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The Faerie Wars Chronicles #4
Faerie Lord
Henry has all but forgotten the Faerie Realm since he returned to his normal life two years ago, but now his past has followed him home. Out of nowhere, Henry's old friend Pyrgus appears-looking like a middle-aged man-and his life is turned upside down once more. Determined to help his friends, Henry returns to the Realm, hoping to find a cure, and perhaps win his way back into the heart of Queen Holly Blue. But what Henry, Pyrgus, and Blue don't know is that the plague is hardly an ordinary disease...
432 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2007
24 people are currently reading
2494 people want to read
About the author
Herbie Brennan
161 books403 followersWhat you should know
Name: Herbie Brennan
Occupation: Author
Favourite book: The Crimson Petal and the White, by Michel Faber.
Favourite subjects: Esoteric matters, psychical research, anomalies, Mac computers, other people and cats.
Favourite journals: Journal of the Society for Psychical Research.
Favourite holiday spot: Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland.
Number of books published: 116.
Total copies sold worldwide: 10 million +.
Herbie Brennan recently (written 2019) celebrated publication of his 116th book, Nectanebo. Traveller From An Antique Land.
Name: Herbie Brennan
Occupation: Author
Favourite book: The Crimson Petal and the White, by Michel Faber.
Favourite subjects: Esoteric matters, psychical research, anomalies, Mac computers, other people and cats.
Favourite journals: Journal of the Society for Psychical Research.
Favourite holiday spot: Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland.
Number of books published: 116.
Total copies sold worldwide: 10 million +.
Herbie Brennan recently (written 2019) celebrated publication of his 116th book, Nectanebo. Traveller From An Antique Land.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
May 19, 2013
A little disappointing. I've always adored this series (which I thought was a trilogy) so was excited to get the chance to continue it, but now I honestly think it didn't need continuing. The plot was interesting but felt blurry somehow, as though parts were missing and didn't fit. I actually think it may have been better as a standalone story, with different characters perhaps - Blue and Henry were so obviously together at the end of the last book that this just all felt unnecessary.Still, it hooked me in a bit near the middle, which is why I feel justified in giving three stars rather than two.
April 8, 2025
Another reviewer wrote that the final book in the Faerie Wars series takes on an entirely different tone, look, and feel than its predecessors. I couldn't agree more - and I absolutely adored it for those reasons!
- This final story seemed more in line with the "hero's journey" motif that saps like me find so thrilling! The direction completely changes, and along with it, a sense of what is truly important. Older, previously dominant characters are put on the backburner, carried-over conflicts are tucked away, and therefore Henry, my sweet, sweet Henry, is given the chance to shine! As I was reading, I kept hearing that Mulan song "I'll Make a Man out of You" in my brain, and I thought that was pretty appropriate!
- Just like the previous books, though, there is no shortage of action (especially following Ruler of the Realm; my mind is still boggled from that experience!) but like I said before, the rite-of-passage theme gives some needed maturity to this enjoyable series. The first three books were action-packed, clever and imaginative, and wickedly funny; now, thanks to the fourth and final installment, the series finally gets heart, and with that, a true purpose.
Now, much as I like Herbie Brennan and Faerie Lord I do feel the urge to wag my finger in his direction, because there were some noticeable plot holes (they dont jeopardize the main story, but they're annoying nonetheless) and some contradictions in character descriptions. Also, I still feel the same way I did at the end of Ruler of the Realm: an ingenious plot device that is a little too easily solved. The epic "battle" (and it's not really a battle so much as a test) is over in practically the blink of an eye, and you're left feeling that the efforts of the characters are somehow futile because of it. Also, I still feel a bit confused at how certain events ended up coming together...
So why did I give this final book 5 stars instead of 4? Even if the story may not have been executed in the most effective (or coherent) way possible, the look-and-feel of the story captured my attention and my emotions. And I got my happy ending. Seriously: JUST the way I like it. See, YA authors? It *CAN* be done! If a dude author can give closure, you should, too (CASSIE CLARE! HOLLY BLACK!)
And now another series is over and I'm sad again. You just can't beat series books! Whatever will I read next?!?!
- This final story seemed more in line with the "hero's journey" motif that saps like me find so thrilling! The direction completely changes, and along with it, a sense of what is truly important. Older, previously dominant characters are put on the backburner, carried-over conflicts are tucked away, and therefore Henry, my sweet, sweet Henry, is given the chance to shine! As I was reading, I kept hearing that Mulan song "I'll Make a Man out of You" in my brain, and I thought that was pretty appropriate!
- Just like the previous books, though, there is no shortage of action (especially following Ruler of the Realm; my mind is still boggled from that experience!) but like I said before, the rite-of-passage theme gives some needed maturity to this enjoyable series. The first three books were action-packed, clever and imaginative, and wickedly funny; now, thanks to the fourth and final installment, the series finally gets heart, and with that, a true purpose.
Now, much as I like Herbie Brennan and Faerie Lord I do feel the urge to wag my finger in his direction, because there were some noticeable plot holes (they dont jeopardize the main story, but they're annoying nonetheless) and some contradictions in character descriptions. Also, I still feel the same way I did at the end of Ruler of the Realm: an ingenious plot device that is a little too easily solved. The epic "battle" (and it's not really a battle so much as a test) is over in practically the blink of an eye, and you're left feeling that the efforts of the characters are somehow futile because of it. Also, I still feel a bit confused at how certain events ended up coming together...
So why did I give this final book 5 stars instead of 4? Even if the story may not have been executed in the most effective (or coherent) way possible, the look-and-feel of the story captured my attention and my emotions. And I got my happy ending. Seriously: JUST the way I like it. See, YA authors? It *CAN* be done! If a dude author can give closure, you should, too (CASSIE CLARE! HOLLY BLACK!)
And now another series is over and I'm sad again. You just can't beat series books! Whatever will I read next?!?!
February 13, 2009
I liked this series on the whole. Brennan has an irreverent tone and a wit about him that I find refreshing in an epic fantasy. At the heart of the story, the plot of this series is not terribly original, but I'll give it to the author that he spins it out in an interesting, entertaining way.
I was entertained by this book, but I was left with some questions that ultimately left me unsatisfied. The happy ending for the main characters overshadowed the loose ends. I felt that it was written hastily, and I wished that time had been taken to finalize a few things. The motivations of the Monastery, for one. Loki's motivations (if he has those). What ever happened to Chalkhill's bargaining chip? Why did Lorquin just vanish out of the story? If Blue felt so guilty about plunging her country into civil war, wouldn't she have felt a little more conflicted about abandoning her post during a state of emergency to find Henry? What was Hairstreak's Order doing, and what did it have to do with God (I assume the Angel had something to do with it, but it's never clearly explained!).
On the whole, it seemed like the last third of the book and the conclusion were rather hastily written. The ideas were creative, the execution was sloppy.
I was entertained by this book, but I was left with some questions that ultimately left me unsatisfied. The happy ending for the main characters overshadowed the loose ends. I felt that it was written hastily, and I wished that time had been taken to finalize a few things. The motivations of the Monastery, for one. Loki's motivations (if he has those). What ever happened to Chalkhill's bargaining chip? Why did Lorquin just vanish out of the story? If Blue felt so guilty about plunging her country into civil war, wouldn't she have felt a little more conflicted about abandoning her post during a state of emergency to find Henry? What was Hairstreak's Order doing, and what did it have to do with God (I assume the Angel had something to do with it, but it's never clearly explained!).
On the whole, it seemed like the last third of the book and the conclusion were rather hastily written. The ideas were creative, the execution was sloppy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2014
I've always had my misgivings about Brennan's Faerie War series. He has this uncanny ability to make me squirm. From his portrayal of a broken home, a negative view on a mother discovering her sexuality, extremely gruesome death scenes, to even possible rape scenarios there's a lot to be bothered by in these books.
I think this addition to the series was probably the lesser of those evils. It took me forever to pick it up though because I feared more suggested rape scenes like in the third book. But in truth, the book was probably the least grotesque...
and yet it still made me uncomfortable at times.
And it's really hard to describe what and why it bothered me. Because it might just my personal opinion shading my opinion of this book. I can't concretely say what Brennan wrote didn't work, because it did. I just had some beefs with it on a core level.
1. Henry's mother new sexual identity
Now I understand the author was trying to show the negative side of his mother's new sexual identity through Henry's eyes. And I honestly liked how Brennan was exploring this. It was interesting to see how Henry saw this sudden disturbance in his life. But from the beginning I had issues with this. Brennan painted Henry's mother up like a villain, implying (either purposefully or not) that any woman who realized she was a lesbian and was faced with a similar situation was somehow cruel and evil. Now I do not doubt that Henry's mother was being rather cold to the feelings of her family but I couldn't help but feel like Brennan was painting her that way.
I would have taken that portrayal however if there was ever a resolution on that front. But instead of resolving it, Henry runs away. He continues to despise his mother and sister from a far and nothing is solved.
2. What is a real man?
Frequently in this book, Henry comments that his dad is somehow less of a man because he gave into his wife all the time. And Henry also seems to despise his current living situation because there are "too many women". He's okay with his mom's lover but his sister and his mother are two individuals he dislikes. He thinks of them as shrewish and always trying to control him. He even goes so far as to free the cat before the horrible women could neuter him. Okay, animals really don't care about their private parts the same way humans do. And it's a perfectly humane practice that's both healthy and safe for the animal in question. To paint neutering in such a negative light seemed to subtly be implying that the women in Henry's life were going to neuter him just like they had his father.
Not really a thought I'm comfortable with as a modern feminist.
3. Women In Their Place
Okay, I really disliked how Henry only started missing Blue when he saw her all beautified. It was the Hermione/Ron moment at the Yule Ball, except less cute. Maybe this wouldn't have bothered me if the other factors hadn't been in place in the beginning, but just his commentary about how she no longer looked boyish- and suddenly he regretted giving her up. How now he wished he could accept her proposal because she was beautiful.
Also, Henry had to be the one to propose. Because apparently Blue proposing was too forward and scared Henry away? Why I do I feel like that's implying that a woman being too forward was what caused all the problems in this book?
4. Henry the Caterpillar
Could someone explain this to me. I went through the whole book expecting Henry to go through some magical change, perhaps even become a faerie of light himself- but instead the only thing I think could come close to matching Mr. Forgetry's last words was Henry's random quest in the desert. By completing the quest to be a man, an rescuing his princess as any good hero should- he is allowed to keep his penis. And thus marry Blue and become Faerie Lord. Which also bothers me as Blue is clearly a more confident ruler. Surely she should remain ruler with Henry being a mere consort... which would make sense in a more progressive world. But somehow I don't see that being the case with him being named Lord in the end.
Overall, I think the book was well written. But it fell flat in story quality compared to the others. There were many plot holes and the sexism seemed far more apparent. I was hesitant to rate it low though, since I still think it wasn't a bad read.
I don't really want to be this nit picky. But these were all the reasons that I felt uncomfortable. Maybe I was reading things far deeper than I should. But regardless of the author's intent, this is the impression I got from this series.
But like I said, my opinion might be jaded simply because this author has always made me feel super uncomfortable.
September 12, 2020
Mi ha tenuto incollata alle pagine, mi ha emozionato come si deve, i personaggi sono più maturi e amo il modo in cui interagiscono tra di loro.
Bello leggere di un'epidemia durante un'epidemia. >.<
Bello leggere di un'epidemia durante un'epidemia. >.<
August 25, 2009
3 3/4
I liked the book because it was fast and fun and I did want to keep reading to find out what was happening. That said, it felt a little weird - it didn't quite feel like the same as the other books. I would say, in a lot of ways, the arc concluded in book 3 and this was a sort of disjointed continuation. And disjointed is the word for it.
I agree with a lot of the complaints in Martha's review here, but I rated it higher because, despite my complaints, I did enjoy it.
But...
There's a lot of set-up that doesn't really seem to manifest into anything. I would've liked a more satisfying conclusion to both Brimstone and Hairstreak. (Brimstone could've gotten eaten by the serpent - that woulda been good.)
There was also a lot that happened "off-stage" that we only hear about, which would've been better to see.
And too much time is spent going over Henry's thoughts of inadequecy and both his and Blue's looping trains of thoughts. They were too repetitive.
I would've liked to have seen more about the monastery guys. What were their motivations. What happened to them afterwards? I would've liked to have seen Blue confront them after everything happened, and maybe learn some answers - like what sort of bargain did they have with Loki. Why would Loki - he who is destined to bring about Ragnarok in Norse mythology - want to help Henry and Blue save the world? What would he care about their "happily-ever-after"?
What happened to Lorquin and his people? I assume he just went home, but it's like the story just jumps ahead and doesn't really feel to resolve anything. Oh, sure, the plague disappears - though I would've liked to have seen more of that, too. Something with the angel. Ooh - it woulda been nice if the angel took some sort of revenge on Hairstreak instead of the way that happened. It's not really fitting in with his character for it to go down the way it did, I don't think. It just seemed an easy-out to be done with him.
I also grew a little tired of the digs at religion - and this is coming from someone who isn't religious and tends to make her own digs at the Church. I just found it sort of out of place, and forced at times.
Lastly, I couldn't entirely get into the happily-ever-after. Maybe it's just my old, jaded self, but 17 year old marriages just don't seem like a good idea to me. Yes, they love each other and have been through a lot together but, ya know, just Henry staying and them developing their relationship would've worked just as well. Maybe I just worry that younger people are going to read this and rush into marriages of their own. Maybe that's silly... but it just seemed sort of forced to me, instead of arriving naturally.
All that said - I did enjoy the adventure of the story, and it did keep me involved and interested and entertained... so I guess I should stop griping.
I liked the book because it was fast and fun and I did want to keep reading to find out what was happening. That said, it felt a little weird - it didn't quite feel like the same as the other books. I would say, in a lot of ways, the arc concluded in book 3 and this was a sort of disjointed continuation. And disjointed is the word for it.
I agree with a lot of the complaints in Martha's review here, but I rated it higher because, despite my complaints, I did enjoy it.
But...
There's a lot of set-up that doesn't really seem to manifest into anything. I would've liked a more satisfying conclusion to both Brimstone and Hairstreak. (Brimstone could've gotten eaten by the serpent - that woulda been good.)
There was also a lot that happened "off-stage" that we only hear about, which would've been better to see.
And too much time is spent going over Henry's thoughts of inadequecy and both his and Blue's looping trains of thoughts. They were too repetitive.
I would've liked to have seen more about the monastery guys. What were their motivations. What happened to them afterwards? I would've liked to have seen Blue confront them after everything happened, and maybe learn some answers - like what sort of bargain did they have with Loki. Why would Loki - he who is destined to bring about Ragnarok in Norse mythology - want to help Henry and Blue save the world? What would he care about their "happily-ever-after"?
What happened to Lorquin and his people? I assume he just went home, but it's like the story just jumps ahead and doesn't really feel to resolve anything. Oh, sure, the plague disappears - though I would've liked to have seen more of that, too. Something with the angel. Ooh - it woulda been nice if the angel took some sort of revenge on Hairstreak instead of the way that happened. It's not really fitting in with his character for it to go down the way it did, I don't think. It just seemed an easy-out to be done with him.
I also grew a little tired of the digs at religion - and this is coming from someone who isn't religious and tends to make her own digs at the Church. I just found it sort of out of place, and forced at times.
Lastly, I couldn't entirely get into the happily-ever-after. Maybe it's just my old, jaded self, but 17 year old marriages just don't seem like a good idea to me. Yes, they love each other and have been through a lot together but, ya know, just Henry staying and them developing their relationship would've worked just as well. Maybe I just worry that younger people are going to read this and rush into marriages of their own. Maybe that's silly... but it just seemed sort of forced to me, instead of arriving naturally.
All that said - I did enjoy the adventure of the story, and it did keep me involved and interested and entertained... so I guess I should stop griping.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2008
Faerie Lord is the last book (or so I suppose) in the Faerie Wars Chronicles. I should write this review for the first in the series, but I'm putting it here because the cumulative effect of the stories combined with my own convenience wants it to be written here.
Herbie Brennan and Eoin Culfer are in the same league, so if you like the Artemis Fowl books, you'll very likely love these. The plots are crafty with unexpected turns, the characters are memorable, both the good, the bad, and the in between. The writing is witty, imaginative, and at times macabre and often earthy--it is intended for young teens after all. I guess one of the things I like about this series is the way Brennan can take an ordinary thing like a car and show it in a completely different light. He can think like an alien. He also takes the opportunity to satirize our world. He gets us to think. And it is not just about ordinary things. He involves Hell and Heaven and even God in an off hand sort of way. At least he doesn't dismiss Him the way most fantasies do. I think it is artful and I don't know of anyone who has taken the risk and succeeded before. I don't know if I could.
Ultimately, this is a coming of age story and the ending is ultimately satisfying. I won't deceive my Christian friends, getting there can be rough, but I think the journey is worth it. Still, I think this should not be read by anyone under 13 or 8th grade.
I'm not putting in any more details than that. Let me know what you think!
Michele
Herbie Brennan and Eoin Culfer are in the same league, so if you like the Artemis Fowl books, you'll very likely love these. The plots are crafty with unexpected turns, the characters are memorable, both the good, the bad, and the in between. The writing is witty, imaginative, and at times macabre and often earthy--it is intended for young teens after all. I guess one of the things I like about this series is the way Brennan can take an ordinary thing like a car and show it in a completely different light. He can think like an alien. He also takes the opportunity to satirize our world. He gets us to think. And it is not just about ordinary things. He involves Hell and Heaven and even God in an off hand sort of way. At least he doesn't dismiss Him the way most fantasies do. I think it is artful and I don't know of anyone who has taken the risk and succeeded before. I don't know if I could.
Ultimately, this is a coming of age story and the ending is ultimately satisfying. I won't deceive my Christian friends, getting there can be rough, but I think the journey is worth it. Still, I think this should not be read by anyone under 13 or 8th grade.
I'm not putting in any more details than that. Let me know what you think!
Michele
June 20, 2008
The fourth and concluding book in a series that I found waiting for the next publication as difficult as waiting for the next Harry Potter book to come out! Most books I finish, I think, "That was a good book!" and move to whatever is next on my list. This one I raced through because I just had to know what was happening next, but then was sad it was finished. And no more to look forward to now- like Harry Potter, and the Bartimaeus Trilogy. A book that I connected with so thoroughly I get this feeling I call post-book depression.
But anyway, about this book: Henry Atherton is a likeable boy living in England with no really outstanding qualities. But amazing things seem to happen to him, and he becomes a hero in another world, of light and dark faeries. Despite his love for Blue, the Faerie Queen of Light, he decided to finish school in the Analogue World (Earth) at the end of the third book, "Ruler of the Realm." But Blue's brother, Prince Pyrgus, comes to find him looking like a middle-aged man instead of the teenager he is. The Faerie world is being ravaged by a disease that ages the population randomly in coma-inducing spurts, and it is forseen that only Henry can save them. But does he have enough courage to face Blue again? And how is he supposed to cure a disease he knows nothing about?
But anyway, about this book: Henry Atherton is a likeable boy living in England with no really outstanding qualities. But amazing things seem to happen to him, and he becomes a hero in another world, of light and dark faeries. Despite his love for Blue, the Faerie Queen of Light, he decided to finish school in the Analogue World (Earth) at the end of the third book, "Ruler of the Realm." But Blue's brother, Prince Pyrgus, comes to find him looking like a middle-aged man instead of the teenager he is. The Faerie world is being ravaged by a disease that ages the population randomly in coma-inducing spurts, and it is forseen that only Henry can save them. But does he have enough courage to face Blue again? And how is he supposed to cure a disease he knows nothing about?
September 9, 2011
love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 I love the ending both Blue adn Henry deserved that adn they do make a great pair. HHowever, Nymph and Pyrgus are back my fav characters and Pyrgus is still going to be dressed in his funny clothes, while Nymph will look all gorgeous and everything!!!!!!!!!1
How could I foget? Pyrgus and Henry are now brothers they are the best of friends and now friends are getting closer and closer so now they are brothers and everyones happy(Except for Fogarty and Cynthia of course)
How could I foget? Pyrgus and Henry are now brothers they are the best of friends and now friends are getting closer and closer so now they are brothers and everyones happy(Except for Fogarty and Cynthia of course)
November 14, 2018
Diese Reihe gehörte früher einmal zu meinen absoluten Lieblingsbüchern, weil ich mich absolut in die Charaktere und vor allem in den herrlichen Humor verliebt hatte. Inzwischen bin ich sicher, dass es mir nicht mehr ganz so gut gefallen würde, aber ich habe das Leseerlebnis trotzdem in sehr guter Erinnerung.
August 27, 2015
3.5 stars
February 28, 2017
In the fourth book of the Faerie Wars series, a plague of sorts has swept the kingdom and has the effects of taking your future away. It ages you to eventual death with boughts of fever coma. Henry comes back into the Faerie realm and must undertake a dangerous mission that he knows nothing about, at first. His mission involves the fate of the realm and the lives of those that he loves. Blue tries to save Henry, but gets herself into the opposite role and needs saving. Pyrgus has the temporal time fever and may die if a cure isn't found. Mr.Fogarty has to guide everyone through his knowledge and the future of the realm depends on it. The cause of the temporal fever is at first unknown, but the thing that causes it is known by some from the start.
I enjoyed the book a lot, the magic and unknown twists made it a continuous page turner.
I enjoyed the book a lot, the magic and unknown twists made it a continuous page turner.
March 3, 2020
Henry has to go back and save everyone from Temporal fever. Which is caused by Faire realm disruption interfering with our time frame and everyone else’s ? ( philosophical) Queen Holly Blue trying time figure out a solution because fairies of night and light are dying and infected and now prince Pyrgus has it . Lot of things has changed including political structure, people characters, family, animals.
Has an Happily ever after and awww finally .
Has an Happily ever after and awww finally .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2025
“What kept you?”
I don’t know why it took me 18 years to get to this one but I wish I’d read it when it came out. Although I enjoyed it, I had to think through the lens of “way back”. It wasn’t AS enjoyable as I remember the original first couple novels being. Will probably seek out number five as this was a quick, simple read that was a nice break from the world.
I don’t know why it took me 18 years to get to this one but I wish I’d read it when it came out. Although I enjoyed it, I had to think through the lens of “way back”. It wasn’t AS enjoyable as I remember the original first couple novels being. Will probably seek out number five as this was a quick, simple read that was a nice break from the world.
April 16, 2019
I find it truly annoying the way the author cuts the most interesting scenes. And when you go back to that part of the story everything has happened already & everybody is happy again. Otherwise, is acceptable for reading during little breaks.
September 30, 2019
My version of the book had a huge publishing error! Besides that the book was ok. Took me a long time to get back to it because I wasn’t sure if I was missing a section for the book. A bit of a different tone from the first 3 books. Was a nice change but probably wouldn’t read the series again.
January 19, 2020
This one moved much faster than the others in the series. It also explored the character of Henry much more. I felt that he was just hanging out in the 2nd and 3rd books of the series. This wrapped up everything nicely. Good read for Middle School fantasy fans.
January 23, 2021
This concludes the series that I rather enjoyed. Are there flaws? Heck yeah. But I enjoyed the ride. The last couple sentences made my heart happy as well.
I felt like the conclusion was a bit rushed but adequate. I like that this book was the culmination of Henry’s growing fro boyhood into a man.
I felt like the conclusion was a bit rushed but adequate. I like that this book was the culmination of Henry’s growing fro boyhood into a man.
February 16, 2018
Great book
I think it’s a unique book plenty of unexpected things and it has a nice pace cake is awesome cake is life
I think it’s a unique book plenty of unexpected things and it has a nice pace cake is awesome cake is life
January 1, 2021
Read the whole series as a family, great fun.
February 14, 2023
Back to the series I love. I don't know what happened in the last book, but this one had very little swearing and innuendo and was just entertaining and engaging.
April 11, 2020
Done! Didn't realised I was done until I saw "Glossary" on the next page.
Same as previous books, the built up was long, and then everything happened so fast in the end.
Same as previous books, the built up was long, and then everything happened so fast in the end.
November 8, 2019
Overall rating for the series: 3.5 stars
I really do have a bad habit of putting books on hiatus for several months and then finish it within days after picking it back up.... Poor Faerie Wars could have been wrapped up with a big red bow on a box back in April if I didn't randomly decide to set it aside because I felt restless. Rereading "old favorites" is a gamble at best, especially when it's been several years since the last read through. There are only two series for me that have consistently remained wonderful and enjoyable reads from early adolescence to adulthood: Harry Potter and Anne of Green Gables/Emily of New Moon (I count both as one because they are by the same author and - in my mind - in the same universe). A handful of individual books have also survived the years as being remarkable reads, no matter how often I return to them.
So is Faerie Wars, once counted among my top 5 favorite series of all time, still hold up for me?
Welllllllll.... yes and no.
Yes, it is still entertaining. It's an action-packed ride full of dry British wit, imaginative details, and a general sense of urgency that makes each plot fly you through the pages. It's similar to Percy Jackson and Artemis Fowl in its clever use of "modernizing" fantasy and lore, snarky characters, and Appealing to Teen Audiences. There's definitely a lot of love put into creating this world, and I can definitely respect that.
However... I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's all really rather.... lackluster in the end. Not in the fantasy/sci-fi departments, oh no! The author has a very vivid imagination and somehow makes "mumbo jumbo" sound interesting and sparks one's own imagination. Even the ever snarky characters are still enjoyable in their own right, particularly Mr. Fogarty. What the series lacks is substance . Not depth of meaning, or philosophical crap, just... a sense of belonging. A feel for the characters as if they were people in your own lives.
It doesn't require complexity, just personality. Hence why Mr. Fogarty was far more memorable than the rest of the cast, with his cynical yet conspiratorial attitudes, blunt sarcasm, and outlandish lifestyle. But other than plot-related actions (Blue's sneaking out and spying on enemies, Pyrgus's strong sense of justice towards animals, Henry's rather laid back "going along for the ride even though it's mad" behavior), most of the main cast don't have as much ... agency. It's hard to picture what they are like in day-to-day lifestyles that isn't politically inclined (except maybe Henry for being the "everyman"). Part of the joy of reading is picturing the characters like they are your peers, your neighbors, your coworkers; real flesh and blood individuals with their own quirks, agendas, beliefs, politics, joys, sorrows, etc.
That said.... I don't hate or even dislike this series. Quite the contrary, this series gave me a lot of joy when I was a teenager, for I devoured anything and everything devoted to the fantasy genre. I adored the vividly detailed world of the Faerie Realm, and even after all these years, I still remembered the nomadic people of the desert whom Henry meets in this fourth installment. The fantasy aspect of Faerie Wars is truly remarkable and creative; I give full kudos to the author for his outstanding imagination.
But as I've grown, I've learned it's not the worlds that truly pulls me in over and over: it's the characters. It's why Harry Potter, A Song of Ice and Fire, and even Percy Jackson are so entertaining and neverendingly awesome to read, because the characters feel as real in the pages as they do if they were sitting right next to you. It's why the whimsical style of Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon does not diminish the characters' personalities one iota: Anne and Emily are as dear and real to me as "the Golden Trio" of Harry Potter, the Starks and Tyrion Lannister, Percy and Annabeth, and so many more characters.
So read Faerie Wars if you're young, or if you simply are intrigued by a fantasical, fast-paced ride. It's not without its strengths and weaknesses, just like every other work of literature. But it's not one that will stick with me like the aforementioned titles have and will over the years, and in the years to come. It will always a nostalgic title, one that I will recommend any curious teenager who has a love for fantasy and complex plots.
But I think the chapter of this series in my life has officially drawn to a close.
I really do have a bad habit of putting books on hiatus for several months and then finish it within days after picking it back up.... Poor Faerie Wars could have been wrapped up with a big red bow on a box back in April if I didn't randomly decide to set it aside because I felt restless. Rereading "old favorites" is a gamble at best, especially when it's been several years since the last read through. There are only two series for me that have consistently remained wonderful and enjoyable reads from early adolescence to adulthood: Harry Potter and Anne of Green Gables/Emily of New Moon (I count both as one because they are by the same author and - in my mind - in the same universe). A handful of individual books have also survived the years as being remarkable reads, no matter how often I return to them.
So is Faerie Wars, once counted among my top 5 favorite series of all time, still hold up for me?
Welllllllll.... yes and no.
Yes, it is still entertaining. It's an action-packed ride full of dry British wit, imaginative details, and a general sense of urgency that makes each plot fly you through the pages. It's similar to Percy Jackson and Artemis Fowl in its clever use of "modernizing" fantasy and lore, snarky characters, and Appealing to Teen Audiences. There's definitely a lot of love put into creating this world, and I can definitely respect that.
However... I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's all really rather.... lackluster in the end. Not in the fantasy/sci-fi departments, oh no! The author has a very vivid imagination and somehow makes "mumbo jumbo" sound interesting and sparks one's own imagination. Even the ever snarky characters are still enjoyable in their own right, particularly Mr. Fogarty. What the series lacks is substance . Not depth of meaning, or philosophical crap, just... a sense of belonging. A feel for the characters as if they were people in your own lives.
It doesn't require complexity, just personality. Hence why Mr. Fogarty was far more memorable than the rest of the cast, with his cynical yet conspiratorial attitudes, blunt sarcasm, and outlandish lifestyle. But other than plot-related actions (Blue's sneaking out and spying on enemies, Pyrgus's strong sense of justice towards animals, Henry's rather laid back "going along for the ride even though it's mad" behavior), most of the main cast don't have as much ... agency. It's hard to picture what they are like in day-to-day lifestyles that isn't politically inclined (except maybe Henry for being the "everyman"). Part of the joy of reading is picturing the characters like they are your peers, your neighbors, your coworkers; real flesh and blood individuals with their own quirks, agendas, beliefs, politics, joys, sorrows, etc.
That said.... I don't hate or even dislike this series. Quite the contrary, this series gave me a lot of joy when I was a teenager, for I devoured anything and everything devoted to the fantasy genre. I adored the vividly detailed world of the Faerie Realm, and even after all these years, I still remembered the nomadic people of the desert whom Henry meets in this fourth installment. The fantasy aspect of Faerie Wars is truly remarkable and creative; I give full kudos to the author for his outstanding imagination.
But as I've grown, I've learned it's not the worlds that truly pulls me in over and over: it's the characters. It's why Harry Potter, A Song of Ice and Fire, and even Percy Jackson are so entertaining and neverendingly awesome to read, because the characters feel as real in the pages as they do if they were sitting right next to you. It's why the whimsical style of Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon does not diminish the characters' personalities one iota: Anne and Emily are as dear and real to me as "the Golden Trio" of Harry Potter, the Starks and Tyrion Lannister, Percy and Annabeth, and so many more characters.
So read Faerie Wars if you're young, or if you simply are intrigued by a fantasical, fast-paced ride. It's not without its strengths and weaknesses, just like every other work of literature. But it's not one that will stick with me like the aforementioned titles have and will over the years, and in the years to come. It will always a nostalgic title, one that I will recommend any curious teenager who has a love for fantasy and complex plots.
But I think the chapter of this series in my life has officially drawn to a close.
August 20, 2013
Trying to get this review out quickly before I forget what I both loved and hated about this book. Anyway. Faerie Lord begins soon after the end of Ruler of the Realm. Henry is still reeling from Blue's proposal, and backpedaling into his normal, boring life. The Faerie Realm, however, needs his help. A terrible illness has struck the land, aging faeries on both sides of the war not in months and years, but in hours and days. Pyrgus Malvae and Mr. Fogarty have caught it, and the latter might not have much time left. No one, not even the Realm's top scientists and magicians, can figure out what's causing the time plague, and Henry must use a vague vision to find the cure.
At this point in the series, I'm starting to think Herbie Brennan was running out of ideas. In the last book, Ruler of the Realm, there was some aliens (that weren't actually aliens), and in this one, we're introduced to a completely new culture in the desert, and he has Hairstreak's men summon some primordial gods. I probably would have been okay with it, were the gods some original creation of Brennan's that were part of the Faerie mythos. Instead, he brings in the Norse. (If this is a spoiler for you, then you clearly are oblivious to the giant hammer on the cover. By now we're all familiar with Thor and Loki from the Avengers, and we've run into them in several other fantasy/urban fantasy novels. This is me saying it's overplayed. Pick somebody else for your heavenly basketball team. I beg you. However, at least Brennan gave a fresh take on them. But still, I wonder if the Norse were truly necessary to the plot development. Even though I finished the book yesterday, I can't remember how the Norse plot even relates to the time disease. Oh, right, they're guarding something even more powerful. Goody. As for what they're guarding, well, I will say, it's about time this creature makes an appearance. I actually hope we'll see more of them in the future.
The Faerie Wars Chronicles suffers from what other series that feature the same antagonists over and over (i.e. Harry Potter do. I'm starting to get bored with Hairstreak, Chalkhill, and Brimstone. At least Voldemort changes forms and manages to grow more powerful in each book in Harry Potter. These three villains, on the other hand, seem to be getting more desperate, in an almost comical fashion. Hairstreak does have a very exciting moment in the end, though.
On a happier note, Brennan once again makes the last half of the book rather exciting. I think I finished that part in a couple days, whereas the first half took over a week. Blue/Henry shippers will be likely want to throw the book across the room at the beginning, but trust me, they'll want to read the end.
Faerie Lord also brings up some interesting religious perspectives. Henry, we find out, is Anglican, though he isn't serious about it except on Sundays, like all "sane Anglicans are." He meets a wild boy in the desert whose religion centers around coming of age and communing with one's ancestors. Don't even get me started on Faerie beliefs. After four books, I'm still not sure of anything except that Lighters don't believe in keeping demon servants, and Nighters do. Perhaps I would have liked this book better if Brennan explored this part of his world a little bit more. I feel like some important aspects are missing from the characters.
Will I read the next, and final book The Faeman Quest? Probably. But mainly because I already checked it out from the library.
At this point in the series, I'm starting to think Herbie Brennan was running out of ideas. In the last book, Ruler of the Realm, there was some aliens (that weren't actually aliens), and in this one, we're introduced to a completely new culture in the desert, and he has Hairstreak's men summon some primordial gods. I probably would have been okay with it, were the gods some original creation of Brennan's that were part of the Faerie mythos. Instead, he brings in the Norse. (If this is a spoiler for you, then you clearly are oblivious to the giant hammer on the cover. By now we're all familiar with Thor and Loki from the Avengers, and we've run into them in several other fantasy/urban fantasy novels. This is me saying it's overplayed. Pick somebody else for your heavenly basketball team. I beg you. However, at least Brennan gave a fresh take on them. But still, I wonder if the Norse were truly necessary to the plot development. Even though I finished the book yesterday, I can't remember how the Norse plot even relates to the time disease. Oh, right, they're guarding something even more powerful. Goody. As for what they're guarding, well, I will say, it's about time this creature makes an appearance. I actually hope we'll see more of them in the future.
The Faerie Wars Chronicles suffers from what other series that feature the same antagonists over and over (i.e. Harry Potter do. I'm starting to get bored with Hairstreak, Chalkhill, and Brimstone. At least Voldemort changes forms and manages to grow more powerful in each book in Harry Potter. These three villains, on the other hand, seem to be getting more desperate, in an almost comical fashion. Hairstreak does have a very exciting moment in the end, though.
On a happier note, Brennan once again makes the last half of the book rather exciting. I think I finished that part in a couple days, whereas the first half took over a week. Blue/Henry shippers will be likely want to throw the book across the room at the beginning, but trust me, they'll want to read the end.
Faerie Lord also brings up some interesting religious perspectives. Henry, we find out, is Anglican, though he isn't serious about it except on Sundays, like all "sane Anglicans are." He meets a wild boy in the desert whose religion centers around coming of age and communing with one's ancestors. Don't even get me started on Faerie beliefs. After four books, I'm still not sure of anything except that Lighters don't believe in keeping demon servants, and Nighters do. Perhaps I would have liked this book better if Brennan explored this part of his world a little bit more. I feel like some important aspects are missing from the characters.
Will I read the next, and final book The Faeman Quest? Probably. But mainly because I already checked it out from the library.
Currently reading
May 3, 2015Sunday, May 3, 2015
As John Green said “ Grief does not change you. It reveals you”. This quote shows how Henry should not be depressed and work hard to find his parents. The novel Faerie Lords, by Herbie Brennan portrays many themes that can be used in a person’s everyday life. The story includes, much of character development, and a very complex plot.
The characters have been portrayed in a very vague way, from the start till finish. Henry became a lot more depressed, while Pygrus became much more friendly. First, Henry showed his rise in becoming depressed afterhaving his family captured. As the author said “Henry stared at the rock, only to think about what was to come’” (Brennan 84). Also, Pygrus became much more friendly by try to get more friends. He started conversations with others, which showed how he became friendlier. In conclusion Brennan increased the reader’s fond of the knowledge of the characters throughout the book.
The story is set in many different areas, while two of them are more profoundly described as others. These two are Faerie Realm, and the Ramb caves. First, in Faerie Realm Henry sees his family being captured. As Brennan said “’Father! Mother! Come back with my parents you fool!’ “ (Brennan 54). While, at the Ramb caves Henry and Pygrus use the stone to open the portal to the Enden Realm. They traveled to the Enden realm, where the plot ends. All in all, the story’s settings are easily identified.
The holy stone is a very important item of the story’s plot. It aids the main characters open a portal to the Enden Realm, and burn Azwanok. First, when the boys are trapped they use the holy stone to open a portal. As Brennan said, “They pondered for a minute, thinking about the holy stone behind them” (Brennan 123). Also, the holy stone burnt Azwanok allowing the boys to continue. Once they burnt him they continued their journey. Finally, the holy stone is a very vital item in the plot.
As said before, the characters grow such as the plot, which allows the reader the doorway to an intriguing book. The two areas of plot are shown in the same areas. Though, they are explained in much different ways. As Margaret Mead said, “I learned the value of hard work by working hard”. This shows how Henry working hard to find his parents paid off. In conclusion, the plot is very different from the previous book, which always keep the reader wanting to read more.
As John Green said “ Grief does not change you. It reveals you”. This quote shows how Henry should not be depressed and work hard to find his parents. The novel Faerie Lords, by Herbie Brennan portrays many themes that can be used in a person’s everyday life. The story includes, much of character development, and a very complex plot.
The characters have been portrayed in a very vague way, from the start till finish. Henry became a lot more depressed, while Pygrus became much more friendly. First, Henry showed his rise in becoming depressed afterhaving his family captured. As the author said “Henry stared at the rock, only to think about what was to come’” (Brennan 84). Also, Pygrus became much more friendly by try to get more friends. He started conversations with others, which showed how he became friendlier. In conclusion Brennan increased the reader’s fond of the knowledge of the characters throughout the book.
The story is set in many different areas, while two of them are more profoundly described as others. These two are Faerie Realm, and the Ramb caves. First, in Faerie Realm Henry sees his family being captured. As Brennan said “’Father! Mother! Come back with my parents you fool!’ “ (Brennan 54). While, at the Ramb caves Henry and Pygrus use the stone to open the portal to the Enden Realm. They traveled to the Enden realm, where the plot ends. All in all, the story’s settings are easily identified.
The holy stone is a very important item of the story’s plot. It aids the main characters open a portal to the Enden Realm, and burn Azwanok. First, when the boys are trapped they use the holy stone to open a portal. As Brennan said, “They pondered for a minute, thinking about the holy stone behind them” (Brennan 123). Also, the holy stone burnt Azwanok allowing the boys to continue. Once they burnt him they continued their journey. Finally, the holy stone is a very vital item in the plot.
As said before, the characters grow such as the plot, which allows the reader the doorway to an intriguing book. The two areas of plot are shown in the same areas. Though, they are explained in much different ways. As Margaret Mead said, “I learned the value of hard work by working hard”. This shows how Henry working hard to find his parents paid off. In conclusion, the plot is very different from the previous book, which always keep the reader wanting to read more.
November 21, 2018
51 points/100 (2.75 stars/5) [revised from 5].
After Henry decided to go back to the Analogue world afterall, he is miserable. But, then Pyrgus shows up - Mr. Fogarty is dying of a plague affecting the Faerie Realm.
This is actually a much better written story than Ruler of the Realm. This book doesn't fit in with the rest of the series pretty much at all, though. It feels like a completely different book. But, almost all of my complaints from the last book seem to have been worked out this book. This wasn't frustrating or aggravating to read at all.
The plot wasn't overly complicated for the sake of being complicated. It has a much better progression through the story. This is good because he wasn't really able to pull of the complicated story with a grand reveal at the end. I enjoyed the actual plot to this book much better than the previous three combined, all told. It just really didn't fit in with the rest. It changed up the series way too much in way too short of time.
It changed because for some inexplicable reason, Brennan decided to randomly include Norse and Greek mythologies. Like, I figured the names were just a coincidence at first, because they're really lesser known aspects of Norse mythology. Nope, just straight up mythology. Then, there is the whole angel thing, and ghost thing, and this seriously turned into a kitchen sink at the last possible moment. I really cannot fathom the thought process behind writing this book other than "you know what, I'm author here, I can do what I want! You can't stop me!". Honestly, it was such a rewrite of the worldbuilding to date it sucked.
The plot of the story ends terribly this time around as well. It is just such a major hand wave. Oh no, everyone is going to die. Oh look, now they aren't. There were a lot of loose ends in this ending. At least the ending of the book didn't take place off screen this time. In fact, almost none of the book takes place off screen. That is why it is written so much better. I don't feel left out of the story I'm currently reading.
Overall, better book than the last, but still has problems. This can be considered one ending to the series (and I actually thought it was the end for many years after it came out). As an end to the series, it is perfectly adequate.
After Henry decided to go back to the Analogue world afterall, he is miserable. But, then Pyrgus shows up - Mr. Fogarty is dying of a plague affecting the Faerie Realm.
This is actually a much better written story than Ruler of the Realm. This book doesn't fit in with the rest of the series pretty much at all, though. It feels like a completely different book. But, almost all of my complaints from the last book seem to have been worked out this book. This wasn't frustrating or aggravating to read at all.
The plot wasn't overly complicated for the sake of being complicated. It has a much better progression through the story. This is good because he wasn't really able to pull of the complicated story with a grand reveal at the end. I enjoyed the actual plot to this book much better than the previous three combined, all told. It just really didn't fit in with the rest. It changed up the series way too much in way too short of time.
It changed because for some inexplicable reason, Brennan decided to randomly include Norse and Greek mythologies. Like, I figured the names were just a coincidence at first, because they're really lesser known aspects of Norse mythology. Nope, just straight up mythology. Then, there is the whole angel thing, and ghost thing, and this seriously turned into a kitchen sink at the last possible moment. I really cannot fathom the thought process behind writing this book other than "you know what, I'm author here, I can do what I want! You can't stop me!". Honestly, it was such a rewrite of the worldbuilding to date it sucked.
The plot of the story ends terribly this time around as well. It is just such a major hand wave. Oh no, everyone is going to die. Oh look, now they aren't. There were a lot of loose ends in this ending. At least the ending of the book didn't take place off screen this time. In fact, almost none of the book takes place off screen. That is why it is written so much better. I don't feel left out of the story I'm currently reading.
Overall, better book than the last, but still has problems. This can be considered one ending to the series (and I actually thought it was the end for many years after it came out). As an end to the series, it is perfectly adequate.
July 24, 2020
Zwei Jahre sind vergangen, seit Henry das Elfenreich verlassen hat. Zwei Jahre mit seiner chaotischen Familie, zwei Jahre, in denen er immer wieder an Blue gedacht hat. Da steht plötzlich Pyrgus vor ihm. Fast hätte er ihn nicht erkannt, denn er ist während Henrys Abwesenheit um viel mehr als nur zwei Jahre gealtert. Dieses Phänomen versetzt das ganze Elfenreich in Angst und Schrecken. Man nennt es das Zeitfieber, denn die Betroffenen bekommen Fieberschübe, während derer sie um Jahre älter werden.
Pyrgus ist in die Menschenwelt gekommen, weil er hofft, dort überleben zu können, und weil er Henry holen möchte, der die Elfen von der Bedrohung durch das Zeitfieber erlösen soll. Wie er das anstellen soll, weiß Henry auch nicht so genau, doch trotz allem freut er sich über ein Wiedersehen mit seinen alten Freunden - bis ihn Madame Cardui mit einem Transportzauber plötzlich irgendwohin katapultiert und keiner weiß, wo er hingeraten ist. Dabei wird er doch dringend gebraucht, um das Zeitfieber zu bekämpfen, das auch von Mr. Fogarty Besitz ergriffen hat und sein Leben akut bedroht. Also beginnt eine lange und nicht gerade ungefährliche Suche, in deren Verlauf Blue und Henry getrennt voneinander merkwürdigen Gestalten, alten Feinden und mythischen Monstern begegnen.
Der 4. Teil der Elfen-Reihe hat wieder einige der bewährten witzigen Momente, doch insgesamt ist die Grundstimmung getragener und düsterer, vielleicht auch ein wenig "erwachsener". Die Wiedersehensfreude mit Blue, Pyrgus, Henry und Co. wird getrübt durch Krankheit und die unmittelbare, allgegenwärtige Bedrohung durch das Zeitfieber und den Tod (fast erinnert das ein wenig an das "Nichts" in der Unendlichen Geschichte). Außerdem habe ich den süßen Flapwazzle schmerzlich vermisst. Wo steckt der bloß?
Brennan verwebt hier einige Motive aus der germanischen Mythologie mit seiner Elfenwelt, greift das Motiv der Wüste aus dem 3. Band wieder auf und sorgt für einige Überraschungen, die Loyalitäten der Figuren betreffend. Das Ganze liest sich wie immer süffig weg. Aufgrund der kurzen Kapitel hat man das Buch schwupps ausgelesen, weil man immer noch ein Kapitelchen und noch eins und noch eins lesen möchte.
Vielleicht nicht mein Lieblingsband der Reihe, aber auf jeden Fall lesenswert.
Pyrgus ist in die Menschenwelt gekommen, weil er hofft, dort überleben zu können, und weil er Henry holen möchte, der die Elfen von der Bedrohung durch das Zeitfieber erlösen soll. Wie er das anstellen soll, weiß Henry auch nicht so genau, doch trotz allem freut er sich über ein Wiedersehen mit seinen alten Freunden - bis ihn Madame Cardui mit einem Transportzauber plötzlich irgendwohin katapultiert und keiner weiß, wo er hingeraten ist. Dabei wird er doch dringend gebraucht, um das Zeitfieber zu bekämpfen, das auch von Mr. Fogarty Besitz ergriffen hat und sein Leben akut bedroht. Also beginnt eine lange und nicht gerade ungefährliche Suche, in deren Verlauf Blue und Henry getrennt voneinander merkwürdigen Gestalten, alten Feinden und mythischen Monstern begegnen.
Der 4. Teil der Elfen-Reihe hat wieder einige der bewährten witzigen Momente, doch insgesamt ist die Grundstimmung getragener und düsterer, vielleicht auch ein wenig "erwachsener". Die Wiedersehensfreude mit Blue, Pyrgus, Henry und Co. wird getrübt durch Krankheit und die unmittelbare, allgegenwärtige Bedrohung durch das Zeitfieber und den Tod (fast erinnert das ein wenig an das "Nichts" in der Unendlichen Geschichte). Außerdem habe ich den süßen Flapwazzle schmerzlich vermisst. Wo steckt der bloß?
Brennan verwebt hier einige Motive aus der germanischen Mythologie mit seiner Elfenwelt, greift das Motiv der Wüste aus dem 3. Band wieder auf und sorgt für einige Überraschungen, die Loyalitäten der Figuren betreffend. Das Ganze liest sich wie immer süffig weg. Aufgrund der kurzen Kapitel hat man das Buch schwupps ausgelesen, weil man immer noch ein Kapitelchen und noch eins und noch eins lesen möchte.
Vielleicht nicht mein Lieblingsband der Reihe, aber auf jeden Fall lesenswert.
July 19, 2014
I spotted FAERIE WARS at a yard sale and paid either .50 cents or a dollar for it. I thought the cover was really cool and the synopsis on the back sounded interesting.
Once I got home and started to read it I noticed the next book was advertised in the back pages and that's when I remembered seeing the second book in this series at that same yard sale.
So the next day, my husband and I drove over to that house - I just happened to catch the owner there and when I told her I'd bought the first book there the day before and thought I had seen the second book too and could I please buy it from her as well if she still had it?
She showed me the boxes from the yard sale, I dug through and found THE PURPLE EMPEROR (book two) and the lady ended up giving it to me for free! yipee!!
That was four and a half years ago and I have since read ALL the books in The Faerie Wars Chronicles at least once - some I've read 2 and 3 times.
This book, FAERIE LORD, I read about three years ago. The books just keep on being awesome. I love these characters. The adventure and danger and world building is amazing. I get completely transported while reading these books.
It's been long enough since I've read them that I don't remember exactly how each book in the series went. But the next time I read them (and I'm sure there'll be a next time) I'll try to remember to come back here and review each one again as I go. :)
Meanwhile, I love these books! This is my absolute, all time favorite series. I love them. I want to read them again right now - they are so good. I'd want to bring the entire series with me to a deserted island.
I don't love them so much I want to marry them - basically that would be ridiculous because I'm already married (and also, these are books) ... but honestly, I was really happy my husband read the series and he liked it too - so I know I will always have someone who understands and appreciates my squealy-girl fandom when it comes to The Faerie Wars Chronicles.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Faerie Wars Chronicles to everyone. Especially anyone who loves fantasy, faeries, otherworlds, young adult, young love, adventures and awesomeness in general. ages 13 and up.
I truly hope you love them as much as I do.
Once I got home and started to read it I noticed the next book was advertised in the back pages and that's when I remembered seeing the second book in this series at that same yard sale.
So the next day, my husband and I drove over to that house - I just happened to catch the owner there and when I told her I'd bought the first book there the day before and thought I had seen the second book too and could I please buy it from her as well if she still had it?
She showed me the boxes from the yard sale, I dug through and found THE PURPLE EMPEROR (book two) and the lady ended up giving it to me for free! yipee!!
That was four and a half years ago and I have since read ALL the books in The Faerie Wars Chronicles at least once - some I've read 2 and 3 times.
This book, FAERIE LORD, I read about three years ago. The books just keep on being awesome. I love these characters. The adventure and danger and world building is amazing. I get completely transported while reading these books.
It's been long enough since I've read them that I don't remember exactly how each book in the series went. But the next time I read them (and I'm sure there'll be a next time) I'll try to remember to come back here and review each one again as I go. :)
Meanwhile, I love these books! This is my absolute, all time favorite series. I love them. I want to read them again right now - they are so good. I'd want to bring the entire series with me to a deserted island.
I don't love them so much I want to marry them - basically that would be ridiculous because I'm already married (and also, these are books) ... but honestly, I was really happy my husband read the series and he liked it too - so I know I will always have someone who understands and appreciates my squealy-girl fandom when it comes to The Faerie Wars Chronicles.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Faerie Wars Chronicles to everyone. Especially anyone who loves fantasy, faeries, otherworlds, young adult, young love, adventures and awesomeness in general. ages 13 and up.
I truly hope you love them as much as I do.
August 5, 2011
Didn't enjoy it as much as earlier titles in the series to begin with, but I suppose, as I found with all of Brennan's books, the beginning is kind of slow, then the last third of the book is quite pow-pow-pow with the action parts and cliffhangers, and you don't want to put it down. I also think my reluctance at the beginning might have been caused by not having read them for a while, it took me a bit of time to remember what everything was - not the characters as much as the names for objects in the faerie realm. I was kind of like 'cannot remember what an endolg is, or an ouklo, every though I remember the word'. So yeah, slowed me down a bit and stopped me being as 'into' the story.
I am also not a fan of the way Brennan has whole chapters the follow the villians of the piece. I don't know why, but I just don't like them. I don't care about those characters, no matter how much you try to get me to find them endearing, or want me to hate them. They just seem kind of unrealistic attitudes for major villians to have. I want to skip them and go back to the protanganists, but can't because I'm afraid I'll miss something important. After reading it, I'm not too sure I would have to be honest.
One last thing that bugs me, and has been mentioned by another reviewer, is that the characters seem to act younger than their ages in parts, or say and think things that are quite immature, usally in reference to the romantic side of the story. I know the characters are quite young, but in all other aspects of life they have a mature, we-can-run-an-entire-realm-with-relative-ease attitude, so the way they approach romance seems unrealistic and kind of silly at times.
All gripes aside, I did enjoy it, and for the last third of the book or so I didn't want to put it down. Perhaps I was just finding the holes that I wouldn't have noticed if I'd read it when I was a bit younger.
I am also not a fan of the way Brennan has whole chapters the follow the villians of the piece. I don't know why, but I just don't like them. I don't care about those characters, no matter how much you try to get me to find them endearing, or want me to hate them. They just seem kind of unrealistic attitudes for major villians to have. I want to skip them and go back to the protanganists, but can't because I'm afraid I'll miss something important. After reading it, I'm not too sure I would have to be honest.
One last thing that bugs me, and has been mentioned by another reviewer, is that the characters seem to act younger than their ages in parts, or say and think things that are quite immature, usally in reference to the romantic side of the story. I know the characters are quite young, but in all other aspects of life they have a mature, we-can-run-an-entire-realm-with-relative-ease attitude, so the way they approach romance seems unrealistic and kind of silly at times.
All gripes aside, I did enjoy it, and for the last third of the book or so I didn't want to put it down. Perhaps I was just finding the holes that I wouldn't have noticed if I'd read it when I was a bit younger.
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