It's incredibly difficult to review series books. The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Prisoner's Dilemma is the third in a youth series by Trenton Lee Stewart. I read the first book last October and the second one in January. Of course there are things revealed in the first story that are taken for granted in the remaining books but I can't reveal them without spoiling the series for newcomers. I'm going to do my best to do a mostly spoiler-free review but if you are considering the series, you may choose not to continue.Our four Society children--Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance--are continuing to grow and develop, each honing their own particular skills. They are spending most of their time being taught by Mr. Benedict and his staff. However, there is no peace and quiet for this group while the children are being targeted for their knowledge of past occurrences. Eventually, their sanctuary is attacked and the group must fight a crafty adversary in order to save Stonetown.
This is just a great series about growing children. In this book, they are maturing and starting to break out of the narrow confines of their youthful personalities. For example, it's not easy for one of the kids to try being the brave one when he has always been nervous and timid. But he realizes that for the sake of his friends, he needs to take advantage of an opportunity that only he has thought of. This is a great lesson for any child.
Hoping Z also grows up to be brave and resourceful,
K
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I read the first book in these series a few months ago. Super cute! It reminded me of Harry Potter crossed with Harriet the Spy. I have been waiting to get my hands on the second one.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to get the first in this series when I saw it on the shelf of our used bookstore, but when I next went to find it, it was gone! It sounds like a great series, though.
ReplyDeleteAmy - I have been getting these at the library but I will definitely buy copies for our home shelves at some point!
ReplyDeleteAarti - I like that these are smart kids who are learning to cope with their strengths and how to get help with their weaknesses. That's one thing that Harry Potter doesn't always do a great job of doing. Those kids have real problems being honest and asking for help.
I loved the first one, I have the second one on my To Be Read pile, (after finishing the finale to Inkheart) and so pleased that there is a third one to look forward to!
ReplyDelete(recommended these to my niece and after having read the first one is patiently waiting for me to finish the second so she can read it too) Ah the joy of reading:-)
not a blogger - This is a great series! I am probably going to buy all three for my sister's birthday this year. I think it works for adults and children.
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