Some Very Messy Medieval Magic is the third book in the Adventures of Pete and Weasel series by C. Lee McKenzie. This one picks up right where The Great Timelock Disaster left off. Pete and Weasel are called to a meeting and told they must go back in time to fix something that changed when Pete accidentally opened the time lock in their last adventure. Unfortunately they don’t have much time to prepare before they’re sent back, and they can’t even pack proper clothes to help them blend in. When they end up in medieval times, daily life gets a little tricky. Pete’s never ridden a horse and Weasel’s not allowed to wear his glasses because they haven’t been invented yet. Neither Pete nor Weasel can figure out what's going on, and they don’t have the slightest clue what important event they're supposed to make sure happens. How will someone get in touch with them? Who can they trust? Pete’s even more confused now that Weasel can hear everything he’s thinking. Why can Weasel do that all of a sudden? And what about the horse, Mellie, who Pete can communicate with in his mind? Will Pete and Weasel be able to set things right and get back to their time? Is there any way to stop more changes from happening and impacting the future? You’ll have to read this fast pace story to find out!

I have read many books by C. Lee McKenzie and enjoyed all of them. I was excited to read the latest adventure of the characters that have come to hold a place in my heart. Some Very Messy Medieval Magic showed how much Pete and Weasel have grown throughout the series. Not only is their friendship stronger, but they have each learned important things about themselves in the process. It was interesting when they were in medieval times because it made me realize how hard it would be to blend in with another time period; mistakes could give everything away. I recommend this book to kids in third grade and up who like magic or getting into a little mischief. I've found the series to flow smoothly from book to book, but also believe that each story can be read as a standalone. ( )

This is a exciting mix of magic, time travel, history, adventure and—not to be forgotten—tons of humor.

Pete is not exactly excited about heading out on another adventure through time, but he doesn't have a choice. Someone important has gone missing, and it's his job to make it right. With Weasel and his alligator familiar in tow, he heads back to the 1100's and finds himself between castles, dukes, hunts, horses, druids and a plan which will alter the history between France and England if he doesn't figure out how to stop in.

I did not read the first two books in this series but had little trouble diving into this one. Still, I'd recommend reading the first two books first, since there are some things which remain unclear about Pete, his friends and his situation. Plus, this book was so much fun, I'm sure the other two are also a treat to read.

There's never a boring moment in these pages. Either Pete finds himself in some impossible situation, deals with ridiculous people or has to act brave and take care of things. He's not extremely self-assured in his position as a beginning wizard, but if he's going to get the job done, he has to give his best. Which he does even when he's in way above his head. Pete's never arrogant, kind hearted, and determined to do the best he can. In other words, he's a great hero to cheer for.

The rest of the characters add all of the right spice and spunk. Each one has their quirks—huge ones—but they also have their own priorities and desires. Some are easy to like, while others are fun to hate. It's a fun mixture which guarantees tons of smiles even when the situations grow difficult at times.

The historical side flows in without hesitation or stumbles, and melds right in with Pete's adventure. Not only are the dates, places and names informative (without coming across so), but the daily life and other details show the time period with natural grace.

It's a fun series with tension, action, adventure and loads of quirky moments which is sure to even pull in more reluctant readers. ( )

Do you enjoy meeting witches, wizards, familiars, and other interesting characters? Do you like to travel back in time and meet people from centuries ago? If you answered yes, then I have the book for you. Author C. Lee McKenzie’s latest novel for middle grade readers, SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC, gives you all of the above and more. And you may be familiar with the main characters. Yes, Pete and Weasel are back. What? You haven’t met them yet? Well, you’re in for a treat.

In SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC, Pete and Weasel have to journey back in time to help a young page, Peter of Bramwell, get where he’s supposed to be when he should be there to prevent history from being changed. Since everyone blames Pete for the mix up, he and Weasel are responsible for correcting the problem. And time is limited. Will the boys succeed in their mission? Or will they fail and be responsible for changing history? Things are not always what they seem, and surprises await Pete and Weasel, and the reader too.

C. Lee McKenzie has created characters that will keep you guessing who the good guys are and who are the bad. Don’t be so sure you think you know. There’s plenty of action, never a dull moment, and also a guess as to what Pete and Weasel will be up to next. The story is perfect for middle-grade readers who should enjoy trying to solve the boys’ problems before the boys find the answers.

Pete and Weasel, along with the reader (this reader anyhow), learn a bit of history too. SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC would make a great addition to middle school classrooms and libraries, as well as your own private library. Recommended for teens and for adults who enjoy adventure and time travel as well.
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