As the second book in the series we meet our five friends in New York, to hunt down the "Stone of Fire". I was very excited about the first book, as the focus was more set on discovering the city of Rome than magic. So, this was little more in to the mystery corner than I like it, but it is natural as the kids begin to unravel the what Century really is about. I do understand New York don't have just as much spooky history and legends as Rome, and the write has done a good job finding some cool links and paths matching the storyline (thought not so epic as the once in Rome). Because this book still has a very exiting story, and some really impressive scenes, which just dragged me deep into the big mystery in the way TIntin and Phileas Fog did. The way it is all sewed together is also quite impressive, and it's good that things don't get repeated too often. ( )

In their continuing adventures, Elettra, Sheng, and Minstral meet Harvey and Ermite in New York City and follow the clues to find the mysterious Star of Stone.

"Star of Stone" is the second book in the Century series. As the mystery continues, Elettra, Mistral, Sheng and Harvey are brought together in the New York City as they try to unravel the story behind the ancient tops and the Chaldean map.

Personally, I love this story. It's smart and wickedly clever, presenting all sorts of interesting information about ancient cults, antiques, architecture and art. Truly, Baccalario effortlessly manages to sneak in history lessons and connect elements of modern life to those of the ancients.

"Star of Stone" also stands out, in my experience, in not being one of 'those' kidlit books where the author talks down to the reader. It's the subject matter, therefore, that's appropriate for any age, and not a case of a watered down narrative.

Highly recommend.
Tween-and-up readers who like mysteries and danger should check out this series.

THE SKINNY:::
An intelligent, well plotted story of Good-vs-Evil that's fraught with tension. The main characters are well developed and secondary characters are fascinating.

"Star of Stone" is written in The Present Tense (as is Wolf Hall), a form some readers might not have run across unless they've read quite a bit. (It's worth perusing if only to thwart Phillip Pullman for whom the form apparently presents a personal writing challenge.)

Appropriate for Tweens on up.

I think this book compares well to Riordan's "Percy Jackson" series, although it's style is a tad more mature.

Next stop... Paris!

Pam T~
mom/#kidlit blogger ( )

Schitterend tweede deel van de reeks 'Century'. Als ik begonnen ben, wil ik echt verder lezen tot het einde van het boek. Het is bij momenten zeer spannend en het is tof om te zien hoe de vier kinderen de verschillende raadsels oplossen om tot de ontrafeling van het geheim te komen. ( )