Scan barcode
ksndracrntn's review against another edition
4.0
This book was mind-bending and a fun read. It almost felt like I was one of the characters. Much like watching Dora The Explorer as a child but with more thrill and adventure.
Btw, I have never read the first book considering the fact that it was always sold out and the local bookstore never seems to bother on stocking it back again.
Btw, I have never read the first book considering the fact that it was always sold out and the local bookstore never seems to bother on stocking it back again.
meganchristine's review against another edition
3.0
This wasn't even close to my favorite book in the series. Quite frankly, there wasn't anything special to this book at all! Of course I always love an adventure from the gang.... but I just thought that this plot was way to easy!
This installment of The Mysterious Benedict Society starts off with an adventure that Mr. Benedict created for the children. An adventure that specifically highlights the children's strengths and forces them to work together for the desired outcome. When the adventure goes sideways for Mr. Benedict, the children are forced to do what they can to help him out of his predicament. Of course. if Mr. Benedict is in danger... the only culprit can be Mr. Curtain. Will the children be able to follow the clues to save Mr. Benedict? Will Mr. Curtain and his 'ten men' be able to finally retrieve what they are seeking?
Overall, I did enjoy reading the book. There are some new characters that I really enjoyed! The sailors on the ship seemed very nice and devoted to the cause. Along with the ship's rich passengers (even though they werent necessarily the good guys). Not to mention the return of SQ! I also really liked how much Milligan is in this story. He is such an underrated character in this series! I also enjoyed how they touched more on Mr. Benedict's narcolepsy, which is something that bothered me in the first book. I mean how is it that someone so smart cant figure out how to stay awake!? I also enjoyed the level of difficulty that come with the clues (the windchimes being my favorite). Also, I liked how scary the ten men were! I felt genuinely scared for the children when they were faced them. They were real bad guys in a childish book!
However, the resolution of this book wasn't good! It was WAAAYYYYY to easy for Mr. Benedict to resolve the situation . LIKE WHY DID HE EVEN NEED THE KIDS?!
This installment of The Mysterious Benedict Society starts off with an adventure that Mr. Benedict created for the children. An adventure that specifically highlights the children's strengths and forces them to work together for the desired outcome. When the adventure goes sideways for Mr. Benedict, the children are forced to do what they can to help him out of his predicament. Of course. if Mr. Benedict is in danger... the only culprit can be Mr. Curtain. Will the children be able to follow the clues to save Mr. Benedict? Will Mr. Curtain and his 'ten men' be able to finally retrieve what they are seeking?
Overall, I did enjoy reading the book. There are some new characters that I really enjoyed! The sailors on the ship seemed very nice and devoted to the cause. Along with the ship's rich passengers (even though they werent necessarily the good guys). Not to mention the return of SQ! I also really liked how much Milligan is in this story. He is such an underrated character in this series! I also enjoyed how they touched more on Mr. Benedict's narcolepsy, which is something that bothered me in the first book. I mean how is it that someone so smart cant figure out how to stay awake!? I also enjoyed the level of difficulty that come with the clues (the windchimes being my favorite). Also, I liked how scary the ten men were! I felt genuinely scared for the children when they were faced them. They were real bad guys in a childish book!
However, the resolution of this book wasn't good! It was WAAAYYYYY to easy for Mr. Benedict to resolve the situation . LIKE WHY DID HE EVEN NEED THE KIDS?!
irxren's review against another edition
3.0
The second installment of The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey picks up right where the first left off, making it essential to have read the initial installment. The four children are poised for another adventure, and while the quirkiness from the first story persists, this plot takes a turn that may be a bit too far-fetched for some readers. The main quest involves a worldwide scavenger hunt to locate their cherished Mr. Benedict.
Comparatively speaking, the first book was far more captivating. The clues presented in the plot aren't particularly surprising, but I still enjoyed watching each of the kids shine in their own way and realizing they actually had something to offer the team. While the pacing is somewhat uneven, the story still manages to maintain interest for the most part.
The plot could benefit from improved flow, but overall, it's not a bad story—it just lacks the engaging quality of the first book.
Comparatively speaking, the first book was far more captivating. The clues presented in the plot aren't particularly surprising, but I still enjoyed watching each of the kids shine in their own way and realizing they actually had something to offer the team. While the pacing is somewhat uneven, the story still manages to maintain interest for the most part.
The plot could benefit from improved flow, but overall, it's not a bad story—it just lacks the engaging quality of the first book.
a_writer_guy's review against another edition
3.0
The second book in the series. Still a fantastic concept and an enjoyable story. This is a book for kids and there are many moments that make you realize that, but that doesn't make it bad. Frankly, the fact that there are such intelligent, interesting stories for young kids is just wonderful. Tagging along with Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance as they set off across the world on the trail of a kidnapped Mr. Benedict was so much fun. Each one of the children bring their own specialties to the adventure and watching them solve riddles and hunt down the bad guys to save the founder of their secret society was just fun. These are fantastic books for anyone with a good imagination.
mdjohnson's review against another edition
4.0
A favorite quote: "Have you considered the possibility, Reynie, that wickedness is simply more noticeable than goodness? That wickedness stands out, as it were?" - p. 37
Did I cry? no/a little/a good amount/wept
Loved:
The best children's lit allows you a new perspective on it when you reread as an adult, and Mysterious Benedict Society does just that.
I feel like this book is one of the rare occasions, especially in a short series, where the sequel is actually better than the first book. While the first book does a great job of setting the scene and introducing these wonderful characters, this book lets meaningful character development take place while simultaneously balancing a nail-biting, adventurous plot. It deepens the series and the characters in a way that I think few sequels really achieve.
There are so many scenes in this book that make my heart clench.
Other notes:
Did I cry? no/a little/a good amount/wept
Loved:
The best children's lit allows you a new perspective on it when you reread as an adult, and Mysterious Benedict Society does just that.
I feel like this book is one of the rare occasions, especially in a short series, where the sequel is actually better than the first book. While the first book does a great job of setting the scene and introducing these wonderful characters, this book lets meaningful character development take place while simultaneously balancing a nail-biting, adventurous plot. It deepens the series and the characters in a way that I think few sequels really achieve.
Spoiler
Each child gets to have their own personal journey; Reynie learns lessons in trust, Constance in channeling one's skills, Sticky in humility and bravery, and Kate in restraint. I think these are written masterfully. Although most of the story takes place from Reynie's perspective, there is an element of omniscience, and as a reader you know how these characters are growing and changing, while they often seem oblivious to it. Which, of course, makes sense given their age.There are so many scenes in this book that make my heart clench.
Spoiler
When Reynie throws the radio out the train window out of suspicion and Constance tearfully tells him she never wants to mistrust him (185). When Constance is worried they'll reach a dead-end in their journey and Kate tells her it won't be over "until we say so" (191). I'd die for these kids.Other notes:
Spoiler
I feel like Kate's personal journey is the least developed and I was a little disappointed with it. The other three are constantly reminded of the vices they are trying to master, while Kate's decision against throwing the bomb at the Salamander (424), clearly the turning point in her story, wasn't a situation replicated throughout the book as much. For example, Sticky is constantly showing off and later is observed restraining himself from doing so. Kate rarely has to make a choice between going with her gut and thinking things through. (At least on her own; the group often makes those choices together.) Yet that is clearly her point of growth in this book. Perhaps the lack of development just comes across that way since she is so agreeable most of the time, whereas the other three are often stressed, anxious, or angry, so their flaws and struggles are more obvious.artmajorese's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hermione_grimm's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book even more than the first one! The character development was nice, and the fight scenes at the end were so good!!!! I love that the kids are clever but not too annoying. Definitely read this before watching the TV show, because they have very different plots, but the show is really good too!
trodabough's review against another edition
5.0
I just love this series and I'm so mad that I did not read them earlier. Genuinely so good and sweet and I loved every minute of it.
JUSTICE FOR SQ I LOVE MY BABY HIMBO PLEASE I NEED HIM TO BE GOOD
revrebeccatankersley's review against another edition
3.0
Not as good as the first but nice to be back with old friends.