ETERNITY'S WHEEL

The Interworld series, based on a TV concept developed by Gaiman and Michael Reaves (and still sporting Gaiman’s name although seemingly not written by him), comes to a close.

Taking place immediately after the conclusion of The Silver Dream (2013), this final volume picks up Joseph Harker’s story as the combined forces of HEX and Binary threaten all of creation with FrostNight, a Multiverse-erasing incident. A long, exposition-heavy rehash of the previous two volumes, rather artificially delivered to Joseph’s former history teacher, aims to bring new readers up to speed but may deter even fans as it slows any forward impetus in the opening chapters. Once the actual plot picks up (Joe and a handful of other Walkers, including new recruits, must save the world; creative enemies and disaster are everywhere), the Reaves deliver another mishmash of science-fictional jargon and paradox, lots of characters whose names start with J, and some action and mystery that add up to a mildly emotional conclusion (which incidentally leaves open the possibility of future Interworld stories). Part war story (with children as soldiers), part adventure, part coming of age, this sits uneasily between genres and tones; like its protagonist, it is still trying to figure out its path.

All in all, purely for fans.