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gumihoreviews's review against another edition
5.0
“Turns out invisibility might just have its benefits.”
[b:The Secret Benefits of Invisibility|60716812|The Secret Benefits of Invisibility (The Falinnheim Chronicles #2)|C.W. Allen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1648743363l/60716812._SY75_.jpg|95723535] by [a:C.W. Allen|2983485|C.W. Allen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1625937624p2/2983485.jpg], is the second book in The Falinnheim Chronicles series. I’ve never read the first book, so I jumped straight into this world with no backstory leading me here. Although I hadn’t read the first book, I was able to get through this one with little to know questions. Anything that came up was answered within the story. So, it’s a great standalone novel as well.
It’s a story centered on two siblings living in a new home in secret. After the land was taken over by the dictator 16 years ago, the remaining people had to go into hiding and the rest established a resistance, which was in the bunker. Soon after the siblings arrive, the bunker is raided and the kids along with a few adults are able to escape. Tuesday, Zed, and their friends have to step up to help save everyone in their dystopian-like bunker, who’s been captured by the dictator’s people. They use the one thing none of the adults have, their invisibility to adults.
Upon diving into the first chapter of this story, it was not at all what I expected. I was thinking this was going to be a cool imaginative exploration into a world of being invisible, like a Harry with the Invisibility Cloak type. But nope, it was much deeper, exciting, filled with action/adventure, and shall I say, better!
I really loved that this took place in a different world, but the main children were from our world and had to adjust without letting people find out. It was cool seeing the kids have to switch roles with the adults and become the heroes. It can inspire the child readers to become more self empowered and have a higher sense of autonomy with an “I can do it too” attitude. Additionally, I love Zed’s summary of observations. It essentially sums up the chapter while enhancing the character details. Let’s not forget the grandmother-grandchildren side story that was woven throughout. It was so meaningful!
There was only thing that could have made this even better. Since it’s a sequel, maybe having a short prologue giving a quick overview of how they got there, for anyone who happens to read this book first could take it to the next level.
I really enjoyed this novel and I’m sure kids 9/10+ would too! This would be great for anyone who loves a good combination of Star Wars (the political issue), Superman (living in another world), and Divergent (the somewhat dystopian world with factions).
*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of The Secret Benefits of Invisibility from C. W. Allen via BookSirens
[b:The Secret Benefits of Invisibility|60716812|The Secret Benefits of Invisibility (The Falinnheim Chronicles #2)|C.W. Allen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1648743363l/60716812._SY75_.jpg|95723535] by [a:C.W. Allen|2983485|C.W. Allen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1625937624p2/2983485.jpg], is the second book in The Falinnheim Chronicles series. I’ve never read the first book, so I jumped straight into this world with no backstory leading me here. Although I hadn’t read the first book, I was able to get through this one with little to know questions. Anything that came up was answered within the story. So, it’s a great standalone novel as well.
It’s a story centered on two siblings living in a new home in secret. After the land was taken over by the dictator 16 years ago, the remaining people had to go into hiding and the rest established a resistance, which was in the bunker. Soon after the siblings arrive, the bunker is raided and the kids along with a few adults are able to escape. Tuesday, Zed, and their friends have to step up to help save everyone in their dystopian-like bunker, who’s been captured by the dictator’s people. They use the one thing none of the adults have, their invisibility to adults.
Upon diving into the first chapter of this story, it was not at all what I expected. I was thinking this was going to be a cool imaginative exploration into a world of being invisible, like a Harry with the Invisibility Cloak type. But nope, it was much deeper, exciting, filled with action/adventure, and shall I say, better!
I really loved that this took place in a different world, but the main children were from our world and had to adjust without letting people find out. It was cool seeing the kids have to switch roles with the adults and become the heroes. It can inspire the child readers to become more self empowered and have a higher sense of autonomy with an “I can do it too” attitude. Additionally, I love Zed’s summary of observations. It essentially sums up the chapter while enhancing the character details. Let’s not forget the grandmother-grandchildren side story that was woven throughout. It was so meaningful!
There was only thing that could have made this even better. Since it’s a sequel, maybe having a short prologue giving a quick overview of how they got there, for anyone who happens to read this book first could take it to the next level.
I really enjoyed this novel and I’m sure kids 9/10+ would too! This would be great for anyone who loves a good combination of Star Wars (the political issue), Superman (living in another world), and Divergent (the somewhat dystopian world with factions).
*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of The Secret Benefits of Invisibility from C. W. Allen via BookSirens
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to BooksSiren for an ARC of The Secret Benefits of Invisibility in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Secret Benefits of Invisibility is geared to a middle-grade audience, and they're going to love it!
There are secrets, shenanigans, bad buys, and friendship as well as family. Negotiating how to work with the General/Grandma as well as Mom's traditional position is bound to put pressure on Tuesday and Zed.
The action scenes are going to keep the kids reading. The shenanigans are going to have kids laughing. There's a nice balance between the two. Having the dodos is fun to give a sense of wonder to this other world. And I loved it when Zed took his father's umbrella and figured out how to use it.
Overall, I found The Secret Benefits of Invisibility an enjoyable and fast read. Touching on how kids often feel invisible in the adult world makes this book very identifiable for everyone. And the ways the kids use their "invisibility" were clever and central to solving problems. It's an excellent title for the book. This is an author who's on my list to watch for their next book so I can read it.
The Secret Benefits of Invisibility is geared to a middle-grade audience, and they're going to love it!
There are secrets, shenanigans, bad buys, and friendship as well as family. Negotiating how to work with the General/Grandma as well as Mom's traditional position is bound to put pressure on Tuesday and Zed.
The action scenes are going to keep the kids reading. The shenanigans are going to have kids laughing. There's a nice balance between the two. Having the dodos is fun to give a sense of wonder to this other world. And I loved it when Zed took his father's umbrella and figured out how to use it.
Overall, I found The Secret Benefits of Invisibility an enjoyable and fast read. Touching on how kids often feel invisible in the adult world makes this book very identifiable for everyone. And the ways the kids use their "invisibility" were clever and central to solving problems. It's an excellent title for the book. This is an author who's on my list to watch for their next book so I can read it.
jenlouisegallant's review against another edition
3.0
Received an audio review copy from Netgalley
Did not realize this was the second book in a series so I went into this missing out on reading the first book. However, I feel like I understood enough from the plot to realize what was going on. I liked how this book explored resistance against political power and had a combination of both fantastical and scientific tools/weapons. It talked about the use of technology like hover crafts and holograms, but also had a magical item that could switch into the shape that you wanted. It also talked about extinct creatures like Dodos which I found fun. I even noticed they talked about Hanukkah and its history. Definitely an interesting story that I think kids would get a lot from.
Did not realize this was the second book in a series so I went into this missing out on reading the first book. However, I feel like I understood enough from the plot to realize what was going on. I liked how this book explored resistance against political power and had a combination of both fantastical and scientific tools/weapons. It talked about the use of technology like hover crafts and holograms, but also had a magical item that could switch into the shape that you wanted. It also talked about extinct creatures like Dodos which I found fun. I even noticed they talked about Hanukkah and its history. Definitely an interesting story that I think kids would get a lot from.
bonniereads777's review against another edition
5.0
This wonderful audiobook is Book Two in the Falinnheim Chronicles series by C.W. Allen. Book two begins with Zed and Tuesday adjusting to a new world, but everything changes again when the Resistance base is attacked. Zed and Tuesday are suddenly in hiding, and they take on an even bigger part in the fight for freedom. From secret missions to kidnapping, the action doesn’t stop, and the fight against evil continues.
It took me just a tiny bit longer to get hooked by this book as opposed to the first one, but then it grabbed me and I went on an even greater adventure than before. The author's depiction of the varying reactions to those under the thumb of an evil dictator is well done and is similar to reactions in real life. The power of manipulation and the effect it can have is shown through the actions of the dictator and his minions. The roles of Zed, Tuesday, and their parents in this fight grow throughout the book until they reach a dramatic conclusion. The fight for freedom can take many forms, and this series does a good job of explaining that.
The narrator Ivy Tara Blair does a great job of portraying the multitude of characters and displaying all their unique personalities.
Middle-grade readers, their parents, and their grandparents will all find characters to identify with in this book. This is a great family read.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Cinnabar Moth Publishing via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
It took me just a tiny bit longer to get hooked by this book as opposed to the first one, but then it grabbed me and I went on an even greater adventure than before. The author's depiction of the varying reactions to those under the thumb of an evil dictator is well done and is similar to reactions in real life. The power of manipulation and the effect it can have is shown through the actions of the dictator and his minions. The roles of Zed, Tuesday, and their parents in this fight grow throughout the book until they reach a dramatic conclusion. The fight for freedom can take many forms, and this series does a good job of explaining that.
The narrator Ivy Tara Blair does a great job of portraying the multitude of characters and displaying all their unique personalities.
Middle-grade readers, their parents, and their grandparents will all find characters to identify with in this book. This is a great family read.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Cinnabar Moth Publishing via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
katiegroomwrites's review against another edition
5.0
I think this series is lovely! You do need to read the first book to fully understand this one (the second), though it wouldn’t be impossible. Good pacing. Lots of new characters introduced. Good teamwork involved. It was nice seeing Zed and Tuesday be a part of a team much larger than last book. Do recommend :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
zoeelizabethk's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I think The Secret Benefits of Invisibility will be fun for younger middle graders who are fans of secret missions, training camps, and exploring new environments, a la Rick Riordan or B.B. Alston. As an adult reader, this one didn't make a big impression on me and was just ok.
Thanks to Cinnabar Moth Publishing and to Netgalley for an audioARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Cinnabar Moth Publishing and to Netgalley for an audioARC in exchange for an honest review.
solaceinliterature's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
louturnspages's review against another edition
5.0
“Keeping a light burning might seem like a small, symbolic thing, but it gave the people what they needed: hope. Hope that when they felt outnumbered and powerless, when it seemed useless to keep trying, what little they had to offer could be enough after all. The war was not yet over, but the miracle inspired our ancestors to keep fighting.”
Guys, this series. This book. They are absolutely wonderful. I was introduced to Allen’s world last year through her first novel, Relatively Normal Secrets, and I loved it. Tuesday and Zed’s adventures, the coming-of-age elements, the family bonds, the humor—it was all wonderful, so when she reached out and asked if I’d like to read the second one, it wasn’t even a question. And I made the right choice.
This book builds beautifully on the first, and joins Tuesday and Zed as they try to acclimate to their new lives in Falinnheim. They’re hiding out with the rebels and trying to adjust to a new normal, but of course, nothing is ever normal for these kids. Soon, they’re off on an unexpected adventure with their classmates and a handful of rebels, facing off against the biggest bad guy Falinnheim has ever known, and trying to save everyone they care about. It’s sweet, it’s funny, it’s full of magic and heart and adventure, and I highly recommend this story.
Read if you like:
-Coming-of-age stories (but not heavy-handed ones)
-Humor, wit, plenty of light-hearted/big-hearted moments
-Strong family bonds/found family (literally found and also family)
-Dodo herding and general escapades
-Smart, creative kids and adults working together to outwit the villain
-Magical, alternative universes
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Guys, this series. This book. They are absolutely wonderful. I was introduced to Allen’s world last year through her first novel, Relatively Normal Secrets, and I loved it. Tuesday and Zed’s adventures, the coming-of-age elements, the family bonds, the humor—it was all wonderful, so when she reached out and asked if I’d like to read the second one, it wasn’t even a question. And I made the right choice.
This book builds beautifully on the first, and joins Tuesday and Zed as they try to acclimate to their new lives in Falinnheim. They’re hiding out with the rebels and trying to adjust to a new normal, but of course, nothing is ever normal for these kids. Soon, they’re off on an unexpected adventure with their classmates and a handful of rebels, facing off against the biggest bad guy Falinnheim has ever known, and trying to save everyone they care about. It’s sweet, it’s funny, it’s full of magic and heart and adventure, and I highly recommend this story.
Read if you like:
-Coming-of-age stories (but not heavy-handed ones)
-Humor, wit, plenty of light-hearted/big-hearted moments
-Strong family bonds/found family (literally found and also family)
-Dodo herding and general escapades
-Smart, creative kids and adults working together to outwit the villain
-Magical, alternative universes
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
lexish's review against another edition
5.0
We're back in Falinnheim with Zed, Tuesday, and company, and what a great new adventure we have! This book expanded on and fleshed out the world and characters in such a satisfying way, and I loved the theme of the "invisible" characters being the ones in the spotlight. I was very glad to see some familiar faces, particularly Obaachan (gotta love a sassy grandma!) and there were some new ones as well (the schoolteacher made me laugh on multiple occasions). This book was a fun-filled, fantastic follow-up to Relatively Normal Secrets, and I couldn't recommend it more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
sophee_568's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley for the audiobook!
After reuniting with their parents, Tuesday and Zed must continue their lives in Falinnheim because they have no way of returning to their dimension. The four of them live in the Resistance base. At the end of the first book, the siblings learn their mum is a Princess. The royal family used to govern Falinnheim. Tieran, the current ruler of Falinnheim, had overthrown the royal family by having them killed. Theodora was the only survivor. Their dad used to be her bodyguard, and over time they fell in love, got married, and had Tuesday and Zed.
During an inside-the-base field trip, a security breach happens, and all of the doors in the base seal shut, trapping the kids and their professors inside a laboratory. One of the profs mentions that there is a secret exit, that they can use to escape before it gets sealed off too. Together they run away to a safe house where they will reside for a long time. While trying their best to celebrate Hannukah with different games, tasty meals, and telling stories, the awareness of their unfortunate situation is there. They must plan their return to the base and rescue the residents trapped there.
In this installment, the story becomes direr as the threats pile up. Our protagonist duo remains their bravest selves, except now they have the help of the other kids from the base and the adults involved. The cast of characters exponentially grows from the first to the second book, and it occasionally becomes hard to track who is who. The writer did their best to diversify the characters, but it ended up lessening the quality of the characters. Developing an extensive cast of characters is challenging, and they remain one-dimensional. I didn't mind it that much because the spotlight is on the siblings, and their characters were consistent. There wasn't much space for them to grow as they were written too mature for their age.
The second book is characterized by the same focus on the fast-paced action sprinkled with peaceful moments intended for banter between characters. After the conflict from the beginning gets resolved, the story's focus shifts to the main villain. The story takes the shape of the classic fairy tale trope - good vs. evil. The ending is unsurprising and quickly wrapped up. My main complaint is that we see less of Nyx, but we get a few moments with dodo birds. In Falinnheim, dodo birds are not extinct, and the resistance base has a dodo farm, which is pretty cool. I enjoyed this part slightly less than the first one but overall, I am satisfied with it. I will be reading the third part when it comes out. I am interested in which direction the story will go because all the loose ends are tied up.
After reuniting with their parents, Tuesday and Zed must continue their lives in Falinnheim because they have no way of returning to their dimension. The four of them live in the Resistance base. At the end of the first book, the siblings learn their mum is a Princess. The royal family used to govern Falinnheim. Tieran, the current ruler of Falinnheim, had overthrown the royal family by having them killed. Theodora was the only survivor. Their dad used to be her bodyguard, and over time they fell in love, got married, and had Tuesday and Zed.
During an inside-the-base field trip, a security breach happens, and all of the doors in the base seal shut, trapping the kids and their professors inside a laboratory. One of the profs mentions that there is a secret exit, that they can use to escape before it gets sealed off too. Together they run away to a safe house where they will reside for a long time. While trying their best to celebrate Hannukah with different games, tasty meals, and telling stories, the awareness of their unfortunate situation is there. They must plan their return to the base and rescue the residents trapped there.
In this installment, the story becomes direr as the threats pile up. Our protagonist duo remains their bravest selves, except now they have the help of the other kids from the base and the adults involved. The cast of characters exponentially grows from the first to the second book, and it occasionally becomes hard to track who is who. The writer did their best to diversify the characters, but it ended up lessening the quality of the characters. Developing an extensive cast of characters is challenging, and they remain one-dimensional. I didn't mind it that much because the spotlight is on the siblings, and their characters were consistent. There wasn't much space for them to grow as they were written too mature for their age.
The second book is characterized by the same focus on the fast-paced action sprinkled with peaceful moments intended for banter between characters. After the conflict from the beginning gets resolved, the story's focus shifts to the main villain. The story takes the shape of the classic fairy tale trope - good vs. evil. The ending is unsurprising and quickly wrapped up. My main complaint is that we see less of Nyx, but we get a few moments with dodo birds. In Falinnheim, dodo birds are not extinct, and the resistance base has a dodo farm, which is pretty cool. I enjoyed this part slightly less than the first one but overall, I am satisfied with it. I will be reading the third part when it comes out. I am interested in which direction the story will go because all the loose ends are tied up.