Title: The End of the World Club (Jaguar Stones #2)Publisher: Egmont USA
From GoodreadsMy Review
With the end of the Mayan calendar fast approaching, fourteen-year-old Max Murphy and his new friend Lola, the modern Maya girl who saved his life in the perilous jungle, are racing against time to outwit the twelve Lords of Death. Following the trail of the conquistadors, their quest takes them back to the wild heart of Spain - a forgotten land steeped in legend, superstition and ever more bizarre tourist festivals. With a pack of hellhounds on their heels and the cape-twirling Count Antonio de Landa in hot pursuit, the teens must face madness and betrayal, bluff and double-bluff, to uncover the terrible secrets of the long-lost Yellow Jaguar. But no matter where they run, all roads lead to Xibalba. There, in the cold and watery Maya underworld, we finally discover why only Max Murphy can save the world from the villainous Lords of Death.
To be honest when I first started this book I was annoyed. In the first book I was very happy to see the growth in Max - he matured so much. But when this book started it seemed like he had slid backwards. He was almost back to his self-centered annoying ways. When him and Lola join up again it became really clear. I wanted to shake him and remind him of all that he had learned! Thankfully as the story went along he gained by the mature growth I'd see before. If he hadn't I fear I might have given up on the book!
Ok beyond Max's behavoir the story was really strong. Once again it took the reader on a roller coaster ride through action packed adventures. The action started strong, and it really pulled me through the story. I found myself on the edge of my seat a few times wondering how they were going to get out of their current situation. I also liked that this one didn't just follow the same pattern as the first book. It went off on it's own, going places I never saw coming. I liked that because it made the story fresh. So many times I read a sequel and it's just the same story pattern repeated. The End of the World Club had events that I would've never thought could happen. Seriously a few times I really did think "wow didn't see that coming!". How fun is that when reading a book!
I want to comment on Lola just because I love her character. She was just as great in this book but in new ways (see it really kept thing fresh!). I so loved how she was able to just keep calm in situations where Max was kinda freaking out or, at the beginning of the book, sulking. It's because of her character that I recommend this series to girls in my class. She's a fantastic role model.
Final thought: Once again action packed with great fresh twists
Best stick-with-you image: The wedding announcement "party".
Best for readers who: Like action mixed with ancient history
Best for ages: 10-14
Tween Tuesday was started by GreenBeanTeenQueen!
I haven't read either book in this series (for whatever reason, the covers really don't do it for me and are holding me back from picking them up), but your review just got me a lot more interested. I think this series could be great for our 6th graders who are studying ancient civilizations. Thanks for swaying my opinion :)
ReplyDeleteGood review, looks like an interesting topic.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I haven't heard of this series.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds reallly good. I like the cover!
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