Books The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey (Mysterious Benedict Society)
Books and Publications Average Rating:

Rating: - Courtesy of Teens Read Too
It's been a year since the Mysterious Benedict Society was last together. Reynie was adopted by his dear tutor, Miss Perumal, Constance was adopted by Mr. Benedict himself, Kate was reunited with her long lost father, Milligan, and Sticky returned to his parents.

Now Mr. Benedict has planned a special surprise for the children in honor of their one year anniversary and as a chance for the four friends to see each other again. Everything goes wrong when Mr. Benedict and one of his trusty companions, Number Two, go missing. The children know that this is the dastardly deed of Mr. Curtain, the same man that caused all of the trouble in the children's last story. With no other option, the children set off on yet another adventure, this time to save the man that they have come to love. With clues left by Mr. Benedict before he was captured and the aid of many friends, the children set off on a great journey in search for Mr. Benedict while being pursued by many of Mr. Curtain's henchmen.

I really enjoyed this book. It definitely lived up to the first book and may have even surpassed it. The magic of the first book returned and I fell in love with the author's style. His choice of words was great and the character development in this book was much better. The only issue I had with this book is the pace wasn't consistent. I felt like at some points I was completely riveted to the book and couldn't put it down, but there were other times where I just couldn't get into the story.

I really liked the way the characters came together in this book. They all had personality and were very likeable. I also loved the adventure the kids went on. They traveled the globe and I was able to learn quite a few things from their different adventures. Another great thing about this book is that it's not necessary to read the first book in the series. While there are a few pieces of information that aren't included, they're not crucial to the story and this book can totally stand on its own.

While this was a middle grade novel, I think older readers will also enjoy it. I know I did. Overall, I really liked this book and I recommend it to you all.

Reviewed by: Tasha

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Rating: - The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
I loved the 1st Mysterious Benedict Society Book. The second one is no let down. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and is worth the read. The riddles Mr. Benedict leaves for the children are so clever I doubt anyone else could come up with the answer. This is a very well written book.

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Rating: - Entertaning Once You Get Past All the Redundancy

I think anticipation isalways bound to mess things up a little. I thought the first book was simply fab. Actually, it was the first review I ever posted on this blog, so I have a bit of a soft spot for it. I had such a fun time reading it and meeting all the characters.

I didn't have such a fun time meeting all the characters again.
I understand some re-cap is always going to be necessary. I also understand that you don't want to alienate readers who have not read your series before. However, a significant chunk of the first part of this book was bogged down by reintroducing us to the characters, their life situations, and reminding us how things ended up in the last novel.

Once you get past that, a fairly cool adventure begins. See, Reynie, Sticky, Constance and Kate are all supposed to meet up at Mr. Benedict's house for a surprise, but when they get there, they get a really big surprise -- Mr. Benedict and Number 2 have been kidnapped! Mr. Benedict had been
laying some clues for a fun scavenger hunt for the kids. Now, can the kids use that same trail to find Mr. Benedict? And can they keep out of the way of the scary "Ten Men," so called because they have 10 different ways they can kill someone?

Once it got rolling, the clues in this one were probably even better than in the first. The story will really keep kids guessing -- even I was in for a surprise or two. A caution: there are some pretty tense and violent scenes here. Those "Ten Men" are scary! So even though everything will probably end
in what feels like a satisfying manner, this really isn't an easy or lighthearted journey.

Well, except for when it is being lighthearted. I loved the humor in the first story and this sequel does not dissapoint. It still has that nice, wry, Lemony Snicket sort of feel with lots of wordplay and cleverness.

Like the previous book, this will have appeal for all genders, although it still isn't the book for reluctant readers. "Misunderstood" smart kids will likely revel in identifying with Reynie and the gang for another go-round. Ages 9-12.

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Rating: - Fantastic book, inspiring characters
I read the original book after hearing about it in an author profile in O Magazine. WOW am I glad that I did! I am reading the MBS to my son now, and just finished this book myself. What a great story, great characters- it's all great. You can't go wrong with this book. I want to be Kate when I grow up.