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Kip the Quick
Witty, fast-paced fantasy heist where morality is...debatable.
Kip is a young thief on the hard streets of Tander in the middle of the Sparelands -- a dry, hot piece of hell, hit with frequent and terrible storms. All he wants to do is leave, but first he must save enough to cover fare for the only safe exit in town: the iron wain.
With six months to go, the job of a lifetime lands in his lap: To steal a vial of the Essence -- a piece of myth and legend. He'll do anything to pull it off, but the question is... Will he survive?
Kip is a young thief on the hard streets of Tander in the middle of the Sparelands -- a dry, hot piece of hell, hit with frequent and terrible storms. All he wants to do is leave, but first he must save enough to cover fare for the only safe exit in town: the iron wain.
With six months to go, the job of a lifetime lands in his lap: To steal a vial of the Essence -- a piece of myth and legend. He'll do anything to pull it off, but the question is... Will he survive?
- GenresFantasy
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2016
12 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
About the author
Clifton Hill
6 books47 followersClifton Hill discovered robots in the Fourth Grade when his grandmother handed him a book by Isaac Asimov. Science fiction absorbed him for the next couple years until a little piece called the Belgariad came along, bringing magic and an incredible new world.
Bouncing throughout speculative fiction, Clifton became absorbed by video games, comics and has a degree in Computer Animation. He has dabbled in various art forms, sought to design video games, co-created a web comic, chased after tornadoes, and fights moss whenever he can. After years of neglect, he picked up a story idea buried in a layer of dust, blew it off and has never looked back.
Clifton lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two children, working in mortgage, his head thoroughly lodged in the clouds.
Bouncing throughout speculative fiction, Clifton became absorbed by video games, comics and has a degree in Computer Animation. He has dabbled in various art forms, sought to design video games, co-created a web comic, chased after tornadoes, and fights moss whenever he can. After years of neglect, he picked up a story idea buried in a layer of dust, blew it off and has never looked back.
Clifton lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two children, working in mortgage, his head thoroughly lodged in the clouds.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 15, 2016
Kip will steal your heart and probably your wallet, too with his clever wit, daring adventures and ability to turn thievery into a fascinating art form. Known as Kip the Quick, he has had his share of tough times as a street urchin growing up in the bowels of Tander in a fantasy world, which will remind you of old London. Desperately saving his ill-gotten gains to buy a one-way ticket out of this blazing and brutal land, Kip has been given the opportunity to pull off the theft of a lifetime, THE ONE that will set him up for life. As he cleverly calculates all angles, allowing for no mistakes, the moment finally comes to grab the goods, a potion so powerful that they say whoever drinks it will possess great knowledge, power and wisdom. He is not alone in the quest, but who will rich the prize first?
Clifton Hill has created a feeling of being right alongside Kip, following him, learning about him and the life he lives, as well as those who he calls “friend.” An absolute delight to read with a hero who will capture your heart, charm the change out of your pockets and make you happy he crossed your path. Mr. Hill has let his inner child run the streets and alleys of Tander and painted a colorful collage of adventure from the eyes and daring of youth! Perfect for teens and YA, even more perfect for those of us who wish we could have spent one day scrabbling alongside Kip. This one is definitely another gem just begging to be read and make you smile!
I received this copy from Clifton Hill in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: May 25, 2016
Publisher: Clifton Hill
Genre: YA Fantasy | Adventure
Print Length: 198 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Clifton Hill has created a feeling of being right alongside Kip, following him, learning about him and the life he lives, as well as those who he calls “friend.” An absolute delight to read with a hero who will capture your heart, charm the change out of your pockets and make you happy he crossed your path. Mr. Hill has let his inner child run the streets and alleys of Tander and painted a colorful collage of adventure from the eyes and daring of youth! Perfect for teens and YA, even more perfect for those of us who wish we could have spent one day scrabbling alongside Kip. This one is definitely another gem just begging to be read and make you smile!
I received this copy from Clifton Hill in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: May 25, 2016
Publisher: Clifton Hill
Genre: YA Fantasy | Adventure
Print Length: 198 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 11, 2019
Kip is a thief and a pretty good one. He takes a huge job and most of the story is him planning this job. You meet quite a few characters along the way. Kip thinks he is very alone through the story and is quite a bit selfish, though I’m not really sure he even realizes it.
The story is alright. The writing is pretty easy to follow. I didn’t mind his writing;I thought it was pretty well done. I wish there was more character growth I think. I didn’t really get attached to the characters which always seems to make slow reading for me. I didn’t hate the characters, but I didn’t get attached to anyone.
I think the ending was well done. Kip definitely looks back at all that has happened and opens his eyes. He sees things differently. It is also left with a bit of a cliffhanger, which leaves it open for the next story to begin.
Overall, it was good, but left me wishing for more out of the characters.
The story is alright. The writing is pretty easy to follow. I didn’t mind his writing;I thought it was pretty well done. I wish there was more character growth I think. I didn’t really get attached to the characters which always seems to make slow reading for me. I didn’t hate the characters, but I didn’t get attached to anyone.
I think the ending was well done. Kip definitely looks back at all that has happened and opens his eyes. He sees things differently. It is also left with a bit of a cliffhanger, which leaves it open for the next story to begin.
Overall, it was good, but left me wishing for more out of the characters.
October 6, 2022
197 pages with compelling cover art by Humbert Glaffo
A fast read with lots of action. Interesting characters and setting. 15-year-old Kip is a poverty-ridden thief driven to attempt to steal a vial of the famous, mythical “Essence” in an attempt to rescue both himself and his downtrodden friends from their hardscrabble life.
Includes Glossary. Book One of Three
A fast read with lots of action. Interesting characters and setting. 15-year-old Kip is a poverty-ridden thief driven to attempt to steal a vial of the famous, mythical “Essence” in an attempt to rescue both himself and his downtrodden friends from their hardscrabble life.
Includes Glossary. Book One of Three
October 10, 2016
Received copy from Author for honest and fair review.
As before I have been taken by Cliftons style of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed this romp with Kip and his hunt for the elusive big haul.
It was a fun and enthralling read and I look forward to reading more from Kip in the future.
A really good story that will have you laughing all the way to the end.
As before I have been taken by Cliftons style of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed this romp with Kip and his hunt for the elusive big haul.
It was a fun and enthralling read and I look forward to reading more from Kip in the future.
A really good story that will have you laughing all the way to the end.
July 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters. I look forward to seeing more from you in the future. I like this as much as I like drizzt. Good job.
January 24, 2019
A great story. Almost like a thriller, only set in a fantasy land.
Tander is a city set in a ravine amid a barren desert. Kip, a young thief, has been sneaking about Tander for most of his fifteen years when he receives a note from one of the local crime lords offering to pay him more than he has ever received for anything he has ever done if he will steal a vial of the mysterious magical Essence.
Kip, who has been saving up for years to get out of Tander, finally sees his chance to realize this dream, so he accepts the challenge. He crafts a plan worthy of the highest-profile international criminal in our own world and is progressing handsomely until some bouts of freakish weather begin to interfere.
Nevertheless, he finally manages to acquire the Essence. But then there’s the whole other problem of getting it to his buyer.
Tander is a city set in a ravine amid a barren desert. Kip, a young thief, has been sneaking about Tander for most of his fifteen years when he receives a note from one of the local crime lords offering to pay him more than he has ever received for anything he has ever done if he will steal a vial of the mysterious magical Essence.
Kip, who has been saving up for years to get out of Tander, finally sees his chance to realize this dream, so he accepts the challenge. He crafts a plan worthy of the highest-profile international criminal in our own world and is progressing handsomely until some bouts of freakish weather begin to interfere.
Nevertheless, he finally manages to acquire the Essence. But then there’s the whole other problem of getting it to his buyer.
Want to read
August 14, 2018Free copy courtesy of Clifton Hill and Goodreads First Reads, which in no way influences this review
September 4, 2018
Throughly enjoyed this book
September 14, 2016
Very clever, and very amusing! It's written like a middle grade book, but there's a few references in it that make me feel a little iffy about recommending it for anyone younger than high school, though I'd like to hope that those below that age wouldn't understand the references, anyway. Kip is definitely more mature than his age suggests.
Unfortunately, I can't think of a whole lot to say about this book - I wish I could, since the author is so willing to chat with readers! The only other thing I can think of right now is that some of the transitions could have been better; it may have been partly my own fault, but there were a couple of times when I started a new chapter and had absolutely no idea what Kip was doing or why he was doing it. I figured it out fairly quickly, but I still think a little more explanation at times wouldn't hurt.
Actually, I thought of one more thing for potential readers! This would have been great as a standalone novel (it had a satisfying ending and everything!), but the added epilogue suggests another installment. If that's true, what happens in the second book will be a complete surprise to me - I really was happy with the way this one ended.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Unfortunately, I can't think of a whole lot to say about this book - I wish I could, since the author is so willing to chat with readers! The only other thing I can think of right now is that some of the transitions could have been better; it may have been partly my own fault, but there were a couple of times when I started a new chapter and had absolutely no idea what Kip was doing or why he was doing it. I figured it out fairly quickly, but I still think a little more explanation at times wouldn't hurt.
Actually, I thought of one more thing for potential readers! This would have been great as a standalone novel (it had a satisfying ending and everything!), but the added epilogue suggests another installment. If that's true, what happens in the second book will be a complete surprise to me - I really was happy with the way this one ended.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
June 20, 2018
I'm stuck between a 2 and a 3 on this one. I did enjoy it, but it desperately needs another round of editing to make it more cohesive and knit the sorry together a bit better. The author has created an interesting world and storyline, but writes as though we should already understand his allusions (e.g. multiple references to the Stacks, without explaining what this actually was- all we know is that it's 'scary'). The glossary at the end was useful but since this was an ebook, I didn't see it until the end (after already being frustrated by the author using terms and references that were not explained).
I'm not in a hurry to find out what happens to Kip, but will probably read the next part.
I'm not in a hurry to find out what happens to Kip, but will probably read the next part.
December 30, 2016
Kip the Quick is a fast-paced romp through a pseudo-Middle Eastern desert realm that will deliver the goods for those young readers craving action and adventure. It is aimed at I think the YA audience so I wasn't totally the target demographic, but I found it enjoyable (think of Indiana Jones for the action).
I once stated that the book's setting and protagonist reminded me of Assassin's Creed without the assassinations. Kip is a parkour expert of a thief. He vaults around rooftops and through alleyways in search of the ultimate treasure, and the perfect heist.
The story is well-written and Hill clearly cares about his characters which is nice. The book isn't without faults; mainly an emotional connection to the characters. I didn't feel invested and I thought that the stakes weren't all that high. Also, for being set in a Persian or Arab-influenced setting I found the names of characters and places a little generic (i.e. Ron the Con, Kip). But, those are minor gripes, and it is a fast read.
I once stated that the book's setting and protagonist reminded me of Assassin's Creed without the assassinations. Kip is a parkour expert of a thief. He vaults around rooftops and through alleyways in search of the ultimate treasure, and the perfect heist.
The story is well-written and Hill clearly cares about his characters which is nice. The book isn't without faults; mainly an emotional connection to the characters. I didn't feel invested and I thought that the stakes weren't all that high. Also, for being set in a Persian or Arab-influenced setting I found the names of characters and places a little generic (i.e. Ron the Con, Kip). But, those are minor gripes, and it is a fast read.
May 28, 2016
I was an early reader of this book and received a copy in exchange for an honest review. I did purchase a copy of my own later.
Kip the Quick is the story of a young thief who steals his way into trouble, which he quickly learns to steal his way out of. It is a first person fantasy tale of action and adventure and was a fun and quick read with a character that I didn’t at first like, but he grew on me and, by the end, I was rooting for him to win. There are some scenes that stretch credibility, but that’s the joy of reading fantasy. After all, it’s a story to escape into, not real life.
I read this book originally in two sittings, so things moved quickly enough to keep me involved, and I was satisfied with the ending.
If you enjoy first person YA, with a swashbuckling, deft-fingered hero, this book should fit you well.
Kip the Quick is the story of a young thief who steals his way into trouble, which he quickly learns to steal his way out of. It is a first person fantasy tale of action and adventure and was a fun and quick read with a character that I didn’t at first like, but he grew on me and, by the end, I was rooting for him to win. There are some scenes that stretch credibility, but that’s the joy of reading fantasy. After all, it’s a story to escape into, not real life.
I read this book originally in two sittings, so things moved quickly enough to keep me involved, and I was satisfied with the ending.
If you enjoy first person YA, with a swashbuckling, deft-fingered hero, this book should fit you well.
February 6, 2024
I received a free ebook copy from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
The book was a quick read, though I did not find myself much interested in it. I can't quite put my finger on it. I didn't find Kip to be much of a sympathetic character. It's unfortunate about his backstory, but then again it is for just about every character's backstory in this book. He comes across as a liar and really quite selfish for the most part. Overall there wasn't enough character development with any of the characters. The ending did leave it open for a sequel, but I'm not sure I'd spend the time reading it.
It wasn't a bad book, but I didn't really find it quite exciting or fascinating. Even though I enjoy reading a variety of books, this is probably more suited for teenage boys.
The book was a quick read, though I did not find myself much interested in it. I can't quite put my finger on it. I didn't find Kip to be much of a sympathetic character. It's unfortunate about his backstory, but then again it is for just about every character's backstory in this book. He comes across as a liar and really quite selfish for the most part. Overall there wasn't enough character development with any of the characters. The ending did leave it open for a sequel, but I'm not sure I'd spend the time reading it.
It wasn't a bad book, but I didn't really find it quite exciting or fascinating. Even though I enjoy reading a variety of books, this is probably more suited for teenage boys.
July 27, 2017
This was a really great read, I enjoyed it immensely!
February 7, 2025
Standard fantasy novel--thief steals a vial of powerful mythical magic to earn enough money to leave town.
I really wanted to like this book. I did like the writing style. I kept waiting for something to stand out but instead I kept finding flaws.
First, why was Kip a thief? Because he was poor (lovely stereotype)? He's not even a good thief. He can't even steal enough to feed himself. Yet, somehow, he is hired by a friend we never meet to steal the most powerful magic item in this world even though no one even knows what it does. When Kip finds out the lord carries the elixir with him, instead of planning some elaborate pickpocket scheme (isn't that thieving 101?), Kip plans a disastrous kidnapping.
Second, I don't mind first person stories but Kip does an awful lot of explaining about his relationships instead of showing. There are less than ten scenes where he is interacting with people he supposedly cares about. Since they are typical fantasy characters, readers are just supposed to fill in the blanks? We don't know if this crime boss is really a friend, wants to use someone who is expendable, or if he even has the money to pay Kip. Kip likes Kay because they grew up together but we don't know how she feels. There is a bully/best friend, a motherly figure, a storyteller and other characters that feel like pictures on a stick that pop up when needed but aren't anyone to care about.
Third, there was no world building. It's like this is the worst place. No wait--this place is worse. Whoops! This place is even worse.
Whatever is missed in the story, there is a section in the back to explain everything. Always a bad sign.
I really wanted to like this book. I did like the writing style. I kept waiting for something to stand out but instead I kept finding flaws.
First, why was Kip a thief? Because he was poor (lovely stereotype)? He's not even a good thief. He can't even steal enough to feed himself. Yet, somehow, he is hired by a friend we never meet to steal the most powerful magic item in this world even though no one even knows what it does. When Kip finds out the lord carries the elixir with him, instead of planning some elaborate pickpocket scheme (isn't that thieving 101?), Kip plans a disastrous kidnapping.
Second, I don't mind first person stories but Kip does an awful lot of explaining about his relationships instead of showing. There are less than ten scenes where he is interacting with people he supposedly cares about. Since they are typical fantasy characters, readers are just supposed to fill in the blanks? We don't know if this crime boss is really a friend, wants to use someone who is expendable, or if he even has the money to pay Kip. Kip likes Kay because they grew up together but we don't know how she feels. There is a bully/best friend, a motherly figure, a storyteller and other characters that feel like pictures on a stick that pop up when needed but aren't anyone to care about.
Third, there was no world building. It's like this is the worst place. No wait--this place is worse. Whoops! This place is even worse.
Whatever is missed in the story, there is a section in the back to explain everything. Always a bad sign.
May 24, 2017
Yes, I'm biased, sure, but Kip is a fun read, just as he was a fun write. The sequel is posing more of a challenge, but it's more complex, ramifications of past actions become apparent, the world is deepened, friendships grow, and enemies...well, you get the picture.
Kip will become a trilogy, with an ending to the third book that will set the stage for something...monumental. I can say nothing more, but be assured it will be something incredible. Book 3 will wrap up these initial wanderings of his journey, but further stories percolate, so we will see.
As I re-read this for the first time since I published last year, it becomes apparent that the pacing is fast. Almost too fast. Like the book was part thriller. A revelation. If you think that an author goes into writing their works fully aware of what it is they are conceiving, I think the answer would be fairly universal: No.
Sometimes the result is just as surprising to us as to the reader.
Kip will become a trilogy, with an ending to the third book that will set the stage for something...monumental. I can say nothing more, but be assured it will be something incredible. Book 3 will wrap up these initial wanderings of his journey, but further stories percolate, so we will see.
As I re-read this for the first time since I published last year, it becomes apparent that the pacing is fast. Almost too fast. Like the book was part thriller. A revelation. If you think that an author goes into writing their works fully aware of what it is they are conceiving, I think the answer would be fairly universal: No.
Sometimes the result is just as surprising to us as to the reader.
August 20, 2024
A fun unputdownable read!
Wow what a story! I loved Kip the Quick.
As soon as I saw the cover I knew I would like this book, the man on the front just oozes character.
The first half has a slow pace and I must admit to wanting it to speed up a little, however the writing style and description bring both characters and place to life.
Kip the Quick a lovable thief has been passed a job to steal a vial of the Essence, a simple task to such an accomplished thief-surely?
Not so, the second half is page turning tension as the chase is on.
I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens next!
Wow what a story! I loved Kip the Quick.
As soon as I saw the cover I knew I would like this book, the man on the front just oozes character.
The first half has a slow pace and I must admit to wanting it to speed up a little, however the writing style and description bring both characters and place to life.
Kip the Quick a lovable thief has been passed a job to steal a vial of the Essence, a simple task to such an accomplished thief-surely?
Not so, the second half is page turning tension as the chase is on.
I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens next!
September 23, 2018
I won this book from Goodreads (kindle version) for an honest review.
This is a decent read for those that enjoy the fantasy type of books. For me it was okay, but I just found something was missing. I had a hard time getting into the story at first and then I just kept thinking something was not there (again for me). The characters a well described, but this scenery was a bit lacking. This just did not hit all of the markers for me. The ending was a bit like swimming in the shallow end of the pool, I just felt disappointed and wanted more.
This is a decent read for those that enjoy the fantasy type of books. For me it was okay, but I just found something was missing. I had a hard time getting into the story at first and then I just kept thinking something was not there (again for me). The characters a well described, but this scenery was a bit lacking. This just did not hit all of the markers for me. The ending was a bit like swimming in the shallow end of the pool, I just felt disappointed and wanted more.
August 19, 2024
I loved the idea of a fantasy heist and was engaged with the story being told. The characters worked well in this universe. I enjoyed the overall feel of the book and left me wanting to read more in this world. I enjoyed reading this and thought everything worked overall. It left me wanting to read more in this world and from Clifton Hill.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2016
I'm warring between giving this three stars (could have used another structural edit) and four stars (Kip is a great character and the story was/is fun). I settled on four because I want to know what happens to Kip.
Okay, I'll write a proper review at some point, but here's the skinny:
Kip is a standard thief plying his 'trade' in the streets of Tander until he's given the opportunity of a lifetime. But great opportunity comes at a risk, of course, both personally and for his friends.
The story is clever and the dialogue is fun. I enjoyed Kip as the narrator and I wouldn't mind following him around for another book or two, but I was disappointed the story ended the way it did. There's no real resolution. The chase is still on, his friends are still in danger, and what he does next doesn't make entire sense. Regardless...Kip's got a cute smile. He's so young! I hope he starts to see sense in the next book (there is a next book, right?).
The world building is adequate, but could be stellar if the author fleshed it out a bit more. Also, there were definitely times when I was confused. Even so, I gave this four stars. I guess I got a soft spot for hungry, thieving boys.
Okay, I'll write a proper review at some point, but here's the skinny:
Kip is a standard thief plying his 'trade' in the streets of Tander until he's given the opportunity of a lifetime. But great opportunity comes at a risk, of course, both personally and for his friends.
The story is clever and the dialogue is fun. I enjoyed Kip as the narrator and I wouldn't mind following him around for another book or two, but I was disappointed the story ended the way it did. There's no real resolution. The chase is still on, his friends are still in danger, and what he does next doesn't make entire sense. Regardless...Kip's got a cute smile. He's so young! I hope he starts to see sense in the next book (there is a next book, right?).
The world building is adequate, but could be stellar if the author fleshed it out a bit more. Also, there were definitely times when I was confused. Even so, I gave this four stars. I guess I got a soft spot for hungry, thieving boys.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews