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Century #3
City of Wind
In the third installment of the Century Quartet, Italian author P. D. Baccalario continues the mystery that will take four cities and four extraordinary kids to solve.
PARIS, JUNE 20
When new information turns up about the Star of Stone, the object they found in New York, Mistral, Elettra, Harvey, and Sheng meet again in Paris. Harvey brings the stone to show to his dad's archaeologist friend. And it turns out that the friend knows much more about the kids' quest than they could have imagined. She gives them a clock that once belonged to Napoléon, and she tells them that if they can figure out how it works, it will lead them to another object of power. The clock sends the kids all over Paris, through old churches and forgotten museum exhibits, in search of an artifact linked to the Egyptian goddess Isis. But a woman with a penchant for venomous snakes and carnivorous plants—and her vast network of spies—is watching their every move. . . .
Fans of Blue Balliet, Trenton Lee Stewart, and Michael Scott will be drawn to this Da Vinci Code-like adventure for kids.
From the Hardcover edition.
PARIS, JUNE 20
When new information turns up about the Star of Stone, the object they found in New York, Mistral, Elettra, Harvey, and Sheng meet again in Paris. Harvey brings the stone to show to his dad's archaeologist friend. And it turns out that the friend knows much more about the kids' quest than they could have imagined. She gives them a clock that once belonged to Napoléon, and she tells them that if they can figure out how it works, it will lead them to another object of power. The clock sends the kids all over Paris, through old churches and forgotten museum exhibits, in search of an artifact linked to the Egyptian goddess Isis. But a woman with a penchant for venomous snakes and carnivorous plants—and her vast network of spies—is watching their every move. . . .
Fans of Blue Balliet, Trenton Lee Stewart, and Michael Scott will be drawn to this Da Vinci Code-like adventure for kids.
From the Hardcover edition.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2007
13 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Pierdomenico Baccalario
457 books454 followersP.D. BACCALARIO was born in Acqui Terme, a beautiful little town in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. He grew up in the middle of the woods with his three dogs and his black bicycle. He loves seeing new places and discovering new lifestyles, although, in the end, he always returns to the comfort of familiar ones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 19, 2016
this is the third adventure of our Century heroes, the four Wisemans that try to save the world and discover their own charisma. This time we travel to Paris, the city of music, the wind and long long history. Kids' adventures are far more dangerous than all the others and sometimes things turn lethal. They find supporters who turn to be traitors and old enemies who turn to be friends.
We are only a step away to learn everything about the Century secret and one more adventures, this time in China, is only left for the kids to claim the deal once again.
Can't wait to read the last book!!!
We are only a step away to learn everything about the Century secret and one more adventures, this time in China, is only left for the kids to claim the deal once again.
Can't wait to read the last book!!!
January 14, 2012
Loving it so far! It's been almost five years since the third book was published. Sure hope he didn't forget to finish the series!
November 5, 2022
Ik denk nog altijd dat ik te oud ben voor deze boeken. De geheimen, de zoektochten, dat had ik allemaal een stuk interessanter gevonden toen ik jonger was. Al vond ik deze denk ik leuker dan de vorige
September 13, 2022
Zachowanie rodziców głównych bohaterów jest bardzo questionable XDD ale ten tom też przyjemnie mi się czytało
May 14, 2015
In City of Wind, the third novel in the Century Quartet, Baccalario returns the action to his native Europe and with it, he returns the story to its former glory. Which is good news, because after the largely lackluster Star of Stone, I have a hunch that most of his readers were very skeptical about the way this series would continue. Be skeptical no longer, my friends. Featuring a tighter storyline than its predecessor, far more intimidating villains, and an exciting, action-packed journey through one of the greatest cities on earth, City of Wind is Baccalario at his greatest.
The hunt for the mysterious secret behind whatever the hell is driving the events of this book has led our protagonists to Paris, France, where they join forces with the enigmatic archeologist only known as Zoe. But Zoe knows a lot more about their quest than she’s saying, and has decided to join their enemy. Now, with one of the deadliest information brokers in Europe on their trail, a spy for the enemy in their midst, and a deadly villain from the past lurking about, the children have no choice but to find the elusive Veil of Isis before the bad guys do.
Baccalario seems a lot more comfortable with his setting and characters in this book than he did in Star of Stone. Unlike his last book, which was choked with darkness, City of Wind is bursting with light in both the narrative and the storyline. When he wants to, Baccalario can be an exceptionally skilled writer, managing to write descriptive scenes and situations that are extremely beautiful and poetic. And while we only saw bits and pieces of this genius in the last novel, City of Wind has his skill brought front and center. I was extremely impressed.
Baccalario also manages to return the series to the tense storylines which brought it to greatness in Ring of Fire. By almost immediately putting the characters in danger, Baccalario makes it extremely clear that the villains of this story aren’t fooling around, and are, in fact, a lot more cunning than before. The main villain, a spymaster named Cybel, poses a major threat to the children with her vast network of spies all over France. Literally anyone could be on their enemy’s side at any time. Zoe is also a major wild card. Who is she really? What is her agenda?
Naturally, the problem that beset the story from its very inception – the exceptionally vague nature of the overarching storyline – is also in full force here, preventing this book from getting a five star rating. But I can assure you that you get some good hints about what awaits our characters, what’s really driving the events of this series, and what’s coming up next. And with a wicked cliffhanger, you’ll definitely want to pick up Dragon of Seas almost immediately.
The hunt for the mysterious secret behind whatever the hell is driving the events of this book has led our protagonists to Paris, France, where they join forces with the enigmatic archeologist only known as Zoe. But Zoe knows a lot more about their quest than she’s saying, and has decided to join their enemy. Now, with one of the deadliest information brokers in Europe on their trail, a spy for the enemy in their midst, and a deadly villain from the past lurking about, the children have no choice but to find the elusive Veil of Isis before the bad guys do.
Baccalario seems a lot more comfortable with his setting and characters in this book than he did in Star of Stone. Unlike his last book, which was choked with darkness, City of Wind is bursting with light in both the narrative and the storyline. When he wants to, Baccalario can be an exceptionally skilled writer, managing to write descriptive scenes and situations that are extremely beautiful and poetic. And while we only saw bits and pieces of this genius in the last novel, City of Wind has his skill brought front and center. I was extremely impressed.
Baccalario also manages to return the series to the tense storylines which brought it to greatness in Ring of Fire. By almost immediately putting the characters in danger, Baccalario makes it extremely clear that the villains of this story aren’t fooling around, and are, in fact, a lot more cunning than before. The main villain, a spymaster named Cybel, poses a major threat to the children with her vast network of spies all over France. Literally anyone could be on their enemy’s side at any time. Zoe is also a major wild card. Who is she really? What is her agenda?
Naturally, the problem that beset the story from its very inception – the exceptionally vague nature of the overarching storyline – is also in full force here, preventing this book from getting a five star rating. But I can assure you that you get some good hints about what awaits our characters, what’s really driving the events of this series, and what’s coming up next. And with a wicked cliffhanger, you’ll definitely want to pick up Dragon of Seas almost immediately.
dnf
August 13, 2018did not finish
May 10, 2015
This series, and this author continues to impress.
He's penchant for adventure through discovering clues, then figure out their meaning to gain insight, is a favorite of mine.
This time, it is Paris that gives us mystery, excitement, and history. Another aspect that really draws me in, when actual places, items, and people from history are mentioned.
He is especially good at opening up with answers, then giving us more to wonder about for the next book.
Also, even though it is clear that he is using an elemental model, how the gifts manifest in each child fascinates me. He's not over-used their abilities, at all, in fact, I wonder how much of an impact they will have in the last book because I am still not entirely sure how it will all work to conclude the quest.
So far, so wonderful!
He's penchant for adventure through discovering clues, then figure out their meaning to gain insight, is a favorite of mine.
This time, it is Paris that gives us mystery, excitement, and history. Another aspect that really draws me in, when actual places, items, and people from history are mentioned.
He is especially good at opening up with answers, then giving us more to wonder about for the next book.
Also, even though it is clear that he is using an elemental model, how the gifts manifest in each child fascinates me. He's not over-used their abilities, at all, in fact, I wonder how much of an impact they will have in the last book because I am still not entirely sure how it will all work to conclude the quest.
So far, so wonderful!
April 24, 2015
Finished this last night and was eager to start the final book. All of the clues finally will come together. This is why I try to stay away from series books! I get hooked and have to finish the whole thing. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to see what happens in the end!
February 24, 2019
(Review for Book 4, Dragon Of Seas)
In the book, they say "'The greatest power of all,' Sheng replies. 'The power of knowing.' .... 'Where we come from, who we are, where we're going and why we should do it...those are the answers you've been looking for. We come from memory, we're harmony, we're moving toward hope...and all this because the entire universe is pure energy.' (272)." This quote is very powerful because it shows that if we look after the simpler things, like knowledge and hope, we will be able to live much better lives. And we are able to learn that if we treat everyone like this, we would live our lives in a much better place.
In the book, they say "'The greatest power of all,' Sheng replies. 'The power of knowing.' .... 'Where we come from, who we are, where we're going and why we should do it...those are the answers you've been looking for. We come from memory, we're harmony, we're moving toward hope...and all this because the entire universe is pure energy.' (272)." This quote is very powerful because it shows that if we look after the simpler things, like knowledge and hope, we will be able to live much better lives. And we are able to learn that if we treat everyone like this, we would live our lives in a much better place.
May 28, 2017
Questo terzo volume della serie è quello che mi è piaciuto di più,fino ad ora.
Questa volta i 4 ragazzini si ritrovano nella città di Mistral, la bellissima Parigi,con nuovi indizi per arrivare a scoprire cosa sia Century. Rientra in scena un vecchio personaggio che non si capisce ancora bene se sta dalla parte dei buoni o dei cattivi e si inizia a sapere un po' di più dei 4 Saggi.
Lo scrittore è decisamente abile nello stuzzicare la curiosità del lettore,lasciando irrisolte ancora molte cose e,questa curiosità,porta a voler arrivare all'ultimo libro della serie.
Questa volta i 4 ragazzini si ritrovano nella città di Mistral, la bellissima Parigi,con nuovi indizi per arrivare a scoprire cosa sia Century. Rientra in scena un vecchio personaggio che non si capisce ancora bene se sta dalla parte dei buoni o dei cattivi e si inizia a sapere un po' di più dei 4 Saggi.
Lo scrittore è decisamente abile nello stuzzicare la curiosità del lettore,lasciando irrisolte ancora molte cose e,questa curiosità,porta a voler arrivare all'ultimo libro della serie.
January 3, 2021
Great addition to the series. The opponent gets crazier and crazier which keeps things interesting. The friendship gets stronger. And they discover another supernatural power aswell as another piece of information which brings them closer to the truth. In the process of discovering it they learn a little more about the different enemies they have aswell as the people on there side. Things get even more interesting from this point on. And you will not be able to wait to read the last book.
In conclusion:
Sertainly recommend. For ages 9 (if you're not easily scared) thru 14.
In conclusion:
Sertainly recommend. For ages 9 (if you're not easily scared) thru 14.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2018
Liking this series more and more! Things were moving faster and faster, lots explained, more added and befuddlng, but so much fun! Now the adults were involved, old enemy became ally, and it all spun around towards the final in the next book!
June 13, 2018
3.5 stars
August 11, 2023
It is good
May 7, 2024
De Davinci code junior. Er gebeurt weinig en de raadsels zijn kneuterig. Mét een vleugje Magie.
December 31, 2020
3.5 stars
September 5, 2025
ainda tão bom como me lembrava
December 9, 2020
the city of wind is a gracious, adventurous book with bits of romance and plenty of mysteries. this series is loaded with magic and fantasy and owns a rightful place on my shelf.
this book is not very long and I was able to read it in about two hours, but I am a very fast reader, so it may take the average 12-year-old two to three days of free time to finish it.
this book is not very long and I was able to read it in about two hours, but I am a very fast reader, so it may take the average 12-year-old two to three days of free time to finish it.
June 4, 2022
Cette fois-ci on retrouve notre quatuor préféré à Paris dans la ville de Mistral à la recherche de nouveaux indices concernant le grand plan dans lequel ils ont été inscrits. On sent qu'on approche de la fin ! Les enjeux se précisent et nos héros continuent leur course contre la montre.
La chute de ce tome trois promets d'ailleurs pas mal d'actions qui risquent de s'enchainer au vu de l'urgence provoquée par les derniers évènements…
Bref, comme toujours, une excellente lecture, dont j'ai hâte de découvrir le dénouement !
La chute de ce tome trois promets d'ailleurs pas mal d'actions qui risquent de s'enchainer au vu de l'urgence provoquée par les derniers évènements…
Bref, comme toujours, une excellente lecture, dont j'ai hâte de découvrir le dénouement !
July 8, 2016
Veee Century Rüzgarlı Şehir de bitti serinin son kitabı İlk Kaynağa geçiyorum.
Kitap boyu iki bölümde bir Zoe'ya küfrettim. Arkadaş Türk ama ne pis bir Türk ya.
Sinir krizime başlıyorum; Zoe hayatımda böyle pislik bir karakter görmedim biz aynı milletten olamayız ya. Kitabın başından beri BİRİ ZOE'YU ÖLDÜRSÜN YALVARIRIM diye bağıra bağıra okudum ama SPOİLER-sonunda öldü. Dışarıda hala kar varken o an gidip kendimi karlara atasım geldi.
Şimdi güzel şeylere geçelim: JACOB MAHLER'İ SEVİYORUM. O kadar ölsün yeaa demiştim ama geri aldım tam benim kafa "düşmanımın düşmanı dostumdur" artık o da bizden biri.
Tabi bu seferki son pek de iyi bitmedi. Gıcık Heremit aldı beş topacı falan hiç hoş değil yani... Ayrıca Vladimir'e ne yapacaklar yaaa. Favorilerimin sonu işte umarım ölmez.
Irene de Linda'nın annesi çıktı iyi mi? Ben Linda'nın halası yada büyükannesi gibi bir şeydir demiştim ama annesi(!?!?) neyse.
Elettra ile Harvey'yi iyice yüz göz ettik sıra Sheng ile Mistral'e geldi galiba. Ne o "onu güldürmek hoşuma gidiyor"lar falan...
Ayrıca serinin sonunda Mistral ve Elettra üvey kardeş olmazsa şaşarım. Mistral'in annesi ile Elettra'nın babası resmen flört ettiler.
En merak ettiğim şeyse bu Heremit topaçlarla falan ne yapmayı planlıyor? Ne yani anlayamıyorum ama büyük ihtimal İlk Kaynak'ta açıklanacak.
Son olarak Ermete ne çektin be diyip yorumumu bitiriyorum
Kitap boyu iki bölümde bir Zoe'ya küfrettim. Arkadaş Türk ama ne pis bir Türk ya.
Sinir krizime başlıyorum; Zoe hayatımda böyle pislik bir karakter görmedim biz aynı milletten olamayız ya. Kitabın başından beri BİRİ ZOE'YU ÖLDÜRSÜN YALVARIRIM diye bağıra bağıra okudum ama SPOİLER-sonunda öldü. Dışarıda hala kar varken o an gidip kendimi karlara atasım geldi.
Şimdi güzel şeylere geçelim: JACOB MAHLER'İ SEVİYORUM. O kadar ölsün yeaa demiştim ama geri aldım tam benim kafa "düşmanımın düşmanı dostumdur" artık o da bizden biri.
Tabi bu seferki son pek de iyi bitmedi. Gıcık Heremit aldı beş topacı falan hiç hoş değil yani... Ayrıca Vladimir'e ne yapacaklar yaaa. Favorilerimin sonu işte umarım ölmez.
Irene de Linda'nın annesi çıktı iyi mi? Ben Linda'nın halası yada büyükannesi gibi bir şeydir demiştim ama annesi(!?!?) neyse.
Elettra ile Harvey'yi iyice yüz göz ettik sıra Sheng ile Mistral'e geldi galiba. Ne o "onu güldürmek hoşuma gidiyor"lar falan...
Ayrıca serinin sonunda Mistral ve Elettra üvey kardeş olmazsa şaşarım. Mistral'in annesi ile Elettra'nın babası resmen flört ettiler.
En merak ettiğim şeyse bu Heremit topaçlarla falan ne yapmayı planlıyor? Ne yani anlayamıyorum ama büyük ihtimal İlk Kaynak'ta açıklanacak.
Son olarak Ermete ne çektin be diyip yorumumu bitiriyorum
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2013
I found this book confusing, and I still have a lot of questions about it (most if which would have been answered, but having not realizing it was the third book in the series until now, are not answered). Who are Heremit Devil and Jacob Mahler? Who are the Four Magi? What are the purpose of the tops? What is the "secret of the century"? What are the five children that are focused on in this book trying to achieve? I'm sure this book would have been much better if I started at book one, and I look forward to doing so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2015
Auch im dritten Band der Serie kommt man dem Geheimnis um "Century" nicht wirklich näher. Die Charaktere bleiben farblos, entwickeln sich kaum weiter. Die Geschichte wirkt teils wirr, oft lieblos erzählt, als könne es der Autor selbst kaum erwarten, endlich damit fertig zu werden.
Ob es nun dem Original oder der Übersetzung geschuldet ist vermag ich nicht zu sagen: während Harvey mit Elettra unterwegs ist, werden die Namen von Elettra und Mistral vertauscht. Ein Fehler der nicht passieren dürfte.
Ob ich mich dazu überwinden kann, auch den vierten Teil zu lesen ist noch fraglich.
Ob es nun dem Original oder der Übersetzung geschuldet ist vermag ich nicht zu sagen: während Harvey mit Elettra unterwegs ist, werden die Namen von Elettra und Mistral vertauscht. Ein Fehler der nicht passieren dürfte.
Ob ich mich dazu überwinden kann, auch den vierten Teil zu lesen ist noch fraglich.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2013
Also the third book in the series did not disappoint as the four friends search through Paris to find more clues. An amazing adventure that made me want to visit Paris again soon. It also made me curious to read the last book in the series to find out how this mystery will be resolved - in a city I have never been to: Shanghai. Can't wait to get started...
September 23, 2015
Paris turns out to be an exciting adventure for the four lead characters with additional twists provided by other characters. Romance develops between more than one set of participants. Descriptions are excellent mover of story. Look forward to reading next in series. Translation was handled with skill.
April 16, 2016
Things are getting dangerous as the four kids meet up in Paris. There is a new enemy, Mademoiselle Cybel. She has an army of spying waiters. Zoe, one of the four previous Magi, is in Paris and males friends with the kids. But she is dangerous and the kids learn to distrust her quickly.
Hot air balloons and Notre Dame. Music and bees. Isis and a ship. And a danger that comes once a century.
Hot air balloons and Notre Dame. Music and bees. Isis and a ship. And a danger that comes once a century.
March 5, 2013
Mistral summoning bees when she sings has nothing to do with air, so why would it say that she has powers over air? In the fourth book of the quartet, it specifically says that she has powers over air. Otherwise, I like the book.
January 9, 2012
Better than the first two, but I guess I'm just not the right demographic for this series.
April 9, 2016
That was very good. Although... there was some dramatic romance pieces. Yup, very dramatic. One of the pieces although was... silly. AHope that the next one comes out.
November 1, 2013
its the children of the... BEAR??? what happens in the next book!!! its always THE four together forever!!
December 19, 2012
Toda a coleção me prendeu. Acho que foi bem conseguida, tanto a ideia como a passagem à prática. Este livro centra-se já em Paris, e os seus momentos inesperados focam-nos de volta sempre à história.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews