Reviews

Edison's Alley by Neal Shusterman, Eric Elfman

alyshadeshae's review against another edition

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5.0

437 miniaturized cats. That is all.

scythefranz's review against another edition

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4.0

As a die-hard fan of Neal Shusterman, I can certainly say that in every book he wrote that I've read, he didn't leave behind a character to rot in the pits of hell. I mean to say, he gave his book characters their own time to redeem themselves or make themselves important. Or develop these characters emotionally as a reminder that they also exist in the story.

Anyway, enough of that. Edison's Alley is ten-times crazy (or at least that's what I thought) and I'm blaming Tesla's inventions for that. This second book of the Accelerati Trilogy notched up its plot gaming by giving me a totally surreal and exhilarating book experience. It showcased an emotional ride, a solid back story (at least to its main character Nick) and world-building which evidently exhibited what our main characters are facing.

Edison's Alley continued where Tesla's Attic left. Nick and his friends are still in the move to take back Tesla's inventions Nick sell on his garage sale. After learning what these inventions are for in the first book, these teens are in hurry especially now that the world is really in the brink of apocalypse. But the Accelerati will not make Nick's mission easier.

As a science person (not the hardcore one just interested enough and enjoying science), it was a wondrous, oh-wow experience reading Edison's Alley. Forging science and the contemporary lives of growing-up kids, the author successfully written an convincing story of teens saving the world or at least their young lives. I particularly enjoyed the science part more even sometimes I don't get the ideas/concepts the characters are talking about. At least I learned something new, right? It's fascinating, especially Tesla's invention and the wholeness of it which was related to his famous coil (the Tesla coil). OH.MY.GOD. Just thinking and pondering about it made me giggle for excitement and anticipation.

And there's the major plot twist and more to life of Nikola Tesla that I am inclined to research or maybe read more about him-- to know more about his rivalry with Thomas Alva Edison or probably himself? (And Marconi has been mentioned and his patent for radio. Lol.)

Edison's Alley is thrilling adventure with more-than-just-enough science and techs (which is fine by me), family dynamics, friendship, love, betrayal, revenge, grief, and many more.

felinity's review against another edition

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5.0

Another incredible tale of marvellous adventure, dastardly villains, mixed emotions and confusing consequences. Grownups, turn off the adult part of your brain and you'll find this just as enjoyable!

julianna718's review against another edition

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4.0

Awesome sequel! I like that while it's still fantasy/magic/stuff that would never happen, it is not corny or dumb. It gets more unrealistic/fantasy-y (for lack of a better word), but still fits the story.

gabrielavpl's review against another edition

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adventurous funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

nipomuki's review against another edition

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4.0

This is darker than the first book in the trilogy. The band of young heroes shows more flaws and conflict. Some bad decisions are made, which made it harder for me to relate to the kids. Still very interesting and intelligent storytelling. By the end the world is safe again, but only for a month. And there are signs for worse things to come. So not really a stand-alone book, but the link between the beginning and the end of the story.

yapha's review against another edition

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4.0

In this second book in the Accelerati Trilogy, Nick and his friends have saved the Earth from impending destruction but are still racing against the Accelerati to recover the rest of the Teslafied objects that Nick sold at the original garage sale. Each one fits like a puzzle piece into the growing contraption in Nick's attic bedroom, and the Accelerati will stop at nothing to get it. Meanwhile, the asteroid from the first book is now orbiting the Earth and building up a tremendous electric charge which is throwing all of Earth's electro-magnetic devices out of whack. Can they recover the pieces and figure out how to release the energy before it is too late? An exciting adventure with a good amount of humor woven in, I recommended that you read the trilogy in order. For grades 5-8.

tboofy's review against another edition

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5.0

I love this series! It's supposed to be for older children, but I think it'd be great for anyone from preteens up. Nick moved into a house with a bunch of old "junk" that ends up being Nikolai Tesla's inventions. He has to find all the pieces he accidentally sold at a garage sale that make up a machine that just may save the world while keeping them away from the evil Accelerati. Ok, so I don't make it sound that great, but Shusterman is awesome. Just ordered the third book from Amazon; can't wait to read it!

rfulleman's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this second book in the trilogy. It did need the first book to be read first in order to get the most from this story, but a great story. It kept me turning intrigued, turning page after page.

rlynnparsons's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked that this book didn't feel like a sequel, but rather like just a continuation of the first book. You probably could've put the two books together and it could've been one book. I also noticed that the author starts each chapter with a short intro. Once again, I'm enjoying the fast-paced story, the interactions between the characters, and all the secret society stuff. Moving onto the third and final book now.