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bremna101's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
ameserole's review against another edition
3.0
First half of this book was eh. Second half was a step up from eh.
The Shadow Cipher is one of those books that has an awesome cover. That's it. The story was interesting but it ended up being a disappointment. I feel like the story building was good, information dumping was eh, and the characters were a bit forgettable. Honestly, I just kept zoning in and out of this book which broke my heart because I was so psyched for this book.
The kids in this book are probably smarter than I am and they are 12. They were okay (in a sense) but nothing really struck out at me. Maybe it's because I was listening to the audio instead of reading the actual book.. but yeah, I just wasn't invested into them like I should be. I expected to be head over heels with this book and these characters but overall, it was just okay.
Overall, I could see myself diving into the next book because this one is so fresh in my mind. However, I would probably try to get the physical or the ebook of it - just to see if there's a difference in my opinion on these characters.
The Shadow Cipher is one of those books that has an awesome cover. That's it. The story was interesting but it ended up being a disappointment. I feel like the story building was good, information dumping was eh, and the characters were a bit forgettable. Honestly, I just kept zoning in and out of this book which broke my heart because I was so psyched for this book.
The kids in this book are probably smarter than I am and they are 12. They were okay (in a sense) but nothing really struck out at me. Maybe it's because I was listening to the audio instead of reading the actual book.. but yeah, I just wasn't invested into them like I should be. I expected to be head over heels with this book and these characters but overall, it was just okay.
Overall, I could see myself diving into the next book because this one is so fresh in my mind. However, I would probably try to get the physical or the ebook of it - just to see if there's a difference in my opinion on these characters.
zaporiah's review against another edition
3.0
DNF. Too distracted by the spelling and grammar mistakes. There were far too many. I enjoyed what I read, however, but it seemed to drag on.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
Second time read & review.
The Shadow Cipher is such a fun audiobook to dive into. I can't believe it took me so long to dive back into it. I mean a handful of months to be honest but I'm pretty sure I was supposed to buddy read this with someone around the 1st of this month. Maybe the 3rd - but details really. All that really matters is that I did it - and now I need the second book STAT.
Everything within this book made me happy. Of course I rolled my eyes a time or two but it was a wonderful adventure to take. It probably made my work day a smidge exciting as well. The nicknames made me giggle and I'm not quite sure I've figured out who my favorite character is (yet). Will need to explore this more within the next book - maybe then I will have a clear winner.
Overall, it was a nice adventure to listen to on a boring day of work. Definitely recommend and look forward to the next one.
The Shadow Cipher is such a fun audiobook to dive into. I can't believe it took me so long to dive back into it. I mean a handful of months to be honest but I'm pretty sure I was supposed to buddy read this with someone around the 1st of this month. Maybe the 3rd - but details really. All that really matters is that I did it - and now I need the second book STAT.
Everything within this book made me happy. Of course I rolled my eyes a time or two but it was a wonderful adventure to take. It probably made my work day a smidge exciting as well. The nicknames made me giggle and I'm not quite sure I've figured out who my favorite character is (yet). Will need to explore this more within the next book - maybe then I will have a clear winner.
Overall, it was a nice adventure to listen to on a boring day of work. Definitely recommend and look forward to the next one.
smashingreads's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Initial thoughts: I hate cliffhangers. I’m not invested enough in the plot or characters to read a second book.
neveroutofbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This book is absolutely fantastic. Definitely my favorite book of the year so far!
henskm's review against another edition
4.0
Adventure and a puzzle to solve—what more could you ask for? Added bonus that it is set in New York City. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
rachelbookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 Stars. This is a middle grade book that transcends age group. Smart, curious kids are poised to solve a cipher that is over a century in the making. Their goal is selfless and the journey is clever and fast-paced. I didn’t realize this book was to be part of a series, and now I’m hooked. Theo, Theresa, and Jaime are all great characters who are at once wise beyond their years and relatable to the reader. Their parents are kind and detached enough to trust them to solve their problems on their own. The prose was fantastic and the audiobook narration spot on. This entire book is just so clever, in setting up an almost alternate history New York City, with familiar details, yet changes details to be technologically advanced, like a Statue of Liberty treated with the right chemicals so it wouldn’t tarnish. I loved the glimpses into history and the hints at something lying below the surface of the story. While some clues I guesses before the characters did, most alluded to things we had not yet read about in the story and held many surprises. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is intrigued by the premise like I was.
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
1.0
So slow. I started reading every other page and then admitted life was too short.