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lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
This is one of those books that will definitely suffer if you haven't read the first book, Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms. Continuing the story, Stuart Horten (10, but looks younger) and April (also 10) start to look at the incredible magical tricks that Stuart's uncle, Tiny Tiny Tony Horton, left: somewhere in there is his will, indicating who should inherit the tricks.
Using a combination of luck, observation and puzzle-solving, the two explore the various tricks, figuring out how they work and and going on some incredible adventures (again). Adding to their stress is Rowena Allsopp, the Midland's marvelous reporter and Miss Edie Carr, an old, amazingly Rich (with a capital R) woman who wants to buy the tricks because her grandmother wanted her to - never mind that her grandmother died before the tricks were even invented.
This is one for the Benedict Society crowd, with the added bonus of vocabulary building (it's funnier than that sounds).
ARC provided by publisher.
Using a combination of luck, observation and puzzle-solving, the two explore the various tricks, figuring out how they work and and going on some incredible adventures (again). Adding to their stress is Rowena Allsopp, the Midland's marvelous reporter and Miss Edie Carr, an old, amazingly Rich (with a capital R) woman who wants to buy the tricks because her grandmother wanted her to - never mind that her grandmother died before the tricks were even invented.
This is one for the Benedict Society crowd, with the added bonus of vocabulary building (it's funnier than that sounds).
ARC provided by publisher.
mackle13's review against another edition
3.0
This is a cute little following up to [b:Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms: Magic, Mystery & a Very Strange Adventure|20939405|Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms Magic, Mystery & a Very Strange Adventure|Lissa Evans|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1393751916s/20939405.jpg|17844849] - the illusions that were found by Stuart in the first book now send him and April on a new quest filled with magic and mystery.
Both Stuart and April grow as people, and also as friends, and May and June and even Stuart's dad get brought along for the ride in this go around.
Overall, it's a fairly simple story, really. Not exactly life changing or even particularly memorable, to be honest, but charming and worth the read. It wraps up the story well, and I don't think there's another in the series.
Both Stuart and April grow as people, and also as friends, and May and June and even Stuart's dad get brought along for the ride in this go around.
Overall, it's a fairly simple story, really. Not exactly life changing or even particularly memorable, to be honest, but charming and worth the read. It wraps up the story well, and I don't think there's another in the series.
tindra_jallhage's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
madmadammim's review against another edition
4.0
I really love there books. They are really fun, with a good mix of adventure and puzzles, and honest books. Just really good, innocent adventure.
kesterbird's review against another edition
4.0
there were both solidly written kids' books. They are neither idealistic, nor cynical. The adults are present, well meaning, and even sometimes helpful. The kids are realistic kids; independent but invested in making it home in time for dinner.
thebookishbabbler's review against another edition
4.0
This was a solid and cute finale to an absolutely charming duology. I still prefer book one but this was adorable and fun regardless and I totally recommend this series if you want a fun, magical realism/mystery book that is beyond adorable.
My Booktalk - https://youtu.be/1c-jmBEW96U
My Booktalk - https://youtu.be/1c-jmBEW96U
bringmybooks's review against another edition
4.0
Such a cute story! There's definitely room for a third, and I hope Ms. Evans is thinking about writing one...!
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