A adequate first effort.

The setting is interesting and the idea of experiencing history in a winner. The characters are either a bit on the slow side or the telescoping was a bit obvious, but the book seems to avoid the traditional deathblow of YA books, underestimating the audience, if only by a smidge. Plot seemed to overshadow the characters as they had a tendency to do things the plot required rather than acting out of their own internal motivations. But the writing was snappy and the pacing was even. All in all a perfectly satisfactory first volume.

In all probability, the second book in the series will be in my future. ( )

Absolutely stunned by how much I enjoyed this book. I read reviews mentioning comparisons to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson and can completely see that.

I would say this book is the very definition of an "8-grade classic" but is extremely well-written. This book has only two in the series (currently) and so it's hard to judge the overall story. However, I would easily put this book on par with other Book 1's - Sorcerer's Stone or Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Highly recommend. ( )

This was a fun story. It reminded me a bit of the Harry Potter series in that children away at school embark on an adventure with danger and thrills. It is a futuristic society and the future is full of amazing inventions. It was a fun book but not as sophisticated as the Harry Potter series.

Our main characters here are Abby, Derrick and Carol. These three 7th grade children rescue Abby and Derrick's Grandfather and parents from an evil scientist that wants to use time travel to change the past. They follow clues to solve the mystery of what their Grandfather's secret is and how to save their parents.

This is not a book I am likely to read and reread, but it is one I would recommend for children age 9-12. ( )

Great book. Like Harry Potter meets sci-fi. ( )

5 STARS

Cragbridge Hall is a exciting story. It reminds me a little of Harry Potter in the facts that a lot of it is at a boarding school. Teens have to be smart and save the day. It is a action, history, adventure and fantasy story. It is aimed at middle school ages. It is also a clean read.

Abby and Derick Cragbridge are starting at the best middle school in the world. Derick got in because he is a genius. Abby first got a rejection letter than later that week got a letter saying she is in they made a mistake. Abby knows that she got in because of her grandfather got her in. The twins are starting 7th grade.

Before they get dropped off at school they visit their Grandfather Oscar Cragbridge he is a famous inventor but most of his inventions are classified. The twins will find out and be able to use some of them at the school named after him. Grandpa has gifts for Abby and Derick.
something that goes inside their rings that opens his journals for them to see. Also gave them two lockets. He wants them to be kept secret and show no one especially their teachers. They are too look at it every day and if it changed they will be told what to do.

Abby feels like she does not belong at the school. She just feels average not special. Her new roommate is smart, talented has her own clothes line. When she finds out Abby is not super smart and accomplished. She throws Abby out in the hall and all her belongings. Tells the others that she cheated to get in. No one will help her. The school says she is late and will have to sleep in the hall.

Derick fits right in and already starts to make friends. At least she can eat with him and not feel alone. In one class they have a chair in
English lit that one student sits in it reading a book and what they imagine the class sees up on a screen. Abby is the second student in her class and her teacher asks her about secrets and the locket pops up and school rejection letter pops up and Abby quickly stands up and leaves the chair. The first student to sit in it is Carol. Carol talks very fast. She is a kid actor who has starred in some teen internet series.

Carol and Abby because they shared a experience start to be friends. Then when she finds out who Derick is starts to flirt with him at lunch.
Their lockets starts doing something so they go out in the hall and see a message about their grandfather something has happened to him. They rush out to visit him and to see if he is alright. They find out he has been kidnapped and so have their parents. The police come and Abby tells about her locket and key they take it and escort them to school.

They have to solve riddles and clues to find out what has happened to their family. Abby is still getting picked on by her famous first room mate. It teaches a few moments of history in different fun ways, some moral issues with time travel. It is a smart fun adventure series. I hope their are more books to come in the future. I would read more of this series and will look for more books by Chad Morris.

I was given a copy of this book to read and asked to give a honest review of it when finished by Netgalley.
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (March 5, 2013) 256 pages ISBN-10: 1609073266 ( )