Reviews

Once Upon the End by James Riley

unreliablebooknerd's review

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3.0

Too rushed but nice conclusion

ijsselmeer13's review

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5.0

I am sooooo glad my sister forced me into reading this trilogy. It took me a pretty long time to read Half Upon a Time, but as I got to know the characters better, I eventually fell in love with the story.
In this last book of the Half Upon a Time series, the
Spoilercharacters start out split up from each other. It seems like Jack, May, and Phillip are all going their separate ways.
The beginning of the book seemed so desperate and hopeless, like nothing good was going to happen. I admit, I was nervous terrified to read it.
The ending of this book
Spoilerwas great, but I feel as though it was almost like a cliffhanger to the "next" book. I hardcore ship Jack and May (Mack / Jay), so I was pretty disappointed when Jill walked in on them. :( I did find an epilogue that satisfied me, though (it's on James Riley's tumblr)

One of the really cool things about this book is how there is a fusion of both reality and fantasy. I also really loved seeing the characters grow and develop throughout the book.

notbrandonwatkins's review

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5.0

Yes still good!

gracie_gray's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

rkendylb's review

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5.0

Loved this book and the rest of the series! The ending is perfect-I won't give it away though. A lot of books like this I feel fail to end it satisfyingly, but this one did. I laughed all the way through and could not put it down. Five stars!

hgrace_shades's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

madelinefmcguire's review

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4.0

Brings together all the stories from the previous books and everything is finally explained.

This series was really fun, and the last book held up to the first in terms of writing style and plot.

mystic_dclouds's review against another edition

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5.0

I’m crying this series has ended! It was so fantastic that I could probably read it a third time and I won’t ever get bored of it!

The last installment in this series follows the adventures of Jack, May and Philip separately at first. Jack has joined the Wicked Queen’s army – the Eyes and is completing his final test as proof of his loyalty. May has gone to live out her story of Cinderella under the protection of the Fairies and Philip has returned to his kingdom alongside Penelope. However, their individual stories are short lived as they merge and collide bringing about a happily ever after ending to this fabulous trilogy!

Jack, Jack, Jack. I loved his character a lot yet I also felt a bit sympathetic for him. Similar to the other two books in this series, everyone undermines his capability but as the reader we know just how hard he tries. Jack is in control since page one plotting one step ahead of even the most cleverest person in the lands! Although Jack does sound more mature and intelligent he never loses his wittiness and sarcasm which is absolutely spot-on.

May and Philip also have their highlights in this story. May is an independent and headstrong character and cares very deeply of her friends. She has grown since she first appeared at Giant’s Hand and prioritizes keeping her friends and everyone around safe. Philip is pretty much stuck on the Mirror’s prophecy and doesn’t change until the last two-thirds of the book. However, Penelope really balanced him out and kept in him check. I really loved how she was honest and straight with the truth and could take care of herself.

The story is written absolutely stunningly! The book starts off with Jack, May and Philip’s stories each told in alternating chapters. However it doesn’t feel disconnected or as though we’re missing out on details; if anything, most of them ended in perfect cliffhangers! Later on when their paths meet, the story moves on and combines smoothly and effortlessly. The story keeps you on your toes with the constant twists and turns and unexpected events.

Overall, I absolutely loved this series and my favorite character, if it’s not evident enough is Jack. We learn more about Jack’s family in this story as well as about May and Philip making all the ends meet and questions answered. The adventure is thrilling and suspenseful and the characters are perfect. Old friends are reunited and new mysteries are discovered in this beautiful conclusion to this trilogy!

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yapha's review against another edition

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4.0

A fantastic ending to the Half Upon a Time trilogy! It shows some of the great "Meta" qualities of stories within stories that James Riley does so well. Fans of the series won't want to miss this finale, full of humor and adventure. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.

introreads's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book! I have enjoyed all the books in this series, and I'm sad that this appears to be the end (no pun intended). I would love to have more books in this series. There were things happening that I totally saw coming, and some things that just totally took me by surprise. Wonderful book.