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The Keys to the Kingdom #4
Sir Thursday
The stellar fourth book in Garth Nix's masterpiece series... now in paperback!
On the fourth day there was war... Following their adventures in the Border Sea, Arthur and Leaf head for home. But only Leaf gets through the Front Door. Arthur is blocked because someone . . . or something . . . has assumed his identity and is taking over his life. Before Arthur can take action, he is drafted by Sir Thursday and forced to join the Glorious Army of the Architect. While Leaf tries to banish Arthur's doppleganger on earth, Arthur must survive his basic training, avoid getting posted to the Front and work out how he can free Part Four of the Will....
On the fourth day there was war... Following their adventures in the Border Sea, Arthur and Leaf head for home. But only Leaf gets through the Front Door. Arthur is blocked because someone . . . or something . . . has assumed his identity and is taking over his life. Before Arthur can take action, he is drafted by Sir Thursday and forced to join the Glorious Army of the Architect. While Leaf tries to banish Arthur's doppleganger on earth, Arthur must survive his basic training, avoid getting posted to the Front and work out how he can free Part Four of the Will....
344 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2006
About the author
Garth Nix
217 books14.6k followersGarth Nix was born in 1963 in Melbourne, Australia, to the sound of the Salvation Army band outside playing 'Hail the Conquering Hero Comes' or possibly 'Roll Out the Barrel'. Garth left Melbourne at an early age for Canberra (the federal capital) and stayed there till he was nineteen, when he left to drive around the UK in a beat-up Austin with a boot full of books and a Silver-Reed typewriter.
Despite a wheel literally falling off the Austin, Garth survived to return to Australia and study at the University of Canberra. After finishing his degree in 1986 he worked in a bookshop, then as a book publicist, a publisher's sales representative, and editor. Along the way he was also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve, serving in an Assault Pioneer platoon for four years. Garth left publishing to work as a public relations and marketing consultant from 1994-1997, till he became a full-time writer in 1998. He did that for a year before joining Curtis Brown Australia as a part-time literary agent in 1999. In January 2002 Garth went back to dedicated writer again, despite his belief that full-time writing explains the strange behaviour of many authors.
He now lives in Sydney with his wife, two sons and lots of books.
Despite a wheel literally falling off the Austin, Garth survived to return to Australia and study at the University of Canberra. After finishing his degree in 1986 he worked in a bookshop, then as a book publicist, a publisher's sales representative, and editor. Along the way he was also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve, serving in an Assault Pioneer platoon for four years. Garth left publishing to work as a public relations and marketing consultant from 1994-1997, till he became a full-time writer in 1998. He did that for a year before joining Curtis Brown Australia as a part-time literary agent in 1999. In January 2002 Garth went back to dedicated writer again, despite his belief that full-time writing explains the strange behaviour of many authors.
He now lives in Sydney with his wife, two sons and lots of books.
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May 7, 2021
Sir Thursday (The Keys to the Kingdom, #4), Garth Nix
Sir Thursday is a young adult fantasy novel written by Australian author Garth Nix. It is the fourth book in the The Keys to the Kingdom series, and was released in March 2006.
Arthur, accompanied by Lilac, begins to make his way home, the Lieutenant Guardian then informs him that a creature called the Flayed has taken his place and he can no longer return home.
He then asks Lilac to fight the Flayed so he can reclaim his place.
On returning to the Bas-Palais, Arthur receives a message informing him that he is summoned to the Glorious Army of the Great Architect led by Sieur Jeudi.
He will learn to become a soldier and will go to Thursday's house. To try to counter the escape of Neo-Nothing, he will retrieve the Fourth Key and try to negotiate with the Pied Piper, leader of the Neo-Nothing army.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیستم ماه ژانویه سال 2015میلادی
عنوان: عالیجناب پنجشنبه؛ نویسنده: گارت نیکس؛ مترجم مریم رفیعی؛ تهران: بهنام٬ 1395؛ در 309ص، مصور؛ سری هفتگانه کلیدهای پادشاهی کتاب چهارم؛ چاپ دوم 1395؛ شابک 9789645668868؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان استرالیایی - سده 21م
کتاب «عالیجناب پنجشنبه» ماجرای «آرتور پنالیگون» را از کتاب‌های پیشین دنبال می‌کند، و تلاش او برای بازیابی «کلید چهارم پادشاهی» را به تصویر می‌کشد؛ این کتاب نیز همانند سایر کتاب‌های سری «هفتگانه کلیدهای پادشاهی» با مضامینی هم‌چون گناه و فضیلت همراه است؛ خوانشگران کودک و نوجوان، با خوانش این کتاب، با موضوعاتی که «آرتور پنالیگون» با آنها دست و پنجه نرم می‌کند، همانند «مهرورزی»، «انصاف»، و «مهربانی ذاتی» در برابر دیگران آشنا می‌شوند
نقل نمونه متن: (ستوان «کوربی» دوربینش را پایین برد، و چشم راستش را مالید؛ چشم‌هایش به دلیل استفاده ی مداوم از دوربین درد گرفته بود؛ او و جوخه ی مرزبانانش تمام طول روز، مشغول بررسی و شمارش تعداد ستون‌های دشمن، که از زیر پایشان رد می‌شدند، بودند.؛ «کوربی» به گروهبانش که تعداد افراد دشمن را، در دفترچه اش یادداشت می‌کرد؛ گفت: «پونصد نفر دیگه رو به فهرست اضافه کن؛ اکثرا نایتلینگ‌های معمولی‌ان که یگان‌های هزار نفری تشکیل داده‌اند.»؛ گروهبان گفت: «با این میشن بیست و شش هزار نفر قربان؛ همه شون هم روی یه کاشی‌ان»؛ «کوربی گفت: اون کاشی با غروب خورشید به سمت شرق و شمال حرکت می‌کنه؛ می‌تونه چند نفر دیگه شون رو با خودش ببره»؛ گروهبان آهسته گفت: «فکر کنم الان تعدادشون در هزارتو به یه میلیون رسیده؛ اگه همه ی کاشی‌ها پر شه چی؟ دیگه جابجایی شون فایده‌ای نداره»؛ کوربی با عصبانیت گفت: «مثل آدمای شکست خورده حرف نزن، گروهبان! به هر حال هنوز یه عالمه کاشی خالی داریم و افرادمون هم با موفقیت در حال دفع حملات نایتلینگ‌ها هستند.»)؛ پایان نقل
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 16/02/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Sir Thursday is a young adult fantasy novel written by Australian author Garth Nix. It is the fourth book in the The Keys to the Kingdom series, and was released in March 2006.
Arthur, accompanied by Lilac, begins to make his way home, the Lieutenant Guardian then informs him that a creature called the Flayed has taken his place and he can no longer return home.
He then asks Lilac to fight the Flayed so he can reclaim his place.
On returning to the Bas-Palais, Arthur receives a message informing him that he is summoned to the Glorious Army of the Great Architect led by Sieur Jeudi.
He will learn to become a soldier and will go to Thursday's house. To try to counter the escape of Neo-Nothing, he will retrieve the Fourth Key and try to negotiate with the Pied Piper, leader of the Neo-Nothing army.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیستم ماه ژانویه سال 2015میلادی
عنوان: عالیجناب پنجشنبه؛ نویسنده: گارت نیکس؛ مترجم مریم رفیعی؛ تهران: بهنام٬ 1395؛ در 309ص، مصور؛ سری هفتگانه کلیدهای پادشاهی کتاب چهارم؛ چاپ دوم 1395؛ شابک 9789645668868؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان استرالیایی - سده 21م
کتاب «عالیجناب پنجشنبه» ماجرای «آرتور پنالیگون» را از کتاب‌های پیشین دنبال می‌کند، و تلاش او برای بازیابی «کلید چهارم پادشاهی» را به تصویر می‌کشد؛ این کتاب نیز همانند سایر کتاب‌های سری «هفتگانه کلیدهای پادشاهی» با مضامینی هم‌چون گناه و فضیلت همراه است؛ خوانشگران کودک و نوجوان، با خوانش این کتاب، با موضوعاتی که «آرتور پنالیگون» با آنها دست و پنجه نرم می‌کند، همانند «مهرورزی»، «انصاف»، و «مهربانی ذاتی» در برابر دیگران آشنا می‌شوند
نقل نمونه متن: (ستوان «کوربی» دوربینش را پایین برد، و چشم راستش را مالید؛ چشم‌هایش به دلیل استفاده ی مداوم از دوربین درد گرفته بود؛ او و جوخه ی مرزبانانش تمام طول روز، مشغول بررسی و شمارش تعداد ستون‌های دشمن، که از زیر پایشان رد می‌شدند، بودند.؛ «کوربی» به گروهبانش که تعداد افراد دشمن را، در دفترچه اش یادداشت می‌کرد؛ گفت: «پونصد نفر دیگه رو به فهرست اضافه کن؛ اکثرا نایتلینگ‌های معمولی‌ان که یگان‌های هزار نفری تشکیل داده‌اند.»؛ گروهبان گفت: «با این میشن بیست و شش هزار نفر قربان؛ همه شون هم روی یه کاشی‌ان»؛ «کوربی گفت: اون کاشی با غروب خورشید به سمت شرق و شمال حرکت می‌کنه؛ می‌تونه چند نفر دیگه شون رو با خودش ببره»؛ گروهبان آهسته گفت: «فکر کنم الان تعدادشون در هزارتو به یه میلیون رسیده؛ اگه همه ی کاشی‌ها پر شه چی؟ دیگه جابجایی شون فایده‌ای نداره»؛ کوربی با عصبانیت گفت: «مثل آدمای شکست خورده حرف نزن، گروهبان! به هر حال هنوز یه عالمه کاشی خالی داریم و افرادمون هم با موفقیت در حال دفع حملات نایتلینگ‌ها هستند.»)؛ پایان نقل
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 16/02/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
January 14, 2011
What I didn't realise in the previous Keys to the Kingdom books was that each Trustee (or Morrow Days - I think, I don't know, it's been so long since the last book and even back then, I may have no idea haha) also represents one of the seven deadly sins... until this book anyway. (Though Wikipedia says that they are "afflicted" - curious choice of word, obviously I've missed something important =P) It was a bit of an *enlightened* ooooh moment for me when I found out hehe
So... Mister Monday was Sloth, Grim Tuesday got Greedy, Drowned Wednesday turned out to be a "whale" of a pig , and Sir Thursday was.. well ... very very wrathful. Lady Friday hit Australian shelves in March this year and she's suppose to be Lust. (Ooo!)
Have you ever wondered at the degree of callousness you may have towards a character that is not quite ... umm, emotionally bonded to you? I know it sounds corny, but you know what I mean... you don't want your favourite character to die or you really wish the villain would get his comeuppance.
It was discovered that the more magic Arthur uses, the more he becomes a Denizen and thus, less human.
/rant
Obviously he's totally against this as then he won't be able to go back into our world, be with his friends and family, etc... but I was thinking... the average Denizen is much more attractive than the average human, height also denotes your social status/importance to the House. You also live longer. And tbh, the Realm of the House (i.e. how things work, what you can do) sounds much more appealing to me than our world. But that's just me...
Perhaps given the (non)choice of using magic for a realm I got pretty much yanked into without my say-so until I can't go back into my own world, let alone my beloved room, most probably would also have me stamping my foot in a "this is SO totally unfair!" whinge.
But it got really annoying in the book. Everyone has a responsibility, and since Arthur is the Rightful Heir and all that nonsense, he should just bloody well fulfil it.
Bet any money he doesn't become a Denizen, that he would (in the end of the series perhaps) almost become one or there is a method that would negate Denizen-ness on humans. Bah I say.
/endrant
Besides my rant, it was a pretty good book. I do admire Arthur in some aspect, I guess because of that I expected more than this childish tantrum he was throwing regarding him becoming a Denizen. (Ah, sucky that my care factor was like 0.5)
Suzy is easily my favourite character in the series... and she's right, she should be given something too for all her contributions in regaining the Keys =D
So... Mister Monday was Sloth, Grim Tuesday got Greedy, Drowned Wednesday turned out to be a "whale" of a pig , and Sir Thursday was.. well ... very very wrathful. Lady Friday hit Australian shelves in March this year and she's suppose to be Lust. (Ooo!)
Have you ever wondered at the degree of callousness you may have towards a character that is not quite ... umm, emotionally bonded to you? I know it sounds corny, but you know what I mean... you don't want your favourite character to die or you really wish the villain would get his comeuppance.
It was discovered that the more magic Arthur uses, the more he becomes a Denizen and thus, less human.
/rant
Obviously he's totally against this as then he won't be able to go back into our world, be with his friends and family, etc... but I was thinking... the average Denizen is much more attractive than the average human, height also denotes your social status/importance to the House. You also live longer. And tbh, the Realm of the House (i.e. how things work, what you can do) sounds much more appealing to me than our world. But that's just me...
Perhaps given the (non)choice of using magic for a realm I got pretty much yanked into without my say-so until I can't go back into my own world, let alone my beloved room, most probably would also have me stamping my foot in a "this is SO totally unfair!" whinge.
But it got really annoying in the book. Everyone has a responsibility, and since Arthur is the Rightful Heir and all that nonsense, he should just bloody well fulfil it.
Bet any money he doesn't become a Denizen, that he would (in the end of the series perhaps) almost become one or there is a method that would negate Denizen-ness on humans. Bah I say.
/endrant
Besides my rant, it was a pretty good book. I do admire Arthur in some aspect, I guess because of that I expected more than this childish tantrum he was throwing regarding him becoming a Denizen. (Ah, sucky that my care factor was like 0.5)
Suzy is easily my favourite character in the series... and she's right, she should be given something too for all her contributions in regaining the Keys =D
September 11, 2024
Overall Rating : A-
No more adventures without knowing what I'm getting into.
...They wouldn't be adventures then."
Arthur has finally decided to face the rest of the Morrow Days head on. But then he realizes a copy of him is on Earth infecting everybody in a mind-controlling hub! Before he can do anything, he is conscripted into Sir Thursdays Glorious Army. With no choice, he sends his friend Leaf the task to get rid of his copy, while he goes and finds a way to get the Key and the Fourth Part of the Will all while training for the Army. And this one will be the toughest challenge yet.
This might be the best book in the series yet! Arthur is pulled every which way in this. Worrying about his family, and conscious of the fact he is turning less human by the second everytime he wields the keys. Add in the fact they are being attacked by Thousands of Nithlings led by a masked individual, he might have to give himself up to save everything and everyone.
That cliffhanger ending was also top-notch. I'm almost surprised this is a children's series with the amount of mature themes that happen. But onto Lady Friday and seeing how it plays out.
No more adventures without knowing what I'm getting into.
...They wouldn't be adventures then."
Arthur has finally decided to face the rest of the Morrow Days head on. But then he realizes a copy of him is on Earth infecting everybody in a mind-controlling hub! Before he can do anything, he is conscripted into Sir Thursdays Glorious Army. With no choice, he sends his friend Leaf the task to get rid of his copy, while he goes and finds a way to get the Key and the Fourth Part of the Will all while training for the Army. And this one will be the toughest challenge yet.
This might be the best book in the series yet! Arthur is pulled every which way in this. Worrying about his family, and conscious of the fact he is turning less human by the second everytime he wields the keys. Add in the fact they are being attacked by Thousands of Nithlings led by a masked individual, he might have to give himself up to save everything and everyone.
That cliffhanger ending was also top-notch. I'm almost surprised this is a children's series with the amount of mature themes that happen. But onto Lady Friday and seeing how it plays out.
November 3, 2019
Es wird immer ernster für Arthur. Was gibt es da besseres, als die Kriegsliteratur für Band 4 zu nutzen? Der Einsatz der verschiedenen, teilweise schon bekannten Strukturen und Umgangsformen des Hauses gefiel mir sehr gut. Auch, wie Arthur immer sicherer wird, obwohl die Angst weiterzunimmt. Dahingehend kann ich also extrem gespannt auf den folgenden Band sein, weil es auf dem Cover versprochen wird, dass es am fünften Tag um Angst geht. Etwa eine leichte Form des Gothic Horror? Ich bin gespannt!
December 20, 2018
The series just gets better and better, when i read the first two novels I was considering to DNF the series, as it felt like it just repeated the same formula, but i should have known that Nix knew what he was doing.
An enjoyable and quick paced read and clearly the best so far.
An enjoyable and quick paced read and clearly the best so far.
December 1, 2021
Was soll ich sagen - es ist eben der vierte Teil einer sehr schönen und superspannenden Jugendbuchreihe außer, dass sie eines meiner Lieblingsbücher der Serie ist.
Was bedeutet es für Arthur, wenn er als Rekrut aus Rauer Donnerstags Armee zwischen den Ohren gewaschen wird? Bestimmt nichts Gutes.
Was bedeutet es für Arthur, wenn er als Rekrut aus Rauer Donnerstags Armee zwischen den Ohren gewaschen wird? Bestimmt nichts Gutes.
May 17, 2018
This was a pretty entertaining listen. This starts right after the events of Drowned Wednesday and poor Arthur doesn't catch a break to go home. I really feel for this kid, he just wants to go home, but these crazy plots in the House won't let him. Plus he then gets tricked into being conscripted into the army of Sir Thursday. Things start to get pretty crazy after this.
I liked that Leaf was still involved, even though she ends up doing different things from Arthur. I'm glad she was still part of the story. Suzy drops in periodically to cause her type of mischief. I love her so much.
I think the other thing I really like about this series, is the lack of romance. It's refreshing to have a break from it and not have to think about ships, besides the literal one. I feel like things are starting to become a bit more serious with Arthur being the Master of multiple realms. I'm starting to be nervous for my boy,
I liked that Leaf was still involved, even though she ends up doing different things from Arthur. I'm glad she was still part of the story. Suzy drops in periodically to cause her type of mischief. I love her so much.
I think the other thing I really like about this series, is the lack of romance. It's refreshing to have a break from it and not have to think about ships, besides the literal one. I feel like things are starting to become a bit more serious with Arthur being the Master of multiple realms. I'm starting to be nervous for my boy,
January 25, 2009
This might be the best in the series yet. Action packed, quick-paced, shifting viewpoints and parallel stories--I hardly put it down!
We begin with Arthur desperately trying to get home, after Wednesday's adventures, only to find that he can't get through the Front Door. As it turns out, this happens to be the least of his problems. Reluctantly he sets off back into the house with his ever-growing staff to hold a meeting.
Not long into said meeting, his earthly friend Leaf is sent back home to try to deal with the troubles at hand there, and Arthur, upon finishing his orange juice, comes to find himself drafted into Sir Thursday's army. As all Denizens of the house must do a century of service sometimes in their lives, there's nothing to be done in terms of stopping him going. Which turns out to be a blessing and a curse.
As a mortal still, Arthur can be easily wounded or killed. But as Sir Thursday is the next Trustee he must take on, being that much closer could prove helpful. He can seek the next key and part four of the will from the inside while his friends search from the outside.
Things get more complicated still, when upon arriving for training Arthur finds himself subjected to the same washing between the ears that all Piper's children get, as it is assumed he is one himself. Therefore he forgets who he is and what he's meant to be doing. Luckily, he fights well and makes it through battle, and eventually recovers his memory. Although as he is now headed straight for the center of the Army's world, he's not entirely thrilled with the revelation.
The army attacking the house is like none ever witnessed before, and the battles are being won mostly due to the fact that Tectonic Strategy moves portions of the enemy far away every sundown, splitting its forces. When the plates of the maze stop moving, the real trouble begins.
Arthur finds himself not only face-to-face with Sir Thursday, but promoted to his Second Lieutenant for the special mission he's taking on to destroy the spike which has defeated his maze. On this mission they learn the truth of the war, who is leading the enemy, and the perils of his presence. Sir Thursday attempts to escape, only to be caught by Arthur, who confronts him on arrival back at Headquarters. He has been told by part four of the will that anger is the only way to distract Sir Thursday, and only when he is sufficiently distracted can the will break itself free of him. So it is that Arthur comes to claim the fourth key, and frees the will.
Back at home Leaf has had her hands full on her own adventure; in the end both sides end well, if slightly worse for the wear. And Arthur is beginning to realize that his hope of remaining human will not last--the Morrow Days will not rest, and without using the Keys' powers he cannot defeat them. As this battle has wound its way into Friday, on his world, there is likely to be no rest between missions yet again.
We begin with Arthur desperately trying to get home, after Wednesday's adventures, only to find that he can't get through the Front Door. As it turns out, this happens to be the least of his problems. Reluctantly he sets off back into the house with his ever-growing staff to hold a meeting.
Not long into said meeting, his earthly friend Leaf is sent back home to try to deal with the troubles at hand there, and Arthur, upon finishing his orange juice, comes to find himself drafted into Sir Thursday's army. As all Denizens of the house must do a century of service sometimes in their lives, there's nothing to be done in terms of stopping him going. Which turns out to be a blessing and a curse.
As a mortal still, Arthur can be easily wounded or killed. But as Sir Thursday is the next Trustee he must take on, being that much closer could prove helpful. He can seek the next key and part four of the will from the inside while his friends search from the outside.
Things get more complicated still, when upon arriving for training Arthur finds himself subjected to the same washing between the ears that all Piper's children get, as it is assumed he is one himself. Therefore he forgets who he is and what he's meant to be doing. Luckily, he fights well and makes it through battle, and eventually recovers his memory. Although as he is now headed straight for the center of the Army's world, he's not entirely thrilled with the revelation.
The army attacking the house is like none ever witnessed before, and the battles are being won mostly due to the fact that Tectonic Strategy moves portions of the enemy far away every sundown, splitting its forces. When the plates of the maze stop moving, the real trouble begins.
Arthur finds himself not only face-to-face with Sir Thursday, but promoted to his Second Lieutenant for the special mission he's taking on to destroy the spike which has defeated his maze. On this mission they learn the truth of the war, who is leading the enemy, and the perils of his presence. Sir Thursday attempts to escape, only to be caught by Arthur, who confronts him on arrival back at Headquarters. He has been told by part four of the will that anger is the only way to distract Sir Thursday, and only when he is sufficiently distracted can the will break itself free of him. So it is that Arthur comes to claim the fourth key, and frees the will.
Back at home Leaf has had her hands full on her own adventure; in the end both sides end well, if slightly worse for the wear. And Arthur is beginning to realize that his hope of remaining human will not last--the Morrow Days will not rest, and without using the Keys' powers he cannot defeat them. As this battle has wound its way into Friday, on his world, there is likely to be no rest between missions yet again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2019
Inhalt:
Schock für Arthur: Während er den dritten Teil des Vermächtnisses und den dritten Schlüssel an sich gebracht hat, haben die Morgigen Tage einen Geistfresser und Arthurs Doppelgänger namens Skelettjunge in seiner Welt eingeschleust, wo dieser eine neue Seuche verbreitet und Arthurs Familie und Freunde bedroht. Das Schlimmste: Solange Skelettjunge dort ist, kann Arthur selbst nicht zurück.
Doch das war nicht die einzige Intrige, die Donnerstag, Freitag, Samstag und Sonntag gegen ihn angezettelt haben. Er wird als Rekrut in Sir Donnerstags Armee eingezogen - und die muss sich gerade einer Armee aus Neuen Nichtlingen im Großen Labyrinth stellen ...
Meine Meinung:
Bei "Rauer Donnerstag" handelt es sich bereits um den 4. Band der Fantasyreihe "Die Schlüssel zum Königreich" und doch schafft es Garth Nix jedes Mal, dass jeder neue Band ganz anders wird als seine Vorgänger. Es bringt einfach Spaß, in die Reihe einzutauchen, die ich jetzt schon zum 3. oder 4. Mal verschlinge.
Dieses Mal lernen wir das Große Labyrinth kennen, einen Teil des Hauses (= Mittelpunkt des Universums), der von Sir Donnerstag geleitet wird und aus hunderten von verschiebbaren tektonischen Platten besteht. Sowohl dieser Mechanismus als auch das Große Labyrinth dienen allein dem Zweck, die Armeen des Hauses auf den Kampf gegen die Nichtlinge vorzubereiten. Dumm nur, dass durch eine Intrige der Morgigen Tage viel mehr Nichtlinge ins Große Labyrinth gelangen als vorgesehen. Und schon wieder muss Arthur Penhaligon, ein Siebtklässler von der Erde, als Rechtmäßiger Erbe der Architektin des Hauses eine Domäne retten. Und das ohne seine Unterstützer, ohne Schlüssel, ohne Atlas, ohne magische Hilfsmittel ... und dann soll er auch noch erfahren, was es bedeutet, wenn Pfeiferkinder zwischen den Ohren gewaschen werden ... Eine denkbar schlechte Ausgangslage für Arthur also. Aber das macht das vierte Abenteuer von Arthur Penhaligon im Haus wieder so spannend.
Und auch auf der Erde geht es wieder dramatisch zu: Da Arthur nicht nach Hause kann, ist es an Blatt, Arthurs Doppelgänger aufzuhalten, bevor er sich eine Armee erschafft, die er mithilfe seiner Pilze infizieren und kontrollieren kann.
Schön finde ich auch, dass wir von Band zu Band mehr über die Familie der Architektin erfahren. In "Schwarzer Montag" sind wir bereits dem Alten begegnet, in "Grimmiger Dienstag" dann dem Mariner Tom, einem der Söhne der Architektin und des Alten, der auch in "Kalter Mittwoch" wieder einen Auftritt hat. Und in "Rauer Donnerstag" begegnen wir nun Toms Bruder, dem Pfeifer. Er war derjenige, der Susi Türkisblau und die anderen Pfeiferkinder von der Erde in das Haus gebracht hat, und wurde dementsprechend schon ein paarmal erwähnt, taucht aber jetzt zum ersten Mal auf. Fehlt noch Sonntag, der älteste der drei Brüder - wir dürfen gespannt sein, wann er seinen Auftritt hat (Gab es da nicht sogar ein Buch mit dem Wort Sonntag im Titel? ^_^ ).
Durch das militärisch geordnete Große Labyrinth kommt wieder ein neuer Aspekt des Gesamtbildes des Hauses zum Vorschein. Freuen wir uns auf das Mittlere Haus, das Obere Haus und die Unvergleichlichen Gärten!
Schock für Arthur: Während er den dritten Teil des Vermächtnisses und den dritten Schlüssel an sich gebracht hat, haben die Morgigen Tage einen Geistfresser und Arthurs Doppelgänger namens Skelettjunge in seiner Welt eingeschleust, wo dieser eine neue Seuche verbreitet und Arthurs Familie und Freunde bedroht. Das Schlimmste: Solange Skelettjunge dort ist, kann Arthur selbst nicht zurück.
Doch das war nicht die einzige Intrige, die Donnerstag, Freitag, Samstag und Sonntag gegen ihn angezettelt haben. Er wird als Rekrut in Sir Donnerstags Armee eingezogen - und die muss sich gerade einer Armee aus Neuen Nichtlingen im Großen Labyrinth stellen ...
Meine Meinung:
Bei "Rauer Donnerstag" handelt es sich bereits um den 4. Band der Fantasyreihe "Die Schlüssel zum Königreich" und doch schafft es Garth Nix jedes Mal, dass jeder neue Band ganz anders wird als seine Vorgänger. Es bringt einfach Spaß, in die Reihe einzutauchen, die ich jetzt schon zum 3. oder 4. Mal verschlinge.
Dieses Mal lernen wir das Große Labyrinth kennen, einen Teil des Hauses (= Mittelpunkt des Universums), der von Sir Donnerstag geleitet wird und aus hunderten von verschiebbaren tektonischen Platten besteht. Sowohl dieser Mechanismus als auch das Große Labyrinth dienen allein dem Zweck, die Armeen des Hauses auf den Kampf gegen die Nichtlinge vorzubereiten. Dumm nur, dass durch eine Intrige der Morgigen Tage viel mehr Nichtlinge ins Große Labyrinth gelangen als vorgesehen. Und schon wieder muss Arthur Penhaligon, ein Siebtklässler von der Erde, als Rechtmäßiger Erbe der Architektin des Hauses eine Domäne retten. Und das ohne seine Unterstützer, ohne Schlüssel, ohne Atlas, ohne magische Hilfsmittel ... und dann soll er auch noch erfahren, was es bedeutet, wenn Pfeiferkinder zwischen den Ohren gewaschen werden ... Eine denkbar schlechte Ausgangslage für Arthur also. Aber das macht das vierte Abenteuer von Arthur Penhaligon im Haus wieder so spannend.
Und auch auf der Erde geht es wieder dramatisch zu: Da Arthur nicht nach Hause kann, ist es an Blatt, Arthurs Doppelgänger aufzuhalten, bevor er sich eine Armee erschafft, die er mithilfe seiner Pilze infizieren und kontrollieren kann.
Schön finde ich auch, dass wir von Band zu Band mehr über die Familie der Architektin erfahren. In "Schwarzer Montag" sind wir bereits dem Alten begegnet, in "Grimmiger Dienstag" dann dem Mariner Tom, einem der Söhne der Architektin und des Alten, der auch in "Kalter Mittwoch" wieder einen Auftritt hat. Und in "Rauer Donnerstag" begegnen wir nun Toms Bruder, dem Pfeifer. Er war derjenige, der Susi Türkisblau und die anderen Pfeiferkinder von der Erde in das Haus gebracht hat, und wurde dementsprechend schon ein paarmal erwähnt, taucht aber jetzt zum ersten Mal auf. Fehlt noch Sonntag, der älteste der drei Brüder - wir dürfen gespannt sein, wann er seinen Auftritt hat (Gab es da nicht sogar ein Buch mit dem Wort Sonntag im Titel? ^_^ ).
Durch das militärisch geordnete Große Labyrinth kommt wieder ein neuer Aspekt des Gesamtbildes des Hauses zum Vorschein. Freuen wir uns auf das Mittlere Haus, das Obere Haus und die Unvergleichlichen Gärten!
November 16, 2021
Another delight!
Book four was every bit as page-turning and delightful as all the rest, but too frustratingly cliff-hanger-y and so now I apparently need to read about more aggravating Morrow days! The one thing that is interesting is that the Morrow days aren’t really major characters in the story, and aren’t that well-fleshed out like other great characters we meet and continue to see throughout this adventurous series. I do love Arthur - and Suzy - so much!
Book four was every bit as page-turning and delightful as all the rest, but too frustratingly cliff-hanger-y and so now I apparently need to read about more aggravating Morrow days! The one thing that is interesting is that the Morrow days aren’t really major characters in the story, and aren’t that well-fleshed out like other great characters we meet and continue to see throughout this adventurous series. I do love Arthur - and Suzy - so much!
April 27, 2023
"This sentimental attachment to your original world and mortality is a serious weakness, Arthur," said Dame Primus.
Arthur tried to force his chin up, resisting the pressure to bow. It would be so easy to give in, to agree with whatever she wanted. But if he did, that would be the end of a boy named Arthur Penhaligon. He would be something else, no longer human.
(c)
Обожаю четвертую книгу за первые намеки на то, что Гарт Никс детской литературой просто зарабатывает на жизнь, а так-то в душе онкотик писатель темного фентези.
Arthur tried to force his chin up, resisting the pressure to bow. It would be so easy to give in, to agree with whatever she wanted. But if he did, that would be the end of a boy named Arthur Penhaligon. He would be something else, no longer human.
(c)
Обожаю четвертую книгу за первые намеки на то, что Гарт Никс детской литературой просто зарабатывает на жизнь, а так-то в душе он
February 2, 2012
I just cannot say enough good things about this series. I absolutely love the creativity of Garth Nix. Some of the stuff he comes up with is simply brilliant. In this one, I particularly like the tectonic plates strategy. How very clever and original.
Once again Arthur Penhaligan is wrapped up in the difficulties with the house and wresting the keys from the bad trustees. This time Sir Thursday gets his crack at Arthur and his allies. Sir Thursday is in charge of the Architect's army and once Arthur is drafted for 100 years of service, the game is squarely in Thursday's court. Of course, while Arthur is literally fighting for his life, the trustees are fighting him on another front as well. They have created a nithling boy to replace Arthur on Earth with the threat of destroying his family so Arthur can not ever return home. So now we have Arthur struggling to fight the nithling army, worrying about his family and trying to wrest the key from Sir Thursday as well as finding the fourth portion of the Will.
In case you are wondering about the tectonic plates...the maze of the house is set with different tiles (each one is rather huge). At sundown each day, the majority of the plates shift positions. For example, the plate at location 123,456 may move to location 223,499 which could be many miles away. This allows the denizens of the house to successfully defend the house since they only have to hold out until sundown.
Once again Arthur Penhaligan is wrapped up in the difficulties with the house and wresting the keys from the bad trustees. This time Sir Thursday gets his crack at Arthur and his allies. Sir Thursday is in charge of the Architect's army and once Arthur is drafted for 100 years of service, the game is squarely in Thursday's court. Of course, while Arthur is literally fighting for his life, the trustees are fighting him on another front as well. They have created a nithling boy to replace Arthur on Earth with the threat of destroying his family so Arthur can not ever return home. So now we have Arthur struggling to fight the nithling army, worrying about his family and trying to wrest the key from Sir Thursday as well as finding the fourth portion of the Will.
In case you are wondering about the tectonic plates...the maze of the house is set with different tiles (each one is rather huge). At sundown each day, the majority of the plates shift positions. For example, the plate at location 123,456 may move to location 223,499 which could be many miles away. This allows the denizens of the house to successfully defend the house since they only have to hold out until sundown.
June 6, 2017
Re-read (for the third time) in January 2017.
My re-read of this series continues. I won’t be giving a super long review of this book since my thoughts on it are basically the same as my thoughts on the rest of this series. I personally think that this book has the strongest plot of any of the books so far in the series, mostly because it’s the first book that follows a character other than Arthur for a significant portion of time. In my opinion, the two POVs make the story more interesting.
My main problem with the third book was that it barely discussed what happened to Leaf. This book had Leaf’s perspective for a significant portion of the book, and I really enjoyed that. Leaf is my second favourite character after Suzy. A new character in this book who I enjoyed reading about was Fred. I remember that he appears later in the series as well.
I really enjoy the setting of the maze in this book. I think it’s one of the best settings in the house. I also enjoyed the way that this book was different from the previous three books in a lot of ways, not just in that it had Leaf’s perspective as well as Arthur’s. There was a very interesting thing that happened in the plot of this book that I wish had been explored further, but other than that I really enjoyed re-reading this.
My re-read of this series continues. I won’t be giving a super long review of this book since my thoughts on it are basically the same as my thoughts on the rest of this series. I personally think that this book has the strongest plot of any of the books so far in the series, mostly because it’s the first book that follows a character other than Arthur for a significant portion of time. In my opinion, the two POVs make the story more interesting.
My main problem with the third book was that it barely discussed what happened to Leaf. This book had Leaf’s perspective for a significant portion of the book, and I really enjoyed that. Leaf is my second favourite character after Suzy. A new character in this book who I enjoyed reading about was Fred. I remember that he appears later in the series as well.
I really enjoy the setting of the maze in this book. I think it’s one of the best settings in the house. I also enjoyed the way that this book was different from the previous three books in a lot of ways, not just in that it had Leaf’s perspective as well as Arthur’s. There was a very interesting thing that happened in the plot of this book that I wish had been explored further, but other than that I really enjoyed re-reading this.
September 24, 2020
I enjoyed this one a lot! I've really enjoyed how each of these books have been so different. Different settings for each adventure including a sea adventure in the last book, and a military setting for this book (did I mention the first one included a pandemic?). The tension is definitely growing and I am more and more curious about how it will end! I am happy to see Arthur continuing to fight for his humanity. But I also worry about him as it feels like he is becoming more tempted/dependent on the power of the keys.. there is a very interesting contrast with the power he in theory has as the rightful heir and the actual power Dame Primus has as the wielder of three of the keys.... she worries me... definitely has her own ideas of what is right and will do whatever she can to get what she wants ("let the will be done")... which makes sense but also makes her inhuman. So yeah... very curious to see how this ends!
If I haven't mentioned already, the audio book is very well done!! The narrator has done an amazing job with the voices, including taking into account how Dame Primus' voice shifts as she gains more parts of the will.
If I haven't mentioned already, the audio book is very well done!! The narrator has done an amazing job with the voices, including taking into account how Dame Primus' voice shifts as she gains more parts of the will.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2014
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2021
this lost some of the magic for me, it really suffered from middle book syndrome. Basically just set up the events for the final 3 books but didn't really stand well as its own story.
March 9, 2023
I'm definitely enjoying these books more and more, partly because Arthur is maturing more but also because his friends are having adventures of their own that are all relevant to the plot at hand but not necessarily just because they're with Arthur while things happen to him. They all have their roles to play and in particular, I'm glad that Leaf is getting more screen time. In this one, Arthur gets drafted into Sir Thursday's army (for 100 years!), while Leaf has her own mission to Earth to save their families from Arthur's doppelganger.
It took me until now to realize that each day of the week represents a different one of the seven deadly sins. Mister Monday represents "sloth" and was the ruler of the lower house. Grim Tuesday represents "greed" and was the ruler of the far reaches. Drowned Wednesday represents "gluttony" and was the ruler of the border sea. Sir Thursday represents "wrath" and is the ruler of the Great Maze. I assume the rest of them will represent "lust", "envy", and "pride".
I'm loving that Arthur has friends he can trust, especially Suzie Turquoise Blue and Leaf, and I'm getting rather suspicious of Dame Primus, but I suspect Arthur may be as well. Or at least he doesn't completely trust her. As much as Arthur is a reluctant hero, I do like that he's not doing this alone and that his main motivation for doing all this is to keep his friends and family safe.
It took me until now to realize that each day of the week represents a different one of the seven deadly sins. Mister Monday represents "sloth" and was the ruler of the lower house. Grim Tuesday represents "greed" and was the ruler of the far reaches. Drowned Wednesday represents "gluttony" and was the ruler of the border sea. Sir Thursday represents "wrath" and is the ruler of the Great Maze. I assume the rest of them will represent "lust", "envy", and "pride".
I'm loving that Arthur has friends he can trust, especially Suzie Turquoise Blue and Leaf, and I'm getting rather suspicious of Dame Primus, but I suspect Arthur may be as well. Or at least he doesn't completely trust her. As much as Arthur is a reluctant hero, I do like that he's not doing this alone and that his main motivation for doing all this is to keep his friends and family safe.
August 5, 2022
My favourite thing about these books is how immersive of a world Nix has built. There's a lot of set up here from previous books that's starting to pay off, and the endless complexities of the House continue to delight me.
June 11, 2017
I wasn't expecting a more militaristic book but there you have it. Another good adventure story with ever building stakes for Arthur. Leaf was delightful as always.
Read
March 26, 2020Although it's been almost a decade since I read these last, I'm pleasantly and consistently surprised about how well this series hold up, and how little I remember of what happens in them.
August 18, 2017
Still re-reading this series, but skipping Drowned Wednesday because it's still with a friend of mine.
I feel like with this book, the dynamic of the story is starting to stir a bit—actually, it's probably since the Drowned Wednesday one, but still. Arthur acquires more comrades in the form of Leaf, Dr. Scamandros and some other characters from the Wednesday instalment. He also starts to be able to put his foot down on various things and see to his priorities. But, I also feel like the storyline is rather weak, it often skips some parts of the story—which could have been entertaining to read about or given more depths to the characters had it been explored—that makes it feel almost rushed. The writing of the book is certainly more action-packed, leaving almost nothing to the thoughts of the characters—except in a more practical manner. Fortunately, towards the end it started to get quite intriguing with the appearance of an unexpected character and obstacle, although it takes around 2/3 of the book to get to that part—which feels quite tedious, to be honest. The longevity of certain parts of the story really questions the author's priorities, plot-wise.
To me, it feels like Garth Nix spends a lot of time on the description of the world and each particular part of the House—including the garments—and leaves very little space for the characters' personalities and bond to develop naturally. The chapters are also not quite well-divided, being broken down in the middle where it feels unnecessary to do so—although it is targeted for young readers who might have trouble reading very long chapters. Lastly, the book—as I think will be more apparent in the later books too—ends very abruptly, leaving a whole lot of questions hanging. It may be due to the desire to create a cliff-hanger, but it is quite poorly done that it almost feels like the author ran out of time—or resources—to actually finish the story.
That being said, I'm very intrigued to read Lady Friday.
I feel like with this book, the dynamic of the story is starting to stir a bit—actually, it's probably since the Drowned Wednesday one, but still. Arthur acquires more comrades in the form of Leaf, Dr. Scamandros and some other characters from the Wednesday instalment. He also starts to be able to put his foot down on various things and see to his priorities. But, I also feel like the storyline is rather weak, it often skips some parts of the story—which could have been entertaining to read about or given more depths to the characters had it been explored—that makes it feel almost rushed. The writing of the book is certainly more action-packed, leaving almost nothing to the thoughts of the characters—except in a more practical manner. Fortunately, towards the end it started to get quite intriguing with the appearance of an unexpected character and obstacle, although it takes around 2/3 of the book to get to that part—which feels quite tedious, to be honest. The longevity of certain parts of the story really questions the author's priorities, plot-wise.
To me, it feels like Garth Nix spends a lot of time on the description of the world and each particular part of the House—including the garments—and leaves very little space for the characters' personalities and bond to develop naturally. The chapters are also not quite well-divided, being broken down in the middle where it feels unnecessary to do so—although it is targeted for young readers who might have trouble reading very long chapters. Lastly, the book—as I think will be more apparent in the later books too—ends very abruptly, leaving a whole lot of questions hanging. It may be due to the desire to create a cliff-hanger, but it is quite poorly done that it almost feels like the author ran out of time—or resources—to actually finish the story.
That being said, I'm very intrigued to read Lady Friday.
July 3, 2013
By now the basic premise of Garth Nix's seven-part The Keys to the Kingdom series is well established. Arthur Penhaligon has been thrown into an extraordinary world: the epicenter of the universe, known as "the House". Ruled by the treacherous Morrow Days (named after the days of the week and each personifying one of the seven deadly sins: Mister Monday/sloth; Grim Tuesday/greed; Drowned Wednesday/gluttony and now Sir Thursday who appears to be pride), Arthur has been given the task of reassembling the missing pieces of the Will that will strip these characters of their power and return it to the Rightful Heir — himself!
Perhaps a bit more exposition is needed: the Will is the written word of the creator of this world; a mysterious female-deity known as the Architect. Each piece of the Will takes the form of an animal before each is enveloped into ... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Perhaps a bit more exposition is needed: the Will is the written word of the creator of this world; a mysterious female-deity known as the Architect. Each piece of the Will takes the form of an animal before each is enveloped into ... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
June 17, 2019
3.5 stars
This MG series continues to be highly creative. There is a ton of weirdness here, but not too weird.
There’s a bit of a body count, both in the House and in the Secondary Realms. Sir Thursday is in charge of the Army for the House. Denizens are drafted for a hundred-year stint. Arthur ends up getting drafted, but he’s grown shrewder as the series as progressed, and he’s just waiting for the chance to confront Sir Thursday and take him down — he’s getting good at this, after all.
Meanwhile, we get POVs from Suzy and Leaf as they solve the problems back home and elsewhere in the House.
It’s highly creative and full of action and suspense. Violence is not graphic. Clean content otherwise.
Book Blog
This MG series continues to be highly creative. There is a ton of weirdness here, but not too weird.
There’s a bit of a body count, both in the House and in the Secondary Realms. Sir Thursday is in charge of the Army for the House. Denizens are drafted for a hundred-year stint. Arthur ends up getting drafted, but he’s grown shrewder as the series as progressed, and he’s just waiting for the chance to confront Sir Thursday and take him down — he’s getting good at this, after all.
Meanwhile, we get POVs from Suzy and Leaf as they solve the problems back home and elsewhere in the House.
It’s highly creative and full of action and suspense. Violence is not graphic. Clean content otherwise.
Book Blog
February 14, 2009
On his way back to the secondary relm Arthur calls home (namely earth) Arthur is drafted into the military doomed to serve the required 100 years, unless he can recover the 4th part of the will and the keys from Sir Thursday. Another fun book with lots of wit and adventure.
September 30, 2014
Read all of the books in the series and it's pretty awesome.
July 25, 2015
I really. liked this book I recommend this to everyone
February 8, 2017
"I'm just following orders" is probably the worst reason to do something you may not agree with. Authority must be used wisely, and should never be mistaken for knowledge or wisdom.
December 22, 2019
one of my favorites growing up
December 9, 2023
A steady march, a soldiering on. A relentless drum beat battle thrum amid fantastical arms and noble armies. A precursor to the Maze Runner, it seems that series took inspiration from Nix's great works here. The story progresses, step after step, with blind purpose and an unclear end. Much like the orders given from uniformed higher ups who rarely smell the battlefield. The true purpose revealed only in the last pages. And like all wars, unending. Nix's military experience shows through in the very real accounting of service, and speaks to the bone-etched fortitude and honor among those who don the uniform. In a way, a letter from the front, written in Free Magic hand and snake coil words. A deeply drawn breath before the next wave breaks.
February 24, 2020
This was pretty good with a nice plot. The army concept was enjoyable and the Skinless Boy kept me intrigued. The grey fungus was an excellent and frightening idea that made the story supernatural but still realistically problematic. The way the goal of every story is the same yet different is well written and creative. Nice, enjoyable characters. Entertaining and quick read.
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