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The 39 Clues #5
The Black Circle
JOIN ANYTIME TO PLAY FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN!
INCOMING! Amy and Dan have been found UNHARMED! But perhaps not for long - the ruthless Irina Spasky is right on their tail. And WHAT are those crazy kids doing poking their noses into Lucian secrets?!? Are they TRYING to get themselves killed?
The 39 Clues Book 5 takes Dan and Amy on their most dangerous quest yet, one that brings them face to face with the only force capable of scaring the vicious Lucians: the Madrigals.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2009
529 people are currently reading
10213 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Carman
91 books1,606 followersI have been a lifelong writer and storyteller. Salem, Oregon is where I spent my formative years and I graduated from Willamette University. After college, I spent a decade living in Portland, Oregon where I worked in advertising, game design, and technology.
I've written young adult and children's books for Scholastic, Little Brown Books For Young Readers and Katherine Tegen Books/ HarperCollins Publishers.
I've been fortunate enough to have had some bestselling series work: The Land of Elyon, Atherton, Elliot’s Park, 39 Clues, and Skeleton Creek. Here's a fun note...the books have been translated into approximately two dozen languages. Currently I'm developing a few new-media projects. Check out DARK EDEN to experience this type of cross-platform project.
When I'm not writing or creating a story, I spend my free time supporting literacy campaigns and community organizations, fly fishing, playing basketball and tennis, doing crosswords, watching movies, dabbling in video games, reading (lots), and (more than anything else) spending time with my wife and two daughters.
I've written young adult and children's books for Scholastic, Little Brown Books For Young Readers and Katherine Tegen Books/ HarperCollins Publishers.
I've been fortunate enough to have had some bestselling series work: The Land of Elyon, Atherton, Elliot’s Park, 39 Clues, and Skeleton Creek. Here's a fun note...the books have been translated into approximately two dozen languages. Currently I'm developing a few new-media projects. Check out DARK EDEN to experience this type of cross-platform project.
When I'm not writing or creating a story, I spend my free time supporting literacy campaigns and community organizations, fly fishing, playing basketball and tennis, doing crosswords, watching movies, dabbling in video games, reading (lots), and (more than anything else) spending time with my wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 952 reviews
July 12, 2017
The best installment so far! The story is very exciting with much interesting information about the Romanovs. Amy and Dan finally managed to persuade one of their opponents to cooperate, and they also gained a powerful ally. Ian and Natalie failed badly, and Irina is weirder than ever.
I want the next book!
I want the next book!
On the far end there stood a massive statue of a woman holding a sword over her head, rising like a skyscraper into the cloudy horizon. They'd seen it in the distance as they raced across the city, but up close it was a frightening spectacle."The Motherland Calls," said Amy. "It's twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty. Do you know what it commemorates?"
"Don't have a clue, but I'm sure you're going to tell me."
May 13, 2022
4.5 stars
I loved the Russian setting, the secrets of the Lucien branch, and Amy and Dan's partnership with ! On the other hand, although Dan called Rasputin a "creep", The Black Circle did sound like it was making a subtle argument for Rasputin's (nonexistent) virtue, crafting an explanation that it was him who helped Anastasia Romanov survive. In reality, Dan is right: Rasputin was no good guy. Still, Rasputin was only mentioned a few times, and this is a series that I'm enjoying!
ೄྀ࿐ Quotes ೄྀ࿐
☐ “Lazy Dan left the building and was replaced by Alarmed Dan.”
☐ “Doesn’t Shep live near Darlinghurst?” Amy asked. “Dude, don’t call me darling,” Dan said. “Ever. That’s an absolute rule.”
☐ “The Road of Bones," said Dan. "That's a little bit unpleasant even by my standards.”
☐ “We push away the bad memories," Irina said. Bleak sadness deadened her voice. "We tell ourselves is better not to remember. It is not better. Better to remember everything, even pain.”
Yeah. Weird book! But Irina's character development is 😍!
I loved the Russian setting, the secrets of the Lucien branch, and Amy and Dan's partnership with ! On the other hand, although Dan called Rasputin a "creep", The Black Circle did sound like it was making a subtle argument for Rasputin's (nonexistent) virtue, crafting an explanation that it was him who helped Anastasia Romanov survive. In reality, Dan is right: Rasputin was no good guy. Still, Rasputin was only mentioned a few times, and this is a series that I'm enjoying!
ೄྀ࿐ Quotes ೄྀ࿐
☐ “Lazy Dan left the building and was replaced by Alarmed Dan.”
☐ “Doesn’t Shep live near Darlinghurst?” Amy asked. “Dude, don’t call me darling,” Dan said. “Ever. That’s an absolute rule.”
☐ “The Road of Bones," said Dan. "That's a little bit unpleasant even by my standards.”
☐ “We push away the bad memories," Irina said. Bleak sadness deadened her voice. "We tell ourselves is better not to remember. It is not better. Better to remember everything, even pain.”
Yeah. Weird book! But Irina's character development is 😍!
April 22, 2010
I am now halfway through this exciting series, which ends with Book Ten coming out August 2010. The Black Circle begins with a telegram that lures to Russia 11 year-old Dan Cahill and 14 year-old Amy Cahill—a brother and sister team who are in the race to uncover the 39 clues leading to great power. I must admit I had flashbacks of James Bond spy movies as I read this book.
What caught my interest this time is that Dan and Amy go through a whole risky adventure, even traveling from Cairo to Russia on their own without Nellie, their au pair. Instead, it is the Holts, particularly Hamilton, who assists them, working together with them to uncover the next clue. A camaraderie even forms between them by the end.
My maternal instincts, of course, rebelled against the fact that they were unchaperoned by an adult throughout their dangerous mission, but my reader and writer instincts tell me this was done for a reason. It emphasized the reality of their orphaned state and how they were unknowingly prepped by their grandmother Grace to take on this challenge. And adults who have been aware of the 39 clues for years assisted them in other ways. Throughout the whole book I wondered why Nellie was not involved, and then something occurs toward the end that leaves the reader wondering about her role in all of this.
The Lucian stronghold is the one we learn about this time and like all the other strongholds, there is always its powerful leader ready to strike their rivals. The force of the Madrigals, their enemy, is felt strongly too as Dan and Amy race with them close on their heels, along with the rest of the extended family who is taking part in the hunt. The man in black that makes a brief but sinister appearance in all the books does so again at a crucial moment (as usual), raising yet again the big question as to who he represents exactly. We also wonder more about Irina Spasky whose past loss cause an internal struggle for her and affect her actions.
Clearly, the clues that will answer all these questions are undoubtedly scattered throughout the books from the start, making me want to go back and reread them all. But for now I’ll just move on to Book Six.
What caught my interest this time is that Dan and Amy go through a whole risky adventure, even traveling from Cairo to Russia on their own without Nellie, their au pair. Instead, it is the Holts, particularly Hamilton, who assists them, working together with them to uncover the next clue. A camaraderie even forms between them by the end.
My maternal instincts, of course, rebelled against the fact that they were unchaperoned by an adult throughout their dangerous mission, but my reader and writer instincts tell me this was done for a reason. It emphasized the reality of their orphaned state and how they were unknowingly prepped by their grandmother Grace to take on this challenge. And adults who have been aware of the 39 clues for years assisted them in other ways. Throughout the whole book I wondered why Nellie was not involved, and then something occurs toward the end that leaves the reader wondering about her role in all of this.
The Lucian stronghold is the one we learn about this time and like all the other strongholds, there is always its powerful leader ready to strike their rivals. The force of the Madrigals, their enemy, is felt strongly too as Dan and Amy race with them close on their heels, along with the rest of the extended family who is taking part in the hunt. The man in black that makes a brief but sinister appearance in all the books does so again at a crucial moment (as usual), raising yet again the big question as to who he represents exactly. We also wonder more about Irina Spasky whose past loss cause an internal struggle for her and affect her actions.
Clearly, the clues that will answer all these questions are undoubtedly scattered throughout the books from the start, making me want to go back and reread them all. But for now I’ll just move on to Book Six.
February 13, 2023
Who is the mysterious NRR, and what is their ultimate purpose?
Russia. A country steeped in rich, bloody history, and one of the strongholds of the Lucian branch. Amy and Dan have left their au pair in Egypt to rush here against the clock in order to find the clue belonging to the Lucians, all the while trying to evade their agents hunting them.
They form a temporary alliance with the Holts because they know they won't be able to get to the clue on time on their own. Kabras have decided to trail the Holts, while Irina Spasky is hot on Amy and Dan's trail.
They have to unravel the history of what happened to the Romanovs, the last imperial Russian family that perished during the time of revolt and hatred against the imperial fist over the peoples of Russia. Could a Romanov child have survived? Was it Alexei or Anastasia? And are they actually a part of the Cahill family? Seem to be Lucians stronghold, after all.
Love how we all expect NRR to be a man. Have to admit, I shared Dan's surprise at the end. But it was a good surprise. But why would Nataliya be helping them? After all, she is pretty high up in the Lucian hierarchy. I hope we find out by the end.
Russia. A country steeped in rich, bloody history, and one of the strongholds of the Lucian branch. Amy and Dan have left their au pair in Egypt to rush here against the clock in order to find the clue belonging to the Lucians, all the while trying to evade their agents hunting them.
They form a temporary alliance with the Holts because they know they won't be able to get to the clue on time on their own. Kabras have decided to trail the Holts, while Irina Spasky is hot on Amy and Dan's trail.
They have to unravel the history of what happened to the Romanovs, the last imperial Russian family that perished during the time of revolt and hatred against the imperial fist over the peoples of Russia. Could a Romanov child have survived? Was it Alexei or Anastasia? And are they actually a part of the Cahill family? Seem to be Lucians stronghold, after all.
Love how we all expect NRR to be a man. Have to admit, I shared Dan's surprise at the end. But it was a good surprise. But why would Nataliya be helping them? After all, she is pretty high up in the Lucian hierarchy. I hope we find out by the end.
September 7, 2009
Maybe 3.5 stars......I have mixed feelings about this book in the series. There were two things I really liked about the book. First, I enjoyed the history part taking place in Russia. the details included would easily appeal to kids reading the book, I would imagine. And second, I thought the pace was good - lots of action and a few more details falling into place.
But - some items fell flat, in my opinion. I know the books aren't meant to be plausible, but I think there should be logical explanations as to how other team members manage to find out where Amy and Dan are heading. I don't like the fact that they just show up in the same place. Something is missing. Also,I can't remember the kids' exact ages, but I believe Dan is like 11 and Amy 14 - and he manages to drive a motorbike and she drives a car and truck....... stuff like that didn't happen in the earlier books. And, even worse, the disguise Dan is provided with is a mustache and goatee to make him look like an adult??????? I think the author could have come up with something more believable.
But - some items fell flat, in my opinion. I know the books aren't meant to be plausible, but I think there should be logical explanations as to how other team members manage to find out where Amy and Dan are heading. I don't like the fact that they just show up in the same place. Something is missing. Also,I can't remember the kids' exact ages, but I believe Dan is like 11 and Amy 14 - and he manages to drive a motorbike and she drives a car and truck....... stuff like that didn't happen in the earlier books. And, even worse, the disguise Dan is provided with is a mustache and goatee to make him look like an adult??????? I think the author could have come up with something more believable.
April 15, 2024
alexa, play "still" from anastasia on broadway
((no but low-key this re-read is confirming that irina spasky is the most interesting cahill; outside of her being a walking stereotype, I'm just fascinated by her))
((no but low-key this re-read is confirming that irina spasky is the most interesting cahill; outside of her being a walking stereotype, I'm just fascinated by her))
September 5, 2023
Mam ogromną słabość do tej serii, choć zauważyłam, że co drugi tom podoba mi się tak średnio. Ten zdecydowanie należy do jednych z ulubieńców. Dodatkowo pałam miłością do lektora, który czyta po prostu genialnie!
February 6, 2011
THIS BOOK IS AWESOME! :D it shows here that you can't trust everyone but you can always trust someone.That's what I've learned in this book when an alliance happened and a friendship began. This book also made me feel curious about who NRR is. And at the end...well, almost at the end, you'll know who HE is :) but sometime there, I doubt her because SOMEONE called her and it was ____! So there was a brief doubtfulness inside me. But then again, HE did help them and HE turned out to be good :) So what the heck, read it to know who I'm talking about. Of course, you'll be totally shocked who He/SHE is :)
anyway, this also made me doubt another someone who is close to Amy and Dan. That's what this book will do to you. Confuse you with trusts.
AND SO, RUSSIA. they went there. Just the two of them. and that is where Irina is from , right? so she's so busy keeping her country from the other competitors of the 39 clues. And then there's also her feelings. She going soft but then she'll go back to hard. It's really also confusing in that part.
O-KAY. I'll end all of that there. You should READ! I WON'T SPOIL! :P
HAPPY READING , EVERYONE! :)
anyway, this also made me doubt another someone who is close to Amy and Dan. That's what this book will do to you. Confuse you with trusts.
AND SO, RUSSIA. they went there. Just the two of them. and that is where Irina is from , right? so she's so busy keeping her country from the other competitors of the 39 clues. And then there's also her feelings. She going soft but then she'll go back to hard. It's really also confusing in that part.
O-KAY. I'll end all of that there. You should READ! I WON'T SPOIL! :P
HAPPY READING , EVERYONE! :)
September 20, 2024
I’m still not completely given up hope on this epic Cahill adventure, but some of the hiccups like keeping the stakes built and the action tense without actually harming the children has made for this book to seem still a bit less exciting than the previous few and while I loved the setting in Russia, I can’t help the magic gold American Express card filled with cash seemed like just a bit too easy and magic of a handout and took a bit of the kids growth and struggle out of the finished product on this one.
July 14, 2021
I have to be a picky adult here and wish that some of the Romanoff history had been depicted a little more accurately. Rasputin is shown as a bit of a folk hero, and all the real history I've read has convinced me that he was a thoroughly evil individual. Also, this book implies that Anastasia Romanoff survived the massacre of her family, which is a conspiracy theory that has been debunked. This is the most far-fetched book of the series so far with Amy and Dan driving around on actual roads in different vehicles, and Dan disguising himself as an adult by putting on a goatee which is not something that would work for an 11-year-old in the real world. (Lol)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2020
No Nellie in the adventures. Me is sad :(
Nataliya, though. Love that lady <3
Nataliya, though. Love that lady <3
January 19, 2010
As far as I know, The Black Circle marks the halfway point for the 39 clues series. And while this was definitely one of the better books, I find myself able to list more things I *don't* like about the series, than I do. (Note: these comments are more about the books in general, rather than The Black Circle particularly).
The writing. On the plus side, having a bunch of different writers take a turn does add various dimensions of flavor, but it's also a bit disconcerting. Sometimes the transition is seamless, but more often you notice the shift and have to adjust accordingly.
The clues. I'll admit--I want to know the mysterious of what the clues add up to. It seems almost like alchemy. But I suspect it has some kind of sentimental moral laced in as part of the treasure too. And I'm fine with that. Honestly, I hope it's something big and not another let down. But I wish the clues were such that you could actually follow along with them logically. For the most part each book is a kind of roller coaster and you have to just sit and wait until the ride stops to see where you end up. I like puzzles you can participate in. But then I don't play the game online, if I did I might feel more like a player instead of a spectator.
The characters. Amy bores me. And Dan, while more interesting than his sister, and sometimes very amusing, can also come off as pretty annoying. Their relationship isn't terribly intriguing and maybe it's just me--but I haven't seen either of them grow much over the last few books. On the other hand, the supporting characters--Irina, Oh, Hamilton, and even the Kabras--have internal conflicts that make them complex and interesting. I think those characters are why I keep reading these books, despite my lack of enthusiasm for the protagonists.
Honestly, The Black Circle had great pacing, some nice interaction with Irina, Hamilton and featured a new cameo I won't spoil you for. I enjoyed it. There's still room for the series to grow though, and I'm hoping it does.
The writing. On the plus side, having a bunch of different writers take a turn does add various dimensions of flavor, but it's also a bit disconcerting. Sometimes the transition is seamless, but more often you notice the shift and have to adjust accordingly.
The clues. I'll admit--I want to know the mysterious of what the clues add up to. It seems almost like alchemy. But I suspect it has some kind of sentimental moral laced in as part of the treasure too. And I'm fine with that. Honestly, I hope it's something big and not another let down. But I wish the clues were such that you could actually follow along with them logically. For the most part each book is a kind of roller coaster and you have to just sit and wait until the ride stops to see where you end up. I like puzzles you can participate in. But then I don't play the game online, if I did I might feel more like a player instead of a spectator.
The characters. Amy bores me. And Dan, while more interesting than his sister, and sometimes very amusing, can also come off as pretty annoying. Their relationship isn't terribly intriguing and maybe it's just me--but I haven't seen either of them grow much over the last few books. On the other hand, the supporting characters--Irina, Oh, Hamilton, and even the Kabras--have internal conflicts that make them complex and interesting. I think those characters are why I keep reading these books, despite my lack of enthusiasm for the protagonists.
Honestly, The Black Circle had great pacing, some nice interaction with Irina, Hamilton and featured a new cameo I won't spoil you for. I enjoyed it. There's still room for the series to grow though, and I'm hoping it does.
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March 25, 2015A game of cat and mouse...
A strange telegram lures fourteen-year-old Amy Cahill and her younger brother, Dan, deep into Russia and away from the only trustworthy adult they know. Signed with the initials NRR, the telegram launches a race to uncover a treasure stolen by the Nazis and the truth behind the murder of the last Russian royal family. All too soon, the treasure hunt starts to smell like a Lucian trap. But the bait might just be irresistible...what will Amy and Dan risk to find out what really happened on the night their parents died?
A strange telegram lures fourteen-year-old Amy Cahill and her younger brother, Dan, deep into Russia and away from the only trustworthy adult they know. Signed with the initials NRR, the telegram launches a race to uncover a treasure stolen by the Nazis and the truth behind the murder of the last Russian royal family. All too soon, the treasure hunt starts to smell like a Lucian trap. But the bait might just be irresistible...what will Amy and Dan risk to find out what really happened on the night their parents died?
January 6, 2021
Once again, a fact moving plot with lots of explosive action. However, I think this one was less with the actual explosions and more with the thinking. I really like that Amy and Dan chose to ally with Hamilton Holt. I really do think he is trustworthy, though his father is questionable. The rest of his family will go along with Eisenhower. I like the NNR mystery throughout the book and the reveal at the end was great. It makes me want to learn more about Anastasia.
Russia was pretty much what I thought it would be. It was kind of a let down after Egypt, but I think anywhere would have been. Honestly, the rest of the series could be in Egypt. However, there was a lot of Russian history. It was interesting to learn about the Romanovs and the royal history of Russia, though a lot of it is still mystery.
July 27, 2022
The intrigue in this book was great. The different places and missions Dan & Amy went on were interesting as well, plus the journey's of the other teams we heard of as well.
There were some character absences that I didn't mind, and actually made the focus on the plot much better. The addition of new characters was enjoyable as always. I'm surprised I'm able to follow it all.
The only thing that left me a little disappointed was the end message. It seemed to provide information we already knew, when typically it gives a clue to the reader as to where the next book will be set or some information about Grace. I missed it in this one.
There were some character absences that I didn't mind, and actually made the focus on the plot much better. The addition of new characters was enjoyable as always. I'm surprised I'm able to follow it all.
The only thing that left me a little disappointed was the end message. It seemed to provide information we already knew, when typically it gives a clue to the reader as to where the next book will be set or some information about Grace. I missed it in this one.
March 31, 2021
Ez a rész érdekes volt, de kicsit elvesztem az eseményekben.
September 12, 2009
Not the worst book in the 39 clues series so far, but also not the best. In this, Amy and Dan find themselves traveling to Russia (without their au pair) and following clues that a mysterious benefactor has left them, eventually having to work together with another team in the race to solve the puzzle in the time limit they're given.
I loved the fact that this took place in Russia and featured all sorts of Russian history. Anyone unfamiliar with Russian history will be floored at all the things that took place there. There were also a lot of very cute parts to the book, such as Hamilton Holt nicknaming himself "Hammer" - how can you not laugh at that? But unfortunately, there were also less than stellar parts of the book. I had a hard time believing that Amy and Dan could put on minimal disguises and pass as adults (especially considering that Dan's, like, 11...) and not only that, but they could easily learn to drive motorbikes and cars. I also didn't like the way their au pair was written out of this book; it felt too fantastical. And the resolution to the clues they're following in Russia felt disappointing, blending fiction with history in a mix that, in my opinion, was not that great. On top of those issues, I felt like this book was not particularly strong in its stand-alone plot. I know this book is in the middle of the 10-book series, but the entire book felt very much like filler material instead of getting me pumped for the next book's release.
I'm still planning to read the full series, and I did enjoy this book, but it wasn't nearly as good as it could have been. I imagine that a lot of kids will find it entertaining, though, and be able to overlook the problems I found.
I loved the fact that this took place in Russia and featured all sorts of Russian history. Anyone unfamiliar with Russian history will be floored at all the things that took place there. There were also a lot of very cute parts to the book, such as Hamilton Holt nicknaming himself "Hammer" - how can you not laugh at that? But unfortunately, there were also less than stellar parts of the book. I had a hard time believing that Amy and Dan could put on minimal disguises and pass as adults (especially considering that Dan's, like, 11...) and not only that, but they could easily learn to drive motorbikes and cars. I also didn't like the way their au pair was written out of this book; it felt too fantastical. And the resolution to the clues they're following in Russia felt disappointing, blending fiction with history in a mix that, in my opinion, was not that great. On top of those issues, I felt like this book was not particularly strong in its stand-alone plot. I know this book is in the middle of the 10-book series, but the entire book felt very much like filler material instead of getting me pumped for the next book's release.
I'm still planning to read the full series, and I did enjoy this book, but it wasn't nearly as good as it could have been. I imagine that a lot of kids will find it entertaining, though, and be able to overlook the problems I found.
October 30, 2012
I'm going to give a generic review of the series. Basically because I'm lazy and don't want to write 39 reviews. Okay, 11.
We finally read Book 1. And then because we liked it so well, the entire series. One son (age 12) has read them all, the second son (also age 12) is on Book 2. And son #3 (age 8) will be starting as soon as he finishes his current book.
I thought the premise of this book very interesting. I loved how they integrated history and geography along with problem-solving skills and code cracking. Add in the action, humor and intrigue and kids (and some adults) can't put them down. All three of us that have read 39 Clues thought Book 2 the weakest of the series. But as one son said, after finishing the series, "Gordon Korman seems to be getting better. I think he's a decent author now."
Some of the books are better at teaching the history part, others just barely skim the surface and you don't really learn about the person they're 'highlighting'. I appreciate that they're clean books - no curse words or you-know-what going on. There is some violence (very little, if any, blood) and several murder attempts, but they never work.
The series would most likely be called twaddle by my Charlotte Mason friends. I do, however, think it has more redeeming qualities than most kids literature and I'm happy to see my boys devouring a book every day or so.
We finally read Book 1. And then because we liked it so well, the entire series. One son (age 12) has read them all, the second son (also age 12) is on Book 2. And son #3 (age 8) will be starting as soon as he finishes his current book.
I thought the premise of this book very interesting. I loved how they integrated history and geography along with problem-solving skills and code cracking. Add in the action, humor and intrigue and kids (and some adults) can't put them down. All three of us that have read 39 Clues thought Book 2 the weakest of the series. But as one son said, after finishing the series, "Gordon Korman seems to be getting better. I think he's a decent author now."
Some of the books are better at teaching the history part, others just barely skim the surface and you don't really learn about the person they're 'highlighting'. I appreciate that they're clean books - no curse words or you-know-what going on. There is some violence (very little, if any, blood) and several murder attempts, but they never work.
The series would most likely be called twaddle by my Charlotte Mason friends. I do, however, think it has more redeeming qualities than most kids literature and I'm happy to see my boys devouring a book every day or so.
September 27, 2009
I have enjoyed each and everyone of the books in this series. After the first one this one was probably my favorite. In the past Dan and Amy have been chased by other families but have not formed any alliances that lasted throughout the book. They were double crossed in each one. It was refreshing to see them make an alliance with the Holts that lasted all the way through the book. Irin played a bigger role in this book. She is probably the one character that I have loved to hate. That is changing somewhat. I have seen another side of her and found out a bit more of her past. I actually saw a part of her heart that makes me feel somewhat sorry for her. I was also glad that they had left the babysitter or au pair out of this one. It gave us a chance to see what Dan and Amy could do on their own without her. They actually had to work together more and fight less. I loved the amount of Russian history we learned. I also like the fact that we were not running from one country to another trying to follow the action. The setting was well described and the characters were developed a little more in this book. All I could say to Patrick Carman about this book is “Well done!”
September 7, 2016
I'm still trying to figure out how an eleven-year-old boy can trick people into believing that he is an adult by simply putting on a false goatee. Then I have another question about Amy: how was putting on a wig going to make her look any older than fourteen? Those disguises shouldn't have been able to fool anyone! I thought the other books were unrealistic, but this is just crazy!
Where did Amy learn how to drive a car? How was Dan able to handle that motorcycle he was driving?
Over all, this book was incredibly boring. Even when there was a scene that was supposed to be action packed I was bored all the same. I think the climax was supposed to be the part where an ex-KGB spy was about to stab the main characters with a dagger. That part was boring, too. It's a children's book, after all, the main character's aren't going to be stabbed to death. The ex-KGB spy predictably spares the children's lives in the end, and the story closes, leaving readers to believe that Anastasia Romanov really did survive and even got married. In fact, her beautiful daughter Nataliya is still alive today.
Where did Amy learn how to drive a car? How was Dan able to handle that motorcycle he was driving?
Over all, this book was incredibly boring. Even when there was a scene that was supposed to be action packed I was bored all the same. I think the climax was supposed to be the part where an ex-KGB spy was about to stab the main characters with a dagger. That part was boring, too. It's a children's book, after all, the main character's aren't going to be stabbed to death. The ex-KGB spy predictably spares the children's lives in the end, and the story closes, leaving readers to believe that Anastasia Romanov really did survive and even got married. In fact, her beautiful daughter Nataliya is still alive today.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2025
dnf at 6%
gonna dnf this whole series, its boring and a waste of my time
gonna dnf this whole series, its boring and a waste of my time
February 3, 2019
Yəni onsuzda uşaqlar üçün fantastikadır deyə dəymirəm. Amma deyirlər e:"Yalan var, böyük yalan var və Statistika var". Bax, gop və böyük gop arasında bu kitab yer alır. Bəlkə də Rusiya tarixi barədə az-çox məlumatlı olmağımızdan irəli gəlir. Bəli, kitabın bu hissəsində uşaqlar Rusiyaya gəlirlər. Və dadam... Rasputin məşhur cadugər imiş, bomba alim imiş, Mendeleyev yanında heç kim imiş. Belə də yox da. Etməyin eləməyin.
March 13, 2022
Wow.
I'm giving this two stars for a good reason.
Someone tried waaaay to hard to convince people that Rasputin was a 'cool' guy. That he might have tried to 'help' the Romanovs.
Wow.
First off, Rasputin was an evil EVIL man.
He got the Romanovs killed.
It's partially his fault that they're dead.
Evil.
Also, if all that stuff about him being hard to kill is true, then he must have had some deals with the devil. I
Evil.
I'm giving this two stars for a good reason.
Someone tried waaaay to hard to convince people that Rasputin was a 'cool' guy. That he might have tried to 'help' the Romanovs.
Wow.
First off, Rasputin was an evil EVIL man.
He got the Romanovs killed.
It's partially his fault that they're dead.
Evil.
Also, if all that stuff about him being hard to kill is true, then he must have had some deals with the devil. I
Evil.
December 14, 2009
I think the series is getting more interesting as it goes, but if the secret of the 39 Clues turns out to be something typical like the secret to making gold or lame like love, I am going to be so annoyed.
October 11, 2015
Загадок становится все больше. Даже не знаю что будет с героями в следующей книге, но мне уже не терпиться прочитать продолжение. И да, я как Хатико жду когда любовная линия сдвинется с мертвой точки. Если ее провернут правильно, она будет потрясающая.
Итог: 8 из 10
Итог: 8 из 10
September 11, 2020
3.5 stars
Engaging , fun in Russia!
We travel with the holts for this one , and know more about Irina and the Cobras.
I wanted a read to help me escape and keep me engaged , so I'm flying through this series and Loooving the audiobook.
Engaging , fun in Russia!
We travel with the holts for this one , and know more about Irina and the Cobras.
I wanted a read to help me escape and keep me engaged , so I'm flying through this series and Loooving the audiobook.
March 26, 2023
I just want to be Dan’s friend
May 30, 2017
This book was mainly that sometimes the reward is worth the risk. In this book and series the reward is nothing short of the chance of world domination, the reward making you the most powerful person in the world. In this book they are in Russia, being hunted down by many Lucians as they are too close for comfort to uncovering many important Lucian secrets. But with the help of their secret helper, "NRR," they find what they came for and more. They go through many dangers and as usual dodge death many times. But they still stay in the hunt, showing time and time again that they think the rewards of the hunt are worth the risks for them.
June 23, 2022
A constant rush from start to end, this book drastically changed the notions of what all of our characters that the other authors had spent time and effort building up from the previous books and drives it all into the dirt.
The flow of the story itself a thrill ride from start to finish with almost zero downtime in between. Amy and Dan do get their downtime, but the book is just far more focused on action than figuring out clues or even dialogue for that matter. Compared to the other books, our heroes are pretty mute in this one.
They also receive the help of a mysterious entity guiding them through every step they take and every turn they make.
It wasn't a bad book in itself, but it could've been done quite better.
The flow of the story itself a thrill ride from start to finish with almost zero downtime in between. Amy and Dan do get their downtime, but the book is just far more focused on action than figuring out clues or even dialogue for that matter. Compared to the other books, our heroes are pretty mute in this one.
They also receive the help of a mysterious entity guiding them through every step they take and every turn they make.
It wasn't a bad book in itself, but it could've been done quite better.
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