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The Quantum League #1
Spell Robbers
A magical crime saga filled with marvelous thrills, high action, and extraordinary adventure, from critically acclaimed author Matthew J. Kirby.
After Ben Warner is recruited to join a "science camp" led by the eccentric quantum physicist Dr. Madeleine Hughes, he quickly realizes it's no regular science camp. Along with his new friend, Peter, Ben discovers the secret, powerful art of Actuation -- the ability to change reality by simply imagining it differently.
When a mysterious group of men invade Dr. Hughes's laboratory, abducting her and stealing her precious equipment, Ben and Peter are suddenly caught up in a turf war between dangerous actuators desperate for Dr. Hughes's innovative technology. And as Ben and Peter are pulled into a perilous, hidden world full of impossibilities now made possible, will their combined powers be enough to save Dr. Hughes and vanquish their enemies before it's too late?
From Edgar Award-winning author Matthew J. Kirby comes a fast-paced, boldly imagined tale of friendship, deadly adventure, and the infinite power of imagination.
After Ben Warner is recruited to join a "science camp" led by the eccentric quantum physicist Dr. Madeleine Hughes, he quickly realizes it's no regular science camp. Along with his new friend, Peter, Ben discovers the secret, powerful art of Actuation -- the ability to change reality by simply imagining it differently.
When a mysterious group of men invade Dr. Hughes's laboratory, abducting her and stealing her precious equipment, Ben and Peter are suddenly caught up in a turf war between dangerous actuators desperate for Dr. Hughes's innovative technology. And as Ben and Peter are pulled into a perilous, hidden world full of impossibilities now made possible, will their combined powers be enough to save Dr. Hughes and vanquish their enemies before it's too late?
From Edgar Award-winning author Matthew J. Kirby comes a fast-paced, boldly imagined tale of friendship, deadly adventure, and the infinite power of imagination.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2014
66 people are currently reading
1627 people want to read
About the author
Matthew J. Kirby
29 books464 followersMatthew Kirby was born in Utah, and grew up in Maryland, California, and Hawaii. As an undergraduate he majored in history, and then went on to pursue an M.S. in school psychology. For ten months out of the year he works with students, and during the rest of the year he writes. He and his wife currently live in northern Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
October 15, 2014
I thought this book was wonderful. I thought it was wonderful because it was surprisingly interesting and action packed. One of the most action packed parts was when Ronin almost succeded to steal a bank but Ben stopped him with his acution. One of the surprising parts when Ben did not need his locus to make acutions. An interesting part was when ben meet Ronin's team and almost got beat up. Those are my reasons to like Quantum League. I hope you liked it as much as i did. <3 lol
January 28, 2014
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
I'm a fan of Matthew Kirby and will read anything he writes, but when I discovered his new book was the beginning of a new series about kids with super-hero type powers I was even more excited than usual. While I've been able to encourage many of my students to read his other books, this is one whose very concept will sell it without me even having to say a word. Spell Robbers doesn't disappoint, delivering a story full of action, intrigue, and twists.
(This is a review of an ARC received in exchange for a fair review.)
As the first in a series, Spell Robbers has quite a bit of set up and world-building at the beginning. Learning about the intricacies of Actuation and what it means, I felt a little of a disconnect from Ben in the beginning. But then the plot really takes off and I realized exactly how much I had learned about the sort of person he was in that first section. He is a fascinating character. Despite her penchant for uprooting him and moving him around, he really loves his mom and does what he can to help and take car of her. He is smart, stubborn, and independent. As someone who moves around a lot needs to be. I particularly enjoyed how once he discovered what Actuating truly was and what the world he had stumbled into was like, he wanted little to do with it. It is a refreshing change from the kid who discovers he's special and jumps on the chance to change his whole life. Ben actually liked his life and he just wants it back. Kirby has a real talent for creating nuanced characters and he uses it well in this book. Ben is driven by many different things, and I really came to appreciate exactly how true it was every time he insisted, "I am my own man." Another fascinating character is an adult rogue agent named Ronin. He is likable and savvy, but there are some dark aspects to his characters. He makes a great foil for Ben. (Or perhaps a projection of what Ben could become someday if he allows his bitterness to control him.) Because so much time was spent on Ben and his mission in this book, the other two characters depicted on the cover, Peter and Sasha, don't get as much page time. Both of intriguing back stories though and I'm looking forward to discovering more about them as the series continues.
The concept Kirby developed here is interesting. Actuation sounds a lot like magic (and they do mention that is what it once was thought to be), but there is some science behind it. Mechanical physics is mentioned and the person who discovers Ben uses some equipment to help the children work their Actuations. The Quantum League is a group of Actuators who use their powers for good and to protect others. There are Actuators out there who use their powers for criminal purposes, and The Quantum League's goal is to stop this. Or so they say. Not everything is perfect in the League either and Ben is wary of them from the start. I really liked how there were some very clear bad guys, but no real clear "good" organization. There are many characters it is easy to like and see the good in, even when they do some rather despicable things, but the shades of gray are many and leave Ben unable to truly trust anyone but himself. The plot is slow at first as Ben begins at his "science camp", but once the action starts it doesn't slow down at all. It takes off into hyperdrive and there are so many twists and turns.
I'm looking forward to the next installment, and can not wait to get this one into the hands of my students. (Who are aware I already got to read it and are more than a wee bit jealous.)
I received an ARC made available by the publisher, Scholastic, via NetGalley. Spell Robbers is available for purchase on January 28th.
I'm a fan of Matthew Kirby and will read anything he writes, but when I discovered his new book was the beginning of a new series about kids with super-hero type powers I was even more excited than usual. While I've been able to encourage many of my students to read his other books, this is one whose very concept will sell it without me even having to say a word. Spell Robbers doesn't disappoint, delivering a story full of action, intrigue, and twists.
(This is a review of an ARC received in exchange for a fair review.)
As the first in a series, Spell Robbers has quite a bit of set up and world-building at the beginning. Learning about the intricacies of Actuation and what it means, I felt a little of a disconnect from Ben in the beginning. But then the plot really takes off and I realized exactly how much I had learned about the sort of person he was in that first section. He is a fascinating character. Despite her penchant for uprooting him and moving him around, he really loves his mom and does what he can to help and take car of her. He is smart, stubborn, and independent. As someone who moves around a lot needs to be. I particularly enjoyed how once he discovered what Actuating truly was and what the world he had stumbled into was like, he wanted little to do with it. It is a refreshing change from the kid who discovers he's special and jumps on the chance to change his whole life. Ben actually liked his life and he just wants it back. Kirby has a real talent for creating nuanced characters and he uses it well in this book. Ben is driven by many different things, and I really came to appreciate exactly how true it was every time he insisted, "I am my own man." Another fascinating character is an adult rogue agent named Ronin. He is likable and savvy, but there are some dark aspects to his characters. He makes a great foil for Ben. (Or perhaps a projection of what Ben could become someday if he allows his bitterness to control him.) Because so much time was spent on Ben and his mission in this book, the other two characters depicted on the cover, Peter and Sasha, don't get as much page time. Both of intriguing back stories though and I'm looking forward to discovering more about them as the series continues.
The concept Kirby developed here is interesting. Actuation sounds a lot like magic (and they do mention that is what it once was thought to be), but there is some science behind it. Mechanical physics is mentioned and the person who discovers Ben uses some equipment to help the children work their Actuations. The Quantum League is a group of Actuators who use their powers for good and to protect others. There are Actuators out there who use their powers for criminal purposes, and The Quantum League's goal is to stop this. Or so they say. Not everything is perfect in the League either and Ben is wary of them from the start. I really liked how there were some very clear bad guys, but no real clear "good" organization. There are many characters it is easy to like and see the good in, even when they do some rather despicable things, but the shades of gray are many and leave Ben unable to truly trust anyone but himself. The plot is slow at first as Ben begins at his "science camp", but once the action starts it doesn't slow down at all. It takes off into hyperdrive and there are so many twists and turns.
I'm looking forward to the next installment, and can not wait to get this one into the hands of my students. (Who are aware I already got to read it and are more than a wee bit jealous.)
I received an ARC made available by the publisher, Scholastic, via NetGalley. Spell Robbers is available for purchase on January 28th.
December 25, 2014
The Quantum League: Spell Robbers" by Matthew J. Kirby was just OK. Keep in mind that this is a kid's book and the main character is a 12 year old boy so I'm trying to be objective, but it didn't rock my world.
The story: a 12 year old boy finds out he has a special ability to manipulate space. As I recall, they call it "instigating" but it is magic.
Any problems? Yes. There is an explanation about quantum theory and tangled pairs which made no sense but it didn't have to make sense because it was for kids so the author gets a pass. The writing was OK. There is the obligatory "kidnapped girl" who needs to be rescued but the author ignores this story element until the very end when the girl is suddenly reintroduced. I almost forgot she was out there.
The other major problem was the age of our hero. I would believe his actions if he was 16 years old but not 12. He had to be an academy award winning liar several times in this story and while I could believe that a 16 year old could lie like a dog, a 12 year old would have more of a problem. I'm not saying he couldn't do it, but remember that we are reading what this 12 year old is thinking and he should have had a lot more trouble with it.
So... it was OK reading. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it either and I won't read the next book in the series.
The story: a 12 year old boy finds out he has a special ability to manipulate space. As I recall, they call it "instigating" but it is magic.
Any problems? Yes. There is an explanation about quantum theory and tangled pairs which made no sense but it didn't have to make sense because it was for kids so the author gets a pass. The writing was OK. There is the obligatory "kidnapped girl" who needs to be rescued but the author ignores this story element until the very end when the girl is suddenly reintroduced. I almost forgot she was out there.
The other major problem was the age of our hero. I would believe his actions if he was 16 years old but not 12. He had to be an academy award winning liar several times in this story and while I could believe that a 16 year old could lie like a dog, a 12 year old would have more of a problem. I'm not saying he couldn't do it, but remember that we are reading what this 12 year old is thinking and he should have had a lot more trouble with it.
So... it was OK reading. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it either and I won't read the next book in the series.
January 28, 2014
I enjoyed the flawed Clockwork Three, so when I got to read the new sci-fi title from him for a middle grade audience, I was pretty pleased to give it a shot. The story of a kid who is taken into an orphanage that's a front for more nefarious purposes, it is pretty charming in how it works out, with the kids in the book likable and things fairly solid throughout.
The setup is ultimately for more books later, so, while I don't have a ton to say about this specific entry, it left me looking forward to the next installment.
The setup is ultimately for more books later, so, while I don't have a ton to say about this specific entry, it left me looking forward to the next installment.
October 26, 2016
Could you imagine a parent who doesn't remember you? I think T̲h̲e̲ ̲Q̲u̲a̲n̲t̲u̲m̲ ̲L̲e̲a̲g̲u̲e̲ by Matthew J. Kirby was an excellent book. This book had many great action scenes, mysteries, and even had scenes where the main character felt betrayed and sad. I recommend this book to big Sci-Fi fans and kids of the ages 9-14 years old.
September 21, 2024
So much science! I like the fact that Dr. Hughes is a woman. But I would have enjoyed the book a lot more back when I was the target age.
June 4, 2022
What a fun book! I loved the characters and thought the plot was well developed. Ben goes to join a science club, but instead learns about "actuation", the ability to change reality by simply imagining it differently. When their teacher gets kidnapped, along with a device that can amplify actuations, Ben and his friends are forced into The Quantum League, a group of actuators who use their powers for good, to find them both,
This book was action packed and a very quick read! The characters were likeable and the pacing was fast. The whole idea of actuation was fun to imagine, and was explained very well.
I think this book would definitely appeal to the MG crowd, and to parents who want to read a fun book with their kids.
5/5 stars.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Scholastic Press, and Matthew Kirby for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book was action packed and a very quick read! The characters were likeable and the pacing was fast. The whole idea of actuation was fun to imagine, and was explained very well.
I think this book would definitely appeal to the MG crowd, and to parents who want to read a fun book with their kids.
5/5 stars.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Scholastic Press, and Matthew Kirby for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 24, 2014
*Review of ARC*
Buzzwords: Physics (or magic), kidnapped children, family, heroes vs. villains, moral ambiguity, power
When Ben is asked to join a free after-school science camp, he decides to do so, since he has to wait for his mom to finish classes anyway. But he soon discovers that the "science camp" is nothing what he expected - he is talented at 'actuation', the power of making potential into reality, and this camp is a training ground. But when villains attack the lab, taking their teacher and a device of her making - and he and his friend Peter are kidnapped by the 'heroes,' who call themselves the Quantum League, and Ben is soon over his head in trouble. When all he wants is to get back to his mother...
I think this book suffered slightly in my estimation by having the bad luck to be soon after V is for Villain in my pile, since the morally ambiguous heroism, paranormal superhero kids invited many comparisons, and this book suffered slightly - mostly in character development, but a little in plot as well. To be fair though, this is for slightly younger audiences, and I did think that it was well-written and well-conceived. I think that it will be particularly well-received by fans of The Vindico or H.I.V.E. Higher Institute of Villainous Education.
Buzzwords: Physics (or magic), kidnapped children, family, heroes vs. villains, moral ambiguity, power
When Ben is asked to join a free after-school science camp, he decides to do so, since he has to wait for his mom to finish classes anyway. But he soon discovers that the "science camp" is nothing what he expected - he is talented at 'actuation', the power of making potential into reality, and this camp is a training ground. But when villains attack the lab, taking their teacher and a device of her making - and he and his friend Peter are kidnapped by the 'heroes,' who call themselves the Quantum League, and Ben is soon over his head in trouble. When all he wants is to get back to his mother...
I think this book suffered slightly in my estimation by having the bad luck to be soon after V is for Villain in my pile, since the morally ambiguous heroism, paranormal superhero kids invited many comparisons, and this book suffered slightly - mostly in character development, but a little in plot as well. To be fair though, this is for slightly younger audiences, and I did think that it was well-written and well-conceived. I think that it will be particularly well-received by fans of The Vindico or H.I.V.E. Higher Institute of Villainous Education.
October 12, 2019
I give this book a five out of five because it is a awesome book this is prob my favorite book i have ever read. the best part about the book is its intense fights and amazing story line. one thing i did not like
about this book is the lack of fighting there is like four fights and that is it.the author did an awesome way of writing the book he put so much detail about everything it was amazing. also this book has a very short time line and i hate long books so this made me even more happy to just read 263 pages.this was also a great book because of how the author made your mind think what he wanted to see like the fireballs and lighting and a whole bunch more. this was just an amazing book and i am hopping to read more books by this author. this has a text to world because of things that happen in his life happen to kids all over us but not with all of the fighting and spells and things. and i wish that a lot more kids can find a great life and live an awesome one two. also i wish that the author made more books to the sires because i really wanted to read them.
about this book is the lack of fighting there is like four fights and that is it.the author did an awesome way of writing the book he put so much detail about everything it was amazing. also this book has a very short time line and i hate long books so this made me even more happy to just read 263 pages.this was also a great book because of how the author made your mind think what he wanted to see like the fireballs and lighting and a whole bunch more. this was just an amazing book and i am hopping to read more books by this author. this has a text to world because of things that happen in his life happen to kids all over us but not with all of the fighting and spells and things. and i wish that a lot more kids can find a great life and live an awesome one two. also i wish that the author made more books to the sires because i really wanted to read them.
Read
October 10, 2020A student of mine recommended that I read this book, as it's his favorite book of all time. He gave me a copy to read, so I read it. I never would have read this book otherwise.
That being said, I finished it in 24 hours. I was outraged on Ben and the other children's behalf for being separated from their families without their consent. I'm trying to think of a cause that justifies erasing 12-year-old children from their parents' memories. I am also trying to understand what the point of anyone being to able to actuate is. Like, wouldn't the world be better off if no one had access to this power? I guess in some ways this story is an allegory for how many of the wars and the street level violence that are enacted on a daily basis are fought for principles that are completely imaginary.
The moral of the story? If you have to do bad things to secure a good outcome, you probably aren't one of the good guys.
That being said, I finished it in 24 hours. I was outraged on Ben and the other children's behalf for being separated from their families without their consent. I'm trying to think of a cause that justifies erasing 12-year-old children from their parents' memories. I am also trying to understand what the point of anyone being to able to actuate is. Like, wouldn't the world be better off if no one had access to this power? I guess in some ways this story is an allegory for how many of the wars and the street level violence that are enacted on a daily basis are fought for principles that are completely imaginary.
The moral of the story? If you have to do bad things to secure a good outcome, you probably aren't one of the good guys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2024
Loved this book, just bought it from Goodwill, and was excited to see it came out in 2014, so thought there would be another book out in the series, but there isn't. Hopefully one comes out soon!
February 9, 2017
The book The Quantum League is about this boy named Ben that joins this after school club. And one day the teacher comes late and a gang of quantum physics uses comes and kid nap the teacher a machine that she makes. So Ben and his friend Peter need to save the teacher and the world from war.
This book is real good. I loved it because it kept me from putting the book down. The reason I chose to read this book is because people kept say that it was the best book they have read in a long time. And I have to agree with them it was very good and interesting.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It is a good book for when you want to have some down time or if you just want to have a good read.
This book is real good. I loved it because it kept me from putting the book down. The reason I chose to read this book is because people kept say that it was the best book they have read in a long time. And I have to agree with them it was very good and interesting.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It is a good book for when you want to have some down time or if you just want to have a good read.
June 3, 2014
I got snookered into reading this book by it's awesome cover. The book lacked depth. Characters and plot points lacked description and seemed rushed. The twelve-year-old protagonist acted much older than his years. In other books this wouldn't have bothered me but as it was already lacking many other areas, It seemed a bit ridiculous at times. I was greatly disappointed as The Clockwork Three was a beautifully written book with great descriptions and character development. Will the second book be a greater flop or could the series rebound? I guess we'll have to see.
June 27, 2023
This was a pretty good book, It carries a very real feeling of not knowing what to do, or who to trust, and hiding emotions that I went through as a kid. This story resonated with me in some way, and I'm glad I picked it up. I really do hope you release the next book in this series, I want to see Ben reunited with his mom, and if he can take on not only the league but the dread cloaks by himself or if Sasha and Peter will join him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2019
I like Kirby's books, but I couldn't get into this one. I felt the book jumped right into the mysterious world of powers with no character depth. This could have been interesting way to start but the main character wasn't introduced at all. I didn't know who Ben was nor did I learn to care. I felt I was missing a chapter introducing the character and his personality.
May 29, 2014
This book is a fun and crazy adventure and is a great book for a mind of creativity.
(And I hope they make a sequel!!!)
(And I hope they make a sequel!!!)
May 9, 2018
Where the heck is book two, I need to know what happens?!
May 20, 2021
One of my favorite books :)
September 15, 2024
I read this book when I was like in 5th grade and it was what got me into reading, the fact that this book has never gotten a sequel hurts my soul to my very core
August 3, 2017
My name is Ben. You're an NA, so I won't try to fully explain what it means to be an actuator. I can make things happen with my mind; it's quantum physics, not magic. I've been recruited by the Quantum League, but I'm furious that they've detached me from my mom. She doesn't remember anything about me! Mr. Weathersky says they'll reattach her if I'll complete one mission. The Dread Cloaks have stolen a portable augmenter and have kidnapped Dr. Hughes to perfect it. This machine will become a powerful weapon in the wrong hands, and the leader of the Dread Cloaks is that man. The League says they'll return Ronin's daughter if he'll help me with my mission. I don't know if I can trust this criminal, and I don't know if I can trust the League either. They want me to convince the Dread Cloaks that I'm willing to become a double agent, but I don't know how to do it. Ronin tells me to improvise, so I guess that's what I'll do.
The plot flows pretty well, so it should be easy for most readers to quickly complete the book. There's a lot of double-crossing and lying going on, so expect the unexpected. I really like Ben's skepticism and anger toward the Quantum League. He's not 100% willing to accept that they're the good guys, since they detached him and won't give Ronin his daughter. Would protagonists do that to people? I'm still not sure who's good and bad even after finishing the book. Peter is Ben's best friend at the League, and I expected him to be more involved in the plot. I thought he'd become Ben's sidekick, but he was absent during Ben's mission. The sequel will be interesting, since Ben is a prodigy and has shown unusual abilities. There are five levels of actuation, and no character has been able perform the top two levels. Two characters (three if you count the mystery man) have been able to perform even level three. Actuating a tornado takes uncommon power. Will level four and five be coming in future? Ben makes a huge decision at the end of this book that will have dramatic effects in the next one. I'm still not sure why this book is called Spell Robbers, but I've already reserved the sequel at my local library.
The plot flows pretty well, so it should be easy for most readers to quickly complete the book. There's a lot of double-crossing and lying going on, so expect the unexpected. I really like Ben's skepticism and anger toward the Quantum League. He's not 100% willing to accept that they're the good guys, since they detached him and won't give Ronin his daughter. Would protagonists do that to people? I'm still not sure who's good and bad even after finishing the book. Peter is Ben's best friend at the League, and I expected him to be more involved in the plot. I thought he'd become Ben's sidekick, but he was absent during Ben's mission. The sequel will be interesting, since Ben is a prodigy and has shown unusual abilities. There are five levels of actuation, and no character has been able perform the top two levels. Two characters (three if you count the mystery man) have been able to perform even level three. Actuating a tornado takes uncommon power. Will level four and five be coming in future? Ben makes a huge decision at the end of this book that will have dramatic effects in the next one. I'm still not sure why this book is called Spell Robbers, but I've already reserved the sequel at my local library.
November 1, 2018
Quantum league
Quantum league was one of the best books i have read in awhile. There are five main characters; Ben Warner,Peter,Sacha,Ronin, Agents. Ben Warner was new and was invited to a “science camp”.But what he doesn't know is that he was getting himself into something that he didn't want to get himself into. Ben and Peter were detached, That means that they were erased from existence, but they are still alive, there family doesn't remember them and they don't existed outside if that lab.Ben hated the fact that he could never see his mom ever again,Peter liked it cause his parents expected everything from him.This detachment is permanent.
Ben and Peter learn to be actuators, they are people that can think and concentrate enough that the can make the molecules and the kinetic energy together and make whatever they think they can shot or make appear, and peter is not used to being the not best and is getting frustrated because ben is better than him and hes has been doing this longer. Ben is learning quick compared to peter.They are at the quantum league HQ and they meet their trainer sacha.Ben and his friends have a long way ahead of them with twists and turns all around them.they are trying to defeat the evil accumulators that are using their powers.The genre of this book i fantasy, Action fiction ,Science fiction.
The book quantum leagued is a inly book.I thought that the book was good. It had good characters and a good conclusion and all around a great book.i read the book because i saw the cover and i thought this is a cool book so then i read it. Since Then it has been my favorite book. I read it no one read it to me. The feelings i experienced during reading this book were suspense,happiness and awkwardness.i recommend this book to 7th or 8th grader because they will understand all the science words that are i the book. This book is my favorite for many reasons , and if you read it, it will be yours to.
Quantum league was one of the best books i have read in awhile. There are five main characters; Ben Warner,Peter,Sacha,Ronin, Agents. Ben Warner was new and was invited to a “science camp”.But what he doesn't know is that he was getting himself into something that he didn't want to get himself into. Ben and Peter were detached, That means that they were erased from existence, but they are still alive, there family doesn't remember them and they don't existed outside if that lab.Ben hated the fact that he could never see his mom ever again,Peter liked it cause his parents expected everything from him.This detachment is permanent.
Ben and Peter learn to be actuators, they are people that can think and concentrate enough that the can make the molecules and the kinetic energy together and make whatever they think they can shot or make appear, and peter is not used to being the not best and is getting frustrated because ben is better than him and hes has been doing this longer. Ben is learning quick compared to peter.They are at the quantum league HQ and they meet their trainer sacha.Ben and his friends have a long way ahead of them with twists and turns all around them.they are trying to defeat the evil accumulators that are using their powers.The genre of this book i fantasy, Action fiction ,Science fiction.
The book quantum leagued is a inly book.I thought that the book was good. It had good characters and a good conclusion and all around a great book.i read the book because i saw the cover and i thought this is a cool book so then i read it. Since Then it has been my favorite book. I read it no one read it to me. The feelings i experienced during reading this book were suspense,happiness and awkwardness.i recommend this book to 7th or 8th grader because they will understand all the science words that are i the book. This book is my favorite for many reasons , and if you read it, it will be yours to.
October 20, 2017
I read this aloud with my 9 year old son who has had reading difficulties. We started and stopped several times, and then had to start all over again. This time we stuck it out.
First of all, my son was drawn to this book because some friends were reading it, and also because of the cover (Jason Chan--great artist, we love his picture books!). He brought it home from the school library, and I told him we had a copy, that his older brother had read it several years earlier. And so we began...
My little guy was drawn to the action in the story (who wouldn't be?). From the very beginning, the reader is introduced to children who have special powers (my son was also drawn to this aspect--we've been using his self-made bookmark with ice and fireball actuations drawn on it). The kids confront bullies, have a secret class/club, there is a kidnapping and heist, and more and more and more. My son was very worried about a part where a boy is "detached" from his mother, meaning it's as if he never existed to her. This is not resolved at the novel's conclusion. The book concludes with many questions left unanswered, with the protagonist leaving the group as if going on his own journey (the hero's journey).
However, I read recently that, although the next book in the series has been written, the publisher wasn't continuing it. I have a very disappointed son over here, and we both wish we could have the answers to all the loose ends. Why? Why, why, why?
First of all, my son was drawn to this book because some friends were reading it, and also because of the cover (Jason Chan--great artist, we love his picture books!). He brought it home from the school library, and I told him we had a copy, that his older brother had read it several years earlier. And so we began...
My little guy was drawn to the action in the story (who wouldn't be?). From the very beginning, the reader is introduced to children who have special powers (my son was also drawn to this aspect--we've been using his self-made bookmark with ice and fireball actuations drawn on it). The kids confront bullies, have a secret class/club, there is a kidnapping and heist, and more and more and more. My son was very worried about a part where a boy is "detached" from his mother, meaning it's as if he never existed to her. This is not resolved at the novel's conclusion. The book concludes with many questions left unanswered, with the protagonist leaving the group as if going on his own journey (the hero's journey).
However, I read recently that, although the next book in the series has been written, the publisher wasn't continuing it. I have a very disappointed son over here, and we both wish we could have the answers to all the loose ends. Why? Why, why, why?
February 10, 2019
The book The Quantum League by Matthew J. Kirby was full of action and adventure with unexpected twist keeping the readers attention throughout the entire story. This book is about Ben Warner who is recruited to what he believes is a science camp that is led by a quantum physicist named Dr. Madeleine Hughes. Ben soon realizes that this is no regular camp, but that something is up with this camp. Ben and his friends at the camp soon come to realize that they can change reality just by using their imagination. This book will keep you reading until the very last page, and is a real page turner.
My favorite part of The Quantum League is when Ben learns that he can create anything he wants by moving around atoms to form different creations. Ben realizes that he can harness the weather, and creates rain clouds that can even form lightning. His friends also come along this discovery, and they learn to harness the powers of fire and electricity. This is my favorite part of the book because of the fact that imagination is the key factor in this book, and that isn't found in many books today. This book was a real page turner, and I would absolutely recommend this book to anybody interested in reading it.
My favorite part of The Quantum League is when Ben learns that he can create anything he wants by moving around atoms to form different creations. Ben realizes that he can harness the weather, and creates rain clouds that can even form lightning. His friends also come along this discovery, and they learn to harness the powers of fire and electricity. This is my favorite part of the book because of the fact that imagination is the key factor in this book, and that isn't found in many books today. This book was a real page turner, and I would absolutely recommend this book to anybody interested in reading it.
June 1, 2017
This book deserves to be a 5 star rating because it is an exciting book. The words used in the book are strong. The book is great because it is about a 12 year old boy who finds out he has a special ability to manipulate space named Ben Warner and was recruited to join a "Science Camp" led by the eccentric quantum physicist Dr. Madeleine Hughes, he quickly realizes it's no regular Science Camp. Along with his new friend Peter, Ben discovers the secret, powerful art of actuation, the ability to change reality by simply imagining it differently. When a mysterious group of men invade Dr. Hughes's laboratory, abducting her and stealing her precious equipment. Ben and Peter are suddenly caught up in a turf war between dangerous actuators desperate for Dr. Hughes's innovative technology. And as Ben and Peter are pulled into a perilous, hidden world full of impossibilities now made possible, will their combined powers be enough to save Dr. Hughes. I would recommend this book because it is action packed adventure.
May 9, 2025
Quantum League
The Quantum League follows a trio of campers in a science camp, accidentally discovering the science of Actuation. The reality power that wraps anything into what you imagine. Ben Warner ends up in this science camp directed by Dr. Madeline Hughes, where her laboratory is raided by other Actuation individuals, stealing the machine that allows her to have the ability, and kidnapping her. Ben and Peter, whom he meets at camp, witness the events and set off to save the quantum physicist.
I tried hard remembering this book because I read it in elementary school. It was a book I was obsessed with because of the concept. It was also when I better understood mathematics, or STEM, than English or writing, especially since I struggled with writing and English. This book bridges the gap; it captured my attention due to the science parts, and it being a book helped with the English parts. It also started doing my writing since I loved the book. Although I never really picked up on it. Regardless, it helped me fall in love with reading, when I was always math-favored.
The Quantum League follows a trio of campers in a science camp, accidentally discovering the science of Actuation. The reality power that wraps anything into what you imagine. Ben Warner ends up in this science camp directed by Dr. Madeline Hughes, where her laboratory is raided by other Actuation individuals, stealing the machine that allows her to have the ability, and kidnapping her. Ben and Peter, whom he meets at camp, witness the events and set off to save the quantum physicist.
I tried hard remembering this book because I read it in elementary school. It was a book I was obsessed with because of the concept. It was also when I better understood mathematics, or STEM, than English or writing, especially since I struggled with writing and English. This book bridges the gap; it captured my attention due to the science parts, and it being a book helped with the English parts. It also started doing my writing since I loved the book. Although I never really picked up on it. Regardless, it helped me fall in love with reading, when I was always math-favored.
November 7, 2019
I really liked this book, it took me a while to get through it only because I’m a busy mom and every time I’d pick up this book to read it I’d have a hard time putting it down, so I just wouldn’t pick it up unless I had a lot of time. This was a little different than what I usually read, and I thought it was really well written. The main character had me questioning everything, and I didn’t trust any of the adults by about halfway through the book, so I kept telling the kids not to listen to the adults, and to be careful. Truthfully I also found some things a bit confusing. The worst part of the book is the end, because it leaves things very unsettled, and the book came out over 4 years ago, and I can’t find any information about a second book. So unless a second one is coming out soon I wouldn’t recommend this book only because it leaves you on a cliffhanger, and that kinda sucks! Other than that the book was full of action, and mystery, and I liked it!
July 19, 2017
I really liked the premise of the book, which is basically quantum entanglement and how it could be manipulated. Some of the characters are really well thought-out, and make the story so much more enjoyable.
But there are problems with it. For a kid that's supposed to only be about 12 years old, our protagonist reaches a lot of conclusions that many older adults would struggle with. So, it seems to be a little unrealistic in that department.
Still, the intrigue, the "magic," and the characters make this a decent read. Yet... who are you supposed to trust in this story? Both sides lie with ease, and how is our hero supposed to get his mother back? And what's her story with the meds?
Hopefully the other books answer those questions.
But there are problems with it. For a kid that's supposed to only be about 12 years old, our protagonist reaches a lot of conclusions that many older adults would struggle with. So, it seems to be a little unrealistic in that department.
Still, the intrigue, the "magic," and the characters make this a decent read. Yet... who are you supposed to trust in this story? Both sides lie with ease, and how is our hero supposed to get his mother back? And what's her story with the meds?
Hopefully the other books answer those questions.
November 14, 2024
I pains me that I DNFed this one. I really love this author, I read a number of his other books, but this one just did not work for me.
Set in our world, except magic (through quantum mechanics) exists. Seems like a great idea, but the problem is we learned nothing about the characters. By 14% into the book this is what I knew about Ben, the 12 year old main character:
- He has a mother.
- His mother has some guy who is interested in her, but she doesn't return his feelings.
- Ben is smart? I think?
The characters could have all been cardboard cutouts for all I knew about them, so sadly DNFed the book.
Set in our world, except magic (through quantum mechanics) exists. Seems like a great idea, but the problem is we learned nothing about the characters. By 14% into the book this is what I knew about Ben, the 12 year old main character:
- He has a mother.
- His mother has some guy who is interested in her, but she doesn't return his feelings.
- Ben is smart? I think?
The characters could have all been cardboard cutouts for all I knew about them, so sadly DNFed the book.
June 6, 2021
One of the earliest science fiction books I read during elementary, it taught me some of the basic understandings of quantum physics. I thought that it was some of the coolest stuff when I was a lot younger. I am still impressed that this book kept my attention since I don't think a lot of books did when I was younger, especially if the subject had to do anything with science. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a basic understanding of quantum physics or just an ms students who interested in this kind of subject.
January 25, 2019
I listened to this book knowing that book 2 was never published. I was very disturbed about a 12 year old that was detached from his mother. Getting rid of parents for a story line is very common, but this is very unethical and not something most kids should think about. Even if he would be able to get “adopted” by his mother, there would never be any of their old life together Author wrote himself into a conundrum.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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