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The Light Thieves #1
The Light Thieves
Clever, quirky and hugely imaginative, discover the eagerly anticipated new series from the bestselling author of A Place Called Perfect. Who would you trust to save the world...a boy or a billionaire? The earth has shifted on its axis and a mysterious dark mark has appeared on the sun - the whole world is in peril! But billionaire tech genius Howard Hansom has a plan... When Grian's sister goes missing he's convinced she has run off to Hansom's new city to help save the world. But when Grian and his two friends Jeffrey and Shelli track her there they find that nothing is quite as it seems. Why is everything so secret? Where is the mysterious Area 13? What does Howard Hansom want with all the people he has enticed to live in his city? The days are getting darker but what's really happening to the sun?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2022
17 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Helena Duggan
14 books375 followersI am from Kilkenny, a medieval, haunted city in the south of Ireland, which was the inspiration for the town in A Place Called Perfect. I write stories full of adventure because I get bored really easily.
A Place Called Perfect was my first book. It was published in August 2017 and was a Waterstones Book of the Month. It won numerous awards including Crimefest Children's Book of the Year and was nominated for the Irish Book Awards and Waterstones Children's Prize.
The series is a bestselling series has sold over 230,000 copies in the UK and counting and is published in 13 languages to date. Perfect has also been optioned for an animated TV series by Jellyfish Productions.
The Light Thieves is my new eco/tech adventure series that has just been launched to rave reviews. I look forward to hearing how it's received by the World at large.
When I'm not writing or designing I'm hanging around with Robbie, my husband (who loves climbing mountains), my daughters Jo and Bobbie and our crazy rescue dog Tinky.
A Place Called Perfect was my first book. It was published in August 2017 and was a Waterstones Book of the Month. It won numerous awards including Crimefest Children's Book of the Year and was nominated for the Irish Book Awards and Waterstones Children's Prize.
The series is a bestselling series has sold over 230,000 copies in the UK and counting and is published in 13 languages to date. Perfect has also been optioned for an animated TV series by Jellyfish Productions.
The Light Thieves is my new eco/tech adventure series that has just been launched to rave reviews. I look forward to hearing how it's received by the World at large.
When I'm not writing or designing I'm hanging around with Robbie, my husband (who loves climbing mountains), my daughters Jo and Bobbie and our crazy rescue dog Tinky.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 27, 2022
This had me hooked from page one. It's filled with dedications to science and scientists. Grian will do anything to save his sister, but he doesn't quite realise exactly what's at stake. Bring on the sequel, I need to know who the white rose is! Recommend for anyone older than 8.
September 1, 2022
The Light Thieves is a fantastic and fascinating technological thriller!
Let's start with the mystery at the heart of the book. It's totally gripping! There are strange, cloaked figures floating around, letting themselves into people's houses, hunting people through the streets. There's a missing sister and a missing grandfather. A tech genius who's just too good to be true. It's complex and exciting and utterly mysterious.
The characters are great too. I really liked how Grian wasn't actually that bright. He struggles with a lot of things and depends on his friends for help, and that really worked for me. He had courage though, and I loved his determination to keep going. Jeffrey was a fascinating character, and one I'd like to see more of. His relationship with his parents was hinted at frequently and is definitely something I'd like to see explored in later books. Shelli was also brilliant. With her close affinity to animals and apparent powers over them, and her disdain of modern technology, she was the ideal third member of the group.
At the heart of The Light Thieves is technology and our relationship to it. This was handled really well, I thought. So much of the technology was quite recognisable, maybe just a little bit more futuristic. The themes were certainly familiar, with technological assistants learning all of our likes and dislikes, tracking our movements, coordinating with other systems on our behalf and so on. There's a really interesting debate here about the need for privacy versus the convenience of having a computer system essentially running your life for you, and valid concerns about what happens to all of that data. I'm sure this aspect of the book is something that'll only become more relevant with time as huge corporations sell us more labour-saving devices that pry on every aspect of our lives.
The Light Thieves is action packed and mysterious, with some very important things to say about our reliance on technology. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next!
Let's start with the mystery at the heart of the book. It's totally gripping! There are strange, cloaked figures floating around, letting themselves into people's houses, hunting people through the streets. There's a missing sister and a missing grandfather. A tech genius who's just too good to be true. It's complex and exciting and utterly mysterious.
The characters are great too. I really liked how Grian wasn't actually that bright. He struggles with a lot of things and depends on his friends for help, and that really worked for me. He had courage though, and I loved his determination to keep going. Jeffrey was a fascinating character, and one I'd like to see more of. His relationship with his parents was hinted at frequently and is definitely something I'd like to see explored in later books. Shelli was also brilliant. With her close affinity to animals and apparent powers over them, and her disdain of modern technology, she was the ideal third member of the group.
At the heart of The Light Thieves is technology and our relationship to it. This was handled really well, I thought. So much of the technology was quite recognisable, maybe just a little bit more futuristic. The themes were certainly familiar, with technological assistants learning all of our likes and dislikes, tracking our movements, coordinating with other systems on our behalf and so on. There's a really interesting debate here about the need for privacy versus the convenience of having a computer system essentially running your life for you, and valid concerns about what happens to all of that data. I'm sure this aspect of the book is something that'll only become more relevant with time as huge corporations sell us more labour-saving devices that pry on every aspect of our lives.
The Light Thieves is action packed and mysterious, with some very important things to say about our reliance on technology. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next!
August 14, 2022
4.5 stars
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Well, The Light Thieves was a fantastic eco read that I couldn't put down! From the first chapter you are put right at the heart of the action and adventure, and this just makes you want to read on and not stop.
I was intrigued by the idea of the earth tilting, and the sun dying and feel like this topic is relevant to issues that we are hearing about today - especially in regards to climate change. It is great that these topics are being explored in middle grade, as the children reading these books are the future and will be living in this world. I commend the author for bringing this to the forefront and ultimately educating readers about this very serious crisis.
This story had a lot of twists, turns, and shocking moments - a few of which I didn't see coming, and honestly it was such a wild ride! A few moments throughout the story had me gasping out loud! The futuristic and technological elements just made the plot all the more appealing, and I could certainly see the kind of technology Grian and his friends encounter being a part of reality in the future. The ending leaves you on such a cliffhanger, that will leave you eager to read the sequel!
Grian was a likable protagonist that you couldn't help but root for throughout the story. His bravery and willingness to do what's right were inspiring, and I am excited to see how he grows throughout the series. His friendship with Jeffrey and Shelli was heartwarming to read about, and the dynamics between the three brought some comic relief to what could be quite a serious read.
The Light Thieves was an amazing read and one that I will be thinking about for a while. Its thrilling plot, incredible characters, and the way it brings important issues to the forefront are what made it such a hit, and I will be impatiently awaiting book two!
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Well, The Light Thieves was a fantastic eco read that I couldn't put down! From the first chapter you are put right at the heart of the action and adventure, and this just makes you want to read on and not stop.
I was intrigued by the idea of the earth tilting, and the sun dying and feel like this topic is relevant to issues that we are hearing about today - especially in regards to climate change. It is great that these topics are being explored in middle grade, as the children reading these books are the future and will be living in this world. I commend the author for bringing this to the forefront and ultimately educating readers about this very serious crisis.
This story had a lot of twists, turns, and shocking moments - a few of which I didn't see coming, and honestly it was such a wild ride! A few moments throughout the story had me gasping out loud! The futuristic and technological elements just made the plot all the more appealing, and I could certainly see the kind of technology Grian and his friends encounter being a part of reality in the future. The ending leaves you on such a cliffhanger, that will leave you eager to read the sequel!
Grian was a likable protagonist that you couldn't help but root for throughout the story. His bravery and willingness to do what's right were inspiring, and I am excited to see how he grows throughout the series. His friendship with Jeffrey and Shelli was heartwarming to read about, and the dynamics between the three brought some comic relief to what could be quite a serious read.
The Light Thieves was an amazing read and one that I will be thinking about for a while. Its thrilling plot, incredible characters, and the way it brings important issues to the forefront are what made it such a hit, and I will be impatiently awaiting book two!
August 23, 2022
The Light Thieves
By Helena Duggan
Published by Usborn
The Light Thieves' by Helena Duggan is the first part of a fantastic new futuristic and eco-adventure series. Full of thought-provoking, dark at times decisions needing to be made but thrillingly exciting too.
The world has shifted on its tilt and a dark mark has appeared on the sun. But the majority of the population believe in the tilt and trust billionaire Howard Hansom as the man to save the world. Helena Duggan writes boldly, wildly almost outrageously combining humour, fear and friendship to keep you on the edge of your seat.
But it is the quirky, clever and lovable characters of Grian, Jeffrey and Shelli, who capture your heart and keep the tension throughout their friendship. However, the suspense throughout this dark mystery makes you questions your own decisions, who you trust and how you live your life. Nature NEEDS to be respected. We as humans NEED to make changes. Thinking of others should be commonplace.
'The Light Thieves' is an exciting and dramatic story bursting with ideas to question your thoughts. I very much NEED to read the next instalment!!!
Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of children’s books.
#Netgallery
#Usborne
By Helena Duggan
Published by Usborn
The Light Thieves' by Helena Duggan is the first part of a fantastic new futuristic and eco-adventure series. Full of thought-provoking, dark at times decisions needing to be made but thrillingly exciting too.
The world has shifted on its tilt and a dark mark has appeared on the sun. But the majority of the population believe in the tilt and trust billionaire Howard Hansom as the man to save the world. Helena Duggan writes boldly, wildly almost outrageously combining humour, fear and friendship to keep you on the edge of your seat.
But it is the quirky, clever and lovable characters of Grian, Jeffrey and Shelli, who capture your heart and keep the tension throughout their friendship. However, the suspense throughout this dark mystery makes you questions your own decisions, who you trust and how you live your life. Nature NEEDS to be respected. We as humans NEED to make changes. Thinking of others should be commonplace.
'The Light Thieves' is an exciting and dramatic story bursting with ideas to question your thoughts. I very much NEED to read the next instalment!!!
Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of children’s books.
#Netgallery
#Usborne
September 1, 2022
Now…this book is intriguing! An environmental disaster; a billionaire tech guy with a plan to save us all; a missing sister; people living wild in the woods; being chased by sinister cloaked men…what is going on?! Page after page of twists and turns lead the reader on a merry dance to uncover the truth. With a well-written, continuous flow, this pacey tale reveals both the use and abuse of technology, all the while revealing the complex family dynamics we live with day-to-day. Heaps of action, loads of laughs and gasps and a heart-felt brother/sister relationship grab the attention and will not let go as our hero tries to track down his missing sister and get her back home before Mum and Dad realise she’s gone….but it’s not that easy. Grian needs to use all his wits to untangle the technological nightmare set before him. A cast of characters wind through the story, revealing unexpected talents and quirky tech-flips that may just help him, but what about saving the planet? How much of what Grian knows is actually true?
There is so much going on in this book that it may make your head spin a bit as you try to grasp the nuances and details, but hang in there. it’s really worth it.
There is so much going on in this book that it may make your head spin a bit as you try to grasp the nuances and details, but hang in there. it’s really worth it.
November 5, 2022
This was a great book, I think it's the perfect middle grade book to be enjoyed by all ages. There are fun characters, exciting action and genuine twists, while also talking about some pretty realistic topics.
A billionaire who's tech is in everyone's hands, who has the ability to control the media? Hits pretty close to home, right? I really enjoyed how these realistic topics - that won't necessarily be noticed by the younger end of readers - will stand out and be a glaring allegory of the real world we live in, it was really well done.
Sometimes as an adult reading middle grade I can predict everything that will happen, but I found that this book was genuinely keeping me guessing, it was a really fun reading experience.
This is the start of a series, so we do find out some secrets and some twists are revealed, but there are still many things left up in the air and are a complete mystery, there's a great balance between being satisfying but also holding out enough that you are intrigued as to where the story is going next.
A billionaire who's tech is in everyone's hands, who has the ability to control the media? Hits pretty close to home, right? I really enjoyed how these realistic topics - that won't necessarily be noticed by the younger end of readers - will stand out and be a glaring allegory of the real world we live in, it was really well done.
Sometimes as an adult reading middle grade I can predict everything that will happen, but I found that this book was genuinely keeping me guessing, it was a really fun reading experience.
This is the start of a series, so we do find out some secrets and some twists are revealed, but there are still many things left up in the air and are a complete mystery, there's a great balance between being satisfying but also holding out enough that you are intrigued as to where the story is going next.
October 18, 2024
"Крадците на светлина" от Хелена Дъган, издаден от "Orange Books", е завладяващ роман, който ще ви потопи в свят на мистерии и приключения. Авторката на трилогията "Град на име Съвършенство" не разочарова и този път. Историята започва с тревожна промяна – светът се е изместил от оста си, а в слънцето настъпват неочаквани изменения, заплашващи Земята дори още повече. Апокалипсисът чука на вратата. Човечеството се нуждае от герои. В центъра на този хаос е един свръхбогат корпоративен гуру, който има план за спасяването на света. Но дали той ще се окаже далеч по-удачен избор за спасител? И какво се случва с тези, които му се доверяват и се присъединяват към каузата му? Може би за разнищването на тази мистерия, пък и за спасяването на света, са нужни друг тип герои – млади, сърцати и безкористни. Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле“: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
August 7, 2022
An eco story that doesn't hit us over the head with the moral!
Grian is a great point of view for this story, brave but not sure of it, open minded and willing to take a chance on people. He's also clever enough to notice things and put them together into a larger picture. His sidekicks are a fantastic group as well, completely diseperate but able to work together when it's necessary.
I'm making this sound very dry, but it's actually really funny, even dealing with the (possible) end of the world as it is! I laughed out loud several times as I was reading, and I think young readers will really enjoy it as well. (Do note that it's the first of a trilogy, so the story doesn't end in this volume, although it does reach a relatively good stopping point.)
A fantastic read, and I can't wait to read the others in the series to see how things will work out from here.
Grian is a great point of view for this story, brave but not sure of it, open minded and willing to take a chance on people. He's also clever enough to notice things and put them together into a larger picture. His sidekicks are a fantastic group as well, completely diseperate but able to work together when it's necessary.
I'm making this sound very dry, but it's actually really funny, even dealing with the (possible) end of the world as it is! I laughed out loud several times as I was reading, and I think young readers will really enjoy it as well. (Do note that it's the first of a trilogy, so the story doesn't end in this volume, although it does reach a relatively good stopping point.)
A fantastic read, and I can't wait to read the others in the series to see how things will work out from here.
July 30, 2023
This book is about technology, future, climate change as well as friendship.
Grian along with most of the world loves technology, he has a watch that monitors everything and preempt what he might want, but is that always a good thing? Sometimes old technology is the way to go, and his granddad truly believes that old is better.
After an event there is a black patch on the sun, a new high tech town is created for a better life, to stop the world from ending, but is it all it seems from the advertisements.
I found this a bit slow to get going, there is lots of information to take on board and it's one I really needed to concentrate on. I would say this is for older middle grade or stronger readers.
After the midway point the pacing really ramped up and I did find myself wanting to finish it to find out what happens.
Grian along with most of the world loves technology, he has a watch that monitors everything and preempt what he might want, but is that always a good thing? Sometimes old technology is the way to go, and his granddad truly believes that old is better.
After an event there is a black patch on the sun, a new high tech town is created for a better life, to stop the world from ending, but is it all it seems from the advertisements.
I found this a bit slow to get going, there is lots of information to take on board and it's one I really needed to concentrate on. I would say this is for older middle grade or stronger readers.
After the midway point the pacing really ramped up and I did find myself wanting to finish it to find out what happens.
July 26, 2024
Very enjoyable mystery, set in a recognisable heavy computer tech world where everyone has smart technology HDevices (watches, tablets, and much more). Grian and his accidental friend Jeffery and shelley investigate the disappearance of Grian's sister and grandfather, which all seems to be tied up in 'tipping point' the new super modern town designed to save the world after 'the tilt' an event which allegedly threw the earth off its axis and caused a large dark spot on the sun.
The book manages to maintain an incredibly sinister aura, without anything too frightening happening. The whole thing gave me somewhat the same feeling as the film Brazil, but I have no idea why! Definitely constantly on edge and suspicious/scared of all interactions.
The ending was a little bit of a let down, but i guess is to somewhat to be expected as its the first book and there is more story to follow.
The book manages to maintain an incredibly sinister aura, without anything too frightening happening. The whole thing gave me somewhat the same feeling as the film Brazil, but I have no idea why! Definitely constantly on edge and suspicious/scared of all interactions.
The ending was a little bit of a let down, but i guess is to somewhat to be expected as its the first book and there is more story to follow.
October 28, 2022
A brand new series from Usborne author, Helena Duggan, who has came back with a bang after her popular A Place Called Perfect series.
I'm not going to post any spoilers as I don't want to ruin anything, but I can honestly say that this book was perhaps one of my favourite middle-grade books that I've read this year! The author knows how to build a world that not only interests children but also interests adults!
The story is light-hearted and has some moments of comedy, but there is also some low-key action scenes (especially towards the end) that made me want to finish the book even quicker!
Helena has set herself up for a fun couple of years as I imagine this series will be just as big as A Place Called Perfect.
I'm not going to post any spoilers as I don't want to ruin anything, but I can honestly say that this book was perhaps one of my favourite middle-grade books that I've read this year! The author knows how to build a world that not only interests children but also interests adults!
The story is light-hearted and has some moments of comedy, but there is also some low-key action scenes (especially towards the end) that made me want to finish the book even quicker!
Helena has set herself up for a fun couple of years as I imagine this series will be just as big as A Place Called Perfect.
January 5, 2023
This book is so amazing! It is about a boy called Grian Wood who tries to save his sister with his new friends, Jeffrey and Shelli. Before, they think they need to get Solas (Grian’s older sister) back from Hansom’s ( a really skilled engineer) new city. You might be wondering why Solas went to the new city in the first place? Well before all of this happened there was a huge earthquake that was believed to shift the Earth of it’s axis. Hansom’s new city is a place where Hansom believes if lot’s of people come to stand in the middle of the new city, they will be able to shift the Earth back to it’s right angle…
March 22, 2023
This book is SO good. There are so many different talking points that could be used in the classroom based on this book; the dependance of our society on technology, the damage we are doing to the environment, the power someone with wealth can have. It was so thought provoking but also really gripping. From the first. page, I was sucked into the mystery and couldn't put it down. I was desperate to find out what happened next. I know several children who will want to get their hands on this book once it's out and I will definitely be getting it for our school library. I'm also heading off right now to buy Helena Duggan's other books.
January 2, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book with my 11-year-old son. As a tech-obsessed tween, he was fascinated by the concept of all the gadgets in the future. I was impressed with the world-building and interested to see the cause of the natural disaster the story is centred around. The ending had a lot of unanswered questions, which left the way open for a sequel.
April 8, 2025
I really loved how creative and exciting this book was. I've never read anything like it. I love where and how the story is set and written by Helena. I'd recommend this book to ages 9-12 but it was really well written and had amazing characters and awesome mystery and plot twists in the story. ❤️❤️❤️
July 23, 2024
Very interesting story, and character writing, as you read you find out more about the world the characters live and they meet interesting people that will help them some won't, it will be interesting how the book in the series goes
August 16, 2025
Took me so long to get to the end of this book that I stopped caring for much of what happens by chapter 17 or so. I enjoyed this enough to read the next book but just barely. I wish it had been a better story but it is what it is.
July 28, 2022
Such a thrilling book! It was hard to put down. Literally every chapter ended in a cliffhanger. Definitely the best adventure book I have read recently. It is full of mystery, suspense, courage and friendship. I can't wait to read the sequel already. Thank you NetGalley and Usborne for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
February 2, 2023
Read this with my 8 year old. We both really enjoyed it. An interesting story that I could easily imagine being a film.
March 23, 2023
Super start to a searies!!!
August 29, 2023
It was so much fun. I really loved it, and couldn't stop reading . Can't wait to carry on the next book
January 2, 2024
Im actually in love with this series ngl.
Its just SO GOOD!!!!!!!
Its just SO GOOD!!!!!!!
July 14, 2024
Took me ages to read!
Wanted to show 5/6 the new book and read it before them. The best bit was the last few chapters but the book doesn’t even end the story!!
Wanted to show 5/6 the new book and read it before them. The best bit was the last few chapters but the book doesn’t even end the story!!
August 14, 2025
fun times read , quick and fast paced book!
id recommend
id recommend
December 2, 2025
amazing book for a nine year old
August 15, 2025
I’m annoyed because I thought this was a stand alone book but it’s part of a series and that was mentioned absolutely nowhere on the cover or on the inside sleeve.
August 27, 2024
Its been a very long time since a middle grade, fantasy book hooked me!! This was so much fun!!!
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March 23, 2024Thank you to Netgalley and Usborne Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Light Thieves follows a world where the Earth has tilted onto the side, and the story of Grian, his friends Jeffrey and Shelli, when his sister goes off to a new city created by billionaire tech genius Howard Hansom to fix the problem of the Earth tilting. But when the three reach the city, Grian's sister is nowhere to be found, and mysteries abound.
This was a great adventure! I loved Grian's character, the relationship with his friends, the fervour in which he searched for his sister, and the heart of the story lying in environmentalism and capitalism – two things which I think kids Grian's age are passionate about and are interested in, and I loved seeing these topics being covered in middle grade fiction. The story covers all kinds of themes: friendship, dependence on technology, responsibility to nature and the environment, but with a mystery that leaned towards the thrilling and dark at some points (but in a very compelling way!), and also the ability to inject some much-needed humour at some very deliberate moments. I really enjoyed this book!
The Light Thieves follows a world where the Earth has tilted onto the side, and the story of Grian, his friends Jeffrey and Shelli, when his sister goes off to a new city created by billionaire tech genius Howard Hansom to fix the problem of the Earth tilting. But when the three reach the city, Grian's sister is nowhere to be found, and mysteries abound.
This was a great adventure! I loved Grian's character, the relationship with his friends, the fervour in which he searched for his sister, and the heart of the story lying in environmentalism and capitalism – two things which I think kids Grian's age are passionate about and are interested in, and I loved seeing these topics being covered in middle grade fiction. The story covers all kinds of themes: friendship, dependence on technology, responsibility to nature and the environment, but with a mystery that leaned towards the thrilling and dark at some points (but in a very compelling way!), and also the ability to inject some much-needed humour at some very deliberate moments. I really enjoyed this book!
June 20, 2023
This series is close to my heart, I wrote it for my daughters as a way to envision the type of World I hope they will grow up in - a new earth. I hope you like it.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews