There is a universe beyond our own, known as the Merge. A young locksmith called Archibald Lox is about to cross worlds and explore it. As he learns about these lands of wonders, he will have to face cold-blooded killers, rivers of blood, hell jackals and more… Book one of the Archibald Lox series, by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling YA author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss. “A … York Times bestselling YA author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.
“A brisk, entertaining tale that unfolds in a wonderfully bizarre world.” Kirkus.
“A masterwork of atmospheric writing.” Readers’ Favorite.
“Shan has created an alternative world that is extraordinary and imaginative with fantastical creatures that both delight and horrify. A soon-to-be fantasy classic.” The US Review of Books.
“A gripping saga that will be appreciated not just by young adult audiences, but by adults who enjoy other strong YA authors who create fantasy worlds appealing to young and old alike.” Midwest Book Review.
”Archibald Lox and the Bridge Between Worlds is a perfect middle grade book. I couldn’t put it down and read it in almost one sitting. For grabbing my attention from the very first page and making me excited about a series for the first time in ages, I give it a superb five out of five stars.” Addicted to Media.
“Inventive and imaginative with plenty of jeopardy – as satisfying a read as we’ve come to expect from Darren Shan. ” The Bookbag.
“Filled with fantastic characters, true to form description, and Shan’s distinct writing style, Archibald Lox is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.” The Haunted Wordsmith.
“I believe that the Archibald Lox series has the potential to be the author’s best work since The Saga of Darren Shan, it has the magical, dream-like overtones of Lewis Carroll’s Alice books and the captivating, world-hopping drama of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials. I can’t recommend it highly enough, perfect for fantasy fans of all ages.” Books, Films & Random Lunacy.
“High fantasy that allows you to step away from the real world and into a vivid space of wonder.” The Reading Corner For All.
“Perfect for fans of adventurous fantasy stories!” Mind of Luxe.
“I loved everything about the story, and can’t wait to see how it continues!” Rajiv’s Reviews.
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We join Archie one morning as he decides to skip school. It’s something he’s done often since the death of his brother a few months earlier. No one in Archie’s family is handling the change well and he feels ignored and alone. While walking a bridge in London, he spots a girl around his age who is fleeing from some unknown threat. No one else seems to notice her. No one notices when she makes faces at a slab on the bridge and no one notices when the slab glows and she disappears inside. No one except Archie.
Archie’s world changes after he copies the faces the girl made, picks the lock on the slab, and leaves the bridge, London, and his invisible life behind.
Shan is back on his game, not that he ever really left, with this new YA series (although Book 1 could also be read by middle grade readers). The new world waiting for Archie, and readers, is called the Merge. A place created and governed by nine families, each ruling over a separate realm. When the last family member dies, the realm disappears.
Archie’s guide in this new world is Inez, the girl from the bridge, who turns out to be a camel, someone who carries messages between realms. Inez is not all she appears to be, and as the story progresses, Shan expands on the Merge to reveal it’s true nature of dedication, duty, love, and loyalty to the families.
Filled with fantastic characters, true to form description, and Shan’s distinct writing style, Archibald Lox is sure to enthrall readers of all ages. I would recommend ages 10 and up for Book 1 because there are a few “scary” scenes once the SubMerged and their “pets” show up to ruin a trip down the river of blood.
Book 1 left me with predictions I hope are not correct, questions about the King and his life in the Born (the real world), and salivating over what is to come.
Some readers may not like where Shan left off in Book 1 but the trilogy is already finished and published, so readers can immediately begin the next book and continue the story.
Overall, another fantastic story by Shan and one that feels long overdue (even though Koyasan was published in 2006 and is another fine YA story, so go check that one out if you haven’t read it yet). This trilogy will become a must-have for any Shan fan.
An Adventure Of A Lifetime!
This is a fast-paced story in a world full of magic and mayhem. Imagine living in the human realm when you happen to find yourself thrust into a world of magic beyond your wildest dreams! A fantastically magical journey!
Fun start and concept. Original world (so far anyway.) Weirdly enough you don’t know much of the plot by book one but I’m planning to start the next one anyway just to see where it leads.
Good reading for the young reader, or the young at heart. Young Archie and his adopted family are pretty glum after the loss of the oldest son. Archie sees something no one else can see.
What young person would not want to have such an adventure to overcome the saddness pressing down on them? Perhaps just to take flight on an imaginary journey.
Lovely fictional stoy.
It’s different and I loved it
Strangely different
Inez teaches Archie about an alternate universe where murdered people end up after dying.
This should really have been labeled as a book for children. It was a cute quick read, good world building, very imaginative premise. And in retrospect, perhaps some of it was a bit of violent for kids…. but I felt like this was aimed at the tween age group. There was a lot of exposition. Also a few too many special powers for one kid. Pick locks, sure? Also hear things nobody else can hear… that is starting to strain credibility. Still a very good effort, recommend for young fans.
good writing but no real resolution, and very juvenile in the character development, creatures and general premise that death puts you in alternate realities.
Fun read
Delightful tale, interesting creatures and concepts. Suitable for younger readers.
Fun adventure that keeps you guessing what comes next. Perfect escape read with 2 more to follow.
It was very dull.
I loved this story. The fantasy world, the wonderful characters and whole message of the story was refreshing and provided hope during these volatile time we’re currently living in.
It was a great book and you are definitely left wanting to read the next one!
Fast read but entertaining!