The World's Greatest Adventure Machine

by Frank L. Cole

An adventure novel about four lucky kids and a mysterious, but thrilling ride for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Jurassic Park!

CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World's Greatest Adventure Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the chance to be the first to ride it.
There's Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school again. There's Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika's wealthy grandfather isn't too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he'll be the first to tell you, is a certified genius.
The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own.
Join the contestants on their wild ride if you dare. Your adventure starts now!

Genres: Middle Grade, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 8, 2017

About the author

Frank L. Cole has lived in such exotic places as the Philippines and Kentucky, and currently lives with his wife and three children out west. While he strived for years to earn his publishing credits, Frank considers sharing his message of “Exercising Your Imagination” to over 100,000 kids across the country as his greatest accomplishment. Frank has been published with Cedar Fort Books, Delacorte Press, and Shadow Mountain Publishing. The Legend of the Last Library is Frank's 15th published book. You can learn more about his writing at frankcolewrites.com

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I re-read this one with my kids and they really, really enjoyed it! Still some unanswered questions, so I hope there's another one in the works, but still a great middle-grade adventure.**

This is definitely a roller coaster ride that is sure to entertain any middle grade reader! It does have a slight feel of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," as four kids are chosen through a contest to be the first to ride this ride. We have the trouble maker, the one eager to please, the annoying know-it-all, and the richie rich girl. As these kids come together, work together, and really get to know one another, they find that there's more to each of them than meets the eye and they have more in common than they realize. I love that they learn that first impressions and appearances can be wrong and that working together is key in most situations.

The adventure and danger elements are very intriguing, especially when I really couldn't tell what was up and what was down, what was real and what wasn't. Those things alone kept my interest and kept me flipping the pages until the book was finished. Since it is a middle grade book though, there are some things that didn't get too deep or fully develop like I wish they would have.

All in all, these are great, unique characters embarking on an entertaining adventure that isn't like any other. I'm passing this one on to my kids because I think they'll really enjoy it.

Content: mild violence/danger/moments of peril.

*I received a copy to review, which didn't influence my opinion in any way. All thoughts are my own.*

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The World's Greatest Adventure Machine is another hit for Frank Cole! This book has it all. Adventure (which is a given from the title!), humor, heart, and lots of fun. All of the characters were fabulous. Each was unique in their own way, which is very important later. I adored them all. Cameron would say the funniest things. He was my favorite. Devin was great too. Nika kept to herself and was very cautious (for good reason, which is revealed later). Trevor, wow I wish I was that brave. This book is very funny and clever. I love books about kids who are smart and work out their problems. All while having fun too. The plot is exciting and there are lots of twists and turns to add to the adventure.

5 out of 5 stars. Frank can always be counted on a for a fun, enjoyable book.

Received an ARC from the author, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four kids out of millions just won the opportunity to be the first passengers on the thrill ride of the future: a high-tech roller coaster that taps into their minds to incorporate what they're scared of into a shared experience. Is it all done with high-definition special effects? Or are the monsters, meteors, volcanos and villains as real as they look, sound, smell and even feel? That's the question facing Trevor, Nika, Cameron and Devin when they find themselves on a ride that has spun dangerously out of control.

They're certainly a special group of kids. They couldn't have been picked better for the task – which is one thing that raises their suspicions. Maybe they weren't brought together at random. Maybe there's a reason the Castleton brothers of Beyond, California picked Devin, who has flashes of insight into the future but isn't sure he wants to be a social media superstar; Cameron, a hyperactive genius who sometimes has to take his clothes off and write math equations on the wall; Nika, whose insensitivity to pain is only half of the reason her rich, Russian grandfather is so protective of her; and Trevor, who has a short circuit in his brain that makes him incapable of feeling fear, and who is therefore getting into constant danger and trouble. As the kids make their way through an apparently malfunctioning ride, pursued by terrifying creatures seemingly grown in a lab just to chase them, they receive disturbing messages from someone within the company that lead them to suspect that they've been brought together for a purpose, and it isn't about mass entertainment.

The question becomes: Whom can they trust? But the Adventure Machine is cleverly designed to call even their sensory experiences into doubt. So the answer comes down to "nobody but each other" as the kids survive thrills, chills and spills that beggar belief – from being chased by a meat cleaver-wielding maniac to swinging over a pit on live electric wires. Their adventure will leave them, and you, questioning what is and isn't real, and its fast-paced, life-or-death excitement will create a bond of friendship between misfits and strangers that will warm the reader's heart. They're fun characters to share the ultimate adventure with, and the blend of high-tech fantasy, paranoia, horror and kid-friendly fun makes the whole book an impressive experience.

Frank L. Cole is also the author of The Afterlife Academy, four "Hasbrown Winters" adventures, three "Guardians" novels and three "Potion Masters" novels, all apparently written for kids. His latest book, scheduled for release in August 2021, is The Die of Destiny, purported to be the first installment of a series called "Champion's Quest."

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a book full of interesting twists and turns (literally and figuratively), the four main characters are in for the ride of their lives. Each of the four kids, Trevor, Cameron, Devin, and Nika have been chosen in a contest to be the first to ride the World's Greatest Adventure Machine! And all four are thrilled with the opportunity. But were they really chosen randomly? As they learn more about each other and the Castleton brothers, who are behind the ride, they start to wonder if there is more going on then they were told. Each of the four kids also has something that makes him or her unique. What are the odds that they would have been chosen for a ride that seems to have gone so horribly wrong?

I can safely say that I've never read a book like this one. It's full of adventure, humor, and loads of fun. And the Adventure Machine. I really wished that it was real. A ride like that would be awesome in the real world, as long as it didn't go horribly wrong of course ;) I especially enjoyed the way the kids' strengths complimented each other in rather unusual ways. This is not the typical story of friendship built through adversity, although that does come into the story. Truly this is a delightful story full of heart, humor, and imagination.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hit! I read this aloud to my son and he loved staring at the cover while I was reading. From the very first pages, he was hooked, especially because he said that Trevor sounded a lot like Dan Cahill from the 39 Clues series. We loved the mystery in this book, the way each character was introduced with something mysterious, the way that the Castleton's seemed to have a lot of secrets, and the incredible twists and turns of the Adventure Machine! There's an excellent mix of everything we love in this book--surprise, suspense, humor, wit, action, adventure...it's just awesome on every level. Frank Cole is a master at building suspense and action and sprinkling humor in with the story. We thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and now my son is looking up more to read--can't wait!

[Katy O. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Delacorte Press for the review copy of this novel - I will be donating it to my school library.

I actually have two ratings for this one - 3 stars for my own preference and 4 stars as a school librarian. I would definitely agree with this being a cross between Jurassic Park, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library ~ all stories that I know middle grade readers enjoy. It's not a genre that I typically read, but I do always try to read widely in kid lit so I can recommend to students. One element of the story that I really enjoyed was the aspect of all of the main characters have a trait that made them "other", as well as the storyline involving them practicing self-advocacy with their parents/guardians. I will be placing this fast-paced adventure story in my middle school library and chatting to students who read it to get their reactions!

[michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars - would probably have been higher, this just isn't typically what I gravitate towards

The World's Greatest Adventure Machine was a fun, quick read. I could absolutely see this being a book for kids who want a fast paced, exciting adventure.

The notion that The World’s Greatest Adventure Machine is a cross between Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Jurassic Park is pretty spot on. The contest is obviously rigged and then the ride seems to have a mind of its own. There are times when you truly question the safety of the 4 contestants. The characters play off of each other very well as they each try to keep their quirks quiet. Well, everyone but Cameron.

The book is a bit of a roller coaster ride with unexpected twists and turns. All fans of mysteries, adventures, and fun characters will enjoy this book.

** Disclaimer – I did receive a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. All opinions are completely my own.

[Chantele Sedgwick]

This book was so much fun! There was a great mystery, fun twists and very interesting characters. My 12 year old loved it too.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank L. Cole has written a wonderful adventure story that kids will have a delightful time reading. The story is about a group of kids that become friends and their adventures. This story is humorous, filled with friendship and lots of fun. There are several main characters of the story and it’s great to see the perspective of each. This story has a bit of a feel similar to that of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as at the end leaves readers with several unanswered questions. Overall this is a fun and delightful story that young readers are sure to enjoy.

The audible narrator, Mike Golczynski, was fun and entertaining reader. He really brings Cole’s story to life by using different voices for the various characters throughout the story. His voice is likeable and keeps listeners enthralled throughout the entirety of the story.

Genre: children’s, middle grade, adventure
Publisher: Delacorte
Publication date: November 13, 2019
Length: 5 hours and 47 minutes

An Audible download code was provided by the author. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has something for everyone! With a mystery that grabbed me and kept me guessing from the first clicking of the gears as the book took off to the final burst into the straightaway at the end, humor that made me laugh out loud as I was pulled through the twists and turns until my stomach dropped in suspense or I waved my hands in the air, cheering at the adventure. The characters were so real and fascinating, and the story was so filled with imagination that I wanted to climb back into the World’s Greatest Adventure Machine with them again the moment I finished. It will take you on a ride that you won’t soon forget!

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO good. I laughed and was taken into the story. There was so much to like in this book...adventure, great character, a story that was hard to put down. Thank goodness that my Mom lets me stay up late reading. I think kids that love to be taken on a wild ride and not really knowing which way the story will go will love this book. I highly recommend it.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor Isaacs sometimes gets into trouble. He had no fear and this condition, at least that’s what his mother called it, was because of a misfiring amygdala. His problem of suspension from school was put on a back burner when Doug Caselton of Castle Corp stopped by to tell Trevor and his mom about the contest he’d won. Trevor and three others won a spot for the maiden voyage of the Adventure Machine. Cameron Kiffing’s mom was reminding him not to take off his clothes when they had company. Apparently, Cameron felt restricted in his clothing when he was working on complex equations. Devin Drobbs was a legendary gamer and social media star at the Giggling Gargoyle Arcade. Instead of entertaining his fans he’d read his father’s face when he received the winning call. Nika Pushkin watched a video on her grandfather’s private jet of Doug Caselton telling her she had won the contest, over and over. Her grandfather offered her anything she wanted rather than have her ride on the Adventure Machine. He wanted his little princess to be safe under his care. All of the parents wanted their kids to be safe.

The Adventure Machine is like riding a roller coaster. Riders wear a special neoprene and malleable titanium suit that connects with the machine for a thrilling ride experience. The machine actually reads the riders mind. As the first run begins, the riders encounter VIC, the voice and interactive brain of the machine, that will be their guide on this new adventure. As the big adventure begins not everything is going as planned. The team gets thrown off the ride in a jungle and have to fend for themselves, with VIC’s guidance, and they soon learn that VIC is in control with a mind of its own. With the world watching how will this team find their way back home?

Author Frank Cole has created a fun read that will engage young readers. This fast-paced read allows readers to feel as though they are on a roller coaster ride. The lovable characters are unique and add a bit of feistiness to the adventure. This book would be a great classroom read-a-loud.

[Dorine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four children have won the chance to take the first ride on CastleCorp's latest roller coaster, The World's Greatest Adventure Machine. First we have Trevor, who lacks fear and gets in trouble all the time. Then we have Devin, who has instincts that predict the future. Next is Cameron, a certified genius with a clothing problem, and lastly, we have Nika, a girl without the ability to feel pain. Put them all together and you've got the perfect first group of riders.

As they board the Adventure Machine for the ride of their lives, things start to go wrong. They are forced off the machine and forced to fight for their lives in a strange environment that includes AI robots and holograms. They'll have to work together to get out of the ride alive, and then hope they can defeat the backstabbing liar that clues have led them to uncover.

My thoughts-
GREAT book! I read it through as fast as I could, anxious to figure out the reality of what the ride involved and how the kids were all connected. Each kid has a full back story and unique talents. You really get a feel for each of them as the story progresses. One issue, sometimes there are mid POV switches out of the blue. However, the story rolls forth full of tension and mystery.

Kids are going to love this book. It gets a little hairy, especially with a cleaver wielding psychopath, but in all, I found the adventure to be well worth it. I had some idea what was happening, but then the story takes on a vibe like the movie, Inception. The author got me there, because I didn't guess what was happening until later.

Tension, high stakes and great characters make this a fun, exciting read for middle graders. If it wasn't for the POV switches I'd give it a perfect score, but I'll have to give it a 4.9, and that's darn good!

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Author Frank Cole, especially of his Hashbrown Winters series. The World's Greatest Adventure Machine is another Middle Grade book written for the 8-13 year old crowd. I teach 2nd graders and know the kind of humor they enjoy and Frank Cole has this humor down pat in his writing. My classes in the past have loved his other books and I can't wait to read this one to my new class starting next week.

Some of the things I liked the most about this book was the diversity of the kids that were "chosen" to ride the Adventure machine for the first time. Trevor, Devin, Nika, and Cameron all have secrets about themselves and you soon find out what's going on with them. The kids once on their ride learn that they have to work together and trust each other in order to "survive" their virtual reality adventure. This fast paced book is a non-stop ride for the kids and you the reader. I have a feeling kids won't want to quit reading this book and it will be the "One more chapter...Please" syndrome happening.

As in all stories, there are good guys and bad guys and part of the fun and mystery is figuring out who belongs in which camp. You'll also be wondering what is real and what is Virtual Reality as they weave along on their roller coaster ride. Each child learns some amazing things about themselves which has some good messages for kids. Frank Cole has such a wild imagination, so this story is one fun time for readers of all ages. This book will be a great one for families to read together.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole, Frank The World’s Greatest Adventure Machine, 307 pages. Delacorte Press, 2017, $17. Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.

Nika, Trevor, Cameron, and Devin are very unique individuals and win a worldwide contest - a trip on the world’s greatest adventure machine. The machine is something the kids think is an awesome ride but some parts make you doubt whether it was supposed to happen or not. These kids will be in an adventure of a lifetime that they won’t forget though probably in the ways you least suspect. Now all the kids have to do is survive the ride.

This book is a real page turner and wouldn’t let me put it down until I had finished it. This book was very realistic and with the younger kids as main characters I was able to connect more to the book. It had a good beginning middle and end. There are a couple parts were there are a few mature parts like a boy in his underwear or a monster trying to murder the kids. The adventure machine was so great and ended off awesome I mostly don’t care if there is going to be a sequel or not and I love sequels. It is a book (maybe will be series) that is easy to fall in love with. I hope this book makes it to libraries around the world. I recommend you read The World’s Greatest Adventure Machine.

EL, MS - ADVISABLE. STS, Student Reviewer, 7th grade
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a book full of interesting twists and turns (literally and figuratively), the four main characters are in for the ride of their lives. Each of the four kids, Trevor, Cameron, Devin, and Nika have been chosen in a contest to be the first to ride the World's Greatest Adventure Machine! And all four are thrilled with the opportunity. But were they really chosen randomly? As they learn more about each other and the Castleton brothers, who are behind the ride, they start to wonder if there is more going on then they were told. Each of the four kids also has something that makes him or her unique. What are the odds that they would have been chosen for a ride that seems to have gone so horribly wrong?

I can safely say that I've never read a book like this one. It's full of adventure, humor, and loads of fun. And the Adventure Machine. I really wished that it was real. A ride like that would be awesome in the real world, as long as it didn't go horribly wrong of course ;) I especially enjoyed the way the kids' strengths complimented each other in rather unusual ways. This is not the typical story of friendship built through adversity, although that does come into the story. Truly this is a delightful story full of heart, humor, and imagination.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is really the adventure of a life time for the 4 kids chosen to try out the World's Greatest Adventure Machine! I enjoyed everything about this book, the characters, the plot, the adventures and danger.

I loved that you get to "know" each of the 4 kids at least a little bit. You know their struggles and their strengths. You get to see at least some of the adventure through each one of their eyes and that just makes the whole story more fun.

I loved the plot. It is so fun, it's fast paced and it really draws the reader in from the very first page. Who wouldn't want to be one of the kids chosen to try out this super cool new roller coaster?!

I loved the imagination required both to come up with the adventure the kids go on, how they solve everything thrown at them, and just who the real criminal happens to be.

This book is great for middle grade readers! I don't think there are many who will not enjoy this book or think it's boring. I can't wait to find out what my own middle grade reader thinks of it! Thanks to Frank L Cole for making a fun story for these kids to read!

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The World's Greatest Adventure Machine, by Frank L. Cole, is an exciting middle-grade novel that will delight many kids. A story that mirrors Roald Dahl's Charlie & The Chocolate Factory in many ways, it is also distinct, with diverse characters and an important message for today's young readers within the fun.

My 8-year-old son ate this story up, even though it is a longer chapter book than he usually chooses and does not have any pictures. A fan of graphic novels, a book with no pictures is usually a hard sell for him. But Cole's book kept him interested with its mix of humor, adventure and fantasy. The title itself was enough to make my son begin reading, and the book quickly became a fun read aloud for us to share together. We really enjoyed The World's Greatest Adventure Machine; it gets 4 out of 5 stars from us and we recommend it to young readers and their caregivers who are looking for a story that will take you on a fantastic ride.

*Thanks to Kidlit Exchange & Delacorte Press for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read Middle Grade, so take everything I say with that in mind. My middle grade niece and nephew have enjoyed it.

What I struggled with: Keeping track of the characters in the beginning and several places throughout the book I wasn't sure whose point of view I was in. In the end, there was an inconsistency that I still am not sure whether it was intended or not.

Things I liked: The concept of the book, that the kids had to work together to 'solve' the adventure, once I got into it, it kept my attention, it didn't wrap up too neatly (meaning it wasn't just solved with a magical wave of a wand or good luck--which is a very good thing).

Would definitely recommend.


*I received a copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are my own.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four students, Trevor, Devin, Nika, and Cameron, have been selected to be the first people to ride the World's Greatest Adventure Machine, a roller coaster experience that includes horror tactics including a madwoman chasing the students, a saber-toothed cat, and weird creatures. The four students must learn each others' unique abilities and rely on each other in order to escape from their adventure. Although at first it is reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it evolves into a very different storyline. The plot is fast paced and engaging and would be of interest to both girls and boys. Recommended.

[Carlie Allred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: Four kids from very different backgrounds and with various abilities are brought together when they win the chance to test-drive a new type of theme park ride - an all-immersive experience that taps into your greatest fears!

My Thoughts: A fun middle-grade book that was actually pretty thrilling - lots of suspense and action. The characters were quirky and interesting, and all had good growth arcs. My one critique was that I found the plot confusing (I'm a little embarrassed to admit it, I am an adult) with all the back-and-forth and various reveals. But I didn't have to understand every single detail - I, like the characters, was swept along for the wild ride.

[Ginelle Blanch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of adventure and mystery!

Four kids brought in, each with unique abilities, to be the first on an all new ride with all new technology!

Nothing is as it seems and, there is a bit of deception fueling the whole thing.

Really good book about finding friendship and being who you are.

I loved how the narrator brought each character their own unique voice. He did well bringing the story to life!

[Two BookWorms Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the winners and their parents don’t realize is that the Adventure Machine ride has a secret. And to make this story even more of a page-turner, each of the riders has a secret, too. (I’d love to tell, but no spoilers!)

For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boys all enjoyed reading this. The older two even listened in a second time when I read it to my younger son. There was comedy and suspense. I had to keep myself from reading ahead without my son.

[Karsyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly enjoyable with some periods of dullness. Would have been 5 stars if the kids weren't so damn annoying. They did grow on me though, mostly, but then Devin's father and Nika's grandfather were dicks, so they were the worst. Interesting what it ended up being, kept my interest.

[T.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. A good stand alone novel for middle graders. I don't feel like anything was unresolved. And that the author did a great job in creating fun characters, each with their own uniqueness that blends well into the story.

[Shelly Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grate ride! Loved it.

This was a great book. Kept me in suspense all the way through. Great imagination and story. A great way to show how everyone is needed.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not my favorite. My junior high child, however, loved it. Here's my review for Delacourt: http://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2017/10...

[Mikey Golczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really fun.

[Jamille Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty dang good. It felt a little bit like Hunger Games in the beginning but there was enough suspense and thrills that it had me guessing until the every end.