Review: "The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma"

"The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma"
by Trenton Lee Stewart


3

Pub. Date: October 6, 2009
Pages: 400

Synopsis: Join the Mysterious Benedict Society as Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance embark on a daring new adventure that threatens to force them apart from their families, friends, and even each other. When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, the foursome must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before. Filled with page-turning action and mind-bending brain teasers, this wildly inventive journey is sure to delight.

I loved the first two books in this series, but "The Prisoner's Dilemma" moved too slowly for me. I realized I was more than halfway through the book and very little had happened. I love Constance and was happy to learn more about her past, but I felt like most of the book was spent focusing on her past. It was just too much for me. I did listen to this book in audio, so maybe that's why it seemed so bad, but this book just didn't have the fast pace the first two books had. The characters also never seemed to be in that grave of danger for most of the book. They may have been taking a few risks, but none of them seemed that serious in comparison to some of their other adventures. Mr. Curtain was still vicious, but Stewart took some time to show a different side of him. This was another area of the book that slowed down the plot for me.

I did overall like the book and would recommend the series, but I was still surprised that it didn't have the intensity of the other books. The book was really heartwarming and I absolutely loved the ending. I still loved the characters and enjoyed their adventures. Even though Stewart seemed to wrap up the series in "The Prisoner's Dilemma", part of me wants another book just to see the characters in one more death-defying adventure.

"The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey" is a Brilliant Encore

"The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey"
Trenton Lee Stewart


6

Pub. Date: May 2008
Pages: 448

Synopsis: The fabulous foursome readers embraced as The Mysterious Benedict Society is back with a new mission, significantly closer to home. After reuniting for a celebratory scavenger hunt, Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance are forced to go on an unexpected search—a search to find Mr. Benedict. It seems that while he was preparing the kids' adventure, he stepped right into a trap orchestrated by his evil twin Mr. Curtain.

With only one week to find a captured Mr. Benedict, the gifted foursome faces their greatest challenge of all—a challenge that will reinforce the reasons they were brought together in the first place and will require them to fight for the very namesake that united them.

I didn't think that the series could get any better, but this book proved me wrong. The characters were more flushed out and Constance became a bigger part of the team. At first Constance was a character I could have done without at the beginning of the first book, but now I can't wait to read about the development of her gifts in the next book. I think that Stewart could do some really interesting things with her character specifically. I am also curious to see where he takes Sticky and PJ. Besides having memorable characters, the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. Mr. Curtain's henchmen the Ten Men were frightening and added an extra sense of danger throughout the book.

Another aspect of the book that I really enjoyed is how Stewart continues to allow deeper emotional and psychological issues that the children have enter into the plot. Reynie's habit of assuming the worst of people and Constance's concerns with the slow process of Mr. Benedict adopting her add depth to the plot. I feel like Stewart has a chance to really build upon these in future books if he chooses to do so.

I am so tempted to read the third book right away, but I want to finish at least one book by a debut author before doing so. I don't want to get too far behind on my challenges! If you want to learn more about the series then check out the website here. There are excerpts from the books, games, and descriptions of the characters. I just thought it was really cute and wanted to share it with you guys.