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Story Thieves #1
Story Thieves
Life is boring when you live in the real world, instead of starring in your own book series. Owen knows that better than anyone, what with the real world’s homework and chores.
But everything changes the day Owen sees the impossible happen—his classmate Bethany climb out of a book in the library. It turns out Bethany’s half-fictional and has been searching every book she can find for her missing father, a fictional character.
Bethany can’t let anyone else learn her secret, so Owen makes her a deal: All she has to do is take him into a book in Owen’s favorite Kiel Gnomenfoot series, and he’ll never say a word. Besides, visiting the book might help Bethany find her father…
…Or it might just destroy the Kiel Gnomenfoot series, reveal Bethany’s secret to the entire world, and force Owen to live out Kiel Gnomenfoot’s final (very final) adventure.
But everything changes the day Owen sees the impossible happen—his classmate Bethany climb out of a book in the library. It turns out Bethany’s half-fictional and has been searching every book she can find for her missing father, a fictional character.
Bethany can’t let anyone else learn her secret, so Owen makes her a deal: All she has to do is take him into a book in Owen’s favorite Kiel Gnomenfoot series, and he’ll never say a word. Besides, visiting the book might help Bethany find her father…
…Or it might just destroy the Kiel Gnomenfoot series, reveal Bethany’s secret to the entire world, and force Owen to live out Kiel Gnomenfoot’s final (very final) adventure.
383 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2015
802 people are currently reading
13016 people want to read
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April 13, 2021
4.5 Golden Stars
10th best of 2020
I didn't want to read this book, wrong quick implication by seeing the word, "thieves" in the title & because it was middle grade, but then, one day earlier, it hit me like "you should read this!" beeb, beeb, beeb. middle grades are the best! (indeed they are, for my taste) & I immediately found the ebook & started reading it & I couldn't put it down.
& I saw how WrOnG I was, what I would loss if I hadn't read it, this was brilliant & NOT at all the story I'd expected! not even close! Unexpected & Unpredictable & Surprising & Fun!
it was another Great middle Grade to be added to my list of favourites.
Once my friend & I discussed that maybe in another life, we were the characters in our favourite books & that’s why in this life we love them. (& the authors were the main characters in there.)
It’s so fancy just to think about it. I love it, even if it’s so farfetched.
So here in this story, this idea was the closest thing I got to that interesting conversion. I was thrilled as a reader, as if the book was simultaneously be written as I read it. & as an author I kept yelling at Owen that don’t mess with that story!
It was fun.
It was the fantasy version of ‘books about books’, story inside another story, & it was brilliant!
after all, Who didn't want to dive into their favourite books, eh?
Owen, you dumba$$ cute enthusiastic fanboy, Authors do what they do because it’s something behind the curtains that you don’t know! So don’t mess with it! (it is my inner author shouting at Owen. not that I disagree, but still I’m happy they did it.) he also likes to reread & finding clues & he knows everything about the book. Yay!
I really liked Kiel, funny, arrogant in a good way, inspiring, hopeful.
My interest toward Bethany changed sinus-like, sometimes she was aggressive & rude & snapping at people, sometimes she was funny. How the fates (or should I say, the author) intertwined their path was funny & making sense, in a fantasy middle-grade sort of sense.
Dr. Verity was hilarious too, I liked him.
The writing style was fun, the inside thoughts, questions, sarcasms. Also unique, when it was needed. (& I’m not kidding, I read the whole acknowledgement too, it was fun! he could be added to my fav authors list right away, but I should wait & see.)
I was also enthralled to see all those book references. (･ω･)
& I was reminded of my first Potterhead years when I was waiting for the new books in the series to come. Especially last book. good old times...
I also started watching "Once Upon a Time" as I needed something to watch with modernized nowadays version world & medieval fairytale fantasy & it is awesome too.
It was a quick read, once I blinked, I noticed I read 10 chapters! Action-packed, hilarious fantasy book about books. I really enjoyed it.
& again (like Simon Snow), I would like to read Kiel's all 7 books! gimme them!
Plot: ★★★★★/5
Characters: ★★★★★/5
Writing style: ★★★★/5
World Building: ★★★★/5
general idea: ★★★★★/5
10th best of 2020
I didn't want to read this book, wrong quick implication by seeing the word, "thieves" in the title & because it was middle grade, but then, one day earlier, it hit me like "you should read this!" beeb, beeb, beeb. middle grades are the best! (indeed they are, for my taste) & I immediately found the ebook & started reading it & I couldn't put it down.
& I saw how WrOnG I was, what I would loss if I hadn't read it, this was brilliant & NOT at all the story I'd expected! not even close! Unexpected & Unpredictable & Surprising & Fun!
it was another Great middle Grade to be added to my list of favourites.
Once my friend & I discussed that maybe in another life, we were the characters in our favourite books & that’s why in this life we love them. (& the authors were the main characters in there.)
It’s so fancy just to think about it. I love it, even if it’s so farfetched.
So here in this story, this idea was the closest thing I got to that interesting conversion. I was thrilled as a reader, as if the book was simultaneously be written as I read it. & as an author I kept yelling at Owen that don’t mess with that story!
It was fun.
It was the fantasy version of ‘books about books’, story inside another story, & it was brilliant!
after all, Who didn't want to dive into their favourite books, eh?
Owen, you dumba$$ cute enthusiastic fanboy, Authors do what they do because it’s something behind the curtains that you don’t know! So don’t mess with it! (it is my inner author shouting at Owen. not that I disagree, but still I’m happy they did it.) he also likes to reread & finding clues & he knows everything about the book. Yay!
I really liked Kiel, funny, arrogant in a good way, inspiring, hopeful.
My interest toward Bethany changed sinus-like, sometimes she was aggressive & rude & snapping at people, sometimes she was funny. How the fates (or should I say, the author) intertwined their path was funny & making sense, in a fantasy middle-grade sort of sense.
Dr. Verity was hilarious too, I liked him.
The writing style was fun, the inside thoughts, questions, sarcasms. Also unique, when it was needed. (& I’m not kidding, I read the whole acknowledgement too, it was fun! he could be added to my fav authors list right away, but I should wait & see.)
I was also enthralled to see all those book references. (･ω･)
& I was reminded of my first Potterhead years when I was waiting for the new books in the series to come. Especially last book. good old times...
I also started watching "Once Upon a Time" as I needed something to watch with modernized nowadays version world & medieval fairytale fantasy & it is awesome too.
It was a quick read, once I blinked, I noticed I read 10 chapters! Action-packed, hilarious fantasy book about books. I really enjoyed it.
& again (like Simon Snow), I would like to read Kiel's all 7 books! gimme them!
Plot: ★★★★★/5
Characters: ★★★★★/5
Writing style: ★★★★/5
World Building: ★★★★/5
general idea: ★★★★★/5
May 8, 2015
This is my first review!
This book is AMAZING! I knew that I wasn't going to be disappointed with this book. James Riley is my favorite author and when I heard this book was coming out, I was so pumped and excited! Story Thieves is so funny, it will have you laughing at many parts.
I feel I can relate to all the characters in some way. There were so many quotes that I loved from this book.
I was reading in the bus and there was a really funny part, so I started laughing. I didn't realize that I was really loud until I looked up from the book. People were giving me concerned looks because they must have thought I was CRAZY.
There was a huge plot twist and I never saw it coming. The writing was amazing. I never got bored in this book and I was laughing so much! It was just as amazing as Half Upon A Time! It was such a fun read!
I felt that this book made me think about fictional characters. This book showed us how fictional characters would react if they found out that their entire life was being controlled by some random person,(author). It was so interesting to read something new and CREATIVE!
Parts I loved!
• “Half Upon A Time? I met that author once. He misspelled his own name in my book when he signed it. Weird.”
• “The second rule they taught us in librarian school is that you can have as many favorite books as there are books.”
• “Sit down,” she told him, pushing him into one of the chair’s seats. “Don’t be such a baby.”
“IT'S NOT BEING A BABY TO NOW WANT YOU DOING SURGERY ON ME!"
• “This is my book?” Kiel said almost reverently, gently placing his fingers on the window. “I’m so …..Handsome! Look at me! Do you see this? Look!”
• Ooh, you do look just like him!’ said a girl coming out of the store. ”that’s so cool!”
“Oh really?” Kiel said, posing beside the poster. “I mean, I’m probably a bit better looking, don’t you think? The painting loses something a little. But I can see the resemblance, I suppose.”
• “The sad thing is,” she whispered to the girl, “he thinks he really is Kiel. It’s something wrong in his head. We just came to the author’s town to see if it might help snap him out of it.”
There are a lot more parts that I enjoyed (Technically the whole book :)
I would give this book more than 5 stars, if I could. It is amazing and it is recommended for everyone!!!!!!! You could read this book by yourself, in a book club, with your family, or class!
This book is AMAZING! I knew that I wasn't going to be disappointed with this book. James Riley is my favorite author and when I heard this book was coming out, I was so pumped and excited! Story Thieves is so funny, it will have you laughing at many parts.
I feel I can relate to all the characters in some way. There were so many quotes that I loved from this book.
I was reading in the bus and there was a really funny part, so I started laughing. I didn't realize that I was really loud until I looked up from the book. People were giving me concerned looks because they must have thought I was CRAZY.
There was a huge plot twist and I never saw it coming. The writing was amazing. I never got bored in this book and I was laughing so much! It was just as amazing as Half Upon A Time! It was such a fun read!
I felt that this book made me think about fictional characters. This book showed us how fictional characters would react if they found out that their entire life was being controlled by some random person,(author). It was so interesting to read something new and CREATIVE!
Parts I loved!
• “Half Upon A Time? I met that author once. He misspelled his own name in my book when he signed it. Weird.”
• “The second rule they taught us in librarian school is that you can have as many favorite books as there are books.”
• “Sit down,” she told him, pushing him into one of the chair’s seats. “Don’t be such a baby.”
“IT'S NOT BEING A BABY TO NOW WANT YOU DOING SURGERY ON ME!"
• “This is my book?” Kiel said almost reverently, gently placing his fingers on the window. “I’m so …..Handsome! Look at me! Do you see this? Look!”
• Ooh, you do look just like him!’ said a girl coming out of the store. ”that’s so cool!”
“Oh really?” Kiel said, posing beside the poster. “I mean, I’m probably a bit better looking, don’t you think? The painting loses something a little. But I can see the resemblance, I suppose.”
• “The sad thing is,” she whispered to the girl, “he thinks he really is Kiel. It’s something wrong in his head. We just came to the author’s town to see if it might help snap him out of it.”
There are a lot more parts that I enjoyed (Technically the whole book :)
I would give this book more than 5 stars, if I could. It is amazing and it is recommended for everyone!!!!!!! You could read this book by yourself, in a book club, with your family, or class!
January 17, 2015
4.5
And then everything exploded into fire and chaos and awesome.
Ha! is all I want to say to my 2014 self. HA! With Story Thieves, I've come to fully embrace the new year. I think. See, last year I picked up my kindle to read the book, only to put it down in favor of reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. AGAIN. Which I don't regret but later on, and blah blah blah, you don't care, I don't.
Whatever.
What do I say? Ummm... this is totally an awesome book! I haven't fangirled so hard about anything besides Game of Thrones and Calculus* in recent memory, going so far as to do some ninja-style-dancing which prompted my brother to kick me. He's the real ninja.
Story Thieves, in as pretentious terms as I can manage, is a story about the differences between reality and fiction, and lack thereof. Simply put: Owen, he who sits in math class and loves to fanboy hard, gets a chance to save the hero of his hero, and then play the part of his hero. Bethany, she who skirts the edges of fun, after much cajoling and running and shouting and saving the world, finally gives in and acts a bit fictional to save reality.
In all, it's a clever and emotional and action-packed book with characters as similar to you and me as can be if we were all tweens (I think) who hated math.
"It worked. And it worked because I embraced the problems and made it work for me.That's real magic."
"No. Real magic is when you make something happen that's physically impossible."
"Well, sure, that too. That's real magic. But this is realer magic."
"No, it's not that either. The word doesn't even exist."
"So, in a away, that word is magic, by your definition."
It pokes fun and fingers through cliches and tropes about story characters, then full-on embraces them. Hell, the story makes use of plot holes to complete the plot. And hats off to THAT!
More to the point: There are side characters whose full depths we perhaps never truly realize until we confront them ourselves--that's what James Riley shows, in the fictional world in his fictional story within this fictional story.
Owen plays the part of Kiel Gnomenfoot, dying and being saved by dumb luck, solely on the conviction that it's a book, and nothing truly bad can happen. However, as he plods along, it turns out that the book gets progressively darker. And in the end, it's the reality that he's faced, has lived in, has conditioned him which ends up saving him.
And Bethany, who is half-fictional and can dive into stories, becomes a little more fictional in her life. Embraces the impossible.
"You don't ever speak to me again, do you understand? And if you ever tell anyone about me, I'll find the deepest, darkest math book I can find, and drop you into the most boring part!"
She's truly formidable.
Like I said: clever, clever book. Not the clever of books like Little Bee but you know, I found kernels of secrets and irony and realism that even now make me giggle.
The story within the story is, from a space-eagle's perspective with poor eyesight, about an inter-planetary war between Magisteria, world of magic and imagination and chaos, and Quanterium, world of science and order and innovation. It's a thought-out, quirky world and I truly appreciated the fact that I got to finish its story, that the author had me invested in it so fast, so hard.
It's funny, sad, poignant and full of awesome. These are characters you understand, who make you laugh and smile and giggle all in one breath, whom you sometimes would prefer to throw out of the book. They're not as fleshed out and/or complicated as the last what? Thomas Hardy book you read. But I loved it. I loved it. And you should read it tooooooooooo!
There ARE so many plotholes and questions I'd like to ask and consequences that weren't dealt with but I think the last was kinda one of the points of this ordeal our characters went through and to the rest, well I still love it, don't I?
There are tidbits about life and librarians, too.
"Don't worry. Maybe you just haven't found your favorite book yet. I honestly don't think anyone has. Just when you think you might have a favorite, something better comes along."
So true. (Also The Piper's Son or gtfo.)
#Kiel_Gnomenfoot4Life
"I'm really happy to have gotten to know you."
Thank you thank you thank you to the people at Aladdin who rose up like a genie from a bottle in mist and clouds and fog, to present the best book I've read in 2015 so far.
*Probably, Owen and Bethany won't be big fans of mine.
And then everything exploded into fire and chaos and awesome.
Ha! is all I want to say to my 2014 self. HA! With Story Thieves, I've come to fully embrace the new year. I think. See, last year I picked up my kindle to read the book, only to put it down in favor of reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. AGAIN. Which I don't regret but later on, and blah blah blah, you don't care, I don't.
Whatever.
What do I say? Ummm... this is totally an awesome book! I haven't fangirled so hard about anything besides Game of Thrones and Calculus* in recent memory, going so far as to do some ninja-style-dancing which prompted my brother to kick me. He's the real ninja.
Story Thieves, in as pretentious terms as I can manage, is a story about the differences between reality and fiction, and lack thereof. Simply put: Owen, he who sits in math class and loves to fanboy hard, gets a chance to save the hero of his hero, and then play the part of his hero. Bethany, she who skirts the edges of fun, after much cajoling and running and shouting and saving the world, finally gives in and acts a bit fictional to save reality.
In all, it's a clever and emotional and action-packed book with characters as similar to you and me as can be if we were all tweens (I think) who hated math.
"It worked. And it worked because I embraced the problems and made it work for me.That's real magic."
"No. Real magic is when you make something happen that's physically impossible."
"Well, sure, that too. That's real magic. But this is realer magic."
"No, it's not that either. The word doesn't even exist."
"So, in a away, that word is magic, by your definition."
It pokes fun and fingers through cliches and tropes about story characters, then full-on embraces them. Hell, the story makes use of plot holes to complete the plot. And hats off to THAT!
More to the point: There are side characters whose full depths we perhaps never truly realize until we confront them ourselves--that's what James Riley shows, in the fictional world in his fictional story within this fictional story.
Owen plays the part of Kiel Gnomenfoot, dying and being saved by dumb luck, solely on the conviction that it's a book, and nothing truly bad can happen. However, as he plods along, it turns out that the book gets progressively darker. And in the end, it's the reality that he's faced, has lived in, has conditioned him which ends up saving him.
And Bethany, who is half-fictional and can dive into stories, becomes a little more fictional in her life. Embraces the impossible.
"You don't ever speak to me again, do you understand? And if you ever tell anyone about me, I'll find the deepest, darkest math book I can find, and drop you into the most boring part!"
She's truly formidable.
Like I said: clever, clever book. Not the clever of books like Little Bee but you know, I found kernels of secrets and irony and realism that even now make me giggle.
The story within the story is, from a space-eagle's perspective with poor eyesight, about an inter-planetary war between Magisteria, world of magic and imagination and chaos, and Quanterium, world of science and order and innovation. It's a thought-out, quirky world and I truly appreciated the fact that I got to finish its story, that the author had me invested in it so fast, so hard.
It's funny, sad, poignant and full of awesome. These are characters you understand, who make you laugh and smile and giggle all in one breath, whom you sometimes would prefer to throw out of the book. They're not as fleshed out and/or complicated as the last what? Thomas Hardy book you read. But I loved it. I loved it. And you should read it tooooooooooo!
There ARE so many plotholes and questions I'd like to ask and consequences that weren't dealt with but I think the last was kinda one of the points of this ordeal our characters went through and to the rest, well I still love it, don't I?
There are tidbits about life and librarians, too.
"Don't worry. Maybe you just haven't found your favorite book yet. I honestly don't think anyone has. Just when you think you might have a favorite, something better comes along."
So true. (Also The Piper's Son or gtfo.)
#Kiel_Gnomenfoot4Life
"I'm really happy to have gotten to know you."
Thank you thank you thank you to the people at Aladdin who rose up like a genie from a bottle in mist and clouds and fog, to present the best book I've read in 2015 so far.
*Probably, Owen and Bethany won't be big fans of mine.
February 22, 2024
The year is 2016. *record scratch, freeze frame* yep that’s me, walking into target with a unicorn tshirt and a severe side part. nine year old me was on a mission. get starbucks and the third harry potter book and get out. but of course my mom made me get a new book I hadn’t already read, as she always does when I try to buy rereads. But thank goodness she did or mentally unstable 16 year old me wouldn’t be sitting here crying over my emotional attachment to this children’s book series.
These books have been a huge part of my childhood and they’re still such a comfort read for me. I will admit the writing isn’t the best and the characters are very basic but there’s just something about the books that made me latch onto these characters and this story. I think it’s just the fact that they’re such. book characters.
They were specifically written to be the grumpy smart girl with a soft spot for one person, the comic relief, the chosen one, and the female main character with powers.
And i think thats really funny as I get older.
I’ve never been the best at writing actual reviews for books so I really don’t know how to explain this book in a way that would do it justice. You’ll just have to trust me when I say that this is one of the most criminally underrated book series’s ever. I mean it. I recommend these books for absolutely everyone all the time.
language: none
romance: none
gore/fear: none
age rating: 9-13+
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5) stars
p.s. read the acknowledgements too, they’re actually really funny.💀
These books have been a huge part of my childhood and they’re still such a comfort read for me. I will admit the writing isn’t the best and the characters are very basic but there’s just something about the books that made me latch onto these characters and this story. I think it’s just the fact that they’re such. book characters.
They were specifically written to be the grumpy smart girl with a soft spot for one person, the comic relief, the chosen one, and the female main character with powers.
And i think thats really funny as I get older.
I’ve never been the best at writing actual reviews for books so I really don’t know how to explain this book in a way that would do it justice. You’ll just have to trust me when I say that this is one of the most criminally underrated book series’s ever. I mean it. I recommend these books for absolutely everyone all the time.
language: none
romance: none
gore/fear: none
age rating: 9-13+
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5) stars
p.s. read the acknowledgements too, they’re actually really funny.💀
August 31, 2017
Took turns reading this with my son. This middle grades (4th to 8th) genre book was like OK for me as an adult, but 10 stars out of 5 stars for my son. When I asked him why? He said the ACTION was constant! He said every time for a second he thought they were safe or just for a moment thought they were going to rest finally, something else always happened. He said he also liked the references to real life children's, middle grades, and teen/YA books throughout that he himself or he knows his classmates have read. He also liked the plot twist ending. He had me buy the 2nd book in the series The Stolen Chapters before he even half finished this one! He made sure I packed the 2nd book in the series into his school backpack this morning before we left. So giving this 4 stars to split the difference between the two of us.
Language: No profanity that I remember.
Sensuality: Squeaky clean.
Source: My purchased library.
Language: No profanity that I remember.
Sensuality: Squeaky clean.
Source: My purchased library.
April 4, 2020
This book is pure joy!
I love Story Thieves--I love every book by James Riley. It's so light-hearted and fun, but there's also high stakes and suspense and I can't stop reading.
James Riley pokes fun at book tropes and stereotypes--he plays with them to craft a thrilling adventure where a fanboy reader must live out his favorite character's story. There's twists and reveals and so much action...I don't care that I'm probably too old for this, it makes me so happy.
(And I have never enjoyed reading the Acknowledgments so much! Somehow the author even made that part laugh-out-loud funny.)
I love Story Thieves--I love every book by James Riley. It's so light-hearted and fun, but there's also high stakes and suspense and I can't stop reading.
James Riley pokes fun at book tropes and stereotypes--he plays with them to craft a thrilling adventure where a fanboy reader must live out his favorite character's story. There's twists and reveals and so much action...I don't care that I'm probably too old for this, it makes me so happy.
(And I have never enjoyed reading the Acknowledgments so much! Somehow the author even made that part laugh-out-loud funny.)
November 22, 2014
My thanks to Aladdin & Edelweiss
------------------------------------------------------------------
Point of View: Dual (Owen & Bethany)
Writing: Third Person | Past Tense
Setting: N/A
Genre: Middle Grade | Fantasy
------------------------------------------------------------------
It was a wonderful book right from the start until the very end. The storyline was refreshing and so full of action that it kept me on the edge of the seat. I loved how the story progress, from such a measly simple thing to an adventurous journey in the hope of saving the day. I can't wait to find out their next encounter.
The characters were well-developed; I loved them all! Bethany was a tough little girl, and Owen was just an adorable goofball. Together, they made quite a pair.
The book was written in a way that completely captured my attention. Its pace was really great as it wasn't moving way too fast or too slow as I normally find in most middle grade books I have read. The storyline was full of excitement and nail-biting suspense that it was hard not to read the whole thing in one sitting. The humor added a fascinating touch to the story, making reading this book was delightful experience.
All in all, I absolutely adored this book. The appealing characters, humors dialogues and the witty storyline were just a few things I loved about this book. I'm sure a lot of people will enjoy this book as much as I did.
July 31, 2015
Interesting premise. Catchy title and cover art. Thin plot with poor characterization.
I had to force myself to keep reading. Too predictable and uninteresting. Not enough tension. Insufficiently developed characters.
I had to force myself to keep reading. Too predictable and uninteresting. Not enough tension. Insufficiently developed characters.
June 28, 2017
To be quite honest, I have NO idea where to start. I'm not entirely exactly certain if I even LIKED the book or not. I'll probably read the next one just to see? Maybe that means I did like it? Don't know. I can see some middle-graders loving it.
First of all, I don't understand what exactly the title is referring to. I thought it meant that the MCs would be stealing parts of stories for some purpose. There was a little character thievery going on, but it's a bit of a stretch to call it "Story Thieves".
Second, there was a scientific mistake in that one of the characters stated that gold doesn't conduct electricity. Gold DOES. And middle-graders study that, so they'll either catch the mistake, or a misconception will be perpetuated in their mind. As a former science teacher, I saw some glimpses of red in my peripheral vision. The other science was correct, so I don't see it only not doing that in the fictional world? Because science was a huge part of said fictional world. A disclaimer, at the least, would have been nice. Like the character from reality mentioning that it does conduct in his world or something.
THIRD. This could be pro OR con, depending on the reader. This story moves at an absolutely BREAKNECK pace. There is no time to process, or catch one's breath. Each chapter switches POVs, and due to the pacing, can be interesting to keep straightened out with everything that is going on.
It was definitely a page-turner, and held my attention, but I had a lot of WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON?! moments, as well. There are also a few horror aspects to it, especially in the last few chapters, so I wouldn't recommend it to more sensitive readers.
Whirlwind of a book. 3 out of 5 stars. Long review for someone who didn't know where to start and uses the word "first" when she DOES start.
First of all, I don't understand what exactly the title is referring to. I thought it meant that the MCs would be stealing parts of stories for some purpose. There was a little character thievery going on, but it's a bit of a stretch to call it "Story Thieves".
Second, there was a scientific mistake in that one of the characters stated that gold doesn't conduct electricity. Gold DOES. And middle-graders study that, so they'll either catch the mistake, or a misconception will be perpetuated in their mind. As a former science teacher, I saw some glimpses of red in my peripheral vision. The other science was correct, so I don't see it only not doing that in the fictional world? Because science was a huge part of said fictional world. A disclaimer, at the least, would have been nice. Like the character from reality mentioning that it does conduct in his world or something.
THIRD. This could be pro OR con, depending on the reader. This story moves at an absolutely BREAKNECK pace. There is no time to process, or catch one's breath. Each chapter switches POVs, and due to the pacing, can be interesting to keep straightened out with everything that is going on.
It was definitely a page-turner, and held my attention, but I had a lot of WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON?! moments, as well. There are also a few horror aspects to it, especially in the last few chapters, so I wouldn't recommend it to more sensitive readers.
Whirlwind of a book. 3 out of 5 stars. Long review for someone who didn't know where to start and uses the word "first" when she DOES start.
December 29, 2023
A fun fantasy with a convoluted plot and likable characters. I need to find the sequel so I can continue the series.
May 13, 2025
Haven't we all secretly wished to live the lives we read of in books? To actually enter in and become part of the story?... Story Thieves delivers one such bookish adventure filled with surprises, fun, twists, and excitement.
✏️ Review ✏️
Ok, first things first before I just start rambling. The premise of Story Thieves is incredibly interesting. Like, traveling inside books, interacting with all your favorite fictional characters, and living all of the bookish adventures of your choosing? Definitely grabbed my attention and made for a very fun storyline.
The plot of this book is insanely fast-paced: so many different scene breaks, plot twists, non-stop action, and cliffhangers. Now crunch all that together with a dual-POV storyline and the plot is just all over the place. My word, it was one fast ride! 😆 And while this speedy delivery will keep many readers interested, substantial character development and concrete world building are sacrificed because of the rushed delivery. And so...
... While the characters are memorable (I mean, who wouldn't remember these book traveling characters?), the rushed plot leaves very little room for development. So, yeah, the characters seem kind of flat. They do have distinct personalities, though: Bethany's levelheaded and composed (well, mostly) demeanor, Owen's action-oriented and sometimes impulsive personality, and Kiel with his wit, humor, and daring ideas. The characters could have had better development but they aren't the very worst either.
While the writing style does the job for this story, it definitely is simplistic. Descriptions are minimal at best, so there isn't much artistic flavor to the writing (except maybe a multitude of sentences that look LIKE THIS).
So what's the verdict? Story Thieves is a very enjoyable and fun fast-paced middle grade fantasy adventure that provides a very intriguing premise. The one major drawback (for me personally) is the magic: lots of spell casting and wizardry. I could have enjoyed the story a lot more without out that, as I don't like or feel comfortable with reading books with this type of overt magic content; if you're fine with this magic, then you'll love this book.
Well, there's my review (and I feel that I still rambled on anyway — forgive me 🙃). I do plan on continuing this series because I'm certainly intrigued and drawn into the characters' lives at this point. To be continued in book two — The Stolen Chapters.
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📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The intrigue of the story's premise.
• The characters' distinct personalities.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• The lack of any real character development.
• The lack of concrete world building.
• Some of the wizard-type magical elements.
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❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes, selectively.*
— To whom? To those who enjoy fun, fast-paced fantasy adventures that don't necessarily have a lot of character development and world building. And if you're fine with Harry Potter-style magic.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 2.5/5 [rounded down to 2 on Goodreads])
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 2/5
— 👥 Characters: 2/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• Several scenes of mild action-adventure violence.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
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📣 Random Comments 📣
• Magic content: As I mentioned briefly in my review, Story Thieves contains overt magic/wizardry content:
— The characters can obtain the ability to cast various spells by "learning" (memorizing) the words for such spells from a spell book (where this spell book originated is not specifically stated).
— The aforementioned spell book is implied to have an awareness to the events of the present — it will open to the spell most suited to a character's needs when he/she makes a request known by thinking really hard (almost like a prayer?) about what spell he/she wants.
— Certain spells carry different powers; with the spells' powers, the characters can do various things: (1) control other characters' mental and bodily functions, (2) manipulate physical appearances of objects (i.e., make them disappear, etc.), (3) grant life to dead persons and "dead" robots (which makes them into zombies), (4) and a few other various other abilities.
— More on point #3 from the point immediately above: The magic used to give life to the dead characters is described as "dark magic." When the character pleads with the spell book to find him an appropriate spell to raise the dead, if you will, he comes across "forbidden" spells — in the characters own words: "these words sounded dark." That entire scene is kind of weird, so be warned. Also, one of the other characters is mentioned as "wanting to bring his parents back to life using magic."
— A Source of Magic is briefly mentioned a few times. This Source is described as having a "quantum connection between [itself] and those who have ever used magic, anyone in all of history." This statement and the name itself seem to suggest that this Source is where all magic originates.
— One of characters — known mostly as "the Magister" — seems to possess the greatest power of all the characters. He is described as a "wizard" and can steal other characters' powers from them to use for his own means.
In conclusion: Readers who are uncomfortable with Harry Potter-type magic will want to read this book with heightened discretion or just skip this book entirely.
• A note about my rating: To those who are comfortable with Harry Potter-style magic, add one full star to my rating (from 2.5 stars to 3.5 stars).
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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• The books helped. Being around all the stories somehow let her breathe again. They didn't want anything from her, or think badly of her. They were there just to tell their stories. (p. 70)
✏️ Review ✏️
Ok, first things first before I just start rambling. The premise of Story Thieves is incredibly interesting. Like, traveling inside books, interacting with all your favorite fictional characters, and living all of the bookish adventures of your choosing? Definitely grabbed my attention and made for a very fun storyline.
"'You can't know how amazing this is.... I knew that there was something like this out there.... [F]or books to be real? To know they're out there, all my favorite characters?'"
The plot of this book is insanely fast-paced: so many different scene breaks, plot twists, non-stop action, and cliffhangers. Now crunch all that together with a dual-POV storyline and the plot is just all over the place. My word, it was one fast ride! 😆 And while this speedy delivery will keep many readers interested, substantial character development and concrete world building are sacrificed because of the rushed delivery. And so...
... While the characters are memorable (I mean, who wouldn't remember these book traveling characters?), the rushed plot leaves very little room for development. So, yeah, the characters seem kind of flat. They do have distinct personalities, though: Bethany's levelheaded and composed (well, mostly) demeanor, Owen's action-oriented and sometimes impulsive personality, and Kiel with his wit, humor, and daring ideas. The characters could have had better development but they aren't the very worst either.
While the writing style does the job for this story, it definitely is simplistic. Descriptions are minimal at best, so there isn't much artistic flavor to the writing (except maybe a multitude of sentences that look LIKE THIS).
"What was this? Why did it seem so familiar?
'You know how this story goes, Bethany,' said a deep male voice.... Bethany looked around, but she was alone now....
'I don't,' Bethany said, fighting to clear her head. 'Who are you? Where... where is this?'
'This is your home,' the voice said. 'You are living out the story of your life. A mistake was made here, a mistake that will haunt you for years to come....'"
So what's the verdict? Story Thieves is a very enjoyable and fun fast-paced middle grade fantasy adventure that provides a very intriguing premise. The one major drawback (for me personally) is the magic: lots of spell casting and wizardry. I could have enjoyed the story a lot more without out that, as I don't like or feel comfortable with reading books with this type of overt magic content; if you're fine with this magic, then you'll love this book.
Well, there's my review (and I feel that I still rambled on anyway — forgive me 🙃). I do plan on continuing this series because I'm certainly intrigued and drawn into the characters' lives at this point. To be continued in book two — The Stolen Chapters.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The intrigue of the story's premise.
• The characters' distinct personalities.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• The lack of any real character development.
• The lack of concrete world building.
• Some of the wizard-type magical elements.
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❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes, selectively.*
— To whom? To those who enjoy fun, fast-paced fantasy adventures that don't necessarily have a lot of character development and world building. And if you're fine with Harry Potter-style magic.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 2.5/5 [rounded down to 2 on Goodreads])
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 2/5
— 👥 Characters: 2/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• Several scenes of mild action-adventure violence.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
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📣 Random Comments 📣
• Magic content: As I mentioned briefly in my review, Story Thieves contains overt magic/wizardry content:
— The characters can obtain the ability to cast various spells by "learning" (memorizing) the words for such spells from a spell book (where this spell book originated is not specifically stated).
— The aforementioned spell book is implied to have an awareness to the events of the present — it will open to the spell most suited to a character's needs when he/she makes a request known by thinking really hard (almost like a prayer?) about what spell he/she wants.
— Certain spells carry different powers; with the spells' powers, the characters can do various things: (1) control other characters' mental and bodily functions, (2) manipulate physical appearances of objects (i.e., make them disappear, etc.), (3) grant life to dead persons and "dead" robots (which makes them into zombies), (4) and a few other various other abilities.
— More on point #3 from the point immediately above: The magic used to give life to the dead characters is described as "dark magic." When the character pleads with the spell book to find him an appropriate spell to raise the dead, if you will, he comes across "forbidden" spells — in the characters own words: "these words sounded dark." That entire scene is kind of weird, so be warned. Also, one of the other characters is mentioned as "wanting to bring his parents back to life using magic."
— A Source of Magic is briefly mentioned a few times. This Source is described as having a "quantum connection between [itself] and those who have ever used magic, anyone in all of history." This statement and the name itself seem to suggest that this Source is where all magic originates.
— One of characters — known mostly as "the Magister" — seems to possess the greatest power of all the characters. He is described as a "wizard" and can steal other characters' powers from them to use for his own means.
In conclusion: Readers who are uncomfortable with Harry Potter-type magic will want to read this book with heightened discretion or just skip this book entirely.
• A note about my rating: To those who are comfortable with Harry Potter-style magic, add one full star to my rating (from 2.5 stars to 3.5 stars).
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• The books helped. Being around all the stories somehow let her breathe again. They didn't want anything from her, or think badly of her. They were there just to tell their stories. (p. 70)
February 11, 2015
For Owen, life is boring. He longs for something exciting to happen, like his favourite character Kiel Gnomenfoot, well he is in for a big surprise! When he is in the library helping his mother, he sees a book on the floor. Just as he goes to pick it up he sees the book moving and then, impossibly, a hand coming out of it. Next thing he knows, his classmate, Bethany pops out.
He learns that Bethany is half fictional, her father popped out of a book and fell in love with her mother. When Bethany was little she accidentally jumped her whole party into a book and lost her father. She is afraid that something happened to him for him no to come back out and is now searching every and any book to find him. Owen cant believe the possibilities and is thrilled!! He tells Bethany that he will help her and he knows a spell that may help find her father, all they have to do is jump into the Kiel Gnomenfoot book and read the spell from the spell book. Bethany agrees on the condition that Owen follows the rules!! But can Owen follow the rules? What happens if he just says one thing to a character or tries to save someone?
Well this was such a fun read!! This is my first book by this author but it wont be my last. The Story Thieves is an engaging and action packed read and one that all ages will enjoy.
I loved the plot so much. Who wouldn't love to be able to actually jump into their favourite stories. Could you imagine how awesome that would be!!!
The characters were a breath of fresh air. Bethany has a magical gift but she doesn't abuse it. She knows the rules and sticks to them. When Owen sees her and what she can do, she freaks at first but thinks that it might be nice to have a friend to help. She started out as so nervous but her character developed so much throughout the book.
Owen was such a cutie, he was so fun to read. He wants to be like his favourite character Kiel but is it all its cracked up to be? When Bethany tells him the rules he cant see the harm of trying to save someone, whats the worst that can happen?? His name may appear in the book, which would be ultra cool, right!! Wrong. Owen sets things in motion that he cant control! Even when he messes up, Owen will do the right thing. I loved his enthusiasm and his joy of seeing the characters.
The friendship in the book was awesome. Bethany and Owen start out slowly because Bethany is afraid he will think she is crazy. Then Bethany and Kiel are thrown together and have the world to save while Own is thrown into the fictional world and has to save that!
Every character was well written and developed, even the fictional characters. I loved Kiel! He was such a snarky fun character even if he is fictional within the fictional story ;). The plot within the plot I enjoyed as well. I loved the Kiel Gnomenfoot books and would so read them! I loved the fact that we are dealing with two separate plots but both intertwine. It was a unique and fun thing to read.
Overall The Story Thieves was a fast paced and fun read. I read it with my boys and they loved the idea of jumping into books. They were discussing what books they would love to visit and I loved that! Its a book within a book and while aimed at the middle grade audience there's still enough of a plot for everyone to enjoy.
He learns that Bethany is half fictional, her father popped out of a book and fell in love with her mother. When Bethany was little she accidentally jumped her whole party into a book and lost her father. She is afraid that something happened to him for him no to come back out and is now searching every and any book to find him. Owen cant believe the possibilities and is thrilled!! He tells Bethany that he will help her and he knows a spell that may help find her father, all they have to do is jump into the Kiel Gnomenfoot book and read the spell from the spell book. Bethany agrees on the condition that Owen follows the rules!! But can Owen follow the rules? What happens if he just says one thing to a character or tries to save someone?
Well this was such a fun read!! This is my first book by this author but it wont be my last. The Story Thieves is an engaging and action packed read and one that all ages will enjoy.
I loved the plot so much. Who wouldn't love to be able to actually jump into their favourite stories. Could you imagine how awesome that would be!!!
The characters were a breath of fresh air. Bethany has a magical gift but she doesn't abuse it. She knows the rules and sticks to them. When Owen sees her and what she can do, she freaks at first but thinks that it might be nice to have a friend to help. She started out as so nervous but her character developed so much throughout the book.
Owen was such a cutie, he was so fun to read. He wants to be like his favourite character Kiel but is it all its cracked up to be? When Bethany tells him the rules he cant see the harm of trying to save someone, whats the worst that can happen?? His name may appear in the book, which would be ultra cool, right!! Wrong. Owen sets things in motion that he cant control! Even when he messes up, Owen will do the right thing. I loved his enthusiasm and his joy of seeing the characters.
The friendship in the book was awesome. Bethany and Owen start out slowly because Bethany is afraid he will think she is crazy. Then Bethany and Kiel are thrown together and have the world to save while Own is thrown into the fictional world and has to save that!
Every character was well written and developed, even the fictional characters. I loved Kiel! He was such a snarky fun character even if he is fictional within the fictional story ;). The plot within the plot I enjoyed as well. I loved the Kiel Gnomenfoot books and would so read them! I loved the fact that we are dealing with two separate plots but both intertwine. It was a unique and fun thing to read.
Overall The Story Thieves was a fast paced and fun read. I read it with my boys and they loved the idea of jumping into books. They were discussing what books they would love to visit and I loved that! Its a book within a book and while aimed at the middle grade audience there's still enough of a plot for everyone to enjoy.
January 23, 2020
The kids voted to abandon this one about halfway in. Owen was the kind of kid who makes you want to pull your hair out and Bethany just whined a lot. It just didn’t go anywhere and when it finally did, we didn’t care.
September 5, 2018
WOW OH WOW. I LOVE JAMES RILEY. I read his trilogy of Half Upon a Time yeaaaaarrrrrssssss ago, and loved them; I've decided to ask for those for Christmas, as well as the rest of the books in this series.
I read Story Thieves years ago as well, but at the time I was too young to understand it all. I received the book for my birthday and decided to read it.
*squealing*
CONS OF STORY THIEVES
Only con I can think of: Bethany shrieked a lot at the beginning of the book, which annoyed me.
PROS OF STORY THIEVES:
*rubs hands* Where to begin?
THE COVER. IS. GLORIOUS! Drink in the beautiful sight that now resides on my shelf. I can't wait for the rest of them to also make a home there.
OWEN IS HILARIOUS. I loved reading his POV. It got a lot more serious closer to the end, but the beginning was epic. (Here, I'll try to quote him from memory: "And then everything exploded into fire, and chaos, and awesome.")
KEIL IS AS WELL. And all the winking is awesome. (Quotes from memory: "But I mean, if you want to help, you can as well!" "Be more FICTIONAL!")
Charm getting emotional close to the end of the book.
A magical book with a mind of its own. (And honestly, a zombie spell book terrified me more than a zombie robot and First Magician.)
OVERALL:
EPIC.
GLORIOUS.
HILARIOUS.
This book explored the thing that every reader wanted: to go into a book. To meet their favorite fictional character. To BE them. To live the book. Even though most of our favorite characters die.
It took that idea that is dear to every readers' heart, and made it into something they'll adore. 10000003/5 stars. LOVE IT.
I read Story Thieves years ago as well, but at the time I was too young to understand it all. I received the book for my birthday and decided to read it.
*squealing*
CONS OF STORY THIEVES
Only con I can think of: Bethany shrieked a lot at the beginning of the book, which annoyed me.
PROS OF STORY THIEVES:
*rubs hands* Where to begin?
THE COVER. IS. GLORIOUS! Drink in the beautiful sight that now resides on my shelf. I can't wait for the rest of them to also make a home there.
OWEN IS HILARIOUS. I loved reading his POV. It got a lot more serious closer to the end, but the beginning was epic. (Here, I'll try to quote him from memory: "And then everything exploded into fire, and chaos, and awesome.")
KEIL IS AS WELL. And all the winking is awesome. (Quotes from memory: "But I mean, if you want to help, you can as well!" "Be more FICTIONAL!")
Charm getting emotional close to the end of the book.
A magical book with a mind of its own. (And honestly, a zombie spell book terrified me more than a zombie robot and First Magician.)
OVERALL:
EPIC.
GLORIOUS.
HILARIOUS.
This book explored the thing that every reader wanted: to go into a book. To meet their favorite fictional character. To BE them. To live the book. Even though most of our favorite characters die.
It took that idea that is dear to every readers' heart, and made it into something they'll adore. 10000003/5 stars. LOVE IT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2016
I understand why Owen was so excited to have a life that is not consist of school, home and TV because I actually feel the same and if an opportunity presented itself to me just like how Bethany was presented to Owen, I would definitely grab it! My goodness I've been imagining myself inside Hogwarts for like three years now, the smell of strawberries inside the Camp Half-Blood and the feel of Aslan's hide on my fingers. This book made me want to have the things that I couldn't, like travel through books. Oh my goodness! I want to see Percy and Harry in person, maybe Katniss too but LOL who wants to be in the Hunger Games? Definitely not me.
The main point is this, it's awesome to read about people being able to travel through books, it's cool to be inside a book and be a hero but it's not an easy life and to be honest if I somehow ended up in Owen's situation, or Percy's, or Harry's, I would definitely die in the first ten chapters.
This book has it's own potential but I'm not that excited to read the second book if there is one.
2.5 stars
The main point is this, it's awesome to read about people being able to travel through books, it's cool to be inside a book and be a hero but it's not an easy life and to be honest if I somehow ended up in Owen's situation, or Percy's, or Harry's, I would definitely die in the first ten chapters.
This book has it's own potential but I'm not that excited to read the second book if there is one.
2.5 stars
January 3, 2021
Drivel. I am appalled. A young, bored boy oversees a girl using magic. He demands that she reveal her secrets and perform magic with him. She refuses, reconsiders, refuses again and, when the boy doesn’t take no for an answer, relents. See any problems yet?
Then, when she does use her talent she sets out clear boundaries. The boy not only ignores them but fully intends to break all of them because he wants attention. Then, after he does so and screws everything up, it’s ok because they’re friends now and he’s (maybe?) sorry. Then he literally gets to be the hero while she cleans up his mess. Did I miss anything? I’m never letting my daughter near another book by this author!
Then, when she does use her talent she sets out clear boundaries. The boy not only ignores them but fully intends to break all of them because he wants attention. Then, after he does so and screws everything up, it’s ok because they’re friends now and he’s (maybe?) sorry. Then he literally gets to be the hero while she cleans up his mess. Did I miss anything? I’m never letting my daughter near another book by this author!
November 17, 2025
I loved listening to this middle grade novel with my kids! Kirby Heybourne did an incredible job narrating. Everyone loved it... especially great for book lovers. Excited to continue the next in the series!
March 13, 2015
This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.
Hmm. I'm not really sure what to say about this one. Did I love it? Did I hate it? Well, neither. Not yet, anyway.
The plot seems all over the place at times, but it actually comes together pretty cohesively by the end of the book. My main trouble, when I really come down to it, is the characters. Bethany especially just isn't particularly realistic. She's more of a stock character: she's got magical powers, one of her parents is missing/dead, she has this huge secret she hides from the rest of the world, and on and on. The fact that she's been going into books for years behind her mother's back for years makes her, to me at least, a little too dishonest to really be that sympathetic. I also felt like there was no way she'd really open up to some random classmate the way she did, and I seriously started questioning her judgement when she agreed to take Owen into the Kiel Gnomenfoot series. I mean, hello? What did she think was going to happen if she took this kid into his all-time favorite book series? She did get better as the story went along, though. Bethany didn't exactly become my favorite character in the world, but I have hope for her development in the later books. Riley has prepared some great set-ups for the next books, and if I had to guess he'll make me absolutely adore Bethany, Owen, and Kiel (who, by the way, is probably my favorite character yet) by the end of the series.
And that's really the crux of this review: I think this book is a set-up for the books ahead. If Riley does a wonderful job with the later books (as I'm 95% sure he will, based on his Half Upon a Time trilogy), then someday I'll look back at Story Thieves and have a ball reading through it again, because there will be all sorts of hints and foreshadowing that I totally missed without foreknowledge. I'll go back to retrace the beginnings of whatever relationships Riley chooses to favor in the later books (my money's totally on Bethany and Kiel!), and watch characters in a different light because I know what secrets they're hiding, or what will happen to them down the road. In a few years, I think I'll love Story Thieves because it is a beginning of a new series by a writer who is amazing at making me laugh, cry, and fall in love. Until then, this is a so-so book that makes an okay standalone, one that holds potential but no concrete prize. The best part was probably the ending, because it sets the stage for awesomeness in the second book.
If you want to read a James Riley, I recommend starting with his wonderful Half Upon a Time series. Story Thieves has potential, but doesn't hold a candle to Riley's crazy-fun fairy-tale spin-off. Of course, that could change - like I said, everything hinges on the rest of the series.
Hmm. I'm not really sure what to say about this one. Did I love it? Did I hate it? Well, neither. Not yet, anyway.
The plot seems all over the place at times, but it actually comes together pretty cohesively by the end of the book. My main trouble, when I really come down to it, is the characters. Bethany especially just isn't particularly realistic. She's more of a stock character: she's got magical powers, one of her parents is missing/dead, she has this huge secret she hides from the rest of the world, and on and on. The fact that she's been going into books for years behind her mother's back for years makes her, to me at least, a little too dishonest to really be that sympathetic. I also felt like there was no way she'd really open up to some random classmate the way she did, and I seriously started questioning her judgement when she agreed to take Owen into the Kiel Gnomenfoot series. I mean, hello? What did she think was going to happen if she took this kid into his all-time favorite book series? She did get better as the story went along, though. Bethany didn't exactly become my favorite character in the world, but I have hope for her development in the later books. Riley has prepared some great set-ups for the next books, and if I had to guess he'll make me absolutely adore Bethany, Owen, and Kiel (who, by the way, is probably my favorite character yet) by the end of the series.
And that's really the crux of this review: I think this book is a set-up for the books ahead. If Riley does a wonderful job with the later books (as I'm 95% sure he will, based on his Half Upon a Time trilogy), then someday I'll look back at Story Thieves and have a ball reading through it again, because there will be all sorts of hints and foreshadowing that I totally missed without foreknowledge. I'll go back to retrace the beginnings of whatever relationships Riley chooses to favor in the later books (my money's totally on Bethany and Kiel!), and watch characters in a different light because I know what secrets they're hiding, or what will happen to them down the road. In a few years, I think I'll love Story Thieves because it is a beginning of a new series by a writer who is amazing at making me laugh, cry, and fall in love. Until then, this is a so-so book that makes an okay standalone, one that holds potential but no concrete prize. The best part was probably the ending, because it sets the stage for awesomeness in the second book.
If you want to read a James Riley, I recommend starting with his wonderful Half Upon a Time series. Story Thieves has potential, but doesn't hold a candle to Riley's crazy-fun fairy-tale spin-off. Of course, that could change - like I said, everything hinges on the rest of the series.
May 18, 2017
I started reading this because I was such a fan of the Half Upon a Time series, and as much as I tried to like this book, I ended up having to give up on it.
I'm not sure if I was being hard on Story Thieves because of the expectations that were set by the Half Upon a Time series. The series was good because it exemplified fleshed out enjoyable characters, action scenes, a good story line, all while being in perfect balance. For me HUAT (Half Upon a Time) wasn't good because it was fairy-tale themed or solely because of the characters personality. In fact, if the author hadn't done so well with dialog, action, and story line, I probably wouldn't even have liked the characters.
So with all that being so, what happened with Story Thieves?
I can honestly say this is the first book that I have had to stop nearly halfway through and just skip to the end. It was really hard to get through.
The characters are bland, one dimensional, and any attempt to make them unique or authentic, just comes out flat. The story concept of jumping into books could have been good, but it ended up falling flat also. I felt like our villain was sooo forced, and I ended up being annoyed. Main character (Owen) was troublesome and foolish and not in a funny or cute way. There were so much info dumps, I was shocked. And though a lot of things were happening I felt like the book was moving slow.
There were other things, but I wont go into that. I thought maybe its because I'm not a kid anymore that I couldn't enjoy this book. But when I put it down, and picked up another "children's" book, I realized the problem is just this book.
There wasn't anything awful about this book, but I just cant say anything good. Ultimately its just my opinion, and it looks like a lot of other people have enjoyed it :) - Zoe
I'm not sure if I was being hard on Story Thieves because of the expectations that were set by the Half Upon a Time series. The series was good because it exemplified fleshed out enjoyable characters, action scenes, a good story line, all while being in perfect balance. For me HUAT (Half Upon a Time) wasn't good because it was fairy-tale themed or solely because of the characters personality. In fact, if the author hadn't done so well with dialog, action, and story line, I probably wouldn't even have liked the characters.
So with all that being so, what happened with Story Thieves?
I can honestly say this is the first book that I have had to stop nearly halfway through and just skip to the end. It was really hard to get through.
The characters are bland, one dimensional, and any attempt to make them unique or authentic, just comes out flat. The story concept of jumping into books could have been good, but it ended up falling flat also. I felt like our villain was sooo forced, and I ended up being annoyed. Main character (Owen) was troublesome and foolish and not in a funny or cute way. There were so much info dumps, I was shocked. And though a lot of things were happening I felt like the book was moving slow.
There were other things, but I wont go into that. I thought maybe its because I'm not a kid anymore that I couldn't enjoy this book. But when I put it down, and picked up another "children's" book, I realized the problem is just this book.
There wasn't anything awful about this book, but I just cant say anything good. Ultimately its just my opinion, and it looks like a lot of other people have enjoyed it :) - Zoe
January 9, 2015
STORY THIEVES by James Riley is an action-packed fantasy that blurs the line between real life and fictional worlds.
What if you could literally dive into a good book? Bethany can. As the child of a real mother and fictional father, she’s able to disappear into any paper book. Bethany has spent years carefully exploring library books for her lost father. When Owen discovers her secret, they begin an adventure that breaks the “fourth wall” mixing the real world with fantasy universes.
This clever new fantasy series will be a hit with a wide range of book lovers including those who enjoy fairy tales, magic stories, and science fiction. With many references to popular works of fiction, youth will be drawn into the premise and easily imagine themselves in the shoes of the main characters.
Known for his fractured fairy tales, James Riley provides just the right balance of action and suspense to keep readers engaged in the story. He skillfully weaves together silly subplots, humorous dialogue, and witty references into a storyline perfect for middle grade readers. Youth will easily empathize with the well-developed characters who have dreams and desires that sometimes get in the way of making good choices.
Fans of books like Fablehaven and Inkheart will enjoy the book’s premise, while science fiction and steampunk fans will love the characters from Owen’s favorite fictional series.
Like Bethany and Owen, your children will want to dive into this exciting fantasy adventure.
Edelweiss ARC used for review
What if you could literally dive into a good book? Bethany can. As the child of a real mother and fictional father, she’s able to disappear into any paper book. Bethany has spent years carefully exploring library books for her lost father. When Owen discovers her secret, they begin an adventure that breaks the “fourth wall” mixing the real world with fantasy universes.
This clever new fantasy series will be a hit with a wide range of book lovers including those who enjoy fairy tales, magic stories, and science fiction. With many references to popular works of fiction, youth will be drawn into the premise and easily imagine themselves in the shoes of the main characters.
Known for his fractured fairy tales, James Riley provides just the right balance of action and suspense to keep readers engaged in the story. He skillfully weaves together silly subplots, humorous dialogue, and witty references into a storyline perfect for middle grade readers. Youth will easily empathize with the well-developed characters who have dreams and desires that sometimes get in the way of making good choices.
Fans of books like Fablehaven and Inkheart will enjoy the book’s premise, while science fiction and steampunk fans will love the characters from Owen’s favorite fictional series.
Like Bethany and Owen, your children will want to dive into this exciting fantasy adventure.
Edelweiss ARC used for review
June 21, 2018
STORY THIEVES is SUCH a good book. It is completely original in the way it sets the fictional and nonfictional worlds up next to each other. And it has a girl that can jump into books! AWESOME. One of the best parts is when Owen gets to play a character in a series that everyone loves: the Kiel Gnomenfoot books. This creates more chaos than you could predict. The author is so good at fooling your mind, that by the end of the book, your understanding of what is happening is completely changed. It is a book in a category of its own and is unbelievably unique. Everyone should give it a try.
--Sumner, PWPLS Teen Reader
--Sumner, PWPLS Teen Reader
February 6, 2017
Oh my. This book was so good, I could have read it in a day-but due to school
(and parents who want you to get a good night's sleep), I had to finish this book at the beginning of school.
Five complete, total, brilliant stars for Story Thieves.
________________________________
At first: This is interesting, I guess, but--WHAT?! I finished 20% of the book already?! Maybe it's a short book.
Middle: *turns pages at lightning speed*
End: Oh my. Oh my. Oh my. BOOK TWO!! HERE I COME!!!!
________________________________
And that basically sums it up.
(and parents who want you to get a good night's sleep), I had to finish this book at the beginning of school.
Five complete, total, brilliant stars for Story Thieves.
________________________________
At first: This is interesting, I guess, but--WHAT?! I finished 20% of the book already?! Maybe it's a short book.
Middle: *turns pages at lightning speed*
End: Oh my. Oh my. Oh my. BOOK TWO!! HERE I COME!!!!
________________________________
And that basically sums it up.
August 1, 2020
This was one hell of an adventure and it's only starting, I really liked the characters, their sense of humor and their bravery. The next book is on my list!
March 21, 2020
I really liked the plot of this story but the way the author wrote it made it seem like a 'meh' book.
May 15, 2024
it was fun
im done
rah rah🎉🎉
im done
rah rah🎉🎉
September 23, 2014
When reading the synopsis for this book, I was a little hesitant in starting it. It sounds an awful lot like the premise of Inkheart. Well, in Inkheart, the main character can read characters into or out of a book, where as in Story Thieves, the main character can pull people or characters into or out of the book with her. Seeing as how I am a huge fan of Inkheart, I didn't want to be comparing the two stories the entire time I was reading. Sometimes I find that when I see a similarity, comparing is the only thing I can do. For this review, I will attempt to not compare as much as possible.
To middle schooler, Owen, nothing is more exciting than opening up one of his favorite books & imagining himself a part of the story... but it isn't until he discovers his classmate Bethany can go in to the stories she is reading that his dreams actually start seeming like they may come true. All he has to do is trick her into bringing him into his favorite series, Kiel Gnomenfoot, so he can save the day and become the hero he knows he is. While all Bethany is trying to do is find her missing father.
But little does he know, nothing ever happens exactly like you imagine. In a serious of accidental events, the characters from the story are released into the real world & the only way to make sure that the story goes on is for him to disguise himself as the main character, Kiel. His every dream is coming true... adventure is on the horizon. But adventure is NOT all its cracked up to be.
While Owen is off gallivanting at being a hero, Bethany is stuck trying to round up fictional characters in the real world before someone finds out her secret.
One part Inkheart, One part Harry Potter, & One part Steampunk, Story Thieves is sure to appeal to the middle schoolers and older who are looking for a good release into action & adventure. If you have ever dreamed of being a part of the stories you have read & love, then this is a great book for you to pick up.
If you are looking for any other book or series suggestions, feel free to message me through my blog UtopiaNeverComes.blogspot.com or email me at FooFiFauxPaw@google.com.
To middle schooler, Owen, nothing is more exciting than opening up one of his favorite books & imagining himself a part of the story... but it isn't until he discovers his classmate Bethany can go in to the stories she is reading that his dreams actually start seeming like they may come true. All he has to do is trick her into bringing him into his favorite series, Kiel Gnomenfoot, so he can save the day and become the hero he knows he is. While all Bethany is trying to do is find her missing father.
But little does he know, nothing ever happens exactly like you imagine. In a serious of accidental events, the characters from the story are released into the real world & the only way to make sure that the story goes on is for him to disguise himself as the main character, Kiel. His every dream is coming true... adventure is on the horizon. But adventure is NOT all its cracked up to be.
While Owen is off gallivanting at being a hero, Bethany is stuck trying to round up fictional characters in the real world before someone finds out her secret.
One part Inkheart, One part Harry Potter, & One part Steampunk, Story Thieves is sure to appeal to the middle schoolers and older who are looking for a good release into action & adventure. If you have ever dreamed of being a part of the stories you have read & love, then this is a great book for you to pick up.
If you are looking for any other book or series suggestions, feel free to message me through my blog UtopiaNeverComes.blogspot.com or email me at FooFiFauxPaw@google.com.
May 22, 2017
Story Thieves was an impulse buy, something I found on the shelves at Target and figured it was worth a shot. It sounded a little like a kids' version of Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series, and as much as I like that series, it was a no-brainer. Maybe I should have recognized that I would see the book as derivative, and left it alone.
It's about Owen, an avid reader who finds the regular world boring. He wishes his life were more like Kiel Gnomenfoot, the central character of his favorite series of books (think Harry Potter, but a lot more arrogant), and when he discovers that one of his classmates has the ability to go inside books and live in their worlds, of course he has to find a way into the Kiel Gnomenfoot books so he can meet his hero. Once inside, he can't help but get involved, which throws the book off the rails and sets into motion a series of events that threatens more than just Kiel Gnomenfoot's world.
The book isn't bad, really, but it's hard to care much about the three central characters. Owen is obnoxious and duplicitous, since he has to trick his classmate, Bethany, into bringing him into the books, and Kiel is arrogant and self-centered. Bethany is the closest thing to being sympathetic, but it feels like she's pushed aside for the two boys' stories. Owen's story takes place without her, and though she's involved with Kiel's story, his use of magic makes him the active player in their conflict. She's integral to the story -- she's the one with the power to go in and out of books, after all -- and she's the smartest of the three, but I wish she'd received more of a share of the action. The characters grow over the course of the story, but it's hard hanging in long enough to get to that point.
I waffled over giving the book two or three stars, and ultimately went with three, rounding up from two-and-a-half. I would recommend it to kids who like clever fantasy stories, but adults might find it lacking. I'll move on to the next book (I've already placed the hold on it through the library), so I hope it improves.
It's about Owen, an avid reader who finds the regular world boring. He wishes his life were more like Kiel Gnomenfoot, the central character of his favorite series of books (think Harry Potter, but a lot more arrogant), and when he discovers that one of his classmates has the ability to go inside books and live in their worlds, of course he has to find a way into the Kiel Gnomenfoot books so he can meet his hero. Once inside, he can't help but get involved, which throws the book off the rails and sets into motion a series of events that threatens more than just Kiel Gnomenfoot's world.
The book isn't bad, really, but it's hard to care much about the three central characters. Owen is obnoxious and duplicitous, since he has to trick his classmate, Bethany, into bringing him into the books, and Kiel is arrogant and self-centered. Bethany is the closest thing to being sympathetic, but it feels like she's pushed aside for the two boys' stories. Owen's story takes place without her, and though she's involved with Kiel's story, his use of magic makes him the active player in their conflict. She's integral to the story -- she's the one with the power to go in and out of books, after all -- and she's the smartest of the three, but I wish she'd received more of a share of the action. The characters grow over the course of the story, but it's hard hanging in long enough to get to that point.
I waffled over giving the book two or three stars, and ultimately went with three, rounding up from two-and-a-half. I would recommend it to kids who like clever fantasy stories, but adults might find it lacking. I'll move on to the next book (I've already placed the hold on it through the library), so I hope it improves.
September 14, 2017
A solid 4 Stars
Who doesn't want the magical ability to jump into a story and hang out, albeit in the background, in your favorite fictional world? Hogwarts? (Yes!) Narnia? (Not really, but sure.) Idris? (YES!) Rivendell or the Shire? (Fuck Yes!)
I will say that some things outside of my control (Irma and depression) made me not read it as fast as I wanted to, but I still enjoyed myself. Strongly thinking about continuing the series. If anyone has, let me know how the other installments are and your thoughts; I hear the latest one is a "Choose Your Adventure".
Who doesn't want the magical ability to jump into a story and hang out, albeit in the background, in your favorite fictional world? Hogwarts? (Yes!) Narnia? (Not really, but sure.) Idris? (YES!) Rivendell or the Shire? (Fuck Yes!)
I will say that some things outside of my control (Irma and depression) made me not read it as fast as I wanted to, but I still enjoyed myself. Strongly thinking about continuing the series. If anyone has, let me know how the other installments are and your thoughts; I hear the latest one is a "Choose Your Adventure".
September 6, 2019
3.5 stars
Every readers dream! This started out a bit slow and then characters were making stupid decisions (I had to keep reminding myself that they were kids and trying not to judge them too harshly). But once we got to them trying to fix their mistakes, I was on board and enjoyed it. I really liked Owen's relationship with Charm, and Bethany's relationship with Kiel. I'm happy that most of the same characters will be back for book 2.
Kirby Heyborne does a great job with the audio version.
Every readers dream! This started out a bit slow and then characters were making stupid decisions (I had to keep reminding myself that they were kids and trying not to judge them too harshly). But once we got to them trying to fix their mistakes, I was on board and enjoyed it. I really liked Owen's relationship with Charm, and Bethany's relationship with Kiel. I'm happy that most of the same characters will be back for book 2.
Kirby Heyborne does a great job with the audio version.
July 23, 2018
This book was cute and funny and I enjoyed most of it. Found some parts a little bland. Will read the next one to see if I will continue with the series or not.
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