12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The sequel to Midnight Over Sanctaphrax, August 8, 2005
When I finished book 4, "The Curse of the Gloamglozer", I realized that the stage had been set for an incredible book 5. Thankfully, the books in this series come out much more quickly than the ones from J. K. Rowling , so I didn't have long to wait for "The Last of the Sky Pirates", the best in the series so far.
Set fifty years after "Midnight Over Sanctaphrax" (book 3), it doesn't continue from book 4, the first chronologically in the series, which sounds awfully confusing, but actually isn't. The Edge is a totally different place, with the mighty sky ships unable to fly, and New Sanctaphrax barely teetering on wooden supports after the dreaded stone sickness destroys the buoyant floating rocks. The Librarian Academics have been driven underground into the sewers, where they have constructed a vast library of scientific studies, and are forced to send worthy young scholars on covert and perilous missions for training, before they complete their life's quest by studying and documenting their chosen field of nature study.
In this book we follow the trail of young Rook Barkwater, a clever young under-librarian who is destined to become a Librarian Knight, doing research on the secret gatherings of banderbears, to whom he feels an unexplainable connection. His mission is dangerous and exciting, filled with wonderfully named, described and illustrated creatures that would otherwise defy the imagination.
During his thrilling adventures, he meets Captain Twig, who was thought to have perished with his crew in book 3, and begins a whole new adventure to rescue Twig's friend Cowlquape from the prisons of the Most High Guardian of Night, the villainous scoundrel of this episode.
Just as dark as the other books, but with a lot more action and adventure, I recommend this one heartily to fans of the series, but would advise newcomers to read at least books 1 to 3 first.
Amanda Richards, August 8, 2005
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
More than it seems, May 7, 2007
I have to disagree with the editorial review that "There's not a lot of substance here". While the edge chronicles are full of icky creatures and battles, there is a lot more going on. What I love about these books is how imaginative they are. I love how every culture has a different way of life. In fact, I would say the underlying theme of these books is exploring ways of living..and how those way change with things like environmental destruction.
I would say that these books have as much "substance" as most adult books that I read (I am 24 years old). In fact, my friends and I have been discussing the philosophy of The Edge Chronicles since we started reading them. I have truly enjoy these books and I will be sad when I finish reading them all.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
