The Dire King Review

Author: William Ritter | Published: August 22, 2017 by Algonquin Young Readers | Series: Jackaby #4 | Length: 352 Pages | Genre: YA fantasy, reimagining | Source: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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.

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.