Part 2 Review of 39 Clues (including potential spoilers)
I should have known that I was just getting a taste of the mystery with this first book! Of course there have to be clues hidden in the next 10 books, otherwise why would students keep reading them? Unfortunately, this has the feel of a Ponzi scheme to me! The book comes to a great climax of finding the 2nd clue and a mysterious substance, when, oh. you have to go buy the next book now. While I can see the appeal of a series that children HAVE TO keep shelling out money for, Nancy Drew, the Bobbsey Twins, the Hardy Boys, etc, had a loyal following while being episodic. Yes, this format keeps the story broken down into manageable chunks, but as an adult, I just want to give Scholastic a hard shake for publishing this series this way.
We shall see if I continue to read any of the books in this series. I recommend for middle school students, but I may spend my reading energy elsewhere. I'm glad I got a taste of Rick Riordan's writing style; I enjoyed much of the book. I just don't think I can commit to reading 10 more books at this time.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
39 Clues Book Review Part 1
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2921082-the-maze-of-bones" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues, #1)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1293421240m/2921082.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2921082-the-maze-of-bones%22%3EThe Maze of Bones</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15872.Rick_Riordan%22%3ERick Riordan</a><br/>
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I'll admit, I judge books by their covers. I was hesitant to pick up The Maze of Bones because of the juvenile cover and unfamiliarity with the 39 Clues series. After reading through the first 100 pages or so last night, I have been pleasantly surprised at the ability of Mr. Riordan to get my pulse racing and my heart caring about Dan and Amy. (I have not read any of Rick Riordan's books yet).
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<br/>I am not certain how much I will buy into this Cahill "family" legacy. Also, I am already not caring about the four factions of the family. By assuring us that so many historical figures are Cahills, this story is distorting my idea of the term "family." Certainly many of Earth's inhabitants share the same bloodlines, but how far back can you go and still call someone a family member? If we are going to see the Cahill family go back to ancient times, I'm calling baloney on this idea. Surely this "most-powerful-family-ever" contains enough weak links that it can also be referred to as "the weakest family ever" (if you are looking at the weakest, infamous members). Or, in other words, "humanity." It remains for me to see how far back the authors will go to identify the progenitor of the Cahills.
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<br/>I am intrigued by the mystery, I can't wait to find out what the authors' have determined to be the most powerful secret of the family. I was saddened by the events of the first chapters and I hope Dan and Amy develop into strong characters. . . . Will continue this review after finishing Book 1.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6118398-penny%22%3EView all my reviews</a>
<br /><br />
I'll admit, I judge books by their covers. I was hesitant to pick up The Maze of Bones because of the juvenile cover and unfamiliarity with the 39 Clues series. After reading through the first 100 pages or so last night, I have been pleasantly surprised at the ability of Mr. Riordan to get my pulse racing and my heart caring about Dan and Amy. (I have not read any of Rick Riordan's books yet).
<br/>
<br/>I am not certain how much I will buy into this Cahill "family" legacy. Also, I am already not caring about the four factions of the family. By assuring us that so many historical figures are Cahills, this story is distorting my idea of the term "family." Certainly many of Earth's inhabitants share the same bloodlines, but how far back can you go and still call someone a family member? If we are going to see the Cahill family go back to ancient times, I'm calling baloney on this idea. Surely this "most-powerful-family-ever" contains enough weak links that it can also be referred to as "the weakest family ever" (if you are looking at the weakest, infamous members). Or, in other words, "humanity." It remains for me to see how far back the authors will go to identify the progenitor of the Cahills.
<br/>
<br/>I am intrigued by the mystery, I can't wait to find out what the authors' have determined to be the most powerful secret of the family. I was saddened by the events of the first chapters and I hope Dan and Amy develop into strong characters. . . . Will continue this review after finishing Book 1.
<br/><br/>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6118398-penny%22%3EView all my reviews</a>
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