The End of Time

November 1, 2011

Gr 5-8-When Lord Umber revealed to Happenstance his origins in the hope that he would be able to travel back to Earth and prevent its destruction, Hap's life suddenly became hugely important. Hap is struggling to control his powers, but attacks from a rogue Sorceress, a power mad war monger from Umber's world, and a monster hunting him leave Hap too distracted to fulfill his destiny. To succeed in saving his new friends and Umber's old world, Hap must abandon his feelings for those around him. Without emotions weighing him down, Hap becomes a full Meddler and begins the final journey that takes him from his friends, but saves millions of lives. Years later, Hap and Umber reunite to revel in Hap's successes in this fantastic conclusion (2011) to P. W. Catanese's riveting fantasy trilogy. The author again raises questions about morality and the depths of friendship, and does it with compelling characters and wonderful world-building. Narrator Richard Poe holds listeners' attention effortlessly. Embracing Hap's confusion, fear, and distress as he learns what is necessary to save Umber's world, Poe easily evokes our sympathy. Fans of the previous volumes will be satisfied with this conclusion. Libraries circulating Happenstance Found (2009) and Dragon Games (2010, all Aladdin) should consider this a necessary purchase.-Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.