Reviews

Das geheimnisvolle Leben des Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart

allieeadams's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious 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

5.0

my favorite book in the series and forever comfort reread <3

I will never ever know a single moment’s peace reading the original trilogy after this book. I know this was written after but like what happened to John and Violet why aren’t they in the other books. Mr Lee Stewart I know you have them I know you know >:|

furinbaum's review against another edition

2.0

I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Stewart's "The Mysterious Benedict Society," however this particular read left me more sad than entertained. It felt a little too long for the intended reader's age and I felt just depressed at the way these kids are continually belittled and bullied by everyone they met. I would definitely try the next book Mr. Stewart releases, but this one was just not for me.

knivss's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

4.75

Almost perfect. what a fun and kind book 

kailiyahknight's review against another edition

emotional hopeful mysterious slow-paced

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

3.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying and Ableism

Minor: Death of parent, Child death, Grief, and War

beth_s98's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.75

This book is probably my favorite Mysterious Benedict Society book besides maybe the first one. I’m always impressed by the fact that while these are solidly middle grade books, they remain enjoyable to read as an adult. Love love seeing how Nicholas’s mind works, and reading it as an adult it was even more obvious how one kind person can completely change someone’s life. Even with some of the darker and tenser moments, reading this book to me felt like a warm hug. 

bookmarvel's review against another edition

5.0

9/19/21
This is just like the very definition of “comfort book” for me. It’s just a little boy solving puzzles and hanging out with his two friends and dealing with life, and he’s never in any life-threatening danger. Also even though he’s really smart and notices tons of things that others don’t, he still misses things and I’m just like you sir are still a human child. And Violet is so sweet and I love the friendship with her and John and Nicholas like it’s just so wholesome.

kimib79's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious relaxing medium-paced

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

5.0

I listened to the audiobook. The narrator sounds like Winnie the Pooh which I found rather enjoyable. I look forward to the rest of the series. Yes, I read the prequel first.

eewass's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

2.75

jessirainej's review against another edition

5.0

The last book in this series :( bittersweet book

pluviophilebookworm's review against another edition

5.0

I don't know what it is with that, but every time a book features a precocious orphan on a train to their new life, I just know I'm in for a good read. A very emotionally charged one, for sure, but definitely a good one. I mean, [b:The Secret Garden|8134520|The Secret Garden|Frances Hodgson Burnett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1674528856l/8134520._SY75_.jpg|3186437], [b:Anne of Green Gables|763588|Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables, #1)|L.M. Montgomery|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1656778824l/763588._SY75_.jpg|3464264], and now this... and I don't know how to describe it, but this definitely reads like a classic, in the best way. Should be a modern classic, and it is to me, anyway.

I think I've come to love young Nick even more than adult Mr Benedict. Well, he's absolutely magnificent at any age. John Cole is the best, though - trust me to immediately become obsessed with the best friend in any story. But seriously, he puts the 'best' in 'best friend'. And don't even get me started on Violet. Absolutely iconic.

Spoiler

Having her parents adopt John and intending to do the same for Nick... she puts the 'family' in 'found family' and I live for that.

This book deserves about 20 stars, but I'll have to stick with 5. So say the rules. Still, it sort of made me want a prequel about Curtain as a child - would have been an interesting study of nature vs. nurture. But never mind.