Kirkus Review
As in the previous titles (The Call, 2010, and The Trap, 2011), this third installment in the Magnificent 12 series speeds forward with the help of over-the-top action sequences and rapid, clever dialogue. This episode opens with Mack about to be catapulted and most likely smashed into a wall near Loch Ness, when at the last minute he is saved by French goth-girl Sylvie, who is the half sibling of evil Valin, an ally to the dark forces supporting the rise of the Pale Queen--and both Mack and Sylvie happen to be members of the Magnificent 12, on a quest to obtain the second part of the vital key. And this is how the story progresses, like an urgent, never-ending run-on sentence. With many plot twists, comic diversions involving the Golem standing in for Mack back at home, timely introductions of new characters, explanations of Vargan spells, and just-in-time fantastical feats that save lives and ultimately move the Eiffel Tower from one side of the Seine to the other, readers are in for a most entertaining if often hard-to-fathom tale. Grant's series flows like a much-hyped Hollywood summer blockbuster: The special effects are impressive, but readers must instantly agree to suspend disbelief. A website encourages fans to create their own avatars, review characters and settings and keep updated on the latest news about the series. Action, adventure, fantasy, humor and a glimpse of a potential budding romance are all here, making this a great end-of-summer read. (Fantasy. 10-14)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Charged with gathering a dozen 12-year-olds with (wait for it) enlightened puissance to save the planet, multiphobic Mack brings his total up to 7 in this third episode in the Magnificent 12 series. Along the way, he also assembles a key to a magical language, turns the Loch Ness monster from a plesiosaur into a gigantic duck, transports the Eiffel Tower over the Seine, and fends off a variety of monsters. Back home, the dim-witted golem he left to go to school in his place is undergoing considerable character development. The series continues to gather steam, driven by a winning mix of danger, suspense, and daffy doings. st1\:*behavior:url(#ieooui) --Peters, John Copyright 2010 Booklist
