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Archibald Lox #5
Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell
The Grop Tourney has kicked off, and it's the biggest draw in the Merge.
Archie has a ticket to every match, and is soon caught up in the excitement.
But when a scheming king sets his sights on the young locksmith, all thoughts of grop are swiftly forgotten, and Archie might fight for his freedom and his sanity...
Book five of the Archibald Lox series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.
This is the second of three books in VOLUME TWO of the series.
Archie has a ticket to every match, and is soon caught up in the excitement.
But when a scheming king sets his sights on the young locksmith, all thoughts of grop are swiftly forgotten, and Archie might fight for his freedom and his sanity...
Book five of the Archibald Lox series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.
This is the second of three books in VOLUME TWO of the series.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2021
17 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Darren Shan
242 books8,267 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 4, 2021
The best book in the series so far.
The Tourney, the biggest grop tournament where all the realms send their best players, is about to start. Everyone of importance in the Merge is there. As are Archie and Inez. But they aren’t just there to watch to enjoy some good grop games. They know their mission is not an easy one and the tournament is bound to provide a distraction. But the spectators are not the only ones who are distracted.
What I like most about this book is that halfway through, I thought this was going to be all about the grop tournament and more laying the groundwork for the next book in the series. Little did I know that Darren Shan was writing like a magician here, waving his right hand in front of my face to distract me while pulling the chair out from under me with his left.
The series really starts to shift gears here as the story gets more intense and darker than we’ve been used to so far and it fits the series like a glove. I also like that Archie sees the Merged Vs SubMerged as a kind of good Vs evil, while in reality it’s much more complicated. There are also some hints to be found here about Archie’s powers but it’s the many questions that get raised along the way which keep us begging for more.
I pretty much raced through this book because I just couldn’t put it down, it’s that well-written and captivating. This series started off pretty strong and just keeps getting better.
The Tourney, the biggest grop tournament where all the realms send their best players, is about to start. Everyone of importance in the Merge is there. As are Archie and Inez. But they aren’t just there to watch to enjoy some good grop games. They know their mission is not an easy one and the tournament is bound to provide a distraction. But the spectators are not the only ones who are distracted.
What I like most about this book is that halfway through, I thought this was going to be all about the grop tournament and more laying the groundwork for the next book in the series. Little did I know that Darren Shan was writing like a magician here, waving his right hand in front of my face to distract me while pulling the chair out from under me with his left.
The series really starts to shift gears here as the story gets more intense and darker than we’ve been used to so far and it fits the series like a glove. I also like that Archie sees the Merged Vs SubMerged as a kind of good Vs evil, while in reality it’s much more complicated. There are also some hints to be found here about Archie’s powers but it’s the many questions that get raised along the way which keep us begging for more.
I pretty much raced through this book because I just couldn’t put it down, it’s that well-written and captivating. This series started off pretty strong and just keeps getting better.
June 27, 2023
بیشتر از نصف این جلد درمورد گراپ (ورزش محبوب مرج، شبیه فوتبال تقریبا) بود و واقعا یه جاهایی میرفت رو مخم. بسه دیگه مرد. یه کم از داستان بگو. من نمیخوام نتایج جامجهانیتونو بدونم. :)) و اینطوری بودم که بعد سالی دارم انگلیسی میخونم، اونم اینجوریه. 💆🏽♀️ ولی نصفهٔ بقیهش عالی بود. خیلی حال داد. 😌
August 3, 2021
***Spoilers ahead***
"There's always a next time, in grop, as in life. Never forget, second chances are what the Merge was made for."
The whispers travel like whistling winds from zone to zone. From SubMerged mouth to Merged ear and vice versa, everyone is talking about one thing, and one thing only. The sole affair in the Merge that can bring people of opposing sides of a war together. The Tourney.
Each standing realm is sending their star players to compete in this once in a lifetime game, which, under normal circumstances, would be the event of a millennia for our main characters to attend...if it weren't for an underlying mission that Archie and his friends are risking their safety and sanity to complete. Together, they must avoid suspicious eyes, journey into the forgotten territory of a foreign realm, and try and succeed to fly under the radar of anyone who's determined to ensure that they fail.
However, a competition that people have traveled all across the sphere to attend is likely to draw vengeful enemies as well as allies. Archie has narrowly escaped the treacherous clutches of death more times than he can count since he's ventured into the Merge, but when a SubMerged king sets his sights on him, this time may very well prove to be too much for our hero.
I have no shame in admitting that Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell, book five in Archie's story, is a slow-burner. Until about three quarters in, I considered this story of Darren Shan's to perhaps be a "bridge" book, a book that connects two more adventurous, more heart-pumping stories together with a bit of a breather in between. Which is quite how I view Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; not a favorite, just a bit of a break, an independent adventure if you will, before the story reaches an epic arc that quickly ascends into the series' climax.
Little did I know that as I was leisurely observing matches of grop, gnawing on hotcats, and exploring the icy terrain of Niffelheim, Darren Shan was luring me into a false sense of security. Call the Slides of Bon Repell a "bridge" book if you must, but no ending to an Archibald Lox story has slapped me across the face like this one. Unfortunately, that's all I can reveal at this time without blatantly spoiling the entire ending for you, my dear unsuspecting reader.
By about 63%, I could not put the book down--reading in such short bursts I'd pace around my kitchen, book in hand, chewing the inside of my bottom lip with nerves. I found myself in such a constant, frantic state of distress, I'd positively search my brain to think of someone, anyone, on my friend's list who's also read this series so that I'd have someone to talk to about it.
As you all very well know by now, I am an avid Darren Shan fan. I spent many months of my teen years absolutely devouring his dark tales. Mentally envisioning his fantastical worlds, shivering at the thought of his nightmarish villains, and celebrating his heroes as said villains are destroyed and defeated. I've witnessed his characters blossom from terrified children, to unstoppable forces of nature, and I have found that familiar, "David and Goliath" comfort in Archie. There came an intense point for our main characters in the Slides of Bon Repell where I stopped dead in my tracks, looked up from my book, and thought to myself, "He's grown. He's actually grown. Our beloved scaredy cat is now a ferocious lion." It was the type of moment in a young adult book that makes a reader say, "If he can be brave, so can I." I can't help but believe that this is a trait of an excellent storyteller.
This series truly showcases Darren Shan's abilities as a writer. Like Archie, I find myself thinking less about the Born, and spend more of my time thinking about the Merge and what other layers of marvels and mystery are waiting to unfurl.
The epic conclusion of this story cannot come soon enough.
"There's always a next time, in grop, as in life. Never forget, second chances are what the Merge was made for."
The whispers travel like whistling winds from zone to zone. From SubMerged mouth to Merged ear and vice versa, everyone is talking about one thing, and one thing only. The sole affair in the Merge that can bring people of opposing sides of a war together. The Tourney.
Each standing realm is sending their star players to compete in this once in a lifetime game, which, under normal circumstances, would be the event of a millennia for our main characters to attend...if it weren't for an underlying mission that Archie and his friends are risking their safety and sanity to complete. Together, they must avoid suspicious eyes, journey into the forgotten territory of a foreign realm, and try and succeed to fly under the radar of anyone who's determined to ensure that they fail.
However, a competition that people have traveled all across the sphere to attend is likely to draw vengeful enemies as well as allies. Archie has narrowly escaped the treacherous clutches of death more times than he can count since he's ventured into the Merge, but when a SubMerged king sets his sights on him, this time may very well prove to be too much for our hero.
I have no shame in admitting that Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell, book five in Archie's story, is a slow-burner. Until about three quarters in, I considered this story of Darren Shan's to perhaps be a "bridge" book, a book that connects two more adventurous, more heart-pumping stories together with a bit of a breather in between. Which is quite how I view Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; not a favorite, just a bit of a break, an independent adventure if you will, before the story reaches an epic arc that quickly ascends into the series' climax.
Little did I know that as I was leisurely observing matches of grop, gnawing on hotcats, and exploring the icy terrain of Niffelheim, Darren Shan was luring me into a false sense of security. Call the Slides of Bon Repell a "bridge" book if you must, but no ending to an Archibald Lox story has slapped me across the face like this one. Unfortunately, that's all I can reveal at this time without blatantly spoiling the entire ending for you, my dear unsuspecting reader.
By about 63%, I could not put the book down--reading in such short bursts I'd pace around my kitchen, book in hand, chewing the inside of my bottom lip with nerves. I found myself in such a constant, frantic state of distress, I'd positively search my brain to think of someone, anyone, on my friend's list who's also read this series so that I'd have someone to talk to about it.
As you all very well know by now, I am an avid Darren Shan fan. I spent many months of my teen years absolutely devouring his dark tales. Mentally envisioning his fantastical worlds, shivering at the thought of his nightmarish villains, and celebrating his heroes as said villains are destroyed and defeated. I've witnessed his characters blossom from terrified children, to unstoppable forces of nature, and I have found that familiar, "David and Goliath" comfort in Archie. There came an intense point for our main characters in the Slides of Bon Repell where I stopped dead in my tracks, looked up from my book, and thought to myself, "He's grown. He's actually grown. Our beloved scaredy cat is now a ferocious lion." It was the type of moment in a young adult book that makes a reader say, "If he can be brave, so can I." I can't help but believe that this is a trait of an excellent storyteller.
This series truly showcases Darren Shan's abilities as a writer. Like Archie, I find myself thinking less about the Born, and spend more of my time thinking about the Merge and what other layers of marvels and mystery are waiting to unfurl.
The epic conclusion of this story cannot come soon enough.
May 30, 2021
Note: I was sent an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We continue our journey with Archie and his friends as betrayal rears its ugly head and the group are forced to outmanoeuvre and outwit many sinister forces.
We explore more of Topaz and discover the method the Merge use to cross over and move on to the next plane. A method of burning away there remaining regrets, so their soul is pure.
Maybe I'm sadistic but the end scenes really interested me. It was kind of like a return to Mr Shan's gory and gruesome roots. The mind reader still gives me shivers when I imagine him.
My theory I developed in the Forgotten Crypt is coming along nicely with certain things that happened in this book and it has brought more evidence. All though, it may be several red herrings to throw us off the scent.
The more I read about the Merged and Submerged the more I think maybe the lines between good and bad and not that obvious, as there seems to be evil and good on both sides.
It would be really cool to get some background on the different characters like how they lived and died in the Born and how that affected there personalities now they are in the Merge.
Hoping we go to Ruby soon I'm expecting a hellscape.
We continue our journey with Archie and his friends as betrayal rears its ugly head and the group are forced to outmanoeuvre and outwit many sinister forces.
We explore more of Topaz and discover the method the Merge use to cross over and move on to the next plane. A method of burning away there remaining regrets, so their soul is pure.
Maybe I'm sadistic but the end scenes really interested me. It was kind of like a return to Mr Shan's gory and gruesome roots. The mind reader still gives me shivers when I imagine him.
My theory I developed in the Forgotten Crypt is coming along nicely with certain things that happened in this book and it has brought more evidence. All though, it may be several red herrings to throw us off the scent.
The more I read about the Merged and Submerged the more I think maybe the lines between good and bad and not that obvious, as there seems to be evil and good on both sides.
It would be really cool to get some background on the different characters like how they lived and died in the Born and how that affected there personalities now they are in the Merge.
Hoping we go to Ruby soon I'm expecting a hellscape.
June 20, 2021
I'll start by boldly claiming that The Slides of Bon Repell is the best installment to the series yet. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, and found myself thrown early on by the 'Tourney' that is the main focus of this book. I'm going to add here that the fictional sport of grop is a stroke of fantasy genius, a sort of Quidditch meets Hunger Games event that is as bloodthirsty as it is fantastical. I quickly got caught up in the games themselves, peppered around a story that you know is simmering ominously away in the background. But Darren Shan lulls you into a false sense of security, before pulling the ground out from under your feet as things take a rather dark turn rather fast for poor Archie Lox!
I didn't see it coming, and I couldn't put it down. Archie is turning into quite the little spitfire, and I enjoy him more with each passing book. I'm left wondering about things that were teased at, and excited to find out what's to come.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't see it coming, and I couldn't put it down. Archie is turning into quite the little spitfire, and I enjoy him more with each passing book. I'm left wondering about things that were teased at, and excited to find out what's to come.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2021
Loving Archie's story! The drama is definitely building in this one with his backstory on how he's connected to the Merge and I have so many theories and can't wait to see which one it is. Been a huge reader of Darren Shan since I was in middle school and being able to continue reading his work as an adult is such a treat.
August 12, 2021
PG: PARENTAL ADVISORY: Conflict and Aggression are limited or moderate. May contain mild profanity suggestive language and brief scenes of nudity.
E:Easy: 3rd grade Vocabulary
E:Easy: 3rd grade Vocabulary
June 8, 2021
The Tourney! I loved getting to learn more about grop in book 4 and continuing it in 5. Fantasy sports and games are so interesting to me, and many fantasy worlds are nearly defined by them. (See HP's Quidditch and Shan's own Trials.)
Right off the bat, Inez informs us all, including Archibald, that there's a chance the chef might poison an opposing player in order to give his preferred team an advantage. I admit I did a double-take and shouldn't have; I'm familiar with Shan's storytelling.
Speaking of familiarity...
As this story goes on, we see the author delving back into what his old-school fans know best: horror. It's not terrifying like The Demonata, but the plot becomes much darker as you read on, especially compared with the rest of the series so far.
While I love this whole series, so far this book is my favorite for its ingenuity and depravity. This is where I become mind-numbingly vague in order to avoid spoilers.
I will say that the twists and danger and anticipation as you read in prove one thing: Darren Shan is by far the best YA author out there. This book will grip adults and entertain teens, and is a great way for families to bond over the plot, the characters, and the question: what happens next?
*I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Right off the bat, Inez informs us all, including Archibald, that there's a chance the chef might poison an opposing player in order to give his preferred team an advantage. I admit I did a double-take and shouldn't have; I'm familiar with Shan's storytelling.
Speaking of familiarity...
As this story goes on, we see the author delving back into what his old-school fans know best: horror. It's not terrifying like The Demonata, but the plot becomes much darker as you read on, especially compared with the rest of the series so far.
While I love this whole series, so far this book is my favorite for its ingenuity and depravity. This is where I become mind-numbingly vague in order to avoid spoilers.
I will say that the twists and danger and anticipation as you read in prove one thing: Darren Shan is by far the best YA author out there. This book will grip adults and entertain teens, and is a great way for families to bond over the plot, the characters, and the question: what happens next?
*I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2021
I was given a fantastic opportunity to read an advance copy of Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell (Archibald Lox Volume 2, Book 2), and what a ride. This book hit me in a million directions, and not all of them in a good way.
Spoiler-free summary: The grop tournament is getting underway, bringing old friends, old enemies, and new problems to Archie’s life in the Merge.
As this is Book 2 of 3 in the unreleased volume, I will try to keep my review spoiler-free but with no promises. Go read the first volume, if you haven’t already, because Shan is on a winning streak with this one.
I loved the camaraderie that grop provides and how both merged and submerged can set aside their differences for a short time. More than half the book is directly related to the tournament and how it affects the players and town. Old friends make surprise appearances and act as a catalyst for other characters to face their past and create a new future—one of their own design.
Having Family (Merged royalty) spectate the tournament also means the return of old enemies. Inez is still head over heels (sort of) for Kurtis, which influences her perception, and she lowers her guard too much. However, Archie is more protective of Inez and distrusts him than ever…unfortunately, Archie is no match for Kurtis and his two companions.
I loved the book up until this point.
What happens to Archie made me angry—at Archie for being an idiot (again), at Shan for writing it, at the characters who held more power than I, and at me for getting this angry over a book.
Unlike Trials of Death (Saga of Darren Shan Book 5), where Darren had companions, mentors, and aides, poor Archie has no one.
Half of the entire third act was hard to read because I have become invested in Archie and his well-being.
But what makes me angrier is something that was said after Archie’s ordeal. In all her wisdom and clearly trying to help, Baba Jen gives Archie the “suck it up” line that no one wants to hear or should hear after being traumatized. Yes, Archie has people around him who love and care for him, who understand explicitly what he went through, and I love Winston for his reaction, but Baba Jen’s approach made me want to reach through the page and slap her silly.
I was very pleased to see another old friend make their appearance, and I am sure we will see more of their new friends in the next installment—Archie always pays his debts.
More clues were dropped as to Archie’s true past, and now I am so confused and enthralled. I can’t wait to see that puzzle piece finally settle into place.
This book is definitely darker than the previous four installments, and I would really advise people who don’t like personal trauma to tread carefully come the middle of the book. I wish I had known it was there so I could have been prepared for it. I care too much about Archie.
Can’t wait to read the next installment and see what happens next.
Spoiler-free summary: The grop tournament is getting underway, bringing old friends, old enemies, and new problems to Archie’s life in the Merge.
As this is Book 2 of 3 in the unreleased volume, I will try to keep my review spoiler-free but with no promises. Go read the first volume, if you haven’t already, because Shan is on a winning streak with this one.
I loved the camaraderie that grop provides and how both merged and submerged can set aside their differences for a short time. More than half the book is directly related to the tournament and how it affects the players and town. Old friends make surprise appearances and act as a catalyst for other characters to face their past and create a new future—one of their own design.
Having Family (Merged royalty) spectate the tournament also means the return of old enemies. Inez is still head over heels (sort of) for Kurtis, which influences her perception, and she lowers her guard too much. However, Archie is more protective of Inez and distrusts him than ever…unfortunately, Archie is no match for Kurtis and his two companions.
I loved the book up until this point.
What happens to Archie made me angry—at Archie for being an idiot (again), at Shan for writing it, at the characters who held more power than I, and at me for getting this angry over a book.
Unlike Trials of Death (Saga of Darren Shan Book 5), where Darren had companions, mentors, and aides, poor Archie has no one.
Half of the entire third act was hard to read because I have become invested in Archie and his well-being.
But what makes me angrier is something that was said after Archie’s ordeal. In all her wisdom and clearly trying to help, Baba Jen gives Archie the “suck it up” line that no one wants to hear or should hear after being traumatized. Yes, Archie has people around him who love and care for him, who understand explicitly what he went through, and I love Winston for his reaction, but Baba Jen’s approach made me want to reach through the page and slap her silly.
I was very pleased to see another old friend make their appearance, and I am sure we will see more of their new friends in the next installment—Archie always pays his debts.
More clues were dropped as to Archie’s true past, and now I am so confused and enthralled. I can’t wait to see that puzzle piece finally settle into place.
This book is definitely darker than the previous four installments, and I would really advise people who don’t like personal trauma to tread carefully come the middle of the book. I wish I had known it was there so I could have been prepared for it. I care too much about Archie.
Can’t wait to read the next installment and see what happens next.
June 10, 2021
Note: I was given this advanced copy of the book for an honest blunt review of the book, spoiler free...I promise. :)
Sourie, The Tourney, Grop(same diff), OH MY GODS.
I remember as a child being excited reading about the Twi-wizard tournament, and experiencing the thrilling pages as players zoomed around on their brooms.
None of that compares to watching the Tourney, which instead of just one giant match, is a series of matches that are intense and kinda makes you think of Hockey and Football at the same time (American Sports, and I believe Canadian).
Broken arms, bruises that stretch from your shoulder to your wrist, bruised eyes...you name it.
A brutal, dark, visceral sport.
We open straight out of the gate with Archi and Inez visiting the Sourie and get a real feeling for the political climate of the Merge.
And we see some familiar faces and some eerie implications and a real sense of the potential villian of the series itself.
Before it was certain of who it might have been but now, more than ever, that is unraveled, as well as some striking revelations that may rock the rest of series of this awesome tale.
Another stunning installment that left me glued the entire night, and staying up way too late.
Archibald is more than a skilled Locksmith it seems, he...has more cunning talents up his sleeves, and there are some strong implications that will rock your mind.
Also: I mentioned on my review of the Forgotten Crypt of a touch of Vampire Prince...more of that is evoked...but this time we get a grisly taste of some vibes of Zom-B...and no not zombies...although since we're in the Merge...
That being said, this has to be darkest it's gotten and it's Shan's dashing foray into his more known sensibilities of the horror flavor...and more is revealed of our world known as the Merge...be careful not to slip on the way down the treacherous midst of the Bon Repell...or do...the twists will leave you aching for more. ;).
Sourie, The Tourney, Grop(same diff), OH MY GODS.
I remember as a child being excited reading about the Twi-wizard tournament, and experiencing the thrilling pages as players zoomed around on their brooms.
None of that compares to watching the Tourney, which instead of just one giant match, is a series of matches that are intense and kinda makes you think of Hockey and Football at the same time (American Sports, and I believe Canadian).
Broken arms, bruises that stretch from your shoulder to your wrist, bruised eyes...you name it.
A brutal, dark, visceral sport.
We open straight out of the gate with Archi and Inez visiting the Sourie and get a real feeling for the political climate of the Merge.
And we see some familiar faces and some eerie implications and a real sense of the potential villian of the series itself.
Before it was certain of who it might have been but now, more than ever, that is unraveled, as well as some striking revelations that may rock the rest of series of this awesome tale.
Another stunning installment that left me glued the entire night, and staying up way too late.
Archibald is more than a skilled Locksmith it seems, he...has more cunning talents up his sleeves, and there are some strong implications that will rock your mind.
Also: I mentioned on my review of the Forgotten Crypt of a touch of Vampire Prince...more of that is evoked...but this time we get a grisly taste of some vibes of Zom-B...and no not zombies...although since we're in the Merge...
That being said, this has to be darkest it's gotten and it's Shan's dashing foray into his more known sensibilities of the horror flavor...and more is revealed of our world known as the Merge...be careful not to slip on the way down the treacherous midst of the Bon Repell...or do...the twists will leave you aching for more. ;).
June 5, 2022
I don't know how, but each book is more exciting than the last! Wow! I pause only to leave this review, then it's back to the Merge with me in book 6!
September 16, 2022
Oh.my.god how am I supposed to wait a month (a bit less, thankfully), for the next one??
These Archibald Lox books are so good, I can't put them down once I start reading. I stayed up all night for this one because I wanted to see what was going to happen to Archie! I'm not even joking or exaggerating, I was literally awake until 5a.m, reading, just to finish it.
[Possible SPOILERS ahead]
Other than Archie/Inez's team's plans regarding the royals, what I'm most excited to find out is why Archie is "special". I've suspected he may be a royal (as Archie himself has too) since volume 1 and honestly, even though so many characters have already dismissed the possibility, I'm not sure I'm 100% convinced he's not... also, Idk if this sounds stupid or not but I have a feeling he might somehow be related to Stefan too. I just hope Winston reveals it by the end of this volume (which I doubt he will and I'm afraid we'll have to wait another year to find out 😭).
Btw, even though I didn't fully trust Kurtis and his gang, I never saw what they did coming! I expected Archie to somehow end up in the hands of a Rubican's royal sooner or later but not like that... also the mind reader's job was cruel but also the idea was pretty cool. Locks are literally everywhere in the Merge.
These Archibald Lox books are so good, I can't put them down once I start reading. I stayed up all night for this one because I wanted to see what was going to happen to Archie! I'm not even joking or exaggerating, I was literally awake until 5a.m, reading, just to finish it.
[Possible SPOILERS ahead]
Other than Archie/Inez's team's plans regarding the royals, what I'm most excited to find out is why Archie is "special". I've suspected he may be a royal (as Archie himself has too) since volume 1 and honestly, even though so many characters have already dismissed the possibility, I'm not sure I'm 100% convinced he's not... also, Idk if this sounds stupid or not but I have a feeling he might somehow be related to Stefan too. I just hope Winston reveals it by the end of this volume (which I doubt he will and I'm afraid we'll have to wait another year to find out 😭).
Btw, even though I didn't fully trust Kurtis and his gang, I never saw what they did coming! I expected Archie to somehow end up in the hands of a Rubican's royal sooner or later but not like that... also the mind reader's job was cruel but also the idea was pretty cool. Locks are literally everywhere in the Merge.
January 12, 2022
I've decided to rate this book 3.5 stars. I was really close to rating it 4 stars but my biggest criticism was that there was too much Grop and not enough action.
However, this book is kind of a mini book of 3, so I think if you read them in one go you'd probably find it more interesting.
I very much enjoyed the ending. It was unexpected and took a dark turn for this series.
I can't wait to find out what is going to happen to Archie in the final book.
I do wonder though if there will be another Archibald series in the future.
This book was still setting the plot of book 3 and I'm looking forward to see how things turn out.
However, this book is kind of a mini book of 3, so I think if you read them in one go you'd probably find it more interesting.
I very much enjoyed the ending. It was unexpected and took a dark turn for this series.
I can't wait to find out what is going to happen to Archie in the final book.
I do wonder though if there will be another Archibald series in the future.
This book was still setting the plot of book 3 and I'm looking forward to see how things turn out.
November 11, 2021
I am very grateful to the author for sending me an eARC. Views are my own.
4.75 Stars
CAWPILE = 8.57
This follows on from part four really well. There's more action and excitement. What I liked the most though was the threat level increased in this and there were hints of the gore that fans of Shan's horror books will be used to. I have some ideas of where the story may be going but I'm more than happy to just go along for the ride as this part featured something that I didn't expect. Looking forward to reading the next part.
4.75 Stars
CAWPILE = 8.57
This follows on from part four really well. There's more action and excitement. What I liked the most though was the threat level increased in this and there were hints of the gore that fans of Shan's horror books will be used to. I have some ideas of where the story may be going but I'm more than happy to just go along for the ride as this part featured something that I didn't expect. Looking forward to reading the next part.
April 29, 2022
Wow
Amazing read that keeps reading to find out how the story unfolds. Darren Shan is such an incredible author, he writes in such a way that his stories grip you so keep reading ... I love how the Archibald stories unfold but doesn't to much away ...
Brilliant 5th book in the series
Amazing read that keeps reading to find out how the story unfolds. Darren Shan is such an incredible author, he writes in such a way that his stories grip you so keep reading ... I love how the Archibald stories unfold but doesn't to much away ...
Brilliant 5th book in the series
June 17, 2024
Overall, I felt this book was boring, at least initially. The merge really loves grop. But as far as the plans go, I think that we are setting up for the epic thrifty. However, Archibald gets captured, and things are revealed about him. Stuff that we know and others we do not. Archibald getting captured and tortured was the highlight of the book. (Which is dark, but I stand by it.) But it all comes together in the end, making me far more excited to see how this trilogy of Archibald Lox ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2022
This series so far is completely lacking some kind of backstory or reasoning behind the bad guys. Saying that Merged are good and SubMerged are evil isn't enough. And people doing bad things just because they're SubMerged isn't enough. I was halfway through that torture scene and asking myself why they kidnapped Archie in the first place. That's not building anticipation but frustration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2023
I thought that the whole book would be about The Tourney, the biggest grop tournament because the first half of the book covers the games, a bit of a history of different realms and some new characters, but I was wrong. Once things start happening, they don't stop. It was impossible to put down the book. I was happy to see king Lloyd and I still hate Kurtis.
January 25, 2023
One of my favorite installments in the Archibald Lox series so far! I have always said that Darren Shan is at his best when he is showing the bleak, low points in a character's story - and Archie is no exception! With the use of his wit and pure sheer will, Archie must overcome a dreadful obstacle facing him to keep his friends safe.
I'm excited to read the last installment in the second volume of Archibald Lox! Definitely give this series a shot if you enjoy rich, fictional worlds.
January 16, 2023
A stunning, thrilling ride, fuelled by Grop and danger.
Sir Shan is a master that has truly perfected his work for this series and it's a delight to read
Sir Shan is a master that has truly perfected his work for this series and it's a delight to read
September 29, 2025
Duisterste tot nu toe. Einde was zeer spannend
August 20, 2024
First half the book could be so much better the 2nd half feels more like it could have been end of book 4! But really gets u rooted to your seat when it really gets good!
July 10, 2023
This is a classic example of keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Poor Archie doesn't know who is enemies are half the time, so it's hard for him to really be able to know who to watch out for.
I really wish I could watch a grop tournament. I kept imagining it in my head, but I real life would be so much better. I love how this is such a big event and someone Archie and Inez manage to not only show up, but get right in the thick of things. There is a reason for them to be there, but it still cracks me up. Those two are trouble magnets. You would think someone would have figured out that something is bound to happen if you plan something and include Archie and Inez. But no, they keep doing it.
I think the most important part of this book is what happens outside of the tournament, when Archie is left to fend for himself. He has no one to help him, and discovers just how strong he is and shows those that continually try to stop him that they will have to work harder to put him down.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Age appropriate: Yes
Content Warning: Language
I really wish I could watch a grop tournament. I kept imagining it in my head, but I real life would be so much better. I love how this is such a big event and someone Archie and Inez manage to not only show up, but get right in the thick of things. There is a reason for them to be there, but it still cracks me up. Those two are trouble magnets. You would think someone would have figured out that something is bound to happen if you plan something and include Archie and Inez. But no, they keep doing it.
I think the most important part of this book is what happens outside of the tournament, when Archie is left to fend for himself. He has no one to help him, and discovers just how strong he is and shows those that continually try to stop him that they will have to work harder to put him down.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Age appropriate: Yes
Content Warning: Language
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews