Finally, I got my hands on a copy of The Black Circle by Patrick Carman, Book 5 of The 39 Clues.
It’s a bit delayed because I miscounted the months and thought it was coming out in September, when the worldwide release was actually August 11. Whoopsies.
Anyway, readers of this blog know I’m a big fan of the series, comprised of The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan, One False Note by Gordon Korman, The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis, Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson, and now this latest installment by Carman.
I’m having fun with the collectible cards too, only I don’t have enough time to play them… but I will one day. Haha if only I had the patience to trawl to the internet to collect surveillance codes!
As usual, I am writing a review of the book for Manila Bulletin and I don’t want to preempt it (and I’m only halfway through the book), so in the meantime, here’s a peek of Book 5 — and no spoilers, don’t worry!
1) Dan and Amy have a secret benefactor. Or is it really a benefactor?
2) Amy disses Ian Kabra (wtg girl!).
3) The book starts off in Cairo but a secret destination unfolds.
4) Some crazy costumes are involved.
5) Dan replaces what he lost in Paris, gets a new bestfriend, and a new toy!
6) Cab drivers make a lot of money.
7) An unexpected teamup happens at the new destination
8 ) There is a web of spies spread out along the trail
9) Dan and Amy find the snake pit
10) I should have known he was a Cahill.
Will have to finish this book tonight, I have an article to write!
This series always catches my attention whenever I’m in bookstores. I’ve always ignored it though. They struck me as something for really young kids because of the card collecting thing. Am I making a mistake in my judgments?
I love this series too. I just keep the cards too and don’t even play online. May I ask where you got a copy? I’d really like to purchase one. Thank you.
@Patrick – It’s like a junior version of Da Vinci Code or National Treasure in a fun romp around the world. Rick Riordan developed the overall story arch, and the ten books are divided among different authors.
It’s a middle-reader book, not for really young kids, as the cards are not trading cards merely for collection– they contain clues to the series that would require higher order thinking skills to process. Using the cards, you can also join the hunt for the 39 Clues and play games on the website.
@MushaMommy – I think it’s available at the major bookstores already :)
This one looks fun, I read about it and sounds cool
@blodeuedd- review will be up today
OMG um I’m a younger kid and i know a lot of kids have been reading and collecting the cards I’m on my 4th book. does anyone know the card codes for the Black circle? i need em’
haha, I’m a young teen and I have read all 6 books. What do you mean by “I should have known he was a Cahill?”
@rwyyo- You know, that notorious dude in Russian history — I should have known he was a Cahill!