The Dead of Night

The saga of the Cahills continues! This installment seems stronger than Lerangis' offerings in the first 39 Clues series, but I'm wondering if that's because he's more comfortable with the characters now, or perhaps that the areas of history addressed are a little more up his alley. There isn't a lot of history in this book, because a good portion of the plot centers around the kidnapping of Dan's 11-year-old friend Atticus. It's up to Amy and Dan to find Atticus before the Vespers decide he isn't useful anymore...

Unlike the 39 Clues series, this continuing series is more brutal and the threat of death is constantly imminent for Amy & Dan, everyone with them, and their kidnapped family members. As a result, it feels more urgent (this show more book in particular), which -- while not necessarily a bad thing -- feels a little too urgent at times to the point where it gets a bit exhausting. I understand that kids' attention spans are short and they need action to hold onto, but I miss the slower moments of discovery and talking about history from the previous series. Not that they aren't in this set too, just not quite to the extent as before.

That said, there are plenty of other interesting dynamics in this series that have come up, but I don't want to comment on them just yet, lest I spoil the books for potential readers. show less

The Dead of Night by Peter Lerangis is the third of the Cahills vs. Vespers series. Dan and Amy's friend Atticus is captured by the Vespers. They have to rush to Samarkand to figure out the next clue before the worst happens.

Atticus is turning out to be very capable addition to the group. But frankly the whole super-secret, super-powerful Vespers are getting tiresome. The Cahill branches were developed over time and their original breakup explained in the first story of Vespers Rising.

The reaming parts were supposed to set up the Vespers as the big bads but they really feel like the were created to keep the franchise going. If they've been plotting for all these years — why didn't they strike when the Cahills were at their weakest show more (and distracted by the clue hunt)?

That said, I still enjoyed the hunt through Samarkand. The clues are no more difficult than what's found in a Dan Brown book. This location reminded most of the Lost Library in Avatar: The Last Air Bender. Presumably the observatory of Ulugh Beg was inspiration in part for the library. show less

The way the authors of this series blend fact with fiction is absolutely astounding to me. I feel compelled to look up every little "fact" stated to see if it's true or simply part of the Cahill canon, but I stop myself because I REFUSE to destroy the temporary suspension of disbelief with this series (at least until I've finished it).

It still makes me smile that every person I know who reads this series is an adult, not a child. Whether its Peter Lerangis or any of the other authors every book has been a great read. The Dead of Night is no exception...16 books in and I still bounce with excitement over each new addition.

In the latest book of the Cahill’s vs. Vespers series a Cahill member but threat is back and Arthur Trent sends another message.
In the last book we left of off when Atticus got kidnapped. But now in this book we know where he is but the rest of the Cahill’s are not here. Eventually the group (Dan, Amy, Jake and, Atticus) meet up with each by Atticus bombing the place but some how Casper and Cheyenne Wyoming survive.
Also for the first time ever Dan and Amy get put in jail by Vanek from Interpol and stayed at Amotos house but not for long. Dan and Amy found out that she was Vesper 5 so they got out of the so quickly, even though they didn’t have to.
Now it’s the return of Isabelle. When Ian her son went to New York they met up show more with each other for the first time since in the Gauntlet. Also again Isabelle lied to her workers about something but it isn’t a surprise.
Finally Dan got a message from A.J.T. when Erasmis told the group Mr. McIntyre died Dan thought his father did this. But on the final page his opinion changed. It started A.J.T. saying “my middle name is patience forget the J.” then Dan said “if you’re really my Dad can you tell me what special thing you said to make us smile together”? A.J.T. said “moon face” which is correct show less

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