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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cute book for the 9 - 12 age range. (Coincidentally, I own 2 in that range right now!)
This book was recommended to me by a 10 year old boy, and I can see how the adventure and fast-paced plot would appeal to that demographic. I was pleasantly surprised by the strong female characters, and that each of the 4 Kidd children had their own unique abilities.
As an adult reader, the plot moved a little TOO fast - which meant gaping holes were left in the story. Also, there was very little emotional development, even though the children were dealing with 2 major losses right from the beginning of the book.
As an adult reader, the plot moved a little TOO fast - which meant gaping holes were left in the story. Also, there was very little emotional development, even though the children were dealing with 2 major losses right from the beginning of the book.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Okay, so this is probably one of James Patterson's best kid series yet! It's great for beginners, but really, all ages can enjoy them! I am in my teens and still get a laugh out of it whenever I read them.
When I was reading them, there were only two of the books, but now that there are so many of them, I thought a review might be in order.
I loved this series as a kid, and it was a great way to keep me invested in reading! If you know a kid that is struggling to read or maybe doesn't like to read, I would definitely recommend trying this series with them. It's funny, clean, and has a great plot that will keep any kid invested.
As well as being funny, it has some great history in there as well! Stuff about ancient treasures and real-life historical figures, as well as some allusions to popular books and artworks. I mean, yeah, it's not the ultimate educational series or anything, but it's better than some of the crap most kids are reading. It has great characters and it's so much fun for kids and middle-graders!
A 5/5 star series!!
When I was reading them, there were only two of the books, but now that there are so many of them, I thought a review might be in order.
I loved this series as a kid, and it was a great way to keep me invested in reading! If you know a kid that is struggling to read or maybe doesn't like to read, I would definitely recommend trying this series with them. It's funny, clean, and has a great plot that will keep any kid invested.
As well as being funny, it has some great history in there as well! Stuff about ancient treasures and real-life historical figures, as well as some allusions to popular books and artworks. I mean, yeah, it's not the ultimate educational series or anything, but it's better than some of the crap most kids are reading. It has great characters and it's so much fun for kids and middle-graders!
A 5/5 star series!!
While #stayingathome I haven't really found a way/found motivation yet to read a book from my own TBR, I truly enjoyed this one as a read aloud with the kids. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3.5 stars - good!
I ended up enjoying this book a fair amount. It was a good story, with intrigue, mystery, and danger. In the beginning, though, I wasn't too impressed. The language seemed stilted and I didn't really get a sense of who the Kidd kids were well enough to want to be friends with them.
Perhaps these initial feelings of ambivalence are due to the fact that I am most definitely not a member of the targeted age group for this book? (Middle school for me was over 25 years ago.) I think kids within that age group would probably enjoy this story from cover to cover without any of the issues I had with it.
Anyway, by the time I picked up the book again, either I was in a more receptive mood or I had simply adjusted to the manner in which this story was being told. I enjoyed the story much more from Chapter 19 on. I felt more connected to the Kidd kids; I especially liked Storm. The intrigue began to be more interesting and enjoyable rather than corny, as it had felt to me in the initial chapters.
I must say that I really enjoyed the illustrations. The comments Beck added to her drawings were especially fun. And when Bick took over for a few pages, his illustrations were even more charming. :)
By the end, I was eagerly reading and I find I'm looking forward to reading the sequel to see what those Kidds get up to next. :)
I ended up enjoying this book a fair amount. It was a good story, with intrigue, mystery, and danger. In the beginning, though, I wasn't too impressed. The language seemed stilted and I didn't really get a sense of who the Kidd kids were well enough to want to be friends with them.
Perhaps these initial feelings of ambivalence are due to the fact that I am most definitely not a member of the targeted age group for this book? (Middle school for me was over 25 years ago.) I think kids within that age group would probably enjoy this story from cover to cover without any of the issues I had with it.
Anyway, by the time I picked up the book again, either I was in a more receptive mood or I had simply adjusted to the manner in which this story was being told. I enjoyed the story much more from Chapter 19 on. I felt more connected to the Kidd kids; I especially liked Storm. The intrigue began to be more interesting and enjoyable rather than corny, as it had felt to me in the initial chapters.
I must say that I really enjoyed the illustrations. The comments Beck added to her drawings were especially fun. And when Bick took over for a few pages, his illustrations were even more charming. :)
By the end, I was eagerly reading and I find I'm looking forward to reading the sequel to see what those Kidds get up to next. :)
Choosing to dabble into a Patterson YA series, more to fill a little time than to compare it to some of his past works, I thought I would check out this new series. Opening the novel in an epic storm at sea, Patterson introduces the reader to four orphaned children whose father is presumed lost at sea in the aforementioned storm and whose mother is presumably being held captive in Cyprus. They must navigate their way to safety while they vow to discover the secrets left by their parents amongst various clues aboard the ship. Tapping into their treasure hunting abilities, they begin to unravel the mystery behind their mother's disappearance in hopes of saving her. Crossing paths with numerous obstacles, human and otherwise, Bick, Beck, Tommy, and Storm all come together to face adversity with their own special talents. Patterson uses his abilities to weave a story fit for teens that has potential to expand into a decent series aimed at this target audience.
I would be lying if I said the story was enthralling or deeply captivating. Hokey at times and plain silly at others, I have tried to peel back my preconceived notions as I am nowhere near the 10-12 year old target audience. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the Maximum Ride series and hoped this would parallel that experience. Still, the story moves well and is full of interesting facts perfect to pique the interest of a young reader.
Good work Mr. Patterson. I hope this series and some of your other YA ones do well for the younger fans and that you groom them for your powerful adult series.
I would be lying if I said the story was enthralling or deeply captivating. Hokey at times and plain silly at others, I have tried to peel back my preconceived notions as I am nowhere near the 10-12 year old target audience. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the Maximum Ride series and hoped this would parallel that experience. Still, the story moves well and is full of interesting facts perfect to pique the interest of a young reader.
Good work Mr. Patterson. I hope this series and some of your other YA ones do well for the younger fans and that you groom them for your powerful adult series.
I love this book. It is soo touching and is so mysterious. I can't to read the next book, good work James!!!👍👍❔❓