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The Emerald Thief
In the distant future, mankind has reached the stars as a young slave girl called Nine seeks freedom even if it costs her life.
In order to win that freedom, Nine must compete in a deadly tournament spanning across the planets. Kill or be killed is the name of the game. To the victor goes the spoils: the legacy and title of The Emerald Hood and all the wealth, fame, and power that comes with it.
As Nine fights for survival, some of her fellow competitors seem too good to be true as they attempt to make alliances with her. Others, however, seem beyond redemption as they kill their fellow competitors for the sheer joy of blood.
There's also the matter of a mysterious figure influencing the tournament from the shadows. Just what does he know about Nine's past? And why is he so keen on making sure she dies before she even sees the finish line?
Friends, foes, and everyone in between, who can you trust when everyone's a thief? Sometimes winning isn't an option unless you're willing to steal the victory.
Who will be the next Emerald Hood?
In order to win that freedom, Nine must compete in a deadly tournament spanning across the planets. Kill or be killed is the name of the game. To the victor goes the spoils: the legacy and title of The Emerald Hood and all the wealth, fame, and power that comes with it.
As Nine fights for survival, some of her fellow competitors seem too good to be true as they attempt to make alliances with her. Others, however, seem beyond redemption as they kill their fellow competitors for the sheer joy of blood.
There's also the matter of a mysterious figure influencing the tournament from the shadows. Just what does he know about Nine's past? And why is he so keen on making sure she dies before she even sees the finish line?
Friends, foes, and everyone in between, who can you trust when everyone's a thief? Sometimes winning isn't an option unless you're willing to steal the victory.
Who will be the next Emerald Hood?
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Patrick D. Kaiser
9 books42 followersAn Author & Autism Advocate, Patrick considers himself a Story Teller not a Writer.
Having Asperger's Syndrome as well as Tourettes doesn't slow Patrick down in the slightest. His work ethic and positive attitude are infectious according to those in his life. His positivity can especially be seen in his writing; despite using heavier subjects in his books, he addresses them with a light that's rarely found in fiction these days, resulting in a profound balance of entertaining and thought provoking content that tugs at the heart strings.
His various books are written in a curious, yet engaging style that is difficult to put down. Patrick's vision is to turn the idea of the traditional verse novel on it's head & to break new ground, creating something uniquely delicious, all it's own.
Having Asperger's Syndrome as well as Tourettes doesn't slow Patrick down in the slightest. His work ethic and positive attitude are infectious according to those in his life. His positivity can especially be seen in his writing; despite using heavier subjects in his books, he addresses them with a light that's rarely found in fiction these days, resulting in a profound balance of entertaining and thought provoking content that tugs at the heart strings.
His various books are written in a curious, yet engaging style that is difficult to put down. Patrick's vision is to turn the idea of the traditional verse novel on it's head & to break new ground, creating something uniquely delicious, all it's own.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 21, 2024
I had a bit of trouble getting into this book at first but, after a few chapters I really started to enjoy it! The story was unique and I really enjoyed the characters. I’m very interested to see where this series goes!
November 1, 2023
I got the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this wonderful book!
A twist on the classic Robin Hood story with a Hunger Game-esque tournament set in space, The Emerald Thief follows the story of Nine, a young slave girl wanting a better life. I absolutely loved her as a main character! Nine is a fast learner, a great improviser, and just purely kind-hearted, which unfortunately can’t be said about most Nobles. Goes to show status doesn’t equate to one’s quality of character!
Surrounding Nine are a wonderfully diverse cast of characters including a mysterious hooded figure, a tough woman with a ton of secrets, a fellow competitor with a split personality, a toxic group of entitled Noble teens, and a loyal ferret robot. These are only a few of the characters featured throughout this book, and each were fantastically fleshed out.
I usually don’t read stories about space, but I really liked this one! The story definitely takes place in a dystopian future, where all nine planets are inhabitable with the highly advanced technology that makes up the lines, which are livable spaces that exist within walls that generate oxygen and protect its residents from the sun’s harmful rays. I loved traversing through each of the lines and planets with Nine as she participated in the Emerald Hood competition.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book, and there wasn’t much that really stuck out to me that took me out of my reading experience. I personally didn’t prefer the ending, as it was just a bit too abrupt and left things a bit too open for my liking. I also wish we got more screentime with Nine and her supposed love interest, just to flesh them out a bit more, but other than these nitpicky criticisms based on my personal preference, I absolutely loved this book and enjoyed Nine’s story!
So, The Emerald Thief rating:
4.75/5 and highly recommend if you like twists on classic stories, space adventures, and a Hunger Game-esque tournament
A twist on the classic Robin Hood story with a Hunger Game-esque tournament set in space, The Emerald Thief follows the story of Nine, a young slave girl wanting a better life. I absolutely loved her as a main character! Nine is a fast learner, a great improviser, and just purely kind-hearted, which unfortunately can’t be said about most Nobles. Goes to show status doesn’t equate to one’s quality of character!
Surrounding Nine are a wonderfully diverse cast of characters including a mysterious hooded figure, a tough woman with a ton of secrets, a fellow competitor with a split personality, a toxic group of entitled Noble teens, and a loyal ferret robot. These are only a few of the characters featured throughout this book, and each were fantastically fleshed out.
I usually don’t read stories about space, but I really liked this one! The story definitely takes place in a dystopian future, where all nine planets are inhabitable with the highly advanced technology that makes up the lines, which are livable spaces that exist within walls that generate oxygen and protect its residents from the sun’s harmful rays. I loved traversing through each of the lines and planets with Nine as she participated in the Emerald Hood competition.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book, and there wasn’t much that really stuck out to me that took me out of my reading experience. I personally didn’t prefer the ending, as it was just a bit too abrupt and left things a bit too open for my liking. I also wish we got more screentime with Nine and her supposed love interest, just to flesh them out a bit more, but other than these nitpicky criticisms based on my personal preference, I absolutely loved this book and enjoyed Nine’s story!
So, The Emerald Thief rating:
4.75/5 and highly recommend if you like twists on classic stories, space adventures, and a Hunger Game-esque tournament
November 3, 2023
Arc copy from the author in return for an honest review.
This book was pretty epic! Honestly, a very fun read. Lot's of things I saw coming and lots that I didn't. Robin, or Nine as she's called, was very likable as a hero. I rooted for her from page one. I mean come on, a bad ass chick who arm wrestles with her robot prosthetic. How could you not like her? Thankfully she's not a Mary sue. She has faults, and fails a lot. She's by no means perfect, which makes her much more believable as a character. The supporting cast all does the same. They've all got reasons to fight, and memorable traits that helps you tell them apart. One girl switches personalities when she sneezes! And you never know when she's gonna. One of the main antagonist wants to be a barber. Like, who the hell came up with these characters? They're goofy and lovable while still being bad ass. Writing stumbled in a few places which tripped me up for a few seconds at a time, but I can't complain. This was a very entertaining story and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
This book was pretty epic! Honestly, a very fun read. Lot's of things I saw coming and lots that I didn't. Robin, or Nine as she's called, was very likable as a hero. I rooted for her from page one. I mean come on, a bad ass chick who arm wrestles with her robot prosthetic. How could you not like her? Thankfully she's not a Mary sue. She has faults, and fails a lot. She's by no means perfect, which makes her much more believable as a character. The supporting cast all does the same. They've all got reasons to fight, and memorable traits that helps you tell them apart. One girl switches personalities when she sneezes! And you never know when she's gonna. One of the main antagonist wants to be a barber. Like, who the hell came up with these characters? They're goofy and lovable while still being bad ass. Writing stumbled in a few places which tripped me up for a few seconds at a time, but I can't complain. This was a very entertaining story and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
November 18, 2023
Hunger Games meets Robinhood.
Nine, a slave on the Mercury line, has a chance to enter the Emerald Hood Tournament. The problem is she is a slave, and slaves are not allowed to compete. Nine is tenacious and is determined to find a way. The winner will be made a noble and be able to effect real change in an unfair system. The competition is much more dangerous than realizes, but with the help of a few friends, she just might make it through alive.
What I liked:
The pacing was fast, the action was thrilling, and I was rooting for the MC all the way to the end. The fight scenes were well done and were the best part of the story. I love the references to the class system.
What I didn't like:
I wish the author had gone deeper into character development, but that honestly is a personal preference. There will be readers who enjoy the non-stop pacing.
Overall:
It's a solid book from this author. It was an enjoyable read, and I know there are readers out there who will enjoy the fast pace and action tremendously.
Nine, a slave on the Mercury line, has a chance to enter the Emerald Hood Tournament. The problem is she is a slave, and slaves are not allowed to compete. Nine is tenacious and is determined to find a way. The winner will be made a noble and be able to effect real change in an unfair system. The competition is much more dangerous than realizes, but with the help of a few friends, she just might make it through alive.
What I liked:
The pacing was fast, the action was thrilling, and I was rooting for the MC all the way to the end. The fight scenes were well done and were the best part of the story. I love the references to the class system.
What I didn't like:
I wish the author had gone deeper into character development, but that honestly is a personal preference. There will be readers who enjoy the non-stop pacing.
Overall:
It's a solid book from this author. It was an enjoyable read, and I know there are readers out there who will enjoy the fast pace and action tremendously.
November 3, 2023
This book doesn't even try to hide it's hunger games influence. It does have an interest twist of that series though, so it's not a straight rip off and is passable. I never thought Robin Hood in space could be decently enjoyable, but this book managed it somehow. The themes of slavery, and classism, in a sci-fi society that worships robin Hood were do respectfully, but still made me cringe somewhat.
As I said this book largely takes from Hunger Games – Female protag who struggles with hardship? Check. Oppressive government regime? Check. Dystopian televised death tournament? Check. One of the few things it doesn't copy is a horribly unbelievable love triangle for which I'm thankful.
All in all not the worst, but I've read a lot better.
If this book sounds interesting to you, awesome! But it just wasn't for me. Sorry.
I grabbed an arc copy from netgalley, just fyi.
As I said this book largely takes from Hunger Games – Female protag who struggles with hardship? Check. Oppressive government regime? Check. Dystopian televised death tournament? Check. One of the few things it doesn't copy is a horribly unbelievable love triangle for which I'm thankful.
All in all not the worst, but I've read a lot better.
If this book sounds interesting to you, awesome! But it just wasn't for me. Sorry.
I grabbed an arc copy from netgalley, just fyi.
November 3, 2023
I got an arc copy of this book from book sprout.
I've read a few of Mr. Kaiser's Verse novels, and while the stories themselves were fantastic, the execution (via poetry) always seemed lacking. This book is much more enjoyable. Maintaining Mr. Kaiser's fantastic story telling with an easy, engaging, and entertaining execution of the material.
The heroine's journey is a heart pounding thrill ride full of twists and turns that I never saw coming. The characters are amazing, each one has a memorable quirk that you can immediately associate with them, even the villains. You will either love or hate these characters as Mr. Kaiser intended.
The cliff hanger at the end while frustrating in the moment, makes me anxiously anticipate the next book in this trilogy!
P.S. If you hate cockroaches, you may want to prepare yourself mentally. “Giant-Nuclear-Cockroaches.” Nuff said.
I've read a few of Mr. Kaiser's Verse novels, and while the stories themselves were fantastic, the execution (via poetry) always seemed lacking. This book is much more enjoyable. Maintaining Mr. Kaiser's fantastic story telling with an easy, engaging, and entertaining execution of the material.
The heroine's journey is a heart pounding thrill ride full of twists and turns that I never saw coming. The characters are amazing, each one has a memorable quirk that you can immediately associate with them, even the villains. You will either love or hate these characters as Mr. Kaiser intended.
The cliff hanger at the end while frustrating in the moment, makes me anxiously anticipate the next book in this trilogy!
P.S. If you hate cockroaches, you may want to prepare yourself mentally. “Giant-Nuclear-Cockroaches.” Nuff said.
November 3, 2023
Wow. Just wow…
This book was so enjoyable that I’m at a loss for words…
Hunger games in space with Robin Hood lore mixed in, like what? Who came up with this? Well, the author obviously! And he did an amazing job! This tale tugs at your heart while simultaneously making it race with excitement. Definitely a good balance! The characters are memorable, and the twists and turns around every bend keep you engaged with the story!
The one flaw I found was that some of the science is a little off, but hey, that’s totally understandable. I only noticed because I’m a big sci-fi buff. But 95% of readers won’t even notice or care, so yeah.
All in all a great book to just shut off your worries and dive into a good story!
Well, done, Mr Kaiser, well done!
I was given a review copy by the author, and all my thoughts are honest. Thanks for reading.
This book was so enjoyable that I’m at a loss for words…
Hunger games in space with Robin Hood lore mixed in, like what? Who came up with this? Well, the author obviously! And he did an amazing job! This tale tugs at your heart while simultaneously making it race with excitement. Definitely a good balance! The characters are memorable, and the twists and turns around every bend keep you engaged with the story!
The one flaw I found was that some of the science is a little off, but hey, that’s totally understandable. I only noticed because I’m a big sci-fi buff. But 95% of readers won’t even notice or care, so yeah.
All in all a great book to just shut off your worries and dive into a good story!
Well, done, Mr Kaiser, well done!
I was given a review copy by the author, and all my thoughts are honest. Thanks for reading.
November 3, 2023
This book was awesome!
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling through space risking life and limb for the chance at freedom with our main character. Robin is fantastically fleshed out! A truly inspiring heroine who doesn’t let her situation make her a victim. She’s strong willed and determined to change her life for the better even if she dies. The mysteries surrounding this story are engaging and have me really curious. There’s a few I have an inkling of what the answer is judging by the author’s foreshadowing, but at the same time there’s a few details mentioned that make me question my assumptions. The signs of a truly great writer! At the end of the day, great read! Definitely in my top 20 of the year!
If you like sci-fi thrillers this book is for you!
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling through space risking life and limb for the chance at freedom with our main character. Robin is fantastically fleshed out! A truly inspiring heroine who doesn’t let her situation make her a victim. She’s strong willed and determined to change her life for the better even if she dies. The mysteries surrounding this story are engaging and have me really curious. There’s a few I have an inkling of what the answer is judging by the author’s foreshadowing, but at the same time there’s a few details mentioned that make me question my assumptions. The signs of a truly great writer! At the end of the day, great read! Definitely in my top 20 of the year!
If you like sci-fi thrillers this book is for you!
November 3, 2023
I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was just what I needed as a pallet cleanser. I've been reading a lot of more heavy stuff lately, and I needed something lighter and fun to take a break with. This book was just what the doctor ordered. The characters were fun and relatable while the story itself had weight and suspense while not sacrificing the fun aspect.
Description could be slightly improved upon, as well as some of the plot holes I noticed, but all in all a good time.
If you're looking for something that's just a good read where you can laugh, cry, and be surprised. Look no further than the emerald thief.
This book was just what I needed as a pallet cleanser. I've been reading a lot of more heavy stuff lately, and I needed something lighter and fun to take a break with. This book was just what the doctor ordered. The characters were fun and relatable while the story itself had weight and suspense while not sacrificing the fun aspect.
Description could be slightly improved upon, as well as some of the plot holes I noticed, but all in all a good time.
If you're looking for something that's just a good read where you can laugh, cry, and be surprised. Look no further than the emerald thief.
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November 14, 2023I wanted to read this and I'm grateful that I won the book, but I was unfortunately unable to read it in the Kindle Cloud Reader, on my Kindle Fire, or even on my phone. I sent a complaint to Amazon and I also tried to download it, but it wouldn't work. I'm not sure what is wrong and I never heard back from Amazon. I wanted to thank you for the opportunity but regretfully, I cannot review a book I cannot read. This is the second book like this for me. The other book still has no reviews after all those people won it. Thank you again for the win, just sorry I cannot help you by reviewing it.
November 7, 2023
You will NOT be disappointed in THE EMERALD THIEF! Follow the complex protagonist, Nine, through her deadly adventures, and enjoy thrilling twists in the story you didn’t see coming. Highly recommended! Five stars!
December 27, 2023
As a disclaimer...I won this in a goodreads giveaway.
A futuristic retelling of Robin Hood...what more could you ask for in a thrilling science fiction tale? First a slave...second a false commoner vying for the chance to be elevated to the rank of a noble. Will she be able to defy the odds and succeed?
This was a true adventure, spanning multiple planets in a richly painted universe of depravity and disparate class system. It is a true thriller, action-packed from the beginning through to the very end. The characters are well-defined and believable, with flaws and shortcomings.
The only critique I really have is that the dialogue is a bit cheesy at times. The quips and banter between the characters was just a little off the mark...feeling like things that people wouldn't really say to each other, but more like quick one-liners from an action movie. The author also uses the word "site" interchangeably with "sight", so a quick edit would do some good for it.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. Robin Hood is one of my favorite classic tales, and to see it reimagined in a futuristic setting was quite refreshing. I love the concept!
A futuristic retelling of Robin Hood...what more could you ask for in a thrilling science fiction tale? First a slave...second a false commoner vying for the chance to be elevated to the rank of a noble. Will she be able to defy the odds and succeed?
This was a true adventure, spanning multiple planets in a richly painted universe of depravity and disparate class system. It is a true thriller, action-packed from the beginning through to the very end. The characters are well-defined and believable, with flaws and shortcomings.
The only critique I really have is that the dialogue is a bit cheesy at times. The quips and banter between the characters was just a little off the mark...feeling like things that people wouldn't really say to each other, but more like quick one-liners from an action movie. The author also uses the word "site" interchangeably with "sight", so a quick edit would do some good for it.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. Robin Hood is one of my favorite classic tales, and to see it reimagined in a futuristic setting was quite refreshing. I love the concept!
December 30, 2024
Winning will mean that she never has to worry about money again, but she will lose everything, even her life.
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October 3, 2023After over 2 years, I'm back and better than ever. Needed a break to rediscover my love of storytelling and to rebrand myself. This book is the result. This is my first published book that's not poetry or verse, it's just good old regular prose. I hope you enjoy!
November 7, 2023
The Emerald Thief takes place in a future where humankind has colonized the solar system, yet now lives according the a rigid caste system. In this environment, a slave known only as "Nine" manages to escape her master, then after adopting an identity as "Robin," she competes in a violent, kingdom-wide, televised completion which could lead to "noble" status.
Despite the inevitable Hunger Games comparisons, The Emerald Thief easily distinguishes itself, not only with its Robin Hood theme, but also with its own unique world-building. The future created in this story is not only original but also vivid and very believable, with its class divisions that come with very divergent attitudes from the members of each caste. I particularly liked the entitled attitudes that certain "nobles" displayed, making them every bit as distasteful as they were meant to be.
Nine/Robin is a strong heroine, easy to relate to, flawed yet also possessing a strong sense of justice. The plotting is also strong, with many unexpected twists. There is a great deal of action and suspense, but maybe a little too much. The density of action and plot rarely lets up. More "quiet" scenes would have been welcome, allowing the story to breathe, and the characters to interact in more relaxed and natural ways.
Inventive and energetic, if The Emerald Thief is a little noisy, it has a lot of strengths in its vision and exposition. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys action heavy science fiction.
Despite the inevitable Hunger Games comparisons, The Emerald Thief easily distinguishes itself, not only with its Robin Hood theme, but also with its own unique world-building. The future created in this story is not only original but also vivid and very believable, with its class divisions that come with very divergent attitudes from the members of each caste. I particularly liked the entitled attitudes that certain "nobles" displayed, making them every bit as distasteful as they were meant to be.
Nine/Robin is a strong heroine, easy to relate to, flawed yet also possessing a strong sense of justice. The plotting is also strong, with many unexpected twists. There is a great deal of action and suspense, but maybe a little too much. The density of action and plot rarely lets up. More "quiet" scenes would have been welcome, allowing the story to breathe, and the characters to interact in more relaxed and natural ways.
Inventive and energetic, if The Emerald Thief is a little noisy, it has a lot of strengths in its vision and exposition. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys action heavy science fiction.
December 13, 2023
Hello, Robin Hood in a Battle Royale Tournament!
This is a fun fusion of Robin Hood and Hunger Games set in outer space. It’s teen friendly since it’s not as violent as it very well could have been. The teenage characters are given carte blanche to win the ultimate prize and the catchphrase is, “Steal the victory!”
The pace is quick with the whole book spanning a handful of days. It does end in a sort of cliff hanger. So be warned that you’ll have to wait for the sequel!
I sure am~
This is a fun fusion of Robin Hood and Hunger Games set in outer space. It’s teen friendly since it’s not as violent as it very well could have been. The teenage characters are given carte blanche to win the ultimate prize and the catchphrase is, “Steal the victory!”
The pace is quick with the whole book spanning a handful of days. It does end in a sort of cliff hanger. So be warned that you’ll have to wait for the sequel!
I sure am~
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews