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Archibald Lox #2
Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan
Archie thought he was finished with the Merge, but he was wrong.
Teaming up again with Inez, they must pit their wits against the infamous Empress of Suanpan.
In a city of gamblers, Archie must stake everything he owns, even his freedom...
Book two of the Archibald Lox series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.
Teaming up again with Inez, they must pit their wits against the infamous Empress of Suanpan.
In a city of gamblers, Archie must stake everything he owns, even his freedom...
Book two of the Archibald Lox series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.
127 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2020
78 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Darren Shan
248 books8,303 followersLibrarian's note: Also writes books for adults under the name Darren Dash. And in the past he has released books for adults under the names D.B. Shan and Darren O'Shaughnessy.
Darren Shan (born July 2, 1972 in London, England) is the pen name of the Irish author Darren O'Shaughnessy, as well as the name of the protagonist of his book series The Saga of Darren Shan, also known as The Cirque Du Freak Series in the United States. He is the author of the series The Demonata, The Saga of Larten Crepsley, and Zom-B. He has also released the stand-alone novel, The Thin Executioner, and the stand-alone short novels, Koyasan, and Hagurosan. Plus, for adults, he released The City Trilogy (originally under the name of D.B. Shan), and Lady of the Shades..
Darren Shan (born July 2, 1972 in London, England) is the pen name of the Irish author Darren O'Shaughnessy, as well as the name of the protagonist of his book series The Saga of Darren Shan, also known as The Cirque Du Freak Series in the United States. He is the author of the series The Demonata, The Saga of Larten Crepsley, and Zom-B. He has also released the stand-alone novel, The Thin Executioner, and the stand-alone short novels, Koyasan, and Hagurosan. Plus, for adults, he released The City Trilogy (originally under the name of D.B. Shan), and Lady of the Shades..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 17, 2021
Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan is a sprint from start to finish, yet it is also slowly but steadily luring us deeper into this magical world called the Merge.
Starting from where the first book ended, Archie needs to look for help. But when he finds the person Inez told him to find, that person is not so willing to help Inez as he would have thought. Now it’s Archie’s turn to step up to the plate and save his new friend.
The antagonist in this book, the Empress of Suanpan, is an interesting character and the way she rules over her kingdom is very impressive, yet despicable at the same time. She actually serves as a better short-term foe for Archie to battle with than the threats he faces in the first book. Which makes the story as a stand-alone book, in my opinion, a little more fulfilling. Just as Archie slowly explores the Merge and starts to master his abilities, so do we as readers gradually learn more about this fascinating world and how it works. Just enough is revealed to build up some hype for the next installment and to keep us begging for more. Add in a blistering pace that keeps your eyes glued to the pages from start to finish and you have a recipe for success.
This series started off great and just keeps getting better. A short, fascinating and exciting read.
Starting from where the first book ended, Archie needs to look for help. But when he finds the person Inez told him to find, that person is not so willing to help Inez as he would have thought. Now it’s Archie’s turn to step up to the plate and save his new friend.
The antagonist in this book, the Empress of Suanpan, is an interesting character and the way she rules over her kingdom is very impressive, yet despicable at the same time. She actually serves as a better short-term foe for Archie to battle with than the threats he faces in the first book. Which makes the story as a stand-alone book, in my opinion, a little more fulfilling. Just as Archie slowly explores the Merge and starts to master his abilities, so do we as readers gradually learn more about this fascinating world and how it works. Just enough is revealed to build up some hype for the next installment and to keep us begging for more. Add in a blistering pace that keeps your eyes glued to the pages from start to finish and you have a recipe for success.
This series started off great and just keeps getting better. A short, fascinating and exciting read.
July 6, 2020
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This is my favorite book out of the three, only because I loved the match between Archie and Urszula. She reminded me a lot of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, where she makes the rules and doesn’t play fair. The game was also very gripping where you don’t know how it will turn out. I loved how Archie is perceptive to his surroundings and looks at things that others ignore.
Also, there are new characters, like the members of Thesp, who add well to the plot. The group make the story interesting with their adventures in Suanpan. Moreover, I loved Archie’s interactions with Winston and felt they shared a history, even though Archie has not met him before.
This series just gets better makes you want to read Book 3 immediately.
Read
May 15, 2021Well I can't say it was an easy read. It took me more than 4 month to finally finish it. :D
I also can't say I hate it... no doubt there are better works from this author, but meh, try this one too if you like fantasy {and stupid stupid MC.}
Just let me nag about something
In 138 pages, the word "laugh" was used 40 times. {Nevermind all the giggles and chuckles.} And I bet at least 41 one of them belonged to Urszula. :|
Come on. I hate her, she laughs A LOT. And her death, well, wasn't it too easy? it didn't took even a couple of seconds. Just BANG! She died people. Good for Archie!
I hope, as people say, the next books get better. You have fantastic ideas, dear author. Use them please.
Aaaaand I hope someday I visit Suanpan that place is just crazy
I also can't say I hate it... no doubt there are better works from this author, but meh, try this one too if you like fantasy {and stupid stupid MC.}
Just let me nag about something
In 138 pages, the word "laugh" was used 40 times. {Nevermind all the giggles and chuckles.} And I bet at least 41 one of them belonged to Urszula. :|
Come on. I hate her, she laughs A LOT. And her death, well, wasn't it too easy? it didn't took even a couple of seconds. Just BANG! She died people. Good for Archie!
I hope, as people say, the next books get better. You have fantastic ideas, dear author. Use them please.
Aaaaand I hope someday I visit Suanpan that place is just crazy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2020
Looking forward to the next one! I just want answers though, IS ARCHIBALD DEAD? Why can normal people only half see him? Why does he have Merge powers?
September 10, 2022
Perfect. I like Archie and how we're slowly getting to know more of him and his personality, I just hope we see more of his backstory in the future, like his parents and stuff like that. I still cannot figure out why he is sometimes seen by the Born, sometimes not, and what/who that voice in his head is (is the voice Archie's Shining?).
I love how Merge is such a new and unique world that I basically cannot say what may or may not happen in this world. I like this world and exploring its different zones, habitats and their rulers.
I wonder when we are going to acknowledge Shan's universe btw. I think his universe deserves as much recognition as King's because it includes various "layers" of the world; Demonata, the Merge, the parallel universe, and the "normal" world.
I look forward to reading the next book(s) in the series.
I love how Merge is such a new and unique world that I basically cannot say what may or may not happen in this world. I like this world and exploring its different zones, habitats and their rulers.
I wonder when we are going to acknowledge Shan's universe btw. I think his universe deserves as much recognition as King's because it includes various "layers" of the world; Demonata, the Merge, the parallel universe, and the "normal" world.
I look forward to reading the next book(s) in the series.
May 1, 2020
I really wish these books were just all one book, I feel like they are far too short and they are just over as the action starts.
The reason why I’ve rated this book 4 stars and not 5 is the same as the first book, I feel like there’s not much of a background to the story there’s no side stories, no plot twists, no real story development and no answers to my questions just yet. All those bad points to one side it’s still a great read, it’s so fast paced, characters are all loveable and the story is flowing.
I’m loving Archie as he discovers more about his abilities as a locksmith, how he can control different things. He was such a nervous character to start of with but now I feel he is coming more out of his shell and having confidence in his ability.
The sense of humour throughout this book was what stood out the most. I feel like it was well suited to the characters that were using it, as it felt that we were a part of the book and actually there picturing the scenes. So been able to picture the scenes also means that the amount of detail into each aspect of the new scenery was spot on.
Reading this book also gives me a sort of sci fi feeling too especially with some of the different realms, and all these portals we have to adventure through. I do realise that it is also very much a fantasy aspect but for some reason it just gives me this feeling. That’s possibly why I’m enjoying this series a lot of Darren shans because I’m a huge sci fi fan.
In this book we can tell that the friendship between the two main characters has developed quite a lot for the first book to the end of the second book, because there has been a lot of trustful moments and they’ve actually came out the other side of the problems still friends.
Another thing that I like within this book is that we are starting to meet different people within the different realms and we are learning how each one runs and more about the people that are on that realm. So I’m enjoying this aspect of the book. I just feel like we should know why she is been chased by the submerged, what her plan is, and what she hopes to get out of it. Maybe book 3 will give me this closure but then I don’t feel like it will.
The reason why I’ve rated this book 4 stars and not 5 is the same as the first book, I feel like there’s not much of a background to the story there’s no side stories, no plot twists, no real story development and no answers to my questions just yet. All those bad points to one side it’s still a great read, it’s so fast paced, characters are all loveable and the story is flowing.
I’m loving Archie as he discovers more about his abilities as a locksmith, how he can control different things. He was such a nervous character to start of with but now I feel he is coming more out of his shell and having confidence in his ability.
The sense of humour throughout this book was what stood out the most. I feel like it was well suited to the characters that were using it, as it felt that we were a part of the book and actually there picturing the scenes. So been able to picture the scenes also means that the amount of detail into each aspect of the new scenery was spot on.
Reading this book also gives me a sort of sci fi feeling too especially with some of the different realms, and all these portals we have to adventure through. I do realise that it is also very much a fantasy aspect but for some reason it just gives me this feeling. That’s possibly why I’m enjoying this series a lot of Darren shans because I’m a huge sci fi fan.
In this book we can tell that the friendship between the two main characters has developed quite a lot for the first book to the end of the second book, because there has been a lot of trustful moments and they’ve actually came out the other side of the problems still friends.
Another thing that I like within this book is that we are starting to meet different people within the different realms and we are learning how each one runs and more about the people that are on that realm. So I’m enjoying this aspect of the book. I just feel like we should know why she is been chased by the submerged, what her plan is, and what she hopes to get out of it. Maybe book 3 will give me this closure but then I don’t feel like it will.
April 4, 2020
This is the perfect mix of fantasy and horror. Love how it mixes in elements from his previous stories. I found myself lost in it. The suspense, humor , magic, and horror are all well balanced. These will Be enjoyable for readers of all age groups.
June 28, 2020
Darren Shan has been one of my most favorite authors since childhood. I was excited to start this new series. And I completed all the 3 books of this first volume within 4 days!
The action starts right away. His writing is very simple, yet unique. You start liking the characters immediately. You’re introduced to an interesting world and a plot that hooks you.
The first book is free on Kindle (I’m not sure for how long). There are 2 other books that make up this volume.
For those of you who wish to try out his other books, read the Cirque du Freak and the Demonata series. They’re absolutely amazing! The world, the characters and the magic - you’d love them! I grew up with these books alongside Harry Potter and a couple of other series, back during school.
Waiting for the next volume!
The action starts right away. His writing is very simple, yet unique. You start liking the characters immediately. You’re introduced to an interesting world and a plot that hooks you.
The first book is free on Kindle (I’m not sure for how long). There are 2 other books that make up this volume.
For those of you who wish to try out his other books, read the Cirque du Freak and the Demonata series. They’re absolutely amazing! The world, the characters and the magic - you’d love them! I grew up with these books alongside Harry Potter and a couple of other series, back during school.
Waiting for the next volume!
April 29, 2020
This second installment in Darren Shan's series continues with the world and characters set up previously but actually feels like quite a standalone book. Reunited with Inez, Archibald finds himself in the gambling city of Suanpan and someone is going to have to take on the Empress at her own game.
Gambling in literature is often great. In no other medium can you see inside the player's heads and this makes the game all the more interesting. I like it when authors come up with their own betting games and they can work really well if they aren't overly complicated and this game is really simple but effective. Add in the Empress of Suanpan, who reminded me of Futurama's Mom character, an apparently nice lady who is secretly deadly and the lead character working out how she treats is like a fantasy version of James Bond.
This volume distracts from the main arc but it's so much fun that I couldn't help but enjoy it. Very different from book 1 but really enjoyable all the same.
Gambling in literature is often great. In no other medium can you see inside the player's heads and this makes the game all the more interesting. I like it when authors come up with their own betting games and they can work really well if they aren't overly complicated and this game is really simple but effective. Add in the Empress of Suanpan, who reminded me of Futurama's Mom character, an apparently nice lady who is secretly deadly and the lead character working out how she treats is like a fantasy version of James Bond.
This volume distracts from the main arc but it's so much fun that I couldn't help but enjoy it. Very different from book 1 but really enjoyable all the same.
April 15, 2020
I enjoyed this volume more than the first. With pure exposition out of the way, Darren Shan focused on building an exciting story through and through. I devoured this book in no time at all, as Shan let his talent flow. With Archie's powers coming into focus, it made the volume that much more interesting. Short, sweet and ending on a infamous Shan cliffhanger. On to volume three...
June 10, 2020
Another one finished! These are just too good!
Loving the fact Shan is going for a fantasy vibe 👌
It's like Mister Monday meets Locke and key with Shan's incredible mind
Even though I still don't know Archies purpose in the Merge i'm drawn to read more and more.
On to number 3 😁
Loving the fact Shan is going for a fantasy vibe 👌
It's like Mister Monday meets Locke and key with Shan's incredible mind
Even though I still don't know Archies purpose in the Merge i'm drawn to read more and more.
On to number 3 😁
June 6, 2020
Fantastic!!! The idea for this city and the actions of the Empress kept me hooked!
July 15, 2021
Note: This is a review on the overall first Volume of the Archibald Lox series.
It's been a really long time since I read a Darren Shan YA book. After the hugely successful Zom-B series, where Mr. Shan explored a lot of social commentary while maintaining an action-packed and exciting story throughout 12 novels (Read it, I promise you won't regret it), I just had to delve back into his worlds. I grew up reading the Saga of Darren Shan, the Demonata series, and everything else Mr. Shan has written.
And so, I am very grateful that Mr. Shan reached out to me with review copies his new series in exchange of an honest review.
The reason why I am reviewing the whole volume as one is precisely because of how the books are structured. The first three books make up one overall story arc in the following order:
1. Archibald Lox and the Bridge Between Worlds (3.5/5)
2. Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan (3/5)
3. Archibald Lox and the Vote of Alignment (4/5)
As usual, Mr. Shan has a creative grasp on character names. Archibald Lox, if you haven't guessed, is a locksmith, and his power allows him to open doors to different worlds and travel. He is accompanied by Inez, and together they go on many different adventures in different parts of the world, and I mean a diverse set of locations like UK, Dubai, and more.
It took me a bit of time to get fully immersed into the world, because there was a lot of exposition in the first book, but I did like the cast of characters a lot. I think that this series is Mr. Shan's Alice in Worlderland-esque effort. Because you get portals to different places, get ready for things to flip quickly, weird and quirky things happen all at once, and have some rules you were used to suddenly change.
I did enjoy the first book as an introduction, but the second book suffered a bit of a second book syndrome for me, and I was struggling to be invested in that particular aspect of the story. However, the third book redeemed itself with a very interesting plot twist.
Overall, this series feels different than Darren Shan's other children's books, and that's not a bad thing. Mr. Shan is always trying new things in his book and I appreciate that about him. I definitely can't wait to see what happens in the next volume, which I'll be reading very soon.
Overall volume rating: 3.5/5
It's been a really long time since I read a Darren Shan YA book. After the hugely successful Zom-B series, where Mr. Shan explored a lot of social commentary while maintaining an action-packed and exciting story throughout 12 novels (Read it, I promise you won't regret it), I just had to delve back into his worlds. I grew up reading the Saga of Darren Shan, the Demonata series, and everything else Mr. Shan has written.
And so, I am very grateful that Mr. Shan reached out to me with review copies his new series in exchange of an honest review.
The reason why I am reviewing the whole volume as one is precisely because of how the books are structured. The first three books make up one overall story arc in the following order:
1. Archibald Lox and the Bridge Between Worlds (3.5/5)
2. Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan (3/5)
3. Archibald Lox and the Vote of Alignment (4/5)
As usual, Mr. Shan has a creative grasp on character names. Archibald Lox, if you haven't guessed, is a locksmith, and his power allows him to open doors to different worlds and travel. He is accompanied by Inez, and together they go on many different adventures in different parts of the world, and I mean a diverse set of locations like UK, Dubai, and more.
It took me a bit of time to get fully immersed into the world, because there was a lot of exposition in the first book, but I did like the cast of characters a lot. I think that this series is Mr. Shan's Alice in Worlderland-esque effort. Because you get portals to different places, get ready for things to flip quickly, weird and quirky things happen all at once, and have some rules you were used to suddenly change.
I did enjoy the first book as an introduction, but the second book suffered a bit of a second book syndrome for me, and I was struggling to be invested in that particular aspect of the story. However, the third book redeemed itself with a very interesting plot twist.
Overall, this series feels different than Darren Shan's other children's books, and that's not a bad thing. Mr. Shan is always trying new things in his book and I appreciate that about him. I definitely can't wait to see what happens in the next volume, which I'll be reading very soon.
Overall volume rating: 3.5/5
April 5, 2020
Another fun, surreal adventure, with an abstract landscape that could have been straight out of Alice Wonderland (including a certain bloodthirsty monarch)
This improves on the first by not having has much exposition and having more action and moving the story forward. However I think the main plot, involving a gambling game, isn't as interesting as the first, but I guess that's just my personal taste (even though it somewhat kept me gript)
It's got a good combination of adventure, humour, and electrifying imagination, and I can't wait to unlock the next instalment...
This improves on the first by not having has much exposition and having more action and moving the story forward. However I think the main plot, involving a gambling game, isn't as interesting as the first, but I guess that's just my personal taste (even though it somewhat kept me gript)
It's got a good combination of adventure, humour, and electrifying imagination, and I can't wait to unlock the next instalment...
May 18, 2020
This new series is addictive and I’m so hooked! Absolutely love it
May 16, 2020
Very quick read. Picked up right where book one left off. Another good cliff hanger for book 3.
May 31, 2021
The second installment in the Archibald Lox series did not disappoint. I truly loved everything about this book, which for me was pure fantasy escapism. Some characters are charming and will make you smile. Others will make your skin crawl, but all are fascinating personalities with their own stories to tell. The worldbuilding in this book (and the series so far) is for me where Darren Shan really shines. The weird and wonderful worlds within these pages manage to feel both strangely familiar and utterly alien.
I know my younger self would have been obsessed with these books. And as an adult, I am getting just as much out of them today.
I know my younger self would have been obsessed with these books. And as an adult, I am getting just as much out of them today.
June 20, 2021
Archibald Lox should have returned home to his foster parents after his adventures in the Merge in
Archibald Lox and the Bridge Between Worlds
. When we meet him again in Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan, he escapes those pursuing him in New York, steps onto a vine and is suddenly in the bell tower of Big Ben. There he meets another locksmith like himself, skilled in the art of opening impossible locks, and his adventure should have ended there.
Unfortunately, Winston-the-locksmith confesses to Archie that he is too old and weary to assist Inez on her quest and that the entire realm might fail as a result. Archie knows that he has no choice but to join Inez on the Pineapple Island and intriguingly, Winston believes Archie might just have the skills to unlock the most difficult lock of all.
That is why Archie and Inez find themselves in the realm of Suanpan, an impossibly massive world of domes and gamblers where the friends must risk everything in order to succeed in a game of wits and chance against the empress.
Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan is non-stop adventure from the very first page and once again transports readers to magical realms beyond their wildest imaginations. The world of Suanpan is wickedly Kafkaesque and the maniacal empress makes for a very dastardly foe as Archie and his friends come to terms with how real and dangerous their predicament is.
The second book of Volume One of Darren Shan's Archibald Lox series, Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan is another short yet incredibly readable book which will appeal to even the most reluctant young readers.
I give Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan a superb five out of five stars and am so pleased I've finally written this review so that I can start reading Archibald Lox and the Vote of Alignment, the final book in Volume One. If you're looking for a slightly longer read, all three books in Volume One are now available in one book, Archibald Lox Volume 1: The Missing Princess.
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Unfortunately, Winston-the-locksmith confesses to Archie that he is too old and weary to assist Inez on her quest and that the entire realm might fail as a result. Archie knows that he has no choice but to join Inez on the Pineapple Island and intriguingly, Winston believes Archie might just have the skills to unlock the most difficult lock of all.
That is why Archie and Inez find themselves in the realm of Suanpan, an impossibly massive world of domes and gamblers where the friends must risk everything in order to succeed in a game of wits and chance against the empress.
Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan is non-stop adventure from the very first page and once again transports readers to magical realms beyond their wildest imaginations. The world of Suanpan is wickedly Kafkaesque and the maniacal empress makes for a very dastardly foe as Archie and his friends come to terms with how real and dangerous their predicament is.
The second book of Volume One of Darren Shan's Archibald Lox series, Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan is another short yet incredibly readable book which will appeal to even the most reluctant young readers.
I give Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan a superb five out of five stars and am so pleased I've finally written this review so that I can start reading Archibald Lox and the Vote of Alignment, the final book in Volume One. If you're looking for a slightly longer read, all three books in Volume One are now available in one book, Archibald Lox Volume 1: The Missing Princess.
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May 25, 2021
Darren Shan stated on Twitter that he had tried to move away from horror and into fantasy with these books, after reading the first book I thought to myself "he wished he could leave horror behind him". However the second installment to Volume 1 of the series does exactly that and I was left to eat my hat.
After facing murderers and monsters Inez and Archi are left to face a new challenger in a new way.
Collecting a team to help Inez on her mission brings the pair to a new zone, one where the Devisor enjoys a gamble, she will gamble for anything you offer, whether the odds are in your favour however depends on how big the gamble is.
I enjoyed this installment a little more than the first installment as it was straight into the action as it continues from the first book making the jump between the two seamless.
I look forward to the third book and cannot wait to dig into the recently announce volume 2 released later in 2021.
After facing murderers and monsters Inez and Archi are left to face a new challenger in a new way.
Collecting a team to help Inez on her mission brings the pair to a new zone, one where the Devisor enjoys a gamble, she will gamble for anything you offer, whether the odds are in your favour however depends on how big the gamble is.
I enjoyed this installment a little more than the first installment as it was straight into the action as it continues from the first book making the jump between the two seamless.
I look forward to the third book and cannot wait to dig into the recently announce volume 2 released later in 2021.
July 28, 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
July 24, 2021
I finished book 2 of Archibald Lox. I enjoyed this book a lot more than the last as we got to experience more of an adventure.
In this book we see Archie in Saunpan a city that is made up of connected floating pods. Most known for its casino. Archie needs to take on the Empress in a perculuar casino game to win back a friend of Inez for their still unknown quest.
We found out more about Archie's past in this book, for example what happened to his foster brother Dave.
I enjoyed the setting, I feel it was quite unique and I didn't expect the second book of the series to take place in a casino. I also enjoyed the weird high/low game they were playing. It was like a new casino game inspired by real ones.
Now the ending of this book was such a turn I was not expecting at all. It also got me thinking, if Archie is murdered in the merge does he then become a real member of the merge?
In this book we see Archie in Saunpan a city that is made up of connected floating pods. Most known for its casino. Archie needs to take on the Empress in a perculuar casino game to win back a friend of Inez for their still unknown quest.
We found out more about Archie's past in this book, for example what happened to his foster brother Dave.
I enjoyed the setting, I feel it was quite unique and I didn't expect the second book of the series to take place in a casino. I also enjoyed the weird high/low game they were playing. It was like a new casino game inspired by real ones.
Now the ending of this book was such a turn I was not expecting at all. It also got me thinking, if Archie is murdered in the merge does he then become a real member of the merge?
June 2, 2022
A page turner through and through. I was only barely able to tear myself from this book, and even then only briefly. I dare say, the majority of my next few days will most likely be spent reading the remaining books available in the series. Darren Shan does it again!
September 2, 2020
I thought I enjoyed the first book but the second one had me back in that classic Darren Shan nostalgia of games and gore. It was excellent!
December 29, 2021
Second book complete
Such a brilliant second book, the more you read the more you get pulled into the story , you get introduced to some interesting characters along the way .. It makes you keep reading... Cannot wait to read the rest of the books from this set .... Darren Shan is an incredible author and his books are incredible
Such a brilliant second book, the more you read the more you get pulled into the story , you get introduced to some interesting characters along the way .. It makes you keep reading... Cannot wait to read the rest of the books from this set .... Darren Shan is an incredible author and his books are incredible
February 2, 2025
این کتاب هم مثل جلد اولش شگفت انگیز و باحال بود. سوآن پن واقعا جذاب بود، مخصوصا ملکه اش😂 این دومین کتابی بود که از دارن شان خوندم. بی نهایت لذت بردم و از قلمی که داره، به شدت سرکیف شدم. اون با این مجموعه داره به جهان ثابت می کنه که علاوه بر ژانر وحشت، تو نوشتن ژانر فانتزی هم، از مهارت و قلم فوق العاده ای برخورداره.
August 21, 2020
And so, with this, the series gets even better...
I am hooked. The chase through the pods kept me cheerleading for my favorite characters. Their concern for those they defeated made me appreciate their integrity. Bring on the next book!
I am hooked. The chase through the pods kept me cheerleading for my favorite characters. Their concern for those they defeated made me appreciate their integrity. Bring on the next book!
February 5, 2021
A very solid and more cerebral narrative. Different from his normal structure, and this time the Locksmith factors into the climax in such a clever way.
Check it out!
I'm waiting to see if his brother actually is still around. There's...hints...
On to book 3.
Check it out!
I'm waiting to see if his brother actually is still around. There's...hints...
On to book 3.
February 1, 2022
I’m really enjoying all the different imaginative spheres, that are being described to me in this ever evolving series and I can’t wait to read them all. Archibald Lox is a mystery himself 🤔
November 10, 2025
Very minor spoilers.
The second book in the Archibald Lox saga is as pretty much as good as the first. Again the lore building is second to none. I like the way Mr Shan uses Vines to connect the Empire state building to other landmarks across the world such as The Pyramid of Giza, Effiel tower and Big Ben. As a sort of fast travelling system to go across the globe. Along with the use of Borehole and Locks it makes the world feel seemless, connected and expansive. The villain Urzsula was definitely a big highlight. I love how her persona is nice to the people of Suanpan but inside shes cunning and wicked. Manipulating everyone around her with her games.
Book two doesn't move the main plot forward as much, more of a side plot per say but introduces side characters I believe we'll see more prominently in the books to come( Baba Jen)
I find when we go on side quests it has the potential to derail the flow which seen in plenty in other books. Thankfully it's done with precision. More than that, It was a joy to see a different section more of the Merge. The Abacus city was a treat for the eyes. Think of it as Las Vegas built into a giant Abacus. It could've come off as silly but I found it clever, unusual and a striking scene you can picture easily. This book was a blast to read.
This was close to being a 5 star read but found the 3rd act chase would've benefited being a little longer. To ramp up the tension even more and make Urzsula even deadiler. Still a minor nitpick for a fantastic read 4.4/5
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