The Black Circle (The 39 Clues) Hardcover – August 11, 2009

Each book in THE 39 CLUES series just makes me wonder one thing: is the ending going to be a let-down, or is it going to be amazing? I keep trying to figure out what the end result -- what all the clues are going to create -- will be, but I'm stumped. Well, not exactly stumped. I have a few ideas, but I'm afraid that if I'm right... the ending might not live up to itself.And with the newest installment, book 5, THE BLACK CIRCLE, things are still continuing to spin in some interesting directions. Lots of questions that have been lingering since the beginning keep doing just that: lingering. We're getting licks of answers, but nothing definite. And there are definitely a few new twists thrown into things this time. Is everyone really who they say they are? Can Dan and Amy really trust anyone?THE BLACK CIRCLE sends the Cahill siblings off to Russia, where they chase down riddles left for them by someone only calling themselves "NRR." Is it a trap? Or is it really leading them to some of the biggest answers to their biggest questions?The writing is pretty crisp here, and Patrick Carman definitely keeps things moving along nicely and in a similiar style to the previous books. The only thing I did notice was some of the cheesy humour employed by the other authors. And maybe part of that is the fact that things are getting a bit darker and more serious as the race for the clues goes on.All in all, THE BLACK CIRCLE probably ranks 2nd or 3rd from what's come so far, and the entire series is definitely worth a good read.

This book has most of the features of the previous books in the series. We have a new author but, as with the previous books, the authorial voice, the characters, virtually everything is totally consistent. The plot inches forward as a new clue is uncovered but progress is also made in the ongoing subplot involving Amy and Dan's parents.A few new twists keep the book fresh. Amy and Dan's au pair Nellie is completely offstage in this book although there is a broad hint that there is more to her than previously suspected. Our heroes spend the book jumping through the hoops held up by a mysterious benefactor who has a very interesting background.The book is set almost entirely in Russia with various Russian landmarks playing prominent roles. Irina and the Kabras naturally have a big role. The Holts interestingly enough not only fulfill their usual role as comic relief but actually work effectively as allies to Amy and Dan and irritants to the Kabras.Highly recommended. The series has been quite entertaining to this point.

I purchased this item as a gift and made sure to select a new item - not used. The book came plastic wrapped and that made the item look like new. However when it was opened as a gift there was writing on the inside sleeve of the book, another child's name inside and the cards that are supposed to be included were gone and the front opening taped down.

The central theme of this Series, is the relationship of Dan and Amy and it must stay consistent and believable throughout the series. Patrick Carman did a great job creating a believable brother sister team.Patrick Carman's description of all the Russian sights made we really want to see them myself. I ended up looking them all up so I could see pictures of them. After reading The Black Circle, I now want to travel to Russian and study Russia's history.

Bought for my 10 year old son. He loves the stories. He has the audiobook version and loves to read and listen, repeatedly.

My kids are always asking to listen to this series.

a present

This book series is great. My family and I started with Percy Jackson and now here we are with the 39 clues, that keep us all alert waiting for the next book in the series to be available.It is a good way for your children to get involved in reading and the website adds also to the clues hunting.Strongly recomend to follow the seriesThanks!

Not the correct order, no response from complaint and missing parts from book so unusable anyway. Not impressed!!

Great story where you can easily lose yourself in the plot. Read on and enjoy the breathtaking excitement, which multiplies with each turning page. Brilliant!

Why do childrens books have to be so good!!!Having read the first 5 I cant wait to get number six

This is the 5th book, and I get more and more hooked.This time the trip goes to Russia...Dan and Amy gets help from a friend/foe??Can't wait to get my hands on book 6.

good value