Storm Warning (The 39 Clues Series #9) »

The shadow of a man in black has followed fourteen-year-old Amy Cahill and her younger brother Dan on their worldwide search for 39 Clues that lead to a great power. And now, ...

Children's Literature

The ninth of ten books in "The 39 Clues" series, this story is entirely plot-based. Characterization is minimal. The plot is more complex than the Lost series and explanations are about as useful. It involves lots of travel, in this case to Bermuda and Jamaica. Several teams, most of which seem to be comprised of evil people seem to be following the same set of clues to a reward much like that on Survivor, a million dollars and lots of power. The good team, our protagonists, are children ages 12 and 14. Amy and Dan are in the care of a nanny named Nellie who is forced to do their bidding, most of the time. They have absolutely no problem with logistics, money, or the unrealistic expectations of parents. Bad guys are out to stop their progress at every turn in the road, but a series of fortunate events involving luck and pluck keep them up and moving. In this addition to the series, someone actually dies. It is an innocent person, entirely created so that he can die, which might be upsetting to some, including parents, even if it is not upsetting to the children. The book is in no way an "in-depth" experience of any kind but it is meant as an entertaining pastime, useful perhaps for long car trips, where young readers can join in the game. Reviewer: Myrna Dee Marler