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102 reviews for:
Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms: Magic, Mystery, a Very Strange Adventure
Lissa Evans
3.81 AVERAGE
102 reviews for:
Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms: Magic, Mystery, a Very Strange Adventure
Lissa Evans
3.81 AVERAGE
This is a fun book which contains pretty much what it says on the tin - magic, mystery and a very strange adventure.
Stuart moves with his family to his father's childhood town of Beeton, much against his will. When there, he finds out some things about his family - including the fact that his great-uncle was a magician of the prestidigitation variety. Half by accident, Stuart is set on a journey to discover the lost workshop of his uncle, coming across mysterious clues in a National Treasure type quest.
As will happen, along the way he encounters allies and enemies, and it becomes a race against time and each other to see if Stuart can gather the clues and find the workshop before its lost forever.
I liked the characters, though I found Jeanie, the main villain, a bit overdone. Then again, I found the annoying, bossy, nosy triplets a bit overdone, too, but they grew on me - especially April, as she's the largest part of the story.
I was going to bump it up to 3.5 stars, but I found the ending both a bit rushed and overly convenient. That said, I'm not sure things are as wrapped up as they may seem.
I'll most likely look into the next in the series at some point.
Stuart moves with his family to his father's childhood town of Beeton, much against his will. When there, he finds out some things about his family - including the fact that his great-uncle was a magician of the prestidigitation variety. Half by accident, Stuart is set on a journey to discover the lost workshop of his uncle, coming across mysterious clues in a National Treasure type quest.
As will happen, along the way he encounters allies and enemies, and it becomes a race against time and each other to see if Stuart can gather the clues and find the workshop before its lost forever.
I liked the characters, though I found Jeanie, the main villain, a bit overdone. Then again, I found the annoying, bossy, nosy triplets a bit overdone, too, but they grew on me - especially April, as she's the largest part of the story.
I was going to bump it up to 3.5 stars, but I found the ending both a bit rushed and overly convenient. That said, I'm not sure things are as wrapped up as they may seem.
I'll most likely look into the next in the series at some point.
An amazing little children's book! And it's the beginning of a series! And more exclamation marks!
Such a wonderful mystery about mystery with an intelligent protagonist. Also a plus, he comes from a family that loves him, rather than the usual tale of lost fathers or dead mothers
As a kid, I always wanted magic to sneak its way into my life. This book brings that sensation right back. Exciting that this will be a series! More!
adventurous
funny
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Good middle-grade mystery. A touch of magic, a very voluble father and some nosy neighbors made for an enjoyable read.
Hmmm... we are hoping that a word gaff 11 year-old Vera just caught is intentional and super-clever --there is just too much riding on it plot-wise to let it go!
Reading on...
Finished the book last night: nope not intentionally clever, apparently, the word-obsessed, crossword developer father of the main character just doesn't know the right word for "fear of the number 13". We liked where this flawed book seemed to be going, but it stopped way short of being satisfying. Vera's summation: it was pretty good, but there definitely doesn't need to be a sequel.
Reading on...
Finished the book last night: nope not intentionally clever, apparently, the word-obsessed, crossword developer father of the main character just doesn't know the right word for "fear of the number 13". We liked where this flawed book seemed to be going, but it stopped way short of being satisfying. Vera's summation: it was pretty good, but there definitely doesn't need to be a sequel.
An enjoyable, quirky little book with an unexpected ending. The illustrations by Temujin Doran are reminiscent of Edward Gorey and match the mood of the story well.
What a fun, cute book! This book is perfect for middle grade kids, ages 8-12, or for anyone who is still a kid at heart.
Stuart Horten, S. Horten, who is smaller than most kids his age, has just moved to his dad's old hometown. Its summertime and Stuart knows no one in the neighborhood. He's feeling lost and lonely when he comes upon a family mystery. He learns that his great uncle Tony Horten was a magician that mysteriously disappeared. When he unexpectedly comes across the first in a series of clues he sets out to solve what happens. Along the way he makes friends, has an adventure, and learns you are more than your stature.
This was such a fun story. Its a very light fun read that is perfect for kids and adults alike. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more of Stuart's adventures.
Stuart Horten, S. Horten, who is smaller than most kids his age, has just moved to his dad's old hometown. Its summertime and Stuart knows no one in the neighborhood. He's feeling lost and lonely when he comes upon a family mystery. He learns that his great uncle Tony Horten was a magician that mysteriously disappeared. When he unexpectedly comes across the first in a series of clues he sets out to solve what happens. Along the way he makes friends, has an adventure, and learns you are more than your stature.
This was such a fun story. Its a very light fun read that is perfect for kids and adults alike. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more of Stuart's adventures.