Matt Myklusch

While the cover and blurb drew me in, I was a little skeptical about the high page count. This, however, was such a fun read that the heavy page count wasn't a problem.

Joey isn't exactly an exceptional student, but he's great at taking test. When he ends up getting a perfect score on a set of tests and is marked as genius, he's knows that this is a bunch of trash. He doesn't know anything outside of comics and movies. Definitely, not school stuff. Still, his parents are determined to chase show more this and soon have him registered at a school for the gifted. When he arrives to take some more test which should determine the rest of his life, things take a strange turn. He's given a box of magical tricks, 150 of them and all to be solved within one hour. Somehow, he does it and the results send him soaring into the world of magic and a dangerous war.

This is a fun read full of magic, quirky fun and tons of fast-paced adventure. In other words, it's a blast. The beginning runs fairly quickly as Joey heads from a perfect score to the gifted school and finds himself in a strange and spooky place—a deserted New York street with a theatre and tons of creepy shadows. The setting begs for a fantastical adventure, and that's exactly what this book gives.

The writing flows at just the right pace. There are enough descriptions to draw into the world, but these usually don't run extremely deep. Instead, the plot shoots forward and is pulled along with fun dialogue. Imagination takes flight, making this an adventure made for the age group. And for those adults who still know that magic is possible if one simply is ready to believe.

I received an ARC and loved the imagination and adventure so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts. show less

How do I even begin this review? I've got a huge smile on my face as I type this, and am still a bit teary eyed over it all. The End of Infinity wraps up Jack's story in a big way. We find Jack right after the end of the last book. For those of you who haven't started this series yet (shame on you) I won't spoil, but it felt good to have the mystery of what happened to Jack cleared up almost instantly. Or so I thought. What follows is a story that has so many twists and turns that it's hard show more not to tear the pages as you flip through them like mad.

I loved Jack's characters in the last two books, and this one was no exception. Here we find a boy who is broken, lost, and almost at the point of despair. At his core, the same Jack still exists. Intelligent, kind, and courageous to a fault. It's the inner battle that he fights that is taking a toll on him. The End of Infinity shows Jack as he nears the point of no return. Will he become a villain, or a hero? It's all a matter of hope, and the strength that he finds within. Lucky for him, he still has his friends to keep him on the right track.

I can't explain to you how great Jack Blank is in this series. I could compare him to other characters out there, but that wouldn't do him justice. What I will say is that he is a role model. Someone to look up to. Despite being constantly told that he wouldn't amount to anything, he did. Even when things seemed horribly bleak, he kept fighting. The resilience and utter strength that this character has is so admirable. This may be a Middle Grade book, but that doesn't matter one bit. Everyone can find something of themselves in Jack Blank and his friends.

This is definitely a much darker book than the first two. It was inevitable, as the Rustov war crept closer to Jack and the Imagine Nation. What I appreciated though was that Myklusch doesn't sugar coat the war, but instead shows both the good and the bad in sharp contrast. The fact that hope can spring up even in the face of total devastation. How people who were once at odds can band together to fight for a common cause. It's beautiful and heart wrenching to read some of the scenes in this book.

I could go on and on. You've seen me rave over these books. I can't even believe that, at least for the moment, there is no more of Jack Blank's epic story left. Let me tell you, I've been let down by quite a few series in the past. Loved them the whole way through until the last book left a bad taste in my mouth. This series? Jack's series? I absolutely devoured every single last action-packed minute of it. This may be the last book, but Matt Myklusch's characters and the Imagine Nation will live on in my own imagination forever. Welcome to my new favorite book series of all time. show less

Where do I start with this? Seriously, I wish that Jack Blank had been in my life when I was a young reader! The Accidental Hero (originally titled Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation) is such a brilliantly written book. Complete with an fabulous world, amazing characters, and tons of positive messages, this is the type of book that I would put into the hands of reluctant readers. I guarantee that they will fall in love!

I absolutely have to start with the original world that Matt Myklusch show more builds in the Imagine Nation. This is the type of place that dreams are made of. A world populated with superheroes and villains. With more futuristic technology than you can wrap your head around. The type of world where a young boy can thrive, especially one with a huge imagination! Super fights are common. Cars fly. I can't even explain to you how much I loved the Imagine Nation! I wonder if I believe hard enough, if I might be able to move there myself.

Then there is my love for Jack himself. I really enjoyed watching him grow from the quiet, scared boy in the orphanage into the brave and strong character that he ultimately becomes. Jack is the perfect role model for both boys and girls of any age. He knows his limits, he admits when he's scared, but he chooses to fight anyway. He's selfless, kind and so witty. Best of all though, Jack's character is written so vividly that it's easy to believe that he might just be your best friend. Following him through his adventure is made all the more amazing, simply because Jack is so amazing himself.

Finally, and I feel like this is a big part of why I loved this story so much, The Accidental Hero has so many fabulous messages to share with young readers. Jack's story isn't always happy. It isn't always easy. Still, along the way he meets some amazing people who teach him important life lessons. To be strong. To be brave. To be a friend. It is so inspiring! My all time favorite? "Never underestimate the power you have over what happens today. Never forget the power today has over tomorrow." (pg 467) All of these come into the story without feeling preachy. It's magical.

If you couldn't already tell from my raving review above, I give this book my highest seal of approval! The Accidental Hero is the whole package. If you have a reluctant reader at home, boy or girl, put this book in their hands. I see so much potential for this to become their new favorite series. Skeptical? I have one word for you to say as you hand it to them: Robo-Zombies. Get this book. You won't regret it! show less

Okay, it's official. I'm declaring it to all of you now. Jack Blank is my new favorite hero. Move over Harry Potter. Once again Matt Myklusch managed to capture my heart, and my imagination with the second book in this wonderful series! The Secret War was everything that I was hoping it would be plus so much more.

For those of you who haven't yet had the privilege of traveling to the Imagine Nation, let me fill you in. Take a moment to go back in time and remember when you were young. When show more the world held infinite possibility, and magic was a reality. Are you there? That's the Imagine Nation. Full of superheroes, villains and futuristic technology, this is a world that is a pleasure to get lost in. In my opinion, it's the most fantastic world I've ever visited in a book and I can't wait to go again.

In this installment, Jack Blank is a little older, a little wiser, but still the same kid that I fell in love with before. Strong, witty, and full of incredible potential. However The Secret War also brings a different light to Jack's life. This is a darker book, full of plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading on. Jack has secrets. Deep, dark secrets that he can't seem to share despite how much he knows he should. What he soon learns is that the more secrets you hold, the harder it is to dig yourself out of the pit that they become.

For me, Jack in this book was even better than in the first. Having to battle with the parasite inside him, the secrets that he keeps, and trying to live up to his potential really takes a toll on him. We see Jack at his lowest points and yet he still manages to be inspiring. He's a real person on these pages. Best of all, The Secret War brings in tons of new characters to love. I won't spoil, but I will tell you that one of the characters I liked most makes a come back. I almost laughed out loud with joy.

The lessons in this book are amped up as well, but once again they blend in beautifully with the overall story. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will all the better for it. Let me tell you, this is fast becoming my favorite series of all time. If you haven't started already, please do. A role model of the highest kind, Jack Blank is a vivid character who will steal your heart! show less