Ramblings of a Bibliophile

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Adventure, Mystery, Historical Fiction
Edition: Hardcover, Library Edition
Page Count: 206
Pub. Date: November 3, 2009
Series: 39 Clues, Book 6

My Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)
Amazon.com: 4.5 stars
Goodreads: 4.10 (Average)

Recommended For: Everyone - Kids, Teens, Adults - good family series

Book Summary (back of the book):

Fourteen-year-old Amy Cahill and her younger brother, Dan, head to the Land Down Under to discover what their own mother and father knew about the hunt for the 39 Clues. But following in their parent's footsteps brings up lost memories for Amy so awful that she can't share them...even with Dan. Haunted by the ghosts of their past, chased by deadly competitors, Dan and Amy can't see who is an enemy and who is a friend. Their blindness leads to a terrible mistake....and the death of a hidden ally.

My Summary:

Excellent, excellent continuation of the 39 Clues adventure! Amy and Dan Cahill are back and better than ever.

To get you newbies caught up to speed:

Ever since her (Amy) grandmother's will had been read, she'd been chased from one continent to another...by her own relatives. Her grandmother Grace Cahill had laid down a challenge to every branch of the Cahill family - either join the race for the 39 Clues and become the most powerful person in the world... or walk away with a million dollars. Amy and Dan had chosen the chase. Not that a million dollars wouldn't be pretty sweet. But they knew their grandmother wanted them to win.

pg. 3

In Too Deep provides much more of a back story, which is one of the things I was most excited about. The story was driven more by the characters, rather than the search for clues. And we finally get some semblance of an answer to the burning question: "What really happened to Amy and Dan's parents?" (Keyword being, "semblance") Amy and Dan are hit with some shocking news that sends their world in a brief spiral. And not only that, but images from the past are starting to burn their way into Amy's present. Pieces are coming together and new alliances are being formed in coalescence with that one fateful night.

In the 6th book, we see a little separation between the Amy and Dan due to a circumstance that Amy isn't fully prepared to share with her brother. But once the cat is out of the bag, you see an even stronger bond form between them which makes this such a well-rounded book amidst all the craziness.

In addition to the regular cast of characters, Amy, Dan, and their au pair Nellie, are met by two new relatives - one a long lost beach bum of a cousin, and the other a relative they have only known by name and her reputation for ruthlessness. The mother of Ian and Natalie Kabra. And my does her unannounced arrival add much excitement to an already perilous quest. Such an interesting twist! I love being able to glimpse other members of the Cahill family. And it doesn't look like she's going anywhere.

Another interesting turn of events was the discovery that Nellie, their trusted au pair and guardian, may be more than she says. Her character has the opportunity to become a great asset to the series. I just hope the next author follows suit.

The aspect I enjoyed most was the fact that there was a plot and purpose. Some of the other books lead Amy and Dan to wander around the globe, jumping from place to place all while trying to escape the snares of their conniving relatives - yet there's never really any depth to the story. But Jude Watson gave the book plenty. The twists and turns kept me in suspense and were well placed throughout the book. And I thought the storyline was met with a nice mix of history - which a few of the previous books tend to lack. Being the history buff that I am, I was quite thrilled with the direction it took. (Without giving too much away, it involves planes and one lost heroine)

Overall consensus - an exciting continuation that has once again sparked my interest in this series. I have to admit, it waned a little after the fifth book, but this was immensely satisfying. I can't wait to see what happens next! If you haven't read the series, I highly recommend it. The books are roughly 200 pages each and such a fun ride.

Book 7, The Viper's Nest by Peter Lerangis is slated to be released February 2nd, 2010!

Genre: Children's Fiction, Adventure
Edition: Hardcover
Page Count: 339
Pub. Date: September 1, 2009
Series: ?

My Rating: 3 (out of 5)
Amazon.com: 3.5 stars
Goodreads: 3.20 (Average)

Recommended For: Younger readers, Fans of quirky characters, Fans of books like The Mysterious Benedict Society

Inside Cover Blurb:

Everyone is afraid of something...

Madeleine Masterson is deathly afraid of bugs, especially spiders.

Theodore Bartholomew is petrified of dying.

Lulu Punchalower is scared of confined spaces.

Garrison Feldman is terrified of deep water.

Which is why this may be the scariest summer of their lives. Worse than detention or summer school. Even worse than the orthodontist. The foursome must face their phobias at the exclusive and elusive School of Fears. The school is unusual, to say the least. But "terrifying" would be a more accurate description.

The curriculum is simple: Conquer your fears in six weeks or find out just how frightening failing can be.

My Thoughts:

If I were to judge a book by its cover, I'd say that this book looks awesome! I love the illustrations on the front and those that are featured at the beginning of every chapter. (Reminded me of The Mysterious Benedict Society in that instance)

Aside of the overall look, the thing I liked most about the novel was the dialogue. Very fun and witty, I laughed out loud more than once. I enjoyed the interaction between the four kids and how you see them grow and develop as the story progresses. If anything, the lovely writing kept my attention the whole way through.

But what is keeping this book below 5 (even 4) star status, in my opinion, is the ending and the overabundance of "personality".

The buildup for the ending was okay (albeit repetitive) but when push came to shove, all the entertainment was jam packed in the last 50 or so pages. And not only was the end predictable (the twist became apparent in the middle of the book) but it was also incredibly rushed, only giving us enough detail to get by. It almost seemed like chunks of it were taken out just to make it fit under 350 pages, which is unfortunate. It gave it an incomplete feel and I felt there was much that could have been elaborated on.

And when you get a story that thrives on the quirkiness of its characters and plot line, there is the off chance that you over-do the amount of quirk in the story. And School of Fear just happened to be in that category. While I appreciated the unique voice each character had, toward the middle and the end of the story, it just became a bit too much. The four kids were threatening to cross that line from quirky into annoying more than once (although, I think Theo did cross it multiple times) and Mrs. Wellington, the eccentric instructor, spent her time across that line throughout the book.

Speaking of the characters, another thing that made me somewhat detached towards the story was how hard it was identify with any of them. I found myself on the side of indifference rather than actually being involved in their lives and the journey they were on.

Lastly, the cover uses words such as "fear", "terrifying", "worse than ____" and I do feel like those are misleading. This book is far from scary, relying more on insinuating "scary" adventure instead of experiencing it.

I don't mean to come off so negative because, for the most part though, I did enjoy it. It's a cute book, even with the sometimes over-the-top characters. Gitty's writing style is simple yet enjoyable and the humor, for the most part, is really quite funny. I didn't exactly begin the book with any expectations and I think that helped my take on it. Overall consensus, it's just a fun, light read.

The ending did hint at a continuation of the series, but I haven't heard if there will be a book 2 in the near future or not.

Join the Mysterious Benedict Society as Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance embark on a daring new adventure that threatens to force them apart from their families, friends, and even each other. When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, the foursome must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before.

Filled with page-turning action and mind-bending brain teasers, this wildly inventive journey is sure to delight.

Genre: Children's Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Young Adult
Edition: Hardcover; Library
Page Count: 391
Pub. Date: October 6, 2009
Series: Book 3 in The Mysterious Benedict Society series

My Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)
Amazon.com: 4.5 stars
Goodreads: 4.37 (Average)

My Summary:

We begin the tale in prison. Or something like it. Due to the fact that the children and their families are being sought after by the cruel Mr. Curtain, it has been necessary to keep them concealed as much as possible. But they haven't remained idle in the process. Mr. Benedict, their teacher and benevolent keeper, has kept them on their toes by testing them with riddles, puzzles, and more importantly, the "Prisoner's Dilemma."

Two suspects, partner in crime, are arrested by the police. The police have insufficient evidence for a conviction, and, having separated both prisoners, visit each of them to offer the same deal. If one testifies (defects from the other) for the prosecution against the other and the other remains silent (cooperates with the other), the betrayer goes free and the silent accomplice receives the full 10-year sentence. If both remain silent, both prisoners are sentenced to only six months in jail for a minor charge. If each betrays the other, each receives a five-year sentence. Each prisoner must choose to betray the other or to remain silent.

But in this case, the prison sentence was replaced by dish duty for a house of 13. As usual, the foursome find a way to turn the situation to their benefit. But while mischievous activity is going on under the Benedict household, other sinister events are underway in the city of Stonetown. Determined to get his Whisperer back, Mr. Curtain has devised another evil plot to try, once again, to reign his terror and superiority over the world. But the Society is fast on his heels.

My Thoughts:

Another hightailed journey with Reynard "Reynie" Muldoon, Kate Wetherall, George "Sticky" Washington, and Constance Contraire: the nerdy fearsome foursome. The thing I love about this series is: it's never dull. There's always an adventure, always a new puzzle to be solved, and a clue to be figured out.

The camaraderie between the 4 friends is endlessly fun. Whether it's Reynie's knack to solve the unsolvable, Kate's penchant to take action, Sticky's unnerving ability to remember everything, or Constance's quirky habit of forming poem's about the most random things - they each contribute something unique to the book and bring out the best in one another.

Your brain will be teased with excitement and tossed with adventure. You'll experience suspense, dread, happiness - all whopped in to 391 pages. But it's more than just an adventure story, it's a tale about friendship and sticking together through thick and thin. Kinda leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Finally, this book gave the series a sense of closure. Many unanswered plots and threads from the previews books were dutifully answered and did the series justice. (But then again, I haven't read anything about this being the final book, so don't count on me) Such a satisfying read. Makes you want to keep reading about those 4. A series/book to be enjoyed by everyone!

Amazon.com review:

The Magician's Elephant tells the tale of Peter Augustus Duchene, a ten-year-old orphan who receives an unbelievable piece of information from the local fortuneteller. Peter learns that his fate is tied to an elephant that has inexplicably fallen from the sky when a magician's trick goes terribly wrong. Why did it happen? And, how can an elephant possibly change the course of Peter's life? This darkly atmospheric, yet hopeful tale, demonstrates that when the answers to life’s big questions are opaque or unforthcoming, all is not lost. DiCamillo's rhythmic writing, combined with Yoko Tanaka's mysterious black-and-white illustrations, enchants and calls out to our sincerest wishes and dreams (recommended for readers ages 8-13). --Lauren Nemroff

Genre: Children, Fantasy, Fiction
Page Count: 208
Edition: Hardcover; Library
Pub. Date: September 8, 2009

My Rating: 4.5 stars
Amazon.com: 5 stars
Goodreads: 4 stars (average)

(Initial reaction after I finished: PRECIOUSSSSS)

Set in a somber world, The Magician's Elephant will bring light & warmth to any heart. What a precious gem of a story! Intended for readers of a young age but definitely enjoyed by all. It's about dreams, hope, and making the impossible, possible. There is no age limit for such things.

"What If?" he said to the policemen.
"Why not?" said Leo back to him. He smiled.
"Enough," said Gloria.
"No, said Leo Matienne, "not enough. Never enough. We must ask ourselves these questions as often as we dare. How will the world change if we do not question it?"

This books is filled with many great pieces and just leaves you with a feeling of goodwill and satisfaction. So much so, that you just want to share it with everyone. I cannot recommend it enough. If you are every having a rough day or are in dire need of a pick-me-up, this is the book for you.

All this praise and why 4.5 stars? Well, because it was so short! 208 pages just wasn't enough!