The Mysterious Benedict Society Collection

I found this books series for my ten-year-old daughter to read after she blazed through the entire 39 Clues in a matter of weeks. Being that I am a writer and a writing professor(trishhopkins.com), my daughter felt a little skeptical about the antogonist being an evil twin. She thought the book might be full of cliches. However, she checked the first book out of the library to test it before I bought it. In the second chapter, she exclaimed that she wanted the entire series. She encouraged me to read it with her (her second go), and I am hooked as well. Trent Lee Stewart knows how to write a compelling mystery. One sentence alone can stop the reader in his or her tracks long enough to calm a racing heart. My daughter said that this is by far one of the best written stories she has read (compared to Harry Potter and 39 Clues, which she loves). She is hoping that it does not end with the third book. I agree that this is a extremely engaging tale with delightful characters whose traits are mirrored in most people. These books are definitely page turners, and "come on just one more chapter" adventures. I would give this series and the author more stars if the rating went higher! A must have in your personal library!

Writing is kind of empty, but the concept is A+. Some plot turns are expected but the author makes it out they're difficult secrets - and I don't mean the puzzles to solve that are left to the reader (there are some few, like one at the end of the 1st book) - I mean in-book logical leaps made by the children. But again, concept - I like to see Kate and her physical intelligence/mastery and Reynie's cunning and Sticky and his memory - and that they each have their OWN thing and it's so matter-of-fact that they do is nice. Sticky handling his ego when he finally gets it, in the second book, and also scattered throughout the first there are these moments when an everyday behaviour or thought sequence turns up in the characters, comes across as relateable. Still, the tone of these books is a*bit* sanctimonious, in that Reynie has his *good* values and so does Benedict, and it's perfect alignment to this goodness that makes the hero. Which makes sense ofc, for a certain value of heroism, but can get a little tiring, as moralization happens quite a bit - on the other hand it's refreshing to receive some of them (that you agree with), in the way that it's nice when books promote in you behaviour you want to be promoted. A fairly small part of the plot, more of an undertone.

I might give 3 and a half stars but not 4 or more.I came to see this series while looking for similar books to Percy Jackson (and I like Harry Potter too). I read other people's reviews and I don't disagree what they write. Price was "3 for 10". First half or more of Book 1 was exciting and speedy. Plot is, put it simply, that children defeat bad adults but there are unclear things and descriptions every now and then.....Do all kids who's reading this series understand Mr. Benedict's literati drivel?.....at least for me or am I just one of bad & stupid adults in the book?And then, there was no fight at all. Kate does some during escape scenes and that was all. I expected that boys would fight too. If they are so physically imcompetent, I expected they would be smart enough to do some tricks like Home Alone movies. Most of the time, they simply get captured. This was a little drawback for me because Percy, Harry, and their frineds always fight bad enemies (adults, monster, ghost, etc) against odds. They would win but also would often get injured or beaten. (Of course I understand Benedict children are no demi-gods or wizards and enemies are human gangs.)Book 2 and 3 are pretty much written in the same pattern and rythm, I felt. So by the time I was in the middle of Book 3, I just went through quickly to the end.Over all puzzles and quizes are quite fan. Good read and would keep you occupied. But I don't think I read these books again. (I went back to all 5 of Percy Jackson in 3 months after I first finished!)

Brilliant read for people of all ages. These books are packed with puzzling situations, suspense, fun, and a little of everything. It's so good to finally read them again.As for the condition of the item itself:-It does come with four books, including the black one. It was difficult to tell from the picture whether that one was included or not, and it was.-The box was in very good condition, with a little tear on one of the corners that wasn't too bothersome. A little Sharpie and no one will notice.-The books are pristine.Note: be prepared to wait a while-- a LONG while--for this item to arrive. The estimated delivery date varied widely, and this arrived at the very later end of that estimate. I would recommend buying this a few weeks to a month early if you need to have it by a certain date.

I enjoyed them so much I went on to get the rest of Stewart's work and completed all of those as well! Great story!

I read the books to see if they were appropriate for my then 9 year old daughter who is an advanced reader and I found that I actually enjoyed the books. My daughter loved them and then my son read them at 9 and he loved them and we just bought this new boxed set to give to one of my son's Japanese friends who reads at a sixth grade level. The books are definitely for middle school or above but if you have a young reader who reads above grade level these are great options for them. They are entertaining and challenging and there isn't any inappropriate material not suited to young kids. They also really encourage the kids to think. I think the author is very talented and my kids would love to read more of his books.

Brillant

8 year old daughter loved this.

Well packaged and as described

My granddaughter has nearly finished reading these very entertaining books. She is an avid reader so it is hard to find books that are both entertaining and hold her interest. Thank you for a very good product,

I purchased these for my daughter at Christmas and she's already read them all. Loved them.