caroline_slaughter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rants_n_reads's review against another edition
3.0
I have mixed feelings about the final book. In some ways, I'm glad the final conflict was written the way it was. This series has always had more moments of spy-like drama and attention to characters than big, blown-out fight scenes. Even the action packed moments usually have the characters distanced, forcing their powers against each other in this medium space. Looking back, Nimmo creates a final conflict that is different than the big, Harry Potter/ dystopian series were. However, in some ways, it also didn't quite give me the pay-off I was hoping for as a reader. Also, the "explanation" for Grandma Bone/Grizelda Bone was a complete let down. All through the series, we see instances of character depth for Grandma Bone. She obviously loves her son, Lyell, though those feelings don't seem to totally carry over for Charlie. There have been moments when she feels sorrow about Lyell, and it's heavily implied that she was one of main reasons the Bloors hypnotize Lyell instead of killing him, like the Ravens. She was also the eldest sister, already having married and had a son by the time her and her sisters meet their evil influence of a great-aunt, so it's possible she wasn't as effected as her younger sisters. But, when Paton finally describes why she "is the way she is", it doesn't offer enough explanation. Instead, it leaves more blanks. Throughout the series, Charlie has very little empathy and feelings towards his Grandma Bone, and this could have been the moment that we see him facing with more complex feelings about his Grandma. She doesn't have to be redeemed, but it would be nice to know more about her motivation to do such harm. Many of the other characters have shown the complexity in fighting your own family, which is one of the reasons this is such a compelling book series, but the Yewbeam sisters almost get brushed off as totally evil, and it just doesn't sit well with me.
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
4.0
This was a reasonably satisfying conclusion to this series. Some things (and people's actions) were explained adequately. I maintain that this is a decent series and kids will love it, but reading it as an adult leaves a little to be desired. My Little is reading the third one now and she loves them. But she's 8.
kmdegarmo's review against another edition
4.0
Overall a good ending! I’m glad everyone made it and that all the evil people moved away. I can’t believe Grandma Bone! I’m glad Paton and Julia married and that Emma and Tancred got together. And Billy Raven was finally adopted! I felt bad for him the most since he was carted from place to place like he wasn’t wanted. I’m glad Charlie thought to ask his parents to adopt him. I was surprised that the Red Knight was Lyell though! I’m glad that Charlie’s Parents didn’t drown. I’m also glad that Dagbert was on Charlie’s side in the end. I wonder what exactly happened to Manfred though - did he really die by being crushed under the weight of Ezekiel’s wheelchair? A great series, I’m happy I finally got to finish it after all these years!
annaoftarth's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
janina_0809's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
rachieturtle's review against another edition
5.0
The Charlie Bone Series ends with a bang! It was a great series while it lasted. You won't believe all that takes place in this one. I'm not a spoiler so if you wanna find out what happens, READ IT!!!!!
dontwritedown's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Jenny Nimmo, really doesn't know how to write endings and, as this is technically the end to the Children of The Red King, it really does show.
But I will say there is a nice plot twist as to who is the heir to the Bloor fantasy.
And this time Nimmo does have more of an excuse as to how her overpowered characters are where they are and at what time more than the last books.
It's an ok finale to a fantastic book series.
But I will say there is a nice plot twist as to who is the heir to the Bloor fantasy.
And this time Nimmo does have more of an excuse as to how her overpowered characters are where they are and at what time more than the last books.
It's an ok finale to a fantastic book series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Violence
nerfherder86's review against another edition
3.0
Satisfying conclusion to the series. Happy ending for everyone, too, with bad guys getting their just desserts.