A review by jaironside
Fighting Pax by Robin Jarvis
4.0
4.5 stars - I'm reticent in handing out 5 because something just didn't sit right for me at the end - can't put my finger on it though.
This is probably Robin Jarvis' most accomplished trilogy to date. Ultimately tales from the wyrd museum come in as favorites but this trilogy had a depth and horror that I've rarely seen elsewhere. Essentially Mr Jarvis casts a bright and non-flattering light on today's 'hollow culture' of instant gratification, accumulation of goods, entitlement, undeserved fame and online media relations. All of this is skillfully woven into a story that swings between a dark fantasy realm and a dystopian now - or for portions of the books , a false utopian now.
There is some of his trade mark gross out horror but the really freaky stuff is what is implied or suggested and left for the reader to make up their own mind about. Suffice to say that while this left me in a state of existential angst, I now no longer worry about what goes on in my head - thanks Mr Jarvis!
The characters are all beautifully delineated - better so than many of his other books - but don't get too attached to anyone. The author will make you care but he racks up a character body count to rival Shakespeare or George R R Martin ! The only thing I will say about his characters is that his ultimate bad guys are just bad - not really one dimensional, but also aware of what they are doing as wicked and happy with that. There's not always enough motive. However when your main goal is to treat with demons and your hobbies include mind control, forming cults and sadism then how sane are you likely to be really?
The story was multi-layered and fortunately had a very strong narrator voice or it would be easy to get hopelessly lost. The trilogy moves in an almost portmanteau fashion - get to know one set of characters and then in the next book another set come to the fore. Ultimately all ends are tied off neatly enough and you do find out what happens to everyone.
The two worlds work well and by and large compliment each other. The only clunky bit for me was when things in moon caster started to disintegrate before they did in out world - it didn't quite balance.
Oddly, I quite liked the Ismus in this book. He really played it large and flamboyant as a hokey TV show host and was horrible and funny at the same time.
One of the most powerful scenes is Lee vs the bad Shepard. Another is En Mui remembering everything. I thought both showed a really pithy and clear insight into the best and worst of human nature.
Was not happy about what happened to Maggie or Gerald. That's all I'll say. And also bold decision on a hideaway at the start Mr Jarvis, very bold!
So final verdict? This is possibly the most terrifying series of YA books I've read - not for the violence, the horror, the trauma of the characters or the demonic rising. It was terrifying because the observations made about our society as a whole, often made casually in passing, are probably true. This does hold up a 'seeming glass' to us all and the reflection is not flattering. But these are absolutely blindingly good books - you do need to read them in order really - and if you're looking for fantasy where you really don't know if everything will be alright in the end, that keep you hopping, then these are for you.
Will need to reread and fully digest - I'm sure I missed things.
Finally yes the ending was satisfying in so far as it went. However it didn't leave you with a note of closure. I suppose the point is to make up your own mind but there's a big question mark at then end. And for anyone who glibly points out that 'good intentions' suggests that all will be well, I'd like to remind them of the adage stating what the road to hell is paved with...
This is probably Robin Jarvis' most accomplished trilogy to date. Ultimately tales from the wyrd museum come in as favorites but this trilogy had a depth and horror that I've rarely seen elsewhere. Essentially Mr Jarvis casts a bright and non-flattering light on today's 'hollow culture' of instant gratification, accumulation of goods, entitlement, undeserved fame and online media relations. All of this is skillfully woven into a story that swings between a dark fantasy realm and a dystopian now - or for portions of the books , a false utopian now.
There is some of his trade mark gross out horror but the really freaky stuff is what is implied or suggested and left for the reader to make up their own mind about. Suffice to say that while this left me in a state of existential angst, I now no longer worry about what goes on in my head - thanks Mr Jarvis!
The characters are all beautifully delineated - better so than many of his other books - but don't get too attached to anyone. The author will make you care but he racks up a character body count to rival Shakespeare or George R R Martin ! The only thing I will say about his characters is that his ultimate bad guys are just bad - not really one dimensional, but also aware of what they are doing as wicked and happy with that. There's not always enough motive. However when your main goal is to treat with demons and your hobbies include mind control, forming cults and sadism then how sane are you likely to be really?
The story was multi-layered and fortunately had a very strong narrator voice or it would be easy to get hopelessly lost. The trilogy moves in an almost portmanteau fashion - get to know one set of characters and then in the next book another set come to the fore. Ultimately all ends are tied off neatly enough and you do find out what happens to everyone.
The two worlds work well and by and large compliment each other. The only clunky bit for me was when things in moon caster started to disintegrate before they did in out world - it didn't quite balance.
Oddly, I quite liked the Ismus in this book. He really played it large and flamboyant as a hokey TV show host and was horrible and funny at the same time.
One of the most powerful scenes is Lee vs the bad Shepard. Another is En Mui remembering everything. I thought both showed a really pithy and clear insight into the best and worst of human nature.
Was not happy about what happened to Maggie or Gerald. That's all I'll say. And also bold decision on a hideaway at the start Mr Jarvis, very bold!
So final verdict? This is possibly the most terrifying series of YA books I've read - not for the violence, the horror, the trauma of the characters or the demonic rising. It was terrifying because the observations made about our society as a whole, often made casually in passing, are probably true. This does hold up a 'seeming glass' to us all and the reflection is not flattering. But these are absolutely blindingly good books - you do need to read them in order really - and if you're looking for fantasy where you really don't know if everything will be alright in the end, that keep you hopping, then these are for you.
Will need to reread and fully digest - I'm sure I missed things.
Finally yes the ending was satisfying in so far as it went. However it didn't leave you with a note of closure. I suppose the point is to make up your own mind but there's a big question mark at then end. And for anyone who glibly points out that 'good intentions' suggests that all will be well, I'd like to remind them of the adage stating what the road to hell is paved with...