Dozens of children respond to this peculiar ad in the newspaper and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests. (And you, dear listener, can test your wits right alongside them.)
Only four children - Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance - succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete. To accomplish it, they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. But what they'll find in the hidden labyrinth of the school's underground tunnels is more than your average school supplies.
First time children's novelist Trenton Lee Stewart takes listeners on an adventure that puts friends, family, and foe to the test. Are you up to the challenge?
©2007 Trenton Lee Stewart; (P)2007 Random House Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group
"Through its interesting characters, the book...tackles personal concerns: abandonment, family, loyalty, and facing one's fears....Stewart writes with such attention to the intricacies of plot and personality....Smart kids who like Blue Balliet's books are the natural audience for this; but, read aloud, the novel will attract many others as well." (Booklist)
"Great Fun"
Lot of fun. Very imaginative. Characters you'll fall in love with and hate to leave at the end of the story. Great for adults that think most adult novel/thrillers are pretty boring. Funny. Can't wait for the next in the series...
C.G.
"Awesome!"
A very good book for people who like mystery, suspense, puzzles, the way that Trenton writes this book kept me listening for hours on end, Del Roy also did a very nice job on the reading too, overall a very good book!
"Marvelous Mysterious Benevolent Benedict Society"
This will prove to be an instant classic, full of timeless and important lessons, and a joy to all ages.
"Ending was Worth Waiting For"
This book was such a pleasant surprise. Witty, funny, great narrator. The ending made me laugh out loud.
"Five Stars"
Wayy better than the print version.
The Secret Series.
The PREFECT voice for reading this kind of book. AMAZING.
Yes.
"Kept Us All Guessing"
Absolutely. The characters each have strengths that compliment each other. This makes the Mysterious Benedict Society stronger than its parts.
Roald Dahl books come to mind because the children take the lead in the adventure. In some ways it is like the first Harry Potter, but without the magic and fantasy. The kids are fighting a mysterious evil. They go to a school for the exceptional students. Three of the main characters are orphans, as was Harry Potter. They have a kindly adult watching out for their welfare.
Reynie was my favorite, as he is most like me in his problem solving strategies.
Absolutely. It nearly killed me when each chapter ended and I needed to put it away for the day.
It is so good that I have purchased the next two in the series to read in hardcover. I may have to buy them from Audible as well. I really enjoy the performance of Del Roy. It is like having a favorite adult read an almost hypnotic, mesmerizing story to you.
"Fun to read even for adults!"
Absolutely Constance! I love the way she talks and acts.
As a non-English speaker, it was very helpful while listening. I could readily recognize the emotions and feelings of each character and I could know about the pronounciations of difficult words.
Yes, it was. But unfortunately I didn't have enough time to listen regularly since I am taking care of a 5 month old baby. : )
It was a bit hard for me to understand some parts of the story in the beginning since the reader has a husky voice. But I got used to it as time goes by and I started feeling his voice is very friendly.
"As a story for kids, great; adults: not so"
Mea Culpa! I somehow missed the fact that this is sci-fi for kids, not adults. For a younger teen, it is probably fine, although not in the category of Heinlein's juveniles. H. Potter is better, too.
For adults ... well I'll keep it for days I need an ice cream cone for lunch. I do like the job the narrator did.
"fabulous adventure for kids"
Yes. It's an adventurous and challenging book for kids. An entertaining story for adults.
I love the character description of No. 2.
Enjoyable.
an exciting adventure for smart kids
Books are where I can clear my head and fall into another world for a short while.
"A Society I want to Join!"
Excellent narration. I enjoyed the voices of the various characters.
My favorite character is Kate and her fabulous bucket full of tricks