The Purple Emperor: Faerie Wars II (Faerie Wars Chronicles) (Hardcover)

by Herbie Brennan (Author) "Mr Fogarty's house was at the end of a short cul-de-sac..." (more)
Key Phrases: Lord Hairstreak, Madame Cardui, Purple Emperor (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 7-10–In the sequel to Faerie Wars (Bloomsbury, 2003), trouble stirs again in the Faerie Realm. The Emperor is dead, and Prince Pyrgus has doubts about whether he is ready to rule. Machinations by evil Lord Hairstreak threaten to take that decision away; the Emperor's body disappears while lying in state and reappears as an animated zombie who disinherits Pyrgus in favor of his half brother, Comma. Pyrgus, his sister Princess Blue, Henry (a human teenager who has access to the Faerie Realm), and Mr. Fogarty (another human and Pyrgus's advisor) team up with the feral Forest Faerie, who are led by Nymph, another strong princess who comes across remarkably like Blue. As in the first volume, pacing and inventiveness offer a rollercoaster ride; unfortunately, characterization and plot are often thin. The subplot concerning Henry and his family problems in his (our) world is dropped completely, and he does little but feel useless and pine after Princess Blue. Blue is still a strong female character, but events are rarely shown through her eyes, making it difficult for readers to identify with her. Subplots that involve a wangaramas wyrm (a telekinetic parasite intent upon revolution) and Brimstone (a demonologist) and his continued dealings with Hael (Hell) are by far the most entertaining portions of the novel, but don't stand alone. Overall, this story will please fans of the first volume but is not likely to win new readers.–Karyn N. Silverman, LREI–Elizabeth Irwin High School, New York City
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Gr. 6-8. With the loathsome villains introduced in Faerie Wars (2003) still advancing toward crown prince Pyrgus Malvae, this sequel is off to a galloping start, and the fast-paced action continues throughout the story. Now that his father, the Purple Emperor, is dead, reluctant Pyrgus is expected to become emperor. Unfortunately, Lord Hairstreak, leader of the Faeries of the Night, has resurrected the Purple Emperor to denounce Pyrgus. Hairstreak, who seeks to control the Faerie realm, wants his malleable brother, Comma, on the throne instead. Once again, Henry Atherton finds himself transported back to the Faerie realm, where he helps Pyrgus and his sister, Holly Blue, defeat Hairstreak and his minions. There's plenty of humor as well as dangerous adventure--and the conclusion promises more to come. Sally Estes
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (September 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582348804
• ISBN-13: 978-1582348803
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #566,616 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 2 in The Faerie Wars Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Definately worth a try..., February 6, 2005

By	Selena (California, USA) - See all my reviews

I found the first book, Faerie Wars, pretty interesting so I decided to read this one. In many ways it had excellent qualities such as suspense, mystery and a bit of romance. I'll have to admit, I finished the book pretty quickly because I got hooked onto it and didn't want to put it down. There were many twists and turns of the plot, and it was practically impossible to guess what would happen next at times.
I did, however, find the ending a tad abrupt. It was such a shame to finish the book without any more information on Pyrgus, Mr. Fogarty, Henry or Blue. But overall the book was an excellent one..... it will certainly capture your interest.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Ehhh.....it's OK, September 10, 2005

By	~GothLoveBlue~ (Eugene, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews

WHAT I DON'T LIKE: Its a great story, except for the lack of an ending. Herbie Brennan has got a wonderful story going, but I'm sorry, I cannot stand it when a book does not answer most of my questions by the end. I read this book almost a year ago, so although I dont remember exactly what questions I had, i still remember being highly confused. I am sure many people do not feel the same way I do about this book, I do not intend on offending anyone who has already read this book and loved it, I am simply stating my opinion. Although I did not enjoy these books as much as I had hoped I would, I still recommend it. As I said before, this is a great story.

WHAT I DID LIKE: Henry and Blue actually kiss, (it was bound to happen sooner or later)Pyrgus meets a woman and falls in love, and Mr. Fogary meets a woman, also. The plot was great, and the characters likable. ( If only it were not for the ending, I would give this book 4 stars. )

I hope my review was in any way helpful =)

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Action-Packed but Lacking as a Sequel ..., April 23, 2006

By	T. J. Jones "TJ" (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In his sequel to 'Faerie Wars', Herbie Brennan offers up plenty of action, thrills, chills, and suspense, but 'The Purple Emperor' sadly does not stand up to the standards set by its prequel.

Pyrgus Malvae is about to be crowned Purple Emperor, and he is dreading every part of his new found power. All to suddenly, the body of the soon-to-be-burried former Purple Emperor, Pyrgus and Holly Blue's father, has been stolen and resurrected back to life by their old enemy, Black Hairstreak. Meanwhile, former characters are plotting their own schemes, as Jasper Chalkhill, the flamboyant spy for Hairstreak, is pulled out of jail and has a physchic wyrm inserted into his bottom (no joke) in order to help assasinate Pyrgus for Hairstreak. And also, the old demonologist Brimstone has been hiding out with his new, and very temporary, wife until Beleth makes him an offer he can't refuse. Eventually, all of these character's paths cross in a monumental battle of wits and danger.

Sounds confusing, but Brennan weaves the multi-plot strands relatively well. The story unfolds in short chapters, unlike its prequel, and the majority of the story is furiously-paced, almost too fast. The whole beginning was a blur, and Brennan rushed it way too quickly. The characters are so quickly thrown in the action, I felt as if I was on the sidelines watching instead of actually involved in the story. Brennan's own demise is the rushed pacing and how fast he tried to set up the plot and action, as it stopped him from forming the solidity of a good beginning and base for the remainder of the story. The faerie realm felt very empty as I was pulled along by the fast pace, but once you get past the bad beginning, the rest of the story is a action-packed adventure that leads to a shocking ending.

Bogged down by a rushed beginning, 'The Purple Emperor' eventually closes with a strong conclusion and I only recommend it to fans of the first book who like Brennan's use of suspense and action. Here's hoping the third book, 'Ruler of the Realm', returns to the qualities that made the first book enjoyable, yet believable, fantasy.