Saturday, June 14, 2025

MMGM: The Thrilling Ride of The Jules Verne Prophecy

 


Like with epistolary novels, I've been on a hunt (no pun intended) for middle grades about treasure hunts lately. When I saw The Jules Verne Prophecy (Larry Schwarz and Iva-Marie Palmer) was set in Paris and involved Jules Verne, I knew I had to read it! 

Jules Verne has always been a favorite at my house. We watched all the classic movies about his novels and devoured his books as my sons were growing up.

What drew me in was the Paris setting. It brought back so many memories of my trip there in my twenties. A friend and I walked over the whole city, determined to try to experience Paris on $0/day. (We were broke college students.)

Luxembourg Gardens is in the Jules Verne Prophecy and it's free! *

 If you love Paris and Jules Verne, then you are in for a treat.


Synopsis:


Owen Godfrey is spending his summer in Paris studying science fiction writer Jules Verne, the brilliant mind behind Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days. When Owen and his new friends find what appears to be a dusty copy of Verne’s collected works in an old bookshop, they’re intrigued by the hidden codes written inside. As one clue leads to another, the trio gets swept up in an epic treasure hunt spanning the city—from the depths of the catacombs to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and by way of skateboard, boat, car, and even a hot air balloon!  But they quickly realize they’re not the only ones searching for the hidden riches, and that there are others who will stop at nothing to get to them first.

This fast-paced larger-than-life adventure is filled with action, high stakes, and three friends who are dead set on cracking the Jules Verne mystery.


Highlights of The Jules Verne Prophecy:


1.    A fun, engaging main character. Like last week’s post with a fun male protagonist, Owen is all over the place sometimes in his thoughts. He also loves skateboarding, which will appeal to many readers. Crazy adventures and mishaps just seem to cling to him, which is a lot of fun to read about.


2.    Cool puzzles based on a fictional Jules Verne manuscript. I thought the whole idea of Jules Verne setting up a puzzle for his fans to solve was a lot of fun. There were a ton of nods to his works which true fans will enjoy. It certainly made me want to check out more of his work!


3.    Three distinct characters that work as a team. Owen, Nas, and Rose were different and memorable in their personalities and their backgrounds. They each had strengths that helped solve the mystery. And learning not to make assumptions about a person was a key theme.


4.    Action! Action! Action! Boy, this novel though not short (346 pages), it kept me on the edge of my seat. Although I figured a few things out, there were a lot of twists I didn’t see coming but totally worked. Kids who love adventure (or movies like the Goonies) will love this.


 


5.    A perfect ending. It looks like this book is set up to be a series, but I couldn’t find any information about when or if a sequel will be released. But the ending tied things up for now in the most perfect way.

Max, the Reading Dog*
Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale): 

Other than a brief mention of Laika, my hero, there are no dogs in this book. This book would’ve been so much better, if Owen had a dog. I would’ve sniffed out the clues and the villain right away. Aw, people! 🦴🦴

 

*Photo credit: photo of Max and Luxembourg Gardens by Jenni Enzor 

Your Turn:

Have you read The Jules Verne Prophecy? What are your favorite treasure hunting movies or books? 

 

12 comments:

  1. This sounds like a really fun book with the treasure hunt in Paris. Thanks for sharing it this week.

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    1. It's definitely a lot of fun! Thanks for stopping by, Natalie!

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  2. The cover didn't draw me in but your review sure did! I also enjoy treasure hunt type stories so I've added this one to my futures list. Thanks for being a part of MMGM this week.

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    1. You're right. The cover doesn't do the story justice. I bet you'll enjoy this one!

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  3. I have not read this book, but now I'm thinking I might have to! I've only been to Paris once, but we explored the catacombs and the Luxembourg gardens, so this sounds wonderful!! Though, if it doesn't have any dogs in it, I don't think my dog would let me read this ...

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    1. That's cool, Jess! The part with the catacombs was one of the best parts! Ha! You might have to read this one in secret.😊

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  4. Awesome! I'm reminded of the excellent CHASING VERMEER by Blue Balliett which was a hit for readers of all ages (it's classified as MG) ten or so years ago.

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    1. Yes, that was such a great series! Dry similar with the puzzles and three friends working together

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  5. This sounds terrific. I just got a copy of the last book you reviewed and now I'll need to find this one as well. Thanks for telling me about it.

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    1. I'm so glad you found two books you're interested in. Both of them are so good!

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  6. I read another treasure hunt which involved the catacombs and the Eiffel tower, but went off into Germany as well. I think it also involved time travel. If I find it I'll repost it for next week :)

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    1. Ooh, that sounds really good too! I'll keep an eye out for your review!

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