Alex O'Donnell and the 40 CyberThieves

by Regina Doman

When his computer hacker dad discovers a secret website, Alex O'Donnell and his girlfriend Kateri become embroiled in a mystery that leads to sudden wealth and murder. A modern retelling of the classic Arabian Nights tale "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves."

Genres: Young Adult, Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Retellings

218 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2010

About the author

Regina Doman is a Catholic wife, mother, author and editor. Currently she runs her own company, Chesterton Press, which publishes and distributes quality Catholic fiction. When she worked as the editor of Sophia Institute Press' fiction line, she launched the popular John Paul 2 High series for teens, and Rachel's Contrition became a #1 Best Seller in Amazon's Women's Fiction category, and winner of the 2011 Catholic Arts and Letters Award for best adult fiction. As an author, she has written the Fairy Tale Novels, a series of books for teens and adults that places fairy tales in modern settings with Christian themes interwoven. The fifth book in that series, Alex O'Donnell and the 40 CyberThieves, won the 2011 Catholic Arts and Letters Award for best young adult fiction. In 2013, she published her longest and most challenging fairy tale novel yet, Rapunzel Let Down. Her only picture book Angel in the Waters has sold over 120,000 copies. In 2010 she was presented with the "In Defense of Sanity" award from the American Chesterton Society. Regina and her husband Andrew live in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley on a farmstead with their children. To the question, “How do you manage to get it all done?” Regina responds, “What makes you think I get it all done?”

Reviews

[Shantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this one was really fun! Alex O'Donnell and the 40 CyberThieves ... short and adventurous! Action with computers and cyber criminals! Another modern-day fairy tale retelling to adore! These characters are fabulous! ^_^ And their adventures unforgettable - a splash of fairy dust in normal young person's life (well, fairly normal. *winks*)

Read this series, peoples. You surely won't regret it! Knights and maidens, ninjas and princesses. Villains and dashing rescues. Intrigue. Fun. Breathless moments of suspense. Thrilling tales! *grins*

[Regina Doman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I wrote this book, so of course I like it!

[Tirzah Eleora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex O'Donnell and the 40 CyberThieves made it into my waiting hands at last! Revisiting Regina Doman's fairytale world was as fun as I knew it would be, even if this one didn't quite live up to my expectations. This Fairy Tale Novel has a lighter tone than it's predecessors. It doesn't have dark themes, and the plot plays out more as a straight forward adventure tale without trying to be deep and philosophical. It moves along rapidly (almost too rapidly) and keeps you turning the page. Overall it doesn't feel as surreal as the other books, which could be a plus or a minus depending on your tastes. Personally, it's a fairy tale retelling so I'm not necessarily looking for realism.

I enjoyed reading it, but I have to say that Alex and Kateri are not at all some of my favorites of Doman's characters. Both of them are rather annoying. Especially Kateri, with her incessant criticizing and nitpicking of others and the lifestyle choices they make. She's not very sweet and one wonders what Alex sees in her. Alex wasn't so bad really...if anything he is one of Doman's most realistic guy characters. (Along with Paul Fester, who was realistically manly, and one of Regina's best men. Much as we all love Bear and Fish, come on! Who actually knows a guy who is like that?) But for some reason I didn't find Alex all that likable. Perhaps because he's so gaga about Kateri? Couldn't say.

Another small thing that really bugged me in this story was the way that Kateri was portrayed as having broken the law regarding access to abortion facilities when she was involved in pro-life protests. And if I recall correctly, in Waking Rose we learn that members of the Kovach family are known for having spent time behind bars for this reason. Clearly the author feels that this is a legitimate form of protest for Christians to use in pro-life efforts and I really disliked that.

Oh, and here's a question for the author. Do the O'Donnells get to keep the million dollars? That's all I really want to know.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more of Regina Doman's writings that I read, the more impressed I am with her as an author and as a storyteller. Her ability to draw the reader into a story and capture their attention is amazing. Her skill at wrapping morality and fairy tales together is incredible. G.K. Chesterton states: "Not only can fairy tales be enjoyed because they are moral but morality can be enjoyed because it puts us in fairy land, in a world at once of wonder and of war." I think if he were alive today he would enjoy these stories for their sense of wonder, morality and the representations of the war between light and darkness, and between good and evil.

This is a modern retelling of the fable of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. It is set in and around Washington DC, and in south Virginia. It is the story of Alex O'Donnell and Kateri Kovach, two young Catholics, who are trying to figure out if their relationship has a future. Kateri has just graduated and needs to find a job. Alex needs to finish a few courses to finish his schooling. Kateri is an activist, farm girl, hard-working and early-rising girl. Alex is a modern samurai, a martial arts expert, gamer, computer guru (though not as much as his dad) and very laid back and easy going. Kateri comes to visit and meet the O'Donnells. But the O'Donnells have mysteriously come into some money and are trying to figure out how to take advantage of it, without actually using it. Soon they have bought a motel and enlisted Kateri as the assistant manager. Then they find themselves interviewed by the FBI, and entangled in a conspiracy with 40 Cyber criminals. That is when life really starts getting interesting.The story has generous doses of family life, faith, hope, discernment and computer espionage. The technical aspects of the story are very solid. Regina does a great job of detailing what is done without going into minutia of how it is done. The story starts a little slowly, then it builds the drama and then it races forward. I read the book in two sittings and the second time I picked it up I just could not put it down. This is a great story that almost any reader could enjoy. It is very well written with strong characters and a brief appearance of some characters from her other books. The pace is good, and the research impeccable.

[emma grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of the top Regina Doman fairy tales; I really really enjoyed it!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS: The one thing that bothered me just a bit; Kat seemed to have kind of a negative attitude, and at times she acted like Alex was a huge burden to her. Come on, Kat! There is only one Alex O'Donnell, and you almost ditched him! Thankfully, though, her negativness seem to be disappearing towards the end.

[Grace Brazell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, I didn't like this on as much as the others. Rose/Fish/Bear/Blanche aren't in it, except that Rose and Fish show up - on a rabbit trail, I was absolutely horrified to learn that they were already married and we didn't see the bloody WEDDING! I mean, COME ON! I wanted to SEE that!!!
Anyways, still a good story, but lacking in Bear and Fishiness (okay, maybe I'm obsessed with them, I dunno. >.> )

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book more. I love the author's work - she's such a talented writer. But I really struggled to finish this book. The story seemed to take forever to hit its stride. Then the action finally came . . . and the book was over. I liked the characters but it seemed to drag in the middle. For fans of this author, it's still probably worth a look.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my least favorite of Regina Doman's books. Maybe it's because I'm not a fan of the fairy tale its based on, but it wasn't as entertaining or believable as her other books.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

2021: Reread the series during the recent snow storms in February. Still really enjoyed them. Not the first reread.. and definitely not the last (I would bet :) ).

[Leslea Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like your science fiction a little more realistic and modern, then this next choice might be for you. Alex O’Donnell and the 40 Cyber Thieves is part of Regina Doman’s Fairy Tale Novels series of books—each a modern retelling of a classic fairy tale.
Fans of Regina’s novels will be happy to know that Alex O’Donnell and his girlfriend Kateri are returning characters from one of the books in this series. I’d only read one other book by this author, so was unfamiliar with these characters but really enjoyed them—especially Alex. There was just something about Alex and his family that was quite endearing, so I was a bit frustrated when Kateri didn’t seem to appreciate her boyfriend and his family as much as I did.
When an unexpected event creates a dramatic life change for college student Alex and his family, they begin a new exciting adventure. After graduating, Alex’s girlfriend, Kateri, is unsure about her future and relationship. But the family’s unique circumstances create an opportunity for her that she can’t pass up. Is this new venture the perfect way to draw the family closer together, or is it all too good to be true?
This book is full of intrigue with some wonderful elements of faith and action. I enjoyed the topics this book addressed about our society’s obsession with video games and technology. The cyber aspects were equally fascinating and frightening.

[Stephanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it in one sitting and enjoyed it.

I saw a little bit too much of myself in Kateri to feel like all their problems will really be solved at the end just because she's learning to laugh at him. It's pretty hard to lighten up if you're not naturally an easy-going person. And Kateri is not someone I would describe as easy-going.. *shrug* It was still a fun read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far my favorite book in this series. The relationship between Alex and Kateri is just perfect, they really do balance each other out. Also I could not keep the smile off of my face when Rose and Fish showed up, they are my favorite couple so far. Alex and Kateri are a very close second. I cannot believe that I am one book away from finishing this series.

[Evy Freedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

on of my favorites by her

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an amazing book that kept me turning the page

[Marycarmen Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting adaption of "Ali Baba and the 40 thieves"

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book okay, the beginning was slow, but once it started getting exciting you didn't want to stop reading. I think this is one of my least favorite books on the series though.

[Miss Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Months after it came out this summer, I finally was able to read Regina Doman's latest volume in her modern fairytales retold series. This one retells the tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and is the first story that draws from a source other than the Grimm Brothers. For the record, I would love to see more fairytale retellings from Regina, especially some that are less known.

Kateri Kovach, lifelong friend of the Brier sisters, has graduated college and is looking for a job. She is also trying to determine where her relationship with Alex O'Donnell should go. She likes Alex, but thinks he is immature and irresponsible and frankly, that they could not make it together. However, at Alex's insistence, she comes to visit him and his family in Virginia.

Alex finds himself in the post-collegiate portion of his life, searching for direction and gainful employment, all while trying to convince Kateri that he loves her and she loves him. And then his sometime-hacker father begins to act a bit suspicious, million dollar checks appear on their doorstep and before you know it, there are deaths, refurbished hotels, and FBI to deal with, not to mention the elite cyber criminals who would like their money back.


It was a short, brisk read, with each chapter heading containing a quote from the original tale, all of which were integrated into the story quite well. I liked the characters, though I lacked that affection and connection I have to the Briers and Dennistons. I liked seeing how Kateri and Alex grew closer together and worked out their issues, and I guess my only complaint is that I was not ever surprised by anything that happened and so was less interested in this volume. I still enjoy Regina's style and would recommend this book.


Also, it was fantastic to see Fish and Rose, however briefly, and hear that Blanche had a girl! What is her name?

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Minor spoilers ahead.

I have to start by saying I'm a fan of Regina, I've been reading this series in order but this book is my least favorite.

I admit I never liked Kateri, ever since Waking Rose. That's why it took me a while to read this book. But then I thought I might see her in a different eye this time. It didn't really help. Her character is stiff, unlikable, she describes herself as driven, well she seemed over driven, over motivated, to the point where she wouldn't allow herself to admit she is falling for Alex cuz he is her opposite. In a way I guess that's the way the author intended her to be. But I couldn't find a reason for Alex to love her. Sure she is pro-life, faithful and has good ideals, but like Rose said, she had turned her ideals into idols. Btw, seeing Rose and Fish was very heartwarming, love those two.

At times I found Kateri just being stubborn for the sake of stubbornness. I mean you can not be a Machine fighting for life and your ideals but ignore the people that loves you and care for you. Alex's family is a lovely family, she mocked them and it felt like she was disgusted with them. It wasn't until the very last scene when she let her walls fall and finally show us the heart behind the Tinman.

Alex although I did like him but found him too much attached to Kateri. How many times can a girl say "this isn't working" for him to understand that it is over. In general I couldn't see them together. They just don't fit. She is too selfish for a pro-lifer, he is too much of a kid who can't take no for an answer.

As the plot in general, was not interesting enough to capture my attention. I'm really sorry for saying that cuz I really do love Regina's work. But we can't agree on everything right.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband thought the cover was cheesy looking, and I sort of agree. I described the book to him as Young Adult, Romance, Action, Suspense, Mystery, Religion. yeah.

I really like this whole series. There are frequent references to the writings of Gilbert K Chesterton and reading Orthodoxy gave some perspective on what the author, Regina Doman, is doing with retelling these fairy tales.

any who, back to the cyber thieves. In some ways I identify with Kateri and in some ways I don't. She is a very serious most of the time which is a little off putting. Alex comes off a little bit goofy but a good guy overall. I thought the O'Donnel's apparent lack of knowledge on the differences in different eastern cultures a little odd considering their fascination with the subject and travels.

In the back of the book, Doman said she was trying to deal with themes of the virtual verses the real. How does our perception of something match up with the reality. Lots to ponder. I'll probably need to give this one time before I give a full review. Overall I recommend the whole series.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Re-Read April 2023

This book is a retelling of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. It tells Alex and Kateri's romance story with a blink-and-you-missed-it cameo by Rose & Fish.

I had a harder time with this book because it requires you to see Alex as a dashing hero versus a cringe-worthy weird boy. I was rooting for Kateri to run the entire time! I did not enjoy reading about Alex, who is mindbogglingly dumb and insensitive. The cyber crime storyline never engaged me and the novel never addresses that Alex's Dad does super shady stuff online.

This is the book I initially tried to read and it turned me off from the entire series. I do not recommend this particular book.
_______
August 2016

Loved the Catholic sub-culture references, but not a fan of the anti-law enforcement tone. Also, a long-haired male hero, who is self described as a sword-fighting gamer, is about as far from an attractive hero as I could personally imagine. I was also very uncomfortable with the treatment of Kat's character. She seemed to be constantly pushed into uncomfortable situations or had her desires disregarded by male characters.

That said, the author has real writing skills. I just wasn't crazy about the story she used her skills to create.

[Claire Banschbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

This wasn’t my favorite of the series, but it’s still a good story. It’s a retelling of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (which you don’t see that often) but with computers. Here we have Alex, one of the Sacra Cor guys who also happens to be dating one of Rose’s friends from the college they all went to. Alex is pretty laid back and Kateri is more driven, which makes their relationship interesting to watch. He convinces her to come and visit and then stay on and work with his family as they open a small hotel. Little do they know that his dad accidentally mixed with some less than savory people on the internet, leading to new wealth and accompanying trouble.

Alex is a gamer and martial artist and not really concerned with the future which drives Kateri completely nuts as they’re supposed to be figuring out their relationship. Needless to say, I think they’re both good for each other. The plot is great and fast paced, I think it was just all the techo stuff that kind of turned me off. But I still enjoyed it!

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a huge fan of the cover, but it's okay. I am kind of scared about computer security and hackers after reading this! I think it’s weird that the ‘hero’ has long hair and a piercing. VERY good book, though! It is very suspenseful and hard to put down! At times it’s like watching an adventure movie, except better! The characters and settings are sometimes offbeat but very relatable. The author has an obvious talent for writing and for characterization. I love how we get into the heads and see the different perspectives of the two main characters. Even though this isn’t a book I would normally think I would be interested in, Regina just has a way of drawing you in. I liked how the characters grew and had some of their previous conceptions challenged. Like her other books, this one is great. I can’t wait until her next story comes out!

[Genevieve Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The idea of Alex O'Donnell was a good one, and I believe that this book could truly have been good if the writing had been better. And by "better", I mean "not terrible." I want to like this book but I just can't. I cannot see past the flat, uninspired writing that ruins the story. Which is a shame, because the plot was interesting (Doman did a good job of transforming Ali Baba and forty robbers into the modern day world) and Alex makes a far better protagonist than either of the Briar sisters. He had real character and potential.

Also, this is a catholic book. But instead of taking catholic ideas and placing them into the heart of the very story, it's as if the author just slapped on catholic externals, such as reciting prayers and private devotions.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as incredibly religious as Doman's other books, this retelling of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves is another simple tale of romance and adventure. Like her other books, it is engaging in this simplicity. Alex and Kateri, who both feature in Waking Rose negotiate their relationship while battling cyber-thieves who are after the return of the money that Alex's father inadvertently stole whilst cyber-stalking. This book delves deeper into ethics than Doman's previous books, and contains more of the self-questioning involved in a deepening relationship. I therefore found the relationships more realistic, but enjoyed the book as a romance nonetheless.

[Marie Freundl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always wanted to read this book and I'm fairly satisfied with what I got. I love the character of Alex and his family, they remind me of my own crazy family and how we often act, but unlike my family, the O'Donnells are a tad more impulsive. And Kateri...... how can I describe such a stern, crazy, analytical, almost obsessive girl. He dates a guy who to her knowledge is entirely unsuitable for her, since they are complete opposites. And Alex is constantly worried about whether she'll break up with him. I love them and i like the story, save that its a bit unbelievable.

[GothChickVibing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!! It was more like the first book, Alex was hilarious, his brothers were wonderful, and the idea of cyberthieves was certainly interesting. Didn't really like that the main girl what's-her-name rarely smiled and everytime I read something from her perspective, I thought a storm was about to explode onto the pages because of the harboring energy she kept bound up inside. Oh well, it was a treat nonetheless. ;)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED IT!!! Full of humor, suspense, thrills, and good clean fun!!! The story of a modern-day, tech-savvy troubador, and his not-so-tech-savvy, skeptical, and unromantic girlfriend, who is trying to find a way to break up with him. However, through mysterious circumstances, they are bound together to find the solution to the family's mysterious and sudden fortune. The conclusion is satisfying and perfect, don't worry ;)

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doman up dates the classic tale of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves by taking the story into cyber space.
Kateri has recently graduated and is still unsure about her relationship with Alex o" Donnell.
When Alex's family suddenly becomes mysteriously wealthy, Kateri fears that Alex's computer hacking father may have something to do with it.
Doman continues to use Christian symbolism to link it to her plot's theme.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my least favorite of the series. Kateri aggravated me. I get that she was struggling with trying to be chaste with Alex, but she didn't appreciate any compliments or gifts. That made me mad, but I'm just too nice to people? The beginning of all of the books in this series started out slow, but this was REALLY slow. It was worth reading mostly because of Rose and Fish's cameo that made me so happy. BLANCHE AND BEAR HAD A DAUGHTER!!!!!!

[Eugenides · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it!! I can't believe I am saying this, but I think it was my favorite after Waking Rose. I looooved Alex!!! I never thought he would be my type of man, but I think he is. I will not be looking for an Irish, ninja man. Fish is still MY man, though...