Series Review: A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

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Author: Lemony Snicket

Genre: Fiction

Age Group: Middle Grade

Number of Books: 13
    Book #1: The Bad Beginning
    Book #2: The Reptile Room
    Book #3: The Wide Window
    Book #4: The Miserable Mill
    Book #5: The Austere Academy
    Book #6: The Ersatz Elevator
    Book #7: The Vile Village
    Book #8: The Hostile Hospital
    Book #9: The Carnivorous Carnival
    Book #10: The Slippery Slope
    Book #11: The Grim Grotto
    Book #12: The Penultimate Peril
    Book #13: The End

A Series of Unfortunate Events is... well, exactly like it sounds. The first book begins with the Baudelaire orphans being told their parents died in a fire and only gets worse from there. Each book gets progressively darker as the Baudelaire orphans try to escape from the evil Count Olaf, who is set on stealing the fortune left to them by their parents. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this series. Usually I get jealous of smart characters and end up hating them, but Violet, Klaus, and Sunny manage to be smart without being obnoxious. Also, Lemony Snicket's writing style is a gem: it's funny, unique, and just strange enough to keep the reader on edge. I do have a few complaints, though. First and foremost, WHAT WAS IN THE SUGAR BOWL? That probably doesn't make sense, so let me tell you: one of the biggest mysteries in the series remains unsolved. Second, the books aren't something you can binge-read. I recommend reading a standalone book in between each series book. That aside, this is a great series!  

Anyone who likes humor and tragedy should read this series. It's listed as middle grade, but think readers of Young Adult (like me) will also like it. Eight and a half out of ten stars!

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