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Pendragon #3
The Never War
Bobby Pendragon has visited the alternate dimension of Denduron and waded through the endangered underwater territory of Cloral. Now Bobby once again finds himself thrust beyond the boundaries of time and space into a place that seems somewhat First Earth. Bobby and the Traveler from Cloral—Spader—have flumed to New York City, 1937, where they must uncover the evil Saint Dane’s newest plot. But is Bobby ready for the difficult choices ahead?
352 pages, MP3 CD
First published May 1, 2003
About the author
D.J. MacHale
89 books2,379 followersD.J. MacHale is a writer, director, executive producer and creator of several popular television series and movies.
He was raised in Greenwich, CT and graduated from Greenwich High School. While in school, he had several jobs including collecting eggs at a poultry farm, engraving sports trophies and washing dishes in a steakhouse...in between playing football and running track. D.J. then attended New York University where he received a BFA in film production.
His filmmaking career began in New York where he worked as a freelance writer/director, making corporate videos and television commercials. He also taught photography and film production.
D.J. broke into the entertainment business by writing several ABC Afterschool Specials. After moving to Los Angeles, he made the fulltime switch from informational films, to entertainment. As co-creator of the popular Nickelodeon series: Are You Afraid of the Dark?, he produced all 91 episodes over 8 years. He wrote and directed many of the episodes including the CableAce nominated The Tale of Cutter's Treasure starring Charles S. Dutton. He was nominated for a Gemini award for directing The Tale of the Dangerous Soup starring Neve Campbell.
D.J. also wrote and directed the movie Tower of Terror for ABC's Wonderful World of Disney which starred Kirsten Dunst and Steve Guttenberg. The Showtime series Chris Cross was co-created, written and produced by D.J. It received the CableAce award for Best Youth Series.
D.J. co-created and produced the Discovery Kids series Flight 29 Down for which he writes all the episodes and directs several. His work on Flight 29 Down has earned him both Writers Guild of America and Directors Guild of America award nominations.
Other notable writing credits include the classic ABC Afterschool Special titled Seasonal Differences; the pilot for the long-running PBS/CBS series Ghostwriter; and the HBO series Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective for which he received a CableAce nomination for writing.
In print, D.J. has co-written the book The Tale of the Nightly Neighbors, based on his own teleplay and penned the poetic adaptation of the classic Norwegian folk tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon.
The book series: Pendragon - Journal of an Adventure through Time and Space marks D.J.'s first turn as a novelist. He plans for this series of Young Adult adventures to span a total of 10 books.
D.J. lives in Southern California with his wife Evangeline and daughter Keaton. They are avid backpackers, scuba divers and skiers. Rounding out the household are a Golden Retriever, Maggie; and a Kitten, Kaboodle.
He was raised in Greenwich, CT and graduated from Greenwich High School. While in school, he had several jobs including collecting eggs at a poultry farm, engraving sports trophies and washing dishes in a steakhouse...in between playing football and running track. D.J. then attended New York University where he received a BFA in film production.
His filmmaking career began in New York where he worked as a freelance writer/director, making corporate videos and television commercials. He also taught photography and film production.
D.J. broke into the entertainment business by writing several ABC Afterschool Specials. After moving to Los Angeles, he made the fulltime switch from informational films, to entertainment. As co-creator of the popular Nickelodeon series: Are You Afraid of the Dark?, he produced all 91 episodes over 8 years. He wrote and directed many of the episodes including the CableAce nominated The Tale of Cutter's Treasure starring Charles S. Dutton. He was nominated for a Gemini award for directing The Tale of the Dangerous Soup starring Neve Campbell.
D.J. also wrote and directed the movie Tower of Terror for ABC's Wonderful World of Disney which starred Kirsten Dunst and Steve Guttenberg. The Showtime series Chris Cross was co-created, written and produced by D.J. It received the CableAce award for Best Youth Series.
D.J. co-created and produced the Discovery Kids series Flight 29 Down for which he writes all the episodes and directs several. His work on Flight 29 Down has earned him both Writers Guild of America and Directors Guild of America award nominations.
Other notable writing credits include the classic ABC Afterschool Special titled Seasonal Differences; the pilot for the long-running PBS/CBS series Ghostwriter; and the HBO series Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective for which he received a CableAce nomination for writing.
In print, D.J. has co-written the book The Tale of the Nightly Neighbors, based on his own teleplay and penned the poetic adaptation of the classic Norwegian folk tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon.
The book series: Pendragon - Journal of an Adventure through Time and Space marks D.J.'s first turn as a novelist. He plans for this series of Young Adult adventures to span a total of 10 books.
D.J. lives in Southern California with his wife Evangeline and daughter Keaton. They are avid backpackers, scuba divers and skiers. Rounding out the household are a Golden Retriever, Maggie; and a Kitten, Kaboodle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 630 reviews
October 31, 2017
4.25 Golden Stars
I love this book, but... I always felt the lack of something in here. I don't know what it is; the premise & everything is Great, but maybe after Cloral & all those water technology in that advanced territory, the lack of extraordinary stuff? maybe because it's more Historical than Fantasy? maybe I expected more?
so it's my least favourite in the series.
but still awesome, thrilling of chases & so much FUN, I was chocking on laughter. it's kind of unfair that I could've given it 5 stars (comparing to several of my 5 stars, this one is much better), but I can't convince myself to give my least favourite book in my ultimate favourite series 5-star, because I should have a way to show that.
I guess the best way to described it that each series has kind of a different plateau in my rating. (my complicated strict system, I know!)
things getting out of hand, explaining my rating policy!
back to this book review:
Bobby Pendragon is back home... kind of...
New York City, 1937, the vintage picture of Earth,
two Travelers (one slowly maturing, one hothead) plus one (the Wise)
living the history, among a bunch of gangsters.
so many things happening!
ignition of WWII in the background
the moment of revelation
such an unexpected twist which gives the heroes such a difficult time (& made me cry)
hanging in midair above New York city!
fantastic characters as always, new & old.
fun & sarcasm, like always, await us
I always loved how gently Pendragon matured. seeing sense, still making mistakes, but trying to learn his lessons.
& my intelligent Patrick's first appearance!
I loved how it ended, it was beautiful.
also in my 4th read, I noticed Bobby was actually the first main character who was a book lover (that I read of), like me! & the whole fanboy talking & pop cultures references are awesome. I guess that's another reason why I love him!
& for the first time, I finished it in only 1 day! just like book 1, a few years ago! yas! new record!
Bobby's so cute on this cover!
I love this book, but... I always felt the lack of something in here. I don't know what it is; the premise & everything is Great, but maybe after Cloral & all those water technology in that advanced territory, the lack of extraordinary stuff? maybe because it's more Historical than Fantasy? maybe I expected more?
so it's my least favourite in the series.
but still awesome, thrilling of chases & so much FUN, I was chocking on laughter. it's kind of unfair that I could've given it 5 stars (comparing to several of my 5 stars, this one is much better), but I can't convince myself to give my least favourite book in my ultimate favourite series 5-star, because I should have a way to show that.
I guess the best way to described it that each series has kind of a different plateau in my rating. (my complicated strict system, I know!)
things getting out of hand, explaining my rating policy!
back to this book review:
Bobby Pendragon is back home... kind of...
New York City, 1937, the vintage picture of Earth,
two Travelers (one slowly maturing, one hothead) plus one (the Wise)
living the history, among a bunch of gangsters.
so many things happening!
ignition of WWII in the background
the moment of revelation
such an unexpected twist which gives the heroes such a difficult time (& made me cry)
hanging in midair above New York city!
fantastic characters as always, new & old.
fun & sarcasm, like always, await us
I always loved how gently Pendragon matured. seeing sense, still making mistakes, but trying to learn his lessons.
& my intelligent Patrick's first appearance!
I loved how it ended, it was beautiful.
also in my 4th read, I noticed Bobby was actually the first main character who was a book lover (that I read of), like me! & the whole fanboy talking & pop cultures references are awesome. I guess that's another reason why I love him!
& for the first time, I finished it in only 1 day! just like book 1, a few years ago! yas! new record!
Bobby's so cute on this cover!
August 8, 2011
Yeppers just as good as before. Loved reading about the Third Earth territory.. what a utopia!
August 4, 2009
I think what I love most about this series is the different worlds. Every book, there's a completely new setting to lose yourself in, complete with a new cast of characters. But of course, sometimes the best ones from previous novels come along for the ride.
Bobby Pendragon now finds himself in a very familiar territory indeed; First Earth, his home planet in the 1930's. And he quickly discovers that the "tipping point" here has everything to do with time. Somewhere, someone, helped along by none other than Saint Dane, is going to set something in motion that may become the catalyst for an event that will change history: World War II. And in order to save First Earth, Bobby will have to unravel the web of the past, the present, and the future, as well as make one of the most difficult choices ever.
Accompanied by the complex, vengeful, charismatic Vo Spader from the previous novel, with the addition of First Earth's mellow and wise Traveler Gunny, Bobby has reached a personal tipping point of his own; the time when he will truly come to understand what it means to be a Traveler.
I loved that this book took place in our own past, with all the time-appropriate references. I honestly used Google a couple times just to see if some of the characters Bobby met in the past were based on real people! Reading Bobby's incredulous, wondering account of experiencing all the time-travel was very realistic and consistant with his unique narrative voice. And as usual, the cliffhanger leaves you just like Bobby's ever-loyal friends Mark and Courtney; waiting for his next journal and his next adventure in a new territory.
Bobby Pendragon now finds himself in a very familiar territory indeed; First Earth, his home planet in the 1930's. And he quickly discovers that the "tipping point" here has everything to do with time. Somewhere, someone, helped along by none other than Saint Dane, is going to set something in motion that may become the catalyst for an event that will change history: World War II. And in order to save First Earth, Bobby will have to unravel the web of the past, the present, and the future, as well as make one of the most difficult choices ever.
Accompanied by the complex, vengeful, charismatic Vo Spader from the previous novel, with the addition of First Earth's mellow and wise Traveler Gunny, Bobby has reached a personal tipping point of his own; the time when he will truly come to understand what it means to be a Traveler.
I loved that this book took place in our own past, with all the time-appropriate references. I honestly used Google a couple times just to see if some of the characters Bobby met in the past were based on real people! Reading Bobby's incredulous, wondering account of experiencing all the time-travel was very realistic and consistant with his unique narrative voice. And as usual, the cliffhanger leaves you just like Bobby's ever-loyal friends Mark and Courtney; waiting for his next journal and his next adventure in a new territory.
February 5, 2018
What would you sacrifice for the greater good?
Bobby and Spader travel to the territory known as First Earth to defeat Saint Dane in his latest scheme.
-----
*screams obscenities* far better than I remember
AMAZING
What to know/ expect:
- a fast-paced adventure
- danger
- good characters and friend dynamics <3
- these books do have a repeating pattern (but there's comfort in repetition :P )
- early 1900 US history, specifically 1937 (one of my favorite points in history)
- Saint Dane is such a good villain. at least I think so *eyes everyone suspiciously* he scared me as a child and he still scares me now
- quotes to make you think. ex: "The future will always be here, it's the present we have to worry about."
- cool dudes
- gangsters (surprisingly they aren't exactly villains)
- some Nazis and swastikas (no durr, for this point in time)
- a glimpse into the future
- the most relatable book in the series, it's more historical than fantasy
- my favorite of the series,I hope you cry >:D
If this book is anything to go by, the Pendragon books are far more awesome than I remember.
Bobby and Spader travel to the territory known as First Earth to defeat Saint Dane in his latest scheme.
-----
*screams obscenities* far better than I remember
AMAZING
What to know/ expect:
- a fast-paced adventure
- danger
- good characters and friend dynamics <3
- these books do have a repeating pattern (but there's comfort in repetition :P )
- early 1900 US history, specifically 1937 (one of my favorite points in history)
- Saint Dane is such a good villain. at least I think so *eyes everyone suspiciously* he scared me as a child and he still scares me now
- quotes to make you think. ex: "The future will always be here, it's the present we have to worry about."
- cool dudes
- gangsters (surprisingly they aren't exactly villains)
- some Nazis and swastikas (no durr, for this point in time)
- a glimpse into the future
- the most relatable book in the series, it's more historical than fantasy
- my favorite of the series,
If this book is anything to go by, the Pendragon books are far more awesome than I remember.
December 8, 2019
کم کم داره از بابی پندراگن و ماجراهاش خوشم میآد. نسبت به دو جلد قبلی با این یکی ارتباط خیلی بهتری برقرار کردم و از خوندنش هم لذت بردم.
داستان اینبار توی دنیای خودمون می گذره فقط در سال ۱۹۳۷
خوبه دیگه ، خوش می گذره ، یه کتاب مفرح برای قبل از خوابه ، بیشتر هم نه
داستان اینبار توی دنیای خودمون می گذره فقط در سال ۱۹۳۷
خوبه دیگه ، خوش می گذره ، یه کتاب مفرح برای قبل از خوابه ، بیشتر هم نه
May 17, 2024
3⭐️
So far my favorite one. I loved seing Bobby’s growth and questionings about his role as a traveller. He feels like a very real and raw protagonist which makes the story really enjoyable.
So far my favorite one. I loved seing Bobby’s growth and questionings about his role as a traveller. He feels like a very real and raw protagonist which makes the story really enjoyable.
October 27, 2010
There are many types of themes and issues that are happening in “pendragon” right now. Here they are: Friendship issues, War vs. peace, Good vs. evil, and a bunch more. The main one for me though is Friendship issues. The main character, Bobby, and his friend, Spader, are having friendship issues.
Spader is mad at an evil guy named St. Dane for killing his father. Spader goes wild with anger when he hears about or sees St. Dane. This doesn’t help Bobby stop St. Dane from destroying Halla (Everything basically). Spader wanted to go with Bobby on his next adventure, and Bobby made Spader promise that he would listen to him when he said something and to control his temper. Spader promised and he went ahead, but constantly broke that promise. In the end, Spader almost ended up destroying Halla by not listening to Bobby.
Bobby managed saving everything in the nick of time, but was mad at Spader for not listening to him. He tells Spader to go back to his home world, which is probably not the best for their friendship.
Spader is mad at an evil guy named St. Dane for killing his father. Spader goes wild with anger when he hears about or sees St. Dane. This doesn’t help Bobby stop St. Dane from destroying Halla (Everything basically). Spader wanted to go with Bobby on his next adventure, and Bobby made Spader promise that he would listen to him when he said something and to control his temper. Spader promised and he went ahead, but constantly broke that promise. In the end, Spader almost ended up destroying Halla by not listening to Bobby.
Bobby managed saving everything in the nick of time, but was mad at Spader for not listening to him. He tells Spader to go back to his home world, which is probably not the best for their friendship.
November 6, 2008
My favorite book since it takes place on the First Earth(historic/past Earth). The bombing and Bobby dealing with the gangs makes it very enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2023
I really liked how well-rounded this one was. Different earths, different ways we could improve. However, there were a lot of continuity errors in this one save the main historical plot line.
January 14, 2018
اين آخرين جلد مجموعه بود كه خوندم.
به نظرم ايده ها و حتي اتفاق هاي جزئي تمام كليشه اومدند.
اميدوارم باعث پشيموني نشه اين نيمه رها كردن
به نظرم ايده ها و حتي اتفاق هاي جزئي تمام كليشه اومدند.
اميدوارم باعث پشيموني نشه اين نيمه رها كردن
March 20, 2022
Bobby is growing up before our eyes. The formula for growth is through experience, learning and suffering. First Earth is a pretty boring territory but the dialogue between Bobby and Saint Dane at the end of this book is juicy. Yes, I’m still a nerd. #dontlosethewonder
August 10, 2021
Okay..uh.... didn't expect that. Well, first off, the ending is extremely dishearteneing. So is the middle, and the beginning, did I mention the end? Anyway, as usual, the characters were awesome and the setting was gripping and page-turning. The language is gradually getting better but it was definitly present. I hope the next book is a little better. The book is worth reading and had surprises around every corner, but a few cuss words were in there.
June 10, 2019
When I was younger this was the book in the Pendragon series that kind of lost me. Anything with time travel as a theme tends to lose me before long because it's rarely done well. Time travel is one of those concepts that you can't mull over too deeply without it falling apart in most cases, because you'll start to see and pick apart the paradoxes and issues with it. As such, I never finished this book when I was younger, and intentionally kissed this series goodbye for a while.
Returning to this years later and being willing to suspend my disbelief a little further than I was before, I would say that for the most part, the time travel in this book was done well. (Given the fact that time between territories tends to be relative for Travelers, maybe that has something to do with it. Or it could really just be that I made it a point not to think too hard about the consequences of time traveling and changing the course of history.) Either way, this book was more enjoyable to read this time around, and I am able to appreciate the turns the story took.
I've still got very mixed feelings about Bobby as our main character, but this book was needed, as it really forced him to mature in ways that he wouldn't have achieved otherwise if he hadn't faced the challenges that he did. I don't have much else to say beyond this, just know that the story holds up and has improved from the first two books, and I appreciated it.
Returning to this years later and being willing to suspend my disbelief a little further than I was before, I would say that for the most part, the time travel in this book was done well. (Given the fact that time between territories tends to be relative for Travelers, maybe that has something to do with it. Or it could really just be that I made it a point not to think too hard about the consequences of time traveling and changing the course of history.) Either way, this book was more enjoyable to read this time around, and I am able to appreciate the turns the story took.
I've still got very mixed feelings about Bobby as our main character, but this book was needed, as it really forced him to mature in ways that he wouldn't have achieved otherwise if he hadn't faced the challenges that he did. I don't have much else to say beyond this, just know that the story holds up and has improved from the first two books, and I appreciated it.
April 25, 2014
-- Reread 2016 --
This was never a favorite of mine, especially back when I originally read it simply because things like the mafia and gang wars combined with history don't usually interest me. But I feel like I enjoyed it a little bit more this time around and can appreciate how vital it is to the series as a whole.
I love Gunny, who is introduced in this book, and I like that this story keeps you guessing of who exactly Saint Dane is taking the form of to cause the tipping of the territory of First Earth into disaster. I also very much enjoyed the glimpse we get of Third Earth and that it shows just how poignant one moment in history can be in affecting the future.
This was never a favorite of mine, especially back when I originally read it simply because things like the mafia and gang wars combined with history don't usually interest me. But I feel like I enjoyed it a little bit more this time around and can appreciate how vital it is to the series as a whole.
I love Gunny, who is introduced in this book, and I like that this story keeps you guessing of who exactly Saint Dane is taking the form of to cause the tipping of the territory of First Earth into disaster. I also very much enjoyed the glimpse we get of Third Earth and that it shows just how poignant one moment in history can be in affecting the future.
December 11, 2007
This is a unique Pendragon book: It takes place on Earth. Even more unique: In the 1930's. I don't want to spoil anything, but Machale did an amazing job with this book, piecing it together and making it sound realistic. I really enjoyed it.
September 2, 2021
I remember liking this book as a kid for the historical aspect, and it was definitely still there! You sort of think there might be a pattern to this MG series but this one shook that up a lot. Very easy to read and enjoyable for what it was.
March 23, 2014
***4.5
November 27, 2017
Definitely going to continue flying through these books, this one was so fascinating. Seeing a possible singular event end up creating a domino effect was interesting for sure.
I love all the stuff that the author comes up with, he's got an incredible imagination and I love how each one is revealing more and more stuff and also creating more and more questions.
I cannot wait to get back to my boyfriend's house so I can get the next book, I'm so stoked.
I love all the stuff that the author comes up with, he's got an incredible imagination and I love how each one is revealing more and more stuff and also creating more and more questions.
I cannot wait to get back to my boyfriend's house so I can get the next book, I'm so stoked.
August 28, 2026
I like getting a reprieve from Bobby and his struggles by turning back to Mark and Courtney but since this one is framed the way that it is it just feels like this one is kinda always on rather than letting it breathe a bit. Plus they should’ve killed more nazis but thats cuz any book that takes place in this time period can use more nazi killing 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️
January 2, 2025
While the general structure of these stories is starting to feel the same, I still find them interesting and am enjoying each new world and the characters that come with them. I feel like they're leading up to, what I hope is, an epic ending. Looking forward to book #4.
January 16, 2025
The second half of this book is really unhinged when you consider this a book for middle schoolers. Reading about a 15 year old boy wrestling with the moral dilemma of letting 36 people die vs billions…. It is quite literally insane the publishers let this exist
January 23, 2020
Entertaining--but time travel--sigh. Not my favorite. But will continue in the saga to book #4.
July 2, 2021
One of my favorites in the series, Bobby is beginning to show a bit more maturity and accepting his role as a traveler
February 5, 2024
The reason for my obsession of the Hindenburg explosion in 5th grade.
June 9, 2017
This is probably my favourite book in this series. It deals a lot with how choices can influence the future, and how a single choice can have very far reaching consequences, even if that choice seems to be right at the time.
January 18, 2022
The third book in the Pendragon series departs from the first two in a couple of ways. First, the entire plot takes place on Earth - though it’s Earth in three different time periods. And second Bobby’s story is presented almost entirely without interruption. There’s one quick chapter from Mark and Courtney’s point of view early on that seems to serve mostly to remind us that they exist, but otherwise the plot is focused entirely on Bobby until the very end.
It’s an interesting change and I can’t help wondering why DJ McHale did it this way. I will admit that my memories of the Mark and Courtney segments are pretty fuzzy from when I read the novels the first time around. Having a layer of story between the main story and the reader is a conceit I enjoy, but it’s most exciting when the middle layer and innermost layer of fiction interact or even merge. Thus far in the series Mark and Courtney have served mostly to react to Bobby’s adventures, and for whatever reason they end up waiting to do so until the whole story is over. It’s odd because I feel like they could have interesting commentary at certain points, and I hope that in the next book they’re given more to do. It does feel a bit like the author wasn’t quite sure what to do with the gimmick but couldn’t abandon it.
Fortunately the main plot is fairly engaging. It’s rather like Pendragon’s equivalent of a Doctor Who historical story, although the only inhuman monster here is Saint Dane. But First Earth turns out to be 1937, so there’s plenty of mobsters and Nazis running around. I’m a little torn on Bobby’s lack of knowledge of history. It does help move the plot along and it mirrors the level of historical knowledge the average reader in the target audience probably has, but I feel like a kid like Bobby would be more interested in World War II and the time leading up to it.
Then again, maybe it’s for the best because as an adult I still like the general historical setting but feel like the alternate universe at the crux of the plot doesn’t quite work. This time the threat centers around changing who wins World War II, and it’s eventually discovered that the upcoming arrival of the Hindenburg is the fulcrum of all three Earth territories. Which is neat, but the actual scenario is that the zeppelin carries treasure that will fund a mobster in league with the Nazis and eventually lead to them building the bomb first and winning the war. I kinda take issue with this, because it’s not like needing the plans was the only thing that would give the Nazis the bomb, and with the way it’s said explicitly that they nuke London, DC, and New York, I feel like as usual the American author is overlooking the role of the USSR in the war.
But one can argue that this is a book series for kids, and the image of a nuked Statue of Liberty used as hovels by the irradiated descendants of New Yorkers is still a pretty good one, even if Planet of the Apes did it better. Plus the whole thing does get us the kid friendly equivalent of “is it morally okay to go back in time and murder young Hitler”.
I do enjoy that the First Earth Traveler is a black man and a veteran of the First World War, and there’s also a woman pilot as a major character which is cool. For all that I quibble with the what-if scenario I appreciate that the book shows the ways life was different in the 30s. It’s always fun seeing a modern character suddenly realize they lack a lot of conveniences and while Bobby himself slots in pretty easily as a generic white guy, I appreciate the story addressing the discrimination and realities of the past.
We also take a jaunt three thousand years into the future to visit the utopian Third Earth. It’s a nice enough place, though again I have some quibbles. Humanity has realized they’ve been using resources too much and too fast, and much of the surface has been returned to nature as we move underground and out into the solar system. But we still have capitalism in the future, and even the Gap - which probably makes the original target audience feel good, but seems kinda strange to me now. It is also kinda funny that Bobby and Gunny have to travel three thousand years in the future to basically hit up Wikipedia. I feel like Third Earth kinda suffers for being a generic sci-fi utopia with little that makes it actually stand out.
Still, for all my issues on rereading this as a grown up, it’s a pretty good story. I do still love the twist that if Bobby had sat around and done nothing, Saint Dane would be defeated. And Bobby definitely gets a chance to grow and learn about himself in this one. I’m not sure it’s really my favorite part of the series but it’s one of the ones that’s always stuck with me more than others, and I imagine if you’ve stuck with the series through here it does a good job on selling you on sticking around for the long haul. Which is what I’m going to do, though first I’m detouring to one of the three Before the War prequels which I never read as a kid. So we’ll see if those add anything or are as skippable as a lot of prequel stories.
It’s an interesting change and I can’t help wondering why DJ McHale did it this way. I will admit that my memories of the Mark and Courtney segments are pretty fuzzy from when I read the novels the first time around. Having a layer of story between the main story and the reader is a conceit I enjoy, but it’s most exciting when the middle layer and innermost layer of fiction interact or even merge. Thus far in the series Mark and Courtney have served mostly to react to Bobby’s adventures, and for whatever reason they end up waiting to do so until the whole story is over. It’s odd because I feel like they could have interesting commentary at certain points, and I hope that in the next book they’re given more to do. It does feel a bit like the author wasn’t quite sure what to do with the gimmick but couldn’t abandon it.
Fortunately the main plot is fairly engaging. It’s rather like Pendragon’s equivalent of a Doctor Who historical story, although the only inhuman monster here is Saint Dane. But First Earth turns out to be 1937, so there’s plenty of mobsters and Nazis running around. I’m a little torn on Bobby’s lack of knowledge of history. It does help move the plot along and it mirrors the level of historical knowledge the average reader in the target audience probably has, but I feel like a kid like Bobby would be more interested in World War II and the time leading up to it.
Then again, maybe it’s for the best because as an adult I still like the general historical setting but feel like the alternate universe at the crux of the plot doesn’t quite work. This time the threat centers around changing who wins World War II, and it’s eventually discovered that the upcoming arrival of the Hindenburg is the fulcrum of all three Earth territories. Which is neat, but the actual scenario is that the zeppelin carries treasure that will fund a mobster in league with the Nazis and eventually lead to them building the bomb first and winning the war. I kinda take issue with this, because it’s not like needing the plans was the only thing that would give the Nazis the bomb, and with the way it’s said explicitly that they nuke London, DC, and New York, I feel like as usual the American author is overlooking the role of the USSR in the war.
But one can argue that this is a book series for kids, and the image of a nuked Statue of Liberty used as hovels by the irradiated descendants of New Yorkers is still a pretty good one, even if Planet of the Apes did it better. Plus the whole thing does get us the kid friendly equivalent of “is it morally okay to go back in time and murder young Hitler”.
I do enjoy that the First Earth Traveler is a black man and a veteran of the First World War, and there’s also a woman pilot as a major character which is cool. For all that I quibble with the what-if scenario I appreciate that the book shows the ways life was different in the 30s. It’s always fun seeing a modern character suddenly realize they lack a lot of conveniences and while Bobby himself slots in pretty easily as a generic white guy, I appreciate the story addressing the discrimination and realities of the past.
We also take a jaunt three thousand years into the future to visit the utopian Third Earth. It’s a nice enough place, though again I have some quibbles. Humanity has realized they’ve been using resources too much and too fast, and much of the surface has been returned to nature as we move underground and out into the solar system. But we still have capitalism in the future, and even the Gap - which probably makes the original target audience feel good, but seems kinda strange to me now. It is also kinda funny that Bobby and Gunny have to travel three thousand years in the future to basically hit up Wikipedia. I feel like Third Earth kinda suffers for being a generic sci-fi utopia with little that makes it actually stand out.
Still, for all my issues on rereading this as a grown up, it’s a pretty good story. I do still love the twist that if Bobby had sat around and done nothing, Saint Dane would be defeated. And Bobby definitely gets a chance to grow and learn about himself in this one. I’m not sure it’s really my favorite part of the series but it’s one of the ones that’s always stuck with me more than others, and I imagine if you’ve stuck with the series through here it does a good job on selling you on sticking around for the long haul. Which is what I’m going to do, though first I’m detouring to one of the three Before the War prequels which I never read as a kid. So we’ll see if those add anything or are as skippable as a lot of prequel stories.
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February 16, 2018Great twist ending. I kind of feel bad for Spader but he did deserve it. I definitely think he's coming back though. Can't wait for the next one.
August 18, 2021
یکی از بزرگترین خلأهای این مجموعه در همین جلد مشخص میشود. هیچ magic system خاصی ندارد و با آمیختن سایفای، مثلا قصد نوشتن یک اثر چندجانبه را داشته. اما موفق نبوده است.
February 17, 2024
4.5. Hell yes! The Never War, Bobby Pendragon’s third outing, delivers a gripping mystery packed with twists and turns while further complicating his world, forcing him to endure things no one should have to, and then twisting the knife for good measure.
What sets this installment apart from its predecessors is how it complicates the pivotal turning point. The Travellers’ mission isn’t a simple case of right versus wrong—it’s morally grey, pushing them to question the greater good and the personal sacrifices required to achieve what often feels like an impossible goal. Bobby’s growth as both a Traveller and a leader takes center stage once again here. Though he doesn’t entirely succeed on his own, his experiences feel meaningful and unlikely to be squandered moving forward. With each adventure, his development is tangible, and this book feels like a real turning point. We’ll see how that unfolds in the future.
As always, the side characters shine. Gunny is an older reflection of Bobby—thrown into the world of the Travellers with little guidance, expected to make things happen. His life experiences, particularly his time serving in World War I, make his actions feel natural, pushing both the plot and Bobby’s growth forward in a way that makes absolute sense. Spader’s development (or regression, depending on how you look at it) is heartbreaking but necessary, for both Spader himself and Bobby, who makes a tough, leader-like choice by story's end that makes sense given the arc's went through here. Then there’s Aja Killian—who, while not a new character to me since I read the prequel series, still had an introduction here that was so expertly handled that I found myself instantly hyped for The Reality Bug. Her personality and inevitable combative dynamic with Bobby can only lead to great drama, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.
An incredible follow-up! I’m expecting a dip soon, but hopefully, MacHale’s writing proves me wrong. Onward to The Reality Bug!
What sets this installment apart from its predecessors is how it complicates the pivotal turning point. The Travellers’ mission isn’t a simple case of right versus wrong—it’s morally grey, pushing them to question the greater good and the personal sacrifices required to achieve what often feels like an impossible goal. Bobby’s growth as both a Traveller and a leader takes center stage once again here. Though he doesn’t entirely succeed on his own, his experiences feel meaningful and unlikely to be squandered moving forward. With each adventure, his development is tangible, and this book feels like a real turning point. We’ll see how that unfolds in the future.
As always, the side characters shine. Gunny is an older reflection of Bobby—thrown into the world of the Travellers with little guidance, expected to make things happen. His life experiences, particularly his time serving in World War I, make his actions feel natural, pushing both the plot and Bobby’s growth forward in a way that makes absolute sense. Spader’s development (or regression, depending on how you look at it) is heartbreaking but necessary, for both Spader himself and Bobby, who makes a tough, leader-like choice by story's end that makes sense given the arc's went through here. Then there’s Aja Killian—who, while not a new character to me since I read the prequel series, still had an introduction here that was so expertly handled that I found myself instantly hyped for The Reality Bug. Her personality and inevitable combative dynamic with Bobby can only lead to great drama, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.
An incredible follow-up! I’m expecting a dip soon, but hopefully, MacHale’s writing proves me wrong. Onward to The Reality Bug!
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