Scan barcode
knittyreader's review against another edition
4.0
While I do not often read middle grade books, I was immediately drawn by this one. My gut feelings did not betray me either, it was great.
The story arch managed to keep even me as an adult interested. I liked how Max is written, not as a kid in the eyes of an adult, but as his own person making his own decisions and going on his own journey. I loved how a story about pirates can be non-Eurocentric (because they often are, and this one is not).
I managed to read it within a day, because it was hard to put this book down.
I received a free copy through Netgalley. My opinions are my own.
The story arch managed to keep even me as an adult interested. I liked how Max is written, not as a kid in the eyes of an adult, but as his own person making his own decisions and going on his own journey. I loved how a story about pirates can be non-Eurocentric (because they often are, and this one is not).
I managed to read it within a day, because it was hard to put this book down.
I received a free copy through Netgalley. My opinions are my own.
wendy327's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free copy from Crumblebee Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Max Daybreaker has a problem. His father hasn’t returned home for several weeks and his mother disappeared in a cloud of mysterious black smoke. At the age of twelve, Max is on his own when a swaggering spice pirate, Captain Cinn, and his companion, Piers, find him. Embarking on an adventure to find his family, Max encounters princes, kelpies, witches, sirens, snow bears, and a lot of magic. As secrets of the islands unravel, Max discovers the truth about himself and his family, but will it be in time to save them?
Well, this middle grade book was just fun! I very much enjoyed the novel and it was a quick read for an older audience. I would have definitely appreciated this book when I was in the target demographic, so I think this novel is a win.
In terms of the characters, Max’s innocent naivete was at times both endearing and irritating, but he remained an established protagonist to root for. Captain Cinn evokes some Jack Sparrow comparisons, but the differences are enough that one can appreciate both characters on their own. The remainder of the supporting cast, Piers, Linzy, Anya, Sal, Mensha, Timbu, and Annalinda, were also unique and likeable. Each of these characters offered something to the party, and with so many supporting characters, it feels like there is much more to explore with each, particularly since a magical character noted interesting pieces of backstory about several of them that were not revealed in this volume.
The world building was somewhat scarce as Max, and, by extension, the reader, was immediately whisked away to adventures in various lands. However, there was enough explanation to offer some view of the various islands and cultures encountered, which was backed up by a fantasy world map at the beginning of the novel. As a part of the world building, magic is also clearly established within this universe, and though the magic system’s rules were often unclear, I was willing to suspend my belief because the novel just seemed to be having fun playing within the constructed world.
If you’re looking for an adventure, I definitely think Max and the Spice Thieves delivers. I know I will be looking for the sequel to discover what mischief Max and his friends encounter next.
Max Daybreaker has a problem. His father hasn’t returned home for several weeks and his mother disappeared in a cloud of mysterious black smoke. At the age of twelve, Max is on his own when a swaggering spice pirate, Captain Cinn, and his companion, Piers, find him. Embarking on an adventure to find his family, Max encounters princes, kelpies, witches, sirens, snow bears, and a lot of magic. As secrets of the islands unravel, Max discovers the truth about himself and his family, but will it be in time to save them?
Well, this middle grade book was just fun! I very much enjoyed the novel and it was a quick read for an older audience. I would have definitely appreciated this book when I was in the target demographic, so I think this novel is a win.
In terms of the characters, Max’s innocent naivete was at times both endearing and irritating, but he remained an established protagonist to root for. Captain Cinn evokes some Jack Sparrow comparisons, but the differences are enough that one can appreciate both characters on their own. The remainder of the supporting cast, Piers, Linzy, Anya, Sal, Mensha, Timbu, and Annalinda, were also unique and likeable. Each of these characters offered something to the party, and with so many supporting characters, it feels like there is much more to explore with each, particularly since a magical character noted interesting pieces of backstory about several of them that were not revealed in this volume.
The world building was somewhat scarce as Max, and, by extension, the reader, was immediately whisked away to adventures in various lands. However, there was enough explanation to offer some view of the various islands and cultures encountered, which was backed up by a fantasy world map at the beginning of the novel. As a part of the world building, magic is also clearly established within this universe, and though the magic system’s rules were often unclear, I was willing to suspend my belief because the novel just seemed to be having fun playing within the constructed world.
If you’re looking for an adventure, I definitely think Max and the Spice Thieves delivers. I know I will be looking for the sequel to discover what mischief Max and his friends encounter next.
annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Max and the Spice Thieves is the first book in a series aimed at middle grade readers by John Peragine. Due out 20th April 2021, it's 272 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. It's possibly worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a rollicking middle grade fantasy full of adventure and action. Young Max is suddenly alone after his mother goes missing, so he joins Captain Cinn and the crew of the Saucy Pig as a cabin boy to look for his parents. The story provides a generous portion of adventure (pirates! spice pirates!), shapeshifters, magic, a secret book, monsters and more. What surprised me was how much warmth was written into the story along with humor and bigger concepts like bravery, loyalty, and found family as well as other cultures, spices, foods and being open to trust.
The story is complete in this volume with foreshadowing leading into the next book(s). It works well as a standalone.
The typography and graphics are beautifully done with gorgeously rendered map and cover art.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Max and the Spice Thieves is the first book in a series aimed at middle grade readers by John Peragine. Due out 20th April 2021, it's 272 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. It's possibly worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a rollicking middle grade fantasy full of adventure and action. Young Max is suddenly alone after his mother goes missing, so he joins Captain Cinn and the crew of the Saucy Pig as a cabin boy to look for his parents. The story provides a generous portion of adventure (pirates! spice pirates!), shapeshifters, magic, a secret book, monsters and more. What surprised me was how much warmth was written into the story along with humor and bigger concepts like bravery, loyalty, and found family as well as other cultures, spices, foods and being open to trust.
The story is complete in this volume with foreshadowing leading into the next book(s). It works well as a standalone.
The typography and graphics are beautifully done with gorgeously rendered map and cover art.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
mamma_calls_me_francis's review against another edition
4.0
It was a really cute read. It was written for a younger audience than what I am used to. I did still enjoy the story. I wasn’t a huge fan of it being the first in a series. I wish I would have known that going into it-especially considering I am going to have to wait for the next book to be released to find out what happens! Max is such a love-able character with a wide array of instant friends! I did find it really refreshing that Max was portrayed as an emotional character. It talked about him crying more than once in the novel- I think it is a good example to the targeted age range that emotions are meant to be embraced. I wish there were more books about this. I think the whole concept is a really creative idea. I would recommend it to my nephews or anyone who wants to sail the sea with pirates and use your power to save the realm.
kritomiester's review against another edition
4.0
Max and the Spice Thieves was a fun and easy read. The beginning felt a little slow but got much better as the story progressed. Max was a great hero to root for and felt very believable. He had his moments where he could be incredibly brave but also had moments where he was a bit naive and made the wrong choice which made him feel real.
My favorite character in the book was probably Captain Cinn. He reminded me a bit of Captain Jack Sparrow which adds to his appeal.
While not everything gets wrapped up in this book, it isn’t an ending that leaves you frustrated since you do get a lot of answers. It is also an ending that gets you excited for the next chapter in Max’s story.
One problem that I noticed was that when it first talks about Max’s age it says he is twelve, and then a few pages later it says he is almost fourteen which left me very confused about his actual age.
My favorite character in the book was probably Captain Cinn. He reminded me a bit of Captain Jack Sparrow which adds to his appeal.
While not everything gets wrapped up in this book, it isn’t an ending that leaves you frustrated since you do get a lot of answers. It is also an ending that gets you excited for the next chapter in Max’s story.
One problem that I noticed was that when it first talks about Max’s age it says he is twelve, and then a few pages later it says he is almost fourteen which left me very confused about his actual age.
amanda_rodrigues's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
readwithrhys's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Crumblebee Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Max and the Spice Thieves took me by surprise, as many ARCs do! I picked up this book because of the aspect of pirates, and I was not let down.
Max and the Spice Thieves follows Max Daybreaker. His world is turned upside down when his mother goes missing. Lucky for him, a crew of Spice Pirates led by Captain Cinn help Max on his dangerous mission across the three sees.
Along the way, an unlikely alliance aids his search-a teenage warrior queen, a 3 eyed seer, and an assassin spy.
Their journey takes them through many treacherous lands while facing an ancient witch, harpies, shapeshifting bears, and the terrifying Djinn, who will stop at nothing to enslave the entire world.
With every new challenge, Max unlocks the secrets of his unsettling past. Powers are awakened inside him, questioning what he knew about the world.
Is Max who he thinks he is?
I want to start out by saying I felt the plot was a little messy, but I think it works for the story. I feel as if the first 25% of the plot is so jumbled, but from that point on, it is great. It progresses so well and I loved every second of it. I did take a star off for that reason, but that is my only issue with the book.
Now for the characters; I LOVED Max. He is a strong pre-teen figuring out who he is throughout the entire book. Reading from his perspective as he progresses through the story is amazing. Since this is a children's book, I did not think that any character would really stand out, but I was mistaken. Max really stands out as a strong male character, which I do not see a lot of. It is such a refreshing story to have a male POV. Max definitely was the most well-rounded character with an amazing character arc. As for the other characters, all of them were amazing. Linzy, Mesha, Sal, Anya, Captain Cinn, everyone was amazing.
The world-building was done in a different way than I am used to, but it was great! It was super simple to understand, and I think that is why it works so well. Being a children's novel, worlds are usually super easy to understand, and Peragine did not disappoint with a well-rounded world that is easy to understand.
I truly enjoyed this book, and hope that people read it when it comes out. Pirates, kick-ass characters, well-rounded plot AND world, end of the world situation, it has got everything! Not to mention the cute love-triangle throughout the book!
I cannot wait for the sequel, I am so excited to see what journey they all embark on next.
Max and the Spice Thieves took me by surprise, as many ARCs do! I picked up this book because of the aspect of pirates, and I was not let down.
Max and the Spice Thieves follows Max Daybreaker. His world is turned upside down when his mother goes missing. Lucky for him, a crew of Spice Pirates led by Captain Cinn help Max on his dangerous mission across the three sees.
Along the way, an unlikely alliance aids his search-a teenage warrior queen, a 3 eyed seer, and an assassin spy.
Their journey takes them through many treacherous lands while facing an ancient witch, harpies, shapeshifting bears, and the terrifying Djinn, who will stop at nothing to enslave the entire world.
With every new challenge, Max unlocks the secrets of his unsettling past. Powers are awakened inside him, questioning what he knew about the world.
Is Max who he thinks he is?
I want to start out by saying I felt the plot was a little messy, but I think it works for the story. I feel as if the first 25% of the plot is so jumbled, but from that point on, it is great. It progresses so well and I loved every second of it. I did take a star off for that reason, but that is my only issue with the book.
Now for the characters; I LOVED Max. He is a strong pre-teen figuring out who he is throughout the entire book. Reading from his perspective as he progresses through the story is amazing. Since this is a children's book, I did not think that any character would really stand out, but I was mistaken. Max really stands out as a strong male character, which I do not see a lot of. It is such a refreshing story to have a male POV. Max definitely was the most well-rounded character with an amazing character arc. As for the other characters, all of them were amazing. Linzy, Mesha, Sal, Anya, Captain Cinn, everyone was amazing.
The world-building was done in a different way than I am used to, but it was great! It was super simple to understand, and I think that is why it works so well. Being a children's novel, worlds are usually super easy to understand, and Peragine did not disappoint with a well-rounded world that is easy to understand.
I truly enjoyed this book, and hope that people read it when it comes out. Pirates, kick-ass characters, well-rounded plot AND world, end of the world situation, it has got everything! Not to mention the cute love-triangle throughout the book!
I cannot wait for the sequel, I am so excited to see what journey they all embark on next.
beautynthebook's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and Crumblebee Books for this free ARC in return for a review!
What a fantastic voyage! Max Daybreaker is a 13-year-old boy that embarks on an incredible adventure in search of his Mother after she goes missing one day. He already believes his Father to be dead, so Max isn’t about to let something happen to his Mom. The whole adventure begins, as he is waiting for his mother to return to their dock as she promised they would set out for a journey. He sits and waits, but instead finds an intriguing pirate, Captain Cinn! Max is introduced to the crew of Spice Thieves and their pirate ship named ‘The Saucy Pig’ as they jump on board together to help Max find his Mother. During this quest, not only are they meeting Serpents and three-eyes-seers, but Max is discovering his own hidden powers as he fights these creatures. You get the fantasy and also feel for all the food on ship which makes it quite realistic. He also has a skin condition which makes him sensitive to cold climates and that also plays a huge role in the captivating and survival of their conquest. Although there are incredible levels of fantasy, Max (protagonist) is relatable because of all these underlying factors that make him out to be a human boy. You are completely rooting for Max the whole way and at the end of the story you watch the incredible journey unfold as he discovers who he truly is. It leaves enough at the end where you know there is a sequel coming and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
What a fantastic voyage! Max Daybreaker is a 13-year-old boy that embarks on an incredible adventure in search of his Mother after she goes missing one day. He already believes his Father to be dead, so Max isn’t about to let something happen to his Mom. The whole adventure begins, as he is waiting for his mother to return to their dock as she promised they would set out for a journey. He sits and waits, but instead finds an intriguing pirate, Captain Cinn! Max is introduced to the crew of Spice Thieves and their pirate ship named ‘The Saucy Pig’ as they jump on board together to help Max find his Mother. During this quest, not only are they meeting Serpents and three-eyes-seers, but Max is discovering his own hidden powers as he fights these creatures. You get the fantasy and also feel for all the food on ship which makes it quite realistic. He also has a skin condition which makes him sensitive to cold climates and that also plays a huge role in the captivating and survival of their conquest. Although there are incredible levels of fantasy, Max (protagonist) is relatable because of all these underlying factors that make him out to be a human boy. You are completely rooting for Max the whole way and at the end of the story you watch the incredible journey unfold as he discovers who he truly is. It leaves enough at the end where you know there is a sequel coming and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
zarafray4's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this story. It had all the makings of a great fantasy: adventure, pirates, shape-shifters and friendship. I was pleasantly surprised with how into I was. I found it difficult to put down. I needed to find out if Max found his mom, and what was going on with him. It was such a great read, and I can't wait to see what is in store for Max and friends in the next installment.