About the Book:

Can the power of friendship save the day?
Get ready for a whirlwind adventure like no other in The Chambered Nautilus, the thrilling conclusion to Laura Segal Stegman’s enchanting Summer of L.U.C.K. trilogy. Best friends Darby, Justin, and Naz are facing their biggest challenge yet. After a year apart, they find themselves drifting away from each other at summer camp. But when the ghostly Leroy Usher’s carnival falls under mysterious turmoil, the trio reunites to answer his desperate call for help. The camp’s new attraction, the Chambered Nautilus ride, hides a magical secret that could change everything. As pieces of the Ferris wheel vanish, Darby, Justin, and Naz must rely on their wits and teamwork to locate Leroy Usher before it’s too late. Their unique bond is put to the ultimate test as they encounter one crisis after another. With expulsion from camp and the carnival’s existence on the line, the friends must persevere and unravel the mysteries surrounding Leroy Usher’s plea. Join them in a heart-pounding journey filled with friendship, courage, and the power of never giving up. Will they save the carnival and their cherished memories? Find out in this tale of adventure, discovery, and the true meaning of loyalty.

My Thoughts:

The Summer of L.U.C.K trilogy takes us through various adventures of Darby, Naz and Justin as they navigate summer camp, friendship and growth. Each of them learn more about themselves, learning lessons that help them be better.

This is trio’s last adventure together and they are against the clock to save Mr. Usher and the carnival, while learning the importance of friendship and trust in one another. Our main characters are almost teenagers, their interests have started to diversify, their priorities are changing and, while making new friends, they are on the verge of moving away from those that were there.

This book focuses on the thoughts that permeate the minds of each of our main characters and finally the bonds of friendship that remain in the end, no matter how different they all grow to be. They learn to accept each other as they are and also to allow more people into their group. Things can only be more fun with more people, and it is okay to share! I think Mr. Usher has some good messages for us in this book and the journey of discovering them, learning what a chambered nautilus is and finding out the secrets of the ride are what makes this story more exciting!

I loved the entire trilogy and watching the trio grow into who they are today. It’s a wonderful journey and with each finding their own space, either at camp or outside, it’s easy to trust that they will always be friends!

About the Book:

How do you learn to be brave?

With his summer headed downhill fast, thirteen-year-old Justin faces a tricky choice: stand up to bigotry or let fear hold him back. When he’s targeted by a bully, and a good friend stops speaking to him, Justin counts on help from Leroy Usher, the ghost whose magical carnival helped transform Justin’s life after his father died last year. So this should be a breeze, right? His expectations rise further when a mysterious message from Mr. Usher invites him and pals Darby and Naz for a midnight visit. Instead of a reunion, though, the kids find themselves transported through time to unravel a mystery that tore Mr. Usher’s family apart. As Justin digs for the truth, he discovers that Mr. Usher faced challenges during his lifetime with courage – and without magic. But if courage is what it takes, Justin must learn to do what’s right when everything’s wrong.

Ready or Not is Book Two in the Summer of L.U.C.K. Trilogy

My Thoughts:

Ready or Not is Book Two in the Summer of L.U.C.K Trilogy by author Laura Stegman. Having read the first book, I was eager to dive into the second book to meet Justin and his friends again. The book is simple and easy to read with a message on learning to be brave delivered through Justin’s experiences.

This book can be read as a standalone, but some references to Leroy Usher might be a little confusing for those who have not read the first book. Justin and his friends meet again at summer camp and are eager to explore their magical experiences through the carnival nearby. This summer, Justin faces the dilemma of standing up for himself and others, standing up for what he believes in without feeling afraid.

I enjoyed reading this story and following the interactions of all the characters. The author does a wonderful job in bringing out the different situations that Justin and his friends face and also how they reason things out and learn to handle it. This is definitely a story with a message that will be a delight for young readers!