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Jack Blank Adventure #1
The Accidental Hero
All Jack Blank knows is his bleak, dreary life at St. Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost, an orphanage that sinks further into the swampland of New Jersey with each passing year. His aptitude tests predict that he will spend a long, unhappy career as a toilet brush cleaner. His only chance at escape comes through the comic books donated years ago to the orphanage that he secretly reads in the dark corners of the library.
Everything changes one icy gray morning when Jack receives two visitors that alter his life forever. The first is a deadly robot straight out of one of his comic books that tries its best to blow him up. The second is an emissary from a secret country called the Imagine Nation, an astonishing place where all the fantastic and unbelievable things in our world originate — including Jack. Jack soon discovers that he has an amazing ability — one that could make him the savior of the Imagine Nation and the world beyond, or the biggest threat they've ever faced.
Everything changes one icy gray morning when Jack receives two visitors that alter his life forever. The first is a deadly robot straight out of one of his comic books that tries its best to blow him up. The second is an emissary from a secret country called the Imagine Nation, an astonishing place where all the fantastic and unbelievable things in our world originate — including Jack. Jack soon discovers that he has an amazing ability — one that could make him the savior of the Imagine Nation and the world beyond, or the biggest threat they've ever faced.
470 pages, Paperback
First published July 17, 2010
273 people are currently reading
12492 people want to read
About the author
Matt Myklusch
14 books283 followersMatt Myklusch is the author of 8 middle-grade novels, including the JACK BLANK, ORDER OF THE MAJESTIC, and the SEABORNE series. When he was a kid, he wanted to be a comic book penciller. That didn’t happen, but he never stopped drawing – and now he’s writing comic books! IMAGINE NATION, his new graphic novel series hits the shelves on January 7, 2025.
He lives in New Jersey with his wife and family, where he is always behind schedule on his next book.
He lives in New Jersey with his wife and family, where he is always behind schedule on his next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 450 reviews
November 22, 2011
Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation-Book Review
Reviewer- Jacqueline
Sometimes, some books are just so horrible you feel like you just fell down a deep, deep, dark, scary but boring hole. Now ladies and gentlemen, here’s something I’d like to share with you, about a book called Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation by Matt Myklush. Maybe you’ve read this book before, or maybe you haven’t. Whether you’re a Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation fan or not, I thought that book was…HORRIBLE!!!!! I personally like books when the character is dynamic (The character changes through out the story). But in Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation, Jack doesn’t change, at all! Things just happen to him but it doesn’t change him as Jack.
Jack Blank is from an orphanage. Nobody likes him there. Then, a Rustov robot comes and attacks him. Usually others wouldn’t survive, but Jack does. A cyborg called Jazen and a blue giant comes and picks him to take him to the Imagine Nation. When they try to find out who he is, they find out that Jack has been infected by the Rustov. Then, the Imagine Nation is even more scared of Jack and they really dislike him.
I don’t mind science fiction, like robots and aliens. I actually enjoy them; they are exciting and fun at the same time. But this book was ridiculously BOOOORIIIING!!!! I say it’s boring because it didn’t give me the chills, or it didn’t get me excited. Sometimes there weren’t enough details. But when the author does put in detail, it seems awkward and it doesn’t make it interesting. I found this book soooo horrible, that I threw it back in the book shelf and didn’t finish reading it.
The crafting was not well done. The book started off too quickly. Already on the second chapter, Jack is at Imagine Nation. The exposition wasn’t long enough to establish the character. It said that Jack got attacked at the orphanage, but then he’s on his way to Imagine Nation. My reaction was, Wait, wait, wait. He’s at Imagine Nation. It’s only been two seconds at the orphanage. What’s going on here!? Is that all the author wants to say about the orphanage? Man, the author has no patience. I mean, if the author had written even more about how badly Jack got tortured, I would’ve actually felt bad for Jack, rather than thinking that he’s pathetic and I’m really confused.
The only reason I would recommend this book to someone would be because I wanted them to read a terrible book and have a hard and boring time. (Okay, I’ll admit, that was a bit harsh and mean. But I’m just being honest. Here’s a much “nicer” way to say how I’d recommend this book to someone.) I would recommend this book to someone who doesn’t really care if the character is dynamic or not, and they like science fiction or fantasy. For example, my friend really liked this book. When one of my classmates and my teacher and I hated it. Different people have different opinions.
I hope you either A.) Agreed with me that Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation is a horrible book. Or B.) You’re the type of person who likes books when the character is not dynamic. Those characters are just flat!
Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation was a terrible book for me. I don’t know about you. You might like it, you might not. You could try it if you want to. Even though this book review contained a lot of criticism, Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation will be remembered well. Either with hates or likes.
Reviewer- Jacqueline
Sometimes, some books are just so horrible you feel like you just fell down a deep, deep, dark, scary but boring hole. Now ladies and gentlemen, here’s something I’d like to share with you, about a book called Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation by Matt Myklush. Maybe you’ve read this book before, or maybe you haven’t. Whether you’re a Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation fan or not, I thought that book was…HORRIBLE!!!!! I personally like books when the character is dynamic (The character changes through out the story). But in Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation, Jack doesn’t change, at all! Things just happen to him but it doesn’t change him as Jack.
Jack Blank is from an orphanage. Nobody likes him there. Then, a Rustov robot comes and attacks him. Usually others wouldn’t survive, but Jack does. A cyborg called Jazen and a blue giant comes and picks him to take him to the Imagine Nation. When they try to find out who he is, they find out that Jack has been infected by the Rustov. Then, the Imagine Nation is even more scared of Jack and they really dislike him.
I don’t mind science fiction, like robots and aliens. I actually enjoy them; they are exciting and fun at the same time. But this book was ridiculously BOOOORIIIING!!!! I say it’s boring because it didn’t give me the chills, or it didn’t get me excited. Sometimes there weren’t enough details. But when the author does put in detail, it seems awkward and it doesn’t make it interesting. I found this book soooo horrible, that I threw it back in the book shelf and didn’t finish reading it.
The crafting was not well done. The book started off too quickly. Already on the second chapter, Jack is at Imagine Nation. The exposition wasn’t long enough to establish the character. It said that Jack got attacked at the orphanage, but then he’s on his way to Imagine Nation. My reaction was, Wait, wait, wait. He’s at Imagine Nation. It’s only been two seconds at the orphanage. What’s going on here!? Is that all the author wants to say about the orphanage? Man, the author has no patience. I mean, if the author had written even more about how badly Jack got tortured, I would’ve actually felt bad for Jack, rather than thinking that he’s pathetic and I’m really confused.
The only reason I would recommend this book to someone would be because I wanted them to read a terrible book and have a hard and boring time. (Okay, I’ll admit, that was a bit harsh and mean. But I’m just being honest. Here’s a much “nicer” way to say how I’d recommend this book to someone.) I would recommend this book to someone who doesn’t really care if the character is dynamic or not, and they like science fiction or fantasy. For example, my friend really liked this book. When one of my classmates and my teacher and I hated it. Different people have different opinions.
I hope you either A.) Agreed with me that Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation is a horrible book. Or B.) You’re the type of person who likes books when the character is not dynamic. Those characters are just flat!
Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation was a terrible book for me. I don’t know about you. You might like it, you might not. You could try it if you want to. Even though this book review contained a lot of criticism, Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation will be remembered well. Either with hates or likes.
July 23, 2012
12-year-old Jack Blank doesn’t know who he is, where he came from or who his parents are. He does know that he’s a VERY bored orphan at St. Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost (a pretty depressing place). Finally something exciting (but pretty frightening) happens in Jack’s life: He gets attacked by an evil Robo-Zombie and has to find a way to destroy it! Jack is saved from the orphanage by Jazen Knight, an official from the Imagine Nation. Jazen takes Jack to the Imagine Nation. The Imagine Nation is a secret place where every superhero and evil villain you can imagine come from. In the Imagine Nation, Jack makes new friends (and enemies), discovers who he really is and finds out it is up to him to save the world!
I first have to tell you that, for me, any book that has ninjas AND robot zombies would be pretty hard not to like! I was thinking the story was going to be similar to other series out there, but it is really exciting and different. I like the story plot in the book because it is about all the ideas in comic books being real in the Imagine Nation. Jack is a great character that you want to know more about. At the end of the book I wanted it to keep going. I want to know what happens to the characters.
I first have to tell you that, for me, any book that has ninjas AND robot zombies would be pretty hard not to like! I was thinking the story was going to be similar to other series out there, but it is really exciting and different. I like the story plot in the book because it is about all the ideas in comic books being real in the Imagine Nation. Jack is a great character that you want to know more about. At the end of the book I wanted it to keep going. I want to know what happens to the characters.
November 15, 2025
A boy with a very tragic childhood finds himself being whisked off to a magical island to discover who he really is. Lots of action and adventure with a twist at the end that even I didn't see coming. My son really liked this! It's kind of hard these days to find good children's books with boy protagonists (not that I'm complaining, because for a very long time it was the opposite and we love reading books with girl protagonists too, but also, representation is always nice).
ETA: I forgot to mention this before, but after reading this (rather long) book aloud, I can see why there aren't more main characters named "Jack". To have to say "Jack asked", out loud, over and over again, was surprisingly irritating. I have nothing against cursing, and I do it often enough, but I try to keep it to a minimum around my son. But every time I had to read the words "Jack asked" (which was a LOT), I felt like I was saying "Jackasssss-ed" because my annunciation isn't so great especially at night. So... maybe that's something to be aware of for any children's books authors out there?
ETA: I forgot to mention this before, but after reading this (rather long) book aloud, I can see why there aren't more main characters named "Jack". To have to say "Jack asked", out loud, over and over again, was surprisingly irritating. I have nothing against cursing, and I do it often enough, but I try to keep it to a minimum around my son. But every time I had to read the words "Jack asked" (which was a LOT), I felt like I was saying "Jackasssss-ed" because my annunciation isn't so great especially at night. So... maybe that's something to be aware of for any children's books authors out there?
January 17, 2013
This book was recommended to me by Erik, from ThisKidReviewsBooks. In fact, he reviewed it in a guest post here on my blog. This summer, when he reviewed the sequel on his blog, I decided book one might be a great read-aloud to start out my son’s homeschool year. Erik assured me he would love it, so I ordered it from the library.
It was a great way to start out the homeschool year. You see, reading is unimaginably difficult for my son. While he’s old enough that he should be reading novels like this with ease, he’s only just outgrown Magic Tree House books, and he still frequents The Boxcar Children (for which I’m very proud of him—he couldn’t read those independently at the beginning of last year). Anyway, he’s a normal boy who loves high-action, super heroes, things that blow up. He just can’t visit those worlds without help yet. So I read this one to him. (It weighs in at 468 pages.) It took us three weeks and two days, but it blew him away!
Within, Jack Blank is so named because no one actually knows his last name. Or who his parents are. Or his past. As long as he can remember, he’s been a ward of St. Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost. He’s an orphan who doesn’t really fit in anywhere. Not even at St. Barnaby’s. So imagine his thrill when an emissary from the Imagine Nation (a real live world right out of his comic books) comes to take him away. Of course, that was right after a Robo-Zombie emerged from the swampy water of St. Barnaby’s flooded basement and tried to kill him.
The Imagine Nation is the stuff of dreams. There are awesome weapons, flying vehicles, intelligent machines, and an ultimate techno-city, Empire City. (My son loved it!) And everyone who lives there has superpowers–the heroes, the villains, and Jack! But the Empire City is a fearful place. A great battle was fought there in recent memory, and fears that the invading Rustov Robo-Zombies will return is very great. When it’s learned that Jack is resistant to the Rustov virus he’s found to be infected with, he is regarded with deep suspicion, especially by Jonas Smart, one of the ruling Circlemen who is using the public’s fear to grab power for himself.
As Jack seeks to prove himself, he does eventually find out who he is, and the revelation is earth-shattering. (I didn’t see it coming at all!) The fate he’s facing is so monstrous that he decides it’s better to simply leave the Imagine Nation altogether. But one wise super has this to say to Jack: “It is a great burden, of that there is no question, but the future is not written. It lies in the choices you make. Our future is ours to decide. Always.”
And that is the positive message I was sort of surprised to uncover in this ultra-techie, blow ‘em up, bigger-than-life superhero story. That, along with themes of loyalty, friendship, courage, and honor—all developed without one single profanity. Wow! I have to hand it to Mr. Myklusch. He managed to thrill my son with supers, intrigue, suspense, and mega-imagination, and he did in a positive way. Two thumbs way up for The Accidental Hero!
It was a great way to start out the homeschool year. You see, reading is unimaginably difficult for my son. While he’s old enough that he should be reading novels like this with ease, he’s only just outgrown Magic Tree House books, and he still frequents The Boxcar Children (for which I’m very proud of him—he couldn’t read those independently at the beginning of last year). Anyway, he’s a normal boy who loves high-action, super heroes, things that blow up. He just can’t visit those worlds without help yet. So I read this one to him. (It weighs in at 468 pages.) It took us three weeks and two days, but it blew him away!
Within, Jack Blank is so named because no one actually knows his last name. Or who his parents are. Or his past. As long as he can remember, he’s been a ward of St. Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost. He’s an orphan who doesn’t really fit in anywhere. Not even at St. Barnaby’s. So imagine his thrill when an emissary from the Imagine Nation (a real live world right out of his comic books) comes to take him away. Of course, that was right after a Robo-Zombie emerged from the swampy water of St. Barnaby’s flooded basement and tried to kill him.
The Imagine Nation is the stuff of dreams. There are awesome weapons, flying vehicles, intelligent machines, and an ultimate techno-city, Empire City. (My son loved it!) And everyone who lives there has superpowers–the heroes, the villains, and Jack! But the Empire City is a fearful place. A great battle was fought there in recent memory, and fears that the invading Rustov Robo-Zombies will return is very great. When it’s learned that Jack is resistant to the Rustov virus he’s found to be infected with, he is regarded with deep suspicion, especially by Jonas Smart, one of the ruling Circlemen who is using the public’s fear to grab power for himself.
As Jack seeks to prove himself, he does eventually find out who he is, and the revelation is earth-shattering. (I didn’t see it coming at all!) The fate he’s facing is so monstrous that he decides it’s better to simply leave the Imagine Nation altogether. But one wise super has this to say to Jack: “It is a great burden, of that there is no question, but the future is not written. It lies in the choices you make. Our future is ours to decide. Always.”
And that is the positive message I was sort of surprised to uncover in this ultra-techie, blow ‘em up, bigger-than-life superhero story. That, along with themes of loyalty, friendship, courage, and honor—all developed without one single profanity. Wow! I have to hand it to Mr. Myklusch. He managed to thrill my son with supers, intrigue, suspense, and mega-imagination, and he did in a positive way. Two thumbs way up for The Accidental Hero!
April 17, 2024
Ever wanted to be a superhero? See an alien? Be a comic book character?
Jack Blank is taken from his orphanage to an impossible place: the Imagine Nation, a secret country on a secret island; a refuge for the extraordinary, filled with superpowered people, aliens, androids, medieval knights... A place right out of the comic books Jack so loved.
The writing was so fun! Humorous, light, witty. Sometimes, on the nose, but always had me grinning.
Blue put out a fist for Jack to bump. The only bump Jack returned was the one where his head hit the floor.
I loved the underlying message that normal isn’t always the best. That tests can’t determine your worth or future. That individuals can’t be measured and sorted into a box. I think this is a great message for a book of this audience!
The plot twists in this were superb! Just when I thought I had figured everything out and pinpointed who the bad guys were and the spies, the book totally surprised me! This isn’t a run-of-the-mill YA book!
”The best way to predict your future is to create it."
I would definitely recommend this to readers of all ages, especially younger readers wanting an addictive, funny book!
Comparisons: Artemis Fowl, David Walliams, Captain Underpants, Amari and the Night Brothers.
Bookstagram
Jack Blank is taken from his orphanage to an impossible place: the Imagine Nation, a secret country on a secret island; a refuge for the extraordinary, filled with superpowered people, aliens, androids, medieval knights... A place right out of the comic books Jack so loved.
The writing was so fun! Humorous, light, witty. Sometimes, on the nose, but always had me grinning.
Blue put out a fist for Jack to bump. The only bump Jack returned was the one where his head hit the floor.
I loved the underlying message that normal isn’t always the best. That tests can’t determine your worth or future. That individuals can’t be measured and sorted into a box. I think this is a great message for a book of this audience!
The plot twists in this were superb! Just when I thought I had figured everything out and pinpointed who the bad guys were and the spies, the book totally surprised me! This isn’t a run-of-the-mill YA book!
”The best way to predict your future is to create it."
I would definitely recommend this to readers of all ages, especially younger readers wanting an addictive, funny book!
Comparisons: Artemis Fowl, David Walliams, Captain Underpants, Amari and the Night Brothers.
Bookstagram
August 26, 2011
I bought this for my kid while we were on a road trip; we stopped in Oxford, MS and while my husband tromped in the footsteps of Faulkner, my kid and I spent a couple of hours at Square Books. This book was recommended by the staff there as something a kid who loves Harry Potter and Percy Jackson would enjoy.
So I bought it and handed it to Cameron; one of the first books I've given him without a pre-read. I guess I was tired.
He read it before we pulled into Nashville that afternoon and pronounced it excellent. When I finally read it, I agreed with his assessment but with caveats. The story and ideas are, indeed, excellent; clever turns on phrases and ideas about alternate realities that made my adult brain nod with recognition. The writing is more sketchy than I had hoped; and not sketchy in a "questionable" context but sketchy in a "outline and not much detail" context. I have had these problems with other children's books; I often decide that kids fill in left-out details better than I do. In this one, though, I wished Myklusch had fleshed out his fantastic ideas a great deal more. What is a good book could have been a great book.
Regardless, my kid thinks it's brilliant. And that's what really matters, right?
So I bought it and handed it to Cameron; one of the first books I've given him without a pre-read. I guess I was tired.
He read it before we pulled into Nashville that afternoon and pronounced it excellent. When I finally read it, I agreed with his assessment but with caveats. The story and ideas are, indeed, excellent; clever turns on phrases and ideas about alternate realities that made my adult brain nod with recognition. The writing is more sketchy than I had hoped; and not sketchy in a "questionable" context but sketchy in a "outline and not much detail" context. I have had these problems with other children's books; I often decide that kids fill in left-out details better than I do. In this one, though, I wished Myklusch had fleshed out his fantastic ideas a great deal more. What is a good book could have been a great book.
Regardless, my kid thinks it's brilliant. And that's what really matters, right?
January 9, 2017
I read Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch. The genre of this book is fantasy because the main character has a superpower which makes it fantasy because superpowers aren't real. In this book Jack Blank, the main character, is an orphan at St. Barnabys. He was dropped off there with a note that said Jack. He meets Jazen who is a cyborg who takes him to Imagine Nation. It is there where he discovers he has powers. He must fight the Rüstov to prove he is not one himself. The internal conflict in this book is the existence of a Rüstov parasite inside him which is fighting to take control of his body. The external conflict is people thinking he is a Rüstov and the Rüstov wanting him. I liked this book because it is very entertaining and very interesting. I love fantasy so I loved this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and superpowers.
October 18, 2017
If I didn't have to read this for a committee, I would have stopped reading after the first chapter. The premise is interesting, and I like the concept of the book, I just HATED the writing. There was nothing compelling about the main character, he didn't ever really DO anything, just kind of passively floated around. I think this passivity might not bother kids, but it really made it hard me as a reader to be excited about what happens next. Recommend this to kids who are looking for a superhero book, but have read all of the other (better) options.
December 1, 2020
The first time I started this book I really wasn't feeling it so I DNF'ed it. BUT, I picked it back up and restarted it at the end of the year and that was the best decision ever because this book was absolutely fantastic, just like I thought it would be when I first came across it!
And so this book always serves as a reminder for me that a book you don't like in one moment, you can really love in another!
And so this book always serves as a reminder for me that a book you don't like in one moment, you can really love in another!
May 2, 2025
read this book when i was in 5th grade, jazen knight was my first book bf lol
December 30, 2018
When I put Science Fiction it's because of all the crazy futuristic technology. This is by far one of my favorites. So if you just want to sit down on the sofa and read an action-packed, crazy, funny, amazing, insane plot twisting, book. I recommend this one. The author has such a fun, not really Unique, but sort of a creative way of writing. I need to wrap this up so here's my last part. With this book, I wasn't able to put it down at all and it was even better the second time!
Please read this, it is so good and hardly anyone I know has read it.
Please read this, it is so good and hardly anyone I know has read it.
January 21, 2021
Stayed up all night just to finish the first book. I honestly couldn't go to sleep knowing I could still read more.
The book not only has one of the best plots that has existed but also has the best characters, supporting characters and main character. My mind is blown at how well this series is. The plot is perfectly executed and no other author would have done better.
The book not only has one of the best plots that has existed but also has the best characters, supporting characters and main character. My mind is blown at how well this series is. The plot is perfectly executed and no other author would have done better.
March 29, 2024
This ended up being a very good story. Ibwas not sure at the beginning, but it came together very well with a whole lot of excitement.
March 31, 2011
Author: Matt Myklusch
Genre: Middle Grade; Fantasy
Release Date: August, 2010
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5
Description: All Jack Blank knows is his bleak, dreary life at St. Barnaby's Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost, an orphanage that sinks further into the swampland of New Jersey with each passing year. His aptitude tests predict that he will spend a long, unhappy career as a toilet brush cleaner. His only chance at escape comes through the comic books donated years ago to the orphanage that he secretly reads in the dark corners of the library.
Everything changes one icy gray morning when Jack receives two visitors that alter his life forever. The first is a deadly robot straight out of one of his comic books that tries its best to blow him up. The second is an emissary from a secret country called the Imagine Nation, an astonishing place where all the fantastic and unbelievable things in our world originate - including Jack.
Jack soon discovers that he has an amazing ability--one that could make him the savior of the Imagine Nation and the world beyond, or the biggest threat they've ever faced.
Review: Two words describe this book: so awesome! I loved it. There are similarities between this series and the Harry Potter series - orphan boy discovers powers he didn't know existed; orphan boy goes to a hidden world - but that's where the similarities end. Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation is in a class of its own.
What I Didn't Like...
- Um...nothing. I couldn't find any unlikeable thing about this book. Oh, I didn't like that it had to end. I have to actually wait for the next book in the series. Oh, the pain!
What I Did Like...
- Jack Blank - I loved this character. He's memorable, likeable, funny...I found myself rooting for him throughout the whole book, which is what writers aim for when coming up with protagonists. His last name isn't really Blank, that's just the name they gave because no one knows who his parents are.
- Imagine Nation - The name of this world is cool in itself, but the actual world is cool, too. Imagine Nation is where you find all creatures that come from the imagination of humans - superheroes, supervillians, aliens, etc. Many of the inhabitants of Imagine Nation are from the comic books Jack loves to read.
- The Whole Story - This book is full of action! I loved it from beginning to end. It was like one big adventurous ride. The descriptions were awesome. I could actually picture what was happening and what the world would look like. The cover is what drew me in. The story is what kept me in.
I loved loved LOVED this book. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes a good read...especially if you like fantasy books. Boys will love this book. Girls as well as adults will too. I so cannot wait for book #2, Accidental Hero to come out (April 26th).
Genre: Middle Grade; Fantasy
Release Date: August, 2010
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5
Description: All Jack Blank knows is his bleak, dreary life at St. Barnaby's Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost, an orphanage that sinks further into the swampland of New Jersey with each passing year. His aptitude tests predict that he will spend a long, unhappy career as a toilet brush cleaner. His only chance at escape comes through the comic books donated years ago to the orphanage that he secretly reads in the dark corners of the library.
Everything changes one icy gray morning when Jack receives two visitors that alter his life forever. The first is a deadly robot straight out of one of his comic books that tries its best to blow him up. The second is an emissary from a secret country called the Imagine Nation, an astonishing place where all the fantastic and unbelievable things in our world originate - including Jack.
Jack soon discovers that he has an amazing ability--one that could make him the savior of the Imagine Nation and the world beyond, or the biggest threat they've ever faced.
Review: Two words describe this book: so awesome! I loved it. There are similarities between this series and the Harry Potter series - orphan boy discovers powers he didn't know existed; orphan boy goes to a hidden world - but that's where the similarities end. Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation is in a class of its own.
What I Didn't Like...
- Um...nothing. I couldn't find any unlikeable thing about this book. Oh, I didn't like that it had to end. I have to actually wait for the next book in the series. Oh, the pain!
What I Did Like...
- Jack Blank - I loved this character. He's memorable, likeable, funny...I found myself rooting for him throughout the whole book, which is what writers aim for when coming up with protagonists. His last name isn't really Blank, that's just the name they gave because no one knows who his parents are.
- Imagine Nation - The name of this world is cool in itself, but the actual world is cool, too. Imagine Nation is where you find all creatures that come from the imagination of humans - superheroes, supervillians, aliens, etc. Many of the inhabitants of Imagine Nation are from the comic books Jack loves to read.
- The Whole Story - This book is full of action! I loved it from beginning to end. It was like one big adventurous ride. The descriptions were awesome. I could actually picture what was happening and what the world would look like. The cover is what drew me in. The story is what kept me in.
I loved loved LOVED this book. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes a good read...especially if you like fantasy books. Boys will love this book. Girls as well as adults will too. I so cannot wait for book #2, Accidental Hero to come out (April 26th).
February 10, 2014
I had my doubts about this book when my friend lent it to me. The way she described it…well it made me less than enthusiastic, I have to admit. Yet I decided to give The Accidental Hero (first published under the title Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation) a chance. After all, I had been skeptical when the same friend lent me Cinder and it turned out to be amazing.
Matt Myklusch’s novel pokes tongue-in-cheek fun at old superhero tropes while at the same time putting a new spin on them so that young boys (and girls too!) will love it. I’ve only read one comic book in my entire life, but as with most people, I’m familiar with superheroes. I’m a closet fan of the new Batman movies, used to watch the Spiderman cartoons and actually didn’t mind Thor. The Accidental Hero focuses on the adventures of an orphan, Jack Blank, who accidentally discovers his superpowers and is taken away to the Imagine Nation, a constantly moving island of superheroes. Yet from the moment he arrives, things start to go wrong.
I considered Jack a cardboard cutout for the first third of the book, but then I realized the author was poking a bit of fun at old superhero clichés while slowly building a three dimensional character with a great character arc. Jack is a character readers of all ages will love, especially boys, who seem to be woefully neglected in the YA genre.
With a fast-paced plot and amazing world-building, this is the kind of new spin on old clichés I love. Personally, I’m glad I read it and look forward to reading about Jack’s future adventures.
Matt Myklusch’s novel pokes tongue-in-cheek fun at old superhero tropes while at the same time putting a new spin on them so that young boys (and girls too!) will love it. I’ve only read one comic book in my entire life, but as with most people, I’m familiar with superheroes. I’m a closet fan of the new Batman movies, used to watch the Spiderman cartoons and actually didn’t mind Thor. The Accidental Hero focuses on the adventures of an orphan, Jack Blank, who accidentally discovers his superpowers and is taken away to the Imagine Nation, a constantly moving island of superheroes. Yet from the moment he arrives, things start to go wrong.
I considered Jack a cardboard cutout for the first third of the book, but then I realized the author was poking a bit of fun at old superhero clichés while slowly building a three dimensional character with a great character arc. Jack is a character readers of all ages will love, especially boys, who seem to be woefully neglected in the YA genre.
With a fast-paced plot and amazing world-building, this is the kind of new spin on old clichés I love. Personally, I’m glad I read it and look forward to reading about Jack’s future adventures.
June 7, 2019
I started reading this book because my 9 year old recommended it. He had bought it from a local book store thinking it would be an exciting adventurous tale. And you know what? He was right! The Accidental Hero is written for kids ages 8-12. I can say that it fits into that category very well. It allows for exciting adventure without the content being too grown up. Jack Blank (the main character) is well written and someone all kids could identify with.
The Accidental Hero follows Jack Blank on his journey to find out who he is and how he fits into the Imagine Nation. Through most of the book he's asking himself why he's there? What part does he play when it comes to the Rustov? The Rustov being the villain of the story, specifically one named Revile. This book keeps the reader engaged and curious about how it will end. I didn't even guess the plot twist at the end. I really look forward to reading the next two books in the series, The Secret War and The End of Infinity.
The Accidental Hero follows Jack Blank on his journey to find out who he is and how he fits into the Imagine Nation. Through most of the book he's asking himself why he's there? What part does he play when it comes to the Rustov? The Rustov being the villain of the story, specifically one named Revile. This book keeps the reader engaged and curious about how it will end. I didn't even guess the plot twist at the end. I really look forward to reading the next two books in the series, The Secret War and The End of Infinity.
July 13, 2021
At first I wasn't sure if I'd like this. The first hundred pages or so weren't very promising, but I'm glad I kept reading!
December 2, 2010
Jack Blank is such a brilliantly written book, with an amazing setting, wonderful characters and a lot of powerful messages written within it's pages. It's a place where all the super heros & real life heros I grew up with and even never before heard of heros, live. It makes the extraordinary seem ordinary.
Twelve year old Jack Blank has been living in a horrible orphanage, where he's constantly picked up on the bully Rex, and finds excitement in reading his comic books. Jack Blank has no idea where he came from, where his family is, and what his real last name is. On the morning a killer robot from one of Jack's comics becomes a reality and tries to kill him, Jazen Knight, an emissary from a secret country called Imagine Nation, has come for Jack. Jack soon finds himself in a place that is right out of his imagination. The way to get there is by believing.
Imagination Nation is in constant motion and travels between the countries of our world, though the members from this nation are from all over the world, make believe, real and from out of this world. I was really surprised that I loved Imagine Nation as much as I did. One of my favorite places in Imagine Nation is in Cognito. A city where people can go to, to "disappear", not even the streets have names. Imagine Nation is made of all sorts of living creatures from normal people to ninjas, kung fu masters, aliens, sorcerers, androids, regular people and more. It almost felt like it has a more updated Star Wars feel to it, complete with it's own Yoda in the form of one of my favorite characters, Stendeval, who's wisdom and encouragement help Jack find out who he is.
I really admired Jack's character. His life hasn't been easy and it gets tougher as soon as he arrives to Imagine Nation. He's been infected by a virus from a feared enemy, the Rustov, as known as Robie-Zombies, who all but destroyed many lives 12 years ago, in an invasion. Jack has few people who believe he's not a threat, Jenzen Knight and the wisest leader on Imagine Nation, Stendeval are two of them. I loved their characters. They convey such powerful messages not only to Jack, but to the reader.
Here's some of my favorite messages:
* "Be the change you want to see in the world" (pg 169)
* "Change begins with the individual" (pg 179)
* "... always remember that the path you choose to follow is your own." (pg 181)
* "Knowledge is power." (pg 209)
* "...we always have a choice. It's only the brave who choose not to surrend where there's no reason left to hope." (pg. 297)
* "The best way to predict your future is to create it." (pg 318)
* "Never underestimate the power you have over what happens today. Never forget the power today has over tomorrow." (pg 467)
Jack Blank is out to prove he's not a threat, and it will take Jenzen, Blue, Stendeval, and Jack's new friends to help him in his quest. Jack alone must believe in who he is and what his powers can do. Jack has a power that has not only kept his infection at bay, but it can destroy the Rustov. When the evil Rustov robot comes back to kill Jack and reveals who he is, Jack will be faced with a decision that can ultimately change his future forever.
I know this book is written for grade and middle school aged kids, but I really enjoyed Jack Blank and The Imagine Nation. I was reminded of how much fun it is to imagine. I can't wait for son to read this when he's a little older. Matt Myklusch writing it truly what kept me glued to the book. Jack Blank and The Imagine Nation is an awesome, action packed, must have book, with some great plot twists. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Twelve year old Jack Blank has been living in a horrible orphanage, where he's constantly picked up on the bully Rex, and finds excitement in reading his comic books. Jack Blank has no idea where he came from, where his family is, and what his real last name is. On the morning a killer robot from one of Jack's comics becomes a reality and tries to kill him, Jazen Knight, an emissary from a secret country called Imagine Nation, has come for Jack. Jack soon finds himself in a place that is right out of his imagination. The way to get there is by believing.
Imagination Nation is in constant motion and travels between the countries of our world, though the members from this nation are from all over the world, make believe, real and from out of this world. I was really surprised that I loved Imagine Nation as much as I did. One of my favorite places in Imagine Nation is in Cognito. A city where people can go to, to "disappear", not even the streets have names. Imagine Nation is made of all sorts of living creatures from normal people to ninjas, kung fu masters, aliens, sorcerers, androids, regular people and more. It almost felt like it has a more updated Star Wars feel to it, complete with it's own Yoda in the form of one of my favorite characters, Stendeval, who's wisdom and encouragement help Jack find out who he is.
I really admired Jack's character. His life hasn't been easy and it gets tougher as soon as he arrives to Imagine Nation. He's been infected by a virus from a feared enemy, the Rustov, as known as Robie-Zombies, who all but destroyed many lives 12 years ago, in an invasion. Jack has few people who believe he's not a threat, Jenzen Knight and the wisest leader on Imagine Nation, Stendeval are two of them. I loved their characters. They convey such powerful messages not only to Jack, but to the reader.
Here's some of my favorite messages:
* "Be the change you want to see in the world" (pg 169)
* "Change begins with the individual" (pg 179)
* "... always remember that the path you choose to follow is your own." (pg 181)
* "Knowledge is power." (pg 209)
* "...we always have a choice. It's only the brave who choose not to surrend where there's no reason left to hope." (pg. 297)
* "The best way to predict your future is to create it." (pg 318)
* "Never underestimate the power you have over what happens today. Never forget the power today has over tomorrow." (pg 467)
Jack Blank is out to prove he's not a threat, and it will take Jenzen, Blue, Stendeval, and Jack's new friends to help him in his quest. Jack alone must believe in who he is and what his powers can do. Jack has a power that has not only kept his infection at bay, but it can destroy the Rustov. When the evil Rustov robot comes back to kill Jack and reveals who he is, Jack will be faced with a decision that can ultimately change his future forever.
I know this book is written for grade and middle school aged kids, but I really enjoyed Jack Blank and The Imagine Nation. I was reminded of how much fun it is to imagine. I can't wait for son to read this when he's a little older. Matt Myklusch writing it truly what kept me glued to the book. Jack Blank and The Imagine Nation is an awesome, action packed, must have book, with some great plot twists. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 20, 2010
http://librarytalker.blogspot.com/201...
For the last eleven years, Jack has been raised at St. Barnaby's Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost ("Crushing the spirit of childhood since 1898"). He was found on the doorstep with the name "Jack" on the cradle and no last name. So now Jack is Jack Blank, victim of bullies and evil teachers everywhere.
.
But Jack isn't a wimp and he's not one to let the daily grind of extra chores get him down. On a day when the rest of the orphanage is going on a field trip to Mount Dismoor Maximum Security Prison, Jack chooses to hide out in the library with his secret stash of comic books. Of course, he couldn't go on the field trip even if he wanted to (which he doesn't) because he seems to always make mechanical things stop working, so he's been banned from riding the bus.
Basically, Jack is trapped at the orphanage and is usually pretty bored.
All of that changes on this field trip day when a Robo-Zombie that Jack has only ever seen in his comic books appears and tries to kill him. Soon after that, another man shows up and tells Jack that he doesn't belong at the orphanage and he is taking him to Imagine Nation, where all his comic book stories are true and almost anything can happen.
Unfortunately, instead of a happy reunion with people just like him, Jack is discovered to have been unknowingly harboring an enemy and now there are many who want him dead, including the Robo-Zombie.
Can Jack find out who and what he is before it's too late?
Final thoughts: This is a fun read and a definite story for boys who love comic books. The whole land of Imagine Nation is carefully crafted and easy to see in the mind's eye. If you have boys around who need a little push to get reading "real books", this is just what you need.
For the last eleven years, Jack has been raised at St. Barnaby's Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost ("Crushing the spirit of childhood since 1898"). He was found on the doorstep with the name "Jack" on the cradle and no last name. So now Jack is Jack Blank, victim of bullies and evil teachers everywhere.
.
But Jack isn't a wimp and he's not one to let the daily grind of extra chores get him down. On a day when the rest of the orphanage is going on a field trip to Mount Dismoor Maximum Security Prison, Jack chooses to hide out in the library with his secret stash of comic books. Of course, he couldn't go on the field trip even if he wanted to (which he doesn't) because he seems to always make mechanical things stop working, so he's been banned from riding the bus.
Basically, Jack is trapped at the orphanage and is usually pretty bored.
All of that changes on this field trip day when a Robo-Zombie that Jack has only ever seen in his comic books appears and tries to kill him. Soon after that, another man shows up and tells Jack that he doesn't belong at the orphanage and he is taking him to Imagine Nation, where all his comic book stories are true and almost anything can happen.
Unfortunately, instead of a happy reunion with people just like him, Jack is discovered to have been unknowingly harboring an enemy and now there are many who want him dead, including the Robo-Zombie.
Can Jack find out who and what he is before it's too late?
Final thoughts: This is a fun read and a definite story for boys who love comic books. The whole land of Imagine Nation is carefully crafted and easy to see in the mind's eye. If you have boys around who need a little push to get reading "real books", this is just what you need.
May 31, 2015
Accidental Hero
After a lifetime of people telling him that they knew what was best for him and what his future was going to be, it was wonderful to hear someone say that it was really all up to him. - Chapter 7
When rumors are reported as fact for a long-enough period of time, people eventually lose the ability to tell the difference. - Chapter 10
All young boys get scared from time to time. Even the brave ones. - Chapter 15
Accidental Hero is about a young boy (Jack Blank) who has grown up in an orphanage not knowing anything about his past. One day, he finds out that his favorite comic book heroes are actually real. And that he comes from a place called the Imagine Nation. Thus starts a great adventure filled with superheroes and villains, a threat from outer space and some unexpected twists. Jack gradually discovers that he has powers he didn't even know about and that even he can be a hero. It's not about being unafraid, it's about acting to protect those you love, despite the fear.
I read this book with my 11-year old son. We really enjoyed it. Jack is an excellent main character, realistically flawed and clever, but lacking self confidence. The book is fast-paced and fun. Towards the end, neither of us wanted to stop reading; we just had to see what would happen next. The ending resolves the book itself, but there are two more books in the series, I think. I would like to see what happens with Jack next, since the future isn't written in stone... (But our next read starts the summer reading assignment, so Jack Blank will have to wait.)
Recommended to:
6th grade and up; kids that like adventure & superheroes; not just for boys.
After a lifetime of people telling him that they knew what was best for him and what his future was going to be, it was wonderful to hear someone say that it was really all up to him. - Chapter 7
When rumors are reported as fact for a long-enough period of time, people eventually lose the ability to tell the difference. - Chapter 10
All young boys get scared from time to time. Even the brave ones. - Chapter 15
Accidental Hero is about a young boy (Jack Blank) who has grown up in an orphanage not knowing anything about his past. One day, he finds out that his favorite comic book heroes are actually real. And that he comes from a place called the Imagine Nation. Thus starts a great adventure filled with superheroes and villains, a threat from outer space and some unexpected twists. Jack gradually discovers that he has powers he didn't even know about and that even he can be a hero. It's not about being unafraid, it's about acting to protect those you love, despite the fear.
I read this book with my 11-year old son. We really enjoyed it. Jack is an excellent main character, realistically flawed and clever, but lacking self confidence. The book is fast-paced and fun. Towards the end, neither of us wanted to stop reading; we just had to see what would happen next. The ending resolves the book itself, but there are two more books in the series, I think. I would like to see what happens with Jack next, since the future isn't written in stone... (But our next read starts the summer reading assignment, so Jack Blank will have to wait.)
Recommended to:
6th grade and up; kids that like adventure & superheroes; not just for boys.
September 15, 2013
http://www.jackblank.com Jack Blank 12 is a bullied orphan until a comic-book Robo-Zombie, indestructible Rüstov Revile, attacks. Emissary Jazen Knight takes Jack to a secret island "Imagine Nation" of aliens and super-heroes. Only Jack has survived the Rüstov parasite infection longer than an hour.
Best bits are big surprise twists, fights - wham bash bam. Worst bits are long-winded descriptions, when they first land at futuristic Empire City p 83. Mostly Jack acts older, reminders of his age are artificial, forced. Fellow students were orphaned by Rüstov too. Allegra melts into puddle of metal when scared. Skerren slices and dices expertly with huge knives.
Jazen, android Mecha, takes Jack to his home and cooks feasts. Stendeval is senior on the ruling Inner Circle. He was away 12 years guarding Jack. Lots of questions - what kind of protection he gave besides comics, why he left a letter for 15 years later, why the letter says he'll be 15 minutes late for the meeting, .. Also on the ruling Inner Circle, zillionaire Jonas Smart is "the smartest living person on planet Earth" p 106, claims Jack's parentage file is corrupted and wants the boy dissected to find a cure. He is truly "heartless" after replacing the defective organ p 247.
Best bits are big surprise twists, fights - wham bash bam. Worst bits are long-winded descriptions, when they first land at futuristic Empire City p 83. Mostly Jack acts older, reminders of his age are artificial, forced. Fellow students were orphaned by Rüstov too. Allegra melts into puddle of metal when scared. Skerren slices and dices expertly with huge knives.
Jazen, android Mecha, takes Jack to his home and cooks feasts. Stendeval is senior on the ruling Inner Circle. He was away 12 years guarding Jack. Lots of questions - what kind of protection he gave besides comics, why he left a letter for 15 years later, why the letter says he'll be 15 minutes late for the meeting, .. Also on the ruling Inner Circle, zillionaire Jonas Smart is "the smartest living person on planet Earth" p 106, claims Jack's parentage file is corrupted and wants the boy dissected to find a cure. He is truly "heartless" after replacing the defective organ p 247.
April 19, 2015
While the book The Accidental Hero had a nice lead, the lead soon dropped into a monotonous book about a bullied and put-down kid finding his special powers in forbidden reading (comics). The plot deteriorates to a boring and predictable setting. You have Jack, the main character, bullied and given the worst tasks at a "Home for the Hopeless" (which is basically a boarding school, except for Jack, who is there for no reason in particular). Next enters his "strange" powers, which he is somehow blind to, even though the reader, and almost every other character in the book notices. After he gets attacked by the zombie/robot (which we learn has never happened to any other person in the history of robot zombies), Jazen comes in, spouting off about being a member of "the Department of Departmental Affairs", which of course the well-educated adults in the book totally eat up. Before that scene I had been slightly iffy about the book, but that cheesy and fake attempt at humor drove me off, because after just finishing Blood of Olympus, I had no interest in entering another book with a younger humor target audience. The main message from what I could glimpse of this book was about trusting yourself and being yourself (I got this from the entire chapter they dedicated to Jack driving a boat by "letting his soul guide him").
April 27, 2010
This was a nice traditional science-fantasy middle grade novel - young orphaned boy who can't seem to fit in, discovers he's got superpowers and gets swept away into a fantastical world in which some of his favorite comic characters turn out to be real - with a nice twist in the end that's definitely got me wanting to read its sequel.
Despite the traditional tropes common in most fantasy, coming of age novels, I think this book would make a wonderful read for younger readers not quite as jaded as older fantasy readers.
I thought Matt Myklusch may have spent a little too long on world-building - though I'll admit the Imagine Nation is an awesome world in which it's difficult to get bored, - I would have appreciated for the action scenes to be a bit less concentrated at the beginning and the end of the novel and more evenly spread out throughout the book. But hey, it's a debut novel and what's more, it's the first title in a series, so description and set up are essential... and at least we didn't get 100 or so pages on Hobbit life and genealogy, so I suppose it could be worse!
Overall, part fantasy with its superheroes, part science fiction with its alien robots, this is a very enjoyable read I would recommend to younger readers. Waiting for the sequel...
Despite the traditional tropes common in most fantasy, coming of age novels, I think this book would make a wonderful read for younger readers not quite as jaded as older fantasy readers.
I thought Matt Myklusch may have spent a little too long on world-building - though I'll admit the Imagine Nation is an awesome world in which it's difficult to get bored, - I would have appreciated for the action scenes to be a bit less concentrated at the beginning and the end of the novel and more evenly spread out throughout the book. But hey, it's a debut novel and what's more, it's the first title in a series, so description and set up are essential... and at least we didn't get 100 or so pages on Hobbit life and genealogy, so I suppose it could be worse!
Overall, part fantasy with its superheroes, part science fiction with its alien robots, this is a very enjoyable read I would recommend to younger readers. Waiting for the sequel...
January 22, 2016
Do you know the Avengers? Have you ever wonder why it takes so many superheroes (including a Norse god) to combat any foe? Because cool superheroes make good comic books. "The Accidental Hero" really is a comic book; it creates characters with superpowers galore and places with visual appeals. It reminds me of the Skylander game populated with characters that possess different powers and moves, and as many dimensions as the screen they inhabit. They have been created to distract the minds of 10 to 14 years old who can argue endlessly about them the same way they can argue about Pokemons.
My verdict: a thrilling action-filled page-turner if you are of that mental stage, but a yawn if you are a sophisticated reader who can predict the typical comic-book plot twists that this author has foisted upon young minds.
Spoiler alert: ahem, where have I read this before? An orphan grew up where he was hated and lonely, then whisked away to a magical place where a wise and powerful wizard, eh I mean, protector puts him in a school. In this school his friends are a boy and a girl. Oh, and most importantly, this orphan is intimately connected with a reviled Destroyer of the World. My oh my, does it seem so familiar to you?
My verdict: a thrilling action-filled page-turner if you are of that mental stage, but a yawn if you are a sophisticated reader who can predict the typical comic-book plot twists that this author has foisted upon young minds.
Spoiler alert: ahem, where have I read this before? An orphan grew up where he was hated and lonely, then whisked away to a magical place where a wise and powerful wizard, eh I mean, protector puts him in a school. In this school his friends are a boy and a girl. Oh, and most importantly, this orphan is intimately connected with a reviled Destroyer of the World. My oh my, does it seem so familiar to you?
September 27, 2012
(Note: This book was published a year later under the name The Accidental Hero. I guess that's why I was able to pick up the hardcover of Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation for $3.)
I think I would have enjoyed this book better had it been written for a slightly older audience. I guess the book is about a 12-year-old boy, and that seems to be the target audience (or slightly younger). But it's a YA book, and it's 500 pages!
That being said, it was a fairly quick read (especially for it's length) and it was fun.
Young Jack Blank hates his life - he doesn't know who he is or where he comes from; and he's not fond of the orphanage he has to make his home. But he'll soon learn of the Imagine Nation - home to superheroes and aliens, robots and ninjas.
Definitely not your run-of-the mill superhero book. I think younger readers would like it - and if you're into superhero-related fiction like I am, it might be an entertaining read.
I think I would have enjoyed this book better had it been written for a slightly older audience. I guess the book is about a 12-year-old boy, and that seems to be the target audience (or slightly younger). But it's a YA book, and it's 500 pages!
That being said, it was a fairly quick read (especially for it's length) and it was fun.
Young Jack Blank hates his life - he doesn't know who he is or where he comes from; and he's not fond of the orphanage he has to make his home. But he'll soon learn of the Imagine Nation - home to superheroes and aliens, robots and ninjas.
Definitely not your run-of-the mill superhero book. I think younger readers would like it - and if you're into superhero-related fiction like I am, it might be an entertaining read.
February 3, 2012
"...the future is not written. It lies in the choices you make. Our future is ours to decide. Always."
Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation or also known as The Accidental Hero, is a heartwarming and inspiring tale of courage, faith, believing in yourself and many more. This MG book really surprised me.
Wow! I was so inspired by all the encouraging and motivational ideas and messages. It challenges you to stretch your imagination and dream big. You carve out your own future. Who you are now doesn't determine who you're gonna be.
Jack Blank is an inspiring story which I really recommend for all, regardless of age. The world of Jack Blank will blow your mind.
Oh yeah, one more thing! Look out for the sudden revelation that I totally didn't see coming. POW!!
Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation or also known as The Accidental Hero, is a heartwarming and inspiring tale of courage, faith, believing in yourself and many more. This MG book really surprised me.
Wow! I was so inspired by all the encouraging and motivational ideas and messages. It challenges you to stretch your imagination and dream big. You carve out your own future. Who you are now doesn't determine who you're gonna be.
Jack Blank is an inspiring story which I really recommend for all, regardless of age. The world of Jack Blank will blow your mind.
Oh yeah, one more thing! Look out for the sudden revelation that I totally didn't see coming. POW!!
September 8, 2013
Sorry for all of you lovers of this book, but to me this was the most boring story I have ever read. It took all that I had to get half way through. I personally think that every thing was blown way out of proportion. All of the details had to be a "Go Big, or Go Home" type. I found that this book was extremely typical. It starts out with a poor orphan boy, who winds up belonging to this secret nation, and it turns out that he's part of this evil villain association, and it's all up to him to save the Imagine Nation. Boring. Although that's just my opinion, so if you're in to super hero's, futuristic gadgets, and details blown way out of proportion, I recommend this book to you.
May 9, 2016
DNF at 17%
I refuse to subject myself to any further torture. NO MORE!
This is bland and cardboard-like. It's mind-numbing in simplicity. Clarification: there are 1) simple = easy to understand and 2) simple = bland, dull, oversimplified. This here is the later case.
This would probably be suitable for a 6.y.o but I don't think a kid that young would appreciate whatever story the author was trying to build here.
FINAL VERDICT: AVOID LIKE A PLAGUE
Believe you me, there are better books out there. Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Cloak Society, Narnia, His Dark Materials to name a few.
I refuse to subject myself to any further torture. NO MORE!
This is bland and cardboard-like. It's mind-numbing in simplicity. Clarification: there are 1) simple = easy to understand and 2) simple = bland, dull, oversimplified. This here is the later case.
This would probably be suitable for a 6.y.o but I don't think a kid that young would appreciate whatever story the author was trying to build here.
FINAL VERDICT: AVOID LIKE A PLAGUE
Believe you me, there are better books out there. Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Cloak Society, Narnia, His Dark Materials to name a few.
October 7, 2016
I really liked this book. This book was about a kid stuck on a superhero island. If you like superheroes, fantasy, and robots, this is a book for you. Jack Blank grew up in an orphanage and ever since has been messing with electricity. Whenever they went on field trips, the school bus always broke down. One day, Jack runs into a robot set on killing him. He made the power generator explode and destroyed it, but that wasn't the end. Jack was taken to an island where people with specialties go to learn how to control them. There, he figures out he is part of the Rustov, an evil robot race determined on destroying Earth. Read the rest of this story now.
August 5, 2011
More of a 3.5, because the main character was kind of dumb through part of it. He wants so badly to question this villain, so why does he wait until after he has spent an entire night guarding the villain? Why doesn't he question it then? And he isn't sacrificial. At all. He could give up himself and save everyone, but instead he's content to let them fight for him.
Well, he is twelve, but still.
I am looking forward to the next one. The end of this book set up the next book's conflict pretty well.
Well, he is twelve, but still.
I am looking forward to the next one. The end of this book set up the next book's conflict pretty well.
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