Review Detail

THE ADVENTURER’S GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL ESCAPES follows Anne who has lived in Saint Lupin’s Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children her entire life. There are only 3 ways to escape the institute. Get adopted, reach the age of 13 and be kicked out, or get chosen for an adventure. Anne has finally reached the age of 13 and plans to leave the institute with her best friend Penelope, but because of the Matrons meddling, Anne has been denied her ticket. When Anne comes up with a daring escape it leads to an amazing adventure.

I absolutely loved this book with everything in me. It’s so silly and filled to the brim with such creative and imaginative lands. We follow Anne as she finds a way to get out of the institute and off the island she’s been on her whole life. Anne was one of those characters that from the very first page you automatically love. She’s hardworking and spunky and she’s not one to give up. You root for her from the very beginning and White does an amazing job of not only sucking you into this story but making it feel like you're right there along with this group.

Another thing I truly loved was how supportive and caring each of these characters are. Anne and Penelope have known each other forever but Hiro’s a newcomer and yet they treat him as if he’s one of them. Hiro is the magician in the group and the way this world is set up, magic comes with a price. It could be anything from hiccups to setting buildings on fire. Hiro, unfortunately, has something destructive happen each time he casts a spell. And what I loved seeing in all this is the way Anne and Penelope support Hiro. They cheer when something unexpected, but needed happens. And they aren’t hard on him if he doesn’t get it quite right. The amount of support and love between these three was something I absolutely loved. It was probably the best thing about this book.

Also, the world that White creates in this book is so detailed and beautiful that I myself would love to be transported into this story. From zombie-sharks to floating islands to flying ships there is nothing in this story that is boring. He keeps you on the edge of your seat while simultaneously cracking you up. This series is definitely one that’s going to be a hit with a lot of kids and adults. It’s fun and adventurous and I truly loved every second of this story.