The Secret War

Jack Blank Adventure #2

by Matt Myklusch

Jack Blank is living the dream as a celebrity superhero-in-training in the Imagine Nation. Unfortunately, Jack's dream has a nightmare lurking under the surface- a shocking connection to the enemy supersoldier Revile, and a deadly Rüstov plot he can't tell anyone about... not even his closest friends.

When the heroes of the Imagine Nation discover that an attack by Rüstov sleeper agents is imminent, Jack is forced to trust his friends in a race against the clock to fight back mass hysteria, find the enemy spies, and thwart the Rüstov plans in time to prevent a devastating invasion.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Adventure, Fiction, Young Adult, Superheroes

525 pages, Hardcover

First published August 9, 2011

About the author

Matt Myklusch is the author of 8 middle-grade novels, including the JACK BLANK, ORDER OF THE MAJESTIC, and the SEABORNE series. When he was a kid, he wanted to be a comic book penciller. That didn’t happen, but he never stopped drawing – and now he’s writing comic books! IMAGINE NATION, his new graphic novel series hits the shelves on January 7, 2025.

He lives in New Jersey with his wife and family, where he is always behind schedule on his next book.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 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!

[Joy (Cheery♡Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The true greatness of the Imagine Nation isn't found when times are easy; it's there when the moment is hard and we rise up as one to meet the challenges we face. When we cast aside differences and triumph together in a way we never could when standing apart."

If the quote above didn't already say it all, I don't know what else could. The Jack Blank Adventure series is such a gem. There are so many positive and motivating messages incorporated in it. Although it is categorize as a MG book, it is more than that. Matt Myklusch does a very good job delivering the actions, tense moments and greatest of all, the surprises that I definitely don't see coming.

Jack Blank and the characters of the Imagine Nation are very good teaching subjects. They teach all of us so many of the values in life that we tend to take for granted as we grow older. It frustrates me that everyone expects so much out of Jack as though he is some accomplished adult, never realizing he is just 13 y/o and have come a long way. They should give him a break but Jack realizes his mistakes and is humble and quick to admit and rectify them. He is such a courageous and brave boy after all that he's been through.

This sequel to Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation or known also as The Accidental Hero, is a must pickup and will remain as one of my favourite series.

More at my blog: cheeryreads.blogspot.com

[Aida · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the shocking revelations in the last book, Jack Blank braces himself as an upcoming Rustov attack is revealed and a highly trusted individual threatens to give away Jack's deepest, darkest secrets . . . for a price, of course.

I didn't like this one quite as much as the other two. Jack made a lot of desperate, questionable decisions. I guess the author made me like him in the first book, made me angry at him in this one, and then got me to love him in the last one. Jack does not stay the same throughout the books; he grows and learns too, as do the other characters. Allegra has learned to control her powers, and Skerren (*gasp*) cracks a few straight-faced jokes, mostly at Jack's expense.

I, personally, am mad at Stendeval. I didn't understand why he advised Jack to keep his secrets entirely to himself, since this is what got Jack into so much trouble throughout the book. I think he should have told at least Allegra. Also, Stendeval just seemed too "wise old mentor" trope-y in this book.

I liked the introduction of Trea and Zhi. They added a nice little dimension to the story, and now Jack has a "science pal" he can geek out with. The mystery of Jack's "prototype" was cool as well, even if it was just a little obvious.

This book also contains what I believe to be the first clues as to who Jack's parents are. The author has a different opinion, but I guess it's one of those things which can be seen either way.

[Tzu-Mainn Chen · Rating 1 out of 5]

In terms of execution, 'The Secret War' is no better or worse than the first book in the Jack Blank series. It's a zippily paced children's novel that suffers from an extremely basic writing style and a lack of 'show-don't-tell'.

What makes 'The Secret War' far, far worse is its theme: the dangers of keeping secrets and the consequences of letting fear rule over trust. It's an important idea, and one executed extremely badly in the novel. Instead of a nuanced and relatable struggle, the reader receives constant ugly reminders of how selfish and cowardly Jack Blank really is. If the so-called hero seems more like a villain, the author may have done something wrong.

I picked up this series at my daughter's recommendation, and after finishing the first book I told her (a bit nervously) that I thought it was kind of... mediocre. "Me too!" she said excitedly. "And the second book really sucks! But the third book is great!" I'm committed to finishing the series, so I hope my opinion continues to match hers.

[Garrett Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, another amazing book in the jack blank series.I love this book! I love all the action and the Imagine Nation. I like Jack's connection between revile, how he is always hiding something from everybody, and how Jack is always in some type of trouble even when he doesn't try to. The Jack blank series is just as good or even better than the Micheal Vey series! I love how Jonas Smart is always wanting to put Jack on trial for something he didn't do or try to do. This is the best book in the series so far, I can't wait to read the next book! I love how they added more kids into the school of thought. Something that I would like more of is cliff hangers at the end of a lot more chapters. But overall this book is amazing so far!

[Denae Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a few places that were simplified or made too easy, but otherwise I was satisfied with the plot and characters. I don't think there was anywhere where I was impressed by the story until the ending. I got quite annoyed with Jack as he did a lot of shirking his duty and ignoring things that needed to be taken care of. Also, whenever he finally did tell the truth, it seemed like people (Trea) forgave him rather quickly. Oh, and Jonas Smart is not smart, except that everyone thinks he is (and is too dramatic). That really bugs me when authors talk about how smart someone is when they aren't smart at all.

[Adrianne Lemke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable installment. I very much enjoyed this book. I felt bad for Jack as he tried his best to do the right thing, but then gets the majority of the blame despite someone else encouraging him to keep the secrets that end up getting him in trouble. After that ending I am very much looking forward to reading the next book.

[Valerie Craven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the trilogy. My preteen loved it and so did I! Quick read for adults, great book for kids. We enjoy the author's play on words and great imagination. Highly recommend for girls and boys. Easy enough for 5th grade and up but still had enough to entertain older teens.

[Randy Escobar · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Matt Myklusch book The Secret War the protagonist Jack Blank, a hero who can control machines with his mind is part of the Imagine Nation, a secret floating island populated by the world’s superheroes for example androids, ninjas, medieval warriors, and aliens from outer space. There goal is to help the world but not let them know of their presence, but then all of the sudden he has found out he has five days to save the world, and yet he wastes most of that time trying to keep a terrifying secret that could tarnish the image of the hero who onced saved the Imagine Nation to a traitor who cannot be trusted. In the beginning it seemed that Jack could not keep his focused on his objective. He worries because Revile the forerunner of the Borg-like Rüstov: a race that spreads by infecting organic life-forms with a nano-chip virus that converts them into robot-zombie warriors. Revile predicted that Earth will fall to the Rüstov. Before Jack defeated him, he revealed that he is Jack, a future super-Rüstov version of Jack who came back in time to kill himself before he could destroy other worlds. To summarize it would be very bad if anybody in Empire City found out about this. He believes they would never believe that Jack is on there side fight the possible future represented by Revile, he tries to change his fate towards a different direction, to be a hero to humanity rather than the worst villain ever. In my opinion the author uses imagery to set and describe many settings like how he described imagine nation, a hovering island of green crystal peaks, fringed by waterfalls. Even though this book is 2nd of a trilogy he does a great job with the backstory so even if you haven't read the first book you can still understand the story and what's going on. Matt Myklusch does a wonderful job making cool and intriguing setting like the great city of imagine nation, the fact I could clearly imagine where the characters were kept me hooked on the story. I would personally recommend this book to people who like sci-fi and fantasy. If you would like a book like this i suggest reading Ender's game

[Mark Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My name is Jack, and a sleeper agent has announced the Rustov are planning another attack on Imagine Nation in five days. He also mentioned a conspiracy leads all the way to the Inner Circle, but which leader could possibly be involved. The truth about a spyware virus infecting the Mechas has come out even though I haven't completed my secret project to create a cure-code. The virus would allow the Rustov to take control of the androids and use them as tools or weapons. It's hard trying to prevent the invasion, while Smart continues to attack me with accusations that I'm helping the Rustov. He also keeps saying he's going to unveil the SmarterNet to stop them, but people should be concerned when Smart is this excited about something. He says he's the smartest man on Earth, but sometimes he's really stupid.

You should read The Accidental Hero first. This book continued Smart's efforts to prove Jack was a Rustov spy, and the complications it created for Jack. Some of the accusations were true, and Jack wasn't sure if he might be forced to assist the enemy. Having the virus speak inside his head only added to the conflict, as it seemed to reinforce a possible loss of control. An unexpected twist regarding his virus popped up near the end. Jack's character fell into the common hero problem of trying to cover up problematic secrets only to create bigger problems along the way. He even admitted during the resolution that all of the conflicts and difficulties in the plot might have been avoided if he had told the truth in the beginning. However, it would have created a boring story! This book added a couple more students to the plot, and Jack was able to work with a team. This cooperation was very shaky due to Jack's decisions and added to the suspense of the whole book. Jack's alliances seemed to come and go like a yo-yo. There was an anticipation that everything was going to fall apart at some point, probably at the worst possible time. On a pleasant note, a surprise character joined the fray during the book's climax. I'm looking forward to reading the last book in the trilogy, The End of Infinity.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the sequel to The Accidental Hero, young Jack Blank has five days to save the world. And yet he wastes most of that time trying to keep a terrifying secret that could instantly transform him from the hero who saved the Imagine Nation to an enemy who cannot be trusted. Kids and their priorities!

If you've followed the Jack Blank trilogy thus far, you already know that the Imagine Nation is a secret floating island populated by the world's superheroes, androids, ninjas, medieval warriors, futuristic types, and aliens from outer space. Basically, they're all the folks about whom comic books are meant to educate the world. They live together on a hovering island of green crystal peaks, fringed by waterfalls, in a diverse and fantastic city, and all of it shielded from normal people's sight until the world is ready to accept them.

A year ago Jack found his way there from an orphanage in New Jersey, and discovered his own superpower—controlling machines with his mind. Although he defeated the evil cyborg Revile and embarrassed the power-grabbing supergenius Jonas Smart, he still has worries. Revile is only the forerunner of the Borg-like Rüstov: a race that spreads by infecting organic life-forms with a nano-chip virus that converts them into robot-zombie warriors. Revile has done worse than predict that Earth will fall to the Rüstov. Before Jack defeated him, he revealed that he is Jack—a future, super-Rüstov version of Jack who came back in time to kill himself before he could destroy countless other worlds. It would be bad if everybody in Empire City found out about this. They would never believe that Jack is determined to fight the possible future represented by Revile, to pilot his fate in a different direction, to be a hero to humanity rather than the worst villain ever. They would insist on the same thing Revile wanted: killing Jack, just to be on the safe side.

Obviously, Jack doesn't want this to happen. So you can understand his need to keep this a secret. His self-interest happens to coincide with a more important reason to protect his secret. With his special aptitude for technology, Jack may be the only hope of curing another Rüstov virus, a spyware program that turns infected Mechas (technological life-forms) into unwitting spies for the enemy, and that could, in the worst-case scenario, turn every electronic device in the world into a Rüstov fighting machine. Jack doesn't want this secret to come out either—for the more noble reason that the resulting panic could lead to violence between factions of the Imagine Nation. He needs time to work on a cure for the spyware virus, and he needs to protect his secrets in order to buy that time.

But lo and behold, a rogue member of the Clandestine Order of Secreteers—mysterious people with memory-altering powers, who protect the island's most delicate secrets—has announced to all of Empire City that the Rüstov will conquer Earth in five days, and resistance is futile, every entity for him/her/itself, and he is ready to sell everyone's secrets to whoever will contribute to his going-on-the-run fund. Suddenly Jack's top priority is getting to Obscuro, partly to protect his precious secrets, and partly to extract from him the knowledge he needs to perfect his cure code for the spyware virus. But while Jack and his super-friends are running around the city trying to catch Obscuro, or possibly his supervillain accomplices, he emphatically isn't in the lab cracking the cure code. The countdown to Earth's defeat is ticking away, and Jack's personal agenda more and more gets in the way of doing what he really needs to do to save the world.

As secrets beget lies, and lies beget betrayals, and betrayals beget humiliating disasters, Jack finds himself losing the trust of the people who really deserve to know the truth. Jack's mistakes, and the consequences he bears for them, are an instructive lesson on the trouble with using villainous means to pursue a heroic agenda—or using plans to "make the world a better place" to justify sneaking, deceiving, double-crossing behavior.

While Jack takes this lesson to heart in a painful way, his bitterest opponent—rich, ambitious inventor, media magnate, and politician Jonas Smart—illustrates another very timely lesson for our society today. Smart represents the type of leaders, or would-be leaders, who divide people against each other in order to weaken any possible opposition to themselves; who promote themselves through a special relationship with the media that blurs the line between journalism and propaganda; and who exploit the people's fear to bully them into accepting "security" measures like spying on everybody, burying inconvenient people in secret prisons, and using a private police force that operates outside the law. In brief, Jonas Smart is a poster-boy for all that is wrong with totalitarianism. It's perhaps the most amazing commentary on political issues in youth fiction since the Ministry of Magic storyline in Harry Potter.

This is especially remarkable coming from an author whose most significant prior experience was producing a series of Spring Break specials for MTV. Clearly his talents have only just started to be put to their proper use. Now that he is writing full-time (a career change that went into effect with this book), I am excited to see what directions his talent will grow in. So far the only indication of this is the third book of the Jack Blank trilogy, titled The End of Infinity —which, moving ahead from this book's cliffhanger ending, will establish once and for all whether Jack is Earth's best hope or worst nightmare. Ambiguous as his destiny may be, one thing is not ambiguous to anyone reading this series. We care what becomes of Jack. And after this wild, weird, thrill-packed installment, we will be on the edge of our seats until we find out.

[Rae Anne Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secret War is as imaginative as Jack Blank and The Imagine Nation, but Jack is not at all a likeable character in this one. He acts no better than Jonas Smart. He is a secretive little liar who is treated far better than he deserves.

In fact, he spends the whole book attempting to cover his own secrets and lies that he actively and willful chooses to ignore the one thing he was tasked with doing to save everyone.

I'm not sure I care what happens to this boy now. He did not deserve to be forgiven by anyone and certainly not for that pathetic speech that was only given to spare himself. Even that had nothing to do with others and certainly did adequately apologize to anyone. Instead all it said to me was "sure let me get away with acting like Revile, because your better than the Rustov think".

I hate to say it but the heroic thing to do, when you have already proven how selfish and uncaring you are,is to take yourself out of the equation. Naturally Jack is too selfish to do that.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find that many people say that most young boys can find these kind of books intresting. But anyone who absolutely loves superheroes can love this book.

It's a fun adventure book young Jack has been thrown into a new world and first was thought of as a villian but all of a suddenly became the most popular superhero! The transition is fast and you don't expect it to work but it just does. But just as thought of a villain as a superhero he also has to avoid people for their constant pestering!

The end of the book just makes me want to kind of rage. Don't get me wrong it isn't bad it just the best and worst cliff hanger of all time. Thank goodness I had the third book waiting to be read.

If you are sure you want to ride along with Jack on this and his next adventure make sure u have both books so you don't have to be left on the largest cliff hanger yet.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A year has passed since Jack defeated Revile and gained the trust of Imagine Nation - but a recent message intercepted by Jonas Smart leads him and his friends into a race against time to find out what the Rüstov are planning for the city...and how it connects to the growing lies Jack forces himself to give to those he cares for. Myklusch gives another exciting and action-packed entry with this fun adventure that will shock readers for sure! As the clock ticks on and Jack furthers himself from his allies, the fate of the city, and the world, hangs precariously on the balance.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack once again learns an important lesson - don’t lie ever and especially not to your friends.

Once again they save the city and the world from the Rustov invasion the stakes are higher then ever as Jack races against time and against all the lies catching up to him both his and Jonas Smart’s.

Jack finds unexpected allies when he needs them most.

Secrets will be revealed but can Jack beat them to the punch , and finally cure the Rustov virus before the invasion?

Buckle your seatbelts readers because this is one wild ride !

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply amazing . If book one the accidental hero was good then hang on book 2 is twice as much fun. Lots of twist and turns . Our hero Jack finds himself on a journey that forces him to do some serious soul searching. Lots of fun great read. If you are 6 or 60 you will like this series. cant wait to read the remainder

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I dive into this world I find a piece of myself in its words, it’s a beautiful place and I dare not stop reading. This book brought emotions like excitement, disappointment, anger, and frustration. And I loved every bit of it. They brought back my favorite character and made me laugh at his voice, because it’s so well written I could hear it. I hope you Enjoy this as much as I did.

[Marlana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightfully interesting with more plot twists than I could've foreseen.

The Secret War also ends nicely setting up the final book in the series.

I would be interested in reading more by Matt Myklusch.

[Asia Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh snap!! 😱😳

I have no words.....That was so twisty, I feel like I'm on a very long spiral staircase and I haven't reached a landing yet....."Oh snap, well dang!" are the only words that come to mind.....But yay, Jazen's back!!!😆

[Kasey Thacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty good. There was some slow parts in it. The middle meanders quite a bit. The story picks up nicely towards the end though and has a really gripping ending. It looks like the last one will be the best of the bunch.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first. A lot more angst over distrust and keeping secrets from self and closest allies; which isn’t the most enjoyable type of conflict as far as I’m concerned.
I expect book 3 to be much better.

[Major · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story of Jack Blank. This book features a good number of turns and twists. I really like the theme of secrets being double edged swords in this book and how they can be used to both defend and harm a person. Throw in a dramatic cliffhanger and you got yourself a awesome book.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not as strong as the first in the series, but that might just be because I found the secret keeping really annoying and unnecessarily drawn out. I still love the series and have already begun the third book. The narration is excellent.

[Jessica Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually a second read through for me. I read this book ten years ago and the ending freaked me out ... so I didn't read the final volume. The reread has me going "Why did I stop?" There is hope! So, on to book 3 :)

[Bryan Stevenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last 5 chapters were an amazing, action-packed thrill ride. It took a little while to get there though. Another solid, youth fiction, hero story. Jack is a relatable kid, trying to do what's right, and learning to trust his friends.

[Daniel St. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start to one of my favorite series.

[Alexb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced. Fun, joyful surprising

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my favorites now, I will have to get them all.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

JAZEN!!!!

[jaiden sitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing story long live Jazen