Scan barcode
eisi28's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
jackthelad's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
scostner's review against another edition
4.0
Anyone who has read The Book Scavenger is already eagerly awaiting this sequel. If you have not started the series yet, then you can have the pleasure of reading both books back-to-back. This time, Emily and James are still dealing with the fame of their amazing find at the end of the first book, as well as having some worries at home. Emily overhears her parents discussing money issues, and James wishes his dad would cut back on his business travel and be home more often. But nothing compares with becoming part of the advisory board for their hero Mr. Griswold, the creator of the Book Scavenger game. As they rush from school to dance committee to meetings with Mr. Griswold, they also have time for more Book Scavenger clues and possibly a treasure hunt.
Two middle school kids trying to balance schoolwork, family life, and trying to solve an unbreakable code over a century old sounds like a lot to work into a story, but the author smoothly weaves it all together. Scenes with the dance committee debating over theme and decorations ring true, while the hunt for treasure and a possible arsonist are believably filled with tension and excitement. Many of the characters from the first story are back - Mr. Quisling, Hollister, Jack, and the families and classmates of Emily and James. And there are a few new faces that we can watch and wonder, "Is that the bad guy?"
Anyone interested in books, codes, ciphers, and treasure hunts should try this. Reading it makes me wish Hollister had his bookshop in my neighborhood; I want to curl up in the purple armchair and read.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.
Two middle school kids trying to balance schoolwork, family life, and trying to solve an unbreakable code over a century old sounds like a lot to work into a story, but the author smoothly weaves it all together. Scenes with the dance committee debating over theme and decorations ring true, while the hunt for treasure and a possible arsonist are believably filled with tension and excitement. Many of the characters from the first story are back - Mr. Quisling, Hollister, Jack, and the families and classmates of Emily and James. And there are a few new faces that we can watch and wonder, "Is that the bad guy?"
Anyone interested in books, codes, ciphers, and treasure hunts should try this. Reading it makes me wish Hollister had his bookshop in my neighborhood; I want to curl up in the purple armchair and read.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.
beedotcom's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
arkayehs's review against another edition
4.0
What a delight. An excellent sequel to the original Book Scavenger. I had just as much fun the second time around and I can't wait to read the third one. Clever, creative, and so much fun!!!
leasa's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bookworm_baggins's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the first book in this series better, but this was a solid second novel. I enjoy how the plot is woven between historical fact and fiction.
cjeziorski's review against another edition
4.0
This is a solid sequel to The Book Scavenger. It has enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing as to the identity of the Phoenix. Personally, I had two ideas of the culprit. I also appreciate how they introduce the third book at the very end—definitely will leave readers wanting more.
morgarelibrare's review against another edition
5.0
*Read at work for review for ROYAL*
Oh man, this book was so much fun! Who doesn’t love the idea of a book filled scavenger hunt that ties in code breaking and a little bit of U.S. history?
Emily and James are two tenacious middle schoolers who love a website called Book Scavenger, where people all over the country hide books and then leave clues for others to decode. When mysterious fires start breaking out across San Francisco that may tie back to their teacher Mr. Quisling, the kids are quickly on the case, working to solve an old unbreakable code and piece together the truth of what’s happening.
I really loved this book; it was such a delight to read. Emily and James have such a great friendship and are bonded by their love for puzzles and book scavenging. I love that they live one floor apart in an apartment complex and that their bedrooms line up, allowing them to pass coded notes to each other through a bucket and pulley system rigged up outside their windows. They work so well together, and have fun along the way.
The history involved is also fascinating, giving information on the gold rush, sunken ships, and Treasure Island.
Overall, this is a great book for any book lover who enjoys a good puzzle and a mystery or two.
Oh man, this book was so much fun! Who doesn’t love the idea of a book filled scavenger hunt that ties in code breaking and a little bit of U.S. history?
Emily and James are two tenacious middle schoolers who love a website called Book Scavenger, where people all over the country hide books and then leave clues for others to decode. When mysterious fires start breaking out across San Francisco that may tie back to their teacher Mr. Quisling, the kids are quickly on the case, working to solve an old unbreakable code and piece together the truth of what’s happening.
I really loved this book; it was such a delight to read. Emily and James have such a great friendship and are bonded by their love for puzzles and book scavenging. I love that they live one floor apart in an apartment complex and that their bedrooms line up, allowing them to pass coded notes to each other through a bucket and pulley system rigged up outside their windows. They work so well together, and have fun along the way.
The history involved is also fascinating, giving information on the gold rush, sunken ships, and Treasure Island.
Overall, this is a great book for any book lover who enjoys a good puzzle and a mystery or two.