Title: The Dire King
Author: William Ritter
First published August 22, 2017
352 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781616207625 (ISBN10: 1616207620)
Rating: 4.11
Overview
In William Ritter’s The Dire King, R.F. Jackaby and Abigail Rook are once again tasked with saving the world from an evil king who seeks to incite war between Earth and the Otherworld. As they navigate the mysteries of New Fiddleham, they must also confront their own personal struggles – from Abigail’s blossoming romance with shape-shifting detective Charlie Cane to Jackaby’s complicated feelings for the ghostly Jenny.
With zombies and other supernatural creatures popping up around town, our heroes must act fast to save humanity’s future from destruction. Will they be able to defeat the ultimate evil and secure a happy ending for themselves and the world?
Find out in The Dire King.
About the Author
Meet William Ritter: educator, author, and proud father of two courageous boys in the Wild Wood. He’s also married to the unstoppable Queen of the Deep Dark.
You may recognize him as the talented author behind the popular Jackaby series, which has captured the hearts of New York Times readers worldwide.
Editoral Review
William Ritter’s “The Dire King” is a thrilling conclusion to the “Jackaby” series, perfect for fans of fantasy and mystery. Published on August 22, 2017, Ritter’s work has captivated readers with its mix of historical fantasy and hearty humor.
Set in 19th century New England, the novel follows Abigail Rook and R.F. Jackaby as they search for a weapon that could destroy all of reality. Their adventure takes them across dimensions and time periods as they race to stop the dire king, an otherworldly being bent on conquest.
Ritter’s writing style is reminiscent of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes” stories, with clever twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. Moreover, Ritter brings his own unique voice to the genre with witty banter and humorous character interactions that play against the darker themes of the story.
The characters are all well-developed, with Abigail and Jackaby shining as the protagonists. Abigail is an independent and resourceful young woman who grows increasingly confident as the story progresses.
Jackaby, on the other hand, is eccentric and enigmatic, with a supernatural ability to see beyond the physical realm. The pacing of the novel is excellent, with action-packed scenes balanced by more contemplative moments that allow readers to catch their breath.
Ritter’s attention to detail is also noteworthy, with vivid descriptions of magical creatures and historical settings that transport readers into the story. One of the strengths of the novel is its relevance to current events.
Ritter expertly weaves themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the dangers of unchecked power into the narrative, offering a cautionary tale that reflects contemporary socio-political concerns. However, “The Dire King” is not without its flaws.
Occasionally, the plot feels convoluted, with too many twists and turns that may confuse some readers. Additionally, some characters feel underdeveloped, with their motivations remaining unclear.
Overall, “The Dire King” is a satisfying conclusion to the “Jackaby” series, with enough action, intrigue, and heart to keep readers engaged. Ritter’s witty prose, complex characters, and attention to historical detail make this an enjoyable read that will appeal to a wide audience.
I would recommend this book to young adults who enjoy fast-paced fantasy and mystery novels. Fans of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes” stories will likely find “The Dire King” to be a worthy addition to their bookshelves.
Score: 4/5
