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The Jimmy Fincher Saga #3
The Tower of Air
In this exciting third installment of The Jimmy Fincher Saga:
The Tower of Three Days must be found. Jimmy Fincher has been given two powerful Gifts and with them a responsibility he wouldn’t wish on his worst enemy. Time is running out and Jimmy, along with his family and the odd bunch of stragglers called The Alliance, finds himself in a desperate search for the Third Gift. Their journey will take them from the depths of the ocean to the scorching sands of the desert. And then it will get weird.
The entire world is on the edge of chaos. The Shadow Ka are evolving. The skies are growing dark with the mysterious taint of the Stompers. Something unspeakable is about to happen to Jimmy’s father. A creature made of water will utter a terrible warning. The Black Curtain is ripping once again. And the most terrifying secret of all is about to be revealed at last. The identity of the Stompers. They are no longer coming. They are here.
Key Features:
* Fascinating characters and an intriguing plot draw you into this exciting story.
* Author James Dashner weaves an incredible tale that is sure to capture the attention of young readers everywhere.
296 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2004
About the author
James Dashner
65 books36.4k followersJames is the author of THE MAZE RUNNER trilogy and THE 13TH REALITY series. He also published a series (beginning with A DOOR IN THE WOODS) with a small publisher several years ago. He lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 7, 2018
All I can say is that this book still has the same formula that the last two books had. But it got a tiny bit better. I saw a couple of improvements-such as: there was actually some banter between Jimmy and his family (which I had been saying there needed to be since the first book), and Jimmy's and his dad's relationship became deeper, which I really liked. His dad was turning into a Shadow Ka, and that element just made the book even more interesting.
Although the series has developed and grown a tiny bit better, I still don't like the story generally. It still has all those annoying aspects like how Jimmy acts like a seven-year-old when he's supposed to be fourteen or fifteen, the Stompers sound childish, and there's still that annoying "in due time, you will know the whole truth about this magical world" crap. Just tell me already! About everyone kind of has that mindset towards Jimmy, but it gets really annoying after a while for the reader.
But what do I know - this book seems to be advertised more towards children. But, it was in the young adult section of my library...
Although the series has developed and grown a tiny bit better, I still don't like the story generally. It still has all those annoying aspects like how Jimmy acts like a seven-year-old when he's supposed to be fourteen or fifteen, the Stompers sound childish, and there's still that annoying "in due time, you will know the whole truth about this magical world" crap. Just tell me already! About everyone kind of has that mindset towards Jimmy, but it gets really annoying after a while for the reader.
But what do I know - this book seems to be advertised more towards children. But, it was in the young adult section of my library...
August 19, 2017
way fun with happy endings and new beginnings.
January 13, 2021
I enjoyed this series. The ending was thought provoking. I liked it!
May 9, 2014
It's been a couple years since I listened to the previous two books, so I kind of found it difficult to return to Jimmy Fincher's world. I didn't remember much about the enemy that Jimmy's family is fighting against, and it even took me a while to remember who all Jimmy's other friends on the ship are. That made it a lot more difficult for me plot-wise. I guess the plot was never particularly gripping for me anyway. I don't exactly find myself dying to know what happens next. The reason I returned is just because I love Jimmy's voice. His descriptions of other characters and events just makes me chuckle because of their humor and novelty. I also like the innocence of the story and how family-oriented it is. I also think the audiobook narrator has the perfect voice for this book--he is a delight to listen to.
Sadly, it doesn't look like my library has the final installment of this book on cd. It would be fun to finish the last book, but if I can't listen to it, it may not happen for a while, if ever. Once again, I would find it enjoyable to finish the series, but I could also end here and feel decently satisfied.
Sadly, it doesn't look like my library has the final installment of this book on cd. It would be fun to finish the last book, but if I can't listen to it, it may not happen for a while, if ever. Once again, I would find it enjoyable to finish the series, but I could also end here and feel decently satisfied.
April 29, 2009
This series just gets better with each book. I can't seem to read them fast enough because I can't wait to see how Jimmy's gifts and wits are going to get him out of the next impossibly situation. The themes of love overpowering darkness and family solidarity are powerful.
I found myself chuckling more during this one than the previous two books in the series. I laughed out loud at this one:
"Why is it that when a person hears something that is unusual or frightening, they always ask, 'What?' They hear you just fine, but they feel they must ask that universal word which means, 'I don't like what I just heard so maybe if I say this it will all go away and he will tell me that he was just testing to make sure my ears work and that actually everything is just fine and let's go get some dinner.'" FUNNY!
I found myself chuckling more during this one than the previous two books in the series. I laughed out loud at this one:
"Why is it that when a person hears something that is unusual or frightening, they always ask, 'What?' They hear you just fine, but they feel they must ask that universal word which means, 'I don't like what I just heard so maybe if I say this it will all go away and he will tell me that he was just testing to make sure my ears work and that actually everything is just fine and let's go get some dinner.'" FUNNY!
September 15, 2009
I know, I know. I wasn't going to read any more of this series but when I went to the bookmobile (my only library) and they didn't have a single book on my to-read list, I gave in and checked out this one.
As with the earlier books, the writing is pretty choppy, the characters have little depth, the humor resorts to "bathroom" humor more times than not, and the fantasy stuff is too unreal and corny to even pretend it is real. I still feel as if the author writes himself into a corner and invents something to get out of it. And he explains everything to you rather than writing in a manner where the explanations and emotions are intuitively felt.
Some of the other reviews are glowing, however, so if the synopsis intrigues you, give it a try.
As with the earlier books, the writing is pretty choppy, the characters have little depth, the humor resorts to "bathroom" humor more times than not, and the fantasy stuff is too unreal and corny to even pretend it is real. I still feel as if the author writes himself into a corner and invents something to get out of it. And he explains everything to you rather than writing in a manner where the explanations and emotions are intuitively felt.
Some of the other reviews are glowing, however, so if the synopsis intrigues you, give it a try.
August 25, 2010
This book three continued the high suspense in fact there is not a lot of relief during the whole book. It keeps you turning pages to see what could possibly happen next (I mean flying boats???). It is a wild fantasy unlike others I've read. And in this book the writing was a 100% better than the first book. Although still some crazy clichés and use of phases that didn't really fit they didn't get in the way of the reading (as much)and my opinion of the author went up considerably. A much better read. Plus the author does something not found in most books of this type he keeps the family involved even though it is the 14 year old son who has all the power and task of saving the world. It is nice to have a family oriented fantasy for a change.
September 5, 2013
I read the reviews and they make me mad. Yes it is a children's novel. Meant to be read by young pre teens. Get over it
That said I am 17 years old and I love this series. My brother for it for his birthday when my mom saw it at the church bookstore and after he read it I took them and read them.
I think Dashner has done perfectly at writing and it is interesting for readers of all ages who are willing to read a book that isn't full of everything every other book is. You know what I mean.
So I give this book and the whole series a five for great writing and a good, fun, clean series.
It is also a good read when you just want to read a book and not worry about not finishing it in one sitting like I hate doing.
That said I am 17 years old and I love this series. My brother for it for his birthday when my mom saw it at the church bookstore and after he read it I took them and read them.
I think Dashner has done perfectly at writing and it is interesting for readers of all ages who are willing to read a book that isn't full of everything every other book is. You know what I mean.
So I give this book and the whole series a five for great writing and a good, fun, clean series.
It is also a good read when you just want to read a book and not worry about not finishing it in one sitting like I hate doing.
January 13, 2015
By this point, the Jimmy Fincher books are following a definite pattern. That's not a bad thing, but it means that I found this one a little less compelling than the last two. It's still good, but it feels at times like less is actually happening, and the non-action is being dragged out.
That said, this book raised the stakes in the story. Jimmy is getting very personal reasons to keep going and the world situation is growing worse and worse. It makes for a really good lead-in to the finale.
That said, this book raised the stakes in the story. Jimmy is getting very personal reasons to keep going and the world situation is growing worse and worse. It makes for a really good lead-in to the finale.
May 13, 2012
The writing in this book was a lot stronger than in the previous two books. Definitely a sign that Dashner was getting his feet under him. Jimmy Fincher sets out to collect his third gift/power and goes through a lot. The third gift is actually kind of an odd one (not that the first two weren't but this was just strange). Anyways, it's a quick read but I felt like the writing really carried this book more than the previous 2.
August 2, 2008
This book was thicker than the other three, packed full with intense action and storytelling. Jimmy Fincher has matured through everything he's been experiencing and it's apparent, particularly in this book. I enjoy the way James Dashner can still surprise me- I thought the Tower of Air itself was very creative. On to book 4...
January 12, 2010
Other than the fact that James Dashner must think his audience knows nothing about geography (riddles mention the international date line and the north pole and the characters in the story--even the adults--don't seem to know what they are talking about) it was a fairly enjoyable continuation of the story.
September 19, 2011
I'm basically just trying to get through this series now. It's definitely juvenile fiction and there's not enough substance to keep me entertained. It's not boring enough to be a complete waste but the whole time I reading I'm just rushing to get through thinking that my nine-year-old brother would love every minute of the book.
September 2, 2013
Jimmy Fincher sets off on a dangerous journey that leads him under an ocean and onto a desert to find the third gift that will help him stop the evil Stompers from destroying the Earth.
The Tower of Air is another fun addition to this 4-book series. I've enjoyed the adventure, and recommend it to all those who appreciate YA fantasy.
The Tower of Air is another fun addition to this 4-book series. I've enjoyed the adventure, and recommend it to all those who appreciate YA fantasy.
September 3, 2009
This was probably my favorite in the series. It seemed a little more well thought out then the others. Or maybe the author is becoming a better writer. I will definately have to finsih the series now.
April 27, 2010
Third one in the series... and I think it's getting along pretty well. I'm looking forward to wrapping up the story in the fourth. I found the hazard of reading juvenile fiction, is that I can figure out the mystery before the characters do, and then I'm getting impatient with them...
April 5, 2010
James Dashner's writing has definitely improved since this series, but these are still really fun adventures. In #3 Jimmy is getting closer to saving the world from the Stompers, and as usual, his mission takes him on a wold and crazy ride!
September 3, 2016
I've read this series multiple times, but this latest re-read was just as enjoyable as when I last read it in junior high.
April 10, 2008
My favorite of the series, Dashner's writing shows a marked improvement over the first. Fun read.
June 4, 2008
As others in series. Good read and interesting characters and plot.
June 13, 2008
COOLEST BOOK EVER!!
July 13, 2008
another amazing one in the series.
March 19, 2012
Great read!
February 18, 2013
I enjoyed this third installment. The writing seems to get a little smoother. Another action packed plot driven adventure with short chapters. It's an easy read. On my list for my boys to read.
March 20, 2013
Jimmy gets more gifts. Dashner is creative in the powers that he thinks up for Jimmy, but the writing, though better each time, is still choppy.
November 10, 2013
It was better than the book before it but I still didn't like it too much. I felt like I had to force myself to read it.
October 17, 2014
Enjoyable read.
January 16, 2016
The story continues to move you as the adventures for Jimmy Fincher continue in the third book of this series. Just as compelling as the first two, making you quite anxious for the next one.
August 11, 2014
i loved this book
January 13, 2014
Still enjoying this series. Looking forward to see what happens next
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews