Official Review: The Century Cube by Bo Boswell

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Heidi M Simone
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Official Review: The Century Cube by Bo Boswell

Post by Heidi M Simone »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Century Cube" by Bo Boswell.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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What would you do if you accidentally landed one hundred years into the future? That’s exactly what happens to two young brothers in Bo Boswell’s young adult science fiction read, The Century Cube.

Ten-year-old Turner and eight-year-old Weston are two brothers that seem to be constantly bickering and butting heads with one another. One day, they spend time at their grandparents’ house as their parents needed some time to themselves. While exploring their grandparents’ barn, they find a curious and unusual cube. Being the big puzzle solver, Turner almost can’t help himself and solves the puzzle cube. The problem is by solving the cube, the two brothers are ripped apart from their world and land one hundred years into the future.

Now, it is 2118 and their once-loved home of Winchester is destroyed and in pieces. They must team up with two other boys and a very friendly robot to ward off against the dangerous technologies that might hinder their chance of returning home.

Such a wonderful, sweet, and fun read! Told in the third-person omniscient point-of-view, the author seamlessly allows the reader to get to know the main cast of characters. Boswell truly captured the sibling love/quarreling relationship between Turner and Weston that warmed my heart throughout. It probably helped that the author named these two boys after his own sons! My favorite character was Dudley, a PAL (Personal Android Laborer) robot. Though a robot, he was just so sweet, funny, and such a loyal friend it was hard not to love him.

While reading, it was clear the author knew his target audience and held the pacing of the plot accordingly. Between the technology, games, references to pop culture, boys being gross at times, and the suspense of who the “bad guy” was, upper elementary and middle school readers would truly enjoy following Weston and Turner.

There are major themes of sibling love, friendship, technology, and persistence throughout. As I have mentioned, the sibling love/bickering relationship between Turner and Weston was precious. Friendships between the boys, the two human friends they meet, and Dudley was heartwarming. I found the progression of technology from 2018 to 2118 was logically and realistically done. Lastly, the persistence of making it back home was one that was appropriate and fit within the text well.

The only improvement I can see is perhaps adding more girls within the story. Aside from meeting a sister of one of the new friends and a grandmother-like figure, there aren’t any females in the story. I believe both girls and boys would enjoy the tale as it is, but having a girl more present might make it more relatable to female readers.

It goes without saying that I’m giving The Century Cube a 4 out of 4 stars. This would be great for children in upper elementary and middle school who enjoy technology and time traveling books. I would even recommend it to adults who are young at heart and enjoy reading books geared toward the younger audience.

******
The Century Cube
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Heidi
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Post by gen_g »

This sounds so fascinating! I love a great sci-fi, and this seems to be it. Thanks for the great review!
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Post by Sahani Nimandra »

I am not much of a sci-fic fan but this read reminded me of Zathura, the space game movie like Jumanji. Two brothers lost in time (not 100 years). I think this will be an enjoyable read to those who like these movies. Thank you for your review!
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Post by Bianka Walter »

This sounds like great fun! This is the type of book that I loved when I was younger (and still do love...).
Thanks for the awesome review, I enjoyed it :)
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Post by Chigozie Anuli Mbadugha »

Hmmm! Awesome review. Thanks! This book will be a first for me for many reasons: time travel, omniscient point of view... I will be checking this one out. I like the themes explored in the book as well: sibling love, friendship, technology, and persistence. Well done!
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Post by Kendra M Parker »

Wow, what a fun read. It does sound like something that would be good for kids, especially kids that are getting caught up in constant sibling rivalry. This seems like such a fun premise, I’ll have to check it out!
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Post by Dael Reader »

Futuristic novels for YAs are hot right now. It sounds like this could be a good one! Thanks for your review.
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Post by Samantha Simoneau »

Great review! This sounds like a sweet, exciting read. As a thirty-something who truly loved watching "Captain Underpants," I think I'll be reading this one.
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Post by Jackie Holycross »

This sounds like a great read. I love futuristic stuff though I’m not sure I could ever describe sibling rivalry as cute. Lol.
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Post by kandscreeley »

Wow! This sounds like a great story that would be right up my alley. I am already looking forward to seeing how they get back to their own time period. Thanks for another great review.
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Post by strawberrysab »

This book reminds me of a futuristic Jumanji. I loved your review and recommended this book to my son who, I'm sure, is going to love it.
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Post by daniya__shah3 »

Whoa! This sounds fascinating. Although, I'm not too much into science fiction, I'm sure that I'll enjoy this.
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Post by Connie Otwani »

Sounds like fun! I'm curious about how the brothers make it back in time and if their robot friend tags along! Great review!
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Post by bclayton13 »

Your review definitely makes the case. I know a few kids that would adore this, and I think I would too.
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Post by pinchess07 »

Robots and time travel? I'm in! Your review was detailed and very helpful. I'm picking this book up soon!
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