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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
I love books that all ages can enjoy, whether kid or adult, and this one is no exception! The pictures, maps, humor, plot--it's all good. I suppose I should have expected nothing less, given James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein are the authors; but to be fair, and true confession, I've not read anything by Patterson before--just Grabenstein (who is reason enough to pick this book up).
While the book does reference events presumably featured in previous installments, I still really enjoyed it--and those references make me want to read the others!
I also love that the authors bring in emotion. So many books out there don't give kids enough credit to handle things, or forget that they go through tough stuff too. Acknowledging that--whether loss, or fear, or something else--was refreshing. Obviously, age-appropriateness is important, and that can vary from kid to kid. But this was spot on.
And the amount of education here! Kids will have a great time learning (really, lol) as part of the read.
"Sometimes you just have to decide what's really important and go for it!"--one of many takeaways I loved.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
While the book does reference events presumably featured in previous installments, I still really enjoyed it--and those references make me want to read the others!
I also love that the authors bring in emotion. So many books out there don't give kids enough credit to handle things, or forget that they go through tough stuff too. Acknowledging that--whether loss, or fear, or something else--was refreshing. Obviously, age-appropriateness is important, and that can vary from kid to kid. But this was spot on.
And the amount of education here! Kids will have a great time learning (really, lol) as part of the read.
"Sometimes you just have to decide what's really important and go for it!"--one of many takeaways I loved.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Chris Grabenstein has been James Patterson’s primary go-to author for middle-grade fiction and you don’t have to read too far into Ultimate Quest, the 8th Treasure Hunters book, to see why. Patterson and Grabenstein craft a goofy, imaginative narrative full of jokes, plot twists, and fun facts. The result is a little bit ridiculous—but just think of this as The Fast and Furious franchise for kids.
The Kidd siblings have grown up with famous treasure hunters as parents and by book number eight they’ve got a lot of adventures under their belt. Characters are written to have one dominant trait that defines them, sometimes for comedic value and sometimes to insert some education or exposition into the story. Like, you just know that Tommy (oldest brother) is going to fall immediately in love with some girl (who is likely a spy or a villain). You know that Storm is going to have all the answers. And Beck and Bick, well, they’re going to be wise-cracking twin younger siblings who tie the family together. (Bick narrates the story; Beck provides the illustrations.)
In this particular tale, the Kidds are looking for an ancient Knights Templar treasure—but the aren’t the only ones! Hijinks, double-crosses, and some pretty outlandish action sequences ensue. By book eight, Patterson and Grabenstein (joined by Juliana Neufeld for illustrations) have the series down to a science. The problem that can ensue when a book series is always successful with a certain pattern is that the pattern grows stale and the stories fail to live up to the structure. Grabenstein doesn’t let this happen, penning a narrative that’s just as energetic and upbeat as book one (if not better).
Ultimate Quest is geared toward middle-grade readers and fits that age-frame well. There’s Bick and Beck, who most closely identify with the intended audience, and Storm and Tommy, who are either representative of older siblings or older versions of the audience. However the readers see themselves in the book, there’s a character that fits them. It’s a light-hearted romp where you know that nobody is going to get hurt, that the kids will learn a moral lesson, that the parents will be some sort of trouble, and the kids will save the day. It’s a clever, successful setup and so long as Patterson and Grabenstein keep their passion for the series, it’ll be a perennial favorite.
Another great book by James Patterson. This is my first book in the series and I was able to catch up with no problem. I will be going back to read the first seven books. This is the perfect book for a middle school student, especially one that may be a reluctant reader. There is a little bit fir everyone: mystery, adventure, and middle school humor.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.