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Seeker, Morning Star, and the Wildman�s world has changed The Nomana have disbanded, the island of Nom is gone forever, and its people have scattered, seeking shelter � and something to believe in.When a young boy preaching nonviolence and joy mesmerizes everyone who comes in contact with him, a large following grows quickly, one that soon includes Morning Star and the Wildman. Yet Seeker, obsessed with his increasingly perilous journey to kill the last of the Old Ones, finds his mission placing him at odds with this new leader.As Morning Star longs for things to be the same again with Seeker but fears it is too late, the Wildman � a restless warlord without a war � turns a new corner that none would have expected.In this stunning and thought-provoking conclusion to the Noble Warriors trilogy, the strength of friendship, loyalty, and faith is tested as all three heroes must decide whom to trust . . . and what to believe.�A thrilling story of integrity shaped in the face of corruption and vaulting ambition.� � The Guardian (London) on Jango�Written in the same style as Christopher Paolini�s Eragon and Terry Brooks�s The Sword of Shannara, the quest itself will form the characters into the people they were always meant to be.� � School Library Journal on Seeker�Spectacular.� � Kirkus Reviews on Seeker�Fantasy fans will devour this book and eagerly anticipate the next one.� � VOYA on Seeker
432 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2007
10 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
William Nicholson
217 books482 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
William Nicholson was born in 1948, and grew up in Sussex and Gloucestershire. His plays for television include Shadowlands and Life Story , both of which won the BAFTA Best Television Drama award in their year; other award-winners were Sweet As You Are and The March . In 1988 he received the Royal Television Society's Writer's Award. His first play, an adaptation of Shadowlands for the stage, was Evening Standard Best Play of 1990, and went on to a Tony Award winning run on Broadway. He was nominated for an Oscar for the screenplay of the film version, which was directed by Richard Attenborough and starred Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.
Since then he has written more films - Sarafina, Nell, First Knight, Grey Owl , and Gladiator (as co-writer), for which he received a second Oscar nomination. He has written and directed his own film, Firelight ; and three further stage plays, Map of the Heart , Katherine Howard and The Retreat from Moscow , which ran for five months on Broadway and received three Tony Award nominations.
His novel for older children, The Wind Singer, won the Smarties Prize Gold Award on publication in 2000, and the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award in 2001. Its sequel, Slaves of the Mastery , was published in May 2001, and the final volume in the trilogy, Firesong , in May 2002. The trilogy has been sold in every major foreign market, from the US to China.
He is now at work on a new sequence of novels for older children, called The Noble Warriors . The first book, Seeker , was published in the UK in September 2005.The second book, Jango, in 2006 and the third book NOMAN, will be published in September 2007.
His novels for adults are The Society of Others (April 2004) and The Trial of True Love (April 2005).
He lives in Sussex with his wife Virginia and their three children.
from williamnicholson.co.uk
William Nicholson was born in 1948, and grew up in Sussex and Gloucestershire. His plays for television include Shadowlands and Life Story , both of which won the BAFTA Best Television Drama award in their year; other award-winners were Sweet As You Are and The March . In 1988 he received the Royal Television Society's Writer's Award. His first play, an adaptation of Shadowlands for the stage, was Evening Standard Best Play of 1990, and went on to a Tony Award winning run on Broadway. He was nominated for an Oscar for the screenplay of the film version, which was directed by Richard Attenborough and starred Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.
Since then he has written more films - Sarafina, Nell, First Knight, Grey Owl , and Gladiator (as co-writer), for which he received a second Oscar nomination. He has written and directed his own film, Firelight ; and three further stage plays, Map of the Heart , Katherine Howard and The Retreat from Moscow , which ran for five months on Broadway and received three Tony Award nominations.
His novel for older children, The Wind Singer, won the Smarties Prize Gold Award on publication in 2000, and the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award in 2001. Its sequel, Slaves of the Mastery , was published in May 2001, and the final volume in the trilogy, Firesong , in May 2002. The trilogy has been sold in every major foreign market, from the US to China.
He is now at work on a new sequence of novels for older children, called The Noble Warriors . The first book, Seeker , was published in the UK in September 2005.The second book, Jango, in 2006 and the third book NOMAN, will be published in September 2007.
His novels for adults are The Society of Others (April 2004) and The Trial of True Love (April 2005).
He lives in Sussex with his wife Virginia and their three children.
from williamnicholson.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 19, 2025
can we PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE have another fantasy story written by william nicholson PLEASE
April 7, 2018
DNF at 67%
"And so the hunt begins for a new leader and an answer to the mystery that has never been uncovered."
I'll only just describe that it's wrong timing for me. You know, not in the right mood? The serious matter at hand that I have a crazy, hectic schedule ongoing for the finals week. Due to the fact that I did a heavy load of time-consuming projects non-stop, I just don't have time to finish reading this last book. (So much for craving free time lately.)
Noman is exactly the same as Jango. Ridiculously funny and strange as usual. Okay, worse enough. This book is pretty much frustrating and horrible second to Seeker. The only difference this book unintentionally has, and not with the previous two books, was including an another but unnecessary, short-lived love triangle. Like no one gives a crap or pays attention to love-triangle tropes these days. But, a unique love triangle recommendation that's hard to resist goes to obviously The Infernal Devices.
We have Morning Star who badly wants to love and kiss the Wildman until "just one" dumb incident had made her completely change her mind of not falling in love with him ever again. Meanwhile, Echo felt like she was needed in Seeker's mission but not at all except being a desperate companion seeking his attention all the way. It's very unusual that Seeker manages to reconcile with his "main love interest" and not even sharing just one kiss with her. The last time he ever gave the only kiss to was its desert, lonely companion.
I tried. I really did want to continue but I can't do it. I did agree with some reviewers that it's forgettable. This trilogy proves an example that it's an engrossing adventure but not memorable in a way not everyone will enjoy reading. Unfortunately, this is simply too predictable. It's not satisfying and enjoyable to read any further knowing what you'll expect to happen already did in the last book.
August 5, 2025
Fenomenal. Cuando empecé a leerla la primera vez, me atasqué. El inicio de la novela se sentía pesado, lento en comparación con los otros dos, y es tal vez porque la ambientación de ese primer capítulo pesa un poco: empiezas a medio viaje del protagonista, buscando a los antagónicos del libro anterior, y en su viaje se sigue encontrando a los mismos tres personajes ocasionales de los libros anteriores (casi como si el mundo de Seeker estuviera vacío y siempre se topara con las mismas personas siempre), pero no me puedo quejar, es divertido ver a los mismos enemigos secundarios (terciarios, incluso), volver una y otra vez en distintas situaciones.
Definitivamente considero a esta trilogía como material para películas, serie, o lo que sea, muy cinematográfica, aunque quizá no tan fácil de adaptar en algunas partes.
En cuanto al antagónico, magistral. En cuanto a los protagonistas, Buscador me cae mejor acá, Estrella Matutina un poco chocante, y Salvaje... ay Salvaje, ¡cómo me dueles!
Un grandioso final. Quizá no a la altura de otras sagas juveniles (según yo, incluso mejor). Tanto el enfrentamiento final entre [Antagonista final] y Buscador, como el clímax temático e ideológico donde Buscador de la verdad por fin encuentra... bueno, la Verdad.
Mi única queja es, como en "Jango", que a veces hay tantas tramas secundarias que es difícil que todas tengan suficiente tiempo para desarrollarse satisfactoriamente. Mi solución no sería cortar tramas secundarias (en mi opinión, esas son las que le dan vida a esta trilogía), sino ampliar un poco la extensión del libro. Si ya me leí LOTR/ESDLA, y Canción de Hielo y Fuego, unas cien páginas más por libro no le habrían venido mal a esta trilogía.
Definitivamente considero a esta trilogía como material para películas, serie, o lo que sea, muy cinematográfica, aunque quizá no tan fácil de adaptar en algunas partes.
En cuanto al antagónico, magistral. En cuanto a los protagonistas, Buscador me cae mejor acá, Estrella Matutina un poco chocante, y Salvaje... ay Salvaje, ¡cómo me dueles!
Un grandioso final. Quizá no a la altura de otras sagas juveniles (según yo, incluso mejor). Tanto el enfrentamiento final entre [Antagonista final] y Buscador, como el clímax temático e ideológico donde Buscador de la verdad por fin encuentra... bueno, la Verdad.
Mi única queja es, como en "Jango", que a veces hay tantas tramas secundarias que es difícil que todas tengan suficiente tiempo para desarrollarse satisfactoriamente. Mi solución no sería cortar tramas secundarias (en mi opinión, esas son las que le dan vida a esta trilogía), sino ampliar un poco la extensión del libro. Si ya me leí LOTR/ESDLA, y Canción de Hielo y Fuego, unas cien páginas más por libro no le habrían venido mal a esta trilogía.
February 18, 2018
Nicholson, William Noman, pgs. 362 Harcourt, 2008. Language - PG; Sexual Content - G; Violence -PG.
Seeker is on his continuing journey to kill the last savanter. He goes looking for the old ones. On his long journey he gets some followers. He is confused why he is at odds with a new leader.
I liked how if you started reading a book in the series you didn't need to know what was going on before that book. I think that this book would be a good book for our collection.
MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Student Reviewer: SH
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2008/...
Seeker is on his continuing journey to kill the last savanter. He goes looking for the old ones. On his long journey he gets some followers. He is confused why he is at odds with a new leader.
I liked how if you started reading a book in the series you didn't need to know what was going on before that book. I think that this book would be a good book for our collection.
MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Student Reviewer: SH
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2008/...
August 12, 2025
No idea whether this book was intensely against or intensely pro organised religion, but I am pro this book.
September 5, 2015
Seeker has been charged with the destruction of the savanters. Of the seven, five have already died by his hand. But the two he failed to finish are still out there---still able to prey upon others to extend their own lives. He's determined not to let the last of them get away.
For Morning Star and Wildman, peace is its own problem. Wildman is the head of an army with nothing to fight. The lack of something to which he can throw himself into, the lack of something to conquer, is driving him crazy. Wildman wasn't meant to settle down. And Morning Star has the ashes of the realization that her love for him was always only hers. But a charismatic leader promises them both everything they've ever longed for . . .
I have mixed feelings about this one. I greatly enjoyed Seeker's journey, but much of its conclusion depends on handwaving about what his powers are capable of and the really confusing relationship between Noman, Jango, and Seeker. I think I see what the story was trying to do, but lir never came off as that kind of power.
It was good to see Morning Star shake her infatuation with Wildman. My favorite part of her story was the intriguing look into the community the Joy Boy was building (one wonders why he didn't try to make it last by picking a spot and declaring that the capital). As for Wildman, his turbulent journey took a while to get interesting, but his eventual confrontation with Seeker was brilliant. Even better was Seeker's reaction to the whole mess afterwards.
I was disappointed the plot did eventually turn back to the "we are all gods" bit implied by the creed, which makes what happened with the All and Only inevitable. Pity. I was hoping the story would be bold enough to allow the All and Only to be eternal God. So what happens instead is a really convoluted plot hole that trips the whole story up.
In the end it feels like more of the overall story should've been Seeker's, as his arc was a lot more interesting than the other two, especially in the third book. I did like this overall, but it failed to amaze me the way the end of the Wind Singer trilogy did. If you've read the previous books, read this one to cap off the series, but if you haven't read the first two don't even bother. Most of what's going on calls back to things that happened earlier in the series and many of the events just won't make sense without that backdrop. If you have read the first two, I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
For Morning Star and Wildman, peace is its own problem. Wildman is the head of an army with nothing to fight. The lack of something to which he can throw himself into, the lack of something to conquer, is driving him crazy. Wildman wasn't meant to settle down. And Morning Star has the ashes of the realization that her love for him was always only hers. But a charismatic leader promises them both everything they've ever longed for . . .
I have mixed feelings about this one. I greatly enjoyed Seeker's journey, but much of its conclusion depends on handwaving about what his powers are capable of and the really confusing relationship between Noman, Jango, and Seeker. I think I see what the story was trying to do, but lir never came off as that kind of power.
It was good to see Morning Star shake her infatuation with Wildman. My favorite part of her story was the intriguing look into the community the Joy Boy was building (one wonders why he didn't try to make it last by picking a spot and declaring that the capital). As for Wildman, his turbulent journey took a while to get interesting, but his eventual confrontation with Seeker was brilliant. Even better was Seeker's reaction to the whole mess afterwards.
I was disappointed the plot did eventually turn back to the "we are all gods" bit implied by the creed, which makes what happened with the All and Only inevitable. Pity. I was hoping the story would be bold enough to allow the All and Only to be eternal God. So what happens instead is a really convoluted plot hole that trips the whole story up.
In the end it feels like more of the overall story should've been Seeker's, as his arc was a lot more interesting than the other two, especially in the third book. I did like this overall, but it failed to amaze me the way the end of the Wind Singer trilogy did. If you've read the previous books, read this one to cap off the series, but if you haven't read the first two don't even bother. Most of what's going on calls back to things that happened earlier in the series and many of the events just won't make sense without that backdrop. If you have read the first two, I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
April 23, 2014
Starting to see a pattern in Nicholson's trilogies. The first book in each trilogy (The Wind on Fire trilogy/The Noble Warriors trilogy) is a pretty straight-forward adventure story featuring three children/young people. They go out in the world and face difficulties using the various strengths they possess within themselves. Pretty enjoyable stuff, and these first efforts have interesting characterizations and novel worlds. By book III, both series had turned into longwinded (oh the humanity) treatises on the nature of belief, the interconnectedness of all souls and how you have to be willing to sacrifice everything (and I do mean everything) to achieve your goals/save the world/do the right thing.
I liked "Seeker" and thought "Jango" was okay, though it got darker and sadder (not always a bad thing). Then "Noman" came along and it was only cussedness on my part that kept me from skipping to the last quarter of the book to see what happened.
And while I am complaining about the trilogies in general, why don't I add in a specific hap about this one:
I thought it was too obvious to have the mystical warrior/king "Noman" being the one who led the people to the "All and Only," the center and whole of everything. Yeah, like that whole "No Man is killing me" thing hasn't been done before (Hi Mr. Odysseus, how long until you get home now?). And having a character called the Joy Boy actually made me feel embarrassed to be reading the book. The Joy Boy. Sounds like the name of a serial killer or a male prostitute in an English police procedural. Ugh.
I liked "Seeker" and thought "Jango" was okay, though it got darker and sadder (not always a bad thing). Then "Noman" came along and it was only cussedness on my part that kept me from skipping to the last quarter of the book to see what happened.
And while I am complaining about the trilogies in general, why don't I add in a specific hap about this one:
I thought it was too obvious to have the mystical warrior/king "Noman" being the one who led the people to the "All and Only," the center and whole of everything. Yeah, like that whole "No Man is killing me" thing hasn't been done before (Hi Mr. Odysseus, how long until you get home now?). And having a character called the Joy Boy actually made me feel embarrassed to be reading the book. The Joy Boy. Sounds like the name of a serial killer or a male prostitute in an English police procedural. Ugh.
July 25, 2014
...Wow.
***I can't call it a spoiler, so unless you are paranoid, read on.***
That was really... really... I can't really find a word.
Near the end, it started spiraling through revelations about faith, knowledge, and life itself. And finally, the names of the three books were explained, Seeker, Jango, and Noman. They are more than they seem. Or should I say... less?
Seeker went through quite a bit in this book, as he usually does, and that one perfect dive became the end of something in all three of our main characters, and a beginning.
The All and Only, the Wounded Warrior, the Lost Child, the Loving Mother, the Wise Father... The faith was tested in that one Great Experiment that made up the entire book.
Morning Star found who she was looking for.
The Wildman found his peace, even if it wasn't what he was expecting.
And Seeker learned a lot about himself. He figured out who he was, what he was meant for, and most importantly, he failed. He found the Assassin, but was unable to defeat him. The reasons, however, are a greater surprise than you could imagine.
I had low expectations for this trilogy, but now I realize that I could have expected so much more and still have given it high marks. It's quite enlightening, very emotionally touching, and it forms strong bonds between you and the characters.
Unexpected betrayals, deceitful Joy, knowledgeable faith, and power without limits.
Don't you know it is you who will save me?
Seeker. Jango. Noman.
***I can't call it a spoiler, so unless you are paranoid, read on.***
That was really... really... I can't really find a word.
Near the end, it started spiraling through revelations about faith, knowledge, and life itself. And finally, the names of the three books were explained, Seeker, Jango, and Noman. They are more than they seem. Or should I say... less?
Seeker went through quite a bit in this book, as he usually does, and that one perfect dive became the end of something in all three of our main characters, and a beginning.
The All and Only, the Wounded Warrior, the Lost Child, the Loving Mother, the Wise Father... The faith was tested in that one Great Experiment that made up the entire book.
Morning Star found who she was looking for.
The Wildman found his peace, even if it wasn't what he was expecting.
And Seeker learned a lot about himself. He figured out who he was, what he was meant for, and most importantly, he failed. He found the Assassin, but was unable to defeat him. The reasons, however, are a greater surprise than you could imagine.
I had low expectations for this trilogy, but now I realize that I could have expected so much more and still have given it high marks. It's quite enlightening, very emotionally touching, and it forms strong bonds between you and the characters.
Unexpected betrayals, deceitful Joy, knowledgeable faith, and power without limits.
Don't you know it is you who will save me?
Seeker. Jango. Noman.
June 15, 2012
The last in the Noble Warrior's trilogy. I found it to be somewhat cheesy and the ending rather lame. When reading this story, one must keep in mind that the characters are only 16. They constantly ride the rollercoaster of highs and lows, and everything is in absolutes.
I recommend that you stick to the first story. The characters don't really develop in book 2 or 3 and it all gets a bit too whimsical. Plus his idea of god ends up being cheesy with a large side helping of cheese.
I recommend that you stick to the first story. The characters don't really develop in book 2 or 3 and it all gets a bit too whimsical. Plus his idea of god ends up being cheesy with a large side helping of cheese.
August 1, 2017
My name is Seeker, and I have one last task to complete. I must kill the last two savanters and protect the All and Only. I almost killed one, but it released its inner lir before the mortal body died. I have heard the last savanter is recruiting thousands of followers by promising them Joy, but he actually plans to achieve immortality by absorbing their lir. I no longer have friends. Wildman is now leading the spiker army, and Morning Star has fallen under Joy Boy's spell; she once was my best friend. Many people along the way have pleaded with me for help, but I have no time for that now. I once used my immense powers to defeat armies attacking the Nom, but it will be of no use in restoring faith in the All and Only. People are searching for a god to lead them out of despair, but their desperation may lead them to death.
This book is the conclusion of a trilogy, and you must read the previous two books first. The audience is more for teenagers, as the series involves more spiritual and religious concepts. This third installment especially focused on the abstract ideas surrounding god, so less mature readers might lose interest. Seeker's efforts since the beginning have been to serve the All and Only. His obsession with his mission and his lack of empathy for others was a little disconcerting when compared to his character in book one. I was especially bothered by the ease with which Joy Boy was able to manipulate the minds of others. My concerned reactions are a testament to the author, since effective writing should touch the emotions of readers. This series is more thought-provoking than books I normally read, and it's probably more than middle-grade readers want. I can't recommend the series for these readers, but teens may enjoy it. Readers with strong religious faiths might find the subject matter bothersome.
This book is the conclusion of a trilogy, and you must read the previous two books first. The audience is more for teenagers, as the series involves more spiritual and religious concepts. This third installment especially focused on the abstract ideas surrounding god, so less mature readers might lose interest. Seeker's efforts since the beginning have been to serve the All and Only. His obsession with his mission and his lack of empathy for others was a little disconcerting when compared to his character in book one. I was especially bothered by the ease with which Joy Boy was able to manipulate the minds of others. My concerned reactions are a testament to the author, since effective writing should touch the emotions of readers. This series is more thought-provoking than books I normally read, and it's probably more than middle-grade readers want. I can't recommend the series for these readers, but teens may enjoy it. Readers with strong religious faiths might find the subject matter bothersome.
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November 17, 2022This conclusion was bizarre.
The thematic conclusion entirely invalidates the thesis presented in the first book of the trilogy. "Seeker" was a story about three young people seeking after a higher truth, and the purpose and guidance this gave their life. "Noman" is the story of three young people who become convinced the real was inside all along. "God is a being we create, because we need faith" begs the question--WHY do you need faith, if you are yourself 'infinite'? Faith only matters if it's in something, and that something is worth believing in; the entire plotline of Radiance in "Seeker" serves to illustrate that! Belief is a consequence of, not a defining quality for, holiness.
Thematic collapse aside, the story was only kay. The plotting and pacing were fine until the end when everyone's arcs resolve quickly and without too much fanfare. Echo, in particular, got the worst treatment here; in hindsight, she really had no growth throughout the plot at all.
Overall, this series isn't a boring read. It has a large enough cast for plenty of varied and unique scenes, a world that feels comfortably lived-in, entertaining fantasy action, and a few philosophical conversations to round out the tone. If only the sophistry had something to offer.
The thematic conclusion entirely invalidates the thesis presented in the first book of the trilogy. "Seeker" was a story about three young people seeking after a higher truth, and the purpose and guidance this gave their life. "Noman" is the story of three young people who become convinced the real was inside all along. "God is a being we create, because we need faith" begs the question--WHY do you need faith, if you are yourself 'infinite'? Faith only matters if it's in something, and that something is worth believing in; the entire plotline of Radiance in "Seeker" serves to illustrate that! Belief is a consequence of, not a defining quality for, holiness.
Thematic collapse aside, the story was only kay. The plotting and pacing were fine until the end when everyone's arcs resolve quickly and without too much fanfare. Echo, in particular, got the worst treatment here; in hindsight, she really had no growth throughout the plot at all.
Overall, this series isn't a boring read. It has a large enough cast for plenty of varied and unique scenes, a world that feels comfortably lived-in, entertaining fantasy action, and a few philosophical conversations to round out the tone. If only the sophistry had something to offer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2023
I’m so sad to give Noman one star but it was such a disappointment. The first book in the series - Seeker - was really great and the second - Jango - while not AS good, was still enjoyable enough.
Noman feels like fragments of a story rushed together for the purpose of having a third part to the story. The story itself is barely a story at all, rather it feels like the idea of a story hastily thrown together from various external inspirations, perhaps from other movies or books Nicholson likes and wanted to emulate.
The main character, Seeker, should be reaching this big climactic end to his three book journey but instead he’s frustratingly tedious.
The writing has a habit of rambling too long as if struggling to say what it wants to say and searching for the right phrase.
The best character in this book is Morning Star but she spends most of the story as a passenger. She deserved better in particular after what she’s been through in the first two books.
A disappointing end to what began as a really exciting journey.
Noman feels like fragments of a story rushed together for the purpose of having a third part to the story. The story itself is barely a story at all, rather it feels like the idea of a story hastily thrown together from various external inspirations, perhaps from other movies or books Nicholson likes and wanted to emulate.
The main character, Seeker, should be reaching this big climactic end to his three book journey but instead he’s frustratingly tedious.
The writing has a habit of rambling too long as if struggling to say what it wants to say and searching for the right phrase.
The best character in this book is Morning Star but she spends most of the story as a passenger. She deserved better in particular after what she’s been through in the first two books.
A disappointing end to what began as a really exciting journey.
April 20, 2020
Encore une saga magnifiquement brillante, de la part d'un des plus grands auteurs de fantasy jeunesse de tous les temps. de manière aussi subtile que fascinante, William Nicholson nous parle de religion, de guerre, d'amour, d'amitié, d'espoir... et, au milieu de tout cela, d'adolescence.
Le lecteur suit ainsi le même parcours initiatique que les personnages, frémissant, riant ou pleurant à chaque page, incapable de refermer ce livre sublime avant de l'avoir terminé.
Le lecteur suit ainsi le même parcours initiatique que les personnages, frémissant, riant ou pleurant à chaque page, incapable de refermer ce livre sublime avant de l'avoir terminé.
March 21, 2017
Fairly well written, but the story of the whole trilogy was pretty meh as far as fantasy adventure goes. I really liked the first book (it should be noted that I read it when I was a bit younger) but after Jango I found that the characters were very bland and had pretty limited interaction with each other, and the fantasy world of Anacrea was a bit simplistic. The end was a bit preachy too. Fairly quick, moderately enjoyable read, but not great.
February 2, 2019
Kind of mindfucking but really, really good read. A quite satisfying ending to the series, demystifying religion and faith.
November 7, 2020
I was left breathless by the end. Thank you, William Nicholson. You have done it again. Def one of my faves now with the Wind on Fire Trilogy 💕
June 7, 2021
A masterpiece.
July 20, 2021
Leí hace tanto tiempo los otros 2 libros que ya casi no recordaba la trama, pero es un buen libro que te deja algunas enseñanzas.
January 14, 2025
A revelation to the listeners, the youth bogging through a marsh of tumultuous faith in particular. This book found me exactly when I needed it, and transformed the way I saw belief - mine and others. Even 10 years on, it occupies a special place in my mind. And I have never been the same.
January 2, 2021
Found this a little disappointing. Nicholson's views about 'religion' come through too strongly and get in the way of the story.
August 16, 2008
"The All and Only is always and everywhere. That's not a lie, Star. It's just a very small part of the truth." -Seeker
Nicholson's style is more refined here than in his last trilogy. Most of the book flows beautifully, evoking the deepest of emotions with the simplest of words. He makes writing seem effortless and beauty seem precious.
So while I love his prose perhaps above all others, I did have an issue with the ending. The book is excellent, the plot is steady, until Dear William decides to fuck with the power balance. Gifting Seeker immense power is fine; there's a higher being to humble him. Gifting Manlir immense power is fine; except his defeat is anti-climactic when contrasted with his earlier suicide. When you strip the All and Only of his powers, nay, his existence you leave the plot rudderless.
Now, I know that that's the point. Nicholson is trying to show the reader the great cycle and how independence is sometimes necessary and that 'People need Gods'. But that doesn't make it okay. Yes, the ending was tremendously justified. That doesn't make it any less anti-climactic. Look at 'Firesong'. There the world was cleansed in a much more literal sense, and while I'm all for the rhetoric... this lacked the conciseness that I'm used to.
It was for me as it was for the characters. They didn't know what to do with themselves. Order was restored through a lie. And they didn't seem to recover from that feeling of pointlessness that they knew was the truth. Firesong ended with hope. Noman ended with the hope of hope.
The world seemed smaller this time. This was perhaps because Seeker seemingly traversed the continent 'tween lines.
I did love how each book in the trilogy was another incarnation of Seeker. Just not the idea itself. How exactly, was he Noman and Jango both? If all three existed at once, I mean. It doesn't seem logical and it doesn't explain a thing. J&N were too mysterious to be explained away in such a fashion.
I liked it back when the Savanters were Savage. How will I be able to re-read Jango the same way, knowing that they're nothing more than a 'necessary enemy'? That being said I did like Hope living on in Echo, just not how easily she conceded. I guess I just didn't feel how tired of life the Savanters were (what with them mass-murdering to prolong their own and all).
This book was about the message. And I loved it, contrary to the bulk of this review. If we're all Gods...Then Nicholson is the one to lead us all.
Nicholson's style is more refined here than in his last trilogy. Most of the book flows beautifully, evoking the deepest of emotions with the simplest of words. He makes writing seem effortless and beauty seem precious.
So while I love his prose perhaps above all others, I did have an issue with the ending. The book is excellent, the plot is steady, until Dear William decides to fuck with the power balance. Gifting Seeker immense power is fine; there's a higher being to humble him. Gifting Manlir immense power is fine; except his defeat is anti-climactic when contrasted with his earlier suicide. When you strip the All and Only of his powers, nay, his existence you leave the plot rudderless.
Now, I know that that's the point. Nicholson is trying to show the reader the great cycle and how independence is sometimes necessary and that 'People need Gods'. But that doesn't make it okay. Yes, the ending was tremendously justified. That doesn't make it any less anti-climactic. Look at 'Firesong'. There the world was cleansed in a much more literal sense, and while I'm all for the rhetoric... this lacked the conciseness that I'm used to.
It was for me as it was for the characters. They didn't know what to do with themselves. Order was restored through a lie. And they didn't seem to recover from that feeling of pointlessness that they knew was the truth. Firesong ended with hope. Noman ended with the hope of hope.
The world seemed smaller this time. This was perhaps because Seeker seemingly traversed the continent 'tween lines.
I did love how each book in the trilogy was another incarnation of Seeker. Just not the idea itself. How exactly, was he Noman and Jango both? If all three existed at once, I mean. It doesn't seem logical and it doesn't explain a thing. J&N were too mysterious to be explained away in such a fashion.
I liked it back when the Savanters were Savage. How will I be able to re-read Jango the same way, knowing that they're nothing more than a 'necessary enemy'? That being said I did like Hope living on in Echo, just not how easily she conceded. I guess I just didn't feel how tired of life the Savanters were (what with them mass-murdering to prolong their own and all).
This book was about the message. And I loved it, contrary to the bulk of this review. If we're all Gods...Then Nicholson is the one to lead us all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2012
Reviewed by LaLeesha Haynes for TeensReadToo.com
NOMAN is the finale to THE NOBLE WARRIORS trilogy. I would not suggest reading this book before you read the previous two.
The novel brings a beautiful end to the story of Seeker, Jango, and Morning Star. The stories are very character-driven, and to fully grasp the depth and spirituality of the characters it is important to understand their past. The author writes the book by taking the reader into the actions of the main characters by alternating chapters. At times this did make it difficult to follow the story line, because there was a lack of consistency and flow throughout the story.
This book is thought-provoking and contains symbolism and moral messages that can be directly associated with religion and spirituality.
During NOMAN, the young people in the book are sent on their own individual quests to decide who they want to be and what is important to them in their lives. Even as Seeker faces the completion of his quest to kill the last of the Old Ones, he finds someone who is preaching joy and love - and he is forced to face the reality of his past decisions.
Although it would be nice to see them use their powers all together, I liked the individual aspect of the teens learning to deal with life problems on their own.
NOMAN is the finale to THE NOBLE WARRIORS trilogy. I would not suggest reading this book before you read the previous two.
The novel brings a beautiful end to the story of Seeker, Jango, and Morning Star. The stories are very character-driven, and to fully grasp the depth and spirituality of the characters it is important to understand their past. The author writes the book by taking the reader into the actions of the main characters by alternating chapters. At times this did make it difficult to follow the story line, because there was a lack of consistency and flow throughout the story.
This book is thought-provoking and contains symbolism and moral messages that can be directly associated with religion and spirituality.
During NOMAN, the young people in the book are sent on their own individual quests to decide who they want to be and what is important to them in their lives. Even as Seeker faces the completion of his quest to kill the last of the Old Ones, he finds someone who is preaching joy and love - and he is forced to face the reality of his past decisions.
Although it would be nice to see them use their powers all together, I liked the individual aspect of the teens learning to deal with life problems on their own.
October 12, 2008
Continuing closely in the aftermath of Jango, Seeker is on a mission to destroy the last of savanters, while Morning Star and Wildman strive to find their own existence. The emergence of a being called Joyboy pulls everyone in together to ease their pain and make way for the Great Embrace, or the becoming one with god.
However in his pursuit, Seeker comes to realize that there is a greater evil afoot and that in the course of his mission, rather for the success of his mission, he must destroy all that he knows.
Spoilers:
What started out as an interesting look into the lives of Seeker and Star and their quest for knowledge and training as Noble Warriors slowly morphs into a much deeper search for meaning and religion. Heady topics such as the existence of god and the meaning of belief take a major role in this final chapter, much like in Pullman's Amber Spyglass. I found myself slowing down and through ingesting the final chapters in Noman so that I could fully understand and analyze Seeker's struggles. I am not sure how younger readers will appreciate the level and depth which Nicholson explores some of the larger metaphysical questions, but I know I did, and that the book resonates with me.
However in his pursuit, Seeker comes to realize that there is a greater evil afoot and that in the course of his mission, rather for the success of his mission, he must destroy all that he knows.
Spoilers:
What started out as an interesting look into the lives of Seeker and Star and their quest for knowledge and training as Noble Warriors slowly morphs into a much deeper search for meaning and religion. Heady topics such as the existence of god and the meaning of belief take a major role in this final chapter, much like in Pullman's Amber Spyglass. I found myself slowing down and through ingesting the final chapters in Noman so that I could fully understand and analyze Seeker's struggles. I am not sure how younger readers will appreciate the level and depth which Nicholson explores some of the larger metaphysical questions, but I know I did, and that the book resonates with me.
February 14, 2009
I can't say much without spoilers, but I did like the beginning of the third book in the Noble Warriors trilogy. But I have a strong, possibly obsessive need to make sure all the strings are tied up at the end of books, especially trilogies. (What? There's a reason books aren't like real life!) So the end of the book left me shaking my head, and shaking it, waiting for the extra pages to fall out that would tell me what had just happened. Those who do not have this obsessive need will probably like Noman better.
January 6, 2010
I was ecstatic about the first two Noble Warriors books. I loved the charcters and the interesting plots. Near the end of the second book thouh, I thought it was getting very bizarre. I can handle bizarre, so I liked the book. When Noman came out, I went straight to the library and read it and I was sorely displeased. I found it boring and unclimactic. I was really disappointed with the finale to this great series.
December 16, 2013
Overall, an interesting conclusion to this trilogy. There was a point early on when the storytelling felt like it was wandering, and the Big Reveal of the climax was a little, well, predictable, but Noman ended up being a satisfying read. An intriguing take on the nature of human faith. I particularly enjoyed the fact that Morning Star came into her own, particularly after her ridiculous treatment in Jango.
September 22, 2014
I thought this was beautiful. It was the best way to end the trilogy and I'm mesmerized by it really... Yes, the series started lightly and ended filled with deep conversations and suggestions, but that's exactly what makes it so beautiful. This was thought provoking and yet it didn't seem any harder to read than most YA books. I'm pretty much into philosophy and it was this that got me started. I love Seeker and how he developed and turned out through the books.
March 20, 2020
The series started well, but ended as a serious joke. I want the time I wasted on this series back. After book two, the series could have gone on a million better paths, but the writer chose to introduce random characters and then kill them off, then change the whole personality of Morning Star and the Wildman. When there is a character called, “Joy Boy”, that is introduced, it seems as though the writer has run out of motivation or ideas. Overall, really disappointed.
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February 7, 2017I dont remember much honestly but it was pretty good
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