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The Books of Beginning #3
The Black Reckoning
The final book in the bestselling Books of Beginning trilogy that began with "The Emerald Atlas," which the "New York Times" called "a new Narnia for the tween set."
The adventures of siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma come to a stunning conclusion when they must find the last Book of Beginning--the Book of Death--before the Dire Magnus does, for when all three books are united, their combined power will be unstoppable.
Soon Emma is on a journey to places both worldly and otherworldly, confronting terrifying monsters and ghosts, and what is darkest within herself. As the fabric of time begins to fray, she becomes the final piece of an extraordinary puzzle. Only if she can master the powers of this most dangerous book will she, Kate, and Michael be able to save the world from the dramatic, deadly final confrontation between magical and ordinary people that the Dire Magnus has in store.
The adventures of siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma come to a stunning conclusion when they must find the last Book of Beginning--the Book of Death--before the Dire Magnus does, for when all three books are united, their combined power will be unstoppable.
Soon Emma is on a journey to places both worldly and otherworldly, confronting terrifying monsters and ghosts, and what is darkest within herself. As the fabric of time begins to fray, she becomes the final piece of an extraordinary puzzle. Only if she can master the powers of this most dangerous book will she, Kate, and Michael be able to save the world from the dramatic, deadly final confrontation between magical and ordinary people that the Dire Magnus has in store.
421 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
165 people are currently reading
4511 people want to read
About the author
John Stephens
12 books566 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Stephens spent ten years working in television and was executive producer of Gossip Girl and a writer for Gilmore Girls and The O.C. He holds an MFA from the University of Virginia. John and his wife have a dog named Bug and live in Los Angeles. His debut book 'The Emerald Atlas' is the first in a series of books.
John Stephens spent ten years working in television and was executive producer of Gossip Girl and a writer for Gilmore Girls and The O.C. He holds an MFA from the University of Virginia. John and his wife have a dog named Bug and live in Los Angeles. His debut book 'The Emerald Atlas' is the first in a series of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 537 reviews
January 20, 2023
TURN BACK NOW
HERE BE SPOILERS
SERIOUSLY, THESE ARE MAJOR SPOILERS
I NEED A PLACE TO VENT SO IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK, GO NO FURTHER
OKAY, TOO LATE TO TURN BACK NOW I GUESS
What. Just. Happened?!?!?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I suppose the book as a whole was great, but did Rafe really have to DIE?!?! Seriously! I WANT HIM TO BE WITH KATE! BUT NOOOO, YOU HAVE TO KILL HIM OFF TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE OR WHATEVER! AND FURTHERMORE, WHY THE HECK DID MICHAEL AND PRINCESS WILAMENA HAVE TO BREAK UP! STUPID STUPID STUPID BOOK! Other than all of this though, it was a rather nice book. Them getting to be with their parents finally was a plus, but seriously. Rafe.
HERE BE SPOILERS
SERIOUSLY, THESE ARE MAJOR SPOILERS
I NEED A PLACE TO VENT SO IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK, GO NO FURTHER
OKAY, TOO LATE TO TURN BACK NOW I GUESS
What. Just. Happened?!?!?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I suppose the book as a whole was great, but did Rafe really have to DIE?!?! Seriously! I WANT HIM TO BE WITH KATE! BUT NOOOO, YOU HAVE TO KILL HIM OFF TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE OR WHATEVER! AND FURTHERMORE, WHY THE HECK DID MICHAEL AND PRINCESS WILAMENA HAVE TO BREAK UP! STUPID STUPID STUPID BOOK! Other than all of this though, it was a rather nice book. Them getting to be with their parents finally was a plus, but seriously. Rafe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 18, 2013WHERE IS THIS? WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG?
EDIT: It now has a title! Yes! And that title also makes the target and plot of this book racially ambiguous!
EDIT: It now has a title! Yes! And that title also makes the target and plot of this book racially ambiguous!
Want to read
November 10, 2013Why the hell is this taking so long to come out!?!?! No cover?!?! Not even a description?!?! No publishing expectation date?!?! Come on John! Get your rear in gear!
Edit October 9 2013: Well I see I have been corrected... Hmmm... We still need a cover... And I love waiting.
Edit October 9 2013: Well I see I have been corrected... Hmmm... We still need a cover... And I love waiting.
December 18, 2017
Piccola grande Emma. ❤️
3,5
3,5
March 13, 2018
Just wow. a worthy end to a series that will always be with me. does love for a book count? (Emma looking at you) I never thought this last book would be so emotional, john stephens really shows some of his best writing in this last installment. he deserves all the praise he can get for this. it's been a while since I felt this way about a book or series. I dare say this trilogy is in my top five favourite series of all time
February 5, 2016
This series... honestly, I don't know what to say, I love it so much. This is one of those stories that will stay with you forever. So many ups and downs, so gratifying in their complexity, and so many beautiful moments of humanity and love. I'm sad to see it end, but at the same time the ending is so satisfying, and just as it should be. Thank you John Stephens. Please write lots more.
January 20, 2025
Love these books as much as always.
July 8, 2018
Why is it taking so long for this book #3 to come out, I've already read the books of beginning the first book and second book in the series and now I'm waiting to read the 3 rd book in the series cause the second book ends where I have to wait for the next book and these books were really awesome and I need to find out when the 3rd book will come out and hopefully soon!
July 17, 2018
The conclusion to the Books of Beginning trilogy series ties up the story nicely, with this book following the third Wibberly child, Emma, as she seeks the Book of Death. The siblings must reunite the three books and kill the Dire Magnus before the Books destroy the world. Meanwhile, the fragile union of humans, elves and dwarves is dissolving in the face of the army assembled by the Dire Magnus. Author Stephens changes POVs in this book more than the prior ones, and we learn of Emma's great strength, as she alone must journey to the Land of the Dead to find the missing tome. Willie and his friends were a hoot, Kate's changing feelings for Rafe, and Michael's relationship with the elf princess (in both incarnations) were enjoyable. One of the things I liked best about this book was the notion of the dead as spirits, if they had loved, and as vacuous shells, if not: an interesting perspective on heaven and hell. 4.5 stars.
May 26, 2015
Great ending of the series but really sad. It wasn't really a completely happy ending, but I guess that is life. My favorite character died and I couldn't completely enjoy the book. I am glad it was finally published, though.
November 10, 2014
I love this series because it's appropriate for seven year olds and still highly entertaining for fifteen year olds. John Stephen reminds me of Rick Riordan in this sense. I've been reading this series since the first, The Emerald Atlas, was released. I'm sad its taking so long between books, but I understand that with as long as they are it will take a while to write. Eagerly awaiting the Wibberly family being reunited! Please hurry, John Stephens!
May 24, 2018
Ich habe jetzt ein wenig zwischen 4 und 5 Sternen geschwankt, aber als ich mich an die vielen Fäden erinnert habe, die so wunderbar zusammengeführt wurden und wie einige Figuren noch einmal auftreten durften, wusste ich, dass 4 dem Buch nicht gerecht werden.
Es ist ein tolles Finale und ich mag die Botschaft, die überhand nicht kitschig rüber gebracht wurde!
Es ist ein tolles Finale und ich mag die Botschaft, die überhand nicht kitschig rüber gebracht wurde!
February 26, 2017
I can truly say that I now know the meaning of the word bittersweet.
May 31, 2020
Ein fantastisches Finale, dass all die kleinen Schwächen der Vorgänger ausbügelt und mit all deren Stärken auftrumpft. Emotional und spannend bis zur letzten Seite. Ich möchte hier gar nicht viel verraten, denn man muss es selbst erleben und ich kann die Reihe nur empfehlen.
August 24, 2022
It had not been long since I finished this book and I already wanted to read it again.
February 26, 2018
Man ska definitivt inte vänta alltför länge mellan böckerna i trilogin. Det känns som att jag gjorde det. Det är nog delvis orsaken till att den fick 3 stjärnor istället för 4.
September 19, 2018
La descubrí por causalidad en la biblioteca y qué contenta estoy de haberle dado una oportunidad. Entretenida, dulce, interesante y con un bonitl mensaje final :) #loveistheanswer
July 25, 2021
An amazing ending to an amazing series.
What can I say? It had everything. Adventure, magic, tragedy, a bit of comedy and an epic battle.
The bond between the siblings continues as strong as ever. Kate and Michael with their selflessness, Emma with her fierce determination. As always, they try to do everyting in their power to protect each other and are willing to do whatever it takes .
Emma's character developed a lot as well. She grows up and learns to accept that there are some things in life she cannot change .
All in all, the book was quite nostalgic, at least for me, especially the end, which was kind of bittersweet. The overall message was quite moving and inspiring.
LOVED THE WHOLE SERIES!!
What can I say? It had everything. Adventure, magic, tragedy, a bit of comedy and an epic battle.
The bond between the siblings continues as strong as ever. Kate and Michael with their selflessness, Emma with her fierce determination. As always, they try to do everyting in their power to protect each other and are willing to do whatever it takes .
Emma's character developed a lot as well. She grows up and learns to accept that there are some things in life she cannot change .
All in all, the book was quite nostalgic, at least for me, especially the end, which was kind of bittersweet. The overall message was quite moving and inspiring.
LOVED THE WHOLE SERIES!!
February 1, 2015
Jeg må indrømme at jeg desværre ikke faldt helt så pladask for denne bog, som mange andre danske læsere gjorde. Den var ikke dårlig, men jeg synes desværre ikke at den formåede at ramme toppen – Mest af alt fordi den haltede på de samme områder som Den Rubinrøde Krønike.
Jeg var ikke helt vildt med Emmas jagt på Den Kulsorte Protokol, og jeg synes den kom utrolig nemt til hende, som om forfatteren bare skulle have det overstået, så han kunne komme videre til det endelige drama. John Stephens formår at bygge et storslået univers op, uden tvivl, og i denne afslutning bliver der spundet løkker og sløjfer på alle bipersoner, samt vi bliver introduceret til enkelte nye. En større kamp mellem de to sider, mellem dværge, kæmper og elvere udspiller sig, og stadig er der gjort plads til den unge kærlighed og de problemer den medfører. Emmas protokol, Dødens Bog, bidrager med en ny filosofi til bøgernes univers og netop dén havde jeg virkelig gerne set brugt mere. Emmas bog er den sidste af de tre, men jeg synes desværre at den fik lov til at fylde for lidt, taget i betragtning af hvor meget den reelt ender med at betyde. Jeg tror måske næsten hellere at jeg havde set en serie på fire bind, så Emmas protokol fik samme plads og man så brugte et ”ekstra” bind på selve krigen og det bøgernes samling medfører.
Ligesom Michael gjorde i forrige bind vokser Emma helt kolossalt i løbet af sin jagt på protokollen og sin omgang med den. Hun lærer at styre sit temperament, hvilket i dén grad er klædeligt for i første halvdel af bogen synes jeg faktisk at hun var drønirriterende. Men hun vokser, hun lærer at tænke før hun taler (og handler) og hendes håndtering af Den Kulsorte Protokols kræfter kunne jeg ret godt lide. Dog er min favorit af de tre søskende stadig Kate. Selvom hun er gledet i baggrunden siden sin egen bog, så står hun i afslutningen af dette bind med et valg, som jeg på ingen måde misundte hende, men som jeg virkelig respektere John Stephens for at stille Kate i. Dét valg var uden tvivl højdepunktet i hele bogen for mit vedkommende.
Men det der først og fremmest gjorde at jeg har givet bogen tre stjerner, og ikke følte den helt levede op til den storslåede start, er uden tvivl det halve ton af gentagelser, der finder sted. Som i Den Rubinrøde Krønike besvimer hovedpersonerne på skift, så snart der er fare på færde, for så behøver man ikke beskrive faren, men kan blot fortælle om den. Samtidig var der en del handlinger og reaktioner der også gik igen konstant, og til sidst var jeg bare lidt træt af at sidde med følelsen af at jeg mere eller mindre læste det samme hele tiden. Alt i alt var det en rigtig god bog, og en flot afslutning på en god trilogi, men jeg ville ønske at forfatteren havde sparet lidt på opfindsomheden omkring alle sine magiske tiltag, og været lidt mere opfindsom med sine karakterers reaktioner.
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Jeg var ikke helt vildt med Emmas jagt på Den Kulsorte Protokol, og jeg synes den kom utrolig nemt til hende, som om forfatteren bare skulle have det overstået, så han kunne komme videre til det endelige drama. John Stephens formår at bygge et storslået univers op, uden tvivl, og i denne afslutning bliver der spundet løkker og sløjfer på alle bipersoner, samt vi bliver introduceret til enkelte nye. En større kamp mellem de to sider, mellem dværge, kæmper og elvere udspiller sig, og stadig er der gjort plads til den unge kærlighed og de problemer den medfører. Emmas protokol, Dødens Bog, bidrager med en ny filosofi til bøgernes univers og netop dén havde jeg virkelig gerne set brugt mere. Emmas bog er den sidste af de tre, men jeg synes desværre at den fik lov til at fylde for lidt, taget i betragtning af hvor meget den reelt ender med at betyde. Jeg tror måske næsten hellere at jeg havde set en serie på fire bind, så Emmas protokol fik samme plads og man så brugte et ”ekstra” bind på selve krigen og det bøgernes samling medfører.
Ligesom Michael gjorde i forrige bind vokser Emma helt kolossalt i løbet af sin jagt på protokollen og sin omgang med den. Hun lærer at styre sit temperament, hvilket i dén grad er klædeligt for i første halvdel af bogen synes jeg faktisk at hun var drønirriterende. Men hun vokser, hun lærer at tænke før hun taler (og handler) og hendes håndtering af Den Kulsorte Protokols kræfter kunne jeg ret godt lide. Dog er min favorit af de tre søskende stadig Kate. Selvom hun er gledet i baggrunden siden sin egen bog, så står hun i afslutningen af dette bind med et valg, som jeg på ingen måde misundte hende, men som jeg virkelig respektere John Stephens for at stille Kate i. Dét valg var uden tvivl højdepunktet i hele bogen for mit vedkommende.
Men det der først og fremmest gjorde at jeg har givet bogen tre stjerner, og ikke følte den helt levede op til den storslåede start, er uden tvivl det halve ton af gentagelser, der finder sted. Som i Den Rubinrøde Krønike besvimer hovedpersonerne på skift, så snart der er fare på færde, for så behøver man ikke beskrive faren, men kan blot fortælle om den. Samtidig var der en del handlinger og reaktioner der også gik igen konstant, og til sidst var jeg bare lidt træt af at sidde med følelsen af at jeg mere eller mindre læste det samme hele tiden. Alt i alt var det en rigtig god bog, og en flot afslutning på en god trilogi, men jeg ville ønske at forfatteren havde sparet lidt på opfindsomheden omkring alle sine magiske tiltag, og været lidt mere opfindsom med sine karakterers reaktioner.
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May 8, 2015
This is the final book in The Books of Beginning series and ties up the story nicely. There is a lot of action and dimensional travel. I ended up enjoying it a lot.
Emma, Kate, and Michael need to get the third and final Book of Beginning, The Book of Death, before the Dire Magnus does. However, the getting of the third book is left largely to Emma; only she can journey to the Land of the Dead and retrieve The Book of Death. Additionally the three siblings have found out that The Books of Beginning are tearing the world apart and there is only one way to save the world; first the Dire Magnus much be defeated and then the Books must be destroyed.
This was a well done conclusion to this series. There is a lot of action and adventure. The book changes point of view a lot, alternating between Emma, Kate, Gabriel, and Michael. We also finally get to meet our Emma, Kate, and Michael’s parents.
Strangely I don’t have a ton to say about this book. I really enjoyed watching Emma journey to the Land of the Dead. I continue to enjoy the tension between Kate and Rafe (the Dire Magnus). I loved some of the scenes with Wilhelmina (the elf princess Michael has a crush on) fighting as a dragon.
My only complaint is that the book felt really long. I think it was paced pretty well, it just felt like it was a long read. It was almost like two books were smooshed together in this one book.
Overall this was a great conclusion to this middle grade fantasy series. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the action. I would definitely recommend this series to middle grade fantasy fans out there. Stephens did a great job of tying everything up and I am curious to see what he writes next.
Emma, Kate, and Michael need to get the third and final Book of Beginning, The Book of Death, before the Dire Magnus does. However, the getting of the third book is left largely to Emma; only she can journey to the Land of the Dead and retrieve The Book of Death. Additionally the three siblings have found out that The Books of Beginning are tearing the world apart and there is only one way to save the world; first the Dire Magnus much be defeated and then the Books must be destroyed.
This was a well done conclusion to this series. There is a lot of action and adventure. The book changes point of view a lot, alternating between Emma, Kate, Gabriel, and Michael. We also finally get to meet our Emma, Kate, and Michael’s parents.
Strangely I don’t have a ton to say about this book. I really enjoyed watching Emma journey to the Land of the Dead. I continue to enjoy the tension between Kate and Rafe (the Dire Magnus). I loved some of the scenes with Wilhelmina (the elf princess Michael has a crush on) fighting as a dragon.
My only complaint is that the book felt really long. I think it was paced pretty well, it just felt like it was a long read. It was almost like two books were smooshed together in this one book.
Overall this was a great conclusion to this middle grade fantasy series. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the action. I would definitely recommend this series to middle grade fantasy fans out there. Stephens did a great job of tying everything up and I am curious to see what he writes next.
November 5, 2024
Depression
June 18, 2015
This book was a loooooong time coming after the first two in the series. Which I read so long ago, I don't even have their reviews on this blog. Or anywhere, really. But I knew that I loved them, and waited eagerly for this one...only to be a tad disappointed. The most likely reason being that I just forgot the main parts of the story and had lost my real appreciation for it. So, I'll try to review it in a more subjective manner...
Emma is a really annoying character. But in an on-purpose, sort of way: she's the youngest, she's felt ignored and that she needs to (literally) fight and scream for what she wants. She says "duh" a lot and isn't as smart as her siblings. So I don't think she quite fits into the whole "going on a dangerous magical quest" persona. In the end, she does do some growing up, and so it (kinda) works. Just not my favorite.
And the story as a whole? Pretty good, with the whole classic good vs evil, and love overcoming death and what not—if just unoriginal. In the end, I still like the series, I'm just not totally in love anymore. Great excitement for kids, though, and a good precursor to Harry Potter and the like.
Emma is a really annoying character. But in an on-purpose, sort of way: she's the youngest, she's felt ignored and that she needs to (literally) fight and scream for what she wants. She says "duh" a lot and isn't as smart as her siblings. So I don't think she quite fits into the whole "going on a dangerous magical quest" persona. In the end, she does do some growing up, and so it (kinda) works. Just not my favorite.
And the story as a whole? Pretty good, with the whole classic good vs evil, and love overcoming death and what not—if just unoriginal. In the end, I still like the series, I'm just not totally in love anymore. Great excitement for kids, though, and a good precursor to Harry Potter and the like.
December 13, 2018
Writing: 5 Stars;
Characters: 5 Stars;
Plot: 2 Stars;
Entertaining: 3 Stars;
Read Again? No.
I don’t like the ending. It’s OK, but I do not like it. This is a middle-grade book, I want more satisfaction.
I hated that they killed off Rafe. It’s a fantasy, the author could have saved him, that boy has suffered enough. Then the elf princess giving up her Rabbit? I loved that relationship.
The children lose the powers because they are destroying the world? Please, everyone knows that when you mess with time all you do is create parallel universes. There was an entire Star Trek TNG episode that dealt with the issue. Far more elegant solution than killing off people for no reason.
What is the point?
This book would be as if Harry Potter lost his powers at the end of defeating Voldemort and could no longer be a wizard. Or like giving a kid a cookie, watching him take a bite, then yanking it away.
Pointless and cruel. If I wanted reality, I would watch the news. I read to feel better and fill my heart with hope.
Sorry about the rant, but I loved where this book was going after the second novel, and the third was such a disappointment.
Characters: 5 Stars;
Plot: 2 Stars;
Entertaining: 3 Stars;
Read Again? No.
I don’t like the ending. It’s OK, but I do not like it. This is a middle-grade book, I want more satisfaction.
I hated that they killed off Rafe. It’s a fantasy, the author could have saved him, that boy has suffered enough. Then the elf princess giving up her Rabbit? I loved that relationship.
The children lose the powers because they are destroying the world? Please, everyone knows that when you mess with time all you do is create parallel universes. There was an entire Star Trek TNG episode that dealt with the issue. Far more elegant solution than killing off people for no reason.
What is the point?
This book would be as if Harry Potter lost his powers at the end of defeating Voldemort and could no longer be a wizard. Or like giving a kid a cookie, watching him take a bite, then yanking it away.
Pointless and cruel. If I wanted reality, I would watch the news. I read to feel better and fill my heart with hope.
Sorry about the rant, but I loved where this book was going after the second novel, and the third was such a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 29, 2013Excited to finally learn the pub date for this - sad to know that it is August of 2014 - but at least now I can stop hunting the date! Oh, and the name ... The Black Reckoning!
http://www.randomhouse.biz/internatio...
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October 31, 2024
⍋ 7/10 ⍋
January 12, 2023
Oh.
No.
We’ve all been here. That horrible place when you know you have just finished a book series. There are no more. It’s horrible. I don’t have children. Well not the two-legged kind anyway. But I imagine this feels exactly like when a parent’s child moves away to college. Yes. I bet this is exactly like that. No differences. Complete and total emptiness. I jest. Kind of.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this series. I’m beyond sad it’s over.
As I mentioned in my reviews for books 1 and 2 this series is Harry Potter lite. Nothing will ever take Potter’s place. But. HP failed in one place especially that the Books of Beginning Series excelled at. Both books saw loss. Not just the death kind. But the person A goes in one direction and person B goes in another direction kind of loss. Potterverse was too busy trying to end Voldemort’s reign to address it fully. They had no choice but to keep on truckin’. But this series addressed it. The end of this particular book had a most important discussion about loss. Such strength! It literally moved me to tears.
I want lots of things when it comes to reading. But one thing that trumps most of my wants are that I want to read more books like this. This, my friends, is some incredible writing. Adventure, camaraderie, loss, strength, action, suspense, love, family. I’m sure I’m missing some key features of this series. But you get the idea.
Again, I don’t have children, but I agree with most that this would be a good middle grade on up read. And it’s for a boy or a girl. Our key players were young siblings: a brother (middle child) and two sisters (eldest and youngest). There is something for everybody.
Did I mention there were dragons, elves, dwarves, princesses, giants and the like?
In closing I would like to implore you to give this series a try via Audible. You will hear the incomparable Jim Dale narrate the heck out of this book series.
May 12, 2025
Very nice wrap up. I was in my crying era
Chapter 24:
If you spent your life serving yourself, maybe it should be kind of a hell, but if you ever forgot yourself enough to love another person, you should be able to remember that
And you do have to forget yourself in some way to love someone else, because the pain of losing what/who you truly love is horrific. I don’t know that it ever really goes away. So, in some way, you have to look past just your own best interests and open yourself up to that hurt.
Chapter 27:
You’re going to lose the people you love. They’re going to die or you’re going to die or you’ll move away and never see them again. But that’s the point of life-to love.
I loved the test Emma set up about loving people. Even the worst people I know loved at least one other person or thing. And love is never a waste
I don’t know if I expected to love these books so much. They were young adult books with no inappropriate adult themes, but they still had such important adult themes, like love. I think Michael was the sibling I liked the least at first because I relate to parts of Michael. His dwarf book and his trying to find out a ton of knowledge on everything so that it doesn’t hurt is what I do. I expected Kate to be my favorite as an older sibling and just a responsible person overall, but my favorite was Emma. She reminded me so much of my little cousin, John Charles, and I also saw so much growth, in her willingness to push people away and hide behind anger to the end where everything she does is because of love. She never got attached to anything besides her brother and sister, but she got so deeply attached to Dr. Pym and Gabriel especially. And despite losing two of the people she attached herself to, she still buried Gabriel and grieved and continue to love. I truly believe grief is a continuation of life and it probably never stops.
Chapter 24:
If you spent your life serving yourself, maybe it should be kind of a hell, but if you ever forgot yourself enough to love another person, you should be able to remember that
And you do have to forget yourself in some way to love someone else, because the pain of losing what/who you truly love is horrific. I don’t know that it ever really goes away. So, in some way, you have to look past just your own best interests and open yourself up to that hurt.
Chapter 27:
You’re going to lose the people you love. They’re going to die or you’re going to die or you’ll move away and never see them again. But that’s the point of life-to love.
I loved the test Emma set up about loving people. Even the worst people I know loved at least one other person or thing. And love is never a waste
I don’t know if I expected to love these books so much. They were young adult books with no inappropriate adult themes, but they still had such important adult themes, like love. I think Michael was the sibling I liked the least at first because I relate to parts of Michael. His dwarf book and his trying to find out a ton of knowledge on everything so that it doesn’t hurt is what I do. I expected Kate to be my favorite as an older sibling and just a responsible person overall, but my favorite was Emma. She reminded me so much of my little cousin, John Charles, and I also saw so much growth, in her willingness to push people away and hide behind anger to the end where everything she does is because of love. She never got attached to anything besides her brother and sister, but she got so deeply attached to Dr. Pym and Gabriel especially. And despite losing two of the people she attached herself to, she still buried Gabriel and grieved and continue to love. I truly believe grief is a continuation of life and it probably never stops.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2021
This has been an awesome fantasy series. It definitely reminded me of Lord of the Rings with a sprinkling of Harry Potter. An absolute must read for fans of both those series!
This will be my go-to series to recommend to primary aged kids who love to read fantasy. These books have everything! Magic, Dragons, Epic Battles, Dwarves, Elves, Giants, Time Travel, Witches, Wizards, and so much more!
And with a plethora of characters that you will absolutely love, what are you waiting for? I'd say it's for kids aged 10 and up. There is a little bit of violence, and a couple of significant deaths but overall I think a fun read that younger kids will really enjoy.
This will be my go-to series to recommend to primary aged kids who love to read fantasy. These books have everything! Magic, Dragons, Epic Battles, Dwarves, Elves, Giants, Time Travel, Witches, Wizards, and so much more!
And with a plethora of characters that you will absolutely love, what are you waiting for? I'd say it's for kids aged 10 and up. There is a little bit of violence, and a couple of significant deaths but overall I think a fun read that younger kids will really enjoy.
August 14, 2024
Eine der besten Fantasy Jugendbuchreihen, die ich gelesen habe. Die Reihe hat alles. Magie, Zwerge, Elfen, Drachen, Riesen, Rätsel, epische Schlachten, starke Held*innen, interessante und ausgestaltete Nebencharaktere, verstörende Bösewichte und eine wirklich komplexe Handlung, mit einem aufregenden Spannungsbogen. Ich hab gelacht, war aufgebracht, hab ein Tränchen verdrückt, alles in allem - große Empfehlung!
May 18, 2018
Sono rimasta piacevolmente colpita da questa saga, la quale senza troppi dubbi associo alle 4 stelline GR.
Questo ultimo capitolo è stato, a onor del vero, quello che mi è meno piaciuto: involuzioni inspiegabili di personaggi sino ad allora forti e caparbi e qualche scontata rivelazione. Tuttavia una saga di piacevole intrattenimento, che fortemente consiglio!
Questo ultimo capitolo è stato, a onor del vero, quello che mi è meno piaciuto: involuzioni inspiegabili di personaggi sino ad allora forti e caparbi e qualche scontata rivelazione. Tuttavia una saga di piacevole intrattenimento, che fortemente consiglio!
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