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clioreadsalot's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
samiamstew's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to the audiobook of this - not as into this one because it was not fully narrated by NPH. I liked the further character development in this one, especially about Mr. Vernon and the Other Mr. Vernon. I was rightly suspicious of one character from the beginning, but there was also a nice twist that I felt was foreshadowed but not too early. I want more adventures from the group, ideally fully narrated by NPH. And it is fun to learn some magic along the way! Great themes of friendship and perserverence.
melhara's review against another edition
3.0
2.5/5
NPH’s narration was the highlight of the first book so I was pretty disappointed to find that most of this book was narrated by someone else. Don’t get me wrong, the narrator still did a fantastic job and NPH did all the narration for the magic trick sections of the book. Also, for those of you who hated the sound effects in the first audiobook, this second one doesn’t have any (aside from the occasional tapping sounds of morse code).
Another reason why I’m giving this book a slightly lower rating than the first book is because [b:The Second Story|9517|Persepolis 2 The Story of a Return (Persepolis, #2)|Marjane Satrapi|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327865598s/9517.jpg|6127168] was incredibly predictable. I feel like I could’ve written the story myself.
This second book is focused mainly on Leila and her past, as well as a (in my opinion) not-so-mysterious psychic who wanders into town to pay the Vernons a visit.
Finally, I mentioned in the review for [b:Magic Misfits|28107444|The Magic Misfits (Magic Misfits, #1)|Neil Patrick Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492706288s/28107444.jpg|48114246] that it reminded me of The Series of Unfortunate Events and that hasn’t changed at all. In fact, there were major Series of Unfortunate Events vibes throughout this book.Count Olaf and his theatrical troupe Big Bosso’s circus troupe are back and causing trouble for the Beaudelaire orphans Magic Misfits. It also seems that Violet and Klaus Leila and Carter’s parents were all part of a secret society that the Magic Misfits are desperately trying to know more about.
Overall, this series appear to lack originality and unpredictability. Even so, it was still pretty entertaining and I’m sure there are a lot of kids who would enjoy this series.
NPH’s narration was the highlight of the first book so I was pretty disappointed to find that most of this book was narrated by someone else. Don’t get me wrong, the narrator still did a fantastic job and NPH did all the narration for the magic trick sections of the book. Also, for those of you who hated the sound effects in the first audiobook, this second one doesn’t have any (aside from the occasional tapping sounds of morse code).
Another reason why I’m giving this book a slightly lower rating than the first book is because [b:The Second Story|9517|Persepolis 2 The Story of a Return (Persepolis, #2)|Marjane Satrapi|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327865598s/9517.jpg|6127168] was incredibly predictable. I feel like I could’ve written the story myself.
This second book is focused mainly on Leila and her past, as well as a (in my opinion) not-so-mysterious psychic who wanders into town to pay the Vernons a visit.
Finally, I mentioned in the review for [b:Magic Misfits|28107444|The Magic Misfits (Magic Misfits, #1)|Neil Patrick Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492706288s/28107444.jpg|48114246] that it reminded me of The Series of Unfortunate Events and that hasn’t changed at all. In fact, there were major Series of Unfortunate Events vibes throughout this book.
Overall, this series appear to lack originality and unpredictability. Even so, it was still pretty entertaining and I’m sure there are a lot of kids who would enjoy this series.
yapha's review against another edition
3.0
A continuation of the first book in the series, this time told from Laila's point of view. It gives more of her back story with new adventures for the gang. Includes codes and magic tricks like the first one. I recommend reading the series in order. For grades 3 & up.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
booksandpops4000's review against another edition
4.0
*I got this book for review from the publisher for my honest thoughts**
I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be so much fun to read. I really enjoyed this book and loved the new character POV that we got to follow. I thought the mystery was a tad predictable at points but really loved again the focus on family and also found family and also on using magic as a art form. I also really loved the focus on friendship!This book just put a really big smile on my face. I really enjoyed reading it!
I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be so much fun to read. I really enjoyed this book and loved the new character POV that we got to follow. I thought the mystery was a tad predictable at points but really loved again the focus on family and also found family and also on using magic as a art form. I also really loved the focus on friendship!This book just put a really big smile on my face. I really enjoyed reading it!
monenahall's review against another edition
4.0
We listened to this in one day. Fun story all the way around and my girls are already asking for #3.
mckenzierichardson's review against another edition
4.0
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
Everything you loved about book number one now in a completely new adventure.
This series is so amazing. I love the whole concept. And the magic trick how-tos are such a fun way for readers to really engage with the book.
I was slightly disappointed that the audiobook wasn't fully read by Neil Patrick Harris (he does do the magic trick tutorials and extras- i.e. acknowledgements, character reviews, etc.), but I understand that since this one focused on Leila, they went with a female narrator. Also, Christina Hendricks did a phenomenal job reading it. I loved all of her character voices. Great reading.
This book continues what happened in the last book as well as developing new plots. Great balance. I was engaged with the story the entire time. While some parts were predictable, I still really enjoyed listening to it.
I also really like that the adults work with the children in this series, instead of against them as so many adults in children's books do. It is a nice change. Plus, Mr. Vernon and Other Mr. Vernon are amazing parents. Love their relationship with Leila.
Amazing book with adorable illustrations. I really like this series. Can't wait for the third book to come out. This is definitely a series I will stick with to the end.
Everything you loved about book number one now in a completely new adventure.
This series is so amazing. I love the whole concept. And the magic trick how-tos are such a fun way for readers to really engage with the book.
I was slightly disappointed that the audiobook wasn't fully read by Neil Patrick Harris (he does do the magic trick tutorials and extras- i.e. acknowledgements, character reviews, etc.), but I understand that since this one focused on Leila, they went with a female narrator. Also, Christina Hendricks did a phenomenal job reading it. I loved all of her character voices. Great reading.
This book continues what happened in the last book as well as developing new plots. Great balance. I was engaged with the story the entire time. While some parts were predictable, I still really enjoyed listening to it.
I also really like that the adults work with the children in this series, instead of against them as so many adults in children's books do. It is a nice change. Plus, Mr. Vernon and Other Mr. Vernon are amazing parents. Love their relationship with Leila.
Amazing book with adorable illustrations. I really like this series. Can't wait for the third book to come out. This is definitely a series I will stick with to the end.
pomegranateseedpress's review against another edition
3.0
This one took longer to get into - both the action and the characters... my kids enjoyed it - me - not so much but quick nighttime read.