The Last Spell: The Thickety, Book 4
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that like previous three Thickety books, thrilling series finale The Last Spell has lots of gory battles, monsters, terrifying situations, dark magic, murder, mayhem, betrayal, and many other mortal dangers -- and a 13-year-old heroine doing her best to face them all as she tries to save her world. As in the previous books, there are strong positive messages, especially about forgiveness, kindness, and empathy, as well as loyalty and friendship. Author J.A. White ties up all the plot threads in a satisfying resolution, though more than one well-loved character perishes along the way, and others pay a terrible price for what they achieve.
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What's the Story?
The cosmic conflict between Rygoth the evil witch and 13-year-old Kara leads to an unavoidable battle for world domination that won't end till THE LAST SPELL is cast. Along the way, Kara must pay a terrible price -- every spell she casts requires her to give up another memory, until there's less and less of her left. Friends and loved ones come to assist; so do a few characters whose intentions and loyalties are questionable at best. Beloved characters suffer terrible fates -- will their sacrifices, Kara's kindness, and the kids' problem-solving skills carry the day?
Is It Any Good?
J.A. White brings his teen-witch saga to a thrilling conclusion as young protagonist Kara and her allies face off against the forces of darkness in an epic battle. Not everyone survives these harrowing adventures, others are permanently damaged along the way, and it's not at all clear whether the good guys will prevail, however unthinkable the alternative. Before The Last Spell is cast, there are puzzles to be solved, wrongs to be righted, and magical creatures conjured out of mere wisps of thought. Monsters and gory death abound, but so do intriguing characters with strong spirits, kind hearts, and relatable issues.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Parents can talk about good vs. evil cosmic battles in The Last Spell. It's a popular theme, but different storytellers have very different versions. How is Kara's story like, say, Harry Potter's, and how is it different?
Some people think magic is evil. Some think it's a force for good. What do you think, and what stories make you think that way?
Would you be willing to give up your favorite memories? What might be worth such a price?
Book Details
- Author: J.A. White
- Illustrator: Andrea Offerman
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
- Publication date: April 4, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 11 - 18
- Number of pages: 512
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 13, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Grim, gripping end to the biggest saga in history.
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Foxheart
Girl and dog pal face riveting, intense fight to save magic.
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Darkbeast
Richly imagined dystopian fantasy fine for preteens.
For kids who love fantasy and adventure
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