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protoman21's review against another edition
3.0
A fun children's story, but I felt it stretched on a bit too long. The characters were likeable, but not really to a point where you love them and want more and more. The puzzles were fun and creative and the highlight of the book for me. I do like it when kids are able to outsmart adults in a believable way. I'll probably read the next book, but I'm going to give it a while.
katemarie99's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Didn't love *everything* about this book, but pretty damn near. Excited to read the rest of the series. Constance and Kate are MY girlies.
goodem9199's review against another edition
1.0
Not saying it was bad, just bad for me. Too many puzzles, and too much thinking required...I felt like I was in math class.
joanie23's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
joshholder's review against another edition
4.0
Read this a kid and absolutely loved it. Such a clever, funny, and exciting story.
The book honestly still holds up - rating 5 stars in honor of my childhood self (but an honest review as an adult would be more like 3.5 stars)
The book honestly still holds up - rating 5 stars in honor of my childhood self (but an honest review as an adult would be more like 3.5 stars)
suvata's review against another edition
2.0
#StoryGraph: fiction fantasy middle grade mystery adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
480 pages | first published 2007
When an advert appears in the newspaper for children to take part in a secret mission, children everywhere sit a series of odd tests. In the end, just Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance succeed. They have three things in common: they are honest, talented and orphans. They must go undercover - the fate of the world is at stake ...
480 pages | first published 2007
When an advert appears in the newspaper for children to take part in a secret mission, children everywhere sit a series of odd tests. In the end, just Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance succeed. They have three things in common: they are honest, talented and orphans. They must go undercover - the fate of the world is at stake ...
_daisyreadsbooks_'s review against another edition
5.0
“Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?”
I am, actually, a seventeen year old girl reading a middle grade book meant for twelve year olds featuring twelve year olds who are all smarter than me. Out of the four kids, I think we all can agree that Constance is the best, and if I were to say I were anything like any of the four of them, it would be Constance. Short, grumpy when I’m tired, but I still love my friends. And while I’m probably too old to be reading this, you gotta love a good middle grade adventure mystery. And this is a favorite of mine cuz I read it twice.
I am, actually, a seventeen year old girl reading a middle grade book meant for twelve year olds featuring twelve year olds who are all smarter than me. Out of the four kids, I think we all can agree that Constance is the best, and if I were to say I were anything like any of the four of them, it would be Constance. Short, grumpy when I’m tired, but I still love my friends. And while I’m probably too old to be reading this, you gotta love a good middle grade adventure mystery. And this is a favorite of mine cuz I read it twice.
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Digital audiobook read by Del Roy
From the book jacket: When the peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious mind-bending tests. But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.
My Reactions
A fun adventure story of friendship and loyalty. Reynie, Kate, Constance and Sticky (real name George) are quite the team. They’re chosen for the mission based on their intelligence, creativity, determination and courage. And they definitely have to use all those attributes, as well as other talents to thwart the evil Mr Curtain’s scheme for taking over the world.
I can certainly see the appeal for middle-grade readers. There are issues common to all children (and adults) here – what makes us afraid, bullying, learning to get along, tolerance for other people’s difference. The scenarios are somewhat ridiculous, but that’s all part of the fun, and will certainly get the reader’s imagination fired up.
Del Roy does a marvelous job reading the audiobook. He set a good pace, quick enough for the adventure to come through, not so quick as to lose the listener. The characters really come alive in his narration as well.
From the book jacket: When the peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious mind-bending tests. But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.
My Reactions
A fun adventure story of friendship and loyalty. Reynie, Kate, Constance and Sticky (real name George) are quite the team. They’re chosen for the mission based on their intelligence, creativity, determination and courage. And they definitely have to use all those attributes, as well as other talents to thwart the evil Mr Curtain’s scheme for taking over the world.
I can certainly see the appeal for middle-grade readers. There are issues common to all children (and adults) here – what makes us afraid, bullying, learning to get along, tolerance for other people’s difference. The scenarios are somewhat ridiculous, but that’s all part of the fun, and will certainly get the reader’s imagination fired up.
Del Roy does a marvelous job reading the audiobook. He set a good pace, quick enough for the adventure to come through, not so quick as to lose the listener. The characters really come alive in his narration as well.