The 39 Clues: Book Three
It’s always an exciting thing for our family to find a new series of books that we enjoy, and this 39 Clues collection has to be among the most unique we’ve ever read. The stories themselves aren’t all that special—after a while, they all sort of run together—but the method of writing them is and for two main reasons.
First off, the authors of the books change throughout the series, though the style varies very little. Although the series opener, Maze of Bones, was written by famed author Rick Riordan (of Percy Jackson fame), each new installment was penned by a different author (most of whom I’ve honestly never heard of). In this case, it’s Peter Lerangis, of whom I know nothing.
Second, each installment takes the three main characters and their cat to a new city in the world, as they chase down the secrets of some famed historical figure who happens to be a distant relative of theirs. In this case, they travel from Venice to Tokyo to Seoul to Cairo in their hunt for the golden treasure of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. I assume Lerangis was chosen because one or several of these cities are his own stomping ground, but I’m not sure. I do wonder if the authors were selected based on geography for the sake of authenticity or if something else is at play.
Books about treasure hunting have such a large appeal that it’s no wonder this series has sold so many millions of copies. Amy and Dan’s adventures remind me a lot of Disney’s National Treasure, and I feel at times that one’s grabbing its ideas from the other somehow. I’m a little surprised that the Cahills don’t have their own film series out yet, but I guess Stephen Spielberg bought the movie rights and is just sitting on them for now. I guess I’m also surprised that there’s not exciting metal-detecting series out there besides The Detectorists. That’s treasure hunting too, people!
As for elements for parents to be wary of, this book really cranks up the usage of “Oh my God!” (especially from Nellie’s lips) which I hate. As we’ve continued the series, we haven’t seen much more of this, but for whatever reason, Lerangis really went overboard with it in this instalment. Other than that, the language is mild, and Dan’s quirkiness keeps the stories fun and moving.
I wouldn’t necessarily call these books “educational,” but they do introduce young readers to different corners of the world and to genuine historical figures and their accomplishments, even if those accomplishments are skewed a bit so they can fit inside the book’s plot. We’re enjoying them anyways. For now. I don’t know if we’ve got the longevity to make it through five whole series of this, but maybe. I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.
©2023 E.T.
Read More from The 39 Clues Series:
1. The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan (2008)
2. One False Note by Gordon Korman (2008)
3. The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis (2009)
4. Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson (2009)
5. The Black Circle by Patrick Carmen (2009)
6. In Too Deep by Jude Watson (2009)
7. The Viper’s Nest by Peter Lerangis (2010)
8. The Emperor’s Code by Gordan Korman (2010)
9. Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park (2010)
10. Into the Gauntlet by Margaret Peterson Haddix (2010)
11. Vespers Rising by Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordan Korman, and Jude Watson (2011)