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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Uncommonly Good., June 21, 2011
This review is from: Uncommon Criminals (A Heist Society Novel) (Hardcover)
Among the vast sea of dystopian universes and paranormal creatures currently inhabiting a majority of shelves in the YA section of bookstores, Ally Carter's tales of teenage spies and thieves adds a refreshing twist to being extraordinary. Carter's characters aren't superhuman or special in any other way then in their ability to learn and become exceptional at whatever they put their minds to being. Part of why I read fiction is to get lost in another world, but sometimes the best fantasies are the ones not too far removed from reality.
Katarina's struggles are always an interesting study in contradiction.
I mean really, how does one rebel when they come from a long line of thieves? Kitty Kat may be back, but she's having a go at it alone. It seems her stint at the Colgan School was just the first of her dissent from the family. She's trying to define herself and create her own path in the world she grew up in. But in adhering to her new moral code, distancing herself, and alienating her crew, Kat's forgotten the most important rule: Family First.
Of course, being fifteen and an old pro in the family business can give a girl the illusion of knowing everything, but some lessons you can only learn with time and experience. Katarina Bishop is taking her talent and applying it for good instead of greed. Morally Kat knows stealing is bad, but it's what she's good at. Toting the line between right and wrong, she's trying to use her skills to help return priceless items that were taken from their owners long ago. But someone is about to use Kat's altruistic endeavors against her and con the con artist.
She's going to have to steal one of the most coveted items criminals of her caliber have been salivating over for decades, while pulling off the heist of all heists. Twice. In the process taking down a couple of very different crooks. And learning that she doesn't have to go about it alone. Because being a brilliant criminal mastermind with the ability to take whatever she wants, isn't worth anything if you have no one to share it with. And somewhere along the way an ingenue, playboy, diva, computer geek, a couple of thugs, and a wayward cop's kid became a crew of uncommon criminals and a more unlikely family.
Uncommon Criminals is full of Carter's usual wit and charm. Kat manages to be both adorably clever and clueless. Constantly thinking through the angles of cons and jobs yet completely flustered when it comes to the social customs between boys and girls. She's surrounded by equally endearing characters, all of which you immediately want more of. Uncommon also has a solid storyline, and continued to slowly build the romance between Kat and her beau. After two books I think we have a good basis on each of the characters personalities, though Nick remains more of a mystery. I hope Carter will feature his motives more in the future. I think he's just looking for a place to belong, but not knowing enough about his background it's still a bit fuzzy. It's definitely something that will keep me coming back for future volumes.
So if you need a break from fangs and claws, read a little five finger discount fiction. A smart fun hilarious heist, Uncommon Criminals is an Uncommonly Good Read.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I Love This Series!, June 21, 2011
This review is from: Uncommon Criminals (A Heist Society Novel) (Hardcover)
I absolutely love this series. There's something about Ally's writing that completely hooks me and captures my attention from the moment I sit down to read her books. I get so caught up in the world travels, the excitement of the plot and of course the chemistry between Kat and Hale is AWESOME! I love the way Ally creates the right about amount of tension, and desire between the two of them. There's the little moments between them, and the scenes were the two of them are so close to each other makes me want to shove the two of them together and tell them to kiss already. I true adore these two characters and the history they have together.
Mixed in with the fabulous character chemistry is the enticing plot. The cons are greater and have much higher stakes in this fabulous, must have sequel to The Heist Society. I felt like I got to understand Kat more and her motivates for the things she does. I sympathized with her and I of course love the team that supports her with Hale, Gabrielle and the rest of her family, and I can't forget Nick. Like Hale, I still have my reservations about him, but there's a moment with Kat on the yacht when he says something to to her that made me like him even more. Even with Nick back for part of the story, I'm team Hale all the way.
I love both the story's plot and settings. The plot itself is full of some great twists, and this time it involves a little old well kept family secret. One of the things that I find fascinating with the story and the series, is the way in which Ally ties together classic art and it's history. She vividly describes the places Kat, Hale and team venture to around the world to find these pieces. It not only allows me picture each place, but I feel like I'm traveling with them without having to leave the comforts of my home.
This is one of my favorite series and I loved this sequel. It's a fun, fast paced, engaging read with adventure and the perfect kind of romance that leaves me wanting more. I highly recommend picking up Uncommon Criminals, which is out TODAY! If you haven't already, pick up The Heist Society, which is also named to the state of Texas's Lone Star Reading List for 2011.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Even Better Than Heist Society!, July 5, 2011
This review is from: Uncommon Criminals (A Heist Society Novel) (Hardcover)
Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter is exactly what we always hope sequels will be - even better than the original. While I enjoyed the series opener, Heist Society, I feel like Carter really stepped up her game with this followup effort.
The biggest change is that Carter spends a lot more time investigating and fleshing out the characters in Uncommon Criminals. Kat and Hale in particular are both marvelously fleshed out - we get a better handle on who they are and what their motivations and feeling are. Which of course, makes it easier to relate to them. I felt like Heist Society was missing that emotional connection to the characters and Carter remedies the situation in Uncommon Criminals.
The basics of the plot remain true to form; we follow around a group of (basically) unchaperoned teenagers as they glamorously make a living as high class thieves. That being said, the story is different enough that it keeps you guessing until the last page. There are certainly plenty of plot twists and a-ha moments to be had.
The writing style is also similar and so is the tone of the book. It's sleek, fast paced and incredibly polished. It's almost like a shine has been added on top of everything; making it irresistibly glossy. I hope that makes sense to you - honestly, it does in my head.
Carter does a fabulous job with all of the characters. She creates a dynamic cast in which each character makes an impression. Well, with the exception of the brothers Hamish and Angus, they kind of blend into one character.
Uncommon Criminals is a decidedly adventurous and exciting book that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. There is nothing particularly ground breaking about this sting operation story, but it is plenty of fun. The characters are both memorable and entertaining, the settings are lavish and beautifully described and the plot line is loaded with exciting twists and turns. I would, without a doubt, say that Uncommon Criminals is even better than it's predecessor. Carter was able to use the foundation she created in Heist Society as a spring board to create a truly great book with Uncommon Criminals.
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