The Secret Box (Secret Box, 1) Hardcover – February 25, 2014

I really enjoyed this middle grade adventure story. It all begins when Jax gets a birthday present and her mom takes it away from her to return it. Jax is the kind of 12-year-old who just can't resist a secret. She becomes determined to find out what it is and who sent it to her. Jax is hyper and daring and doesn't always think before she acts.Aiding and abetting her is her cousin Ethan who has long since taken on the role of sidekick despite Jax saying he is her partner. Ethan is a year older but, if he were a superhero, his name would be Caution Man. Jax is shy, introverted, and prone to nosebleeds when he is stressed. He also has a great knowledge of all sorts of facts and is a very practical kid.The two of them begin to solve the puzzle but have to recruit Ethan's older brother Tyler to assist. He is old enough to drive a car. He treats the two of them like major annoyances and is constantly working on developing a video game with his friends. He is also obsessed with winning and has quite a collection of trophies.When Jax and Ethan decided that they need to go to Washington, DC, to solve their riddle, they convince Tyler to take them using a geochaching contest as a lure. But their quest to open the mystery box takes on more significance when they are followed by strangers who want to buy the box and then steal the box when they leave it in the car briefly.The kids need to find the great-aunt who sent the box to Jax to find out what is going on. Their quest takes them from New Jersey to Washington DC and has them confronting villains and a mystical object from the past.The story was fast-paced and very entertaining. I especially liked the chapters from Ethan's point of view. It was great for him to find his inner hero. All the kids changed and grew through the course of this story.I recommend it for middle grade adventure lovers.

Who doesn’t love a book with secrets, mysterious boxes and travel adventures. This book is a fun thriller that takes cousins, Jax and Ethan, on a whirlwind chase. They wanted to find out what was in the box Jax’s Mom doesn’t want her to have. The kids take turns as narrators and readers experience their growth and development along with them. They undergo some stressful experiences but they learn so much about themself and each other. The story is a well written mystery with some magical fantasy included. For anyone looking for a fun adventure story be sure to check it out

The book is okay but first book is better. I well not be getting last book. This is not good enough to continue the series.

My 11 year old daughter and my 12 year old son were both hooked following all the plot twists and turns. It's a great pick for a class read for that age group. This would have been five stars, but we could have done without the way the author portrays allergies (and the need for allergy shots) as some kind of character flaw. Also, the ending leaves way too many loose ends. I realize the author wants to get us to buy the next book, but this is just so blatant. I'm fine with hinting at the next book, but there should be some obligation to make each book also be able to stand alone. This one doesn't even attempt that.

This is a great read that continues the story from the Secret Box. I like the way the author tells the story from the different character's point of view. This was a page turner all the way through. I can hardly wait for the release of the third book, The Secret Fire, to find out how the story ends!

My son is reading this in school and says that the story is great. Book arrived in good quality so no complaints.

Oh, what a good book! The characters display various emotions and show great problem-solving skills. The mystery unfolds in a realistic, suspenseful way. You have to keep reading to see what happens next. But, this is only the start of the story....you have to continue the mystery in the next book, The Secret Cipher.

It has some romantic and exciting parts. I enjoyed the Greek time parts including when they travel to the realm of the gods.