The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart (501 pages)

 Summary

A hole in the wall, a magical watch and lot's of bad guys make for an interesting tale. Reuben finds the watch and soon realizes that he's now in hot water. He bravely takes on the dangerous mission to stop The Smoke, a devious villain who has control over Reuben's town. Penny, Reuben's newfound friend, along with Jack and wise Mrs. Genevieve all aid Reuben on his perilous journey to stop the villain and save the town. They encounter many adventures before they achieve their goal.

Opinion 

I really enjoyed this story. It had action, adventure, mystery and a perfect plot twist. I understood everything that I read and the characters were fantastic. My favorite character had to be Penny because she is fearless, kind-hearted and has the ability to stick-up for herself. The way that the author described The Smoke was incredible. He made it seem so real that it started a private movie in my mind. Please read this book, I know you'll absolutely love it! Enjoy!

Rating

*****(5 stars)

The Rembrandt Conspiracy by Deron Hicks (263 pages)

 Summary

Art, a twelve year old boy, is sure that a grand heist is about to take place at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. The only clues Art has is forty-two steps and a mysterious woman who appears every day. Camille, Art's best friend, thinks he's a little bit crazy. Now it's up to Art to find out who's the bad guy before it's too late. Will he be successful? Read and find out.

Opinion 

Truthfully, I think this book was great. Although I did get a little confused with how the Gardener Museum and the National Gallery were connected. Other than that, the book made perfect sense. Art was one of my favorite characters because of his adventurous spirit and his ability to discover that a heist was going to take place at the National Gallery. I always enjoy a good mystery and this certainly qualifies as such.

Rating

*****(5 stars)

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Dungeon Academy: Tourney of Terror by Madeleine Roux (221 pages)

 Summary

In this second book of the Dungeon Academy series, Zellidora Stormclash, Hugo, Snabla and Bauble are back with more challenges. One of them being nightmares. Zelli decides to confront the cause of the problem, Lord Carrion. Lord Carrion makes the nightmares stop, but something fishy still lies in the air. Zelli discovers that Travian Truescale is not only a dragon, but is also a human. Although Travian claims to be their friend, in reality he may not be. Zelli, Hugo, Bauble, Snabla and their new friend, Travain, face many adventures, before they solve the mystery that lies within their school. 

Opinion 

I thought that this book had a great plot twist. I was quite surprised and sad when Flash, the blink dog, and Zelli's mother both disappear through a portal. My favorite character was Zelli because she was brave enough to confront the enemy and was kind to all of her friends. If you read the first book in this awesome series and liked it, please do read this one.

Rating

*****(5 stars)

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Explorer Academy: The Falcon's Feather by: Trudi Trueit (215 pages)

 Summary

Cruz Coronado is on a mission to find all 8 pieces to his mother's cipher, which explains the serum that she discovered while working on a pain medication at Nebula Pharmaceuticals. She was killed in an accidental fire, but Nebula was to blame. This book only covers his adventures while trying to locate the second piece of the cipher. Cruz overcomes many challenges in his endeavor to locate this valuable piece. Will he succeed?

Opinion 

This is the second book in the Explorer Academy series. Even though I never read the first book, the author recaps the story and I was able to understand what was happening. I absolutely loved the plot twist. My favorite character was Cruz because he's brave, daring and kind-hearted. I really wasn't sure about this book when I started to read it, but after ten chapters I was really into it. I even fell asleep while reading it! If you like mystery, adventures and surprising betrayals, then definitely read this book. 

Rating

*****(5 stars)

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Bonus Review: Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George (228 pages)

 Summary

Princess Celie's favorite day has to be Tuesday because Castle Glower either grows a new roomer, a new passage or even a new tower! However, all hope is lost when the King and Queen disappear off the face of the earth. Although the Councilors come to help and advise Princess Celie and her siblings, something amiss lies in the air. Secret meetings are held, a new tower and a new secret passage appear, and the Councilors don't want the children to discover this. Consequently, it's up to Celie and her faithful siblings to save the kingdom, find their parents and stop whatever the Councilors are doing. Will they accomplish their mission?

Opinion 

I absolutely loved this book. It had a perfect twist, amazing mystery and best of all, the author described the characters so well that I felt like I was part of the story! Princess Celie was my favorite character because she was sneaky, kind, caring to everyone she meets and pretty. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes royalty, mystery and surprising betrayals. I hope you enjoy!

Rating 

*****(5 stars)

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The Prophecy of the Stones by Flavia Bujor (386 pages)

Summary

Three young girls, Jade, Opal and Amber have been chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy and they set out on a journey that they will never forget. Darkness has taken over Fairytale, a magical realm, and these three, brave girls only have three, magical stones, one for each of them, to defeat the evil that lurks in Fairytale. On their journey, Amber, Jade and Opal learn to trust and work together. Will these three, unique girls be able too defeat evil? The fate of Fairytale lies in their hands.

Opinion 

My aunt bought this book for me because she noticed that a fifteen year old girl wrote it. This book has been published in more than 21 countries and is still a best seller in France and Germany. My favorite of the three girls was Amber because she seems to care about people and is very brave. Jade, on the other hand, is a little disappointing because she thinks that she owns everything and is the boss of everyone. As the story progresses, Jade becomes a more likable character because she finally learns that the world belongs to everyone not just her. If you are amazed by the fact that a fifteen year old girl can write a breath-taking novel, then definitely try this captivating story.

Rating 

*****(5 stars)

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Bonus Review: The Van Gogh Deception by Deron Hicks (306 pages)

 Summary

Art, a young boy, who supposedly has amnesia was found sitting in front of a Degas sculpture with no memory of how he got there. While trying to locate his origins, he discovers a mystery that seems to be connected to him.. As he pieces clues together, he realizes that he will need to stop the biggest art fraud in history. On top of that he is faced with figuring out why a group of vicious villains are after him. Read this                      exciting book to discover Art's fate.

Opinion 

I really enjoyed this book. The plot was spectacular! It had twists, turns, challenges and best of all a mystery! The characters had awesome personalities and were extremely brave. My favorite character had to be Camille because of her spunky attitude and her kindness to others. I was even stumped by Art's identity. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes art and mystery mixed in one great story. Enjoy!

Rating

*****(5 stars)

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Spy School Project X by Stuart Gibbs (329 pages)

Summary 

As the school year draws to an end, Benjamin Ripley faces a big issue. Not only does everybody in the world think he's an alien, but every assassin wants him dead in order to receive a payment of 20,000,000 dollars. Murray Hill, a devious criminal, will do anything to ruin Ben's life. Now that Ben has lots of enemies, how will he get out of this big dilemma? 

Opinion 

First of all, I really enjoyed Spy School Project X. I liked it because it was action-packed, exciting and adventurous. I was very excited to finally meet Mary Hale, Erica's grandmother. Erica Hale will always be my favorite character because she's daring and brave. I enjoyed the fact that this story took place in Florida, and finally, I really liked how Stuart Gibbs described all the action parts. I highly recommend this book to anybody who likes mystery, action and adventure. I hope you enjoy it, if you decide to read it. 

Rating 

*****(5 stars)

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Regina Silsby's Secret War by Thomas U. Brodeur (248 pages)

 Summary

Everything is peaceful in the Winslow household until Captain Dudley and his soldiers decide to board in their house. Rachel Winslow hears Dudley's plan to capture the Sons of Liberty, which includes her brother!! So she decides to save them by masquerading as her great-aunt, Regina Silsby, who died mysteriously thirty years ago. During her bold adventures, Dudley arrests somebody as a trap to capture Rachel. Can she avoid this trap or will she be discovered?

Opinion 

We read this book in class and then were assigned to do a diorama. I chose the arresting scene for my diorama. Overall, this book was really good because it was eventful, action-packed and filled with suspense. Although my favorite character was Rachel because she was both courageous and daring, Grandfather was also an interesting character because he was rather sneaky, very smart and definitely kind. If you're looking for a book that dates back to the 1700's and is both mystifying and adventurous, try this one.

Rating

*****(5 stars)

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Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra by Stuart Gibbs (387 pages)

 Summary

In this the third book of the Charlie Thorne series, Charlie has decided to find Cleopatra's treasure, the one that Cleopatra hid during a battle she lost to Octavian.  Charlie, her older brother, Dante, and Milana Moon are put to the test after the CIA tricked and tried to kill them. Charlie has to figure out two thousand year old clues fast before her enemies find the treasure and destroy the world. 

Opinion 

I really liked this book because I thought it was adventurous and action-packed, so much so that I couldn't put it down! Other than Charlie, Milana Moon is one of my favorite characters. She's pretty, brave and is good at fighting criminals. Dante, on the other hand, may be a good agent, but hates it when Charlie teases him about liking Milana. If you are interested in Egypt, mystery and adventure, try this breathtaking tale.

Rating

*****(5 stars)

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Charlie Thorne and the Lost City by Stuart Gibbs (367 pages)

 Summary

She's back! After finding Albert Einstein's equation, Charlie Thorne is now tracking down Charles Darwin's discovery. In order to do this she must travel to the Amazon forest, where danger lurks around every corner.  From escaping gunpoint, to escaping from hungry alligators, Charlie, her brother, Dante, and Milana Moon will embark on a journey that nobody could ever imagine.

Opinion 

This is one of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors, Stuart Gibbs. I was amused by Charlie's teasing of her brother, Dante, about his crush on Milana. Although Charlie's only twelve, she is mature, which makes her look and sound like an eighteen year old. I like the fact that Charlie is a rebel, but is also kindhearted and courageous. Try this "splendiferous" book.

Rating

*****(5 stars)

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Dungeon Academy: No Humans Allowed by Madeleine Roux (204 pages)

 Summary 

Zellidora Stormclash, also know as Zelli, is secretly disguised as a minotaur, but she is really a human. When two minotaurs find her in a basket, they take her in and raise her. As Zelli grows up she wonders if she'll ever see her brith mother again. Wanting to find her real family, Zelli embarks on an exciting journey accompanied by a vegan owlbear, a shapeshifting mimic and a cowardly kobold. Of course, danger lurks around every corner eagerly waiting to strike. 

Opinion 

I thought this book was very interesting. Once I picked it up, I found it so fascinating that I just couldn't put it down! I read it in only a day. My favorite character was Hugo, the Owlbear, because unlike the other Owlbears he's kind and doesn't like to hunt or hurt other monsters. I also liked Zelli. She is brave, friendly and really cares about her friends. If you like monsters, mystery and adventure combined in one good book, then this is a perfect pick for you. Enjoy.

Rating

*****(5 stars)

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Spy School at Sea by Stuart Gibbs (337 pages)

Summary

After defeating another evil organization know as Croatoan, Ben Ripley is hoping to get back to another normal day in the spy world, but life has other plans for him. Ben, Erica, Mike, Alexander and Catherine are posing as a family on the cruise ship, Emperor of the Seas, to try to figure out what Murray Hill, a long time enemy, is plotting. When everything goes wrong, will they still be able to figure out Murray's evil scheme?

Opinion 

I felt using a cruise ship instead of a different country was a definite plus. Personally, I also liked the fact that Catherine and Alexander got together as mother and father. In addition, I almost fell off my chair when Erica became quite emotional over the fact that Ben and Mike, who are thought to be dead, are really alive. Overall, I strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery. It is certainly both captivating and adventurous.

Rating 

*****(5 stars)

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Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell (174 pages)

 Summary 

Karana, a young Indian girl, was left behind when her tribe boarded a ship and sailed east. One day as she looked out at the horizon, Karana realized that her tribe wasn't coming back. She must now make a choice. Should she get on a boat by herself and sail to find her tribe, or stay on the Island and never see her tribe again?

Opinion 

The adventures in this book were good and Karana made an interesting character because of her personality. She was a happy person as well as very brave. However, I didn't care for the part where Karana's dad died, and I wasn't happy with the section where Ramo, Karana's brother, was killed by wild dogs. Overall, this book was not one of my favorites. If you decide to try it, please write me a comment and let me know what you think.

Rating

**(2 stars)

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The Secret Zoo: The Final Fight by Bryan Chick (253 pages)

 Summary 

The Shadowist is back for the final battle, but instead of hiding within the shadows he has taken control of the Secret Zoo to create an army. Noah's parents have been taken by the Shadowist and the Action Scouts have to stop the Shadowist before his minions destroy the town. Every turn the Scouts take danger lies in their path. Join the Scouts one last time to rescue Noah's parents and to defeat the Shadowist once and for all.

Opinion 

The final book in this series was absolutely one of the best. The descriptions that the author gave painted a clear picture of what was happening and made everything easy to understand. The only thing that made me sad was when the Action Scouts had to say goodbye to the Secret Zoo. Overall, this entire series is now one of my very favorites. If you liked the rest of the books in this series, I'm sure you'll really like this one. 

Rating 

*****(5 stars)

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The Magic Mistfits by Neil Patrick Harris (242 pages)

 Summary

Carter Locke and his con artist Uncle Sly have been running from town to town, since Carter's parents mysteriously disappeared. Carter finally runs away from Uncle Sly, finds a town that  he likes and makes friends with Ridley, Theo and Leila. In the meantime, B.B. Bosso has his carnival rigged up and running. Bosso will do anything to get his sticky fingers on some money. Can the new friends stop Bosso's lunatic plan?

Opinion 

This is the first in a four-book misfits series. Since I already reviewed the last book in the series, I decided that it was time for me to review the first. Overall, I definitely enjoyed this book I really like that the author comments on the story in the first person. It makes the book funny and it seems like the author is talking directly to me. My favorite character is Ridley Larson. Even though she's in a wheelchair, she's both fierce and loyal. Also, the Golden twins made me laugh hysterically. If you like magic, adventure and humor, then this book is right for you.

Rating

*****(5 stars)

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Bunnicula Strikes Again! by James Howe (116 pages)

 Summary

Bunncula's at it again! Vegetables are appearing in the Monroe's kitchen and Chester, the household cat, is still convinced that Bunnicula is a vampire and draining the juice from the vegetables. Since Harold, the dog, sees that his furry friend, Bunnicula, looks a little bit sick and finds Chester drinking Bunnicula's food, he thinks that Chester is a vampire. Find out the truth about what is really happening hidden within the pages of this very funny book.

Opinion 

I think this book is as exciting as the first book in the Bunnicula series. I really didn't like the part where the theater was torn down and I was caught quite off guard when Harold told Chester that he thought Chester was a vampire! However, overall, I feel like there are many thrilling adventures within the pages of this very amusing book. Try this fur raising tale, if you dare!

Rating

****(4 stars)

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Spy School Revolution by Stuart Gibbs (342 pages)

 Summary

After defeating the evil organization, SPYDER, Benjamin Ripley, hopes that life in the Spy world will get back to normal. While Ben is telling the truth to his parents about his being a spy, somebody bombs the main building of the Academy. To Ben's astonishment the attacker is Erica Hale. Ben must go rogue from the CIA to help his friend in need before she is caught. In addition, he must face a new evil organization and find out what they're planning. Once again, his life is full of danger and excitement.

Opinion 

I was more than surprised when I found out the bomber was my favorite character, Erica Hale. I thought this story had an amazing plot twist and some really exciting adventures. I was quite surprised when Erica revealed that she had a younger sibling. I especially liked the part where Ben finally tells his parents the truth about his being a spy. I highly recommend this amazing book.

Rating 

*****(5 stars)

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Wings Of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland (304 pages)

 Summary

Clay, a Mudwing Dragon, and one of the five dragonets, has never seen the sun or the moon. Tsunami, Clay, Glory, Sunny and Starflight were taken from their homes when they were still in their eggs. War is raging more and more outside of Clay's area. The dragon prophecy is the key to end this war. Clay and the other dragonets sneak out of their area and go a journey that they will never forget.

Opinion 

A friend of mine suggested this breath-taking tale, and I loved it! It was my first time reading a dragon tale, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I enjoyed this story because of it's action-packed adventure streak. In addition, the plot was awesome and kept me totally focused on what was happening in the story. Tsunami, the Seawing dragon, was my favorite character because she's fierce, dangerous and strong. If you like dragons, than try this amazing story. 

Rating

*****(5 stars)

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The Cricket In Times Square by George Selden (145 pages)

 Summary

Chester Cricket, who was living in the peaceful meadows of Connecticut, accidentally boarded a train to New York City. While there Mario, a young boy, makes a nice and comfy home for Chester in his parent's newsstand. Tucker, a mouse, and Harry, an alley cat, help Chester become comfortable in his new surroundings. Soon Chester realizes that he has a talent that he can share with the world.

Opinion 

I think that the idea of a cricket boarding a train, traveling to New York City and then making a new home in a subway station, is both funny and interesting. This is really a good story, as far as I am concerned. My favorite character is Tucker, the mouse, because he is not only funny, but nice and compassionate as well. I especially like the talent that the author gave Chester, which is discovered in the middle of the story. Do try this book. It's definitely worth the read.

Rating

*****(5 stars)

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