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Shadow Children #4
Among the Barons
As a third child in a society that allows only two children pre family, Luke was in hiding for the first twelve years of his life. Then he as given the freedom of an identity card of a Baron and was sent to a boarding school. But now, just when things are finally starting to go right. The real Baron's brother arrives at school and he finds himself caught in a web of lies.......
182 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2003
512 people are currently reading
7727 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Peterson Haddix
129 books6,337 followersMargaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.
She has since written more than 25 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey; Leaving Fishers; Just Ella; Turnabout; Takeoffs and Landings; The Girl with 500 Middle Names; Because of Anya; Escape from Memory; Say What?; The House on the Gulf; Double Identity; Dexter the Tough; Uprising; Palace of Mirrors; Claim to Fame; the Shadow Children series; and the Missing series. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and more than a dozen state reader’s choice awards.
Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio, with their two children.
She has since written more than 25 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey; Leaving Fishers; Just Ella; Turnabout; Takeoffs and Landings; The Girl with 500 Middle Names; Because of Anya; Escape from Memory; Say What?; The House on the Gulf; Double Identity; Dexter the Tough; Uprising; Palace of Mirrors; Claim to Fame; the Shadow Children series; and the Missing series. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and more than a dozen state reader’s choice awards.
Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio, with their two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 922 reviews
November 30, 2023
“Mother, remember how you always wanted to have four boys?”
AMONG THE BARONS posits a famine-stricken, dystopian, totalitarian world governed by strict population control laws which condemn a third child to death merely by virtue of its existence. To exist and hide with a false name and false identification renders the offense an aggravated crime punishable by death by torture at the government's choice. Book four in the SHADOW CHILDREN multi-novel sequence, AMONG THE BARONS brings readers up to date on Luke Garner’s story.
For the time being at least, Luke is granted the chance to draw a breath in relative calm and safety using the ID information and alias of a deceased Lee Grant at Hendricks School for Boys, a small private school whose headmaster seems able to keep the school and the boys off the Population Police radar. But the proverbial brown stuff hits the fan when Lee’s real little brother, Smits, arrives at the school, throwing around lies, wealth and privilege like snowflakes in a veritable blizzard. The lies, which grow more complicated and entangled with every passing day, make Luke abundantly aware that Smits knows he is not Lee. But Luke has no idea who to trust about what and whose side Smits and his bodyguard Oscar are on.
AMONG THE BARONS is the story of the search for courage to stand up to a totalitarian government; the coming of age realization that there are false people in the world who would claim friendship but offer betrayal for their own venal purposes; the realization that, from time to time, life offers only choices which represent variations on ugly outcomes; that maturity and growing sometimes means choosing and accepting the least of all possible evils. It is worth pointing out to potential young readers that AMONG THE BARONS also explores the pitfalls of society’s allowing greed, wealth, power and privilege to deteriorate into a force driving the development and implementation of right wing authoritarian autocracies whose sole motivation is the retention of that privilege for an elite patriarchy. Nothing else, NOTHING else, including even blood ties and family, seem to be able to “trump” the demands of that wealth and power (word play most definitely intended).
Four down, three to go. Eagerly onward to AMONG THE BRAVE. Thanks to Margaret Peterson Haddix for an enjoyable, diverting and compelling young adult series.
Paul Weiss
AMONG THE BARONS posits a famine-stricken, dystopian, totalitarian world governed by strict population control laws which condemn a third child to death merely by virtue of its existence. To exist and hide with a false name and false identification renders the offense an aggravated crime punishable by death by torture at the government's choice. Book four in the SHADOW CHILDREN multi-novel sequence, AMONG THE BARONS brings readers up to date on Luke Garner’s story.
For the time being at least, Luke is granted the chance to draw a breath in relative calm and safety using the ID information and alias of a deceased Lee Grant at Hendricks School for Boys, a small private school whose headmaster seems able to keep the school and the boys off the Population Police radar. But the proverbial brown stuff hits the fan when Lee’s real little brother, Smits, arrives at the school, throwing around lies, wealth and privilege like snowflakes in a veritable blizzard. The lies, which grow more complicated and entangled with every passing day, make Luke abundantly aware that Smits knows he is not Lee. But Luke has no idea who to trust about what and whose side Smits and his bodyguard Oscar are on.
AMONG THE BARONS is the story of the search for courage to stand up to a totalitarian government; the coming of age realization that there are false people in the world who would claim friendship but offer betrayal for their own venal purposes; the realization that, from time to time, life offers only choices which represent variations on ugly outcomes; that maturity and growing sometimes means choosing and accepting the least of all possible evils. It is worth pointing out to potential young readers that AMONG THE BARONS also explores the pitfalls of society’s allowing greed, wealth, power and privilege to deteriorate into a force driving the development and implementation of right wing authoritarian autocracies whose sole motivation is the retention of that privilege for an elite patriarchy. Nothing else, NOTHING else, including even blood ties and family, seem to be able to “trump” the demands of that wealth and power (word play most definitely intended).
Four down, three to go. Eagerly onward to AMONG THE BRAVE. Thanks to Margaret Peterson Haddix for an enjoyable, diverting and compelling young adult series.
Paul Weiss
December 20, 2013
I think I'm done with this series.
A lot of the characters actions didn't make any sense. I know this is supposed to be a kids book, but come on.
I found the Grants particularly stupid. They tell Luke their plan to have him fake his death so they can mourn publicly, then tell him he'll have to go back into hiding after. Why not just lie and say that they'd get him a new ID afterwards so there's a higher chance that he will go along with the plan???
There's been an assassination attempt on the president? Let's let a small child kick us out of the house where it happened so we can't investigate the cause.
Your parents got crushed by a giant chandelier? Okay, let's just let the servants clean up the bodies of their employers with no police involvement.
How did Oscar even know Lee was dead? Wouldn't that be an important detail to know that he wasn't just working for the Grants? Also wtf at Oscar calling Luke names and trying to bully him into helping him at one point. He seems really dumb and childish yet is supposedly orchestrating this secret blackmailing and tricking every other character simultaneously.
Also, the kids trusted a random faceless chauffeur of the Grants to take them to the home of a double agent.
Those among many other things really made the book cartoonish and bizarre in my eyes. Particularly in contrast to the first book in the series which was interesting and plausible. I think among the hidden would have been better without the rest of this awkward series.
A lot of the characters actions didn't make any sense. I know this is supposed to be a kids book, but come on.
I found the Grants particularly stupid. They tell Luke their plan to have him fake his death so they can mourn publicly, then tell him he'll have to go back into hiding after. Why not just lie and say that they'd get him a new ID afterwards so there's a higher chance that he will go along with the plan???
There's been an assassination attempt on the president? Let's let a small child kick us out of the house where it happened so we can't investigate the cause.
Your parents got crushed by a giant chandelier? Okay, let's just let the servants clean up the bodies of their employers with no police involvement.
How did Oscar even know Lee was dead? Wouldn't that be an important detail to know that he wasn't just working for the Grants? Also wtf at Oscar calling Luke names and trying to bully him into helping him at one point. He seems really dumb and childish yet is supposedly orchestrating this secret blackmailing and tricking every other character simultaneously.
Also, the kids trusted a random faceless chauffeur of the Grants to take them to the home of a double agent.
Those among many other things really made the book cartoonish and bizarre in my eyes. Particularly in contrast to the first book in the series which was interesting and plausible. I think among the hidden would have been better without the rest of this awkward series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2016
Personal Response
I think that this book is great. The plot in this book has a lot of action to it. I also think that the characters in this book are very easy to have personal connections to. The author describes the characters in a way that makes them feel like real people.
Plot
Luke loves living at Hendrick's School for Boys. The fake identity of Lee Grant has gotten him the most freedom he has ever had. Mr. Hendricks asks Luke to look after a new student to the school. The new student, Smits Grant, is the younger brother of the deceased Lee Grant. Smits is a very cold and unusual boy who acts older than he really is. A fire erupts during the night and the whole school is evacuated. The faculty believes that Smits started the fire, and they send Lee and Smits to the Grant Mansion. The Grants are very cold towards Smits when he comes home. They also act as though Luke is the real Lee. The Grants later inform Luke that their son is dead because he was doing things against the government. They also tell Luke that they plan to fake Luke's death in order to openly announce the death of their real son. The plan would also force him back into hiding. Oscar, the Grant's bodyguard, informs Luke that he once worked with Lee. Oscar has a plan to overthrow the government and wants Luke's involvement. The Grants have a huge party and the president is one of the guests. At the end of the party Oscar drops a chandelier in an attempt to kill the president. The chandelier misses the president and ends up killing the Grants. Smits and Luke survive and they escape to Luke's real parents house.
Characterization
Luke is a very adventurous and fun loving boy. He is very independent and a natural leader at Hendrick's school. He takes an interest in Smits and becomes a new brother to him. He learns that the plot to overthrow the government is a lot bigger than him but it doesn't stop his determination to be a part in it.
Impact of Setting
The setting in the school is very important in learning who Luke is. Luke is a natural leader in the school and you can see that by how the boys react towards what he says. The school also creates a feeling of safety for Luke and all the other third boys like him. The mansion sets a very cold and intimidating mood in the book. The huge mansion makes any sign of emotion feel small and insignificant to the characters and it adds an aspect of secrets to the book. The book's setting adds the feeling of suspense that Luke may get arrested for who he truly is. This suspense causes the reader to get more into the book. The school is where Luke's journey as Lee Grant first begins. The mansion is where Luke's journey as Lee Grant ends, and his journey as himself begins. The time setting of the book seems relative to the present based on the technology that is available to the characters. A relative time setting to the present shows what the consequences could be if the population were to be regulated in our world.
Thematic Connection
I think that the theme throughout the book is things aren't always what they seem to be. Luke sees his new identity as a safety card but it ends up bringing him more troubles than he ever had. The life of Lee Grant is filled with a lot of mystery and danger that ends up finding Luke. The life in the mansion as Lee Grant gives Luke lots of conflict and he almost dies because of it.
Rating/Recommendation
This book has a great story to it which is why it earns all five stars. The plot has a great amount of detail to it and I would highly suggest it to anyone who likes the series. I also suggest that anyone who likes books with a deep and well thought out story line should read it. This book is great for both genders and I would recommend it from late middle school and up.
I think that this book is great. The plot in this book has a lot of action to it. I also think that the characters in this book are very easy to have personal connections to. The author describes the characters in a way that makes them feel like real people.
Plot
Luke loves living at Hendrick's School for Boys. The fake identity of Lee Grant has gotten him the most freedom he has ever had. Mr. Hendricks asks Luke to look after a new student to the school. The new student, Smits Grant, is the younger brother of the deceased Lee Grant. Smits is a very cold and unusual boy who acts older than he really is. A fire erupts during the night and the whole school is evacuated. The faculty believes that Smits started the fire, and they send Lee and Smits to the Grant Mansion. The Grants are very cold towards Smits when he comes home. They also act as though Luke is the real Lee. The Grants later inform Luke that their son is dead because he was doing things against the government. They also tell Luke that they plan to fake Luke's death in order to openly announce the death of their real son. The plan would also force him back into hiding. Oscar, the Grant's bodyguard, informs Luke that he once worked with Lee. Oscar has a plan to overthrow the government and wants Luke's involvement. The Grants have a huge party and the president is one of the guests. At the end of the party Oscar drops a chandelier in an attempt to kill the president. The chandelier misses the president and ends up killing the Grants. Smits and Luke survive and they escape to Luke's real parents house.
Characterization
Luke is a very adventurous and fun loving boy. He is very independent and a natural leader at Hendrick's school. He takes an interest in Smits and becomes a new brother to him. He learns that the plot to overthrow the government is a lot bigger than him but it doesn't stop his determination to be a part in it.
Impact of Setting
The setting in the school is very important in learning who Luke is. Luke is a natural leader in the school and you can see that by how the boys react towards what he says. The school also creates a feeling of safety for Luke and all the other third boys like him. The mansion sets a very cold and intimidating mood in the book. The huge mansion makes any sign of emotion feel small and insignificant to the characters and it adds an aspect of secrets to the book. The book's setting adds the feeling of suspense that Luke may get arrested for who he truly is. This suspense causes the reader to get more into the book. The school is where Luke's journey as Lee Grant first begins. The mansion is where Luke's journey as Lee Grant ends, and his journey as himself begins. The time setting of the book seems relative to the present based on the technology that is available to the characters. A relative time setting to the present shows what the consequences could be if the population were to be regulated in our world.
Thematic Connection
I think that the theme throughout the book is things aren't always what they seem to be. Luke sees his new identity as a safety card but it ends up bringing him more troubles than he ever had. The life of Lee Grant is filled with a lot of mystery and danger that ends up finding Luke. The life in the mansion as Lee Grant gives Luke lots of conflict and he almost dies because of it.
Rating/Recommendation
This book has a great story to it which is why it earns all five stars. The plot has a great amount of detail to it and I would highly suggest it to anyone who likes the series. I also suggest that anyone who likes books with a deep and well thought out story line should read it. This book is great for both genders and I would recommend it from late middle school and up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2016
I liked this installment (plot) better than the last one. Luke Garner is pretending to be Lee Grant at a school filled with hidden third children when Lee's younger brother Smits shows up at the school. The Grants are a powerful (Baron) family, but Luke feels pity for Smits and his grief. Luke is quickly caught up in a plot to determine why Lee was killed, with a number of competing interests with vastly different agendas.
April 8, 2025
For school
April 28, 2021
Man. What a book! Smits was definitely an interesting twist to the book. I am still not entirely sure what to think about this book series. I know it is going somewhere, but it feels like it is taking a while. The books themselves are really good though. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
December 27, 2021
these kids are still hidden
December 15, 2023
This series gets better and better. Looking forward to next book
April 13, 2019
A few things didn't make sense to me. What was really going on with Oscar? He almost killed Luke with the chandelier but said they held off so they wouldn't hit him. They didn't hold off and Luke was almost killed. Why was Smits no longer a Grant after his parents were killed? Why would Smits have to stay with Luke's family when he was an heir of the Grants? Why was Luke not able to stay with his own family? I feel as though Smits and Lee would have inherited the Grant fortune and just lived on it as the Grants. Because they're underage they'd have to stay with relatives or whatever the case with this new world but picking and choosing random families and ID's didn't make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
The least convincing and interesting of an otherwise strong series. Vapid wealthy, odd Damocles light fixture.
June 27, 2024
Oscar was very confusing. I like suspense, but I think it could have been worked a little better for the story.
May 3, 2025
“Government spokesmen report record harvests this year,” the announcer said. Luke remembered the empty fields he’d seen going from school to the Grants’ house, from the Grants’ house to home. He remembered all the lies he’d witnessed since leaving home in the first place. Even if the news announcer’s voice was the same as ever, Luke couldn’t listen unquestioningly, the way he once had. He wondered suddenly if anything the Government told the people was true.'
Also this quote was like a knife in the gut. Reminds me of a certain UHC CEO situation. Because the unaliving of a private citizen definitely warrants a prison transfer befitting a criminal mastermind and the death penalty...
“So then Barons moved farther and farther out from the big cities,” Oscar said. “They all got security fences, security guards. They went crying to the Government, ‘Boo-hoo-hoo. Those vandals are out of control.’ And the Government listened to them. They passed new laws—did you know that it’s a bigger crime to destroy a Baron’s property than to kill an ordinary person? It’s true.” Oscar lowered his voice, as if confiding a great secret in Luke. “And meanwhile, ordinary people are starving in the streets. . . .”
This series is gutting me, far too relevant currently.
Also this quote was like a knife in the gut. Reminds me of a certain UHC CEO situation. Because the unaliving of a private citizen definitely warrants a prison transfer befitting a criminal mastermind and the death penalty...
“So then Barons moved farther and farther out from the big cities,” Oscar said. “They all got security fences, security guards. They went crying to the Government, ‘Boo-hoo-hoo. Those vandals are out of control.’ And the Government listened to them. They passed new laws—did you know that it’s a bigger crime to destroy a Baron’s property than to kill an ordinary person? It’s true.” Oscar lowered his voice, as if confiding a great secret in Luke. “And meanwhile, ordinary people are starving in the streets. . . .”
This series is gutting me, far too relevant currently.
June 30, 2013
This is one of the best series for upper elementary aged kids. Each book in the series is full of suspense that causes the kids not to be able to put the book down. You would really want to start with book 1 and read them in order as so much builds upon each other. Margaret Peterson Haddix is excellent at presenting topics and situations that really get kids thinking. Her books are well written and provide an excellent springboard for classroom or small group discussions not just about the book but the subject matter. With this book as with the whole series, the topic was population control. This book also deals once again with trust. Luke has been living under the identity of Lee and attends school. His fake 'brother', Smits now joins him. Smits is totally opposite of Luke and Luke is unsure of Smits ability to keep quiet. The danger of being found out is still very much there for Luke. To me this (along with her other books) is a must have book for all classroom libraries.
January 25, 2009
well when you are a third child in this time you either have to be in hidding or the population police will get you and either kill or torture you!! well luckly for luke he gets an fake id imposing as Lee Grant so he can stay safe in the hendricks school for boys, but is he really safe or is things going to get worse, like Lee's brother coming to the school all of sudden. after lee suppose to be dead and smits seeing lee, would it make him tell the population police and make lukes life rough, or is there something that the Lee Grant family is hidding? find out by reading the book Among the barons to find out and just don't do read this book but read the first 3 they are better. you will be on you toes trying find whats happens in each book!!!
May 17, 2016
Among the Barons by Margaret Peterson is an outstanding novel and a great fourth installment to the Shadow Children book series. Out of all the books in this series that I have read before, this one is probably my second favorite, right behind Among the Betrayed, which is the third book. Just like all of the other books in this series, there a plenty of twists and turns that make you rethink many of the things you read. In this installment, the point of view goes back to Luke, but Nina is in the story a little bit. As for Alia, Percy, and Matthais, they aren't in this book, but they are mentioned a little bit. This book series is starting to become one of my favorites yet and I definitely recommend this book to readers who love suspense and mystery.
September 30, 2024
I freaking love this series and this book. I forgot how good this one is. I love the brotherhood and the classic Haddix page-turning plot. I love the honor and justice in choosing to preserve life and fight for what's right. IT'S SO GOOD!
July 22, 2012
The plot thickens in this 4th of the Shadow Children series.
May 17, 2022
Heh meh
October 28, 2017
As Luke continues living at Hendricks School for Boys using his fake identity, Lee Grant, he has become a leader of sorts, helping the other 3rd children acclimate to life without hiding. But when his younger ‘brother’, Smits arrives to live at Hendricks, his secretive identity may be in jeopardy. Why have the Grants sent him to be with Luke after his real older brother died a tragic death?
Smits shows up in a huge limo, with a surly attitude, and a sledge-hammer wielding bodyguard. As tensions grow between Smits and Luke, more secrets come out about the barons and Lee’s death. Yet, when the Grants ask that both sons come home for a visit, Luke’s hackles are raised and his intuition tells him there is much more to the story and more more at stake. He’s right.
Among the Barons pits Luke against those that oppose his life up close and personal. He navigates their home life, parties, and political affiliates with careful scrutiny. Danger is lurking. Will Luke have the wherewithal to survive this glitzy facade? Another thrilling entry into the Shadow Children series.
Smits shows up in a huge limo, with a surly attitude, and a sledge-hammer wielding bodyguard. As tensions grow between Smits and Luke, more secrets come out about the barons and Lee’s death. Yet, when the Grants ask that both sons come home for a visit, Luke’s hackles are raised and his intuition tells him there is much more to the story and more more at stake. He’s right.
Among the Barons pits Luke against those that oppose his life up close and personal. He navigates their home life, parties, and political affiliates with careful scrutiny. Danger is lurking. Will Luke have the wherewithal to survive this glitzy facade? Another thrilling entry into the Shadow Children series.
March 14, 2023
Die Idee hinter der Buchreihe fasziniert mich immer noch sehr.
Man muss bedenken, dass ich vielleicht auch die falsche Altersklasse für das Buch bin, aber auch als ich den ersten Teil vor einigen Jahren gelesen habe, war ich enttäuscht, dass sich der Anfang stellenweise in allen teilen bis jetzt etwas zieht und dann innerhalb der letzen Seiten immer alles viel zu schnell abläuft.
Die ganze Geschichte wäre wirklich schön auszubauen, was aber nicht passiert.
Es gibt zu dem einige Logiklücken. Das Buch spielt in einer Welt, in der man kaum jemandem vertrauen kann, dennoch wird immer recht schnell deutlich, wem man vertrauen kann und wem nicht.
Die Auflösung am Ende war für mich einerseits sehr überraschend und somit auch gelungen, aber viel zu kurz.
Dennoch muss ich sagen, dass ich die Reihe auf jeden Fall beenden möchte.
Man muss bedenken, dass ich vielleicht auch die falsche Altersklasse für das Buch bin, aber auch als ich den ersten Teil vor einigen Jahren gelesen habe, war ich enttäuscht, dass sich der Anfang stellenweise in allen teilen bis jetzt etwas zieht und dann innerhalb der letzen Seiten immer alles viel zu schnell abläuft.
Die ganze Geschichte wäre wirklich schön auszubauen, was aber nicht passiert.
Es gibt zu dem einige Logiklücken. Das Buch spielt in einer Welt, in der man kaum jemandem vertrauen kann, dennoch wird immer recht schnell deutlich, wem man vertrauen kann und wem nicht.
Die Auflösung am Ende war für mich einerseits sehr überraschend und somit auch gelungen, aber viel zu kurz.
Dennoch muss ich sagen, dass ich die Reihe auf jeden Fall beenden möchte.
April 23, 2020
Among the Barons by Margaret Peterson Haddix was the fourth installment of the Shadow Children Series, and follows Luke (Lee) as he has to keep up his complicated lie of a life. He has been living with his fake I.D. for about four months now, and things seem to be perfect... until Lee's (and therefore, his) brother comes to Hendricks School. Lee now has to figure out if his "brother" has ulterior motives for being there, and Luke really begins to question what his life his worth, and what the lives of other's are worth as well. Another good addition to the saga, and I look forward to the rest!
April 2, 2018
Among the Barons by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the fourth book in the shadow children series, is a solid book. In my opinion, this is my least favorite book in the series so far. Mainly because the plot doesn't seem to be fully developed. There are definitely more questions raised than questions answered, and sometimes, details in the plot contradict each other, which were a bit confusing. However, aside from the inconsistencies in the plot, the book is good. It definitely is not a bad book, but it could use some improvement. Overall, this book is four out of five stars.
April 2, 2023
Alright, this time I’m confident that this was the last book I’d read in this series when I was younger. I was happy to jump back to Luke as the main character and found it so fun being able to further explore both the Grant family dynamic/home and the political unrest within the world.
The mystery of who was lying and who Luke could really trust kept me going until the very end, and it was so interesting to see Luke’s perspective as an older brother settle in. I’d be willing to protect Smits at all costs, that’s how well this was written. Which says a lot as the main characters are so young and that usually makes them difficult for me to relate to.
The mystery of who was lying and who Luke could really trust kept me going until the very end, and it was so interesting to see Luke’s perspective as an older brother settle in. I’d be willing to protect Smits at all costs, that’s how well this was written. Which says a lot as the main characters are so young and that usually makes them difficult for me to relate to.
May 30, 2024
This was SO GOOD.
I'm so invested in this story that no matter what turn it takes I eat it up.
I just want to pick Smits up and let him sit with me while I tell him everything is going to be alright. Luke's mom brushing by Smits' handshake and giving him a hug at the end of the book was so needed. What a rich little baby boy whose parents didn't love him; he's so brushed with melancholy.
Getting to see Luke and Smits back at Luke's family farm was heartwarming.
I'm so invested in this story that no matter what turn it takes I eat it up.
I just want to pick Smits up and let him sit with me while I tell him everything is going to be alright. Luke's mom brushing by Smits' handshake and giving him a hug at the end of the book was so needed. What a rich little baby boy whose parents didn't love him; he's so brushed with melancholy.
Getting to see Luke and Smits back at Luke's family farm was heartwarming.
June 17, 2021
I much prefer this story told from Luke’s point of view over Nina’s. When they were at Hendricks school I was engaged and interested but they leave partway through the story and then things got a little muddy and far-fetched. It’s not enough to stop me from reading the rest. I absolutely want to know what happens to Luke.
November 7, 2021
This series continues to impress me, as each book introduces a whole new aspect while the initial story of Luke Garner is ongoing. This time we get to see inside the world of the Barons and try to untangle lots of puzzling duplicity. Like the others in the series, a pretty quick read for accomplished young readers, but engaging for all, including those still learning to love reading. :)
April 25, 2025
This is a solid addition to the series. I felt like it kept the intensity of the previous books. A lot of plot points didn't really make any sense but this is simplifying political topics for kids, so it can't get into the nitty gritty. Not sure where Haddix will go from here, but I plan to keep reading.
May 6, 2018
Until now, this has seemed to me the best book of the series so far.
A lot os twists in the intricate plot, excellent characters, and a great adventure for Luke and Smits, his new found "brother" - not to mention Oscar, Smits body guard/spy/protector/doomer...
A quick, breathtaking action until the very last page, but with some tender moments in between...
Worth reading!
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 6th May 2018.
A lot os twists in the intricate plot, excellent characters, and a great adventure for Luke and Smits, his new found "brother" - not to mention Oscar, Smits body guard/spy/protector/doomer...
A quick, breathtaking action until the very last page, but with some tender moments in between...
Worth reading!
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 6th May 2018.
May 10, 2020
Definitely my favorite so far in the series! Smits just wants to grieve properly and feel loved and noticed. The ending made me cryyyyy! Ugh, loved this one so much! “Watch out for chandeliers...”
April 14, 2021
This is my favorite of the series so far, I love the complicated plots and the fact you can never trust anyone. Seeing the characters grow is so cool
Displaying 1 - 30 of 922 reviews