Series of Unfortunate Events #5: The Austere Academy audiobook

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

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.

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".

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

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!

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!!!

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.

Loved the celery part 😂Best one so far

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.

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!!

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!

listen to children!!! validate their feelings!!! trust them!!!!