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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
This was one of the best middle grade books I’ve read in a while. I almost forgot it was one at one point because it read like an average… historical fiction(?). It was fantastic and I found myself unable to put myself down wanting to know how Christopher got himself in and out of each situation (typically with an explosion or two). I was hooked on the mystery till the very end and I am excited to start the next book to see what happens next! 5/5 Stars!!!
This was unexpectedly fun. I enjoyed the codebreaking and the historical details appeared well done.
This one was recommended to me by a voracious readers who loved this book. It had been her gateway book given to her by her middle school librarian. Mrs. Leslie, you were adored! Dorthea, I finally got to read it and I read the whole thing, thinking about you reading it as a MG reader. I now understand why you loved it so much. What a refuge it would have provided and I can understand now how you would have connected to the characters and their experiences while being plunked into a different world and given you the escape you needed.
I loved the humor in the story, I loved how Master Benedict took Christopher in loved and protected him and I loved the friendship between Tom and Christopher. It is a good reminder of the importance of having just one good person in your corner and the difference it makes.
I loved the humor in the story, I loved how Master Benedict took Christopher in loved and protected him and I loved the friendship between Tom and Christopher. It is a good reminder of the importance of having just one good person in your corner and the difference it makes.
Definitely one of my favorite reads this year. The friendship between Christopher and Tom reminded me a lot of Harry and Ron. I'm jumping straight into book 2 next.
I picked this up for my 7-year old son, who had no interest, so I read it instead. Surprisingly good kid's book with no condescending passages and plenty of intrigue, mystery, and fun.
A fun magical apprentice tale that I would recommend, good messages of friendship and selflessness.
Alright, that was more fun than I thought it would be. A historical fiction with mystery thrown in for good measure. Reminiscing of Percy Jackson but with Alchemy and secret societies instead of Greek and Roman pantheon. I truly enjoyed the fast paced mystery and couldn't put it down. One of those books you can read in an evening and have a smile at the end. It says its for ages 10-14, but I think it can be enjoyable for all ages.
“Tom raised his eyebrows. “Master Benedict keeps cannon fuse?” “We use it to light things from far away,” I said. “You know,” Tom said, “things you have to light from far away probably shouldn’t be lit at all.”
3.5/5
This started out with a lot of promise for me, but ended up losing steam about halfway through. Felt like too many characters that weren't distinctive enough for me to keep them straight. I just had a hard time suspending my disbelief, or forgetting that I was reading about a totally made up scheme for a kid's adventure book. I know nothing else is Harry Potter, but I always kind of hope it will be. It isn't. Still decent enough that I would recommend it to a middle-grade reader.
3.5/5
This started out with a lot of promise for me, but ended up losing steam about halfway through. Felt like too many characters that weren't distinctive enough for me to keep them straight. I just had a hard time suspending my disbelief, or forgetting that I was reading about a totally made up scheme for a kid's adventure book. I know nothing else is Harry Potter, but I always kind of hope it will be. It isn't. Still decent enough that I would recommend it to a middle-grade reader.
A fun read for middle school book club. It's interesting for a cross-curricular discussion of science and history.
medium-paced