jcarsrud's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I love silly/sarcastic mysteries and this one is both and very cleverly written!
kandicez's review against another edition
3.0
I read this at the urging of my 12 year old son. Maybe, begging, pleading and bribing would be more accurate, but I don't want to split hairs.
Probably everyone who has read the A Series of Unfortunate Events books will compare these. The style is clever, very interesting to kids, and pretty educational on a small level. I devoured ASOUE when my kids did and can see I'll have to work my way through this significantly shorter series. I would not be surprised to find out Lemony Snicket and Pseudonymous Bosh were one and the same. If they are, that guy is an excellent pen name picker!
Cass and Max-Ernest, the main characters are quirky enough to be likable and interesting at the same time. They show social issues they will obviously work through during the series, and I think that's a huge part of the appeal. If these characters can oversome their unpopularity, anyone can, right?
The premise is the search for the Philospoher's Stone, Fountain of Youth, or whatever name you want to give to the secret to living forever. The people trying to find this secret are unsavory to say the least, part of a secret club, smart enough to catch our heroes, but dumb enough to lose them in time to set up the next book. Perfect formula to capture 9-14 year olds and get them hooked. Their moms too, I guess;)
Probably everyone who has read the A Series of Unfortunate Events books will compare these. The style is clever, very interesting to kids, and pretty educational on a small level. I devoured ASOUE when my kids did and can see I'll have to work my way through this significantly shorter series. I would not be surprised to find out Lemony Snicket and Pseudonymous Bosh were one and the same. If they are, that guy is an excellent pen name picker!
Cass and Max-Ernest, the main characters are quirky enough to be likable and interesting at the same time. They show social issues they will obviously work through during the series, and I think that's a huge part of the appeal. If these characters can oversome their unpopularity, anyone can, right?
The premise is the search for the Philospoher's Stone, Fountain of Youth, or whatever name you want to give to the secret to living forever. The people trying to find this secret are unsavory to say the least, part of a secret club, smart enough to catch our heroes, but dumb enough to lose them in time to set up the next book. Perfect formula to capture 9-14 year olds and get them hooked. Their moms too, I guess;)
bright1226's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This was such a fun read, it being one of my favorite books in middle school. It was fun and easy to get through with enough mystery and fun discoveries along the way to keep it interesting. I’m surprised for a book I read as a kid to involve (seemingly) gay grandparents, an autistic side character, and contain so much information on psychology and synesthesia. I’m super glad I re-read and re-visited this book I remember loving so much cause it was so fun and easy to get through.
hazelmerevandran's review against another edition
4.0
In the words of Albus Dumbledore "That was fun!"
_kelly_ma_'s review against another edition
5.0
obsessed with the series- weird but has cool plots trix!
alegitimate_bookworm23's review against another edition
its too childish for my taste
beatrixhaase's review against another edition
4.0
I read this a long time ago. I don't remember much about it though.
cryptidluna's review against another edition
3.0
This would be 3.5 ⭐️
I’m rereading this book so I can finally read the whole series, considering I’ve had it since I was a kid and have only read the first two books.
I enjoyed bantering with the narrator, the idea of having a secret book.
However some of the jokes and language just did not hit in our year of 2023. I winced a few times to myself at certain points, like when we had the white woman having her spa be a pyramid and ripping off Egyptian customs. But it never made me want to put the book down and say “never mind!” Because for some reason these things were just the norm back in the day I guess???
Anyways, I think Cass and Max-Ernest read like real eleven year olds who are annoying and think they know better. I actually enjoy their friendship! Amber seemed realistic, there was always that one popular kid who was actually rude as hell lowkey. And poor Benjamin,,, shawty we gotta put you in a bubble,,,,
Also are Larry and Wayne gay???? Bc as a kid I did not pick up on that, but now I’m like “
I’m rereading this book so I can finally read the whole series, considering I’ve had it since I was a kid and have only read the first two books.
I enjoyed bantering with the narrator, the idea of having a secret book.
However some of the jokes and language just did not hit in our year of 2023. I winced a few times to myself at certain points, like when we had the white woman having her spa be a pyramid and ripping off Egyptian customs. But it never made me want to put the book down and say “never mind!” Because for some reason these things were just the norm back in the day I guess???
Anyways, I think Cass and Max-Ernest read like real eleven year olds who are annoying and think they know better. I actually enjoy their friendship! Amber seemed realistic, there was always that one popular kid who was actually rude as hell lowkey. And poor Benjamin,,, shawty we gotta put you in a bubble,,,,
Also are Larry and Wayne gay???? Bc as a kid I did not pick up on that, but now I’m like “