The Accidental Hero (Jack Blank Adventure, #1)

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The Accidental Hero (Jack Blank Adventure #1)

by Matt Myklusch (Goodreads Author)

4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 · rating details · 1,056 ratings · 129 reviews

All Jack Blank knows is his bleak, dreary life at St. Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost—an orphanage in the swampland of New Jersey. Covertly reading old comic books is Jack’s only solace. But his life changes forever when he meets an emissary from a secret country called the Imagine Nation, an astonishing place where all the fantastic and unb...more

Paperback, 2nd Edtion, 496 pages

Published April 26th 2011 by Aladdin (first published July 17th 2010)

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Jan 16, 2013 Michelle Isenhoff rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was recommended to me by Erik, from ThisKidReviewsBooks. In fact, he reviewed it in a guest post here on my blog. This summer, when he reviewed the sequel on his blog, I decided book one might be a great read-aloud to start out my son’s homeschool year. Erik assured me he would love it, so I ordered it from the library.

It was a great way to start out the homeschool year. You see, reading is unimaginably difficult for my son. While he’s old enough that he should be reading novels like t...more This book was recommended to me by Erik, from ThisKidReviewsBooks. In fact, he reviewed it in a guest post here on my blog. This summer, when he reviewed the sequel on his blog, I decided book one might be a great read-aloud to start out my son’s homeschool year. Erik assured me he would love it, so I ordered it from the library.

It was a great way to start out the homeschool year. You see, reading is unimaginably difficult for my son. While he’s old enough that he should be reading novels like this with ease, he’s only just outgrown Magic Tree House books, and he still frequents The Boxcar Children (for which I’m very proud of him—he couldn’t read those independently at the beginning of last year). Anyway, he’s a normal boy who loves high-action, super heroes, things that blow up. He just can’t visit those worlds without help yet. So I read this one to him. (It weighs in at 468 pages.) It took us three weeks and two days, but it blew him away!

Within, Jack Blank is so named because no one actually knows his last name. Or who his parents are. Or his past. As long as he can remember, he’s been a ward of St. Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost. He’s an orphan who doesn’t really fit in anywhere. Not even at St. Barnaby’s. So imagine his thrill when an emissary from the Imagine Nation (a real live world right out of his comic books) comes to take him away. Of course, that was right after a Robo-Zombie emerged from the swampy water of St. Barnaby’s flooded basement and tried to kill him.

The Imagine Nation is the stuff of dreams. There are awesome weapons, flying vehicles, intelligent machines, and an ultimate techno-city, Empire City. (My son loved it!) And everyone who lives there has superpowers–the heroes, the villains, and Jack! But the Empire City is a fearful place. A great battle was fought there in recent memory, and fears that the invading Rustov Robo-Zombies will return is very great. When it’s learned that Jack is resistant to the Rustov virus he’s found to be infected with, he is regarded with deep suspicion, especially by Jonas Smart, one of the ruling Circlemen who is using the public’s fear to grab power for himself.

As Jack seeks to prove himself, he does eventually find out who he is, and the revelation is earth-shattering. (I didn’t see it coming at all!) The fate he’s facing is so monstrous that he decides it’s better to simply leave the Imagine Nation altogether. But one wise super has this to say to Jack: “It is a great burden, of that there is no question, but the future is not written. It lies in the choices you make. Our future is ours to decide. Always.”

And that is the positive message I was sort of surprised to uncover in this ultra-techie, blow ‘em up, bigger-than-life superhero story. That, along with themes of loyalty, friendship, courage, and honor—all developed without one single profanity. Wow! I have to hand it to Mr. Myklusch. He managed to thrill my son with supers, intrigue, suspense, and mega-imagination, and he did in a positive way. Two thumbs way up for The Accidental Hero!(less)

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Jul 23, 2012 Carrie Slager rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviews

I had my doubts about this book when my friend lent it to me. The way she described it…well it made me less than enthusiastic, I have to admit. Yet I decided to give The Accidental Hero (first published under the title Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation) a chance. After all, I had been skeptical when the same friend lent me Cinder and it turned out to be amazing.

Matt Myklusch’s novel pokes tongue-in-cheek fun at old superhero tropes while at the same time putting a new spin on them so that young...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Erik This Kid Reviews Books rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

12-year-old Jack Blank doesn’t know who he is, where he came from or who his parents are. He does know that he’s a VERY bored orphan at St. Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost (a pretty depressing place). Finally something exciting (but pretty frightening) happens in Jack’s life: He gets attacked by an evil Robo-Zombie and has to find a way to destroy it! Jack is saved from the orphanage by Jazen Knight, an official from the Imagine Nation. Jazen takes Jack to the Ima...more

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Aug 26, 2011 Krista rated it 3 of 5 stars

I bought this for my kid while we were on a road trip; we stopped in Oxford, MS and while my husband tromped in the footsteps of Faulkner, my kid and I spent a couple of hours at Square Books. This book was recommended by the staff there as something a kid who loves Harry Potter and Percy Jackson would enjoy.

So I bought it and handed it to Cameron; one of the first books I've given him without a pre-read. I guess I was tired.

He read it before we pulled into Nashville that afternoon and pronoun...more

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Mar 31, 2011 Raenice Weakly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, favorites

Author: Matt Myklusch
Genre: Middle Grade; Fantasy
Release Date: August, 2010
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5

Description: All Jack Blank knows is his bleak, dreary life at St. Barnaby's Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost, an orphanage that sinks further into the swampland of New Jersey with each passing year. His aptitude tests predict that he will spend a long, unhappy career as a toilet brush cleaner. His only chance at escape comes through the comic books donated years ago to the o...more

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Dec 01, 2010 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-100-book-challenge, 2010-debut-author, arcs-i-own, mundie-kids-reviews, mundie-moms-reviews

Jack Blank is such a brilliantly written book, with an amazing setting, wonderful characters and a lot of powerful messages written within it's pages. It's a place where all the super heros & real life heros I grew up with and even never before heard of heros, live. It makes the extraordinary seem ordinary.

Twelve year old Jack Blank has been living in a horrible orphanage, where he's constantly picked up on the bully Rex, and finds excitement in reading his comic books. Jack Blank has no ide...more Jack Blank is such a brilliantly written book, with an amazing setting, wonderful characters and a lot of powerful messages written within it's pages. It's a place where all the super heros & real life heros I grew up with and even never before heard of heros, live. It makes the extraordinary seem ordinary.

Twelve year old Jack Blank has been living in a horrible orphanage, where he's constantly picked up on the bully Rex, and finds excitement in reading his comic books. Jack Blank has no idea where he came from, where his family is, and what his real last name is. On the morning a killer robot from one of Jack's comics becomes a reality and tries to kill him, Jazen Knight, an emissary from a secret country called Imagine Nation, has come for Jack. Jack soon finds himself in a place that is right out of his imagination. The way to get there is by believing.

Imagination Nation is in constant motion and travels between the countries of our world, though the members from this nation are from all over the world, make believe, real and from out of this world. I was really surprised that I loved Imagine Nation as much as I did. One of my favorite places in Imagine Nation is in Cognito. A city where people can go to, to "disappear", not even the streets have names. Imagine Nation is made of all sorts of living creatures from normal people to ninjas, kung fu masters, aliens, sorcerers, androids, regular people and more. It almost felt like it has a more updated Star Wars feel to it, complete with it's own Yoda in the form of one of my favorite characters, Stendeval, who's wisdom and encouragement help Jack find out who he is.

I really admired Jack's character. His life hasn't been easy and it gets tougher as soon as he arrives to Imagine Nation. He's been infected by a virus from a feared enemy, the Rustov, as known as Robie-Zombies, who all but destroyed many lives 12 years ago, in an invasion. Jack has few people who believe he's not a threat, Jenzen Knight and the wisest leader on Imagine Nation, Stendeval are two of them. I loved their characters. They convey such powerful messages not only to Jack, but to the reader.

Here's some of my favorite messages:

* "Be the change you want to see in the world" (pg 169)
* "Change begins with the individual" (pg 179)
* "... always remember that the path you choose to follow is your own." (pg 181)
* "Knowledge is power." (pg 209)
* "...we always have a choice. It's only the brave who choose not to surrend where there's no reason left to hope." (pg. 297)
* "The best way to predict your future is to create it." (pg 318)
* "Never underestimate the power you have over what happens today. Never forget the power today has over tomorrow." (pg 467)

Jack Blank is out to prove he's not a threat, and it will take Jenzen, Blue, Stendeval, and Jack's new friends to help him in his quest. Jack alone must believe in who he is and what his powers can do. Jack has a power that has not only kept his infection at bay, but it can destroy the Rustov. When the evil Rustov robot comes back to kill Jack and reveals who he is, Jack will be faced with a decision that can ultimately change his future forever.

I know this book is written for grade and middle school aged kids, but I really enjoyed Jack Blank and The Imagine Nation. I was reminded of how much fun it is to imagine. I can't wait for son to read this when he's a little older. Matt Myklusch writing it truly what kept me glued to the book. Jack Blank and The Imagine Nation is an awesome, action packed, must have book, with some great plot twists. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
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Nov 14, 2010 Diane rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Jacob was raised in an oppressive orphanage, abandoned there as an infant. His only source of escape is his hidden stash of comic books. When he turns 12, something fantastic happens -- he's attacked by a robot, is able to cause a power plant to blow it up, and is rescued by an android. Turns out, he's really not a normal human, but has some mysterious powers. The android and a blue man transport him to the Imagine Nation where he will be back where he belongs.

This is part Percy Jackson, part Ha...more

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Sep 30, 2010 Connie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Young boy grows up in miserable orphanage, picked on by grown-ups and kids alike. Things mysteriously go wrong when he's around, but he's saved and taken to a wonderful, magical place where everybody knows of him and he's offered a spot in an elite school. Also, things are awesome.

Sound familiar? And please - don't say Harry Potter. Try something novel, like any of the thousands of books with a premise just like this.

Sounds tired and predictable? Well... not so much. Sure, this is the premise th...more

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Sep 23, 2012 David Rakowicz rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book by "Matt Myklusch" was actually really good because I really liked it how the beginning of the book took me in; and this this book was basically about a boy named Jack, and all he rememebers is only his name and basicaally nothing else at all. THen later on he uncovers a lot of cool things about himself and also how he has this special petentail of like this power.
This is one of the books that I really did love because it was a book of mystery mixed with fantasy and something to uncove...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Tami rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: juvenile-fantasy-scifi, juvenile-mystery-adventure

First published as JACK BLANK AND THE IMAGINE NATION.

Jack Blank is twelve years old and a resident since infancy of St Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten and Lost (where they have been “crushing the spirit of childhood since 1898″). Jack does not know who his parents were or how he came to live at St. Barnaby’s. He knows that he seems to suffer the most abuse from the staff and other residents. And he knows that things seem to go wrong for him even when he tries to follow the...more First published as JACK BLANK AND THE IMAGINE NATION.

Jack Blank is twelve years old and a resident since infancy of St Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten and Lost (where they have been “crushing the spirit of childhood since 1898″). Jack does not know who his parents were or how he came to live at St. Barnaby’s. He knows that he seems to suffer the most abuse from the staff and other residents. And he knows that things seem to go wrong for him even when he tries to follow the rules.

Having rescued a donation of comic books from the garbage, Jack often hides in the library to read about the fantastic superheros within the pages. Unfortunately, Jack is caught red-handed with the comic books and forced to throw them in the incinerator. As further punishment for breaking the rules Jack is given the hopeless task of bailing water in the lower level of St. Barnaby’s. This task is impossible because, we discover, St. Barnaby’s is built on a swamp and the foundation sinks a few inches further into the swamp every year. The lowest level of the building is already completely submerged. As Jack is bailing water on the lower floor of St. Barnaby’s a hand emerges from the murky depths. The hand is followed by an arm, a head, and finally, a mechanical body.

Jack is shocked to recognize a Robo-Zombie from one of his comic books! This one is real and seems intent on killing Jack. Jack manages to escape from the Robo-Zombie but accidentally blows up the Home’s generator at the same time. No one believes Jack’s story about a Robo-Zombie. Just as it looks like Jack will be committed to a mental institution, an unknown man appears, flashing his credentials from the Department of Departments and takes Jack away from St. Barnaby’s forever.

This is the beginning of Jack’s journey to the Imagine Nation. The Imagine Nation exists on an island that is constantly changing locations in the world. It is made up of all manner of living beings and structures. Jack will encounter people of intelligence, wisdom and courage. He will also experience fear, shock, grief, isolation and adoration. In the midst of his interactions with humans, androids, holograms and aliens Jack will begin to understand the similarities and differences between “heroes” and “villains.”

I was captivated by Jack’s story. Superbattles on the ground, in the air, in the actual, virtual and imaginary worlds with superheroes, supervillains, ninjas, robots and zombies (just to name a few) are not usually my preferred reading material but Mr. Myklusch has created in Jack a character whose exploits are breathtakingly exciting and personally profound at the same time. The last line of the book, spoken by a respected elder in the Imagine Nation, is “Let us begin.” After reading Jack’s story, I felt as if those words were spoken directly to me.

Readers who are interested in superheroes and comic book-type storylines will particularly enjoy this tale. With the right classroom this would be a great read-aloud. it is a story of adventure, yes, but also a fantastic story of one individual learning his own power to make a difference in the world, as well as realizing that difference can take on a lot of different forms–not all of them needing to be spectacular.
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Aug 09, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite

Where do I start with this? Seriously, I wish that Jack Blank had been in my life when I was a young reader! The Accidental Hero (originally titled Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation) is such a brilliantly written book. Complete with an fabulous world, amazing characters, and tons of positive messages, this is the type of book that I would put into the hands of reluctant readers. I guarantee that they will fall in love!

I absolutely have to start with the original world that Matt Myklusch builds i...more Where do I start with this? Seriously, I wish that Jack Blank had been in my life when I was a young reader! The Accidental Hero (originally titled Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation) is such a brilliantly written book. Complete with an fabulous world, amazing characters, and tons of positive messages, this is the type of book that I would put into the hands of reluctant readers. I guarantee that they will fall in love!

I absolutely have to start with the original world that Matt Myklusch builds in the Imagine Nation. This is the type of place that dreams are made of. A world populated with superheroes and villains. With more futuristic technology than you can wrap your head around. The type of world where a young boy can thrive, especially one with a huge imagination! Super fights are common. Cars fly. I can't even explain to you how much I loved the Imagine Nation! I wonder if I believe hard enough, if I might be able to move there myself.

Then there is my love for Jack himself. I really enjoyed watching him grow from the quiet, scared boy in the orphanage into the brave and strong character that he ultimately becomes. Jack is the perfect role model for both boys and girls of any age. He knows his limits, he admits when he's scared, but he chooses to fight anyway. He's selfless, kind and so witty. Best of all though, Jack's character is written so vividly that it's easy to believe that he might just be your best friend. Following him through his adventure is made all the more amazing, simply because Jack is so amazing himself.

Finally, and I feel like this is a big part of why I loved this story so much, The Accidental Hero has so many fabulous messages to share with young readers. Jack's story isn't always happy. It isn't always easy. Still, along the way he meets some amazing people who teach him important life lessons. To be strong. To be brave. To be a friend. It is so inspiring! My all time favorite? "Never underestimate the power you have over what happens today. Never forget the power today has over tomorrow." (pg 467) All of these come into the story without feeling preachy. It's magical.

If you couldn't already tell from my raving review above, I give this book my highest seal of approval! The Accidental Hero is the whole package. If you have a reluctant reader at home, boy or girl, put this book in their hands. I see so much potential for this to become their new favorite series. Skeptical? I have one word for you to say as you hand it to them: Robo-Zombies. Get this book. You won't regret it!(less)

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Apr 12, 2013 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review is also on my blog repeatreads.blogspot.com

Because I love Harry Potter and Percy Jackson I was recommended the Jack Blank Adventure series. This Middle Grade series of books had an interesting premise so I gave it a chance. This book kept be guessing and had many twists and turns that you don't see coming. I loved the originality of Imagine Nation and all the things that went along with it. I also really felt for Jack Blank and rooted for him throughout the book. I think that while t...more

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Sep 20, 2010 Seanean rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://librarytalker.blogspot.com/201...

For the last eleven years, Jack has been raised at St. Barnaby's Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost ("Crushing the spirit of childhood since 1898"). He was found on the doorstep with the name "Jack" on the cradle and no last name. So now Jack is Jack Blank, victim of bullies and evil teachers everywhere.
.
But Jack isn't a wimp and he's not one to let the daily grind of extra chores get him down. On a day when the rest of the orphanage is...more

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Oct 28, 2012 Natasha W rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The idea definitely has some Looper-like qualities in the story which aren't apparent til the end. However, the descriptions here are lacking. The author doesn't describe places or buildings or scenes, he makes comparisions instead. I also found that sometimes the ideas and words he used were far too mature for his intended audience. I doubt a 12 year old really understands exactly what psychoanalysis is. It was quite jarring actually, and while it was understood by me, an adult reading the book...more

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Aug 14, 2010 P.M. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jack (last name Blank because no one knows who he is) lives in an orphanage in New Jersey where he is tormented by Rex the Bully and disliked by the staff. He is surprised when a stranger named Jazen Knight arrives and whisks him off to the land of Imagine Nation. Jack has always been fascinated by a secret collection of comic books and is now in a place where the comic books are real. Jack hopes to find out who he is but what he finds is a nightmare. The island is under attack by Revile, the pa...more

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Mar 09, 2011 Reading Vacation's Mom rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

REVIEW
Jack Blank is an out-of-this-world story! With vivid descriptions and a wild plot, this book had me turning pages like crazy. Lots of surprises kept my attention right to the last page. Myklusch’s ideas are fascinating!
I don’t read so many books with boys as the main character, but I’m glad I decided to give Jack a chance. He was very imaginative himself and he was strong against the Rustov. After such a sad childhood, I am glad that he made some friends.
If you are looking for adventure,...more

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Jun 12, 2010 Claire rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: 4th and up

The book opens with Jack Blank(because no one knows his last name) in a grim orphanage run by people who openly hate the kids and the place. Left behind on a field trip because weird things happen when Jack is around, Jack is attacked by a comix villain come to life. Jack vanquishes the villain and runs back to the orphanage to find that there is a man waiting to claim him and take him home. Jack is shocked and very willing to leave the horrible orphanage.
On the way to his new home Jack finds t...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Davide713 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 7th-grade-books

The Accidental Hero written by Matt Myklusch was about a twelve year old kid named Jack Blank (he didn't even know his last name) who lived in St.Barnaby's Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost. One day a Robo-Zombie right out of one of his comic book tries to kill him. Then he is brought away to a hidden country called Imagine Nation: a magical place where all fantastic things originate, including Jack. Soon he discovers that he has an amazing ability which could make him the...more

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Dec 05, 2011 Will rated it 5 of 5 stars

ISBN 9781416995623
$6.99
Will Devaney

This book is about a kid named Jack Blank. Jack has a very dreary life and had spends his life at St. Barnaby's Home for the Hopeless abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost. But one day everything changes when a character from his comic book comes to life and tries to kill him. After this everything about his past and his future starts to unfold as he goes through many trials that will test him to his limits.

This book was a very exiting book. After every page i read i...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Gavin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was being read by a daughter of a friend, and I picked it up to see what it was about and was immediately drawn into the story of Jack Blank, whose last name came due to being an orphan and having no sense of his heritage or name.

The way that he immediately jumps into an adventure that changes his life and reveals his life was very engaging, and appears to appeal to adults and children. The world of Imagine Nation and the characters of super heroes that inhabit that place and Jack's en...more

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Apr 07, 2011 Toni rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: guys, young-adult, childrens

Jack Blank is whisked away from his tortured life in an orphanage and taken to the Imagine Nation, a floating, secret island nation that is packed with superheroes, aliens, and advanced technology. Jack does not have many friends there either, it turns out. Jack’s superpowers slowly reveal themselves and Jack eventually learns more about himself and his role in the island’s history. The battles and tests that Jack endures have just the right amount of action and intrigue to keep the reader invol...more

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Jan 19, 2012 Adam L rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is about the mysterious Jack who grew up in a dreadful orphanage without a name so he was called Jack Blank.One day he is rescued by a mysterious man named Jazen and he is whisked off onto a mysterious hidden continent called the imagine nation where anything is possible. He learns of his new super power, the ability to control machines right after he learns he is infected with a deadly alien virus that will turn him into an enemy robot. No one has lasted two minutes with the virus but...more

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Feb 11, 2011 Nick Scott rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jack Blank lives at a terrible orphanage where he is mistreated then finds out that he is a part of another magical world. Pretty standard kid's fantasy stuff. The book was entertaining, but it was not written very well, and was very rushed. It seems like the author wanted to be humorous at first, but quickly gave up on it. That said, the Imagine Nation is kinda cool, and is something that kids in particular would probably enjoy. The book is also heavy on the idea of freedom vs. security, and la...more

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Nov 22, 2011 Jacqueline rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation-Book Review

Reviewer- Jacqueline

Sometimes, some books are just so horrible you feel like you just fell down a deep, deep, dark, scary but boring hole. Now ladies and gentlemen, here’s something I’d like to share with you, about a book called Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation by Matt Myklush. Maybe you’ve read this book before, or maybe you haven’t. Whether you’re a Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation fan or not, I thought that book was…HORRIBLE!!!!! I personally l...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Tati Dengo rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fun book, packed full of super heroes and super powers, aliens, robots, ninjas, etc.

Surprising twist near the end, making it a much more interesting book other than the stereotypical: (view spoiler)

The villains reminded me a lot of the Cybermen and the Daleks from Doctor Who, due to the way they're created and their relen...more

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Aug 09, 2010 Joe Yellin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Interesting concept for a young adult fantasy novel. I realize that there will be at least another book, but I hope Myklusch steps up his game for the second book. The first book was promising in it's concept, but did not deliver all the goods. What kept the story going was how fully realized of a world that the Imagine Nation was with each part of the city and it's denizens. I suspected who the bad guy was way before the final reveal, but realize that younger readers will be suprised to find ou...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Carissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: juvenile

Despite the tired literary tools of an abandoned orphan in a horror of an orphanage turning out to be a secret superhero (yawn and a little bit grr as an adoptive parent...)..... i liked this book enough to immediately seek out the sequels. I enjoyed the characters and the concept that there is a hovering island out there where all the characters from our imaginations live together is an intriguing one. I also appreciated the solid conundrum presented near the end and am curious to see where the...more

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May 20, 2013 Jacob Mc rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The book The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch was a great book. I thought that this book deserved a 4 star rating. The book is about a boy named Jack who lives in an orphanage. At that orphanage something amazing happens and he is taken to an exotic island floating in the sky. This island is occupied by superheroes livings their daily lives and saving the world. Here Jack has to fit in while under threat and discrimination. I enjoyed this book because it was well written and I felt that it had a...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Nshaffer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thought this book was great because the author crafts a story that takes the character into a world of adventure. The story is set on a magical island where almost everyone is a superhero. The villans in this story (every superhero has a villan, but these are the main ones) are the Rustov. They are aliens that are half organic and partly artificial. They infect people with a parasite that turns that person into one of them. The only side effect is that the body slowly decays into dust. But sad...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Jasmine Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: middle-grade, 2012-books-reads, favorites

Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation is basically awesomesauce. I mean, we have killer robots, superheroes, orphans, a secret island, and SO much more.

First, we have Jack. He’s had a pretty miserable life at the orphanage, so when he finds out he has super powers and there’s a place where he belongs, he’s pretty ecstatic. But then he gets there and almost everyone in Imagine Nation hates him. Jack gets a little down at this, understandably, but he doesn’t give up. He pushes onward working to develo...more

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About Matt Myklusch

Matt has been drawing ever since he could first hold a pencil, and super heroes have always filled up the majority of the pages in his sketchbooks. That lifelong love of comic books spurred him to write the Jack Blank Adventure trilogy, published by Simon & Schuster's Aladdin imprint. All three books: THE ACCIDENTAL HERO (2010), THE SECRET WAR (2011), and THE END OF INFINITY (2012) are in stor...more

More about Matt Myklusch...

Books by Matt Myklusch

The Secret War (Jack Blank Adventure, #2)

The End of Infinity (Jack Blank Adventure, #3)

The Jack Blank Collection: The Accidental Hero; The Secret War; The End of Infinity

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Quotes from The Accidental Hero

“...the future is not written. It lies in the choices you make. Our future is ours to decide. Always.” — 13 people liked it

“The 'bad guys' are the ones who are often misunderstood” — 12 people liked it

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avg rating	preview: The Accidental Hero Goodreads rating: 4.12 (1056 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9926293-the-accidental-hero?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1311343293l/9926293.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9926293-the-accidental-hero?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch[/url]

The Accidental Hero (Jack Blank Adventure #1)

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