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undulateabyss5's review against another edition
5.0
Mr. Benedict’s feast-sized origin story has a lot of the same charm and adventure we’ve grown to see in the MBS’s main series, as well as being the most complex story out of them all. We see young orphan Nicholas Benedict living in the orphanage he calls home and is taunted by others for his awkwardness and his narcolepsy, but he’s about to find adventure that we’ve seen before with Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance. An impeccable prequel with very familiar traits. A (100%/Outstanding)
daisygreenwrites's review against another edition
4.0
such a good series, im so glad it got a prequel. children’s books that are enjoyable for all ages!
lisalikesdogs's review against another edition
4.0
This book is pretty adorable. I really love the Benedict books, and I didn't love this one as much as the Society trilogy, but it is still great. One aspect I did really appreciate was the bullying side - and how Nicholas gets back at his bullies. I feel like that is great for kids. And as with his other books, Trenton Lee Stewart just doesn't talk down to kids. It's pretty awesome.
kellyjmac's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed the whole Mysterious Benedict Society series when I read them before with my son and the show though they strayed pretty far from the books as it went on. I was excited to find this prequel about a young Nicholas and how he became the mysterious man we know.
I listened to the audiobook version and really enjoyed the narrator. He was able to give life to each individual character and brought the story to life. The pacing is slower than some books but in the same way the other Benedict books are. Trenton Lee Stewart loves words and wordplay and it shows in the way he writes. I share this love as well so I enjoy it.
The story itself is so fun to unfold and unravel. You aren't quite sure where it's leading at times but by the end everything feels like it has a (mostly) happy ending. The way the story is written, it feels like you are in on the mystery of the treasure and all the clues and puzzles they are trying to figure out. I also loved what the treasure turned out to be in the end and how Nicholas found a solution to just about everyone's problems.
My heart broke every time Nicholas mentions not believing that any adult would be good or do something for someone else without gaining something themselves. Heartbreaking that this character has been through so much at such a young age but it made my heart happy when he found friendship with John and Violet and found an adult he could trust who then helped him with what he had been dealing with. I was disappointed though that Nicholas didn't end up in a better situation in the book and we are left to wonder if he ever does.
I've read all of Trenton Lee Stewart's books for young readers now and love them so much. I am hoping that there will be more someday soon as I always enjoy his quirky and endearing characters, puzzles and mysteries, and unique style and voice.
I listened to the audiobook version and really enjoyed the narrator. He was able to give life to each individual character and brought the story to life. The pacing is slower than some books but in the same way the other Benedict books are. Trenton Lee Stewart loves words and wordplay and it shows in the way he writes. I share this love as well so I enjoy it.
The story itself is so fun to unfold and unravel. You aren't quite sure where it's leading at times but by the end everything feels like it has a (mostly) happy ending. The way the story is written, it feels like you are in on the mystery of the treasure and all the clues and puzzles they are trying to figure out. I also loved what the treasure turned out to be in the end and how Nicholas found a solution to just about everyone's problems.
My heart broke every time Nicholas mentions not believing that any adult would be good or do something for someone else without gaining something themselves. Heartbreaking that this character has been through so much at such a young age but it made my heart happy when he found friendship with John and Violet and found an adult he could trust who then helped him with what he had been dealing with. I was disappointed though that Nicholas didn't end up in a better situation in the book and we are left to wonder if he ever does.
I've read all of Trenton Lee Stewart's books for young readers now and love them so much. I am hoping that there will be more someday soon as I always enjoy his quirky and endearing characters, puzzles and mysteries, and unique style and voice.
kenzalator's review against another edition
3.0
This is the prequel to the Mysterious Benedict Society series. It gives background to Nicholas Benedict’s childhood. He was an orphan who wasn’t taken seriously about his intellect until the very end of the book. It was a super pleasant and easy read. I found the “mystery treasure” easy to solve but then again the book is intended for a much younger audience so with that in mind it's a very enjoyable and easy read.
lisafweeks's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this! Now I have a new character in a young adult series to follow, gleefully. (emphasis on young. I think this is safe for 8-year olds, but still smartly written enough to engage the young at heart.)
frogfixture's review against another edition
Hah! My new all-time-favorite ending.