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eggjen's review against another edition
4.0
It was really fun to read a little of the back story on Nicholas Benedict from the Mysterious Benedict books - he was a pretty amazing kid! The story itself stands on it's own so if you haven't read the other books in this series, you can feel free to read this one first. I found the book to be well written and funny with plenty of mysteries to solve.
endergke's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lonelyasfranz's review against another edition
4.0
I honestly don’t think I can judge this in the context of the other four MBS books. The vibe, plot, and characters are completely different (as it only makes sense for them to be). That being said, it’s a wonderful, entertaining, brilliant book, and the author miraculously managed to incorporate the problem-solving of the main books into this one. It has a great message, superb writing, and a fascinating and intriguing setting and conflict. My only complaint is that the deus ex machina employed towards the end is completely wild and unrealistic, even more so than a lot of the luck that Reynie, Sticky, Constance, and Kate experience in the main books. I didn’t like that very much, but overall it’s a book definitely worth reading, even if you disliked/aren’t a huge fan of the other books in the series. I view it as a standalone, and it differs in a lot of significant ways. I wouldn’t say I like it more than the first MBS book, but only because it has a different sort of charm about it, and, again, I view them with different lenses.
lpip's review against another edition
2.0
I think I could have loved this book if it found me at a different time. I love quirky Nicholas Benedict, but for the life of me could not focus on the story or remember what was happening and I just couldn’t wait to get to the end of it because I was so lost!
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.
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.