Book Review: The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket

Title: The Ersatz Elevator
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Stand Alone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #6)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade
Pages: 259
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2001
Format: Hardback Library Copy
First Line: "The book you are holding in your two hands right now- assuming that you are, in fact, holding this book, and that you have only two hands- is one of two books in the world that will show you the difference between the word 'nervous' and the world 'anxious.'"

"Dear Reader,
If you have just picked up this book, then it is not too late to put it back down. Like, the previous books in A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, there is nothing to be found in these pages but misery, despair, and discomfort, and you still have time to choose something else to read.
Within the chapters of this story, Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire encounter a darkened staircase, a red herring, some friends in a dire situation, three mysterious initials, a liar with an evil scheme, a secret passageway, and parsley soda.
I have sworn to write down these tales of the Baudelaire orphans so the general public will know each terrible thing that has happened to them, but if you decide to read something else instead, you will save yourself from a heapful of horror and woe.

With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."

My Rating: 3.5/5

So I'm making my way through the series slowly and surely. I'm getting there, but I've felt like slowing down the series for a while. I've just found that this one was very childish. Some of the others were getting to be a more middle grade style of writing and while there are older jokes in this one, I did find that it seemed younger than the fifth book. I think that the change of scene and the plot change is awesome, so overall I did enjoy it! I thought that it was interesting to see how the children reacted to a different scenario and seeing things that are different in their lives. I do look forward to seeing where the series goes. I do have the 7th book and am debating whether to try and cram it in this week or start something different... so I guess you'll find out based on the next review or I'll keep you guys posted when I get the chance.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Escape From Lucien by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Escape From Lucien
Author: Kazu Kibuishi
Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Book #6)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Adventure, Fantasy
Pages: 215
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Year Published: 2014

"A worthy mission... or a trap?
Navin and his classmates journey to Lucien, a city ravaged by war and plagued by mysterious creatures, where they search for a beacon essential to their fight against the Elf King. Meanwhile, Emily heads back into the Void with Max, one of the Elf King's loyal followers, where she learns his darkest secrets. The stakes, for both Emily and Navin, are higher than ever."

My Rating: 5/5

I really have enjoyed marathoning this series. This is the last book available at my library and I plan to pick up the last one published this weekend when I'm in the city. I look forward to finishing the series although I am waiting for the last 2 books to be published. And I'm more than willing to wait. I've found that these books have gotten far more serious and complex then what I had at first suspected. I find the characters endearing and powerful. As well, the setting is interesting and beautifully illustrated. I really found this book to more of YA book than Middle Grade but that's a personal choice.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny