Customer Reviews

The Horrendous Heap (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-12)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purcahsed books 1-10 last Christmas from Amazon (books eleven and twelve not yet released). It took me two days ot get through these. I was hooked from the very first page of The Bad Beginning until the last word of The Carnivorous Carnival, speculating about what would happen next. I am still re-reading these books (along with a later purchase, the Grim Grotto).

The Baudelaire's world does not agree with your typical childhood story; perhaps this is why it's such a success. There are no rosy endings or cute, fluffy creatures. Sunny, Violet, and Klaus have it bad off right from the start when they are informed their parents have perished in a tragic house fire. The series covers the children's journey to find out more about their parents and why they died in elaborate detail. The books kept me thinking and on the lookout for new clues. I felt like I was right beside the characters, helping them through impossible challenges and conquering the evil Count Olaf. For those parents who regard Lemony Snicket books as too tragic or gory for young eyes, I say that the books' main focus is a tale of adventure rather than individual, unfortunate mishaps. Readers (both young and old alike) will share the Baudelaire's victories as they advance through the twists and turns of this puzzle masterpeice. This series is a must for intellectuals and adventure seekers of all ages.

Enjoy Snicket's works of creativity, suspense, team work, and intellect!

After reading the first volume in this horrifying (a word which here means "wonderful!") tragedy, I immediatly went to the store and bought this horrendous heap--and gobbled (a word which here means "read without stopping") the whole series. Although, my dear friends, the sad news is...the final book in this ghastly series isn't out yet...and I am in great suspense (a word which here means "cannot wait for the next book") But there are two typed of readers. The ones who gobble (see the first sentance) it down, and the ones who read it, and crawl into a dark corner and into feedle position. Which type you are I do not know, but I am one who gobbles it down. Cheers, Snicket!

(After reading negative reviews:)
These books are dark and disturbing... It's stated on the back covers, in the opening lines, in the collection title... *That's the point!* These aren't Disney-esque fairy tales, these books are for kids (of all ages) who will appreciate a change from the typical fru-fru, sunshine-and-rainbows happy endings. Parents should know what their children are reading or listening to or watching *before* they are exposed to [whatever], whether it's books, music, movies/TV, etc.; and if your kids are overly sensitive then Don't Let Them Read These Books.

That being said, IMO these books are *great*! Yes, dark and disturbing - but on a level easily handled by most young readers. "Bad" things happen, *horrible* things *almost* happen but our 3 heros always survive (to be shuttled along to the next unfortunate situation). The occasional adult dies, but it's always something that happened elsewhere with no gory descriptive, the character is just not there anymore (along the lines of, "We're sorry, children, you were going to go live with your wonderful Aunt Poppins but we've been told there was an accident so now you'll be going to go live with your Uncle Grinch.").

These books have the same feel as scary stories told around a campfire. They're simple enough for young readers to understand but interesting enough for adults. They're actually fairly short by "adult book" standards (large font, wide margins) so would be a quick read for an adult who wants to look them over before allowing the child(ren) to read them.

These books are fantastic-- dark, funny, exciting, entertaining. My 6 year old daughter loves them and I must admit that I love reading them aloud to her. I find myself chuckling and then caught up in the adventure. This is a lovely collection, but there is a newer one that also contains the thirteenth and last book.

I bought this series for my 7 year-old daughter a while back and she and I have had a great time reading all twelve books. The writing is excellent, as is the story which draws you in and keeps you hooked despite, or possibly due to, the author's clever admonishments to not read each book. I also love how he works in the definitions of so many words and phrases...it has really helped my daughter's vocabulary. We're now on the 13th book "The End" and she can't put it down. That has been true of all of the books which she often would read upon waking up, during car rides and definitely each night at bed time. And isn't that the mark of a great book...one that you can't put down. I highly recommend this series for kids 6 to 13...they will love it, and so will parents.

My 6 year old neice is very excited about reading. So to get her motivated over the summer I purchased this set. I am reading the book ahead of her so that we can talk about them as she reads them. I have to say they are not just for kids. They are well written and are holding my interest as well.

This review is on just the physical quality of the books, not the inside content/story itself:

To answer a question posed by another Reviewer, yes, it is true... I just received my books one through twelve shipment yesterday and the quality of the books is poor. They looked very handsome on the pictures available at various websites but up close and physically in my hand, I found that the end of book pages do not line up (tattered/not smooth) and the cover of the books are flimsy with peel-on like plastic sticker displaying the title of the book. I got this set as a collector's item for keepsake but not worth it.

I have read the first 4 books of the series, and I love them. They are full of humor, albeit dry, and the plot is entertaining as well as ridiculous. I appreciate all the work that went into making this series. Can't wait to read the rest of the books!!

I am an adult and I enjoyed it as much as a child. Thanks Lemony Snicket.

The Books a Series of Unfortunate Events are fun books to read. Even though they have sad things happen in them, I like to read them because they are adventurous and you never know what will happen next. An example of how I never know what will happen next is in the Austere Academy. I couldn't find out what Olaf's plan was until it happened. Lemony Snicket writes the Series of Unfortunate Events. The main characters are Violet, Klaus, Sunny, and Count Olaf. In the books a Series of Unfortunate Events Violet, Klaus, and Sunny's home has burned down killing their parents. Now Count Olaf is trying to steal the children's enormous fortune but luckily he always fails. So, if you are looking for adventurous books to read, The Series of Unfortunate Events is right for you.