Review: #812
Title: The Empty Grave
Series: Lockwood & Co. - 5th and final book
Author: Jonathan Stroud
Comments: The final book in the series and The Empty Grave promises to provide all the answers to the questions that has been raised so far. In that aspect, it doesn’t disappoint. However, the answers are a little bit more… normal than you’d expect. Up until now, the hype was building and so when everything was finally revealed… it somewhat lacked the rush of understanding. However, the explanation makes sense and allows everything to slot into place. The plot is a lot more action oriented too. Instead of the slow creepy horror of the atmosphere that comes from ghost hunting, the gang is more likely to be sword fighting against other agents for their lives. The author does a spectacular job of creating an alternate London and all the mechanics of how the appearances of ghosts are dealt with. The tease of visiting The Other Side from The Creeping Shadow is fully realized here. It’s a lot more interesting and that section is one of the most tensed sections thus far. While during their visit to The Other Side, there is a lot of obvious foreshadowing, it still packs a strong emotional punch once the implications are revealed. As Lockwood and Lucy’s company has grown, the teamwork shown between the characters and the chemistry during their outings is unparalleled, giving you a warm fuzzy feeling. The plot focuses upon solving the mystery surrounding Marissa Fittes and how she has been able to still be alive after so many years. Like previous books in the series, it begins with a few unrelated events before it quickly ramps up the pacing all the way until the end. The series ends with still a few lingering questions but enough has been answered for it to be satisfying.
Rating: 8/10