Jackaby, the Fourth Novel - The Dire King

I love series books because every time I pick one up, it's like reconnecting with old friends. But the problem with some series, though, is that they come to an end.  It's always bittersweet when a series I likes comes to an end, because I hate knowing that this will be the last opportunity I will get to spend time with my "friends," but at the same time, I would much rather see a series end on a really high note than to have it continue with sub-par stories just for the sake of sales.  This is what I felt when I finally picked up the fourth, and final, Jackaby novel.  Knowing this was the conclusion of this four-book series, I have put off reading it - but at last, I finally took the plunge.

The Dire King finds Jackaby, Abigail, and all of their compatriots dealing with the after-effects of the last book.  The mythical creatures thought to be just stories have been brought to light, the townspeople are in fear, and the police are hunting down anyone suspected of being a creature and arresting them, under the guise of protecting the populace.  Jackaby's home is the only safe-haven, but there is only so much room to host everyone (despite its TARDIS-like interior that boasts a pond with vegetation in the attic).  Abigail's beloved Charlie, who is, himself, a were-creature, is on a mission of his own, so Abigail, with the assistance of Jenny the ghost, is doing everything she can to help everyone - even if that means having to feed the captured evil nixie on a daily basis.  A nixie who still claims that her father, the wannabe Dire King, is coming for her.

Author William Ritter gives readers his best work with this final novel in the Jackaby series.  The story is compelling and action-oriented from the get-go, as alliances are formed, enemy lines are drawn, and the seams between the world as we know it and the unseelie world are suddenly ripped asunder.  The dead are being brought back to life. Hatun has gone missing, possibly kidnapped. The evil nixie has disappeared. An enigmatic twain reveals how his life-partner sacrificed her own life to give life to another - and how that sacrifice has implications on the current events. Charlie's father and sister show up, demanding that he take his rightful place at the head of their clan. And a faithful priest shows up on Jackaby's doorsteps, aging hundreds of years before their very eyes with a very simple warning - the Dire King has the crown; the spear has been destroyed, but it can be remade; protect the shield!

It's Doctor Who meets Lord of the Rings, as Jackaby, Abigail, Charlie, and Jenny, joined by Hudson and a host of others, prepare for the final against the Dire King and his army of unseelie creatures.  Ritter provides plenty of twists and turns, a number of surprises, a few shocks, and a wholly unexpected (but perfect) ending to the tale of Jackaby and Abigail.  And, as with any war, there are some casualties, one hitting particularly close to home.  Hard choices are made, roles are reversed, and all of the old becomes new again.  And just when you think all hope is lost...well, that would be telling, now wouldn't it?  Let's just say that Ritter will bring you to tears - both in sadness and in joy.

I am so saddened to see this series come to a close, but at the same time, I am overjoyed at the wonderful four-part tale that Ritter has given us.  While each book can stand alone, there is an over-arching story that flows smoothly from one to the next, and by the conclusion of this book, he resolves all of the subplots, answers all of the questions, and opens up the potential for a whole new world for his cast of characters.  If you are going to end a series, this is definitely the way to do it!

RATING:  10 new sundries bags out of 10 for telling an amazing story that captivates, tugs at the heartstrings, thrills, and satisfies with every page!