Sure, these books might technically be at a lower reading level than I usually prefer, but (in true Lemony Snicket style) the ideas are much more complex and thought-provoking than the deceptively simple narration and young narrator might suggest. I love seeing the intersections of Lemony’s world and the Baudelaires’, the book references, the insights into humanity.

Special shoutout to the various literary references and ASOUE character cameos. Is it still foreshadowing if the book chronologically comes first but was written after the series? Either way, it’s delightful and the epitome of the classic Snicket style his fans have come to know and love.

For the most part, I don’t like endings. (The drama of the climax and finality of the conclusion appeal to me less than slice-of-life exposition and the intrigue of rising action.) But as series finales go, this was an unsurprisingly good one. Lots of cameos, from both real-life and Snicketverse characters; enough answers revealed to somewhat satisfy, but enough questions remaining to preserve the mystery.

This format brings back fond memories of the solve-it-yourself mini-mysteries I used to love as a kid. Hardly at my reading level and the mysteries are disappointingly straightforward (in contrast to the secrets and mysteries of the ASOUE ‘verse), but I’m sure the target demographic will enjoy.

That was ... quite a ride. I love the different components — grammar nerd moments, wildly but self-confessedly unreliable narrator, the high school backdrop — yet somehow the whole is just a tad bit lacking, I’m not quite sure how. Still, I adore the vivid characters and the complexity of the plot, the hairpin twists and turns, and especially the unapologetic narrator (with the possible exception of the way she handles race and sexuality, but considering how dramatic and designed-to-be-controversial the rest of the novel is, I'm not sure how I ultimately feel about this portrayal).

★ 2.5 stars ★

I received an advance review copy from Andrews McMeel Publishing through Netgalley; all opinions are my own and honest.

The visuals are a huge part of the storytelling, with several full-page spreads and montages. And to be quite honest I personally didn't love the art style which is relatively simple, kind of cartoon-like, which doesn't lend itself to nuance or subtlety. Plus, in part due to the minimal dialogue and narration, on some pages it's hard to determine the order of the panels. That said, I did like how playful it is — I particularly like how elements cross panel boundaries to create a lively flow.

As an adaptation this is decent, but it might be difficult to follow if you're not familiar with the source material, since you lose Mary's internal monologue and many plot points are simplified/omitted. Consequently, several of the developments seem abrupt and lose resonance ... though that may be an issue with the medium itself, rather than any particular creative choices.

This was really cute! The ending "twist" was a little bit predictable, though there's certainly a case to be made for happily ever after, and I liked basically everything else about this book: boy-girl twins, dual POV (if done right - which this was), serious but non-stigmatized discussion of mental health, family bonds (both Louis & Willa and Frances & Arrow), soft romance, and a little bit magic. Obviously, this book had all that and more, and I enjoyed it very much.