Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

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Source: Won
Publisher: Hyperion
Format: Hardcover, 298 pages
Release Date: June 21, 2011

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners. 

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

Once again, Ally Carter has delivered a unique, fun and exciting adventure. I love reading about Kat and her crew!

To me, even the thought of reading about teenagers that plan out and execute huge heists all over the globe sounds exciting. The real thing? It's even better. I never know what will happen next with Ally Carter, she has so many clever tricks up her sleeve.

Kat, the rest of her family and Hale all feel distinct and personal when reading about them, regardless of how much time they actually get to speak in the book. Although I can honestly say I'm not a criminal mastermind myself*, there are still many other things that these characters go through that I can relate to, leaving me even more invested in the story.

Not only are they fun, but these stories are so well-written as well. The anticipation and suspense (only further helped by the constant timeline reminders!) build at this perfectly paced speed and while I felt curious to know what would happen next, I was still able to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

The perfect read if you're looking for something light and fun.

* or am I....

Cover Comments: Ahh, it's perfect. I think it really sets the tone for the book and I love the reflection in Kat's sunglasses!

4/5 Royal Crowns!

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

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Source: Purchased
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Format: Hardcover, 452 pages
Release Date: May 3, 2011

Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians.

And now their most threatening enemy yet - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family.

To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished.

First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?

Narrated in two different wisecracking voices, featuring a large cast of new and unforgettable characters, and with adventures spanning the globe, this second installment in the Kane Chronicles is nothing short of a thrill ride.

Rick Riordan continues the long-standing trend of high-action, hilarious novels with The Throne of Fire.

In this latest installment, the stakes have been upped for Sadie and Carter as they race to save the world -- again. I mean, no pressure, right? A group of kids still growing into their powers should be more than equipped to do things that no one else has been able to do for years and years and years (and not for lack of trying). That's what I love about Rick Riordan's work though. The task always seems huge and overwhelming but the characters really rise to the challenge and turn into a force to be reckoned with.

From page one you can tell that this book is going to have the same bursts of action as the previous one. Heists, races, fights and journeys... all come together for a seriously action-packed novel. The delivery is always so relevant and creative, I love seeing how Riordan will execute certain scenes!

The characters in this novel were charismatic as usual. They all bring something different to the table, whether it's Carter's extensive knowledge of Egyptian mythology or Sadie's gutsy decision-making. Half of the fun is getting to know these characters and reading the funny dialogue. Okay, for me, more than half.

Rick Riordan has done it again. A great sequel!

Cover Comments: I love the scene they chose to capture for the cover! It's definitely an exciting one and the way they brightened it up with all of the colours is really eye-catching.

4 stars

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

(Goodreads profile)

Source: Won
Publisher: Hyperion Books (Children)
Release Date: August 2, 2011
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 288

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.
But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget.

There are so many words that I can use to describe The Near Witch - mesmerizing, atmospheric, spellbinding, beautiful, lyrical... take your pick. All I know is that this is one of the best books I have ever read.

Victoria's writing is gorgeous. There is a lyrical quality to it and it immersed me completely in the town of Near. I feel like I took a trip to the moors, felt and heard the howling wind. I couldn't keep my eyes off the page, but at the same time, I wanted to take it slow so that I wouldn't miss a word. There is a skill to conveying whole images in a few words and it's definitely one that Victoria possesses.

As for the story, it really did read like a fairytale (albeit a spooky one). There is imagination and children's games and just so many other elements that I loved. The plot builds slowly in the beginning but in doing so, has the tension and intrigue built up so much that I was on the edge of my seat by the climax. There were parts that were peaceful and parts that were horrifying (in that fascinating kind of way, y'know?) and all of them blended together seamlessly.

The cast of unique and memorable characters are the icing on the cake for me. I loved Lexi as a protagonist because she is smart, stubborn, tough and can think for herself when it really matters. Cole AKA 'The Stranger' was a great love interest and I think that he and Lexi make a fantastic team.

So, if you haven't read this one yet, my only question is: Why not?

Cover Comments: I'm not really sure how I feel about this one! It's definitely a lot (A LOT) prettier in person and I like the overall jacket (back and spine) more than the front alone (sorry, couldn't find a picture). Also, when you tilt it in the light, there are these like white swirl things on the cover! That amused me for a while. So, yeah. I like what they were trying to do with the cover. I can see how the unsure-but-reaching-and-almost-touching ties in with the story.

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Source: Library
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 287

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.  

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster's art collection has been stolen, and he wants it returned. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat’s father isn’t just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.

For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it’s a spectacularly impossible job? She’s got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family’s (very crooked) history—and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

Heist Society was a marvellously enchanting novel. With mystery, humour and just general fun, Ally Carter wrote a story that entranced me from page one and left me eager for more.

Kat was a really interesting character. I truly never expected to sympathize with a thief (even one just born into the 'business') but I found myself really connecting with Kat. For someone skilled in stealing valuable, high-security items, Kat was remarkably normal. I actually liked the whole crew in Heist Society. I thought they worked well together and all had their unique set of quirks. I must say, Hale was my favourite (sorry, Kat!).

The plot of this book moves along quickly, making it an exciting, action-packed ride. It kept me guessing until the end and the pages that showed the days 'til deadline were wonderful. Towards the end, I was literally vibrating in my seat with excitement, shouting out at everyone that could hear me "oh my gosh, only 2 days left - WHAT NOW?"

All in all, a delightful read that kept me hooked and entertained.  

Cover Comments: What's not to love? I think it seriously represents the appeal the book had for me - the mysterious, unique, fun vibe. Pretty font as well!

Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

Source: Library
Publisher: Hyperion Books (Disney)
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 327

As the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar, Bilqis SanGreal grew up knowing she wasn't normal. Instead of hanging out at the mall or going on dates, she spends her time training as a warrior in her order's ancient battle against the Unholy. 

Billi's cloistered life is blasted apart when her childhood friend, Kay, returns from Jerusalem, gorgeous and with a dangerous chip on his shoulder. He's ready to slide back into Billi's life, but she's met someone new: amber-eyed Mike, who seems to understand her like no one else and effortlessly stakes a claim on her heart.

But the Templars are called to battle before Billi can enjoy the thrilling new twist to her life. One of the order's ancient enemies has resurfaced, searching for a treasure that the Templars have guarded for almost a thousand years - King Solomon's cursed mirror, a source of unimaginable power. To save the lives of millions, Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than she could have imagined.

The concept behind this story utterly fascinates me. Devil's Kiss includes stories from ethnicities and religions that scatter all across the board. I loved how it was all woven together; even things like the weapons from various cultures made me a little giddy as I was reading.

Billi was a character that I really liked. She was fierce and confident - two traits I love in my MCs. I mean, Billi's life? It sucks. She spends her days being tormented in high school, comes home to an unsympathetic father and then proceeds to the nightly routine of being beaten up in Templar training. Even through all of this though, she endures and sacrifices so much for what she knows is right.

I loved how surprised this book could make me. I appreciate those moments in a book when you have to gasp aloud and Devil's Kiss did not disappoint. The turns weren't just little nudges in new directions; they were full-out swerves that completely threw me for a loop.

Fans of the darker YA novels (who doesn't like that sword wielding and blood dripping?) should definitely check this one out!

Cover Comments: I really, really love this cover. The wispy swirls and scattered sparkles work really well with the gray theme and I like the metallic tint to the sword! I have to say though... I didn't notice the guy in the background (by the trees?) until later and it really freaked me out when I did. Is that Kay? He looks like such a stalker! Very pretty though - the cover, not the stalker, that is.