Vespers Rising (The 39 Clues #11)

Title: Vespers Rising

Authors: Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman, Jude Watson

Pages: 4 discs

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: The first 10 books were all focused on the strengths of the Cahill Family and the secrets that were uncovered by Gideon Cahill hundreds of years ago. This, the 11th and final book introduces us to the next threat to the Cahills, the Vespers!

My Review: I didn't love this book, it was too much of a filler book for me.  When the authors saw that the book series that they had been working on for the last few years is coming to an end, they brainstormed ways to keep it going and this is the solution.  While the 39 Clues series has now concluded, the groundwork has been laid for the next series.

Into the Gauntlet (The 39 Clues #10)

Title: Into the Gauntlet (The 39 Clues, Book #10)

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Pages: 6 discs

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: A-

Synopsis: Dan and Amy are nearing the completion of the clue hunt.  The hunt has led to the secret ancestral island of the Cahill family, but they need everybody's help to unlock the island's secrets.

My Review: Good news readers, this is the last book in this series so you will not have to suffer through any more of these reviews. This book was a fitting ending to the series.  Ada loved the series, I enjoyed it as well.

Storm Warning (The 39 Clues #9)

Title: Storm Warning (The 39 Clues Book #9)

Author: Linda Sue Park

Pages: 4 discs

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Dan and Amy continue on the clue hunt, but this book contains shocking information about the Madrigals and what their real intent is.

My Review: This book really starts to tie everything together and completely changes the direction of the clue hunt.

The Emperor's Code (The 39 Clues #8)

Title: The Emperor's Code (The 39 Clues #8)

Author: Gordon Korman

Pages: 4 discs

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Dan and Amy get into a big argument, Dan runs away and is kidnapped on Tienanmen Square in China by the Kabras.  He ends up in Jonah Wizard's candy factory, where Jonah finds him and hides him from Amy and their au pair Nellie.

My Review: The books are rushing towards the final clues and the end of the clue hunt.  Many more unbelievable occurrences and experiences, but another easy and enjoyable read.

The Viper's Nest (The 39 Clues #7)

Title: The Viper's Nest (The 39 Clues #7)

Author: Peter Lerangis

Pages: 4 discs

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Amy and Dan's search for the 39 clues continues.  They've just survived a house fire in Indonesia, that was meant to kill them, but actually killed one of the Lucians (who Amy and Dan never would have guessed was on their side).  The hunt takes them to South Africa and Madagascar, where they continue searching for clues.

My Review: Honestly, I hardly remember this book as they're all starting to run together now.  I think I liked it about as much as all of the other books.

In Too Deep (The 39 Clues #6)

Title: In Too Deep (The 39 Clues #6)

Author: Jude Watson

Pages: 4 discs

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: The clue hunt takes Amy, Dan and their au pair Nellie to Sydney Australia where they meet up with Shep who is an old friend of their parents.  He flies them across Australia and then to Indonesia as they continue to try and follow the path for clues and the journey their parents took many years before. Through it all Dan and Amy continue to outsmart all of the other teams in the clue hunt.

My Review: I always enjoy the clue hunt books that take place either somewhere that I've been or somewhere that I'm going.  Ada and I continue to enjoy each step of the journey.

The Black Circle (The 39 Clues #5)

Title: The Black Circle (The 39 Clues #5)

Author: Patrick Carman

Pages: 4 discs

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B+

Synopsis: Dan and Amy Cahill have followed the clues to Russia where they are being helped by an anonymous individual who signs all messages with the initials NRR. Dan and Amy aren't sure if this is somebody who they can trust, but they feel like they don't have any other options.  The tasks they're given require them to join up with another team as they have a very limited time to criss cross Russia searching for clues.

My Review: Another [unbelievably] amazing adventure for Dan and Amy Cahill.  I especially enjoyed this one because it took place throughout Russia. Ada gives it two thumbs up as well.

Beyond the Grave (The 39 Clues #4)

Title: Beyond the Grave

Author: Jude Watson

Pages: 192

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B+

Synopsis: The search for the 39 Clues continues with Dan and Amy Cahill zipping from Japan to Egypt to search for the next clue within one of the many ancient tombs.

My Review: I thought this was the best book of the series so far (but that's not saying a whole lot...). This one takes the kids throughout Egypt, which is always a fun country to read about.

The Sword Thief (The 39 Clues #3)

Title: The Sword Thief

Author: Peter Lerangis

Pages: 156

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Dan and Amy Cahill continue on in their search of the 39 clues for a chance to find out what the greatest family secret in the world is.  The book starts where book 2 left off, in Rome where they had found a sword that would lead them to their next clue, which appeared to be in Tokyo, Japan.

My Review: These books are great (for 8-9 year olds).  I'm not sure why I'm reading them, but I've been sucked in now, so I'd better keep on keeping on.  Nothing believable and completely ridiculous, but still enjoyable.

One False Note (The 39 Clues #2)

Title: One False Note (The 39 Clues Book Two)

Author: Gordon Korman

Pages: 160

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Amy, Dan and their au pair Nellie Gomez are on their way to Vienna, Austria to search for more clues.  At the end of the last book they had found some sheet music written by Mozart which led them to Vienna.  As they continue their adventure through Salzburg and then onto Venice they are continually racing against the other family members as they try to be the first to solve the puzzle.

My Review: Once again, this was an easy enjoyable read.  It's interesting to have the different books in the series written by different authors.  I'm intrigued by how this will impact and change throughout the rest of the series.

The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues #1)

Title: The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues Book One)

Author: Rick Riordan

Pages: 220


Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Just minutes before the wealthy matriarch Grace Cahill died, she made a small change in her will for her heirs.  She left them with a choice, one million dollars or a clue.  The Cahill family is the most powerful family in the world and most of the world's greatest leaders are descendants in the family.  However, the source of the world's power has been lost, but many believe that the clues Grace Cahill has left behind will help someone rediscover this power.  Young Amy and Dan lost their parents at a young age and were close to Grace Cahill.  Now they must decide whether or not to take the money or join the search for the clues.

My Review: This book was chosen as one of the monthly selections in Alison's book club.  While clearly a children's book, I enjoy reading this type of book every once in a while.  In typical Rick Riordan fashion, this book was an enjoyable adventure with the kids figuring things out and having adventures that may be slightly unbelievable.