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A review by kellyjmac
The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart
5.0
I really enjoyed the whole Mysterious Benedict Society series when I read them before with my son and the show though they strayed pretty far from the books as it went on. I was excited to find this prequel about a young Nicholas and how he became the mysterious man we know.
I listened to the audiobook version and really enjoyed the narrator. He was able to give life to each individual character and brought the story to life. The pacing is slower than some books but in the same way the other Benedict books are. Trenton Lee Stewart loves words and wordplay and it shows in the way he writes. I share this love as well so I enjoy it.
The story itself is so fun to unfold and unravel. You aren't quite sure where it's leading at times but by the end everything feels like it has a (mostly) happy ending. The way the story is written, it feels like you are in on the mystery of the treasure and all the clues and puzzles they are trying to figure out. I also loved what the treasure turned out to be in the end and how Nicholas found a solution to just about everyone's problems.
My heart broke every time Nicholas mentions not believing that any adult would be good or do something for someone else without gaining something themselves. Heartbreaking that this character has been through so much at such a young age but it made my heart happy when he found friendship with John and Violet and found an adult he could trust who then helped him with what he had been dealing with. I was disappointed though that Nicholas didn't end up in a better situation in the book and we are left to wonder if he ever does.
I've read all of Trenton Lee Stewart's books for young readers now and love them so much. I am hoping that there will be more someday soon as I always enjoy his quirky and endearing characters, puzzles and mysteries, and unique style and voice.
I listened to the audiobook version and really enjoyed the narrator. He was able to give life to each individual character and brought the story to life. The pacing is slower than some books but in the same way the other Benedict books are. Trenton Lee Stewart loves words and wordplay and it shows in the way he writes. I share this love as well so I enjoy it.
The story itself is so fun to unfold and unravel. You aren't quite sure where it's leading at times but by the end everything feels like it has a (mostly) happy ending. The way the story is written, it feels like you are in on the mystery of the treasure and all the clues and puzzles they are trying to figure out. I also loved what the treasure turned out to be in the end and how Nicholas found a solution to just about everyone's problems.
My heart broke every time Nicholas mentions not believing that any adult would be good or do something for someone else without gaining something themselves. Heartbreaking that this character has been through so much at such a young age but it made my heart happy when he found friendship with John and Violet and found an adult he could trust who then helped him with what he had been dealing with. I was disappointed though that Nicholas didn't end up in a better situation in the book and we are left to wonder if he ever does.
I've read all of Trenton Lee Stewart's books for young readers now and love them so much. I am hoping that there will be more someday soon as I always enjoy his quirky and endearing characters, puzzles and mysteries, and unique style and voice.