39 Clues series by assorted authors
This list will be updated as I read the final volumes.
#1 Maze of Bones
Rick Riordan
After their parents die in a tragic house fire, Amy and Dan Cahill are raised by a nasty aunt. But they have visits with their grandmother, Grace to look forward to. Shortly after her death from cancer, Grace's Will is read and a challenge issued to the most competitive (and dangerous) family of all time. Take one million dollars, or join the quest to uncover the 39 Clues and become the Most Powerful Person in the World. Amy and Dan accept the challenge and thus begins an exciting (and potentially deadly) around-the-world scavenger hunt. Some of the major plot points and twists seem a little too obvious to an experienced reader like me, and the plot is ridiculously far-fetched. Overall, however, it's exciting, the characters are interesting (although a bit on the cliched side) and the pace is frantic and highly addictive. Which leaves me eager for more. I can see why the kids are gobbling these up. The series is accompanied by a website, trading cards and the opportunity for the reader to join in the adventures and thus hunt for him or herself. It has a wide appeal.
I listened to volumes 1-6 on audio book, which I highly recommend.
#2 One False Note
Gordon Korman
In this instalment of the "around-the-world" treasure hunt we have crazy boat chases, a cat on a hunger strike, secret headquarters beneath a music store and many other things beside. As our heroes find themselves in Venice. The writer has a love of the word "astern" and graces us with it at least 6 times in as many minutes, and also overuses the cliches, but overall an exciting adventure leaving me hungry for more.
#3 Sword Thief
Peter Lerangis
Another fun, fast paced instalment in this series, this time our heroes find their way to Japan and have a run-in with more of the extended family. The implied delationship/romance seemed contrived but the plot contained a few surprises and a goodly amount of excitement. A fun series for adventurous kids.
#4 Beyond the Grave
Jude Watson
Not bad, another fast-paced plot and a bit of Cahill-reminiscing sweetness. Despite these all being written by different authors, I'm not finding too much difference in writing style. Although some make Dan more obnoxious than others! In this volume our heroes venture into Egypt in an effort to uncover the Cahill family secret.
#5 The Black Circle
Patrick Carman
This one is most noted as being the one when a main character dies. Which one? You'll have to read and see. In this volume, our heroes are starting to doubt their Au Pair, Nelly, and when a clue leads them to the airport and hands them tickets to Russia and fake passports, they leap at the chance to branch out on their own.
#6 In Too Deep
Jude Watson
Not one of the best in the series. In this chapter of their adventures, Dan and Amy make their way to Australia. Here, Watson has some fun with Aussie slang and throws a few cliches around before whisking our heroes off to the opal mines and away to the Philippines. Everything flows a little too smoothly and is a bit too predictable. Still, lots of fun.
#7 The Viper's Nest
Peter Lerangis
This is the first of this series that I have actually physically read (the others on audio book). And even though they're as addictive as caffeine, they're not exactly "well written" or even close. In this instalment the quest for the clues leads Dan and... Amy to Pretoria, South Africa and eventually concludes with them arriving at their Grandmother's house in Madagascar (complete with absolutely no description of this amazing country, which left me feeling very let down) where finally you learn their family identity. Those of you that hadn't had it all figured out from book 1 that is. Predictable, cheesy and very, very addictive.
#8 The Emperor's Code
Gordon Kormon
Gordon strikes me as one of the stronger writers in this series. I certainly enjoyed this instalment, which takes our Cahill heroes first to China, then divides the two up for the first time in the series. Fast paced and intriguing, it relies a lot on coincidence, but that's too be expected. Certainly some tense moments here, and a hidden message in the text too (although not well hidden) which makes for some added fun. Makes you wonder where the series is going and who the Madrigals REALLY are...
#9 Storn Warning
Linda Sue Park
I believe this is the best instalment in this series so far. The thrills and surprises never stop (some of those us more experienced readers guessed back in book 2 are finally revealed) and the tension builds well. There is some heartbreak in here as well, and Linda Sue Park just proves to be a strong writer with a good grasp on the characters. Roll on book #10 and the childrens' biggest challenge yet!
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