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The Keys to the Kingdom #6
Superior Saturday
On the sixth day, there was sorcery.
Arthur Penhaligan has wrested five of the Keys from their immortal guardians, the Trustees of the Will. But gaining the Sixth Key poses a greater challenge than any he has faced before. Superior Saturday is not just one of the Trustees – she is also the oldest Denizen and the most powerful and knowledgeable sorcerer within the House. She has tens of thousands of sorcerers at her command, and she has been preparing her forces all along for the Will’s escape and the activities of the Rightful Heir.
As Saturday’s schemes become evident, Arthur is beset on all sides. The House is being destroyed, and only the power of the Keys can hold back the tide of destruction. Arthur’s home city is under attack. His allies are unreliable. He can’t even get into the apparently impregnable Upper House . . . and even if he does, finding the Sixth Part of the Will and gaining the Sixth Key might not be enough to counter Saturday’s bid for ultimate power.
The Stakes are getting higher and higher. Can Arthur survive?
Arthur Penhaligan has wrested five of the Keys from their immortal guardians, the Trustees of the Will. But gaining the Sixth Key poses a greater challenge than any he has faced before. Superior Saturday is not just one of the Trustees – she is also the oldest Denizen and the most powerful and knowledgeable sorcerer within the House. She has tens of thousands of sorcerers at her command, and she has been preparing her forces all along for the Will’s escape and the activities of the Rightful Heir.
As Saturday’s schemes become evident, Arthur is beset on all sides. The House is being destroyed, and only the power of the Keys can hold back the tide of destruction. Arthur’s home city is under attack. His allies are unreliable. He can’t even get into the apparently impregnable Upper House . . . and even if he does, finding the Sixth Part of the Will and gaining the Sixth Key might not be enough to counter Saturday’s bid for ultimate power.
The Stakes are getting higher and higher. Can Arthur survive?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2008
99 people are currently reading
5250 people want to read
About the author
Garth Nix
228 books14.9k followersGarth Nix was born in 1963 in Melbourne, Australia, to the sound of the Salvation Army band outside playing 'Hail the Conquering Hero Comes' or possibly 'Roll Out the Barrel'. Garth left Melbourne at an early age for Canberra (the federal capital) and stayed there till he was nineteen, when he left to drive around the UK in a beat-up Austin with a boot full of books and a Silver-Reed typewriter.
Despite a wheel literally falling off the Austin, Garth survived to return to Australia and study at the University of Canberra. After finishing his degree in 1986 he worked in a bookshop, then as a book publicist, a publisher's sales representative, and editor. Along the way he was also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve, serving in an Assault Pioneer platoon for four years. Garth left publishing to work as a public relations and marketing consultant from 1994-1997, till he became a full-time writer in 1998. He did that for a year before joining Curtis Brown Australia as a part-time literary agent in 1999. In January 2002 Garth went back to dedicated writer again, despite his belief that full-time writing explains the strange behaviour of many authors.
He now lives in Sydney with his wife, two sons and lots of books.
Despite a wheel literally falling off the Austin, Garth survived to return to Australia and study at the University of Canberra. After finishing his degree in 1986 he worked in a bookshop, then as a book publicist, a publisher's sales representative, and editor. Along the way he was also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve, serving in an Assault Pioneer platoon for four years. Garth left publishing to work as a public relations and marketing consultant from 1994-1997, till he became a full-time writer in 1998. He did that for a year before joining Curtis Brown Australia as a part-time literary agent in 1999. In January 2002 Garth went back to dedicated writer again, despite his belief that full-time writing explains the strange behaviour of many authors.
He now lives in Sydney with his wife, two sons and lots of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
July 15, 2008
Book six and it only now finally occurred to me that, for a light kid's fantasy series focusing on a boy coming of age (that is pretty paint by numbers by this point), Nix is actually doing a rather good job with the female characters. So far, half of the trustees have been female, including two of the three highest ranking ones and the one to actually be helpful instead of a pain. The Will is female, the Architect is female, and both of Arthur's friends/confidants are female. Not a single swooning flower amongst them. Although I do wonder if he could have picked different sins than Gluttony, Lust, and Envy for the women (while the men get Sloth, Avarice, Wrath, and Pride). Still overall I am pleased that it is only now that I stopped to think about it, but when I did it was better than expected.
As for the book itself, it was a nice change of pace that Arthur wasn't binding his own hands with resistance to using the power of the keys and I really liked the idea of this other personality that is trying to come through with him. It was enough of a shakeup to feel less lazy on Nix's part and I am genuinely curious now to see what will become of him in the end because I don't know anymore.
However, the cliffhanger at the end was cheap and unnecessary. I promise you, Garth Nix, if we've read through all six books we are going to pick up the seventh when it comes out.
As for the book itself, it was a nice change of pace that Arthur wasn't binding his own hands with resistance to using the power of the keys and I really liked the idea of this other personality that is trying to come through with him. It was enough of a shakeup to feel less lazy on Nix's part and I am genuinely curious now to see what will become of him in the end because I don't know anymore.
However, the cliffhanger at the end was cheap and unnecessary. I promise you, Garth Nix, if we've read through all six books we are going to pick up the seventh when it comes out.
July 30, 2008
After the wait between Lady Friday and the publication of Superior Saturday, it took a little while to first remember what had happened previously and to get into the mindset of all things Keys to the Kingdom. I have to marvel at Garth Nix's scale of imagination - far surpasses my own, and so I struggled with picturing Staurday's tower of iron cubes and chains. It was engaging, and Arthur's own changes and attitude were interesting to read about but it all sort of smacks of a sandwich with no butter - something missing. Whether it was a lack of any loose ends being tied up (we stil have Arthur's mother, Arthur's transformation, Arthur's future, nuclear bombs, unfinished business with Saturday, and Lord Sunday to be dealt with) or possibly just Saturday not living up to expectations, I'm not sure. The concept of the Will's position is exciting and appears a large challenge at first, as is the prospect of defeating Saturday, and yet both just seem a bit too easy. Superior Saturday herself, the best sorceror apparently, doesn't seem to live up to her name - in fact, Dame Primus seems to have more presence when wielding the Keys and Mister Monday, suffering from sloth, put up more of a fight. An enjoyable read and some small snippets of essential information are revealed, but as to whether the book was worth the wait, I can't really say, as it almost appeared as though they forgot to publish the ending. Cliffhangers are a great tool, but possibly ill-timed considering the wait for Saturday and there just isn't enough suspense created. Sorry Garth, it just felt a bit empty. Here's hoping not too many people agree with me. :)
September 25, 2021
I wish I could have read these books all in one whack. I know that I forget so much in between each book. There is so much going on here, so many layers, and characters, and cool magical tricks and twists. This one started with a bang and ended on a literal cliffhanger, so I'm extra glad that I stumbled across it and the last book on a table at the airport bookstore last week, enabling me to grab them both and finally find out What Will Happen.
January 12, 2019
Inhalt:
Von Neid zerfressen trachtet Samstag, Erhabene Zauberin des Hauses, danach, von ihrem Oberen Haus einen Eroberungszug der Unvergleichlichen Gärten zu starten. Doch dieser Teil wurde Sonntag als Treuhänder zugesprochen und ist schwer bewacht. Um zu gewinnen, schreckt Samstag jedoch noch nicht einmal vor der Zerstörung des restlichen Hauses (Mittelpunkt des Universums) zurück und zwingt Arthur, den Rechtmäßigen Erben, und seine Stellvertreterin Dame Primus dazu, all ihre Kräfte gegen die Nichtseinbrüche sowie Samstags Angriffe in den Sekundären Reichen - sprich, Arthurs Heimat - einzusetzen und die Bürger aus den unteren Teilen des Hauses in Sicherheit zu bringen. Dabei müsste Arthur eigentlich dringend das Obere Haus aufsuchen, den sechsten Teil des Vermächtnisses finden und dann den Schlüssel von Samstag fordern ...
Meine Meinung:
"Arthur gegen die Zauberer" oder "Arthur gegen den drohenden Weltuntergang"- so könnte man wohl den 6. Band der Fantasyreihe "Die Schlüssel zum Königreich" in einem Satz zusammenfassen. Stand in den vorherigen Bänden schon immer einiges auf dem Spiel (Arthurs Leben, Teile des Hauses, Arthurs Familie und Freunde, die Erde, ...), so geht es dieses Mal buchstäblich um alles, denn das Haus steht im Mittelpunkt des Universums. Wird es zerstört, dann folgt der Rest der Welt in den Untergang. Und alles nur, weil Samstag verblendet und zerfressen ist vor Neid und Missgunst und denkt, dass ihr als erste Bürgerin nach der Architektin und dem Alten der erste Teil des Hauses - die Unvergleichlichen Gärten - zustehen und nicht Sonntag, dem ältesten Sohn der beiden.
Ja, damit hat Samstag ganz klar die Rolle der Oberschurkin in dieser Reihe und dabei waren die vorherigen Treuhänder alle schon sehr unsympathisch und Träger einer der Todsünden (Faulheit, Gefräßigkeit, etc.). Der Turm, den Samstag erbauen lässt und in dem tausende Zauberer Tag und Nacht bei ständigem Regen in verschiebbaren Bürokäfigen arbeiten, spiegelt den Neid und die Missgunst ihrer Herrin dann auch wieder. Hier gönnt niemand irgendjemandem etwas. Das muss auch Arthur erfahren, als er den Pfeiferkindern im Oberen Haus begegnet.
Neben Arthur, Susi Türkisblau und Dame Primus gibt es auch mit Blatt, den Erhobenen Ratten und ein paar bekannten Gesichtern mehr ein Wiedersehen.
Leider jedoch nur ein kurzes und das ist auch mein einziger Kritikpunkt an diesem Buch. "Mächtiger Samstag" ist einfach zu kurz (noch nicht einmal 300 Seiten dick) und endet mit einem gemeinen Cliffhanger. Hier hätten es ein paar Seiten mehr sein können, auch wenn Garth Nix die Auflösung, ob Arthur es schafft, den Sechsten Schlüssel an sich zu bringen und damit Samstag zu besiegen, und was mit dem restlichen Haus ist, dem Alten, seinen Kindern und dem restlichen Haus sowie welches Schicksal Blatt und den anderen in Arthurs Welt bevorsteht, verständlicherweise der Dramatik wegen in den letzten Band legen möchte.
Daher: Schnell weiterlesen!
Von Neid zerfressen trachtet Samstag, Erhabene Zauberin des Hauses, danach, von ihrem Oberen Haus einen Eroberungszug der Unvergleichlichen Gärten zu starten. Doch dieser Teil wurde Sonntag als Treuhänder zugesprochen und ist schwer bewacht. Um zu gewinnen, schreckt Samstag jedoch noch nicht einmal vor der Zerstörung des restlichen Hauses (Mittelpunkt des Universums) zurück und zwingt Arthur, den Rechtmäßigen Erben, und seine Stellvertreterin Dame Primus dazu, all ihre Kräfte gegen die Nichtseinbrüche sowie Samstags Angriffe in den Sekundären Reichen - sprich, Arthurs Heimat - einzusetzen und die Bürger aus den unteren Teilen des Hauses in Sicherheit zu bringen. Dabei müsste Arthur eigentlich dringend das Obere Haus aufsuchen, den sechsten Teil des Vermächtnisses finden und dann den Schlüssel von Samstag fordern ...
Meine Meinung:
"Arthur gegen die Zauberer" oder "Arthur gegen den drohenden Weltuntergang"- so könnte man wohl den 6. Band der Fantasyreihe "Die Schlüssel zum Königreich" in einem Satz zusammenfassen. Stand in den vorherigen Bänden schon immer einiges auf dem Spiel (Arthurs Leben, Teile des Hauses, Arthurs Familie und Freunde, die Erde, ...), so geht es dieses Mal buchstäblich um alles, denn das Haus steht im Mittelpunkt des Universums. Wird es zerstört, dann folgt der Rest der Welt in den Untergang. Und alles nur, weil Samstag verblendet und zerfressen ist vor Neid und Missgunst und denkt, dass ihr als erste Bürgerin nach der Architektin und dem Alten der erste Teil des Hauses - die Unvergleichlichen Gärten - zustehen und nicht Sonntag, dem ältesten Sohn der beiden.
Ja, damit hat Samstag ganz klar die Rolle der Oberschurkin in dieser Reihe und dabei waren die vorherigen Treuhänder alle schon sehr unsympathisch und Träger einer der Todsünden (Faulheit, Gefräßigkeit, etc.). Der Turm, den Samstag erbauen lässt und in dem tausende Zauberer Tag und Nacht bei ständigem Regen in verschiebbaren Bürokäfigen arbeiten, spiegelt den Neid und die Missgunst ihrer Herrin dann auch wieder. Hier gönnt niemand irgendjemandem etwas. Das muss auch Arthur erfahren, als er den Pfeiferkindern im Oberen Haus begegnet.
Neben Arthur, Susi Türkisblau und Dame Primus gibt es auch mit Blatt, den Erhobenen Ratten und ein paar bekannten Gesichtern mehr ein Wiedersehen.
Leider jedoch nur ein kurzes und das ist auch mein einziger Kritikpunkt an diesem Buch. "Mächtiger Samstag" ist einfach zu kurz (noch nicht einmal 300 Seiten dick) und endet mit einem gemeinen Cliffhanger. Hier hätten es ein paar Seiten mehr sein können, auch wenn Garth Nix die Auflösung, ob Arthur es schafft, den Sechsten Schlüssel an sich zu bringen und damit Samstag zu besiegen, und was mit dem restlichen Haus ist, dem Alten, seinen Kindern und dem restlichen Haus sowie welches Schicksal Blatt und den anderen in Arthurs Welt bevorsteht, verständlicherweise der Dramatik wegen in den letzten Band legen möchte.
Daher: Schnell weiterlesen!
October 29, 2019
We’re really getting deep into the world now. Arthur is more resigned to changing state and uses sorcery a lot more than before. His plan is to collect the next part of the will while avoiding Superior Saturday, but is that even possible? It takes a lot of creative maneuvering — highly imaginative stuff here — to try out this plan.
As usual, memorable characters, creative world, and engaging plot. A must for MG fantasy fans. This one ends on a big cliffhanger, so beware.
Book Blog
As usual, memorable characters, creative world, and engaging plot. A must for MG fantasy fans. This one ends on a big cliffhanger, so beware.
Book Blog
January 31, 2022
Im Vergleich zu den anderen Teilen ist dies einer der schwächeren. Irgendwie läutet er nur das Finale, den Showdown, ein. Anders als die anderen Bücher, bricht die Geschichte hier auch mitten in der Handlung ab.
May 28, 2018
As Arthur becomes more enmeshed into the plots of the Will Trustees, he becomes more denizen-like and in this case darker. He's not the same boy who accidentally came into the house in Mister Monday. No he's slowly changing into something else and it may not be a good thing. Throughout this book he really struggles with temper issues and the prejudices Greater denizens have.
We finally get a glimpse of what Superior Saturday's goals are and the extreme lengths she's willing to go to achieve them. . It doesn't help that while the House is under a horrible threat, so is Arthur's home realm. I feel like everything is going to come to a cataclysmic ending with book 7.
We finally get a glimpse of what Superior Saturday's goals are and the extreme lengths she's willing to go to achieve them. . It doesn't help that while the House is under a horrible threat, so is Arthur's home realm. I feel like everything is going to come to a cataclysmic ending with book 7.
September 29, 2024
Overall Rating : B+
I am human and I know how to love, and be kind, and be compassionate to those who are weaker than me. Just because I have power doesn't mean I have to use it.
Five of the Seven Keys and Parts of the Will retrieved. And now Arthur has become more Denizen than human. Resigned to this fact, he plans to keep on and fix his world, and make sure the rest of the House doesn't get destroyed. Finding out the saboteur is Superior Saturday, he goes to her domain with Suzy, determined to rest the Key and Will.
Filled with humor, tension, and emotion, it is a great addition. Arthur trying to hang onto his humanity and fighting the power and superiority he is feeling from the sorcerous contamination from the Keys, you really feel for him. You also find out more about why the Nothing is contaminating the Lower House and what exactly Saturday is planning.
Shorter than the other books, but no less filling. Along with a high stakes cliffhanger to make sure you head on straight to the last book!
I am human and I know how to love, and be kind, and be compassionate to those who are weaker than me. Just because I have power doesn't mean I have to use it.
Five of the Seven Keys and Parts of the Will retrieved. And now Arthur has become more Denizen than human. Resigned to this fact, he plans to keep on and fix his world, and make sure the rest of the House doesn't get destroyed. Finding out the saboteur is Superior Saturday, he goes to her domain with Suzy, determined to rest the Key and Will.
Filled with humor, tension, and emotion, it is a great addition. Arthur trying to hang onto his humanity and fighting the power and superiority he is feeling from the sorcerous contamination from the Keys, you really feel for him. You also find out more about why the Nothing is contaminating the Lower House and what exactly Saturday is planning.
Shorter than the other books, but no less filling. Along with a high stakes cliffhanger to make sure you head on straight to the last book!
July 15, 2008
I loved the description of the Upper House, with the umbrellas and the cubicles and the impossibly high tower and the rain and the black Matrix suits. I wish we could have seen a bit more of it, or seen the setting put to better use. I loved the portrayal of sorcery as an almost banal office-grind type activity. I also loved Saturday herself; I wish we could have seen more of her. I was waiting for the epic showdown between her and Arthur. In that way, the book felt too short, like it was just a lead-in for Lord Sunday.
August 1, 2019
Finally nearing the end! I liked authur's change into a denizen is more than just in appearance, I liked the struggle he had to hold on to what little humanity he has left. I do think defeating saturday was a bit to easy, especially considering everything they went through in the earlier books. I'm ready for the final book and to see how it all ends.
August 9, 2017
This series just keeps getting better and better; Superior Saturday is the second-to-last book in this series, so things are TENSE. There’s no room for exposition or setting things up, or even reviewing what happened in previous books, it’s just all action and adventure all the time.
Arthur is no longer fighting the battle between staying human and becoming a Denizen; he has accepted the fact that he’s going to need magic to win this war and keep his family safe on Earth, which helps keep the action going. While he still has some inner conflict with keeping his humanity rather than being an arrogant Denizen, the fact that he’s no longer afraid to use magic really helps the plot move along and keeps things interesting. I like that most of the action stays in the house this time. It mostly focuses on Arthur’s quest to get the will back together, and we mainly focus on his adventures with Suze. The focus goes on Earth for a little while, just to keep us informed of what’s going on, but it’s mainly action and fun with Arthur going through Saturday’s domain to find the next part of the will and retrieve the keys from her. We learn a bit more about what Saturday’s aim is and how the Upper House works, which is fun.
It does leave off on a cliffhanger, which, if I were reading this while it were being published, would have probably knocked this down a star. However, since I can get started on the sequel right away, I’ll forgive it this once. :p I usually appreciate it when at least the action is somewhat resolved before we dive into the next book. With that said, though, it looks like the last book is going to be a doozy with how this book ended. Can’t wait to read it!
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
Arthur is no longer fighting the battle between staying human and becoming a Denizen; he has accepted the fact that he’s going to need magic to win this war and keep his family safe on Earth, which helps keep the action going. While he still has some inner conflict with keeping his humanity rather than being an arrogant Denizen, the fact that he’s no longer afraid to use magic really helps the plot move along and keeps things interesting. I like that most of the action stays in the house this time. It mostly focuses on Arthur’s quest to get the will back together, and we mainly focus on his adventures with Suze. The focus goes on Earth for a little while, just to keep us informed of what’s going on, but it’s mainly action and fun with Arthur going through Saturday’s domain to find the next part of the will and retrieve the keys from her. We learn a bit more about what Saturday’s aim is and how the Upper House works, which is fun.
It does leave off on a cliffhanger, which, if I were reading this while it were being published, would have probably knocked this down a star. However, since I can get started on the sequel right away, I’ll forgive it this once. :p I usually appreciate it when at least the action is somewhat resolved before we dive into the next book. With that said, though, it looks like the last book is going to be a doozy with how this book ended. Can’t wait to read it!
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
October 3, 2019
It's now Saturday on Earth and Arthur continues along in his journey to save his family, his friends, his town, his world, and the rest of the universe. He finally shruggs off his reluctantance and constant fear of becoming immortal and starts using more of the power he's gained as the situation becomes exponentially more desperate and Nothing closes in. Saturday follows the similar pattern of the other books: find the next part of the Will and get the next Day's Key, except that this time the day's story dosen't wrap up and we're left with much more of a cliff hanger than usual.
I always love Garth Nix's writing. The Keys to the Kingdom isn't my favorite of his series. It's another take on "heaven and hell" and just who's in charge, which can be a fun topic to play with. Overall it is an enjoyable read. The story moved along and kept me glued to the book, but I wasn't enjoying Saturday as much as I normally do the others. It may be that it's been a while since the last book came out and I'm no longer as involved in the story, or I'm annoyed that with the cliff hanger I'll have to wait for the next one, or it may be something else entirely, but for some reason I'm a little disappointed with it. I think this is a series I'll have to reread completey through once they are all written and I'll then have a better impression of it.
I do like that Nix doesn't try to re-explain the back story. He pretty much dives right in to the current events. It makes for a little confusion at the beginning, but I'd prefer it read more like one long book when it's finished. I would give it 3 1/2 stars, if I could.
I always love Garth Nix's writing. The Keys to the Kingdom isn't my favorite of his series. It's another take on "heaven and hell" and just who's in charge, which can be a fun topic to play with. Overall it is an enjoyable read. The story moved along and kept me glued to the book, but I wasn't enjoying Saturday as much as I normally do the others. It may be that it's been a while since the last book came out and I'm no longer as involved in the story, or I'm annoyed that with the cliff hanger I'll have to wait for the next one, or it may be something else entirely, but for some reason I'm a little disappointed with it. I think this is a series I'll have to reread completey through once they are all written and I'll then have a better impression of it.
I do like that Nix doesn't try to re-explain the back story. He pretty much dives right in to the current events. It makes for a little confusion at the beginning, but I'd prefer it read more like one long book when it's finished. I would give it 3 1/2 stars, if I could.
August 20, 2008
My god. Perhaps the greatest one so far. And there was me being all scared because the last one was crap. Nix, you do not disappoint! (again)
So. Our dear author has decided to dash the successful formulaic system that was one of the signatures of The Keys to the Kingdom: The Sixth Key was not claimed, Saturday was not defeated. The book ends on a real cliffhanger this time, not just leading onto the next book. I wonder at this point about Sunday's intentions. He could be like Wednesday; willing. Saturday could still be The BigBad.
Curse you Saturday! How could you destroy The Lower House? The Far Reaches? What the Hell? Dame Quarto & Septum have their work cut out for them. I did love how balanced Part Six seemed to be, shame It probably won't join with It's counterparts for most of the next book.
Oddly this volume was only 320 pages. While most spread on another eighty or so. I wonder why Nix decided to play it this way...
To leave a cliffhanger; will the next book hold the missing eighty? Because he had nothing else to write? Just how long will Lord Sunday be? How can everything be wrapped up in time?
I love it when a character becomes corrupted, it makes for such interesting reading, how will Arthur cope? And what is he turning into? A brief tantalizing mention of Prauvil; upping the seriousness of Leaf's situation, what with having to deal with such a crafty denizen.
Don't make me eat my words Nix. Let Lord Sunday shine bright.
So. Our dear author has decided to dash the successful formulaic system that was one of the signatures of The Keys to the Kingdom: The Sixth Key was not claimed, Saturday was not defeated. The book ends on a real cliffhanger this time, not just leading onto the next book. I wonder at this point about Sunday's intentions. He could be like Wednesday; willing. Saturday could still be The BigBad.
Curse you Saturday! How could you destroy The Lower House? The Far Reaches? What the Hell? Dame Quarto & Septum have their work cut out for them. I did love how balanced Part Six seemed to be, shame It probably won't join with It's counterparts for most of the next book.
Oddly this volume was only 320 pages. While most spread on another eighty or so. I wonder why Nix decided to play it this way...
To leave a cliffhanger; will the next book hold the missing eighty? Because he had nothing else to write? Just how long will Lord Sunday be? How can everything be wrapped up in time?
I love it when a character becomes corrupted, it makes for such interesting reading, how will Arthur cope? And what is he turning into? A brief tantalizing mention of Prauvil; upping the seriousness of Leaf's situation, what with having to deal with such a crafty denizen.
Don't make me eat my words Nix. Let Lord Sunday shine bright.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2019
2019 update: I have nothing to add. Garth Nix knows that Internal Auditors would make the perfect boogeymen and he just goes for it with this installment. I want winks and nudges to all the parents who read this with their kids.
I never knew I wanted or needed a bureaucracy-themed fantasy series, but I'm telling you, it works. Kids reading the books might not get it so much, but for adults, the pedantic Will/Dame Primus, the towering offices, promotions, the "this is how it's always been done" mindset along with the "washing between the ears", as well as the fact that some of the scariest beings are Internal Auditors... as a government employee it does give me life. Garth Nix gets it.
I never knew I wanted or needed a bureaucracy-themed fantasy series, but I'm telling you, it works. Kids reading the books might not get it so much, but for adults, the pedantic Will/Dame Primus, the towering offices, promotions, the "this is how it's always been done" mindset along with the "washing between the ears", as well as the fact that some of the scariest beings are Internal Auditors... as a government employee it does give me life. Garth Nix gets it.
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October 25, 2020This is book six in the Keys to the Kingdom series by the author, centred around a boy Arthur Penhaligon, chosen to be rightful heir to the House but to claim his rightful place he has to defeat 7 trustees (each named after a day of the week), and obtain 7 keys and parts of the ‘will’, spread over their realms. In this book six, his is pitted against the Sorceress, Superior Saturday. As the stories move along, Arthur is becoming less human and more denizen and finds his thoughts, responses, his very nature changing, and he struggles to hold on to who he is.
This was a fun enough read, very creative and interesting but since I read this without actually having read any of the previous books, I had a hard time getting my mind around what was happening, the characters, and the world itself. So I spend a lot of time feeling very lost. Not the books fault, probably but, let’s see when I get hold of others in the series, I will be able to enjoy this better.
This was a fun enough read, very creative and interesting but since I read this without actually having read any of the previous books, I had a hard time getting my mind around what was happening, the characters, and the world itself. So I spend a lot of time feeling very lost. Not the books fault, probably but, let’s see when I get hold of others in the series, I will be able to enjoy this better.
March 11, 2023
At this point, Arthur has given up the idea that he will ever become mortal again and return to his family. I've enjoyed watching his focus and motivation change throughout this series. He's always been a reluctant hero, but it's been interesting listening to the conversations he's had with himself as he realizes that there are more important things than if he can go back to Earth. I've also enjoyed him fighting off the urges of the will/keys as he gains power and consciously making the decision that he doesn't want to be like the Morrow Days or Dame Primus. It demonstrates that he is the right person to be the heir. This book really leaves you hanging and I immediately started Lord Sunday after finishing this.
November 22, 2021
More of a final book part 1
But still good. Every even- numbered book in this series has seemed more like a bridge or a part one to the next part. Arthur continues to be a favorite character of mine and I still like all the world-building, although this part of the world seemed harder to visualize (I don’t understand what the Incomparable Gardens could look like nor what Superior Saturday is trying to do.) Also, the Morrow Days seem mostly fatalistically narcissistic - maybe ennui from living 10,000 years? But somewhat unbelievable at times. But a great series and I love it.
But still good. Every even- numbered book in this series has seemed more like a bridge or a part one to the next part. Arthur continues to be a favorite character of mine and I still like all the world-building, although this part of the world seemed harder to visualize (I don’t understand what the Incomparable Gardens could look like nor what Superior Saturday is trying to do.) Also, the Morrow Days seem mostly fatalistically narcissistic - maybe ennui from living 10,000 years? But somewhat unbelievable at times. But a great series and I love it.
September 29, 2020
Aaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! So many things to worry about!!!!!!!!! Like for Suzie and Arthur's mother and all of earth! But especially for Arthur and what appears to be a slipping grip on his humanity!! Fight!! Win!! And I hope he makes it home! All of his memories and connections to his adoptive family have been so sweet! Like the adoption song he wrote (referenced in Grimm Tuesday), and watching Court Jester with his family (referenced in this one: "Get it?" "Got it" "Good"), and his concern for them and desire to be with them. Very curious to see how the series wraps up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2024
Brilliant cliff hanger ending on this one!
Now finally onto Sunday which I never managed when I was younger.
Now finally onto Sunday which I never managed when I was younger.
February 18, 2020
I really wish we could give 1/2 marks for books, because I did not want to give as low as a 3 but also didn't want to give as high as a 4. I did enjoy Superior Saturday but it feels like a book where a lot happens but also not a lot happens either.
I just feel that the Upper House is the least developed on all the regions of the House so far. Unlike with the last few parts of the House, I haven't been left wanting to see more of this part. Superior Saturday kind of reminds me of the first two books, the Trustee only appears for a small part of the novel and it was just setting up for the final book in the series.
It was enjoyable enough but I guess just a little bit disappointing following on from the last few books which I have really enjoyed reading.
I just feel that the Upper House is the least developed on all the regions of the House so far. Unlike with the last few parts of the House, I haven't been left wanting to see more of this part. Superior Saturday kind of reminds me of the first two books, the Trustee only appears for a small part of the novel and it was just setting up for the final book in the series.
It was enjoyable enough but I guess just a little bit disappointing following on from the last few books which I have really enjoyed reading.
February 23, 2013
I found this book harder to follow than the others in the series; often I'd reach the end of the page and realise I had no idea what I was reading because I'd unconsciously skipped paragraphs. However I still really enjoyed the story, and am excited to see how the various cliffhangers left at the end of this novel resolve themselves in Lord Sunday!
October 20, 2015
I am enjoying the heck out of this series! Garth Nix is brilliant at coming up with unusual settings and permutations of magic, and making them make sense. The way Arthur is evolving is great too, not just stuck in one mode all the way through...an excellent series from an excellent writer for young adults!
July 1, 2015
Tak táto časť bola zatiaľ jednoznačne najlepšia zo všetkých...
September 11, 2021
Oh, boy.
November 14, 2023
Alright. I have writen this review TWICE and Goodreads keeps glitching. 3rd time better be a charm.
So. This was a completely pain-free read, despite the problems I had with the previous installment. I had no trouble getting through Superior Saturday and most of the issues I had have been seemingly resolved. Arthur, our MC seems to have finally embraced his destiny or his lot at least, which was a huge relief for me. After so many books where he kept resisting, his acceptance was overdue.
I also really appreciated that the book focused mainly on Suzy Turquoise Blue and (to a lesser extent) Dr. Scamandros - since they're both old favorites. The book also has a nostalgic element, bringing back characters from the begining, which felt like a nice touch at this point in the series.
All things considered, this was a quick and enjoyable read! It still stuck to the mold of previous books in the series in terms of plot - in the sense that it's fairly basic. Nothing mind blowing but still...it kept my interest. I look forward to discovering how things will resolve in the final book!
So. This was a completely pain-free read, despite the problems I had with the previous installment. I had no trouble getting through Superior Saturday and most of the issues I had have been seemingly resolved. Arthur, our MC seems to have finally embraced his destiny or his lot at least, which was a huge relief for me. After so many books where he kept resisting, his acceptance was overdue.
I also really appreciated that the book focused mainly on Suzy Turquoise Blue and (to a lesser extent) Dr. Scamandros - since they're both old favorites. The book also has a nostalgic element, bringing back characters from the begining, which felt like a nice touch at this point in the series.
All things considered, this was a quick and enjoyable read! It still stuck to the mold of previous books in the series in terms of plot - in the sense that it's fairly basic. Nothing mind blowing but still...it kept my interest. I look forward to discovering how things will resolve in the final book!
September 14, 2025
I want to smack Arthur upside the head. Now, this is a reread of the series, so I happen to know that that's the point given where we are in Arthur's character arc. Doesn't make it less frustrating to read, though.
Frustrations with Arthur aside, I really liked the world building with this one. And, this is a really interesting look into just how destructive envy can become. It was also really cool to see Arthur start to embrace his role as heir more in this book (well, aside from the frustrating bits).
The audio continues to be great, as well.
Frustrations with Arthur aside, I really liked the world building with this one. And, this is a really interesting look into just how destructive envy can become. It was also really cool to see Arthur start to embrace his role as heir more in this book (well, aside from the frustrating bits).
The audio continues to be great, as well.
December 25, 2018
Review to follow after i have read the 7. book as 5 and 6 are more or less one continuing storyline
March 29, 2020
Loved it. So much action and tension, I could hardly put it down!
September 28, 2023
The adventure continues! I just so love Nix's worldbuilding, and he keeps it up in this book with giant trees, enchanted umbrellas and a tower that puts even Babel to shame. Plus, we get my favourite part of the will yet! Onward, and indeed, upward, to Lord Sunday!
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