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Section 13 #1
The Lost Property Office
James R. Hannibal presents a thrilling adventure through history, complete with mysteries, secret items, codes, and a touch of magic in this stunning middle grade debut.
Thirteen-year-old Jack Buckles is great at finding things. Not just a missing glove or the other sock, but things normal people have long given up on ever seeing again. If only he could find his father, who has disappeared in London without a trace.
But Jack s father was not who he claimed to be. It turns out that he was a member of a secret society of detectives that has served the crown for centuries and membership into the Lost Property Office is Jack s inheritance.
Now the only way Jack will ever see his father again is if he finds what the nefarious Clockmaker is after: the Ember, which holds a secret that has been kept since the Great Fire of London. Will Jack be able to find the Ember and save his father, or will his talent for finding things fall short?"
Thirteen-year-old Jack Buckles is great at finding things. Not just a missing glove or the other sock, but things normal people have long given up on ever seeing again. If only he could find his father, who has disappeared in London without a trace.
But Jack s father was not who he claimed to be. It turns out that he was a member of a secret society of detectives that has served the crown for centuries and membership into the Lost Property Office is Jack s inheritance.
Now the only way Jack will ever see his father again is if he finds what the nefarious Clockmaker is after: the Ember, which holds a secret that has been kept since the Great Fire of London. Will Jack be able to find the Ember and save his father, or will his talent for finding things fall short?"
390 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2016
About the author
James R. Hannibal
19 books626 followersJames R. Hannibal an award-winning author of kids fiction, spy and military thrillers, and young adult fantasy. As a former stealth bomber pilot and drone pilot James is no stranger to action or secrets. He has been shot at, locked up by a surface to air missile system, and aided the capture of High Value Targets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
August 19, 2022
This was unfortunately not my cup of tea. Had hoped for a new series to be invested in but while it was okay to read it didn't make me curious to continue
Read
March 20, 2017Mmmm... creo que tiene una buena premisa, pero no ha sabido explotarla. De tanto ritmo que le ha querido dar, era imposible estar al tanto de todo lo que pasaba: peligro de muerte-explicación-peligro de muerte-charla random sobre el pasado de Londres-peligro de muerte-más charla.
PRO:
Buena ambientación, construcción de un mundo "secreto" interesante.
CONTRAS:
Deus ex machina. Literal. Siempre hay a mano algún artefacto del que curiosamente no sabíamos nada hasta el momento, pero que hace justo lo que los protagonistas necesitan que haga. No es una aventura muy creíble si quieres prestar atención a los detalles en lugar de dejarte arrastrar por la trama sin más.
PRO:
Buena ambientación, construcción de un mundo "secreto" interesante.
CONTRAS:
Deus ex machina. Literal. Siempre hay a mano algún artefacto del que curiosamente no sabíamos nada hasta el momento, pero que hace justo lo que los protagonistas necesitan que haga. No es una aventura muy creíble si quieres prestar atención a los detalles en lugar de dejarte arrastrar por la trama sin más.
October 15, 2016
Requires A Bit of Effort, But the Rewards Are Great and Many
This is a fascinating and rewarding book for the patient and careful reader, and a pretty thrilling action/adventure read for any reader. Allow me to explain.
I know it's awfully cheesy and lazy to compare a book to "Harry Potter", but that's actually helpful here. (MAJOR, BUT GENERAL, PREMISE SPOILERS.) We have a hero, John Buckles, who is special in a hidden world of which he is unaware. We have a search for a thingamabop of great power and a search for the hero's missing father. We have a complicated world of four secret guilds whose members have secret powers. Our hero is a prophesied chosen one for one of the guilds, but it's not clear if he is ultimately likely to be good or evil. At the outset our hero is teamed with a spunky know-it-all girl partner who is funny, smart and endearing. As the story advances we need to have the rules of this hidden world explained to our befuddled hero, he needs to discover his powers, we need to avoid the villain, we need to deal with his own guild's distrust, we need to navigate a plot that seems at first to be pretty complicated, and we need to address a certain amount of angst. Sound familiar? Well, O.K., that could be "Harry Potter" or it could be a round up of favorite Greek myths, but you get the idea.
If that weren't enough, it helps the reader to have a passing familiarity with the Great London Fire of 1666. (ANOTHER PREMISE SPOILER.) Turns out the thingamabop is related to how the fire started. By touching old things our hero can flash back, ("spark"), to past events, even as far back as the events of 1666. Figuring out the true history of the Fire, (which actually is a real mystery to this day), is the key to solving all of the book's riddles. Part way in I looked up the Great Fire of London in Wikipedia just to get up to speed on the who's who, and that few pages of background made the book immeasurably easier to navigate.
So, the real question is, "Is the book worth it?". My answer is an unqualified "Yes". John is a very well crafted character who feels authentic even in the midst of all of the fantasy adventure trappings. His partner, Gwen, is smart, exasperated, practical, resourceful and focused. She is a perfect foil for John and a strong character in her own right. The whole guild/powers/chosen one angle works, and doesn't come with the huffing and puffing and strained world building that sometimes overwhelms books like this. Running around modern London and "sparking" back to 1666 London is colorful and fun, without any confusing "time travel" baloney. And my gosh there is certainly action. We run, climb, jump, sneak and lurk all over, under, above and around London, and we're always dodging someone or something. I'm not sure I've ever been in so many tunnels, passages, hidden stairways, underground railways and weird modes of transport ever before.
And this summary doesn't do justice to any of the colorful supporting characters, who are carefully and vigorously described whether their contributions to the story are great or small. (Another "Potter" likeness, I believe.) I could go on about all of the clever, vaguely steam punk, bits, but I won't except to promise that they are many, varied and well-imagined.
All of this is wrapped up in writing that very well suits its purpose. Action is breathless. Dialogue is sharp and to the point. Mood is properly set. Sometimes a reader can get a bit lost because everything is moving so quickly, but that doesn't matter because the important points are clear, and every now and then the author circles back through John-Gwen dialogue to make sure a particularly important point is emphasized. That's a nice touch in a fantasy actioner aimed at younger readers.
So, I know this is a bit overlong, but this book really distinguished itself as a quality read for adventuresome young readers, and deserves special attention. A very nice find.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This is a fascinating and rewarding book for the patient and careful reader, and a pretty thrilling action/adventure read for any reader. Allow me to explain.
I know it's awfully cheesy and lazy to compare a book to "Harry Potter", but that's actually helpful here. (MAJOR, BUT GENERAL, PREMISE SPOILERS.) We have a hero, John Buckles, who is special in a hidden world of which he is unaware. We have a search for a thingamabop of great power and a search for the hero's missing father. We have a complicated world of four secret guilds whose members have secret powers. Our hero is a prophesied chosen one for one of the guilds, but it's not clear if he is ultimately likely to be good or evil. At the outset our hero is teamed with a spunky know-it-all girl partner who is funny, smart and endearing. As the story advances we need to have the rules of this hidden world explained to our befuddled hero, he needs to discover his powers, we need to avoid the villain, we need to deal with his own guild's distrust, we need to navigate a plot that seems at first to be pretty complicated, and we need to address a certain amount of angst. Sound familiar? Well, O.K., that could be "Harry Potter" or it could be a round up of favorite Greek myths, but you get the idea.
If that weren't enough, it helps the reader to have a passing familiarity with the Great London Fire of 1666. (ANOTHER PREMISE SPOILER.) Turns out the thingamabop is related to how the fire started. By touching old things our hero can flash back, ("spark"), to past events, even as far back as the events of 1666. Figuring out the true history of the Fire, (which actually is a real mystery to this day), is the key to solving all of the book's riddles. Part way in I looked up the Great Fire of London in Wikipedia just to get up to speed on the who's who, and that few pages of background made the book immeasurably easier to navigate.
So, the real question is, "Is the book worth it?". My answer is an unqualified "Yes". John is a very well crafted character who feels authentic even in the midst of all of the fantasy adventure trappings. His partner, Gwen, is smart, exasperated, practical, resourceful and focused. She is a perfect foil for John and a strong character in her own right. The whole guild/powers/chosen one angle works, and doesn't come with the huffing and puffing and strained world building that sometimes overwhelms books like this. Running around modern London and "sparking" back to 1666 London is colorful and fun, without any confusing "time travel" baloney. And my gosh there is certainly action. We run, climb, jump, sneak and lurk all over, under, above and around London, and we're always dodging someone or something. I'm not sure I've ever been in so many tunnels, passages, hidden stairways, underground railways and weird modes of transport ever before.
And this summary doesn't do justice to any of the colorful supporting characters, who are carefully and vigorously described whether their contributions to the story are great or small. (Another "Potter" likeness, I believe.) I could go on about all of the clever, vaguely steam punk, bits, but I won't except to promise that they are many, varied and well-imagined.
All of this is wrapped up in writing that very well suits its purpose. Action is breathless. Dialogue is sharp and to the point. Mood is properly set. Sometimes a reader can get a bit lost because everything is moving so quickly, but that doesn't matter because the important points are clear, and every now and then the author circles back through John-Gwen dialogue to make sure a particularly important point is emphasized. That's a nice touch in a fantasy actioner aimed at younger readers.
So, I know this is a bit overlong, but this book really distinguished itself as a quality read for adventuresome young readers, and deserves special attention. A very nice find.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
February 10, 2017
***This review has also been posted on Xpresso Reads
This wasn’t the best MG I’ve read ever but it is a whole lot of fun and a quick read. Kid me would have gobbled this up and had so much fun with the mystery element. This book features, secret societies, alternate histories unknown to the rest of the population, and MAGIC (kind of… it is really just fancy science things.) So basically, this book is brain candy in a pretty package (except for that bug on the cover, but don’t mind the bug.) My biggest issue is that the book might be ~too~ quick because there wasn’t enough buildup or development. We’re thrown right amidst this mess, which is fine, but I like knowing about secret society histories and I love me a well-developed villain (both of which the book seemed to lack.) ITS FINE THOUGH. The Lost Property Office is a whole lot of fun and I cannot wait to read more of this series.
Note that I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
This wasn’t the best MG I’ve read ever but it is a whole lot of fun and a quick read. Kid me would have gobbled this up and had so much fun with the mystery element. This book features, secret societies, alternate histories unknown to the rest of the population, and MAGIC (kind of… it is really just fancy science things.) So basically, this book is brain candy in a pretty package (except for that bug on the cover, but don’t mind the bug.) My biggest issue is that the book might be ~too~ quick because there wasn’t enough buildup or development. We’re thrown right amidst this mess, which is fine, but I like knowing about secret society histories and I love me a well-developed villain (both of which the book seemed to lack.) ITS FINE THOUGH. The Lost Property Office is a whole lot of fun and I cannot wait to read more of this series.
Note that I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
September 2, 2018
RESEÑA EN EL BLOG: https://bookstwins.wordpress.com/2018...
A pesar de ser un libro dedicado a más pequeños lo disfruté un montón.
Me costó algo al principio entenderlo pero es también porque no le di mucho bola a la sinopsis y empecé casi sin nada a lo que agarrarme.
A pesar de ser un libro dedicado a más pequeños lo disfruté un montón.
Me costó algo al principio entenderlo pero es también porque no le di mucho bola a la sinopsis y empecé casi sin nada a lo que agarrarme.
February 26, 2018
Muy imaginativa. Una novela juvenil de fantasía con un sistema de magia muy chulo. Recomendable. Algún fallito de construcción de trama.
March 3, 2017
El gabinete de los objetos perdidos es una lectura ágil, entretenida y creativa. Llena de historia, suspense, misterio, amistad y hasta un poco de magia, este inicio de trilogía tiene un final que te picará la curiosidad para leer la continuación.
Reseña completa en THE BEST READ YET BLOG
Reseña completa en THE BEST READ YET BLOG
December 22, 2016
Sadly me mateys, it is time to abandon ship!
Ye see, I got this one from a local library which of course has deadlines. Despite the short length and the adequate time before the return date, I read a little over half of the novel before the book was due. Now normally that would make me one grumpy Captain. I just shrugged and put the book on hold again. Should have been a sign. Then I got the novel a second time and started readin’ again only to bail out.
This book started out strong. The story concerns Jack Buckles who is in London with his family because his father has died . . . or has he? Turns out Jack is the 13th Buckles and thus a tracker in a secret society who has secret abilities.
I adore the setting and the premise of the story. It deals with the real life mystery of the Great Fire of London in 1666 whose cause remains unknown to this day. There is a nice blending of historical people and places. There were some nods to Sherlock and Watson. I loved the magic properties of “sparking.” The ideas of the second secret London Tube system were particularly lovely. I so wanted it to exist. It made me miss living in London with a fierce ache.
Then why abandon it? Small things that added up. Basically Jack spends over half the book bumbling around clueless and being dragged around by Gwen, a girl who has grown up in the secret society. Gwen has answers to many of Jack’s questions. However, there is so much action, that most of the time ye find out the answer after something has happened in a “info-dump” dialogue format while they are running to their next action setting. It started to bug me.
Other small details: Sadie, Jack’s sister, is around in the beginning to help set-up the story then conveniently “gets locked up” early on and Jack just leaves her there. The villain was introduced early on and seemed rather two dimensional. The sheer number of buildings, towers, and streets that the characters visit for what seems like moments before dashing away again.
It just didn’t float me boat. I know it is a series and so perhaps the info-dumps will lessen and the plot will thicken but I will not be perusing the rest. I am in the minority on this one it seems so feel free to disagree with me and point me towards yer opposing reviews!
See me other reviews on me blog at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
Ye see, I got this one from a local library which of course has deadlines. Despite the short length and the adequate time before the return date, I read a little over half of the novel before the book was due. Now normally that would make me one grumpy Captain. I just shrugged and put the book on hold again. Should have been a sign. Then I got the novel a second time and started readin’ again only to bail out.
This book started out strong. The story concerns Jack Buckles who is in London with his family because his father has died . . . or has he? Turns out Jack is the 13th Buckles and thus a tracker in a secret society who has secret abilities.
I adore the setting and the premise of the story. It deals with the real life mystery of the Great Fire of London in 1666 whose cause remains unknown to this day. There is a nice blending of historical people and places. There were some nods to Sherlock and Watson. I loved the magic properties of “sparking.” The ideas of the second secret London Tube system were particularly lovely. I so wanted it to exist. It made me miss living in London with a fierce ache.
Then why abandon it? Small things that added up. Basically Jack spends over half the book bumbling around clueless and being dragged around by Gwen, a girl who has grown up in the secret society. Gwen has answers to many of Jack’s questions. However, there is so much action, that most of the time ye find out the answer after something has happened in a “info-dump” dialogue format while they are running to their next action setting. It started to bug me.
Other small details: Sadie, Jack’s sister, is around in the beginning to help set-up the story then conveniently “gets locked up” early on and Jack just leaves her there. The villain was introduced early on and seemed rather two dimensional. The sheer number of buildings, towers, and streets that the characters visit for what seems like moments before dashing away again.
It just didn’t float me boat. I know it is a series and so perhaps the info-dumps will lessen and the plot will thicken but I will not be perusing the rest. I am in the minority on this one it seems so feel free to disagree with me and point me towards yer opposing reviews!
See me other reviews on me blog at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
September 17, 2016
13 year old American Jack Buckle is in England with his mom and his younger sister Sadie, trying to find his missing father. When his sister dashes off after a man she thinks must be her father, Jack ends up swept up into the Lost Property Office and a whirlwind adventure. "You're a Tracker, Jack!" Our hero is a reluctant but powerful "13"; the 13th Buckle. The unlucky generation. A tracker with the ability to "spark" or read the past, basically, by touching objects. Jack teams up together with perky, young Gwen from the Lost Property Office to defeat a rather manic Frenchman who swears he will hold Jack's father hostage until they track down and return a "stolen artifact" to him. But his devious little clockwork bugs and sinister machinations extend beyond kidnapping and the entirety of London might be at stake. Using his newly discovered skills and the knowledge he and Gwen have of local and world history, Jack must follow clues around the town to not only find his father but also to save London. It's a bit steampunk, a bit adventure-mystery, a bit magical, and the pace is great for any reluctant readers who need a lot of action.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Jack's younger sister Sadie doesn't get nearly enough time on the page but there's hope for future books in the series.
To whom would you recommend this book? Will appeal to readers who love a good mystery "follow the clues" adventure such as books by Blue Balliett, but also to readers who like some steampunk and mind-magic fantasy.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Jack's younger sister Sadie doesn't get nearly enough time on the page but there's hope for future books in the series.
To whom would you recommend this book? Will appeal to readers who love a good mystery "follow the clues" adventure such as books by Blue Balliett, but also to readers who like some steampunk and mind-magic fantasy.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
February 24, 2017
I love this book and look forward to the second in the series. 9-12 year old me would have ranked this right up there with Inspector Gadget, and this would have added to my imaginary play where my notebook was really a hidden computer. I borrowed the book, but I'm feeling like I need to get my own copy. First, the cover art is fantastic, and then the story is just a wonderful adventure. This made me think of "The Billionaire's Curse" and is a great young reader adventure/intrigue story. There are some scary bits with fire, a tad bit of violence (sword and blood), and ghosts so my child isn't quite ready for the series. I will definitely recommend it for young readers (and up to adults) that can handle bits of that in the storyline.
June 9, 2017
Loved this! The story includes a good kid with a complete family which is unusual in today youth novels. The premise is a young kid that is trying to take care of his younger sister when his world goes crazy. The story is contains lots of highly descriptive details and lots of historical references. I think it will appeal to readers of Rick Riordan and J.K. Rowling, not because it has gods or witches, but because of the well built fantastical world.
June 26, 2020
Me costo mucho leerlo, muchísimo, y es que la edición tiene tantos errores ortográficos que hace que te sangren los ojos, bueno, no tan así pero es horrible.
La trama del libro esta buena pero siento que el autor no supo manejarla, fue una lectura densa y bastante lenta. Tarde alrededor de dos semanas en terminarlo y eso que es un libro corto.
Me hubiera gustado ver más acción, me pareció simple y bastante predecible.
Los personajes son buenos, no me volvieron loca pero es algo que se salva.
La trama del libro esta buena pero siento que el autor no supo manejarla, fue una lectura densa y bastante lenta. Tarde alrededor de dos semanas en terminarlo y eso que es un libro corto.
Me hubiera gustado ver más acción, me pareció simple y bastante predecible.
Los personajes son buenos, no me volvieron loca pero es algo que se salva.
October 4, 2016
HIGHLY recommended!!
January 22, 2018
Un roman jeunesse très sympa et surtout très original !
April 1, 2019
Très bonne lecture, le lecteur est plongé dans un Londres secret. Univers très complexe qui efface le côté jeunesse du livre. On s'attache vite aux personnages et à leur quête.
April 11, 2020
Sans nouvelles de leur père, Jack et sa sœur Sadie ont suivi leur mère jusqu'à Londres pour le retrouver. Les deux enfants sont consignés dans leur chambre, le temps que la mère tourne dans les hôpitaux. Mais la jeune Sadie fausse rapidement compagnie à son frère, ce qui l'oblige à la courser dans les rues de Londres où tous deux vont se perdre. Ils s'adressent alors au Bureau des Objets Perdus et demandent leur chemin à une certaine Gwen. Après quoi, tout va basculer !
Super, ce roman ! L'histoire file à toute allure à force de rebondissements, d'explications, de révélations. On en prend plein les yeux. Un rythme fou et palpitant. Jack est propulsé au cœur d'une aventure incroyable, qui va notamment lui faire découvrir un héritage génétique hors du commun... Et n'oublions pas l'aspect historique (retour sur l'incendie de Londres de 1666). C'est franchement top. En bref, toute cette belle énergie rend la lecture passionnante ! Un bon rendez-vous jeunesse pour les amateurs de sociétés secrètes et de chasses au trésor. ⚡
Super, ce roman ! L'histoire file à toute allure à force de rebondissements, d'explications, de révélations. On en prend plein les yeux. Un rythme fou et palpitant. Jack est propulsé au cœur d'une aventure incroyable, qui va notamment lui faire découvrir un héritage génétique hors du commun... Et n'oublions pas l'aspect historique (retour sur l'incendie de Londres de 1666). C'est franchement top. En bref, toute cette belle énergie rend la lecture passionnante ! Un bon rendez-vous jeunesse pour les amateurs de sociétés secrètes et de chasses au trésor. ⚡
March 13, 2024
All the excitement, adventure, and whimsy of the Harry Potter books mashed up with the artifacts and history of Warehouse 13 (ha! And the thirteen, too!) and set into a great story.
I loved a great family story where the kids are searching for parents, concerned about siblings, and ready to do hard things to "save the day" even not knowing how. There was even a "Hermione" sort of character who made me smile. And yet, even with things that felt like perfect elements for those who love the Potter series, this stands on its own feet. Section 13 isn't a copycat. It just has the sorts of elements that you'll find in good youth fiction.
Can't wait to start the next!
I loved a great family story where the kids are searching for parents, concerned about siblings, and ready to do hard things to "save the day" even not knowing how. There was even a "Hermione" sort of character who made me smile. And yet, even with things that felt like perfect elements for those who love the Potter series, this stands on its own feet. Section 13 isn't a copycat. It just has the sorts of elements that you'll find in good youth fiction.
Can't wait to start the next!
January 31, 2018
[http://laura-passage.com/section-13-t...]
Jack et le bureau secret est un très bon premier tome pour la série Section 13, mêlants à la perfection fantastique, aventure et histoire. James R. Hannibal sait instaurer une action et une tension constantes, gardant des mystères jusqu’aux dernières pages qui invitent à découvrir avec plaisir la suite très prochainement.
Jack et le bureau secret est un très bon premier tome pour la série Section 13, mêlants à la perfection fantastique, aventure et histoire. James R. Hannibal sait instaurer une action et une tension constantes, gardant des mystères jusqu’aux dernières pages qui invitent à découvrir avec plaisir la suite très prochainement.
February 2, 2024
Story Enjoyment Rating: 7/10 Christian Faith Rating: -1/3 clean but with some mentions of ghosts
The Lost Property Office by James R. Hannibal is a middle-grade mystery with some fantasy/sci-fi elements.
Story Content: This book follows Jack, who is in London trying to track down his missing father. He is told to stay in the hotel, but when his sister follows a man out onto the streets, he has to follow. They find themselves at the lost property office, which is not what it seems. Jack learns he has special abilities that allow him to find missing things and see into the past.
I enjoyed the creativity of this book, as well as the mystery and journey it took. The creative elements were occasionally too much, and I got confused in some parts.
Faith Content: this book contains no Christian faith content. It does refer to ghosts, which is why I scored it -1 out of 3.
Middle-grade content: the book contains no references to sex and no swearing. It contains some violence. There is a definite villain. There are also ghosts which I found a bit creepy. Reading this as an adult, I got confused occasionally by the amount of fantasy/sci-fi elements added at different times.
The Lost Property Office by James R. Hannibal is a middle-grade mystery with some fantasy/sci-fi elements.
Story Content: This book follows Jack, who is in London trying to track down his missing father. He is told to stay in the hotel, but when his sister follows a man out onto the streets, he has to follow. They find themselves at the lost property office, which is not what it seems. Jack learns he has special abilities that allow him to find missing things and see into the past.
I enjoyed the creativity of this book, as well as the mystery and journey it took. The creative elements were occasionally too much, and I got confused in some parts.
Faith Content: this book contains no Christian faith content. It does refer to ghosts, which is why I scored it -1 out of 3.
Middle-grade content: the book contains no references to sex and no swearing. It contains some violence. There is a definite villain. There are also ghosts which I found a bit creepy. Reading this as an adult, I got confused occasionally by the amount of fantasy/sci-fi elements added at different times.
June 7, 2017
I'm so glad I picked up this book at the library. Fantasy isn't usually my first choice, but every now and then I have to break free from my chains. I'm so happy I did it with this book. This book was fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with great characters.
Also, modern fantasy? I know I don't spend a whole lot of time in the fantasy genre, but it's been a long time since I've seen something that isn't in the middle ages or its equivalent. There's mysterious artifacts, awesome powers, and a whole lot of paperwork that goes with it. There are rumors, and myths, and modes of commuter transportation that would make even the most experienced commuter give a side-eye to. As a whole, this book was just so creative.
What also made this book enjoyable for me is the fact that there were so many references to Sherlock Holmes. That being said, if you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes, chances are you'll like this book for all the subtle hints. I mean, Baker Street? Mrs. Hudson? Agent Doyle? And that's just the beginning. Recognizing those tidbits brought a smile to my face, and made me feel privy to a secret that only I and the author knew (as well as everybody else who knows about Sherlock Holmes...but that's beside the point).
Ultimately, the plot was compelling, the characters were creative, and the book was overall fun. And, it's the first of a series, so I'm more than excited for whenever the next one comes out!
Get the full review here!
Also, modern fantasy? I know I don't spend a whole lot of time in the fantasy genre, but it's been a long time since I've seen something that isn't in the middle ages or its equivalent. There's mysterious artifacts, awesome powers, and a whole lot of paperwork that goes with it. There are rumors, and myths, and modes of commuter transportation that would make even the most experienced commuter give a side-eye to. As a whole, this book was just so creative.
What also made this book enjoyable for me is the fact that there were so many references to Sherlock Holmes. That being said, if you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes, chances are you'll like this book for all the subtle hints. I mean, Baker Street? Mrs. Hudson? Agent Doyle? And that's just the beginning. Recognizing those tidbits brought a smile to my face, and made me feel privy to a secret that only I and the author knew (as well as everybody else who knows about Sherlock Holmes...but that's beside the point).
Ultimately, the plot was compelling, the characters were creative, and the book was overall fun. And, it's the first of a series, so I'm more than excited for whenever the next one comes out!
Get the full review here!
February 1, 2019
Un middle grade fantástico.
Cada vez me gusta más leer libros middle grade como este. Tiene una trama muy completa y muy trabajada, digna de cualquier libro o historia de ficción adulta que se precie.
La premisa de la historia es intrigante, y engancha desde la primera página del primer capítulo, manteniendo en todo momento una narración ágil que cuida hasta el más ínfimo detalle para que el lector esté en todo momento enterado de la situación en la que se ven envueltos nuestros protagonistas Gwen y Jack.
Creo que lo que más me ha gustado del libro ha sido el descubrimiento del Ministerio de los Rastreadores, y de todos los Ministerios ancestrales en general. La introducción subrepticia de la magia como capacidad extrasensorial y el don de 'flashear' que tienen los rastreadores cuando tocan piedra o metal me fascinó.
En resumidas cuentas, El gabinete de los objetos perdidos es una historia muy recomendada para cualquier lector, pues se puede leer y disfrutar a cualquier edad! Estoy deseando ponerme con el siguiente libro de la saga para ver con qué nos sorprende el autor en esta ocasión, pese a que el listón está muy alto.
Cada vez me gusta más leer libros middle grade como este. Tiene una trama muy completa y muy trabajada, digna de cualquier libro o historia de ficción adulta que se precie.
La premisa de la historia es intrigante, y engancha desde la primera página del primer capítulo, manteniendo en todo momento una narración ágil que cuida hasta el más ínfimo detalle para que el lector esté en todo momento enterado de la situación en la que se ven envueltos nuestros protagonistas Gwen y Jack.
Creo que lo que más me ha gustado del libro ha sido el descubrimiento del Ministerio de los Rastreadores, y de todos los Ministerios ancestrales en general. La introducción subrepticia de la magia como capacidad extrasensorial y el don de 'flashear' que tienen los rastreadores cuando tocan piedra o metal me fascinó.
En resumidas cuentas, El gabinete de los objetos perdidos es una historia muy recomendada para cualquier lector, pues se puede leer y disfrutar a cualquier edad! Estoy deseando ponerme con el siguiente libro de la saga para ver con qué nos sorprende el autor en esta ocasión, pese a que el listón está muy alto.
February 11, 2018
En realidad es un 3.5, pero que tiende más al 4 que al 3.
Tiene varios fallos, pero la lectura es amena y ágil, está muy bien escrito, la historia es atrayente e intrigante y sobre todo, la construcción del mundo de los rastreadores es total y completamente notable. Si el autor evoluciona favorablemente, está podría ser una gran saga del tipo de las de Harry Potter (por la riqueza del mundo que ha creado). Gracias a Dios carece de las bromas un poco sosas de personajes de la misma edad como Percy Jackson. Esto junto con la inteligencia y resolución (la cual no contiene esa malentendida imprudencia característica de muchos personajes de historias como esta) convierten a Jack "Paul Atreides" xD, en un protagonista muy simpático. Me gustó mucho. Reseña pendiente. :)
Tiene varios fallos, pero la lectura es amena y ágil, está muy bien escrito, la historia es atrayente e intrigante y sobre todo, la construcción del mundo de los rastreadores es total y completamente notable. Si el autor evoluciona favorablemente, está podría ser una gran saga del tipo de las de Harry Potter (por la riqueza del mundo que ha creado). Gracias a Dios carece de las bromas un poco sosas de personajes de la misma edad como Percy Jackson. Esto junto con la inteligencia y resolución (la cual no contiene esa malentendida imprudencia característica de muchos personajes de historias como esta) convierten a Jack "Paul Atreides" xD, en un protagonista muy simpático. Me gustó mucho. Reseña pendiente. :)
December 5, 2016
Yet another book where the characters not talking with each other is supposed to pass for a plot. Also, 'freckle bounce'? Seriously?
June 27, 2024
הספר הזה נופל תחת הקטוגריה של ''ילדים ממש יאהבו את זה, אבל אני מסוייגת''.
אביו של ג'ק נעלם. הוא ,אחותו סיידי ואמא שלהם נוסעים ללונדון בשביל לברר מה קרה. מהר מאוד ג'ק מגלה שהוא לא ידע המון סודות על אבא שלו ועל עצמו ומתחילה הרפתקה מהירה (ומאוד לא אמינה) ברחבי לונדון.
הרעיון המרכזי הוא: ��נשים עם סינסטזיה (למרות שזה לא נקרא ככה בספר, אבל זה מתואר בצורה כזאת) מסוגלים לעשות הקשרים שאחרים לא והם טובים מאוד במציאת אנשים או חפצים אבודים. אחלה. הבעיה היא שהסופר זרק גם כל טכנולוגיית סטימפאנק על הספר ומתאר הכל בצורה כל כך עמומה שהיה לי לפעמים קשה מאוד להבין מה קורה. אני גם לא אוהבת שבבירור מתרחשים דברים שהם קסם אבל אסור בשום פנים ואופן לקרוא להם ככה.
אם כבר עושים ספר שמבוסס על אירועים היסטוריים חשוב לעשות באמת מחקר. לקראת סוף הספר מוזכרת הכתובת המפורסמת של שרלוק הולמס, הכתובת הזאת לא הייתה קיימת לפני 200 שנה למרות מה שסופר הספר הזה כותב. וזה גם עיצבן אותי.
אני פשוט יודעת שילדים בספרייה לא יפסיקו לשאול מתי יוצא הספר הבא, כי הוא עמוס בפרטים ומאוד מהיר בקצב שלו.
אביו של ג'ק נעלם. הוא ,אחותו סיידי ואמא שלהם נוסעים ללונדון בשביל לברר מה קרה. מהר מאוד ג'ק מגלה שהוא לא ידע המון סודות על אבא שלו ועל עצמו ומתחילה הרפתקה מהירה (ומאוד לא אמינה) ברחבי לונדון.
הרעיון המרכזי הוא: ��נשים עם סינסטזיה (למרות שזה לא נקרא ככה בספר, אבל זה מתואר בצורה כזאת) מסוגלים לעשות הקשרים שאחרים לא והם טובים מאוד במציאת אנשים או חפצים אבודים. אחלה. הבעיה היא שהסופר זרק גם כל טכנולוגיית סטימפאנק על הספר ומתאר הכל בצורה כל כך עמומה שהיה לי לפעמים קשה מאוד להבין מה קורה. אני גם לא אוהבת שבבירור מתרחשים דברים שהם קסם אבל אסור בשום פנים ואופן לקרוא להם ככה.
אם כבר עושים ספר שמבוסס על אירועים היסטוריים חשוב לעשות באמת מחקר. לקראת סוף הספר מוזכרת הכתובת המפורסמת של שרלוק הולמס, הכתובת הזאת לא הייתה קיימת לפני 200 שנה למרות מה שסופר הספר הזה כותב. וזה גם עיצבן אותי.
אני פשוט יודעת שילדים בספרייה לא יפסיקו לשאול מתי יוצא הספר הבא, כי הוא עמוס בפרטים ומאוד מהיר בקצב שלו.
February 2, 2023
I love this book so much, this is the second time I read it and I still love it. There is a lot of history in this book and that is one part I love about this book.in this book they are trying to discover the reasoned for the great fire of London.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKhb6...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKhb6...
May 23, 2017
Mira que lo he intentado... ¡pero no he podido acabarlo! :/
Pronto reseña.
Pronto reseña.
April 5, 2017
Jack thinks he, his mother, and his sister are in England to recover his father's body after an incident. But when he and his sister accidentally stumble into The Lost Property Office, a hidden world is opened up to them. A world where his father was really part of a secret British Ministry, and had skills Jack shares. Skills that allow him to track things and people. And if there's one person who needs Jack to use those skills, it's his father who isn't quite as dead as thought and is being held by a man demanding Jack bring him something called the Ember by midnight. With a young clerk named Gwen he meets at The Lost Property Office, Jack is soon off across London using his newly discovered skills to solve a centuries old mystery relating to the Great Fire with the Ember somehow at the end.
After reading just a few chapters I was completely and utterly sucked into this story. Jack is a synesthete (it never actually labels him this in the book, but the author's bio does, as Mr. Hannibal himself has synesthesia), someone who sees sounds as colors and such. Most synesthetes just have a few senses linked, but Jack has all of them linked and that gives him almost supernatural abilities to observe things. It's almost like he's a superhero who can slow down time. In his world, touching anything mineral-based will let him recover past observances of that mineral. As if that weren't cool enough, the Ministry Jack's father is a part of has some pretty nifty secret transportation methods and archives and hideouts. (I now want this made into a movie just so I can see the archive...a huge cylindrical library accessed by hot air balloons that take you up or down to the volume you want). World building was definitely the strong point of this, as was the weaving of the plot. The characters were the weak point. Some of them are a bit flat and stereotypical, and I never thought I'd say this - as Anne Shirley made me love freckles - but I was completely sick of Gwen's freckles by the end. (Seriously, she never flounces her hair or does anything else??? But I lost track of the number of times she gave Jack a "freckle bounce" whatever that was supposed to mean...I can't tell you what color her hair is or eyes are, just that she emotes with her freckles. Sorry, just had to get that out. I'm good now.) Freckles aside, I did tear through the book and I'm eager for the next volume. I can't wait to find out more about Jack's world and his next adventure. Definitely a winner for anyone who loves imaginative worlds and high octane adventures.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Deaths in the Great Fire are mentioned, and Jack's father has been injured as well as another man. Jack and Gwen get into some tense situations but make it out with just some light burns and bruises. The bad guy loses his hand to a sword. Jack may or may not be able to see spirits (it's hard for him to figure out if their memories of the past or current wraiths...they are not super spooky and mostly urge him on his quest).
After reading just a few chapters I was completely and utterly sucked into this story. Jack is a synesthete (it never actually labels him this in the book, but the author's bio does, as Mr. Hannibal himself has synesthesia), someone who sees sounds as colors and such. Most synesthetes just have a few senses linked, but Jack has all of them linked and that gives him almost supernatural abilities to observe things. It's almost like he's a superhero who can slow down time. In his world, touching anything mineral-based will let him recover past observances of that mineral. As if that weren't cool enough, the Ministry Jack's father is a part of has some pretty nifty secret transportation methods and archives and hideouts. (I now want this made into a movie just so I can see the archive...a huge cylindrical library accessed by hot air balloons that take you up or down to the volume you want). World building was definitely the strong point of this, as was the weaving of the plot. The characters were the weak point. Some of them are a bit flat and stereotypical, and I never thought I'd say this - as Anne Shirley made me love freckles - but I was completely sick of Gwen's freckles by the end. (Seriously, she never flounces her hair or does anything else??? But I lost track of the number of times she gave Jack a "freckle bounce" whatever that was supposed to mean...I can't tell you what color her hair is or eyes are, just that she emotes with her freckles. Sorry, just had to get that out. I'm good now.) Freckles aside, I did tear through the book and I'm eager for the next volume. I can't wait to find out more about Jack's world and his next adventure. Definitely a winner for anyone who loves imaginative worlds and high octane adventures.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Deaths in the Great Fire are mentioned, and Jack's father has been injured as well as another man. Jack and Gwen get into some tense situations but make it out with just some light burns and bruises. The bad guy loses his hand to a sword. Jack may or may not be able to see spirits (it's hard for him to figure out if their memories of the past or current wraiths...they are not super spooky and mostly urge him on his quest).
May 24, 2017
Jack Buckles and his younger sister, Sadie, are stuck in London. Their mother has brought them there to search for their missing father. Disobeying orders to stay in the hotel, Sadie follows a man who looks like her father. Frantic, Jack follows Sadie’s trail. The two finally reunite in front of The Lost Property Office. They go inside for help and meet Gwen, an apprentice clerk. While in the office, robotic beetles attack the building separating Jack and Gwen from Sadie. The beetles were from the Clockmaker—a villain holding Jack’s dad hostage until Jack recovers an item called the Ember.
If there is one word to describe Hannibal’s book, it would ironically be “lost”. This is because Hannibal recklessly plows ahead into his fantastical setting without giving readers time to acclimate to their new literary surroundings. This discombobulation begins once Jack and Sadie enter The Lost Property Office, a time that should be dedicated to building Hannibal’s world. These scenes, like many after, are so rushed and convoluted that readers have no idea what rules and boundaries govern Hannibal’s story. To add more insult to injury, Jack spontaneously develops and masters his powers of sight and conveniently taps into his unknown ultimate-fighter skills all in a single day. This ridiculous suspension of disbelief is the last straw to finally shatter Hannibal’s well-meaning start to his new fantasy series.
If there is one word to describe Hannibal’s book, it would ironically be “lost”. This is because Hannibal recklessly plows ahead into his fantastical setting without giving readers time to acclimate to their new literary surroundings. This discombobulation begins once Jack and Sadie enter The Lost Property Office, a time that should be dedicated to building Hannibal’s world. These scenes, like many after, are so rushed and convoluted that readers have no idea what rules and boundaries govern Hannibal’s story. To add more insult to injury, Jack spontaneously develops and masters his powers of sight and conveniently taps into his unknown ultimate-fighter skills all in a single day. This ridiculous suspension of disbelief is the last straw to finally shatter Hannibal’s well-meaning start to his new fantasy series.
September 27, 2016
Jack is...different. He can find things, lost things. But when his sister goes missing in London, and Jack goes to find her, he finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime instead. From flying clockwork beetles, to history and impossible legends made possible - all thanks to the family history he never knew he had. And when Jack finds out that his recently deceased dad might not be so deceased after all, well...Jack is determined to find him, too.
The Lost Property Office is a little bit fantasy, a little bit history, and a little bit Holmes & Watson all rolled in together. When the main character has an unusual disorder known as synesthesia, where senses all interconnect with each other, all things are possible. For Jack, this means he experiences things far differently from most, and this allows him to shine in a way he's never known before. Jack is an everyday kid with an unusual gift that truly stands out in the story.
The story itself is a fun ride with two teenage kids racing around London trying to solve the mystery that Jack's dad was working on when he disappeared. I can see kids starting in 4th grade being interested in this, and some who are younger listening to the book as a read-aloud. As for me, I will be interested in reading the further adventures of Jack, his new friend Gwen, and the Lost Property Office when book two is released.
The Lost Property Office is a little bit fantasy, a little bit history, and a little bit Holmes & Watson all rolled in together. When the main character has an unusual disorder known as synesthesia, where senses all interconnect with each other, all things are possible. For Jack, this means he experiences things far differently from most, and this allows him to shine in a way he's never known before. Jack is an everyday kid with an unusual gift that truly stands out in the story.
The story itself is a fun ride with two teenage kids racing around London trying to solve the mystery that Jack's dad was working on when he disappeared. I can see kids starting in 4th grade being interested in this, and some who are younger listening to the book as a read-aloud. As for me, I will be interested in reading the further adventures of Jack, his new friend Gwen, and the Lost Property Office when book two is released.
July 3, 2017
I really liked the cover to this one, and I picked it up for that reason alone. The jacket blurb and author bio then piqued my interest sufficiently to read the novel.
The main character, Jack, has synesthesia, a legitimate neurological condition that causes crossover in the senses. Tastes are perceived as colors, and smells as feelings, etc. In Jack’s case it leads to sensory overload, which he must learn to control if he is to find his missing father.
When he stumbles upon the Lost Property Office, he meets Gwen, a young apprentice clerk in a secret organization and discovers that he has amazing abilities. Jack can “spark” or see glimpses of the past by touching minerals in the surrounding environment. Full of history, secret organizations, and adventure, The Lost Property Office is reminiscent of the movie National Treasure.
It is well written and fast paced, even if the plot was a little predictable. I had really high hopes for this story, and while it was a good book, it didn’t quite deliver all I had hoped for.
The main character, Jack, has synesthesia, a legitimate neurological condition that causes crossover in the senses. Tastes are perceived as colors, and smells as feelings, etc. In Jack’s case it leads to sensory overload, which he must learn to control if he is to find his missing father.
When he stumbles upon the Lost Property Office, he meets Gwen, a young apprentice clerk in a secret organization and discovers that he has amazing abilities. Jack can “spark” or see glimpses of the past by touching minerals in the surrounding environment. Full of history, secret organizations, and adventure, The Lost Property Office is reminiscent of the movie National Treasure.
It is well written and fast paced, even if the plot was a little predictable. I had really high hopes for this story, and while it was a good book, it didn’t quite deliver all I had hoped for.
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