Storming A Castle: National Geographic Maze Adventures Paperback – October 1, 2002

... that is, as far as I know. What you get is gorgeous two-page spreads of very well constructed mazes, together with loads of historical information that will pique the interest of an inquisitive young one and possibly (re)kindle a love of history.There is a frame story to the book: you first need to solve a maze in the approach to the castle, through a town, etc. before you get to the castle proper and begin storming the ramparts.Regarding the mazes, they are simply wonderfully thought out and visually pleasing, somewhat like a cross between "Where's Waldo?" and a David Macaulay book, though with thicker lines and less detail than the latter (and, obviously, mazes). Viewing a small-sized image of the cover of the ancient Egyptian title in the series led me to believe that what the books contained were detailed colored-in line drawings, with gaps in the lines to create a 2D maze.Instead, the mazes are actually three-dimensional; for example, in the town maze referenced above, one can climb up and down ladders, wander through streets at different levels, etc. It feels quite like exploring a castle or town from those days, since there are a lot of "dump you back at the start" sort of false leads, mixed in with the dead ends proper.The mazes are not only structurally rich, but can also contain extra rules-- for instance, don't try to run past a soldier on the opposing army-- which adds to the fun. In addition to the mazes, there is a code section that goes with one of them, which really appealed to my five-year-old who currently enjoys activities such as decoding the alien writing in Futurama.The subject matter is just fine for my five-year-old, who got this as a holiday present and is interested in history. He did not shriek with terror at the material on the page with the little torture chamber, nor did he experience nightmares afterward. I could imagine a child with a rare psychological disorder perhaps being disturbed by this book (I wouldn't know), but not a normal child. It's simply wonderful, and I think the most likely outcome of almost any child's reading of it would be heightened interest in castles and medieval life in general.

This is a beautiful book. The mazes are just the right difficulty for my maze-loving 6-year-old. He struggled with the page of codes, and he skipped all the interesting historical info in the margins. I think when he is 8 he might go back and look at those things again. This was a Christmas present, and after he opened it he went to the table and did all the mazes and really wasn't that interested in the remaining presents under the tree. This is a maze book that we'll keep and put on a bookshelf, because it does have interesting information and it is so pretty. I'd say it took him about half an hour to do all the mazes in the book. I would get another National Geographic maze book for him.

I bought up a bunch of different puzzle books to do after recovering from foot surgery. I wanted to keep my brain active and not just by reading. I went for things that are different and interesting.This book is so much fun getting thru the castle. The artwork is very intricate. The quality is very high and as you would expect from National Geographic it is educational and fun at the same time.It is fun and makes you think as you learn history of the middle ages. The answers are given in the back so be carefull not to peek and ruin the fun.Great for anyone 5-95

I purchased both this and the Eqyptian maze book by National Geographic for my daughter this last Christmas. She and I have really enjoyed doing them. This one talks about storming a castle and relays information in a fun way. Ever wonder how castles kept out intruders or how to overcome their defenses? Well, this is a great beginner book on those very ideas coupled with some very well illustrated mazes and a bonus word puzzle that holds the key to helping the "hero" of the story. A lot of fun for a child with or without parent involvement. I highly recommend these books.

My seven year old son enjoys math and puzzles. He loves this book, even describing the book as "hard"...generally he doesn't think any mazes are hard. I am sure that the artistry and text add to the mazes. We got this for him to occupy himself with during church. Sometimes he even looks forward to going to church!

This likes a challenging maze book. It is a present for my granddaughter so I am not yet able to say how much she like it, but looks very intricate and hopefully it will take her some time to complete it! Graphics are wonderful. U was looking for a book she wouldn’t just wiz thru!

Nephews liked it. Neices liked it. Good up to age 8 or 9 I'd say.

Not Appropriate for 8 -12 (as marked)! Wow, bad taste, NG! Page 23 of the book says,"Most people who are judged to have committed serious crimes against the lord never get out of here alive. They are hung at the gallows, have their heads chopped off, or are pressed to death by having weights placed on a board lying on top of them. After torture, but still alive, some poor victims are cut open and their insides pulled out. Their heads are often mounted on sticks and placed above the castle entrance..." Next to a picture of a severed head on a stake.Truly poor taste in labeling the book (back cover) "Ages 8-12". Definitely not for 8 year-olds who aren't already being trained as sociopaths.I expect more and do not intend to buy NG-Kids products or trust their endorsement in the future. I hope a well placed sticker can make this still giftable.Brian Tonks

I sent it to my grandson in New Zealand and apparently he thoroughly enjoyed it!

This is a very imaginative book and great for keeping children occupied. The children found it fun and interesting and it made their journeys in the car seem much quicker as they were so into the mazes. I'd highly recommend it.

Bought this for a 9th birthday present, but was disappointed at how straightforward it is. Would be perfect for 5-7 yo I'd say.

Usato in ottime condizioni come da descrizione, spedizione veloce

Kid enjoyed it very much - however it did not last long - a bit too easy for our 8 year old