by
3.59 of 5 stars
The more I came to know of the world, the more I knew I knew it not. He was a nameless orphan, marked for death by his masters for an unknown c... read full description

reviews

Jul 20, 2010
Britt rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I really like this one. Much more so than the first book in the trilogy. Many reviewers are of the opposite opinion. Makes me wonder if they're influenced by the Newbery awarded to the first book.

Crispin: Cross of Lead was really predictable and the relationship development between Crispin and Bear was rushed. Also the changes in Crispin's behavior happen too quickly making the climax unrealistic and difficult to accept.

Crispin: At the Edge of the World was so different f More...
Aug 08, 2009
Bradley rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This was sent by the Children's Book of the Month Club for my 9mo old son. He's not ready for a 200 page novel, but I figured I'd read it. I found the story involving and the first person narative of late 14th century England interesting. The author certainly wished to give a historically accurate view of this period. As for it being a children's book, I think not.

It is a book full of death, with half the name characters ending up murdered, poor helpless villagers put to the swor More...
Jun 15, 2011
Josiah rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Crispin: At the Edge of the World picks up right where its critically lauded predecessor left off, with Crispin and Bear fleeing after Crispin's noble sacrifice of his birthright as the lord's son in exchange for Bear's life, the man who had slowly morphed to become the type of father figure that Crispin had never previously known.

Now, though given free pass to leave the city where the endgame action in Crispin: The Cross of Lead had reached its climax, Crispin and Bear find them More...
Mar 03, 2010
Nina rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book was by far way better than the first one and this is why. This one goes through many more struggles that the first one which makes it way more interesting and makes you want to keep reading on and on until you finish the book and then your sad for 2 reasons. The first reason is because the book is over and the second reason is that the ending is really sad but I won't say anymore. I also think this book was way better because the settings were more decorative in your head and you just More...
Aug 03, 2011
Janette added it
I read the first Crispin book years ago and liked it, but felt that that the book had ended while the story was still incomplete. So I was happy to see this book so I coul learn the rest of the story.

I liked the story up until the climax when **spoiler alert** Crispin helps attack a church. And okay, I realize the bad guys were forcing him to do their bidding lest they kill Bear, but I was like: Hey, I have an idea, Crispin. Why don't you ask that nice English knight who is pray More...
Feb 24, 2010
Sarai rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here
Jul 06, 2011
Jennie rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Age: 9-12

Genre: Historical fiction

Diversity: Religion, Nationality

Illustrations: None

Personal Response: While I generally enjoyed the first book in this trilogy this story fell flat for me. Despite ending in a cliff hanger I have no desire to read the final book of this trilogy due to my disappointment in this story. While the increasing violence and senselessness of the deaths in this story make a point I did not enjoy the way in which they were carrie More...
Feb 25, 2010
Lorene rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I had a really hard time feeling like I connected with this novel while I was reading it. In retrospect, I like it more now. :) I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the novel, especially as seen through Crispin's naive and idealistic young eyes. I loved the development of the secondary characters and their relationships, and I enjoyed watching Crispin's definition of freedom morph through his experiences. I'll definitely read the third and final novel when it comes out later this year, but More...
Mar 03, 2011
Nancy St. Clair rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Just finished reading it to my daughter. I really enjoy this author's style of writing. His use of interesting vocabulary and descriptive words help to keep you involved in the story as well as challenges your mind along the way. Crispin and Bear, Crispin's adoptive guardian, are on the run again and are joined by a disfigured young girl, Troth. It is encouraging that as Crispin develops a relationship with Troth he realizes that her disfigurement seems to disappear. Full of adventure, excit More...
Oct 12, 2011
Lisa rated it: 2 of 5 stars
I liked this one less than the first. Crispin and Bear just kept aimlessly running, never even planning what they would eat. At one point, Crispin gets food, realizing he hasn't eaten for three days. In that case, I would have thought the author would include more of his fatigue and hunger on the previous pages. That he didn't seemed to weaken the story's accuracy.



Also I can't enjoy a book as much that portrays pagans positively and Christians as barbaric. Sadly, the Christianity of the M More...
Dec 21, 2010
Judi rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I love the Middle Ages, and really enjoyed my visit here once again with Crispin and his friend Bear. In this adventure, Crispin's best friend Bear, who is like a father to him, is being chased down by rebels who think he has turned on them. They are taken in and protected by an old woman named Aude, who lives outside the mainstream culture, with a young girl named Troth. Troth is disfigured and has been sent away due to her hare lip. Following Aude's death, Bear declares both Crispin and Tr More...
Nov 08, 2009
Barb rated it: 4 of 5 stars
The day after I finished Crispin: The Cross of Lead I went to the library to get this book. I wanted to know what was going to happen! I enjoyed this book as much as the first. Crispin has grown in his sense of daring and right and wrong. His loyalty to his friend Bear is strong. His curiosity though, seems to get him into a little bit of trouble. I'm disappointed that the 3rd part of this trilogy is not out yet. Now I'm left hanging until it's published!
Feb 21, 2011
Elena rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here
Jul 31, 2011
Neill rated it: 5 of 5 stars
In this sequel to Crispin: Cross of Lead, Crispin and Bear continue their escape but come across some people who feel Bear betrayed them and he s badly wounded. Crispin’s only recourse is to trust an old pagan women and her assistant, a young girl with a harelip that Crispin’s worries is an affliction of the devil.. As he deals with his prejudices he is forced to come to terms with some of Bear’s frailties.
Jul 13, 2011
Zach rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book picks up immediately where the previous one left off. Crispin and Bear are just leaving the city. Bear is badly injured and the two struggle to find somewhere to rest and someone they can trust. When trouble strikes, Crispin must become the caregiver and aid Bear, but he worries that he doesn't have the knowledge and skill to rise to the challenge. Along the way the two meet a new friend, Troth, who proves to be a great friend to have. The three must continue on their journey in an att More...
Jul 22, 2011
Caren rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here
Jun 10, 2011
Paige rated it: 5 of 5 stars
The world is never what you think it is. That is the lesson that Crispin learns yet again. This was a quicker read for me than the first but I still loved it. Seeing what fear of difference can make people do was a highlight for me. This is something that many young readers see in their daily lives but do not think about what the consequences can be from taunting and teasing others for being different. Another Avi must read.
Mar 10, 2011
Sarah rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I was a little upset at the way Bear ended up. I felt like such a larger than life character deserved a more glorious ending. But as I thought about it I realized that Bear himself was merely a chisel set to shape the rock that Crispin was becoming.

I am glad that Crispin has held on to a shred of moral decency.
Jun 30, 2010
Jacob rated it: 5 of 5 stars
"At the Edge of the World" is s wonderful and charming tale. There is not a stagnant moment in the story. It deals with such things as sins of the past and prejudice because superstition. While the church of this time is not shown for its good qualities, Jesus prayed to and mentioned on multiple occasions.
Feb 13, 2010
Sandy rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Though overall a pretty depressing book. ( A lot of folks dying left and right). I love how the characters are portrayed and all the historical tidbits included. The plot was good but the ending left me feeling let down. There is one more book in the trilogy though so maybe things will work themselves out in the finale.
Jan 31, 2011
NewFranklin rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Crispin at the edge of the world is the sequel to Crispin and the cross of lead. this is an amazing book of excitement, suspense, and adventure. I recommend reading the 1st book though. READ CRISPIN AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD IF YOU LIKE EXCITEMENT, SUSPENSE, AND ADVENTURE!
Sep 23, 2011
Paige rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I love this book. I can't wait to read the last one, Crispin at the end of the world, or something like that. I am really sad that Bear dies, though. He was such a part of the story!!! Avi did do a pretty good job pictuing that upi were Crispin. Good book.
Jul 15, 2010
Lauren rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book was ok. A little slow at the beginning and middle. I wish Avi would have just ended the Crispin series with the first book... but he didn't. And now on to the next...and final!... book, Crispin The End of Time. (Hope it's not a long one!)
Dec 15, 2008
Ashley rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book is just as good or better than the original. It is so beautiful and at moments, you get so into the book that sometimes you feel like you are a part of the characters. I can't wait till the last book in the trilogy comes out!
Mar 13, 2010
Ch_wesley rated it: 4 of 5 stars
"Crispin: At the Edge of the World" begins at the exact moment that Crispin: The Cross of Lead" ended.The theme of both books revolves around the nature of "good" and "evil." The books re-introduces our young hero Crispin and Bear, his fatherly companion. Bear is wounded in this story and young Crispin must decide his fate.
Apr 20, 2009
Lisa rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I listened to this one and was pleased with the same reader as the fist book. I didn't like this one as much as the first book. There were good nuggets of wisdom like the first book, but not as much excitement to move the story along or to make me curious. Very good characters though and good writing.
Feb 28, 2009
Dawn rated it: 2 of 5 stars
I just found this sequel to Crispin: Cross of Lead. I didn't like it as well--less focused, sadder. But it is supposed to be the second book in a planned trilogy, so hopefully things will resolve better in the final book.
Mar 26, 2009
Michelle rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Still well-done, very engrossing & vivid in what life was like then (great way for kids to learn history without realizing it) -- not quite as satisfying as the first one ... don't want to give away the plot or ending so I won't say more.
Feb 27, 2011
Marie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Read this recently and loved it- Avi's stories are always good, and just show me, who tends to the Dickensenian in my cast of characters, that you can make a great story with just a few characters!
Dec 10, 2010
Patricia rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I do not recall knowing when I read the first Crispin book that there were other books in the series, but when I saw the next two books, I grabbed them. I liked this book.