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Stuart Horten #2
Big Change for Stuart
Stuart Horten (ten, but looks younger) is now the owner of a magician's workshop - except that without his Great-Uncle's Last Will and Testament, he can't actually prove it.Which is a problem, since someone else wants it as well; someone who has a lot of money.
The workshop contains seven magnificent stage illusions, but when Stuart starts to investigate them, he discovers that each is the gateway to a magical adventure, with a puzzle to solve, and a clue to extract.
As the clues mount up, the adventures become riskier. Friendship is strained, and danger looms and Stuart has to decide what sort of prize he really, truly wants.
The workshop contains seven magnificent stage illusions, but when Stuart starts to investigate them, he discovers that each is the gateway to a magical adventure, with a puzzle to solve, and a clue to extract.
As the clues mount up, the adventures become riskier. Friendship is strained, and danger looms and Stuart has to decide what sort of prize he really, truly wants.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
22 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
About the author
Lissa Evans
21 books467 followersAfter a brief career in medicine, and an even briefer one in stand-up, Lissa Evans became a comedy producer, first in radio and then in television. Her first novel, Spencer's List, was published in 2002, and since then she has written three more books for adults (two of them longlisted for the Orange/Baileys Prize) and two for children (the first of them shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal). Her two most recent books for adults were set in London during the Second World War; one of them, 'Their Finest Hour and a Half' has now been made into a film entitled 'Their Finest', starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin and Bill Nighy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 2, 2020
A szerző fantáziája még mindig elképesztő, zseniális mágikus gépezeteket álmodott meg. Kicsit el is vesztem a részletekben, a nyomozás kevésbé kötött le, mint az első részben. Tetszett, hogy szépen kikerekítette a történetet, a végére is jutott csattanó. Jók voltak a szereplők, a jellemfejlődésüket is szépen kidolgozta. Nem tudom, a célközönségnek mennyire bonyolult, én mindenesetre nagyon élveztem!
March 26, 2023
اتمام
۷/فروردین/۰۲
دوشنبه
01:42
۷/فروردین/۰۲
دوشنبه
01:42
September 22, 2012
Read full review at Cracking the Cover
Interview with Lissa Evans
The follow-up to “Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms,” “Horten’s Incredible Illusions” is just as delightful as its predecessor. Like the illusions in this book there’s more to author Lissa Evans’ characters than meets the eye. They are quirky and compelling and the perfect partners to take readers on this adventure. Once again, the writing is easily accessible, fast-paced and absorbing.
“Horten’s Incredible Illusions” is the perfect book to spark any reader’s imagination. In combination with “Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms,” it would make a great gift for the spunky young reader in your life.
Interview with Lissa Evans
The follow-up to “Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms,” “Horten’s Incredible Illusions” is just as delightful as its predecessor. Like the illusions in this book there’s more to author Lissa Evans’ characters than meets the eye. They are quirky and compelling and the perfect partners to take readers on this adventure. Once again, the writing is easily accessible, fast-paced and absorbing.
“Horten’s Incredible Illusions” is the perfect book to spark any reader’s imagination. In combination with “Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms,” it would make a great gift for the spunky young reader in your life.
October 15, 2012
I loved Small Change For Stuart and was looking forward to reading about Stuart’s next adventure. I wasn’t disappointed, this book is full of magic and mystery as he and April search for his Great-Uncle’s will to prove Stuart is the rightful owner of the magician’s workshop. I liked the way some of the minor characters got a bigger part to play in this book, particularly the other two triplets and Stuart’s dad. I really enjoyed the tasks Stuart had to complete and the worlds they were set in, Evans clearly has a wonderful imagination. A lovely middle grade read.
May 2, 2014
A gem of a book that combines a compulsively readable story, intriguing puzzles, well-conceived characters, and a thoroughly satisfying conclusion. Even better than the first volume of the series, which set the bar high. The plot engages the reader's brain throughout, offering inventive solutions to the problems that Stuart and his friends the Kingley triplets face. The minor characters are well-crafted with a lot of depth, and Stuart's dad has some of the wittiest dialog to be found in a children's book. This is a read that brings smile after smile for adults or children.
December 16, 2017
This was a solid and cute finale to an absolutely charming duology. I still prefer book one but this was adorable and fun regardless and I totally recommend this series if you want a fun, magical realism/mystery book that is beyond adorable.
My Booktalk - https://youtu.be/1c-jmBEW96U
My Booktalk - https://youtu.be/1c-jmBEW96U
July 13, 2021
Evans improves on the first book in the series. I have always wanted to be a twin, but I can imagine that being an identical triplet might be annoying, as you're just one of many. There was a family of boys spaced about 2 years apart in my hometown that were like Russian nesting dolls, the same face in different sizes, at different ages. That was in the late 60s, way before cloning. We always wondered how they worked that.
The quest was very enjoyable, as Stuart grows in more ways than one. Once again there is an obnoxious female character, making me wonder who Evans was sending up. An excellent light summer read.
The quest was very enjoyable, as Stuart grows in more ways than one. Once again there is an obnoxious female character, making me wonder who Evans was sending up. An excellent light summer read.
February 12, 2013
Du hast meine Werkstatt gefunden, aber willst du sie auch behalten?
Inhalt:
Der - leider etwas kleine - Stuart Horten ist zufrieden, hat er doch endlich die magische Werkstatt seines Onkels Kenny, dem ehemals berühmten Zauberer "Klitzekleiner Kenny", gefunden. Die fantastischen Bühnen-Apparate wurden in Beatons hiesiges Museum untergebracht, bis man sich darüber einig ist, wem diese wunderlichen Gerätschaften nun tatsächlich gehören und was mit ihnen passieren soll. Und außerdem ist es ja auch ein Stück Stadtgeschichte.
Der Museumsdirektor plant kurzfristig eine kleine Ausstellung der Apparate und bittet Stuart um seine Mithilfe. Schließlich hat dieser sich ja schon genauer mit Onkel Kennys magischer Vergangenheit befasst.
Und so eröffnet die Ausstellung "Klitze-Kleiner Kennys kurioses Kabinett" - mit Stuart als Junior-Kurator!
Seine Aufgabe ist es, herauszufinden, welche Magischen Geheimnisse diese Apparate bergen und wie sie funktionieren und sie den interessierten Bürgern von Beaton zu erklären.
Gleich beim ersten Gegenstand macht Stuart eine verblüffende Entdeckung. Er findet einen sechs-zackigen Stern und eine Botschaft von Onkel Kenny.
"Du hast meine Werkstatt gefunden, aber willst du sie auch behalten? [...] Wenn du wirklich der Besitzer dieser Illusionen werden willst, dann benutze den Stern, um die Buchstaben zu finden, und wenn du alle sechs gefunden hast, werden sie ...."
Seite 38
Ja, was werden sie? Stuart ist erschüttert, denn der Rest der Nachricht ist nicht mehr richtig zu entziffern. Was wollte Kenny ihm hier noch mitteilen? Stuart muss es herausfinden.
Ein neues Rätsel und ein neues spannendes Abenteuer warten auf Stuart und seine Freundin April.
Handlung & Charaktere:
In "Stuart Horten. Sieben Rätsel und ein magischer Stern", der zweite Band einer Reihe, erzählt Lissa Evans das Abenteuer von dem kleinen Stuart Horten weiter. Die Geschehnisse gehen nahtlos über und Stuart rasselt quasi von einem großen magischen und auch faszinierend spannenden Abenteuer ins nächste. An seiner Seite natürlich seine neugewonnene Freundin April, eine der Nachbars-Drillinge. Gemeinsam studieren die beiden die magischen Apparate und lassen sich in fremde Welten katapultieren.
Frau Evans ist ihrem Schreib- und Erzählstil aus dem ersten Teil erfreulicherweise sehr treu geblieben. Da das Buch für Kinder ab 10 Jahren geeignet ist, sind die Sätze kurz und verständlich gehalten. Auch die Kapitel sind angenehm kurz und überfordern daher das lesende Kind nicht. Lesepausen können daher problemlos immer nach einigen Seiten gehalten werden. Auch die Sprache / Ausdrucksweise ist sehr verständlich. Einzig Stuarts Vater zeigt sich wieder von seiner besten Seite, was das Verwenden von mehrsilbigen Wörtern betrifft, denn dies ist seine große Leidenschaft. Aber hier muss man sich keine Sorgen machen, die passende "Übersetzung" wird immer direkt mitgeliefert. Die Autorin hat in diesem zweiten Teil ein größeres Augenmerk auf den Vater gerichtet, seinen Charakter ausgeprägter dargestellt und so lernt man einen sehr sympathischen, tollpatschigen und wahnsinnig liebevollen Familienvater kennen.
"Denkst du, es würde das gegenseitige Kolloquium vereinfachen, wenn ich experieren würde, in einer weniger vielsilbigen Art zu sprechen?", fragte er.
Stuarts Vater, Seite 139
Die neunmalklugen Drillinge April, May und June sorgen auch hier wieder dafür, dass Stuarts Nerven etwas überstrapaziert werden, aber hier ist der Autorin wunderbar gelungen, die Werte der Freundschaft und des Zusammenhalts schön hervorzuheben und den kleinen Lesern auf spannende Weise zu vermitteln.
Abenteuer, Mut, Freundschaft und eine große Portion Magie - Stuarts Leben ist erneut voller Spannung und er wächst an seinen Aufgaben....
Mein persönliches Fazit :
Auch der zweite Teil "Sieben Rätsel und ein magischer Stern" hat mich wieder vollkommen begeistert und in seinen magischen Bann gezogen. Eine Erzählung, die geradezu strotzt vor Abenteuer und Magie, wird kleine Leser fesseln und begeistern. Ein optimales Buch, dass einlädt, unter der Bettdecke heimlich mit der Taschenlampe weiterzulesen, weil es doch so schön spannend ist. :-)
Diese Reihe ist eine wunderbare Geschenkidee für kleine und grosse abenteuerlustige Leseratten und begeistert sicher Jungs und Mädchen gleichermaßen.
Aber Achtung, da dies eine weiterfolgende Reihe ist, unbedingt mit Teil 1 beginnen.
© Rezension: Alexandra
buecherkagffee.blogspot.de
Inhalt:
Der - leider etwas kleine - Stuart Horten ist zufrieden, hat er doch endlich die magische Werkstatt seines Onkels Kenny, dem ehemals berühmten Zauberer "Klitzekleiner Kenny", gefunden. Die fantastischen Bühnen-Apparate wurden in Beatons hiesiges Museum untergebracht, bis man sich darüber einig ist, wem diese wunderlichen Gerätschaften nun tatsächlich gehören und was mit ihnen passieren soll. Und außerdem ist es ja auch ein Stück Stadtgeschichte.
Der Museumsdirektor plant kurzfristig eine kleine Ausstellung der Apparate und bittet Stuart um seine Mithilfe. Schließlich hat dieser sich ja schon genauer mit Onkel Kennys magischer Vergangenheit befasst.
Und so eröffnet die Ausstellung "Klitze-Kleiner Kennys kurioses Kabinett" - mit Stuart als Junior-Kurator!
Seine Aufgabe ist es, herauszufinden, welche Magischen Geheimnisse diese Apparate bergen und wie sie funktionieren und sie den interessierten Bürgern von Beaton zu erklären.
Gleich beim ersten Gegenstand macht Stuart eine verblüffende Entdeckung. Er findet einen sechs-zackigen Stern und eine Botschaft von Onkel Kenny.
"Du hast meine Werkstatt gefunden, aber willst du sie auch behalten? [...] Wenn du wirklich der Besitzer dieser Illusionen werden willst, dann benutze den Stern, um die Buchstaben zu finden, und wenn du alle sechs gefunden hast, werden sie ...."
Seite 38
Ja, was werden sie? Stuart ist erschüttert, denn der Rest der Nachricht ist nicht mehr richtig zu entziffern. Was wollte Kenny ihm hier noch mitteilen? Stuart muss es herausfinden.
Ein neues Rätsel und ein neues spannendes Abenteuer warten auf Stuart und seine Freundin April.
Handlung & Charaktere:
In "Stuart Horten. Sieben Rätsel und ein magischer Stern", der zweite Band einer Reihe, erzählt Lissa Evans das Abenteuer von dem kleinen Stuart Horten weiter. Die Geschehnisse gehen nahtlos über und Stuart rasselt quasi von einem großen magischen und auch faszinierend spannenden Abenteuer ins nächste. An seiner Seite natürlich seine neugewonnene Freundin April, eine der Nachbars-Drillinge. Gemeinsam studieren die beiden die magischen Apparate und lassen sich in fremde Welten katapultieren.
Frau Evans ist ihrem Schreib- und Erzählstil aus dem ersten Teil erfreulicherweise sehr treu geblieben. Da das Buch für Kinder ab 10 Jahren geeignet ist, sind die Sätze kurz und verständlich gehalten. Auch die Kapitel sind angenehm kurz und überfordern daher das lesende Kind nicht. Lesepausen können daher problemlos immer nach einigen Seiten gehalten werden. Auch die Sprache / Ausdrucksweise ist sehr verständlich. Einzig Stuarts Vater zeigt sich wieder von seiner besten Seite, was das Verwenden von mehrsilbigen Wörtern betrifft, denn dies ist seine große Leidenschaft. Aber hier muss man sich keine Sorgen machen, die passende "Übersetzung" wird immer direkt mitgeliefert. Die Autorin hat in diesem zweiten Teil ein größeres Augenmerk auf den Vater gerichtet, seinen Charakter ausgeprägter dargestellt und so lernt man einen sehr sympathischen, tollpatschigen und wahnsinnig liebevollen Familienvater kennen.
"Denkst du, es würde das gegenseitige Kolloquium vereinfachen, wenn ich experieren würde, in einer weniger vielsilbigen Art zu sprechen?", fragte er.
Stuarts Vater, Seite 139
Die neunmalklugen Drillinge April, May und June sorgen auch hier wieder dafür, dass Stuarts Nerven etwas überstrapaziert werden, aber hier ist der Autorin wunderbar gelungen, die Werte der Freundschaft und des Zusammenhalts schön hervorzuheben und den kleinen Lesern auf spannende Weise zu vermitteln.
Abenteuer, Mut, Freundschaft und eine große Portion Magie - Stuarts Leben ist erneut voller Spannung und er wächst an seinen Aufgaben....
Mein persönliches Fazit :
Auch der zweite Teil "Sieben Rätsel und ein magischer Stern" hat mich wieder vollkommen begeistert und in seinen magischen Bann gezogen. Eine Erzählung, die geradezu strotzt vor Abenteuer und Magie, wird kleine Leser fesseln und begeistern. Ein optimales Buch, dass einlädt, unter der Bettdecke heimlich mit der Taschenlampe weiterzulesen, weil es doch so schön spannend ist. :-)
Diese Reihe ist eine wunderbare Geschenkidee für kleine und grosse abenteuerlustige Leseratten und begeistert sicher Jungs und Mädchen gleichermaßen.
Aber Achtung, da dies eine weiterfolgende Reihe ist, unbedingt mit Teil 1 beginnen.
© Rezension: Alexandra
buecherkagffee.blogspot.de
June 26, 2012
This sequel was another delightful journey into the magical world of Stuart Horten. I was so impressed with the first book and was thrilled to see the creativity continued here. In Stuart's previous adventure he was able to discover the location of his late uncle's magic tricks but now he is trying to uncover how they work and where the will is hidden. His neighbor and friend, April, is again his loyal sidekick. And he is lucky to have her because he cannot solve these mysteries alone. The puzzles are complicated and dangerous. Stuart has more to learn but more to lose.
As Stuart becomes more acquainted with his new home the reader also discovers more about his new surroundings. All of the characters are quirky and interesting. Stuart's parents are a bit odd but loving. The triplets are very odd but much more likeable and involved in this book. And of course, every adventure needs a villian! This one has a few and they keep our heroes on their toes. The mysterious magic tricks are another character all by themselves. With names like the Cabinet of Blood, the Reappearing Rose Bower and the Book of Peril the reader knows that Stuart and friends have a rough journey ahead.
Filled with action, intrigue and more danger than the first book, this story is sure to challenge the mind of young readers and provide entertainment for all ages. I truly hope this charming series continues!
Thank you to Sterling Publishing for an ARC to review.
As Stuart becomes more acquainted with his new home the reader also discovers more about his new surroundings. All of the characters are quirky and interesting. Stuart's parents are a bit odd but loving. The triplets are very odd but much more likeable and involved in this book. And of course, every adventure needs a villian! This one has a few and they keep our heroes on their toes. The mysterious magic tricks are another character all by themselves. With names like the Cabinet of Blood, the Reappearing Rose Bower and the Book of Peril the reader knows that Stuart and friends have a rough journey ahead.
Filled with action, intrigue and more danger than the first book, this story is sure to challenge the mind of young readers and provide entertainment for all ages. I truly hope this charming series continues!
Thank you to Sterling Publishing for an ARC to review.
August 14, 2012
I won a free copy through First Reads.
This was a fantastic follow up to Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms. I really like Stuart and think he's a wholesome character. The puzzles and obstacles in this book were more difficult and thought provoking for the characters, which I enjoyed immensely.
Apart from Stuart's dad's crossword vocabulary, the book is written at a level perfect for the middle graders it's geared toward. I have to wonder if there really were a crossword created by this man, would I stand a chance?
I like that more of the characters were involved in solving the puzzles this time around. April's sisters, May and June, are more developed in this book and are more than just names thrown around.
The best part about a book for middle grade readers is that the kids don't lose to the big, bad adults. Any kid can appreciate getting one over on the adults that are trying to punish them.
I really hope that this will not be the last adventure for Stuart Horten.
This was a fantastic follow up to Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms. I really like Stuart and think he's a wholesome character. The puzzles and obstacles in this book were more difficult and thought provoking for the characters, which I enjoyed immensely.
Apart from Stuart's dad's crossword vocabulary, the book is written at a level perfect for the middle graders it's geared toward. I have to wonder if there really were a crossword created by this man, would I stand a chance?
I like that more of the characters were involved in solving the puzzles this time around. April's sisters, May and June, are more developed in this book and are more than just names thrown around.
The best part about a book for middle grade readers is that the kids don't lose to the big, bad adults. Any kid can appreciate getting one over on the adults that are trying to punish them.
I really hope that this will not be the last adventure for Stuart Horten.
March 13, 2013
Horten’s Incredible Illusions picks up where Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms leaves off. The illusions Stuart found stored in the bandstand are moved to the museum for preservation and 10-year-old Stuart Horten is given a job curating his uncle’s magical contraptions. Stuart and April (the one of the April, May, June triplets who is serious about uncovering a mystery) are charged with naming and describing these illusions. They give them enticing names like “The Cabinet of Blood,” and “The Book of Peril,” but the magical devices each hold a secret – a secret that must be revealed in order to find Uncle Tony’s long-lost will. Once activated, the contraptions spirit Stuart and his friend April away to other realms, where their wits and their friendship are tested.
“So maybe that’s how it works,” said April. “We find how the trick operates – the switch or the swivel or the lock or the handle or whatever – and that’s where the Magic Star goes.”
She gave a bounce of excitement. “So let’s get going! This is the next one, isn’t it? The next adventure.”
There’s more going on in this story than illusion and adventure – maybe illusions work by knowing what people will look for instead of seeing what is actually there. What is the difference between seeing and observation? How often to you slow down enough to notice how you might help those around you? When you finish reading Horten’s Incredible Illusions the magic will stick with you. You’ll be hoping for more.
“So maybe that’s how it works,” said April. “We find how the trick operates – the switch or the swivel or the lock or the handle or whatever – and that’s where the Magic Star goes.”
She gave a bounce of excitement. “So let’s get going! This is the next one, isn’t it? The next adventure.”
There’s more going on in this story than illusion and adventure – maybe illusions work by knowing what people will look for instead of seeing what is actually there. What is the difference between seeing and observation? How often to you slow down enough to notice how you might help those around you? When you finish reading Horten’s Incredible Illusions the magic will stick with you. You’ll be hoping for more.
March 26, 2013
Big Change for Stuart is the sequel to Small Change for Stuart and they both revolve around the adventures of 10 year old, short for his age, Stuart Horten (S.Horten..). Suitable for confident male and female readers from about 7 years and over, this makes a pleasant change from the sparkly, pony/unicorn/fairy/wizard, adventures which are usually targeted at this age group. The result is an intelligently written adventure story which has an old-fashioned ring to it but still translates well into the modern, technological era.
The characters are likeable and interesting. Stuart is a curious young boy, keen to investigate the legacy of his Great Uncle who was a stage magician. He is accompanied on his adventures by his intrepid companion April as they solve the mysteries surrounding each piece of magical apparatus used during his Great Uncle's stage act. Another engaging character is Stuart's father who has tendency to use multisyllabic words - his job as a crossword compiler tends to hinder rather than aid his communication skills!
The book is split into short, snappy chapters and set out like a series of puzzles which will appeal to many young children. Even though this is a sequel, it can be read as a stand-alone but of course you will immediately want to read the first book anyway!
Highly recommended for children with inquiring minds who enjoy a touch of magic.
The characters are likeable and interesting. Stuart is a curious young boy, keen to investigate the legacy of his Great Uncle who was a stage magician. He is accompanied on his adventures by his intrepid companion April as they solve the mysteries surrounding each piece of magical apparatus used during his Great Uncle's stage act. Another engaging character is Stuart's father who has tendency to use multisyllabic words - his job as a crossword compiler tends to hinder rather than aid his communication skills!
The book is split into short, snappy chapters and set out like a series of puzzles which will appeal to many young children. Even though this is a sequel, it can be read as a stand-alone but of course you will immediately want to read the first book anyway!
Highly recommended for children with inquiring minds who enjoy a touch of magic.
Read
May 20, 2016 Horten’s Incredible Illusions by Lissa Evans is a magical follow up book to Horten’s Miraculous Mechanism. It is a great book that was originally published in 2012. You should definitely read the first book before reading this. The first book sets the whole stage for the second.
This follow up book has to do with the actions in the first book about Stuart Horten (10, but looks younger), great uncle Tony who was a magician by the name of Teeny-Tiny Tony Horton. Stuart (10, but looks younger) is the owner of a magician's workshop. But without his great uncle's will, can not prove it. He has 7 different illusions to look through for the will.
Horten’s Incredible Illusions and the first book Horten’s Miraculous Mechanism both were great stories. They were easy to follow and very interesting with fun characters. I really liked how the author always was a couple steps ahead of you when writing. It is an easy read that will keep you entertained. I really like how the author wrote one step ahead, but making sure you could still understand what is going on.
I loved to read this, so far 2 book series, a lot and hope that Lissa Evans will write another follow up book. Stuart Horten and April Kingley, the main characters have allowed his book to flourish with creativity. So go out and get a copy of these great books.
This follow up book has to do with the actions in the first book about Stuart Horten (10, but looks younger), great uncle Tony who was a magician by the name of Teeny-Tiny Tony Horton. Stuart (10, but looks younger) is the owner of a magician's workshop. But without his great uncle's will, can not prove it. He has 7 different illusions to look through for the will.
Horten’s Incredible Illusions and the first book Horten’s Miraculous Mechanism both were great stories. They were easy to follow and very interesting with fun characters. I really liked how the author always was a couple steps ahead of you when writing. It is an easy read that will keep you entertained. I really like how the author wrote one step ahead, but making sure you could still understand what is going on.
I loved to read this, so far 2 book series, a lot and hope that Lissa Evans will write another follow up book. Stuart Horten and April Kingley, the main characters have allowed his book to flourish with creativity. So go out and get a copy of these great books.
July 30, 2012
Poor Stuart (aged 10, but looks younger). What do you get when you combine magical illusions, a set of identical triplet junior reporters, and one accident prone boy? Horten's Incredible Illusions is the answer.
Follow Stuart as he learns how to use the magical illusions that his great-uncle left in a secret room under the bandstand, which collapsed. Having moved all of the items to the local museum, the curator offers a junior curator position to Stuart, hoping the move will bring in more patrons. Stuart accepts the position, even though he has already accidentally damaged another of the museums displays.
As Stuart begins to learn more about the items left by his great-uncle, he and his friend, April, begin having adventures. I won't describe them as it would then contain spoilers. Suffice it to say that before the end, Stuart must allow April's sisters to help out and adventures abound.
I love the "badges" given to Stuart and April. And for some reason, one of the best lines (for me) came from the triplet's father, who compares raising girls to boys, making it clear that the triplets are a handful, as if we hadn't already figured that one out.
This is a great read for kids from 8 to 98...
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads Program!
Follow Stuart as he learns how to use the magical illusions that his great-uncle left in a secret room under the bandstand, which collapsed. Having moved all of the items to the local museum, the curator offers a junior curator position to Stuart, hoping the move will bring in more patrons. Stuart accepts the position, even though he has already accidentally damaged another of the museums displays.
As Stuart begins to learn more about the items left by his great-uncle, he and his friend, April, begin having adventures. I won't describe them as it would then contain spoilers. Suffice it to say that before the end, Stuart must allow April's sisters to help out and adventures abound.
I love the "badges" given to Stuart and April. And for some reason, one of the best lines (for me) came from the triplet's father, who compares raising girls to boys, making it clear that the triplets are a handful, as if we hadn't already figured that one out.
This is a great read for kids from 8 to 98...
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads Program!
July 2, 2012
This is one of those books that will definitely suffer if you haven't read the first book, Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms. Continuing the story, Stuart Horten (10, but looks younger) and April (also 10) start to look at the incredible magical tricks that Stuart's uncle, Tiny Tiny Tony Horton, left: somewhere in there is his will, indicating who should inherit the tricks.
Using a combination of luck, observation and puzzle-solving, the two explore the various tricks, figuring out how they work and and going on some incredible adventures (again). Adding to their stress is Rowena Allsopp, the Midland's marvelous reporter and Miss Edie Carr, an old, amazingly Rich (with a capital R) woman who wants to buy the tricks because her grandmother wanted her to - never mind that her grandmother died before the tricks were even invented.
This is one for the Benedict Society crowd, with the added bonus of vocabulary building (it's funnier than that sounds).
ARC provided by publisher.
Using a combination of luck, observation and puzzle-solving, the two explore the various tricks, figuring out how they work and and going on some incredible adventures (again). Adding to their stress is Rowena Allsopp, the Midland's marvelous reporter and Miss Edie Carr, an old, amazingly Rich (with a capital R) woman who wants to buy the tricks because her grandmother wanted her to - never mind that her grandmother died before the tricks were even invented.
This is one for the Benedict Society crowd, with the added bonus of vocabulary building (it's funnier than that sounds).
ARC provided by publisher.
March 7, 2013
Stuart Horten is back, and he's still trying to solve the puzzle left by his great-uncle, Teeny Tiny Tony Horten. Tiny was a magician, a long time ago. He mysteriously disappeared, and his secrets disappeared with him. Enter Stuart, who has moved back to the town Tiny lived in. Along with his neighbor, Stuart follows the clues left in Tiny's contraptions that were used in his magic shows. It turns out they actually transport people through time and space. But Stuart and his friend follow clues, survive harrowing adventures, and figure it all out, despite being discouraged by an unknown elderly woman and her lawyer. Stuart is a likeable hero, made even more likeable because he overcomes his shortcomings (you'll get the pun when you read the book.) His sidekick in the adventures (as well as her 2 sisters) bring added interest to the plot, which moves at a fast pace. Thoroughly enjoyable and very well written, a fun read for children gr. 3-7.
February 11, 2013
I will forever treasure reading this book and its sequel aloud with Ethan. He *adores* these books. He started out begrudgingly reading one paragraph every two pages, to taking over and reading pages at a time before he would remember he had read much farther than the required amount. Then we came up with a game where we would stop mid-word, and the other would try to take over as fluidly as possible. These books are great, clean, magical, childhood adventures. The protagonist is trying to solve the mystery of his magician ancestor and his magical props. He has to solve a series of problems and riddles, and learns to rely on his female neighbor, an identical triplet that he first finds extremely annoying at first, for help. Valuable life lessons are learned. The father uses words that even most adults will often not know!
December 31, 2015
Just as much fun as the first Stuart Horten book, which is a feat in sequels, really. The book begins almost immediately after the previous leaves off (within 2 weeks) and Stuart and April haven't had any of those sudden inexplicable bursts of growth that sometimes happen in a second book written some time after the first. The type of adventure is somewhat different from the previous installment, but the puzzles have the same feel to them and are just as much fun to read and to follow along with. It's impossible to tell whether Evans plans to continue with more adventures in Beeton, or whether this is all there will be for Stuart and April. It would be too bad if there were no further novels along this line, but I can certainly understand that there's only so far she can go with Great Uncle Tony's magic. Worth reading and visually the books are both quite nice.
March 21, 2016
This is a cute little following up to Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms: Magic, Mystery & a Very Strange Adventure - the illusions that were found by Stuart in the first book now send him and April on a new quest filled with magic and mystery.
Both Stuart and April grow as people, and also as friends, and May and June and even Stuart's dad get brought along for the ride in this go around.
Overall, it's a fairly simple story, really. Not exactly life changing or even particularly memorable, to be honest, but charming and worth the read. It wraps up the story well, and I don't think there's another in the series.
Both Stuart and April grow as people, and also as friends, and May and June and even Stuart's dad get brought along for the ride in this go around.
Overall, it's a fairly simple story, really. Not exactly life changing or even particularly memorable, to be honest, but charming and worth the read. It wraps up the story well, and I don't think there's another in the series.
June 11, 2015
The second book in the series by Lissa Evans finds our hero Stuart Horten appointed the museum's youth curator for his great uncle's fantastical magic devices. Join Stuart on his adventures of trying to determine the secret location of Uncle Tony's will. In what strange places will Stuart find himself? Will he ever be able to tell the three next-door triplets apart? Will his dad ever use "normal" words to communicate with others?
The answers to these and many other fun questions await you in Horten's Incredible Illusions. While the action of this book follows after the plot of the first book (Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms), this book could stand alone. Enjoyable from start to finish. I hope there is a third book to the series in the works.
The answers to these and many other fun questions await you in Horten's Incredible Illusions. While the action of this book follows after the plot of the first book (Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms), this book could stand alone. Enjoyable from start to finish. I hope there is a third book to the series in the works.
July 21, 2012
This was such a fun adventurous book! It was an absolute joy to read. Stuart Horten and April have some wonderfully exciting magical times as they try to solve the mystery of Stuart’s Great Uncle Tony’s hidden will. I loved the individual journey’s that make up the whole mystery. It was fantastically written with a great pace. The characters were engaging and extremely likable. What I was most impressed with was the imagery, I was so pleased with the descriptions of the mystical places- I could actually see myself there trying to help them solve the riddles. I highly recommend this to both children and adults.
February 6, 2013
I should have known this was a sequel, given that the word "Another" is in the title, but alas, I read this one first. Even still, I was charmed by this lovely little novel. Stuart, a 10-year-old boy who looks younger, has recently moved to a new town. He's also recently found his great-uncle's illusions, and he needs to complete all of the adventures associated with them with the help of his trusty and plucky friend April, one of a set of triplets with the names May and June.
Fun, interesting, and not all that predictable, which is refreshing for an adult reading juvenile fiction. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Fun, interesting, and not all that predictable, which is refreshing for an adult reading juvenile fiction. Thoroughly enjoyed.
March 21, 2013
The second book continues Horten's adventures with his uncle's magic tricks. These large tricks have been moved to the Beeton Museum for display. He and his friend, April, explore the tricks and find themselves in various settings where they must solve the rather dangerous puzzles in order to return to their home location. At the end of solving each problem they see a letter clue that is to help them find Uncle Teeny Tiny Horten's will so that they can hold on to ownership of the tricks.
The puzzles are engaging, the danger level is just right, the friendship blossoms and Stuart finds himself learning much about himself in the process.
The puzzles are engaging, the danger level is just right, the friendship blossoms and Stuart finds himself learning much about himself in the process.
February 2, 2022
A perfect sequel taking us back into the magical world of Stuart Horten. In the precious adventure Stuart went on an adventure to discover uncle's hidden magic workshop and this book continues the adventure. Stuart teams up with his triplet neighbor April and they work together to discover the deeper messages inside of the magic pieces and uncover more adventure than any of them thought possible. A great follow up piece and one I will highly recommend for my children to read this summer.
2022: my students LOveD this series. We took the entire month of January to finish it but they said they wished we would have slowed it down so it wouldn’t have ended.
2022: my students LOveD this series. We took the entire month of January to finish it but they said they wished we would have slowed it down so it wouldn’t have ended.
October 13, 2012
Even though I prefer YA books, I can honestly say that I really enjoyed this middle grade selection. The only bad thing I have to say is that I now have to add the first book in the Stuart Horten series to my TBR list.
I recommend this series for anyone who enjoyed The Mysterious Benedict Society.
**Source: I received this book from Sterling Publishing as part of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. No matter how I obtain my books, I will always give my honest opinion in my reviews.
I recommend this series for anyone who enjoyed The Mysterious Benedict Society.
**Source: I received this book from Sterling Publishing as part of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. No matter how I obtain my books, I will always give my honest opinion in my reviews.
September 23, 2013
The second book of a series and oodles better than the first!! And the first was excellent as well! Read this aloud to my 4th grader, a recommendation to under 6th grade unless a very advanced reader. Even advanced readers for their age will get tripped up on vocabulary and dialogue essential to the story. And although the British has been "translated", much of the story and dialogue still contain traces, and it would be a shame for the funniest bits to get lost in translation. Favorite character is by far the dad. What a hoot!!
Would be an excellent classroom read!
Would be an excellent classroom read!
June 15, 2015
So, in my quest to discover the next best junior novels to recommend to the smaller adults that visit our library, I have now read the second book about Stuart Horten and his amazing magical adventures and I can confirm that Lissa Evans is consistently good at writing.
It's got everything you want to find in a good adventure book: loyal friends, a small dog, magic, cunning, a bad guy who happens to be an arrogant female TV reporter, a good guy who happens to be a 10 year old boy, inventions, illusions and a ferocious guinea pig. Loads of fun for all ages.
It's got everything you want to find in a good adventure book: loyal friends, a small dog, magic, cunning, a bad guy who happens to be an arrogant female TV reporter, a good guy who happens to be a 10 year old boy, inventions, illusions and a ferocious guinea pig. Loads of fun for all ages.
September 22, 2015
Another fun Horten read. Great for young children and read-a-louds, I had a good time reading this one too. Very similar to the first book, but different enough to make it interesting. It begins just where the first book left off and I do think reading them in order is pretty important for these books, some things are explained but other things just reference.
Chock full of mysterious puzzles, magic, and searching for a long lost will. I enjoyed how the dad was more involved in this book, he's a quirky guy.
Chock full of mysterious puzzles, magic, and searching for a long lost will. I enjoyed how the dad was more involved in this book, he's a quirky guy.
August 5, 2012
I just read Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms this summer and really enjoyed it. This sequel did a great job tying up some loose ends for me. Once again magic is the centerpiece of the story, but the importance of knowing what you value and who your friends are is important as well. I'm glad it's coming out in September so that students who enjoyed the first book will be able to grab the second one right away.
#46 of #summerbookaday
#46 of #summerbookaday
January 28, 2013
This is the perfect little series for young people, and the young- at- heart, to enjoy a clever adventure. I have loved this story from the very first line. It is so charming and funny and fantastically magical that you nearly wish you were a Kingley triplet so you could join in on the wonderful madness.
Don't worry though, if you don't believe in magic it can merely be a strong hallucination and you can go on your way. But, what is life without magic? ;)
Don't worry though, if you don't believe in magic it can merely be a strong hallucination and you can go on your way. But, what is life without magic? ;)
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