The Far West

By: Patricia C. Wrede

Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi

Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

From #1 New York Times best-selling author Patricia C. Wrede, the fantastic conclusion to her tale of magic on the western frontier.

Eff is an unlucky 13th child...but also the seventh daughter in her family. Her twin brother, Lan, is a powerful double seventh son. Her life at the edge of the Great Barrier Spell is different from anyone else's that she knows.

When the government forms an expedition to map the Far West, Eff has the opportunity to travel farther than anyone in the world. With Lan, William, Professor Torgeson, Wash, and Professor Ochiba, Eff finds that nothing on the wild frontier is as they expected. There are strange findings in their research, a long prarie winter spent in too-close quarters, and more new species, magical and otherwise, dangerous and benign, than they ever expected to find. And then spring comes, and the explorers realize how tenuous life near the Great Barrier Spell may be if they don't find a way to stop a magical flood in a hurry. Eff's unique way of viewing magic has saved the settlers time and again, but this time all of Columbia is at stake if she should fail.

©2012 Patricia C. Wrede (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

I hope this is a series and not just a trilogy.

I have now read all three books in this trilogy and I sincerely hope that Wrede's readers will convince her to turn this into a series. I can see plenty of paths she could take towards turning out more books about this interesting young woman.

Over the arc of the trilogy, I really enjoyed the unfolding of her personality, from a disregarded and dismissed child to struggling adolescence to blossoming young woman. I don't want to provide spoilers, but I find that while Lan is an admirable and deserving young man, Eff is by far the more creative and interesting character.

I enjoyed the interplay between events in our history and how they differ in Eff's. And I really enjoyed learning that both Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were seventh sons of seventh sons. (We should have guessed.) 8-)

I kept thinking during the first book in this trilogy that she kept hanging revolvers on walls and then not shooting them (see Wikipedia article, "Chekhov's Gun") It was revealing in this book to see all those guns being taken down and used. Clearly, this entire series was mapped out before she completed the first one.

To sum up: Don't start with this book. Read them in their proper order: "Thirteenth Child", then "Across the Great Barrier", and then this one.

Put it on repeat

I absolutely love this series and have listened to it many, many times. The narration reminds me of Kaylee from "Firefly" with that hint of naiveté and exasperation. While I do think the books do explain things over again a bit much, it makes sense as Eff is telling her story in the way she remembers it.

Fantasy Western

If you could sum up The Far West in three words, what would they be?

Ecological morality play

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Far West?

The culminating scene in which Ef's hidden talents save the day for everyone. If I say more here, it will be a major spoiler.

What does Amanda Ronconi bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Amanda does a wonderful job of channeling Ef. She also does a nice job with voices for other characters. Her mild midwestern twang is perfect for this frontier setting.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Mostly, I find this trilogy very soothing. The main character is a strong female who doesn't run around putting men down or even doing a lot of earth shaking things other than pursue her family obligations and her personal ambition -- which is to go West beyond the barrier. She has support and guidance from her parents, and a bit of sibling squabbling. She is unusual, and has been somewhat misunderstood by extended family and neighbors. Ef is believable, human, and the character is consistently considerate of others.

Any additional comments?

I have enjoyed this trilogy very much. I own several paperback copies of Patricia Wrede's work, and have always found her writing enjoyable. This series is a bit different from her previous work, and is a refreshing change. Amanda Ronconi is an excellent reader, and I would like to find more of her work.

A nice twist on History

An enjoyable series and extended story. I appreciated too the lack of swearing and sex scenes. Proof positive a good story doesn’t need them. Thanks

The Frontier Magic Series is an incredible set!

Where does The Far West rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This series is easy to read and totally captivating. Patricia's ability to create a world that is both magical and familiar makes her one of my very favorite writers.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Eff (of course) is my favorite character because of her mild mannerism as well as her sarcastic wit.

What about Amanda Ronconi’s performance did you like?

Amanda Ronconi's performance quickly draw's the listener into the plot.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I was hooked from the very beginning of the first book and wanted to listen to them all immediately

The Far West

horse and carrot
a beautiful horse and a wonderful carrot.
if I liked carrots and if the carrot was anything like this tail, if I was a horse I would be deliriously happy to book 4

Third or Fourth Time Through

Yep, I like it. Easy on my mind. Well drawn characters. Suitable for all ages.

Lewis and Clark meet Lord of the Rings

Would you consider the audio edition of The Far West to be better than the print version?

I never read the print, but the audio adds to the book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Far West?

The attacks by the wildlife on the expedition and the wedding proposal

What does Amanda Ronconi bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It helps the pace of the story

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no, it is too long for one sitting

Any additional comments?

It is like an old fashioned western mixed with the fantasy of magic.

Terrific trilogy

Held up terrifically through the very end. ( so many trilogies peter out or jump the tracks) Really liked this one all the way.

could not stop... want more.

Would you listen to The Far West again? Why?

yes, I want more. very easy on the ears and head.

What other book might you compare The Far West to and why?

Little House on the Prairie. but so much more.

What about Amanda Ronconi’s performance did you like?

I love the way she does the voices.

Any additional comments?

I want more. I got them for the Grandsons. but now I want more for me. :)