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Simon Bloom #2
Simon Bloom: The Octopus Effect
In Simon Bloom, The Gravity Keeper, Simon Bloom and his friends used the Book of Physics to narrowly defeat villainess Sirabetta. Now Simon's nemesis, stuck as a helpless thirteen-year-old, wants revenge. In this exciting sequel, Simon and company must enter the mysterious undersea realm of the Order of Biology to fi nd Sirabetta before she can restore her powers. Aided by old allies and some new ones, the kids struggle with fi erce beasts, dangerous enemies, and their own evolving abilities. Blending humor, suspense, and science-and throwing new octopus powers into the mix-Michael Reisman brings us another outstandingly original adventure.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2009
15 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Michael Reisman
20 books26 followersMichael went to college in upstate NY at the State University of New York, Albany (a.k.a. SUNY Albany), and he graduated with a degree in Psychology and English. He's had many jobs: a pizzeria dishwasher, a supermarket checkout boy, and spraying cologne in a department store (he got fired on his first night). He's worked making smoothies, selling retail clothing, and he washed enormous party tents for one day. He's worked for a software company, and temped at various jobs in the movie/ TV industry, including an assistant for Tom Hanks for a few months. He's tutored for the SATs (verbal) and has been a script/ book reader for various movie and television companies, including Dreamworks/ Dreamworks Animation, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network. Some of his friends describe it as getting paid to write book reports; they're not entirely wrong. But he's happy - he loves to read, and he's making money doing it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 13, 2010
Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com
Simon Bloom and his friends have a cool job. They are part of the Physics Guild, for which Simon is the co-keeper of the Teacher's Edition of the Book of Physics. They have the ability to use formulas to control the different laws of physics and get to use them to save the world or just have a fun day in the park.
Things take a turn for the worst, however, when the Order of Sciences decide that there can only be one Keeper of the Physics Guild. To make matters worse, Sirabetta, the tattooed, formula-wielding villain from the first book, SIMON BLOOM: THE GRAVITY KEEPER, has escaped to Biology World and is bent on taking over the world again!
Will Simon be able to save the world from Sirabetta? Will he remain the keeper of the Physics Guild?
This book is fast-paced, entertaining, and fun to read. The characters are well-developed, the plot is unique, and the humor throughout the book is well worth the read. Lovers of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure will enjoy reading this series.
Simon Bloom and his friends have a cool job. They are part of the Physics Guild, for which Simon is the co-keeper of the Teacher's Edition of the Book of Physics. They have the ability to use formulas to control the different laws of physics and get to use them to save the world or just have a fun day in the park.
Things take a turn for the worst, however, when the Order of Sciences decide that there can only be one Keeper of the Physics Guild. To make matters worse, Sirabetta, the tattooed, formula-wielding villain from the first book, SIMON BLOOM: THE GRAVITY KEEPER, has escaped to Biology World and is bent on taking over the world again!
Will Simon be able to save the world from Sirabetta? Will he remain the keeper of the Physics Guild?
This book is fast-paced, entertaining, and fun to read. The characters are well-developed, the plot is unique, and the humor throughout the book is well worth the read. Lovers of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure will enjoy reading this series.
November 8, 2017
In this book, Simon Bloom and his friends, Owen and Alysha are celebrating their recent victory over the villainous Sirabetta. Nicknamed Sir by her evil friends, and suffering from a memory loss, Sirabetta is stuck at age thirteen rather than thirty-three and her magical tattoos aren't working. The kids "her age" know her as Sara Beth, and make a big deal about the splotchy tattoos. A few rebellious members of the Order of Chemistry find her and help her come back to her senses and retrieve her memory. She is determined to basically destroy the world. Simon, Owen, and Alysha have to keep her from using her new tattoos, which have veto power over their unique abilities to control bits and pieces of physics. They team up with the Order of Biology, who help them turn into animals, almost. Owen and Alysha each get two octopus attributes, but lucky Simon, with more power than he knew, can get multiple. The friends attempt to get rid of Sirabetta once more.
During their try-fail process, in which they chase Sirabetta and her evil friends and come close to death multiple times, they have to act instantly to save each other. When unable to think fast enough, they find it very handy to act on the quickest thought to reach their mind. This could be an unusual, but true theme. Sometimes you don't have time to plan ahead and just have to wing it. One way to phrase that could be: Thinking it through is not always as helpful as an instant instinct. The three friends use that little bit very often without realizing it. It is the only reason they didn't all die half way through the book.
I did really like this book, probably because the narrator was a character that wasn't in the story. This is also the reason I like other authors' writing style, like Lemony Snicket's and Brandon Sanders'. It doesn't make the best transitions from setting to setting when the narrator looks in on the villains. That made it kind of confusing for the narrator to be able to go where he wants, but not. It was very creative though, the kids have unique superpowers and stuff. Overall it was a pretty good book.
During their try-fail process, in which they chase Sirabetta and her evil friends and come close to death multiple times, they have to act instantly to save each other. When unable to think fast enough, they find it very handy to act on the quickest thought to reach their mind. This could be an unusual, but true theme. Sometimes you don't have time to plan ahead and just have to wing it. One way to phrase that could be: Thinking it through is not always as helpful as an instant instinct. The three friends use that little bit very often without realizing it. It is the only reason they didn't all die half way through the book.
I did really like this book, probably because the narrator was a character that wasn't in the story. This is also the reason I like other authors' writing style, like Lemony Snicket's and Brandon Sanders'. It doesn't make the best transitions from setting to setting when the narrator looks in on the villains. That made it kind of confusing for the narrator to be able to go where he wants, but not. It was very creative though, the kids have unique superpowers and stuff. Overall it was a pretty good book.
June 5, 2019
In the first book of the Simon Bloom trilogy, The Gravity Keeper, a boy from a New Jersey middle school becomes the keeper of the Teachers Guide to Physics, a book that controls the laws of space and time. It's a heavy responsibility for a kid, but he earns it by putting a stop to the villainous Sirabetta, who plans to seize all power in the universe by having key formulas inked on her skin. Sounds like cheating on an exam, right? Well, cheating is the least of her vices, but Simon dealt with her by turning her into a teenager (a horrible fate). Only, now she's back, and she has a team of traitors within the Order of Biology helping her out.
Together with his friends Owen and Alysha, plus some other allies (including the book's Narrator, who takes a whimsically personal interest in what's going on), Simon sets off in pursuit. Each time the two sides meet, a battle breaks out in which people fling powers derived from nature at each other – like the trio's mastery of gravity, friction and velocity, or the Octopus Powers they gain along the way. The result is some weird combat, with the outcome in doubt until the end.
Book 2 of the trilogy, this book is followed by Simon Bloom: The Order of Chaos. Since all three books came out over a three-year period about a decade ago, I guess they're all there is to the series. It's an interesting brew, bringing some of the off-the-wall goofiness of Lemony Snicket to a more mature audience, with lots of educational details sneaking in under the cover of fantasy action and cosmic danger. The large cast of characters seems unwieldy at times, and the book might perhaps suffer from just an eensy-weensy case of middle-of-a-trilogy-itis. However, it probably helps to read the books closer together than I have. Meantime, the author's bio claims that he gets paid for writing book reports. I would totally go for a job like that.
Together with his friends Owen and Alysha, plus some other allies (including the book's Narrator, who takes a whimsically personal interest in what's going on), Simon sets off in pursuit. Each time the two sides meet, a battle breaks out in which people fling powers derived from nature at each other – like the trio's mastery of gravity, friction and velocity, or the Octopus Powers they gain along the way. The result is some weird combat, with the outcome in doubt until the end.
Book 2 of the trilogy, this book is followed by Simon Bloom: The Order of Chaos. Since all three books came out over a three-year period about a decade ago, I guess they're all there is to the series. It's an interesting brew, bringing some of the off-the-wall goofiness of Lemony Snicket to a more mature audience, with lots of educational details sneaking in under the cover of fantasy action and cosmic danger. The large cast of characters seems unwieldy at times, and the book might perhaps suffer from just an eensy-weensy case of middle-of-a-trilogy-itis. However, it probably helps to read the books closer together than I have. Meantime, the author's bio claims that he gets paid for writing book reports. I would totally go for a job like that.
April 8, 2020
“You know that universe you’re living in? It’s a pretty old place. Every religious group, philosopher, or scientist has different explanation for when-and how-everything got started. But, at the very least, it’s clear the universe is no spring chicken.
After all that time, you’d think it would’ve learned to take care of itself. Unfortunately, that’s not true…” --- from Simon Bloom: The Octopus Effect
The recipe for a perfect sequel? There’s an art form few dare to master! And yet, with deft composition, explosive imagination, and plot almost too good to be true, Michael Reisman delivers.
Our unlikely heroes and heroines are back and ready for battle, as the fate of the universe rest in the hands of Simon Bloom once more. Alongside Owen, Alysha, Greygor, and an exciting cast of newcomers, we journey to the Order of Biology to fight for (and with!) science, create a new chronicle, and stop the determined villainess Sirabetta on her quest for cosmic revenge. The STEM in this book is utterly breathtaking, actually eclipsing its predecessor. Wormholes, the Grandfather Paradox, Thermodynamics, Plasma, evolution, cells, genes, mutations, botany, and even elements of Quantum Theory are just a touch of the concepts expressed throughout the fast-paced pages. But that extra sophistication mirrors snappy dialogue, and plentiful humor, creating a novel that places you on the edge of your seat, and the peak of your creativity. “The Octopus Effect” hits all the right notes, and stands an unmatched gem of its genre. Simply put, this iconic book is the ultimate Keeper!
After all that time, you’d think it would’ve learned to take care of itself. Unfortunately, that’s not true…” --- from Simon Bloom: The Octopus Effect
The recipe for a perfect sequel? There’s an art form few dare to master! And yet, with deft composition, explosive imagination, and plot almost too good to be true, Michael Reisman delivers.
Our unlikely heroes and heroines are back and ready for battle, as the fate of the universe rest in the hands of Simon Bloom once more. Alongside Owen, Alysha, Greygor, and an exciting cast of newcomers, we journey to the Order of Biology to fight for (and with!) science, create a new chronicle, and stop the determined villainess Sirabetta on her quest for cosmic revenge. The STEM in this book is utterly breathtaking, actually eclipsing its predecessor. Wormholes, the Grandfather Paradox, Thermodynamics, Plasma, evolution, cells, genes, mutations, botany, and even elements of Quantum Theory are just a touch of the concepts expressed throughout the fast-paced pages. But that extra sophistication mirrors snappy dialogue, and plentiful humor, creating a novel that places you on the edge of your seat, and the peak of your creativity. “The Octopus Effect” hits all the right notes, and stands an unmatched gem of its genre. Simply put, this iconic book is the ultimate Keeper!
May 18, 2017
A second book that is every bit as good as the first. It retained all the things that made me fall in love in the first place: the sense of wonder, the intellectual inquiry, the character growth, the original world. Mr. Reisman managed to make an expanding threat to match our hero's expanding capacity without throwing in the traditional 'It all just gets bigger'. And yes, I'm excited to see where it goes.
May 30, 2019
Simon Bloom: The Octopus Effect is a great book for the kind of person who enjoys a fictional, fantasy-filled reading. The book consists of many fun and joyous moments and additionally has many ups and downs. I usually just read for my own benefit, but this easily made my top-books list.
September 18, 2019
it was hamster
April 22, 2024
I'm listening to these out of order, but still able to keep up and enjoy the second books. Looking forward to finding the first one and catching up, though.
March 19, 2016
In this work of science fiction, Simon Bloom The Octopus Effect by Michael Reisman, Simon Bloom and his friends set out on an action packed race to find Sirabetta before her powers are restored, fighting her henchmen along the way. The Teacher's Edition of Physics, a book, teleports into Simon's room. It warns him that, "The end is coming; make sure there is a new beginning." Simon Bloom, a thirteen year old who just started junior high already has three formulas from the Teacher's Edition of Physics. These formulas allow him to control various aspects of the earth. Fro example, Simon has the formula for gravity, which allows him to control the gravitational pull of an object, such as a human, thus making the person weigh twice his/her weight. Simon Bloom receives these formulas from the Teacher's Edition of Physics by reading and instantly comprehending and memorizing them. He was able to do this as he was temporarily appointed Keeper of the Teacher's Edition of Physics in the previous book. In this book, Simon is officially appointed the Keeper of the Teacher's Edition of Physics and thus has a strong connection with the book. This gives him the ability to instantly imprint formulas from other books, like the formula for an octopus from which he intended to gain one ability (flexibility) but he unknowing acquired all the abilities an octopus has such as spewing ink, and four extra arms made out of gravity. As he discovers these abilities, they save his life on multiple occasions. I would rate this book stars as the story was gripping and it is written using intelligent language. I like this book mainly because I enjoy extremely complex plots and lots of adventure. My favorite part of this book was when Simon figures out he has four extra arms, not made of flesh and bone. They are instead an extension of his gravity formula. You must have read the previous book, Simon Bloom The Gravity Keeper, in order to understand this book. I didn't like this aspect of the writers style of writing, as it makes it difficult to explain. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy science oriented adventure books, or adults who aren't bound by the systematic ways of our culture.
December 21, 2015
I really enjoyed the concept of the original and its use of scientific laws as "magic" this one carried on the plot satisfactorily in a variety of interesting new settings. However, it suffers from the all-too-frequent sequel book problem of a ballooning cast of characters that become increasingly difficult to keep track of, in spite of the helpful table the author added (In general, I find that when these tables are included it is a dangerous sign that you are going to need to refer to them frequently). Also, the action sequences and fight scenes very strongly reflect the author's background as a television writer and read a lot like a Pokemon battle or something similar where the combatants all patiently take turns and announce exactly what they are about to do before they attack. Personally I find this more laughable than annoying and I still want to read the 3rd installment. So I would recommend this to most casual readers, but not to one who is picky or overly-critical of their personal reading material.
February 14, 2012
Simon Bloom: The Octopus Effect:
Pros: New characters, does not leave a huge gap from when the story last left off, kinda funny, and some fun action.
As long as the list of pros is, unfortunately, the list of cons is even longer:
Cons: Not as fun and action-filled as you would expect, narrator not as much fun to listen to as he was in the first, not very funny, too many unexplained plot holes mainly having to do with character backgrounds, very confusing at times due to previous con, not as good as the first one, and the worst book con of all: not a book that makes you want to keep reading it.
Overall review: Not the book you would expect to be the sequel of Simon Bloom, The Gravity Keeper. If you liked Simon Bloom, The Gravity Keeper you may be in for a big disappointment. Despite all I have said, it is not the worst sequel I've ever read; on the contrary it was pretty good if you're not expecting much in the first place.
My rating: 3 Stars.
Pros: New characters, does not leave a huge gap from when the story last left off, kinda funny, and some fun action.
As long as the list of pros is, unfortunately, the list of cons is even longer:
Cons: Not as fun and action-filled as you would expect, narrator not as much fun to listen to as he was in the first, not very funny, too many unexplained plot holes mainly having to do with character backgrounds, very confusing at times due to previous con, not as good as the first one, and the worst book con of all: not a book that makes you want to keep reading it.
Overall review: Not the book you would expect to be the sequel of Simon Bloom, The Gravity Keeper. If you liked Simon Bloom, The Gravity Keeper you may be in for a big disappointment. Despite all I have said, it is not the worst sequel I've ever read; on the contrary it was pretty good if you're not expecting much in the first place.
My rating: 3 Stars.
August 14, 2009
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first in the series. It felt like the whole book was just one battle after another, with each battle being overly descriptive about the scientific facts and rules and laws. (It kind of got boring.) Things didn't really pick up until the end, and then of course, the ending has a cliffhanger so that you will read book 3 (coming out in Spring 2010) which of course I will have to do to see how the series ends. AARGH!
I listened to the audio version of this book (perhaps I would have enjoyed the print version better?) and I really disliked the narrator's voice for Alicia. She could be talking about scientific facts or something serious, but she always sounded as if she was saying "Whatever." It got really annoying, really fast. Maybe the narrator doesn't know that all 12-year-old girls do not talk like that?
I listened to the audio version of this book (perhaps I would have enjoyed the print version better?) and I really disliked the narrator's voice for Alicia. She could be talking about scientific facts or something serious, but she always sounded as if she was saying "Whatever." It got really annoying, really fast. Maybe the narrator doesn't know that all 12-year-old girls do not talk like that?
July 28, 2009
Gr 5-8 – Simon and his friends Owen and Alysha are back in this sequel to The Gravity Keeper, along with the Narrator and the evil Sirabetta. Sirabetta, now in a 13 year old girl’s body, is angry and more determined than ever to take over all of the Teacher’s Editions. Simon’s new octopus abilities are a cool addition to his growing list of powers, which he’s finding harder to control. Action packed and full of interesting scientific references, this is a fun summer read.
Read by Nicholas Hormann who delivers the many different voices and accents in the book with great accuracy making each character distinctive.
Recommended for fans of DJ MacHale’s Pendragon series and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series.
Read by Nicholas Hormann who delivers the many different voices and accents in the book with great accuracy making each character distinctive.
Recommended for fans of DJ MacHale’s Pendragon series and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series.
February 28, 2010
A pretty good follow up to the first book. Deklan loved it. The ending had a bit too much of a cliff-hanger ending for my tastes. I like the continuing involvement of the Narrator. I am looking forward to him playing a major part in the third book. I don't know if the third book will be the last or not, but I 'm in at least that far.
I think the humor is just right for a 7 year old. I also like that they briefly explain all of the science topics that they touch on (and they touch on a lot) I joked with my wife that we could almost count these books a science curriculum.
I would recommend this series of books to anyone who laughs at the sort of things that 7 year old boys laugh at, and likes science.
I think the humor is just right for a 7 year old. I also like that they briefly explain all of the science topics that they touch on (and they touch on a lot) I joked with my wife that we could almost count these books a science curriculum.
I would recommend this series of books to anyone who laughs at the sort of things that 7 year old boys laugh at, and likes science.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2013
This book was just sort of there. It has a really great premise and *should* be great deal of fun, but it just wasn't; fun that is. I think it is because the characters are really shallow despite the authors attempts to make them more so (transparent attempts to have surprise revelations about the villain aside). Also, while the first book had a sense of exploration and discovery to it as Simon learned to use his powers and lots of winking nods to the reader, this book didn't really. A really admirable attempt that didn't work for me.
January 4, 2010
We loved the first Simon Bloom book, and looked forward to the sequel. Unfortunately it lacks the tension, character development, and plot twists that made the first one such a thrill. My wife remarked that it seemed to her that it was written with screen adaptation in mind, and I agree -- it's not taking advantage of the benefits of the print medium, and seems more superficial than the first book. I hope Michael Reisman gets back on track with a third book.
July 9, 2013
Fun book. It has been some years since I read the Gravity Keeper but I had no difficulties getting back into the story. Interesting series progression - physics, bio, chem. One would think that chem would go between physics and bio, but it worked like this. The Biology domain sounded pretty awesome. Is it weird that one of my favorite characters was Preto? (Given that he only appeared maybe three times in the whole book.) If the third book is at my library, I shall read it.
January 10, 2012
Wildly imaginative! Action, adventure, and huge creativity. Probably better than the first in the series. There was occasional teen attitude that bugged me but the storyline made up for it. I loved all the cool powers that the characters had ( I want an exoskeleton!) and I enjoyed the story being told by the Official Historical Narrator. I hope all works out for the third book to be published!
March 10, 2010
Simon Bloom and friends are back, and so is the enemy they thought they had defeated in Simon Bloom, the Gravity Keeper. Also back is our trusty narrator, Greygor Geryson, whose voice seems stronger in this second "chronicle".
Reisman's narration came off as overly clever in the previous book, but he seems to have hit his writing stride here. This is a good thing, since he packs in a lot of adventure, travel, and battles, as well as new characters and scientific facts.
Reisman's narration came off as overly clever in the previous book, but he seems to have hit his writing stride here. This is a good thing, since he packs in a lot of adventure, travel, and battles, as well as new characters and scientific facts.
July 3, 2011
Ok, I am not going to complain about the explosive action plots in the book. I liked them and this time around, it involved the order of biology (if you like animals and nature). The only downside was that the book had too many characters involved! I kept getting a mixed up every time they fight. Reis forgot about character development on this book. Nonetheless, I'm still looking forward for book three. Hopefully, more on the order of psychology?
October 24, 2016
I was listening to this book in my car. Thought it might be fun for my family to listen to with all the science... In fairness to the series, I Didn't read the first book. And I didn't get too far into this book before giving up on it.
I don't know if it was the book or the reader but the tone bothered me. Almost talking down to the listener/reader. There was Too much trying to fit in science concepts and explanations. It takes away from the story.
I don't know if it was the book or the reader but the tone bothered me. Almost talking down to the listener/reader. There was Too much trying to fit in science concepts and explanations. It takes away from the story.
November 5, 2013
totally awesome!!
best encounter with science ever!
love how little things mentioned in the first book make so much more sense.
so cool when the other plants stuff like that early on in the story.
really hope there will be more than 3 of these. gonna start the third one tonight.
keep writing please!!
best encounter with science ever!
love how little things mentioned in the first book make so much more sense.
so cool when the other plants stuff like that early on in the story.
really hope there will be more than 3 of these. gonna start the third one tonight.
keep writing please!!
December 16, 2013
The sequel to the gravity keeper, this book will keep people on the edge of their seats. Luckily, this was a sequel that got better instead of worse like most sequels. I highly recommend this book but also recommend reading the first book before this for background information. Most of the story takes place underwater and definiteley stretches your imagination.
March 3, 2010
So far I like this book just as much as the first Simon Bloom. Although the bending of science is more fantasy and science fiction, it makes for a good story and cool action. Not to mention some good humor.
August 7, 2016
I liked this one better than the first -- the imaginative biodome headquarters for the Biology Guild was cool and I like the interplay with the narrator even more in this one. My 8-year-old gives it 5 stars.
August 10, 2009
I thought the book was adventurous but the fighting gets repetitive after awhile. The end keeps you wanting to read more.
April 8, 2009
My son LOVES this series!
July 27, 2009
Sequel to Simon Bloom The Gravity Keeper
not as good as the first book though...
not as good as the first book though...
September 8, 2010
Another fun Simon Bloom adventure. Simon Bloom once again defends the world from Sirbetta using his powers over the laws of physics. This book is a great tie in with The Physics of Superheroes.
March 6, 2015
It's just as good the second time as the first :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews