Detective Pikachu: Story of the Movie

by Pokémon

Get ready to go on an adventure with Detective Pikachu! The official story of the movie. On the neon streets of Ryme City, people live in harmony alongside Poké a diverse ecosystem of mysterious and colourful creatures that form a close bond with their human partners. When Tim Goodman's father disappears under suspicious circumstances, he sets out to find him by partnering with a Pokémon like no Detective Pikachu,
an adorable super-sleuth. But this unlikely pair soon stumble upon a larger why are so many Pokémon missing ... and who is behind their disappearance? Read the story of the smash-hit movie, starring Ryan Reynolds and Justice Smith.

216 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2019

About the author

Pokémon is one of the most popular and successful entertainment franchises in the world, encompassing video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), mobile games and apps, animation and movies, Play! Pokémon competitive events, and licensed products. It was first established in Japan in 1996 with the launch of the Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green video games for the Game Boy™ system. The video games were released internationally in 1998 as Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue. More than 20 years later, Pokémon continues to be a global entertainment mainstay and pop culture icon.

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very nicely written, easy to understand book that is ideal for younger fans of the Pokemon series. It tells the story of the Detective Pikachu movie in simple language, while remaining true to the plot. Children who have seen the movie shouldn't have much trouble understanding the book, but if your kids haven't seen the film yet then you may get a few questions along the way.

It's split up 20 chapters, each with about 10 - 12 pages, so it works well as bedtime reading if you just want to read a chapter at a time. There aren't any full illustrations, but each chapter has a different Pokemon graphic of some sort at the start. The text is printed in a large font, making it easier to read for younger children.

It's an enchanting read for Pokemon fans, but even for parents it's an enjoyable story with interesting characters. Highly recommended.

[Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

[Motherbooker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not really sure what I expected when I started reading Detective Pikachu. I guess I wanted to see if it had added anything to the plot of the film. That was a weird film. The narrative didn't quite know where it was going and had to rely on massive amounts of exposition to help move it along. Tim, a young man who works in insurance, is called to the big city after the death of his father, Harry. Harry was a detective and Tim manages to get caught up in his father's last investigation. But, thankfully, he has help from his father's partner. A Pikachu who, for some unknown reason, is able to speak to Tim and only Tim. Pikachu believes that Harry is alive and the pair set off to find out the truth. Along the way, the uncover many mysteries that lead them to someone they never suspected.

What can I say about this novel? This has the feel of someone providing film commentary for a blind viewer. It literally describes the action on screen in the most basic terms. It's the most basic and simple language you can think of. At times it felt a bit awkward and stilted. And I know it's for younger readers but there's no flourish here. No melody to the language. The novelisation is just full of short sentences and dialogue. It's all "he said" and "she said" and not much else. Really, this book makes the film look like a bloody masterpiece.

Maybe it would help if you hadn't seen the film? There's something about reading lines that you've already heard Ryan Reynolds speak that makes it all very disappointing. But more than that, this is a very visual story. It's not the same reading it on the page. Especially when the description is so sparse. Or maybe I'm just too old for this novel? I guess it would be a decent read for a younger reader. There's excitement and danger a plenty but there is also heart. The story isn't great but it's based on a pretty rubbish film script. In the hands of the right reader this would be a perfectly enjoyable book. For a 30-something woman? I probably should have expected this.

[Shane O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For what it is, I love the book. Don't get into it expecting some descriptive epic, because you'll be disappointed. As long as you understand that it follows the events of the film for a younger audience, you'll fly through and enjoy the book, much like you may have enjoyed the movie of the same name.

[Shadow Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel based on the 2019 movie makes me feel like I watched it again. Easy to understand the movie plot not just for kids but for adults too especially those who are mostly into Pokemon

I haven’t played the 2016 - well 2018 if anyone lives in North America & the pal countries - 3DS game yet but hopefully I’ll find the 3DS game in good condition soon

Detective Pikachu novel is a must read

[Chelsea May xxx · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books just tells you what happens in the movie but it doesn’t go into much detail as the movie does. It’s a very fast read and it’s a very interesting book but sadly I prefer the movie over the book. Never much character development either sadly. The Pokémon characters I really enjoyed as there so amazing to read about and what characteristics they have. Xxx

[Amie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was planning to see the film, but I came across the book first and thought why not? I use to love Pokemon as a child. The story was okay, i guess. I didn't really like the way it ended, but it was a very easy read and I got to see Pikchu again!

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good adventure for people with a love for adventure and pokemon I would recommend the age for about 6+ just because it's hard to understand for younger than 6 year olds but other than that currently intresting

[Samantha Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my sons first chapter story, he enjoyed this book before bed times

[Bandi Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really well paced story and has so much nostalgia for me which got it extra marks despite some of the writing not being my favorite.

[Violet-May Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good representation of the movie and really highlights the Pokémon included.