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Archibald Lox #4
Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt
When a couple of assassins catch up with Archie, he's forced to flee to the Merge in search of friendship and safety.
As his skills develop, he opens a gateway to a long-forgotten crypt, where ancient secrets are revealed.
In a city of ice, the greatest gropsters of the six realms have assembled for a legendary Tourney, but a small group of plotters are more interested in kidnapping...
Book four of the Archibald Lox series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.
This is the first of three books in VOLUME TWO of the series.
As his skills develop, he opens a gateway to a long-forgotten crypt, where ancient secrets are revealed.
In a city of ice, the greatest gropsters of the six realms have assembled for a legendary Tourney, but a small group of plotters are more interested in kidnapping...
Book four of the Archibald Lox series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.
This is the first of three books in VOLUME TWO of the series.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2021
26 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Darren Shan
243 books8,283 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 27, 2021
After the first trilogy, this just feels like coming home.
Archie is back home, growing as a locksmith, taking his time to learn the craft now that his adventures in the Merge are over. At least, that’s what he thinks. The two assassins from the previous books suddenly show up in front of them. And they’d like Archie to meet their boss. Archie runs but can’t escape them if he just keeps running. He decides to risk it and tries to shake them off in the Merge.
I’m not going to lie, when Archie bumped into his old friends, I smiled. I was hooked, devouring pages again like a starving lion. The previous trilogy was very fulfilling and the band getting back together was the scene that really stood out to me here, despite nothing really special happening in that scene. It was such a fun moment because it’s clear to us readers that the previous adventures they experienced together are important to the characters themselves and because the bonds those adventures forged are strong and meaningful.
I really like how the veil is slowly being lifted from the mystique of the Merge and I’m very curious to find out how Archie’s opening the lock of a forgotten crypt will play a factor during the rest of the series. I have a tingling feeling this might be more important later than we realize here at first glance.
This was all about setting things up for the next two books while bringing the band back together. Good fun read, basically wetting your appetite from the start and giving you just enough along the way to keep you craving for more.
Archie is back home, growing as a locksmith, taking his time to learn the craft now that his adventures in the Merge are over. At least, that’s what he thinks. The two assassins from the previous books suddenly show up in front of them. And they’d like Archie to meet their boss. Archie runs but can’t escape them if he just keeps running. He decides to risk it and tries to shake them off in the Merge.
I’m not going to lie, when Archie bumped into his old friends, I smiled. I was hooked, devouring pages again like a starving lion. The previous trilogy was very fulfilling and the band getting back together was the scene that really stood out to me here, despite nothing really special happening in that scene. It was such a fun moment because it’s clear to us readers that the previous adventures they experienced together are important to the characters themselves and because the bonds those adventures forged are strong and meaningful.
I really like how the veil is slowly being lifted from the mystique of the Merge and I’m very curious to find out how Archie’s opening the lock of a forgotten crypt will play a factor during the rest of the series. I have a tingling feeling this might be more important later than we realize here at first glance.
This was all about setting things up for the next two books while bringing the band back together. Good fun read, basically wetting your appetite from the start and giving you just enough along the way to keep you craving for more.
June 13, 2021
The sprawling fantasy world Darren Shan has created in the series of Archibald Lox is truly something else. It feels huge, almost like we're watching an entire vast world through a telescope, and with each subsequent book, a little more is revealed to us. The characters and locations that reoccur throughout the series, the overlap between books, is something that I've been enjoying, and book four is no exception. It's almost like visiting old friends. And it is so easy to grow attached to this colourful cast of characters. Another thing that I find to be quite interesting is the subtle politics of this world, and the comparisons that one can draw to our own should you wish. Certain lines are expertly written in ways designed to make you stop and think about life as we know it.
I've come to expect a high standard of story from this author, as I've devoured so many of his previous works. This latest installment in the Archibald Lox series did not disappoint! Watching Archie grow a little more with each book is great, and I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've come to expect a high standard of story from this author, as I've devoured so many of his previous works. This latest installment in the Archibald Lox series did not disappoint! Watching Archie grow a little more with each book is great, and I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2021
Everyone who has known me since age 12 knows what a big Darren Shan fan I am. Even as an adult, he's one of the authors whose YA books still captivate and intrigue me.
The same goes for Archibald Lox. The first three books were unlike anything I'd read before, Merging (pun intended) our world with a fantastical world of magic and mystique.
I was eager to start book 4, which has Archibald struggling with a specific lock on the brink of our world and the Merge.
During just the first few chapters, we learn a shocking tale about Archibald's mentor Winston. Right away, you're immersed in the veiled darkness Shan writes so well, making you think and wonder about what ifs and whys.
You also learn more about the kingdoms within the Merge and that world's politics.
I wanted to touch on that in my review because oftentimes, when a fantasy author spends a lot of time on in-world politics, it can become dull or, even worse, an infodump.
Shan artfully avoids that by weaving the history across a chapter, almost as if it's its own tale within the novel.
I am afraid if I go any further, I will accidentally give spoilers, so I am going to stop here.
I do however want to add that Shan once again brings us into a first person, present tense POV without seeming to have lost anything that can sometimes be left behind in this tense: such as scenery and impartiality.
You are IN Archibald's head, living the story through him, and book 4 truly proves that Shan is a master storyteller.
*I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The same goes for Archibald Lox. The first three books were unlike anything I'd read before, Merging (pun intended) our world with a fantastical world of magic and mystique.
I was eager to start book 4, which has Archibald struggling with a specific lock on the brink of our world and the Merge.
During just the first few chapters, we learn a shocking tale about Archibald's mentor Winston. Right away, you're immersed in the veiled darkness Shan writes so well, making you think and wonder about what ifs and whys.
You also learn more about the kingdoms within the Merge and that world's politics.
I wanted to touch on that in my review because oftentimes, when a fantasy author spends a lot of time on in-world politics, it can become dull or, even worse, an infodump.
Shan artfully avoids that by weaving the history across a chapter, almost as if it's its own tale within the novel.
I am afraid if I go any further, I will accidentally give spoilers, so I am going to stop here.
I do however want to add that Shan once again brings us into a first person, present tense POV without seeming to have lost anything that can sometimes be left behind in this tense: such as scenery and impartiality.
You are IN Archibald's head, living the story through him, and book 4 truly proves that Shan is a master storyteller.
*I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2021
Through the darkness of the past 15 months, one good thing has been introduced to the world: Darren Shan's Archibald Lox series. With stunning covers and equally enticing storylines, this series has been a welcome escape from the real world and is now entering its second volume. In the Missing Princess trilogy, young Londoner Archie discovered the Merge, a whole new world where murdered people go when they die. He also discovered that he was a natural, highly-skilled locksmith, able to unlock portals both to the Merge and within it. Armed with his new skills, Archie becomes involved in a quest to save the Merge from certain destruction.
That should have been the end of it but it clearly wasn't. Welcome to the next story in the Archibald Lox adventures.
When Archie's old nemeses Orlan Stiletto and Argate Axe catch up with him in London, Archie escapes to the Merge once again and travels through it to find himself in a cold and wintery Moscow. With the assassins close on his heels, Archie is rescued by none other than King Hugo, a Merge royal with a love of motorbiking and the Born, the world we know as our own.
Hugo reunites Archie with his old friend Inez, a skilled artisan in her own right, and Cal, former protector to King Lloyd of the Diamond realm of Merge and now Sapphire resident. Hugo, Inez and Cal are about to embark on a new quest in the Merge - one I shall keep secret for fear of spoilers - and they invite Archie to join them again. How can our locksmith possibly refuse?
So the friends return to Cornan, location of their final adventures in the Missing Princess trilogy and they prepare for the Grop tournament of their lives. In the meantime, Archie will hone his already-impressive locksmith skills and discover a secret that has been hidden for 500 years.
Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt is the first book in the second volume of the Archibald Lox series. It starts off a little slowly but really speeds up once Archie makes his big discovery and I suspect the action is going to continue apace into the second and third books of the trilogy. With every page, author Darren Shan weaves a richer and more colourful world in the Merge and he's expanded those possibilities even more in the Forgotten Crypt.
What Shan has done with this series is so interesting. Each book is short, at an average of 200 pages each, aimed at young readers and adults like me who've developed the attention span of a goldfish during the pandemic. In turn, each trilogy forms one story and will be combined into a single volume for readers who prefer a meatier volume.
Once again, Liam Fitzgerald has designed the cover and it's exquisite. I think these might be my favourite series of covers of all time.
Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt is the 500th book I've read since I picked up a book about a boy wizard in 2005 and started reading fiction again. I wouldn't have wanted to celebrate this milestone with any other book and I give it an excellent four out of five stars. Recommended to reluctant readers and anyone else seeking an escape to surreal and magical worlds.
An advance, electronic copy of this book was provided for the purpose of this review.
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That should have been the end of it but it clearly wasn't. Welcome to the next story in the Archibald Lox adventures.
When Archie's old nemeses Orlan Stiletto and Argate Axe catch up with him in London, Archie escapes to the Merge once again and travels through it to find himself in a cold and wintery Moscow. With the assassins close on his heels, Archie is rescued by none other than King Hugo, a Merge royal with a love of motorbiking and the Born, the world we know as our own.
Hugo reunites Archie with his old friend Inez, a skilled artisan in her own right, and Cal, former protector to King Lloyd of the Diamond realm of Merge and now Sapphire resident. Hugo, Inez and Cal are about to embark on a new quest in the Merge - one I shall keep secret for fear of spoilers - and they invite Archie to join them again. How can our locksmith possibly refuse?
So the friends return to Cornan, location of their final adventures in the Missing Princess trilogy and they prepare for the Grop tournament of their lives. In the meantime, Archie will hone his already-impressive locksmith skills and discover a secret that has been hidden for 500 years.
Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt is the first book in the second volume of the Archibald Lox series. It starts off a little slowly but really speeds up once Archie makes his big discovery and I suspect the action is going to continue apace into the second and third books of the trilogy. With every page, author Darren Shan weaves a richer and more colourful world in the Merge and he's expanded those possibilities even more in the Forgotten Crypt.
What Shan has done with this series is so interesting. Each book is short, at an average of 200 pages each, aimed at young readers and adults like me who've developed the attention span of a goldfish during the pandemic. In turn, each trilogy forms one story and will be combined into a single volume for readers who prefer a meatier volume.
Once again, Liam Fitzgerald has designed the cover and it's exquisite. I think these might be my favourite series of covers of all time.
Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt is the 500th book I've read since I picked up a book about a boy wizard in 2005 and started reading fiction again. I wouldn't have wanted to celebrate this milestone with any other book and I give it an excellent four out of five stars. Recommended to reluctant readers and anyone else seeking an escape to surreal and magical worlds.
An advance, electronic copy of this book was provided for the purpose of this review.
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May 30, 2021
Note: I was sent an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After a brief hiatus we rejoin Master Lox as he is thrust into the mystical and dangerous Merge.
He reunites with some familiar faces and meets some intriguing new ones.
A secret forgotten for 500 years is brought back into the light (figuratively and literally) and gives us readers many more questions than answers.
All together I enjoyed this read and I have many theories about Archie's origins and why the Villiains in this story are so interested in him.
We also enter a new realm within the Merge with a very fairytale-esc landscape which appears (in my minds eye) to be a very Christmas like area everything very icy and magical.
Even the population are very mythical in there appearance.
With these wierd times we live in, one line stood out to me the most. "This applause is for the unquenchable flame of the human spirit" The context behind this made me cry when I read it, but also think Mr Shan put it in as a statement of these crazy times.
I do recommend giving Master Lox's story a go, it is such a beautiful world the merge.
After a brief hiatus we rejoin Master Lox as he is thrust into the mystical and dangerous Merge.
He reunites with some familiar faces and meets some intriguing new ones.
A secret forgotten for 500 years is brought back into the light (figuratively and literally) and gives us readers many more questions than answers.
All together I enjoyed this read and I have many theories about Archie's origins and why the Villiains in this story are so interested in him.
We also enter a new realm within the Merge with a very fairytale-esc landscape which appears (in my minds eye) to be a very Christmas like area everything very icy and magical.
Even the population are very mythical in there appearance.
With these wierd times we live in, one line stood out to me the most. "This applause is for the unquenchable flame of the human spirit" The context behind this made me cry when I read it, but also think Mr Shan put it in as a statement of these crazy times.
I do recommend giving Master Lox's story a go, it is such a beautiful world the merge.
June 9, 2021
Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt
Note: I was sent an advanced copy to drop this review.
"A solid entertaining ride that includes a giant chase scene that interrupts our Locksmith from doing what he does best, and leads us into a solid adventure of pizazz, new abilities, and wonderment. Some questions get answered, more lore is explored, and the Merge DEEPENS!
We learn more about Old Man Reap, and see more of our gang having adventures.
Yet again, we see more parts of the mythical Merge, and see more views of this giant world Shan has created that reminds me of the work he did with the Demonata. We spent very little time in London, Archie's regular world.
The question is though...is London really his regular world, or the Merge now his reality? I heavily recommend this installment in the new series Shan has created.
It also includes a passage that very much evokes one of Shan's best works: The Vampire Prince. A solid beginning to a new Volume, make sure to pick some extra mushrooms on the way...GROP, GROP, GROP!"
Book 4 Drops July 1st!
Note: I was sent an advanced copy to drop this review.
"A solid entertaining ride that includes a giant chase scene that interrupts our Locksmith from doing what he does best, and leads us into a solid adventure of pizazz, new abilities, and wonderment. Some questions get answered, more lore is explored, and the Merge DEEPENS!
We learn more about Old Man Reap, and see more of our gang having adventures.
Yet again, we see more parts of the mythical Merge, and see more views of this giant world Shan has created that reminds me of the work he did with the Demonata. We spent very little time in London, Archie's regular world.
The question is though...is London really his regular world, or the Merge now his reality? I heavily recommend this installment in the new series Shan has created.
It also includes a passage that very much evokes one of Shan's best works: The Vampire Prince. A solid beginning to a new Volume, make sure to pick some extra mushrooms on the way...GROP, GROP, GROP!"
Book 4 Drops July 1st!
July 22, 2021
Only Darren Shan could make picking locks so interesting. I know they're magical locks but still, when Archie is picking a lock I'm enthralled.
This book really sets up the next two nicely. There are a lot of questions dropped, leaving you to want to read more to find the answers. I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment.
This book really sets up the next two nicely. There are a lot of questions dropped, leaving you to want to read more to find the answers. I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment.
August 5, 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
September 13, 2022
I'd missed Archibald and this whole world so much! This is already one of my favorite series.
The Forgotten Crypt is another amazing book in the series and it was such a fast read. I'm glad I got to re-read the first volume before I read this one because I had forgotten more than I thought. Anyways, I'm glad I got to return to the Merge again and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next!
ps I wish locks from the Merge actually existed so that I could try them too! 💀 Darren Shan and Archibald make lock picking seem so intriguing.
The Forgotten Crypt is another amazing book in the series and it was such a fast read. I'm glad I got to re-read the first volume before I read this one because I had forgotten more than I thought. Anyways, I'm glad I got to return to the Merge again and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next!
ps I wish locks from the Merge actually existed so that I could try them too! 💀 Darren Shan and Archibald make lock picking seem so intriguing.
June 27, 2021
***Spoilers ahead***
"But our story's forever evolving," Argate says. "We've started a new chapter, and unluckily for you, you're part of it."
The day Archie first spotted the girl on the bridge, outrunning her pursuers and disappearing into thin air, life as he knew it had changed forever.
The day he returned to the bridge to say goodbye--hell jackals defeated, a King saved, an Empress outsmarted, a vote of alignment decided--he thought his time in the "weird, welcome otherworld of the Merge" was over.
But the Merge needs him back, and this time, Archie may never return to our sphere. The world of the living. The world of the Born. Archie's mind-bending adventures continue in book one, volume two of Archibald Lox, Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt, and things are only getting more dark, more intense, and more dangerous from here.
For loyal readers of Archibald Lox, the Forgotten Crypt is an unnerving welcome back to a world that we've come to love, and for new readers, it is a story that will grab you, hold you tight...
...and never let go.
I was approached by Darren Shan a few months ago to read and review the upcoming books in his new young adult series, and I fear that at the present moment, there are no words to properly express the level of excitement I was experiencing at the time. I'd reviewed Darren's work in the past when he was publishing books under his pseudonym Darren Dash, but to be asked for my honest input on his young adult works is an honor I never expected to be given.
As someone who's been a fan of his stories for the better half of twenty-five years, I will say with full disclosure that Archibald Lox does not disappoint. As we, the avid readers of Darren Shan have matured over time, so has his writing. The whimsical, magical, "run off and join the circus" captivation and intrigue is still there, with its hold on you as powerful as ever, but Darren has moved on from the young adult world of vampires, spiders, and demons, and is now dabbling in the more sobering art of life, death, and life after death. Darren Shan masterfully crafts a story that opens a door (or borehole) into a universe previously unknown and undiscovered to us, and takes us on a journey through realms, war, politics, and the psychedelic wonders of the Merge. From whimsy to terror, from despair to peace, from a game of Grop to political intensity between realms, this could only be the signature work of a true master of horror.
In Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt, Darren Shan does what he does best. He spins a chilling tale of wonder, enchantment, and intrigue, and leaves us bewildered and breathlessly reaching for the next book.
While reuniting us with beloved characters, and setting us on a new, treacherous mission, Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt is sure to ensnare, mesmerize, and astound readers of all ages.
"But our story's forever evolving," Argate says. "We've started a new chapter, and unluckily for you, you're part of it."
The day Archie first spotted the girl on the bridge, outrunning her pursuers and disappearing into thin air, life as he knew it had changed forever.
The day he returned to the bridge to say goodbye--hell jackals defeated, a King saved, an Empress outsmarted, a vote of alignment decided--he thought his time in the "weird, welcome otherworld of the Merge" was over.
But the Merge needs him back, and this time, Archie may never return to our sphere. The world of the living. The world of the Born. Archie's mind-bending adventures continue in book one, volume two of Archibald Lox, Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt, and things are only getting more dark, more intense, and more dangerous from here.
For loyal readers of Archibald Lox, the Forgotten Crypt is an unnerving welcome back to a world that we've come to love, and for new readers, it is a story that will grab you, hold you tight...
...and never let go.
I was approached by Darren Shan a few months ago to read and review the upcoming books in his new young adult series, and I fear that at the present moment, there are no words to properly express the level of excitement I was experiencing at the time. I'd reviewed Darren's work in the past when he was publishing books under his pseudonym Darren Dash, but to be asked for my honest input on his young adult works is an honor I never expected to be given.
As someone who's been a fan of his stories for the better half of twenty-five years, I will say with full disclosure that Archibald Lox does not disappoint. As we, the avid readers of Darren Shan have matured over time, so has his writing. The whimsical, magical, "run off and join the circus" captivation and intrigue is still there, with its hold on you as powerful as ever, but Darren has moved on from the young adult world of vampires, spiders, and demons, and is now dabbling in the more sobering art of life, death, and life after death. Darren Shan masterfully crafts a story that opens a door (or borehole) into a universe previously unknown and undiscovered to us, and takes us on a journey through realms, war, politics, and the psychedelic wonders of the Merge. From whimsy to terror, from despair to peace, from a game of Grop to political intensity between realms, this could only be the signature work of a true master of horror.
In Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt, Darren Shan does what he does best. He spins a chilling tale of wonder, enchantment, and intrigue, and leaves us bewildered and breathlessly reaching for the next book.
While reuniting us with beloved characters, and setting us on a new, treacherous mission, Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt is sure to ensnare, mesmerize, and astound readers of all ages.
July 19, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the author to review.
I finished this book a little while ago, so sorry Darren Shan for the late review. I have been trying to figure out the best way to describe this book when I am completely in love with the world that has been created. Any series that has a king asking if people are sure they are not gargoyles is going to be a fun ride.
This book as well as the whole series includes a bunch of puns and funny one lines that adults will appreciate. Don't let the fact that this is marketed more as a middle-grade book fool you. Part of why it took me a while to write this review is because I kept re-reading parts I found hilarious.
I appreciate the dedication and tenacity of Archibald. He goes back to a world that is not for the living just to help out and see how things are going. I don't know why his foster parents don't have him under constant supervision. He just disappears at random, leaving them wondering where the heck he went and if they will ever see him again.
I really don't know how to write about this book without basically writing cliff notes. It just makes me so happy that I want to mention everything. I'm not going to, obviously, because everyone should read it for themselves and understand my joy.
I wish the Merge was a real place, maybe without Ruby, but nothing is perfect. The descriptions of the people and places makes you understand why Archibald keeps going back. I mean, this time he was fleeing for his life, but still, the Merge is where he felt safe. I'm still not sure about the sport played, but I don't even understand soccer, so it's really just me. I appreciate that the characters are more than one dimension. This is the fourth book, and honestly, I'm still trying to figure out if certain people are trustworthy or not. Also, Baba Jen is terrifying and wonderful at the same time. She may be joining Holy Moly as a favorite Darren Shan character.
I was worried that Archibald wouldn't be able to open the complicated lock before the end of the book. I'm pretty sure I would have gone nuts not knowing where it led to. So, thank you Darren Shan for providing the answer. It wasn't what I expected, and I'm with everyone else confused as to how Archibald got in, but I'm sure details will be provided in the other books.
I have a feeling that there is more to Archibald than meets the eye, even more than he knows. He seems to have a deeper connection to the Merge than currently revealed.
As a last note, the idea of tea with caviar in it is something I have thought about a lot since I read that part. I mean, I've had tea and caviar in Russia, but no one could ever convince me that the caviar should be put in the tea.
I finished this book a little while ago, so sorry Darren Shan for the late review. I have been trying to figure out the best way to describe this book when I am completely in love with the world that has been created. Any series that has a king asking if people are sure they are not gargoyles is going to be a fun ride.
This book as well as the whole series includes a bunch of puns and funny one lines that adults will appreciate. Don't let the fact that this is marketed more as a middle-grade book fool you. Part of why it took me a while to write this review is because I kept re-reading parts I found hilarious.
I appreciate the dedication and tenacity of Archibald. He goes back to a world that is not for the living just to help out and see how things are going. I don't know why his foster parents don't have him under constant supervision. He just disappears at random, leaving them wondering where the heck he went and if they will ever see him again.
I really don't know how to write about this book without basically writing cliff notes. It just makes me so happy that I want to mention everything. I'm not going to, obviously, because everyone should read it for themselves and understand my joy.
I wish the Merge was a real place, maybe without Ruby, but nothing is perfect. The descriptions of the people and places makes you understand why Archibald keeps going back. I mean, this time he was fleeing for his life, but still, the Merge is where he felt safe. I'm still not sure about the sport played, but I don't even understand soccer, so it's really just me. I appreciate that the characters are more than one dimension. This is the fourth book, and honestly, I'm still trying to figure out if certain people are trustworthy or not. Also, Baba Jen is terrifying and wonderful at the same time. She may be joining Holy Moly as a favorite Darren Shan character.
I was worried that Archibald wouldn't be able to open the complicated lock before the end of the book. I'm pretty sure I would have gone nuts not knowing where it led to. So, thank you Darren Shan for providing the answer. It wasn't what I expected, and I'm with everyone else confused as to how Archibald got in, but I'm sure details will be provided in the other books.
I have a feeling that there is more to Archibald than meets the eye, even more than he knows. He seems to have a deeper connection to the Merge than currently revealed.
As a last note, the idea of tea with caviar in it is something I have thought about a lot since I read that part. I mean, I've had tea and caviar in Russia, but no one could ever convince me that the caviar should be put in the tea.
August 19, 2021
We return for the second volume of adventure and fantasy of Archibald Lox.
After our last adventure with the lost princess I was left wondering where Darren Shan would take Archie next, the answer is back to the merge.
One year after the adventures in sapphire and returning to the born, Archibald has been working on his locksmith skills and spending time on a big project to be chased back into the merge by some old foes.
Though this book picked up with an amazing and energetic start I felt it fell a bit dry about 3/4 of the way through which made it difficult for me to keep interest, but once fighting through what I felt was a long process I was right back into the story and ready to continue onto book 2 of the second volume and now I cannot wait.
If you enjoyed the first volume you will enjoy the beginning of the next adventure.
After our last adventure with the lost princess I was left wondering where Darren Shan would take Archie next, the answer is back to the merge.
One year after the adventures in sapphire and returning to the born, Archibald has been working on his locksmith skills and spending time on a big project to be chased back into the merge by some old foes.
Though this book picked up with an amazing and energetic start I felt it fell a bit dry about 3/4 of the way through which made it difficult for me to keep interest, but once fighting through what I felt was a long process I was right back into the story and ready to continue onto book 2 of the second volume and now I cannot wait.
If you enjoyed the first volume you will enjoy the beginning of the next adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2021
First a big thank you to Darren for providing me an arc for review!
We are into the thick of it now! Darren is notorious in my mind for creating the kind of slow burn, atmospheric works that really allow to immerse yourself in the world, and the Archibald Lox series is no different. The Merge is an incredibly remarkable place and every detail makes me long to see it for myself (though hopefully, just as a visitor!). The friendship between Inez and Archie is truly endearing and I can't wait to see them grow both together and as individuals, and, in true Shan style, I'm interested to see what perils and twists await them as the series continues!
We are into the thick of it now! Darren is notorious in my mind for creating the kind of slow burn, atmospheric works that really allow to immerse yourself in the world, and the Archibald Lox series is no different. The Merge is an incredibly remarkable place and every detail makes me long to see it for myself (though hopefully, just as a visitor!). The friendship between Inez and Archie is truly endearing and I can't wait to see them grow both together and as individuals, and, in true Shan style, I'm interested to see what perils and twists await them as the series continues!
January 16, 2023
Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt was the fourth installment in the series and first book in the second trilogy. This was solid start to the second trilogy. The characters were amazing as usual. The plot was a bit slow, but interesting. Politics are seemingly becoming a bigger part in the world; not sure if I like that in a YA book but just a personal preference.
I'm excited to see where the story goes next!
August 10, 2021
I usually love the Archibald Lox stories but this one was a bit confusing. The political system baffles me a bit! I hope the next two books are a bit clearer. Still die hard love Darren Shan forever though
October 3, 2021
Delightful follow up . Glad to see the gang reunited again. Shan will keep you hanging onto every word finished this in a flash . Looking forward to exploring this bizarrely fascinating world more.
July 10, 2021
Truly loving this new series from Darren Shan. Just like when I was a kid, I'm earnestly waiting on the next book to released as soon as I finish the previous one.
June 4, 2022
Another great installment in the Archibald Lox series! Full of excitement and intrigue. I can't wait to see where this trilogy leads!
November 22, 2021
At the weekend I finished Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt (book 4 of the Archibald Lox series)
We get to see the gang get back together to start their new adventure of kidnapping a very important child.
To do so they decide to get involved in grop again (a sport unique to this book series)
Not a lot happens in this little book it's more just getting them back involved in the story and travelling to the new land.
However the main thing that occurs involves the forgotten crypt which is all I will say on that.
It was great seeing Archie again and exploring his little crush as well.
I think I'll give the book 3 stars, I know the series will get better as the adventure starts for real so I'm excited to start the next book.
The good news is recently Darren Shan released all 3 books of this mini series as an omnibus and reading it as one big book would definitely change my opinion on this book.
We get to see the gang get back together to start their new adventure of kidnapping a very important child.
To do so they decide to get involved in grop again (a sport unique to this book series)
Not a lot happens in this little book it's more just getting them back involved in the story and travelling to the new land.
However the main thing that occurs involves the forgotten crypt which is all I will say on that.
It was great seeing Archie again and exploring his little crush as well.
I think I'll give the book 3 stars, I know the series will get better as the adventure starts for real so I'm excited to start the next book.
The good news is recently Darren Shan released all 3 books of this mini series as an omnibus and reading it as one big book would definitely change my opinion on this book.
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 gave me a feeling like I was coming home. Shan's stories are so easy to jump back into no matter how long it has been since you read the last one and this was no exception. It was great to be back with Archie and the gang. again. This was a really good expansion to the story from where volume 1 finished. It had more of what we'd become familiar with along with more details of the world within and a tantalising twist that has left me desperate to read the next part of this volume to see how it expands from here.
4.75 Stars
CAWPILE = 8.57
This gave me a feeling like I was coming home. Shan's stories are so easy to jump back into no matter how long it has been since you read the last one and this was no exception. It was great to be back with Archie and the gang. again. This was a really good expansion to the story from where volume 1 finished. It had more of what we'd become familiar with along with more details of the world within and a tantalising twist that has left me desperate to read the next part of this volume to see how it expands from here.
February 3, 2022
The adventure continues with Archibald Lox! I’m loving every minute of Archie’s adventures in the Merge. Every page is dragging me further in to the mystery’s for which I’m now completely addicted. But the biggest mystery still remains who is Archibald Lox really!
April 2, 2022
Great read
This book set is amazing to read and it keeps you reading. The hole set is so well written amazing characters. Easy to read .. Would highly recommend this set by the incredible author that is Darren Shan
This book set is amazing to read and it keeps you reading. The hole set is so well written amazing characters. Easy to read .. Would highly recommend this set by the incredible author that is Darren Shan
September 26, 2023
Archie couldn't stay away from locks, even though he tried. He became locksmith apprentice because he stumbled upon a very curious lock. Of course something bad had to happen, two assassins tried to capture him. He decided to run away, ended up in Moscow and met his old friends who invited him to help them out on a new mission. Once again trouble with royal family. I was glad to see Pol again, it was such a cute interaction between him and Archie. And as the title says 'forgotten crypt' plays a big role in this book but I'm not gonna spoil anything. I have some wild theories and can't wait to see whether I'm right.
December 25, 2024
This book works really well as a set up for the new storyline for the second trilogy in the Archibald Lox verse. I can't wait to see what happens next!
September 29, 2025
Beetje introductie
June 6, 2024
There was so much lore in this book! The Forgotten Crypt is a great concept. This kind of book usually bugs me because it ends with no conclusion, but the journey in this book was enjoyable.
I look forward to the following chapters of Archibald Lox. I hope things get exciting because it seems that stuff is ramping up.
I look forward to the following chapters of Archibald Lox. I hope things get exciting because it seems that stuff is ramping up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2024
Book started out really good and got really interesting up untill the middle of the book then felt like it just dwindled on which i presume will make sense in next book but also disappointing when you get to really good bit of the story. Great read overall though and highly amusing.
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