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agathe_athena's review against another edition
4.0
Reynie is a brilliant young boy, who longs for something more than the orphanage. One day he spots a bizarre ad in the newspaper offering a test for gifted children. The test turns into a series of peculiar exams, which he is able to pass along with only three other children. All four of them have different talents and were able to pass the tests in different ways. They are offered a chance to help with a secret mission, to infiltrate a mysterious school and stop the nefarious plots hatching there. In order to succeed, they will have to learn to work together and find a way to use all of their different talents. Will they be able to work together in time to stop the heinous scheme?
This was a fun mid-grade novel with healthy doses of mystery, spy, and action/adventure. Yes, it’s a little ridiculous at times, and yes, it leans heavily on tropes, but overall it’s a cute story about found family can be just as special as biological family, that different people have different strengths that are helpful in different ways, and that working together is important. The puzzles are also fun to try to work out yourself.
This was a fun mid-grade novel with healthy doses of mystery, spy, and action/adventure. Yes, it’s a little ridiculous at times, and yes, it leans heavily on tropes, but overall it’s a cute story about found family can be just as special as biological family, that different people have different strengths that are helpful in different ways, and that working together is important. The puzzles are also fun to try to work out yourself.
readoodles's review against another edition
4.0
The world labors under gloom. Mr. Curtain oozes mind control and some people have lost their memories while others are crabby and angry. Mr. Benedict fears it may be too late to halt the world emergency, but he places an ad to attract the brightest children. Reynie, Stickie, Kate and Constance pass the test. Mr. Benedict sends them off to save the world... if they can.
http://www.mysteriousbenedictsociety.com
http://www.mysteriousbenedictsociety.com
debby_caleb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-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? Yes
4.5
finalcut's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book with my ten year old daughter; well, actually I read it to her and she loved the story. The book follows the adventure of four kids; Reynard "Reynie" Muldoon, George "Sticky" Washington, Kate "Washing Machine" Weatherall, and Constance Contraire.
There are other characters in the book but those four kids really are the story. My daughter loved the distinct personalities of each character and really thought each of them was incredible in their own way. The story is told from the perspective of Reynie; the leader of the small troupe.
The kids have to overcome some pretty remarkable challenges throughout the book - the first in a series of books about the Mysterious Benedict Society.
If you have a kid that likes to read then give them this book - they'll probably enjoy it. If you have a kid that doesn't like to read; read it to them. I loved watching my daughter get excited and anxious during various predicaments and it was really cool when she chimed in with her own theories about what was going to happen. It was an incredibly interactive time for us and I wish I had read a novel to her before. It certainly won't be the last.
There are other characters in the book but those four kids really are the story. My daughter loved the distinct personalities of each character and really thought each of them was incredible in their own way. The story is told from the perspective of Reynie; the leader of the small troupe.
The kids have to overcome some pretty remarkable challenges throughout the book - the first in a series of books about the Mysterious Benedict Society.
If you have a kid that likes to read then give them this book - they'll probably enjoy it. If you have a kid that doesn't like to read; read it to them. I loved watching my daughter get excited and anxious during various predicaments and it was really cool when she chimed in with her own theories about what was going to happen. It was an incredibly interactive time for us and I wish I had read a novel to her before. It certainly won't be the last.
pris_asagiri's review against another edition
4.0
This book took me over 6 years to read. I first started it when my kid was in Middle School and this was a book on their Battle of the Books list. We started it together but then they read ahead and I never caught up. Then I picked it back up when the Netflix show started. But again, I lost interest and never finished. After the new year, I decided I should make an effort to try to wrap up some of my half-read books. This being an easier read, I picked it back up.
First, the writing is fun but in many places tediously wordy. The action is interrupted and the flow uneven. But the ending was satisfying and the overall premise was fun. I wish there had been more puzzles. I know this is a series. I will probably not attempt to read any more. But I fully understand why it had gained such a popularity with kids and I think if you have a middle school reader, they would enjoy this immensely. I think any problems I have with the story is simply due to my not being the target demographic (aka I’m old).
First, the writing is fun but in many places tediously wordy. The action is interrupted and the flow uneven. But the ending was satisfying and the overall premise was fun. I wish there had been more puzzles. I know this is a series. I will probably not attempt to read any more. But I fully understand why it had gained such a popularity with kids and I think if you have a middle school reader, they would enjoy this immensely. I think any problems I have with the story is simply due to my not being the target demographic (aka I’m old).
j_rowley's review against another edition
4.0
An ad addressing young gifted children, has many flocking to take the test so they will be invited to experience special opportunities; only 4 are. They will be the youngest members of the Mysterious Benedict Society.
This society, assembled by Mr. Benedict, must stop a madman from enacting his dastardly plan. The only problem is they don’t know what the plan is; they just know it isn’t good.
The team is made up of Reynie, an average looking boy with an above average brain; Sticky, a boy who can memorize exactly just be looking at something once; Kate, a girl with the capabilities most superheroes would be envious of; and Constance, a small girl who seems to be the one to shoot most ideas down. These four are asked to discover what evil lurks in an educational institution known for good works.
Our protagonist, Reynie, finds himself being tested in ways that his supreme intellect hasn’t been challenged before. This young orphan must also decide which group offer him a more hopeful future; those they are investigating or his fellow investigators.
Exciting adventure with cartoonish bad guys and good guys, but a fun story for the fourth grade crowd and up.
This society, assembled by Mr. Benedict, must stop a madman from enacting his dastardly plan. The only problem is they don’t know what the plan is; they just know it isn’t good.
The team is made up of Reynie, an average looking boy with an above average brain; Sticky, a boy who can memorize exactly just be looking at something once; Kate, a girl with the capabilities most superheroes would be envious of; and Constance, a small girl who seems to be the one to shoot most ideas down. These four are asked to discover what evil lurks in an educational institution known for good works.
Our protagonist, Reynie, finds himself being tested in ways that his supreme intellect hasn’t been challenged before. This young orphan must also decide which group offer him a more hopeful future; those they are investigating or his fellow investigators.
Exciting adventure with cartoonish bad guys and good guys, but a fun story for the fourth grade crowd and up.
williamsocnwld's review against another edition
4.0
A fun summer read-kids as heroes are totally ok with me and it’s nice to see that every adult isn’t portrayed as an idiot or someone to lie to. I liked the relationships between the characters grow, ranging from frustrations to empathy to humor and mutual admiration.
greenmtgirl's review against another edition
5.0
I read this directly after finishing Akata Witch, and it was everything I had hoped Akata Witch would be: imaginative, different, well-written. I especially love the different forms of intelligence each of the four main characters displays, and the equal importance given to each. So much fun to read!
npartida's review against another edition
4.0
The only thing this book has in common with Lemony Snicket is that it's about orphans, so I really think the comparisons are annoying. I liked this children's book with ridiculous characters, smart children, funny villains and adventures. It is a fun beginning to a series. I know there are some complaints about the length, but honestly I didn't notice since I was involved in the story, wondering what would happen next.