Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today, we're pleased as punch to invite you to celebrate the pending release of what promises to be an A-MA-ZING new Children's Fiction series via Simon & Schuster's Children's Publishing! It's the introductory book in author Beth McMullen's latest adventure that'll have you plotting world domination while still maintaining your GPA (by the way, welcome back to school to the kids in my neck of the woods!). Seriously though, it's filled to the gills with adventure, danger, and so much heart it hurts...but there are also choices to be made that could affect more than simply the life of one. Have you been tantalized enough yet? Good...because I'm getting antsy to get this show on the road! Ladies and gents, grab your best inventions, and your thinking cap because you're gonna need it as we dive between the pages of today's ebook of choice...
Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter, Book 1
by
Beth McMullen
9781534456693
Aladdin
About the book...
Indiana Jones meets The Lost Property Office in this action-packed mystery about a young girl searching for her father from the author of Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls—the first in a new series!
Having a world-traversing archaeologist dad means twelve-year-old Lola Benko is used to moving around and not putting down roots anywhere. But every day and every hunt for something hidden is an adventure, and no matter what, she and her dad are an unbeatable team.
Then her father disappears. The official story is that he was caught in a flash flood, but Lola’s research shows the day in question was perfectly pleasant. And it will take more than empty reassurances from suspect strangers for Lola to give up on her dad. She has a feeling his disappearance has to do with a mythical stone he was studying—a stone so powerful, it could control the world. But in the wrong hands, it could end it, too...
With the help of some new friends at her school, it’s up to Lola to go on the most important hunt of her life.
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This was a total thrill ride where Lola Benko (and friends!) go from above average prep school attendees to a temporary life of crime all in the name of family...well, and STEM glory. Think along the lines of Indiana Jones, if he was a she and in middle school...with a bit of the danger ala a slightly milder version of Tomb Raider's Laura Croft. So yeah...in a word (or two), SO GOOD!
Lola and her dad have a unique relationship. He loves her to pieces, dragging her round the world on many a treasure hunt just to have her near, while she sees new places, experiences new cultures, and learns mostly from the world...because it's awfully hard to put down roots enough to attend a regular school, and have regular school friends, and a regular routine. I mean, who wants regular though, right? Well, about that...it's not that Lola doesn't enjoy the unusual lessons and freedom afforded her, but a dose of regular sounds like just what the doctor ordered, but only if dear old Dad comes with. Being shipped off to her Aunt's house in San Fran by herself is SO not what she wanted, and yet...that's exactly what's happening.
According to Dad, it's the safest option...or at least that's what he let's slip. But safe why, from what or whom, and how is it okay for him out there by himself...are just a few of the questions that remain unanswered, percolating in her mind...and with some unfortunate sudden news, it doesn't look like any answers will be forthcoming. Good thing Lola knows her Dad better than the suspicious agents (really...Star, and Fish? Nothing fishy about that!) that deliver same said bad news. Good thing Lola never heard a NO worth accepting. Good thing the unexpected friends she may have inadvertently made in her news prison...I mean, school...are truer than she could have hoped for and willing to go to the ends of the earth all in the name of friendship...and science.
The story was great, as was the adventure, and the danger! Lola is one fearless young lady, except when it comes to furry four-legged rodents that pretty much no one likes to be around...especially in large numbers...not that that happens here for anything! *gulp* She's in this game to win it...though I'm sure she REALLY wished it WAS in fact a game because becoming an art thief, or wildlife kidnapper aren't really high on most kid's to-do lists, but the experiences land her where she didn't even know she needed to be to form the relationships she longed for with those she never expected to need (and vice versa!). Watching her explain away the decimated cast from her first venture gone wrong was giggle worthy, but the second time was definitely worth at least a guffaw! Her unwitting sidekicks and potential wielders of a magical artifact that does not in fact exist (or does it?) keep things rolling with their espionage, second guessing, and knack for uncovering things just when they need uncovering. I admit, for those paying attention and putting the pieces together, it's not a stretch to figure out what's what, what's where, and just how things slipped around the way they do, but exactly HOW they do and with whom are kept pretty well mum, adding greater depth to the mystery portion of the book...though that SHADOW persona was a bit on the tricky side!
All in all, a great kick off to a series I know I'll be keeping my eye on and I'm pretty sure many of you will be too! So add this little beaut to your upcoming must-read-list for an adventure filled with danger, friendship, and heart that you won't want to put down!
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About the author...
Beth McMullen is the author of the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series; the Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter series; and several adult mysteries. Her books have heroes and bad guys, action and messy situations. An avid reader, she once missed her subway stop and rode the train all the way to Brooklyn because the book she was reading was that good. She lives in Northern California with her family, two cats and a parakeet named Zeus, who is sick of the cats eyeballing him like he’s dinner. Visit her at BethMcMullenBooks.com or Twitter.
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Special thanks to Jenny at Simon Schuster Children's Publishing for the eARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is set to celebrate its BOOK BIRTHDAY TUESDAY, 08/25/20 (as of this post) via Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, so mark your calendar or pre-order your copy today! Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for other insights and more bookish fun!
Monday, 8/17: The Write Path
Tuesday, 8/18: Little Red Reads
Wednesday, 8/19: Cracking the Cover
Thursday, 8/20: Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Friday, 8/21: YA Books Central
Monday, 8/24: Susan Heim on Parenting
Tuesday, 8/25: Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!
Wednesday, 8/26: Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
Thursday, 8/27: Jean Book Nerd
Friday, 8/28: Jill’s Book Blog
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
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