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Sky Thieves
Love Pirates of the Caribbean? Then prepared to be swept away by this new swashbuckling adventure series.
Talented debut author, Dan Walker, creates an imaginative world where thieves sail the skies in flying galleons-an action-packed adventure of epic scale.
Zoya DeLarose has no idea her life is about to change forever when a band of sky thieves 'steal' her away from her orphanage, landing up in the clouds, on board the Dragonfly's deck. There, Zoya discovers a world of meteorite storms, sword fights, midnight raids, floating islands, and long lost treasure. But with a deadly enemy closing in, will Zoya find the strength to face her fears and unlock the key to her destiny, or will she fall from the skies with no one left to break her fall?
Talented debut author, Dan Walker, creates an imaginative world where thieves sail the skies in flying galleons-an action-packed adventure of epic scale.
Zoya DeLarose has no idea her life is about to change forever when a band of sky thieves 'steal' her away from her orphanage, landing up in the clouds, on board the Dragonfly's deck. There, Zoya discovers a world of meteorite storms, sword fights, midnight raids, floating islands, and long lost treasure. But with a deadly enemy closing in, will Zoya find the strength to face her fears and unlock the key to her destiny, or will she fall from the skies with no one left to break her fall?
304 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2017
2 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Dan Walker
7 books23 followersDan Walker is a children's author and the creator of Sky Thieves, Desert Thieves and The Light Hunters fantasy adventure stories. His books have been nominated for the Brilliant Book Award, the Reading Rampage Award, the RED Book Award, the Salford Children's Book Award and the Derbyshire Schools Book Award, and have been translated into multiple languages around the world.
Dan lives just outside of Nottingham, where he spent his childhood being dragged up and down the hills of the Peak District, frantically hammering away at computer games and raiding his cousin's bookshelf for anything with a colourful cover.
Dan lives just outside of Nottingham, where he spent his childhood being dragged up and down the hills of the Peak District, frantically hammering away at computer games and raiding his cousin's bookshelf for anything with a colourful cover.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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September 30, 2019
A very light steampunk adventure following Zoya as she is kidnapped by Sky Thieves, but discovers there's more to these pirates than first meets the eye.
It is written generally well and I find there was quite a lot happening to keep the plot ticking over nicely, but unfortunately for me personally it was far too childish to enjoy.
The characters were all a little flat, but genuinely I can imagine many children really enjoying this book. A fun, fast story with danger and some nice storytelling elements, if a little cliché at times. Just not the kind of story that I enjoy as an adult, even when it comes to children's books.
It is written generally well and I find there was quite a lot happening to keep the plot ticking over nicely, but unfortunately for me personally it was far too childish to enjoy.
The characters were all a little flat, but genuinely I can imagine many children really enjoying this book. A fun, fast story with danger and some nice storytelling elements, if a little cliché at times. Just not the kind of story that I enjoy as an adult, even when it comes to children's books.
April 26, 2017
Zoya Delarose has spent her childhood in an orphanage and dreams of one day getting off land and working on an airship. When the unexpected happens and she is smuggled onto a pirate airship, she learns that there are different types of pirates (good as well as bad!) and discovers secrets about her hidden past.
Sky Thieves is full to the brim with adventure and the added twist of making a pirate story take place in the sky really adds to the excitement. Zoya is rebellious, loyal and incredibly courageous. She learns how to sword-fight and doesn't hold back when fighting against the evil Kane. She learns a lot from the other crew members and teaches them a thing or two along the way too!
We are taken on a thrilling journey incorporating islands in the sky, treasure hunting, meteor storms, epic battles and friendship. The characters are all well-written and I really enjoyed their interactions with one another. An exciting adventure for younger readers that adults can (and will!) enjoy just as much.
Sky Thieves is full to the brim with adventure and the added twist of making a pirate story take place in the sky really adds to the excitement. Zoya is rebellious, loyal and incredibly courageous. She learns how to sword-fight and doesn't hold back when fighting against the evil Kane. She learns a lot from the other crew members and teaches them a thing or two along the way too!
We are taken on a thrilling journey incorporating islands in the sky, treasure hunting, meteor storms, epic battles and friendship. The characters are all well-written and I really enjoyed their interactions with one another. An exciting adventure for younger readers that adults can (and will!) enjoy just as much.
April 4, 2025
Hartstikke leuk boek! Heb me zeer vermaakt en het was spannend. Soms was het even verwarrend hoe dingen beschreven werden of wat precies de scène was . Maar verder een super leuk boek! Beetje pirates of the caribean in de lucht !
March 8, 2017
Me and my 9 year old daughter read this book together and both really loved it.
The main protagonist was an instant hit with Boo and she instantly loved her. The story had us both gripped throughout and it had us literally at the edge of the chair cheering them all on.
With thanks to love reading 4 kids and the publisher for the opportunity to read an review an arc.
The main protagonist was an instant hit with Boo and she instantly loved her. The story had us both gripped throughout and it had us literally at the edge of the chair cheering them all on.
With thanks to love reading 4 kids and the publisher for the opportunity to read an review an arc.
June 7, 2017
The mere mention of sky ships was enough to grab my attention, so throw in a feisty heroine, floating islands and deadly peril and I was excited to read this book. Sadly, it didn’t live up to my expectations. It’s not a terrible book, but it’s all a bit light and flimsy for me (or the young reader I used to be).
For example, Zoya, our feisty heroine, starts the story as an orphan breaking into the headmaster’s office to steal her own locket back. That locket is pretty much the only thing Zoya shows any emotion for during this book – and only at the start. Whatever happens – kidnap, peril, death, danger – she doesn’t seem to feel any of it. Even when she does, it doesn’t last more than a few lines. Her adventure is exciting and amazing and yet she felt flat.
The whole book was for me. The sky thieves are familiar stock caricatures, their motives are predictable and there is absolutely no organisation on that ship. Zoya arrives and no one bothers to show her around or assign her duties, she just sort of bumbles about figuring it out for herself, when she isn’t messing about with her new friend, Bucker, who is the worst lookout in the world. No one seems to have a history before becoming thieves and the world isn’t particularly well developed either.
Which is a shame, because this could have been great. Sky ships! A floating pirate island! Holographic weather maps, meteorites, a big bad pirate looking for lost treasure, sky battles and some stuff about rare and powerful crystals… There are some really good ideas here, and if you’re looking for a quick read that will offer a bit of easy entertainment, then this will likely do the trick. If you (or a young reader you know) prefer to be drawn into a world and live the action with the characters, this doesn’t do that. It’s fun enough, but add a little more depth and it could have been amazing.
(ARC provided by the publisher via Amazon Vine.)
For example, Zoya, our feisty heroine, starts the story as an orphan breaking into the headmaster’s office to steal her own locket back. That locket is pretty much the only thing Zoya shows any emotion for during this book – and only at the start. Whatever happens – kidnap, peril, death, danger – she doesn’t seem to feel any of it. Even when she does, it doesn’t last more than a few lines. Her adventure is exciting and amazing and yet she felt flat.
The whole book was for me. The sky thieves are familiar stock caricatures, their motives are predictable and there is absolutely no organisation on that ship. Zoya arrives and no one bothers to show her around or assign her duties, she just sort of bumbles about figuring it out for herself, when she isn’t messing about with her new friend, Bucker, who is the worst lookout in the world. No one seems to have a history before becoming thieves and the world isn’t particularly well developed either.
Which is a shame, because this could have been great. Sky ships! A floating pirate island! Holographic weather maps, meteorites, a big bad pirate looking for lost treasure, sky battles and some stuff about rare and powerful crystals… There are some really good ideas here, and if you’re looking for a quick read that will offer a bit of easy entertainment, then this will likely do the trick. If you (or a young reader you know) prefer to be drawn into a world and live the action with the characters, this doesn’t do that. It’s fun enough, but add a little more depth and it could have been amazing.
(ARC provided by the publisher via Amazon Vine.)
April 12, 2017
Read this book first when it was called "The Locket Thief" - I really enjoyed it then and it's even better now. Full of action, exciting cliffhangers and a lovely heroine in Zoya DeLarose. Will be passing on to my friends.
September 13, 2017
3 of 3.5 sterren🤔.
Begon zo leuk en lief en ik dacht echt jaaaaa tof jeugdboek. Toen bergafwaarts. Hmm.
Hele recensie volgt deze maand op www.myperfectbooklife.blogspot.nl
Begon zo leuk en lief en ik dacht echt jaaaaa tof jeugdboek. Toen bergafwaarts. Hmm.
Hele recensie volgt deze maand op www.myperfectbooklife.blogspot.nl
November 8, 2018
3.5 *
May 15, 2017
I was sent a free copy of this book by the author and Oxford University Press in exchange for an honest review. As always though, this hasn't impacted on my review.
Sky Thieves is a fantastic story of a young girl with her head in the clouds. Growing up in an orphanage, Zoya DeLarose has always dreamed of taking to the skies. Constantly getting into trouble, she's on the verge of turning her life around when a secret from her past literally drops into her life.
Zoya is a wonderful character, a perfect balance of fiery independence and humble vulnerability. I've never been a fan of books, particularly those aimed at younger readers, that feature an insufferably rude character passed of as "fiesty". Zoya packs plenty of attitude, but she's not afraid to admit when she needs help or take advice when it's given to her. The friendships she forms aboard the Dragonfly are touchingly sweet and believeable, and the story itself is packed with adventure and fantasy.
This is definitely a book for younger readers - my twelve year old niece absolutely loved it! - I'd probably classify it as MG, pushing a little towards YA, although that didn't stop me (as a twenty-something reader) enjoying it one bit. The chapters are super short, sometimes barely making it it three pages, which gave the book a terrific pace. At no point is it boring and, even though the constant chapter breaks give plenty of opportunities to put the book down, I read from start to finish in one sitting. I'd recommend it to fantasy fans who are looking for a fast-paced, fun read that grabs hold of your attention from the first page and doesn't let it go until the end.
Sky Thieves is a fantastic story of a young girl with her head in the clouds. Growing up in an orphanage, Zoya DeLarose has always dreamed of taking to the skies. Constantly getting into trouble, she's on the verge of turning her life around when a secret from her past literally drops into her life.
Zoya is a wonderful character, a perfect balance of fiery independence and humble vulnerability. I've never been a fan of books, particularly those aimed at younger readers, that feature an insufferably rude character passed of as "fiesty". Zoya packs plenty of attitude, but she's not afraid to admit when she needs help or take advice when it's given to her. The friendships she forms aboard the Dragonfly are touchingly sweet and believeable, and the story itself is packed with adventure and fantasy.
This is definitely a book for younger readers - my twelve year old niece absolutely loved it! - I'd probably classify it as MG, pushing a little towards YA, although that didn't stop me (as a twenty-something reader) enjoying it one bit. The chapters are super short, sometimes barely making it it three pages, which gave the book a terrific pace. At no point is it boring and, even though the constant chapter breaks give plenty of opportunities to put the book down, I read from start to finish in one sitting. I'd recommend it to fantasy fans who are looking for a fast-paced, fun read that grabs hold of your attention from the first page and doesn't let it go until the end.
February 8, 2018
Fantastic book, not my normal sort of read as it strays into fantasy more than i would like, nut it keeps the reader engaged and it feels almost plausible.
I would certainly recommend this book to children who have an interest in space as well as theist and in particular pirates etc. Deals with a difficult subject (orphanage and adoption) seamlessly and makes it feel normal and appreciated.
In terms of using it in the classroom i would certainly give time to it as an example text for engaging the reader through the use of short chapters and it demonstrates a range of techniques to ensure the intrigue continues throughout the book!
I would certainly recommend this book to children who have an interest in space as well as theist and in particular pirates etc. Deals with a difficult subject (orphanage and adoption) seamlessly and makes it feel normal and appreciated.
In terms of using it in the classroom i would certainly give time to it as an example text for engaging the reader through the use of short chapters and it demonstrates a range of techniques to ensure the intrigue continues throughout the book!
April 8, 2018
Spannend! Geen Jack Sparrow, maar wel een goed verhaal! Er komt vást een deel 2!
July 13, 2018
it was amazing at the start but it got confusing. The end it was brilliant but confusing.
i can recommend reading the book for 12+
it is a fantasy and its the 1st book of the series
i can recommend reading the book for 12+
it is a fantasy and its the 1st book of the series
August 3, 2020
A relatively decent YA novel. Easy to read with interesting characters.
October 28, 2022
An engaging read, very quick paced and if you love an action adventure book it is definitely for you. Sassy dialogue to boot, gives strong Pirates of the Carribbean vibes.
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July 7, 2020This is book one in the series "Sky Thieves" and it is an exciting adventure set on a sky ship, crewed y a bunch of pirates. I really enjoyed this and will read book two as soon as possible. This is suitable for KS3 students.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews