The Silent Deal: The Card Game, Book 1

The Card Game #1

by Levi Stack

When Viktor and Romulus, two peasant boys, dig too deep into their town’s strange past, they awaken the wrath of a mysterious overlord. As the blood brothers struggle to survive, their search for answers takes them through gambling parlors, bare-knuckle boxing matches, and dark forests full of wild animals and men alike. But even with the help of their friends, can they escape the deathly experiments their foe is creating in Staryi Castle?


Enter the lands of the Russian Empire where the colorful characters of The Card Game dwell. From the fortune-tellers and fire-jugglers of the Romani Gypsies, to the dangerous criminals that make up the historic Thieves World, here the earth is brimming with adventure, mystery, and mythology. A perilous journey awaits…


The Silent Deal is the winner of ‘OUTSTANDING FICTION’ at the 2013 S. California Writers Conference.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery, Fiction, Adventure, Middle Grade

400 pages, ebook

First published May 2, 2013

About the author

Levi Stack is the author of The Card Game series, a story set in the Russian Empire that reflects his fondness of plot twists and unlikely heroes.

Readers Favorite Award Winner!

Reviews

[Michael Anthony Araujo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine having the power of taking an ordinary object, something that we barely pay attention to, and making it the most interesting and mysterious piece you have ever seen. I’m not even talking about the story itself, I’m talking about the author. The power and talent this author holds to transform something as simple as playing cards and turn them into this peculiar power is beyond what anyone can expect from a debut author. The story is about two peasant boys, Viktor and Romulus, who live in the Russian Empire and come across secrets that they wouldn’t dare imagine. Featuring mysterious cards, Romani Gypsies and a dark forest, the novel sets itself up for a world that can only grow into something spectacular.

Starting with the world, I loved the universe that Levi Stack created. It played like a movie in my head as I read it. We all know how movies have color tones to match the mood of the scene. Some movies will be played in blue tones, others in brown, etc. etc. The thing with Stack’s world, is that it changed depending on the scenes. At times it was blue to match the mood of Viktor and where he lived. To show the fact that the people weren’t happy and neither was he, and that it was a cold world. Yet when he went to the Romani Gypsy camps, it was full of browns and greens and reds, like the Earth itself, to show how alive the people were. And towards the end of the novel, everything got dark and it was amazing!

The characters in the book are everything one could ask for, plus more. From the main characters who make real choices and show real emotions, to the supporting characters that feel like our very own enemies and friends, to everyone else who is only mentioned in passing. I do have to say that out of them all my favorites have to be the Romani Gypsies who remind me so much of my family. Colorful yet dark and mysterious, and they have this thing that brings light to the novel and yet doesn’t ruin the dark tones. Reading about them was like sitting in front of a fireplace with a nice mug of hot chocolate while the snow fell outside. It made me feel completely comfortable and at home and that’s what we want books to do.

In the beginning I was a curious to find out how a playing card could ever make a story so interesting and make me keep reading. But, as I read, I began to grow more and more intrigued with the idea that this normal object held so many secrets and so much power, that I wanted to get to the end just to discover what was going on. And once I finally learned the bits that are revealed, I wanted more. Sadly though, the book was done and I was forced to wait for the sequel.

Levi Stack is a storyteller at heart, forming his words into sentences that pull you along and don’t release you until he says so. One can call this an evil villains plan, but I call this an amazing author. He’s an author that we have to keep an eye out for the amazing things that are to come. He got me hooked with his first book, and I’m “patiently” waiting for everything else he’s going to release.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this novel directly from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

The novel is set in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1825. A man discovers the corpse of a woman cradling a near-dead baby in her frozen arms in a clearing in the forest. As he scoops the babe up, a parchment falls out of its shawl with a name on it scrawled in blood: Romulus. A ghostly wolf watches on, and ominously follows the man.

Fourteen years later, in a town called Aryk, a young schoolboy called Viktor unwittingly witnesses a public hanging of a man in the Town Square; the condemned man’s seemingly minor crime being in possession of a playing card. Viktor has nightmares about this incident every night, and of the mysterious graffiti riddles which cover the town’s alleyways, called Brass Art.

Aryk has three laws: no playing cards, no graffiti and no firearms. Viktor’s questions about the playing cards are hushed by his family; it’s a cursed subject. There is some deep secret in the town connected to playing cards, which has a strong emotional grip on the adult residents, and Viktor makes it his personal goal to find out what that is.

Re-enter, Romulus; a mysterious and rebellious “boy of the forest”, as Viktor’s classmates brand him. Upon showing Viktor that he is in possession of an illegal playing card, the King of Spades, Viktor becomes fascinated with Romulus. The two form a pact as blood brothers, vowing to discover the secret history of the playing cards, as well as that of Romulus’ veiled past.

This novel was one of the most enjoyable reads I have had in a while, with a blistering pace, some really heart-stopping moments and wonderful settings. It is refreshing to have a novel set in a small town in Russia, far from the metropolis’ of 19th century Europe, and I experienced a genuine thrill as the mystery of the playing cards was revealed.

Levi Stack is a writer to keep an eye on; he has a strong ability to weave a plot around legends, puzzles, fear and seemingly everyday objects in the way few other contemporaries can, save perhaps Carlos Ruiz Zafón, which is high praise as I am a huge fan of his also. It was very easy to picture each scene, as Stack has a real knack of putting the reader there with his descriptions and dialogue, as if the reader were a third member of the blood-brotherhood themself.

The two lead male characters are a great duo, with just enough mystique surrounding Romulus to keep the relationship fresh throughout. The main antagonists, The Leopard and General Ulfrik, are truly terrifying; each scene featuring these two sends chills up the spine. The Masqueraiders – sent out to enforce the three laws upon the local populace - also add a sinister element to the novel, with their Venetian carnival masks (which I have always found creepy) and taste for brutality.

I am extremely excited that there is a sequel to this novel, as there were a few unanswered questions from the novel, though the novel can probably be read as a standalone book. It will be interesting to learn what comes next for Romulus and Viktor, and I hope to see more from the supporting cast such as the girls, Charlotta and Evenova, next time around.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! Mr. Stack offered me a free copy of The Silent Deal in exchange for an honest review, but I had been interested in this book before being contacted. I'm a sucker for action and adventure, and Mr. Stack did not disappoint.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover the setting of The Silent Deal is Russia circa 1839. Not the usual setting for a middle grade adventure story, but that is just the beginning of what helps to set this work apart. Mr. Stack has done his research on the era and regional folklore in crafting a detailed and believable world in which our young protagonists, Vicktor and Romulus, search for answers to the mysteries that plague them and the town of Aryk.

Vicktor is the main character and yet he is not exactly the hero but more of the sidekick. It is interesting and refreshing to experience the story from this perspective. We see the flaws of the hero, Romulus, and the doubt at times that others have regarding his leadership and motives, but also how Vicktor holds to his faith in their friendship. The boys are thrown together in a a fight against the elite class and administration of their town, led by a mysterious character called the Leopard. The Leopard appears to be responsible - directly or indirectly - for the death of Romulus' parents, and no one in the town will talk about the past. I want to say more, except that I feel I would be running too high a risk of giving too much away.

The complex plot builds throughout the book, and once the dominoes start to fall there is no stopping the action. The last several chapters are quite intense, and I actually did not see a few of the twists coming. The Silent Deal could almost be a stand-alone book, but there are a few questions that remain (it is a series, after all) and I am happy to say that book two, The Magic Trick, is already downloaded and ready to read.

Full review here: http://ennleesreadingcorner.wordpress...

[Jay Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a eBook copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. From the beginning the prologue and following chapters ensnared me in a journey that refused to let my interest slip. Levi Stack has written a brilliant book here, and I can't wait to read the sequel, as well as see what he writes in the future.

Read my full review here: Captured In Words

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dwelling on the unchangeable would only lead to madness."
-The Silent Deal

Please not that I received a free electronic copy of The Silent Deal from the author in exchange for an honest review. For this reason, I would like to give a huge thank you to Levi Stack!!

Rating: 6/5
(Am I allowed to do this? I don't know, but I am! That's how awesome this book is!)

In the town of Aryk, there are three rules: no playing cards, no graffiti, and no firearms. However, if you look hard enough, you will find back streets and dark alleys adorned with bold, shiny, graffiti centering on the forbidden playing cards. This is known as Brass Art, holding buried secrets revolving around the mysterious history of the Russian town. No one will talk about these topics. Not a single soul wants to bring them up. Silence is everywhere. However, demanding questions arise. Why is this happening? What does all of it mean? Young Viktor wants to find out.

Plagued with nightmares of horrific ordeals and past experiences, Viktor, a boy in a family of surfs, can hardly sleep. Years ago, he secretly went to a town meeting in which a man was hung by the infamous Captain Ulfrik for having a single playing card in his possession. Then right after, people in horrific masks raided the streets, chasing and searching those gathered around, ransacking and grabbing everyone in sight. Running, desperately needing safety, he stumbles upon the Brass Art. Years later, this fourteen year old is determined to discover the true answers that no one will give him. However, he will need a little help.

If Romulus had grown up in Aryk, it would be an impressive feat, because his past remained a mystery. No one knew him; they only knew about him. No one knew him as a friend, because he didn't have any of those. Instead he had secrets. Whether by choice or necessity, Romulus was detached from life in Aryk in a way his peers didn't understand.

Romulus is allusive and an alluring character. Under certain circumstances (which I won't spoil), these Viktor and Romulus become blood brothers. Viktor also discovers that Romulus has a playing card of his own that could get him and those around him killed. They then stumble across a dark and sinister secret that they were never meant to know, and their lives and the lives of their families are in grave danger. Soon, the men in masks return once again, the Masqueraiders, in search for them and any other remaining card holders. They are told that these frightening individuals work for and are servants of a mysterious man called the Leopard who supposedly wants the cards for himself and their owners dead. The only way to keep themselves and their loved ones safe is to find the Silent Deal, a supposed document holding evidence of the Leopard's gruesome crimes. If found and given to the tsar, everyone could be saved. However, this will not be an easy feat. The road will be paved with hardships and perhaps even some...adventure!





As you can easily guess from my rating, I thought the world of this book. To make it easier for you to understand, let me explain. You might have read the Percy Jackson series. The majority of its audience members loved it, and so did I. The first book grabbed me, and I went on to read the rest of the series. I even went back to read some of them four times! I felt this love once again as I read the Cirque du Freak series. For awhile now, I have been trying to find something new to replace them and obsess over, and in all honesty, I felt the same love for this book and became hooked on it, just like while reading Percy Jackson and the Cirque du Freak series. Of course, it was not because of the same exact reasons, but it really made me remember what it was truly like to fall in love with a new series yet again, waiting for a few months to pass just so that you could say "Yep, I'm rereading this book just to refresh my memory on it," but secretly you remember every detail about it and simply want to relive that feeling.

The first thing that drew me into The Silent Deal was the setting. The story takes place in Russia from about 1839-1840 with a couple of flashbacks from earlier years. I remember my seventh grade history class when we talked about Russia, and I recall becoming immersed in this period. It is easily said that I have read little to no books with a Russian setting, and the book really excited me because of this. Then Stack adds on layers of mystery, secrets, almost fantasy like elements. It was simply a perfect blend of stunning scene after stunning scene. There were beautifully described forests, colorful tents in a sudden community, and a mystifying castle.

The second thing that drew me into The Silent Deal was the array of characters. While I loved all of them, I was especially intrigued with Romulus and his past. It was shrouded and distant from the reader at many points. He practically just walked out of the woods one day. He has a wolf to protect him and definitely owns an enthralling story. There were gaps that are indistinct, and he was constantly lying about his true identity when it came to his childhood, and I don't mean these to be bad things. He himself was such a fascinating topic in the story whenever he came up. I really wanted, needed to know more. Then there were the gypsies. I loved them! You just have to read it to understand.

Thirdly, there was the atmosphere of the story. While this is impossible to ever possibly describe, I can only try. From the very first page, the novel was simply captivating, compelling, and ultimately appealing. I think that this was largely due to Levi Stack's writing style. For this being his first book, you would never know it. His writing was perfect. I truly believe that he wove a real masterpiece. There was plot twist after plot twist, and most I never saw coming. His topic and story line were not only absorbing abut also enchanting! I just can't describe how much it drew me in. Everything was clever and the anticipation just grew and grew. The Silent Deal portrays what a perfect book actually is. When I started the story, I fell into and never wanted to come back out. It was like ripping off a bandaid when I did, unpleasant and unwanted.

The Silent Deal is now my go to recommendation book! I highly encourage all people to read it! It would blow my mind if you even didn't remotely enjoy it. Honestly, I can go on and on forever and ever, but I'm sure you don't want that. So, just go pick up the book and treat yourself to what I promise you will not regret. Go on...do it now! You're in for the ride of your life!

You can see reviews like this one and more at http://knightingalereviews.blogspot.com/.
(http://knightingalereviews.blogspot.c...)

[Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free ebook copy of this novel directly from the author, after showing interest in a giveaway of the novel in the Goodreads First Reads program.*

I was overall very impressed while reading The Silent Deal. I did not anticipate enjoying the novel as much as I did, it being both the author’s debut novel and also geared toward a young adult audience. That being said, the novel does not suffer for being Stack’s first and I think the story could definitely be appreciated by older readers as well as young. Overall, the story was a fantastic one and the setting for the novel (first half of 19th century Russia) felt particularly fresh and interesting. The novel definitely leans more towards fantasy than historical fiction, but with only a touch of “magic” hinted at throughout, leaving the reader to decide for himself how fantastical the world of Aryk and its surrounding forest is.

The number one way I would describe this first entry into The Card Game series is simple: FUN. Even reading as an adult, I was entertained at all times during the story and really felt the story had some weight to it. Although I have only watched the films and not read the books, I imagine the Harry Potter novels have a similar feel to them; clearly marketed with a young adult in mind, but easily enjoyed by an older audience as well. The plot was fast-paced, engrossing, and had just enough mystery to keep my interest piqued throughout. The idea of using playing cards as the central theme was particularly unique and wove the story together incredibly well. No prior knowledge or interest in card games of any type is needed to enjoy the way everything is interwoven around playing cards.

One is easily thrown into the world of Aryk; Stack writing to inspire an effective vision of his world in the reader’s mind without the use of over-description. The tone of the novel throughout is rather dark and mysterious, inspiring a sense of foreboding in the reader, even if aimed at children. Viktor’s perspective in the novel was particularly interesting, given the fact that Romulus was more the man-in-action moving things along, while Viktor was more of his sidekick and pupil. The characters’ relationship as blood brothers did help in solidifying their dependency upon each other, but it did at times seem overstated. Although the main characters Viktor and Romulus have personality and characters like Dimovna and Ulfrik come off as having a sinister quality almost palpable, certain secondary characters like Charlotta and Evenova fall flat. The girls seemed to help the boys out throughout the story without a true motive other than being romantically interested. Viktor’s family also fails to feel important and sometimes the reader is left wondering how his parents aren’t more present in his daily life.

There are very few negative things I can write about the novel, other than minor formatting and grammar issues and the fact that the story sometimes seems to shift from one scene to another a little too hastily. At times there is an overabundance of exclamation points or question marks that comes off as a bit childish even for a young adult novel and occasionally the onomatopoeia is too common. There were also a few instances of words being stated twice or words that were left out of the sentence altogether, but that may have been an issue present only in the ebook copy of the novel. Overall, I would say that the writing is strong, but could definitely use a bit of tightening up and some extra editing.

After reading The Silent Deal, I can say I am excited for the following entry, and if the cover art of the first two novels is any indication- the story will continue to both mystify and entertain. I would like to thank Mr. Stack for providing a copy of his excellent first entry in the series and I look forward to more of his writing.

[Precious · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at Fragments of Life.

The Silent Deal started out with an otherworldly narrative by Leshy, the spirit of the woods, in the lush, mysterious forest of Russia. Although delivered in English, the Russian vibe was kept alive through delving deep into the waters of Russian culture and mythology. The integration of Russian mythology into the story was one of the reasons why I loved The Silent Deal.

Viktor was a 14-year-old serf under the rule of Master Molotov. His perspective changed after he witnessed a man's hanging for possessing a playing card. Since then, he has wondered and searched for the truth behind the cards. Although daring, he still remained to be the rational one of the duo, weighing the consequences and implications of every move. Romulus, the boy of the forest, was the one who intrigued me more. He was a waking mystery, never failing to tickle my curiosity. Living in the first, he had distanced himself from the society of Aryk. Secrets cloaked him like a second skin. Distrustful, wild and uncontrollable, Romulus always did as he pleased. I loved how Stack delivered good character development in the persona of Romulus and Viktor. From a fearful, rule-following serf boy, Viktor hardened into a freedom fighter, thirsty for the truth. Meanwhile, Romulus softened into a trustworthy blood brother.

The gypsies of Kasta Way, fiery, bold and passionate with their music, art and horseback riding, were part of the reasons why I love The Silent Deal. The Crossbones clan were an entertaining bunch. Everything about them screamed daring and fearless. Belch, who was constantly quoting English plays, appealed to my theater-loving self. He was quirky, weird, and sometimes downright mental. The lot an side by side with the blood brothers Romulus and Viktor in their search for answers. Between two serf boys and gypsies, every little thing was bound to be amusing.

The Leopard was a blackhole sucking me into its darkness and mystery. I kept reading on partly because I wanted to find out who he really was. The mystery was well thought-out, from the past to the present, puzzling me, haunting me and intriguing me beyond expectation.

The plot was like an intricate and detailed tapestry, twists and turns were woven into the heart of the story. It was entertaining, injected with adventure, cryptic suspense, jolts of startling violence and death. Although I initially thought of recommending this novel to middle grade readers and younger teens, it seems that the level of maturity of The Silent Deal surpasses the bounds of Middle Grade fiction.

The Silent Deal is one of a kind, unforgettable and addicting with its well-developed characters, unpredictable and twisty plot and well-crafted, vivid story world. The story world was complex enough that you could lose yourself in its folds. There was never a boring moment for me. Each page promised new secrets to be revealed and more dangers to be encountered. Be prepared to be captivated with a haunting mystery, a chilling history and a perilous search. I highly recommend this for Young Adult historical readers, enthusiasts of Fantasy and mystery lovers. This is the best self-published debut I have read so far.

[Camila Espinosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded a free eBook version of this book and a few days later the author contacted me and asked for a review after I had read it.
I wasn't expecting much to come out of it, as I haven't had much luck in the past regarding digital books. However, this one blew me away.

The setting is Russia in the 19th century, which is uncommon but gives the story a unique background history and an amazing scenery in which the characters can unfold. I think the author did a great job in regards to researching and then weaving the landscape of a Russian town into his story.

The plot revolves around a young boy called Viktor, who has lived his whole life clouded in the mysteries of his town - Aryk - in which no one will talk about the past, everyone is wary of each other and terrified of the ruthless rulers who oversee the serfs, mysterious graffiti decorates dark alleys, and there is an absolute ban on all kinds of playing cards. Early into the story, Viktor becomes friends with the shadowy forest-boy; Romulus. Both boys share a secret fascination for cards, but are far from any understanding about their history, their use, or why the penalty for having them is death by hanging. They are determined to figure out the mysteries of Aryk's past and the dark figure that is rumored to rule over it; the Leopard.

I won't say more, because I don't want to give away the story, but rest assured that what starts out as an exciting and mysterious adventure does not falter all throughout the book, bringing in new characters, clues, action, trouble, laughs and even more.

The story unfolds slowly but surely, and while I could see some things coming, many twists and turns caught me completely by surprise. I found myself losing track of time and reading late into the night just to find out what happened to Viktor and Romulus, and as soon as I finished the book I started to look around for the next one in the series, which I am sure will be just as amazing as this one.

Congratulations to Levi Stack for writing such a great first book!

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of The Silent Deal from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Viktor and Romulus, two young Russian serfs, awaken the wrath of a mysterious overlord as they begin to investigate the mystery shrouding their town. Their search takes them through gambling parlors, fortune-teller dens, and dangerous forests they've never seen the likes of in the past. But even with the help of their friends, can they escape the dark experiments that their foe is creating in Staryi Castle?

The Silent Deal was such a pleasant surprise for me. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from the story, but it's a great beginning to The Card Game series by Levi Stack. The prologue had me hooked right from the beginning.

There are so many elements I enjoyed when it came to the story. I haven't read that many YA (or possibly upper-Middle Grade) novels set in 1830's Russia, so that aspect alone is quite fascinating. I also liked the fact that Stack weaves Russian folklore into the story.

In regards to our cast of characters, both Viktor and Romulus feel quite realistic, and they're both likable. Although Viktor is the lead, he is actually more of a sidekick to Romulus, which works well as we unravel the mysteries surrounding the town and the cards. Of the supporting characters, I did Belch - I mean, even if he's a bit annoying he's still funny and quotes Shakespeare.

Finally, that brings me to the complex plot and the mystery. I don't want to spoil too much, but the detailed intricacies and the twists kept me going. Levi Stack is a fantastic storyteller and he has a way with words. I found myself really caught up in it all during some of the more intense scenes.

The Silent Deal by Levi Stack is a gem that comes highly recommended from me and I can't wait to read it's sequel, The Magic Trick.

[Selina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't go into too much detail as the book description pretty much explains all you need to know without spoiling the story, but I loved this book. I barely put the book down from start to finish!

I was contacted by the author, Levi Stack, after applying for the Goodreads giveaways and offered a free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review. I was so pleased because I was already really interested in reading the book anyway and I wasn't disappointed.

The plot was really clever, fast-paced and complex and kept me wanting to read on. The main character, Vicktor is more of a side-kick to the story rather than the hero, who befriends Romulus, the relationship that develops between the two feels really authentic, there are clearly flaws in their characters and their relationship which makes them even more believable. I can't wait to see what happens next!

I would love to recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

[Kelsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I'm always excited when authors send me a copy of their work, I'm not usually one to read on any of my electronic devices. For that reason I felt like it would maybe take me awhile to get through and that it may be less enjoyable. I was very mistaken! Levi succeeded where others have not and kept me glued to my computer screen until the very last word of The Silent Deal. It was an exciting tale with a wonderful blend of fantasy and realism. I was intrigued by the story right off the bat and enjoyed sharing the surprise with Viktor at each twist and turn. I was surprised by the depth of the plot and the character development in so few pages. The Silent Deal was an easy and exciting read and I can't wait to join Viktor and Romulus as they continue their adventure in The Magic Trick.

[Plaguedoctor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a PDF version of The Silent Deal from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I wish I had more to say about it. It was a good book, but it just didn't really pop out to me or really enthrall me. I think the problem lies within the characters. The characters themselves were alright enough in their own right, however, I just couldn't really get attached to them. When I can't get attached to a stories characters, it kinda takes me out of the book instead of being immersed. I felt like they were one dimensional and didn't know them very well. I would recommend this book to people who just want something to read and not really care about character development.

[Patrice Angeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the first chapter. I had a hard time putting the book down, building up my excitement for the next book in the series! I became completely immersed in the world of Viktor and Romulus, as the plot twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat. It is a book for all ages, whether you are a teen or an adult. This new, talented young author is someone to get excited about, as he has the imagination and skills to be a literary force in the future. I highly recommend this novel!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was offered to me on my kindle for free by the author in exchange of a review. This book was an amazing read. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I'm curious as to who or what Romulus really is he seems as though he might not be entirely human. It will be really interesting to see the after math of the revelation of the silent deal. I think things will get a lot worse before they get better. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Cmoore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ohhhh man, I was definitely the wrong audience to enjoy this book! I expected a deck-building book, but even though it had cards, there was no magic. They were simply regular playing cards, like you buy at the store. Although to be caught with cards in this city is a death sentence! And for me the book was soooooooo slow, my action lovin heart wasn't buyin it! I only finished because I'm a completionist. Plus there was just enough mystery for me to turn the page.

Here's a quote for ya:

“It’s gunpowder and sawdust—an Orange Split.” “Why’d you name it that?” “Because,” Romulus answered, “it looks like an orange, and when it’s lit, you and that thing better split.”

[P.E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review and more can be found on The Sirenic Codex.

My thoughts on The Silent Dear ate quite muddled. I read the first few chapters before agreeing to review it and I liked the writing. It was clear and concise; basically, there was nothing wrong with it. It drew me in and the scenes were well described.

What I didn't like had more to do with the story. This story is well developed. It's not a simple story and I was surprised and shocked when the author wanted me to be. It's easy to get caught up in the fun and adventure. I would argue that this book isn't 100% YA. It's about a younger set, and it features a lot of adventure and is wildly imaginative. I could see marketing it as MG or younger YA. The problem is in the characters. They're decent, but nothing distinguishes them at all.

I think this is probably one of the better examples of "plot based story" that I've ever read, because there isn't much character development or focus. There is a story that is happening, and the characters are important because they tell the story. In terms of sympathizing with them or caring about them, I didn't. I feel like I don't know them. They're the boys who did this and that, not the boys who are this and that. Not being able to connect with the characters is a big issue because if your plot isn't progressing well, your readers have nothing to look forward to.

The basis of The Silent Deal is that Viktor and Romulus, a mysterious boy from the woods, strike up a friendship in Aryk, a small, strange town in Russia where nothing is as it seems. Aryk has a secret, one that no one speaks about. Playing cards are forbidden and the town is isolated. Viktor and Romulus both have their reasons for trying to uncover the truth, and the stakes are higher than they imagined.

I was drawn in because this book featured male protagonists, and seemed to be completely different from typical YA. There is lots of action and the story is a big story because it attempts to incorporate many things like gypsies and Napolean.

When I started The Silent Deal, I couldn't get into it. There was nothing to set the characters apart and I struggled as the story began itself. It takes a while to get the story rolling, but once it gets rolling it's a good story. There are chases and deceptions and a compelling mystery. My only issues stem from some of the execution.

I already said the characters were an issue. The Silent Deal could have been so much stronger if I could connect emotionally with Viktor, or anybody. One thing I thought was really cool about Viktor is that he's the other guy. He's not the mysterious orphan dude. He's that guy's best friend. Harry's Ron Weasley, so to speak. He doesn't know everything and he's the guy that chooses to get into the mess and befriend the strange, wild child. Viktor couldn't completely trust Romulus and there was potential for Viktor to be a fascinating character in his own right, but he wasn't.

I also didn't enjoy how sometimes, the story was almost too big and elaborate. I didn't understand what the parameters of the world were; was there magic or no magic? Was it science? Alchemy? It's hard not to spoil, but there are otherworldly elements and mentions that are not explained at all, for example the Fairy Ring or Romulus's upbringing. They're just sort of there and they end up playing an important role in the plot. I definitely think the world could have been set up better because the confusion over what is possible and not possible was strange.

There's almost too many questions. There's no denying that The Silent Deal is an adventure. It starts out slow but picks up. I'm not sure if it's the story for me, because I couldn't connect with the characters and the setting didn't entirely fit in my mind. I did like the plot and the adventure. I think this is probably younger YA material, or MG, because just thinking of my friends, they wouldn't be interested. Although I liked the second half considerably more than the first, this book is overall a book I feel neutral about, thus 2 stars.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve mentioned before the thrill of finding a gem when sifting through the sludge of most self-published work. Once again, I present an excellent debut novel! This time we have The Silent Deal, a nominally (but not restrictively) YA adventure set in the back-country of 1840s Russia. In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital copy from the author after failing to win a FirstReads giveaway. If you’re interested, this first book in the series is currently available for free on your Kindle from Amazon here.

There’s something wrong with the village of Aryk. Everyone knows it, but no one will talk about it. Strangers exchange knowing glances in the street. Adults clam up as soon as youth enter the room, awkwardly changing the subject and pretending that there’s not an air of impenetrable mystery hanging over the small Russian hamlet. Then there’s the Brass Art, cryptic graffiti plastered over the walls of abandoned alleyways in clear violation of the law yet never cleaned up. Viktor is haunted by the mystery, ever since he saw a man hanged for the capital offense of carrying a playing card. Allying himself with Romulus, a mysterious lad who knows the surrounding forest like the back of his hand and who harbors countless mysteries of his own, Viktor is determined to find out just what happened in Aryk before they were born. What could be so dangerous about a playing card? Viktor and Romulus are about to find out….

As I mentioned above, I really enjoyed this one. The pace was perhaps a bit leisurely at the outset, but that changed quickly. While I had no trouble putting the book down and hitting the hay at a reasonable hour when I started, by the end I was staying up way past when I had planned in an effort to find out what happened next. The resolution wrapped up enough of the mysteries to be satisfying, yet also managed to leave a number of loose threads still hanging to bug you until you get your hands on the sequel. There are still a few elements that might annoy some of my pickier brethren, but on the whole I managed to forgive these scattered potential issues. Classifying this by genre is a bit hard, as after a heavily fantastical opening the book helms hard back into straight historical fiction (or, more accurately, straight fiction in a historical setting)….but the fantastic creeps back in, almost without your noticing it. Surely Gypsy fortune telling is all rubbish….but what if it’s not? And what on Earth is going on inside the walls of the imposing Staryi Castle? Had Mr. Stack not otherwise proven to be a master of his craft, I would suspect the opening to be an artifact from a previous draft, but his otherwise-excellent writing and the knowledge that all is not as it seems with the character in question leads me to believe instead that this is seeding plot elements for the sequel. Throughout the book characters look at evidence and draw conclusions in their attempt to solve the mystery of Aryk’s past. All well and good, except that a number of these conclusions are wrong…and at the time left me scratching my head wondering what they saw that I didn’t, because their assumptions were not at all what I was getting from the evidence. This leads to a sequence that can only be described as a villainous monologue as one of the “big bads” sets straight all their misconceptions about what went on in their town all those years ago. In Mr. Stack’s defense, this was far from your usual “Bond villain explains the plan instead of just finishing off the hero” moment, and the villain in question was far more intent on taunting our heroes in order to break their concentration and resolve their current standoff in his favor, but I can see where some of my fellows are (rightfully, in most cases) annoyed with such a device. In most cases, it’s a storytelling crutch. Here? It may still be a crutch, but Mr. Stack’s storytelling proves pretty nimble regardless.

CONTENT: Mild profanity. Mild sexual innuendo, mostly just flirting. Some violence, ranging from schoolyard scuffles to more lethal and terrifying encounters. Gypsy magic such as fortune telling could be considered occultic, depending on one’s views.

[Alysa H. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an extremely ambitious first novel, and I think there could be a really good book hidden in it somewhere. Unfortunately, it would take a lot of rewriting and a deft editorial hand to unearth.

The author chose an unusual setting in Aryk, a mid-19th century Russian village, and some of the best parts of the book are the ones focused on Viktor's life there. Romulus, the forest boy whom Viktor befriends, is by far the most interesting and charismatic character we meet. It's a good thing that their friendship is so central, because Viktor would be a bit boring without Romulus, but it's frustrating that there's such a huge question mark about Romulus' background and we are not given any real answers. I assume that this is meant to entice readers into continuing the series, but it doesn't feel like it's done in good faith. Romulus himself knows the answers, or at least some of them, so it's not like he's on an information quest along with us.

Just enough Russian history and folklore are thrown around in this book to vaguely ground it in historical reality -- even though there's a lot of weird and annoyingly under-examined magic and fantasy stuff going on, as well -- but I don't get a sense that the author is an expert because so many of the details don't hold up. Aryk is depicted as a poor serf village nestled beneath their Lord's castle, but then there are random wealthy nobles shopping in its stores. Aryk's people use patronyms (inconsistently) as surnames, and do not seem to have actual surnames. Aryk is surrounded by forest and its people hardly travel in and out, yet there's this huge famous Gypsy camp nearby, and Viktor twice rides a horse to another village when the plot requires.

The plot requires a lot of other things, too. The plot requires that the Hardy Boys "blood brothers" Viktor and Romulus be ignorant of the titular Silent Deal, but have sudden bursts of improbable insight when trying to unravel various mysteries. The plot requires that female characters be used sparingly, and then as either caricatures or paper-thin love interests to be trotted out conveniently and inexplicably remade into brave sidekicks in the end. The plot requires the villain to endlessly explain his villainy to the boys in tired monologue. The plot requires the help of the Gypsies, but not so much that the Gypsies and their camp need to factor as heavily and take up as much of the book as they do. (In fact, the point in the story where Viktor and Romulus found the Gypsy camp coincided with the point where I first found my interest waning. It really gets my back up when books rely overly on things like Gypsy stereotyping.) The plot requires the boys to find an old diary that conveniently reveals Important Things About The Past, however implausible it would be that "So and So's Teenage Memoirs" are not in fact their own memoirs but actually their prescient observations all about someone else who ended up being important later.

The true nature of the titular "Silent Deal", the past events which led to it, and the terrible activities of the character known at times as The Leopard were all interesting, but there was just too much going on. If this is really meant to be the first book in a series, then the whole series would probably need to be restructured in order for Book 1 to have been better executed. This book, although it was enjoyable enough that I did not once consider abandoning it, was very sloppy.

I do think it shows great promise, but it's a good example of an Indie novel being a victim of its own ambition. The author's passion certainly shines through, but perhaps too much; it has gotten in the way of his better judgement about the readiness of the book for publication.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow!

I was given a free copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

When I started this book, I wasn't fully sure what to expect. I knew to expect a lot of adventure and a bit of mystery, but that was about it. That doesn't even come close to describing this book.

First off, I absolutely love the cover. I have this love of playing cards, so I was immediately drawn in. When I found out that the plot was centered around said cards, I was intrigued and a bit excited.

In Aryk, Russia (c. 1830/40s), playing cards are illegal. Having one is punishable by death. But none of the children know why, and no adult will speak about it. Viktor Vassinov needs to know the reason. The question haunts him in his sleep. Literally. Teaming up with his blood brother, Romulus, they set our to find something called 'The Silent Deal', which will explain everything to them. And so begins a dangerous quest to learn the secrets of their town and its past. At the same time, the boys are being hunted.

The plot is delightfully complex, full of little mysteries until the very end. Some are answered, and some leave you needing to know the answer. There are twists and turns all throughout, and you can never predict what is going to happen. Personally, I am able to guess plot lines in books fairly often, but this time I was taken by complete surprise. At first you think you know the answer, and then you realize you were wrong. I found that I learned everything along with the characters, I wasn't ahead of the story. It was a perfectly refreshing change. I know that I said that the plot was complex, but that really can't describe it. It's like a maze you could say, and its terribly exciting. As for the ending, I never saw it coming. Its completely unpredictable. Now it may sound as if the plot is confusing. It isn't. In fact, the story line was very easy to follow.

At the beginning you are introduced to some very strange things about Aryk. For one, there is graffiti painted on walls, in a strange code, telling something about the cards. You also learn that the city is terrorized by the Masqueraiders, (I get it now! The usual spelling would be Masquerader, but these are the masked raiders! That's neat.) cloaked people with faces obscured by masks, searching serfs for cards.

The characters were interesting. Viktor and Romulus are our two main characters. They are both very different people. Viktor grew up in the serf village, his family hardly having enough food. Romulus is very nearly a legend, the people saying he was raised by a Leshy in the forest surrounding Aryk.

Later we are introduced to a band of Gypsies, one of the few bands currently residing in Kasta Way. People don't go to Kasta Way because it is dangerous (A.K.A. Full of Gypsies). But Viktor and Romulus go there for their quest. This band, composed of twin acrobats, a dancer, a musician, a fire juggler, and a boxer, play some key roles in the book. Oh, and I forgot the 'actor' who tags along with them. I quite like the Gypsies.

The Leopard. What can I say about him? An intriguing character to say the least. The Leopard, who no one ever sees, but who people fear.

We do get to see what some of the experiments in the castle are, but why they are there and what prupose they serve, are yet to be discovered.
A perfect blend of fast-paced action, adventure, and mystery, I can say that I am most definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.

Playing cards, dangerous men in Masquerade masks, a town full of mystery, a castle full of frightening experiments.

I would recommend this to most anybody looking for an exciting read.

The next book includes a suspicious circus. That just sounds exciting, doesn't it?

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTE: I was offered a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

For once I utilized the reading progress device here on Goodreads, so if my review becomes redundant as a result of incorporating some of the info I gave previously, my apologies but so be it.
I really enjoyed this. As I said, it could seem a bit slow at times (particularly the first half of the story; it was much less of an issue beyond that), but this gave the illusion of building momentum when plot points and characters came to a violent head later on. In other words, the drama and action that occurred during the climax seemed more thrilling for the reader and more life-or-death terrifying for the characters. I was pleasantly surprised by the many twists the book contained, some of which were handled well enough that even I didn't see them coming (a rare feat, particularly when it comes to much of the young adult literature I've read) they were so well laid out.
Now, generally I quite like storytelling that reads as reminiscent of old fairytales--not just via voice and narration but also in so far as the incorporation of superstition and folklore goes--and this was no exception. There were, however, a couple aspects that rubbed me the wrong way. For example, the style was well done, but at times the story fell prey to what (to me) felt like cliches such as the nastiness and superiority of the schoolteacher and the abuse and vitriol she often delivered, and the sort of "mwahaha, now that I have you in my clutches, I will reveal all my secrets before you [don't] die" feeling of the characters' final confrontation with the nefarious Captain Ulfrik . This just really felt unnecessary and did not serve the storytelling well; the book and writing really is above such pitfalls.
Both of the protagonists, Romulus & Viktor, were interesting with noticeably diverse personalities. Some of the other characters would run together in my mind and be thought of more collectively (i.e. most of their fellow students and several members of the Romani Crossbones Clan), but these ones were largely more minor characters, so I didn't feel that this was much of a problem. Viktor and Romulus' female companions were neither here nor there for me, but I loved the Ruska Roma. Even when thought of collectively, they were a force to be reckoned with, and their interactions with Romulus and Viktor, with each other, or with other characters altogether, were highly amusing.
The book does not close on a cliffhanger, but there is clearly enough story left for the tale to continue, enough mystery and intrigue to keep things interesting. As a result, a sequel is made not only possible, but welcome. I look forward to reading more about these characters and discovering with them further secrets about themselves, about one another, about their friends, their foes, and their town.

Addendum: Romulus' inventions rocked; Belch's "mental illness" was hilarious; the cover design of the book is brilliant. (Maybe this is my last edit, maybe it's not: who knows?)

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eBook version of this in return for an honest review. Also, a warning that there might be a few spoilers in this review, though I'll try to avoid including anything like that.

The Silent Deal is about a Russian town, Aryk, in the nineteenth century. One of its inhabitants, Viktor, witnesses a hanging at a young age. It forever haunts him, as well as the reason for it. Cards. How, you might ask, could a card be so dangerous? Well, Viktor doesn't know either. He meets another boy, Romulus, and together, they hunt for the truth about the town. The Silent Deal is perhaps the only thing that might save them and their fellow citizens.

I quite liked this book. The setting was pretty enjoyable. The author uses description well to introduce us to the town. The history and mysteries surrounding The Silent Deal and town were quite interesting as well. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat.

My only real problem with the book is that there are a few too many characters to follow. In the beginning, I was a little bit lost because it wasn't clear to me when Viktor was introduced so soon after the baby being found in the forest. I was sort of under the impression, in the beginning, that Viktor was that child. Though, I was thankful when it was explained a bit better later on. There were several times where I forgot certain characters or felt that they weren't particularly useful. Though, I did like how the author kept on referring back to many of them and found uses for all sorts of varying people. The most amusing bit, to myself, was when Romulus was taking Viktor to meet his grandmother. I felt, at the end, that Romulus' back story wasn't completely explain. So I hope that we learn more about his past in the future. Overall, I liked many of the characters and enjoyed that each of them had all sorts of things to do throughout the novel.

I thought it kind of sweet how Romulus and Viktor became friends. Their relationship felt completely natural and I thought it quite interesting that each boy was teaching the other various skills that might aid them in future. I liked their inventions and the way that each of them might have some basis in reality, though with a few being a bit farfetched. Otherwise, I felt many of the scenes heartwarming and all of the worries surrounding the townspeople felt quite natural. Their fears for The Leopard and cards felt somewhat genuine.

I felt it quite worthy of five stars and intend to read more of the series, especially considering there are a few more things I'd really like to know.

[Jeanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young miner’s son, Viktor, befriends the boy of the forest, Romulus. Together, they discover the history behind their town’s odd laws. What started out as a harmless curiosity to learn more turns into a fight for their lives.

If I were going to judge this book on its cover, I would have never picked it up. However, the summary on the back had me itching to know more. After reading The Silent Deal, the cover is spot on with the story. Whereas the cover is just okay, the story is phenomenal.

The main characters of the tale are Viktor and Romulus. Romulus is the more level-headed one and keeps the story rolling with his dialogue. Viktor has to be my favorite. I just have a thing about character development and throughout the whole book, I was rooting for Viktor. Readers can tell that he continued to become smarter as the book went on. The Silent Deal holds a unique and compelling cast of characters that readers will never tire of reading more about.

A little story about how great this book is: I went on vacation last week and forgot The Silent Deal. I was in the middle of the book, right before readers really get into the world of Cards. I was so mad at myself that I forgot it at home that instead of joining in on some of the family activities, I would just sunbathe and think about how these two boys, Viktor and Romulus are going to get the Silent Deal. How are they going to figure this one out? I was on vacation for five days. And when I returned home, I just had to face the facts: these two boys are smarter than I am. They figured things out in the matter of a few chapters and I hadn’t even figured much of anything in the five days I was gone.

It just shows how entertaining this book is. It stole my mind for a good week, and I think it’s time to reread it just so The Silent Deal can capture my mind again. Levi Stack knows how to write an incredible plot- twists and turns and crazy things that just keep coming at you until the very end.

The epilogue hits you, but it’s not a cliffhanger. Well, it didn’t seem like one to me. However, I read it at least four times. It’s one of those endings that readings can’t let go—there has to be more to it. Don’t worry, there is a sequel.

The Silent Deal by Levi Stack grabs readers of all ages and takes them on a wild ride through the Russian Empire. The novel is fantastic, a wonderful tale which makes readers think because Stack writes in such a way that no one ever knows what will happen next.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free e-copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair review. And I must say, it was a worthwhile exchange. This was a superb kick-off to what I'm anticipating will be a wild and absorbing series.

I found The Silent Deal to be quite the page-turner; every detail was worked into a cohesive whole, no matter how insignificant it seemed at first glance. It seemed that every person, place, thing, and event mentioned somehow contributed to the flow of the main story, lending it a satisfying finished-product quality. I certainly paid much more attention to detail than I usually have reason to when reading, and the result was an intellectually engrossing experience that grabbed my brain and pulled me in. New elements of the story made me wonder, "Oh, I wonder what will happen with this" or "I wonder how these things are related." Revelations and big reveals (of which there were plenty) made me go "OH I KNEW IT" or, more frequently, "I never would have thought of that, but I knew it was important somehow!" The whole story was a turbulent, quick-paced, suspense-packed, yet somehow easy-to-follow ride that asked and answered questions in a way that kept me guessing and kept me interested. The pacing was perfect; I was never frustrated at knowing too much or too little.

I did, however, nearly hold back from a five-star review because of the emotional impact of the book. Personally, I'll only really give five stars to books that tear my heartstrings forcibly out of my chest, or make me wish I could do so myself. And though this was an exquisite series opener, and I'll admit I got a bit misty-eyed towards the end when... ahem... it didn't quite get me to the point of eating my feelings.

BUT, it IS the first novel in a series. I'm confident that as the series goes on and the reader is able to form stronger attachments to the characters, heartstrings will be strummed aplenty. Much of the plot of this book was (a delightful blend of) passive back story and the active unearthing of past events, so I'm very excited to watch as the plot unfolds forward. And somehow, even though I'm immensely satisfied with the ending of the first book, there are still answers I need! The duration of The Silent Deal emphasized the effects of the past upon the present and the future, and judging by the number of details that haven't yet been knitted into the main plot, it seems that future books will tie into the events of the first just as masterfully.

I kind of can't wait...

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 stars**
This book was much more than I had expected and once I collect my thoughts I will post a review.
so it took me longer than I wanted but now that I have a computer again here is my review:

I was very happy to be gifted an ecopy of the book from the author and since I had entered to win a copy (sadly I did not win) I was excited for the chance to read what sounded like an interesting tale but I was pleasantly surprised when it was much better than I had expected.
The idea behind the story was much cooler than anything I have read in the past, taking place in nineteenth century Russia in a small town ruled by a terrible tyrant who made playing cards illegal and only two young boys have the courage (or maybe stupidity) to stand up and find answers...yup it's just as cool and mysterious as it sounds.
The two young boys Romulus and Viktor, a sly forest dweller and a curious slave respectively had a very cute friendship even if it had it's tough spots, they started off sort of using each other and became closer along the way and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change. also all the mystery surrounding these two boys really peaked my interest and was part of the reason I did not want to stop reading. The other big reason I wanted to keep reading was the playing cards, something we see everyday and don't think twice about was a source of power and fear in this world and the way it was delivered made it that much more exciting and I loved what they represented and I can't wait to find out more about them.
One issue I had with the book and it's a small one was the couple of parts that dragged a bit for me and I think it was a personal thing because some of the things the boys were teaching each other did not hold my interest like it might have done for others.
The last half had me reeling and on the edge of my seat, I felt many things and I was sad to see it come to an end. I can not wait to see how these very brave young boys can help their town, friends and family.
The leopard is an evil evil being and I hope that in the struggle he is the only casualty, I have become invested in these characters and I wish good things for them.
I would recommend this book to many different genre lovers it may not seem like your thing but I think you would be surprised.

[Usha Appalaneni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book months ago and, sadly, the crazy life of a medical student took over. But I started my break yesterday and was finally able to finish the book! And let me tell you right now that I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.

Considering how long it took for me to find the time to read this book, I can't really comment on the flow of it; I probably would have enjoyed the flow of the narrative much better if I'd read it over a day or two. Lucky for me, I have a good a memory and I was able to follow the plot in spite of the many interruptions along the way. And what a plot it is! It's thrilling, with many twists and turns along the way. Some I saw coming (I'm the kind of person who can predict the crazy twist in a movie I've never seen before...Maybe I just have an overactive imagination?) and some I didn't. I won't say too much about the details of the plot, because what's the fun in reading it if you already know the story!

There is always, of course, room for improvement. And this is why I had to give the novel 4 stars, rather than 5. Firstly, it's always important for me to understand the motivation behind a character's actions. With Romulus and Viktor, the motivations are very clear. But what about the secondary characters? Why do the gypsies want to help? Are they just in it for the fun? Seems to me, they have plenty of adventure in their lives without joining the blood brothers' quest. And what of the girls, Evenova and Charlotta? Are they only helping because the guys are a couple of hunks? There has to be more to it than that! My other complaint is that I didn't like how the villain ultimately reveals many of the secrets while fighting the blood brothers. I understand that the secrets have to be revealed to the readers (or we'd go crazy!) but there has to be a better way than the overdone "villain explains the masterful plan before killing his enemies"trope. Having said that, the reveals are very exciting!

I loved the references to various myths and stories (Shakespeare!), most importantly that of Romulus, Remus, and the wolves that raise them. But some of the parallels with these myths were left unfinished, I suspect to be continued in the next book of the series. Which I am very much looking forward to reading!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review, but before that I was very interested in reading this book. I had watched a review of it on YouTube and I was very intrigued. It sounded right up my street, as some of my favourite books are entwined with history and magic. Indeed, ‘The Silent Deal’ was an amazing book and I really enjoyed it.

The writing style is very good, and it reminded me of the earlier Harry Potter books and I enjoyed this factor. I found that despite the book being aimed at older children and young adults, the writing style didn’t feel juvenile at all. I was very pleased with that as that’s often what annoys me if I read Middle-Grade or Young Adult. This book was written intelligently, and to be honest I’m surprised that more people haven’t read it.

The plot is great, it’s full of twists and turns and it really does keep you on the edge of your seat. What I enjoyed was the scope as the issues in the plot do not only affect the blood brothers, but the whole town, their ancestor’s legacy and even Russia! It was evidently well thought out and planned out well, I came across no plot holes. I thought it was great that the characters’ misunderstandings were often used to drive the plot. This is natural and human, and it is often lacking in fantasy as we are usually confronted with a ‘wonder-boy-can-do-no-wrong’, type of character.

The Silent Deal is full of interesting sorts of people. I loved the Gypsy camp and Belch with his Shakespearean ramblings the best. He certainly added a shot of comedy into this already complex story. I really liked the characterisation of the characters, especially the blood brothers and how the card reading affected Viktor. The relationship between these two is a very well written, believable friendship and this was honestly one of the best bits of the book. The Viktor and Romulus’s character development was excellent.

Honestly though, I felt that Mr. Stack’s imagination and creativity played a great role in this book. I had never read anything like it before, and I do read a lot of books which are just different retellings of an old story. I really enjoyed the Masqueraiders, they were especially unique and added a new dimension to the story.

[Sarah-Jayne Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).

(This review may contain spoilers).

I did win the second book in this series in a Goodreads giveaway, but the author kindly offered me a copy of book one to read first.

I did particularly enjoy reading this book. I found it a really intriguing read and I especially found myself growing fond of Viktor and his relationship with Romulus.

I didn't realise, at first, that this series was a historical one. Even though I don't know much about that time period in this country, I still found the plot of this book easy to follow. There were some things that I still didn't understand by the end of the book, but it did hold my attention throughout and kept me reading, wanting to find out what would happen next.

It was interesting to read a book where the playing cards had such a big part in it all. At first, I thought that the ban on playing cards was just because of a really paranoid ruler... but as events unfolded, it became clear that the role the cards played was so much more than it first appeared.

I really liked a lot of the other characters in this book and I would have liked to see more of Viktor's parents, especially. The masked people were quite scary in every appearance they had... at least before they started taking off those masks.

Empathising with Viktor and Romulus was really easy, though I found myself understanding Viktor's moments of suspicion, especially given the very first scene in the book. That's something else I would really like to see explored further in one of the next books.

I did also like the Gypsies... and particularly Belch, who added a level of humour to the book that I thought worked really well. I did have an odd sense of deja vu during his loudspeaker scene, though...

I really liked reading about Romulus' inventions and it was cool to see them used during the course of the book. I also really liked Blizzard in the book... and the boys' budding relationships with their female classmates.

I do have book two and have started reading that, but at some point, I would like to read the other books in this series too.

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russia is a grand setting for any sort of nineteenth-century novel because Russia is such a huge place. Citizens thereof forgive me, but towns could get lost in its enormity. Which is part of the reason Levi Stack's 'The Silent Deal' fits so well into the country.
Set in the tiny town of Aryk, 'The Silent Deal' takes one on a fast-paced journey through the story of a town with a dark secret which later unravels tales of heritage, card games, lost loves, power struggles, and most excitingly, gypsies. Viktor, a young teenager, finds himself at the root of a quickly-escalating adventure that digs into Aryk's past when Romulus, a boy of the forest (or so it would seem) shows up at school and causes quite a stir. Together, both Viktor and Romulus are strong, well-written characters who are down-to-earth, true to life, and come off as friends you yourself might have had if you'd been a serf in 1800s Russia. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the female characters of Charlotta and Evenova, the boys' friends who often appear as a convenient way to provide clarity to complex clues and elaborate plans. Yet even if you don't have a penchant for Shakespeare, each time you encounter a gypsy character, you'll be sure to turn the page smiling.
The plot is cleverly designed, building anticipation through the chapters, and mounting what is a seemingly thrilling and happy conclusion for the adventures of the two boys. However, the book takes advantage of its consistent use of cliffhangers (perhaps the writing trick is a bit overwrought in that regard?) at the end to set up for the second book in the series by culminating in a lack of resolve. One does not close the cover feeling let down though. In fact, quite the opposite: 'The Silent Deal' ends with interests piqued, leaving readers looking forward to more adventures, mythology, and inventions in the books to come.
Four stars out of five to a book that beautifully captures so many traits a solid, intriguing YA book ought to have. To those who don't give it a read...."what fools these mortals be!"

[Jade Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Deal has such an original premise that I was completely intrigued by the synopsis, it's for this reason that I accepted it for review, but I am so glad that I did. This book took me around four hours to read and I am so excited to read the sequel now! This book has intrigue, action and friendship and will be a definite win for people wanting to revisit their Harry Potter days as well as read something original and fun. This book has the historical thing down, but it's a historical dystopian, which was something totally new fr me, but it worked.

This book runs on the relationship between Viktor and Romulus and it is so well written. From Romulus' distrust and Viktor's curiosity to such a tight-knit bond between the two, despite some lies and some betrayal between the two they come out of it as close as brothers. It's this relationship that is center to this whole book and it was done so well.

Stack also manages to write an engaging mystery and adventure in this book. The boys start out armed with only one card and their curiosity to find out the secret behind their town and in their mission they come across secrets and scandals as well as meet many new people, good and bad. The Crossbones Clan were the highlight of this book for me, any part of the book where these people turned up was so fun and exciting. The bad guys are pure evil, and there are twists and turns in this book which will shock you, but also clear things up. It's obvious that Stack planned out this book because everything fits together perfectly.

Overall, The Silent Deal was an engaging adventure that I absolutely adored. Reading this reminded me of why I loved Harry Potter so much, and whilst I won't say it was as good as those books, it was a fantastic read and does have the right doses of adventure, friendship and action to keep any reader gripped.

Overall Rating: A

[Malice De'Ath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review Here.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I confess, when I recieved the book, I wasn't too excited to begin. I mean, sure, it was probably going to be quite fun, but I find that reading children's books as an adult, well, it's just not exciting. Unless it's a book series that I read in my childhood and adored then, I'm probably not going to be a massive fan. I guess non-adult books are more about the nostalgia for me, so if I didn't read it as a kid, well.

The Silent Deal is somthing else though. This book was quite honestly amazing. It was something really different. The setting was unusual (19th Century Russia) and it hinted at fantasy elements; never quite confirming if things were real magic, or just the over imaginings of youth. Some of the central imagery was perfect for me; as someone who collects cards and Masquerade masks, it was brilliant. I loved the many puns through out as well (e.g., Masqueraiders, Pumpkin Patches, etc.)

The plot, too, expands into something mcuh deeper and more intricate than I first expected. I anticipated run of the mill 'hero kids have adventures and defeat enemies', but it's actually more than that. There's conspiracies and secrets, which are unveiled little by little (with a good deal of red herrings or false understanding) over the course of the book. It even had me guessing and questioning what was really going on, right up until the final chapter (even then, it leaves things unanswered, ready for the next installment).

I'm genuinely excited to read the next book in the series. I haven't been this enamoured with a children's book series in years. It's a book that I'll be recommending to any of my friends who enjoy a good adventure story.