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lazygal's review
4.0
In a world where various forms of magic are practiced by a group of Weavers, there is one High Weaver. And this High Weaver has a relic that another Weaver, one descended from the original Weaver (back in antiquity) wants so badly he's willing to offer two million to a group of kids with special abilities. He's even willing to bind the contract to himself so he can't go back on his promise to give them their reward. As with all good heist stories, the five kids have little in common but somehow their skills mesh. And then, of course, they mesh as a group. This is really a fun book, something that readers of Mysterious Benedict Society or Greenglass will enjoy. This reader is already eagerly awaiting Book 2.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss.
parot's review
4.0
High 3 but it’s MG so I’m giving it a bump. A good thing e MG heist … sort of a Six of Crows light.
lauriehnatiuk's review
4.0
A mysterious man named Mr. Solomon gathers five youth together to pull off an impossible heist that previous teams hired have failed. If successful, the five will split a pot of 2 million, and all they have to do is steal The Eye from the High Weaver, who happens to be the most powerful magician of the land. Each individual has a unique skill, and Callan is the story's narrator, providing the backstories and information about the other members that make up the group. Intertwined is the story of the fox and the bear, and readers learn of its connection as the group plans and complete the necessary tasks, to hopefully pull off a successful heist. The stakes are high when they realize the power The Eye has and the plans Mr. Solomun has that could destroy the world.
Although a bit of a slow start for me, probably because fantasy is not my first pick to read once in, author Kevin Sands had me. I liked the characters, and they reminded me of a fantasy version of James Ponti's City Spies. The first in a series, especially with the cliffhanger at the end, I hope we learn more about the different characters, especially Foxtail, who we know the least about, using sign language to communicate and her face always hidden behind a mask. Short chapters and lots of action (once the plans and tasks to capture The Eye begin) will have action and fantasy fans alike wanting to read this one.
Although a bit of a slow start for me, probably because fantasy is not my first pick to read once in, author Kevin Sands had me. I liked the characters, and they reminded me of a fantasy version of James Ponti's City Spies. The first in a series, especially with the cliffhanger at the end, I hope we learn more about the different characters, especially Foxtail, who we know the least about, using sign language to communicate and her face always hidden behind a mask. Short chapters and lots of action (once the plans and tasks to capture The Eye begin) will have action and fantasy fans alike wanting to read this one.
yapha's review
4.0
If Ocean's Eleven (or The Great Greene Heist) and Harry Potter had a baby, it would be this book. Callan and five other young thieves, each with their own special talents, are brought together for the heist of their lives. They are tasked to steal one of the most important magical objects, held in the fortress-like home of the High Weaver (magician). As with all magic and con jobs, things are never quite what they seem or what one would expect. This is a fantastic start to a new series. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by Edelweiss
eARC provided by Edelweiss
pomegranateseedpress's review
5.0
One of the best fantasy MG books I've read this year - actually in the past few years (still not better than Morrigan Crowe, my all-time favorite, but definitely up there). I loved the characterization, the plot, and the magical elements in a well-developed world. Magical heist stories are so fun, and this one stands out with its mystery and plot twists and intriguing cast of characters that felt fully developed thanks to their shared back stories. I also absolutely loved the mythologies woven throughout the tale.
We read a lot of MG books together as a family and many of them feel very much like they are geared towards the younger set and I tolerate them, as the kids enjoy them. This one felt like I could enjoy the story and character development as an adult, which I find to be rare in MG books.
Can't wait for the next installment (there is one coming? I hope?) and will for sure check out the author's other books. A new favorite for the family!
We read a lot of MG books together as a family and many of them feel very much like they are geared towards the younger set and I tolerate them, as the kids enjoy them. This one felt like I could enjoy the story and character development as an adult, which I find to be rare in MG books.
Can't wait for the next installment (there is one coming? I hope?) and will for sure check out the author's other books. A new favorite for the family!
ndschmidt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lyndiane's review
3.0
An enjoyable tale of children with strange and unusual abilities who have to learn to work together to overcome a veritable mountain of challenges.
I've always found it difficult to wrap my head around the lack of parental (or guardian) involvement with the children in Mr Sands' books. Nevertheless, this remains a really good read for young readers of all ages.
I've always found it difficult to wrap my head around the lack of parental (or guardian) involvement with the children in Mr Sands' books. Nevertheless, this remains a really good read for young readers of all ages.
brogan7's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
This book has some 5 moments and some closer to 1 moments. It starts off strong but seems to lose its way; particularly the detail of his trauma as a child and the murder of the man who went before him is troubling in a story for children.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Mental illness
Moderate: Violence