Common Sense Media Review
Meant to be "the Da Vinci Code for kids," and it delivers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Elettra, Harvey, Mistral, and Sheng were all born on February 29. They meet by accident in Rome one holiday season when they are 12 years old. A power outage draws them outside their inn before they even have time to get acquainted. When a man gives them a briefcase just before he dies, of course they open it -- and then try to figure what the contents mean. Over a couple of days, they undertake a quest for an elusive Ring of Fire, follow clues all over the city of Rome, meet some eccentric characters, and learn a lot about ancient philosophy. Elettra reveals a secret power to them, one that helps them escape from the assassin who wants that briefcase, but doesn't stop Mistral from being kidnapped.
Is It Any Good?
This is an action-packed mystery set in the beautiful city of Rome. The city becomes another character here, as compelling as the four children who form a quartet of seekers. Each child is from a different part of the world, but the first book reveals only the secret power of Elettra. Their friendships and the complex mysteries -- including several pages of photos, drawings, and maps containing further clues -- create a delicious, brainy fantasy for young readers. There's talk of a movie adaptation of the series, which will certainly draw more fans. Maybe not to the degree that The DaVinci Code drew in adults, but that's a tall order to begin with.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the four children form friendships and the kind of bond they form. What brings them together so quickly? What do they have in common?
There is much description of the city of Rome. How does this ancient city compare to yours?
There are many mysteries within the mystery. What is the biggest one of all?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 1, 2009
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 304
- Last updated : September 30, 2022
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