J&P Voelkel

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 show more given up on the book!

Ok beyond Max's behavior 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 show less

This novel is an unforgettable adventure. We meet the main character, Max who is just looking for a vacation of video gaming, laying around the house, and visiting family in Europe. When his parents get an opprotunity they cannot refuse everything does not go as Max had hoped.

His family's strange and mysterious housekeeper, Zia, soon sends him off to stay with his uncle. His uncle lives where Max's parents went missing. As Max uncovers some of his Family's secrets, he soon is swept up in an show more adventure with a girl named lola and her monkeys. Along the way Max meets some very interesting and unique characters.

When Lola and Max go into the temples, Max has to use his skills in video gaming to help them get through the temple. I like how the Authors took Max's video gaming skills and had him use them in real life. Throughout the novel Max becomes a better person.

The fate of the world lies on Max's shoulders in Middleworld. Will he be able to save everyone? Will he ever find his parents? Will he get the girl?

I really did like Middleworld, but at times I had to push myself to keep reading. Even with pictures throughout the book it still is a long read. Well worth the time though! The ending is just amazing and I can not wait for book two!

I would recommend Middleworld to anyone who is looking for an adventure in a place you have never been to before. If you like Percy Jackson you'll like Max too. Instead of mythology you will get to know the Mayans. Middleworld is a battle of good and evil. It is full of the value of friends, family, and where you come from. Also, in the back of the book are some fun extras! You will not want to miss this book.

4.5 Stars! show less

The End of the World Club is the second book in the Young Adult Jaguar Stones trilogy. Max is back in Boston living with his parents, but things are anything but normal. Boston is in the middle of the longest dry spell in years but the Murphy household has had non-stop pouring rain for weeks. A tropical jungle seems to be growing in their house with real flora and fauna from San Xavier (the location of his last adventure). Max’s mom has been reading books and is trying to be a ‘good’ show more parent and wallowing in self denial about everything she went through in San Xavier. Then Max gets a visit from the Mayan Death Lord's emissary, requiring Max to pay back his debt. Once more, Max is looking for the easy way out of his predicament when he gets duped AGAIN! Those Lords of Death are tricky!

I think the Voelkel’s have written a great addition to The Jaguar Stones. One of my favorite parts was the group going to a village in Spain where lying was forbidden (magically enforced). Lord 6-Dog and his mother Lady Coco, Max and Lola are back as a team trying to thwart the Mayan forces of evil. The story is funny and thought provoking, a teenage story of maturing, taking responsibility and making the right choices . I enjoyed reading it and I am eagerly awaiting the last installation. show less

Max, 14, lead character of Middleworld by J&P Voelkel has archaelogist parents who are obsessed with the Maya. Essentially, he has the coolest parents EVAR! However, he thinks his parents are lame. Um, what? Max, dear, have you met MY parents? Their interests include country music, fart jokes, and complaining about how much things cost. Anyways, priviledged Max really grated on my nerves, I kept wanting to tell him to STFU or GTFO.Max winds up in Central America, in a chase for the Jaguar show more Stones which are like the sorceror's stone in Harry Potter, only these stones control the gods. He whines a whole lot in Central America. He's rude to the natives. Eventually, he comes across a Mayan girl named Lola. She's like a 14 year old Lara Croft. Girl has got it going on. She was definitely my favorite character, aside from the gods. I think this was because Lola was SO different from Max.I will say, this book is quite funny in several instances. However, the humor is a bit juvenile for MY tastes. But, it's a juvenile book, so really, what do I expect. It's also quite educational. I learned quite a bit about the Mayan religion, calendars, and food. This isn't really an adult-YA-MG crossover. I think the appeal is strictly for te MG set, which is fine. Not every book has to appeal to children and adults. Ultimately this would be great for middle schoolers, but not me, an adult reader of YA. show less