What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cracklock Saga #1
Fae or Foe?
★★★★★ "A fantastic adventure!" - Customer Review No one would want to kill a Faery, surely?! Jack Crackley wouldn't; teenagers don’t believe in such things. But he is going to learn that his imperfect life isn’t what it should be. Little eyes watch out for him whilst bigger ones seek him for their own ends. Hunted by the crazed family he never knew, Jack is in for a rude awakening of epic proportions. The Fae are in serious danger. Jack is going to have to get to the bottom of it all before it’s too late. And that's a tall order when you have no idea who you really are… A fantasy adventure like no other, where worlds collide and the monsters are not only from make believe. Things are going to get complicated.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 17, 2023
Fae Or Foe: The Cracklock Saga, book 1, by Craig Deegan.
A great start to the Cracklock saga. Older children and adults will love the imaginative world building in this wonderful mystery.
The story begins with a young girl, Jannie, as she plays a game of tea party with her toys. When suddenly, Popkin, a small being pops out from under her toys. This is the first glimpse into the other world where faeries and monsters do exist. Think Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings jumbled together, add a splash of St Trinian’s School for boys, not girls, and you are halfway there. Buckle up and enjoy the parallel world where faeries, imps, goblins, shape-shifters, and devils live among us: invisible to human eyes.
The nation finds itself in the grips of an epidemic of such proportions that the entire nation is in a panic, as a child ageing illness continues to spread.
I liked young Jack Crackley as the protagonist, not forgetting Jimmy his school friend who helps him when situations become dire – which is quite often.
Sinister events take the reader deeper into the story as young Jack becomes aware of the ways and traditions of the Cracklock family.
Well-written in an engaging style. Action-packed with loads of magic, glamours (spells), and of course well-crafted characters, for you to love or hate, respectively. Which casts this beautifully visual book into the realm of cinematic fantasy fun.
Highly Recommended.
A great start to the Cracklock saga. Older children and adults will love the imaginative world building in this wonderful mystery.
The story begins with a young girl, Jannie, as she plays a game of tea party with her toys. When suddenly, Popkin, a small being pops out from under her toys. This is the first glimpse into the other world where faeries and monsters do exist. Think Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings jumbled together, add a splash of St Trinian’s School for boys, not girls, and you are halfway there. Buckle up and enjoy the parallel world where faeries, imps, goblins, shape-shifters, and devils live among us: invisible to human eyes.
The nation finds itself in the grips of an epidemic of such proportions that the entire nation is in a panic, as a child ageing illness continues to spread.
I liked young Jack Crackley as the protagonist, not forgetting Jimmy his school friend who helps him when situations become dire – which is quite often.
Sinister events take the reader deeper into the story as young Jack becomes aware of the ways and traditions of the Cracklock family.
Well-written in an engaging style. Action-packed with loads of magic, glamours (spells), and of course well-crafted characters, for you to love or hate, respectively. Which casts this beautifully visual book into the realm of cinematic fantasy fun.
Highly Recommended.
April 9, 2022
"I don't know about what Matthew said, as I used to skive off of Sunday school. But I do remember that bit that says, 'Thou shalt not allow a witch to live.'" An excerpt from page 278.
Craig Deegan's Fae or Foe? The Cracklock Saga is an enthralling book that held me captive until I finish indulging my relatable emotions in it. It's action-packed, emotional, hilarious, and absorbingly captivating.
This book detailed the life of the protagonist, Jack Crackley, following on from his family history, his job, and his studies. Jack, from onset had no idea that he has some inborn abilities, this feature was first discovered by Mr. Binks - who had falsely invited Jack to his house to help him with some job, what happened eventually was mysteriously unexpected, old Binks had drug Jack - of which its effect had him feeling unconscious and hallucinating. Jack fought and had to break loose from Binks. Binks's initial kind appearance has suddenly changed to that of a vicious demon. Jack was terrified at this, he tried hard to escape from him, and this leads him to have a severe accident that eventually result to his loss of sight.
Jimmy, another interesting character had grown friendship with Jack when he had saved him from the troublesome LaFey twins. Jimmy's characterization is an interesting one, one of which intrigues me most was his loquaciousness. He had developed a friendship with Jimmy, and frequently visit him when he heard about his accident. Jack's accident had his mother, Sammy called for the attention of her aunt, Elsie to look over Jack while she works. Aunt Elsie's arrival took Jack on an adventure into the realm of the faeries, where he was grounded with his family history, and the sort of person he was. While these were going on, they had a feeling that Anastasia was desperately seeking for Jack, for some bad reason, I suggest.
Anastasia and his silly boy, Benedict set on the journey, they luckily found the silly LaFey twins through which they had instigate them about locating Jack's house. The LaFeys took it on because the pay was handsome, they'd silently followed Jimmy after school while on his way to Jack's house. After they'd found what they want, they still took pleasure in torturing Jimmy. Kind Fae, Dorcas couldn't help watch Jimmy endure excruciating pain from the hands of the heartless twins, she gave them a well-deserved beating, they were stunned that they were attacked by an invisible fighter - that they had to flee to report back to Anastasia. It later dawn on Dorcas that she had just implicated herself, and that was where the whole thing began to escalate.
The Faery law govern the Fae folks - they had medicine, glamour, and other sorts of things. On a fateful day, Anastasia arrived at Jack's house, she was met by his mother, Sammy. Poor Sammy had no idea of what had been going on in her house for a while, and Anastasia's august visit came to her as a shock. She was tortured alongside Dorcas by Anastasia who demanded the whereabouts of Jack. This part is full of action and it seem my best part of the novel. The instance whereby, Elsie eventually appears to assist Dorcas and Sammy was enthralling, the exchange of glamour and the magical fight between Anastasia and Aunt Elsie was captivating. I love the description of this part and in my opinion, it added more charm to the book. I would love to say that Craig did a great job at describing every action, move, and indulgence of every character here, it feels so raw - in a way that I could paint the image in my head, making it read like a movie.
I shall restrict from revealing further as an attempt to keep this review spoiler-free, though, I'd love to say that I am fascinated with Craig's storytelling techniques. Undoubtedly, he is a talented novelist whose words have the power to pull a reader in, and engrossed until the last page has been read. The novel is brilliantly written, the transition was amazing, the plot twist, and the characterization were dynamically awesome. I am short of words on how well to describe Craig's adeptness, however, I'd love to say that this book deserves some award. Reading it made me fell in love with some characters, and I desperately hate some, many of which have me feeling emotional, tensed, and craving for the second book series.
This book is a perfect literary work, and I am sure to refer to it in future time. The vocabulary is very extensive; I found myself laughing and nodding my head at the crafting of each chapters. It's one of those books that I've acquired "writing knowledge and style" many of which I'd love to make reference to, in future time. There is more to this book than I've described and I'd love to recommend this book to lovers of fantasy, mythology, fairy tales, and literature at large.
October 2, 2023
A well-written book with a puzzling, abrupt ending. Although this honestly isn't a book that appeals to my tastes, as it's low fantasy aimed at a younger audience, I nonetheless was enjoying it, because it was very well-written, fast-paced and had some tremendous world-building. But the ending just mostly concluded an action sequence and ended. It didn't address any of the other plot threads or characters except those on the page at the end.
I know that there are future installments in the series planned (or perhaps even published at this point), but I honestly don't know why this book ended as it did-neither a cliff-hanger, or a proper ending with closure-just a "I think I'm done - the end." Puzzling. I haven't been this confused at the end of a book since the finale of Angel.
I know that there are future installments in the series planned (or perhaps even published at this point), but I honestly don't know why this book ended as it did-neither a cliff-hanger, or a proper ending with closure-just a "I think I'm done - the end." Puzzling. I haven't been this confused at the end of a book since the finale of Angel.
August 20, 2025
This book was such a wonderful and fun experience to read. From the very first chapter, the narration gave me the same magical feeling I used to get from the books I loved as a teen and it hooked me straight away.
The build-up was handled beautifully, introducing and moving from character to character in a way that kept me engaged before revealing the backstory and plot. No spoilers, but that's when things got real and I got a little emotional to be honest!
I loved meeting the different characters and watching their development and how they fit in to the story, with Dorcas quickly becoming a personal favourite. I really hope to see more of her in the next books (which I’ll definitely be picking up soon!).
The main character, Jack, was also a pleasure to watch as he became more confident throughout the story and I am really looking forward to how he will grow as the series continues.
The pacing was another strength. I am usually a slow reader and I struggle with long chapters, but the writing style carried me along effortlessly. Each scene flowed into the next, with something always happening to pull me forward.
All in all, this was a fantastic read from start to finish. It would be a great read for any fantasy lover, especially those who enjoy the world of the faes.
The build-up was handled beautifully, introducing and moving from character to character in a way that kept me engaged before revealing the backstory and plot. No spoilers, but that's when things got real and I got a little emotional to be honest!
I loved meeting the different characters and watching their development and how they fit in to the story, with Dorcas quickly becoming a personal favourite. I really hope to see more of her in the next books (which I’ll definitely be picking up soon!).
The main character, Jack, was also a pleasure to watch as he became more confident throughout the story and I am really looking forward to how he will grow as the series continues.
The pacing was another strength. I am usually a slow reader and I struggle with long chapters, but the writing style carried me along effortlessly. Each scene flowed into the next, with something always happening to pull me forward.
All in all, this was a fantastic read from start to finish. It would be a great read for any fantasy lover, especially those who enjoy the world of the faes.
May 11, 2022
A brilliant take on the fairy tale
After a frightening encounter leads to a horrific accident young Jack learns that he is from a long line of people who have magical abilities and can see fae. As he gets to grips with his new abilities and the fairy world he soon learns that there is a dark side to his family tree as well and there are some dangerous people after him as well as some evil fae. With the help of best friend Jimmy, Great Aunt Elsie and his fae friends they have to find a way to defeat the evil and it leads to a violent showdown with a scary monster at the school. This is a great story and the writing is brilliant with an intriguing and thought provoking take on the fairy world. I love the language and the slang used especially between Jack and his best friend Jimmy. Jimmy was probably my favourite character actually. When Binks one of the evil fae were after them and he called him Blud, that had me in stitches for some reason. The only constructive criticism I have for this book is that the chapters are too long. It can take half an hour to read one chapter and for a YA novel that is too long. There are some that could be naturally split and some chapters could become 2 or 3. Apart from that I loved this book and I definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to read more.
After a frightening encounter leads to a horrific accident young Jack learns that he is from a long line of people who have magical abilities and can see fae. As he gets to grips with his new abilities and the fairy world he soon learns that there is a dark side to his family tree as well and there are some dangerous people after him as well as some evil fae. With the help of best friend Jimmy, Great Aunt Elsie and his fae friends they have to find a way to defeat the evil and it leads to a violent showdown with a scary monster at the school. This is a great story and the writing is brilliant with an intriguing and thought provoking take on the fairy world. I love the language and the slang used especially between Jack and his best friend Jimmy. Jimmy was probably my favourite character actually. When Binks one of the evil fae were after them and he called him Blud, that had me in stitches for some reason. The only constructive criticism I have for this book is that the chapters are too long. It can take half an hour to read one chapter and for a YA novel that is too long. There are some that could be naturally split and some chapters could become 2 or 3. Apart from that I loved this book and I definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to read more.
March 6, 2023
This is not a genre that I normally read but I did enjoy the book and read it in a couple of days. It begins with a little girl holding a tea party for herself and her toys and, well, I guess most of us did that in our childhood. However, this little girl sees a living fairy amongst her toys, and of course, her parents write this off as her imagination. The story takes a more sinister turn when the nation finds itself fighting an epidemic of a child aging illness. There are some terrific characters in this well written story, and many twists and turns, and I recommend it as a children’s adventure story.
April 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, but don’t do as I did, expecting to reach the end and have a concluded story. There are so many questions left unanswered by the end of the book. Admittedly, the story is interesting and engaging enough to leave you wanting more, the end just felt a little abrupt. Unfortunately I can’t dive straight into book 2 as I have some ARC commitments, but I have it ready and waiting for when I get the chance.
January 12, 2022
Why is this not a movie
Why is this book not a movie? Is the question my 13 year old daughter asked me after her and I both read this book. Seriously, this is one of those books that you can instantly see on the big screen. Its well written and⁰ very easy to read but it grips you straight away and still has a hold of you when you finish reading. it's an interesting book that you just have to read.
Why is this book not a movie? Is the question my 13 year old daughter asked me after her and I both read this book. Seriously, this is one of those books that you can instantly see on the big screen. Its well written and⁰ very easy to read but it grips you straight away and still has a hold of you when you finish reading. it's an interesting book that you just have to read.
September 17, 2023
Once upon a time, I believed in Fairies. They inhabited the fairy mist at the bottom of the garden. Over time, they disappeared. The fairy mist became, mist. Then, I read Craig Deegan's exceedingly imaginative and scholarly written, Fae or Foe, and my belief magically entered stage right. This book needs to be made into a musical. It would delight children and adults alike. To say more would spoil it. Highly, highly recommended. Well done Craig Deegan. Very well done. Marlene Cheng--author.
May 4, 2022
Very original
Very interesting concept. I really dug the writing style. It worked for this type of book. I can see other influences woven in there, but they work. I'm pleasantly impressed. Good characters, good storyline. Good job.
Very interesting concept. I really dug the writing style. It worked for this type of book. I can see other influences woven in there, but they work. I'm pleasantly impressed. Good characters, good storyline. Good job.
April 23, 2022
A big new fantasy world in this book, one full of exciting adventures, mythical creatures as well as scary ones all wrapped up with magic. This isn't my usual type of book to read but i really enjoyed it, it has a great story line and keeps you entertained from start to finish.
April 8, 2022
I picture this as a movie! I cannot wait to read more of this series! The cover is very beautiful, and I was hooked by the story. The protagonist has to go on a journey all the way throughout. Having myself at the edge of my seat. Being able to close my eyes and picture the world around me! The fae is in danger! So something is happening. Jack being the main character is thrown all into this. Going on a journey to understand on what is going on! I suggest this book if you want to read a good adventure!
December 5, 2021
Great Fantasy Story
This book will appeal mostly to those with an interest in fantasy stories. Jack is a teenager who goes on an adventure in a fantasy world of faeries. This fun book and although it’s a long read, it manages to keep you gripped as you turn the pages.
This book will appeal mostly to those with an interest in fantasy stories. Jack is a teenager who goes on an adventure in a fantasy world of faeries. This fun book and although it’s a long read, it manages to keep you gripped as you turn the pages.
May 17, 2022
Fae or Foe: The Cracklock Saga is the first installment of what seems like a very interesting and compelling series. It follows the story of Jack Crackley, a teenager whose thrown into a world he never knew, one filled with monsters and myths.
I liked the way the author created such a rich and detailed world. As Jack uncovers his true identity and reveals the truth about his family, we get just a glimpse into the scope of what the author is creating here. It is gritty enough in just the right places, but accessible for a younger audience. This is shown in a number of scenes early on, which are pitched at just the right level.
I really liked Jack as a protagonist. I did find his transition into this new world a little haphazard and kind of like he just accepted it instead of really challenging it, but this was essential to move the plot along. Jimmy was a very interesting character to learn about, and his subplot really helped shape the story that followed.
The book is well written and comes from the mind of an imaginative author who really combines themes from YA/fantasy and some grimdark elements to full effect. I will look forward to others in the series.
I liked the way the author created such a rich and detailed world. As Jack uncovers his true identity and reveals the truth about his family, we get just a glimpse into the scope of what the author is creating here. It is gritty enough in just the right places, but accessible for a younger audience. This is shown in a number of scenes early on, which are pitched at just the right level.
I really liked Jack as a protagonist. I did find his transition into this new world a little haphazard and kind of like he just accepted it instead of really challenging it, but this was essential to move the plot along. Jimmy was a very interesting character to learn about, and his subplot really helped shape the story that followed.
The book is well written and comes from the mind of an imaginative author who really combines themes from YA/fantasy and some grimdark elements to full effect. I will look forward to others in the series.
September 29, 2021
Fantastic read
Doctors were baffled by rising cases of Child Aging Illness and had no answers for its cause or cure. Jack, after his daily paper round, biked over to Mr Binks to do a job for the elderly gentleman. Whilst there, he encountered things a lifer shouldnt see or hear without the permission or invitation of the Fae Folk and this put him in real danger. Mr Binks wasn't quite what he seemed and when Jack escaped, Dr Cracklock wanted answers from him.
Captivating read that kept you gripped from the start. This unique plot keeps you in the present world but with crests that are from another. Well written, fast paced with plenty of things happening to hold your attention.
Doctors were baffled by rising cases of Child Aging Illness and had no answers for its cause or cure. Jack, after his daily paper round, biked over to Mr Binks to do a job for the elderly gentleman. Whilst there, he encountered things a lifer shouldnt see or hear without the permission or invitation of the Fae Folk and this put him in real danger. Mr Binks wasn't quite what he seemed and when Jack escaped, Dr Cracklock wanted answers from him.
Captivating read that kept you gripped from the start. This unique plot keeps you in the present world but with crests that are from another. Well written, fast paced with plenty of things happening to hold your attention.
October 25, 2021
Magical Adventure
This book tells a great story of a teenager who goes on a magical adventure after figuring out that his family is very special in the Faerie world.
Every family has bad seeds and the Cracklocks are no different.
Jack learns a lot about himself after recovering from a accident. He also finds out that his father may not have died but may just be missing.
The novel is great and was interesting and fun to read. And can I just say… I would love Dorcas to move in with me.
This book tells a great story of a teenager who goes on a magical adventure after figuring out that his family is very special in the Faerie world.
Every family has bad seeds and the Cracklocks are no different.
Jack learns a lot about himself after recovering from a accident. He also finds out that his father may not have died but may just be missing.
The novel is great and was interesting and fun to read. And can I just say… I would love Dorcas to move in with me.
November 9, 2021
An accomplished magic adventure story.
An accomplished magic adventure story. As the title of this novel suggests, this young adult book is firmly set in the paranormal / urban fantasy world of faeries. I’m interested in writing in this genre, so I have read this for research. It’s an accomplished magical adventure story about Jack, who embarks on a journey of discovery after recovering from an accident. CA Deegan has written an engaging tale with rich characters and which is full of humour and fantasy. It’s a very engaging fantasy paranormal novel.
An accomplished magic adventure story. As the title of this novel suggests, this young adult book is firmly set in the paranormal / urban fantasy world of faeries. I’m interested in writing in this genre, so I have read this for research. It’s an accomplished magical adventure story about Jack, who embarks on a journey of discovery after recovering from an accident. CA Deegan has written an engaging tale with rich characters and which is full of humour and fantasy. It’s a very engaging fantasy paranormal novel.
October 12, 2021
C A Deegan -- a Talented World-Builder
I am so impressed with the variety of characters and creatures in this novel! This book is the perfect combination of whimsy and suspense.The dialogue is great and brought the characters to life with the different dialects and manners of speaking. The cover is such a great representation of the novel itself - a twist of humor, mild darkness, and clever complication. I highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy or paranormal novels
I am so impressed with the variety of characters and creatures in this novel! This book is the perfect combination of whimsy and suspense.The dialogue is great and brought the characters to life with the different dialects and manners of speaking. The cover is such a great representation of the novel itself - a twist of humor, mild darkness, and clever complication. I highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy or paranormal novels
October 29, 2021
A New ‘Fae-vourite’ !!
What a remarkable story! This book is full of strong believable characters, and has a well-paced plot, and many twists that will have you eager to learn more about Cracklocks, grackles,grockles, glamour and of course Fae! Jack is drawn into a new adventurous and suspenseful world, as he discovers his true ancestry. I couldn’t stop reading, and I am truly looking forward to the next installment!
What a remarkable story! This book is full of strong believable characters, and has a well-paced plot, and many twists that will have you eager to learn more about Cracklocks, grackles,grockles, glamour and of course Fae! Jack is drawn into a new adventurous and suspenseful world, as he discovers his true ancestry. I couldn’t stop reading, and I am truly looking forward to the next installment!
November 19, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by Mr Deegan, and I know it certainly won’t be the last! Fae or Foe is a gripping tale that hooks you from the outset, immersing you in a world of magical creatures, with a unique twist on childhood tropes.
Deegan’s storytelling, and rich character development make for an engaging read which will leave you longing for more.
I will certainly be continuing this fantastic series, and look forward to reading the next book!
Deegan’s storytelling, and rich character development make for an engaging read which will leave you longing for more.
I will certainly be continuing this fantastic series, and look forward to reading the next book!
September 26, 2021
A fantastic adventure!
Really enjoyed this. Full of brilliant characters, excitement and cracking action, all bathed in gentle humour. Should be a hit for anyone who loves The Power of Five series by Anthony Horowitz, or Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson or Magnus Chase books. Eagerly looking forward to the next installment!
Really enjoyed this. Full of brilliant characters, excitement and cracking action, all bathed in gentle humour. Should be a hit for anyone who loves The Power of Five series by Anthony Horowitz, or Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson or Magnus Chase books. Eagerly looking forward to the next installment!
September 27, 2021
Next one in the series NOW please!
This book dances on the edge of YA/Adult fantasy and would be an excellent read for so many! I loved the story, and the characters endeared themselves to me- especially Dorcas! I definitely recommend this, and think the next two books are going to be even better.
This book dances on the edge of YA/Adult fantasy and would be an excellent read for so many! I loved the story, and the characters endeared themselves to me- especially Dorcas! I definitely recommend this, and think the next two books are going to be even better.
September 30, 2021
Out of This World!!!
This story was amazing. The tales of Jack and the discovering of one's self was out of this world. The back story of Jack's family history helped the story to be more understandable. The author was creative in their world building abilities. I'm curious to know if David will be found in the next installment of the series.
This story was amazing. The tales of Jack and the discovering of one's self was out of this world. The back story of Jack's family history helped the story to be more understandable. The author was creative in their world building abilities. I'm curious to know if David will be found in the next installment of the series.
October 25, 2021
At first I thought that I'm too old to read about fairies, but then I got hooked by what happened to Jannie, and the author introduced Jack and the bullies.
The story started to get more interesting to the point that I couldn't put the book down.
I wanted to know what's going to happen next.
This is by far one of the greatest books I've ever read.
It deserves five stars.
The story started to get more interesting to the point that I couldn't put the book down.
I wanted to know what's going to happen next.
This is by far one of the greatest books I've ever read.
It deserves five stars.
November 17, 2022
Fae or Foe? A sinister plot - an ever present sense of foreboding. It's an epic fantasy adventure with pulse pounding action and characters you want to protect and then there's the other's you may not know lurking nearby. It depends whether or not you need a Hagstone - but be warned they are essential in this world - it sneaks up on you and keeps you tuned in.
September 26, 2021
Brilliant!
I absolutely loved reading this book. Believable, likeable characters and beautifully written.
Read the whole thing in one day as I couldn't put it down.
Cannot wait for the next instalment!
I absolutely loved reading this book. Believable, likeable characters and beautifully written.
Read the whole thing in one day as I couldn't put it down.
Cannot wait for the next instalment!
November 10, 2021
Feels like a classic
This book has all the makings of a true classic: beloved characters both magical and nonmagical, laughs, tears, a plot that leaves you on the edge of your seat at times… The writing is superb, and I am already downloading the next book in the series.
This book has all the makings of a true classic: beloved characters both magical and nonmagical, laughs, tears, a plot that leaves you on the edge of your seat at times… The writing is superb, and I am already downloading the next book in the series.
September 26, 2021
Enthralling
This story had me captivated from the start. Alone the title drew me in. One of the best stories I have read in awhile
This story had me captivated from the start. Alone the title drew me in. One of the best stories I have read in awhile
October 23, 2021
Thrilling
This is a book worth reading with beautiful descriptions and great character development. It’s worth a read and review! Highly recommend
This is a book worth reading with beautiful descriptions and great character development. It’s worth a read and review! Highly recommend
June 13, 2024
This story plays all the right mindgames with the audience! True to its name, the story will make you wonder which of its intriguing characters truly have alterior motives or pose no harm. Particularly in its beginning.
There were many things that changing perspectives accomplished very well, for example, a good deal of foreshadowing and explanations. It was also nice to have a peek into the other characters' minds. Personally, I think it was a great choice for their tale.
Speaking of characters, I thoroughly enjoyed the part Jack played in the story. The moment he stood up to the LeFey twins, the blossoming of friendship between him and Jimmy (who I found myself particularly fond of), and the narrow escape(s) to freedom from a moment of good intentions. He's a good boy.
Aunt Elsie, though a quite boisterous woman, was a lovely addition to the story. I immediately surmised that she likely held a pivotal role in the mysteries Jack was trying to solve. I always adore characters that are more than they appear, and I found Elsie to be all that and more. She has a wonderful personality and a lovely spirit.
I also loved how caring and passionate Dorcas was. She is both sweet and feisty in the best of ways. Although. I must also say I was thoroughly relieved to see more personality come out of her. I especially worried, given the mismatched patterns of her accent and the vague connections of a house slave that constantly resurfaced in my mind (albeit she lacks any such force or confinement). Likely, it is unintentional, though not altogether negative even if it had been otherwise, but her descriptions also align with this thought. So, compounded, these gave me pause and made reading the story take a bit longer when her character came into any scene for me. However, it doesn't take away from her. Most of all, I loved that Dorcas lived up to her reputation and was not written off as a useless character.
So, there it is. And here I am, invested and interested to see how events will unfold throughout the series. I found the power dynamic to be a bit odd, the switch at the end leading into part of what we as the audience can reasonable assume to be a/the focus of the next book a little awkward, and the meshing of Jack and Jimmy's personalities towards the end of the book unexpected but any small qualms were just that. To me, they don't warrant taking off any stars.
I hope that each character will continue to be as memorable moving forward.
There were many things that changing perspectives accomplished very well, for example, a good deal of foreshadowing and explanations. It was also nice to have a peek into the other characters' minds. Personally, I think it was a great choice for their tale.
Speaking of characters, I thoroughly enjoyed the part Jack played in the story. The moment he stood up to the LeFey twins, the blossoming of friendship between him and Jimmy (who I found myself particularly fond of), and the narrow escape(s) to freedom from a moment of good intentions. He's a good boy.
Aunt Elsie, though a quite boisterous woman, was a lovely addition to the story. I immediately surmised that she likely held a pivotal role in the mysteries Jack was trying to solve. I always adore characters that are more than they appear, and I found Elsie to be all that and more. She has a wonderful personality and a lovely spirit.
I also loved how caring and passionate Dorcas was. She is both sweet and feisty in the best of ways. Although. I must also say I was thoroughly relieved to see more personality come out of her. I especially worried, given the mismatched patterns of her accent and the vague connections of a house slave that constantly resurfaced in my mind (albeit she lacks any such force or confinement). Likely, it is unintentional, though not altogether negative even if it had been otherwise, but her descriptions also align with this thought. So, compounded, these gave me pause and made reading the story take a bit longer when her character came into any scene for me. However, it doesn't take away from her. Most of all, I loved that Dorcas lived up to her reputation and was not written off as a useless character.
So, there it is. And here I am, invested and interested to see how events will unfold throughout the series. I found the power dynamic to be a bit odd, the switch at the end leading into part of what we as the audience can reasonable assume to be a/the focus of the next book a little awkward, and the meshing of Jack and Jimmy's personalities towards the end of the book unexpected but any small qualms were just that. To me, they don't warrant taking off any stars.
I hope that each character will continue to be as memorable moving forward.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews