I finished reading Endless Things last night. I can’t say I was disappointed but I also can’t say that I enjoyed it as much as the first two books in the Aegypt quartet. It was a satisfying ending to a great story. But I think the story thrived at the expense of the characters.
Crowley set up some awesome characters in the first book of Aegypt (now called The Solitudes). I was really looking forward to experiencing more of their lives as the story progressed. But by the time I got to the third book they began to thin and some character’s story lines disappeared completely with no explanation. I was hoping for redemption in book four, but the thinning continued. The main character, Pierce Moffitt, was the only one to which I felt any connection. I suppose that’s well enough, since he was the main character.
But overall it was a good read. I found the different passages describing 15th century Prague, Bruno’s adventures, and the Winter King lovely and compelling… and certainly tragic. These sections, along with Pierce’s travels through Europe were the most magical parts of the book.
Don’t get me wrong. John Crowley is one of the best writers out there. Little Big is still my favorite work of his, and one of my favorite books overall. I hope he continues to write, and I look forward to reading any future work of his.
Also, I may just have to go back and start Aegypt again at the beginning and read it all through. After all, it did take him twenty years to write the whole cycle. Maybe it will all flow together better in a long read.
I’ve read The Solitudes and Love & Sleep thrice each, and Daemonomania and Endless Things twice each (with third readings in progess), and I’m delighted to report that all four books open up considerably on (re-)rereading. I urge you to go back to the beginning and read the entire quartet again — you have a sustained treat in store.
I’m the editor and publisher of the 25th Anniversary Edition of Little, Big; the latest production update went up on our site a couple of days ago:
http://www.littlebig25.com/PR-070507.html
Best Wishes,
Ron Drummond