Reviewed by annieb123 on
Until the End is the 15th book (and the last in this cycle) in the Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy. Released 5th July 2022 by Harper Collins on their HC Children's imprint, it's 656 pages and is available in all formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately; it makes it much easier to find particular text with the search function.
This is an epic YA adventure series with loads of action and a lot more edge than most YA fantasy advenures.This is the last book in this "cycle" (subseries) and as such, especially for readers who are new to the overarching series, it really cannot be read as a standalone without utter confusion/frustration. This cycle begins with book 10, Resurrection, and it's highly recommended as a starting point for readers who don't want to or can't start with book 1.
The writing is consistently better than average and the author combines wit and sarcasm with drama into a dark melange which is engaging and full of suspense. There are -so- many characters and so many disparate plot threads flying around that using a searchable format or taking careful notes is almost a must (it's a *huge* book). Some of the book felt a bit rushed toward the end. It's a massive volume and I can only imagine that it must've been like trying to birth an elephant - huge achievement but in the end you just want it to end as soon as possible.
Four and a half stars; five for the target audience. Current long time fans of the series will be in raptures.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 12 July, 2022: Reviewed