August 22, 2011

Uncommon Criminals - Ally Carter






Uncommon Criminals (A Heist Society Novel) Young Adult
Pages: 304
Publisher: Hyperion Book Children
Release Date: June 21, 2011

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life 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.

Aw, man. This book is so awesome. So freaking fun and exciting without being any bit unrealistic. I was expecting it to be just another robbery or major 'job' just like the first book. Just another Kat-adventure. Some more action and adios. But no, what I got was a way better story, full of surprises, filled with twists and turns and shocking discoveries. I liked the first book, but didn't love it. But this was beyond that and beyond any expectations.

One of the things I love the most is the storytelling. The way the story is narrated as if it were a movie. At least that's how I see it. No narration I've ever read is as original and fresh as this one. Plus, in this sequel the action and the plot are fascinating! Not a single boring moment, not a single boring character, not a single moment of dullness. Just plain fun coming at you in all the forms, and complications to spike that fun and top it with some more.

With all its entertainment, Carter still manages to make a very layered story. You can feel Kat's fear of becoming what she doesn't want, you can see the deepness and complications in her relationship with Hale, you can taste a bit of the sweet friendship that exists in this uncommon crew and you can smell all the sneaky tricks that are to come. A seemingly just-fun book, is actually a very deep and provocative read. I cannot wait for more!


5 comments:

  1. I agree that this was very cinematic and I think that's part of the reason I enjoyed it...of course, I'm also a total Hale fangirl so maybe that was part of the reason too!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the review! It sounds like a story I would love. I know if it were a movie I'd be rushing to the theatre, so I'll definitely be picking this one up :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just finished this one and I LOVED it! I agree that it upped the bar from the first Heist Society. Kat really grew as a character! Great review. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can't wait to read this!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love the Hesit Society series! Can't wait for a third one!
    Carmy.

    ReplyDelete

Say something...