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The Mysterious Benedict Society #2
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
CHILDREN
YOU MUST NOT COME
STOP
DANGEROUS
The fabulous foursome readers embraced as The Mysterious Benedict Society is back with a new mission: to go on a mind-bending international scavenger hunt designed to engage their individual talents. As they search for all the clues and riddles Mr. Benedict has hidden for them, Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance face an unexpected challenge that will reinforce the reasons they were brought together in the first place and require them to fight for the very namesake that united them.
JOIN THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AT YOUR OWN RISK!
YOU MUST NOT COME
STOP
DANGEROUS
The fabulous foursome readers embraced as The Mysterious Benedict Society is back with a new mission: to go on a mind-bending international scavenger hunt designed to engage their individual talents. As they search for all the clues and riddles Mr. Benedict has hidden for them, Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance face an unexpected challenge that will reinforce the reasons they were brought together in the first place and require them to fight for the very namesake that united them.
JOIN THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AT YOUR OWN RISK!
440 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2008
About the author
Trenton Lee Stewart
28 books3,910 followersTrenton Lee Stewart is the author of the award-winning, bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series for young readers; The Secret Keepers, also for young readers; and the adult novel Flood Summer. He lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Letters to the author may be sent to:
Trenton Lee Stewart
PO Box 251358
Little Rock, AR 72205
Letters to the author may be sent to:
Trenton Lee Stewart
PO Box 251358
Little Rock, AR 72205
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,304 reviews
April 30, 2021
Basically my whole review of this is that the first book is magic and adventure and fun and perfection and a total unique one of a kind delight from top to bottom...
And this is like, okay. Pretty good at points.
But definitely not the first book.
That's all.
Bottom line: Do you really need a bottom line if the review itself is like three and a half sentences long??
And this is like, okay. Pretty good at points.
But definitely not the first book.
That's all.
Bottom line: Do you really need a bottom line if the review itself is like three and a half sentences long??
April 6, 2021
This book was not uniformly good, and its sluggish start was quite gloomy. I thought of putting down the book and looking for alternatives while my expectations levels adjusted themselves to the lacklustre beginnings.
The one new word that I definitely learned in this middle grade book - peopled as it was with a bunch of gifted children - was pulchritude. You'll thank me for underlying this point after you've checked its meaning.
The clues in the book are concrete clues. They are hints left by the grown up de facto chief of the gifted (gifted seems a bit unspecific here so I'll use the French word surdoués) clan. Where was I? Yes, the clues left by the ringleader were sometimes unfairly difficult, but more often than not, they were within the reach of the children.
I am very glad to have concluded that unlike Enid Blyton's books, where the latter author just had to elect a leader of the various groups, here among the 4 children, power is distributed democratically. Everyone gets their time to shine, and though the boy Reynie was the most resourceful one, the others had real talent different from him, to offer.
I think the author bided his time to use a joke that he must have been itching to use. You see, one of the children's surname was Contraire, and when the chief of the baddies prattled on : 'Au contraire...', well you can guess what misunderstanding happens. It was a pity that 'No ****, Sherlock,' wasn't in canon Sherlock lore. Too ahead of its time I guess.
This was a good book. I do recommend it to all people who love to read. The author, Trenton Lee Stewart, kind of got writer's block at the end and didn't know how to finish his book and as a result the book ended abruptly. It's an interesting ending, but its setting was just as rambunctious as the ending in all Asterix books, at least all that I've read.
The one new word that I definitely learned in this middle grade book - peopled as it was with a bunch of gifted children - was pulchritude. You'll thank me for underlying this point after you've checked its meaning.
The clues in the book are concrete clues. They are hints left by the grown up de facto chief of the gifted (gifted seems a bit unspecific here so I'll use the French word surdoués) clan. Where was I? Yes, the clues left by the ringleader were sometimes unfairly difficult, but more often than not, they were within the reach of the children.
I am very glad to have concluded that unlike Enid Blyton's books, where the latter author just had to elect a leader of the various groups, here among the 4 children, power is distributed democratically. Everyone gets their time to shine, and though the boy Reynie was the most resourceful one, the others had real talent different from him, to offer.
I think the author bided his time to use a joke that he must have been itching to use. You see, one of the children's surname was Contraire, and when the chief of the baddies prattled on : 'Au contraire...', well you can guess what misunderstanding happens. It was a pity that 'No ****, Sherlock,' wasn't in canon Sherlock lore. Too ahead of its time I guess.
This was a good book. I do recommend it to all people who love to read. The author, Trenton Lee Stewart, kind of got writer's block at the end and didn't know how to finish his book and as a result the book ended abruptly. It's an interesting ending, but its setting was just as rambunctious as the ending in all Asterix books, at least all that I've read.
April 16, 2008
A slow starter. When the author ties together a whole complete book, then he'll really have something, but the first book in this series was a strong starter and then trailed off, and this 2nd book is a slow starter and a poor (far too abrupt) finisher, but the middle section of the book really delivers.
I'd like to see more actual intelligence put down on the page as well. The four children are supposedly super intelligent, but Sticky's contributions are generally of the "he's super well read, so he just knows things," and Constance actually DOES "just know things" in this novel. Kate is the brawler, rather than a really marvelous mind, leaving only Reynie where we as readers can witness the process of him figuring anything out. And that process mostly takes two avenues---that of either being ridiculously easy or ridiculously opaque, so we never get to travel along with the process. As the "intelligence" factor of these books (and children) is integral to the plot, I'd like to see the author spend more time creating the puzzles, and putting substance behind them.
So---a fair addition to the series, but mostly just a promise of better things to come.
I'd like to see more actual intelligence put down on the page as well. The four children are supposedly super intelligent, but Sticky's contributions are generally of the "he's super well read, so he just knows things," and Constance actually DOES "just know things" in this novel. Kate is the brawler, rather than a really marvelous mind, leaving only Reynie where we as readers can witness the process of him figuring anything out. And that process mostly takes two avenues---that of either being ridiculously easy or ridiculously opaque, so we never get to travel along with the process. As the "intelligence" factor of these books (and children) is integral to the plot, I'd like to see the author spend more time creating the puzzles, and putting substance behind them.
So---a fair addition to the series, but mostly just a promise of better things to come.
April 2, 2011
I enjoyed the first book so much that I wanted to read this one shortly after. I was delighted to see more of the Mysterious Benedict Society since the story is so enjoyable, and the characters are so fun.
The illustrations that start each chapter are charming, and I loved the cover that tried to incorporate so many things from the book. The illustrator did a great job.
The author never talks down to his child audience. It is always a good sign when a children's author does not talk down to them. Like the first book in the series, it brings up many issues/themes that can be discussed. For example, this brought up (among other things), pride and how to deal with it (consider Sticky's pride of his memory), trust (the children's trust of each other and of Mr. Benedict), obedience/disobedience, and the classic question of good vs evil as the children and Mr. Benedict go up against his evil twin Mr. Curtain.
Overally a wonderfully delightful read.
The illustrations that start each chapter are charming, and I loved the cover that tried to incorporate so many things from the book. The illustrator did a great job.
The author never talks down to his child audience. It is always a good sign when a children's author does not talk down to them. Like the first book in the series, it brings up many issues/themes that can be discussed. For example, this brought up (among other things), pride and how to deal with it (consider Sticky's pride of his memory), trust (the children's trust of each other and of Mr. Benedict), obedience/disobedience, and the classic question of good vs evil as the children and Mr. Benedict go up against his evil twin Mr. Curtain.
Overally a wonderfully delightful read.
March 12, 2024
"Reynie gave an involuntary shudder. He had hoped never again to see Mr. Curtain. Yet now, twelve months and thousands of miles later, the time had come."
2024 reread (x5 or 6) audiobook - 4.75 stars. I just love this series. The characters. The perfect writing style. How things are described. The words used. The humor in unexpected places. The mystery and suspense. Even though I've read this book multiple times, I found myself pausing while weeding and waiting to see what would happen next. I was so proud of all of the kids in this book especially (even more especially Kate at the end with a tough decision). This series has my whole heart. ❤️
"And I realize that there's no shortage of wickedness in the world, but it is not heartening to know that so many are willing to fight for the good?" -Mr. Benedict
A couple notes to parents: The MBS kids do disobey and sneak out, but it's not due to rebellious reasons or to show adults that they are wrong, the MBS kids are right (and there are some punishments at the end). There's mentions of the bad guys cursing but nothing is written out ("so-and-so muttered a curse"). The bad guys are threatening and cause harm to the children (they never say they will kill them, but will "do away with" them and cause bodily harm).
2024 reread (x5 or 6) audiobook - 4.75 stars. I just love this series. The characters. The perfect writing style. How things are described. The words used. The humor in unexpected places. The mystery and suspense. Even though I've read this book multiple times, I found myself pausing while weeding and waiting to see what would happen next. I was so proud of all of the kids in this book especially (even more especially Kate at the end with a tough decision). This series has my whole heart. ❤️
"And I realize that there's no shortage of wickedness in the world, but it is not heartening to know that so many are willing to fight for the good?" -Mr. Benedict
A couple notes to parents: The MBS kids do disobey and sneak out, but it's not due to rebellious reasons or to show adults that they are wrong, the MBS kids are right (and there are some punishments at the end). There's mentions of the bad guys cursing but nothing is written out ("so-and-so muttered a curse"). The bad guys are threatening and cause harm to the children (they never say they will kill them, but will "do away with" them and cause bodily harm).
July 6, 2021
holding these four wonderful children in my heart forever
October 2, 2019
After the magic that was The Mysterious Benedict Society, I ordered the sequel from Book Outlet* and put it in the “Read This Sometime, It’s Gonna Be Good” queue.
It was good. :D
I love how the characters were affected (for good and for ill) from the first book and the growth that happened in them. And it was great to see the bonds between them strengthen. Reynie and Constance have a particularly sweet sibling-ish relationship. Speaking of Reynie, his struggles always speak so much to me and are often something I need to hear. XD
The treasure hunt in this was sooo much fun! And dangerous. And fun. I especially liked the place names that were clever wordplays, and the kind adults that helped them along the way. The children’s gifts were stronger than ever and complemented each other so well. And Constance. O.o. They were up against an even more powerful enemy in this one, and with Mr. Benedict out of commission for a good deal of it, things got pretty crazy. I did love how he was more in control than he seemed but no spoilers. ;)
This wasn’t my favorite in the series only because the themes were less strong and didn’t “sparkle” as much as the first one. Also, something Mr. Benedict said at the end about being “clever enough to take advantage” of the goodness inside of people sounded a bit supervillain-ish even though I think I understand what he meant (and he did regret some things about S.Q.). ;)
Just a note, the agents on the side of evil were very threatening to the children. There was also some lying and running away.
Best quotes: Mr. Curtain pursed his lips, pretending to consider. “But you’re right, it may prove too much of an inconvenience. I’ll need to reflect upon it. What do you say, Benedict? Would you prefer to be gotten rid of entirely, or to sleep your life away in a closet?” “I am partial to long naps,” Mr. Benedict said. “But I’ve never been gotten rid of before, so it’s difficult for me to say.”
“You’ve all grown so much!” said Number Two, jotting the figures down on a scrap of paper. “I suppose that’s to be expected. At some point your bodies have to catch up with your hearts.”
Altogether, I enjoyed this sequel, and falcons are cool.
*My budget-breaking happy place.
It was good. :D
I love how the characters were affected (for good and for ill) from the first book and the growth that happened in them. And it was great to see the bonds between them strengthen. Reynie and Constance have a particularly sweet sibling-ish relationship. Speaking of Reynie, his struggles always speak so much to me and are often something I need to hear. XD
The treasure hunt in this was sooo much fun! And dangerous. And fun. I especially liked the place names that were clever wordplays, and the kind adults that helped them along the way. The children’s gifts were stronger than ever and complemented each other so well. And Constance. O.o. They were up against an even more powerful enemy in this one, and with Mr. Benedict out of commission for a good deal of it, things got pretty crazy. I did love how he was more in control than he seemed but no spoilers. ;)
This wasn’t my favorite in the series only because the themes were less strong and didn’t “sparkle” as much as the first one. Also, something Mr. Benedict said at the end about being “clever enough to take advantage” of the goodness inside of people sounded a bit supervillain-ish even though I think I understand what he meant (and he did regret some things about S.Q.). ;)
Just a note, the agents on the side of evil were very threatening to the children. There was also some lying and running away.
Best quotes: Mr. Curtain pursed his lips, pretending to consider. “But you’re right, it may prove too much of an inconvenience. I’ll need to reflect upon it. What do you say, Benedict? Would you prefer to be gotten rid of entirely, or to sleep your life away in a closet?” “I am partial to long naps,” Mr. Benedict said. “But I’ve never been gotten rid of before, so it’s difficult for me to say.”
“You’ve all grown so much!” said Number Two, jotting the figures down on a scrap of paper. “I suppose that’s to be expected. At some point your bodies have to catch up with your hearts.”
Altogether, I enjoyed this sequel, and falcons are cool.
*My budget-breaking happy place.
June 23, 2009
Good. I liked it as well as the first, I think. There was some really great character development, too. Mostly of Reynie, because we're in his head most often, but all the children had to deal with some flaw in themselves and come out on top. Reynie deals with mistrust, Sticky with pride (and the shame that comes ofter the fall), Constance - well Constance is only 3. She matures a bit in this story, and develops an awesome talent/gift, but is for the most part still her cranky rhyming self in the end. :)
But my absolute favorite part (which comes in the penultimate chapter and therefore is mildly spoiler-ish) happens in Kate's head:
Kate's struggle with the temptation to avenge herself and her friends ends with her choosing mercy. I guess it stuck out at me because it is a very Christian concept - that of not repaying evil for evil. The ideas of revenge, vigilante justice, and that we have a right to try to hurt those who have hurt us is applauded in so many stories these days. Good to see a character who chooses not to be overcome by the evil around her, who lets fact not feeling determine her actions. Kate saw the choice she had and the consequences - revenge may feel right at that moment, but ultimately it takes you further away from Whose image you want to become. Romans 12:21
(Now I realize that this is not a perfect analogy and may be far from what the author intended, but it is what stuck out to me at the time. I can't help myself. I see that God guy EVERY WHERE! :P )
So. Final grade: A/G. I will recommend this one and I look forward to the next in the series.
But my absolute favorite part (which comes in the penultimate chapter and therefore is mildly spoiler-ish) happens in Kate's head:
"The men in the Salamander, powerless to do anything else, bent down and shielded their heads with their arms. They were sitting ducks. This would be the easiest thing in the world...
Except that Milligan was right.
Kate was not like Mr. Curtain and his nasty associates. Not at all. Back on that rooftop in Thernbaakagen Milligan had told her as much, and she saw now what he meant. Seeing those men there, helpless to stop her from doing what they themselves would never hesitate to do, Kate realized - with a certain degree of disappointment but also with a degree of pride - that she could never do it, could never do something that would make her more like her enemy and less like her father."
Kate's struggle with the temptation to avenge herself and her friends ends with her choosing mercy. I guess it stuck out at me because it is a very Christian concept - that of not repaying evil for evil. The ideas of revenge, vigilante justice, and that we have a right to try to hurt those who have hurt us is applauded in so many stories these days. Good to see a character who chooses not to be overcome by the evil around her, who lets fact not feeling determine her actions. Kate saw the choice she had and the consequences - revenge may feel right at that moment, but ultimately it takes you further away from Whose image you want to become. Romans 12:21
(Now I realize that this is not a perfect analogy and may be far from what the author intended, but it is what stuck out to me at the time. I can't help myself. I see that God guy EVERY WHERE! :P )
So. Final grade: A/G. I will recommend this one and I look forward to the next in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2023
I didn't really love this first book in this series, but the writing style was irresistible, so I decided to try the second. I am so glad I did. This book was delightful, funny, and the characters got even better than they were in the first book.
While Renny is still practically the MC, Kate took a larger role in this book, which was fun. Kate is such a rambunctious, lovable character.
I absolutely adored Reynies and Contstance's relationship in this book. Their almost brother-sister friendship was just amazing!
The puzzles were amazing, the descriptions perfect, and the characters 3D.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the housekeeper character at Kate's farm. He seemed like a nod at a gender-neutral character. Maybe I'm just overly sensitive, but I didn't really like him.
2021>> I liked this book even better the second time. Reynie's struggle with trust is so relatable.
While Renny is still practically the MC, Kate took a larger role in this book, which was fun. Kate is such a rambunctious, lovable character.
I absolutely adored Reynies and Contstance's relationship in this book. Their almost brother-sister friendship was just amazing!
The puzzles were amazing, the descriptions perfect, and the characters 3D.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the housekeeper character at Kate's farm. He seemed like a nod at a gender-neutral character. Maybe I'm just overly sensitive, but I didn't really like him.
2021>> I liked this book even better the second time. Reynie's struggle with trust is so relatable.
July 12, 2016
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey is the second book in the series by Trenton Lee Stewart, following The Mysterious Benedict Society. This is one of the few series I hope will never end. When I read the first book in the series, I was completely blown away. I even compared it with the Harry Potter adventures and The Series of Unfortunate Events. There are lots of lessons to be learned, ‘outlook in life’ that must be observed by number of people and mind-blowing questions answered in just a turn of the page.
The story starts when Reynie Muldoon and Sticky Washington meet at Kate Wetherall’s farm to go to Mr. Benedict’s house after almost a year of their dangerous mission in the first series. Mr.Benedict planned to send the children on a huge exciting treasure hunt. Unfortunately, upon their arrival, they found out that Mr. Benedict was kidnapped by his evil twin, Mr. Curtain. The only clue left regarding his whereabouts is a letter sent by Mr. Curtain explaining that he needs a certain rare plant and that a person extremely close to Mr. Benedict knows where to find it. And the story goes in the risky adventure of The Mysterious Benedict Society; solving riddles and taking perils in order to find and save Mr Benedict.
I must say that I nearly gave this book a perfect score, if it weren’t for the uneven distribution of character’s role in the story. In other words, I was a little bit disappointed on how the story unfairly focused on our four heroes (main characters). Specifically, in the first few chapters, I almost forgot everything about Sticky Washington. It seems like he was completely erased from the story. On the other hand, I also think that what I’m saying as a weakness or error is actually the story’s strength or strategy. If my theory is correct, in the last chapter, Sticky’s character become to change, he begot a large string of motivation to the Mysterious Benedict Society when they are in complete lost or danger. He became strong and willful, contrary to the Sticky Washington the readers knew.
Lastly, here's a short excerpt that will give you hope amidst the darkness that surrounds the world today: ”..but is it not heartening to know that so many are willing to fight for the good? Think of that young librarian, Sophie, who made certain you escaped. Think of S.Q., who risked my brother’s wrath to make me more comfortable. Think of Captain Noland, and Joe Shooter, and all the others – even strangers – who were prepared to sacrifice their safety, perhaps even their lives, on our behalf. That’s something, is it not?
The story starts when Reynie Muldoon and Sticky Washington meet at Kate Wetherall’s farm to go to Mr. Benedict’s house after almost a year of their dangerous mission in the first series. Mr.Benedict planned to send the children on a huge exciting treasure hunt. Unfortunately, upon their arrival, they found out that Mr. Benedict was kidnapped by his evil twin, Mr. Curtain. The only clue left regarding his whereabouts is a letter sent by Mr. Curtain explaining that he needs a certain rare plant and that a person extremely close to Mr. Benedict knows where to find it. And the story goes in the risky adventure of The Mysterious Benedict Society; solving riddles and taking perils in order to find and save Mr Benedict.
I must say that I nearly gave this book a perfect score, if it weren’t for the uneven distribution of character’s role in the story. In other words, I was a little bit disappointed on how the story unfairly focused on our four heroes (main characters). Specifically, in the first few chapters, I almost forgot everything about Sticky Washington. It seems like he was completely erased from the story. On the other hand, I also think that what I’m saying as a weakness or error is actually the story’s strength or strategy. If my theory is correct, in the last chapter, Sticky’s character become to change, he begot a large string of motivation to the Mysterious Benedict Society when they are in complete lost or danger. He became strong and willful, contrary to the Sticky Washington the readers knew.
Lastly, here's a short excerpt that will give you hope amidst the darkness that surrounds the world today: ”..but is it not heartening to know that so many are willing to fight for the good? Think of that young librarian, Sophie, who made certain you escaped. Think of S.Q., who risked my brother’s wrath to make me more comfortable. Think of Captain Noland, and Joe Shooter, and all the others – even strangers – who were prepared to sacrifice their safety, perhaps even their lives, on our behalf. That’s something, is it not?
December 14, 2009
I was very excited to begin The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey as I am a big fan of its prequel. The first Mysterious Benedict Society was quirky and exciting, and had actual surprises, which, I find, few books do. This one, however, was a disappointment from the start, and I found the task of actually reading all 440 pages of it (which I did) a rather daunting task. Gone was the mystery and suspense that made the first book such a page turner and I realized that much of the previous book's success was due to the character-building. With the characters already established, all that is left is the plot itself, and even that has become water-downed and weakened in this version. This second installment picks up where the last left off--making reading of the first a prerequisite--and the four children are ready to embark on a new adventure. The quirkiness of the first story continues here, but most of this plot is too far-fetched to be very believable. The children embark on a world-wide scavenger hunt to find their beloved Mr. Benedict. What was supposed to be a vacation for the children (with supervising adults) has turned into a rescue mission as Mr. Benedict has been kidnapped by his evil twin. Much of what happens to the children is itself far removed from reality, as they are chased all over the world by evil “Ten Men” so named for the ten available weapons they always have at their disposal. The specter of danger, however, though always present, never seems possible, and the children are always saved at the nick of time. The dastardly plan of the evil twin, itself the crux of the plot, makes little sense at close inspection and undermines the story itself. Even the characterization is weak in this story as Sticky, one of the four children, seems to disappear from the story entirely. Even in the “about the author' section,, Stewart names traits of Reynie, Constance and Kate that are admirable and makes no mention of Sticky at all. Unlike the first story, this one has neither the energy or ingenuity to make it a worthy companion. I was very disappointed by this second attempt as I was thrilled with the first. It was difficult to make my way through the plodding text, and even my respect for the first Mysterious Benedict Society, will not lead me to attempt the third. And if I am not willing to take on the 400+ pages, I am not sure there will be many children who will.
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June 14, 2021this was so nostalgic omfg
I remembered this one a little less clearly than the previous book, but as soon as I read it I remembered reading it for the first time years ago and I just ahhhh! it was so much fun, and I really enjoyed revisiting this one! it might be my favourite of the series? Idk, it's just a lot of fun
I remembered this one a little less clearly than the previous book, but as soon as I read it I remembered reading it for the first time years ago and I just ahhhh! it was so much fun, and I really enjoyed revisiting this one! it might be my favourite of the series? Idk, it's just a lot of fun
January 7, 2020
It's hard for a series to get much better than this, which is why it's the fifth time I'm reading this series.
April 13, 2024
➳ 4 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
╰┈➤ ”may your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home.”
i loved this! not as much as the first one but still this was really good and i need to do a reread soon
the boat setting was super fun this book and i enjoyed some of the new characters. i just tend to not love the middle book in series as much sometimes and this was one of those cases
however i still had a really great time and i always enjoy this series. i love these characters and this world ✨
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
╰┈➤ ”may your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home.”
i loved this! not as much as the first one but still this was really good and i need to do a reread soon
the boat setting was super fun this book and i enjoyed some of the new characters. i just tend to not love the middle book in series as much sometimes and this was one of those cases
however i still had a really great time and i always enjoy this series. i love these characters and this world ✨
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
March 11, 2020
This was really fun! It’s been years since I read the first one. Puzzle based adventure stories are totally my jam.
April 11, 2021
Didn't enjoy it as well as the first one. Also, the danger didn't feel as threatening to me. I found the friendship b/w the characters lacking and not well developed
September 2, 2019
Adorable. Adventurous. Quirky. This book was just as amazing as its predecessor.
April 8, 2021
Yes! I totally forgot about this one!!! Such a good read, recommended to everyone.
August 1, 2022
A summer read-aloud with my 14 and 11 year old grandkids. We enjoyed the first book of the series last summer and wanted to continue. I actually liked this one better than the first, the 14 year old liked the first one better and the 11 year old liked them equally! I noticed there is a prequel, so we may read that next, maybe over Christmas break. A very quirky series indeed!
December 21, 2021
Actual rating: 3.5
This was a fun story with slightly higher stakes than the previous book. I enjoyed it, but am not really invested enough in the story or characters to continue the series immediately. It's not because of any particular fault of the book, just a taste thing. Looking forward to the adaptation though!
This was a fun story with slightly higher stakes than the previous book. I enjoyed it, but am not really invested enough in the story or characters to continue the series immediately. It's not because of any particular fault of the book, just a taste thing. Looking forward to the adaptation though!
June 12, 2024
☕ “And I realize there's no shortage of wickedness in the world," said Mr. Benedict, with a significant look at Reynie, "but is it not heartening to know that so many are willing to fight for the good?”
📚 I devoured and was delighted by book #1 of this series, reading a gorgeous library hardcover, and was warned by my ‘Mysterious Benedict Society’ expert friends, Lindsey from BFCG & Morgans Endless BookShelf, that books 2 through 4 weren’t quite as good as the first but still worth it.
They were right. This time around I found the free book and audiobook on the LibbyApp. The story was engaging and fun. I love these genius kids and their adventures. I enjoy the sarcasm and humor that shows up in unexpected places.
But I got a wee bit bored at around 60% in. I kept going, of course, and liked the ending.
This is an exceptional book for kids, middle grades, and the young at heart.
*No profanity
**No romance
📚 CAUSE FOR PAUSE? I feel that a few scenes through the middle could have been shortened to make the pacing a bit quicker, and therefore keep my attention. But I SO much appreciate the clean, adventure story for young people!
MY RATING 🌟🌟🌟
This review will be included with in-depth thoughts on my Clean Reads YouTube Channel June reads video! 💙
☕📚
📚 I devoured and was delighted by book #1 of this series, reading a gorgeous library hardcover, and was warned by my ‘Mysterious Benedict Society’ expert friends, Lindsey from BFCG & Morgans Endless BookShelf, that books 2 through 4 weren’t quite as good as the first but still worth it.
They were right. This time around I found the free book and audiobook on the LibbyApp. The story was engaging and fun. I love these genius kids and their adventures. I enjoy the sarcasm and humor that shows up in unexpected places.
But I got a wee bit bored at around 60% in. I kept going, of course, and liked the ending.
This is an exceptional book for kids, middle grades, and the young at heart.
*No profanity
**No romance
📚 CAUSE FOR PAUSE? I feel that a few scenes through the middle could have been shortened to make the pacing a bit quicker, and therefore keep my attention. But I SO much appreciate the clean, adventure story for young people!
MY RATING 🌟🌟🌟
This review will be included with in-depth thoughts on my Clean Reads YouTube Channel June reads video! 💙
☕📚
April 9, 2021
Re-read April '21 - Love how my ability to read 1000 pages in two days comes back the second the reading material is not genetics. Should it have been genetics? probably.
Original review -
Well you knew I’d love it.
Original review -
Well you knew I’d love it.
July 13, 2021
Okay, this book was great. Just great. A great middle grade book.
The story, the adventure, the characters, the writing, everything gets better.
The story, the adventure, the characters, the writing, everything gets better.
December 5, 2022
Wow, I can't believe I *actually* made it to the end. This was SUCH a hard book to read. There were just a lot of slow moments, and they were on the ship for too long! But it's funny because nevertheless, Stewart kept the storyline interesting, and I was not expecting the plot twist at the end. Will I read the next book? Of course! I love all the puzzles and riddles and problem solving. Plus, the character's quirkiness always keeps me smiling.
June 17, 2020
4.5/5 stars
March 24, 2015
While I didn't quite like The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey as much as I liked its predecessor, I still found it to be a clever, quirky read that kept me on the edge of my seat with its intelligent riddles and jokes throughout.
It's been a year since the events of The Mysterious Benedict Society have taken place; and Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance are about to start a reunion scavenger hunt put together for them by Mr. Benedict. Right before they begin, however, they realize Mr. Benedict has gone missing; with only the clues in the scavenger hunt giving any hints to his whereabouts, leading the foursome on an around-the-world trip to find their beloved leader.
As always, Stewart's riddles and puzzles are absolutely amazing. Just like in the first book, whenever a riddle or a clue is revealed, you can't help but try to decipher it on your own alongside Reynie, Sticky, and Constance. While the amount of riddles in this particular book are, unfortunately, a bit less frequent than they were in The Mysterious Benedict Society, they are still every bit as clever and fun to solve.
The characters in this installment are superbly written. They are real children - children with strengths and weaknesses; and this particular installment really is about each of the four children facing their flaws and trying to become better individuals. Reynie struggles to be a good leader, Stick struggles with pride, Kate struggles against her want for vengance, and Constance struggles with moodiness (she is only three after all!). Their character growth is both realistic and articulate, and I commend Stewart for that.
The men in the Salamander, powerless to do anything else, bent down and shielded their heads with their arms. They were sitting ducks. This would be the easiest thing in the world...Another clever story filled with conundrums, riddles and brain-teasers alike. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed in reading where Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance's journey goes next.
Except that Milligan was right.
Kate was not like Mr. Curtain and his nasty associates. Not at all. Seeing those men there, helpless to stop her from doing what they themselves would never hesitate to do, Kate realized - with a certain degree of disappointment but also with a degree of pride - that she could never do it, could never do something that would make her more like her enemy and less like her father.
..but is it not heartening to know that so many are willing to fight for the good? Think of that young librarian, Sophie, who made certain you escaped. Think of S.Q., who risked my brother’s wrath to make me more comfortable. Think of Captain Noland, and Joe Shooter, and all the others – even strangers – who were prepared to sacrifice their safety, perhaps even their lives, on our behalf. That’s something, is it not?
March 13, 2018
This was a really great sequel to the first book. I loved the way the author brought the characters together, and had them work together to get out of their hard situations. I liked how this book had the characters go to different areas around the world and how the characters faced their problems. This is a good book for anyone who likes mystery or action novels.
April 7, 2022
This was a pretty good follow-up to the first book. However, I read the prequel before reading book 1, so when it first switched from Nicholas Benedict's story to these kids' story, I wasn't so sure if I was going to like it since I grew to really like the young Nicholas. However, I'm really enjoying this series, and even as the children learn to work together better and care for each other, I'm caring more for them as well. This was like a major scavenger hunt as the children search for the kidnapped Mr. Benedict. The clues were not exactly surprising, but I still enjoyed watching each of the kids shine in their own way and realizing they actually had something to offer the team. The pacing was a bit uneven, but the story still managed to keep my interest most of the way through. While the ending was a bit abrupt, it was still a satisfying ending and I am looking forward to reading the next one soon.
July 16, 2021
A year after their first mission, Reynie and the rest of the MBS reunite when the man who brought them together, Mr. Benedict, and his assistant Number Two have been kidnapped by his twin brother Mr. Curtain and must go beyond the sea on another wild clue-and-riddle adventure to find a special plant. Sticking with its already marvelous formula and adding a few new surprises, and out comes another perfect mindcracker. A (100%/Outstanding)
August 6, 2021
just straight up precious. so much 💓
edit: also, there are obvious things, like, yeah, disobeying your parents is not okay, even if you'd rather take things into your own hands. being snappy & grumpy isn't an option, even if you feel like it. don't run away, aha. 😆 (even on account of a Very Important Mission ;) but, heyyy, I relate & appreciate these struggles, & that they are portrayed as /struggles/ (not excuses), & it amplifies the kids' characters as tiny humans learning to live, deal with emotions & make wise decisions. because those things are hard, and yeah, me too, Constance. hahaha. who wouldn't rather throw a tantrum then be patient, or reach for cookies before sandwiches? yet these are things that we must learn, & we will be the better for it in the end 🌟 perhaps that's what this adventure is truly about!
I love it.
edit: also, there are obvious things, like, yeah, disobeying your parents is not okay, even if you'd rather take things into your own hands. being snappy & grumpy isn't an option, even if you feel like it. don't run away, aha. 😆 (even on account of a Very Important Mission ;) but, heyyy, I relate & appreciate these struggles, & that they are portrayed as /struggles/ (not excuses), & it amplifies the kids' characters as tiny humans learning to live, deal with emotions & make wise decisions. because those things are hard, and yeah, me too, Constance. hahaha. who wouldn't rather throw a tantrum then be patient, or reach for cookies before sandwiches? yet these are things that we must learn, & we will be the better for it in the end 🌟 perhaps that's what this adventure is truly about!
I love it.
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