School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-Book three of this powerfully written, coming-of-age trilogy is not a stand-alone novel. In the beginning, baseball-loving Henry York, 12, of Kansas, is not a hero. Then, he uncovers another life. It reaches out to him from the other side of a cupboard door. In this installment, Nimiane, an undying witch embodied with unparalleled evil, challenges Henry's very existence. Warrior minions of the queen, known as fingerlings, hunt Henry across worlds. They are puppets connected to her through a finger at the back of their heads. Lives of family members, faeren, wizards, friends, worlds, and the people surrounding them hang by a thread. Henry must solicit the help of the Chestnut King, a person not easily found or easily convinced. The story line is intricate and compelling, although a few minor segments will leave readers with questions. It follows the standard good versus evil in fantasy, but the element that makes this fantasy stand above the rest is Wilson's knowledge of the classics. He brings a masterful eye to the story's heart and soul through his voice. The writing style is impressive. Fans of the series will be excited to turn the pages to enter this believable world full of rich characters.-Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Though Henry's family members have been reunited, their troubles are far from over; Nimiane must still be destroyed. Readers will have to pay close attention throughout this third well-plotted and complex installment; because of Wilson's ability to bring characters to life, it will be a pleasure to do so. Copyright 2010 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
This refreshingly American fantasy trilogy plants one of its feet squarely in Kansas and the other in magical realms. Henry York has rediscovered his true home, his true parents and the power of his dandelion-fire magic. Unfortunately he's also discovered that the blood of the witch Nimiane has infected his face, and if he doesn't find a way to destroy her he'll soon be dead (or worse). Leaping through different worlds and perils, Henry's family is split apart once again and he is forced to answer the unanswerable: How do you kill something that cannot die? Wilson ratchets up the tension, which is fortunate since readers will need it to get through the first 100-page slog. Undeniably the most visceral of the 100 Cupboards series, this title takes some time to find its feet yet ends with an entirely satisfying finish. A word of warning: Do not hand this book to anyone who hasn't read the previous books. The story moves at a fast clip and doesn't bother to catch newbies up. (Fantasy. 10-14) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
At the conclusion of Dandelion Fire (2008), book two in the 100 Cupboards series, Henry had found his birth parents, as well as the right cupboard door to magically transport him home. Unfortunately, his world is still threatened by evil witch Nimiane of Endor, and the this final series installment take a long time to get to the heart of the story: a meeting with the legendary Chestnut King, who can help Henry defeat Nimiane if he is willing to pay the high price. Fans will want this fine conclusion, filled with surprising plot turns.--Dobrez, Cindy Copyright 2010 Booklist
