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Ben Braver #3
Ben Braver and the Vortex of Doom
An ordinary kid like Ben Braver is no match for a band of super villains, but he may be humanity's only hope in Marcus Emerson's Ben Braver and the Vortex of Doom.
The world will never be the same . . .
When the baddest of bad guys threatens the world with a giant black hole, Ben Braver is the only one who can stop it. Ready or not, he's about to learn what it really means to be a hero.
The Ben Braver series is “a crazy fun ride--action packed and loaded with laughs!” says Max Brallier, author of the New York Times–bestselling series The Last Kids on Earth.
The world will never be the same . . .
When the baddest of bad guys threatens the world with a giant black hole, Ben Braver is the only one who can stop it. Ready or not, he's about to learn what it really means to be a hero.
The Ben Braver series is “a crazy fun ride--action packed and loaded with laughs!” says Max Brallier, author of the New York Times–bestselling series The Last Kids on Earth.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published March 3, 2020
About the author
Marcus Emerson
397 books297 followersMarcus Emerson is the author of several highly imaginative children's books including the popular Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series and the Secret Agent 6th Grader series. His goal is to create children's books that are engaging, funny, and inspirational for kids of all ages - even the adults who secretly never grew up. He is a 35-year-old comic book reader, video game player, and toy collector.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 31, 2020
The book itself is well-written, with many exciting moments. The writer has written like this is the end of the journey (the last book), and I am sad because the writing on this book is fluent, but overall the book is amazing so I gave it a 5-star review. Children who like fictions should definitely go check out the Ben Braver series!
April 12, 2020
Abandoned children, time travelling, the Reaper!, and more! And exciting and fun book in the Ben Braver series.
I was so delighted that a new book with Ben Braver was coming out, though I am guessing, given the ending and all that, that this is the last book. I am kind of hoping there will be more, but I don't know what more there is to talk about as all the main points have been spoken about and solved.
We get right in the story with Ben Braver as he tells us about a big doomy vortex is now in NY. Oh no! That sets the tone for the book and we know that things are about to go down. Then we go to the before all that which means... the funeral. Though you may think that things are going to stay quiet, but oh boy no! I loved how the story immediately went to action, and really, other than the time that Ben is sidekicking with a superhero... the book stays in a fast pace that will just drag you along if you don't keep up. And believe me, I was dragged around a few times. :P
We are also going time travelling and I loved that so so much. I loved seeing 1963 and a certain school and a certain set of parents. There is plenty of time travel in this book and I loved that you just couldn't do it willynilly or else you are trapped/lost.
I loved the Reaper and finally meeting him. It was definitely a shock to see what was actually going on and the possibilities that were open again. I won't spoil anything, but I can tell you that I loved the parts with the Reaper and what he was. It gave Ben some new possibilities too which I think was fabulous and also a delight. Ben deserves some good things in his life.
I wasn't always a fan of Ben. Yes, he is strong, he is (often) smart, but he needs to stop doing things on his own because that endangers (and pisses off) his friends. There were a few instances in this story that I wish that Ben would just be honest. Would just form a team. Just would include his friends. Because now things went wrong because of Ben's stubbornness.
I loved meeting up new superheroes and having Ben find out that truly you don't need superpowers to be super. Then again... I guess what that one superhero had is technically a superpower but not really one you can use in the real life. :P
The whole final battle with the Abandoned Children, the big bang. WOW. I loved reading it and I was very sad at some moments (and no, you will just have to read the book to find out).
I was very happy we get some more Penny x Ben parts. Eep! I just love those two together.
Of course the book is delightfully illustrated with illustrations and comics. They really bring the story to life even further and more than once made me giggle/laugh. I love their style so so much.
All in all, wonderful and funny and super. I would highly recommend this book (and series) to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was so delighted that a new book with Ben Braver was coming out, though I am guessing, given the ending and all that, that this is the last book. I am kind of hoping there will be more, but I don't know what more there is to talk about as all the main points have been spoken about and solved.
We get right in the story with Ben Braver as he tells us about a big doomy vortex is now in NY. Oh no! That sets the tone for the book and we know that things are about to go down. Then we go to the before all that which means... the funeral. Though you may think that things are going to stay quiet, but oh boy no! I loved how the story immediately went to action, and really, other than the time that Ben is sidekicking with a superhero... the book stays in a fast pace that will just drag you along if you don't keep up. And believe me, I was dragged around a few times. :P
We are also going time travelling and I loved that so so much. I loved seeing 1963 and a certain school and a certain set of parents. There is plenty of time travel in this book and I loved that you just couldn't do it willynilly or else you are trapped/lost.
I loved the Reaper and finally meeting him. It was definitely a shock to see what was actually going on and the possibilities that were open again. I won't spoil anything, but I can tell you that I loved the parts with the Reaper and what he was. It gave Ben some new possibilities too which I think was fabulous and also a delight. Ben deserves some good things in his life.
I wasn't always a fan of Ben. Yes, he is strong, he is (often) smart, but he needs to stop doing things on his own because that endangers (and pisses off) his friends. There were a few instances in this story that I wish that Ben would just be honest. Would just form a team. Just would include his friends. Because now things went wrong because of Ben's stubbornness.
I loved meeting up new superheroes and having Ben find out that truly you don't need superpowers to be super. Then again... I guess what that one superhero had is technically a superpower but not really one you can use in the real life. :P
The whole final battle with the Abandoned Children, the big bang. WOW. I loved reading it and I was very sad at some moments (and no, you will just have to read the book to find out).
I was very happy we get some more Penny x Ben parts. Eep! I just love those two together.
Of course the book is delightfully illustrated with illustrations and comics. They really bring the story to life even further and more than once made me giggle/laugh. I love their style so so much.
All in all, wonderful and funny and super. I would highly recommend this book (and series) to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 26, 2020
You can find my full review on my blog, The Writerly Way, here.
Many thanks to RockStar Book Tour and Roaring Brook Press for a finished copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I never know what to expect with this series, and that's part of the pleasure of these books! You can always count on laughs and chaos, but more than that? Who knows? This book introduces one power that always drives my brain wonky: time travel. And yet ... I followed this? And thought it was handled well, on top of that. Plus, this book had aaaaall the superheroes and powers and just ... yes. Just yes.
My Thoughts:
- This book felt a little lighter on the humor, but it doubled down on the action. I didn’t find this one as funny as the first two (though it was still funny, no doubt about that). This one really pushed the life lessons, though, in a way that was pretty heavy-handed, and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about that. On the one hand, it’s a super freaking important message that I support 100% and I think it’s great to have in a kids’ book, and I hope all the readers take that message away with them. On the other hand … there was absolutely no subtlety to it, and it wasn’t the most interesting arc of the book to read, just because it was so obvious where it was going and what it was selling. Well, to me, at least. The action in this book, though? Phew. There is action, and even one scene at the end that has some pretty strong Avengers vibes, and I loved it. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, this book delivers more and new and so many things you didn’t realize you wanted until they pop up.
- Time travel in books usually makes my head explode, and I can’t say for sure it hasn’t, but I enjoyed how it was broached here. I followed along pretty easily. There was no major “red flag, you have broken the universe” alarms going off. It made pretty good sense, and I thought it was interesting how it came up and resolved itself.
- Oh, the feeeels. There were so many feels. I need somewhere to put them all. While the other books were funny, this one accomplished a different level of emotion, because it made me laugh and feel and just … so many emotions. Though I didn’t laugh as much at this book, I felt like the depth of the book was greater, while still being funny. While there was definitely something to take away from every book, I think this will be the one that stays with me the most, just because of all the emotions in it.
- I’m finding there’s not actually a whole lot I can say about this one, because the plot is so convoluted and tightly wrapped that I’m afraid of spoiling something. Time travel will do that to a person, right? I felt like every part of the book built on another part of it, which was necessary in order to have the time travel make sense, but boy does it make it hard to talk about.
Many thanks to RockStar Book Tour and Roaring Brook Press for a finished copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I never know what to expect with this series, and that's part of the pleasure of these books! You can always count on laughs and chaos, but more than that? Who knows? This book introduces one power that always drives my brain wonky: time travel. And yet ... I followed this? And thought it was handled well, on top of that. Plus, this book had aaaaall the superheroes and powers and just ... yes. Just yes.
My Thoughts:
- This book felt a little lighter on the humor, but it doubled down on the action. I didn’t find this one as funny as the first two (though it was still funny, no doubt about that). This one really pushed the life lessons, though, in a way that was pretty heavy-handed, and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about that. On the one hand, it’s a super freaking important message that I support 100% and I think it’s great to have in a kids’ book, and I hope all the readers take that message away with them. On the other hand … there was absolutely no subtlety to it, and it wasn’t the most interesting arc of the book to read, just because it was so obvious where it was going and what it was selling. Well, to me, at least. The action in this book, though? Phew. There is action, and even one scene at the end that has some pretty strong Avengers vibes, and I loved it. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, this book delivers more and new and so many things you didn’t realize you wanted until they pop up.
- Time travel in books usually makes my head explode, and I can’t say for sure it hasn’t, but I enjoyed how it was broached here. I followed along pretty easily. There was no major “red flag, you have broken the universe” alarms going off. It made pretty good sense, and I thought it was interesting how it came up and resolved itself.
- Oh, the feeeels. There were so many feels. I need somewhere to put them all. While the other books were funny, this one accomplished a different level of emotion, because it made me laugh and feel and just … so many emotions. Though I didn’t laugh as much at this book, I felt like the depth of the book was greater, while still being funny. While there was definitely something to take away from every book, I think this will be the one that stays with me the most, just because of all the emotions in it.
- I’m finding there’s not actually a whole lot I can say about this one, because the plot is so convoluted and tightly wrapped that I’m afraid of spoiling something. Time travel will do that to a person, right? I felt like every part of the book built on another part of it, which was necessary in order to have the time travel make sense, but boy does it make it hard to talk about.
August 7, 2023
If you're joining this trilogy late, like me, don't worry; you'll catch up quickly. Ben, surname Braver, is a middle-school-aged kid with no superpowers (just imagine), who for some reason is enrolled at a secret school for super-powered kids. The reason apparently has something to do with the late headmaster, Donald Kepler, being able to see the future and knowing that Ben is fated to save the school. Or maybe the world. But as this installment opens, Ben and his best friends are sitting in the back row of Headmaster Kepler's funeral, after the old fellow sacrificed his life – sort of – to save Ben from an explosion. Things immediately start going awry as, first off, the kid version of Kepler – Donnie to friends and family – crashes his own funeral, then a group of superkids-gone-bad show up demanding to have Donnie handed over to them so they can kill him. Or, you know, they'll destroy the school.
Ben and his buddies Penny and Noah are naturally swept up in things. Things such as a time-travel caper, an encounter with an alien that (in a different timeline) nearly wiped out the human race, and an opportunity to experience superpowers that quite literally goes to Ben's head. Like, in the form of a telepathic squid from Alpha Centauri. He takes superheroing lessons from a guy who does good without actually using his superpowers. He learns tough lessons on friendship and team work. He learns to drive a UFO. He helps fight a climactic battle in the middle of Times Square. And he becomes part of a larger team that includes a ghost, a goat (actually a person who changed into a goat but couldn't change back), and his own bully, who may not be so bad after all.
It's a hilarious, weird, thrilling tale that's about 2/3 narrative and 1/3 illustrations – but I had to be careful not to let my eyes slide too easily across the illustrations, because many of them actually carry the storyline forward with action and dialogue. At the climax, there are six full pages of illustration in a row that could almost have been a fold-out, full of movement and action, worth studying in detail. The characters, both in letters and in pictures, are drawn with quirky detail and with heart, making me laugh, cheer, shake my head at their mistakes and (in at least one scene) get a bit choked up. All around, it's a well-done piece of entertainment. So, while the embarrassing number of unread books in my apartment militates against seeking out more titles by this author, I'd definitely grab one if I happened across it at the bookstore.
Marcus Emerson is the author of many middle-grade-level hybrids of chapter books and graphic novels, for which I'm sure there must be a word but I haven't learned it yet. Other titles of his include 12 "6th Grade Ninja" books, two "Dodge Ball Wars" books, two "Recess Warriors" books, four "Secret Agent 6th Grader" books, nine "Kid Youtuber Books" and of course the "Ben Braver" trilogy, of which this is the third book. The first two are The Super Life of Ben Braver and Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid.
Ben and his buddies Penny and Noah are naturally swept up in things. Things such as a time-travel caper, an encounter with an alien that (in a different timeline) nearly wiped out the human race, and an opportunity to experience superpowers that quite literally goes to Ben's head. Like, in the form of a telepathic squid from Alpha Centauri. He takes superheroing lessons from a guy who does good without actually using his superpowers. He learns tough lessons on friendship and team work. He learns to drive a UFO. He helps fight a climactic battle in the middle of Times Square. And he becomes part of a larger team that includes a ghost, a goat (actually a person who changed into a goat but couldn't change back), and his own bully, who may not be so bad after all.
It's a hilarious, weird, thrilling tale that's about 2/3 narrative and 1/3 illustrations – but I had to be careful not to let my eyes slide too easily across the illustrations, because many of them actually carry the storyline forward with action and dialogue. At the climax, there are six full pages of illustration in a row that could almost have been a fold-out, full of movement and action, worth studying in detail. The characters, both in letters and in pictures, are drawn with quirky detail and with heart, making me laugh, cheer, shake my head at their mistakes and (in at least one scene) get a bit choked up. All around, it's a well-done piece of entertainment. So, while the embarrassing number of unread books in my apartment militates against seeking out more titles by this author, I'd definitely grab one if I happened across it at the bookstore.
Marcus Emerson is the author of many middle-grade-level hybrids of chapter books and graphic novels, for which I'm sure there must be a word but I haven't learned it yet. Other titles of his include 12 "6th Grade Ninja" books, two "Dodge Ball Wars" books, two "Recess Warriors" books, four "Secret Agent 6th Grader" books, nine "Kid Youtuber Books" and of course the "Ben Braver" trilogy, of which this is the third book. The first two are The Super Life of Ben Braver and Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid.
March 12, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Ben Braver and the Vortex of Doom
Author: Marcus Emerson
Book Series: Ben Braver Book 3
Rating: 45/5
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 8+ (some dark stuff, slight gore, and some violence)
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: An ordinary kid like Ben Braver is no match for a band of super villains, but he may be humanity's only hope in Marcus Emerson's Ben Braver and the Vortex of Doom.
The world will never be the same . . .
When the baddest of bad guys threatens the world with a giant black hole, Ben Braver is the only one who can stop it. Ready or not, he's about to learn what it really means to be a hero.
The Ben Braver series is “a crazy fun ride--action packed and loaded with laughs!” says Max Brallier, author of the New York Times–bestselling series The Last Kids on Earth.
Review: Again, I still love all of the illustrations and the characters! The character develop continues to amaze me with how great it is and the POV is just as engaging as it was in book one. The pacing picked up in this one and the plot really drew me in from the first page. I think this book is the best one in the series.
However, there are still dark themes, so reader discretion advised!
Verdict: Again, a great read for graphic novel lovers looking to go into novels!
Book: Ben Braver and the Vortex of Doom
Author: Marcus Emerson
Book Series: Ben Braver Book 3
Rating: 45/5
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 8+ (some dark stuff, slight gore, and some violence)
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: An ordinary kid like Ben Braver is no match for a band of super villains, but he may be humanity's only hope in Marcus Emerson's Ben Braver and the Vortex of Doom.
The world will never be the same . . .
When the baddest of bad guys threatens the world with a giant black hole, Ben Braver is the only one who can stop it. Ready or not, he's about to learn what it really means to be a hero.
The Ben Braver series is “a crazy fun ride--action packed and loaded with laughs!” says Max Brallier, author of the New York Times–bestselling series The Last Kids on Earth.
Review: Again, I still love all of the illustrations and the characters! The character develop continues to amaze me with how great it is and the POV is just as engaging as it was in book one. The pacing picked up in this one and the plot really drew me in from the first page. I think this book is the best one in the series.
However, there are still dark themes, so reader discretion advised!
Verdict: Again, a great read for graphic novel lovers looking to go into novels!
March 7, 2020
Ben Braver and the Vortex of Doom was absolutely my favorite in this series! It felt fast-paced and exciting. The super bad guys were great villains and created a wonderful sense of danger. Ben's story is filled with hilarious moments as well as nail-biting scenes. There is a bit of time-travel in this book, which just added to the overall fun of this story!
Overall, Ben Braver and the Vortex of Doom was filled with funny scenes, excellent artwork, and a great plot. This was my favorite of the series and I highly recommend it for readers that enjoy books like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Diary of a Sixth Grade Ninja.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My review will post to my blog on 3/11/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
Overall, Ben Braver and the Vortex of Doom was filled with funny scenes, excellent artwork, and a great plot. This was my favorite of the series and I highly recommend it for readers that enjoy books like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Diary of a Sixth Grade Ninja.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My review will post to my blog on 3/11/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
May 11, 2020
Ben Braver is an ordinary kid attending the school for superheroes. He is no match for a group of supervillains who intend to destroy his beloved school and hurt his friends. When a villain appears with the ability to create black holes, is Ben up to the task? He will need to help stop the black hole before it engulfs the world and everyone he loves.
This third book in the series was as fun as the first one. The characters have become more developed and able to find their personalities. The book is packed with fun and heartwarming moments on what it means to be a friend and a team player. I hope the author makes more books for the series!
This third book in the series was as fun as the first one. The characters have become more developed and able to find their personalities. The book is packed with fun and heartwarming moments on what it means to be a friend and a team player. I hope the author makes more books for the series!
March 2, 2020
Marcus Emerson does it again in the third installment from his Ben Braver series, Ben Braver and the Vortex of Doom. I have enjoyed the previous books of the series and I think this is my favorite of the three. I found it to be so much funnier and much more entertaining if that is possible. Ben sure does have a lot to learn. I am giving this book a very well deserved five stars. I highly recommend it, especially for readers who are around the ages 7 – 10. My children who are 8 and 10 loved it!
I received this book the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I received this book the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
June 29, 2020
This is the third entry in the Ben Braver series, I haven't read the first two, but these look like books kids will eat up. There is lots of action, pop culture references, and funny dialogue (with several laugh-out-loud moments) as Ben and his friends from the superhero academy try to save the world. Ben is a neat character, who struggles with his lack of superpowers but learns what really makes a superhero and how to be part of a team.
August 20, 2020
Time travel is tricky but Emerson did a good job. New characters are unbelievably great and is novel/comic style helps move along the story for younger readers. Even as an adult I was laughing out loud in parts. I'd recommend reading these in numerical order and not starting with number three. Otherwise happy reading.
September 9, 2020
Very fun and entertaining read! I read this series with my 12-year-old. The story line is fun (Harry Potter meets X-men) The author put some teeth into his storytelling and does a brilliant job of incorporating themes like friendship, sacrifice and what it means to be a true hero. I also loved the evolution of the characters throughout the series.
March 15, 2020
I love the Ben Braver books! I liked the first two better, but this is a worthy addition to the series. Nix is awesome and I can’t wait for the next one.
August 4, 2020
Perfect action-packed adventure for the summer. Recommended!
November 13, 2020
It was a good finish to the series (as far as we know) the way they drew the images were good, and the plot was also good.
January 20, 2021
the ending could've been better. it left me on a cliffhanger and I was like "ok whens the last book if this is?"
April 12, 2021
4th grader gives this a double thumbs up. I enjoyed it too.
August 13, 2021
Cute series! I hope the series continues, but it was still a good ending if it's the last one.
December 30, 2022
Yay, Ben Braver!
May 23, 2024
Very good book.
July 30, 2026
My favorite book of all time. I could read this book over and over .
March 26, 2020
Interesting plot with some funny parts. I liked the story.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews