I know some individuals who would rather be caught dead than read books written for a younger audience in mind. This book is a very quick read but I find it very silly and wonderful. I truly feel like Lemony Snicket understands kids. His writing is light-hearted and the story is odd but a wonder to follow. There are quite a few sentences in this book that just make my heart warm in regards to understanding circumstances, thoughts, and emotions. If you are still on the fence about reading these I would say give this series a try. The stories don't take too long to get through (if you are worried about length). The story is very straight forward but awfully silly (in regards to situation and the happenings). Young VFD apprentice Lemony Snicket is still in Stained By the Sea trying to solve the perplexing mystery of the villain known as Hangfire. The key might be in the library. Lemony Snicket doesn't know who to trust or who can help. When the local school burns down, the school children are transferred to the Wade Academy. Lemony Snicket is suspicious of the happenings there and is certain that the school is connected to the series of arsons and the overall mystery he has come to solve. His chaperone wants to give up and return to the city but Lemony and his associates refuse to give up.This is the best book in the series so far. I simply couldn't put it down. The plot moves quickly and is full of mysteries. Not much is resolved but this series acts as a prequel to A Series of Unfortunate Events. Things from ASOUE are starting to make sense and we are learning how ASOUE came to be, I think. I need to read them all again to be sure. The story is full of literary references - most of which I can't figure out. The one thing I hate about Lemony Snicket's books is that the adults are all either villains or incompetent idiots. The children are interesting and intelligent. I especially like Moxie Mallahan and Pip and Squeak. Moxie lives up to her name and is a good example of girl power. Pip and Squeak love to read and I enjoy trying to figure out which books Lemony recommends to them. If you haven't read ASOUE and you want to, start with this series. If you've read all the previous books in this world, you'll want to read this series too. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Not as enjoyable as ASoUE, but love the literary references still popping up throughout
—wish
He's done it again , my love for Lemony's writing never fails to fall..
—ninakhar
I really liked this one, and the students do, too. Some nice twists.
—Ritz12
I like it when a book makes me gasp out loud
—aihearts
I love Lemony Snicket... 'nuff said... :)
—justin
