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Secret #2
If You're Reading This, It's Too Late
Proud new members of the top-secret Terces Society, Cass and Max-Ernest can't wait for their first mission. And no sooner have they decoded a message hidden in Cass's shopping list than they are kidnapped by their dastardly enemies, the Midnight Sun. Can Cass and Max-Ernest escape?
412 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
708 people are currently reading
8556 people want to read
About the author
Pseudonymous Bosch
41 books3,273 followersPseudonymous Bosch is the infamously anonymous author of the New York Times bestselling Secret Series and the Bad Books. Despite rumors to the contrary, his books are not actually written by his pet rabbit, Quiche; the rabbit is merely his typist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,165 reviews
December 19, 2022
My daughter stumbled across this in a used book shop, neither of us realizing it was a second book in a series. She loved the cover and the mysteriousness and humor of the blurb, so we picked it up as a before bed read.
I think it was perfect for her age- 9 going on 10. Nice because it’s a chapter book yet with themes appropriate for her age, which feels hard to find. Had some complex words in there, which I also appreciated because I felt like it wasn’t dumbed down for her. Something we could both appreciate.
It was really funny, I love how the narrator continuously breaks the 4th wall.
We’re going to continue with the series.
I think it was perfect for her age- 9 going on 10. Nice because it’s a chapter book yet with themes appropriate for her age, which feels hard to find. Had some complex words in there, which I also appreciated because I felt like it wasn’t dumbed down for her. Something we could both appreciate.
It was really funny, I love how the narrator continuously breaks the 4th wall.
We’re going to continue with the series.
December 30, 2021
Re-read of childhood fave
August 3, 2019
Good book. A bit boring at times but still a good book. Good for those who like a bit of mystery and a bit of fantasy at the same time.
December 5, 2015
Don't believe the title! ;)
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by LaLeesha Haynes for TeensReadToo.com
This is a fun book with an interesting narrative. Cass and Max-Ernest are young adults who have recently been involved with a secret society, the details of which are located in the previous book in the series. Although you do miss out on some details of the protagonists, you could read this book without having read the previous installment, THE NAME OF THIS BOOK IS SECRET.
When you read IF YOU'RE READING THIS, IT'S TOO LATE, it is as though you are being told a story by the campfire.
The characters are well-developed, easy to relate to, and have a good sense of humor. Because of the short chapters and common footnotes, I see this as a great book for a reluctant reader. It is easy to pick up where you left off and it takes you down many paths at once, keeping you interested. The footnotes typically add a humorous aspect to an interesting mystery, allowing the reader to venture in a new direction before continuing on with the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It had a strong storyline with characters that took risks and maintained and created friendships.
This is a fun book with an interesting narrative. Cass and Max-Ernest are young adults who have recently been involved with a secret society, the details of which are located in the previous book in the series. Although you do miss out on some details of the protagonists, you could read this book without having read the previous installment, THE NAME OF THIS BOOK IS SECRET.
When you read IF YOU'RE READING THIS, IT'S TOO LATE, it is as though you are being told a story by the campfire.
The characters are well-developed, easy to relate to, and have a good sense of humor. Because of the short chapters and common footnotes, I see this as a great book for a reluctant reader. It is easy to pick up where you left off and it takes you down many paths at once, keeping you interested. The footnotes typically add a humorous aspect to an interesting mystery, allowing the reader to venture in a new direction before continuing on with the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It had a strong storyline with characters that took risks and maintained and created friendships.
Want to read
June 27, 2021You must sign the following contract before reading.
Why? because:
1) you want to avoid any unnecessary problems that occur when you know the secret.
2) our author here is an attention seeker and loves to remind the reader he's telling the story.
Not gonna lie, I liked the first one enough to give this one a go!
My review
The Name of This Book is Secret 4★
Why? because:
1) you want to avoid any unnecessary problems that occur when you know the secret.
2) our author here is an attention seeker and loves to remind the reader he's telling the story.
Not gonna lie, I liked the first one enough to give this one a go!
My review
The Name of This Book is Secret 4★
December 19, 2025
If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch is a delightfully quirky middle‑grade mystery‑adventure and the second book in The Secret Series, following the unusual, fourth‑wall‑breaking escapades of Cass and Max‑Ernest as they continue their battle against the sinister organization known as the Midnight Sun while racing to protect the greatest secret of all.
In this installment the two friends (joined by a new classmate nicknamed Yo‑Yoji) are drawn into a series of strange clues, secret societies (the Terces Society, which is “secret” spelled backwards), and cryptic puzzles involving a mysterious ancient figure called the homunculus and a magical object called the Sound Prism that can reveal hidden truths and sounds when used correctly. Their hunt leads them into danger, unexpected alliances, and revelations about identity, loyalty, and courage as they try to stay one step ahead of Dr. L, Ms. Mauvais, and the Midnight Sun’s plot to unlock secrets that could change everything.
Opening this book feels like sitting around a campfire with a mischievous storyteller who constantly winks at you from the page, narrating with humor, footnotes, and playful commentary that make the reading experience feel alive and unpredictable. What most delighted me was how Bosch balances light‑hearted banter and laugh‑out‑loud narrative asides with genuine mystery, cleverly crafted clues, and moments of real suspense that keep you turning pages and grinning at the audacity of it all.
Cass’s ingenuity, Max‑Ernest’s anxiety‑turned‑bravery, and Yo‑Yoji’s infectious energy make for a wildly entertaining trio whose friendship and loyalty give heart to the adventure. The touches of fantastical elements, secret codes, and wild twists add depth without ever overshadowing the joy of discovery and camaraderie at the story’s core, and the clever commentary from the unnamed narrator creates an unusual sense that the book knows you’re reading it.
For fans of mystery, adventure, and whimsical storytelling with a wink, this book delivers a satisfying mix of intrigue and laughter that appeals to both younger readers and adults who remember the thrill of puzzling through secrets alongside unforgettable characters.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving this book four stars because its inventive voice, playful structure, and blend of humor and suspense made it a joy to read; a bit of narrative chaos at times can feel overwhelming, but the heart of friendship and clever adventure more than compensates, making this a highly enjoyable second entry in a standout middle‑grade series.
In this installment the two friends (joined by a new classmate nicknamed Yo‑Yoji) are drawn into a series of strange clues, secret societies (the Terces Society, which is “secret” spelled backwards), and cryptic puzzles involving a mysterious ancient figure called the homunculus and a magical object called the Sound Prism that can reveal hidden truths and sounds when used correctly. Their hunt leads them into danger, unexpected alliances, and revelations about identity, loyalty, and courage as they try to stay one step ahead of Dr. L, Ms. Mauvais, and the Midnight Sun’s plot to unlock secrets that could change everything.
Opening this book feels like sitting around a campfire with a mischievous storyteller who constantly winks at you from the page, narrating with humor, footnotes, and playful commentary that make the reading experience feel alive and unpredictable. What most delighted me was how Bosch balances light‑hearted banter and laugh‑out‑loud narrative asides with genuine mystery, cleverly crafted clues, and moments of real suspense that keep you turning pages and grinning at the audacity of it all.
Cass’s ingenuity, Max‑Ernest’s anxiety‑turned‑bravery, and Yo‑Yoji’s infectious energy make for a wildly entertaining trio whose friendship and loyalty give heart to the adventure. The touches of fantastical elements, secret codes, and wild twists add depth without ever overshadowing the joy of discovery and camaraderie at the story’s core, and the clever commentary from the unnamed narrator creates an unusual sense that the book knows you’re reading it.
For fans of mystery, adventure, and whimsical storytelling with a wink, this book delivers a satisfying mix of intrigue and laughter that appeals to both younger readers and adults who remember the thrill of puzzling through secrets alongside unforgettable characters.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving this book four stars because its inventive voice, playful structure, and blend of humor and suspense made it a joy to read; a bit of narrative chaos at times can feel overwhelming, but the heart of friendship and clever adventure more than compensates, making this a highly enjoyable second entry in a standout middle‑grade series.
July 31, 2021
I don’t care how old you are, there are some books that are just awesome to read at any age. This made me feel a kid again. Pseudonymous Bosch did not disappoint with Book 2 of his “Secret” series.
There is not a whole lot here. It’s a simple book with a simple plot YET it’s quirky, great fun to read and really a pretty solid mystery about the topic of eternal life.
I enjoyed the book’s page layout, illustrations and quirky type setting when the story called for it. It very much added to the overall effect. (It reminded me of “Illuminae” series that did this very well too).
I’ve got to admit my favorite character of the whole book was not either of the two main ones, but a homunculus. It made me giggle. Nothing elevated your mood like a random, uncalled for giggle.
Definitely reading the next part in this series and if you’re in a mood for a light, fun and absolutely childish read (maybe for a read-together with a kid) this is gold!
Roman
There is not a whole lot here. It’s a simple book with a simple plot YET it’s quirky, great fun to read and really a pretty solid mystery about the topic of eternal life.
I enjoyed the book’s page layout, illustrations and quirky type setting when the story called for it. It very much added to the overall effect. (It reminded me of “Illuminae” series that did this very well too).
I’ve got to admit my favorite character of the whole book was not either of the two main ones, but a homunculus. It made me giggle. Nothing elevated your mood like a random, uncalled for giggle.
Definitely reading the next part in this series and if you’re in a mood for a light, fun and absolutely childish read (maybe for a read-together with a kid) this is gold!
Roman
February 20, 2015
(You should probably read the first book of the series, "The Name of This Book is Secret," if you haven't done so. It will give you a better understanding of what this book is going to be about.) Anyways...
"If You're Reading This, it's Too Late," by Pseudonymous Bosch is another mysterious and adventurous book following the previous book. Once again, Cass and Max-Ernest are set on a mission to find the Secret, but more importantly (this time,) the homunculus. In the beginning of Cass and Max- Ernest's journey, a new boy named Yoji (nicknamed Yo-Yoji (for saying "yo" so much)) come into class. On a field trip, while Cass and Max-Ernest are still on their quest, Yo-Yoji bugs the two collaborators so much just to know what the "Secret" Cass and Max- Ernest were talking about. However, Cass manages to shoo away Yo-Yoji, so that the two can finish their mission. This time, their mission is very important because they are part of the Terces Society (Secret spelled backwards.)
Apparently, the Midnight Sun (as known as the enemy), tricks Cass and Max- Ernest into coming into their ship. After being tied up and held as prisoners, Cass and Max- Ernest manage to break free. However, you have to read the book to find out why the homunculus was so important and that the Secret was.
I would suggest this book to those who like to read in suspense and mystery. Don't give up now! You will )someday figure out the Secret.
The next book of these series, (the Secret Series,) is "This Book is Not Good for You," (I think I can tell you're questioning why there are so many weird titles.
if you want to read an adventure full of mystery and suspense, read this book!
"If You're Reading This, it's Too Late," by Pseudonymous Bosch is another mysterious and adventurous book following the previous book. Once again, Cass and Max-Ernest are set on a mission to find the Secret, but more importantly (this time,) the homunculus. In the beginning of Cass and Max- Ernest's journey, a new boy named Yoji (nicknamed Yo-Yoji (for saying "yo" so much)) come into class. On a field trip, while Cass and Max-Ernest are still on their quest, Yo-Yoji bugs the two collaborators so much just to know what the "Secret" Cass and Max- Ernest were talking about. However, Cass manages to shoo away Yo-Yoji, so that the two can finish their mission. This time, their mission is very important because they are part of the Terces Society (Secret spelled backwards.)
Apparently, the Midnight Sun (as known as the enemy), tricks Cass and Max- Ernest into coming into their ship. After being tied up and held as prisoners, Cass and Max- Ernest manage to break free. However, you have to read the book to find out why the homunculus was so important and that the Secret was.
I would suggest this book to those who like to read in suspense and mystery. Don't give up now! You will )someday figure out the Secret.
The next book of these series, (the Secret Series,) is "This Book is Not Good for You," (I think I can tell you're questioning why there are so many weird titles.
if you want to read an adventure full of mystery and suspense, read this book!
July 4, 2013
To whoever pick this book to read because of it's weird name(including me), you pick the right and wrong book to read. some people might find this book annoying, not me tho. I read the first book, so I'm kinda(just kinda)used to the way Psuedonymous Bosch write. This book is hilarious, PB!!! When will you ever tell me the Secret??? I here by, say sorry to my friends, because I promise them I will read some books, but I just have to finish the Secret series first!! This book is cool and all, with all the suspense and live-and-death situations, it's just an awesome book. when i read till the end and thought that this book couldn't get any worse or better than it is, PB launch into a interview of PB by PB!! what the heck is wrong with this book?? The interview just made the book better and at the same time made it worse.. get what I mean?? Just when you thought something couldn't get any better or worse, something else comes up and made it better and worse at the same time!! I really want to meet Pseudonymous Bosch! And maybe bring a box of rich brand chocolate and blue cheese.. and avoid mayonnaise. Weird guy.. but Awesome book~
April 24, 2011
The boys like the action, I like the character development. The author uses nice big juicy words that are fun to read aloud and stretch the boys' vocabulary without noticeable pain. The plot is a bit thin at points, but the characters are too charming to lose us. We're primed and ready for the next in the series...
December 28, 2015
En este segundo volumen, Cas y Max-Ernest, nuestros dos protagonistas, continúan con sus peripecias, aventuras y lucha contra el malvado doctor L y la perversa señora Mauvais. En esta ocasión, la búsqueda de un mitológico ser, el homúnculo, y la tumba de su creador Lord Paraoh, llevará a nuestros dos protagonistas a vivir nuevas y peligrosas aventuras para seguir protegiendo el Secreto que con tanto ahínco El sol de medianoche busca.
Segundo libro de La colección secreta, una colección de aventuras infantil que consta de cinco títulos, cada uno de ellos dedicados a un sentido, estando este en especial dedicado a él auditivo. De nuevo me ha resultado una historia muy amena, simpática, repleta de aventuras y con las que estoy muy entretenido. Además me encanta el misterioso narrador de esta historia, en constante interacción con el lector y dándole otro punto de interés a la historia. De nuevo he aprendido algo nuevo, en el primer volumen fue sobre la sinestesia, y en este caso ha sido sobre la alquimia y el homúnculo.
De nuevo la edición es excelente y hace que el libro se disfrute mucho más, con capítulos cortos y tipografías diferentes, además de algunas ilustraciones para remarcar el contenido de la narración. Espero que desde la editorial sigan apostando por editar toda la colección, porque creo que es muy divertida para el público infantil, con millones de aventuras y misterios que desentrañar y diferente gracias a su narrador especial.
Segundo libro de La colección secreta, una colección de aventuras infantil que consta de cinco títulos, cada uno de ellos dedicados a un sentido, estando este en especial dedicado a él auditivo. De nuevo me ha resultado una historia muy amena, simpática, repleta de aventuras y con las que estoy muy entretenido. Además me encanta el misterioso narrador de esta historia, en constante interacción con el lector y dándole otro punto de interés a la historia. De nuevo he aprendido algo nuevo, en el primer volumen fue sobre la sinestesia, y en este caso ha sido sobre la alquimia y el homúnculo.
De nuevo la edición es excelente y hace que el libro se disfrute mucho más, con capítulos cortos y tipografías diferentes, además de algunas ilustraciones para remarcar el contenido de la narración. Espero que desde la editorial sigan apostando por editar toda la colección, porque creo que es muy divertida para el público infantil, con millones de aventuras y misterios que desentrañar y diferente gracias a su narrador especial.
September 24, 2010
This book was AMAZING!! I highly recommend this book for people who like mystery.
May 23, 2016
Love this series. It's so much fun to read to my kids.
May 23, 2016
Oh Pseudonymous.... I've fallen for you :P
December 25, 2024
This book came out in 2008, seven years before the Drake album of the same name released in 2015. This leads me to conclude Drake read this book and liked it so much he took the title. And I don’t blame him honestly because these books are so good
*re-read
*re-read
December 4, 2014
Se possibile, ancora più geniale del primo!!! *_*
December 15, 2017
it was wonderful just like the first book ^ ^
September 29, 2020
Prologue: No, Bosch, you are NOT the greatest writer of all time. So, don't even suggest it. Also, what on God's Green Ethical Earth would entice you to suggest eating an animal!? o_o
Pardon me, Sir, but are you ****ing bonkers!? No matter. I still pretty much like you.
Now onto the review of your book...
If You're Reading This, It's Too Late pretty much effectively continues the stories of the child-heroes, Cass and Max-Earnest from where the first book left off. The story itself is quite good and has just a hint of actual fantasy contained within it (I.E. The Homonculus). And if you're one of my Superior-Fans, then you know how much I love a good fantasy read.
And since we're now on the subject-matter of this book, I am rather fond of the world-building of this novel, as well as the last one. Even though it's only on Earth, but it's not without its charm! Plus, the way the characters are portrayed is on a level not often seen in a story like this. My favorite heroine will always be Cass. Can you blame me? She's a survivalist!! Plus, the humor this book includes almost had me rolling on the floor, laughing copters!!... Almost...
And now onto the...Not-so-good points which are comprised of this book...
1: The flatulence...Yuck! Mr. Bosch, you don't need to include this in your works, do you? O_O I mean, it's bad enough you stuck it blatantly in your first novel...I mean, c'mon!!
2: Though I know you were trying to be funny, why of all the critters did you have the sock-people portrayed as...Roaches!? I mean, seriously!! Those are just gross. And they carry the Cholera!
3: I felt the ending of this book was too sudden and abrupt. It just left the reader (I.E. me) hanging there and wondering to himself: Wait, is this it? Kinda reminds me of the ending of The Birds II: Land's End. Guesh I'm gonna have to read Book 3 to find out what comes next, eh?
Epilogue: You won't tell us your real name. In fact, you flat out REFUSE to tell us your real name. Nay, you downright threaten to KILL us if we keep on pressing the question!? What is wrong with you, Pseudonymous Bosch!? If you don't quit sticking dumb, disgusting things in your works (You know what I mean), I'll send my Sky Fighters to kill you, instead!!...
...Ha!! Just kidding!...Or am I? o_o Any thoughts on this, Mr. Bosch?
Pardon me, Sir, but are you ****ing bonkers!? No matter. I still pretty much like you.
Now onto the review of your book...
If You're Reading This, It's Too Late pretty much effectively continues the stories of the child-heroes, Cass and Max-Earnest from where the first book left off. The story itself is quite good and has just a hint of actual fantasy contained within it (I.E. The Homonculus). And if you're one of my Superior-Fans, then you know how much I love a good fantasy read.
And since we're now on the subject-matter of this book, I am rather fond of the world-building of this novel, as well as the last one. Even though it's only on Earth, but it's not without its charm! Plus, the way the characters are portrayed is on a level not often seen in a story like this. My favorite heroine will always be Cass. Can you blame me? She's a survivalist!! Plus, the humor this book includes almost had me rolling on the floor, laughing copters!!... Almost...
And now onto the...Not-so-good points which are comprised of this book...
1: The flatulence...Yuck! Mr. Bosch, you don't need to include this in your works, do you? O_O I mean, it's bad enough you stuck it blatantly in your first novel...I mean, c'mon!!
2: Though I know you were trying to be funny, why of all the critters did you have the sock-people portrayed as...Roaches!? I mean, seriously!! Those are just gross. And they carry the Cholera!
3: I felt the ending of this book was too sudden and abrupt. It just left the reader (I.E. me) hanging there and wondering to himself: Wait, is this it? Kinda reminds me of the ending of The Birds II: Land's End. Guesh I'm gonna have to read Book 3 to find out what comes next, eh?
Epilogue: You won't tell us your real name. In fact, you flat out REFUSE to tell us your real name. Nay, you downright threaten to KILL us if we keep on pressing the question!? What is wrong with you, Pseudonymous Bosch!? If you don't quit sticking dumb, disgusting things in your works (You know what I mean), I'll send my Sky Fighters to kill you, instead!!...
...Ha!! Just kidding!...Or am I? o_o Any thoughts on this, Mr. Bosch?
December 29, 2023
4.5/5
YES I LOVED THIS ONE TOO!
this series just has that immaculate ‘being a kid in the early 2000s and going on adventures’ atmosphere, mixed with quirky characters, a great sense of humor and thoughts about life that aren’t too in your face- which makes it such a cozy read and the exact thing i need right now.
this book specifically- i loved getting to know the characters more, the new addition to the gang isn’t at the same level as cass and max ernest to me (yet?¿) but is still cool, also was not prepared for it to get this heartbreaking!
knocked off half a star because i did like the first one just a bit more, and also there were a couple didn’t-age-that-well things. maybe i’m reading into it too much (ha) but it took me out of the coziness just a little.
~
i’ll end this review with two quotes from the book, i don’t usually do this but for some reason these two random lines really stuck with me (beware that the second one might be considered a spoiler):
“although they were shivering, they didn’t seem to notice the cold. sometimes just having a friend to keep you company can make a freezing night seem, well, a little less freezing”
(p.183)
“‘very little is this world makes sense,’ said the homunculus with uncharacteristic solemnity.”
(p.342)
🪲
YES I LOVED THIS ONE TOO!
this series just has that immaculate ‘being a kid in the early 2000s and going on adventures’ atmosphere, mixed with quirky characters, a great sense of humor and thoughts about life that aren’t too in your face- which makes it such a cozy read and the exact thing i need right now.
this book specifically- i loved getting to know the characters more, the new addition to the gang isn’t at the same level as cass and max ernest to me (yet?¿) but is still cool, also was not prepared for it to get this heartbreaking!
knocked off half a star because i did like the first one just a bit more, and also there were a couple didn’t-age-that-well things. maybe i’m reading into it too much (ha) but it took me out of the coziness just a little.
~
i’ll end this review with two quotes from the book, i don’t usually do this but for some reason these two random lines really stuck with me (beware that the second one might be considered a spoiler):
“although they were shivering, they didn’t seem to notice the cold. sometimes just having a friend to keep you company can make a freezing night seem, well, a little less freezing”
(p.183)
“‘very little is this world makes sense,’ said the homunculus with uncharacteristic solemnity.”
(p.342)
🪲
April 18, 2024
another good one, although this one felt pretty long to me. i didn’t feel the urge to pick it up as much as the first book for whatever reason. i did really love the backwards chapter numbers though.
i live for pseudonymous bosch’s interjections. i would also die for yo-yoji.
i live for pseudonymous bosch’s interjections. i would also die for yo-yoji.
October 1, 2022
While I don't find this series to have the same depth of character development as other middle grade classics like anything by Rick Riordan or The Mysterious Benedict Society, and there's a bit of a tendency to fall back on the same jokes and gimmicks, they are still delightfully fun, and I don't regret the time spent reading them at all. And I will also admit that the first entry in the appendix actually made me laugh out loud!
February 18, 2025
If You're Reading This, It's Too Late
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 6.71/10 overall
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 6
Writing - 7
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 7
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 6.71/10 overall
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 6
Writing - 7
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 7
March 17, 2020
Cas and Max-Ernest are still fighting the evil Midnight Sun forces while now trying to get themselves initiated into the Terces Society. And track down a homunculus.
A fun-enough sequel to the first book. I think I would have thought the series immensely clever as a kid (as does Charlie, who insisted I read them).
A fun-enough sequel to the first book. I think I would have thought the series immensely clever as a kid (as does Charlie, who insisted I read them).
February 21, 2018
The theme of the book I think is that if you have a secret that might hurt someone keep it safe
January 13, 2019
This book series is crazy but in a good and entertaining way. I also relate way too much to the narrator in the story and I'm officially invested in their life as well as the actual story.
March 15, 2017
I am obsessed with this series. I finished a 400 page book in about a week! Which is something I never thought I could do! I literally read the last sentence of the book and grabbed the next one and started reading it. I can't put these books down!
September 1, 2020
My goodness this book is just as hilarious and amazing as the first book. I really love how random and interesting Pseudonymous Bosch makes this story. How the chapter numbers go backwards? Genius. I gotta make my friends read this. I just cannot with the pop quiz chapter. I remember when I read that chapter I randomly started crying. I believe they were happy tears from how funny it was but it's hard to tell.
March 31, 2019
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
Short and Simple Review
When I read The Name of This Book Is Secret I thought it was fantastic! For some odd reason though, I did not get around to continuing the series until now, almost seven years after reading the first book. I think I tried to check this book out from the library, but it wasn't available so it was forgotten. This book does a great job of catching the reader up on previous events with little footnotes and summaries for those like me who couldn't remember the first book. I actually got into this book fairly quickly and I immensely enjoyed it. This is such an odd series and I love it for that! Some elements in the book feel so random, but everything is still so thought out! I really love how the book is narrated and how Bosch engages the reader, the book written as if talking to the reader, and all the measures Bosch goes through to keep the secret hidden! Overall, even though it has been a while, I was still able to enjoy this book and my feelings towards the series remain positive. I also made sure to check the next book out of the library immediately so the same mistake wouldn't happen again.
Short and Simple Review
When I read The Name of This Book Is Secret I thought it was fantastic! For some odd reason though, I did not get around to continuing the series until now, almost seven years after reading the first book. I think I tried to check this book out from the library, but it wasn't available so it was forgotten. This book does a great job of catching the reader up on previous events with little footnotes and summaries for those like me who couldn't remember the first book. I actually got into this book fairly quickly and I immensely enjoyed it. This is such an odd series and I love it for that! Some elements in the book feel so random, but everything is still so thought out! I really love how the book is narrated and how Bosch engages the reader, the book written as if talking to the reader, and all the measures Bosch goes through to keep the secret hidden! Overall, even though it has been a while, I was still able to enjoy this book and my feelings towards the series remain positive. I also made sure to check the next book out of the library immediately so the same mistake wouldn't happen again.
February 21, 2023
Update 1: 21/02/2023
Hearing a good story never hurts.
In this book, it seems like Bosch has found his way of telling the story. It seems to me that there's a small difference in style between Books 1 and 2. His way of speaking in the story itself is more coherent, and all the footnotes also seem to have more in common.
While the story in itself is, of course, adventure/fantasy, and there's a lot of humour in it, there is also more depth visible in the books from on. You may not immediately realise it, but there are some great and serious one-liners in there, if you know where and how to look. Are they life lessons? Are they things you need to think about? Maybe not that, but it's definitely more than you'd expect from this book.
But, of course, the humour that is ever-present makes up the most of this reading experience. It's fairly unique, I think, and of a good kind.
What I did notice this time, was that Yo-Yoji didn't annoy me nearly as much (in fact, hardly at all) as when I first read the books. He really bugged me then, but he's all right now.
There are some plottwists and unexpected happenings in this book as well, which was also less present in its precursor.
Update 1: I'm not entirely sure why, but somehow I found the story less interesting than before. I got a bored at some points and I had difficulty concentrating, which is a first for me with this book. We'll see how the rest of the books go...
7.5/10 (2023)
Downstarred from 8.1/10 (2019)
Hearing a good story never hurts.
In this book, it seems like Bosch has found his way of telling the story. It seems to me that there's a small difference in style between Books 1 and 2. His way of speaking in the story itself is more coherent, and all the footnotes also seem to have more in common.
While the story in itself is, of course, adventure/fantasy, and there's a lot of humour in it, there is also more depth visible in the books from on. You may not immediately realise it, but there are some great and serious one-liners in there, if you know where and how to look. Are they life lessons? Are they things you need to think about? Maybe not that, but it's definitely more than you'd expect from this book.
But, of course, the humour that is ever-present makes up the most of this reading experience. It's fairly unique, I think, and of a good kind.
What I did notice this time, was that Yo-Yoji didn't annoy me nearly as much (in fact, hardly at all) as when I first read the books. He really bugged me then, but he's all right now.
There are some plottwists and unexpected happenings in this book as well, which was also less present in its precursor.
Update 1: I'm not entirely sure why, but somehow I found the story less interesting than before. I got a bored at some points and I had difficulty concentrating, which is a first for me with this book. We'll see how the rest of the books go...
7.5/10 (2023)
Downstarred from 8.1/10 (2019)
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