It has come to that time again where I am sadly finishing this book and leaving this world.  I still am in denial that this series is over.  From day one this book series has held a special place in my heart.  This was such a unique series and so well thought out!  I desperately wish that this series would just go on forever and I can have more adventures with Abigail and Jackaby.

I was so happy to have gotten an early copy of this book, but roast me for waiting this long to finally write a review on it.  I had so many emotions that I did want to have another reread of this series before finally collecting my thoughts for this review.

I want to start off by saying that Abigail Rook is everything I love in a heroine!  She's so smart and brave and a definite hero in her own right.  She is the type of character that each and every reader deserves to read about.  This is very much the same with Jenny Cavanaugh.  These women have such great character arcs and growth throughout this whole entire series and definitely through this book.

As for Jackaby, I do wish that there was a bit more of his typical sarcastic and funny self.  But I can see why there wasn't as much as all of the characters are under a lot of stress as things start to unfold in the book.

The romance in this book was incredible!  There were so many points that I just had to stop reading for a moment and soak it all in.  I really don't want to say too much as there is a kind of unexpected romance as well.

The last 50-60 pages of this book I flew through.  It was such an emotional roller coaster to say the least.  I was happy crying and then sad crying and then happy crying again.  I can remember crying and having to take breaks in between reading because I couldn't see through the tears.  My heart was shattered and then I think pieced back together.  The last page is really what got me!  I want more!

Having read this book now for the second time, it is really giving me some Fantastic Beasts vibes.  Jackaby reminds me so much of Newt and vice versa.  If you loved that movie I highly recommend that you check this book out!

I really like the rest of this series, but this book solidified William Ritter as one of my favorite authors.  I will definitely be checking out any of his future books!

I gave this book 5/5 stars on Goodreads.

The first two books in the Jackaby series were my favorite, but this one definitely packed some punches in the action department. I preferred the pacing and character development in the first three, but I don't think fans of the series will mind this action filled series conclusion.

I, unfortunately, did not like this one as much as the first book. This book was just not my cup of tea and I was not able to finish it. Thank you for this opportunity, though!

As with the rest of this series, I loved it! So much happens, and it was a thrilling ride! Such a satisfying ending!

I didn't realize that this was the continuation of a series when I requested it, sooooo that's on me. However, the lavish writing was absolutely beautiful, and I truly want to read the rest of the series now!

eARC Provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of honest review for FFBC Blog Tour

When I began reading this book, I had no idea how it would all end. I finished The Dire King close to 4am, with tears pouring down my face for a long time. The next morning my first thought was "What will Jackaby and Abigail do now? What's going to happen?". Through the rest of the day, my main thought was The Dire King, while also thinking bittersweetly how it all started in 2014 with Jackaby. I'm getting teary-eyed just writing this.

One of the many fantastic things about this series is that William Ritter takes the elements of the classic detective novel and incorporates them the way they are, but also bends the rules to create something entirely his. Additionally, you have the foreshadowing, where you suspect or know something will happen towards the end. However, it's not so much WHAT or WHOM that is important, but also the HOW you get there. In The Dire King this is still present, yet even when you suspect something and it happens, you are still gutted and wonderfully surprised with how the pieces fall together and play out.

Another of my favorite things is Abigail's and Jackaby's relationships. They go beyond employer and employee since book 1, and through the other books, they bloom a wonderful friendship that literally brought me to tears of joy and sadness in this final installment. They are an unstoppable duo that would sacrifice everything for the other's well-being. And with the stakes higher than ever here, you can peer into their hearts and get a warm feeling with their dynamic. At the same time, they are not alone in their risky adventures.

There is a rich and amazing set of characters, some being favorites since the start, and others picked along the way or newly introduced. Each one plays an important role in their own way and shines brightly, coming to life beyond the page.

Also, for everyone like me out there that have been waiting for more... Yes. There are more scenes that will have you swooning over Abigail and Charlie. Those killed and brought me back to life. It is also worth mentioning that I did not expect anything happening between Jackaby and Jenny Cavanaugh, which had been giving hints since Ghostly Echoes. I did not know I wanted anything to happen with them, and here we are met with more lovely surprises that also work to bring out the best of these characters.

As final books in a series go, The Dire King has an explosive conclusion that would have a standing ovation. At least half the book is filled with dread, hope, risks pilling, answers received but even more questions piling, and the ever growing doubt of survival. I flew through those last pages also dreading not only the end of these characters but of the book. Most of these questions are answered, while others are hanging in the air. Like WHAT IS HIS NAME? And many, many others that have my fingers and brain aching to make fanfiction and sate my thirst for more.

William Ritter is a brilliant author, and these books prove it more than their printed words can express. Each book, with its extraordinary cast, shares wonderful messages that will have you thinking and relating deeply. There is a message of tolerance and acceptance of the different, of learning and being able to grow beyond your wildest dreams. You can do anything.

This series is perfect for anyone regardless of age, as well as genre preference. With romance, paranormal and fantasy elements, witty humor, horror, and mystery, there is something for everyone here. And with each book, the higher the tension and the more exciting. I will miss dearly these characters and world I have become attached to, but hope there is even the smallest possibility of a spin-off sequel, novella, or something. One can always hope ;)

And, before parting, two of my favorite quotes in The Dire King <3
~"All due respect to Romeo and Juliet, but I don't think love is sacrifice at all. Real love is when you let another person make you better. You don't lose yourself in love--you find yourself there." -Abigail

~"I have never found a book that did not have at least a little magic in it." -Jackaby

Rating: 5 stars

Following along with previous events, Abigail Rook and Jackaby are still trying to find out who is creating rends between Earth and the Otherworld and figure out how to close them – before an all-out war between New Fiddleham and the Otherworld breaks out. Apparently, an evil king long thought dead is behind it – The Dire King. Alongside this, a case leads Abigail and Jackaby to have a run in with literal zombies. Romance is in the air, but no one can think about their own futures until they defeat the evil trying to take away that future.

I’ve been very lucky to receive ARCs for this whole series, and it is a fantastic series at that. The Jackaby series is a lighthearted, entertaining, quirky, and fun series, and while The Dire King is still a lighthearted read it does take a much darker tone compared to the rest of the series. It was very much a roller-coaster of emotions, especially towards the end but it does end on a hopeful note.

I really loved the development that both Jackaby and Abigail went through throughout the whole series. I loved how their relationship developed and ultimately how their roles reversed. I also really loved how their relationship stayed completely platonic. I liked the romance between Abigail and Charlie, and Jackaby and Jenny, and I was glad it still took a back seat, as it always has been. My favourite part of The Dire King is how, finally, Abigail and her strengths are put at the forefront of the book. She is the heroine of this series.

The Dire King was a very action-packed book which meant it was fast-paced and fun and still very magical. It also had a satisfying ending and is, ultimately, a great ending to a great series.

I am sad to see this series end but this is a great conclusion.

"All right then, my sage young apprentice - what do we do next?"

"Something foolish, I imagine," I said. "Foolish and decidedly dangerous. That sounds about our style, doesn't it?"
---

Abigail Rook and her somewhat unusual employer Jackaby are once again seeking to solve mysteries of unnatural occurrences. There is a rend forming between the realms of fairy and the mundane world in New Fiddleham, New England. And there are zombies popping up. Abigail and Jackaby must solve the problems and seek the Dire King's accouterments (the crown, the spear, and the shield) before he can regain power.

Meanwhile, Abigail and Charlie are growing closer. Jenny and Jackaby are as well in an awkward sort of way. The romances are put on the back burner while the fate of the world lays in the balance.

The characters are well drawn as they have been in the past books in the series. The sarcasm and snark that mark their interactions are evident as well, unintentional and intentional. I like the way the characters work together, especially the four main characters of Jackaby, Abigail, Jenny, and Charlie.

The plot starts out a little slow as we are reacquainted with the world in which they live. Then quickly picks up. More often than not, there is forward movement at a gradually increasing speed. As the end of the book approaches, it is positively breakneck.

The book ties up loose ends. And the ending itself is bittersweet and rather surprising. It's a fitting end for the series.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's among the few books that I've read that made me both laugh and cry, although at different parts. Generally, I am not fond of books that make me cry, but this one is an exception. Great characters and well plotted, I heartily recommend this addition to the Jackaby series. I would start at the beginning with Jackaby, though, rather than jump in here at the end.

The Dire King was released August 22, 2017 from Algonquin Yong Readers.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

The Dire King is such a fantastic conclusion to this clever series. It's always a lot of fun to be back at 926 Augur Lane with these beloved characters. The stakes are appropriately high (as in end-of-the-world high) for the grand finale, and yet, the book still feels personal and maintains its humor. But, believe me it will break your heart a little too. Oh, I'm sad to let this series go. Here's why.

1. R.F. Jackaby
R.F. Jackaby is a detective of sorts who specializes in weird and unexplained occurrences. Most of New Fiddleham thinks that Jackaby is pretty weird and barely tolerable, but it's his quirk that makes him such a fun character. Jackaby is smart and clever and incredibly funny in a Sherlock Holmsian kind of way. In other words, he is 100% serious about all the weird things he says and does.


2. Abigail Rook
I seriously adore Abigail. She is a fantastic narrator, and I just love her adventurous spirit. I mean, the series starts off with Abigail running away from home because she wants to be a paleontologist. Always plucky and resourceful, Abigail will befriend ghosts and shapeshifters and journey to Hell and the Fairy Realm. She's not your average gal.


3. Jackaby and Abigail
Okay, as much as I love Jackaby and Abigail in their own right, what I really, really love is the two together. You don't see duos like this very often in YA literature. When I first started the series I thought that there was going to be some kind of romance between the two, but I quickly realized that Jackaby is substantially older than Abigail and this a mentorship. And I love that! Abigail and Jackaby's professional relationship is quite endearing. Also, because Abigail is scientifically minded, especially at the beginning of the series, the exchanges between these two can be rather hilarious.


4. 926 Augur Lane
Jackaby's house is just the best! It's messy and cluttered and full of weird objects. It's home to a duck who has his own pond on the third floor and who was formerly Jackaby's assistant. Plus the house is haunted. New surprises arise at 926 in every book. It was a joy to spend so much time there in the final book.


5. Jenny Cavanaugh
Jackaby's house is really Jenny's house. She is the resident ghost, and she allows, or should I say tolerates, Jackaby's presence. The mystery behind Jenny's death ten years prior was one thing that really kept me reading because it's impossible not to like Jenny. Jenny's growth over the series is definitely one of the highlights for me.


6. New Fiddleham
The Jackaby Series is a historical urban fantasy set in the fictitious New England town of New Fiddleham (I love that name). I really like the historical aspect of the story and the way the language helps set the stage time-frame wise.


7. The Magical Creatures
No one does mythical creatures quite like William Ritter. I love the variety of creatures and the mixture of sources from dragons, to fae, to Greek mythology. Some creatures are scary, some are clever, some are kind. And a bunch are really funny. In the last book, especially, the conflict between the magical beings and the humans calls attention to issues of hypocrisy, tolerance, and prejudice.


8. The Mysteries
Each book in the series has its own mystery, as well as threads of a larger story, which, in my mind, is the ideal way to frame a series. I started to get a sense of this larger picture in book 2 and with the subsequent books we got deeper and deeper into the big problem.


9. The Humor
I have mentioned one or five times that I think these books are funny? This isn't hit-you-over-the-head funny. It's a subtle humor that has quite a bit of wit. Just my thing.

I was able to participate in The Fantastic Book Club's blog tour of this book! Link is provided of the blog tour info and my review :)

This was fantastic! The best "Jackaby" adventure since the very first novel.

The action and drama and suspense do not stop in this final installment. I could not put this one down, it was compulsively readable. I think you should read these books directly one after the other, because it's fun to see the characters grow and change and meet new characters (Lydia Lee, Little Miss, etc). I enjoyed seeing Jackaby, Abigail, Jenny, and Charlie from beginning to end.

Jackaby's witty one-liners are just solid gold. I will recommend any book - like this one - that makes me laugh out loud!!

Thank you, Netgalley, for this arc!

The fate of the world is in the hands of detective of the supernatural R. F. Jackaby and his intrepid assistant, Abigail Rook. An evil king is turning ancient tensions into modern strife, using a blend of magic and technology to push Earth and the Otherworld into a mortal competition. Jackaby and Abigail are caught in the middle as they continue to solve the daily mysteries of New Fiddleham, New England — like who’s created the rend between the worlds, how to close it, and why zombies are appearing around. At the same time, the romance between Abigail and the shape-shifting police detective Charlie Cane deepens, and Jackaby’s resistance to his feelings for 926 Augur Lane’s ghostly lady, Jenny, begins to give way. Before the four can think about their own futures, they will have to defeat an evil that wants to destroy the future altogether.

The epic conclusion to the New York Times best-selling Jackaby series features sly humor and a quirky cast of unforgettable characters as they face off against their most dangerous, bone-chilling foe ever. (via Goodreads)
I received an eARC as part of Fantastic Flying Book Club's blog tour, courtesy of Algonquin Young Readers, in exchange for an honest review. 



My first book of the year was Jackaby, the first book in the series of the same title. I read it as an audiobook, and I've read the other two books in the series. I was thrilled to find out that this blog tour was happening. I also may have done a happy dance at my desk when I got the email for this blog tour. I am what you might call a fan of this series.

The Dire King picks up exactly where we left off in Ghostly Echoes, and finds our heroes cleaning up the house after the elementals trashed it.

This book felt like the perfect ending to this series to me. It brought us both old and new friends and enemies. It brought us some closure, and yet left us with just enough mysteries to keep us interested. It also made me cry. Again. Ritter is a devil like that.

I can't think of anything I didn't like about this novel! A heart eyes fox it is! Pick up a copy for yourself off of Amazon or Indiebound!



You can also be a part of the giveaway for the first book in the series, Jackaby, through Fantastic Flying Book Club on RAFFLECOPTER!

Disclaimer: All links to Indiebound and Amazon are affiliate links, which means that if you buy through those links, I will make a small amount of money off of it.

Jackaby and Abigail continue their fight against magical creatures and an evil king attempting a takeover. Even as the Dire King is wreaking havoc; these two continue to solve the mysteries that surround New Fiddleham. To top the story off, Abigail and Charlie are getting closer than ever before and Abigail’s friends think he is going to pop the question. Can this unusual team defeat the evil that is haunting their town?

The Dire King is the fourth and final book in the Jackaby series. With that being said, Ritter has left readers with an ending that will leave most readers wanting a spin off series. The adventure is high strung and will pull readers along the entire way. There is romance between Abigail and Charlie (and maybe Jackaby and Jenny), but it shouldn’t be enough to cause male readers to give up on the story. The Dire King is a great conclusion and should not be missed.

I can't believe that this is the last Jackaby book. I'm not ready for it to be over. I've adored each book in this series but this one was darker than its predecessors. It was so action-packed and full of twists that I was all in by page two and it was freaking fantastic! It was also an emotional roller coaster. I legit cried during most of the last 50-60 pages. And honestly, I'm still a bit shell-shocked from that ending. IT WAS AMAZING AND I AM NOT OKAY!

I'm not sure what else to say in this review without being spoilery. This book was kind of a reunion book where we see characters from the previous books. It was kind of awesome seeing so many familiar faces mixed in with the new ones. Throughout this series Jackaby’s motley crew has had their fair share of fights, but none have been as gruesome or as large scale as this final battle. All kinds of supernatural creatures pop up on both sides of the fight. There are some impressive weapons that combined with the paranormal add a colorful, kind of steampunk fairy tale vibe to the story and I need more of that in my YA books. The plot is not as light and airy as the previous books, but the characters and charm of the world that define this series are never lost in the mayhem.

Jackaby and the gang were just as awesome as always and I'm going to miss them terribly! I loved about this book and this series so much! I'm going to miss the quirky characters, the humor, and the mysteries. This book has several funny moments, often thanks to Jackaby, but it also was an emotional ride. I'm going to miss Abigail and Jackaby interacting where her down-to-earthness balances out his more eccentric ways. Storywise, this book just as good as the previous books and I quite liked the twist at the end of the book even though it almost destroyed me. It felt very suiting like everything had been leading up to it.

Overall, The Dire King was an excellent end to an amazing series. It was everything I hoped for and while the ending wrapped a lot of things up, there are still some open ends left. I'm hoping that this means that we'll be getting a spin-off series. I just really, really want to see the characters again some day and I think that ending left it open for it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for more Jackaby and the gang shenanigans.

If you haven't read this series, go and get your hands on the first book ASAP! Believe me, you'll thank me later.

The end is here.

No, really, the end of the world is just around the corner and Jackaby has a house full of supernatural creatures while Abigail attempts to create order amidst the chaos. Much like how these novels seem to go. 

All the players are here as well as a few new ones in the conclusion of the Jackaby series. Though I can't say the third book, Ghostly Echoes, was a particular favorite, I thoroughly enjoyed The Dire King which follows events from the previous book and brings everything full circle. This is definitely a series you want to read from start to finish and you'll have no problem doing so because they're such light, quick reads. 

The Dire King was likely the darkest of the four, forcing the characters to face the potential end of days with the threat looming overhead. Jackaby is. . . well, he's Jackaby. It's hard to explain such an eccentric Sherlock-esque character in full without simply reading the books. Where in the previous installments his character has always been a source of humor, this book allowed for little of that. It's one thing after another with little time for the comedy I've come to know from this series.

That was a bit disappointing but Ritter made up for it with plenty of action building to the final epic battle because what supernatural series is complete without a battle scene to end things. 

And then there was the plot twist. THE PLOT TWIST. I was so busy keeping track of Jackaby and Abigail that I completely missed the clues for the twist and then WHAM it hit me over the head. 

Speaking of Abigail. . . Okay, so I've been shipping the crap out of her and Charlie now since Beastly Bones and that's all well and good but Ritter decided that he needed to stomp on that ship a bit. You know, pull the heartstrings (more like rip them out). I spent the whole book wondering if they would be end game and I can't tell y'all the results of that hope but let's just say I had a mini heart attack. 

Was this the best ending to a series I ever read? No. Was it a lot of fun to read? Absolutely. That's the thing about the Jackaby books. I wouldn't call them my favorites but they're light and fun with a good combination of mystery, humor, and the supernatural, to appeal to just about anyone. This ending felt. . . good. I feel like the series has been wrapped up well but with an opening for a future continuation should it ever come up.

And I would totally read a spin-off or continuation, mind you. Definitely need a bit more from the very ending.

A great ending to a good series. If you haven't, check out the first book, Jackaby, and get it on your TBR!

“A year ago I’d have had you in lockup for wasting my time with an impossible report like that.”
“A year ago, I think you did.”

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a way to end a series! Since the release of Jackaby, this series has remained in my top ten. Every chance that I get, I recommend this series. I’m a huge fan of Sherlock and Doctor Who and to see them merge in its own unique way is fantastic. I find myself getting hooked on TV shows but struggle to find books that put the subject on paper. With Jackaby, I am able to see the connections and differences.

It wouldn’t be a Jackaby book without the addition of new quirky characters and creatures. Err, I’m sorry that might be “offensive”. But it's not just the unique characters that bring this book to life. Oh no, it is the humor. Read slow, because it often comes out of nowhere.

‘I added conversationally, “do you remember the last time you threatened everyone? And she hit you?” Morwen glowered at me.”With a bathtub?” I added, helpfully. “Through a wall?”
“It rings a bell,” Morwen growled icily.
“It certainly rang yours,” Jenny added.'

“Very forward, seer,” said Arawn coldly. “You do not know your place.”
“No, I don’t. I’ve been told it’s one of my most endearing qualities,” Jackaby replied.

This is everything I am looking for in a book. Genuine characters. An unconventional historical fiction plot. And an indiscernible murder mystery. I am so thankful to have been taken on Jackaby’s and Abigail’s journey. I am eagerly looking forward to what Ritter will do next.

Please note: This review is a copy of the review that will go live on Paein and Ms4Tune's book blog on the 19th of August 2017 at 9am GMT - until then the link wont work. Thank you!

As the last book in the series I expected this to be epic. Which it wasn't, until it was.
My absolute favourite thing about this book was all its clever little hints, all aligning up to make...absolutely nothing.
Sounds silly, right? But while I was merrily reading along thinking "that fact there has to mean that THIS will happen which means that, from that fact there, that THIS will happen right after." as you do, but while I was doing that something else entirely happened which took me rather by surprise.
I really enjoyed it actually!

It's hard to pick a favourite character from all of these guys because so many of them are amazing, but I'm going to have to say mine is probably Miss Rook.
Charlie was adorable, but we really didn't have enough of him and while Jackaby was fantastic, we were being told the story by Abigail and it's with her we see the biggest change over all. Plus her attitude is just a win - especially in this book.

Everything circles back and loops together nicely. There is one thing I didn't get the answer to in this book, though - just a little matter of how long - which is a little annoying, other than that I think that everything was mostly wrapped up nicely.
Except the ending. I didn't enjoy the ending.
Yes, I know, broken record, blah blah, whatever. But when you read this you'll see what I mean! [FYI: I'm not a fan of open endings and this is a dozy!] if this wasn't the 'thrilling conclusion' I'd even say this was a cliff hanger ending!

What I want to know is if this is The End, or if we'll get to follow someone else around in a whole new series. There are a few new developments I can stand being explored further - then we'd get the added bonus of seeing all the things that happened next!
Most importantly, what about Douglas?!?

This series feels like it's aimed at a younger reader, with the hope that an older one would also enjoy the journey. While not so much of a complex story as something like Harry Potter, it most certainly does not patronise the reader like some other books I've read.
It has the mystery of Sherlock, the monsters of Buffy and the humour of Doctor Who. So really, what are you waiting for?

It’s rare when you can say you’ve been with a series almost since the beginning. But I have. I read "Jackaby"
in early 2015, and loved it. Since then I’ve been lucky enough to receive ARCs of the rest of the series including this year’s finale.

It was so, so easy to slip back into this world. It was a bit like coming home. The sass, the love, and the mystery. There was never a dull moment with our beloved gang. As always, there were many scenes with wit to make any Sherlock fan proud. And a mystery to keep you guessing.

The book takes you on a bit of a roller coaster, and I admit I felt all the feels. There are times that were grim and sad, others that were light. Ritter made me care so much for these characters that I was 100% invested in them. Jackaby hasn’t changed very much of the course of the series, but Abigail has. She’s seized control of her life, and gone on so many adventures. She’s brave and kind.

As usual, I shipped Abigail and Charlie. Since book one, I’ve waited for them to get their happy ending. If there’s one thing you should love about this series, it’s the relationships. Abigail and Charlie complement each other and support one another. Abigail and Jackaby push each other for the better. Together, Jackaby, Abigail, Charlie, and Jenny are wonderful.

The book is also about accepting all creatures, and I found that not only relevant but also moving. There’s a lot of tension between creatures and humans in this book especially. I liked how Ritter handled it.

"The Dire King" is a great conclusion to the Jackaby series. I was not disappointed. The only downside for me is that I wish the story had a more solid ending, but it does end on a happy note. But one thing’s for sure, this series has captured my bookworm heart.