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The Companions Quartet #4
The Chimera's Curse
It's a long hot summer. Temperatures are soaring and a strange creature has been spotted on Dartmoor. Connie Lionheart and her friends soon discover that the creature is a chimera. When it attacks Connie, leaving her gravely wounded, Col and Rat must rescue her from she needs
treatment beyond the knowledge of mortals.
But a weakened Connie is easy prey for the evil shapeshifter Kullervo. He believes that, finally, the time is ripe for him to seize her Universal power, gather his army of mythical beings, and wipe out humanity.
The battle between him and Connie will be a fight to the death. And the prize will be the future of mankind.
treatment beyond the knowledge of mortals.
But a weakened Connie is easy prey for the evil shapeshifter Kullervo. He believes that, finally, the time is ripe for him to seize her Universal power, gather his army of mythical beings, and wipe out humanity.
The battle between him and Connie will be a fight to the death. And the prize will be the future of mankind.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2007
46 people are currently reading
1106 people want to read
About the author
Julia Golding
84 books862 followersMy journey to becoming an author has been a roundabout one, taking in many other careers. I grew up on the edge of Epping Forest and was that dreamy kind of child who was always writing stories. After reading English at Cambridge, I decided to find out as much as I could about the wider world so joined the Foreign Office and served in Poland. My work as a diplomat took me from the high point of town twinning in the Tatra Mountains to the low of inspecting the bottom of a Silesian coal mine.
On leaving Poland, I exchanged diplomacy for academia and took a doctorate in the literature of the English Romantic Period at Oxford. I then joined Oxfam as a lobbyist on conflict issues, campaigning at the UN and with governments to lessen the impact of conflict on civilians living in war zones - a cause about which I still feel very passionate.
Married with three children, I now live in Oxford between two rivers, surrounded by gargoyles, beautiful sandstone buildings and ancient trees.
My first novel, 'The Diamond of Drury Lane', won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2006 and the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 (formerly known as the Smarties Prize). I was also chosen by Waterstone's in 2007 as one of their 'Twenty-five authors for the future'. In the US, 'Secret of the Sirens' won the honor book medal of the Green Earth Book Award.
My latest series, which starts with Mel Foster and the Demon Butler, about an intrepid Victorian orphan who lives in a household of monsters, won Bronze in the Primary Teacher awards in 2015. The next part, Mel Foster and the Time Machine, has set the time-dial to arrive in 2016.
On leaving Poland, I exchanged diplomacy for academia and took a doctorate in the literature of the English Romantic Period at Oxford. I then joined Oxfam as a lobbyist on conflict issues, campaigning at the UN and with governments to lessen the impact of conflict on civilians living in war zones - a cause about which I still feel very passionate.
Married with three children, I now live in Oxford between two rivers, surrounded by gargoyles, beautiful sandstone buildings and ancient trees.
My first novel, 'The Diamond of Drury Lane', won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2006 and the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 (formerly known as the Smarties Prize). I was also chosen by Waterstone's in 2007 as one of their 'Twenty-five authors for the future'. In the US, 'Secret of the Sirens' won the honor book medal of the Green Earth Book Award.
My latest series, which starts with Mel Foster and the Demon Butler, about an intrepid Victorian orphan who lives in a household of monsters, won Bronze in the Primary Teacher awards in 2015. The next part, Mel Foster and the Time Machine, has set the time-dial to arrive in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 7, 2011
Col Clamworthy, it was about freaking time!
Call me a hopeless romantic, but i have been waiting and waiting for something to..er, um, happen (?!) between Col and our lovely heroine, Connie. in the last chapter he finally asks her out, so i was a happy camper. I know, i know- I'm pathetic. (What would their name be: Colnie? hehehe...)
Wow- I finished 2 books today. it took me approx. 5 hours to read the enite thing- with breaks to eat and goof around.
it was pretty great- the final showdown was a promising as i expected, and there was a cheesy segment about how Connie's work 'had only just begun' because she needed to fight the terrors of global warming. But it was pretty great. My last review was 'hidden because of spoilers' so i won't go into detail, but it was an excellent way to finish our terrible villian- although he wasn't ENTIRELY finished, and the series. Bravo!
Call me a hopeless romantic, but i have been waiting and waiting for something to..er, um, happen (?!) between Col and our lovely heroine, Connie. in the last chapter he finally asks her out, so i was a happy camper. I know, i know- I'm pathetic. (What would their name be: Colnie? hehehe...)
Wow- I finished 2 books today. it took me approx. 5 hours to read the enite thing- with breaks to eat and goof around.
it was pretty great- the final showdown was a promising as i expected, and there was a cheesy segment about how Connie's work 'had only just begun' because she needed to fight the terrors of global warming. But it was pretty great. My last review was 'hidden because of spoilers' so i won't go into detail, but it was an excellent way to finish our terrible villian- although he wasn't ENTIRELY finished, and the series. Bravo!
July 4, 2018
4'5/5⭐
I'm very proud and delighted that everything was finished as it had to. All the characters are perfectly described, we get to know them very well throughout the entire series. Including the villain of the story, which we even get to understand. On the other hand, highlight the great work of the author to show us a world in which everything is possible, in which we can be companions of amazing mythical creatures and that all this seems real, which means, that makes us think that it can happen in reality. Thank you Julia Golding for making me finish the last book with a huge smile and really satisfied to have given an opportunity to this amazing eco-fantasy series. I hope you do it as well.
I'm very proud and delighted that everything was finished as it had to. All the characters are perfectly described, we get to know them very well throughout the entire series. Including the villain of the story, which we even get to understand. On the other hand, highlight the great work of the author to show us a world in which everything is possible, in which we can be companions of amazing mythical creatures and that all this seems real, which means, that makes us think that it can happen in reality. Thank you Julia Golding for making me finish the last book with a huge smile and really satisfied to have given an opportunity to this amazing eco-fantasy series. I hope you do it as well.
August 12, 2022
(4.5 en realidad)
Mis pensamientos (sin ningún orden particular):
Me hubiera gustado que Evelyn tuviera más apariciones/momentos.
Está bien que Connie sólo es una adolescente, pero si no le dan la información cómo se supone que ella sepa qué onda? Como dijo Evelyn, mejor que esté preparada.
Aunque sé que era obvio, me hubiera gustado que Connie y Col quedaran sólo como amigos.
Me causa gracia que Simon estaba con lo de la quimera un poco como Connie con las sirenas.
En serio que na más llegas a la mitad del libro y de pronto todo pasa xD al menos esta vez no empecé a leer tan noche.
Sostengo que lo de "sobrevivir 3 días con mordedura de serpiente" es poco realista, y que no les costaba nada darle antiviperinos por si acaso. Eso, y que necesitan otro unicornio de guardia.
Neta 3 meses desde que el Dr. Brock le dijo a Connie de que se veía sospechoso el páramo y no hicieron ni tantito reconocimiento aéreo o algo? Siento que falló esa última elipsis, cuyo propósito me parece que fue hacer que el bebé naciera al mismo tiempo que la batalla y todo lo demás.
Y está bien que solo se vieran en la escuela Col y Connie, pero seguramente tenían tiempo en las tardes de platicar, no? digo, no creo que lo pusieran a entrenar en las tardes si era en equipo.
Y ya, de plano, nada acerca de la mamá de Col, ni un comentario ni nada... Y a pesar de todo, Mack igual de distante con Col.
Ya sé que este libro es de los 2000 cuando no eran tan usados lo celulares, pero qué costaba que llamaran al celular a Mack para decirle "ey, Connie va para allá a ver si encuentra a Col, esperala en la casa de mi tío"
Connie con Kullervo: #KillThemWithKidness
En serio, de qué vive la gente??? Qué hacía Evelyn? y Mack? la abuela les creo que estuviera jubilada, y el Dr. Brock, pero.. ellos de dónde sacaban dinero? Me contento con que me digan que Evelyn escribía novelas de misterio o algo xD
Y... ya jeje
Parecen muchas críticas, pero na más son pequeños detalles que me molestaban/sacaban de la historia y por eso no son 5 jj
Me alegro de haber podido acabar esta saga n.n que me quedé esperando la traducción del anterior y este y nunca llegó. Pa esto sirve el inglés, para acabar sagas xD (en serio, que no me podía despegar de los libros)
Mis pensamientos (sin ningún orden particular):
Me hubiera gustado que Evelyn tuviera más apariciones/momentos.
Está bien que Connie sólo es una adolescente, pero si no le dan la información cómo se supone que ella sepa qué onda? Como dijo Evelyn, mejor que esté preparada.
Aunque sé que era obvio, me hubiera gustado que Connie y Col quedaran sólo como amigos.
Me causa gracia que Simon estaba con lo de la quimera un poco como Connie con las sirenas.
En serio que na más llegas a la mitad del libro y de pronto todo pasa xD al menos esta vez no empecé a leer tan noche.
Sostengo que lo de "sobrevivir 3 días con mordedura de serpiente" es poco realista, y que no les costaba nada darle antiviperinos por si acaso. Eso, y que necesitan otro unicornio de guardia.
Neta 3 meses desde que el Dr. Brock le dijo a Connie de que se veía sospechoso el páramo y no hicieron ni tantito reconocimiento aéreo o algo? Siento que falló esa última elipsis, cuyo propósito me parece que fue hacer que el bebé naciera al mismo tiempo que la batalla y todo lo demás.
Y está bien que solo se vieran en la escuela Col y Connie, pero seguramente tenían tiempo en las tardes de platicar, no? digo, no creo que lo pusieran a entrenar en las tardes si era en equipo.
Y ya, de plano, nada acerca de la mamá de Col, ni un comentario ni nada... Y a pesar de todo, Mack igual de distante con Col.
Ya sé que este libro es de los 2000 cuando no eran tan usados lo celulares, pero qué costaba que llamaran al celular a Mack para decirle "ey, Connie va para allá a ver si encuentra a Col, esperala en la casa de mi tío"
Connie con Kullervo: #KillThemWithKidness
En serio, de qué vive la gente??? Qué hacía Evelyn? y Mack? la abuela les creo que estuviera jubilada, y el Dr. Brock, pero.. ellos de dónde sacaban dinero? Me contento con que me digan que Evelyn escribía novelas de misterio o algo xD
Y... ya jeje
Parecen muchas críticas, pero na más son pequeños detalles que me molestaban/sacaban de la historia y por eso no son 5 jj
Me alegro de haber podido acabar esta saga n.n que me quedé esperando la traducción del anterior y este y nunca llegó. Pa esto sirve el inglés, para acabar sagas xD (en serio, que no me podía despegar de los libros)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2024
PERFECTION
July 11, 2015
وای! اصلا فکر نمی کردم اینطوری تموم بشه.
با اینکه نسبت به سلیقه ی من زیادی ملو بود، ولی به خاطر خلاقیت پایانش بهش پنج دادم. پایان طوری بود که آرزو کنم کاش یه جلد دیگه هم در مورد آینده ی دور داستان وجود داشت:)
با اینکه نسبت به سلیقه ی من زیادی ملو بود، ولی به خاطر خلاقیت پایانش بهش پنج دادم. پایان طوری بود که آرزو کنم کاش یه جلد دیگه هم در مورد آینده ی دور داستان وجود داشت:)
July 27, 2018
I did't want to put this books down they were a very good read
August 23, 2018
tl;dr
So much of the story is based on our character not having the brilliant idea of moving her bedroom.
The glaring idiocies in this series since book 3 is just too much! It's like the people have no common sense. In this book we see our hero driven to desperation with nightmares. Truth be told this is a valid point, having nightmares nightly, that will drive anyone insane and this is an important part of the story BUT, this is moot since she said that she doesn't have nightmares when she's with her dragon. Something so simple! The author states that she cannot stay with her dragon as the dragon is now big and won't fit in a room. Good god you know what would fit in a room with a dragon? A KID!
Let her sleep with the fucking dragon, let her live with her companion! Here's another genius idea! Let her bond with something small! Something that will fit in her room!
A big part of the story moves because of her desperation and her desperation is from her nightmares, GET RID OF THE NIGHTMARES! If it was some kind of "curse" or something, then sure, I get it. But it's not! See?! This story would've turned out better if she just learned to use her feet and slept where the dragon was.
Just because a story has dragons and unicorns doesn't mean the people shouldn't have common sense. Good god, it was almost decent if not for this thing. So much of the story is based on our character not having the brilliant idea of moving her bedroom.
So much of the story is based on our character not having the brilliant idea of moving her bedroom.
The glaring idiocies in this series since book 3 is just too much! It's like the people have no common sense. In this book we see our hero driven to desperation with nightmares. Truth be told this is a valid point, having nightmares nightly, that will drive anyone insane and this is an important part of the story BUT, this is moot since she said that she doesn't have nightmares when she's with her dragon. Something so simple! The author states that she cannot stay with her dragon as the dragon is now big and won't fit in a room. Good god you know what would fit in a room with a dragon? A KID!
Let her sleep with the fucking dragon, let her live with her companion! Here's another genius idea! Let her bond with something small! Something that will fit in her room!
A big part of the story moves because of her desperation and her desperation is from her nightmares, GET RID OF THE NIGHTMARES! If it was some kind of "curse" or something, then sure, I get it. But it's not! See?! This story would've turned out better if she just learned to use her feet and slept where the dragon was.
Just because a story has dragons and unicorns doesn't mean the people shouldn't have common sense. Good god, it was almost decent if not for this thing. So much of the story is based on our character not having the brilliant idea of moving her bedroom.
July 29, 2009
I loved this book, with all of it's creatures and drama and the conclusion at the end. The only thing that held me back from giving it 5 stars was that in the end Col asks Connie to "Go out with him" and then they share a hug. Very cute and innocent but they're 14! Is a celebratory kiss so much to ask for, even just a peck? There was one in the last book! I'm sorry, but I'm a sucker for romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2013
Final Smack Down, Col and Connie, Kullervo, Universal Power and Such :D :D :D :D
June 23, 2015
I did really enjoy this series. I guess that is evident in the fact that I read all four books in a relatively short period of time. The characters are eclectic and memorable.
October 18, 2015
Great story
Great ending! Love the characters and the suspense in the whole book. Great writing and many fantastic creatures to learn about!
Great ending! Love the characters and the suspense in the whole book. Great writing and many fantastic creatures to learn about!
November 24, 2017
OMG PAGE 305 WAS THE BEST! !!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 31, 2018
A perfect ending to the series, and definitely a reread- like the first three books as well.
July 6, 2022
Awesome conclusion to this series
I have read this book multiple times and each time I remember why I fell in love with it. Connie and Col are so much fun to follow throughout their journeys. Connie faces her biggest challenge yet in this book while many of the other characters we’ve come to know and love return for the series’ conclusion. The author did a great job handling the plot so that it had high stakes, good pacing, and a conclusion worthy of how good this series has been. I would highly recommend this book particularly for YA readers.
I have read this book multiple times and each time I remember why I fell in love with it. Connie and Col are so much fun to follow throughout their journeys. Connie faces her biggest challenge yet in this book while many of the other characters we’ve come to know and love return for the series’ conclusion. The author did a great job handling the plot so that it had high stakes, good pacing, and a conclusion worthy of how good this series has been. I would highly recommend this book particularly for YA readers.
May 17, 2019
One of the best series to read on Kindle unlimited,!
These books are amazing! Great people and creatures and you get caught up immediately from book one through book 4. Some violence but not gory. Just enough to get the point of the difference between the good and the bad. Please do more of these!!!
These books are amazing! Great people and creatures and you get caught up immediately from book one through book 4. Some violence but not gory. Just enough to get the point of the difference between the good and the bad. Please do more of these!!!
January 8, 2022
This was an enjoyable final book in the series - the way Kullervo was dealt with ended up being really original and cool, and I liked how much Connie’s character developed throughout the series. I like that the threat of climate change is still there and it’s not magically solved. It was great meeting Connie’s brother and reading about their dynamic - it would have been fun to see their parents dealing with everything, but it was still great. Also,
January 26, 2022
This book was amazing. Here are the highlights: Connie challenges Kullervo at the mark and claims him. She has adopted the powers of Kullervo. Col asks Connie out. And Connie has a new baby cousin, (col has a brother as Connie’s aunt is his step-mom) who is another universal. I loved this book, and may be my favorite out of the other four.
March 30, 2024
Fun finale
I enjoyed this series quite a bit. I will say that I thought the trustees were a little too controlling and closed minded when it came to Connie's training. While it may have seemed like they were trying to protect her, their rules for her actually out her in more danger. Definitely an interesting ending to a fun series.
I enjoyed this series quite a bit. I will say that I thought the trustees were a little too controlling and closed minded when it came to Connie's training. While it may have seemed like they were trying to protect her, their rules for her actually out her in more danger. Definitely an interesting ending to a fun series.
July 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book, and I thought the ending was interesting. That being said, it wasn't my favorite, and I was more bothered with questions as to how this new power works than satisfaction over the victory.
August 21, 2023
This was a nicely wrapped ending to the series, although I felt it could have easily been longer and gone even deeper into the messaging behind the action. Very suitable for teaching YA readers about the importance of friendship, compassion, hope, resilience and protecting the vulnerable.
June 12, 2020
A can't put down read (well for me at least)
August 4, 2020
Perfect for middle-schoolers!
October 12, 2020
Amazing
This book is perfect for all people who are always ready for a bit of action , fun and fantasy.
This book is perfect for all people who are always ready for a bit of action , fun and fantasy.
March 4, 2021
Smashing good ending
What a great ending to this series. Connie finds a way to resolve the Kullervo issue for good and asserts herself within the Society as well.
What a great ending to this series. Connie finds a way to resolve the Kullervo issue for good and asserts herself within the Society as well.
June 1, 2022
Tanto quería terminar el libro y ahora lamento haberlo acabado.
No sé cómo le voy a decir adiós a esta historia.
No sé cómo le voy a decir adiós a esta historia.
February 21, 2023
Col's crush on Connie is so cute. This easily could have been a whole other series and I am bummed it isn't. I'd like more of these books!
October 30, 2017
The conclusion of the Companions Quartet
My students are going to enjoy this fantasy series when I add it to our library collection. All four books provide non-stop action with a myriad of mythical beings come to life. The concept of human companions bonded to these creatures is unique and the added element of the preservation of a shared world will appeal to many. I rated this installment lower than the previous three because the wrap up seemed a bit contrived, rushed, and a bit of a let down after the other, more exciting, encounters between heroine Connie and her evil counterpoint, Kullervo. And an additional negative note--While possible that it may simply have been the Kindle version of the book, my reading was hampered by many missing commas to help in comprehending very long sentences. Add to that the lack of quotation marks, italics or something to aid transition from Connie's story to/from letters written by past Society members, and the ELA teacher in me felt very frustrated.
My students are going to enjoy this fantasy series when I add it to our library collection. All four books provide non-stop action with a myriad of mythical beings come to life. The concept of human companions bonded to these creatures is unique and the added element of the preservation of a shared world will appeal to many. I rated this installment lower than the previous three because the wrap up seemed a bit contrived, rushed, and a bit of a let down after the other, more exciting, encounters between heroine Connie and her evil counterpoint, Kullervo. And an additional negative note--While possible that it may simply have been the Kindle version of the book, my reading was hampered by many missing commas to help in comprehending very long sentences. Add to that the lack of quotation marks, italics or something to aid transition from Connie's story to/from letters written by past Society members, and the ELA teacher in me felt very frustrated.
June 13, 2017
¡El último libro de la serie The Companions Quartet! Finalmente Connie Lionheart se decide a enfrentar a Kullervo sola y contra la prohibición de La Sociedad, los Consejeros e incluso sus más queridos amigos. Pero qué hacer, si hacer nada significa dejarse llevar a la locura con los continuos acosos de Kullervo dentro de sus sueños, que la privan de lo más elemental para todo ser humano, una noche de sueño reparador. Con la Quimera como la personificación de la demencia, este libro incide en el tema de los límites de la cordura y la que se arriesga cuando luchamos contra nuestra propia naturaleza y rehusamos seguir nuestros instintos.
Literatura fantástica juvenil con elementos mitológicos, de redacción clara y sencilla. “La maldición de la quimera” es una lectura ágil que hace pasar un agradable rato a chicos y grandes. Sin embargo, me ha hecho falta mencionar algo fundamental acerca de los cuatro libros de esta colección: que se trata de una Eco-fantasía, es decir, que más allá del género fantástico se encuentra un trasfondo ecologista. La autora intenta, a través de los conflictos de los seres mitológicos, crear conciencia en sus lectores acerca de la actual crisis medio-ambiental en el mundo.
-Y sobre el tema del rescate al medio ambiente, quienes lo defienden de corazón y con las uñas (>.<)/, los que “tibiamente” simpatizan (-_-) y a los que no les importa nada (u¬_¬), tengo una opinión formada. Pero lo dejaré para quién me pregunte porque aquí se trata del Libro :3
Con esto concluye, para mi tristeza, la serie The Companion Quartet. Pero para todos aquellos que se niegan a decir adiós a La Sociedad y sus miembros, la autora ha escrito ya una nueva serie que retoma la historia trece años después. La nueva serie se llama “Universal Companions” y su primer libro, “Water Thief”. El rol protagónico pasa ahora al joven George quien tiene mucho –más de lo que quisiera- en común con Connie Lionheart…
Yo no sé si tengo corazón para leer otra historia donde Connie no sea ya la protagonista. Me ha quedado tan buen sabor de boca con el desenlace del presente libro que no he querido lavarme los dientes (metafóricamente) para no perder el gusto. Debido al final de esta serie, parece que estoy cursando un proceso de duelo que promete durar mucho.
Literatura fantástica juvenil con elementos mitológicos, de redacción clara y sencilla. “La maldición de la quimera” es una lectura ágil que hace pasar un agradable rato a chicos y grandes. Sin embargo, me ha hecho falta mencionar algo fundamental acerca de los cuatro libros de esta colección: que se trata de una Eco-fantasía, es decir, que más allá del género fantástico se encuentra un trasfondo ecologista. La autora intenta, a través de los conflictos de los seres mitológicos, crear conciencia en sus lectores acerca de la actual crisis medio-ambiental en el mundo.
-Y sobre el tema del rescate al medio ambiente, quienes lo defienden de corazón y con las uñas (>.<)/, los que “tibiamente” simpatizan (-_-) y a los que no les importa nada (u¬_¬), tengo una opinión formada. Pero lo dejaré para quién me pregunte porque aquí se trata del Libro :3
Con esto concluye, para mi tristeza, la serie The Companion Quartet. Pero para todos aquellos que se niegan a decir adiós a La Sociedad y sus miembros, la autora ha escrito ya una nueva serie que retoma la historia trece años después. La nueva serie se llama “Universal Companions” y su primer libro, “Water Thief”. El rol protagónico pasa ahora al joven George quien tiene mucho –más de lo que quisiera- en común con Connie Lionheart…
Yo no sé si tengo corazón para leer otra historia donde Connie no sea ya la protagonista. Me ha quedado tan buen sabor de boca con el desenlace del presente libro que no he querido lavarme los dientes (metafóricamente) para no perder el gusto. Debido al final de esta serie, parece que estoy cursando un proceso de duelo que promete durar mucho.
June 12, 2022
2022:
On one hand, I'm so satisfied at the way the character arcs are all tied up in this book and am happy with the ending as it fits, but on the other hand I wish there were approximately a million books more because I just have so many questions and thoughts on this universe. But at the end, I think it's good there isn't - the Companions Quartet works as a finished story and the Chimera's Curse ties it all nicely together as a conclusion to the story, leaving its' themes explored, it's characters developed and its' world open enough that I will forever be screaming internally (...and externally) over how much I love this series.
2016:
While reading 'The Chimera's Curse' it suddenly dawned on me, how much these characters have grown during all four books. We started out with a main cast of adults and a bunch of kids. But in the last book, all those kids have suddenly grown into teenagers, and they've changed quite a bit during the three year journey. Yes, deep down they are still the same characters, but you can still feel how the events from the previous books have shaped them to become different people.
Yes, it made me emotional.
Chimera's Curse is, just as the other books, a really enjoyable read. They all have a nice mix of everyday routine and exciting action sequences, the characters extremely realistic, both enjoyable and extremely frustrating at times. The writing and storytelling is just lovely. The descriptions of mythical creatures and elements are some of my favourite descriptions ever, the language sounds reasonable and the interactions between characters and their environment is really nice.
Companions Quartet will probably always be my favourite series, and this book deserves it's place in the series.
On one hand, I'm so satisfied at the way the character arcs are all tied up in this book and am happy with the ending as it fits, but on the other hand I wish there were approximately a million books more because I just have so many questions and thoughts on this universe. But at the end, I think it's good there isn't - the Companions Quartet works as a finished story and the Chimera's Curse ties it all nicely together as a conclusion to the story, leaving its' themes explored, it's characters developed and its' world open enough that I will forever be screaming internally (...and externally) over how much I love this series.
2016:
While reading 'The Chimera's Curse' it suddenly dawned on me, how much these characters have grown during all four books. We started out with a main cast of adults and a bunch of kids. But in the last book, all those kids have suddenly grown into teenagers, and they've changed quite a bit during the three year journey. Yes, deep down they are still the same characters, but you can still feel how the events from the previous books have shaped them to become different people.
Yes, it made me emotional.
Chimera's Curse is, just as the other books, a really enjoyable read. They all have a nice mix of everyday routine and exciting action sequences, the characters extremely realistic, both enjoyable and extremely frustrating at times. The writing and storytelling is just lovely. The descriptions of mythical creatures and elements are some of my favourite descriptions ever, the language sounds reasonable and the interactions between characters and their environment is really nice.
Companions Quartet will probably always be my favourite series, and this book deserves it's place in the series.
May 28, 2013
So... the last book of the series. The whole series was pretty okay for me. The series would probably get a 3.5 stars rating out of me. Nothing more, nothing less.
It has been a few months since the weather incident. The Society has carried on peacefully. One day, when Connie and her friends were out in the forest, Connie is attacked by a Chimera. A chimera is basically a mash-up of three different creatures: A lion, a snake, and a goat. Anyway, the Chimera's presene is a signal to all Society members that Kullervo will come and destroy the human race once and for all. Can the Society stop him? Or will it be too late?
Of all the four books in this series, I thought that this one was the most "exciting". You see, unlike the other books, there are a lot of things that happened. It was more action-y. I liked how Connie battled Kullervo in the end. I though that was pretty epic. However, I thought the middle dragged a bit. I also thought the ending leaves a lot of things unresolved. Surely Julia Golding can a put a teensy weensy bit more pages? Oh well.
Good book. I won't say that I'll miss the series, but it will be missing from me. The books left quite an impression becaue of its environmental message. I would totally recommend these books to tree huggers and action-lovers. This is the end of my reviews for the Companions Quartet :(
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