Midnight Over Sanctaphrax (2006) - Plot & Excerpts
I have read Beyond the Deepwoods, the first book in the Twig saga, but I (unintentionally) skipped the second book and read this, the third. But I found it was pretty good as a stand alone (though some introduction to its world is nice, and you appreciate Twig more knowing about his background). It's REALLY helpful that there's a short recap/summary/intro at the beginning of every Deepwoods book. Brings you up to speed and informs of the most important developments. I enjoyed this book more than Twig #1. Maybe this was because I'd read one Deepwoods book, and had already gotten introduced to and familiar with this strange new world. Maybe it was because Twig has grown from a wide-eyed child lost in the woods, to a confident, bold, knowledgable, daring young leader and pirate captain. Maybe both ;-)This book starts as another flight for sky pirate Twig and his crew, as he goes in search of his lost father. But it turns out to be something much bigger - the Mother Storm is coming and the floating city of Sanctaphrax needs to be cut loose and get out of the way so the Storm can rejuvenate the Edge. But Twig and his crew are scattered and lose their memories, making this a race against time that they will remember how to save everyone, and then actually do it. Besides Twig, the other main person is Cowlquape, an orphan and apprentice in weather study. This story is about how the two journey through Undertown and the Deepwoods in search of Twig's lost crew. Twig has a burden for the poor and underprivileged, and I appreciate how he tries to bring true justice wherever he goes. He also demonstrates wisdom in all his travels, and does not act impetuously. Also, the scenes of the fair-type atmosphere are really descriptive and realistic. I like that there is only one deity, "Sky." Don't know much about him as yet, but I'm curious. As always, there's everything I love about the Edge Chronicles: an easy read, depth and mystery, imaginative settings, memorable characters, action and adventure, moral values, and no romance!
note: mrs. lowery i didnt know how to get three posts on the same book for one week so i am doing them all in one post.Post 1: Twig and Cowlquape are looking around in undertown. They are looking for there lost crew members when they come across a small tavern. In this tavern there are Flat head goblins herassing the owner and are scaring the customers. Twig and Cowalquape kill the goblins and free every one. Also they find one of Twigs crew members.Post 2: Twig cowalquape and tarp are trapped in the sewers and in somesort of mesh netting bag. It turns out that this is another two crew members trying to make a life off in the sewers. They are Wingnut Sleet and grobo. They then find out that they are glowing and are thought to be spirits.Post 3: It is back to twig and cowalquape only and they are off to the great shryke slave market. It is a terrible place that keeps inocent people locked up i cages inside hollow trees and then they are sold to the more fortunate. You must have a white cockade or you could be mistaken for a slave and sold.
What do You think about Midnight Over Sanctaphrax (2006)?
It is safe to say I definitely preferred these two books to the first one, there is a lot more action and the story flows easier through all of the twists and turns. Stewart and Riddell are a author and illustrator team that have the ability to change your opinion of a character in a few words. As will the last book these depict the life of Twig a boy who strayed from the path to discover a new world in which he belongs, but also one in which he finds himself in a considerable amount of danger m
—Miriam
In this imaginative and energetic tale, Twig attempts to get a grip of himself and his situation following the destruction of his ship in a storm. In a particularly rushed beginning, Twig recovers his father and returns to Sanctaphrax, then sets out on a quest to recover his crew. Stewart does a fine job showing Twig as a more mature and wisened character. Unfortunately, Twig’s journey is quite formulaic, with one repetitive antagonist or obstacle after the other, to the point that the novel resembled a video game. Thrilling, gruesome, and gritty, if poorly edited and featuring a rather contrived plot.
—Jerome
This last book in the Twig trilogy was just as captivating as the first book in the series for me. The adventuring in this whimsical, imaginative world has me completely invested into what's going to happen to Twig and his crew. I'm so happy that there are two other trilogies yet to read because I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to this world. This series is quickly becoming a favorite and one I look forward to re-reading when my kids are a bit older. In the meantime I think I'll just have to encourage friends and family to read it!
—Katie (The Book Sphere)
