***Possible spoilers***
I enjoyed the first book, and I enjoyed this one even better. This
one rather focuses more on Modo and Colette (another spy but for
the French) aboard a submarine. The addition of Griff into the
story- who makes a perfect creepy villain, also made the book a
great read.
What I enjoyed the most out of the story is the underwater city. I
absolutely loved that part! the descriptions, the overall feel to
it was so rich in description and was easily pictured. It was like
reading a description of the lost city of Atlantis. The book has a
certain 'Captain Nemo' feel to it because of the adventure at sea
but the intrigue is what sets it apart and that's where Griff comes
in and provides a spectacular role. He does make a chilling villain
despite this book meant for children, I have read nasty villains
before, but this one fits perfect for the target age audience.
I thought Colette and Modo made a great team! they worked great
together - it's an interesting contrast to what you see with
Octavia and Modo (where they bicker at times - which is cute) but
Colette seems to be the more calm, mature type character whereas I
see Octavia as a small explosive firecracker (for lack of a better
terminology!). I'm actually liking the fact that Octavia does
really care about Modo, as she does show how she really feel
throughout the book.
I'd have to say, I think the only thing I did not really like is
the late entrance of the Clockwork Guild. I thought they were going
to be in the book for longer but no, so it was just a little
disappointing. I was hoping there would be more of them hanging
around (Well, Griff doesn't really count. Sort of. I was hoping for
more of Miss Hakkandottir.)
This was a great follow up to the First Hunchback Assignments. I
did recently grab the third one; Empire of Ruins and am hoping it
will be just as good! This series has to be one of my favorites of
Children's Fiction.