The Song Of The Quarkbeast

By Jasper Fforde

King Snodd IV of the Kingdom of Hereford has realized that the power of magic has untold financial possibilities, and the man who controls magic controls almost anything. To this end, he has appointed as Official Court Sorcerer the odious Blix at Industrial Magic, one of only two Houses of Enchantment left in the world. With Blix’s willing assistance, only one person stands between King Snodd and his plans for power and riches.

Jennifer Strange, the sixteen-year-old acting manager of Kazam, runs the only other House of Enchantment. She doesn’t care for King Snodd or his plans for magic. Ancient decree dictates that Kazam can refuse Snodd’s demands, but Blix challenges Kazam to a contest: the first team to rebuild their half of Hereford’s collapsed 12th-century bridge gains control of the other’s House of Enchantment.

With only one functioning Wizard and her faithful assistant, Tiger Prawns, Jennifer must use every ounce of ingenuity to derail King Snodd’s plans. It may involve a trip on a magic carpet at the speed of sound to the Troll Wall, the mysterious Transient Moose and a powerless sorceress named Once Magnificent Boo. Only one thing is certain: Jennifer Strange will not relinquish the noble powers of magic without a fight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jun 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781443407533

Jasper Fforde

Jasper Fforde is the internationally best-selling author of the Chronicles of Kazam, the Thursday Next mysteries, and the Nursery Crime books. He lives in Wales. www.jasperfforde.com Twitter: @jasperfforde Instagram: @jasperfforde  

Reviews for The Song Of The Quarkbeast

[heroineinabook · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The second in THE LAST DRAGONSLAYER series, it starts with a very linear storyline, takes a few odd ball knocks around and then settles into a satisfying ending. However, the epilogue that wraps the story up sort of negates the upcoming third book in the series. Whether it was deliberate or not, seems out of place. As per Ffordian form, puns abound, the clever poking a stick at the big government, and well, throw in some magic and you have a fairly fine novel. Not the best of Fforde's, for sure, but as with his novels, he tends to start out strong, the middle is a bit weak, and then it ramps up again.

[kaitanya64 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Jennifer Strange, teenaged interim manager of Kazam Magic would like to just keep her crew of wizards safe and gainfully employed until the Great Zambini returns. But, a mysterious clients who hires them to find a ring that "doesn't want to be found," the clear signs that Quark beast is back in town and trouble from a rival all threaten not only Jennifer's business model but the very existence of magic as a force for good. Will Jennifer and the eccentric wizards of Kazam keep the kingdoms safe? Funny, clever and thoughtful.

[lissabeth21 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a more compact tale than the first in the series. Very enjoyable and infinitely imaginative.

[keyareuh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I ordered the book from Amazon UK the first day it was available and have just finished reading it. I am a very big fan of Jasper Fforde. I love to read just about every genre and his books always intrigue me because they are so different.This book, second in the Dragonslayer series, was not a disappointment. I thought the plot was good although I did think it could have been a bit longer/explored a couple of characters a tiny bit more. I felt that could have added to the description of some of the villians and their associates, which I would have liked. It very clearly set up the need for a 3rd book, which I will pre-order as soon as they announce that I can.

[byshieldmaiden · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The second in THE LAST DRAGONSLAYER series, it starts with a very linear storyline, takes a few odd ball knocks around and then settles into a satisfying ending. However, the epilogue that wraps the story up sort of negates the upcoming third book in the series. Whether it was deliberate or not, seems out of place. As per Ffordian form, puns abound, the clever poking a stick at the big government, and well, throw in some magic and you have a fairly fine novel. Not the best of Fforde's, for sure, but as with his novels, he tends to start out strong, the middle is a bit weak, and then it ramps up again.

[yonitdm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another fun read that I couldn't put down! Even the smallish dash of love interests didn't detract from this great story. I can't wait to get the third book.

[drled_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Synopsis: Jenny Strange, acting manager of Kazam Mystical Arts Management, is still struggling to keep the business going despite her successes in The Last Dragonslayer (2012). There are not enough moolahs to fix up the once-glorious headquarters; Jenny's boss, the Great Zambini, is still only sighted at unpredictable intervals; and some of Jenny's best sorcerers have turned to stone. Worse yet, King Snodd IV of the Ununited Kingdoms is conniving to give Kazam's rival firm, iMagic, a monopoly. Jenny has to come up with a plan while racing to prevent twinned Quarkbeasts from annihilating the kingdom. No wonder she doesn't have time to date Wizard Perkins! Review: This book left me wanting to know what was going to happen next!

[othemts · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The second book in the Kazam series returns to Hereford where dictatorial King Snodd IV is looking to corner the market on magic. The only person who can stop him appears to be Jennifer Strange, the orphan teenager who manages employment for a house of sorcerers. In typical Fforde fashion, humorous and quirky events intertwine to bring this story to an entertaining resolution. I look forward to reading more about Jennifer and her companions in future installments.

[madamewho · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Although it's a little sillier than the first book, this sequel to The Last Dragonslayer actually has a better, more cohesive plot. The editing/proofing is a little slipshod, and I noticed some continuity errors between this book and both the first and third volumes. For example, at the end of Quarkbeast, the residents spruce up the old hotel with magic, returning it to its former glory. But at the beginning of The Eye of Zoltar, the hotel is shabby once more, the residents having decided not to fix it up because it would ruin the unique character of the place.

[kefeeney-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this often silly, quirky, and suspenseful tale of magic management in somewhat medieval structured world with fantastical beasts, wayward wizards, and lowly foundlings. Just plain fun.

[dlmorrese · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Simple, fun, a light evening's read.

[hoosgracie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another quirky and fun tale out of Fforde. In this follow-up to The Last Dragonslayer, Jennifer Strange and the Kazam crew are up against iMagic.

[glennis.leblanc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The second book in the YA series has Jennifer dealing with a magical contest with imagic over the control of magic in the kingdom. And of course the deck is stacked against Kazam with shady deals with the king. You do find out more about the workings of magic and about trolls and quarkbeasts as well. And the nice thing about this one is you really don't need to know anything about the previous book to read this one at all.

[hiramholliday · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great book by Jasper. Imaginative, witty, surprising etcetera... Presented as a youth book it's well digested by adults

[lilibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sequel to The Last Dragonslayer. Here, the Kazam House of Magic is to compete in a magical bridge-building contest, but the other side, iMagic, cheats making the outcome, and the future of magic in the kingdom, uncertain.

[pattylouise_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Song Of The QuarkbeastByJasper FfordeMy " in a nutshell" summary...Magic is a mess in the Ununited Kingdom and it is up to Jennifer Strange to deal with it! My thoughts after reading this book...This opening paragraph said by Jennifer herself pretty much sums up this book...I work in the magic industry. I think you'll agree it's pretty glamorous: a life of spells, potions, and whispered enchantments; of levitation, vanishing, and alchemy. Of titanic fights to the death with the powers of darkness, of conjuring up blizzards and quelling storms at sea. Of casting lightning bolts from mountains, of bringing statues to life in order to vanquish troublesome foes.If only.I love this paragraph. I am a huge fan of Jennifer Strange. I loved the first book in this series. The first book introduced us to the Quarkbeast. The second book deals with the fact that he is gone...or is he?I am not going to over analyze this book...you don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one but I would because I love reading stories in order.There is magic that works and magic that doesn't work. There are funny names...like Tiger Prawns and Full Price and Half Price. There is a problem and a quest and there is the matter of the Quarkbeast. What I loved about this book...Loved the characters, loved the fun, loved the excitement! What I did not love about this book...Sometimes...and this is not really a dislike of anything...but...sometimes the names of people, places and things are a little too complex. I needed to go back and forth to make sure I knew whom and what I was reading about. That's ok...just a teensy bit distracting!Final thoughts...I loved the first one and I enjoyed this one. I love Jennifer...love Half Price...love Tiger Prawns...even...or rather especially...I loved the Quarkbeast! This would be a fun book for older children and might even make a fun read aloud.

[lemurkat · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Clever and entertaining - as are all Jasper Fforde's books. This novel seems to be aimed at the more bookish teenager - the plot is relatively straightforward, but some of the language is a little complex, and Fforde certainly does not patronise the younger reader. Intermingled with humour and quirky characters. This ia a quick, fast and fun read.

Now, why is there no quarkbeast fanart?

[bostonian71 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fforde has fashioned yet another winning mix of humor, fantasy, and appealing characters. I enjoyed this story even more than its predecessor -- it somehow was more cohesive and felt a little more grounded in "reality" without losing any of his characteristic wit. I hope Fforde at some point publishes companion guides, because I'm always left wanting to know more about his universes.

[themadhatters_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jennifer Strange is the acting general manager of a magical agency that helps solve everyday problems in the Ununited Kingdom, such as locating lost items that don't want to be found and rebuilding bridges. This book had me laughing at the antics of the wizards and their fictional creatures. Jasper Fforde's sense of humor and writing style are intoxicating. Highly recommend.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Amusing and whimsical, this second book of the series is full of twists and turns. I didn't find it as engaging as "The Last Dragonslayer" but it was entertaining.

[edieh_6 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The second of the Chronicles of Kazam;the Song of the Quarkbeast is even better than the first book. Which is saying a lot, as the "Last of the Dragon Slayers" was quite good. And, although the book is labeled "young adult" it is literate enough for any "mature" reader. Fforde's use of the English language is captivating. His universe is similar to ours and easily understood but the magic is quirky and idiosyncratic. Magic is more like the Diskworld than Harry Potter. In fact, if you like Pratchett, you should definitely try this series. The Song of the Quarkbeast can be read as a stand alone, but would be better read in sequence.

[norabelle414 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The events of the previous book have had pretty much zero effect on Jennifer Strange's everyday life. She's still a 16-year-old orphan girl who has run the largest magic company in the Kingdom of Snodd since its manager, the Great Zambini, vanished a few years back. The magic levels are definitely rising, however, and King Snodd is eager to gain full control of it. He appoints the Amazing Blix (manager of iMagic, Kazam's competitor) to be the official Court Mystician. When Jennifer refuses to follow Blix's orders, King Snodd announces a competition between the two companies, and Jennifer knows that iMagic will never fight fair.The plot here is perfectly adequate, and everything comes together brilliantly in the end, but as usual the world-building and characterization are where Fforde shines. We learn tons more about everyone from the Great Zambini and the Amazing Blix to quarkbeasts and trolls. It's a delightfully Fforde-esque book, which of course means it is not for everyone, but definitely for the best kind of people.

[infjsarah · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a quick fun read. Aimed at teenagers so not as mocking as his other books.

[bookwren · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was excited to read this sequel to The Last Dragonslayer. I enjoyed it, but it was not as over-the-top hilarious as the first one. I often find this with second books in a series. They are slower and don't have the freshness of the first book nor the climax of the final (in a trilogy). Still, I was glad to learn more of the magical world and happy to be among the quirky characters of Kazam again. Fforde continues to poke fun at the establishment and at big business, while developing his characters and setting. Jennifer continues to be strong protagonist - smart, practical and innovative. I continue to enjoy the pithy little footnotes, too. I hope The Return of Shandar is released soon!

[reading_fox · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Continuation of his YA fantasy series. Just not quite as funny as the others lacking the relevant social commentary that makes true humour work. Where it does attempt it is to heavy handed and obvious. The Practchett style footnotes also don't quite have his flair either. Coming at the chapter breaks rather than the bottom of the page makes them awkward to access.Jennifer Strange has little to do as the Dragonslayer of the previous book, and instead returns to her old job of managaing the magcial staff of the institute in Hereford. The new Big Magic of the previous books hasn't yet created enough new magic to allow everyone unlimited power, but things are slowly looking up. However the local King still doens't approve of her, and intervenes when a newly founded magical institue challenges them to a duel. The task was a to raise a bridge, which they'd have easily won, until various of their sorceres get arrested. This leaves poor Jenny running around alot to summon various help, and incidentally involves her thwarting the great Shandar's plans once again. Although all of JF's books are contrived, this feels a lot more contrived than ususal, and similar to the first book in the series, definetly aimed more for a YA segment of the market. The humour is more situational if present at all, and continuity seems to have gone by the wayside. Events happen one after another with Jennifer responding until it all works out in her favour. There are very few references to events in the previous book.Readable enough, but hardly Jasper at his best.

[gwendydd · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a sequel to the Last Dragonslayer, and doesn't really stand on it's own - it would be really confusing to anyone who hasn't read The Last Dragonslayer.I'm a huge Jasper Fforde fan, and I have read all of his books. At the end of every single one of his books, I have found myself in awe of his boundless creativity and prolific output. The Song of the Quarkbeast is the first of his books that I think he wrote too hastily. It's a darn good book, but really disappointing within the Fforde corpus - it's just not as creative or as zany or as original as his other books.

[ethel55_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The dragons of the last story are off gaining knowledge, so Jennifer Strange is once again busy coordinating magical jobs for the sorcerers of Kazam. A mysterious ring, the transient moose, a challenge by iMagic (formerly known as Industrial Magic) creates a lot of action for those involved in this story. I liked learning more about some of the secondary characters, mostly sorcerers, and only wish a US publisher would pick up this fun children's series.

[riverwillow · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good sequel to the first book - Jennifer and Tiger are still trying to keep Kazam afloat against the odds. As before the book is populated buy interesting characters and full of Fforde's trademark black dystopian humour. And there are lots of Quarkbeasts!

[quondame · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Silly magical adventure, with the unmagical foundling Jennifer Strange, holding Kazam together amidst petrified sorcerers and evil competitors. Light, fast, and faintly amusing.

[bexaplex · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The wizards of Kazam face a challenge from iMagic and its conniving proprietor, who is not fond of a fair fight. Meanwhile many zoological facts about Quarkbeasts are revealed.The Kazam series is so frothy — great fun to read but you immediately forget what they're about several days later.