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The Mysterious World of Cosentino #1
The Missing Ace
Cosentino's performances at his run-down old theatre attract the wrong kind of attention when the Ace of Spades dashes through the door begging to be saved from the clutches of the evil two-headed King! When Cosentino is captured he's thrown into the dungeon at the bottom of the castle, which no one has ever escaped.
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First published March 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 24, 2017
New series for children, aimed at reluctant readers. Cosentino’s dedication leads me to wonder if he himself was once in that category..... but then found that special book that “ unlocks a hidden passion”.
Great combination of contributors .....Cosentino himself....accompanied by Jack Heath....with illustrations by James Hart. Although only 3 colours are used in the book (red, white and black - hmmm, just like playing cards), the effects of mixed font, sizing, illustrations, speech bubbles and side-bars creates a fairly high interest level throughout.
I wondered how I, as one from a vastly unintended age group, would take to this novel. I had received it as a ARC but put it aside. Now that I have finally read it I can say that it actually held my interest. Well done.
The children at my school library love magic and books on magic tricks. I think I will use this book to resurrect a display I created years ago....on all things magic. It will be a good way to introduce this new series to the kids. I look forward to their reaction. I am all for books that spark the interest of children who just haven’t found that right one...the book to start them on a never-ending story ....a love of reading.
Great combination of contributors .....Cosentino himself....accompanied by Jack Heath....with illustrations by James Hart. Although only 3 colours are used in the book (red, white and black - hmmm, just like playing cards), the effects of mixed font, sizing, illustrations, speech bubbles and side-bars creates a fairly high interest level throughout.
I wondered how I, as one from a vastly unintended age group, would take to this novel. I had received it as a ARC but put it aside. Now that I have finally read it I can say that it actually held my interest. Well done.
The children at my school library love magic and books on magic tricks. I think I will use this book to resurrect a display I created years ago....on all things magic. It will be a good way to introduce this new series to the kids. I look forward to their reaction. I am all for books that spark the interest of children who just haven’t found that right one...the book to start them on a never-ending story ....a love of reading.
April 12, 2022
Great fast book
October 11, 2017
Thrumming with drama, mystery, good guys and bad cards, this first adventure in the new series of Cosentino's mysterious world is a crowd-pleaser for sure. Fast, funny, and on-the-edge-of-your-seat page turning, this is an ace for lovers of magic and sleight of hand and Cosentino fans, just quietly, like me! Even with the odd reveals thrown in, I am still in awe of all things magical. The teaming of Heath (ace thriller writer), Cosentino (genius illusionist) and James Hart (cosmic comic artist) works in spades for me. There's even bonus trick cards included. Perfect gift material for under 10-year-olds.
December 28, 2019
Great book introducing magic to young readers - I thought the ending could be developed a bit more.
February 17, 2018
Boys in my class said I had to read this book and now I know why. Suspense, magic, chases, deception told through words and pictures. Kept me involved the whole time.
July 14, 2017
A different/interesting book for the early or reluctant reader, mainly targeted at boys in this one, although it seems likely the human girl character will play a bigger role in future entries to the series. This is set in a world where magic is real, but it's got a slightly goofy stage magic theme and the main character (Cosentino himself) is an illusionist who baffles magical villains with his ingenuity and sleight of hand. This book's best feature is the recurring sidebar explaining how real life magic tricks are executed, which builds interest for the card trick which is taught at the end. The special cards required for the trick are supplied with the book.
I don't think this would be my first recommendation in the category, mainly because some other options are funnier, but it's a solid choice for a kid who is already beginning to engage with books in series like Hot Dog or The Bad Guys, or who needs to generate some outside interest before tackling a book and can watch youtube videos of the real Cosentino as a lead-in. This series will be particularly good for kids who love to do things with their hands, like fidget spinner tricks and stunts, who can really get into doing the magic themselves. I'd say this is a 3/5 overall (solid but not wow against others in this market) but for those readers who will respond to the tactile element or for parents looking for an interactive element that doesn't involve screen time or require established literacy skills like fluent writing, that's pretty big so I bumped it up one.
I got an advance copy at a trade event and it came with some cute goodies like a pack of cards and a little wand.
I don't think this would be my first recommendation in the category, mainly because some other options are funnier, but it's a solid choice for a kid who is already beginning to engage with books in series like Hot Dog or The Bad Guys, or who needs to generate some outside interest before tackling a book and can watch youtube videos of the real Cosentino as a lead-in. This series will be particularly good for kids who love to do things with their hands, like fidget spinner tricks and stunts, who can really get into doing the magic themselves. I'd say this is a 3/5 overall (solid but not wow against others in this market) but for those readers who will respond to the tactile element or for parents looking for an interactive element that doesn't involve screen time or require established literacy skills like fluent writing, that's pretty big so I bumped it up one.
I got an advance copy at a trade event and it came with some cute goodies like a pack of cards and a little wand.
October 28, 2017
This book was great. Cosentino lives in Coppertown where magic is banned. So he became an illusionist. He performed some great illusions like climbing up buildings without any equipment, getting out of knots and seeming to be landing on water and floating just above sharks. He was arrested and put in the dungeon of Silvercity (The Arcade) where the Puzzler lived who was strong and could never be hurt. She had a magic trick that's performed with three doors. Someone in The Arcade would guess which door was the exit, if they guessed wrong they would be eaten by a tiger. So Cosentino did a spellbound with the Puzzler, which is a magic promise you can never break, that if he survived the tiger that everybody would be let out of the dungeon, including his new friends Eighties and Princess Priscilla. The message of the story is to trust your friends.
September 17, 2019
My 8 yr old selected this as part of a summer reading program reward and asked me to read it once she was finished. She's a very strong reader & it's way below her reading level but I can appreciate the relief of reading an easier book once in a while!
There is a lot of action and drama in this book which I think is great to keep the attention of young readers. There are also a fair number of big (for this level book) words and many of them are highlighted red. I wish there was a glossary at the back of the book to define those words.
There is a lot of action and drama in this book which I think is great to keep the attention of young readers. There are also a fair number of big (for this level book) words and many of them are highlighted red. I wish there was a glossary at the back of the book to define those words.
October 4, 2021
In a world where magic and illusion is banned, Cosentino and his friends use their skills in illusion to escape from trouble, a well as getting them into that trouble in the first place!
This book is promoted as one for reluctant readers, however anyone can enjoy this story. There are also tips on how you can perform some simple illusions throughout the book and at the end.
If you love magic and adventure, this is the book for you.
This book is promoted as one for reluctant readers, however anyone can enjoy this story. There are also tips on how you can perform some simple illusions throughout the book and at the end.
If you love magic and adventure, this is the book for you.
November 30, 2019
I thought the book was 5 stars because I couldn’t stop looking at it I just had to keep going and going so I finished it in about 5 or 6 day’s!
I recommend this book for any one under 13years old I mite be wrong but that is want I think so if you enjoyed this book and you are 13 or older that is fine.🤩👍🏻
I recommend this book for any one under 13years old I mite be wrong but that is want I think so if you enjoyed this book and you are 13 or older that is fine.🤩👍🏻
May 5, 2023
2.5 for me. I read this book with my almost 6 year old. I loved that each page had some sorta illustration, some big some small, but great for her to visualize what was happening. However, the ending was awful in my opinion. It didn’t really end the book, felt like the story just stopped, nothing was resolved.
July 4, 2018
A fun read based on a the life of Cosentino "one of the world's leading magicians and escape artists" in Australia. A lot of interesting twists and word play. I can't wait to read this with Isaac and do some more "magic" card tricks together.
November 21, 2019
Actually read this in the early part of this year but I missed updating it here.
Picked up this title coz of the colorful cover and of course, it's about magic. Who doesn't like magic books!
Loved the illustrations and storyline and it's an easy read that can be done within the hour.
Picked up this title coz of the colorful cover and of course, it's about magic. Who doesn't like magic books!
Loved the illustrations and storyline and it's an easy read that can be done within the hour.
August 31, 2020
This is a great read-aloud book for young kids, as well as a good first chapter book for early readers. I enjoyed the balance between real magic tricks, danger, and humor. Highly recommend, especially if your kid is interested in magic tricks. Not too scary.
June 17, 2023
Engaging story for early middle grade readers and/or reluctant readers. Illustrations throughout the book and it's the beginning of a series so it's a great way to offer the next book to readers to keep them reading!
September 29, 2017
An easy read for children interested in magic tricks.
March 22, 2019
My kids LOVED it, begged for one more chapter each night. 3 stars because it lacks depth.
April 28, 2019
I enjoyed The Missing Ace alot. I actually didnt want to put it down. Can't wait to read the second one, and find out if Coppertown is safe!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
This was really well done! Love the art and the storyline. Plus learning a magic trick at the end was perfect!
May 7, 2020
An entertaining read. Illustrations were great, story line enjoyable.
June 10, 2020
I bought this book for my 9 year old and he loved it!!! Once he finishes he asked me to get the rest of them asap!!!
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August 1, 2022Lexile®: 590L,
February 12, 2023
I've read this several times with my kids. Love the whole series!
January 11, 2024
A quick read-aloud that we all enjoyed. It had a lot of fun illustrations and some magic tricks.
February 14, 2025
Such a unique, suspenseful story! Read it to my sons, ages 7 & 10. We all really enjoyed it. We'll definitely be reading more from this series!
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October 10, 2017myfav character in this book was cosentino
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews