What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dark Crystal #4
Flames of the Dark Crystal
The final book in an original series of novels set in the world of Netflix's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
Will the fires of resistance finally unite the Gelfling clans against the growing Skekis threat . . . or is it too late to save Thra?
Will the fires of resistance finally unite the Gelfling clans against the growing Skekis threat . . . or is it too late to save Thra?
328 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2019
27 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Lee
10 books211 followersJ.M. spent his formative years searching for talking animals and believing he could control the weather. After pursuing nerdy interests in comparative film studies, screenwriting, and Shakespeare, he graduated with a much nerdier degree in linguistics.
In addition to writing novels, he enjoys teaching his dog new vocabulary words and updating his snooty coffee blog.
The Dark Crystal Author Quest
In 2013, the Jim Henson Company and Grosset & Dunlap launched the Dark Crystal Author Quest. The winner would be awarded a publishing contract to write the first official prequel novel to Jim Henson’s beloved fantasy classic The Dark Crystal (1982). After winning the contest and completing the first novel, Shadows of the Dark Crystal, Joe signed on for three more. The third installment in the quadrilogy, Tides of the Dark Crystal, out now. The finale of the series, Flames of the Dark Crystal, is scheduled for summer 2019.
Joe is also a staff writer and creative consultant on The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, a 10-episode Netflix prequel series released in August of 2019.
In addition to writing novels, he enjoys teaching his dog new vocabulary words and updating his snooty coffee blog.
The Dark Crystal Author Quest
In 2013, the Jim Henson Company and Grosset & Dunlap launched the Dark Crystal Author Quest. The winner would be awarded a publishing contract to write the first official prequel novel to Jim Henson’s beloved fantasy classic The Dark Crystal (1982). After winning the contest and completing the first novel, Shadows of the Dark Crystal, Joe signed on for three more. The third installment in the quadrilogy, Tides of the Dark Crystal, out now. The finale of the series, Flames of the Dark Crystal, is scheduled for summer 2019.
Joe is also a staff writer and creative consultant on The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, a 10-episode Netflix prequel series released in August of 2019.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 29, 2020
I enjoyed the conclusion of the story - particularly the way in which the prophecy from the film was included to really lay the foundation for the movie. However, for a finale it's a little bit lackluster in terms of the stakes not being raised to the level they probably should have been.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
May 5, 2022
Ein wunderbar berührender und hoffnungsvoll stimmender (vorläufiger?) Abschluss der Reihe um den dunklen Kristall, die machtgierigen Skekse und die rebellierenden Gelflinge, die mit ihrem Widerstand ein neues Zeitalter auf Thra einläuten.
Die Gelfling-Rebellen sind den grausamen Machenschaften der Skekse auf die Spur gekommen und versuchen nun, die Feuer des Widerstands in jedem Gelfling Clan zu entzünden, um damit die Einigkeit ihres Volkes zu demonstrieren. Doch sie müssen sich nicht nur vor den Skeksen in Acht nehmen, sondern auch gegen geheime Absprachen und gestreute Gerüchte ankämpfen - und dabei steht das Überleben ihres Volkes und der ganzen Welt auf dem Spiel.
Jede Kreatur auf Thra hatte Lebensessenz, von den Fliegern über die Krabbler bis hin zu den Schwimmern. Selbst Bäume und Felsen sangen das Lied von Thra, denn sie alle waren aus Thra geboren und trugen einen Teil dieser Melodie in sich.
Zitat Seite 41
Ein wunderschönes Zitat, das zeigt, wie J. M. Lee die Verbundenheit zwischen allen Lebewesen auf dieser Welt vereint. Natürlich hat das ganze die Vorlage des Films aus den 80er Jahren, vor allem aber die Vorgeschichte dazu, die man auf Netflix in leider nur 1 Staffel produziert hat. Und der Autor hat daraus diese außergewöhnliche und inspirierenden Bücher gemacht, indem er die Sanftheit der kleinen Gelflinge, aber auch ihren Mut - und die vielen Facetten des Lebens in Einklang gebracht hat.
Die Enthüllungen um die Vergangenheit der Skekse haben nämlich erheblichen Einwirkungen auf die Pläne, um sich gegen sie zu wehren. Die Feuer der Rebellion schüren einen Krieg, der zwar die Clans der Gelfling endlich vereinen könnte, aber sie erkennen, dass die Opfer dafür zu hoch sind.
"Weil es nicht um einen Krieg geht. Wir können die Dunkelheit in anderen nicht gewaltsam entfernen. Wir können nur eine Balance mit der Dunkelheit in uns selbst anstreben."
Zitat Seite 87
Ich will nicht zuviel verraten, aber dieser Widerstreit, Gewalt mit Gewalt zu bekämpfen wird hier mit einem perfekten Sinnbild deutlich gemacht, indem die Mystiker eine große Rolle spielen.
Dieses Mal wird wieder aus der Perspektive von Naia erzählt, die durch ihre Reise eine große Entwicklung durchgemacht hat. Ebenso wie ihre Gefährten Kylan, der Liedererzähler, und Amri, der schüchterne Grottan. Obwohl durch die Ent-Täuschung der Skekse eine Welle der Angst über Thra hinwegrollt, ermutigt sie die Gelflinge, zusammenzuhalten und stärkt ihr Vertrauen in Thra. In ihre Welt und der Hoffnung, das Gute bewahren zu können und damit gegen die Übermacht der Skekse zu bestehen.
Der besondere Stil, in dem der Autor erzählt, einer sanften und spielerischen Art, mit der er Gefühle und Szenen auf sehr anschauliche und intensive Art beschreibt, ist außergewöhnlich! Die Beziehungen der Charaktere zueinander ebenso wie auch der wachsende Zusammenhalt, die Zweifel und das reifende Vertrauen werden mit so vielen schönen Sinnbildern beschrieben, dass es einem beim Lesen einfach ans Herz geht.
Auch in diesem Band gibt es wieder ein paar schöne schwarz-weiß Zeichnungen, die die Szenen optisch besonders hervorheben.
Wer auf ein "richtiges Ende" hofft, hofft hier vergeblich. Die Serie wurde ja leider abgesetzt nach der ersten Staffel - aber wer den Film von Jim Henson gesehen hat, weiß, wie sich das Schicksal der Gelflinge weiterentwickelt hat. Mit dem vierten Band ist diese Reihe vorerst abgeschlossen, aber ich würde mir sehr wünschen, dass J. M. Lee den Faden weiterspinnt und wir mehr aus der Welt von Thra aus seiner Feder lesen dürfen!
Weltenwanderer
Die Gelfling-Rebellen sind den grausamen Machenschaften der Skekse auf die Spur gekommen und versuchen nun, die Feuer des Widerstands in jedem Gelfling Clan zu entzünden, um damit die Einigkeit ihres Volkes zu demonstrieren. Doch sie müssen sich nicht nur vor den Skeksen in Acht nehmen, sondern auch gegen geheime Absprachen und gestreute Gerüchte ankämpfen - und dabei steht das Überleben ihres Volkes und der ganzen Welt auf dem Spiel.
Jede Kreatur auf Thra hatte Lebensessenz, von den Fliegern über die Krabbler bis hin zu den Schwimmern. Selbst Bäume und Felsen sangen das Lied von Thra, denn sie alle waren aus Thra geboren und trugen einen Teil dieser Melodie in sich.
Zitat Seite 41
Ein wunderschönes Zitat, das zeigt, wie J. M. Lee die Verbundenheit zwischen allen Lebewesen auf dieser Welt vereint. Natürlich hat das ganze die Vorlage des Films aus den 80er Jahren, vor allem aber die Vorgeschichte dazu, die man auf Netflix in leider nur 1 Staffel produziert hat. Und der Autor hat daraus diese außergewöhnliche und inspirierenden Bücher gemacht, indem er die Sanftheit der kleinen Gelflinge, aber auch ihren Mut - und die vielen Facetten des Lebens in Einklang gebracht hat.
Die Enthüllungen um die Vergangenheit der Skekse haben nämlich erheblichen Einwirkungen auf die Pläne, um sich gegen sie zu wehren. Die Feuer der Rebellion schüren einen Krieg, der zwar die Clans der Gelfling endlich vereinen könnte, aber sie erkennen, dass die Opfer dafür zu hoch sind.
"Weil es nicht um einen Krieg geht. Wir können die Dunkelheit in anderen nicht gewaltsam entfernen. Wir können nur eine Balance mit der Dunkelheit in uns selbst anstreben."
Zitat Seite 87
Ich will nicht zuviel verraten, aber dieser Widerstreit, Gewalt mit Gewalt zu bekämpfen wird hier mit einem perfekten Sinnbild deutlich gemacht, indem die Mystiker eine große Rolle spielen.
Dieses Mal wird wieder aus der Perspektive von Naia erzählt, die durch ihre Reise eine große Entwicklung durchgemacht hat. Ebenso wie ihre Gefährten Kylan, der Liedererzähler, und Amri, der schüchterne Grottan. Obwohl durch die Ent-Täuschung der Skekse eine Welle der Angst über Thra hinwegrollt, ermutigt sie die Gelflinge, zusammenzuhalten und stärkt ihr Vertrauen in Thra. In ihre Welt und der Hoffnung, das Gute bewahren zu können und damit gegen die Übermacht der Skekse zu bestehen.
Der besondere Stil, in dem der Autor erzählt, einer sanften und spielerischen Art, mit der er Gefühle und Szenen auf sehr anschauliche und intensive Art beschreibt, ist außergewöhnlich! Die Beziehungen der Charaktere zueinander ebenso wie auch der wachsende Zusammenhalt, die Zweifel und das reifende Vertrauen werden mit so vielen schönen Sinnbildern beschrieben, dass es einem beim Lesen einfach ans Herz geht.
Auch in diesem Band gibt es wieder ein paar schöne schwarz-weiß Zeichnungen, die die Szenen optisch besonders hervorheben.
Wer auf ein "richtiges Ende" hofft, hofft hier vergeblich. Die Serie wurde ja leider abgesetzt nach der ersten Staffel - aber wer den Film von Jim Henson gesehen hat, weiß, wie sich das Schicksal der Gelflinge weiterentwickelt hat. Mit dem vierten Band ist diese Reihe vorerst abgeschlossen, aber ich würde mir sehr wünschen, dass J. M. Lee den Faden weiterspinnt und wir mehr aus der Welt von Thra aus seiner Feder lesen dürfen!
Weltenwanderer
September 15, 2019
My review for
Shadows
,
Song
, and
Tides
are linked. It’s fine, I totally wanted to cry right at the beginning of the month. I’M FINE, I SWEAR. I DEFINITELY DIDN’T CRY MULTIPLE TIMES. I want to just flood this review with fanart of Amri, but the world is a cruel place, and I’m one of, like, ten people in total that have read these books. Altogether, there’s, like, maybe 200 reviews for the entire series, but I digress. This was easily my favorite one in the series so far. It was action-packed, full of absolutely adorable romance (that made me cry a little, don’t @ me), high stakes and soft-talk, and everything in between. The characters are really fleshed out now, and the world of Thra is comfortable to step back into. I’d had some issues with the beginning of this series, but now this feels like coming home.
This fourth installment sees our heroes undertaking the task Aughra set them–lighting the fires of resistances. They must band together the seven Gelfling clans in order to rise up against the Skeksis, and in doing so, return to the song of Thra and each other. This one is narrated by Naia, who was the POV character in Shadows, and it was a delight to be back with her. I’m also hoping the trend continues, which will mean Kylan gets the fifth book.
This fourth installment sees our heroes undertaking the task Aughra set them–lighting the fires of resistances. They must band together the seven Gelfling clans in order to rise up against the Skeksis, and in doing so, return to the song of Thra and each other. This one is narrated by Naia, who was the POV character in Shadows, and it was a delight to be back with her. I’m also hoping the trend continues, which will mean Kylan gets the fifth book.
August 28, 2019
This ended up being my favorite of these Dark Crystal novels. Once it got to the climax, I just kept going. There are battles, there are sacrifices, and there is grief. And it does not gloss over the fact that there will be hardships ahead. But there is hope. Since we know what happens in the film, we know the fate of the Gelfling. But even knowing that, it's a great ride seeing how events play out. I'm curious to see how well Age of Resistance will interface with the novels, as the addition of certain characters in that show has me scratching my head based on what's in these books.
January 27, 2020
Loved it. I loved the other three but I REALLY loved this one. Would this book have been successful without the Netflix series? No, but its biggest strength is its seamless connection to the show, both in plot and theme. If you can hear the Song of Thra in your life, then this book, and this series, is for you. If you cannot, then why are you wasting your time reading this review?
May 4, 2020
From the beginning I did not want to put it down. Usually the books have long slow areas but not this one. It made my mind feel like puddle peices being put together. I love reading this series a d would do it again!
March 27, 2023
I am absolutely floored. I have never been so invested and satisfied by a book. I’m not sure what Lee put in these pages but I was addicted. This book was such a level up from the last three, the dialogue, the characterization, the descriptions, everything was 10x better. While the dynamics and world and everything weren’t anything too special, I’m wholeheartedly impressed by the level of improvement from not just the last book, but the rest of the series. The ending was very unique too, I don’t think the way the finale was presented could’ve been done any better. I was so invested the entire time, I almost cried, multiple times. My one complaint is the pacing, if we could’ve had some of the action in this book in the other books then maybe the entire series could be amazing too, but honestly it’s not a big deal, this book on its own is its own masterpiece.
July 16, 2022
Das große Finale der Reihe
Es war sehr viel anders als erwartet. Aber im Gegensatz zu der restlichen Reihe, war ich hier mehr bei der Sache und konnte mich besser konzentrieren.
Es geht auf das große Finale zu und Naya und ihre Freunde haben einige Schwierigkeiten, alle Feuer zu entzünden. Dazu sind die Skekse ihnen dicht auf den Fersen. Hat man jetzt erwartet, dass die Gelflinge in eine große Schlacht ziehen um denen den Gar auszumachen, liegt man zwar nicht ganz falsch, aber es kommt doch ganz anders.
Tatsächlich ist dies der beste Teil der Reihe, ich muss wohl meine Bewertung der anderen Bände noch einmal überdenken und korrigieren, doch war mir das Ende zu offen. Vielleicht will man hier noch eine Fortsetzung für die Serie anhängen, aber für die Buchreihe finde ich es unpassend.
Es war sehr viel anders als erwartet. Aber im Gegensatz zu der restlichen Reihe, war ich hier mehr bei der Sache und konnte mich besser konzentrieren.
Es geht auf das große Finale zu und Naya und ihre Freunde haben einige Schwierigkeiten, alle Feuer zu entzünden. Dazu sind die Skekse ihnen dicht auf den Fersen. Hat man jetzt erwartet, dass die Gelflinge in eine große Schlacht ziehen um denen den Gar auszumachen, liegt man zwar nicht ganz falsch, aber es kommt doch ganz anders.
Tatsächlich ist dies der beste Teil der Reihe, ich muss wohl meine Bewertung der anderen Bände noch einmal überdenken und korrigieren, doch war mir das Ende zu offen. Vielleicht will man hier noch eine Fortsetzung für die Serie anhängen, aber für die Buchreihe finde ich es unpassend.
December 25, 2022
The final installment in this prequel series to The Dark Crystal movie (which I've never seen lol).
Everything gets wrapped up nicely, which is both great and highly annoying.
Everything was a little TOO nicely wrapped up. I am never a huge fan of HEA, I always want the tragic endings in everything I read. I feel like it's more realistic when someone gets burned in the end.
Anywho, that's just me. Overall the series is interesting and I loved how Lee took something and expanded the original world into something all his own.
I will likely never watch the movie (puppets freak me out), but my partner gave me the rundown of what's what in the flick, so I feel like I'm good.
Have you seen the movie and read these? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Everything gets wrapped up nicely, which is both great and highly annoying.
Everything was a little TOO nicely wrapped up. I am never a huge fan of HEA, I always want the tragic endings in everything I read. I feel like it's more realistic when someone gets burned in the end.
Anywho, that's just me. Overall the series is interesting and I loved how Lee took something and expanded the original world into something all his own.
I will likely never watch the movie (puppets freak me out), but my partner gave me the rundown of what's what in the flick, so I feel like I'm good.
Have you seen the movie and read these? I would love to hear your thoughts.
September 5, 2024
i didn’t want this to end 😭
November 19, 2022
I'm not the first to share this quote in a review but this line was my absolute favourite in this series:
"And anyway, what else is resistance if not loving in the face of danger?"
So many feelings after reading these books, I'm still not over the fact that Age of Resistance has been canceled by Netflix and I was so happy when I found out these books exist!
I really enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to enter Thra once more and read about the events leading up to The Dark Crystal. I was also quite sad because I didn't think she existed in the books but fortunately (although only in the one of the final chapters in the last book) Deet (my love🖤) is mentioned!! Briefly. 😅
Great ending to the series but there's still more of this song to be written and sung! Really hoping that it will be brought into existence someday. :)
"And anyway, what else is resistance if not loving in the face of danger?"
So many feelings after reading these books, I'm still not over the fact that Age of Resistance has been canceled by Netflix and I was so happy when I found out these books exist!
I really enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to enter Thra once more and read about the events leading up to The Dark Crystal. I was also quite sad because I didn't think she existed in the books but fortunately (although only in the one of the final chapters in the last book) Deet (my love🖤) is mentioned!! Briefly. 😅
Great ending to the series but there's still more of this song to be written and sung! Really hoping that it will be brought into existence someday. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2021
“what else is resistance if not loving in the face of danger?”
📚
The conclusion to the prequel novel series is a step up from the previous books but as much as it gives it just leaves an empty feeling of what else could have been added.
📚
The story follows on straight after the last book with our hero’s trying to light the flame of resistance. This is the main focus of the story and we finally get to see the clans that have been left behind in the first book.
This book also focuses of the first real confrontation with the Skeksis’s. Although this had a satisfying end it did feel like a disappointing ending for the series as a whole. There was just so much more to be explored and with the Gelfling finally united I was expected more of a bridge between the books and the original film.
📚
This book focuses on what has been built up throughout the series and there’s no new hero’s this time. We follow Naia again, in her final attempt to unite the clans and fight back.
The characters seem to go through less growth in this book but there are some exciting chapters that pushes them.
📚
This is without doubt the most action driven addition in the series. The Skeksis have a stronger presence in this book which has been lacking from the rest.
📚
Throughout the series the world has slowly opened up and now we return to where it all began. This book finally fitted together the world for me. It is without doubt the series strongest element.
📚
This book is a step in the right direction. I would have liked the others to be shortened or discarded so that the series could have carried on and found a more fitting ending that bridges it with the original film.
📚
The conclusion to the prequel novel series is a step up from the previous books but as much as it gives it just leaves an empty feeling of what else could have been added.
📚
The story follows on straight after the last book with our hero’s trying to light the flame of resistance. This is the main focus of the story and we finally get to see the clans that have been left behind in the first book.
This book also focuses of the first real confrontation with the Skeksis’s. Although this had a satisfying end it did feel like a disappointing ending for the series as a whole. There was just so much more to be explored and with the Gelfling finally united I was expected more of a bridge between the books and the original film.
📚
This book focuses on what has been built up throughout the series and there’s no new hero’s this time. We follow Naia again, in her final attempt to unite the clans and fight back.
The characters seem to go through less growth in this book but there are some exciting chapters that pushes them.
📚
This is without doubt the most action driven addition in the series. The Skeksis have a stronger presence in this book which has been lacking from the rest.
📚
Throughout the series the world has slowly opened up and now we return to where it all began. This book finally fitted together the world for me. It is without doubt the series strongest element.
📚
This book is a step in the right direction. I would have liked the others to be shortened or discarded so that the series could have carried on and found a more fitting ending that bridges it with the original film.
September 23, 2020
Se esfuerza más en que todo encaje para que las premisas de la película tengan sentido en su narrativa que en el hecho de contar una historia que sea interesante, y llega un momento en el que pierdes todo vínculo con los personajes, al haber presentado tantos y profundizado tan poco en ellos. No es una mala precuela, y el problema es que no deja de ser sencillamente una precuela y la historia que cuenta no tiene valor individual.
November 24, 2019
Need more.
February 5, 2023
Great book - great series! Nice escape from reality while reading. Check these books out. I've finished the entire series in less than 2 full months!
September 23, 2020
Such a hopeful ending.
This series has been such a delight to read, I’ve flown through these books and loved each one. This last instalment had so much to resolve and it did so with flying colours. The writing and characters have remained at its best and the world of Thra has become even more vivid.
It is a solid conclusion, both as an end and open perhaps to more books (I hope).
5/5 stars
This series has been such a delight to read, I’ve flown through these books and loved each one. This last instalment had so much to resolve and it did so with flying colours. The writing and characters have remained at its best and the world of Thra has become even more vivid.
It is a solid conclusion, both as an end and open perhaps to more books (I hope).
5/5 stars
August 10, 2020
5 *
This book was published before the Netflix series "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance", but is based on the stories and events in this book, and others in the series.
As I have already seen the Netflix series, I already know the background storyline. Also, as I have already seen the film "The Dark Crystal" from which all these spin-offs are based, I know the world and the storyline well.
As a hardcore fan of the original film, the Netflix series and "The Creation Myths" books, I am naturally bias towards this book and the rest in its series, so reviewing this will be a challenge!
To start with, it helps to already have a basic knowledge of the world (Thra), it's politics, geography and ecology as this isn't greatly elaborated on within the book. There is an index and appendix to help you out which is appreciated. It is also important to know that this story takes place some time (decades perhaps?) before the events of the original film.
This book continues where book 3 finished and continues the journey of the Gelfling travellers as they continue to unite the Gelfling clans againt the Skeksis. This book does finish the story arc of the quest to unite the Gelfling clans, but it does not finish the story, rather adds more chapters to the storyline. It's important to bear that in mind, as you will not get a clean compoletion from this, rather a tie-up of some loose ends, but it will leave you wondering what happened next.
I certainly did question what actions were taken and how I would have dealt with them. While I do side with Naia and her choices, I was left wondering if they were the best ideas (knowing what happens later in the overall storyline of the Gelfling race). I can see where she is coming from and I certainly would be questioning my actions too, but hindsight and clear foresight are wonderful things. Light and Dark are not truely separated, nor can one exist without the other.
I thought the story was wll written and described thoughts, feelings and events really well. There is a section in this book where certain characters see The Wall of Prophecy (the one from the film). With this and other things mentioned, you can almost see the seeds of the film storyline beginning to take root. I can definately see this story continuing but in a new set of books, but for that, we will need to wait and see!
This series of books certainly have brought more colour and understanding to the lives and creatures of Thra, which will enable me to see the T.V. series and the original film in a new light and understanding. This has certainly rekindled my love of The Dark Crystal!
This book was published before the Netflix series "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance", but is based on the stories and events in this book, and others in the series.
As I have already seen the Netflix series, I already know the background storyline. Also, as I have already seen the film "The Dark Crystal" from which all these spin-offs are based, I know the world and the storyline well.
As a hardcore fan of the original film, the Netflix series and "The Creation Myths" books, I am naturally bias towards this book and the rest in its series, so reviewing this will be a challenge!
To start with, it helps to already have a basic knowledge of the world (Thra), it's politics, geography and ecology as this isn't greatly elaborated on within the book. There is an index and appendix to help you out which is appreciated. It is also important to know that this story takes place some time (decades perhaps?) before the events of the original film.
This book continues where book 3 finished and continues the journey of the Gelfling travellers as they continue to unite the Gelfling clans againt the Skeksis. This book does finish the story arc of the quest to unite the Gelfling clans, but it does not finish the story, rather adds more chapters to the storyline. It's important to bear that in mind, as you will not get a clean compoletion from this, rather a tie-up of some loose ends, but it will leave you wondering what happened next.
I certainly did question what actions were taken and how I would have dealt with them. While I do side with Naia and her choices, I was left wondering if they were the best ideas (knowing what happens later in the overall storyline of the Gelfling race). I can see where she is coming from and I certainly would be questioning my actions too, but hindsight and clear foresight are wonderful things. Light and Dark are not truely separated, nor can one exist without the other.
I thought the story was wll written and described thoughts, feelings and events really well. There is a section in this book where certain characters see The Wall of Prophecy (the one from the film). With this and other things mentioned, you can almost see the seeds of the film storyline beginning to take root. I can definately see this story continuing but in a new set of books, but for that, we will need to wait and see!
This series of books certainly have brought more colour and understanding to the lives and creatures of Thra, which will enable me to see the T.V. series and the original film in a new light and understanding. This has certainly rekindled my love of The Dark Crystal!
June 25, 2020
So here is the thing. We already know where this is going. SPOILER WARNING IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE DARK CRYSTAL MOVIE. For those who haven't seen The Dark Crystal 1) why not?! and 2) Why are you still reading? Did you miss the spoiler warning? I typed it in all caps for you. Anyways moving on you are continuing at your own risk.
Where was I? Oh yes. We all know how this ends. This is the prequel to the wonderful movie. Yet even knowing the Gelfling are all but extinct by the start of The Dark Crystal, I couldn't put this book down. J.M.Lee makes this story come alive to a point I am still worried about what will happen next. And I know what the ultimate will happen next is! I know these Gelfling are eventually going to be defeated. I know that. But still I am rooting for them. With every battle against the evil Skeksis I find myself hoping for the win. Hoping they find a way to overcome, to join the clans together and stand up to the bullying might from The Lords of The Crystal.
J.M.Lee makes it a fun story to hear. The characters come alive and are just as vibrant as they were in the Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Full disclosure I saw the series and then saw this book. I had no idea it was part 4 in a series until I added it to Goodreads. But I read it anyways. That's how good a story this is.
If you enjoyed The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance you will enjoy this book. I will be going back to get the previous three books in the series and I cannot wait for season 2 to come out once this pandemic is over.
Where was I? Oh yes. We all know how this ends. This is the prequel to the wonderful movie. Yet even knowing the Gelfling are all but extinct by the start of The Dark Crystal, I couldn't put this book down. J.M.Lee makes this story come alive to a point I am still worried about what will happen next. And I know what the ultimate will happen next is! I know these Gelfling are eventually going to be defeated. I know that. But still I am rooting for them. With every battle against the evil Skeksis I find myself hoping for the win. Hoping they find a way to overcome, to join the clans together and stand up to the bullying might from The Lords of The Crystal.
J.M.Lee makes it a fun story to hear. The characters come alive and are just as vibrant as they were in the Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Full disclosure I saw the series and then saw this book. I had no idea it was part 4 in a series until I added it to Goodreads. But I read it anyways. That's how good a story this is.
If you enjoyed The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance you will enjoy this book. I will be going back to get the previous three books in the series and I cannot wait for season 2 to come out once this pandemic is over.
February 1, 2022
A book of two halves. The first half, glad I was at being back with Naia as the POV character, felt as formulaic as the second and third entries in this series and I was really worried the plot was going to be the same visit-a-location-then-move-on repetition for the whole book.
Things suddenly change in the second half and although the pacing is a little off at first, there's a lot more excitement and the narrative flows much better. I finally understood what the books were doing and it was a good way to end the series - a better ending than the Netflix series, in fact.
Not to say it was perfect, though. I felt there were a lot of character arcs unresolved and some important minor characters from previous books were barely even mentioned. Some events that should have packed more of an emotional punch fell flat. The author's insistence of italicising Gelfling words (maudra, firca, etc) really pulled me out of the narrative each time it was used, reminding me that this was a foreign world rather than immersing me in it.
All in all, this felt like a good idea for a Dark Crystal prequel, but could have been two books, maybe even one long one, rather than a whole series of four. I think Thra would be better handled by an author that could write in a style more suited to the feeling of wonderment I got from the film (and series), rather than the slightly flat tone that this author prefers.
Things suddenly change in the second half and although the pacing is a little off at first, there's a lot more excitement and the narrative flows much better. I finally understood what the books were doing and it was a good way to end the series - a better ending than the Netflix series, in fact.
Not to say it was perfect, though. I felt there were a lot of character arcs unresolved and some important minor characters from previous books were barely even mentioned. Some events that should have packed more of an emotional punch fell flat. The author's insistence of italicising Gelfling words (maudra, firca, etc) really pulled me out of the narrative each time it was used, reminding me that this was a foreign world rather than immersing me in it.
All in all, this felt like a good idea for a Dark Crystal prequel, but could have been two books, maybe even one long one, rather than a whole series of four. I think Thra would be better handled by an author that could write in a style more suited to the feeling of wonderment I got from the film (and series), rather than the slightly flat tone that this author prefers.
December 30, 2021
This final outing works very hard to draw the meandering slow cooker of a story to a close on a satisfying note and does so rather well. The change of pace between this novel and at least the middle two entries sets up such a stark contrast that one might wonder how good the series could have been if they had all carried so much gravity and delivery on each page.
The series as a whole both suffered from that slow wandering delivery and triumphed on this final succinct close. Was this final page burner enough to turn the series from an ok adventure into something epic? Probably not. Nothing was done here that hasn't been done before and the climax doesn't leave a person sitting in wide-eyed wonder or with a slack jaw after it has closed out.
If you have read the previous three books, you owe it to yourself to read the fourth and probably best entry in the set. The characters feel more real and distinct. There aren't chapters upon chapters of self doubt and idle questioning what to do. Action in abundance and the delivery is quite well done for something aimed at young adults but requiring a good helping of violence.
The series as a whole both suffered from that slow wandering delivery and triumphed on this final succinct close. Was this final page burner enough to turn the series from an ok adventure into something epic? Probably not. Nothing was done here that hasn't been done before and the climax doesn't leave a person sitting in wide-eyed wonder or with a slack jaw after it has closed out.
If you have read the previous three books, you owe it to yourself to read the fourth and probably best entry in the set. The characters feel more real and distinct. There aren't chapters upon chapters of self doubt and idle questioning what to do. Action in abundance and the delivery is quite well done for something aimed at young adults but requiring a good helping of violence.
April 3, 2020
I actually read this book first, thinking that it was the first book and didn’t come back for the rest of the series until later, but since I watched the Netflix show, I understood it. I liked how they FINALLY brought in Deet, and was rather mad that she was barely even in there like these are the parts where she was mentioned: “He was with a girl with pale skin and big black Grottan eyes.” and
“I don’t think you’ve been properly introduced,” Amri said. “This is Deet. Deet, this is Naia! Drenchen maudra.” “Hello!” Deet called up.” There is like two sentences more but I didn’t want to type them. I was also really mad at the ending, and it didn’t even mention Deet’s defeating of one of the Skesis, but I still love this book and is wishing for more.
“I don’t think you’ve been properly introduced,” Amri said. “This is Deet. Deet, this is Naia! Drenchen maudra.” “Hello!” Deet called up.” There is like two sentences more but I didn’t want to type them. I was also really mad at the ending, and it didn’t even mention Deet’s defeating of one of the Skesis, but I still love this book and is wishing for more.
August 27, 2019
Wow. I haven't had such an adrenaline rush in a long time. Read this book in ONE day, I couldn't put it down for the life of me. This book quickly picks up where the last one left off and doesn't waste any time. I believe the one thing this book did very well was portray just how blurry the line between good and evil really are, that we're all imperfect, and Thra and its inhabitants are no exception. And if the Gelfling are to survive, they have to first battle the darkness that's within all of them to heal their world.
September 18, 2019
I'm so in love with this series! I don't know if this is the final book, but I hope it's not! This book was filled with adventure and hope and togetherness. It shows what can be done when everyone comes together. This is book 4 so I can't really say much, but this book just picked right up from book 3 and just kept me on the edge of my seat. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a fantasy adventure and who loves The Dark Crystal movie.
March 25, 2020
Wonderful series of books, Mr. Lee has a gift of delving into the Dark Crystal world so you never want to leave. It would be amazing to see him pen a new series of books for a different time period of this world or even ones simply following new characters (or ones we've grown to love) I just want more!!
February 2, 2024
Lee’s final entry into the Dark Crystal series is his best one. His grasp on the world- and tension-building is at its highest. He excels in making the dangers our heroes encounter appear dangerous, unlike the first novel’s seeming episodic encounter with darkened creatures. I am happy the narrative lens was through Naia again, although we were now exposed to a lot more lovesick angst that screams YA. The only other downside to this otherwise wonderful series is the ending just does not work for a stand-alone series. Naia’s reluctance to end the Skeksis threat once and for all is not thoroughly explained when we see SkekMal & Co. killing Gelflings left and right. Still, I understand the necessity for the Gelflings to hold back so that it can tie into The Dark Crystal (1982), and that is the grander objective here.
I particularly enjoyed Lee's writing whenever the mystics were featured. Their timelessness and ethereal council hit the mark, more than anything else in the series.
I have completely forgotten to dote on Godbey’s beautiful illustrations, sparingly scattered through the series, successfully evoking the wonders of Thra.
I hope we will see someone else, if Lee is not up for it, take on writing more on the world of Thra, possibly on the Garthim Wars.
Also, I was wrong about Tavra which was a pleasant surprise.
I also read book one, you can read my thoughts on that here.
If you are still reading, then maybe my thoughts on book two here.
Honestly, if you made it this far, you will probably appreciate a link to book three here.
I particularly enjoyed Lee's writing whenever the mystics were featured. Their timelessness and ethereal council hit the mark, more than anything else in the series.
I have completely forgotten to dote on Godbey’s beautiful illustrations, sparingly scattered through the series, successfully evoking the wonders of Thra.
I hope we will see someone else, if Lee is not up for it, take on writing more on the world of Thra, possibly on the Garthim Wars.
Also, I was wrong about Tavra which was a pleasant surprise.
I also read book one, you can read my thoughts on that here.
If you are still reading, then maybe my thoughts on book two here.
Honestly, if you made it this far, you will probably appreciate a link to book three here.
February 24, 2022
Surprisingly for an average series, the ending feels satisfying and even sets up The Dark Crystal movie better than the series by suggesting some ways the gelfling may have survived the genocide. I would also like to add that although this series is branded as a 'prequel', it is actually more of an alternate retelling of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, focusing on different characters with a different turn of events and a slightly different ending. Actually, I think this series has several storytelling advantages compared to the show:
1. Inspiring the gelfing clans to join the resistance is more 'epic' here, with the lighting of the fires (literally) and the magical communion through the flames and the writing that appears when a clan pledges their support
2. The final battle is grander here with the other clans flying in to support the protagonists instead of merely marching in with the banners (although that was nice to watch too).
3. The resolution of the battle at the end of this book (and series) makes much more sense in relation to The Dark Crystal Movie. The gelfing realise that healing the crystal will take time, perhaps beyond their own lifespans. They prepare to resist the skesis by going into hiding, thus ensuring their numbers will endure until the crystal is healed.
1. Inspiring the gelfing clans to join the resistance is more 'epic' here, with the lighting of the fires (literally) and the magical communion through the flames and the writing that appears when a clan pledges their support
2. The final battle is grander here with the other clans flying in to support the protagonists instead of merely marching in with the banners (although that was nice to watch too).
3. The resolution of the battle at the end of this book (and series) makes much more sense in relation to The Dark Crystal Movie. The gelfing realise that healing the crystal will take time, perhaps beyond their own lifespans. They prepare to resist the skesis by going into hiding, thus ensuring their numbers will endure until the crystal is healed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2022
This fourth book in the Dark Crystal series is a fantastic conclusion to the entire series and sets up details to be found in the movie "The Dark Crystal." That movie takes place hundreds of years after the events of this book which gives me hope that there could be more books in this series to arrive that fill in all of the events that happen before that movie. I would be so down to read those as I've liked the entire series so far. I'm just kicking myself that I let so much time pass between book three and four. I have a tendency to do that, and that is something I would like to change when reading a series.
This fourth book continues the story of the Gelfling clans uniting against the Skeksis and trying to find a weapon to defeat them and cure the crystal. I don't want to say more because how it all happens is worth each reader finding out on their own. Just know we get to see many of the characters from previous books again. There's bravery, courage, sacrifice, love, and tears in abundance. And, we get a satisfying wrap up to all of their stories. Trust me, there is definitely room to continue each of their stories in upcoming books because there is so much more story to tell in the battle between Gelflings and Skeksis. I hope that happens.
This fourth book continues the story of the Gelfling clans uniting against the Skeksis and trying to find a weapon to defeat them and cure the crystal. I don't want to say more because how it all happens is worth each reader finding out on their own. Just know we get to see many of the characters from previous books again. There's bravery, courage, sacrifice, love, and tears in abundance. And, we get a satisfying wrap up to all of their stories. Trust me, there is definitely room to continue each of their stories in upcoming books because there is so much more story to tell in the battle between Gelflings and Skeksis. I hope that happens.
March 10, 2020
This is the final and best of J.M. Lee’s Young Adult novels, and I give this author respect for closing the series on a high note (even though I was somewhat underwhelmed by the previous installments in this series.) What sets “Flames” apart from the others is the underlined sense of urgency- the hastiness of the plot and the increased sense of unavoidable conflict lends itself well to the narrative. I might add, this is the first book in the series that was released AFTER the superb Netflix “Age of Resistance,” so Rian’s absence through most of the story now has a reason: his story was continuing in parallel to Naia’s tale. I give J.M. Lee huge credit for keeping the storylines of his books and the Netflix show intertwined, converging in the final 3 chapters of this book. I give this book 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. There were a still a few aspects I found silly, namely the living diving pirate ship monster captained by a Skeksi, and Tavra’s continued appearance as a brave spider.
September 16, 2023
I finished this book a couple of days ago and have been too disappointed to mark it as "read" and write this review. Writing this pains me deeply as a life-long fan of the world of Thra and the Dark Crystal universe.
It feels like such a disgrace with the series starting out strong to end on such a lackluster note. Mr. Lee couldn't keep details organized anymore (claiming one Gelfling village started the rebellion in book 3, then names a different one in book 4), the beloved companion pet who was featured significantly in books 1 and 2, is not even an afterthought in book 4 (no reunion, no love, just a sentence and a half in passing), and he clearly ignored established canon to satisfy his story.
I cannot recommend this book, even as the conclusion to an unfulfilled storyline, in good conscience. Only offer a warning: read this series at your own risk. It will infuriate you because there was so much potential, yet it's squandered on these books.
It feels like such a disgrace with the series starting out strong to end on such a lackluster note. Mr. Lee couldn't keep details organized anymore (claiming one Gelfling village started the rebellion in book 3, then names a different one in book 4), the beloved companion pet who was featured significantly in books 1 and 2, is not even an afterthought in book 4 (no reunion, no love, just a sentence and a half in passing), and he clearly ignored established canon to satisfy his story.
I cannot recommend this book, even as the conclusion to an unfulfilled storyline, in good conscience. Only offer a warning: read this series at your own risk. It will infuriate you because there was so much potential, yet it's squandered on these books.
August 29, 2023
JM Lee’s vision of the world of The Dark Crystal captures the themes and heart of the original film more than the Netflix show. There is a deeper understanding of peace and unity. However, the constraints of this series of four books leaves a lot to be desired. It’s not given enough time to find its own pacing, and the narrative keeps getting hijacked from events featured in the Netflix show. While there is a lot of magic in these pages with dazzling imagery and heartfelt characters, it never quite lives up to its full potential as a sweeping fantasy adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews