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The Dire King
- A Jackaby Novel
- Narrated by: Nicola Barber
- Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
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Publisher's Summary
The thrilling conclusion to the New York Times best-selling series the Chicago Tribune called "Sherlock Holmes crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer" sends the eccentric detective and his indispensable assistant into the heart of a war between magical worlds.
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 town. 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.
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What listeners say about The Dire King
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Joki
- 09-17-17
A Satisfying End
With Jackaby 4, The Dire King, we have a satisfying denouement of the series which pulls in all the clues and events of the previous three novels. What seemed unrelated is now shown as intricately connected to one event: the return from the Fae world of the Dire King - and the reintegration of the faerie and human worlds. I'm not a fan of Fae stories and didn't know going into the series that was the way it would go; all the same, I've enjoyed every book for the wit and imagination of the worldbuilding. Jackaby and Rook are great characters and whose storylines I was sad to see come to an end now that the tale is complete.
Story: New Fiddleham is the epicenter of the supernatural as the odd creatures take up residence in Jackaby's house for protection now that they have been 'outed' by various events. Jackaby makes several bargains with the Seelie court to help find the Dire King and his lost instruments of power (black crown, black spear, shield). It is feared once the Dire King has assembled those items again, he will return from the dead and spread war across the human world.
There is plenty of adventure to be had with The Dire King as Abigail and Jackaby will have to move between the Fae and the human worlds to combat the growing rift and power of the Dire King. They do not know who he is but they rapidly find clues to his spear and shield - clues that are as confusing as they are useful. There are enough red herrings in the book to surprise and I enjoyed the twists and turns. Nothing in the book is as it seems to our intrepid heroes.
The story moves briskly and Ritter does an excellent job of tying in the events of previous novels to the overall story arc. Jackaby isn't too clever nor is Abigail too lucky - often it is hard work and a bit of perseverance that helps them to uncover what they need. Along the way, we get all the bon mots and witticisms that have made the books so memorable. I often had a smile on my face at the turn of a phrase or unexpected situation.
By the end, it all makes sense and is very clever. I listened to the Audible version and the author did a great job at giving us many different accents and personalities. I think the only one I had a hard time with was her Jackaby - she sounded too much like a Brit trying to give a laconic American accent and thus sounded stilted. It honestly sucked all the life and personality out of Jackaby as a character.
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- Athene
- 07-13-22
Fantastic Final Installment
The Dire King was the most epic of the Jackaby books. Love, loss, and the fate of two worlds hang in the balance. As per usual, Nicola Barber does a fabulous job at narrating.
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- Jenn
- 03-20-22
I hope there is another one !!!
The whole book series was great . I sincerely hoped this wouldn’t be the last one but it appears that’s the case , at least for now ! I won’t say too much bc I don’t wanna spoil it but there needs to be more 😊 anyway , if ur uncertain about reading the series , don’t be . Just do it , u won’t be sorry
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- L. Plumlee
- 01-05-22
Still obsessed
I have not found a series so riveting and captivating in a very long time. I truly hope the series is "continued" in another set.
I actually teared up towards the end and felt for the characters and the events happening. The narrator was, as always, good - some words she pronounces strangely and every now and then she takes very deep breaths that can be off-putting.
Author is great and can't wait to read more of their books.
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- Trinity Mullins
- 12-18-21
A Heartwarming, Magical Mystery Adventure
All throughout the series I fell in love more and more with the characters. Listening to it made my horrible days better. A series for me is not good unless the ending is good. Yhe last book delivered in a way that ensured I would return to the series whenever I feel low. it has loss, pain, friendship, love, and mystery. It is both light and heavy and full of hope. In short, I bloody love this series. and the ending confirmed my love.
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- M.
- 07-24-21
Loved everything except....
This was a great conclusion to the story, my only minor complaint is the little gasp that the narrator seemed to make quite frequently in this installment. I didn’t notice it in any other books, but this one felt near constant. Once or twice it felt like part of the story but otherwise just distracting and somewhat annoying.
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- book_hippo
- 05-08-20
Perfect Finale for an Amazing Series
William Ritter's Jackaby series is such a fun, witty, paranormal series. If you enjoy Stalking Jack the Ripper, I think you will also enjoy series. I really love these young adult/new adult mystery series. This is a series you need to read in order, and in this finale, Abigail Rook and Jackaby learn a lot more about what the fairies have been up to while they've been Sherlock and Watson-ing around town. All lose ends are tied up nicely, and the twist at the end is such that I listened to it twice to make sure I got it. We see more of our favorite ghost Jenny and learn more about her history. Douglas remains our favorite resident duck. Charlie remains our swoonworthy suitor, and Jackaby remains awkward and hilarious.
The narration for this series is 5 stars for sure - perfection!
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- Scooby Doo
- 02-27-20
A fabulous tale from beginning to a perfect end!!!
Perfect end to the series. Well worth reading again and again. Excellent voices by Nicola Barber.
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- Matt Henderson
- 09-20-19
A Captivating Conclusion
I just completed the entire Jackaby series and the ending did not disappoint! I did not want it to end! Thank you William Ritter for leaving the Jackaby fans with a truly unique ending.
Nicola Barber's performance is the best! From her delivery to her accents, she puts on a great performance every time!
I highly recommend the entire Jackaby series to anyone who enjoys mystery intertwined with fantasy.
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- Gaylie
- 07-11-19
OMG AWSOME
The ending of this series is beyond word's
you must read the entire series to get what I am saying. wish there were going to be more but all great things must come to an end. and what an ending.