The Unbreakable Code (The Book Scavenger series) Paperback – May 1, 2018

So if you’ve read my review on the first book, The Book Scavenger, you’ll know that I absolutely loved it and couldn’t stop raving about it. That’s why, I’m finding it a little hard to review this one. It’s still getting a high rating, but I cannot in all honesty say that it was good or as good as the first part.The clues and codes were still fun to try and break in this one, but I did not actually find them as challenging as they were in the first part. Also, two kids (3 if you include Emily’s brother) working on discovering and breaking the UNBREAKABLE code, I expected it to be something a lot more exciting than it turned out to be. I didn’t like the transformation of Mr. Griswold’s character, it was very disappointing for me. I found it strange that they were getting themselves into quite a bit of trouble and delving into dangerous territory and running around San Francisco and its neighboring islands with zero supervision.Also, it’s a bit insane and extremely unrealistic that no one has been able to solve this century old code until these 2 kids come along. I just wish it wasn’t made into this crazy big thing, because it really put me off and I kept thinking, if the second book revolves around an unbreakable code, what have you left for the next book?!I did enjoy the story, if I didn’t stop to think about these things for too long, and I did enjoy the way it was written, and I loved seeing all the characters back for this one, and even have new characters introduced. I just wish it didn’t require suspending belief too much.It still gets 4 stars from me though, which is quite good given how I felt about many of the elements in the book.

Anyone who has read The Book Scavenger is already eagerly awaiting this sequel. If you have not started the series yet, then you can have the pleasure of reading both books back-to-back. This time, Emily and James are still dealing with the fame of their amazing find at the end of the first book, as well as having some worries at home. Emily overhears her parents discussing money issues, and James wishes his dad would cut back on his business travel and be home more often. But nothing compares with becoming part of the advisory board for their hero Mr. Griswold, the creator of the Book Scavenger game. As they rush from school to dance committee to meetings with Mr. Griswold, they also have time for more Book Scavenger clues and possibly a treasure hunt.Two middle school kids trying to balance schoolwork, family life, and trying to solve an unbreakable code over a century old sounds like a lot to work into a story, but the author smoothly weaves it all together. Scenes with the dance committee debating over theme and decorations ring true, while the hunt for treasure and a possible arsonist are believably filled with tension and excitement. Many of the characters from the first story are back - Mr. Quisling, Hollister, Jack, and the families and classmates of Emily and James. And there are a few new faces that we can watch and wonder, "Is that the bad guy?"Anyone interested in books, codes, ciphers, and treasure hunts should try this. Reading it makes me wish Hollister had his bookshop in my neighborhood; I want to curl up in the purple armchair and read.I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.

Love it!My 4th grade students love it! Highly recommend... it inspired a student to visit the setting of the book and came back with pictures of the book store and places mentioned in the book! :)Well-written, good characters - love the puzzles to solve ! There is even a real website to hide books !

A fun follow-up to Berman's Book Scavenger, although not quite as fun. Very inventive, and her information at the end answers any questions kids might have. My only complaint is that these kids are allowed to travel all over San Francisco on their own pretty easily for 12-year-olds. That might have been the case when Bertman grew up there (though I doubt it), but seems unlikely today--and the story is set in modern times. That said, I don't think it's going to make kids suddenly wander all over their towns and cities alone.

I enjoyed The Unbreakable Code because of all the conundrums and the imagination. I liked how Jennifer Chambliss Bertman puts many questions and problems into the book because the more the better. Also who would've thought of having the school dance or the trip to that island. Bertman’s descriptive language made it really interesting to have all those pictures in my head. If I could change one thing in this book it would be the way how Emily is allowed all around town without a question, otherwise I loved it.

Breathtaking and impossible to put down! Not since Ready Player One have i so longed for something fictional to be real. I loved the first book, but this one tugged your heartstrings as well as your synapses. I can only hope Unlock the Rock means a third book is comin

My daughter loved the first book in the series and seems to be enjoying this one just as much. In fact, she has been reading parts of it to me because she wants to share it!

This is the second book I've read in the Book Scavenger series and it was just as good as the first. Although the characters and the basic plot are the same (solving a puzzle), everything else is different. The story is well thought out and the twist at the end is totally unexpected. Read and enjoy.

10 year old loves these books