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Master Diplexito and Mr. Scant #1
The Thief's Apprentice
Oliver Diplexito, the meek son of a British industrialist, discovers the identity of Edwardian England's most notorious thief: Mr. Scant, his family butler. Too frightened to say no, Oliver assumes the dangerous role of Scant's apprentice
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2016
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61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 14, 2016
This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.
It took me four months to finish The Thief's Apprentice. I think that has more to do with my own insanely busy summer than it does with the book itself, though. I read the first few chapters back in May, and enjoyed them, but then I went on a week-long trip and decided to leave my copy at home for when I would have time to really focus on it. By the time I got back, though, I'd forgotten everything I'd read so far. I kept meaning to get back to The Thief's Apprentice, but every time I'd crack it open I would read only a page or two before I needed to run off again. Then more urgent books, with release dates staring me right in the face, began pressing in on my reading time. I began to hoard my increasingly scarce free time, saving it only for books I had to read immediately and the occasional shiny new library book that caught my eye.
Finally, though, The Thief's Apprentice worked its way to the top of my priority review list. And when I picked it up to read a chapter before bed . . . I got sucked in for and hour and a half. Because I discovered all over again how fun this book really is.
Actually, I think that's the perfect word to describe The Thief's Apprentice: "fun." It's chock full of danger and excitement and drama that's extremely unrealistic but, somehow, even more appealing for its craziness. It's also set in historical London, which–if you're American, anyway–adds an extra layer of charm to everything. It's a pity I didn't read The Thief's Apprentice sooner, because it's just the sort of silly escapist fun I wanted last summer.
I'll pause for a minute and talk about the downsides of the book, so I can get them over with. For one thing, the first few chapters are not as gripping as they could have been. Part of the reason I wasn't more aggressive about finishing The Thief's Apprentice was the fact that I wasn't completely sucked in by the beginning. In fact, the vibe I got from the book's beginning made me think that it would be an exciting but also dull sort of story–the kind that drives eleven-year-old boys wild with excitement, but whose thrills are a little too unrealistic for the rest of us. As I said in the last paragraph, it's not like that at all: the unrealistic nature of the action actually adds an escapist charm to the story. But in the first few chapters, I was having my doubts.
The only other real problem I had with The Thief's Apprentice was that it skated over some things I would have preferred details of. Perhaps this is just it's middle-grade targeting coming through, but the narration almost entirely skips over describing Oliver's day-to-day life. We get sketches of his home and school situation, enough to whet my appetite for more, but that more never comes. I also would have liked more details of what, exactly, Mr. Scant was having Oliver study and how he managed to so rapidly improve in his studies.
While this is a book targeted specifically toward kids–and I did occasionally get the vibe that I really wasn't the target audience–I was surprised by how witty and clever it still was. Some of Oliver's observations about everyday life are very spot-on, and he makes them in a manner that's almost tongue-in-cheek. I also spotted a literary allusion or two, which was fun as well.
When it comes down to it, I think The Thief's Apprentice is a great, fun (yes, there's that word again!) book. It didn't completely blow me away, or leap right up to a top position on my favorites list, but I enjoyed reading it and I'll be interested in reading the sequel sometime down the line. I have a sneaking suspicion my younger brothers (who are more a part of the target demographic) will be even more enchanted than I was by Oliver's thrilling tale.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
It took me four months to finish The Thief's Apprentice. I think that has more to do with my own insanely busy summer than it does with the book itself, though. I read the first few chapters back in May, and enjoyed them, but then I went on a week-long trip and decided to leave my copy at home for when I would have time to really focus on it. By the time I got back, though, I'd forgotten everything I'd read so far. I kept meaning to get back to The Thief's Apprentice, but every time I'd crack it open I would read only a page or two before I needed to run off again. Then more urgent books, with release dates staring me right in the face, began pressing in on my reading time. I began to hoard my increasingly scarce free time, saving it only for books I had to read immediately and the occasional shiny new library book that caught my eye.
Finally, though, The Thief's Apprentice worked its way to the top of my priority review list. And when I picked it up to read a chapter before bed . . . I got sucked in for and hour and a half. Because I discovered all over again how fun this book really is.
Actually, I think that's the perfect word to describe The Thief's Apprentice: "fun." It's chock full of danger and excitement and drama that's extremely unrealistic but, somehow, even more appealing for its craziness. It's also set in historical London, which–if you're American, anyway–adds an extra layer of charm to everything. It's a pity I didn't read The Thief's Apprentice sooner, because it's just the sort of silly escapist fun I wanted last summer.
I'll pause for a minute and talk about the downsides of the book, so I can get them over with. For one thing, the first few chapters are not as gripping as they could have been. Part of the reason I wasn't more aggressive about finishing The Thief's Apprentice was the fact that I wasn't completely sucked in by the beginning. In fact, the vibe I got from the book's beginning made me think that it would be an exciting but also dull sort of story–the kind that drives eleven-year-old boys wild with excitement, but whose thrills are a little too unrealistic for the rest of us. As I said in the last paragraph, it's not like that at all: the unrealistic nature of the action actually adds an escapist charm to the story. But in the first few chapters, I was having my doubts.
The only other real problem I had with The Thief's Apprentice was that it skated over some things I would have preferred details of. Perhaps this is just it's middle-grade targeting coming through, but the narration almost entirely skips over describing Oliver's day-to-day life. We get sketches of his home and school situation, enough to whet my appetite for more, but that more never comes. I also would have liked more details of what, exactly, Mr. Scant was having Oliver study and how he managed to so rapidly improve in his studies.
While this is a book targeted specifically toward kids–and I did occasionally get the vibe that I really wasn't the target audience–I was surprised by how witty and clever it still was. Some of Oliver's observations about everyday life are very spot-on, and he makes them in a manner that's almost tongue-in-cheek. I also spotted a literary allusion or two, which was fun as well.
When it comes down to it, I think The Thief's Apprentice is a great, fun (yes, there's that word again!) book. It didn't completely blow me away, or leap right up to a top position on my favorites list, but I enjoyed reading it and I'll be interested in reading the sequel sometime down the line. I have a sneaking suspicion my younger brothers (who are more a part of the target demographic) will be even more enchanted than I was by Oliver's thrilling tale.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2016
Read the full review on http://www.talesbetweenthepages.comThe Thief's Apprentice is an exciting story for young readers. When Oliver Diplexito accidentally discovers that his butler, Mr. Scant, is really the famous criminal, the Ruminating Claw, he wonders if his family is in danger. But Oliver learns there's more to Mr. Scant than meets the eye. In a story that's equal parts mysterious and thrilling, The Thief's Apprentice takes readers on an exciting journey into the world of Oliver Diplexito, apprentice to Mr. Scant. The art forgery and museum heists provide enough action to hook any kid. Just when you think you know the characters, they surprise you when you least expect it. Though the plot is sometimes too convenient at times, it is, nonetheless, a fun read for ages 7 and up. The novel is good for independent readers and for bedtime reading with parents. The characters are fun, and there is just enough internal conflict to help kids identify with Oliver on a more personal level. Verdict: The first book in a fun series. Great for kids who have active imaginations and who love thrilling adventure stories. This review was originally posted on Tales Between the Pages
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July 22, 2016This fast paced mystery set in England is about a boy named Oliver, who lives with his parents, who are quite wealthy. Oliver is intrigued by a series of art thefts by a thief the press has nicknamed The Ruminating Claw because the Claw always returns the art that is stolen after a few days. It turns out the Claw is far closer than Oliver suspects and he is drawn in to solving the mystery which turns out to be a lot bigger than he even could have possibly imagined. This one was a lot of fun to read and I think the kids are going to like this one a lot.
Want to read
April 2, 2021Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through NetGalley and Edelweiss.
April 14, 2017
If you like mysteries, magic, and exciting chases, “The Thief’s Apprentice” by Bryan Methods is for you! It is the first book in a new series about Master Diplexito and Mr. Scant. The main character, Oliver (aka Master Duplexito), is a twelve year-old boy, living in England with his rich family. Oliver’s father, a businessman, does not have much time for him. In his eyes, Oliver is just a meek and timid little boy. Mr. Scant, his father’s valet, is very stern and secretive.
Oliver leads a very boring life, until one cloudy night, when he is out of bed looking for hidden Christmas presents; he sees two shadows in the hallway. One is strangely familiar… but who? When the figure tosses the other out the window and steps into the light, Oliver sees Mr. Scant with a large, mechanical, claw! Right away, Oliver infers that Mr. Scant is the well-known criminal, the Ruminating Claw, who is being hunted by Scotland Yard. Oliver also assumes that he will now be the Claw’s next target, but he is actually in for something way more frightening! Is there more to Mr. Scant than meets the eye? After reading this book, you’ll find the answer to this question and many more, with lots of exciting twists and turns along the way.
My favorite part was when Mr. Scant first reveals his big secret to Oliver. It sent shivers up my spine! This was one of the best parts of this novel, because it was very witty, mysterious, and awesome! I couldn’t wait to read more to see what would happen next.
This mystery, fiction book provides a lot of content in the first part, but things get wildly crazy in the second half of the book, so readers’ really need to stick with it for a big payoff. During the second half of the book, the pages were fast-paced, funny and exciting! I’m looking forward to more of this style in the next book of this series.
I recommend this book for ages 9-14. Nines and tens might need a little help with some tricky words, though. It is a medium-sized book, 260 pages long. I gave it 4 Stars. I think that many children, some young adults, and even parents and grandparents would like this book to read to other kids and independently. Happy Reading!
Brooke Z., age 10, Delaware Valley Mensa
Oliver leads a very boring life, until one cloudy night, when he is out of bed looking for hidden Christmas presents; he sees two shadows in the hallway. One is strangely familiar… but who? When the figure tosses the other out the window and steps into the light, Oliver sees Mr. Scant with a large, mechanical, claw! Right away, Oliver infers that Mr. Scant is the well-known criminal, the Ruminating Claw, who is being hunted by Scotland Yard. Oliver also assumes that he will now be the Claw’s next target, but he is actually in for something way more frightening! Is there more to Mr. Scant than meets the eye? After reading this book, you’ll find the answer to this question and many more, with lots of exciting twists and turns along the way.
My favorite part was when Mr. Scant first reveals his big secret to Oliver. It sent shivers up my spine! This was one of the best parts of this novel, because it was very witty, mysterious, and awesome! I couldn’t wait to read more to see what would happen next.
This mystery, fiction book provides a lot of content in the first part, but things get wildly crazy in the second half of the book, so readers’ really need to stick with it for a big payoff. During the second half of the book, the pages were fast-paced, funny and exciting! I’m looking forward to more of this style in the next book of this series.
I recommend this book for ages 9-14. Nines and tens might need a little help with some tricky words, though. It is a medium-sized book, 260 pages long. I gave it 4 Stars. I think that many children, some young adults, and even parents and grandparents would like this book to read to other kids and independently. Happy Reading!
Brooke Z., age 10, Delaware Valley Mensa
April 18, 2017
What I enjoyed about is this book was the setting: England, written by an Englishman. Narrative nuances were unique and different. Overall, it was a good book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews