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Worldquake Sequence #3
Чуждоземец
Книга трета от поредицата Светотръс.
Ефи, Улф, Рейвън и Макс отново трябва да се изправят срещу могъщите Дибери, които планират да унищожат вселената по време на зимното слънцестоене. Приятелите от Училището за надарени, проблемни и странни деца "Туситала" ще използват магическите си способности, за да предотвратят коварния им план. Но тъкмо когато Ефи посещава Другия свят, там тя е обявена за чуждоземец и дори е хвърлена в затвор. А в Истинския свят котките изчезват една по една, защото Диберите са твърдо решени да осъществят едно зло заклинание...
Ефи, Улф, Рейвън и Макс отново трябва да се изправят срещу могъщите Дибери, които планират да унищожат вселената по време на зимното слънцестоене. Приятелите от Училището за надарени, проблемни и странни деца "Туситала" ще използват магическите си способности, за да предотвратят коварния им план. Но тъкмо когато Ефи посещава Другия свят, там тя е обявена за чуждоземец и дори е хвърлена в затвор. А в Истинския свят котките изчезват една по една, защото Диберите са твърдо решени да осъществят едно зло заклинание...
376 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2019
24 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Thomas
32 books1,837 followersScarlett Thomas was born in London in 1972. Her widely-acclaimed novels include PopCo, The End of Mr Y and The Seed Collectors. As well as writing literary fiction for adults, she has also written a literary fantasy series for children and a book about writing called Monkeys with Typewriters. Her work has been translated into more than 25 languages.
She has been longlisted for the Orange Prize, shortlisted for the South African Boeke Prize and was once the proud recipient of an Elle Style Award. She is currently Professor of Creative Writing & Contemporary Fiction at the University of Kent in the UK. She lives in a Victorian house near the sea and spends a lot of time reading Chekhov and Katherine Mansfield.
She is currently working on a new novel and various projects for TV.
She has been longlisted for the Orange Prize, shortlisted for the South African Boeke Prize and was once the proud recipient of an Elle Style Award. She is currently Professor of Creative Writing & Contemporary Fiction at the University of Kent in the UK. She lives in a Victorian house near the sea and spends a lot of time reading Chekhov and Katherine Mansfield.
She is currently working on a new novel and various projects for TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 22, 2021
„Чуждоземец” (изд. „Прозорец”) е кулминацията на пристрастяващата детско-юношеска фентъзи трилогия „Светотръс”. Последната ни среща със запомнящите се герои на Скарлет Томас е динамично приключение, от чийто изход зависи не просто много, а... всичко! Зловещите Дибери са запланували (мулти)вселенски апокалипсис, времето изтича, а котките... изчезват?! Ефи и приятелите й ще трябва да разгадаят бързо какво се мъти, защото именно те ще се окажат последния бастион на добрите сили. Могат ли шепа деца и тяхното здраво приятелство да се преборят със злото? Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле”: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
January 22, 2022
Wat een kwelling was dit!
March 3, 2022
Disappointing and inappropriate at time.
The story continues and Fee and her friends keep up their fight against the Diberi. Their enemy has a new plot and they have to stop it....
But honestly I can't say I liked this book. The whole book is a mix of lighthearted kids adventures mixed with philosophical musings, betrayals and a rather disturbing plotline . And those just did not mix well. Things felt both rushed and over-explained at different times. The weird mix of tone and context put me off of this story.
I fully support the message at the back of the story that ties directly into that disturbing plotline, but the execution could have been a lot better. The magical solution didn't alleviate the emotional charge that plot had build up. Even in a magical setting.
Overall I won't be returning to this series and would recommend parents read this book themselves prior, or alongside their children before letting their children read it. (Or tell them that they are willing to talk about it afterwards)
The story continues and Fee and her friends keep up their fight against the Diberi. Their enemy has a new plot and they have to stop it....
But honestly I can't say I liked this book. The whole book is a mix of lighthearted kids adventures mixed with philosophical musings, betrayals and a rather disturbing plotline . And those just did not mix well. Things felt both rushed and over-explained at different times. The weird mix of tone and context put me off of this story.
I fully support the message at the back of the story that ties directly into that disturbing plotline, but the execution could have been a lot better. The magical solution didn't alleviate the emotional charge that plot had build up. Even in a magical setting.
Overall I won't be returning to this series and would recommend parents read this book themselves prior, or alongside their children before letting their children read it. (Or tell them that they are willing to talk about it afterwards)
January 22, 2020
4,5*
Een heerlijk, magisch boek! Net als bij de vorige delen had ik vaak het gevoel 'in' het verhaal te willen kruipen.
Het enige minpuntje van dit verder geweldige boek is dat het einde wat haastig voelde, zeker in verhouding met de vele, grote gedachtes en ideeën die het verhaal aanraakt.
Een heerlijk, magisch boek! Net als bij de vorige delen had ik vaak het gevoel 'in' het verhaal te willen kruipen.
Het enige minpuntje van dit verder geweldige boek is dat het einde wat haastig voelde, zeker in verhouding met de vele, grote gedachtes en ideeën die het verhaal aanraakt.
November 8, 2019
Del primo e del secondo libro ne avevo già ampiamente parlato con Vera, sul blog https://perseinunbuonlibro.wordpress...., professando il nostro amore incondizionato per l’universo magico/distopico/metaletterario che ospita le avventure dei giovanissimi protagonisti, capeggiati da Effie Truelove. Ma cosa succede a questo punto della storia? Sono soprattutto quattro gli snodi narrativi della nuova avventura, che si svolge durante i preparativi per la fiera annuale del solstizio d’inverno, mentre i cattivi – ovvero la Diberi – continuano a tramare nell’ombra: 1) Effie, durante uno dei suoi soggiorni nell’Altrove, viene accusata di essere una mercenaria, anzi – per essere più precisi – un “galloglass”, cioè una persona egoista che agisce perseguendo i propri fini; 2) Lexy deve ospitare, con la sua famiglia, un professore universitario che ha appena pubblicato una nuova traduzione di una famosa poesia; 3) Wolf cerca di ritrovare la sua sorellina minore; 4) Neptune, ovvero il gatto della scuola frequentata da Effie, Lexy, Wolf, Max e Raven, inizia a indagare sulla scomparsa dei suoi simili nel vicinato e in tutta la città.
Come negli episodi precedenti, Scarlett Thomas ci regala non solo una trama ricca e coinvolgente, ma inserisce citazioni su più livelli, sia a concetti che abbiamo imparato a conoscere all’interno della saga (l’Ultimo Lettore, la Grande Biblioteca, l’appartenenza alle varie categorie descritte dal manuale su arti, caratteri e varietà…) o in altri suoi romanzi per adulti (vi ricorda qualcosa Thomas Lumas e la sua Troposfera?) sia a nozioni letterarie, linguistiche, storiche, filosofiche, religiose ed etiche. Perché, a mio modesto avviso, bisogna essere dei geni per costruire un romanzo per ragazzi – in realtà io adotterei l’etichetta “per tutti” – divertente e ironico, in cui è inoltre possibile rintracciare riferimenti a Nietzsche, Platone, il buddhismo – giusto per fare alcuni esempi – e che innesca riflessioni per nulla scontate. Lo stesso termine chiave del libro “Galloglass” (tra l’altro il titolo originale in inglese) rimanda per assonanza alla parola di origine scozzese "gallowglass" e porta i lettori di ogni età a domandarsi quale debba essere la caratteristica peculiare del vero Eroe, che spesso combatte in prima linea: annullare se stesso sacrificandosi per gli altri o prendere decisioni di propria spontanea volontà, magari in attrito con il pensiero comune?
La recensione a quattro mani continua qui: https://perseinunbuonlibro.wordpress....
Come negli episodi precedenti, Scarlett Thomas ci regala non solo una trama ricca e coinvolgente, ma inserisce citazioni su più livelli, sia a concetti che abbiamo imparato a conoscere all’interno della saga (l’Ultimo Lettore, la Grande Biblioteca, l’appartenenza alle varie categorie descritte dal manuale su arti, caratteri e varietà…) o in altri suoi romanzi per adulti (vi ricorda qualcosa Thomas Lumas e la sua Troposfera?) sia a nozioni letterarie, linguistiche, storiche, filosofiche, religiose ed etiche. Perché, a mio modesto avviso, bisogna essere dei geni per costruire un romanzo per ragazzi – in realtà io adotterei l’etichetta “per tutti” – divertente e ironico, in cui è inoltre possibile rintracciare riferimenti a Nietzsche, Platone, il buddhismo – giusto per fare alcuni esempi – e che innesca riflessioni per nulla scontate. Lo stesso termine chiave del libro “Galloglass” (tra l’altro il titolo originale in inglese) rimanda per assonanza alla parola di origine scozzese "gallowglass" e porta i lettori di ogni età a domandarsi quale debba essere la caratteristica peculiare del vero Eroe, che spesso combatte in prima linea: annullare se stesso sacrificandosi per gli altri o prendere decisioni di propria spontanea volontà, magari in attrito con il pensiero comune?
La recensione a quattro mani continua qui: https://perseinunbuonlibro.wordpress....
June 8, 2019
Clever. Loved the references to 'The end of mr. Y'.
August 3, 2021
Малко по-мрачна ми се стори като за детска книга. Колебаех се дали да сложа 4 или 5 звездички, заради неприятното усещане, което книгата оставя, докато четеш за психическия тормоз над дете от страна на възрастен (което в началото ми беше и още по-неприятно, когато злодеят казваше "Дай да ти целуна ръката, какво толкова, защо се дърпаш?!" на 13 годишно момиче).
Въпреки това реших да дам 5 звезди, защото авторката излиза от ситуацията добре накрая, заявявайки чрез своя героиня, че всеки подложен на тормоз трябва да потърси помощ, че не проблемът е в него, и че независимо колко заети, уморени, разтревожени за други неща са родителите, в крайна сметка децата им са най-важното за тях и винаги ще разрешат първо проблема на своето дете преди всичко останало.
Темата е наистина потискаща и лично аз не очаквах да се обсъжда в подобна книга, но пък това че е темата е неприятна, не значи че не трябва да се говори за нея. А и от друга страна, ако книгата се чете от деца и ги подтикне да разговарят с родителите или учителите си, в случай на тормоз, значи си е свършила работата.
Неприятно ми беше и да чета за идеята да се принесат в жертва 100 котки за ритуал на тайно общество. Напомни ми за "Кафка на плажа", а от нея също имам лошо чувство. Но спокойно, котколюбиви хора! В тази книга нито една котка не беше разчленена! Така че четете смело! :)
Харесаха ми много философските размисли за това дали ако знаеш, че нещо ще се превърне в зло, трябва да го унищожиш преди да е станало такова. Хареса ми, че авторката показа и двете гледни точки и разликите между тях.
Харесаха ми и препратките към Сун Дзъ и "Изкуството на войната", както и към "Лао Дъ Дзин" на Лао Дзъ. Смятам, че това е доста обогатяващо за подрастващите, защото ще ги заинтригува и насочи към други книги и начини на мислене.
Макар към момента да е последна част, според мен книгата завършва с отворен финал и поредицата може да бъде продължена. Аз лично с интерес бих прочела и още части, така че - дано!
Въпреки това реших да дам 5 звезди, защото авторката излиза от ситуацията добре накрая, заявявайки чрез своя героиня, че всеки подложен на тормоз трябва да потърси помощ, че не проблемът е в него, и че независимо колко заети, уморени, разтревожени за други неща са родителите, в крайна сметка децата им са най-важното за тях и винаги ще разрешат първо проблема на своето дете преди всичко останало.
Темата е наистина потискаща и лично аз не очаквах да се обсъжда в подобна книга, но пък това че е темата е неприятна, не значи че не трябва да се говори за нея. А и от друга страна, ако книгата се чете от деца и ги подтикне да разговарят с родителите или учителите си, в случай на тормоз, значи си е свършила работата.
Неприятно ми беше и да чета за идеята да се принесат в жертва 100 котки за ритуал на тайно общество. Напомни ми за "Кафка на плажа", а от нея също имам лошо чувство. Но спокойно, котколюбиви хора! В тази книга нито една котка не беше разчленена! Така че четете смело! :)
Харесаха ми много философските размисли за това дали ако знаеш, че нещо ще се превърне в зло, трябва да го унищожиш преди да е станало такова. Хареса ми, че авторката показа и двете гледни точки и разликите между тях.
Харесаха ми и препратките към Сун Дзъ и "Изкуството на войната", както и към "Лао Дъ Дзин" на Лао Дзъ. Смятам, че това е доста обогатяващо за подрастващите, защото ще ги заинтригува и насочи към други книги и начини на мислене.
Макар към момента да е последна част, според мен книгата завършва с отворен финал и поредицата може да бъде продължена. Аз лично с интерес бих прочела и още части, така че - дано!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2020
Het was wat ingewikkelder geschreven dan de eerste twee delen, dus ik twijfelde tussen 3 of 4 sterren. Uiteindelijk vond ik het toch te leuk voor 3 sterren.
April 2, 2024
Tja...
August 16, 2025
Dit derde en laatste deel was absoluut het beste. De keuzes die Wolf maakt en de manier waarop hij ze motiveert is een knap staaltje ethiek waar ook volwassenen van kunnen leren. De manier waarop Lexy onder druk gezet wordt om haar eigen grenzen steeds verder te laten overschrijden worden en hoe het voelt alsof erover spreken geen optie is, die verhaallijn alleen al maakt de hele trilogie een aanrader. En dan zijn er nog de morele twijfels van Effie en de found family en hoe mooi passend voor een kinderboek de losse eindjes afgewerkt worden… Ik was niet zo enthousiast over de eerste twee delen van de trilogie, maar ik ben zo blij dat ik dit laatste deel toch ook las.
June 21, 2019
If your child is reading this book, definitely read it and discuss it with them.
I've enjoyed the Worldquake series so far, the world is interesting, Lexy and her friends make engaging main characters, and the 'dungeons and dragons' elements of the narrative are refreshingly different to most other fantasy series I have read.
Unfortunately, it seems 'Gallowglass' is sort of the 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' of the series. The book begins with Lexy being unfairly put under trial, and falling out with pretty much all the adult characters. An insidious and abusive villain is also introduced into the characters lives, although far less on the nose than 'Phoenix''s Professor Umbridge.
There is some serious child abuse/grooming going on in this book, and while Thomas uses the climax (or rather, side-steps the climax which takes place entirely "off screen") to deliver a speech about what to do if someone is abusing you, this makes reading the book deeply uncomfortable. While I hope that having characters who throw off and overcome their abusers will help any readers who may find themselves in a similar situation, this aspect of the story makes the book quite disturbing, and I feel a warning of some kind should be put on this book for potential readers.
As well as this serious issue of abuse, 'Gallowglass' is rammed full of the author's views and agendas from vegetarianism (one villain is destroyed by unleashing the souls of the animals he consumed during his life) and homeopathy to gender theory, this shameless pushing of ideals really gets in the way of the narrative 'flow'.
*If your child is reading this book, make sure to read it along with them and fully discuss the issues raised*
I've enjoyed the Worldquake series so far, the world is interesting, Lexy and her friends make engaging main characters, and the 'dungeons and dragons' elements of the narrative are refreshingly different to most other fantasy series I have read.
Unfortunately, it seems 'Gallowglass' is sort of the 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' of the series. The book begins with Lexy being unfairly put under trial, and falling out with pretty much all the adult characters. An insidious and abusive villain is also introduced into the characters lives, although far less on the nose than 'Phoenix''s Professor Umbridge.
There is some serious child abuse/grooming going on in this book, and while Thomas uses the climax (or rather, side-steps the climax which takes place entirely "off screen") to deliver a speech about what to do if someone is abusing you, this makes reading the book deeply uncomfortable. While I hope that having characters who throw off and overcome their abusers will help any readers who may find themselves in a similar situation, this aspect of the story makes the book quite disturbing, and I feel a warning of some kind should be put on this book for potential readers.
As well as this serious issue of abuse, 'Gallowglass' is rammed full of the author's views and agendas from vegetarianism (one villain is destroyed by unleashing the souls of the animals he consumed during his life) and homeopathy to gender theory, this shameless pushing of ideals really gets in the way of the narrative 'flow'.
*If your child is reading this book, make sure to read it along with them and fully discuss the issues raised*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2019
Helaas 2 sterren. Zoveel namen, moeilijk termen en verhaallijnen dat het lastig is om het allemaal te onthouden.
Het boek is niet goed vertaald naar het Nederlands en er zijn te moeilijke woorden gebruikt voor de doelgroep.
Het verhaal kwam te moeizaam op gang en werd met een sneltreinvaart afgerond. Jammer.
Het boek is niet goed vertaald naar het Nederlands en er zijn te moeilijke woorden gebruikt voor de doelgroep.
Het verhaal kwam te moeizaam op gang en werd met een sneltreinvaart afgerond. Jammer.
June 11, 2019
4 stars with an average of 8.45/10
1 star: 1.0-2.9/10
2 stars: 3.0-5.4/10
3 stars: 5.5-7.0/10
4 stars: 7.1-9.0/10
5 stars: 9.1-10/10
Rating based on plot, characters, and writing(2x)
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 8.8/10
Writing: 8/10
General enjoyment: 9.5/10
Review
So many great elements in this book. We have a cat society showcasing several kinds of diversity you wouldn't expect to find among cats, like for example diving into the debate on veganism.
The general magical feel of a middle-grade fantasy is presented in a nice way in this novel. It steel feels innocent in that childlike way, but hast stakes and dark themes about oppression and even animal abuse to a certain extent. There is a lot in here to make the story very enjoyable for adult and child alike. The setting becomes more complex as we go on and the stakes seem to get bigger and bigger, but we still have a sort of double small-town vibe going on (both in the magical and the nonmagical world), which I find very enjoyable to read.
The whole idea of Effie being a Galloglass (someone selfish) and this being a bad thing play a huge part in the story and the discussion about how certain traits you have can change, but that they can also be useful for everyone even if other people think they are bad.
I like the general good vs evil plot and think it's very well done in those books. I also like the fact that every book in this series is revolving around a book that is named the same as the title of the book we are reading. I think this is a very nice thing.
Plus the concept of being a final reader, which has happened in every book so far with a different member of Effie's friend group. It's a fascinating concept showing which skills in this magic system these children actually have. It's so creative and fun to read.
1 star: 1.0-2.9/10
2 stars: 3.0-5.4/10
3 stars: 5.5-7.0/10
4 stars: 7.1-9.0/10
5 stars: 9.1-10/10
Rating based on plot, characters, and writing(2x)
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 8.8/10
Writing: 8/10
General enjoyment: 9.5/10
Review
So many great elements in this book. We have a cat society showcasing several kinds of diversity you wouldn't expect to find among cats, like for example diving into the debate on veganism.
The general magical feel of a middle-grade fantasy is presented in a nice way in this novel. It steel feels innocent in that childlike way, but hast stakes and dark themes about oppression and even animal abuse to a certain extent. There is a lot in here to make the story very enjoyable for adult and child alike. The setting becomes more complex as we go on and the stakes seem to get bigger and bigger, but we still have a sort of double small-town vibe going on (both in the magical and the nonmagical world), which I find very enjoyable to read.
The whole idea of Effie being a Galloglass (someone selfish) and this being a bad thing play a huge part in the story and the discussion about how certain traits you have can change, but that they can also be useful for everyone even if other people think they are bad.
I like the general good vs evil plot and think it's very well done in those books. I also like the fact that every book in this series is revolving around a book that is named the same as the title of the book we are reading. I think this is a very nice thing.
Plus the concept of being a final reader, which has happened in every book so far with a different member of Effie's friend group. It's a fascinating concept showing which skills in this magic system these children actually have. It's so creative and fun to read.
March 6, 2023
The tensions between the parallel worlds that make the setting for this well-crafted series come to a climax in the third volume as Thomas’s young heroes find themselves confronting rigidly dogmatic ways of seeing and being in both Realworld and Otherworld. The post-apocalyptic simplicities and frugalities of Realworld are played out, while a conspiracy is afoot to rupture the links between the worlds, sequester magic for an individualist (self-defined) elite, and the series hero – Effie Truelove – finds herself at risk of being cut adrift in both worlds.
Thomas puts the generic codes of trilogy to good use building a sense of dislocation, of isolation, of threat, and of unseen but temptingly close solution in bringing the series to its conclusion. Along the way the group of children at the centre of the story find themselves growing and developing, confronting crises and having to prove their mettle while confronting core beliefs, and negotiating moral and ethical crises. These are the core elements of youth oriented, fantasy fiction – and of the conventions of the trilogy. Some of the dangers are far from magical – there’s an unsettling child abuse thread that seems to be generally well handled, alongside the already present family breakdown, child abandonment narrative: again, Thomas seems to manage these sensitively, delicately, and to good end.
The novel is well-paced – as the series has been – with well-managed shifts in character focus, a powerful narrative of self-discovery and integrity maintenance, and a compelling case for moral diversity and ethical judgement. All these are present, but not heavy-handed, fitting fairly smoothly into the narrative. The shift in focus at the climax is managed without feeing excessively forced and character deaths managed carefully. Thomas’s grasp of her craft is impressive.
Thomas puts the generic codes of trilogy to good use building a sense of dislocation, of isolation, of threat, and of unseen but temptingly close solution in bringing the series to its conclusion. Along the way the group of children at the centre of the story find themselves growing and developing, confronting crises and having to prove their mettle while confronting core beliefs, and negotiating moral and ethical crises. These are the core elements of youth oriented, fantasy fiction – and of the conventions of the trilogy. Some of the dangers are far from magical – there’s an unsettling child abuse thread that seems to be generally well handled, alongside the already present family breakdown, child abandonment narrative: again, Thomas seems to manage these sensitively, delicately, and to good end.
The novel is well-paced – as the series has been – with well-managed shifts in character focus, a powerful narrative of self-discovery and integrity maintenance, and a compelling case for moral diversity and ethical judgement. All these are present, but not heavy-handed, fitting fairly smoothly into the narrative. The shift in focus at the climax is managed without feeing excessively forced and character deaths managed carefully. Thomas’s grasp of her craft is impressive.
November 7, 2019
Galloglass (Worldquake #3) by Scarlett Thomas, 418 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2019. $18
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Just as she is strengthening her connection with the Library, Effie has been kicked out of Otherwold for supposedly being a galloglass – the most selfish of the magical shades. As she goes back to her world to figure out what’s going on and now to get back to Otherworld, she also has to deal with the Diberi – the evil group that are plotting to get control over both worlds. Her friends seem to be scattered with their own problems and shady characters are gathering for their town’s Midwinter festivities. Can the children bring it all back together and protect everyone and everything they hold dear?
Just like book #2, Thomas takes us in five different directions in order to give each of the five friends their time on the page, which makes this confusing. One of the children encounters what can only be described as a child predator – ultra-creepy to watch him grooming her. My favorite part is when Wolf takes an ethics test in the middle of the book (page 200-ish); you’ll have to read that part for yourself.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Just as she is strengthening her connection with the Library, Effie has been kicked out of Otherwold for supposedly being a galloglass – the most selfish of the magical shades. As she goes back to her world to figure out what’s going on and now to get back to Otherworld, she also has to deal with the Diberi – the evil group that are plotting to get control over both worlds. Her friends seem to be scattered with their own problems and shady characters are gathering for their town’s Midwinter festivities. Can the children bring it all back together and protect everyone and everything they hold dear?
Just like book #2, Thomas takes us in five different directions in order to give each of the five friends their time on the page, which makes this confusing. One of the children encounters what can only be described as a child predator – ultra-creepy to watch him grooming her. My favorite part is when Wolf takes an ethics test in the middle of the book (page 200-ish); you’ll have to read that part for yourself.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
October 27, 2019
Beetje chaotisch beschreven en het einde voelde ook afgeraffeld. Naar mijn mening is deel een het beste in deze serie.
July 5, 2020
My name is Effie, and I used to love visiting my cousins in the Otherworld. I was even excited to go with Clothilde to get my kharakter analysis, but I never dreamed I'd be labeled a selfish, self-centered galloglass. I've now been banished from the Otherworld! I don't know what to do, but it now looks like the Diberi are behind everything. I can't understand why I always feel so tired. My M-currency seems to run out too quickly, so I've stopped wearing my Heroes ring. I'm sure the Diberi have plans to kill me or something, but I'm not sure why I'm always the focus of their attention. The current situation concerns the separation of the Real World and the Otherworld, and I can be certain the Diberi's plans will be bad for everyone.
I enjoyed this book more than book two, and it may have been because the antagonists were more clear-cut. The main plot followed Effie, and she finally figured out what made her so special. Her character was forced to become more dynamic when she seemed to lose support in the Otherworld. She needed to follow her instincts and trust herself in order to open up new possibilities. The author touched on some other societal issues with child abuse being the most disturbing and realistic. One of Effie's friends was being coerced into doing things that made her uncomfortable, and she was afraid to seek help. The abuser was an honored guest in the house, and the young girl was afraid others wouldn't believe any accusations. The book's resolution included a direct plea to victims instructing them to seek help from a trusted adult. It feels like the series could end after this book, but I'm not sure if the author has a sequel in the works. I've enjoyed the series very much, and I recommend you give it a shot. The first book is entitled Dragon's Green.
I enjoyed this book more than book two, and it may have been because the antagonists were more clear-cut. The main plot followed Effie, and she finally figured out what made her so special. Her character was forced to become more dynamic when she seemed to lose support in the Otherworld. She needed to follow her instincts and trust herself in order to open up new possibilities. The author touched on some other societal issues with child abuse being the most disturbing and realistic. One of Effie's friends was being coerced into doing things that made her uncomfortable, and she was afraid to seek help. The abuser was an honored guest in the house, and the young girl was afraid others wouldn't believe any accusations. The book's resolution included a direct plea to victims instructing them to seek help from a trusted adult. It feels like the series could end after this book, but I'm not sure if the author has a sequel in the works. I've enjoyed the series very much, and I recommend you give it a shot. The first book is entitled Dragon's Green.
June 1, 2024
Aunque “Solsticio de invierno” es una mejora significativa con respecto al segundo libro de la saga, el cierre de esta trilogía es, en última instancia, bastante débil. La trama sigue a Effie Truelove y sus amigos mientras enfrentan los desafíos de la corrupta organización de los Diberi, que está conspirando para hacerse con el control tanto del Veromundo como del Altermundo.
La obra tenía todos los ingredientes para ofrecer un gran final a la trilogía de “El gran temblor”, pero la autora finalmente no logra capitalizar el rico potencial de la premisa. El acto final parece apresurado y poco desarrollado, recordándome un poco al estilo Disney donde todo tiene que tener un final feliz así porque sí.
La organización de los capítulos, que oscila entre las historias paralelas de los distintos personajes, no es el elemento más fuerte del libro tampoco. Esta estructura puede parecer inconexa y dificulta mantener el impulso en la narrativa general. La autora intenta hacer malabarismos con demasiados hilos argumentales simultáneos, lo que impide que la historia llegue a una conclusión satisfactoria (hubiese sido preferible que en un capítulo se hubiese focalizado en uno u otro punto de vista y no que cuente lo que ocurre en cuatro lugares distintos al mismo tiempo, todo en un mismo capítulo).
Por otro lado, es un libro que puede resultar bastante pesado de leer debido a la gran cantidad de personajes involucrados y al ritmo lineal que mantiene. Sin embargo, hay momentos en los que la narrativa fluye con mayor fluidez, lo que facilita seguir la historia e involucrarse en el destino de los personajes.
He de decir que esta trilogía me recuerda un poco a la adaptación de Game of Thrones, en el sentido que su primer libro es el mejor de todos y en los siguientes la historia va flaqueando.
La obra tenía todos los ingredientes para ofrecer un gran final a la trilogía de “El gran temblor”, pero la autora finalmente no logra capitalizar el rico potencial de la premisa. El acto final parece apresurado y poco desarrollado, recordándome un poco al estilo Disney donde todo tiene que tener un final feliz así porque sí.
La organización de los capítulos, que oscila entre las historias paralelas de los distintos personajes, no es el elemento más fuerte del libro tampoco. Esta estructura puede parecer inconexa y dificulta mantener el impulso en la narrativa general. La autora intenta hacer malabarismos con demasiados hilos argumentales simultáneos, lo que impide que la historia llegue a una conclusión satisfactoria (hubiese sido preferible que en un capítulo se hubiese focalizado en uno u otro punto de vista y no que cuente lo que ocurre en cuatro lugares distintos al mismo tiempo, todo en un mismo capítulo).
Por otro lado, es un libro que puede resultar bastante pesado de leer debido a la gran cantidad de personajes involucrados y al ritmo lineal que mantiene. Sin embargo, hay momentos en los que la narrativa fluye con mayor fluidez, lo que facilita seguir la historia e involucrarse en el destino de los personajes.
He de decir que esta trilogía me recuerda un poco a la adaptación de Game of Thrones, en el sentido que su primer libro es el mejor de todos y en los siguientes la historia va flaqueando.
July 10, 2024
I started this one last Monday when I was on the plane flying back from Washington and my family reunion. I had just finished The Chosen Ones which I read over the family reunion, it just took me a while before I marked it read. It also took me a while to start reading after I got home just cause I wasn't in the mindset as much anymore. But this book was a good completion to the series. There were some things I didn't like though. I didn't feel the storyline between Lexy and JP was necessary to the plot and I felt it was only included because of our world at the time rather than because it was right for the story. A lot of the themes that Scarlett Thomas explored in this last book felt forced to me and was inputted just for the sake of what readers wanted rather than for the sake of the story. I don't know if progressive is the right term but that's what this book felt like. This was further pronounced at the ending when out of the blue it declared that two characters were dating that I didn't seen any hint of romantic interest from before. Scarlett Thomas inserted the relationships to be inclusive but to me it felt like it was thrown in there to appease the left and it felt rather unnecessary to me. I did like the lessons it taught and some of the overlaying themes with galloglasses. The ending did feel rushed and it was wrapped up in a way that felt amature, but still the author did a good job telling the story and I did enjoy this read even with some of these little hurdles.
March 5, 2019
these books make me feel like a kid again!
I was so happy when my local bookshop called me to say that they received a copy and immediately put it away for me. I picked it up and read it over the next couple of days. Every free second I had was put into Galloglass.
I love learning more about Scarlett Thomas's world with every book. In this book the reader finds out the story takes place in the (not so distant) future, after a presumable 3rd world war. I love the low technology level and it's really cool to learn about Kharater, Arts and shades during the book. Our main cast all learn their Kharakter in this book and it's cool to see I wasn't far off on my guesses.
The perspective changes quite often during a chapter and to be honest, this is sometimes quite frustrating to read. Especially when an interesting point gets left to move to a different POV.
One last thing that I really didn't like is how simple things seem to be going for our heroes. While I do understand the book is targeted at a younger audience, there is no real sense of tension. Will they make it?, is not a question you have to ask. Also, the Diberi are just plain dumb. There, I said it. This series needs a more serious threat.
All in all though, I love this series and love to read these stories to my kids.
I was so happy when my local bookshop called me to say that they received a copy and immediately put it away for me. I picked it up and read it over the next couple of days. Every free second I had was put into Galloglass.
I love learning more about Scarlett Thomas's world with every book. In this book the reader finds out the story takes place in the (not so distant) future, after a presumable 3rd world war. I love the low technology level and it's really cool to learn about Kharater, Arts and shades during the book. Our main cast all learn their Kharakter in this book and it's cool to see I wasn't far off on my guesses.
The perspective changes quite often during a chapter and to be honest, this is sometimes quite frustrating to read. Especially when an interesting point gets left to move to a different POV.
One last thing that I really didn't like is how simple things seem to be going for our heroes. While I do understand the book is targeted at a younger audience, there is no real sense of tension. Will they make it?, is not a question you have to ask. Also, the Diberi are just plain dumb. There, I said it. This series needs a more serious threat.
All in all though, I love this series and love to read these stories to my kids.
August 27, 2023
Hoewel een prima boek, niet zo leuk als gehoopt.
Dat Fee een Charlatan bleek te zijn, vond ik echt een goede twist, alleen niet zo goed uitgevoerd. Fee's reactie op dit nieuws vond ik goed en spannend om te zien hoe nu verder, maar het voelt alsof een groot deel van het verhaal mist, omdat ze het haar vrienden nooit verteld. Zelfs Maximiliaan niet- terwijl hij nota bene een Tovenaar is! Een gezamenlijke zoektocht naar wat te doen met deze informatie was echt leuker geweest. Een gemiste kans.
En hoewel ik het ergens goed vond dat het stukje misbruik van Lexie erin zat, vond ik het wat veel. Goede boodschap, ook goed om het een bespreekbaar onderwerp te willen maken via een boek, maar ik vond dit wel erg uitgebreid voor een kinderserie. Na de eerste nacht was de boodschap duidelijk.
Daarna drukte het steeds een extra donkere stempel op het verhaal, waardoor het hele boek minder enjoyable was.
Ik miste ook een beetje de actie die er bij vorige boeken voor mijn gevoel wat meer was
Maar verder zaten er ook leuke stukken in, en ik ben een simplistische fan van gedachtelezen en -beïnvloeding, dus het stuk waar ze mentaal via Maximiliaan met elkaar overlegden vond ik erg leuk.
Also, Wolf is dus een Geestelijke. Cool, maar nu? Dit puzzelstukje wordt niet echt gebruikt voor de rest van het verhaal, dus het had net zo goed weggelaten kunnen worden.
Dat Fee een Charlatan bleek te zijn, vond ik echt een goede twist, alleen niet zo goed uitgevoerd. Fee's reactie op dit nieuws vond ik goed en spannend om te zien hoe nu verder, maar het voelt alsof een groot deel van het verhaal mist, omdat ze het haar vrienden nooit verteld. Zelfs Maximiliaan niet- terwijl hij nota bene een Tovenaar is! Een gezamenlijke zoektocht naar wat te doen met deze informatie was echt leuker geweest. Een gemiste kans.
En hoewel ik het ergens goed vond dat het stukje misbruik van Lexie erin zat, vond ik het wat veel. Goede boodschap, ook goed om het een bespreekbaar onderwerp te willen maken via een boek, maar ik vond dit wel erg uitgebreid voor een kinderserie. Na de eerste nacht was de boodschap duidelijk.
Daarna drukte het steeds een extra donkere stempel op het verhaal, waardoor het hele boek minder enjoyable was.
Ik miste ook een beetje de actie die er bij vorige boeken voor mijn gevoel wat meer was
Maar verder zaten er ook leuke stukken in, en ik ben een simplistische fan van gedachtelezen en -beïnvloeding, dus het stuk waar ze mentaal via Maximiliaan met elkaar overlegden vond ik erg leuk.
Also, Wolf is dus een Geestelijke. Cool, maar nu? Dit puzzelstukje wordt niet echt gebruikt voor de rest van het verhaal, dus het had net zo goed weggelaten kunnen worden.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2021
Effie is finally going on her first outing to Froghole, a town in the Otherworld she has been itching to explore since she first travelled to Dragon’s Green. Unfortunately a misunderstanding whilst she is there leads to her being labelled as a galloglass – a selfish islander. Galloglasses are banned from the Otherworld, and Effie is devastated to find that she may never be able to return. Whilst she is trying to figure out if she really is a galloglass, her friends find themselves caught up in yet another world domination plot by the Diberi.
I jumped into this one immediately after finishing book 2 in the series, so was primed for it to get straight into the plot. It picks up immediately where we left off, which was ideal for me.
This time around we spend quite a bit of time with Wolf and Lexy as well as Effie. I enjoyed reading about the two of them and building their characters up further. Lexy’s chapters had a much darker tone to them than I was expecting after the previous two books, raising the concept of verbal and
physical abuse of a child, and how that can be difficult to talk about. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t particularly graphic, just a concept I was surprised to come across. It makes for a good talking point if you are reading with your children though, a great way to raise the topic.
We see a different side to Effie here too, with Thomas highlighting certain traits that would make her fit the galloglass label. It was great reading about Effie’s journey to learn about herself, and see her making the decisions on the sort of person she wanted to be. Wolf plays a great counter here,
whilst Effie is struggling with some more selfish desires, Wolf is determined to stay true to his unwavering belief in what is right. The section where he sits his test is particularly interesting, especially as it gives readers a chance to consider how they would respond.
One drawback, and the thing that has stopped me giving this the full 5 stars, is that I felt some things were glossed over or skipped through to bring us to the ending sooner. I think there could have been
at least another few chapters, possibly more, which to me would just mean more time in the world I’m enjoying so much!
There’s still some unanswered questions at the end of this book, namely what happened to Effie’s grandfather, Griffin, and her mum. There has been a lot of mention throughout the series of them both possibly still being alive in the Otherworld, so I’m hoping this means that we’ve got at least one more book still to come!
I jumped into this one immediately after finishing book 2 in the series, so was primed for it to get straight into the plot. It picks up immediately where we left off, which was ideal for me.
This time around we spend quite a bit of time with Wolf and Lexy as well as Effie. I enjoyed reading about the two of them and building their characters up further. Lexy’s chapters had a much darker tone to them than I was expecting after the previous two books, raising the concept of verbal and
physical abuse of a child, and how that can be difficult to talk about. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t particularly graphic, just a concept I was surprised to come across. It makes for a good talking point if you are reading with your children though, a great way to raise the topic.
We see a different side to Effie here too, with Thomas highlighting certain traits that would make her fit the galloglass label. It was great reading about Effie’s journey to learn about herself, and see her making the decisions on the sort of person she wanted to be. Wolf plays a great counter here,
whilst Effie is struggling with some more selfish desires, Wolf is determined to stay true to his unwavering belief in what is right. The section where he sits his test is particularly interesting, especially as it gives readers a chance to consider how they would respond.
One drawback, and the thing that has stopped me giving this the full 5 stars, is that I felt some things were glossed over or skipped through to bring us to the ending sooner. I think there could have been
at least another few chapters, possibly more, which to me would just mean more time in the world I’m enjoying so much!
There’s still some unanswered questions at the end of this book, namely what happened to Effie’s grandfather, Griffin, and her mum. There has been a lot of mention throughout the series of them both possibly still being alive in the Otherworld, so I’m hoping this means that we’ve got at least one more book still to come!
April 30, 2019
I have very mixed feelings about this book. The portrayal of abuse in the book is horrific and the way the character responds to it is worrying and potentially inspiring poor choices, but the book later irons out the issue and tries to maje a point of speaking out to readers as to how abuse should be tackled. However, I feel that reading this book as a youth could be scarring.
I really enjoyed Wolf's challenge with AI, where he highlights a lot of points that seem to be missed every time similar situations are faced in popular media. Good work!
It seems the endings of the books in this srries are resolved in more and more facile ways every time. I would like to see the characters face their greatest challenges at the end of the book, not somewhere near the start.
The subtext of capitalism/socialism was interesting throughout the book, starting with a clear polarisation and ad hominem attacks against the systems of galoglasses/otherworld. This seems to come to a conclusion that there needs to be a mixed system. Three cheers for a mixed economy!
I really enjoyed Wolf's challenge with AI, where he highlights a lot of points that seem to be missed every time similar situations are faced in popular media. Good work!
It seems the endings of the books in this srries are resolved in more and more facile ways every time. I would like to see the characters face their greatest challenges at the end of the book, not somewhere near the start.
The subtext of capitalism/socialism was interesting throughout the book, starting with a clear polarisation and ad hominem attacks against the systems of galoglasses/otherworld. This seems to come to a conclusion that there needs to be a mixed system. Three cheers for a mixed economy!
April 14, 2019
I received an electronic ARC from Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
The saga of these five friends continues as they work to thwart the next world domination plot of the Diberi. Each has grown in their magical abilities and developed their strengths. Again, Effie is the central character but we see the other four establish themselves independently too.
Thomas spins a magical story about this universe and the Otherworld where magic is commonplace. This third book wraps up their stories but leaves hints if she chooses to write further books on them as they complete their apprenticeships.
Upper elementary and middle school readers will identify with the doubts and triumphs of the characters.
Trigger/Topic Concern - An abusive situation - verbal & physical - is part of the story line. Don't miss the mom standing up in front of the entire crowd and sharing info young people need to hear.
The saga of these five friends continues as they work to thwart the next world domination plot of the Diberi. Each has grown in their magical abilities and developed their strengths. Again, Effie is the central character but we see the other four establish themselves independently too.
Thomas spins a magical story about this universe and the Otherworld where magic is commonplace. This third book wraps up their stories but leaves hints if she chooses to write further books on them as they complete their apprenticeships.
Upper elementary and middle school readers will identify with the doubts and triumphs of the characters.
Trigger/Topic Concern - An abusive situation - verbal & physical - is part of the story line. Don't miss the mom standing up in front of the entire crowd and sharing info young people need to hear.
October 10, 2019
El que mas he disfrutado de la saga, creo que no le falta nada!
Este libro sigue el mismo patrón que los anteriores: los niños (y los lectores) estan en ese equilibro de ir aprendiendo cosas nuevas y desconocer muchas otras mientras se va descubriendo una amenaza que debrán detener. Lo que le da ese encanto especial y lo que hace que lo haya disfrutado tanto es el como se desarrolla todo. Personajes inclusivos, dilemas morales muy bien planteados y solucionados, gatos molones...
Entre los temas que me gusta mucho como trata está el "tema Slytherin" (nunca me gustó como Rowling dejó el tema de "todo son malos"). Y luego está el acoso que sufre Lexy. Nunca pensé que en un libro para niños encontraría una de las cosas que me han dado más mal rollo de los últimos años. Es... muy duro de leer, me quedo con la duda de como lo viviría un niño. Eso sí, la conclusión más que satisfactoria.
PD: De mayor quiero ser como Wolf (que tiene 11 años X-D)
Este libro sigue el mismo patrón que los anteriores: los niños (y los lectores) estan en ese equilibro de ir aprendiendo cosas nuevas y desconocer muchas otras mientras se va descubriendo una amenaza que debrán detener. Lo que le da ese encanto especial y lo que hace que lo haya disfrutado tanto es el como se desarrolla todo. Personajes inclusivos, dilemas morales muy bien planteados y solucionados, gatos molones...
Entre los temas que me gusta mucho como trata está el "tema Slytherin" (nunca me gustó como Rowling dejó el tema de "todo son malos"). Y luego está el acoso que sufre Lexy. Nunca pensé que en un libro para niños encontraría una de las cosas que me han dado más mal rollo de los últimos años. Es... muy duro de leer, me quedo con la duda de como lo viviría un niño. Eso sí, la conclusión más que satisfactoria.
PD: De mayor quiero ser como Wolf (que tiene 11 años X-D)
August 30, 2020
Scarlett Thomas creates in the Worldquake series a quirky, colourful world in which a group of teenagers with magical powers save the world(s) while trying to find their place in it according to their abilities.
Although that summary would apply to most children/young adult fantasy narratives, Scarlett Thomas always introduces unexpected twists (e.g. why not have a warrior who always tries to avoid conflict?) and deals with some sensitive topics such as child abuse in a matter-of-fact way that I find refreshing, particularly for a book with children as the target audience.
On the other hand, I imagine that this straightforward treatment of difficult topics, as well as the complexity of the fantasy world described in the series, might be a deterrent for some young readers (or parents). I do hope this is not the case, though. I think it is very interesting to make children aware of these issues and to give them tools to deal with them and this book might achieve just that.
Although that summary would apply to most children/young adult fantasy narratives, Scarlett Thomas always introduces unexpected twists (e.g. why not have a warrior who always tries to avoid conflict?) and deals with some sensitive topics such as child abuse in a matter-of-fact way that I find refreshing, particularly for a book with children as the target audience.
On the other hand, I imagine that this straightforward treatment of difficult topics, as well as the complexity of the fantasy world described in the series, might be a deterrent for some young readers (or parents). I do hope this is not the case, though. I think it is very interesting to make children aware of these issues and to give them tools to deal with them and this book might achieve just that.
May 12, 2019
https://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Yayyyyyy the third book in Thomas' Worldquake series! This series is set in a near future world where all technology has basically gone back to 1992, there's an Otherworld full of magic and a mysterious Underworld, there are lots of rival groups of magic users, and a band of magical kids! The kids are once again learning more about themselves and their powers, which Thomas does a great job with, plus there are lots of cats in this one (one of the cats is a POV character!), and everyone has to come together to foil another evil plot. Content warning here for child abuse, though Thomas handles and resolves it really well. Anyway, hooray magic and research and cats! Can’t wait for more in this series. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on May 21st.
Yayyyyyy the third book in Thomas' Worldquake series! This series is set in a near future world where all technology has basically gone back to 1992, there's an Otherworld full of magic and a mysterious Underworld, there are lots of rival groups of magic users, and a band of magical kids! The kids are once again learning more about themselves and their powers, which Thomas does a great job with, plus there are lots of cats in this one (one of the cats is a POV character!), and everyone has to come together to foil another evil plot. Content warning here for child abuse, though Thomas handles and resolves it really well. Anyway, hooray magic and research and cats! Can’t wait for more in this series. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on May 21st.
August 10, 2019
I think I need to re-read the first two books in this series and then re-read this, in order, as although I remembered alot of the previous storylines and characters, this book didn't feel so impactful and wasn't as engaging as I remember finding the first two. There were some interesting philosophical ideas, but they felt disjointed, certain parts were very convenient, and the book didn't flow, which is ironic given that the idea of 'flow' features in the book. I think the child abuse storyline was fairly poorly written, but I wonder if that's because I'm reading it as an adult...possibly it would reinforce the necessary steps you need to take in that situation when read by children. Overall, I think I'll wait for the next in the series to be released, then re-read the first 3 prior to reading that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2024
I love this book especially Wolf’s ethics test , probably because I’ve been given the balloon test on many occasions myself and received much anger from fellow students and lecturers for choosing similarly to Wolf. Wolf explains his choices much better than I did when a student. I also really enjoyed the cat society. I was sad that the friends were quite often separated in this book because their interactions have always been fun but I appreciate that this built tension. I liked the inclusiveness which felt a natural part of the background and not heavy handed. I was also happy with all the adults being preoccupied or stupid while all the kids are smart - reminded me of Scooby Doo. Lots of interesting ideas were discussed. More books were clearly originally planned but have not materialised which saddens me as I like this world and wanted to see more of it.
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