Member Reviews
This series has been a roller coaster of fun for both my daughters and I, as we have read through all of the books together. It's been a fun experience, and my girls have thoroughly enjoyed the stories, and as an adult, I've had just as good a time reading through the stories and puzzles and mysteries with them.
In this finale to the series, Mr. Lemoncello has a final competition that will result in a winner who will decide the future of the Lemoncello legacy and Kyle is ready for it! This book reflects back on others in the series and so many of the characters from previous books play into the storyline here as well. A great story and wrap up for these books!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Fantabulous is right! I’ve been a Lemoncello fan from day one and I loved the way this story tied things up while also incorporating lessons that were learned in other books in the series. This series teaches kids to embrace their unique talents and interests while also showing how we are all stronger when we work together. It’s a beautiful, whimsical, intelligent mix that teaches kids how fun problem solving can be.
Also, I’ve never wanted a fictional place to be real as much as I wish Mr. Lemoncello’s theme park was a real place. Talk about a book lover’s paradise!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary review copy. All opinions are my own.
This was such a great book and I don't know if it was intentional or not but it gave me big Willy Wonka vibes and I was so there for it! I thought maybe it was the authors nod to that fun character as I have always thought Mr. Lemoncello was the Wonka of Libraries. :) Had such a great ending!
A delightful middle grade adventure that’s sure to delight children and adults equally. I adored the entire series but this finale was written so well and was a fantastic conclusion to the world. Loved it so much!
So much happening in this short but sweet finale! Kyle and the gang are back, this time to see who will win it all; Luigi Lemoncello's entire enterprise. As always, the kids are bright-eyed, bushy tailed, and over-the-top in a fun way. The enthusiasm every character has is so engaging. Honestly, everyone would be a little better off with a fraction of that energy for something in their lives. It's a bummer this is the last one, but it ended on a high note.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
It’s been a wacky, game-filled, bookish ride from the opening book with its magical and wonderful library until this sixth and final installment. Most of the characters first introduced in volume 1’s big escape appear for at least a bit in the final book but Kyle takes center stage as he has in the preceding 5. Sierra has a significant role and Charles sticks his nose into everyone’s business as usual. Readers of earlier Lemoncello books will not be disappointed in the puzzles, riddles and creative inventions sprinkled liberally throughout the final contest to see who will take the big prize-inheriting the entire Lemoncello empire. Bookish people will appreciate the titles that become part of the game and the most astute of those will pick up on allusions to titles sneakily and seamlessly incorporated into both narration and dialogue.
While the last book is not my favorite of the set, it holds its own in what is a strong series from beginning to end. Having read all of them, I would suggest begining with book 1 for that those who want to read the Lemoncello books. Books 2-5 could easily be read in any order, but save 6 for last.
As its predecessors, the Fantabulous Finale is free of profanity, sexual content and violence. Charles and his parents are bullies and want to ruin Mr. Lemoncello financially but they are basically harmless cheaters.
Thirteen 13-year-olds compete to win Mr. Lemoncello's biggest competition yet. As Mr. Lemoncello prepares to name an heir to his billion-dollar empire, his rivals attempt to take him down once and for all.
This ending to a fun series is just what I wanted it to be. Mr. Lemoncello hasn't gotten any less eccentric or generous, and Kyle Keeley is back at the center of things, with some new and returning side characters. Though I was able to predict a lot of what happens at the end of the book, younger readers will most likely be surprised by twists and turns. There is less of the puzzle-y goodness that first got me into these books by this point in the series (there are still puzzles, but not as many or as difficult to solve as I remember), but I still think this series as a whole is a good one to draw in reluctant readers, especially boys.
I recommend this book, and the entire series, to readers 10 and up, and I definitely recommend starting at the beginning. I also suggest reading the prequel, Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game, before reading this book, as characters and backstory from that book come up a decent amount in this one.
The author's note at the end of the book was a nice added bit of information, and I was very happy to read that the rest of this series will be made into graphic novels like the one that's already come out for the first book. It'll be a fun way to relive the series.
This has been an exceptionally great middle grade series. I’m sad to see it end. It’s witty and funny. Engages young minds and makes them think outside the box. The characters are well written with an easy to follow and exciting storyline. My son is not big on reading, but he has loved this series since it was his assigned summer reading 5 years ago. He’s asked for every book and has devoured them all. It may be a middle grade novel but is great for any age, the young and young at heart.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Chris Grabenstein, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mr. Lemoncello is hosting a finale! A finale that by the end, someone will take over his entire empire when he is no longer here. Who is it going to be? It isn't Mr. Lemoncello without a competition. Mr. Lemoncello has invited thirteen lucky 13 year olds to compete for everything. As they are competing, someone is trying to destroy everything Mr. Lemoncello has put together. Will Kyle, the one who has been there since the beginning, be able to save the day?
A fantastic end to the Lemoncello ending! It was adventure packed as always. I didn't want it to end! I cannot wait to get a copy for my classroom!
The King of Fun & Games (Mr. Lemoncello) is approaching retirement and he has devised a penultimate challenge with 13 contestants, all aged 13 competing to become his successor. What teenager would pass up wealth and fame?
Readers will feel like they are right in the midst of the final game as the lucky contestants solve riddles, rebuses, treasure hunts and more. As the book proceeds, some of the contestants accept consolation offers more in line with their interests which slowly narrows down the pool.
Readers of previous books within the series will already be familiar with many of the characters but the book is enjoyable on its own and I was drawn into the story without knowing much about Mr. Lemoncello (other than what my own children--ardent fans of the series--had told me).
I loved the range of teens with varying interests working through the creative challenges that Mr. Lemoncello created. I think young people of all ages will identify with aspects of at least one character and will have a favorite one they secretly hope will win. Lots of fun and games from start to finish along with lots of great life wisdom that Mr. Lemoncello dispenses along the way. I highly recommend this wholesome, engaging series!
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Mr. Lemoncello's Fantabulous Finale through NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Mr. Lemoncello's at it again. And this time he's looking for a worthy contestant to take over his entire gaming empire. Thirteen 13-year olds are invited to take on one last gaming challenge in hopes of taking over the Lemoncello business. But is someone trying to destroy Mr. Lemoncello's legacy? Or has Mr. Lemoncello finally gotten in over his head? Leave it to this new batch of gamers, including fan favorite Kyle Keeley, to crack the mystery in this Fantabulous Finale!
My kids and I have loved Chris Grabenstein's Mr. Lemoncello from the very beginning. This wacky character makes mind benders, riddles, and trivia come to life. And his challenges are always heavily laden with literary characters and storytelling. We've been hooked from the first book. While some of the middle novels weren't as engaging, this final plot twist returns to the excitement of the original. I loved seeing Kyle Keeley come back, and all the new characters were just as original and interesting. The riddles throughout the book were fun to solve, and the final twists and turns made for a great lesson in teamwork. It was a very satisfying way to say good-bye to a beloved character. Mr. Lemoncello is certainly one of a kind. We love that these books are original, clean, thought provoking, and fun. We definitely recommend this one to young and old alike. Happy reading!
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This was a great wrap-up of the Lemoncello series. I enjoyed it and cannot wait to add it to my classroom. While I am sad to see the series be done, this truly ended on a great note and wrapped up everything well.
"Knowledge unshared remains unknown."
Mr. Lemoncello's Fantabulous Finale was a thrilling conclusion to the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series.
I really enjoyed this last one. New puzzles and challenges. The value of teamwork, being kind to others, and having empathy are prominent themes.
Mr. Lemoncello is just as kooky in this one. I really love his character and the fun he brings to the whole series. I love the values he tries to teach and promote in this book and throughout the series.
Content Warning:
bullying/unkindness, selfishness (these traits are displayed only in the antagonists)
Definitely appropriate for ages 8 or 9+.
The whole series would make a great read aloud for children.
Such a wonderful way to end the series, but it's bittersweet. I'm glad that it has ended, but I will miss it. (I guess that is what rereads are for.) Just as good as the last ones and I just love the author's note to the reader.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Mr. Lemoncello’s Fantabulous Finale by Chris Grabenstein is a great wrap up to the Lemoncello series. In this last installment, Mr. Lemoncello runs one final contest to choose the heir who will inherit his company when he retires. I enjoyed how at least one of the characters was a crossover from another of Grabenstein’s series. I am sad that this is the end of the Lemoncello series, but like how it ended. Definitely will purchase for my library!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC of Mr. Lemoncello’s Fantabulous Finale!
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🤣 love to laugh
🧩 are a whiz at solving puzzles
🍋 like lemon flavored everything
📚 want to read a hilarious middle grade series
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
It's time for one last fantabulous challenge with Mr. Lemoncello-the world's most famous gamemaker! This time everything is on the line—literally! Mr. Lemoncello has invited thirteen lucky 13 year-olds—including his biggest fan, Kyle Keeley— to compete in the final games. The winner of these games will become the new owner of Mr. Lemoncello's ENTIRE GAME MAKING EMPIRE!!! But uh-oh--someone is trying to destroy Mr. Lemoncello empire and all it stands for: imagination, games, books . . . knowledge! Can Kyle Keeley stop them and make his dreams come true?
Get ready for a whirlwind adventure that takes us from the lions of the New York Public Library to the Choose Your Own Thrill-Venture Roller Coaster inside the brand-new Lemoncelloland amusement park, filled with codes and clues, adventure and mystery, and surprise cameos from across Chris Grabenstein's many series. So sit back, relax and prepare to have your imagination take flight...you are on your way to Lemoncelloland!
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
While I didn’t read books 1-5 in this hilarious series, that didn’t stop me from fully enjoying everything book six had to offer! It was fresh, hilarious, puzzling (seriously, I felt so dumb), and exciting! The entire world that Chris has created for middle grade readers is nothing short of amazing. I really wish Mr. Lemoncello was a real person now. This book will have you laughing and learning all at once. There are so many interesting facts piled into this story, I can only imagine how many more in his previous books. I can’t wait to read the entire series!
This is a lovely book and a perfect finish to such a beautiful series. This is a library favorite and how could it not be. Mr. Lemoncello’s child-like antics just enchant and delight readers of all ages. I quite enjoyed the challenges he placed in front of the children and how the game was all laid out. I don’t want to give anything away, but this book is pure perfection. Could we all as adults find some spark of Mr. Lemoncello’s youthfulness the world would be a much better place. I can’t wait to get this in readers hands really soon.
Thank you to Random House Children’s and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this fabulous book.
Kyle Keeley is Mr. Lemoncello’s number one fan. So when Mr. Lemoncello announces his last and final game allowing one lucky winner a chance to take over his entire empire, Kyle knows that he must enter the games and win. Thankfully, this time there are no Chiltingtons meaning that there will be no Charles! But somehow Charles still finds a way to cheat the system and create havoc within the game. When Mr. Lemoncello disappears, Kyle knows he must find out what happened and who is behind Lemoncello’s disappearance if he hopes to win this final game.
We have read all the previous Lemoncello books and loved the new characters and the dynamic that they add to this book. The development that these characters added to the story was both entertaining and added to the plot in an interesting way. I do wish that this book included more puzzles and riddles for young readers to enjoy allowing them to interact with the story as in previous books. My middle schooler really enjoyed this series and stated that this was a great conclusion to the Lemoncello world.
*Thank you to Chris Grabenstein, Random House Children's and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
I’m so sad it’s over! I have loved the Lemoncello series since I read the first book in 2015. My students have heard me rave about this for years. I cannot thank Mr. Grabenstein enough for this amazing series. This is a wonderful conclusion to the Lemoncello saga.
This is a worthy finale to an always engaging series. Even knowing Mr. Lemoncello's ways, I was still left guessing at several points. I love that even when they seemed misguided, all of the kids had a role to place and a chance to shine brightly. Overall, this was a fun book full of wonder - and an incredible library...with a hidden room!