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| Cover Art by Tristan Elwell |
Crispin: The End of Time by Avi published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers in 2010 is the third book in the Crispin trilogy. Tristan Elwell illustrated the cover. The first book Crispin: The Cross of Lead was awarded the Newbery Medal in 2003. The End of Time can be read as the first book but it is more satisfying as the conclusion to Crispin’s story. (The second book in the series: Crispin: At the Edge of the World is only available as an audio or e-book.)
Crispin can not catch a break; his adoptive father, Bear, has died. His adopted sister, Troth, joins a convent, an excellent choice for that period in time. She has a roof over head, daily meals and her skills as an herbalist are valued. Unknowingly Crispin joins a murdering troupe of musicians and must figure out a way to escape and to take a fellow captive, a very young Owen with him. The descriptions of middle age life carry the story forward.
For me the most memorable part is the graphic description of the castle moat which is not the grassy ditches of current castle museums or even fish filled waters of some castle museums but ditches filled with raw sewage and mud, emitting a foul stench.
The paperback version, published in 2011, is 223 pages long and includes additional back matter: A Conversation with Avi, a Middle Ages Bibliography with the eye catching Books, Banks and Buttons and Other Middle Age Inventions listed, and discussion questions.
Link to Author Page: Avi Writer
Writing tips: Avi Writing Tips
Cover Design: Cristine Kettner
Cover Art: Tristan Elwell
Review of: Avi: Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Visit Greg Pattridge host of: Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Visit your local book store: Second Star to the Right
I haven't read a book by Avi in a long time. It's good to know that this can be read as a standalone if you don't want to commit to the whole series. Happy MMGM!
ReplyDeleteHappy MMGM. I read Crispin: The Cross of Lead several times and I read Crispin: The End of Time, three times. Thanks for stopping by, Natalie.
DeleteI've always enjoyed books by Avi but haven't had a chance to read this one or the series. This summer sounds like a good time to rectify that delay. Have a Happy MMGM!
ReplyDeleteHappy MMGM, Greg and thanks for MMGM. I enjoyed the series.
DeleteI read the first in the series a very long time ago... I should take a look.
ReplyDeleteHappy MMGM. Set in the Middle Ages, somehow Crispin resonates with current times. Thanks for visiting, Rebecca.
DeleteThe Seer of Shadows is the only book by Avi that I've read. Happy MMGM
ReplyDeleteBrenda, thanks for visiting. I'll look for The Seer of Shadows. Happy MMGM.
DeleteRaw sewage is not what I expected for the moat! But I guess it is not surprising! I haven't heard of this author before. Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteSo often history is sanitized, literally. Thanks so much for visiting. Happy MMGM.
DeleteYou've got me thinking about this series. I recently reread The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and it made me remember how much I love books by Avi. I'll have to check out this series. :) Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteHello Kasey, Thanks so much for stopping by. Happy MMGM.
DeleteI read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it. I think I have the second in my school library- so reading this review has me thinking I should read it this summer and then I can read this one. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lizzy. Thanks for visiting. Happy MMGM.
DeleteI've read a few books by Avi and always enjoyed them. This sounds good. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteHello Rosi. Thanks for the affirmation. Happy MMGM.
ReplyDeleteThe True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is one of my favourite books. I haven't read any of the Crispin series. Sounds like it's time to remedy that. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteHello Linda thanks so much for visiting. Happy MMGM.
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