5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best series ever, June 29, 2010
This review is from: The 39 Clues Book 8: The Emperor's Code (Hardcover)
I bought the 39 Clues for my grandson, but I must admit that Nana has gotten hooked and can't wait for the 10th book. I just love the writing and the story and will miss the characters when I am done
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12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Back to what the series should be!, April 7, 2010
This review is from: The 39 Clues Book 8: The Emperor's Code (Hardcover)
Wow, this was such a great read. Before I get to the review, I want to give Gordon Korman props for this book. This is back to what the series should be, and what is expected to be. He did a fantastic job.
Dan, Amy Nellie are in China in search of a clue. It stated when they were on a plane, and everybody was watching the same movie, except for Amy and Dan. They had a special movie, one only that was played for them. In it, they spot something, a sort of secret message, for them, if they saw it, and they did. That lead them to the first clue in China. In the process of solving the clue, it leads them throughout China. Solving the clue is hard, but it's not the hardest thing they have to face. Dan and Amy have to solve the clues apart. I don't want to say to much, but Dan and Amy are separated from each other, and as usual, people are after them. That's all I really wanted to say on the plot, because I don't want to spoil anything.
What also makes this book so great to read is that it has wonderful characterization. Korman puts a lot of the focus on Jonah Wizard, and I'm glad that Korman did that. In the past few books, The young hip-hip-tv star has been missing from the books, and it was nice to see him again. He plays a pretty big role in the book, again, I don't want to say to much. Speaking of characterization, we're able to get into the thoughts of one character (I won't say who) but they've come to terms with who and what they are, and don't want to be in the race anymore, but certain forces are keeping that person in the race. It was nice to see the inside thoughts and feelings of that person.
Korman turned the series to what is should have been, and some of the books haven't done that. He had clues that Amy and Dan had to solve, kept historic elements in the book, but it wasn't overdone. It was a nice blend of mystery and history. That was a very nice touch.
Korman also did something that no other author has done in the series. He left a secret message with in the book. It's easy to follow, if you pay attention and put everything together. It was such a nice touch to add a hidden message in a book that deals with clues. Ways to go!
This has some nice plot twists that will keep the reader glued to the pages. I'm glad to see what Korman did with this book. He brought it back to the basics, and to what it should, and how it was meant to be. Nice job!
If you continue with this adventure, I know you won't be sorry, I sure wasn't!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book in an incredible series, June 14, 2010
This review is from: The 39 Clues Book 8: The Emperor's Code (Hardcover)
Gordon Korman does an amazing job on this 8th book in this unique, creative series. The Cahills, Amy and Dan, start in China and the book ends with them heading off to the Caribbean in search of pirates. The main historical figures featured in this volume are the last emperor of China, Puyi, and a British climber named George Mallory. But they also travel back and forth across China and encounter different aspects of Chinese history. Dan and Amy finally think they find out what clan of the Cahill family they belong to. They have a fight and get separated in Tiananmen Square. Some of the family seems to be helping them and some they still mistrust.
This is the first series I have read that was written in such a way - 7 authors in 10 books in under 2 years. The individual books are good but collectively they are great. If you combine the books with the online games and clue hunt, you have an amazing experience for children of all ages. I started reading these books because the concept was so unique and interesting. I keep reading them because they are so well written. The gift and skill of the authors contributing to this series amazes me, each picking up from the previous book and continuing the series while keeping true to the characters and the overall story arc. This series is truly wonderful.
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