Fun kid's fantasy in which his uncle's stage magic tricks turn out to be actually magic, and put him into frightening situations. ( )

More mysterious and magical puzzles for Stuart Horten to solve. ( )

I loved Small Change For Stuart and was looking forward to reading about Stuart’s next adventure. I wasn’t disappointed, this book is full of magic and mystery as he and April search for his Great-Uncle’s will to prove Stuart is the rightful owner of the magician’s workshop. I liked the way some of the minor characters got a bigger part to play in this book, particularly the other two triplets and Stuart’s dad. I really enjoyed the tasks Stuart had to complete and the worlds they were set in, Evans clearly has a wonderful imagination. A lovely middle grade read. ( )

I loved Small Change For Stuart and was looking forward to reading about Stuart’s next adventure. I wasn’t disappointed, this book is full of magic and mystery as he and April search for his Great-Uncle’s will to prove Stuart is the rightful owner of the magician’s workshop. I liked the way some of the minor characters got a bigger part to play in this book, particularly the other two triplets and Stuart’s dad. I really enjoyed the tasks Stuart had to complete and the worlds they were set in, Evans clearly has a wonderful imagination. A lovely middle grade read. ( )

Sequel to Lissa Evans' Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms, Horten's Incredible Illusions takes all of the best parts of the first book and adds a bit more magic to produce a story that the kid and I really enjoyed. In the first book, Stuart Horten (with the "help" of April, one of the nosy triplets next door) followed clues to find the secret workshop of his Great Uncle Tony, an illusionist/magician who disappeared years before. Now, after discovering a treasure trove of complex illusions, Stuart and April want to find out how each one works and to reveal the secrets held within.

The kid and I were a bit thrown at the end of the first book when the "magic" seemed to come out of nowhere. But since we were prepared for it this time, it was exciting and fun. The different illusions were unique and the kid had a blast solving the puzzles. The growing friendship between April and Stuart was also fantastic. I thought it was a great example for the kid as he starts developing closer friendships ... yes, even with girls. Overall, I think this is a great pair of books for kids from about 8-12 who enjoy adventure and magic.

http://webereading.com/2013/02/new-release-hortens-incredible-illusions.html ( )