49 pages • 1 hour read
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224
Novel • Fiction
Various Locations • 2000s
2008
Scholastic
Middle grade
9-12 years
Published by Scholastic in 2008, Rick Riordan's The Maze of Bones follows siblings Amy and Dan Cahill who, after their grandmother’s death, learn they belong to the influential Cahill family and must embark on a dangerous, globetrotting clue hunt for a powerful treasure, competing against other family branches in a race that leads them to uncover secret messages and historical connections. Some characters embody racial or disability stereotypes.
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Mysterious
88,488 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Rick Riordan’s The Maze of Bones is commended for its fast-paced and engaging narrative suitable for young readers. Reviewers praise the clever integration of historical facts, enhancing the educational aspect. Criticisms highlight occasional predictability and a reliance on common adventure tropes. Overall, it’s a compelling start to a thrilling series.
A reader who enjoys The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan is likely a fan of adventurous, fast-paced novels with clever puzzles and historical intrigue. Similar to Harry Potter and The Mysterious Benedict Society, this book appeals to middle-grade readers who appreciate intelligent young protagonists and thrilling quests.
88,488 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Amy Cahill
A quiet, book-loving fourteen-year-old who teams up with her brother Dan to follow mysterious clues left by their late grandmother, using her deep knowledge of history and culture.
Grace Cahill
The deceased matriarch of the Cahill family, who sparks the plot by bequeathing her descendants a challenge to discover 39 clues, without explaining the risks involved.
William McIntyre
Grace Cahill's trusted lawyer and executor of her estate, tasked with conveying her final wishes and overseeing the family competition.
Nellie Gomez
A young, unconventional au pair with a distinctive appearance and language skills who becomes a crucial companion for Amy and Dan on their journey.
Great-Aunt Beatrice
A selfish and inattentive guardian who grudgingly oversees Amy and Dan's care, showing little interest in their well-being.
The Holts
An aggressive, military-like family unit competing in the treasure hunt, known for their physical prowess and intimidating presence.
The Kabras
Rich and cunning siblings who pose a significant threat to Amy and Dan, leveraging their wealth and influence to gain an advantage in the quest.
The Starlings
Ivy-League educated triplets characterized by their elitist demeanor, who become rivals to Amy and Dan in the hunt for the clues.
The Wizards
Led by Jonah Wizard, a reality TV star who, despite his wealth and fame, enters the treasure hunt with self-serving intentions.
Alistair Oh
A colorful and clever Cahill family member who ventures alone in the treasure quest, displaying a flair for manipulation.
Irina Spasky
A former KGB spy with a history in espionage, armed with hidden poison darts, who brings her ruthless tactic to the family's competitive challenge.
224
Novel • Fiction
Various Locations • 2000s
2008
Scholastic
Middle grade
9-12 years
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