Archibald Lox volumes Series

The start of a thrilling new fantasy series by the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak.   "A brisk, entertaining tale that unfolds in a wonderfully bizarre world." Kirkus.   When a young locksmith finds his way into the Merge, he discovers a parallel universe filled with an infinite number of unique, remarkable worlds. Setting off on the adventure of a lifetime, he soon makes allies and friends, but must also deal with the threat of cold-blooded killers, ravenous hell jackals, evil Empresses and more. As his skills develop, he finds himself part of a perilous mission to save a realm from the forces of tyranny, but he holds the key to its success or failure, and he fears he might not be up to the task. The greatest challenge of his life awaits...   This is the complete Volume One, bringing together (and presenting as one single storyline) the first three novels, Archibald Lox and the Bridge Between Worlds, Archibald Lox and the Empress of Suanpan, and Archibald Lox and the Vote of Alignment.   "I read quite a lot during lockdown but nothing made me smile quite as much as these first three instalments in the Archibald Lox series." The Bookbag.   "A masterwork of atmospheric writing. I would not hesitate to recommend Archibald Lox: The Missing Princess to fans of Shan's existing back-catalog of thrilling dark fantasy adventures, as well as newcomers to the shadowy side of paranormal and magical fiction." 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.   "Archibald Lox: The Missing Princess is fantasy, mystery, and a coming of age story all in one. It's 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.   "The Archibald Lox series is exactly what the world needs right now. It is inventive, magical and fantastical, terrifically readable and a lot of fun." Addicted to Media.   "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.   "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.   "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.

The middle segment of a thrilling new fantasy trilogy by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling YA author of Cirque Du Freak.   "Archibald Lox is sure to ensnare, mesmerize, and astound readers of all ages." The Literary Connoisseur.   When a couple of assassins catch up with Archie, he's forced to flee to the Merge in search of friendship and safety. In a city of ice, the greatest grop players of the six realms have assembled for a legendary Tourney, and Archie ends up with a ticket to every match. But plans have been drawn up to kidnap a prince, and Archie soon finds himself fighting for his freedom and his sanity. Having become a pawn in a cunning game of political chess, he must travel to the heart of an enemy empire, but it's a dark, menacing place from which he might never return...   This is the Complete Volume Two of the Archibald Lox series, bringing together books 4, 5 and 6 (and presenting them as a single storyline), Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt, Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell, and Archibald Lox and the Rubicon Dictate.     "Easy, fun read with lots of surprises. We were on the edge of our seats!" The Bookbag.   "I devoured this book in a day and I am still smiling and eager for more." The Word Cubby.   "Shan has built an ambitiously original fantasy world populated with fully rounded characters who take us on unforgettably compelling journeys." Books, Films & Random Lunacy.   "The first three books were unlike anything I'd read before, and book 4 truly proves that Shan is a master storyteller." Kelly Smith Reviews.   "With every page, author Darren Shan weaves a richer and more colourful world." Addicted To Media.   "Full of adventure and intrigue. I've really enjoyed how this has blended the familiar with the fantastical to craft a captivating world." T. Higgs Reviews.   "Tension! Drama! Badassery! Volume two of Archibald Lox has it all." Rachel Hobbs, author of Shadow-Stained.

The stunning conclusion of a thrilling new fantasy trilogy by the New York Times bestselling YA author of Cirque Du Freak.   "Shan has created a far-reaching multiverse that boggles and beguiles, with characters that cannot fail to endear or revile. Beneath its simple, straightforward narrative is a deceptively complex, immersive experience that captivates the reader in a way only a master storyteller can." The British Fantasy Society.   Following the burial of an old, dear friend, Archie returns to the Merge. He's enjoying his stay in a realm of waterless canals and upside-down pyramids, but when a day trip to a beautiful sinkhole goes terrifyingly awry, he winds up imprisoned in a brutal, isolated hellhole. With a collection of fellow locksmiths, Archie is forced to work on a plan to restore a deadly tyrant to their throne. As he desperately searches for a way to outwit the demons who hold him in their clutches, he must also struggle to come to an understanding of the strange demon he carries within. Everything is on the line, and Archie's choices will decide not just his own future, but the destiny of the Merge...     This is the Complete Volume Three of the Archibald Lox series, bringing together books 7, 8 and 9 (and presenting them as a singel storyline), Archibald Lox and the Sinkhole to Hell, Archibald Lox and the Pick of Loxes, and Archibald Lox and the Legion of the Lost.     PRAISE FOR VOLUME THREE   "This book is a masterpiece, the very epitome of the phrase, 'saving the best for last'." The Literary Connoissuer.   "Cirque Du Freak will always be my favorite Shan series, but Archibald Lox is certainly giving it a run for the title." The Word Cubby.   "The world building in this book is sublime. It's not just a great read, it's an experience." Rachel Hobbs, author of Shadow-Stained.   "Yet another great Archibald Lox book... lots of twists, turns and tension." T. Higgs Reviews.   "One of my favourite things about Darren Shan is you can never predict what's going to happen next. Loose ends from previous books were cleared up in ways I'd never even considered. Now that I'm finished, I'm feeling pretty lost." This Dream's Alive.     PRAISE FOR VOLUME ONE "A brisk, entertaining tale that unfolds in a wonderfully bizarre world." Kirkus. "I read quite a lot during lockdown but nothing made me smile quite as much as these first three instalments in the Archibald Lox series." The Bookbag. "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. PRAISE FOR VOLUME TWO "Shan has built an ambitiously original fantasy world populated with fully rounded characters who take us on unforgettably compelling journeys." Books, Films & Random Lunacy. "The first three books were unlike anything I'd read before, and book 4 truly proves that Shan is a master storyteller." Kelly Smith Reviews.   "With every page, author Darren Shan weaves a richer and more colourful world." Addicted To Media.