Rarely does a book combine multiple interests for me the way Derek Taylor Kent’s Kubrick’s Game does.

Kubrick’s Game takes the joy of reading and mixes it with my love of movies, puzzle quests and of course, Stanley Kubrick! I’ve always enjoyed unraveling the hidden meanings in The Shining, Eyes Wide Shut, and 2001: A Space Odyssey (along with Kubrick’s other works). This book opened a whole new level of hidden meanings to me! It mixed the fun I remember from The Three Investigators in The Mystery of the Dead Man’s Riddle with the adult thrills of The DaVinci Code. The story moves quickly and is hard to put down. I think this one would technically fall in the Young Adult category, but I must still have a little fun left in me at 49 because I haven’t had this much fun in a book in a while. Pick up a copy and enjoy! Oh, one last thing! Even after the book ends you might be swept up in a new adventure, if you have a keen eye and know where to look! Happy reading, and good luck! ( )

Do you ever read a book, and end up feeling slightly jealous at how much smarter the characters are than you? Well, prepare to feel that way when you pick up Kubrick's Game. Derek Taylor Kent has woven a story that is full to the brim with puzzles. Shawn and his friends are lead through twists, and turns, all tying into this insane game that focuses solely around Stanley Kubrick's movies. If you're a fan of books that make you ponder, then this one is definitely for you.

First off, I need to point out the fact that Kent obviously knows a lot about Kubrick and his cinematic legacy. Each and every part of this story is like a love letter to that creator, and his works. As Shawn delves deeper into the mystery surrounding this game, more and more love is given to the puzzle itself. There are so many clues, expertly created to lead right into the next. My head was spinning after the first few had been uncovered. As a person who has definitely seen Kubrick's movies, but isn't a raving fan, I can say that this book definitely prompted me to want to watch them again. I keep wondering if I can pinpoint all the clues myself.

Which of course, means that this book picks up speed and then won't let you slow down. Shawn was put in some fairly terrifying situations, all in the name of solving the mystery. I'll be honest, I didn't like him much at first. His blunt personality, and inability to understand relationships annoyed me a bit. Following him through this puzzle though soon made me appreciate his particular brand of focus. He was able to pull himself away from situations, and really see into what he needed to do next.

The absolute only reason that I rated this four stars, rather than five, was the fact that the ending felt rushed to me. After so much build up, so many puzzles cracked, and so much time with Shawn, I couldn't help but feel like the ending came and went without a big finish. There are strong ties to all manner of conspiracy theories here, and I would have loved to see some more of those really coming life. The villains here just felt flat, and I wanted more.

Overall though? This book was fairly fantastic. As I said, it's a testament to how well written this puzzle is that I was always five steps behind Shawn. He is a brilliant mind. I'll just step away, and let him do his thing. ( )

I purchased both the paperback and audio versions of the book. When a story is interesting, you need it, even when you're on the go!

Okay, so before I get into this review, I have to admit, other than seeing a few of Kubrick's movies, I don't know much. I never saw the art and beauty of the movies the way the characters in this novel did, or the author, obviously, but this was a cool read. It was like a young Indiana Jones adventures, but with movies and screenplays. The read was creative and very different from my usual reads, but it was good. And to have Number One (Jonathan Frakes from Star Trek, The Next Generation) reading to me- that was awesome! LOL

Kubrick's Game, written by Derek Taylor Kent, is written on the concept of Stanley Kubrick leaving a series of puzzles for the die-hard fans of his work. Three students are introduced to the puzzle through a college professor. Sam, his best friend, Wilson and Sami, a girl interest are set along the path to a discovery that could change everything!

So as I've already admitted, I'm not one of those conspiratorialists who seek an answer in every glitch and mystery of movies, books and murals. I like a good mystery, but Kent went all out! There's a great amount of research and study to make a book like this. I find great appreciation and admiration in authors like him. This book not only took a long time, but a freaking GREAT deal of work! I enjoyed the thrill and the mystery- even if I didn't get it all.

Check out this fun novel- for New Adults, while I head on to the next read!

*Review will post to www.areneehunt.com (as scheduled)
Kubrick's Game
Derek Taylor Kent
Evolved Publishing, LLC
September 24, 2016 ( )