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Seven Wonders #2
Lost in Babylon
Percy Jackson meets Indiana Jones in the New York Times bestselling epic adventure Seven Wonders! Lost in Babylon is the second book in a seven-book series by master storyteller Peter Lerangis. This sequel to the bestselling The Colossus Rises chronicles Jack McKinley and his friends as they carry on their mission to save their lives—and the world—by locating seven magic orbs called Loculi, which are hidden in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After defeating the Colossus of Rhodes and capturing the first of the Loculi, their friend Marco has disappeared. With no leads, no clues, and no one else to turn to, the kids have no choice but to trust Professor Bhegad and the Karai Institute again as they head off to Babylon.
Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, praised Seven Wonders Book 1: The Colossus Rises as "a high-octane mix of modern adventure and ancient secrets. Young readers will love this story. I can't wait to see what's next in the Seven Wonders series!"
Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, praised Seven Wonders Book 1: The Colossus Rises as "a high-octane mix of modern adventure and ancient secrets. Young readers will love this story. I can't wait to see what's next in the Seven Wonders series!"
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2013
390 people are currently reading
3522 people want to read
About the author
Peter Lerangis
153 books793 followersLerangis's work includes The Viper's Nest and The Sword Thief, two titles in the children's-book series The 39 Clues, the historical novel Smiler's Bones, the YA dark comedy-adventure novel wtf, the Drama Club series, the Spy X series, the Watchers series, the Abracadabra series, and the Antarctica two-book adventure, as well ghostwriting for series such as the Three Investigators, the Hardy Boys Casefiles, Sweet Valley Twins, and more than forty books in the series The Baby-sitters Club and its various spin-offs.[1] He has also written novels based on film screenplays, including The Sixth Sense, Sleepy Hollow, and Beauty and the Beast, and five video game novelizations in the Worlds of Power series created by Seth Godin.[2] As a ghostwriter he has been published under the name A. L. Singer.[3]
Lerangis is the son of a retired New York Telephone Company employee and a retired public-elementary-school secretary, who raised him in Freeport, New York on Long Island. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in biochemistry, while acting in musicals[4] and singing with and musically directing the a cappella group the Harvard Krokodiloes,[5][6] before moving to New York. He worked there as an actor[7] and freelance copy editor for eight years before becoming an author.[8]
In 2003, Lerangis was chosen by First Lady Laura Bush to accompany her to the first Russian Book Festival, hosted by Russian First Lady Lyudmila Putina in Moscow.[9][10]Authors R. L. Stine (Goosebumps) and Marc Brown (the Arthur the Aardvark series) also made the trip with Bush.[9]
Also in 2003, Lerangis was commissioned by the United Kingdom branch of Scholastic to write X-Isle, one of four books that would relaunch the Point Horror series there.[11] A sequel, Return to X-Isle, was published in 2004.
In 2007, Scholastic announced the launch of a new historical mystery series called The 39 Clues, intended to become a franchise.[12] Lerangis wrote the third book in the series, The Sword Thief, published in March 2009.[13][14][15] On March 3, 2009, Scholastic announced that Lerangis would write the seventh book in the series, The Viper's Nest.[14][16]
Lerangis lives in New York City with his wife, musician Tina deVaron, and their sons Nick and Joe.[17]
Lerangis is the son of a retired New York Telephone Company employee and a retired public-elementary-school secretary, who raised him in Freeport, New York on Long Island. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in biochemistry, while acting in musicals[4] and singing with and musically directing the a cappella group the Harvard Krokodiloes,[5][6] before moving to New York. He worked there as an actor[7] and freelance copy editor for eight years before becoming an author.[8]
In 2003, Lerangis was chosen by First Lady Laura Bush to accompany her to the first Russian Book Festival, hosted by Russian First Lady Lyudmila Putina in Moscow.[9][10]Authors R. L. Stine (Goosebumps) and Marc Brown (the Arthur the Aardvark series) also made the trip with Bush.[9]
Also in 2003, Lerangis was commissioned by the United Kingdom branch of Scholastic to write X-Isle, one of four books that would relaunch the Point Horror series there.[11] A sequel, Return to X-Isle, was published in 2004.
In 2007, Scholastic announced the launch of a new historical mystery series called The 39 Clues, intended to become a franchise.[12] Lerangis wrote the third book in the series, The Sword Thief, published in March 2009.[13][14][15] On March 3, 2009, Scholastic announced that Lerangis would write the seventh book in the series, The Viper's Nest.[14][16]
Lerangis lives in New York City with his wife, musician Tina deVaron, and their sons Nick and Joe.[17]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews
March 23, 2020
Yay! I am so glad I finished this book! I really love these kind of books. I also love the characters even though I was getting angry at some of them(one person in particular). But, overall I really enjoyed the book. I can't wait to read the next one.
So this book is about Jack McKinley and his friends as they carry on their mission to save their lives—and the world—by locating seven magic orbs called Loculi, which are hidden in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After defeating the Colossus of Rhodes and capturing the first of the Loculi, their friend Marco has disappeared. With no leads, no clues, and no one else to turn to, the kids have no choice but to trust Professor Bhegad and the Karai Institute again as they head off to Babylon.
So this book is about Jack McKinley and his friends as they carry on their mission to save their lives—and the world—by locating seven magic orbs called Loculi, which are hidden in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After defeating the Colossus of Rhodes and capturing the first of the Loculi, their friend Marco has disappeared. With no leads, no clues, and no one else to turn to, the kids have no choice but to trust Professor Bhegad and the Karai Institute again as they head off to Babylon.
December 28, 2013
The second book of The Seven Wonders by Peter Lerangis is pretty amazing than the first book. I find the first book predictable yet this book confused me- I even think the word 'confuse' is an understatement.
The dreams of Jack caught me of guard. At the first book I always thought that Massarym is the bad guy and Karai is the hero. But with the dreams giving two perspective it is indeed mind blowing. Massarym thought that what he is doing is for good, for the Atlantis just the same with Karai. -___- Which confused me... Is Jack, Aly, and Cass on the right side? Are they working for the right purpose? Who is telling the truth? the KI or the Massa?
Then, with the part of Marco siding with Massa that is pretty obvious for me. Missing without any particular reason and doubting the KI, I thought Jack would get the signs right away.
Inside the Massa. Those guys are creepy. They dress up like monks though they would kill right away. And they would bring riffles in search of two kids(?) that's ridiculous. Jack and Cass are not even dangerous like Marco, they are nerds. But they may be cautious for they still do not know the special ability of Jack. Still.. THEY ARE CREEPY. And why would they make Marco king? if he is brainless and impulsive?
The best part of the book is when Mr. Lerangis revealed that Anne McKinley, which is Jack's Mom, is the head of the Massa. It is the most unpredictable part since she's a woman and how can she allow an institution that is very brutal and would brainwashed kids to side with them? And if she really side with the Massa why would she help Jack out in their prison? Even if I did get the hints that the voice is Jack's Mom it is still breath taking. If you know what I mean.
The dreams of Jack caught me of guard. At the first book I always thought that Massarym is the bad guy and Karai is the hero. But with the dreams giving two perspective it is indeed mind blowing. Massarym thought that what he is doing is for good, for the Atlantis just the same with Karai. -___- Which confused me... Is Jack, Aly, and Cass on the right side? Are they working for the right purpose? Who is telling the truth? the KI or the Massa?
Then, with the part of Marco siding with Massa that is pretty obvious for me. Missing without any particular reason and doubting the KI, I thought Jack would get the signs right away.
Inside the Massa. Those guys are creepy. They dress up like monks though they would kill right away. And they would bring riffles in search of two kids(?) that's ridiculous. Jack and Cass are not even dangerous like Marco, they are nerds. But they may be cautious for they still do not know the special ability of Jack. Still.. THEY ARE CREEPY. And why would they make Marco king? if he is brainless and impulsive?
The best part of the book is when Mr. Lerangis revealed that Anne McKinley, which is Jack's Mom, is the head of the Massa. It is the most unpredictable part since she's a woman and how can she allow an institution that is very brutal and would brainwashed kids to side with them? And if she really side with the Massa why would she help Jack out in their prison? Even if I did get the hints that the voice is Jack's Mom it is still breath taking. If you know what I mean.
February 19, 2014
For most of the book, I expected to give it 3 stars. And I would have, but I loved the last chapter. If you read it, don't cheat.
January 2, 2014
I'm dreaming...right? Tell me I'm dreaming! Oh my God. This book must be Heaven-sent. I did finish it 2 hours before Christmas, after all.
Everything about this book was perfect. The beauty of the character's bonds and friendship, the epicness that came with the action, the carefreeness and innocence in the humor, the shock and pain caused by betreyal. But what was really special about the two books, The Colossus Rises and most specially Lost in Babylon were the awesome plot twists, the shocking revelations. Every time a plot twist unravels, it just catches me. It takes my breath away. In the most shocking ending of all the endings I have ever read, it all felt out-of-this-world. Good job Mr. Peter Lerangis, as an author, you're just pure GENIUS.
Everything about this book was perfect. The beauty of the character's bonds and friendship, the epicness that came with the action, the carefreeness and innocence in the humor, the shock and pain caused by betreyal. But what was really special about the two books, The Colossus Rises and most specially Lost in Babylon were the awesome plot twists, the shocking revelations. Every time a plot twist unravels, it just catches me. It takes my breath away. In the most shocking ending of all the endings I have ever read, it all felt out-of-this-world. Good job Mr. Peter Lerangis, as an author, you're just pure GENIUS.
May 13, 2014
“Lost in Babylon”
By Alex K
I read the book “Lost in Babylon” by Peter Lerangis. It is the second book in a series called The Seven Wonders. It was a very suspenseful book, and it had lots of action. I would recommend this book to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. I would recommend this book because of the following reasons: it was suspenseful, had an easy story to follow, and it had an unexpected turn towards the end. I felt this book was very interesting, and it was a page turner. I could not stop reading this book after I picked it up. That is why I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
One of the main reasons I would recommend “Lost in Babylon” is because it was very suspenseful. The suspense was built through constant action and vivid descriptions. Peter Lerangis shows descriptive action when he writes, “From all around us, the high pitched chittering screams came closer. Marco moved the torch quickly left to right.The walls of the Hanging Gardens were black with swiftly moving shadows, long limbed and monkey like.” I liked this specific excerpt because it displays what the action was like throughout the book.
The second reason I enjoyed this book was because it has a good storyline. I thought the storyline of this book was enjoyable because it was simple, interesting, and easy to follow. The story was all about the search for Atlantis, the hidden island, and how a Prince split Atlantis’ power into 7 pieces called the Loculos. The main character, Jack, meets 3 other people similar to him on a secret island. They are like him because they are distant relatives of the Prince of Atlantis. Now they have to find the Loculos. I enjoyed the book because the storyline grabbed my attention and made me keep reading.
The third reason I liked “Lost in Babylon” was because it has an unexpected plot twist. If you do not want this book to be spoiled, do not read this paragraph. The plot twist was extremely unexpected and interesting. Unlike most books I read that have a plot twist, which do not fit in the story, this one fits into the story perfectly. The plot twist happened late in the book when Marco switches over to the bad side, also known as the Massa. This big shift in the storyline leads his friends to feel betrayed and no longer trust him. Because of the three reasons I have provided, I would highly recommend this book to my friends.
By Alex K
I read the book “Lost in Babylon” by Peter Lerangis. It is the second book in a series called The Seven Wonders. It was a very suspenseful book, and it had lots of action. I would recommend this book to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. I would recommend this book because of the following reasons: it was suspenseful, had an easy story to follow, and it had an unexpected turn towards the end. I felt this book was very interesting, and it was a page turner. I could not stop reading this book after I picked it up. That is why I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
One of the main reasons I would recommend “Lost in Babylon” is because it was very suspenseful. The suspense was built through constant action and vivid descriptions. Peter Lerangis shows descriptive action when he writes, “From all around us, the high pitched chittering screams came closer. Marco moved the torch quickly left to right.The walls of the Hanging Gardens were black with swiftly moving shadows, long limbed and monkey like.” I liked this specific excerpt because it displays what the action was like throughout the book.
The second reason I enjoyed this book was because it has a good storyline. I thought the storyline of this book was enjoyable because it was simple, interesting, and easy to follow. The story was all about the search for Atlantis, the hidden island, and how a Prince split Atlantis’ power into 7 pieces called the Loculos. The main character, Jack, meets 3 other people similar to him on a secret island. They are like him because they are distant relatives of the Prince of Atlantis. Now they have to find the Loculos. I enjoyed the book because the storyline grabbed my attention and made me keep reading.
The third reason I liked “Lost in Babylon” was because it has an unexpected plot twist. If you do not want this book to be spoiled, do not read this paragraph. The plot twist was extremely unexpected and interesting. Unlike most books I read that have a plot twist, which do not fit in the story, this one fits into the story perfectly. The plot twist happened late in the book when Marco switches over to the bad side, also known as the Massa. This big shift in the storyline leads his friends to feel betrayed and no longer trust him. Because of the three reasons I have provided, I would highly recommend this book to my friends.
July 5, 2017
This sequel to "Colossus Rising" picks up right where the first one left off. We have our four heroes: Ally, Cass, and Jack coming back from their first adventure. Marco is missing. They know that they must get back to KI for their treatment, which postpones the symptoms of their G7W. When the four are reunited, they begin their next adventure. This time, they don't look for the loculus in the present: they actually travel through a time portal that takes them back to Ancient Babylon, the site of the oldest of the Seven Wonders. This is a dangerous journey. Fortunately, they meet Dariah, who seems willing to help them and can translate Aramaic. But, there are forces that are trying to stop them. Those who want the loculi for themselves and there is doubt among the group. "What if there isn't any cure? What if after we gather all seven loculi, they say sorry and go on to collect their Nobel prize?"
Who can the four trust? Is it the Kurai Institute? After all, they were the ones that kidnapped them in the first place. Is the KI just feeding them a line? Are there others with more noble intentions that can help them? And what is Jack's talent? Everyone else seems to have one, that is amplified by G7W. But Jack has yet to figure out his (other than putting his foot in his mouth) - and it's getting embarrassing. A fun adventure with a nice twist at the end that will make readers want to get to the next book.
Who can the four trust? Is it the Kurai Institute? After all, they were the ones that kidnapped them in the first place. Is the KI just feeding them a line? Are there others with more noble intentions that can help them? And what is Jack's talent? Everyone else seems to have one, that is amplified by G7W. But Jack has yet to figure out his (other than putting his foot in his mouth) - and it's getting embarrassing. A fun adventure with a nice twist at the end that will make readers want to get to the next book.
August 8, 2015
This one was so much better in the first!
Everything really fits in. Especially with Marco.
He was so frustrating and I was disappointed.
I love Daria! She was such a help and so sweet and smart.
I love when they are in Babylon
And wow. Plot twist.
Everything really fits in. Especially with Marco.
He was so frustrating and I was disappointed.
I love Daria! She was such a help and so sweet and smart.
I love when they are in Babylon
And wow. Plot twist.
October 29, 2017
Im so mad at Marco
November 25, 2013
Jack, Marco, Cass and Aly have found and hidden one of the seven globes necessary to their continued existence. But something is happening. Now they find themselves time-traveling, and something is wrong with Marco. Or is there?
The first two in The Seven Wonders series have been issued simultaneously and have indeed served to whet the readers' appetite. The third in the series is due in May 2014 -a scant 6 months away. This is an interesting publishing schedule. And one I find curiously satisfying.
Lerangis does a wondrous job envisioning the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and developing truly interesting and innovative reasons for how and why it is accessible to these 2st century children.
I highly recommend this series.
The first two in The Seven Wonders series have been issued simultaneously and have indeed served to whet the readers' appetite. The third in the series is due in May 2014 -a scant 6 months away. This is an interesting publishing schedule. And one I find curiously satisfying.
Lerangis does a wondrous job envisioning the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and developing truly interesting and innovative reasons for how and why it is accessible to these 2st century children.
I highly recommend this series.
October 28, 2013
Complete Review can be found here: Three Blank Pages
Three words. I. Love. It.
You know an author is doing something right when you just have to stay up late at night to finish a book. And that’s what I just did. And I crave for more.
And I agree, this was definitely better than the first book. If you are looking for some action packed, humorous and clean read, this one is definitely good for you :D
Three words. I. Love. It.
You know an author is doing something right when you just have to stay up late at night to finish a book. And that’s what I just did. And I crave for more.
And I agree, this was definitely better than the first book. If you are looking for some action packed, humorous and clean read, this one is definitely good for you :D
November 13, 2013
- This book was about:
Jack must go to Babylon and find the second loculus, but when Marco brings Jack, Cass, and Aly to the river, the other side brings utter confusion.
- My Favorite Character in this book was:
Jacks mom because of the HUGE twist ending.
- I Liked this book because:
It was a great mixture of past and present. It has both futuristic stuff combine with ancient places.
- I didn't like this book because:
The huge cliffhanger... I cant wait for the next one!!
- You should read this book if you like a mixture of superpowers, surprises, and ancient things.
Jack must go to Babylon and find the second loculus, but when Marco brings Jack, Cass, and Aly to the river, the other side brings utter confusion.
- My Favorite Character in this book was:
Jacks mom because of the HUGE twist ending.
- I Liked this book because:
It was a great mixture of past and present. It has both futuristic stuff combine with ancient places.
- I didn't like this book because:
The huge cliffhanger... I cant wait for the next one!!
- You should read this book if you like a mixture of superpowers, surprises, and ancient things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2015
I knew it!!!!!
July 23, 2021
Lost in Babylon is the second book in the Seven Wonders series written by Peter Lerangis and illustrated by Torstein Norstrand. Jack McKinley seeks the second of seven stolen Loculi of Atlantis, magical orbs planted in each one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Jack McKinley, Aly Black, Cass Williams, and Marco Ramsay are genetic time bombs – a gene within them will kill them at age fourteen if they don't find the seven Loculi. This time the quartet is now searching for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The foursome faces a giant lizard-monster, monkeylike creatures with lethal spit and a cloaked apparition with one shining eye. What they hadn't bargained for is a conflict over which secret organization they should be working for – the Karai Institute or the group of fanatic monks from Greece.
Lost in Babylon is written rather well. The narrative is slow at first, but becomes an Indiana Jones-like style adventure into ancient Babylon. The conflict adds complexity to the tale and the final sentence holds a huge surprise, which will excite readers about the next installment.
All in all, Lost in Babylon is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
Jack McKinley, Aly Black, Cass Williams, and Marco Ramsay are genetic time bombs – a gene within them will kill them at age fourteen if they don't find the seven Loculi. This time the quartet is now searching for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The foursome faces a giant lizard-monster, monkeylike creatures with lethal spit and a cloaked apparition with one shining eye. What they hadn't bargained for is a conflict over which secret organization they should be working for – the Karai Institute or the group of fanatic monks from Greece.
Lost in Babylon is written rather well. The narrative is slow at first, but becomes an Indiana Jones-like style adventure into ancient Babylon. The conflict adds complexity to the tale and the final sentence holds a huge surprise, which will excite readers about the next installment.
All in all, Lost in Babylon is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
October 9, 2019
it was a top-notch book. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it in a heartbeat to anyone looking for an adventure.
June 21, 2021
Solid middle grade fiction. The love-triangle was pretty horrible though.
June 1, 2019
I would this sequel is better then the first book in the series. Unlike the first book, this isn’t slow-paced but has more action and drama In it. Great book if you plan on continuing the seven wonders series. (:
September 3, 2023
Great book, but always hate that it leaves you in a cliffhanger when you end the book!! Guess I need Tomb of Shadows book 3!
October 31, 2018
“Lost in Babylon” the second book in the Seven Wonders series by Peter Lerangis was an unexpectedly emotional journey through (as the book says) Babylon.
The start was kinda confusing as to where everyone was but other than that the start was normal.
The middle of the story was unexpected too as they found a very special someone and I love them.
Now the end, woah that was very unexpected but I loved it but if I said anything more it would a spoiler.
The start was kinda confusing as to where everyone was but other than that the start was normal.
The middle of the story was unexpected too as they found a very special someone and I love them.
Now the end, woah that was very unexpected but I loved it but if I said anything more it would a spoiler.
Read
February 10, 2022MARCO?!?!?!?!!? REALLY!?!? I am so shocked and honestly disappointed. And I cant imagine how Cass feels knowing he views them all as family and how much family matters to him considering the fact that hi doesnt have one. I am very upset about that. And his MOM????? His MOM??? Mind-blowing. Literally mind-blowing. I read the first one when I was younger than I am now but I was excited for the second and I was not disappointed in the slightest. So good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2015
After I finished the first book of the "Seven Wonders" series by Peter Lerangis, I couldn't stop myself from purchasing this book on my Kindle. It was just too tempting to not read the second book of this series because of the huge cliffhanger in the last book. We picked up right where we left off, and the action continues. First off, the four main characters are Jack, Aly, Marco, and Cass. They're descendants of Atlantis and they have to find seven items, located in the Seven Wonders of the world. In this book, they goto the ancient city of Babylon, and try to find their item. The pace of this book is great. A lot of action, suspense, and thrillers that I loved. This book has such a similar writing style to Percy Jackson, that I think it's written by Rick Riordan. It was so hard to put down because there was so much suspense and every single time you want to put the book down, you stop yourself. The plot's great. Funny, suspenseful, and exciting! Last time I remember a book like this, it was in the "Heroes of Olympus" series.
But one big question awaits, who can the kids trust? The Karai institue? The one that helped Jack in his friends in the first book? Or the Massa side, who Jack dreamed as the good side in this book? Marco's convinced that Massa will help them but his other friends aren't so sure. The book left us with a huge cliffhanger, and left me in a question mood. I had so many questions at the end of the book that I just wanted to jump in to the next book right away. Overall, I loved this book, and I recommend this book to anyone who loves the "Percy Jackson" and the "Heroes of Olympus" series! You will definitely enjoy this book.
But one big question awaits, who can the kids trust? The Karai institue? The one that helped Jack in his friends in the first book? Or the Massa side, who Jack dreamed as the good side in this book? Marco's convinced that Massa will help them but his other friends aren't so sure. The book left us with a huge cliffhanger, and left me in a question mood. I had so many questions at the end of the book that I just wanted to jump in to the next book right away. Overall, I loved this book, and I recommend this book to anyone who loves the "Percy Jackson" and the "Heroes of Olympus" series! You will definitely enjoy this book.
February 14, 2014
Taking up where Colossus Rising ends, Jack and his companions begin the search for their missing friend and the loculus they retrieved while in Greece. Time is of the essence as the foursome near their fateful, and fatal, fourteenth birthdays. After the KI determine that Marco is in Iraq, near the ancient city of Babylon, Jack, Aly, and Cass head out expecting to rescue their friend only to find themselves seemingly time-travelling to a new adventure. Twists, turns, and betrayals abound as the reader goes deeper into the Seven Wonders series.
Better than the first book in the series, Lost in Babylon still relies heavily on deus ex machina to move the story along, and focuses far more on action than character development. That said, this is a fun read with some big developments. Less a time-travel destination and more a parallel world, the characters are faced with a significant moral choice if they are to retrieve the second loculus from the ancient city, while another choice is presented to the group by Massa, the seemingly evil twin to KI’s benevolence that could tear the foursome apart. Rounding out the danger is the stunning cliff-hanging ending. This series should be popular among the ten to fifteen year old set who are looking for a fast, fun, ride.
Better than the first book in the series, Lost in Babylon still relies heavily on deus ex machina to move the story along, and focuses far more on action than character development. That said, this is a fun read with some big developments. Less a time-travel destination and more a parallel world, the characters are faced with a significant moral choice if they are to retrieve the second loculus from the ancient city, while another choice is presented to the group by Massa, the seemingly evil twin to KI’s benevolence that could tear the foursome apart. Rounding out the danger is the stunning cliff-hanging ending. This series should be popular among the ten to fifteen year old set who are looking for a fast, fun, ride.
November 3, 2014
I read the first two books in this Seven Wonders series with my eight-year-old son and we thoroughly enjoyed them. Rick Riordan's "high-octane" comment was right on the mark - plenty of action to keep us both flipping Kindle pages and not wanting to stop for little things like bedtime, school, work...
The voice of the story, Jack, is a very sympathetic character, modest and witty. His friends Marco, Aly, and Cass add a lot of humor, angst, and intrigue to the storyline. The story itself has been a fun adventure through both books, with plenty of twists and turns to validate the seat belt sign. But who can the kids trust? That's the big mystery that has us dangling over the end of book 2, anxiously waiting to dive into book 3 which won't be out until spring. My son died a little (fabulous drama) when I told him how long he'd have to wait.
This is a great series, reminiscent of Riordan's Percy Jackson, Heros of Olympus, and Kane Chronicles. Wonderful for young readers but with enough there for even an old person like me to enjoy. I highly recommend it!
The voice of the story, Jack, is a very sympathetic character, modest and witty. His friends Marco, Aly, and Cass add a lot of humor, angst, and intrigue to the storyline. The story itself has been a fun adventure through both books, with plenty of twists and turns to validate the seat belt sign. But who can the kids trust? That's the big mystery that has us dangling over the end of book 2, anxiously waiting to dive into book 3 which won't be out until spring. My son died a little (fabulous drama) when I told him how long he'd have to wait.
This is a great series, reminiscent of Riordan's Percy Jackson, Heros of Olympus, and Kane Chronicles. Wonderful for young readers but with enough there for even an old person like me to enjoy. I highly recommend it!
March 27, 2014
So, Jack, Allie, and Cas are looking for the seven loculi that can cure them of this genetic sequence that grants them powers but is also trying to kill them, as well as the fourth member of their ragtag superhero squad, Marco. This time they end up time-travelling back to ancient Babylon to visit the Hanging Gardens and hopefully find the second loculus. There's a crazy king that isn't all there, a girl with a knack for languages, and a lot of stuff being set on fire.
The first book was cool. I was tentative, but there were trace amounts of the Percy Jackson-ish snark that I have come to love in books. The second book kind of skipped over a lot of the humour and focused on the weightier, more predictable subject matter, which is about where I lost it. Marco just about became predictable, which weighed the story down more than was enjoyable.
I don't think I'll be going back for the others. That having been said, it was well written, it's an easy, moderately enjoyable read, and had some fresh concepts and ideas I enjoyed.
The first book was cool. I was tentative, but there were trace amounts of the Percy Jackson-ish snark that I have come to love in books. The second book kind of skipped over a lot of the humour and focused on the weightier, more predictable subject matter, which is about where I lost it. Marco just about became predictable, which weighed the story down more than was enjoyable.
I don't think I'll be going back for the others. That having been said, it was well written, it's an easy, moderately enjoyable read, and had some fresh concepts and ideas I enjoyed.
April 19, 2016
"A problem that seems unsolvable always looks different in the light of a new day."
Lost in Babylon, the second book of Seven Wonders series, is better than the first book, although I have read the ‘The Colossus Rises’ twice. It was dull on the beginning but when I got the grip of the story, I can't stop myself from turning page after page.
The story started from where the first book ended, the search for Marco and the flying Loculus. It had been hard for Aly, Cass and Jack and for the KI people but they managed to survive. And when they found Marco, there has been a lot of discoveries where the real adventures began. I must say that Jack's character had improved the most among the four of them. He had a lot of confidence in the story than in Colossus Rises. And the ending! My goodness. It was a shock and I really wanted to buy the next three books now but I'm broke.
As I said, Seven Wonders is the book you wanted to read if you're looking for something like Percy Jacksonish story! And oh, I love Torquin!
Lost in Babylon, the second book of Seven Wonders series, is better than the first book, although I have read the ‘The Colossus Rises’ twice. It was dull on the beginning but when I got the grip of the story, I can't stop myself from turning page after page.
The story started from where the first book ended, the search for Marco and the flying Loculus. It had been hard for Aly, Cass and Jack and for the KI people but they managed to survive. And when they found Marco, there has been a lot of discoveries where the real adventures began. I must say that Jack's character had improved the most among the four of them. He had a lot of confidence in the story than in Colossus Rises. And the ending! My goodness. It was a shock and I really wanted to buy the next three books now but I'm broke.
As I said, Seven Wonders is the book you wanted to read if you're looking for something like Percy Jacksonish story! And oh, I love Torquin!
October 9, 2014
In the book lost in babylon by peter lerangis it is the second book in his series, the story line is good, but it lacks geography it doesn't tell you where they are other than BABYLON. the story line is easy to follow, plus it teaches you a little history about babylon while keeping you engaged in the book at the same time! i would reccomend it to anyone who likes humorous and action packed stories. but you have to read the first one though! i will continue the series because of the great cliffhanger at the end, i dont want to spoil it though
June 4, 2015
The Good: These books are so fun and educational. Even as an adult, I learn some new-to-me history in each one. This installation even had a big surprise that totally threw me. Fast paced, yet easy to follow, these books are perfect for the middle school crowd.
The Bad: Dreams. I hate dream sequences. I find them annoying and confusing to the story as a whole, but that's more a general personal preference issue rather than a problem specific to this book.
The Bad: Dreams. I hate dream sequences. I find them annoying and confusing to the story as a whole, but that's more a general personal preference issue rather than a problem specific to this book.
July 27, 2014
Slightly better than the first book now that the team of four is established. Sailor, soldier, tinker, tailor: Cass, Marco, Aly, & Jack. As they search for the second loculus, the end up in the ancient city of Babylon that exists in an alternate reality. Fortunately, they meet someone there who helps them communicate with the Babylonians. There's trouble, though, when they try to take the loculus back with them to their own time.
August 15, 2015
The whole morality issue with the pocket universe was a little odd. The point they were trying to make was a good one, but I feel like they kind of let the point just drop off after that. It didn't end up getting the gravity it deserved. (I'm not sure if that's proper grammar, but I think it gets the point across.)
November 12, 2013
Better than the first book in the series. More action and better grasps on the relationship and ties between characters.
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