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Endinfinium #1
Benjamin Forrest and the School at the End of the World
At the end of everything ... there is a new beginning.Benjamin Forrest wakes up on a strange beach. Two suns shine in the sky, and a couple of miles out from the shore, the sea drops off the edge of the world.Where is he? How did he get here? And most importantly, how can he get home?As he begins to encounter the unusual characters of Endinfinium, he finds himself at the centre of a battle for a secret world, one in which he will play a decisive role ...ENDINFINIUM - the new young adult fantasy series from Chris Ward, acclaimed author of the dystopian Tube Riders series.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2017
210 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ward
53 books140 followersChris Ward is the author of The Tube Riders series, the Tales of Crow series, and the forthcoming Endinfinium YA fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 24, 2018
Benjamin Forrest & the School at the End of the World - a review by Rosemary Kenny
This novel is definitely a bizarre twisted version of Harry Potter, which quickly becomes apparent. While it's described as a YA fantasy, I'd be very wary of letting any younger ones read/be read to about Benjamin dying and waking up in a far from Heavenly kingdom, in the middle of a weird civil war, with goblins, wraiths and figures out of a Grimm's Fairy Tale. The main part of the story takes place at an eponymous Hogwarts-in-reverse style school, where Benjamin has a couple of pals, Miranda and Wilhelm, (as the Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley characters).
The general atmosphere is dark and fairly negative and the various characters are the most peculiar, combative and unpleasant characters you'd ever hope not to meet. The reason Benjamin's there in the world of Endifinium, with its two suns and how/why he came to be there, is another mystery to be revealed.
I didn't like the way the story seemed devoid of hope or any useful 'message' to cling to. The Voldemort equivalent is called simply the Dark Lord; while he's also a pupil at the school, he has a coven of evil cronies who seem to make most pupils' lives even harder than the odd teachers.
If you like films such as The Nightmare Before Christmas or Miss Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children, this tale may tickle your fancy. Why not buy Chris Ward's novella and decide which version, (Benjamin Forrest or Harry Potter) you prefer? The decision as always is yours, my friends!
This novel is definitely a bizarre twisted version of Harry Potter, which quickly becomes apparent. While it's described as a YA fantasy, I'd be very wary of letting any younger ones read/be read to about Benjamin dying and waking up in a far from Heavenly kingdom, in the middle of a weird civil war, with goblins, wraiths and figures out of a Grimm's Fairy Tale. The main part of the story takes place at an eponymous Hogwarts-in-reverse style school, where Benjamin has a couple of pals, Miranda and Wilhelm, (as the Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley characters).
The general atmosphere is dark and fairly negative and the various characters are the most peculiar, combative and unpleasant characters you'd ever hope not to meet. The reason Benjamin's there in the world of Endifinium, with its two suns and how/why he came to be there, is another mystery to be revealed.
I didn't like the way the story seemed devoid of hope or any useful 'message' to cling to. The Voldemort equivalent is called simply the Dark Lord; while he's also a pupil at the school, he has a coven of evil cronies who seem to make most pupils' lives even harder than the odd teachers.
If you like films such as The Nightmare Before Christmas or Miss Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children, this tale may tickle your fancy. Why not buy Chris Ward's novella and decide which version, (Benjamin Forrest or Harry Potter) you prefer? The decision as always is yours, my friends!
August 20, 2018
I am looking forward to book 2 and 3 in this series. Benjamin and the rest of the characters are very likable and this is a story I want to continue reading about. I do work with children of all ages and enjoy finding books that preteen and middle school children will enjoy. This is a series for that. I have read a few Chris Ward books and have discovered that he is a very versatile writer. Awesome job.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2018
Excellent world building and wonderful characters plus filled with action, excitement and terrot. I absolutely love it and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I highly recommend it and it is currently FREE at Amazon for the Kindle version. Enjoy!
July 25, 2018
Pacing was very off sometimes and felt very rushed. I liked the reveal of the face of the Dark Man and the machines where certainly interesting, the whole worldbuilding with "dead-not-yet-dead-undead" kind of thing, but... apart from that, too rushed.
September 19, 2018
This book just throws you into the middle of the story without much of a warning. Benjamin Forrest wakes up a beach and has no idea how he got there, and you don't know who he is. Then, the strange creatures of Endinfinium start to attack him, but a girl named Miranda saves him. He is forced to attend this strange school, but he doesn't even know what this world is. Apparently, all the kids at this school have been taken from their homes at one point or another to go live their lives in Endinfinium, and there is no way home once you are there.
Most kids resign themselves to their fate, but Miranda and Wilhelm are always breaking the rules. They refuse to let the cold, unfamiliar world keep them from having fun. They are really good friends for Benjamin and help him with whatever he needs. There also was little-to-no romance in this novel, which was good because I believe that the characters were supposed to be in middle school/early high school. Romance or a love triangle at this point would have just been too awkward and strange.
In this world, almost everything lives. The book doesn't really describe how this works too well, but it seems that many of the objects that are created in the real world are duplicated in this world, but alive. They have to constantly put the objects to "sleep" so that they won't move all over the place and cause havoc. There also seems to be some sort of system of powers, but this isn't explained either.
I have to say, it did annoy me a bit to feel as if I was stuck with the characters as they were trying to figure out the truth about the world. Sometimes, I like to know a little more about the characters and world than the characters in the story do. Nevertheless, this book keeps you on the same level as Benjamin, and if he is confused, you are confused as well. I expect things to be explained later in the series as some secrets were revealed at the end of this book, and it ended on a cliffhanger that would be continued in book 2.
Other than the above problem, I didn't have any other issues with this book. It was a pleasant read, and I can't wait to see how Benjamin and his friends grow in the next two books of this series. This world is unique, albeit strange, and I want to learn more about it as soon as possible.
I would recommend this book to lovers of YA fantasy who are looking for stories set in a new world.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my voluntary review.
Most kids resign themselves to their fate, but Miranda and Wilhelm are always breaking the rules. They refuse to let the cold, unfamiliar world keep them from having fun. They are really good friends for Benjamin and help him with whatever he needs. There also was little-to-no romance in this novel, which was good because I believe that the characters were supposed to be in middle school/early high school. Romance or a love triangle at this point would have just been too awkward and strange.
In this world, almost everything lives. The book doesn't really describe how this works too well, but it seems that many of the objects that are created in the real world are duplicated in this world, but alive. They have to constantly put the objects to "sleep" so that they won't move all over the place and cause havoc. There also seems to be some sort of system of powers, but this isn't explained either.
I have to say, it did annoy me a bit to feel as if I was stuck with the characters as they were trying to figure out the truth about the world. Sometimes, I like to know a little more about the characters and world than the characters in the story do. Nevertheless, this book keeps you on the same level as Benjamin, and if he is confused, you are confused as well. I expect things to be explained later in the series as some secrets were revealed at the end of this book, and it ended on a cliffhanger that would be continued in book 2.
Other than the above problem, I didn't have any other issues with this book. It was a pleasant read, and I can't wait to see how Benjamin and his friends grow in the next two books of this series. This world is unique, albeit strange, and I want to learn more about it as soon as possible.
I would recommend this book to lovers of YA fantasy who are looking for stories set in a new world.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my voluntary review.
January 9, 2024
Curious premise; awkward plot pacing
Waking up in a bizarre world, which reminds me of the garbage incinerator in Star Wars combined with the Land of Misfit Toys, populated by ghouls, zombies, steampunk Frankenstein creatures, and semi-animated thrift-store-rejects is an interesting idea.
The protagonist, a young boy, is driven by the desire to find out why, how, and where he is, but after a lack of answers or plausible guesses, this gets annoying for the reader. After too many pages, the reader learns about his special abilities, sort of revealed like a summary told by someone who missed the good part of a movie because she had to pee. Instead of being there as the character discovers his special abilities, the reader is given this information like an afterthought.
The climactic battle scene is described too quickly, like a summary instead of with in-the-moment, slow-motion, vivid imagery, and emotional build-up. It needs to be crafted more carefully. The reveal needs more foreshadowing. The other action scenes are well done, though.
Secondary characters and key creatures are mostly memorable. The female friend does a lot of arm punching, but she has an interesting backstory, also told late in the book like an afterthought. The antagonist’s motive needs more foreshadowing. He’s a bad guy, but why?
The writing is mostly free of errors, but the author uses “further” (a non-measurable degree) instead of “farther” (a physical distance) at least 16 times. There are other redundant word choices, but they are less annoying.
There are some great relationships in the story, but due to the ghastly, nightmarish, and mostly dead tertiary characters and the twist on the afterlife, the story is not suitable for young readers who are poorly versed in spiritual matters.
I wish the author would go back and weave in subtle clues now that he has the basic plot worked out.
Waking up in a bizarre world, which reminds me of the garbage incinerator in Star Wars combined with the Land of Misfit Toys, populated by ghouls, zombies, steampunk Frankenstein creatures, and semi-animated thrift-store-rejects is an interesting idea.
The protagonist, a young boy, is driven by the desire to find out why, how, and where he is, but after a lack of answers or plausible guesses, this gets annoying for the reader. After too many pages, the reader learns about his special abilities, sort of revealed like a summary told by someone who missed the good part of a movie because she had to pee. Instead of being there as the character discovers his special abilities, the reader is given this information like an afterthought.
The climactic battle scene is described too quickly, like a summary instead of with in-the-moment, slow-motion, vivid imagery, and emotional build-up. It needs to be crafted more carefully. The reveal needs more foreshadowing. The other action scenes are well done, though.
Secondary characters and key creatures are mostly memorable. The female friend does a lot of arm punching, but she has an interesting backstory, also told late in the book like an afterthought. The antagonist’s motive needs more foreshadowing. He’s a bad guy, but why?
The writing is mostly free of errors, but the author uses “further” (a non-measurable degree) instead of “farther” (a physical distance) at least 16 times. There are other redundant word choices, but they are less annoying.
There are some great relationships in the story, but due to the ghastly, nightmarish, and mostly dead tertiary characters and the twist on the afterlife, the story is not suitable for young readers who are poorly versed in spiritual matters.
I wish the author would go back and weave in subtle clues now that he has the basic plot worked out.
January 22, 2024
This Douglas Adams-ish, absolutely BONKERS, chaotic, out-of-this-world story starts with Benjamin Forrest waking up near the beach in a pile of trash … and then a wild car tries to eat him. And it gets crazier from there! Somehow Benjamin has ended up in Endinfinium, a place where all items made or manipulated by humans end up — so there’s rubbish everywhere — and come back to life (they “reanimate”). Flocks of plastic bags swooping down to attack, old TVs waltzing down the riverbank, an abandoned cruise ship shark, wood floors with the properties of quicksand, ghouls, corpses as lunch ladies, zombie horse headmasters, and talking motorcycles. Benjamin makes friends with a few humans, a few not, and enemies with others, and they all proceed to wade their way through this fever dream of a book. Where the heck are they, and what the heck is going on? Don’t forget to blink! Or breathe!
I didn’t *like* the book exactly — too stressful — but recognized the brilliance of its writing pretty quickly. If you liked The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, you’ll probably enjoy this one.
I didn’t *like* the book exactly — too stressful — but recognized the brilliance of its writing pretty quickly. If you liked The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, you’ll probably enjoy this one.
May 27, 2018
"The rules here were different."
Inevitably, The School at the End of the World will be likened to the Harry Potter books, given the school setting with strange, shifting bunderies, the trio of adventurers - Benjamin, Miranda and Wilhelm - an exterior, threatening Dark Lord, an actively hostile fellow pupil and his entourage, ghouls and wraithounds and other nasties, with the ever pervasive presence of magic.
Mr.Ward paints a colourful, incredible world peopled with strange animated figures like the hungry, chomping turtle cars, swarms of vicious plastic bag butterflies and a hurtling snake train, to name but a very few. This is not a nice, clean school but one littered with rubbish. Benjamin doesn't know how he arrived there, or even where he is, and misses home and David, his little brother. The adventures of the friends are for survival rather than excitement.
Well written and ingenious, this book should appeal to readers of all ages who, yes, enjoy Harry Potter.
Inevitably, The School at the End of the World will be likened to the Harry Potter books, given the school setting with strange, shifting bunderies, the trio of adventurers - Benjamin, Miranda and Wilhelm - an exterior, threatening Dark Lord, an actively hostile fellow pupil and his entourage, ghouls and wraithounds and other nasties, with the ever pervasive presence of magic.
Mr.Ward paints a colourful, incredible world peopled with strange animated figures like the hungry, chomping turtle cars, swarms of vicious plastic bag butterflies and a hurtling snake train, to name but a very few. This is not a nice, clean school but one littered with rubbish. Benjamin doesn't know how he arrived there, or even where he is, and misses home and David, his little brother. The adventures of the friends are for survival rather than excitement.
Well written and ingenious, this book should appeal to readers of all ages who, yes, enjoy Harry Potter.
September 28, 2018
Benjamin had been a normal boy until one day he woke up at a strange beach with lots of trash on it. He is found and guided to the highschool, finding out that he is in Endinfinium, a world parallel to Earth and creatures from all over the universe land there suddenly - usually arriving in their sleep. While Benjamin is trying to fit into his new life he uncovers a plot to take over Endinfinium and the gentle rulers there.
The story is slightly reminiscent to Harry Potter, but unique in so many ways that it would be hugely unfair to really compare them. The world of Endinfinium is definitely one that I have never come across before, with strong characters and maybe a message about our daily life and our lack of care of the environment.
Loved the story and really enjoyed it.
The story is slightly reminiscent to Harry Potter, but unique in so many ways that it would be hugely unfair to really compare them. The world of Endinfinium is definitely one that I have never come across before, with strong characters and maybe a message about our daily life and our lack of care of the environment.
Loved the story and really enjoyed it.
June 14, 2018
I received a copy for a fair and honest review. The story did provoke a lot of questions and images the more that I read. I would have been like Benjamin and asked a lot of questions. I am just curious like that. The world building for the school was amazing. There was always so much going on and something to learn and see. I got me wondering what would be around the next corner or up and down the next staircase. How things just seem to appear and the creepiness of the Locker Room and the Sin Keeper. Nothing seems to be what it was or how it should work. There is so much to explore and learn about Endinfinium High School that I can't wait for the next adventure to learn more.
November 7, 2023
This book was very imaginative, with reanimated beings that were a human-like blend of discarded rubbish and mechanical things. Parts of it read more like a middle-grade adventure than a young adult novel, and it reminded me of Harry Potter. I tried valiantly to ignore the similarities to the HP world—the 3 main characters, the shifty professor of uncertain loyalties, the “Dark Lord,” the constant rule-breaking in order to be heroic, the school bully and his brainless goons, etc. Luckily, the author also added other, more fresh characters and situations, such as the reanimated train and the telepathic bond between Benjamin and his brother David.
October 26, 2018
I always like books set in magical schools and this one definitely fit those requirements. I like the characters of Benjamin, Miranda and Wilhelm. I do feel like this was just a teaser for development. It could definitely use more structure on what makes this place work and who the teachers are, along with some character development for the sidekicks. I get that everything is a secret and that Benjamin has to figure it out but having to be in the dark the entire book was tedious. Curious to see where this series goes.
February 14, 2019
The Endinfinium Universe is a cross between an apocalyptic adventure, an insane joke about people's trash and a lot of the middle school magic series. It takes awhile to accept the basic premise of the book, but as you begin to enjoy the interaction between the characters, you kind of accept the craziness that surrounds them. Much of the first half I wondered why I was wasting my time, but somewhere along the way, I was captured into the story and had to not only finish it, but buy the next one.
March 23, 2018
This book was like the Harry Potter books to the extreme. All the wacky new things that Harry had encountered? In this book, the main character went through all the same discoveries, but everything was BIGGER. I mean like literally bigger, size-wise.
In this story the main character died(?) and woke up in his new, magical school. Other than that the kid died to get there, it was completely Harry Potter-ish. Just not for me. Stopped reading at 14% point.
In this story the main character died(?) and woke up in his new, magical school. Other than that the kid died to get there, it was completely Harry Potter-ish. Just not for me. Stopped reading at 14% point.
June 17, 2018
while I enjoyed this book I would guess that it's aimed at a younger audience... perhaps as young as 12 or 13, since I'm not anywhere close to that I'm not sure my review has any relevance... except that I do think the target audience would love it, a little like the early harry potters . I did find it unusual and thought-provoking.
March 23, 2018
📚📚📚📚📘
Weird, very weird, but a fabulous story. Strange magic going on, teachers with varying degrees of odd, pupils from who knows where.
I liked Benjamin and his friends, considering their ages this isn't a book that will only appeal to children.
Weird, very weird, but a fabulous story. Strange magic going on, teachers with varying degrees of odd, pupils from who knows where.
I liked Benjamin and his friends, considering their ages this isn't a book that will only appeal to children.
May 16, 2018
( I received a digital copy of the book. Thanks to Chris Ward!! )
The author has created this really amazing world. The story is proceeding so well that I think it might have some Harry Potter potential to it. It was a very good adventurous, fun filled book and I am soon reading the next one.
The author has created this really amazing world. The story is proceeding so well that I think it might have some Harry Potter potential to it. It was a very good adventurous, fun filled book and I am soon reading the next one.
May 29, 2018
A New Threesome in Magic
I loved this book, but could see a passing resemblance to the Harry Potter books. Benjamin wakes up in a new world with two suns. He meets two other pupils, and they have many adventures, fighting to save their school.
I loved this book, but could see a passing resemblance to the Harry Potter books. Benjamin wakes up in a new world with two suns. He meets two other pupils, and they have many adventures, fighting to save their school.
August 1, 2018
ALWAYS DO WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND NEVER COMPROMISE
A great YA book that entertains all ages. The adventure and self-discovery of the characters and the effort they make to get the reality of their new world into the light makes this a great read.
A great YA book that entertains all ages. The adventure and self-discovery of the characters and the effort they make to get the reality of their new world into the light makes this a great read.
August 5, 2018
He woke up on a strange beach, the sea dropping off a cliff edge and there is even two suns. Where is he? How did he get there? How can he get back home? He is in for a ride of his life and see where it will go
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2019
Otherworldly
This was extremely exiting and confusing. So many mishaps. Always danger lurking the shadows. Love the characters especially Benjamin. Can't wait to get the next book.
This was extremely exiting and confusing. So many mishaps. Always danger lurking the shadows. Love the characters especially Benjamin. Can't wait to get the next book.
February 7, 2020
It is very inovative in the characters and the general surroundings are quite 'fantasical'. The pace is fast, a page turner that makes you want to finish. I will continue the series and I also see some series of his that I will check out.
May 14, 2020
It is a very strange story, with concepts, we normally don't read about. Nothing actually dies in Endinfinium, and other things that are normally inanimate, lives. I enjoyed the story, and recommend it to people who are willing to read about different concepts.
February 28, 2023
A fun read
A fun read for the young or old. One of the best books I have read in a while. I don't purchase many books but I do believe I will be getting the rest of the books in this series.
A fun read for the young or old. One of the best books I have read in a while. I don't purchase many books but I do believe I will be getting the rest of the books in this series.
March 14, 2023
Benjamin Forrest and the School at the End of the World
What a terrific story! Amazing details of rubbish and trash without any reanimation. It was amazing without any reanimation of trash or humanoids.
You will love it if you enjoy urban legends.
What a terrific story! Amazing details of rubbish and trash without any reanimation. It was amazing without any reanimation of trash or humanoids.
You will love it if you enjoy urban legends.
September 11, 2024
This was... okay. I was honestly so confused most of the book, but I liked how the ending was somewhat hopeful. It doesn't answer most of the questions you have though, and I'm assuming that's because it's the start of a series.
July 30, 2019
Wonderful read
I loved this book and I am looking forward to reading more. It is a book I would read to my grand children
I loved this book and I am looking forward to reading more. It is a book I would read to my grand children
April 10, 2020
Enjoyed this young adult fiction book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. It has some unique twists and turns that separate it from similar books in this genre.
March 9, 2023
3.5 but bumped up for such an original world setting. I'll definitely give the second book in the series a go.
March 21, 2023
What an amazing story . I read this with my nine year old and we both loved it immensely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews