Reviews

The Second Story by Neil Patrick Harris

sharkysav's review against another edition

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5.0

Always a fun read! NPH does a great job with the storytelling of these diverse and magical group of kids. With fun magic lessons in between!

mzrachelsuperlibarian's review against another edition

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4.0

Until I got to about page 225, I was planning to describe this book as suffering from the sophomore jinx. The characters are mostly treading water (except for Sandra, who’s clearly up to something from the get go). And then I get near the end and BOOM!! Non-stop, can’t put it down, when was the last time I breathed action! Having to flip back and forth to translate the morse code was tedious. As an adult all of the surprises were obvious. If I were in elementary or middle school, this book would mystify me and nine-year-old me was all about magic. Who am I kidding? 36-year-old me is STILL all about magic. And I love the bit about Houdini’s second career as a debunker of fake psychics.

albyscout's review against another edition

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4.0

This story is so good. Each book keeps getting deeper and deeper. It makes me think of my childhood where I pretended to have magical powers. I will definitely finish this series, cant wait to see where it goes. 

readwithneleh's review

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4.0

4/5
Another great story from NPH filled with mystery, drama and of course magic! I actually enjoyed this more than the first one. The story had enough layers to the story and kept me engaged while I flew through this. I really liked that this story was from Leila’s POV and love that the books sorry rotates throughout the different characters. Sweet and interesting plot — perfect for kids and adults who love magic or just a good story.

teaaddiction's review against another edition

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3.0

3,5*

cherylg's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed this second book in this series more than the first, though it was good as well. The characters were relateable and well fleshed out, and the narrator on the audiobook did an amazing job for the different voices. The plot was more interesting to me than in the first book, which kind of surprises me. I might have to relisten to Book One to see if maybe it was just a funk I was in at the time, lol.
The gay representation was present there, but not the focus of the story, which was a nice change. They were a major part of the story but not the main character. I would like to see a book written about the men and how they met and fell in love as well, as they seem like they were meant for each other.
There is also a side character that is in a wheelchair, but everyone treats her with love and respect, so it was nice to read.
I've been a fan of Neil Patrick Harris ever since his Doogie Howser days, (I know, I'm old!) and am thrilled that he's written this series. A solid four stars for this book, and I look forward to reading more from him.

oregongirl85's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

5.0

emilychristmas's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5
The beginning flew by very quickly but the middle dragged ALOT but the ending was pretty good so I give NPH props for that.
(This is probably and unpopular opinion)

sonshinelibrarian's review against another edition

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3.0

I did like this better than the first - I think because the characters are all established, it gets into the story faster. However, I'm still just not the biggest fan. I had already bought this before reading the first. I won't bother reading any more.

kathrines_bogrum's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.5