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Ashley Arthur #1
Money Run
Take two child geniuses (thieves in their spare time), one obsessed assassin, and the richest man in the world to create a compelling, completely unpredictable young adult thriller. Fifteen-year-olds Ashley and Benjamin have concocted a daring master plan: to steal billionaire Hammond Buckland's most precious belonging, hidden in the depths of his conspicuous corporate building. But Hammond Buckland has a most elaborate plan of his own - and none of them have counted on Peachey, the hit man with a determination to finish the job - at any cost!The beginning of a dazzling new series from Jack Heath, author of The Lab and Remote Control.
264 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2008
20 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Jack Heath
67 books834 followersJack Heath wrote his debut novel, The Lab, in secondary school and sent it to a publisher at age seventeen. He's now the award-winning author of forty novels for adults and children, including the international bestsellers Hangman, The Wife Swap and 300 Minutes of Danger. His books have been translated into ten languages, optioned for TV and adapted for film. He lives on Ngunnawal/Ngambri country in Canberra, Australia, with his wife, their children, several chickens, a few fish and a possum named Oreo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 16, 2023
This is a perfect book for the “reluctant reader”. Packed with suspense and fast-paced, Money Run pulled me in immediately, and kept me turning pages very quickly. What else could you expect from a 25 year-old male author? It is, quite frankly, badass.
Essentially, the book covers one day in the life of two master-mind criminals as they attempt to pull off the heist that could allow them to retire quite happily…….at the age of 15. I admit, at a blush, the teen-aged girl pulling out MacGyver-type solutions seemed far-fetched. Then I remembered two very important things. One-today’s kids are smart. When they set their minds on something, they tend to be very tenacious and creative, so okay, I can buy it. Two-the target market is Middle-Schoolers, of course it works for them.
Ash and Benjamin have stealing down to an art. One very cool twist, Ashley is the “front-man”. That’s right—the girl is the action-adventure one on the team. Benjamin is with her every step of the way, but virtually, not physically. Attempting their most daring theft yet, robbing the illustrious Hammond Buckland, is challenging enough, but when Michael Peachey shows up, things get complicated in a hurry.
This is where Mr. Heath takes the book to another level. Is Peachy here for the same job? Not a deterrent, of course, but Ash would have to work faster. Feeling that her meeting with Mr. Buckland was quite peculiar, and curious about Peachey’s appearance, Ash faltered. She needed to focus on the original job and figure out what Mr. Peachy had planned. This begins an astounding game of cat-and-mouse. It becomes obvious to Ash that someone is pulling the strings, but whom? Why?
The ingenuity of the teens is impressive and compelling. The adventure was thrilling and suspenseful. Trying to determine the real story for each character kept me hooked. The ending was pleasantly surprising without being predictable or too pat.
Money Run released this month—grab a copy for the “reluctant reader” in your world, or donate a copy to a local Middle School library. You will not be sorry. I promi
This review was written for the Buried Under Books blog.
Essentially, the book covers one day in the life of two master-mind criminals as they attempt to pull off the heist that could allow them to retire quite happily…….at the age of 15. I admit, at a blush, the teen-aged girl pulling out MacGyver-type solutions seemed far-fetched. Then I remembered two very important things. One-today’s kids are smart. When they set their minds on something, they tend to be very tenacious and creative, so okay, I can buy it. Two-the target market is Middle-Schoolers, of course it works for them.
Ash and Benjamin have stealing down to an art. One very cool twist, Ashley is the “front-man”. That’s right—the girl is the action-adventure one on the team. Benjamin is with her every step of the way, but virtually, not physically. Attempting their most daring theft yet, robbing the illustrious Hammond Buckland, is challenging enough, but when Michael Peachey shows up, things get complicated in a hurry.
This is where Mr. Heath takes the book to another level. Is Peachy here for the same job? Not a deterrent, of course, but Ash would have to work faster. Feeling that her meeting with Mr. Buckland was quite peculiar, and curious about Peachey’s appearance, Ash faltered. She needed to focus on the original job and figure out what Mr. Peachy had planned. This begins an astounding game of cat-and-mouse. It becomes obvious to Ash that someone is pulling the strings, but whom? Why?
The ingenuity of the teens is impressive and compelling. The adventure was thrilling and suspenseful. Trying to determine the real story for each character kept me hooked. The ending was pleasantly surprising without being predictable or too pat.
Money Run released this month—grab a copy for the “reluctant reader” in your world, or donate a copy to a local Middle School library. You will not be sorry. I promi
This review was written for the Buried Under Books blog.
September 25, 2014
I requested this book because I love the blue cover with the girl climbing up, that got my attention!
My Review
“Don’t get caught,” is Ashley’s and Benjamin’s motto. Ashley’s parents are divorced, she lives with her dad, she’s a genius intellectually and fearless, and her best friend, Benjamin, calls her Double A. Benjamin is always nervous, awkward around strangers, but also observant, quick-thinking, and skilled with technology. Benjamin is always asking Ash out while they work and she always says no, which makes for clever banter between them. The book starts off on a plane and the reader gets a brief glimpse of Ash’s style of thieving. She’s careful, cunning, and knows how to appear as a nonchalant teenager. She makes up her strategies as she goes, but her and Benjamin always have a plan and the rule is to stick to the plan or abort the job. The main motivation for Ashley, the more challenging the job is the more determined she is to complete it successfully.
Benjamin reminded me of a younger version of Marshall from Alias. He’s loyal, he backs up Ash in all unexpected situations, and he’s on the computer getting answers to any questions she has along the way.
Ash got into thieving when she came home to find her apartment had been robbed. Instead of going to the police, she steals her stuff back and realizes she has found her calling. Benjamin immediately joins her and has helped her ever since. I didn’t agree with the motives of these great characters in Money Run, but they give the reader an amazing adventure!
There are a few things to be forewarned about within the story:
**there’s a handful of profanity in the story. This does not lessen the storytelling, but I never enjoy cursing and in this book I had to overlook it.
**there’s more violence than the average YA book. Again, it’s not much but I had to overlook here as well (by overlooking I mean I quickly skim it and then concentrate on the next part of the plot). Two people are brutally shot and one man gets his neck broken and then he’s tossed into a dumpster. A detective finds his severed hand later on. Since this book is geared for kids 12 and up, I thought these descriptions were a bit excessive.
**lastly, you cannot read this book with a practical mindset. There are many unrealistic things that Ash accomplishes that I highly doubt would be plausible in reality. Read this story for entertainment value and to get to know the main characters, who have authentic reactions to all that happens in the story.
This book reminded me of the movie National Treasure, thieving and adventure, and there’s a reference to Lord of the Rings in the story. Michael Peachey is the main hit man and villain, but he really didn’t strike me as scary. His obsession with completing the job and reaching glory by having a movie made in his honor was annoying at times. There is one scene he describes in slow motion with heavy rock in the background, which I thought suited that scene well, but after a while his obsession and analytical skills added further drama instead of enhancing the story.
Here are some of the obstacles Ashley has to face in order to steal $200 million dollars:
A hitman chasing her, being shot at
Security guards
All forms of security cameras
Exposure to hypothermia
Exposure to anthrax
Crashed car
I enjoyed the story overall and loved the ending :) This book can be considered a stand alone, but it ends with hints at a sequel. There was only thing about the story that I had figured out in the beginning, but everything else is totally unpredictable! I’ve seen some of the stunts from this book in movies so it was easy to picture what Ashley goes through and the book is a page turner even if it’s not realistic. With Money Run, get ready for explosive action, quick thinking teens who face insurmountable odds, an obsessive hit man and a billionaire who is just as cunning as the other criminals hunting him down.
I want to thank Netgalley and Scholastic Press for the review copy they provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
My Review
“Don’t get caught,” is Ashley’s and Benjamin’s motto. Ashley’s parents are divorced, she lives with her dad, she’s a genius intellectually and fearless, and her best friend, Benjamin, calls her Double A. Benjamin is always nervous, awkward around strangers, but also observant, quick-thinking, and skilled with technology. Benjamin is always asking Ash out while they work and she always says no, which makes for clever banter between them. The book starts off on a plane and the reader gets a brief glimpse of Ash’s style of thieving. She’s careful, cunning, and knows how to appear as a nonchalant teenager. She makes up her strategies as she goes, but her and Benjamin always have a plan and the rule is to stick to the plan or abort the job. The main motivation for Ashley, the more challenging the job is the more determined she is to complete it successfully.
Benjamin reminded me of a younger version of Marshall from Alias. He’s loyal, he backs up Ash in all unexpected situations, and he’s on the computer getting answers to any questions she has along the way.
Ash got into thieving when she came home to find her apartment had been robbed. Instead of going to the police, she steals her stuff back and realizes she has found her calling. Benjamin immediately joins her and has helped her ever since. I didn’t agree with the motives of these great characters in Money Run, but they give the reader an amazing adventure!
There are a few things to be forewarned about within the story:
**there’s a handful of profanity in the story. This does not lessen the storytelling, but I never enjoy cursing and in this book I had to overlook it.
**there’s more violence than the average YA book. Again, it’s not much but I had to overlook here as well (by overlooking I mean I quickly skim it and then concentrate on the next part of the plot). Two people are brutally shot and one man gets his neck broken and then he’s tossed into a dumpster. A detective finds his severed hand later on. Since this book is geared for kids 12 and up, I thought these descriptions were a bit excessive.
**lastly, you cannot read this book with a practical mindset. There are many unrealistic things that Ash accomplishes that I highly doubt would be plausible in reality. Read this story for entertainment value and to get to know the main characters, who have authentic reactions to all that happens in the story.
This book reminded me of the movie National Treasure, thieving and adventure, and there’s a reference to Lord of the Rings in the story. Michael Peachey is the main hit man and villain, but he really didn’t strike me as scary. His obsession with completing the job and reaching glory by having a movie made in his honor was annoying at times. There is one scene he describes in slow motion with heavy rock in the background, which I thought suited that scene well, but after a while his obsession and analytical skills added further drama instead of enhancing the story.
Here are some of the obstacles Ashley has to face in order to steal $200 million dollars:
A hitman chasing her, being shot at
Security guards
All forms of security cameras
Exposure to hypothermia
Exposure to anthrax
Crashed car
I enjoyed the story overall and loved the ending :) This book can be considered a stand alone, but it ends with hints at a sequel. There was only thing about the story that I had figured out in the beginning, but everything else is totally unpredictable! I’ve seen some of the stunts from this book in movies so it was easy to picture what Ashley goes through and the book is a page turner even if it’s not realistic. With Money Run, get ready for explosive action, quick thinking teens who face insurmountable odds, an obsessive hit man and a billionaire who is just as cunning as the other criminals hunting him down.
I want to thank Netgalley and Scholastic Press for the review copy they provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
April 2, 2013
_________________________________
MONEY RUN Review
_________________________________
Full formatting of this review at link above.
Just. Plain. Awesome.
I sat down with this book with no real intention of starting that night, I was just checking it out. Next thing I know, it is 2 o'clock in the morning and I finished it. Thriller, indeed.
Ashley Arthur became a thief when her house was robbed when she was younger-she stole back her stuff. After a her mother leaves her father poor and distraught, Ashley starts her career as a thief in order to help him out financially. Benjamin, her best friend gets caught up in all this because he has a major crush on Ashley and would do anything to help her out.
They receive anonymous tips that tell them where the big money is and this time, they hit the jackpot. Their source tells them that a billionaire has hidden something worth two hundred million dollars in his building, and Ashley and Benjamin plan to steal it. Unlucky for them, an assassin has his eye on the billionaire at the same time the heist is planned to go down.
I was expecting a Gallagher Girls book, but MONEY RUN is far from that. Teenage criminals, government assassins, double agents, double crossers, a detective who is too smart for his own good, nonstop action, unpredictable plot twists, and two hundred million dollars make up MONEY RUN.
I loved the multiple POVs. We get into the head of Buckland, the billionaire who has a hit out on him, Ashley-the teenage thief, and a detective who deserves to be called the next Sherlock Holmes. Each had such a unique voice, and I loved each and every one of them. You would think so many POVs would lessen the suspense because you always know what is going to happen but it only heightens it!
Jack Heath is one sneaky author. I am pretty sure he takes into account what you think will happen and does the exact opposite. It was fantastic, because I was genuinely surprised for most of the novel. It kept me on my toes, and there was never a lull in the action.
If you are the type of person who watches action movies and screams, "That is so not possible in real life!" then this is not for you unless you are capable of letting go of the logic behind it all. It is an entertaining, fictional novel. All the best things defy reality anyway.
Highly recommend this!
MONEY RUN Review
_________________________________
Full formatting of this review at link above.
Just. Plain. Awesome.
I sat down with this book with no real intention of starting that night, I was just checking it out. Next thing I know, it is 2 o'clock in the morning and I finished it. Thriller, indeed.
Ashley Arthur became a thief when her house was robbed when she was younger-she stole back her stuff. After a her mother leaves her father poor and distraught, Ashley starts her career as a thief in order to help him out financially. Benjamin, her best friend gets caught up in all this because he has a major crush on Ashley and would do anything to help her out.
They receive anonymous tips that tell them where the big money is and this time, they hit the jackpot. Their source tells them that a billionaire has hidden something worth two hundred million dollars in his building, and Ashley and Benjamin plan to steal it. Unlucky for them, an assassin has his eye on the billionaire at the same time the heist is planned to go down.
I was expecting a Gallagher Girls book, but MONEY RUN is far from that. Teenage criminals, government assassins, double agents, double crossers, a detective who is too smart for his own good, nonstop action, unpredictable plot twists, and two hundred million dollars make up MONEY RUN.
I loved the multiple POVs. We get into the head of Buckland, the billionaire who has a hit out on him, Ashley-the teenage thief, and a detective who deserves to be called the next Sherlock Holmes. Each had such a unique voice, and I loved each and every one of them. You would think so many POVs would lessen the suspense because you always know what is going to happen but it only heightens it!
Jack Heath is one sneaky author. I am pretty sure he takes into account what you think will happen and does the exact opposite. It was fantastic, because I was genuinely surprised for most of the novel. It kept me on my toes, and there was never a lull in the action.
If you are the type of person who watches action movies and screams, "That is so not possible in real life!" then this is not for you unless you are capable of letting go of the logic behind it all. It is an entertaining, fictional novel. All the best things defy reality anyway.
Highly recommend this!
October 28, 2024
Language - R (45 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - G; Violence - PG
Ash and Benjamin are good at what they do: thieving. Peachey is good at what he does: killing people. Buckland is good at what he does: making money. Bring everyone into the same building and something extraordinary is about to happen. The only question is: who will end up successful?
As soon as I started Money Run I knew I would be unable to put it down until I reached the back cover. There is enough action tied in with a bit of mystery that there is never a lull in the excitement. Yet, somehow, Heath still manages to make the story seem like it's possible! The only thing that could compare to this epic story would be if it was turned into a movie.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Ash and Benjamin are good at what they do: thieving. Peachey is good at what he does: killing people. Buckland is good at what he does: making money. Bring everyone into the same building and something extraordinary is about to happen. The only question is: who will end up successful?
As soon as I started Money Run I knew I would be unable to put it down until I reached the back cover. There is enough action tied in with a bit of mystery that there is never a lull in the excitement. Yet, somehow, Heath still manages to make the story seem like it's possible! The only thing that could compare to this epic story would be if it was turned into a movie.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
April 9, 2013
This was such an action packed and suspenseful thriller, that I couldn’t help but finish in one sitting. I started reading it last night, couldn’t put it down, stayed up biting my nails in bed…it was not pretty…trust me. Anyway, the point is that this book was a real page turner wrapped up in a larger than life setting.
But this book wasn’t all fluff and pillows either. This book had a bunch of issues that I’m going to go over, which will hopefully explain the abysmal rating.
Here we go:
1. The Suspense
Till the very end of the book, I mean literally right before we start reading about the author and stuff, was when the suspense was revealed and all the puzzle pieces fell together. I seriously couldn’t figure out the mystery and it was great! Normally, in the first quarter of the book, I have the whole story mapped in my head…but not this one. I couldn’t believe it…it was magnificent.
2. The Action
This book has everything from classy cars to rapid firing guns. It’s got oodles of money that you couldn’t even imagine, assassins out to get each other, and teenager thieves. Seriously anything you ever want in an action movie, this book has got it all. It’s Fast 6 in book form essentially.
3. The POVs
Ok so Heath likes to use different perspectives. I love this writer’s tool and it did wonders for this story. Dealing with so many different characters, doing so many crazy things, would be a hassle if it weren’t for different perspectives. Explaining the different motives would get monotonous with a third person narrator. So I totes get the choice of including different perspectives for this book.
However, when an author picks this writing method, I do expect them to do it with certain panache. For instance, I expect a symbol or sign when the writer switches viewpoints … you know so that I (the reader) know who is talking. This book switches viewpoints page to page, sometimes multiple times within the same chapter without any warning. This really bothered me and took me quite a while to get used to. I did not like it. I hated it. I wanted Heath to clarify who was talking and not have to parse it together myself.
4. The Characters
While the concept was ingenious and different, the character weren’t. The characters were not your average bunch: you had your assassin, teenage thieves, and a gazillionaire…see what I mean? But what bothered me was that the back story on all these very different roles wasn’t fully clarified. None of the histories lined up with their chosen field of crimes.
Additionally, all the characters seem the same. They are all selfish (thieves…go figure) and think they know everything. Ash never clues in her partner in crime on her schemes to get out of tight spots. Peachy (yes that’s his name) thinks he is the best assassin ever. Buckland thinks he is playing a puppet show and owns the theatre. They all seemed so fake that I didn’t really believe the story.
That was my take on this book. If you love action packed books with suspense, this one has your name on it. I recommend it for readers of all ages. Give it a shot and let me know what you think about it.
My humble thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC to review.
Happy Money!!!
This one and other just like it are also hanging out at Rainbows and Books
But this book wasn’t all fluff and pillows either. This book had a bunch of issues that I’m going to go over, which will hopefully explain the abysmal rating.
Here we go:
1. The Suspense
Till the very end of the book, I mean literally right before we start reading about the author and stuff, was when the suspense was revealed and all the puzzle pieces fell together. I seriously couldn’t figure out the mystery and it was great! Normally, in the first quarter of the book, I have the whole story mapped in my head…but not this one. I couldn’t believe it…it was magnificent.
2. The Action
This book has everything from classy cars to rapid firing guns. It’s got oodles of money that you couldn’t even imagine, assassins out to get each other, and teenager thieves. Seriously anything you ever want in an action movie, this book has got it all. It’s Fast 6 in book form essentially.
3. The POVs
Ok so Heath likes to use different perspectives. I love this writer’s tool and it did wonders for this story. Dealing with so many different characters, doing so many crazy things, would be a hassle if it weren’t for different perspectives. Explaining the different motives would get monotonous with a third person narrator. So I totes get the choice of including different perspectives for this book.
However, when an author picks this writing method, I do expect them to do it with certain panache. For instance, I expect a symbol or sign when the writer switches viewpoints … you know so that I (the reader) know who is talking. This book switches viewpoints page to page, sometimes multiple times within the same chapter without any warning. This really bothered me and took me quite a while to get used to. I did not like it. I hated it. I wanted Heath to clarify who was talking and not have to parse it together myself.
4. The Characters
While the concept was ingenious and different, the character weren’t. The characters were not your average bunch: you had your assassin, teenage thieves, and a gazillionaire…see what I mean? But what bothered me was that the back story on all these very different roles wasn’t fully clarified. None of the histories lined up with their chosen field of crimes.
Additionally, all the characters seem the same. They are all selfish (thieves…go figure) and think they know everything. Ash never clues in her partner in crime on her schemes to get out of tight spots. Peachy (yes that’s his name) thinks he is the best assassin ever. Buckland thinks he is playing a puppet show and owns the theatre. They all seemed so fake that I didn’t really believe the story.
That was my take on this book. If you love action packed books with suspense, this one has your name on it. I recommend it for readers of all ages. Give it a shot and let me know what you think about it.
My humble thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC to review.
Happy Money!!!
This one and other just like it are also hanging out at Rainbows and Books
March 30, 2013
Oh man, this book. Jack Heath is the author of my favourite sci-fi thriller, Remote Control, and he just became the author of my favourite contemporary thriller. Heath does action scenes so well—not only the high-level car chases and shooting, but also stealthy logical plans and gadget-fuelled infiltrations. These sequences are literally breathtaking; they're so tension-filled that it requires one to pause and catch one's breath.
Ash and Benjamin are perhaps the best duo of YA I've read. Not only do the dynamics of their relationship come out entirely through the conversations, as Ash is on-site and Benjamin watches her back at home, but they provide fabulous contrast for each other; they're perfect foils. Benjamin's casual, continuous asking of Ash to go out on a date only serves to highlight their friendship. It's a thing of beauty.
POV switches happen often, and they're used to excellent effect. Several glimpses into Michael Peachey's psyche are offered; Detective Damien Wright and Ash match wits in a delightful daredevil display; and female characters are equally represented. Another perk of multiple POVs is the interweaving of themes: the billionaire Hammond Buckland provides an interesting perspective for Ash and the reader to think about regarding greed and money, while Detective Wright muses upon the desensitizing of—or lack of—citizens to deaths.
The tension in the plot winches higher and higher as more and more deadly characters and their motivations are divulged. Head-spinning layers of details peel back, culminating in an ultimate reveal about the money. A final twist at the end finishes off the story in a supremely satisfying way, and also leaves possibilities for more Ash and Benjamin adventures. (It all depends on whether Scholastic decides to publish the second, The Hit List.)
Ethnic balance: 2 out of 5. One government agent is Korean, but there's very few other mention of skin tone, aside from very white surnames.
*Review originally published at Pass the Chiclets.
Ash and Benjamin are perhaps the best duo of YA I've read. Not only do the dynamics of their relationship come out entirely through the conversations, as Ash is on-site and Benjamin watches her back at home, but they provide fabulous contrast for each other; they're perfect foils. Benjamin's casual, continuous asking of Ash to go out on a date only serves to highlight their friendship. It's a thing of beauty.
POV switches happen often, and they're used to excellent effect. Several glimpses into Michael Peachey's psyche are offered; Detective Damien Wright and Ash match wits in a delightful daredevil display; and female characters are equally represented. Another perk of multiple POVs is the interweaving of themes: the billionaire Hammond Buckland provides an interesting perspective for Ash and the reader to think about regarding greed and money, while Detective Wright muses upon the desensitizing of—or lack of—citizens to deaths.
The tension in the plot winches higher and higher as more and more deadly characters and their motivations are divulged. Head-spinning layers of details peel back, culminating in an ultimate reveal about the money. A final twist at the end finishes off the story in a supremely satisfying way, and also leaves possibilities for more Ash and Benjamin adventures. (It all depends on whether Scholastic decides to publish the second, The Hit List.)
Ethnic balance: 2 out of 5. One government agent is Korean, but there's very few other mention of skin tone, aside from very white surnames.
*Review originally published at Pass the Chiclets.
July 2, 2014
Ash likes being a teenage thief. It's her identity and she is proud of her abilities, past conquests, and her network. The action in this book happens in one night and in one place. This is a teenage thriller complete with geeks, gadgets, and unbeatable fast-paced action (note: this title was published in Australia in 2008 and was first published in the US in 2013, so it does not feature new and cutting-edge technology). Can Ash and her assistant rob the bank of its $200 million--are they quite the elite team they think they are? Grades 7-11 due to language and violence.
February 27, 2018
This book had me chewing my nails, holding my breath, hanging on. Ashley Arthur's hands do not shake as she sneaks boldly into every life-threatening situation with classic teen nonchalance. Her accomplice on the other end of the data line is as tense as the reader as Ash has one narrow escape after another.
Child, do you realize you're up against a serial killer? Get the hell out of there! But you can't tell Ash anything, she's a professional thief addicted to the worst kind of booty - the thrill of achieving the impossible heist...
Child, do you realize you're up against a serial killer? Get the hell out of there! But you can't tell Ash anything, she's a professional thief addicted to the worst kind of booty - the thrill of achieving the impossible heist...
March 17, 2013
When I first received this book, I was pretty excited at the prospects of getting to read it. I had never had the opportunity to read a book about thieves, let alone two children doing the thieving. I was pretty pumped at the whole idea that this book was based on. It steps outside of the paranormal or even the normal and creates a book that doesn't contain magical creatures just incredible actions. The book keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, blood pounding through their body as the characters take you on twists and turns that you couldn't have suspected. It definitely met my expectations.
Money Run by Jack Heath is really the story of Ashley and Benjamin as they take on one of the most difficult jobs they will ever have to face. What was supposed to be a quick in-and-out turned into an intense game for her life as Benjamin tries to protect her from the sidelines. All they wanted was to steal the money that the billionaire Hammond Buckland appears to be hiding in his office building but it never turns out that easy. At least not this time. It only seems to get more complicated when an assassin is thrown in to the mix, determined to end both Buckland and Ash. Money may have been the prize but surviving is the ultimate goal. Once the story gets into swing, it appears that everyone is in a tangled web of deceit and someone is pulling the strings. Will Ash get out alive? What can Benjamin do to help save her from the fate that seems inevitable? How does Buckland play into the story and why does it seem that he is the one holding all the cards? Who is the assassin and who is the people paying him to do this job?
Ashley is the main character of this story, who always seems to be one step ahead of everyone else. She is one of those baby geniuses that gets placed in all the elite schools and people know that she is going to go places. Instead of expanding her talent though, it seems to be holding her back, not letting her challenge her limits but creating them for her. Her chance to become something other than bored comes when her mother ups and disappears on her father and her, leaving them nothing to survive on. She appears to be the strong one for her father. She tries to make it seem like he doesn't need to worry about her because he already has so much to worry about. I like that about her. Her resourcefulness in the face of danger is admirable as well and she uses that talent almost constantly during the story. I definitely wouldn't have been able to come up with all of the schemes that she did when she is in sticky situations. There was very little weakness exploited in her character over the course of the novel and I honestly would've liked to experience some of her pitfalls. She may be a genius but she can't be perfect, right?
The ultimate partner and best friend resides in Benjamin for Ash. Unlike her, he is less comfortable in social situations but he makes up for his lack of social skills with genius that even surpasses his best friend. If she is the muscle, then he is the brains. I find it very endearing that he seems to have a crush on his best friend and that he isn't shy about it. Most books portray guys as shy and uncertain, never daring to cross the line between friendship and relationship, but I think he busts open that ideal quite easily. He isn't wounded when she continually tells him 'no' and it doesn't seem to persuade him to stop. For having a lack of social skills, he seems to understand women a lot better than most guys. Never saying anything and giving up too quickly is never an appealing quality for a man. I wish that I would've actually gotten to see him break out of his comfort zone. He was a wonderful character nonetheless.
Peachy is the assassin previously mentioned in the summary and I just have to say that his name is just not the type that would strike fear into anyone. I must say that his determination is quite interesting to say the least and perhaps even admirable. Except when it begins to border on obsession. I think we can compare him to a cockroach, he just won't die. No matter what sort of challenge is thrown his way, he finds some baffling way to survive. He even manages to get his target after everything he had been through. But which target is it? It's hard to truly grasp his character until you read the story to be honest.
Hammond Buckland is definitely the man with all the cards and I guess with how rich he actually is, I can't blame him for having everything planned out quite well. Even from the beginning of the story, I was quite certain that he knew more about the people he worked with and invited into his office than he let on. But his devious mind is something that I would've like to actually get to see more than I did. The whole plot of the story must've taken time to develop and he is a key figure in it. Instead of sitting on the sidelines as everything happens, he implements himself into as many scenes as possible and it definitely puts him in the line of fire. He manages to outsmart the assassin as well as the two thieves at least once in the story and somehow, he makes it look quite easy. I really want to actually understand his character a lot better than I already do.
I really liked this story and I honestly think you would too. Check it out! You never know, you might get just as hooked as I expect I am.
Money Run by Jack Heath is really the story of Ashley and Benjamin as they take on one of the most difficult jobs they will ever have to face. What was supposed to be a quick in-and-out turned into an intense game for her life as Benjamin tries to protect her from the sidelines. All they wanted was to steal the money that the billionaire Hammond Buckland appears to be hiding in his office building but it never turns out that easy. At least not this time. It only seems to get more complicated when an assassin is thrown in to the mix, determined to end both Buckland and Ash. Money may have been the prize but surviving is the ultimate goal. Once the story gets into swing, it appears that everyone is in a tangled web of deceit and someone is pulling the strings. Will Ash get out alive? What can Benjamin do to help save her from the fate that seems inevitable? How does Buckland play into the story and why does it seem that he is the one holding all the cards? Who is the assassin and who is the people paying him to do this job?
Ashley is the main character of this story, who always seems to be one step ahead of everyone else. She is one of those baby geniuses that gets placed in all the elite schools and people know that she is going to go places. Instead of expanding her talent though, it seems to be holding her back, not letting her challenge her limits but creating them for her. Her chance to become something other than bored comes when her mother ups and disappears on her father and her, leaving them nothing to survive on. She appears to be the strong one for her father. She tries to make it seem like he doesn't need to worry about her because he already has so much to worry about. I like that about her. Her resourcefulness in the face of danger is admirable as well and she uses that talent almost constantly during the story. I definitely wouldn't have been able to come up with all of the schemes that she did when she is in sticky situations. There was very little weakness exploited in her character over the course of the novel and I honestly would've liked to experience some of her pitfalls. She may be a genius but she can't be perfect, right?
The ultimate partner and best friend resides in Benjamin for Ash. Unlike her, he is less comfortable in social situations but he makes up for his lack of social skills with genius that even surpasses his best friend. If she is the muscle, then he is the brains. I find it very endearing that he seems to have a crush on his best friend and that he isn't shy about it. Most books portray guys as shy and uncertain, never daring to cross the line between friendship and relationship, but I think he busts open that ideal quite easily. He isn't wounded when she continually tells him 'no' and it doesn't seem to persuade him to stop. For having a lack of social skills, he seems to understand women a lot better than most guys. Never saying anything and giving up too quickly is never an appealing quality for a man. I wish that I would've actually gotten to see him break out of his comfort zone. He was a wonderful character nonetheless.
Peachy is the assassin previously mentioned in the summary and I just have to say that his name is just not the type that would strike fear into anyone. I must say that his determination is quite interesting to say the least and perhaps even admirable. Except when it begins to border on obsession. I think we can compare him to a cockroach, he just won't die. No matter what sort of challenge is thrown his way, he finds some baffling way to survive. He even manages to get his target after everything he had been through. But which target is it? It's hard to truly grasp his character until you read the story to be honest.
Hammond Buckland is definitely the man with all the cards and I guess with how rich he actually is, I can't blame him for having everything planned out quite well. Even from the beginning of the story, I was quite certain that he knew more about the people he worked with and invited into his office than he let on. But his devious mind is something that I would've like to actually get to see more than I did. The whole plot of the story must've taken time to develop and he is a key figure in it. Instead of sitting on the sidelines as everything happens, he implements himself into as many scenes as possible and it definitely puts him in the line of fire. He manages to outsmart the assassin as well as the two thieves at least once in the story and somehow, he makes it look quite easy. I really want to actually understand his character a lot better than I already do.
I really liked this story and I honestly think you would too. Check it out! You never know, you might get just as hooked as I expect I am.
July 8, 2018
I didn’t realize this was a YA book when I requested it from the library. But any adult can read this too.
It was a very fun and fast paced action-packed story.
The main character is a 15-year-old girl and even for a 44 year old she made me feel the girl power.
It was a very fun and fast paced action-packed story.
The main character is a 15-year-old girl and even for a 44 year old she made me feel the girl power.
February 17, 2024
Ash might just be the smartest fifteen-year-old protagonist I've ever come across.
Fast-paced and action packed, this crime-thriller kept me hooked throughout.
Fast-paced and action packed, this crime-thriller kept me hooked throughout.
May 27, 2022
When I first heard about Money Run by Jack Heath it was described to me in a way that had me hooked immediately: "Die Hard meets Hustle". My all time favourite Christmas film meets one of my favourite TV programmes of the last ten years - I was sold immediately and even promoted it straight to the top of the TBR pile and started reading it as soon as it arrived, and I didn't put it down again until I had finished it. Yes, I enjoyed it that much.
I am aware that I sometimes over use certain words and phrases when writing reviews. Prime examples would be: "hi-octane", "roller coaster ride", "edge of your seat", and I am sure there are many others (hey... I teach woodwork, not English), and clichéd though these may be I still want to use every single one of them (and more) to describe Money Run. In a world that has seen a huge number of thrillers written for the 11+ age group over the past decade this one feels fresh and original and if I sequel was out already I would have started reading it as soon as I had finished this one. As for how it lived up to that original phrase on which I was sold so quickly? I think the only link to Die Hard is its setting in a highrise office, but there are definitely a number of favourable comparisons with Hustle. However, I would also like to throw 24 into the mix, because, apart from the prologue, the whole story takes place over one evening and every 'minute' is made to count.
I can't think of many books for this age group that are set in such a short period of time, and it is quite impressive how much Jack Heath manages to fit in to this mere handful of hours without the plot ever seeming rushed or too crammed with information. More importantly as well, although he manages to include as many action set-pieces as you will find in many a blockbuster action film there are also the essential quieter moments that add tension to the story and kept me eagerly turning pages whilst my heartbeat settled back to something close to its normal rest rate.
Over the past ten years or so I have read a number of action adventure stories that, although they have been (cliché time again) exciting, fun-filled, white-knuckle rides, this has been at the cost of good character development and ultimately they have left me feeling a little cheated, as to really enjoy a scene where your main character is at risk of losing their life you have to genuinely care about that character. When this is the case your pulse accelerates, you get that butterflies-in-stomach feeling, and you really start to worry about the dangers faced by that character...... at least I do anyway and I am sure I am not alone in this. Technically, Money Run has two main characters, Ash and Benjamin, but in this story at least, Ash is very much the main focus, and I was not long into the book before I was reading each page as fast as I could to find out what she would do next.
To say any more about the plot than that which is already written in the publisher's blurb would be to ruin the story for you. It would be like showing all the best bits in a movie trailer and leaving no surprises when you finally come to watch the film itself. However, to put it simply, Ash is a thief and Benjamin is the technical wizard who plans with her and supports her whilst she is in the field, and together they make a formidable team. In Money Run the pair set out to steal a whopping great $200 million dollars from a billionaire businessman, but very quickly find themselves very much out of their depth as Ash finds herself dodging multiple assassins, the police and the machinations of the very same billionaire they intended to relieve of his cash. I remember watching the very first season of 24, and how I realised after the first few episodes that I would never really know what was going to happen next, and guessing would be a pointless exercise. Although whilst reading Money Run I did find myself correctly guessing a few of the plot twists, there were many that I didn't see coming, the biggest of which comes right at the very end of the book.
Money Run has its weaknesses but it is so much fun that it is very easy to ignore these and enjoy the ride, although and you will need to suspend your disbelief at times. As I closed this book I genuinely felt that the couple of hours I had spent reading it were well spent and I felt nothing but excitement at the prospect of a sequel and the potential for even more exciting stories beyond that.
I am aware that I sometimes over use certain words and phrases when writing reviews. Prime examples would be: "hi-octane", "roller coaster ride", "edge of your seat", and I am sure there are many others (hey... I teach woodwork, not English), and clichéd though these may be I still want to use every single one of them (and more) to describe Money Run. In a world that has seen a huge number of thrillers written for the 11+ age group over the past decade this one feels fresh and original and if I sequel was out already I would have started reading it as soon as I had finished this one. As for how it lived up to that original phrase on which I was sold so quickly? I think the only link to Die Hard is its setting in a highrise office, but there are definitely a number of favourable comparisons with Hustle. However, I would also like to throw 24 into the mix, because, apart from the prologue, the whole story takes place over one evening and every 'minute' is made to count.
I can't think of many books for this age group that are set in such a short period of time, and it is quite impressive how much Jack Heath manages to fit in to this mere handful of hours without the plot ever seeming rushed or too crammed with information. More importantly as well, although he manages to include as many action set-pieces as you will find in many a blockbuster action film there are also the essential quieter moments that add tension to the story and kept me eagerly turning pages whilst my heartbeat settled back to something close to its normal rest rate.
Over the past ten years or so I have read a number of action adventure stories that, although they have been (cliché time again) exciting, fun-filled, white-knuckle rides, this has been at the cost of good character development and ultimately they have left me feeling a little cheated, as to really enjoy a scene where your main character is at risk of losing their life you have to genuinely care about that character. When this is the case your pulse accelerates, you get that butterflies-in-stomach feeling, and you really start to worry about the dangers faced by that character...... at least I do anyway and I am sure I am not alone in this. Technically, Money Run has two main characters, Ash and Benjamin, but in this story at least, Ash is very much the main focus, and I was not long into the book before I was reading each page as fast as I could to find out what she would do next.
To say any more about the plot than that which is already written in the publisher's blurb would be to ruin the story for you. It would be like showing all the best bits in a movie trailer and leaving no surprises when you finally come to watch the film itself. However, to put it simply, Ash is a thief and Benjamin is the technical wizard who plans with her and supports her whilst she is in the field, and together they make a formidable team. In Money Run the pair set out to steal a whopping great $200 million dollars from a billionaire businessman, but very quickly find themselves very much out of their depth as Ash finds herself dodging multiple assassins, the police and the machinations of the very same billionaire they intended to relieve of his cash. I remember watching the very first season of 24, and how I realised after the first few episodes that I would never really know what was going to happen next, and guessing would be a pointless exercise. Although whilst reading Money Run I did find myself correctly guessing a few of the plot twists, there were many that I didn't see coming, the biggest of which comes right at the very end of the book.
Money Run has its weaknesses but it is so much fun that it is very easy to ignore these and enjoy the ride, although and you will need to suspend your disbelief at times. As I closed this book I genuinely felt that the couple of hours I had spent reading it were well spent and I felt nothing but excitement at the prospect of a sequel and the potential for even more exciting stories beyond that.
April 1, 2013
Ashley Arthur is calm, cool, and collected. She can pick locks, steal cars, rewire alarms, and scale fences like a champion. She’s one of the best thieves in the world…and she’s only fifteen. With her partner Benjamin running tech support and remote backup, Ash is ready to tackle any challenge. But now the pair have set their sights on one of the richest targets alive. They have solid information that Hammond Buckland, billionaire CEO of HBS, has a whopping $200,000,000 hidden somewhere in his corporate headquarters.
And they’re going to steal it.
However, the job goes horribly awry when Michael Peachey, reportedly the third best hitman in the business, shows up to terminate Buckland on secret orders from the government. Now the teenage thief is trapped in the same building as a ruthless assassin. Ash isn’t leaving without the money. Peachey’s not leaving any witnesses alive.
Things rapidly snowball out of control. Buckland’s had time to prepare for his potential assassination, and soon he has Peachey jumping through hoops of his own, one step ahead of the killer. But the three way struggle attracts the attention of both the police and the Terrorism Risk Assessment agency, and soon Ash is running from killers and the law. Will she get her payday, or is this job doomed to failure?
Money Run is an absurdly entertaining, over-the-top, adventure that may be just a little too hard to swallow if taken seriously. Heath is adept at putting his characters into adrenaline-charged, life-and-death situations, constantly upping the stakes and the action appeal. By the time Ash has “borrowed” a Bugatti Veyron, one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive cars, and driven it off the top of the building only to crash it into the apartment building next door, you know this is no run-of-the-mill romp. And believe me, that’s not even the most outrageous stunt to grace these pages.
Ash is a great protagonist, a skilled thief who does it for the kicks rather than the loot, adept at thinking on the fly and making her lunatic plans somehow work. I’d love to see a situation where she ran into Ally Carter’s tband of teenage grifters and thieves from Heist Society.
However, I’m not sure what to think about some of the other characters. Hammond Buckland would make a perfect supervillain: his elaborate plans, Wile E. Coyote deathtraps, penchant for monologuing, and ability to remain one step ahead of everyone place him somewhere between Lex Luthor and Ernst Blofeld on the level of accomplishment, and yet he remains vaguely sympathetic. Peachey, on the other hand, is introduced as a competent, skilled, experienced assassin with the quirky habit of internally narrating his story like he’s going to sell it to the movies. But for someone so good as his job, he’s…not very good. Ash runs rings around him, and Buckland treats him like Bugs treats Yosemite Sam or Elmer Fudd. It’s almost sad, watching this guy so completely off his game.
An interesting quirk of the book is that it seems to go out of its way to be set in a specific location. It was originally released in 2008 in Heath’s native Australia, but honestly, this book could take place in Australia, America, or possibly Canada. Currency is given in dollars, but the TRA is, as far as I can tell, entirely fictitious. There’s references to “this state” and “this country” without trying very hard to ground the story in a real location.
Now, Heath has already gone on record addressing the similarities between this book and the 2011 movie, Tower Heist. (Spoilers of a sort to be found at that link). All I can say is that while there are definitely parallels, I’m pretty sure it’s mostly just coincidental. Your mileage may vary.
In the end, I’d definitely say I enjoyed this story. Sure, it’s almost ludicrously over-the-top at points, with the initial heist turned into something approaching slapstick levels of comedy, coincidence, bad timing and Rule of Cool, but it’s no harder to accept than, say, Catch That Kid! If you want a fast-paced romp that reads like a mashup of Heist Society and Die Hard, a teen adventure with a cinematic feel, this is a worthy offering.
(Originally published at Schrodinger's Bookshelf">
And they’re going to steal it.
However, the job goes horribly awry when Michael Peachey, reportedly the third best hitman in the business, shows up to terminate Buckland on secret orders from the government. Now the teenage thief is trapped in the same building as a ruthless assassin. Ash isn’t leaving without the money. Peachey’s not leaving any witnesses alive.
Things rapidly snowball out of control. Buckland’s had time to prepare for his potential assassination, and soon he has Peachey jumping through hoops of his own, one step ahead of the killer. But the three way struggle attracts the attention of both the police and the Terrorism Risk Assessment agency, and soon Ash is running from killers and the law. Will she get her payday, or is this job doomed to failure?
Money Run is an absurdly entertaining, over-the-top, adventure that may be just a little too hard to swallow if taken seriously. Heath is adept at putting his characters into adrenaline-charged, life-and-death situations, constantly upping the stakes and the action appeal. By the time Ash has “borrowed” a Bugatti Veyron, one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive cars, and driven it off the top of the building only to crash it into the apartment building next door, you know this is no run-of-the-mill romp. And believe me, that’s not even the most outrageous stunt to grace these pages.
Ash is a great protagonist, a skilled thief who does it for the kicks rather than the loot, adept at thinking on the fly and making her lunatic plans somehow work. I’d love to see a situation where she ran into Ally Carter’s tband of teenage grifters and thieves from Heist Society.
However, I’m not sure what to think about some of the other characters. Hammond Buckland would make a perfect supervillain: his elaborate plans, Wile E. Coyote deathtraps, penchant for monologuing, and ability to remain one step ahead of everyone place him somewhere between Lex Luthor and Ernst Blofeld on the level of accomplishment, and yet he remains vaguely sympathetic. Peachey, on the other hand, is introduced as a competent, skilled, experienced assassin with the quirky habit of internally narrating his story like he’s going to sell it to the movies. But for someone so good as his job, he’s…not very good. Ash runs rings around him, and Buckland treats him like Bugs treats Yosemite Sam or Elmer Fudd. It’s almost sad, watching this guy so completely off his game.
An interesting quirk of the book is that it seems to go out of its way to be set in a specific location. It was originally released in 2008 in Heath’s native Australia, but honestly, this book could take place in Australia, America, or possibly Canada. Currency is given in dollars, but the TRA is, as far as I can tell, entirely fictitious. There’s references to “this state” and “this country” without trying very hard to ground the story in a real location.
Now, Heath has already gone on record addressing the similarities between this book and the 2011 movie, Tower Heist. (Spoilers of a sort to be found at that link). All I can say is that while there are definitely parallels, I’m pretty sure it’s mostly just coincidental. Your mileage may vary.
In the end, I’d definitely say I enjoyed this story. Sure, it’s almost ludicrously over-the-top at points, with the initial heist turned into something approaching slapstick levels of comedy, coincidence, bad timing and Rule of Cool, but it’s no harder to accept than, say, Catch That Kid! If you want a fast-paced romp that reads like a mashup of Heist Society and Die Hard, a teen adventure with a cinematic feel, this is a worthy offering.
(Originally published at Schrodinger's Bookshelf">
January 23, 2016
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Take two child geniuses (thieves in their spare time), one obsessed assassin, and the richest man in the world to create a compelling, completely unpredictable young adult thriller. Fifteen-year-olds Ashley and Benjamin have concocted a daring master plan: to steal billionaire Hammond Buckland's most precious belonging, hidden in the depths of his conspicuous corporate building. But Hammond Buckland has a most elaborate plan of his own - and none of them have counted on Peachey, the hit man with a determination to finish the job - at any cost!The beginning of a dazzling new series from Jack Heath, author of The Lab and Remote Control.
My Thoughts
There are books that take you by surprise at just how much fun they are to read, how well thought out, how succinctly tied up at each step and most of all how nicely balanced each of the characters who inhabit it's pages come across to the reader. Money Run is just such a thrill ride in a genre that I do not get a chance to entertain myself with as often as I would like as my first love of paranormal romance seems to always take front and center on most of my reading.
Money Run is not your typical YA fare but a taut suspenseful thriller that takes place within a 24 hour time period and manages to weave together humor, action, mystery and more packed into a few hours of reading time within less than 300 pages! We are forced to remind ourselves time and time again as the story unfolds that the thieves are a 15 year old boy and girl and that the cat and mouse game they end up being forced to play when the heist becomes more than a simple "snatch and grab" is one that could cost Ashley her life if she does not manage to keep outwitting the deadly hit man who has her in his sights after she stops him from killing his target Hammond Buckland.
The elaborate scheme that Ashley and her friend Benjamin concocted to give Ashley a legitimate reason to be in the high rise and have access to Hammond Buckland's office is one that feels authentic and shows just how motivated a couple of very smart teens can be when $200 million dollars is the takeaway prize!
My thoughts while reading kept coming back to the same thing that this story was very "visual" as it read like an action thriller movie with bigger than life stunts and some of the best thought out ways to utilize a human brain versus brawn that has ever been implemented by a character since MacGyver. Even Jason Bourne has nothing on Ashley Arthur when it comes to outsmarting the bad guys and her ability to adapt and overcome obstacles in her path is nothing short of inspiring!
To be sure if I get my hands on anything else by author Jack Heath will consider it as good as read ASAP as love his style and panache with the storyline and his characters are just the kind to keep me wanting to know more!
Totally terrific read and looking forward to more about Ash and Benjamin!
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
August 5, 2013
I don't know what I expected from Money Run but what I got was a fun, fast-paced read that reminded me a lot of Ally Carter's Heist Society series. Ashley Arthur is a character whose story is far from over and I can't wait to read more about her.
Ashley is a cunning, brave, sometimes idiotic thief. She works with her best friend, Benjamin, who is the brains behind the heists. He's funny and smart and works very well with Ashley, even if he is just behind the scenes. There are also three other people who play a big part in the story. First is Hammond Buckland, the guy that Ashley and Benjamin are trying to steal 2 million dollars from. I expected him to be a rich, pompous jerk and I was really surprised when he was actually a down to earth person. Then there was Peachey, the assassin sent to kill Buckland. It was really creepy reading from his point-of-view. Last but not least there was the detective investigating a murder at the Buckland corporation headquarters that ended up right in the middle of everything going down. I really liked him even though he was working against Ashley. He was smart and very obviously a good guy.
Money Run is a rather short book and it's a supremely quick read. There's always something going on which makes it almost impossible to put down. The situations that Ashley gets into and the shenanigans that ensue are crazy and totally hilarious. There is some more serious stuff going on (I mean, there is an assassin) but it never weighs down the story. Money Run will leave you with a smile on your face!
Jack Heath's writing is nothing special but it's good. Also, Jack Heath is an Australian author and it's clear through his style of writing. Personally I love reading Australian and British writing but I know some people don't so I just thought I'd put that out there. It's nothing that will detract from your enjoyment of the book but it is noticeable.
Overall, Money Run is the perfect read for a rainy day. It's a thoroughly enjoyable read and I can't wait to continue the series.
Ashley is a cunning, brave, sometimes idiotic thief. She works with her best friend, Benjamin, who is the brains behind the heists. He's funny and smart and works very well with Ashley, even if he is just behind the scenes. There are also three other people who play a big part in the story. First is Hammond Buckland, the guy that Ashley and Benjamin are trying to steal 2 million dollars from. I expected him to be a rich, pompous jerk and I was really surprised when he was actually a down to earth person. Then there was Peachey, the assassin sent to kill Buckland. It was really creepy reading from his point-of-view. Last but not least there was the detective investigating a murder at the Buckland corporation headquarters that ended up right in the middle of everything going down. I really liked him even though he was working against Ashley. He was smart and very obviously a good guy.
Money Run is a rather short book and it's a supremely quick read. There's always something going on which makes it almost impossible to put down. The situations that Ashley gets into and the shenanigans that ensue are crazy and totally hilarious. There is some more serious stuff going on (I mean, there is an assassin) but it never weighs down the story. Money Run will leave you with a smile on your face!
Jack Heath's writing is nothing special but it's good. Also, Jack Heath is an Australian author and it's clear through his style of writing. Personally I love reading Australian and British writing but I know some people don't so I just thought I'd put that out there. It's nothing that will detract from your enjoyment of the book but it is noticeable.
Overall, Money Run is the perfect read for a rainy day. It's a thoroughly enjoyable read and I can't wait to continue the series.
April 9, 2013
Beginning the book with two fifteen-year-old teens on a plane trying to steal the most precious gem from a high-tech security system, is a perfect hook to real in the reader. I seem to enjoy the James Bond-style of action, the anticipation of being caught and the technology that seemed a little too unbelievable for even this day and age. Throw in the fact that these are teenagers taking on a highly trained assassin, and a billion dollar business man, really made it even more doubtful.
Bringing in Ash (girl) as the front man (or woman) pulling moves that rival James Bond with Ben being the techie in the ear-piece was genius. Having the constant changing point of views from character to character was quite entertaining and kept me on edge to see what each of their stories were. When Peachy shows up, I had to laugh at his ego and how he was imagining his life on film. The ending was pleasantly surprising and not as predictable as I thought it would be.
A good fast-paced read for Middle-Schoolers? I wouldn't suggest this to kids younger than 14. A few too many bad words and it is a book that glorifies theft. Not something that young influential minds should be reading in my opinion.
If you are looking for a suspenseful, action packed, high-tech, 007-type entertainment for young adults, this book is for you.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Bringing in Ash (girl) as the front man (or woman) pulling moves that rival James Bond with Ben being the techie in the ear-piece was genius. Having the constant changing point of views from character to character was quite entertaining and kept me on edge to see what each of their stories were. When Peachy shows up, I had to laugh at his ego and how he was imagining his life on film. The ending was pleasantly surprising and not as predictable as I thought it would be.
A good fast-paced read for Middle-Schoolers? I wouldn't suggest this to kids younger than 14. A few too many bad words and it is a book that glorifies theft. Not something that young influential minds should be reading in my opinion.
If you are looking for a suspenseful, action packed, high-tech, 007-type entertainment for young adults, this book is for you.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 12, 2013
I did this review on my blog, The Book Sphere, check out my review here
This book is unique from many YA books that I have read and I enjoyed that about it. This book starts off with action and the action doesn't stop throughout the whole book. We follow Ashley as she tries to do the ultimate heist by stealing a billion-dollar item from a billionaire. While doing this she finds herself too involved in a plan that she didn't know existed.
This book, as said in the description is a thriller. It keeps you on edge page after page. Heath wrote this book wonderfully with the action pacing perfectly along with the twists and turns that occur along the way, there were parts where my mouth would drop open, like WTH just happened?! There was no romance in this book which was unique to me after most books I read contain some type of romance in them and I enjoyed reading a book where it was straight to business.
Ashley was such a unique MC with a strong will and smart brain despite her age. I was in the mood for something different than what I usually read and this book satisfied that need. I would definitely put this book in the older YA category as there were graphic parts that I couldn't imagine a younger child reading. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, thrilling, adventurous read.
This book is unique from many YA books that I have read and I enjoyed that about it. This book starts off with action and the action doesn't stop throughout the whole book. We follow Ashley as she tries to do the ultimate heist by stealing a billion-dollar item from a billionaire. While doing this she finds herself too involved in a plan that she didn't know existed.
This book, as said in the description is a thriller. It keeps you on edge page after page. Heath wrote this book wonderfully with the action pacing perfectly along with the twists and turns that occur along the way, there were parts where my mouth would drop open, like WTH just happened?! There was no romance in this book which was unique to me after most books I read contain some type of romance in them and I enjoyed reading a book where it was straight to business.
Ashley was such a unique MC with a strong will and smart brain despite her age. I was in the mood for something different than what I usually read and this book satisfied that need. I would definitely put this book in the older YA category as there were graphic parts that I couldn't imagine a younger child reading. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, thrilling, adventurous read.
March 23, 2013
When I first read the synopsis for Money Run, I was excited. Why? Because it was about teenage thieves, and I have been obsessed with these types of scenarios since reading Ally Carter's Heist Society. However, I am not going to lie- I love Heist Society more. Yet, this book does have its good aspects - especially had a humorous moments with the main villain believing his life story will be made into a movie with him playing the lead in the biopic. It will especially be well received by "reluctant readers" because it is fast paced and never has a really dull moment. What I did not like was the fact that I was able to guess many of the big plot twists. Maybe others will not be able to (especially kids that this book is targeted towards). However, the ability to guess the OMG moments reveals how the book is not able to keep one truly engrossed because one's attention is not fully captured by what is happening in the plot in any particular moment. Thus, one is able to foresee the twists and turns (hope that makes sense).
Final thoughts: If you are reading this because you are looking for a Heist Society type book (like I did), you are better off simply rereading the awesomeness that is Hale (or even look at Ally Carter's other series Gallagher Girls). Yet, this book is an easy read if you are looking for something light to read.
Final thoughts: If you are reading this because you are looking for a Heist Society type book (like I did), you are better off simply rereading the awesomeness that is Hale (or even look at Ally Carter's other series Gallagher Girls). Yet, this book is an easy read if you are looking for something light to read.
June 26, 2013
Reviewed by a 7th grader: Money Run is a fast-paced mystery thriller about a teenage thief, Ashley Arthur, on her biggest mission yet. Her task is to find and take $200 million hidden in a local billionaire's office building. At the same time, the billionaire Hammond Buckland is being hunted down by Peachy, a hit man sent by the government to kill Buckland. The story follows Ashley, Peachey, and Buckland each on their own seperate missions, one night in one building. The pages are filled with weapons and decit, alongside many plot twists and a surprise ending making this short action thriller an intense page-turner.
Warning! If you start this book, you will not be able to put it down. The short action packed chapters are filled with action, suspense, and some gore. Ashley plays the interesting role of a teen thief stealing because her mother deserted her and she and her father are barely getting by. Besides this controversial character, the others aren't all that unique. However, the exciting plot makes up for lacking in other areas. Overall, this is a very good book for fans of action, myster, and suspense.
Highly recommended. Fans of Money Run may also enjoy Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein
Warning! If you start this book, you will not be able to put it down. The short action packed chapters are filled with action, suspense, and some gore. Ashley plays the interesting role of a teen thief stealing because her mother deserted her and she and her father are barely getting by. Besides this controversial character, the others aren't all that unique. However, the exciting plot makes up for lacking in other areas. Overall, this is a very good book for fans of action, myster, and suspense.
Highly recommended. Fans of Money Run may also enjoy Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein
March 17, 2017
5 well deserved stars. While one scene was a tad bit too much (seriously? OIL? Boiling oil? No words needed), it was well written, thrilling and unpredictable. Seriously, I knew that something was up - and who was the one pulling the strings pretty soon - but how? How it will happen, how everything is connected together? No clue, literally, until the last pages.
And that, my dears, is the reason this book gets 5 stars. A YA book that's gripping, unpredictable and well written to top it off - without being offensive due to sexism, discrimination or whatever - is rare. I want more like it. I enjoyed it a lot and will absolutely pick up the next of the series.
Only complaint I have is the hitman - seriously, for one of the top guys of the profession he's a tad bit stupid/easy to provoke, isn't he? And a dreamer. But the badass teen girl (who loves her chosen profession and is more or less realistic) more than makes up for him. 5 stars, recommended.
! - But best not give the book to younger kids; there's violence in there, and the boiling oil scene was ... well... extreme?! I mean, the description what's happening to a living body while... no, yuck, uff, no giving this one to the younger kids, wait until they are teenagers, please. - !
And that, my dears, is the reason this book gets 5 stars. A YA book that's gripping, unpredictable and well written to top it off - without being offensive due to sexism, discrimination or whatever - is rare. I want more like it. I enjoyed it a lot and will absolutely pick up the next of the series.
Only complaint I have is the hitman - seriously, for one of the top guys of the profession he's a tad bit stupid/easy to provoke, isn't he? And a dreamer. But the badass teen girl (who loves her chosen profession and is more or less realistic) more than makes up for him. 5 stars, recommended.
! - But best not give the book to younger kids; there's violence in there, and the boiling oil scene was ... well... extreme?! I mean, the description what's happening to a living body while... no, yuck, uff, no giving this one to the younger kids, wait until they are teenagers, please. - !
August 20, 2013
Wow. Jack Heath is obviously a very imaginative and creative person in order to write this book. It was fast-paced, and was all adventure, all the time. It was really good and captivating. I'm curious to see if Ash and Benjamin will eventually go out - maybe by the end of the series? I think that if they don't eventually go on a date together, it's going to slightly ruin the book b/c the author brings up their not-dating several times in the book.
Buckland is very intelligent. I won't say what he did, but trust me when I say that you won't see it coming. Everything is planned.
The gold ended up being in the 'floor' where I thought it was, but I could never have figured out EXACTLY where it would've been. Genius!
This whole book was brilliant. I'd recommend the book series 'The Mysterious Benedict Society'* to anyone who enjoyed this book.
* The Mysterious Benedict Society
Buckland is very intelligent. I won't say what he did, but trust me when I say that you won't see it coming. Everything is planned.
The gold ended up being in the 'floor' where I thought it was, but I could never have figured out EXACTLY where it would've been. Genius!
This whole book was brilliant. I'd recommend the book series 'The Mysterious Benedict Society'* to anyone who enjoyed this book.
* The Mysterious Benedict Society
January 17, 2014
Good. Funny, witty, not exactly original but very clever in delivery and characterization. When you see that this book is only two hundred and forty something pages long, you might assume that it is simple. However this book was a complex thrill ride of action and mystery. I'm not usually one to go for action in a book but this pulls it off very nicely.
I liked the character of Peachy. Reading his perspective was the highlight of the whole book.I would love to see the Ash-Benjamin thing go somewhere (if anywhere at all.) Buckland was perfect. Sheer perfection. His type of character is always two steps ahead and has the resources to pull crazy stunts.
The story keeps you guessing and very clearly explains things at the end. There is a set up at the end for a sequel and possible series that I am looking forward to reading. I can't honestly say if it was better or worse than The Lab. Just read them both.
I liked the character of Peachy. Reading his perspective was the highlight of the whole book.I would love to see the Ash-Benjamin thing go somewhere (if anywhere at all.) Buckland was perfect. Sheer perfection. His type of character is always two steps ahead and has the resources to pull crazy stunts.
The story keeps you guessing and very clearly explains things at the end. There is a set up at the end for a sequel and possible series that I am looking forward to reading. I can't honestly say if it was better or worse than The Lab. Just read them both.
June 19, 2013
I read this book as a possibility for a YA program at our library system, and the moment I finished it I ended up nominating it for the program. Ash and Ben are 15 year old who readers can relate to, despite the fact that they are accomplished thieves. They are given a task by "The Source" that is just too good to pass on, however, when Ash goes in to pull off the heist with Ben as off-site support they get tangled up in a complicated web of agencies, power, greed, ego and deceit. Heath does a wonderful job leading readers through a complicated maze, and changing direction just when the reader thinks they have figured it all out.
I highly recommend this book- and it is one I think that teenage boys would enjoy as well, despite the teenager point of view being told from a female perspective.
I highly recommend this book- and it is one I think that teenage boys would enjoy as well, despite the teenager point of view being told from a female perspective.
May 23, 2014
If you love realistic action scenes, I strongly recommend this book. Action, action and action... This book is filled with action that makes the readers feel like they just watched a blockbuster movie. A billionaire, top-security skyscraper, Bugatti Veyron, $200 million and two teenager thieves- doesn't this already makes you thrilled?
The main character, Ashley Arther, is a teenager girl who decides to steal $200 million from a billionaire businessman named Hammond Buckland. Her main strength is that she is flexible in unpredicted situations. I loved her confidence and intuition when she survived from a killer with a pistol.
I think this book should be produced as a movie, for its perfection and fluency of of the story, along with the action scenes.
The main character, Ashley Arther, is a teenager girl who decides to steal $200 million from a billionaire businessman named Hammond Buckland. Her main strength is that she is flexible in unpredicted situations. I loved her confidence and intuition when she survived from a killer with a pistol.
I think this book should be produced as a movie, for its perfection and fluency of of the story, along with the action scenes.
July 9, 2013
All I have to say is wow, I am blown away!!!! This is one of the best books I have ever read!
It’s everything I look for in a book: action, mystery, suspense, and realistic fiction (to a degree).
I would recommend this book to anyone. The characters are so real and the writing is very descriptive.
Also, you aren’t just following the two main characters. There are a bunch of characters that you follow throughout the book, but not so many that it is hard to keep track of who is who.
I give this book a ten out of ten. I hope a sequel will come soon!
It’s everything I look for in a book: action, mystery, suspense, and realistic fiction (to a degree).
I would recommend this book to anyone. The characters are so real and the writing is very descriptive.
Also, you aren’t just following the two main characters. There are a bunch of characters that you follow throughout the book, but not so many that it is hard to keep track of who is who.
I give this book a ten out of ten. I hope a sequel will come soon!
December 4, 2013
Fifteen-year-olds Ashley and Benjamin have made a risky plan: to steal billionaire Hammond Buckland's most precious belonging, hidden in the depths of his conspicuous corporate building. But Hammond Buckland has a most elaborate plan of his own - and none of them have counted on Peachey, the hit man with a determination to finish the job - at any cost! With assassins running loose, police on standby, will these young thieves manage to find Hammond’s secrete stash in time?
Money Run is the start of a great two book series. - Ben K
Money Run is the start of a great two book series. - Ben K
January 12, 2014
Jack Heath's Money Run is a perfect book.
Teen thieves, a billionaire, a skyscraper and $200 million dollars, or so they thought.
Add to that a job-obsessed Hitman intent on having his life made into a film, and maybe a tiny bit of fatal disease, and as Jack puts it "watch things explode."
Filled with action packed action and twisty plot-twists, money run will keep you guessing, and then kicking yourself for not figuring it out, until the very last page.
I would recommend Money Run to any book or action nut, and cannot wait for Ashley Arthur #3.
P.S Watch for the Flying Veyron!
Teen thieves, a billionaire, a skyscraper and $200 million dollars, or so they thought.
Add to that a job-obsessed Hitman intent on having his life made into a film, and maybe a tiny bit of fatal disease, and as Jack puts it "watch things explode."
Filled with action packed action and twisty plot-twists, money run will keep you guessing, and then kicking yourself for not figuring it out, until the very last page.
I would recommend Money Run to any book or action nut, and cannot wait for Ashley Arthur #3.
P.S Watch for the Flying Veyron!
April 1, 2012
Its nice. I like it. A person like me who is intrested in action and thriller stories should read it.
October 27, 2013
Amazing. Non-stop action and everything you think will happen, does the opposite.
July 8, 2014
Wow! This is like "Heist Society" on steriods!! Action, twists & turns compiled with multiple story lines.
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