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A Series of Unfortunate Events #5
The Austere Academy
Dear Reader,
If you are looking for a story about cheerful youngsters spending a jolly time at boarding school, look elsewhere. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent and resourceful children, and you might expect that they would do very well at school. Don't. For the Baudelaires, school turns out to be another miserable episode in their unlucky lives.
Truth be told, within the chapters that make up this dreadful story, the children will face snapping crabs, strict punishments, dripping fungus, comprehensive exams, violin recitals, S.O.R.E., and the metric system.
It is my solemn duty to stay up all night researching and writing the history of these three hapless youngsters, but you may be more comfortable getting a good night's sleep. In that case, you should probably choose some other book.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket
If you are looking for a story about cheerful youngsters spending a jolly time at boarding school, look elsewhere. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent and resourceful children, and you might expect that they would do very well at school. Don't. For the Baudelaires, school turns out to be another miserable episode in their unlucky lives.
Truth be told, within the chapters that make up this dreadful story, the children will face snapping crabs, strict punishments, dripping fungus, comprehensive exams, violin recitals, S.O.R.E., and the metric system.
It is my solemn duty to stay up all night researching and writing the history of these three hapless youngsters, but you may be more comfortable getting a good night's sleep. In that case, you should probably choose some other book.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket
221 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2000
1958 people are currently reading
36262 people want to read
About the author
Lemony Snicket
285 books26.3k followersLemony Snicket had an unusual education and a perplexing youth and now endures a despondent adulthood. His previous published works include the thirteen volumes in A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Composer is Dead, and 13 Words. His new series is All The Wrong Questions.
For A Series of Unfortunate Events:
www.lemonysnicket.com
For All The Wrong Questions:
www.lemonysnicketlibrary.com
For A Series of Unfortunate Events:
www.lemonysnicket.com
For All The Wrong Questions:
www.lemonysnicketlibrary.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,857 reviews
March 25, 2023
Mimicry SADNESS.
After leaving Lucky Smells Lumbermill and optimistic Phil behind, the Baudelaire orphans travel to Prufrock Prep, a boarding school with mossy streets and ugly gray buildings that look like tombstones; here they meet Vice Principal Nero, an insufferable character who enjoys mimicry and plays horrible violin. The orphans are then introduced to their new lodgings, a rundown shack with crab infested hay beds and dripping fungus ceilings. Nevertheless, a brief respite of happiness takes place; until Coach Genghis, the best gym teacher the world has ever seen, appears on the premises, and calamity, oh surprise, strikes again.
I must say that, after the horridly depressing fourth book, I was greatly overjoyed to see a glimpse of happiness again. Absolutely LOVED Duncan and Isadora Quagmire, two triplets that had endured almost as much as the Baudelaire. Quagmire-Baudelaire Incorporated are the ultimate tag team and the best thing ever. Totally HATED Coach Genghis, a viciously stern sportsman, unlike the despicable Count Olaf of the first book, or the terrifying Stephano of the second, or the mischievous Captain Sham of the third, or the feminine Shirley of the fourth (This is getting out of hand). The orphans adorable and skillful as ever, Duncan with his research notes, and Isadora with her lovely poems.
Happiest book so far, which is to say a lot considering this awfully sad series. The introduction of the Quagmire triplets was masterful, and I just can’t wait to see more of them. The ending was far less macabre than I originally presumed, especially considering the murderous nature of the totally new villain Coach Genghis. But then again, as the author consistently warns through all this book, making assumptions can be dangerous, and Lemony may yet prove me to be very wrong.
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2000] [221p] [Children’s] [4.5] [Highly Recommendable] [Insufferable Nero <\3] [Die Genghis DIE!] [Duncan’s notes <3] [Isadora’s poems <3] [Quagmire-Baudelaire Incorporated] [A bag of flour as Sunny LMAO]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★★☆ 1. The Bad Beginning [3.5]
★★★★☆ 2. The Reptile Room [3.5]
★★★☆☆ 3. The Wide Window
★★☆☆☆ 4. The Miserable Mill [2,5]
★★★★★ 5. The Austere Academy [4.5]
★★★☆☆ 6. The Ersatz Elevator
★★★★★ 7. The Vile Village
★☆☆☆☆ 8. The Hostile Hospital
★★★☆☆ 9. The Carnivorous Carnival [3.5]
★★★☆☆ 10. The Slippery Slope [3.5]
★★★★☆ 11. The Grim Grotto
★★★☆☆ 12. The Penultimate Peril [3.5]
★★★★☆ 13. The End
★★★★☆ 14. The Complete Wreck
-----------------------------------------------
TRISTEZA mimética.
Después de dejar la Serrería Olores Afortunados y al optimista Phil atrás, los huérfanos Baudelaire viajan a la Preparatoria Prufrock, un internado con calles musgosas y feos grises edificios que parecen lápidas; aquí conocen al Vicerrector Nero, un insufrible personaje que disfruta el mimetismo y toca violín horriblemente. Los huérfanos son luego introducidos a sus nuevos alojamientos, una choza venida a menos con camas de heno infestadas de cangrejos y techos chorreantes de hongos. Sin embargo, un breve respiro de felicidad tiene lugar; hasta que el entrenador Genghis, el mejor profesor de gimnasia que el mundo vio jamás, aparece en las instalaciones, y la calamidad, oh sorpresa, vuelve a golpear.
Debo decir que, tras el horriblemente depresivo cuarto libro, estuve enormemente sobre agradecido con tener un vistazo de felicidad otra vez. Absolutamente AME a Duncan e Isadora Quagmire, dos trillizos que han sufrido casi tanto como los Baudelaire. Quagmire-Baudelaire Incorporado es el equipo de relevo más groso y lo mejor del mundo. Totalmente ODIE al entrenador Genghis, un viciosamente riguroso deportista, a diferencia del despreciable Conde Olaf del primer libro, o el terrorífico Stephano del segundo, o el taimado Capitán Sham del tercero, o la femenina Shirley del cuarto (Esto se está saliendo de control). Los huérfanos adorables y hábiles como siempre, Duncan con sus notas de investigación, e Isadora con sus bellos poemas.
El libro más feliz hasta ahora, que es decir bastante considerando esta serie tan horriblemente triste. La introducción de los trillizos Quagmire fue magistral, y simplemente no puedo esperar para ver más de ellos. El final fue mucho menos macabro de lo que originalmente presumía, especialmente considerando la naturaleza asesina del totalmente nuevo villano Genghis. Pero bien, como el autor consistentemente advierte a través de todo este libro, hacer suposiciones puede ser peligroso, y Lemony puede aún probarme estar muy equivocado.
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2000] [221p] [Libro para Niños] [4.5] [Altamente Recomendable] [Insufrible Nero <\3] [Muere Genghis MUERE!] [Notas de Duncan <3] [Poemas de Isadora <3] [Quagmire-Baudelaire Incorporado] [Una bolsa de harina como Sunny JAJA]
-----------------------------------------------
After leaving Lucky Smells Lumbermill and optimistic Phil behind, the Baudelaire orphans travel to Prufrock Prep, a boarding school with mossy streets and ugly gray buildings that look like tombstones; here they meet Vice Principal Nero, an insufferable character who enjoys mimicry and plays horrible violin. The orphans are then introduced to their new lodgings, a rundown shack with crab infested hay beds and dripping fungus ceilings. Nevertheless, a brief respite of happiness takes place; until Coach Genghis, the best gym teacher the world has ever seen, appears on the premises, and calamity, oh surprise, strikes again.
I must say that, after the horridly depressing fourth book, I was greatly overjoyed to see a glimpse of happiness again. Absolutely LOVED Duncan and Isadora Quagmire, two triplets that had endured almost as much as the Baudelaire. Quagmire-Baudelaire Incorporated are the ultimate tag team and the best thing ever. Totally HATED Coach Genghis, a viciously stern sportsman, unlike the despicable Count Olaf of the first book, or the terrifying Stephano of the second, or the mischievous Captain Sham of the third, or the feminine Shirley of the fourth (This is getting out of hand). The orphans adorable and skillful as ever, Duncan with his research notes, and Isadora with her lovely poems.
Happiest book so far, which is to say a lot considering this awfully sad series. The introduction of the Quagmire triplets was masterful, and I just can’t wait to see more of them. The ending was far less macabre than I originally presumed, especially considering the murderous nature of the totally new villain Coach Genghis. But then again, as the author consistently warns through all this book, making assumptions can be dangerous, and Lemony may yet prove me to be very wrong.
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2000] [221p] [Children’s] [4.5] [Highly Recommendable] [Insufferable Nero <\3] [Die Genghis DIE!] [Duncan’s notes <3] [Isadora’s poems <3] [Quagmire-Baudelaire Incorporated] [A bag of flour as Sunny LMAO]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★★☆ 1. The Bad Beginning [3.5]
★★★★☆ 2. The Reptile Room [3.5]
★★★☆☆ 3. The Wide Window
★★☆☆☆ 4. The Miserable Mill [2,5]
★★★★★ 5. The Austere Academy [4.5]
★★★☆☆ 6. The Ersatz Elevator
★★★★★ 7. The Vile Village
★☆☆☆☆ 8. The Hostile Hospital
★★★☆☆ 9. The Carnivorous Carnival [3.5]
★★★☆☆ 10. The Slippery Slope [3.5]
★★★★☆ 11. The Grim Grotto
★★★☆☆ 12. The Penultimate Peril [3.5]
★★★★☆ 13. The End
★★★★☆ 14. The Complete Wreck
-----------------------------------------------
TRISTEZA mimética.
Después de dejar la Serrería Olores Afortunados y al optimista Phil atrás, los huérfanos Baudelaire viajan a la Preparatoria Prufrock, un internado con calles musgosas y feos grises edificios que parecen lápidas; aquí conocen al Vicerrector Nero, un insufrible personaje que disfruta el mimetismo y toca violín horriblemente. Los huérfanos son luego introducidos a sus nuevos alojamientos, una choza venida a menos con camas de heno infestadas de cangrejos y techos chorreantes de hongos. Sin embargo, un breve respiro de felicidad tiene lugar; hasta que el entrenador Genghis, el mejor profesor de gimnasia que el mundo vio jamás, aparece en las instalaciones, y la calamidad, oh sorpresa, vuelve a golpear.
Debo decir que, tras el horriblemente depresivo cuarto libro, estuve enormemente sobre agradecido con tener un vistazo de felicidad otra vez. Absolutamente AME a Duncan e Isadora Quagmire, dos trillizos que han sufrido casi tanto como los Baudelaire. Quagmire-Baudelaire Incorporado es el equipo de relevo más groso y lo mejor del mundo. Totalmente ODIE al entrenador Genghis, un viciosamente riguroso deportista, a diferencia del despreciable Conde Olaf del primer libro, o el terrorífico Stephano del segundo, o el taimado Capitán Sham del tercero, o la femenina Shirley del cuarto (Esto se está saliendo de control). Los huérfanos adorables y hábiles como siempre, Duncan con sus notas de investigación, e Isadora con sus bellos poemas.
El libro más feliz hasta ahora, que es decir bastante considerando esta serie tan horriblemente triste. La introducción de los trillizos Quagmire fue magistral, y simplemente no puedo esperar para ver más de ellos. El final fue mucho menos macabro de lo que originalmente presumía, especialmente considerando la naturaleza asesina del totalmente nuevo villano Genghis. Pero bien, como el autor consistentemente advierte a través de todo este libro, hacer suposiciones puede ser peligroso, y Lemony puede aún probarme estar muy equivocado.
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2000] [221p] [Libro para Niños] [4.5] [Altamente Recomendable] [Insufrible Nero <\3] [Muere Genghis MUERE!] [Notas de Duncan <3] [Poemas de Isadora <3] [Quagmire-Baudelaire Incorporado] [Una bolsa de harina como Sunny JAJA]
-----------------------------------------------
August 9, 2025
Another decent read with Celyn. It seems that The Miserable Mill may have been the low-point of the series as this volume is an improvement. The formula is applied once more, but with a slight variation in that the Baudelaires find friends of their own age and this alliance faces Count Olaaf with predictably grim consequences.
What steps this up from the previous book is a return to the established level of surreal, i.e. marked but not extreme. In The Miserable Mill we had Sunny fighting a sword-wielding adult with her teeth (on all fours) and Violet moving a tree trunk with the adhesive power of wet chewing gum. Here we get none of that, instead the strangeness is mostly reserved for the personalities of the adults. As in previous books these are generally an extreme but also amusing combination of stupidity and vindictiveness.
These books are perhaps unique in children's literature in as much as the nasty adults not only have the upper hand throughout the entire tale, but there is never any revenge, retribution, or comeuppance for any of them. The evil school vice principle is never punished - he is left in charge to mock and bully his students. The evil mill boss is left unchastened to profit from his slave-labor workforce, and five books in not a single one of Count Olaaf's large and murderous gang has suffered the slightest misfortune...
Do children appreciate the honesty - bad people often prosper? Or are they just too caught up in the Baudelaires' struggles to notice? Either way if I have managed to grasp the gist of what people think "grimdark" writing is then The Series of Unfortunate Events books have a great claim to being one of the early pillars of the style!
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...
What steps this up from the previous book is a return to the established level of surreal, i.e. marked but not extreme. In The Miserable Mill we had Sunny fighting a sword-wielding adult with her teeth (on all fours) and Violet moving a tree trunk with the adhesive power of wet chewing gum. Here we get none of that, instead the strangeness is mostly reserved for the personalities of the adults. As in previous books these are generally an extreme but also amusing combination of stupidity and vindictiveness.
These books are perhaps unique in children's literature in as much as the nasty adults not only have the upper hand throughout the entire tale, but there is never any revenge, retribution, or comeuppance for any of them. The evil school vice principle is never punished - he is left in charge to mock and bully his students. The evil mill boss is left unchastened to profit from his slave-labor workforce, and five books in not a single one of Count Olaaf's large and murderous gang has suffered the slightest misfortune...
Do children appreciate the honesty - bad people often prosper? Or are they just too caught up in the Baudelaires' struggles to notice? Either way if I have managed to grasp the gist of what people think "grimdark" writing is then The Series of Unfortunate Events books have a great claim to being one of the early pillars of the style!
Join my Patreon
Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
...
March 5, 2018
AND SO IT BEGINS.
Yes, technically this is the fifth book in the series, but to me, it is the very first.
This is the book when I really start to love this series, which, in case you are new to my reviews or have been otherwise purposefully ignoring my Snicket-related screeching, is my favorite in the world.
This book introduces V.F.D., my favorite combination of three letters in the universe. Over such fan favorites as "eat" and "bye." This book also introduces the Quagmire triplets, who, in addition to being completely great on their own merit, in turn introduce a complex world of fatal fires and imperiled fortunes. The setting of Prufrock Prep is great. The cast of characters is great, and, with a few notable exceptions, pretty nuanced.
Count Olaf is probably at his most villainous here, because he is a Gym Teacher Who Forces Children To Run Laps. What could be more completely godawful than that??????? Full-on evil.
Also, "austere" has been my favorite word for years, and I learned it from this title. Mad bonus points for that.
Bottom line: I LOVE THIS SERIES I LOVE THIS SERIES I LOOOOVEEEEE THIIIIIIIS SEEEEEERIEEEEES.
Yes, technically this is the fifth book in the series, but to me, it is the very first.
This is the book when I really start to love this series, which, in case you are new to my reviews or have been otherwise purposefully ignoring my Snicket-related screeching, is my favorite in the world.
This book introduces V.F.D., my favorite combination of three letters in the universe. Over such fan favorites as "eat" and "bye." This book also introduces the Quagmire triplets, who, in addition to being completely great on their own merit, in turn introduce a complex world of fatal fires and imperiled fortunes. The setting of Prufrock Prep is great. The cast of characters is great, and, with a few notable exceptions, pretty nuanced.
Count Olaf is probably at his most villainous here, because he is a Gym Teacher Who Forces Children To Run Laps. What could be more completely godawful than that??????? Full-on evil.
Also, "austere" has been my favorite word for years, and I learned it from this title. Mad bonus points for that.
Bottom line: I LOVE THIS SERIES I LOVE THIS SERIES I LOOOOVEEEEE THIIIIIIIS SEEEEEERIEEEEES.
Read
January 12, 2022“Friends can make you feel that the world is smaller and less sneaky than it really is, because you know people who have similar experiences.”
This was better than The Miserable Mill, mostly because of the Quagmire siblings.
This doesn't change the fact that it's one of the most tiring series ever. It is comical how depressing these books are, but a little change here and there wouldn't hurt. On one hand I really want to finish this series, on the other I really don't want to read about Olaf tricking everyone and the Baudelaires being unlucky again and again and again. It's highly annoying, especially because Olaf is being so obvious and every adult is bloody ignorant. Still, I really want to have read the books before I watch the Netflix episodes.
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This was better than The Miserable Mill, mostly because of the Quagmire siblings.
This doesn't change the fact that it's one of the most tiring series ever. It is comical how depressing these books are, but a little change here and there wouldn't hurt. On one hand I really want to finish this series, on the other I really don't want to read about Olaf tricking everyone and the Baudelaires being unlucky again and again and again. It's highly annoying, especially because Olaf is being so obvious and every adult is bloody ignorant. Still, I really want to have read the books before I watch the Netflix episodes.
Find more of my books on Instagram
February 7, 2017
I loved this book because the kids are taken to a boarding school where they actually make friends! They meet The Quagmire Triplets and they all hit it off so good until Count Olaf messes things up again !!
January 31, 2019
The Baudelaires have been whisked away from Count Olaf once again, this time to a boarding school called Prufrock Preparatory School. Principal Nero has assured them that Count Olaf will never find them because of his sophisticated computer system. Of course, his guarantee becomes questionable once the children realize that he’s just another adult that can’t be trusted. All he seems to care about is playing his violin, and horribly I might add! The orphans have been housed in a fungus dripping, crab-infested shack, baby Sunny has been given the job of administrative secretary for Principal Nero, and Violet and Klaus are expected to get good grades on ridiculous exams after spending their sleepless nights running in circles with the gym teacher, coach Genghis. Luckily, they’ve found themselves a few friends that sympathize with them and are willing to help them solve their problems. The Baudelaires always have the same issue: They must find a way to succeed against Count Olaf.
We took a bit of a break after book #4 because the plot of these books seemed to be getting a tad redundant. This installment was more interesting though, and even with the recurring themes we found it engaging and comical at times. It’s still depressing, but we appreciated the friendship the Baudelaires found with the Quagmire triplets in this one; it was nice that the children had some normalcy for once. Principal Nero is extremely annoying, yet hilarious. Coach Genghis, well, you’ll have to read about all his craziness in the book. The end leaves you with a huge cliffhanger which was unexpected, and after that we really want to move right along to book six now.
Something I love about all of these books is Lemony Snicket’s use of vocabulary. In this installment children learn meanings to more difficult words like luminous, sayonara, austere, adversity, triptych, and assumption. Even if the full definition isn’t given for every word, my children are intrigued and want to understand them.
We enjoyed this installment and look forward to finishing the entire series. The books just keep getting longer as the series moves forward, so I have a feeling things are going to get interesting.
4****
You can also read this review @www.readrantrockandroll.com
We took a bit of a break after book #4 because the plot of these books seemed to be getting a tad redundant. This installment was more interesting though, and even with the recurring themes we found it engaging and comical at times. It’s still depressing, but we appreciated the friendship the Baudelaires found with the Quagmire triplets in this one; it was nice that the children had some normalcy for once. Principal Nero is extremely annoying, yet hilarious. Coach Genghis, well, you’ll have to read about all his craziness in the book. The end leaves you with a huge cliffhanger which was unexpected, and after that we really want to move right along to book six now.
Something I love about all of these books is Lemony Snicket’s use of vocabulary. In this installment children learn meanings to more difficult words like luminous, sayonara, austere, adversity, triptych, and assumption. Even if the full definition isn’t given for every word, my children are intrigued and want to understand them.
We enjoyed this installment and look forward to finishing the entire series. The books just keep getting longer as the series moves forward, so I have a feeling things are going to get interesting.
4****
You can also read this review @www.readrantrockandroll.com
August 28, 2019
For Beatrice-
You will always be in my heart,
in my mind,
and in your grave.
This book may not be the most interesting of the five I read so far plot-wise, but man was it funny! I was actually laughing out loud at some point, and really isn't the humour the best thing about this whole series?
I also liked the setting and the new characters... there really haven't been other young characters in the series apart from the protagonists, and it was nice to see them making friends and interact with other children! Also, who doesn't like boarding schools?
You will always be in my heart,
in my mind,
and in your grave.
This book may not be the most interesting of the five I read so far plot-wise, but man was it funny! I was actually laughing out loud at some point, and really isn't the humour the best thing about this whole series?
I also liked the setting and the new characters... there really haven't been other young characters in the series apart from the protagonists, and it was nice to see them making friends and interact with other children! Also, who doesn't like boarding schools?
Read
April 4, 2018I decided to re-read this before watching the new tv adaptation on Netflix. This was by far my favourite book in the series and so it was beautifully nostalgic to return to it...
Lemony Snicket is surely one of the greatest children's writers of our time.
What was your favourite book in the 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' library?
Lemony Snicket is surely one of the greatest children's writers of our time.
What was your favourite book in the 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' library?
March 23, 2022
Decepción absoluta, pero no por eso dejaré de leer la saga.
¿Recuerdan esas películas donde recrean la clásica escena de un avión cayendo precipitadamente y sin control? Seguro las recuerdan. En aquellas películas, normalmente, si los protagonistas están en peligro, ellos son los que logran recuperar el control justo cuando se va a estrellar el avión. Sí, a veces para que la escena sea más vistosa el avión se despedaza explotando en el suelo, y entonces los sobrevivientes descienden lentamente en su paracaídas. Pues bien, si este libro fuera un avión, estoy seguro que hubiera tenido una terrible falla mecánica, aunque no estoy seguro si el destino final sería el aterrizaje o la colisión.
Una tremenda decepción ha sido el quinto volumen de esta saga. Sí, tenía expectativas, pero este libro fue adaptado muy bien en la serie de Netflix, estaba esperando por tanto un buen volumen, no podía esperar otra cosa. Esperaba un buen desarrollo de Carmelita Polainas, personaje antagonista muy importante, pero aquí tuvo un rol muy discreto: solo la nombraron brevemente; esperaba que la presentación de los trillizos Quagmire fuera quizás más dramática, todo el tiempo parecieron tranquilos a pesar de su pasado reciente; esperaba escenas graciosas con relación a Sunny Baudelaire, la bebé, pero nada sobre ella esta vez tuvo gracia, fue todo muy simple. Podría resumirse este libro, estás 224 páginas, como una forma larga de presentar a los trillizos Quagmire, porque sí, también son importantes en la saga, pero siento que todo lo demás es completamente irrelevante. ¿De qué sirvió todo el esfuerzo de los Baudelaire? ¿De qué sirvió todo lo que tuvieron que vivir? Para nada, al final todo lo que hicieron allí no sirvió para nada. De momento, es el tomo que menos me ha gustado.
La prosa continúa siendo increíble, eso sí debo reconocerlo, aunque esta vez se redujeron las metáforas, las explicaciones divertidas de frases y palabras, y también las conversaciones satíricas. Mi única queja que tengo con la prosa, es que como la estructura de esta saga busca siempre expresar los sentimientos y pensamientos de los huérfanos Baudelaire —todo de forma consecutiva, pero separando la información por párrafos— esta vez ese detalle se convirtió en un aspecto tedioso de la lectura, ya que también se vieron sumados los de los Quagmire, por lo que repetidamente aparecían secciones como «Violet pensó..., Klaus pensó..., Sunny pensó..., Isadora pensó..., Duncan pensó...». Eso me ha parecido excesivo y molesto para ser honesto. No obstante, respecto a la prosa no tengo más quejas, el autor sabe escribir muy bien, y no por nada estoy a punto de comenzar el sexto volumen de la saga.
La lógica de la historia fue similar a la del segundo volumen, La habitación de los reptiles. Fue una lógica que deja mucho que pensar por la candidez e ingenuidad con la que se resuelven algunas situaciones. Sí, obvio, es una saga orientada a jóvenes, adolescentes y niños, pero si el cuarto volumen fue tan bueno en un aspecto tan importante como este, ¿por qué no pudo haber continuado la lógica de igual manera? Es algo que no entiendo. Es como si en una carrera de automovilismo un piloto estuviera a punto de ser el vencedor del campeonato, y repentinamente en la última vuelta decidiera bajarse del auto para tomarse una selfie, y luego volviera a pilotar y terminara en último lugar: No tiene sentido, no lo tiene.
Pero, incuestionablemente, el disgusto más grande que tengo con este libro es por culpa de los trillizos Quagmire. Fueron tan cordiales y amistosos con los Baudelaire, que llega un punto en que tanta camaradería se vuelve cursi. Tanta amabilidad y simpatía me resultó hartando. No es que no me gusten las amistades y demás, pero en este libro lo que uno busca es reírse de las desgracias que les suceden a los Baudelaire, y justamente por culpa de los Quagmire ese factor tan especial se reduce drásticamente en esta oportunidad. Pienso que por culpa de ellos este volumen no fue tan divertido. En los anteriores volúmenes ellos tenían la esperanza de que algo iba a salir bien, y entonces los aplastaba la realidad y el destino, e irónicamente eso hacia graciosa la historia; pero aquí, los Quagmire siempre los escuchan, son buenos amigos con ellos, los ayudan, etc., y todo eso transforma la historia negativamente volviéndola un poco majadera.
No obstante, a pesar de la tremenda decepción, y de mis múltiples disgustos, estoy seguro que en el siguiente volumen todo mejorará, y más teniendo en cuenta la joyita de personaje que está por aparecer: Obviamente, deduzco esto basándome en lo que observé de la serie de Netflix. Sexto libro, allá voy.
Próximo destino, El ascensor artificioso.
¿Recuerdan esas películas donde recrean la clásica escena de un avión cayendo precipitadamente y sin control? Seguro las recuerdan. En aquellas películas, normalmente, si los protagonistas están en peligro, ellos son los que logran recuperar el control justo cuando se va a estrellar el avión. Sí, a veces para que la escena sea más vistosa el avión se despedaza explotando en el suelo, y entonces los sobrevivientes descienden lentamente en su paracaídas. Pues bien, si este libro fuera un avión, estoy seguro que hubiera tenido una terrible falla mecánica, aunque no estoy seguro si el destino final sería el aterrizaje o la colisión.
Una tremenda decepción ha sido el quinto volumen de esta saga. Sí, tenía expectativas, pero este libro fue adaptado muy bien en la serie de Netflix, estaba esperando por tanto un buen volumen, no podía esperar otra cosa. Esperaba un buen desarrollo de Carmelita Polainas, personaje antagonista muy importante, pero aquí tuvo un rol muy discreto: solo la nombraron brevemente; esperaba que la presentación de los trillizos Quagmire fuera quizás más dramática, todo el tiempo parecieron tranquilos a pesar de su pasado reciente; esperaba escenas graciosas con relación a Sunny Baudelaire, la bebé, pero nada sobre ella esta vez tuvo gracia, fue todo muy simple. Podría resumirse este libro, estás 224 páginas, como una forma larga de presentar a los trillizos Quagmire, porque sí, también son importantes en la saga, pero siento que todo lo demás es completamente irrelevante. ¿De qué sirvió todo el esfuerzo de los Baudelaire? ¿De qué sirvió todo lo que tuvieron que vivir? Para nada, al final todo lo que hicieron allí no sirvió para nada. De momento, es el tomo que menos me ha gustado.
La prosa continúa siendo increíble, eso sí debo reconocerlo, aunque esta vez se redujeron las metáforas, las explicaciones divertidas de frases y palabras, y también las conversaciones satíricas. Mi única queja que tengo con la prosa, es que como la estructura de esta saga busca siempre expresar los sentimientos y pensamientos de los huérfanos Baudelaire —todo de forma consecutiva, pero separando la información por párrafos— esta vez ese detalle se convirtió en un aspecto tedioso de la lectura, ya que también se vieron sumados los de los Quagmire, por lo que repetidamente aparecían secciones como «Violet pensó..., Klaus pensó..., Sunny pensó..., Isadora pensó..., Duncan pensó...». Eso me ha parecido excesivo y molesto para ser honesto. No obstante, respecto a la prosa no tengo más quejas, el autor sabe escribir muy bien, y no por nada estoy a punto de comenzar el sexto volumen de la saga.
La lógica de la historia fue similar a la del segundo volumen, La habitación de los reptiles. Fue una lógica que deja mucho que pensar por la candidez e ingenuidad con la que se resuelven algunas situaciones. Sí, obvio, es una saga orientada a jóvenes, adolescentes y niños, pero si el cuarto volumen fue tan bueno en un aspecto tan importante como este, ¿por qué no pudo haber continuado la lógica de igual manera? Es algo que no entiendo. Es como si en una carrera de automovilismo un piloto estuviera a punto de ser el vencedor del campeonato, y repentinamente en la última vuelta decidiera bajarse del auto para tomarse una selfie, y luego volviera a pilotar y terminara en último lugar: No tiene sentido, no lo tiene.
Pero, incuestionablemente, el disgusto más grande que tengo con este libro es por culpa de los trillizos Quagmire. Fueron tan cordiales y amistosos con los Baudelaire, que llega un punto en que tanta camaradería se vuelve cursi. Tanta amabilidad y simpatía me resultó hartando. No es que no me gusten las amistades y demás, pero en este libro lo que uno busca es reírse de las desgracias que les suceden a los Baudelaire, y justamente por culpa de los Quagmire ese factor tan especial se reduce drásticamente en esta oportunidad. Pienso que por culpa de ellos este volumen no fue tan divertido. En los anteriores volúmenes ellos tenían la esperanza de que algo iba a salir bien, y entonces los aplastaba la realidad y el destino, e irónicamente eso hacia graciosa la historia; pero aquí, los Quagmire siempre los escuchan, son buenos amigos con ellos, los ayudan, etc., y todo eso transforma la historia negativamente volviéndola un poco majadera.
No obstante, a pesar de la tremenda decepción, y de mis múltiples disgustos, estoy seguro que en el siguiente volumen todo mejorará, y más teniendo en cuenta la joyita de personaje que está por aparecer: Obviamente, deduzco esto basándome en lo que observé de la serie de Netflix. Sexto libro, allá voy.
Próximo destino, El ascensor artificioso.
February 6, 2017
4.4
The best ASOUE book I've read so far. I love how the story is starting to have a bit of depth in it. For instance, we were introduced to the Quagmire twins (supposed to be triplets) who were also orphans whose parents died in a fire along with their third sibling. Vice Principal Nero was also very despicable, as well as the cheeky Carmelita Spats. Basically, the misfortunes of the Baudelaires are getting worse in every book. The vocabulary was excellent, it has characters that could potentially still be around in future books, and it gives the series new places to go. A book in the series you should look forward to! Now I'm off to read the sixth book (and probably the last one I'll read since I just decided to take a break from this series) - "The Ersatz Elevator".
The best ASOUE book I've read so far. I love how the story is starting to have a bit of depth in it. For instance, we were introduced to the Quagmire twins (supposed to be triplets) who were also orphans whose parents died in a fire along with their third sibling. Vice Principal Nero was also very despicable, as well as the cheeky Carmelita Spats. Basically, the misfortunes of the Baudelaires are getting worse in every book. The vocabulary was excellent, it has characters that could potentially still be around in future books, and it gives the series new places to go. A book in the series you should look forward to! Now I'm off to read the sixth book (and probably the last one I'll read since I just decided to take a break from this series) - "The Ersatz Elevator".
March 1, 2011
As a series these books are incredible. The formulaic plot that is repeated in every book satisfies the child who is being read to's expectation of what's going on, right and wrong and the band of simple characters.
Where the books become really clever is the additional bits of plot woven into the anecdotes, dedications and acknowledgments, written for the older reader, whether parents reading aloud or older children.
The humour is clever, beautifully insightful and infinitely quotable. Type Lemony Snicket quotes into any search engine and you will receive a barrage of hilarious snippets which readers of any age can appreciate. The beautiful sense of innocence is what I love about the books as well as the introduction of long words and the imaginative anecdotes to which they pertain. Although the actual definition of the words is sometimes glossed over, I assume the intention is to entertain the older readers and intrigue the younger ones into asking what they mean.
Overall Lemony Snicket (real name Daniel Handler) uses the fact that he is writing a book to his advantage more than anyone else I have read. His tone of voice is unique and wonderful. He plays with the words on the page, often inviting readers to skip chapters, find out more, answer questions or search for hidden meanings. In one instance, being unable to describe just how black the tunnel was, he illustrates his point by colouring the next two pages in black ink.
His love of books comes through in every sentence often using them as a device to tell between good and evil.
"Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them." Lemony Snicket
Where the books become really clever is the additional bits of plot woven into the anecdotes, dedications and acknowledgments, written for the older reader, whether parents reading aloud or older children.
The humour is clever, beautifully insightful and infinitely quotable. Type Lemony Snicket quotes into any search engine and you will receive a barrage of hilarious snippets which readers of any age can appreciate. The beautiful sense of innocence is what I love about the books as well as the introduction of long words and the imaginative anecdotes to which they pertain. Although the actual definition of the words is sometimes glossed over, I assume the intention is to entertain the older readers and intrigue the younger ones into asking what they mean.
Overall Lemony Snicket (real name Daniel Handler) uses the fact that he is writing a book to his advantage more than anyone else I have read. His tone of voice is unique and wonderful. He plays with the words on the page, often inviting readers to skip chapters, find out more, answer questions or search for hidden meanings. In one instance, being unable to describe just how black the tunnel was, he illustrates his point by colouring the next two pages in black ink.
His love of books comes through in every sentence often using them as a device to tell between good and evil.
"Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them." Lemony Snicket
December 16, 2014
Oh, oh! This is the one where the orphans get thrown into a difficult situation and are overseen by a caretaker who just doesn't care, allowing the evil Count Olaf to get at them...like deja vu all over again.
In The Austere Academy the Baudelaire kids end up at a school, which should be good news, because they love the learning, but of course it's not good. It's never good.
I stopped reading the series for a good long while at this point. Although the quality of this one is slightly higher than the last, each book was too similar to the last. The plot structure is cookie cutter and the material not interesting or funny (though I must admit "cake sniffer" as an insult is good stuff) enough to keep my attention.
I seem to be losing more and more interest in the series with each book I read. Shouldn't my interest be building?
In The Austere Academy the Baudelaire kids end up at a school, which should be good news, because they love the learning, but of course it's not good. It's never good.
I stopped reading the series for a good long while at this point. Although the quality of this one is slightly higher than the last, each book was too similar to the last. The plot structure is cookie cutter and the material not interesting or funny (though I must admit "cake sniffer" as an insult is good stuff) enough to keep my attention.
I seem to be losing more and more interest in the series with each book I read. Shouldn't my interest be building?
June 8, 2022
Unfortunate events book 5 the Baudelaire's are sent to live at a boarding school with the motto of Remember you will die in Latin. the name of this accursed place is Prufrock Preparatory Academy. I pretty awful with two bad teachers and a horrible assistant principle named Nero who considerers himself a violin genius. He of course is awful and because he is booed is misunderstood and there for a genius. I believe the lucky smell lumber mill was a worst location for kid because they really could have died but the austere academy is also a place where you would only want to send your child if you just wanted to never see them again. But if the children are orphans, it's really bad with the orphan shack full of territorial crabs, tan oozing sludge, green walls with hearts, and Nero's abuse. there is also a girl who is in the Netflix show called Carmelita Spats who is bad, but the show had more of. the one thing this school does have is the Quagmire triplets which there is only two left they are also rich orphan whose house burned in a fire. the other special thing about the academy is the special "advanced" computer that will keep away count Olaf. Well, no need to spoil this review with suspense Olaf shows up and defeats the computer. He is a gym coach who runs the Baudelaire orphans ragged. Then he steals a pair of orphans before making his escape!
February 6, 2017
These books are so addictive, I'm totally absorbed in the Baudelaire's world and I'm absolutely loving it! Despite these books being totally depressing and grim, I just can't get enough of them! I especially enjoyed this book because it introduces the Quagmires and V.F.D. which adds a whole new aspect to the series. And I still can't get over how ridiculously blind the adults in this series are, it's quite hilarious actually! I've said it in a review for one of the previous books in the series but I'll say it again, I'm so thoroughly enjoying my reread of this series. It feels like I'm revisiting my childhood and that is such an amazing feeling!
April 1, 2018
توی جلد پنجم بچهها سرپرست جدیدی ندارن و به یه مدرسهی شبانه روزی فرستاده میشن و اونجا هم ماجراهای خودشونو دارن.
این جلد رو نسبت به دو جلد قبل که داستان روتین و قابل پیشبینی شده بود بیشتر دوست داشتم، از دو لحاظ. یکی اینکه بچهها تو مدرسه دوستانی پیدا کردن که جنبهی ارتباطات کتاب رو پررنگتر میکرد و دوم اینکه داستان حالت معماییتری به خودش گرفت و از حالت هر جلد یک داستان مجزا تا حدی خارج شد.
----------
یادگاری از کتاب:
صرف اینکه چیزی مرسوم باشد، نمیتوان گفت که باید انجام شود.
...
دوستان شما میتوانند باعث شوند که دنیا کوچکتر و با خباثتی کمتر از آنچه تا کنون میشناختید به نظر آید، زیرا دوستان شما کسانی هستند که تجربیات مشترکی با آنها دارید.
این جلد رو نسبت به دو جلد قبل که داستان روتین و قابل پیشبینی شده بود بیشتر دوست داشتم، از دو لحاظ. یکی اینکه بچهها تو مدرسه دوستانی پیدا کردن که جنبهی ارتباطات کتاب رو پررنگتر میکرد و دوم اینکه داستان حالت معماییتری به خودش گرفت و از حالت هر جلد یک داستان مجزا تا حدی خارج شد.
----------
یادگاری از کتاب:
صرف اینکه چیزی مرسوم باشد، نمیتوان گفت که باید انجام شود.
...
دوستان شما میتوانند باعث شوند که دنیا کوچکتر و با خباثتی کمتر از آنچه تا کنون میشناختید به نظر آید، زیرا دوستان شما کسانی هستند که تجربیات مشترکی با آنها دارید.
February 6, 2017
I'm not surprised I was so addicted to these books when I was younger, they're super addictive! When season 1 of the Netflix show ended where it did I literally had to reread this because I can't wait much longer for the next season!!
Feel like this book's plot is quite simple compared to the others and not a great deal happens, but Count Olaf's wicked plan still hit me hard. I found myself getting pretty emotional at times because we get to see the Baudelaire's happy with their new found friends and then it just all goes bad again as always!!!
Definitely going to have to carry on rereading this series now, it's just so compelling and I need answers!!!
Feel like this book's plot is quite simple compared to the others and not a great deal happens, but Count Olaf's wicked plan still hit me hard. I found myself getting pretty emotional at times because we get to see the Baudelaire's happy with their new found friends and then it just all goes bad again as always!!!
Definitely going to have to carry on rereading this series now, it's just so compelling and I need answers!!!
January 26, 2017
Quote from Lemony Snicket-"a good night's sleep helps you perform well in school, and so if you are a student you should always get a good night's sleep unless you have come to the good part of your book, and then you should stay up all night and let your work fall to the wayside, and flunk" lmao
July 13, 2018
That cliffhanger though...
The Austere Academy is the firth installment of A Series of Unfortunate Events series. I really enjoyed this one and I think it might be my favorite so far. In this, you are still following the crazy adventure that the Baudelaire children are on. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny are now attention a boarding school where they still end up running into Count Olaf in disguise.
Now, of course, I complain about the adults in these books but today I'm going to switch it up. One character, child to be exact, annoyed the crap out of me. It might have to do with the whole audiobook thing but when the annoying character spoke.. well, I wished I was deaf. I never want to hear that voice ever again.
Sunny is still my favorite out of the children but that's just 'cause she always finds a way to make me laugh. The kids seem to find themselves in crazy situations and it's always interesting how they make it all work. I can't wait to dive into the next book because each one is getting better and better.
The Austere Academy is the firth installment of A Series of Unfortunate Events series. I really enjoyed this one and I think it might be my favorite so far. In this, you are still following the crazy adventure that the Baudelaire children are on. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny are now attention a boarding school where they still end up running into Count Olaf in disguise.
Now, of course, I complain about the adults in these books but today I'm going to switch it up. One character, child to be exact, annoyed the crap out of me. It might have to do with the whole audiobook thing but when the annoying character spoke.. well, I wished I was deaf. I never want to hear that voice ever again.
Sunny is still my favorite out of the children but that's just 'cause she always finds a way to make me laugh. The kids seem to find themselves in crazy situations and it's always interesting how they make it all work. I can't wait to dive into the next book because each one is getting better and better.
January 7, 2022
Book 5 is a breath of much needed fresh air. The plot here was well thought out and as silly as it was, it's way more plausible than book 4. Vice Principle Nero is as childish and unreasonable as Count Olaf, which makes him hard to hate. The new element here is the introduction of allies, the Quagmire triplets. They are the mirror image of the Baudelaire orphans and just as lovable. I'm actually excited for book 6.
September 20, 2018
Loved the celery part 😂
Best one so far
Best one so far
July 21, 2022
This is one of my favorites so far because the Baudelaire orphans make friends! They are not alone in trying to escape Count Olaf. When oh when will Violet, Klaus and Sunny meet at least one adult with half the moxy of the Quagmire Triplets?! Their dear departed parents must be absolutely spinning in their graves due to the deplorable treatment that Mr. Poe allows to happen under his watch.
February 3, 2022
This is possibly one of my favorite books in the series. It was kind of different. I liked the new setting and the new characters. Also, it was quite mysterious. Can't wait to start the next book!
August 26, 2020
I didn't care for any of the side characters in this one.
Even the were bland.
Even the were bland.
February 10, 2025
3.5, if i ever have children i’d give them this series to read
February 7, 2017
3.75* this was a really fun read! I definitely enjoyed it more than book four, it didn't feel quite so dreary and I loved the fact that the siblings finally have someone on their side! It was nice that the plot wasn't quite so similar as the previous few books and I'm excited to see how it continues on from here, as it feels as though this is the first book in the series so far to have left off on a lightly less conclusive cliff hanger!!
April 12, 2025
امیدوارم ایران صدا بقیه مجموعه رو هم به صورت صوتی منتشر کنه چون که اجراشون خیلی عالی بود :)
December 15, 2020
This book sees a difference in the overall story format that was in the previous 4 books.
The Baudelaires gained some new friends and they did not immediately reveal Count Olaf in his disguise to their 'guardian'. Also, VFD is first mentioned!
My knowledge for this and the remaining books come from the TV show so I'm excited to see exactly what happens!
The Baudelaires gained some new friends and they did not immediately reveal Count Olaf in his disguise to their 'guardian'. Also, VFD is first mentioned!
My knowledge for this and the remaining books come from the TV show so I'm excited to see exactly what happens!
October 17, 2017
I’m over these but the kids still like them.
January 11, 2019
Oooeeeh a new plotpoint... what/who is this VFD?
December 31, 2020
listen to children!!! validate their feelings!!! trust them!!!!
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