in this book, though at times I thought how much longer till the big battle, and why does it take so long? But in the end, reading it all, I can say that it was well done, there is not a step skipped. There is details in everything. While I would love the battle sooner, I feel that now they were completely prepared. Now everything was done that should have been done.
I love the characters so much. Wish, Xar, Bodkin, but also the others that we meet along the journey. But our main characters? They didn’t just make the journey to the end boss, but they also made a journey in growing up. In becoming more wise, stronger, better, more controlled with their feelings. The biggest one for me would be Xar. Xar who at times was a spoiled brat who loved bragging and was doing all sorts of not so nice things at times. I wasn’t always a fan of him, but in the last book and this one he was just so much better. He still had his tendencies to just brag or lie, but it was much less than before. He changed so much. He really grew up and that made me tear up when he himself noticed it as well.
Then there are Wish’s mom and Xar’s dad. The two are still trying to get to their kids and stop the mission. I wasn’t always a fan of them given how they acted, how they constantly tried to take control, and how they constantly bickered. But nearer to the end I did like them more. They tried. And after a certain event they seemed to warm up a bit more and become more human.
I love that Squeezjoos (whose name is still awesome) got so much of the spotlight this time. He has been kidnapped by the Kingwitch and is turning… turning into something vile and bad. We see that he at times does have control, but for most he is not who he was and that just saddened me. To see such a sweet character turned into this.
The end battle with the Kingswitch and all that happens after, HOLY WOW. That was just intense and I was cheering so hard for Wish. Cheering for her to win. To defeat that evil. To make sure that this world can be safe again. It was really an epic battle, truly an end boss level of WOW.
There is tons of excitement through the story. I really couldn’t stop reading. Though I had to at one point as I had to sleep, but if I didn’t have to sleep I would probably just continued reading and reading and reading until the very last page. Holy WOW, this book was a rollercoaster of amazingness. But also made me sad, made me cry, made me laugh, made me shake my fast at the villains, I was afraid of those witches that lurked in the woods. I loved it.
At the end we find out who the narrator is, I have to say it was still a surprise, but I also somewhere thought that it could be that person. And no, sorry if you are very curious, but I am not telling you. Go read this amazing series. I am very happy it was this person it totally fitted with everything and their role they had in the book.
OH OH, and I loved that the title comes back in this book! And in a glorious way even~
I love the illustrations and how they make the story come further alive.
All in all, this is one of my favourite series now and I would highly recommend it to everyone in need for adventure, magic, unlikely friendship, character growth, and amazing stories. Read it!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 23, 2021
My favorite of the Wizards of Once quartet. As always, David Tenant provides excellent audiobook narration!
October 14, 2021
Tohle byla jízda! Celá série je skvělá a myslím, že Cressida dokázala sepsat příběh pro starší (middle-grade) čtenáře a zároveň si udržet stejný styl humoru, aniž by působil pro tuto věkovou skupinu příliš dětinsky či připitoměle.
May 2, 2021
What a great ending to this absolutely fantastic series! I have the best weekend ever, listening and reading these back to back 😍😍😍
January 11, 2021
Wow. What an ending to the series. I applaud you, Cressida Cowell.
She managed to wrap everything up, but in a way that didn't feel contrived. It left me feeling happy that the characters had achieved their goals, but also mildly worried for their futures. And we finally found out who the narrator was.
I really like the style of this series. It's got a depth to it a lot of middle grade doesn't have. The narration is beautiful, hopeful but a little bit pragmatic. I liked all the parts about being the ones to create change, create a new world where people can live together in peace.
And the characters. They have grown so much. Which is good, because I don't feel like they had a lot of development in this book. More of a solidifying of what they've learned over the series. I also ship the wizard king and warrior queen so hard. They are precious.
This is an absolutely fabulous series and I would recommend it to anyone of any age.
She managed to wrap everything up, but in a way that didn't feel contrived. It left me feeling happy that the characters had achieved their goals, but also mildly worried for their futures. And we finally found out who the narrator was.
I really like the style of this series. It's got a depth to it a lot of middle grade doesn't have. The narration is beautiful, hopeful but a little bit pragmatic. I liked all the parts about being the ones to create change, create a new world where people can live together in peace.
And the characters. They have grown so much. Which is good, because I don't feel like they had a lot of development in this book. More of a solidifying of what they've learned over the series. I also ship the wizard king and warrior queen so hard. They are precious.
This is an absolutely fabulous series and I would recommend it to anyone of any age.
June 6, 2021
And so ends a wonderful series. I loved listening to all these books, especially since they are narrated by David Tennant.
In this installment, we finally discover who the unknown narrator is and how our heroes fare in the final battle with the witches. Will love and goodness triumph over evil? Will Sychorax and Encanzo fall in love again? Will Xar’s witchstain overcome him? And will they be able to rescue Squeezjoos from the power of the evil Kingwitch?
I loved this series, so I hate to say anything negative, but I was disappointed with the ending. It felt a little like Cressida Cowell suddenly changed her mind and wrote a different ending than the one she intended. I honestly think the unknown narrator was different than who she thought it would be and I think the decision to have the characters choose “adult names” was a last-minute decision as well.
BUT I really have loved listening to this series and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
In this installment, we finally discover who the unknown narrator is and how our heroes fare in the final battle with the witches. Will love and goodness triumph over evil? Will Sychorax and Encanzo fall in love again? Will Xar’s witchstain overcome him? And will they be able to rescue Squeezjoos from the power of the evil Kingwitch?
I loved this series, so I hate to say anything negative, but I was disappointed with the ending. It felt a little like Cressida Cowell suddenly changed her mind and wrote a different ending than the one she intended. I honestly think the unknown narrator was different than who she thought it would be and I think the decision to have the characters choose “adult names” was a last-minute decision as well.
BUT I really have loved listening to this series and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
September 2, 2021
What an amazing end to this series. I loved that the story was only the end to this adventure but the start of another.
I really thought I had guessed who the narrator was but I’m glad that I got it wrong. Can’t believe how long it took me to pick this book up. Glad that I finally got to it tho. Worth the read. Great ending. 💚💚
I really thought I had guessed who the narrator was but I’m glad that I got it wrong. Can’t believe how long it took me to pick this book up. Glad that I finally got to it tho. Worth the read. Great ending. 💚💚
May 24, 2025
Absolute BANGER also lowkey hated the nonsensical ending
September 19, 2022
#DieTowenaarsVanToeka #NooitEnVirEwig – Cressida Cowell
#ProteaBoekhuis
Vir eeue het die hekse vreedsaam saam met die towenaars in die Woeste Woud gewoon, maar toe kom die krygers met ‘n geheime wapen waarop toorkrag nie werk nie: yster. Wens is die dogter van die krygerkoningin, Sykorax. Sy beskik oor towerkrag wat wel op yster werk, maar dis in haar een oog vervat en is so kragtig dat sy ‘n oogklap moet dra sodat sy dit per ongeluk aktiveer nie. Tesame met Xar, die seun van die towenaarkoning, Benkanzo, en haar lyfwag, Piep, moet hulle die heksekoning oorwin en voorkom dat hekse die wêreld oorneem.
Die heksekoning het Xar se harige arige elfie, Soetsappig, as gyselaar. Xar word boonop belemmer deur ‘n heksevlek op sy hand. Die helde beskik oor die doepa om hekse vir ewig te oorwin, maar dit moet in die beker van tweede kanse aangemaak word – en die beker is die eiendom van Xar se ouer broer, Buiter, wat as slaaf in die myn van (on)geluk werk. Bygestaan deur die reus, Paptrap; die pratende raaf, Kaliburn, wat se vere voortdurend uitval, en die towersleutel en die towervurk, beide verlief op die towerlepel, moet hulle die gevreesde draakwurm in die myntonnels aandurf om Buiter te vind en dan vertrek na die meer van die verlorenes vir die finale geveg met die heksekoning.
Hierdie boek is die vierde in die reeks ‘The wizards of once’ deur die skrywer van die bekende ‘How to train your dragon’. Dis ‘n heerlike dik boek van ongeveer 400 bladsye, geïllustreer deur die skrywer self. Die teks is in wisselende fontgroottes gedruk, wat bydra tot afwisseling en leesplesier en volume aan die denkbeeldige klankbaan verskaf. Die Afrikaanse vertaling is meesterlik deur Kobus Geldenhuys gedoen; karaktername soos Hommeldrommel en Grilgrommer verseker dat die vertaalde teks die uniekheid van die oorspronklike behou.
Alhoewel die spanningslyn deurentyd behou word, is dit geensins skrikwekkend vir jonger lesers nie; reuse is byvoorbeeld so bedagsaam in gevegte dat hulle die hekse bloot ver genoeg weggooi dat hulle eers na die afloop van die geveg weer sal kan terugvlieg in plaas van om hulle bloedig te vertrap. Die reeks word aanbeveel vir lesers van agt jaar en ouer, maar volwasse aanhangers van Harry Potter sal net soveel vreugde daaruit put. Hierdie boek is weliswaar die slot van die reeks, maar kan alleenstaande ook gelees word; ‘n voorwoord verseker dat ‘n nuwe leser die nodiger agtergrondinligting verkry. Dit was egter nie goed genoeg vir my nie; ek het die boek so geniet dat ek beslis die voorafgaande drie ook gaan aankoop en verslind. Dis oorspronklik, amusant, spannend en vermaaklik – ‘n aanwins vir enige fantasie-liefhebber se rak.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Uitdieperdsebek
Protea Boekhuis
#ProteaBoekhuis
Vir eeue het die hekse vreedsaam saam met die towenaars in die Woeste Woud gewoon, maar toe kom die krygers met ‘n geheime wapen waarop toorkrag nie werk nie: yster. Wens is die dogter van die krygerkoningin, Sykorax. Sy beskik oor towerkrag wat wel op yster werk, maar dis in haar een oog vervat en is so kragtig dat sy ‘n oogklap moet dra sodat sy dit per ongeluk aktiveer nie. Tesame met Xar, die seun van die towenaarkoning, Benkanzo, en haar lyfwag, Piep, moet hulle die heksekoning oorwin en voorkom dat hekse die wêreld oorneem.
Die heksekoning het Xar se harige arige elfie, Soetsappig, as gyselaar. Xar word boonop belemmer deur ‘n heksevlek op sy hand. Die helde beskik oor die doepa om hekse vir ewig te oorwin, maar dit moet in die beker van tweede kanse aangemaak word – en die beker is die eiendom van Xar se ouer broer, Buiter, wat as slaaf in die myn van (on)geluk werk. Bygestaan deur die reus, Paptrap; die pratende raaf, Kaliburn, wat se vere voortdurend uitval, en die towersleutel en die towervurk, beide verlief op die towerlepel, moet hulle die gevreesde draakwurm in die myntonnels aandurf om Buiter te vind en dan vertrek na die meer van die verlorenes vir die finale geveg met die heksekoning.
Hierdie boek is die vierde in die reeks ‘The wizards of once’ deur die skrywer van die bekende ‘How to train your dragon’. Dis ‘n heerlike dik boek van ongeveer 400 bladsye, geïllustreer deur die skrywer self. Die teks is in wisselende fontgroottes gedruk, wat bydra tot afwisseling en leesplesier en volume aan die denkbeeldige klankbaan verskaf. Die Afrikaanse vertaling is meesterlik deur Kobus Geldenhuys gedoen; karaktername soos Hommeldrommel en Grilgrommer verseker dat die vertaalde teks die uniekheid van die oorspronklike behou.
Alhoewel die spanningslyn deurentyd behou word, is dit geensins skrikwekkend vir jonger lesers nie; reuse is byvoorbeeld so bedagsaam in gevegte dat hulle die hekse bloot ver genoeg weggooi dat hulle eers na die afloop van die geveg weer sal kan terugvlieg in plaas van om hulle bloedig te vertrap. Die reeks word aanbeveel vir lesers van agt jaar en ouer, maar volwasse aanhangers van Harry Potter sal net soveel vreugde daaruit put. Hierdie boek is weliswaar die slot van die reeks, maar kan alleenstaande ook gelees word; ‘n voorwoord verseker dat ‘n nuwe leser die nodiger agtergrondinligting verkry. Dit was egter nie goed genoeg vir my nie; ek het die boek so geniet dat ek beslis die voorafgaande drie ook gaan aankoop en verslind. Dis oorspronklik, amusant, spannend en vermaaklik – ‘n aanwins vir enige fantasie-liefhebber se rak.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Uitdieperdsebek
Protea Boekhuis
October 25, 2024
I dalje zabavna, prepuna lijepih pouka i za djecu i za odrasle.
Ilustracije kao uvijek predivne i strašno zabavne.
Ali otkriće na kraju knjige o tome tko su oni zapravo i gdje se nalaze mi je pokvarilo cijelu priču.
Bookopoly 2024 – Light Cover
Orilium Adventure (rujan) – Cozy/Comfort Book
Globalni ciljevi: nastavak serijala
Ilustracije kao uvijek predivne i strašno zabavne.
Ali otkriće na kraju knjige o tome tko su oni zapravo i gdje se nalaze mi je pokvarilo cijelu priču.
Bookopoly 2024 – Light Cover
Orilium Adventure (rujan) – Cozy/Comfort Book
Globalni ciljevi: nastavak serijala
September 2, 2021
Fantastisch, hilarisch, spannend en bizar goed geschreven (en vertaald). De tovenaars van ooit is werkelijk een geweldig goede serie!
Heel af en toe kon ik geen touw vastknopen aan het verhaal, hoe zorgvuldig ik ook las, da's dan weer een klein beetje jammer.
Maar OH DIE HUMOR!!!
Heel af en toe kon ik geen touw vastknopen aan het verhaal, hoe zorgvuldig ik ook las, da's dan weer een klein beetje jammer.
Maar OH DIE HUMOR!!!
September 23, 2021
Loved this book serie, and loved the finale. Is such a sweet but entertaining, funny and exciting tale. 100% recommend the audiobook narrated (and sang at some parts 😌) by David Tennant, he gives every character a distinct voice and personality. Is simply magical. And the Epilogue where we discover the narrator was wonderful and poignant in its own way. 😍
August 19, 2021
Read- September 2020 for A Touch of Whimsy Readathon (White Rabbit's House, Cosy Night In), The Royal Readathon (Who Run the World? Girls?, Read a Book Set in a Queendom), MONSTERathon (Area 51, Aliens or Mutants Involved) and Sequel September.
- Original Rating- 4 Stars
This was prehaps my most anticipated book of the year and I truly don't know how I feel about it. I'm going to have to re-read when my physical copy finally gets in to make sense of my feelings.
1st Re-Read- January 2021
- This is the final book in one of my favourite middle grade series and I was so excited for its release last year and felt very let down by it. I gave it a 4 star rating originally but really I should have probably given it a 2/3 star rating instead, that's how disappointed I was with this ending. I told myself that I would re-read the entire series back to back so I could give this book a second chance and I'm so glad I did. When I read this book last year I really wasn't having a good time, my mental health wasn't great and I was hitting a wall and I think this had a huge impact on how I felt about this book at the time. Upon re-read however, I adored this book and it's probably my second favourite in the series. Safe to say that it's now a 5 star read and one of my favourite books of this year so far.
- Original Rating- 4 Stars
This was prehaps my most anticipated book of the year and I truly don't know how I feel about it. I'm going to have to re-read when my physical copy finally gets in to make sense of my feelings.
1st Re-Read- January 2021
- This is the final book in one of my favourite middle grade series and I was so excited for its release last year and felt very let down by it. I gave it a 4 star rating originally but really I should have probably given it a 2/3 star rating instead, that's how disappointed I was with this ending. I told myself that I would re-read the entire series back to back so I could give this book a second chance and I'm so glad I did. When I read this book last year I really wasn't having a good time, my mental health wasn't great and I was hitting a wall and I think this had a huge impact on how I felt about this book at the time. Upon re-read however, I adored this book and it's probably my second favourite in the series. Safe to say that it's now a 5 star read and one of my favourite books of this year so far.
August 8, 2020
IM SORRY OKAY. Cressida is my QUEEN and as much as I would never wish to speak poorly of her, this just didn't do it for me. The other three books I have loved, but this one was just plain boring to be brutally honest
August 29, 2021
Crissida Cowell has done it again! A ridiculously fun and surprising story with a powerful message! I loved this series, maybe not as much as How to train your dragon, but still very, very good!
June 14, 2021
Listen to this!! The audiobooks are worth it. David Tennet is the best.
July 5, 2021
Well, never thought I would say this but this one gets an extra star just because of the narration of the audio book! Yes, I know that I am biased toward David Tennant, but this truly is a remarkable narration with so many voices and a number of songs to be sung and so many emotions. Proper narration of audiobooks is an art form and this is a premier example. The story and these characters are something that I am going to miss now that the series is over. In fact, I may revisit it since my husband seems to enjoy it and there are few things that he responds to these days. Also, there are a lot of great insights and reminders on how to face life that I can use over and over. As other reviewers have noted, I have mixed feelings about the ending and the epilogue of this book/series, but I do have to admit that it is creative. Below are some of the quotes I loved from the entire series.
“You do have to listen to the stories, for stories always mean something. The question that worries me is: WHAT exactly do they mean?”
“This is the problem with adventures. They bring out parts of you that you never even knew were there.”
“Worrying won’t help it turn up any sooner. And look!” continued the giant. “If you waste your time worrying, how will you have a moment to see how beautiful the world is?”
“Notice how the crucible of the story changes those who listen to it, those who are within it, and the person who is telling it, all at the same time.”
“But then," said Caliburn, "the adults are making such an almighty mess of things maybe we have to put our faith in the children, crazy and unrealistic and reckless though they are...”
“Me and the moon, the moon and me
When all the world gives up on me
When everyone thinks bad about me
I still have the moon, it`s me and the moon
It`s always the moon and me
So I have to keep running, keep running
Can`t stop in case I bite someone
Keep running, keep running
I thought I was good and then I looked down
My shaggy coat, my wolfy paws
I`m bad as a snake and meaner than grit
Don`t try to stop me `cause you will get bit
Let me keep running
I`m running for the moon, up to the moon
Where I can be good
When all the world gives up on me
When everyone thinks bad about me
I still have the moon, it`s me and the moon
Mostly it's me and the moon” (I would love it if someone could help me find a recording of this one if it exists outside of the book, David Tennant does a beautiful job and this song really speaks to me.)
“ALL children are spectacularly gifted and learning should be for everyone!”
“But sometimes it isn't the spells themselves that are important. It is the clever ways you use them.”
“I wonder,” said Crusher slowly, “if the fate of human beings is predetermined by the stars, or do they forge their own destiny? Is there really such a thing as ‘luck’? And what exactly do we mean by the concept of ‘free will’?”
Which were all interesting questions, but perhaps not entirely helpful right at that particular moment.”
“You do have to listen to the stories, for stories always mean something. The question that worries me is: WHAT exactly do they mean?”
“This is the problem with adventures. They bring out parts of you that you never even knew were there.”
“Worrying won’t help it turn up any sooner. And look!” continued the giant. “If you waste your time worrying, how will you have a moment to see how beautiful the world is?”
“Notice how the crucible of the story changes those who listen to it, those who are within it, and the person who is telling it, all at the same time.”
“But then," said Caliburn, "the adults are making such an almighty mess of things maybe we have to put our faith in the children, crazy and unrealistic and reckless though they are...”
“Me and the moon, the moon and me
When all the world gives up on me
When everyone thinks bad about me
I still have the moon, it`s me and the moon
It`s always the moon and me
So I have to keep running, keep running
Can`t stop in case I bite someone
Keep running, keep running
I thought I was good and then I looked down
My shaggy coat, my wolfy paws
I`m bad as a snake and meaner than grit
Don`t try to stop me `cause you will get bit
Let me keep running
I`m running for the moon, up to the moon
Where I can be good
When all the world gives up on me
When everyone thinks bad about me
I still have the moon, it`s me and the moon
Mostly it's me and the moon” (I would love it if someone could help me find a recording of this one if it exists outside of the book, David Tennant does a beautiful job and this song really speaks to me.)
“ALL children are spectacularly gifted and learning should be for everyone!”
“But sometimes it isn't the spells themselves that are important. It is the clever ways you use them.”
“I wonder,” said Crusher slowly, “if the fate of human beings is predetermined by the stars, or do they forge their own destiny? Is there really such a thing as ‘luck’? And what exactly do we mean by the concept of ‘free will’?”
Which were all interesting questions, but perhaps not entirely helpful right at that particular moment.”
July 29, 2023
Želja, Xar i njihovo hrabro društvo viloduha, mrazomačaka, divova, oživljenih željeznih predmeta i samotnih vukodlaka pri kraju je dovršavanja čarolije za uništenje opakih vještica i njihovog najopakijeg predvodnika, zlog Kralja-Vješca. Što znači i da je vrijeme konačne bitke sasvim blizu. A dok se naši junaci brinu oko toga hoće li biti dovoljno dobri (Xar), dovoljno snažni (Želja) i dovoljno hrabri (Bodkin) da svoju misiju dovedu do kraja, Kralj-Vještac (koji se brine samo o tome kako da izađe iz kugle u koju ga je Želja zatočila i uništi cijeli svijet), uz pomoć zarobljenog i vještičjom magijom izmijenjenog Žmikomika, spletkari ne bi li ih u tome spriječio i oteo Željinu magiju koja djeluje i na željezo, jedinu tvar koje se vještice (još) boje.
Finale četverodjelnog fantastičnog serijala o Čarobnjacima (i Ratnicima) iz davnina, upotpunjeno maštovitim autoričinim ilustracijama, došlo je do samog kraja. A kakav je to samo kraj! Pravi epski završetak kakav ovakav čaroban serijal zaslužuje.
Bit će napeto, bit će uzbudljivo, bit će opasno, na rubu propasti, pa i tragično; bit će hrabro, pustolovno i čarobno - bit će za pamćenje.
Kako ova priča dolazi svome kraju, sve tajne se otkrivaju, pojedinačna sudbina dostiže svakog od likova, a sudbina čarobnjačkog svijeta biva konačno riješena - na ovaj ili onaj način. Pričajući nam ovu priču, Cressida Cowell čitavo nam vrijeme pozornost usmjerava i na lekcije koje je važno zapamtiti - one o prijateljstvu, ljubavi i hrabrosti, a, kao što je to napravila i sa serijalom How to train your dragon, za kraj čuva još jednu, onu najvažniju, lekciju, poruku čitave priče. Neću vam reći koja je, ali reći ću vam kako ta poruka uključuje poveznicu s još jednom, legendarnom pričom koja je svima dobro poznata, i kako ta poruka preusmjerava fokus na ulogu one osobe koja je za ishod priče najzaslužnija, a koja, kako to često biva s njoj sličnima, ne dobije uvijek zasluge koje joj zasluženo pripadaju.
(Možda sam sad sve dodatno zapetljala, ali nek vam to bude dodatni poticaj za čitanje. ;))
Davnih me dana osvojila vikinzima i zmajevima, ovih me dana osvojila čarobnjacima, ratnicima i magičnim stvorenjima kojima je ovaj serijal ispunjen do vrha. Volim Cressidu Cowell, njene magične svjetove, čarobne priče, šarmantne ilustracije i nezaboravne likove. Želja i Xar prvi su od mnogih koji će vas u ovoj priči osvojiti i od kojih se nećete htjeti rastati.
Nikad. I zauvijek. <3
Finale četverodjelnog fantastičnog serijala o Čarobnjacima (i Ratnicima) iz davnina, upotpunjeno maštovitim autoričinim ilustracijama, došlo je do samog kraja. A kakav je to samo kraj! Pravi epski završetak kakav ovakav čaroban serijal zaslužuje.
Bit će napeto, bit će uzbudljivo, bit će opasno, na rubu propasti, pa i tragično; bit će hrabro, pustolovno i čarobno - bit će za pamćenje.
Kako ova priča dolazi svome kraju, sve tajne se otkrivaju, pojedinačna sudbina dostiže svakog od likova, a sudbina čarobnjačkog svijeta biva konačno riješena - na ovaj ili onaj način. Pričajući nam ovu priču, Cressida Cowell čitavo nam vrijeme pozornost usmjerava i na lekcije koje je važno zapamtiti - one o prijateljstvu, ljubavi i hrabrosti, a, kao što je to napravila i sa serijalom How to train your dragon, za kraj čuva još jednu, onu najvažniju, lekciju, poruku čitave priče. Neću vam reći koja je, ali reći ću vam kako ta poruka uključuje poveznicu s još jednom, legendarnom pričom koja je svima dobro poznata, i kako ta poruka preusmjerava fokus na ulogu one osobe koja je za ishod priče najzaslužnija, a koja, kako to često biva s njoj sličnima, ne dobije uvijek zasluge koje joj zasluženo pripadaju.
(Možda sam sad sve dodatno zapetljala, ali nek vam to bude dodatni poticaj za čitanje. ;))
Davnih me dana osvojila vikinzima i zmajevima, ovih me dana osvojila čarobnjacima, ratnicima i magičnim stvorenjima kojima je ovaj serijal ispunjen do vrha. Volim Cressidu Cowell, njene magične svjetove, čarobne priče, šarmantne ilustracije i nezaboravne likove. Želja i Xar prvi su od mnogih koji će vas u ovoj priči osvojiti i od kojih se nećete htjeti rastati.
Nikad. I zauvijek. <3
July 12, 2021
Never and Forever is the wrap-up to the series, revealing it's the story of a young ... oh, no, no, no. I shake my head and index finger. As much as I want to reveal this, you'll have to read to find out, because this was the best of the series, I thought.
Let's just pick up where Wish and Xar start the story, deep in the "Mine of Happiness" about to face a scary, horrible dragon, the Tatzelwurm (wow, I love that name!).
Of course, what Mine in what world features happiness, at all? Certainly not this one. It's a total misnomer.
It's run by Brutal the Heartless, who uses child labor, and the cook (or stirrer) of the gruel the kids have to eat is none other than the Witchsmeller (from that incident with Xar and Wish in Sychorax's palace, remember?). Why are Xar and Wish there at all?
Because one of the prisoners is Xar's older brother, Looter, who was captured after Perdita's school for gifted wizards crumpled under the Witch onslaught. Looter still has the Cup of Second Chances, which Wish and Xar need to complete / make the potion to defeat the King Witch, who is still trapped in the ball of iron, controlling Squeezejoos.
And then Queen Sychorax and Wizard Encanto show up and ....yeah, no way Wish and Xar are going to go unnoticed waaay down in the bowels of a pitch-dark mine. Not with overbearing parents, a mine wurm, an overlord and an unbearable older brother around every (cramped) corner. They'll need help -- Perdita's help -- to get out of this one, even after they manage to talk the Tatzelwurm into foregoing its considerable appetite to help them....
This was a great, fun read! I can still hear whispers of Cowell's previous characters from HTTYD, but now I smile when I hear them, and for some reason they endear me even more to the archetypes she uses and plays with in the text.
Enjoy!
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Let's just pick up where Wish and Xar start the story, deep in the "Mine of Happiness" about to face a scary, horrible dragon, the Tatzelwurm (wow, I love that name!).
Of course, what Mine in what world features happiness, at all? Certainly not this one. It's a total misnomer.
It's run by Brutal the Heartless, who uses child labor, and the cook (or stirrer) of the gruel the kids have to eat is none other than the Witchsmeller (from that incident with Xar and Wish in Sychorax's palace, remember?). Why are Xar and Wish there at all?
Because one of the prisoners is Xar's older brother, Looter, who was captured after Perdita's school for gifted wizards crumpled under the Witch onslaught. Looter still has the Cup of Second Chances, which Wish and Xar need to complete / make the potion to defeat the King Witch, who is still trapped in the ball of iron, controlling Squeezejoos.
And then Queen Sychorax and Wizard Encanto show up and ....yeah, no way Wish and Xar are going to go unnoticed waaay down in the bowels of a pitch-dark mine. Not with overbearing parents, a mine wurm, an overlord and an unbearable older brother around every (cramped) corner. They'll need help -- Perdita's help -- to get out of this one, even after they manage to talk the Tatzelwurm into foregoing its considerable appetite to help them....
This was a great, fun read! I can still hear whispers of Cowell's previous characters from HTTYD, but now I smile when I hear them, and for some reason they endear me even more to the archetypes she uses and plays with in the text.
Enjoy!
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
October 16, 2021
Kicsit csalódott vagyok ezzel a befejezéssel. Imádom Cressida Cowellt és az írásait, de ez a rész most untatott. Kevésbé éreztem kidolgozottnak a történetet ezalatt a négy rész alatt, mint az Így neveld a sárkányodatnál, ami ugye 12 részes. Ennél a sorozatnál sokkal gyorsabban, illetve csapongva jöttek az események szerintem, és kevésbé éltem bele magam, főleg ennél az utolsó kötetnél.
Nagyon sok dolog volt benne, ami nem volt egységes, egyik pillanatban egyféleképpen volt, aztán már máshogy, kötetek között is eltértek. Ráadásul ezek szemet is szúrtak, így egymás után olvasva a részeket.
Van egy csomó dolog, ami úgy érzem, nem volt megmagyarázva, pedig szükség lett volna rá .
A vége pedig nekem szemforgatós volt. Egyrészt nem is vagyok annyira tisztában az legendákkal, ezért kevésbé értem a relevanciát, másrészt ilyen "meh" érzetem volt tőle.
Egy dolgot kiemelnék, ami azért nagyon tetszett, az utalások a másik sorozatra és a sárkányokra. De az Így neveld a sárkányodat szerintem sokkal jobb sorozata az írónőnek, jóval kidolgozottabb ennél, ott nem éreztem azt, hogy az események random jönnek egymás után, mint ahogy itt többször előfordult.
Összességében szerettem ezt a sorozatot is, jó tanulságai voltak, de számomra nem ez lesz a kedvenc Cressidától.
Nagyon sok dolog volt benne, ami nem volt egységes, egyik pillanatban egyféleképpen volt, aztán már máshogy, kötetek között is eltértek. Ráadásul ezek szemet is szúrtak, így egymás után olvasva a részeket.
Van egy csomó dolog, ami úgy érzem, nem volt megmagyarázva, pedig szükség lett volna rá .
A vége pedig nekem szemforgatós volt. Egyrészt nem is vagyok annyira tisztában az legendákkal, ezért kevésbé értem a relevanciát, másrészt ilyen "meh" érzetem volt tőle.
Egy dolgot kiemelnék, ami azért nagyon tetszett, az utalások a másik sorozatra és a sárkányokra. De az Így neveld a sárkányodat szerintem sokkal jobb sorozata az írónőnek, jóval kidolgozottabb ennél, ott nem éreztem azt, hogy az események random jönnek egymás után, mint ahogy itt többször előfordult.
Összességében szerettem ezt a sorozatot is, jó tanulságai voltak, de számomra nem ez lesz a kedvenc Cressidától.
November 23, 2021
Anticlimactic end. Everything happens exactly as it needs to and as you've been expecting it to, aside from the left-field epilogue, but even that's more like "oh, okay" than shock . There is indeed a death, but I was unaffected by it. While I thought this installment might bump back up to 3 stars at first, the second half and especially the last quarter dragged on so slowly that it took my enthusiasm with it.
There is truly nothing to recommend this series, EXCEPT that listening to the next audiobook, as read by David Tennant, has been my favorite end-of-the-year treat for 3 years running now and this was no exception.
Mind you, it still took me 2+ weeks to finish a 6-hour story because that's how unexciting it is -- book 2 remains my favorite of the quartet -- but I did enjoy the purring Tazzelwurm, and I nearly cried when Squeezjoos the Poisoned was alternately raving about how Xar didn't love him, and threatening to chew his arm off in service to the Hctiw Gnik (so fun to say, btw). I also appreciated the various rounds of singing near the end.
Lastly, because my lack of knowing this has annoyed me since book 1, I will tell you who the unknown narrator is (this is not a bluff, it is a dead dove situation so don't click the spoiler cut unless you actually want to know):
There is truly nothing to recommend this series, EXCEPT that listening to the next audiobook, as read by David Tennant, has been my favorite end-of-the-year treat for 3 years running now and this was no exception.
Mind you, it still took me 2+ weeks to finish a 6-hour story because that's how unexciting it is -- book 2 remains my favorite of the quartet -- but I did enjoy the purring Tazzelwurm, and I nearly cried when Squeezjoos the Poisoned was alternately raving about how Xar didn't love him, and threatening to chew his arm off in service to the Hctiw Gnik (so fun to say, btw). I also appreciated the various rounds of singing near the end.
Lastly, because my lack of knowing this has annoyed me since book 1, I will tell you who the unknown narrator is (this is not a bluff, it is a dead dove situation so don't click the spoiler cut unless you actually want to know):
July 17, 2021
I was somewhat disappointed. I loved all the other books I have read in this series, and of course, in her How to Raise a Dragon series, and this one was fun, but it was not fun enough. Honestly, I am giving it four stars out of respect and because I loved other books so much.
The action was moving somewhat awkwardly, and some climaxes did not cut it for me, and the resolution about the love denied curse was weak and very much artificially glued to the story.
As for the ending, it had a twist, and an interesting one for it. I really do not know how plausible it is as it seems to be just a bridge between a fairy-tale Britain to Britain of legends to maybe then Britain of sagas and then Roman Britain just to bring some plausibility to the story. It was very unexpected, but then twists are, so take it or leave it.
Of course, David Tenant was superb in his audio rendition of the book, and it also encouraged me to give four stars when such a high ranking was not exactly warranted. He might have saved the book for me. Just saying ...
The action was moving somewhat awkwardly, and some climaxes did not cut it for me, and the resolution about the love denied curse was weak and very much artificially glued to the story.
As for the ending, it had a twist, and an interesting one for it. I really do not know how plausible it is as it seems to be just a bridge between a fairy-tale Britain to Britain of legends to maybe then Britain of sagas and then Roman Britain just to bring some plausibility to the story. It was very unexpected, but then twists are, so take it or leave it.
Of course, David Tenant was superb in his audio rendition of the book, and it also encouraged me to give four stars when such a high ranking was not exactly warranted. He might have saved the book for me. Just saying ...
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