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Archibald Lox #1
Archibald Lox and the Bridge Between Worlds
There is a universe beyond our own, known as the Merge.
A young locksmith called Archibald Lox is about to cross worlds and explore it.
As he learns about these lands of wonders, he will have to face cold-blooded killers, rivers of blood, hell jackals and more...
Book one of the Archibald Lox series, a new YA fantasy series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.
A young locksmith called Archibald Lox is about to cross worlds and explore it.
As he learns about these lands of wonders, he will have to face cold-blooded killers, rivers of blood, hell jackals and more...
Book one of the Archibald Lox series, a new YA fantasy series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.
155 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2020
672 people are currently reading
1952 people want to read
About the author
Darren Shan
240 books8,243 followersLibrarian's note: Also writes books for adults under the name Darren Dash. And in the past he has released books for adults under the names D.B. Shan and Darren O'Shaughnessy.
Darren Shan (born July 2, 1972 in London, England) is the pen name of the Irish author Darren O'Shaughnessy, as well as the name of the protagonist of his book series The Saga of Darren Shan, also known as The Cirque Du Freak Series in the United States. He is the author of the series The Demonata, The Saga of Larten Crepsley, and Zom-B. He has also released the stand-alone novel, The Thin Executioner, and the stand-alone short novels, Koyasan, and Hagurosan. Plus, for adults, he released The City Trilogy (originally under the name of D.B. Shan), and Lady of the Shades..
Darren Shan (born July 2, 1972 in London, England) is the pen name of the Irish author Darren O'Shaughnessy, as well as the name of the protagonist of his book series The Saga of Darren Shan, also known as The Cirque Du Freak Series in the United States. He is the author of the series The Demonata, The Saga of Larten Crepsley, and Zom-B. He has also released the stand-alone novel, The Thin Executioner, and the stand-alone short novels, Koyasan, and Hagurosan. Plus, for adults, he released The City Trilogy (originally under the name of D.B. Shan), and Lady of the Shades..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 16, 2023
علاقه‌ی من به دارن شان بر کسایی که من رو می‌شناسن پوشیده نیست. من با سیرک عجایب عاشق دارن شان شدم، این علاقه با دموناتا و حماسه‌ی لارتن کرپسلی ادامه پیدا کرد، کویاسان رو دوست داشتم، هاگوراسان اولین ترجمه‌ی رسمی‌ای بود که از من منتشر شد، بی‌نهایت بانوی سایه‌ها بهم چسبید و مدت‌ها بود که منتظر مجموعه‌ی بعدی یانگ ادالت دارن بودم. خب البته زام‌بی هم هست، که چند جلدش رو خوندم و اونم تا حدی دوست داشتم، اما خب کلا با زامبی‌ها میونه‌ی خوبی ندارم.
خبر انتشار این مجموعه ماه‌های اولیه‌ی قرنطینه‌ی کرونا اومد. بی‌نهایت هیجان‌زده بودم. اونم نه یک جلد، که سه جلد با هم! بعد هم که نشر ویدا پیشنهاد ترجمه‌اش رو بهم داد خیلی بیشتر ذوق کردم. البته ته دلم دلهره داشتم که نکنه خوشم نیاد، نکنه خوب نباشه، نکنه دیگه سنم برای لذت بردن از کارهای دارن شان بالا رفته باشه. اما خب قبلا هم گفتم که دارن شان همیشه من رو غافلگیر می‌کنه.
مجموعه‌ی آرچیبالد لاکس قرار نیست به اندازه‌ی سایر کارهای دارن شان خشونت و ترس و وحشت داشته باشه. قراره کار فانتزی دلنشینی باشه که البته لحظه‌هایی از هیجان قلب‌تون رو به تپش می‌اندازه، از دنیاسازی لطیفش لذت می‌برین و مدام دوست دارین ازش بیشتر و بیشتر بدونین. در انتهای جلد یک هم به‌شدت دلتون می‌خواد برین سراغ جلد بعد و ببینین ماجرای اینز و آرچی به کجا می‌رسه و جواب سوال‌های فراوان‌تون رو بگیرین.
چندتا نکته توی این مجموعه مهمه:
اول اینکه سه جلد اول با هم یک سه‌گانه رو شکل می‌دن که دارن شان بنا به دلایل مربوط به بازاریابی و اینکه کتاب خیلی طولانی نشه تبدیل به سه جلدشون کرده. که به نظرم کار خوبی هم بوده.
دوم اینکه مجموعه‌ی آرچیبالد لاکس اولین مجموعه‌ی یانگ ادالت دارنه که خودش (و نه ناشر) منتشرش کرده! همون‌طور که توی این پست وبلاگش هم گفته، این موضوع از نظر روحی خیلی بهش فشار آورده، چون خودش خیلی مجموعه رو دوست داشته و هیچ‌وقت فکر نمی‌کرده مجبور شه کارهای یانگ ادالتش رو خودش منتشر کنه و ناشری حاضر به انتشارش نشه (از جمله دلایلشون این بوده که این کتاب با سبک وحشت و خون و خون‌ریزی معمول کتاب‌های دیگه‌ی دارن هم‌خوانی نداره)، اما خب بعد از انتشار سه‌گانه‌ی اول بازخوردهای خیلی خوبی از خواننده‌ها گرفته و همین دوباره بهش انرژی داده.
سوم اینکه گرچه دارن توی کتاب‌های دیگه‌اش (مثل مجموعه دموناتا) به جهان‌های موازی می‌ره، اما اینجا عملا داره دنیاسازی می‌کنه که خودش نیازمند ظرافت‌هاییه. توی یکی از یادداشت‌هاش نوشته بود یکی از دغدغه‌هاش این بوده که در عین دادن اطلاعات این دنیای جدید به خواننده، داستان از ریتم نیفته. (متن فارسی این یادداشت رو اینجا بخونین). به نظرم موفق بوده. توی جلد اول ما با دنیای مرج مواجه می‌شیم و در عین حالی که کلی اطلاعات ازش به دست میاریم، اما ریتم داستان به شکل خوبی حفظ می‌شه. نه کُند و نه تُند. البته توی جلدهای بعد که دیگه کمتر نیاز به اطلاعات از این دنیای جذاب جدید باشه، قطعاً ریتم هم سرعت خیلی بیشتری پیدا می‌کنه.
من کتاب اول رو دوست داشتم. هرچند دو سه جا به منطق داستان ایرادهایی داشتم، اما در مجموع کار روون و کم‌حجمی بود که باعث می‌شد دلت بخواد بیشتر و بیشتر بخونی. شخصیت‌سازی اینز و آرچی و کلاً دنیای مرج برام جذاب بود. نحوه‌ی جابه‌جا شدن بین دنیاها من رو یک‌جورهایی یاد نیروی اهریمنی‌اش می‌انداخت. البته در عین شباهت، متفاوت. شغال‌های جهنمی خیلی آدم رو به یاد گرگینه‌ها می‌انداخت، اما خب کلا مکانیزم به‌وجود اومدنشون جالب و متفاوت بود و البته موقعیت‌های زیادی رو در اختیار نویسنده قرار می‌ده که قطعاً توی جلدهای بعد بیشتر ازشون استفاده می‌کنه. کل ماجرای قلمروها و نبرد مرجی‌ها و مرجی‌های پست برای تصاحب قدرت هم می‌تونه بازی‌های سیاسی جالبی رو شکل بده.
شاید بعد از مدت‌ها برای تموم کردن یک کتاب تا صبح بیدار موندم. این ریویو رو هم بعد از پایان ترجمه‌ی جلد اول می‌نویسم و خب قطعاً تا زمان انتشار نسخه‌ی فارسیِ کتاب، منتشرش نمی‌کنم، اما امیدوارم خیلی زود این مجموعه به دست مخاطب‌های فارسی‌زبان برسه و همچنین امیدوارم که اونا هم به اندازه‌ی من دوستش داشته باشن و چشم‌انتظار کتاب‌های بعدی باشن.
پ.ن: قاعدتاً الان که این ریویو رو منتشر می‌کنم، ترجمه‌ی فارسی کتاب بیرون اومده.
خبر انتشار این مجموعه ماه‌های اولیه‌ی قرنطینه‌ی کرونا اومد. بی‌نهایت هیجان‌زده بودم. اونم نه یک جلد، که سه جلد با هم! بعد هم که نشر ویدا پیشنهاد ترجمه‌اش رو بهم داد خیلی بیشتر ذوق کردم. البته ته دلم دلهره داشتم که نکنه خوشم نیاد، نکنه خوب نباشه، نکنه دیگه سنم برای لذت بردن از کارهای دارن شان بالا رفته باشه. اما خب قبلا هم گفتم که دارن شان همیشه من رو غافلگیر می‌کنه.
مجموعه‌ی آرچیبالد لاکس قرار نیست به اندازه‌ی سایر کارهای دارن شان خشونت و ترس و وحشت داشته باشه. قراره کار فانتزی دلنشینی باشه که البته لحظه‌هایی از هیجان قلب‌تون رو به تپش می‌اندازه، از دنیاسازی لطیفش لذت می‌برین و مدام دوست دارین ازش بیشتر و بیشتر بدونین. در انتهای جلد یک هم به‌شدت دلتون می‌خواد برین سراغ جلد بعد و ببینین ماجرای اینز و آرچی به کجا می‌رسه و جواب سوال‌های فراوان‌تون رو بگیرین.
چندتا نکته توی این مجموعه مهمه:
اول اینکه سه جلد اول با هم یک سه‌گانه رو شکل می‌دن که دارن شان بنا به دلایل مربوط به بازاریابی و اینکه کتاب خیلی طولانی نشه تبدیل به سه جلدشون کرده. که به نظرم کار خوبی هم بوده.
دوم اینکه مجموعه‌ی آرچیبالد لاکس اولین مجموعه‌ی یانگ ادالت دارنه که خودش (و نه ناشر) منتشرش کرده! همون‌طور که توی این پست وبلاگش هم گفته، این موضوع از نظر روحی خیلی بهش فشار آورده، چون خودش خیلی مجموعه رو دوست داشته و هیچ‌وقت فکر نمی‌کرده مجبور شه کارهای یانگ ادالتش رو خودش منتشر کنه و ناشری حاضر به انتشارش نشه (از جمله دلایلشون این بوده که این کتاب با سبک وحشت و خون و خون‌ریزی معمول کتاب‌های دیگه‌ی دارن هم‌خوانی نداره)، اما خب بعد از انتشار سه‌گانه‌ی اول بازخوردهای خیلی خوبی از خواننده‌ها گرفته و همین دوباره بهش انرژی داده.
سوم اینکه گرچه دارن توی کتاب‌های دیگه‌اش (مثل مجموعه دموناتا) به جهان‌های موازی می‌ره، اما اینجا عملا داره دنیاسازی می‌کنه که خودش نیازمند ظرافت‌هاییه. توی یکی از یادداشت‌هاش نوشته بود یکی از دغدغه‌هاش این بوده که در عین دادن اطلاعات این دنیای جدید به خواننده، داستان از ریتم نیفته. (متن فارسی این یادداشت رو اینجا بخونین). به نظرم موفق بوده. توی جلد اول ما با دنیای مرج مواجه می‌شیم و در عین حالی که کلی اطلاعات ازش به دست میاریم، اما ریتم داستان به شکل خوبی حفظ می‌شه. نه کُند و نه تُند. البته توی جلدهای بعد که دیگه کمتر نیاز به اطلاعات از این دنیای جذاب جدید باشه، قطعاً ریتم هم سرعت خیلی بیشتری پیدا می‌کنه.
من کتاب اول رو دوست داشتم. هرچند دو سه جا به منطق داستان ایرادهایی داشتم، اما در مجموع کار روون و کم‌حجمی بود که باعث می‌شد دلت بخواد بیشتر و بیشتر بخونی. شخصیت‌سازی اینز و آرچی و کلاً دنیای مرج برام جذاب بود. نحوه‌ی جابه‌جا شدن بین دنیاها من رو یک‌جورهایی یاد نیروی اهریمنی‌اش می‌انداخت. البته در عین شباهت، متفاوت. شغال‌های جهنمی خیلی آدم رو به یاد گرگینه‌ها می‌انداخت، اما خب کلا مکانیزم به‌وجود اومدنشون جالب و متفاوت بود و البته موقعیت‌های زیادی رو در اختیار نویسنده قرار می‌ده که قطعاً توی جلدهای بعد بیشتر ازشون استفاده می‌کنه. کل ماجرای قلمروها و نبرد مرجی‌ها و مرجی‌های پست برای تصاحب قدرت هم می‌تونه بازی‌های سیاسی جالبی رو شکل بده.
شاید بعد از مدت‌ها برای تموم کردن یک کتاب تا صبح بیدار موندم. این ریویو رو هم بعد از پایان ترجمه‌ی جلد اول می‌نویسم و خب قطعاً تا زمان انتشار نسخه‌ی فارسیِ کتاب، منتشرش نمی‌کنم، اما امیدوارم خیلی زود این مجموعه به دست مخاطب‌های فارسی‌زبان برسه و همچنین امیدوارم که اونا هم به اندازه‌ی من دوستش داشته باشن و چشم‌انتظار کتاب‌های بعدی باشن.
پ.ن: قاعدتاً الان که این ریویو رو منتشر می‌کنم، ترجمه‌ی فارسی کتاب بیرون اومده.
مقاومت کردن در برابر جریان هیچ فایده‌ای نداره. همیشه اونه که برنده می‌شه.
May 3, 2020
5 stars - English Ebook - 🦋🦋🦋 -
Achie escapes one morning out of the house. He has to go to school but a tragedy took his brother David away from him and his foster-family. He does not go to school but is wandeling around true Londen were on a bridge he sees a girl being followed by a man with an acs and a man with a knife. In a mysterius way she disappears into the bridge and that is the beginning of a story a la Alice in wonderland. Together with Archie you step into another world, all filled with his own ruels and scennery. It read very light and good. It is a young adult fantasy with a Well plotted story - line. Their are some books I have to read first but I like to go back to the world Archie was in. 🦋🦋🦋
Book one of the Archibald Lox series, a new YA fantasy series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.🦋🦋🦋
Achie escapes one morning out of the house. He has to go to school but a tragedy took his brother David away from him and his foster-family. He does not go to school but is wandeling around true Londen were on a bridge he sees a girl being followed by a man with an acs and a man with a knife. In a mysterius way she disappears into the bridge and that is the beginning of a story a la Alice in wonderland. Together with Archie you step into another world, all filled with his own ruels and scennery. It read very light and good. It is a young adult fantasy with a Well plotted story - line. Their are some books I have to read first but I like to go back to the world Archie was in. 🦋🦋🦋
Book one of the Archibald Lox series, a new YA fantasy series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.🦋🦋🦋
June 12, 2023
واقعا دلم تنگ بود برای خوندن همچین فانتزی‌ای.
هیجان‌انگیز، جذاب و روون.
خیلی خیلی حال داد. اونم بعد این همه سال چیزی نخوندن از دارن شان.
و حالا دلم جلدهای بعدشو می‌خواد. :))
هیجان‌انگیز، جذاب و روون.
خیلی خیلی حال داد. اونم بعد این همه سال چیزی نخوندن از دارن شان.
و حالا دلم جلدهای بعدشو می‌خواد. :))
April 4, 2020
A surprise release by Darren Shan with some new young readers series, well that is just perfect! He made it an early release because of the Corona crisis, a gift to readers, and oh how I will enjoy this. More info, see here. YES THE FIRST BOOK IS FREE GO AND ENJOY THIS!
I enjoyed diving into this world with Archie, knowing just as much about this as he - nothing. I like how we dive into adventure and discover everything in this new and fascinating world. It just all made sense, even with this weird world. How does Darren even came up with this? I love his wild fantasy!
Will definitely be binging book 2 and 3 as well! I already know I cannot wait for the next installments ;)
I have more favorite authors, but somehow Darren will be my favorite of all time. No matter how much I love other author's work, Darren is the only one that really has the effect that I toss out my TBR when something new is released. I don't understand how my brain works, but this is an observation :)
I enjoyed diving into this world with Archie, knowing just as much about this as he - nothing. I like how we dive into adventure and discover everything in this new and fascinating world. It just all made sense, even with this weird world. How does Darren even came up with this? I love his wild fantasy!
Will definitely be binging book 2 and 3 as well! I already know I cannot wait for the next installments ;)
I have more favorite authors, but somehow Darren will be my favorite of all time. No matter how much I love other author's work, Darren is the only one that really has the effect that I toss out my TBR when something new is released. I don't understand how my brain works, but this is an observation :)
April 3, 2020
Wow! This release couldn't have came at a better time and it's was FREE.. Please take advantage you will Not regret it.
I missed Darren's writing, it's so descriptive and makes you feel like your present in the environment and you can clearly envision what a character looks like, you feel like you're with the characters during their adventures. A nice quick read but constantly thrilling and exciting. I was left with a aching need for more!
I missed Darren's writing, it's so descriptive and makes you feel like your present in the environment and you can clearly envision what a character looks like, you feel like you're with the characters during their adventures. A nice quick read but constantly thrilling and exciting. I was left with a aching need for more!
May 28, 2023
داستان جذاب این کتاب در مورد پسریه که غمگین و بی‌هدف روی یه پل قدم می‌زنه که درست تو نقطه‌ای که توی افکارش غرقه، با یک صحنه‌ی عجیب مواجه می‌شه که با عقل جور درنمیاد! و این سرآغاز یک ماجرای اسرارآمیز و هیجان‌انگیزه.
نحوه‌ی داستان‌پردازی برام خیلی دلچسب بود و با همین یک جلد کاملا با شخصیت‌ها ارتباط برقرار کردم و دوستشون دارم.
بی‌صبرانه منتظرم جلدهای بعد و خوندن ادامه‌ی داستانم.
نحوه‌ی داستان‌پردازی برام خیلی دلچسب بود و با همین یک جلد کاملا با شخصیت‌ها ارتباط برقرار کردم و دوستشون دارم.
بی‌صبرانه منتظرم جلدهای بعد و خوندن ادامه‌ی داستانم.
June 25, 2020
To be honest, my friend kinda forced me to read this book because his love for Darren Shan is otherworldly BUT that being said, I’m soo very glad I did. The story was truly captivating and the world building was fantastic! Can’t wait to read book 2!
April 2, 2020
Thank you Mr Shan <3
July 1, 2020
Very enjoyable read.
Archie is miserable that he has to go to school. But in the end, he never ends up going to school as he sees a girl vanish near a bridge. That marks the beginning of the story and Archie's journey into the world.
The world building of the story was perfect and had me in awe.
The characters were amazing. I loved the way Submerged was brought out. Loved it.
Archie is miserable that he has to go to school. But in the end, he never ends up going to school as he sees a girl vanish near a bridge. That marks the beginning of the story and Archie's journey into the world.
The world building of the story was perfect and had me in awe.
The characters were amazing. I loved the way Submerged was brought out. Loved it.
June 30, 2020
This was like going back to my childhood of reading Demonata and Cirque obsessively, minus all the gore. This is a really great book, a short read but so much adventure, and I love the world. Keen to continue the series and maybe another reread of Demonata.
December 6, 2022
"I’d know. Deep in my heart, I’d know, and I’d always hate myself for accepting the limits that everyone else in the world accepts, when I now know that there’s so much more for me to explore."
The Archibald Lox series has been something that's been on my radar ever since I got a copy of the e-book. Being a fan of Darren Shan's YA series, I went into this book with a feeling of comfort as if there was no doubt in my mind that this story would be great. I was right.
Archibald Lox is undeniably one of the comfiest YA reads that I've experienced. It's kind of like a mix of Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman and Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. As a reader we're thrown into a new world - filled with adventure, danger, and unforgettable fun.
As of writing this review, I've already read the second book in the series (they're quite short) and purchased physical and electronic copies of volumes 1, 2, & 3. I'm excited to dig in over the next couple of months and read these with hot cup of coffee in my hand.
If you haven't read this series yet, give it a shot. The first e-book is free on Amazon I believe!
May 29, 2022
4,5 stars - Eglish Ebook
We join Archie one morning as he dicides to skip school. He does that often, since his brother died. No one in Archie's familie is handeling the change well and he feels alone and ignored. While walking a bridge in Londen, he spits a girl around his adge who is fleeing from some unknown threat. No one seems to notice when the slab glows and she disapears inside. No one exept Archie. Archie's world changes. He cpoies the face the girl made, picks the lock on the slab, and leaves the bridge, and his invisible life behind.
What a great YA series. The new world waiting for Archie is called Merge. We follow along while reading this story.
A place created and governed by nine families, each ruling over a separate realm.
Filled with fantastic characters, true to discription in de book, you see them before your wees, the story is complet. Enjoyed this book for sure.
We join Archie one morning as he dicides to skip school. He does that often, since his brother died. No one in Archie's familie is handeling the change well and he feels alone and ignored. While walking a bridge in Londen, he spits a girl around his adge who is fleeing from some unknown threat. No one seems to notice when the slab glows and she disapears inside. No one exept Archie. Archie's world changes. He cpoies the face the girl made, picks the lock on the slab, and leaves the bridge, and his invisible life behind.
What a great YA series. The new world waiting for Archie is called Merge. We follow along while reading this story.
A place created and governed by nine families, each ruling over a separate realm.
Filled with fantastic characters, true to discription in de book, you see them before your wees, the story is complet. Enjoyed this book for sure.
September 10, 2022
It was absolutely perfect. As the first book in a series, it gets the reader hooked on until the end. It's somehow similar to the Demonata Series, specially because the main character crosses between worlds, and the monsters, called hell jackals, kind of remind me of werewolves. Also, the two protagonists being a young girl and a boy, exploring an unknown world had me thinking about Chaos Walking: The Complete Trilogy by Patrick Ness. Of course, needless to say, the story is totally different from any of the mentioned books.
It's very fast-paced and totally unpredictable. The concept is so new, I didn't know what to expect, what any of the characters was going to do, or what was going to happen. I really loved the characters too.
Overall, I think it's a perfect start for a series, and I can't wait to read the other two books that are already out. Good thing, two other are already available because this one kind of leaves you hanging.
It's very fast-paced and totally unpredictable. The concept is so new, I didn't know what to expect, what any of the characters was going to do, or what was going to happen. I really loved the characters too.
Overall, I think it's a perfect start for a series, and I can't wait to read the other two books that are already out. Good thing, two other are already available because this one kind of leaves you hanging.
November 27, 2022
Fascinating start to an interesting series.
Archibald Lox sees a girl getting pursued on the streets of London by two men who are trying to kill her. Interestingly enough, it’s like only he can see them. When the girl opens up a portal to another world, his curiosity takes over and he decides to follow her.
The world building is exquisite. So much of the worlds we meet feels a bit familiar and yet so totally alien. One instant we’re travelling through huge vines, the next we’re in a spooky abandoned village, haunted by a beast from hell.
We meet up with Archie at the start of the book as he’s facing a major crisis in his life, which explains the choices he makes, his motive for wanting to escape to another world. The main character Archie is interesting in his own right but coupled with Inez, who is so totally different from him in a charming way, we get to see the beginnings of a great dynamic between two characters that really stands out and makes you even more curious about what the future has in store for them.
A bit light on plot as a stand-alone novel but Darren Shan knows how to suck his readers into a new world and make you never want to leave.
Archibald Lox sees a girl getting pursued on the streets of London by two men who are trying to kill her. Interestingly enough, it’s like only he can see them. When the girl opens up a portal to another world, his curiosity takes over and he decides to follow her.
The world building is exquisite. So much of the worlds we meet feels a bit familiar and yet so totally alien. One instant we’re travelling through huge vines, the next we’re in a spooky abandoned village, haunted by a beast from hell.
We meet up with Archie at the start of the book as he’s facing a major crisis in his life, which explains the choices he makes, his motive for wanting to escape to another world. The main character Archie is interesting in his own right but coupled with Inez, who is so totally different from him in a charming way, we get to see the beginnings of a great dynamic between two characters that really stands out and makes you even more curious about what the future has in store for them.
A bit light on plot as a stand-alone novel but Darren Shan knows how to suck his readers into a new world and make you never want to leave.
October 13, 2023
I had not previously read any Darren Shan, although I was aware that he is a popular (and prolific) author for younger readers. Do not be put off by the reputation of Shan as an author for younger readers - this is a thoroughly enjoyable story for all ages.
There are 9 books in the Archibald Lox series, written as three trilogies. The trilogies seem to be made of closely connected stories - certainly this book ends without any real resolution of the story.
All-in-all, an excellent series opener.
There are 9 books in the Archibald Lox series, written as three trilogies. The trilogies seem to be made of closely connected stories - certainly this book ends without any real resolution of the story.
All-in-all, an excellent series opener.
June 14, 2020
Few people can bring a world alive like Darren Shan. This book has, like his other books, great characters a wonderfull described world and a amazing storyline, I can't wait to read the second and third book.
October 18, 2020
This series has promise, but it was both familiar and wildly fantastic at the same time. Shan has written stories with alternate worlds and portals into demonic places, but introduced new concepts. I am curious to read more.
January 10, 2022
Another cracking adventure from my fellow Irishman!
Darren has such a way of writing that you just cant put it down and need to know what happens next, after reading the first book i bought the rest right away! 😊👍🏽
Darren has such a way of writing that you just cant put it down and need to know what happens next, after reading the first book i bought the rest right away! 😊👍🏽
June 1, 2022
I'm ecstatic to find out that Darren Shan has published another series - even more so that he's already written six of the nine books! Archibald Lox is an exciting tale of mystery and adventure, with the classic Darren Shan charms and horrors
April 14, 2020
A short, but super interesting read. It kind of gave me Percy Jackson vibes in the way that it’s really magical and quick paced. But it also gave me the same experience as the Cirque du Freak series (which I loved)
I kind of like the fact that we’re still left with many questions as Archie is also left with many questions.
And I quickly want to thank Darren Shan to release the series earlier for us readers, and more so for making the first book free to download! I will definitely be continuing the series!
I kind of like the fact that we’re still left with many questions as Archie is also left with many questions.
And I quickly want to thank Darren Shan to release the series earlier for us readers, and more so for making the first book free to download! I will definitely be continuing the series!
June 8, 2025
4.5⭐
What a fun little YA read! It was a nice short read at less than 200 pages, but it got stuck right into the story, with hints of world-building being dropped in throughout the story.
Nice and fast-paced and a great start to a series - I'll definitely be picking up the next book in the series!
What a fun little YA read! It was a nice short read at less than 200 pages, but it got stuck right into the story, with hints of world-building being dropped in throughout the story.
Nice and fast-paced and a great start to a series - I'll definitely be picking up the next book in the series!
April 8, 2020
This was a joy to read! Fast paced, innovative and just enough intrigue to make you eager for the next installment. Darren Shan rarely fails to disappoint. 4 stars instead of 5 purely because it didn't WOW me, though as this is a trilogy there's still time. This book was largely a set up to get us used to the world so now that's been established, I can't wait to really get into the meat of the plot.
August 5, 2022
This is the first Darren Shan book I’ve read but I can say that it’s not the last! I really liked this book. It was a bit slow and confusing in the beginning but it gets more and more interesting the more you read. It’s a really well written book and the characters are so good!
The plot of this book was really interesting and I really liked it! I look forward to reed the next book in this series!
The plot of this book was really interesting and I really liked it! I look forward to reed the next book in this series!
July 18, 2020
Can we talk about how well written this is? Yes, thank you! After I read that first chapter I couldn't shut up about how much I enjoyed the writing style. Its simplistic but beautiful and I am here for it.
I LOVED the fast pace!! I also very much liked that its short.
Overall very very very enjoyable. You can catch me reading the rest of the series very very soon.
And also all Darren Shans books.
I LOVED the fast pace!! I also very much liked that its short.
Overall very very very enjoyable. You can catch me reading the rest of the series very very soon.
And also all Darren Shans books.
December 30, 2021
I just ADORE the Demonata and the Saga of Darren Shan, so I jumped at the opportunity to enjoy a new YA series by Darren - and I’m absolutely loving it! As always, incredible world building, wonderful lovable characters, and just excellent storytelling. It does feel targeted ever so slightly younger than the other two series? But still absolutely loving and delighted to be back in the midst of a wonderful YA series to finish off the year 🥰
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May 11, 2021تقریبا با تمام ریویوها موافقم. با کتاب‌های دارن بزرگ شدم و برای همین به طور پیشفرض ستاره‌هایی رو که به نویسنده‌های موردعلاقه می‌دم، بهش می‌دم.
در نهایت گمونم همین که با علاقه بخونم برای لذت بردن کافی باشه. آدم اگه قبل از خوندن یه کتاب نسبت بهش نظر منفی داشته باشه حتی در صورت شاهکار بودنش باز خیلی خوشش نمیاد!
در نهایت گمونم همین که با علاقه بخونم برای لذت بردن کافی باشه. آدم اگه قبل از خوندن یه کتاب نسبت بهش نظر منفی داشته باشه حتی در صورت شاهکار بودنش باز خیلی خوشش نمیاد!
September 22, 2020
Locksmith of the underworld
This is a very imaginative story, with inventive characters and a good, straightforward storyline. Really enjoyed the characters. Just a lot of fun to read.
This is a very imaginative story, with inventive characters and a good, straightforward storyline. Really enjoyed the characters. Just a lot of fun to read.
January 25, 2022
An Adventure Of A Lifetime!
This is a fast-paced story in a world full of magic and mayhem. Imagine living in the human realm when you happen to find yourself thrust into a world of magic beyond your wildest dreams! A fantastically magical journey!
This is a fast-paced story in a world full of magic and mayhem. Imagine living in the human realm when you happen to find yourself thrust into a world of magic beyond your wildest dreams! A fantastically magical journey!
September 18, 2023
3.5
It's always a pleasure to read books by Darren Shan.
The beginning of this one was pretty cute, and I was a little surprised when things started to twist (in a dark but good way).
I understand that this is just an introductory book, and I'm excited to read the next installments.
It's always a pleasure to read books by Darren Shan.
The beginning of this one was pretty cute, and I was a little surprised when things started to twist (in a dark but good way).
I understand that this is just an introductory book, and I'm excited to read the next installments.
April 2, 2024
What a fabulous fantasy adventure from Darren Shan. Great characters, easy to follow and some fantastic new creatures to get my head around. Loved it.
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