Title: Once Upon the End
Author: James Riley
First published May 1, 2013
384 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781442474239 (ISBN10: 1442474238)
Rating: 4.46
Overview
Get ready for one last adventure in the world of fairy tales with Once Upon the End by James Riley! Jack and May have ventured off in different directions, each determined to fulfill their own destiny. But as they get closer to their goals, they realize that things are not always what they seem in the land of happily ever after.
Can they reunite and overcome the ultimate challenge of defeating the Wicked Queen? With knights, fairy godmothers, giants, and beanstalks galore, this action-packed and humor-filled fractured-fairy tale conclusion to the Half Upon a Time trilogy is not to be missed!
Editoral Review
Once Upon the End by James Riley is a stunning work of young adult fiction that will leave readers utterly captivated. Riley takes readers on an incredible journey through various twists and turns, always keeping them on their toes and begging for more.
The author combines elements of fantasy, adventure, romance, and drama, crafting an immersive and engaging story that will appeal to a wide range of readers. Set in the modern-day, Once Upon the End follows the journey of a group of young people who suddenly find themselves transported to a magical world where fairy tales come to life.
As they navigate through this new world, they must confront their deepest fears and desires, battle powerful enemies, and ultimately, discover the truth about themselves and their place in the world. The story is filled with a cast of endearing and relatable characters, each with their own unique personality and backstory.
Readers will be drawn to the lead protagonist, who is smart, resourceful, and courageous in the face of danger. They will also find themselves cheering for the young heroes as they fight to save the world from certain doom.
Riley’s writing style is both eloquent and accessible, making Once Upon the End an enjoyable read for all ages. The pacing is excellent, with just the right amount of tension and suspense to keep readers engaged throughout the story.
Riley’s descriptions of the magical world are vivid and imaginative, transporting readers into a world filled with wonder and adventure. One of the strengths of Once Upon the End is the way that it explores important themes such as friendship, courage, and sacrifice.
Riley has created a story that will not only entertain readers but also challenge them to think critically about their own lives and the world around them. This is a book that has the power to inspire and empower readers, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf.
In terms of weaknesses, some readers may find the plot to be a bit predictable at times. While Riley does an excellent job of keeping readers engaged, there are a few moments where the story feels a bit formulaic.
Additionally, some readers may find the pacing to be a bit slow in certain sections of the book. Overall, Once Upon the End is a fantastic young adult novel that is sure to captivate readers of all ages.
James Riley has created a modern-day fairy tale that is both exciting and thought-provoking. This is a book that is not to be missed, and it comes highly recommended to any fan of young adult fiction.
The Washington Post would rate the book 4 out of 5 stars.
