Reviews

The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart

applegnreads's review against another edition

4.0

I liked this series when I read it so this was nice too. You didn't have to remember much from the series which was nice (especially since it was, after all, a prequel).

kingcashew's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

rylanthereader's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

julie_anne's review against another edition

emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

I enjoyed this book immensely! 

roseleaf24's review against another edition

5.0

I think this prequel is my favorite of the Mysterious Benedict Society books. We learn how Mr. Benedict became who he is, and solve a romping mystery while saving some orphans in the meantime. It was particularly wonderful this weekend for Nicholas to learn that, contrary to his experience, not all adults are always selfish and uncaring.

mehsi's review against another edition

5.0

Well this was a fun and good book. I am sooo happy that Trenton Lee Stewart decided to make another book for the Mysterious Benedict Society, and I am hoping for more!

I loved the pictures in the book, they really fit and make the story even more fun.
This story was about Benedict, and his life when he was a child. How he went from orphanage to orphanage and in the end ended up at a new orphanage, where he has a room of his own. This because of his sleeping problems (which we knew about if you read the other books, but this one explains the problem more, also shows us more about how much of a bother it is to him). One thing I didn't like though, was Benedict in the beginning, he was quite cocky, acting all smart (and sure he was smart, but still no need to brag about it). Luckily in the end he notices and tries to change. I loved that, I was worried it would go throughout the whole book.

Another thing I liked was the vivid descriptions of the surroundings, I just felt like I was there, I could totally imagine the orphanage, the people and the town.

sallyavena's review against another edition

5.0

Actually listened to this while driving across country (it's nice and long so it's good for that) and thought it was a great book to listen to. It was fun to find out the back story to Mr. Benedict and how he got to be the character we know in the other books. Just a good story that was uplifting as well.

breakfastgrey's review against another edition

2.0

It's not that this book was bad because it isn't. It's rather that it is dreadfully dull. There's a great 200 page yarn here, but the page count sits at 500 instead. It's not even that there's a B plot or interesting characters we're spending time developing. In fact, none of the characters are all that particularly engaging, including our titular lead. It's yet another one of those sequels that makes me question whether or not I actually enjoyed the originals as much as I remembered.

thatbookishwriter's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

eliseblackburn's review against another edition

5.0

This book is a wonderful read for anyone seeking a lighthearted mystery. Even though this book is a prequel, it also is delightful as a stand-alone novel. The drama and intrigue never lets up in the fast-paced narrative of a brilliant young boy trying to survive and find a lost treasure.