Archibald Lox and the Pick of Loxes: Archibald Lox series, book 8 Paperback – 19 Jun. 2022

Love these books, brilliant read from a brilliant author

What can I say about Archibald Lox and the Pick of Loxes, except oh boy, I hope you’re ready?Book eight in this sprawling young adult fantasy adventure is the penultimate book in the series. We pick up straight away where book seven left off, and I’m glad about that, because it left us on quite the cliff hanger.Unlike its previous instalment, the pace of this book never lets up for long. It’s one of the twistiest I’ve read so far and I found myself on my toes throughout alongside our hero, who’s mettle is really tested in all kinds of fun and nerve-shredding ways. Chock full of action, tension, mystery and some dark, sobering moments, this is a worthy addition to what has shaped up to be a fantastic series.More than any other to date, Archie carries this book single-handedly, and I was hooked throughout. There’s a stifling, almost claustrophobic feel throughout this book that subtly reminds me of the elements of a good horror. This is something that works well for the overall atmosphere of the book, letting Mr Shan bend certain chapters so that the pace somehow feels both fast and slow and the same time.Once again, we’re left on a pretty big cliff hanger at the end, and I can’t wait to see how this series concludes with the finale!

5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Best read of the series so far. From Archie's first hiccup in the well with a blooder to his kidnapping from Adil. This book was full of adventure and unexpected twists.Although I could kill Darren Shan for some decisions on some characters fate 🫣😭I just really found this one in particular really interesting. I also enjoyed how there was a big focus on Archie it was almost a solo adventure and for some reason I ended up bonding more to his character from it.I can't wait to start reading the finale book, I think we'll finally find out why he looks like Stefan and can do what he can do.

My Son tells me these books are fab and have even helped us get him off his XBox for a few hours. He's also read other Darren Shan series including Cirque Du Freak, Zom B and has enjoyed them all. My only concern is we are running out of series to read.Reads on his Amazon Kindle, which makes it even cheaper to buy the kindle versions and less space when going on holiday vs paper backs.

Actually think this one might be my favourite so far. Really enjoyable storyline and keeping you on your toes and guessing the whole time. Can't wait for the final book

good fast

Seriously the endings to these are ridiculous. Absolute page-turner. Could barely put it down. Need the next one already~~. Good thing I waited and I’ve got it XD

I did not expect ending like that. This was perfect starting for the last book. Really awesome! I cant wait to see what happens next.

Oh, Archie, Archie, Archie… the predicament you are in. Shan’s choice to end Book 7 of the Archibald Lox series where he did guaranteed Archibald Lox and the Pick of Loxes began with a bang. A snarl to be more precise. The return of the hell jackals forces Archie to make a split-second decision that proves how much he has grown over the year.This will be a spoiler-free review as I read an advance reading copy, and I would never want to spoil a good story.The overarching theme of this installment can best be described as the revelation of true colors. Almost all our old favorites make an appearance as Archie navigates life in the Merge again. Archie once again proves that he is a young man of his word, which makes him more allies as he faces old enemies.Another theme that is found throughout this installment is personal judgment. People who present themselves as friends must ask what they truly stand for, and people who present themselves as enemies must decide which side they truly stand on.While I love the Archibald Lox series and think this installment is great, there are certain events that feel too convenient, too forced, and diminish the character in a way. Other events should be soul-searching for Archie but he seems to not go in his normal direction, and I, as the reader, simply don’t care enough about the character to feel much of anything regarding their choices. Archie’s world in the Merge is both broadening and shrinking as he finds himself, once again, between a rock and a hard place. Shan is a master at the philosophical journey though, so I am confident Archie’s journey will be one worthy of a hero.Archibald Lox and the Pick of Loxes is a high-stakes fast read that will leave you shocked, angry, and demanding the last installment arrive immediately.