Robert Liparulo brings the current six book Dreamhouse Kings Series to a close with Frenzy, published by Thomas Nelson, and featured this week in the CFBA Tour. This series for young adult—and younger or older—readers concludes with more of the same frenetic visits to different times and places with the potential for tragedy in every new adventure.
The only problem with doing a review for the final book in this series is not giving away the episodes which propel the story to its open-ended conclusion. The evil Taksidian and his brute Phemus captured Xander and David enslaving them in Atlantis hoping to dispose of them by using them as bait along with other kids in fighting yet another war. As these clever boys are wont to do, they escape before being loaded onto the ship which will lead them to a certain death. The creative and often absurd methods used to get away from even more peril adds a few brief moments of “light-hearted” relief to the harmful chaos experienced by this family when dashing through the time portals intentionally—or not.
David endures even more injury to his already broken arm. Keal, former Army Ranger and current nurse to their great-great Uncle Jesse who’s suffering in the hospital after an attack by Taksidian, works around the clock to make an area in the crazy house that will hopefully remain secure. Dad and little sister Toria arrive back from their trip with information about Phemus, but Xander and David have already gained first-hand knowledge about his origin from their last harrowing trip through the portals.
I’m such a sap that I actually cried at one point—which is really a tribute to how Robert wrote the scene. Parents who desire enjoyable books that uplift family values and closeness will not be disappointed in how this series ends. Perfectly depicting the characters of the cocky teenage Xander, the emotional younger brother David, and the sweet and helpful little sister Toria, it’s evident this story evolved from a family man’s perspective. Speculative or fantasy fiction often eludes to spiritual rights and wrongs and/or good versus evil, but Robert includes a defining moment to add real meaning to this interesting tale of a family destined to work their way through different times in history to defer some evil in every generation.
With chapter breaks at exactly the right moments and pacing that lunges the story forward, the events which take place in this book work well for bringing this particular series to an end. Robert’s made no secret of how much he loved writing these books as well as how much he enjoyed all the young people he acquired as fans and friends in the process, so as many might hope (including my nine year old grandson!), the final words (The End) are followed by a question mark.
I have to say Frenzy is my very favorite, a wonderful conclusion to a terrific series for young people of all ages. Read them all in order or buy the set for someone you love (including yourself).
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595548165
Father, I’ve asked many a time for your blessing upon my friend Robert. And you’ve supplied those blessings. Please continue to lead him in every area of his life and his writing and add to his insights and revelation knowledge as you deepen his relationship with you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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