I was a fan of the series way back in middle school so when I heard they were coming out with a whole new book all these years later. I ignored it. But now I figured why not, let’s see if it holds up. So I reread the other four books and dove into The Riddle of the Ages.

First thing I must commend is how easily Stewart slips back into the Benedictian narration, with its asides and riddles that seem at once smart yet childlike. Childlike as in view of a child, not the definition that signals immaturity. Basically he manages to return to the tone making it feel like a seamless continuation all these years later.

Literally. It doesn’t specify exactly how much time has passed but it is understood that Constance is no longer 3 but a preteen, and the other kids are in their mid-late teens as well which creates an interesting and fufilling experience to see how all the kids have matured and grown. You can appreciate how the kernel stays the same, but also admire the ways they’ve changed into big picture thinking, compassionate people.

It offers the novel a different sort of tone as the kids deal with the possibility of growing up and growing apart. Reynie has offers from universities to become the youngest student, Kate wants to become a top spy like her father, Sticky has been invited to head a chemistry research lab. They are in the cusp of grownup-hood but they also feel so young. It’s disorienting and leads to miscommunication as none are ready to sever their ties but also fear that the others are. The book is more thoughtful, more introspective I think.

Plus what better way to show how they have all grown then to give them a child to look after. Tai, a 5 year old with budding telepathic abilities of his own is guided by Constance to the house when she senses the Ten Men are after him. But not to worry, he is a very cute addition to the group. He helps to remind the Society and the readers of the kids they were before as they go on their mission. He reminds them how kids have optimism, common sense and smarts that adults overlook. Plus it shows how the Society have taken up the roles of adults themselves for altogether Benedict, Rhonda, Number Two and Milligan only show up for 10 pages altogether. This is truly the kids’ time to shine on their own.

It also feels the stakes are higher because they are on their own as the Ten Men converge to break Mr. Curtain out of prison in a ticking race against time since- well if I told you what the ticking clock was, it would ruin the added suspense. The Ten Men themselves with devious leader McCracken are also harsher and more vicious than before after their stint in jail, cornered with low supplies which contributes to the ‘older’ tone.

But it doesn’t lose its humorous asides and observations that flow between the character, empasizing their family dynamic. The Society truly are a unit and a family between themselves and its lovely to see them together, taking the lead. Plus the ending has several twists that I just did not see coming.

So if you liked the previous books, this is a worthy addition, you will heartily enjoy.