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Story Thieves #3
Angriff der Schatten
Bethany travels to a new fictional world to rescue her father in this third book in the New York Times bestselling series, Story Thieves from the author of the Half Upon a Time trilogy.
Owen and Bethany have sworn off jumping into books for good. But they didn’t make any promises about not jumping through strange portals that lead to a comic book world.
Jupiter City was once filled with brightly costumed superheroes and villains, but nowadays, there’s nothing left but the Dark. Even the villains are terrified of the Dark’s shadows, and most of the heroes have either disappeared or been lost to mind control. The one hero who might have stopped all of this, Doc Twilight, has been imprisoned by the Dark.
But who is Doc Twilight really? And how can Bethany and Owen defeat the Dark without superpowers of their own? They’ll definitely need the help of some old friends and new allies to bring the light back to Jupiter City, and find out the truth behind the Dark.
It all comes back to Bethany’s own secret origins. What really happened when her fictional father disappeared years ago? Who is Nobody, and why is he writing these Story Thieves books? And what kind of supervillain name is The Rotten Banana?
Owen and Bethany have sworn off jumping into books for good. But they didn’t make any promises about not jumping through strange portals that lead to a comic book world.
Jupiter City was once filled with brightly costumed superheroes and villains, but nowadays, there’s nothing left but the Dark. Even the villains are terrified of the Dark’s shadows, and most of the heroes have either disappeared or been lost to mind control. The one hero who might have stopped all of this, Doc Twilight, has been imprisoned by the Dark.
But who is Doc Twilight really? And how can Bethany and Owen defeat the Dark without superpowers of their own? They’ll definitely need the help of some old friends and new allies to bring the light back to Jupiter City, and find out the truth behind the Dark.
It all comes back to Bethany’s own secret origins. What really happened when her fictional father disappeared years ago? Who is Nobody, and why is he writing these Story Thieves books? And what kind of supervillain name is The Rotten Banana?
358 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 2017
246 people are currently reading
2181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
December 14, 2021
4.5 Golden Stars
89%
9th Best of 2021
it was mostly like reading a comic in a non-comical way. it was interesting, I loved the experience.
but as I fell into a reading slump in the middle of it (but not because of it) I can't tell for sure whether I gave it 5 stars or not. updated: after a few months, when I'm fully back on enthusiastic reading path, I think it's a well-deserved 5-star.
many things revealed. (well duh, the title is Secret Origins.) it was exciting, quick & fun, unique perspective & unpredictable intriguing story, with awesome characters.
not a long review, I just wanted to write something. you can read a more explaining review of this series Here, my review of 1st book.
89%
9th Best of 2021
it was mostly like reading a comic in a non-comical way. it was interesting, I loved the experience.
but as I fell into a reading slump in the middle of it (but not because of it) I can't tell for sure whether I gave it 5 stars or not. updated: after a few months, when I'm fully back on enthusiastic reading path, I think it's a well-deserved 5-star.
many things revealed. (well duh, the title is Secret Origins.) it was exciting, quick & fun, unique perspective & unpredictable intriguing story, with awesome characters.
not a long review, I just wanted to write something. you can read a more explaining review of this series Here, my review of 1st book.
February 7, 2017
OK...... Wow...... Wow......... Wow!!!!!!!!
Originally, half way through the story, I was gonna rate it three stars, but then, that ending!!!!! Oh dear god that ending was... Well, I'm speachless.
I'm just gonna finish this review with three simple words:
Read. This. Book!
Alright, five more:
Give. Me. The. Next. Book!
Originally, half way through the story, I was gonna rate it three stars, but then, that ending!!!!! Oh dear god that ending was... Well, I'm speachless.
I'm just gonna finish this review with three simple words:
Read. This. Book!
Alright, five more:
Give. Me. The. Next. Book!
February 9, 2017
AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tHE FEELS I AM FEELING.... ITS TOO MUCH...
*combusts*
tHE FEELS I AM FEELING.... ITS TOO MUCH...
*combusts*
May 18, 2025
"[T]he Dark [stood] in a now-empty laboratory, his fists clenched. 'I will make this world bow to my will,' he said. 'This world... and all others.'...
'Come, my shadows!' the Dark shouted. 'We shall bring justice to this new world, in the name of the Dark!'"
✏️ Review ✏️
While it's still a very enjoyable and interesting story, Secret Origins isn't as good as the previous book — The Stolen Chapters — in this series. The storyline didn't seem as exciting; but I did like the central conflict between light vs. darkness and good vs. evil. And I was shocked at all the revelations in this story! Like, wow, I would never have guessed at all these secret origins (hehehehe! 😉)!
The characters are still pretty good, although their roles (and maybe their personalities?) are somewhat different in this book.
Aha! You thought I was going to say more. 😉 But nope, I want to go start the fourth book now — Pick the Plot.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The intriguing continuation of this series.
• The central conflict of good vs. evil.
• The further revelations about[redacted] in this story.
• The dual-POV — made for dynamic plot.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• A few parts of the plot — a bit on the slower-paced side.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes.*
— To whom? To those who have read books one and two (Story Thieves and The Stolen Chapters) of this series.
*(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.)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 3/5
— 👥 Characters: 3/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• A few scenes of mild action-adventure violence.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
• Magic content: Some magical elements appear in this third book of the Story Thieves series: (1) the villian is described as a "'powerful magician, who can manipulate darkness'"; (2) one of the characters can morph into any inanimate object she wants; (3) a few other characters have various superpowers (not all necessarily magical); and (4) just a few brief mentions of characters wanting to cast spells.
• Content note: There is one scene (a few paragraphs) where a minor character with a "crystal ball" reads another character's thoughts (at the end of Chapter 36).
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• (None)
'Come, my shadows!' the Dark shouted. 'We shall bring justice to this new world, in the name of the Dark!'"
✏️ Review ✏️
While it's still a very enjoyable and interesting story, Secret Origins isn't as good as the previous book — The Stolen Chapters — in this series. The storyline didn't seem as exciting; but I did like the central conflict between light vs. darkness and good vs. evil. And I was shocked at all the revelations in this story! Like, wow, I would never have guessed at all these secret origins (hehehehe! 😉)!
"WHO is the Dark? WHERE does he come from? And WHAT does he want?
All good questions, because here im Jupiter City, the Dark is rising!"
The characters are still pretty good, although their roles (and maybe their personalities?) are somewhat different in this book.
Aha! You thought I was going to say more. 😉 But nope, I want to go start the fourth book now — Pick the Plot.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The intriguing continuation of this series.
• The central conflict of good vs. evil.
• The further revelations about
• The dual-POV — made for dynamic plot.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• A few parts of the plot — a bit on the slower-paced side.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes.*
— To whom? To those who have read books one and two (Story Thieves and The Stolen Chapters) of this series.
*(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.)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 3/5
— 👥 Characters: 3/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• A few scenes of mild action-adventure violence.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
• Magic content: Some magical elements appear in this third book of the Story Thieves series: (1) the villian is described as a "'powerful magician, who can manipulate darkness'"; (2) one of the characters can morph into any inanimate object she wants; (3) a few other characters have various superpowers (not all necessarily magical); and (4) just a few brief mentions of characters wanting to cast spells.
• Content note: There is one scene (a few paragraphs) where a minor character with a "crystal ball" reads another character's thoughts (at the end of Chapter 36).
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• (None)
July 22, 2016
At the end of The Stolen Chapters, Bethany and Owen said they weren't going to jump into fictional worlds any more. However, it now appears that someone is watching Bethany's house. When she sets out to track him down, Owen feels obligated to come with. The mystery man leads them to a strangely small house that contains a glowing portal to a different world -- the fictional world of the Doc Twilight comic books. Owen is thrilled to be entering a comic book world. Comic books are his thing and he understands how they work. Together he and Bethany gather some old friends from past adventures in order to defeat The Dark that has taken over Jupiter City and find Bethany's father once and for all. Full of adventure, snarky humor, and comic book villains, this book will keep readers paging through the chapters and wishing that they could jump into the story as well. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up. (I suggest reading the series in order.)
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
January 31, 2017
Oh my god. I NEED the next book! I cannot wait for the next book! I do hope we'll see more of Kiel and Owen x Charm (I ship it!) but I really, really, need the fourth book-now!
December 4, 2024
Such a good book!! Love the plot idea!!
December 31, 2018
I set this down after a few pages to do other things and didn't pick it up again for a few days. Bad life choices, Julia. Baaaaaad.
CONS OF THE SECRET ORIGINS
I wasn't too impressed with the beginning. I found myself rolling my eyes at Bethany (like book 1 all over again) But as the book went on, I could see that it was necessary.
PROS OF THE SECRET ORIGINS
Owen was sooooo amazing! Love him so much.
Earth Girl! I'm really glad she came back for a bigger role in this book because otherwise, she would just be a random useless character (in the long run) that popped up in book 2.
Once again, the cover is glorious! It became even BETTER when I realized that it was for a comic book.
THE ENDING. I LITERALLY DIED. (no seriously, I started rethinking being an evil author. That's when you know something is intense. I ACTUALLY FELT SORRY FOR MY CHARACTERS. SHOCKING.)
OVERALL
The only book character I've ever really had a crush on is Keefe from Keeper of the Lost Cities. But right now, I am finding Owen pretty swoon-worthy. (no seriously) I spent a lot of the book flailing over him.
CONS OF THE SECRET ORIGINS
I wasn't too impressed with the beginning. I found myself rolling my eyes at Bethany (like book 1 all over again) But as the book went on, I could see that it was necessary.
PROS OF THE SECRET ORIGINS
Owen was sooooo amazing! Love him so much.
Earth Girl! I'm really glad she came back for a bigger role in this book because otherwise, she would just be a random useless character (in the long run) that popped up in book 2.
Once again, the cover is glorious! It became even BETTER when I realized that it was for a comic book.
THE ENDING. I LITERALLY DIED. (no seriously, I started rethinking being an evil author. That's when you know something is intense. I ACTUALLY FELT SORRY FOR MY CHARACTERS. SHOCKING.)
OVERALL
The only book character I've ever really had a crush on is Keefe from Keeper of the Lost Cities. But right now, I am finding Owen pretty swoon-worthy. (no seriously) I spent a lot of the book flailing over him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2017
It’s been two months since Bethany last jumped into a book, and she’s started to notice a man sitting in a car across the street. Owen thinks Bethany is overreacting to things, but as the friends follow him to his house, they make a startling discovery. Have they stumbled upon Bethany’s fictional father?
This book overs things to the comic book world, and I found this setting to be lots of fun. The plot twists out in some surprising and fun directions, and the cliffhangers at the end of each chapter kept me turning pages. The characters are strong as well, and we meet some great new ones along the way. Just watch out for the cliffhanger at the end of the book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book overs things to the comic book world, and I found this setting to be lots of fun. The plot twists out in some surprising and fun directions, and the cliffhangers at the end of each chapter kept me turning pages. The characters are strong as well, and we meet some great new ones along the way. Just watch out for the cliffhanger at the end of the book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 20, 2020
3.🌟
The third instalment to the story thieves series was much better then the second one. These books aren't outstandingly amazing or anything they are just a fun quick middle grade read.
The third book did set up for a promising 4th book that I'll probably pick up in the near future.
The third instalment to the story thieves series was much better then the second one. These books aren't outstandingly amazing or anything they are just a fun quick middle grade read.
The third book did set up for a promising 4th book that I'll probably pick up in the near future.
April 14, 2019
3.5 stars ~
My least favorite of the series . . . but mainly because it was more comic bookish and Nobody showed up way more. O.O
My least favorite of the series . . . but mainly because it was more comic bookish and Nobody showed up way more. O.O
July 1, 2023
I introduced my story thieves Hot Take™ in my book 2 review, but to expand on that: main character wise, bethany and kiel carry this series & owen does the opposite. which results in a pretty inconsistent quality level, even for different parts within the same book. such as this one.
the first half is STRUGGLING.
1. there's no kiel. already a setback.
2. owen is acting up again. there aren't many times during the first half of this (or in the entire series) where I truly believe he's friends with anyone, because he's just. not a good friend. why are all his thoughts about his "friends" (except charm because yes of course we def needed a cringe middle school romance to prioritize over anything else) negative ones?? weird and mean way to think about your besties, dude. and also he's a raging hypocrite. he justifies all of HIS bad decisions, but if bethany, his BEST FRIEND, does the same, he acts like it's the biggest problem in the world.
3. random but this is the SECOND book I've read recently that includes misinformation about supervolcanoes. stop doing this to me.
4. cringe middle school romance gets prioritized over everyone else is my PET PEEVE, MAN. JESUS. if we're friends, and you have a crush on a jerk, and I call them out for being a jerk and you DEFEND THEM???? it's so over.
5. a lot of times where characters are very obviously saying and doing things that move the plot along regardless of how little it makes sense for their character to be saying/doing that. if the only way you can make plot happen is by giving someone an entirely new personality then maybe let's go back to the drawing board.
second half kind of kills, I can't lie. yes, there's no kiel, but owen gets removed from the action too, which allows bethany and the increasingly large side cast to take center stage. it ends up being a ton of fun. the dialogue/banter between all of them is pretty funny and the fight scene during the climax is actually great. like I said. this series would have been FIRE if someone other than owen had been the main character.
can't wait for book 4, where there's no kiel, no bethany, and all owen 😐
the first half is STRUGGLING.
1. there's no kiel. already a setback.
2. owen is acting up again. there aren't many times during the first half of this (or in the entire series) where I truly believe he's friends with anyone, because he's just. not a good friend. why are all his thoughts about his "friends" (except charm because yes of course we def needed a cringe middle school romance to prioritize over anything else) negative ones?? weird and mean way to think about your besties, dude. and also he's a raging hypocrite. he justifies all of HIS bad decisions, but if bethany, his BEST FRIEND, does the same, he acts like it's the biggest problem in the world.
3. random but this is the SECOND book I've read recently that includes misinformation about supervolcanoes. stop doing this to me.
4. cringe middle school romance gets prioritized over everyone else is my PET PEEVE, MAN. JESUS. if we're friends, and you have a crush on a jerk, and I call them out for being a jerk and you DEFEND THEM???? it's so over.
5. a lot of times where characters are very obviously saying and doing things that move the plot along regardless of how little it makes sense for their character to be saying/doing that. if the only way you can make plot happen is by giving someone an entirely new personality then maybe let's go back to the drawing board.
second half kind of kills, I can't lie. yes, there's no kiel, but owen gets removed from the action too, which allows bethany and the increasingly large side cast to take center stage. it ends up being a ton of fun. the dialogue/banter between all of them is pretty funny and the fight scene during the climax is actually great. like I said. this series would have been FIRE if someone other than owen had been the main character.
can't wait for book 4, where there's no kiel, no bethany, and all owen 😐
January 19, 2025
This series is good but it is a little odd. It draws you in and makes you think but the author gets to deep into when he talks about how we are all fictional…. It is very good detailed writing and I enjoy even if it does make me feel a bit creeped out
March 7, 2017
james riley did it again everybody! this man is an absolute mastermind and he sure knows how to continuously surprise his readers. i gave this book four stars instead of five because i felt like everything that happened up until the real action started taking place, was just there as a placeholder and it didnt hold my attention for too long. maybe that's why it took me more than a month to finish this book. or maybe im still on a reading slump. who knows.
i cant lie, i actually teared up a little when i thought kiel was going to join us again for this journey but he didnt and i was a tiny bit disappointed because i miss him and his winks quite a lot. however i had lots of fun having charm back and i dont remember her being like that but my god, her personality spoke volumes to me because she's basically who i aspire to be in life.
i cant lie, i actually teared up a little when i thought kiel was going to join us again for this journey but he didnt and i was a tiny bit disappointed because i miss him and his winks quite a lot. however i had lots of fun having charm back and i dont remember her being like that but my god, her personality spoke volumes to me because she's basically who i aspire to be in life.
February 13, 2017
Amazing!!!
James Riley is a genius. This really blew me away. Just when I thought he couldn't do anything better than the last one, he proves us wrong. Can't wait for the next one!
James Riley is a genius. This really blew me away. Just when I thought he couldn't do anything better than the last one, he proves us wrong. Can't wait for the next one!
July 16, 2022
Brief Review
This was an interesting book! I absolutely loved it! I am not a very critical reader, so I don't have much to say, but it is certainly well-written, and the way it felt like I was reading something else altogether. Spoilers Ahead!
Characters
Plot
That's all for now. Cheerios!
This was an interesting book! I absolutely loved it! I am not a very critical reader, so I don't have much to say, but it is certainly well-written, and the way it felt like I was reading something else altogether. Spoilers Ahead!
Characters
Plot
That's all for now. Cheerios!
January 24, 2023
Betani ir Ovenas jau aplankė ne vienos knygos pasaulį, bet po paskutinės ne itin nusisekusios kelionės nusprendė - daugiau jokių teleportacijų į knygas. Kai nebelieka knygų, o Betani nėra linkusi nebeieškoti tėčio, lieka tik... komiksai! Betani ir Ovenas atsiduria Jupiterio mieste, kur knibžda tiek superherojų, tiek piktadarių, negana to, jame viešpatauja Tamsa, kurios bijo visi...
Kai mano širdis pasiilgsta jaunyste dvelkiančių nuotykių, kokybiško adrenalino, persipynusio su vertybiniais aspektais, ir apskritai istorijos, kuri smagiu, gana dinamišku, bet aiškiu tempu nukeltų į žaismingą, įdomų, nuotaikingą bei nežinomybės kupiną knygų pasaulį, žinau, kad serijoje „Istorijų vagys“ visa tai rasiu. Betani ir Oveno patiriami nuotykiai yra visiškai naujas, literatūroje iki šiol dar neregėtas šviežio oro gūsis, sukuriantis dėmesio vertą siužetą, kurį tyrinėjant laikas neprailgsta, o mintys atitrūksta nuo realybės. Tik užvertęs paskutinį puslapį, imi laukti sekančios dalies pasirodymo, kadangi pradedi nekantriai lūkuriuoti informacijos, kaip pakryps veikėjų gyvenimas, o galvoje sukasi vos vienas klausimas - kas bus toliau?!
Skaitydama kiekvieną šios istorijos dalį, imu galvoti, kad serija vis gerėja, o aš lieku vis labiau ir labiau nustebinta. Daugiausia, žinoma, dėl rašytojo J. Riley kūrybinės išmonės, kuri, net fantazijai didelių simpatijų nejaučiantį žmogų, priverčia išsižioti ir akimis sekti smulkiausias detales, pajusti magijos žavesį ir jos atveriamą nematomą portalą į draugystės, pagalbos bei paprasčiausio žmogiškumo erdvę, kurios neretai pasigendama nūdienos pasaulyje.
Kalbant apie pačią istorijos aplinką, geriausia, be abejo, yra tai, kad veikėjai keliauja po kitų, kartais itin gerai žinomų ir pripažinimą pelniusių, knygų puslapius, taip nejučia pakeisdami jų turinį, tapdami jo dalimi. Nors šioje dalyje Betani ir Ovenas leidžiasi į asmeniškai man negirdėto (pagal pavadinimą) komikso platybes, tai nesumažina esamos literatūrinės galios, o skaitytojams, mėgstantiems šio žanro kūrinius, turiu gerą žinią - knygos turinyje yra ir komikso tipo intarpų. Esu įsitikinusi, kad tokio pobūdžio kelionės akcentuoja, jog knygose egzistuojantis pasaulis parodo, kur rasti dar neregėtas duris į įspūdingą realybę, ir teigia, kad raktą, galintį jas atrakinti, turime kiekvienas iš mūsų. Galbūt mes ir neturime tokių supergalių, leidžiančių iš tiesų atsidurti knygoje, bet skaitymas mums padeda tai netiesiogiai padaryti - būtent jis yra mūsų raktas į beribes pažinimo gelmes, į keliones, kurios nieko nekainuoja, bet visokeriopai praturtina mūsų gyvenimą.
Negaliu apžvalgoje nepaminėti ir nepabandyti paanalizuoti filosofinės temos, neapsakomai reikšmingos siužeto įvykiams. Autorius, į knygos puslapius leisdamas nugulti savo siužeto, temos bei pagrindinės minties idėjai, visada privalo sukurti protagonistus ir antagonistus, kurie išplėtos pastarąsias. Tai darydamas, jis ne tik sugalvoja tam tikras tapatybes, bet ir priskiria skirtingas charakterio savybes - tiesiogines nuorodas, ar veikėjas teigiamas, ar neigiamas. Bet dabar įsivaizduokite situaciją, kad jūs esate tas rašytojas ir kad jūsų sukurti herojai staiga atgijo. Kaip manote, kokia reakcija būtų tų, kuriems jūs priskyrėte blogiečių rolę, o jie iš tiesų norėjo atlikti gėrio nešėjų vaidmenį? Būtent tokią situaciją „Istorijų vagyse“ įterpė ir J. Riley. Šią situaciją, mano akimis, galime interpretuoti ir kitaip - kai žmonės susidaro išankstinį įspūdį apie kitus asmenis, kurių net gerai nepažįsta arba nesupranta/nežino tikrųjų kažkokio elgesio priežasčių. Manau, kalbėti apie tokius dalykus, kad ir įdomioje, netiesioginėje formoje, verta, kadangi tik tokiu būdu ugdomas jaunų žmonių empatiškumas ir sąmoningumas apie kitus, kurie mus supa, apie tai, kaip teisingai elgtis jų atžvilgiu.
Siužeto veiksmo ištakos siekia praėjusias dalis, kuriose buvo minima, kad Betani - mergaitė, galinti keliauti iš realaus pasaulio į knygos ar kito literatūrinio kūrinio siužetą - besąlygiškai nori rasti savo tėtį, pažinti jį ir sužinoti tai, ko nepasakoja mama. Kaip galima suprasti, Betani, turinčios tokią ypatingą galią, tėtis nėra eilinis žmogus, tačiau, kad iš tiesų viskas taip painu ir sudėtinga, pripažinsiu, nesitikėjau. Galvojau, kad knygos pabaigoje neabejotinai viskas išaiškės, paieškos duos realų vaisių. Deja, rašytojas eilinį kartą taip sumaišė kortas, kad dabar nebeaišku niekas - kur dingo dalis veikėjų, kaip juos reikės rasti, kurioje dimensijoje atsidūrė kiti, galiausiai, kaip išsilaisvinti tretiems, kurie melo pinklėse kalėjo ištisus metus. Jau nekalbu apie tai, kad iki galo dar nesuprantu, kur yra visų šių skirtingų pasaulių ribos, kadangi, verta paminėti, knygoje veikėjais virsta ir patys rašytojai, šiuo atveju - J. Riley taip pat yra istorijos dalis.
„Istorijų vagys. Paslaptinga kilmė“ - jaunatviška nuotykių knyga, kurioje be azarto ir nuostabos skaitytojas pajus vertybių puoselėjimo svarbą ir supras, kad jos nevalia apleisti nei vienoje gyvenimo situacijoje. Kilus sunkumams, o negandoms ir pavojams nuolatos alsuojant į nugarą, būtent pastarosios padeda išlikti teisiu ir atsakingu tiek prieš kitus, tiek prieš save. Nors tai serijinė išskirtinių nuotykių, sujungiančių kelis pasaulius, istorija, ji tarp eilučių kuria gyvenimo, kuriame visi yra vieningi, ištikimi, draugiški, vaizdinį. Gyvenimo, kuriame norėtume būti kiekvienas, nes jame nestinga tikrų draugų, ištiesiančių pagalbos ranką, kai labiausiai reikia, nebijančių net rizikuoti savo gyvybe, kad padėtų tiems, kurie jiems brangūs. Knygų serija „Istorijų vagys“ - pamokanti, šviesi, smagi, bet tuo pačiu ir įtampos nestokojanti istorija, kurią norisi skaityti dėl dviejų priežasčių: pirma - dinamikos amplitudė tokia plati, kad nė akimirkai nėra nuobodu, antra - veikėjai tokie saviti ir tikri, kad savaime tampa artimi.
Ypatingai rekomenduoju paaugliams ir jaunimui, mėgstantiems šaunius nuotykius, teleportacijas, stebuklus, o taip pat amžiną kovą tarp gėrio bei blogio. Vyresniems skaitytojams siūlau, jeigu pasiilgote tų potyrių pilnų jaunystės dienų, kai norėjote savarankiškai pažinti kiekvieną neaiškią vietą, kai norėjote be suaugusiųjų pagalbos įminti gyvenimo kelyje esančias mįsles, sužinoti atsakymus į visus rūpimus klausimus, kadangi Betani ir Oveno širdyse vyrauja tokie jausmai bei norai. Rekomenduoju įtraukiančių, savo turiniu ne tik siautulį keliančių, tačiau ir itin prasmingų istorijų gerbėjams, kurie tikisi ne tik lengvai pasiekiamos laimingos pabaigos, skelbiančios apie pasiektą veikėjų pergalę, bet ir tiems, kurie yra atkaklūs, didesnį pasimėgavimą jaučiantys ne kulminacijoje, o eigoje iki jos. Rekomenduoju jaunatviškų istorijų gerbėjams, kurie mėgsta kokybiškas ir šaunias knygas, subalansuotas jaunajai auditorijai, bet puikiai tinkančias ir ne vieną fantastikos pasaulį išbandyti spėjusiam skaitytojui.
5/5⭐
Kai mano širdis pasiilgsta jaunyste dvelkiančių nuotykių, kokybiško adrenalino, persipynusio su vertybiniais aspektais, ir apskritai istorijos, kuri smagiu, gana dinamišku, bet aiškiu tempu nukeltų į žaismingą, įdomų, nuotaikingą bei nežinomybės kupiną knygų pasaulį, žinau, kad serijoje „Istorijų vagys“ visa tai rasiu. Betani ir Oveno patiriami nuotykiai yra visiškai naujas, literatūroje iki šiol dar neregėtas šviežio oro gūsis, sukuriantis dėmesio vertą siužetą, kurį tyrinėjant laikas neprailgsta, o mintys atitrūksta nuo realybės. Tik užvertęs paskutinį puslapį, imi laukti sekančios dalies pasirodymo, kadangi pradedi nekantriai lūkuriuoti informacijos, kaip pakryps veikėjų gyvenimas, o galvoje sukasi vos vienas klausimas - kas bus toliau?!
Skaitydama kiekvieną šios istorijos dalį, imu galvoti, kad serija vis gerėja, o aš lieku vis labiau ir labiau nustebinta. Daugiausia, žinoma, dėl rašytojo J. Riley kūrybinės išmonės, kuri, net fantazijai didelių simpatijų nejaučiantį žmogų, priverčia išsižioti ir akimis sekti smulkiausias detales, pajusti magijos žavesį ir jos atveriamą nematomą portalą į draugystės, pagalbos bei paprasčiausio žmogiškumo erdvę, kurios neretai pasigendama nūdienos pasaulyje.
Kalbant apie pačią istorijos aplinką, geriausia, be abejo, yra tai, kad veikėjai keliauja po kitų, kartais itin gerai žinomų ir pripažinimą pelniusių, knygų puslapius, taip nejučia pakeisdami jų turinį, tapdami jo dalimi. Nors šioje dalyje Betani ir Ovenas leidžiasi į asmeniškai man negirdėto (pagal pavadinimą) komikso platybes, tai nesumažina esamos literatūrinės galios, o skaitytojams, mėgstantiems šio žanro kūrinius, turiu gerą žinią - knygos turinyje yra ir komikso tipo intarpų. Esu įsitikinusi, kad tokio pobūdžio kelionės akcentuoja, jog knygose egzistuojantis pasaulis parodo, kur rasti dar neregėtas duris į įspūdingą realybę, ir teigia, kad raktą, galintį jas atrakinti, turime kiekvienas iš mūsų. Galbūt mes ir neturime tokių supergalių, leidžiančių iš tiesų atsidurti knygoje, bet skaitymas mums padeda tai netiesiogiai padaryti - būtent jis yra mūsų raktas į beribes pažinimo gelmes, į keliones, kurios nieko nekainuoja, bet visokeriopai praturtina mūsų gyvenimą.
Negaliu apžvalgoje nepaminėti ir nepabandyti paanalizuoti filosofinės temos, neapsakomai reikšmingos siužeto įvykiams. Autorius, į knygos puslapius leisdamas nugulti savo siužeto, temos bei pagrindinės minties idėjai, visada privalo sukurti protagonistus ir antagonistus, kurie išplėtos pastarąsias. Tai darydamas, jis ne tik sugalvoja tam tikras tapatybes, bet ir priskiria skirtingas charakterio savybes - tiesiogines nuorodas, ar veikėjas teigiamas, ar neigiamas. Bet dabar įsivaizduokite situaciją, kad jūs esate tas rašytojas ir kad jūsų sukurti herojai staiga atgijo. Kaip manote, kokia reakcija būtų tų, kuriems jūs priskyrėte blogiečių rolę, o jie iš tiesų norėjo atlikti gėrio nešėjų vaidmenį? Būtent tokią situaciją „Istorijų vagyse“ įterpė ir J. Riley. Šią situaciją, mano akimis, galime interpretuoti ir kitaip - kai žmonės susidaro išankstinį įspūdį apie kitus asmenis, kurių net gerai nepažįsta arba nesupranta/nežino tikrųjų kažkokio elgesio priežasčių. Manau, kalbėti apie tokius dalykus, kad ir įdomioje, netiesioginėje formoje, verta, kadangi tik tokiu būdu ugdomas jaunų žmonių empatiškumas ir sąmoningumas apie kitus, kurie mus supa, apie tai, kaip teisingai elgtis jų atžvilgiu.
Siužeto veiksmo ištakos siekia praėjusias dalis, kuriose buvo minima, kad Betani - mergaitė, galinti keliauti iš realaus pasaulio į knygos ar kito literatūrinio kūrinio siužetą - besąlygiškai nori rasti savo tėtį, pažinti jį ir sužinoti tai, ko nepasakoja mama. Kaip galima suprasti, Betani, turinčios tokią ypatingą galią, tėtis nėra eilinis žmogus, tačiau, kad iš tiesų viskas taip painu ir sudėtinga, pripažinsiu, nesitikėjau. Galvojau, kad knygos pabaigoje neabejotinai viskas išaiškės, paieškos duos realų vaisių. Deja, rašytojas eilinį kartą taip sumaišė kortas, kad dabar nebeaišku niekas - kur dingo dalis veikėjų, kaip juos reikės rasti, kurioje dimensijoje atsidūrė kiti, galiausiai, kaip išsilaisvinti tretiems, kurie melo pinklėse kalėjo ištisus metus. Jau nekalbu apie tai, kad iki galo dar nesuprantu, kur yra visų šių skirtingų pasaulių ribos, kadangi, verta paminėti, knygoje veikėjais virsta ir patys rašytojai, šiuo atveju - J. Riley taip pat yra istorijos dalis.
„Istorijų vagys. Paslaptinga kilmė“ - jaunatviška nuotykių knyga, kurioje be azarto ir nuostabos skaitytojas pajus vertybių puoselėjimo svarbą ir supras, kad jos nevalia apleisti nei vienoje gyvenimo situacijoje. Kilus sunkumams, o negandoms ir pavojams nuolatos alsuojant į nugarą, būtent pastarosios padeda išlikti teisiu ir atsakingu tiek prieš kitus, tiek prieš save. Nors tai serijinė išskirtinių nuotykių, sujungiančių kelis pasaulius, istorija, ji tarp eilučių kuria gyvenimo, kuriame visi yra vieningi, ištikimi, draugiški, vaizdinį. Gyvenimo, kuriame norėtume būti kiekvienas, nes jame nestinga tikrų draugų, ištiesiančių pagalbos ranką, kai labiausiai reikia, nebijančių net rizikuoti savo gyvybe, kad padėtų tiems, kurie jiems brangūs. Knygų serija „Istorijų vagys“ - pamokanti, šviesi, smagi, bet tuo pačiu ir įtampos nestokojanti istorija, kurią norisi skaityti dėl dviejų priežasčių: pirma - dinamikos amplitudė tokia plati, kad nė akimirkai nėra nuobodu, antra - veikėjai tokie saviti ir tikri, kad savaime tampa artimi.
Ypatingai rekomenduoju paaugliams ir jaunimui, mėgstantiems šaunius nuotykius, teleportacijas, stebuklus, o taip pat amžiną kovą tarp gėrio bei blogio. Vyresniems skaitytojams siūlau, jeigu pasiilgote tų potyrių pilnų jaunystės dienų, kai norėjote savarankiškai pažinti kiekvieną neaiškią vietą, kai norėjote be suaugusiųjų pagalbos įminti gyvenimo kelyje esančias mįsles, sužinoti atsakymus į visus rūpimus klausimus, kadangi Betani ir Oveno širdyse vyrauja tokie jausmai bei norai. Rekomenduoju įtraukiančių, savo turiniu ne tik siautulį keliančių, tačiau ir itin prasmingų istorijų gerbėjams, kurie tikisi ne tik lengvai pasiekiamos laimingos pabaigos, skelbiančios apie pasiektą veikėjų pergalę, bet ir tiems, kurie yra atkaklūs, didesnį pasimėgavimą jaučiantys ne kulminacijoje, o eigoje iki jos. Rekomenduoju jaunatviškų istorijų gerbėjams, kurie mėgsta kokybiškas ir šaunias knygas, subalansuotas jaunajai auditorijai, bet puikiai tinkančias ir ne vieną fantastikos pasaulį išbandyti spėjusiam skaitytojui.
5/5⭐
March 19, 2017
A lot of nonfiction books prompt you to ponder the never-ending questions of human existence. Story Thieves: Secret Origins does it just by being fictional. Like its predecessors, the third book in the five-book-long Story Thieves series is funny, entertaining, a bit meta at times, and a lot of fun to read. In this book, Owen and his book-traveling friend Bethany find out about a comic named Doc Twilight, its darker and edgier reboot, and a man who is using portals to arrive in the comic’s world, called Jupiter City, whom Bethany realizes is her long-lost father. Together, she and Owen, along with Charm (a character from Owen’s favorite series, Kiel Gnomenfoot, whom he had met in the first book) and Gwen (also known as EarthGirl, a fictional superhero that Bethany had become friends with), must go into Jupiter City, give themselves superpowers, defeat the Dark – the supervillain of the Doc Twilight books – and find out the history of Bethany, her father, the authors of the comics, and the mysterious Nobody, who’s been writing the Story Thieves books that Owen is so creeped out by.
One of the things that makes a good story is a good villain, and the Dark fulfills that criteria extremely well. He can control the shadows of Jupiter City, who infect the citizens by pushing themselves into the people, almost like the Dementors in the Harry Potter books. Once infected, the citizens’ anger is multiplied, and they become agents of the Dark. When Bethany is first attacked by the shadows, she describes it as such: “One by one, the shadows slowly pulled at her fingers, and all she wanted to do was attack them, fight them, pull them apart. She felt her vision begin to turn black, but she didn’t care. She wanted revenge on these things, to show them that she wasn’t afraid of them, that she wasn’t afraid of the Dark, and she’d tear them to pieces…” This shows how even a kind character with a little feistiness, like Bethany, can fall victim to these creatures. It’s taken up a notch in the climax, when Gwen and Charm are infested with the shadows. Charm, who’s the snarky comic relief of the bunch, is blinded by the shadows, yelling “I’ve always hated you” at Bethany. However, Gwen is still the sweetheart she always has been. The text describes it as such: “Of course the shadows hadn’t affected EarthGirl. They needed some kind of anger or fear to latch onto.” As scary as the shadows are to read about, they’re really interesting characters, and the Dark is a compelling villain with an interesting backstory: .
The books become even better when read as a book in your hands, so be sure to get a copy. The characters are dynamic and fun, the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the cliffhanger at the end will make you not be able to wait for September and the next book, Story Thieves: . The book is excellently written by James Riley (read: Nobody), and it’s definitely one that will stick with you even after you’ve put it down. These books are extremely interesting to read, and in a way, they change the concept of reading – and for the better.
One of the things that makes a good story is a good villain, and the Dark fulfills that criteria extremely well. He can control the shadows of Jupiter City, who infect the citizens by pushing themselves into the people, almost like the Dementors in the Harry Potter books. Once infected, the citizens’ anger is multiplied, and they become agents of the Dark. When Bethany is first attacked by the shadows, she describes it as such: “One by one, the shadows slowly pulled at her fingers, and all she wanted to do was attack them, fight them, pull them apart. She felt her vision begin to turn black, but she didn’t care. She wanted revenge on these things, to show them that she wasn’t afraid of them, that she wasn’t afraid of the Dark, and she’d tear them to pieces…” This shows how even a kind character with a little feistiness, like Bethany, can fall victim to these creatures. It’s taken up a notch in the climax, when Gwen and Charm are infested with the shadows. Charm, who’s the snarky comic relief of the bunch, is blinded by the shadows, yelling “I’ve always hated you” at Bethany. However, Gwen is still the sweetheart she always has been. The text describes it as such: “Of course the shadows hadn’t affected EarthGirl. They needed some kind of anger or fear to latch onto.” As scary as the shadows are to read about, they’re really interesting characters, and the Dark is a compelling villain with an interesting backstory: .
The books become even better when read as a book in your hands, so be sure to get a copy. The characters are dynamic and fun, the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the cliffhanger at the end will make you not be able to wait for September and the next book, Story Thieves: . The book is excellently written by James Riley (read: Nobody), and it’s definitely one that will stick with you even after you’ve put it down. These books are extremely interesting to read, and in a way, they change the concept of reading – and for the better.
February 8, 2017
See full review here: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/86...
"Story Thieves: Secret Origins" is the third book in a planned five-book series by James Riley. In this installment, preteens Owen and Bethany team up again in the ongoing search for Bethany's father.
In the previous books, we learned that Bethany has the ability to jump into books and enter their worlds. She has been doing this in hopes of finding her missing father, who she believes isn't in the nonfiction world anymore.
When Owen catches Bethany, he convinces her to take him into his favorite book series to keep him from sharing her secret. This leads to many adventures in solving wars between worlds, making fictional friends and traveling through many tales.
"Secret Origins" picks up with Owen and Bethany on hiatus from jumping into stories because it's causing too much trouble. But Bethany has been sneaking visits and now a mysterious man is watching her house. When she and Owen follow the man, they find out he's called Doc Twilight and his house holds a portal to another fictional world, this time the comic book world of Jupiter City.
Bethany believes a villain named the Dark has taken her father, and she's determined to end this once and for all.
Riley returns with his comedic wit and ability to hide secrets within his stories, but adds a new dimension to the series by leaving classic tales and science fiction and jumping into the world of comics. Just as Owen enjoys the world of Jupiter City because he loves comic books, fans of graphic novels will enjoy the homage to the battle between good and evil and accidental heroes.
The villain is refreshing because it's a shadow which can inhabit your mind and make you act against your will. While there are other villains to fight, this idea, along with the lesson that words have power, is well-learned and organically written.
With an ending that both gives answers and opens a world of possibilities, Riley writes a strong story that should keep readers waiting for the next book.
"Secret Origins" is interspersed with comic book sketches that enhance the experience and bring the characters to life.
"Story Thieves: Secret Origins" is the third book in a planned five-book series by James Riley. In this installment, preteens Owen and Bethany team up again in the ongoing search for Bethany's father.
In the previous books, we learned that Bethany has the ability to jump into books and enter their worlds. She has been doing this in hopes of finding her missing father, who she believes isn't in the nonfiction world anymore.
When Owen catches Bethany, he convinces her to take him into his favorite book series to keep him from sharing her secret. This leads to many adventures in solving wars between worlds, making fictional friends and traveling through many tales.
"Secret Origins" picks up with Owen and Bethany on hiatus from jumping into stories because it's causing too much trouble. But Bethany has been sneaking visits and now a mysterious man is watching her house. When she and Owen follow the man, they find out he's called Doc Twilight and his house holds a portal to another fictional world, this time the comic book world of Jupiter City.
Bethany believes a villain named the Dark has taken her father, and she's determined to end this once and for all.
Riley returns with his comedic wit and ability to hide secrets within his stories, but adds a new dimension to the series by leaving classic tales and science fiction and jumping into the world of comics. Just as Owen enjoys the world of Jupiter City because he loves comic books, fans of graphic novels will enjoy the homage to the battle between good and evil and accidental heroes.
The villain is refreshing because it's a shadow which can inhabit your mind and make you act against your will. While there are other villains to fight, this idea, along with the lesson that words have power, is well-learned and organically written.
With an ending that both gives answers and opens a world of possibilities, Riley writes a strong story that should keep readers waiting for the next book.
"Secret Origins" is interspersed with comic book sketches that enhance the experience and bring the characters to life.
February 10, 2017
Gr -4-6
Bethany, who is half fictional, and her regular friend Owen have sworn not to go into the fictional world any more. It is dangerous and the evil Nobody, a man without a face, has threatened them if they come back. But when Bethany discovers a mysterious man watching her house, she is determined to track him down and find out why. And she just needs a *few* tools from the fictional world to help her. When they arrive at the man’s house, they discover a portal into a comic book world, several superheroes and supervillains, one of whom just *might* be Bethany’s dad. Find out who Nobody is, who Bethany’s real dad is and how she and Owen save Jupiter City from the Dark. Riley doesn’t disappoint in this thrilling continuation of the Story Thieves series. Full of pithy puns, plays on words and lots of action, kids are sure to enjoy the latest installment.
-Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ
Bethany, who is half fictional, and her regular friend Owen have sworn not to go into the fictional world any more. It is dangerous and the evil Nobody, a man without a face, has threatened them if they come back. But when Bethany discovers a mysterious man watching her house, she is determined to track him down and find out why. And she just needs a *few* tools from the fictional world to help her. When they arrive at the man’s house, they discover a portal into a comic book world, several superheroes and supervillains, one of whom just *might* be Bethany’s dad. Find out who Nobody is, who Bethany’s real dad is and how she and Owen save Jupiter City from the Dark. Riley doesn’t disappoint in this thrilling continuation of the Story Thieves series. Full of pithy puns, plays on words and lots of action, kids are sure to enjoy the latest installment.
-Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ
April 13, 2020
The Story Thieves: Secret Origins is a book with many twists and turns. Everything that you think is true is a lie. I'm not entirely sure how a felt about it while reading because it did make for an interesting plot, but it was just really hard to keep up with. I really liked how Bethany finally went through some good character development in the end because in the last book and at the beginning of this one, it felt like she was developing in the opposite direction. I like how we found out more about Bethany's father's past as well as Nobody's, but I don't like how Owen had to be thrown to the side in order to do that. Overall this book was okay and I did enjoy reading it, but not as much as I have enjoyed reading other books.
May 19, 2017
60 pg remaining....took me a while to get into this 3rd book though...begining 10pgs was a bit confusing (was it a dream?) ...ended up reading 2 other books instead. But i'm glad i didn't put this book off any further.
Definitely a great continuation to the story if not a bit weird...thought the author was gonna write himself into the Story after book#2. Its not as good as the first 2 books which put the series up high, and because of the weird start: 4 stars...and the ending was a bit shotty
Which is a disappointment cuz the notion of where Owen ended up is really cool.
or maybe i should have reread the ending to book#2.
Originally enough, it starts book#4, which will hopefully be better than book#3 and on par with 1 & 2. ...so 4.5 stars if i could.
---- i like the originality of the series
* book#1 jumping into the books (2nd time i've seen it , first was Funke's Inkheart)
* book#2 the acknowledgements was fantastically written
* book#3 Where Owen ended up during the book.
hope book #4 introduces something novel ...
though maybe turning a written serise into a "choose your own adventure" is novel
Definitely a great continuation to the story if not a bit weird...thought the author was gonna write himself into the Story after book#2. Its not as good as the first 2 books which put the series up high, and because of the weird start: 4 stars...and the ending was a bit shotty
Which is a disappointment cuz the notion of where Owen ended up is really cool.
or maybe i should have reread the ending to book#2.
Originally enough, it starts book#4, which will hopefully be better than book#3 and on par with 1 & 2. ...so 4.5 stars if i could.
---- i like the originality of the series
* book#1 jumping into the books (2nd time i've seen it , first was Funke's Inkheart)
* book#2 the acknowledgements was fantastically written
* book#3 Where Owen ended up during the book.
hope book #4 introduces something novel ...
though maybe turning a written serise into a "choose your own adventure" is novel
June 28, 2018
In Secret Origins, I was surprised that the author, James Riley, actually incorporates himself into the book as a villain. The whole series is based on the idea that there is a nonfictional world and a fictional world. The fictional world is where all the characters from books live put their stories. James Riley writes in a unique perspective because when you read the book, you are reading from the view of a fictional person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2020
Meh... Dunno. I have one more book in the series, and I'll probably read it so I don't waste a download, but after the first book, I'm kind of bored. Owen and his friends are OK, but nothing super special in my eyes. I do like the fast pace and action, and it's good mind fluff for me. I need fluff on the weekends.This book was pretty predictable. 😔
March 31, 2023
5/5 ⭐ AMAZING!
THIS BOOK OMFG. It had so many plot twist that I did not see coming. It had some characters from last books that we knew nothing about. And one of them became a villain!? I DID NOT EXPECT THAT!
AND THE WAY IT ENDED! WILD! I can officially say that I'm OBSESSED with this series.
THIS BOOK OMFG. It had so many plot twist that I did not see coming. It had some characters from last books that we knew nothing about. And one of them became a villain!? I DID NOT EXPECT THAT!
AND THE WAY IT ENDED! WILD! I can officially say that I'm OBSESSED with this series.
October 29, 2017
My only complaint is that IT ENDED TOO SOOOOOOOOON. I need to read the next book NOW. Until then, there's no way I can write a rational review.
March 25, 2017
Amzing!!!! Read book 1 and 2 before this book. I think there will be another book coming out next year, so you have plenty of time to read them. Enjoy!
May 16, 2017
fantasy and science fiction. mystery. and now comics! I have written (but not published) several comics, and i found this book to be a funny and interesting take on that genre. the plot twist about nobody was somewhat odd though, since (s) his identity has not appeared in any of the other books (and therefore we can't figure it out). i look forward to pick the plot with much anticipation.
March 19, 2017
I LOVE JAMES RILEY'S WORK SO MUCH!
May 2, 2017
4.5
There's a lot of improvement from the last two books. Secret Origins is my favorite of the series thus far. I loved all the comic book references.
There's a lot of improvement from the last two books. Secret Origins is my favorite of the series thus far. I loved all the comic book references.
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