The Lastest in The Magic Thief series

I actually got to meet Sarah Prineas, and listen to her speak, 2 years ago as part of our kick-off to the 48 Hour Book Challenge. She was on a book tour to promote her new series, The Magic Thief, and was going to be at Cover to Cover. At the time, she had the first 3 books planned out, but wasn't sure how far to take the series after that. She said she didn't want it to go on longer than it held readers' interest.

Well, after finishing the 3rd book in The Magic Thief series, Found, I sincerely hope this isn't the last book. I always hope in a series like this one (good vs. evil), that when it's truly time for the series to end, that I will feel like things are all wrapped up in a nice neat package with a lovely bow on top. Some things are resolved by the end of Found, but one big question about what will happen to the main character, Conn, is not at all resolved.

I'm not a big fantasy fan; the only reason I read any of the Harry Potter books is because I was reading them aloud with my youngest daughter when they first came out. But, after meeting Sarah Prineas in person, and hearing the premise of her story, I decided to give this fantasy series a try. I'm so glad I did; here was a fantasy book with magic, wizards, spells, good, and evil that was more accessible to a typical 5th grade reader (and I always read with that in the back of my mind). My students in the past 2 years have proved that I was right about the accessibility - boys and girls who couldn't manage those fantasy books that are so huge could read this series, enjoy it and feel successful all at the same time.

This third book is not quite as riveting as the first one was, but to a follower of Conn, Nevery, Rowan, Argent, and Benet this story keeps you turning the pages because each of these characters are still important to the story. Also, important trademarks of this series are still in place: maps to help the reader visualize the different settings, a guide to the characters in the back of the book, and a more in-depth guide to specific places in the story. Once again, these trademarks make the story more accessible to a wider range of readers.

I picked up an ARC of Found on Saturday, but knowing how popular this series has been, I will be adding this book to my classroom library for next year.

48 Hour Book Challenge - Update #4 (Karen)

It's Sunday and I'm into my second 24 hours of the 48 Hour Challenge.

• I read the 3rd book in The Magic Thief series, Found, from 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM. Couldn't help wishing I had this book before school was finished. I had two students who were avidly reading this series.
  
• From 8:30 - 10, I went swimming (swam 1 mile, and it felt great)
• From 10 AM - 12:30 PM, I finished Found (The Magic Thief) and then blogged about it for later in the week
• My hope is to read 2 - 4 more books before bed tonight, but I have a graduation party later on. We'll see how it goes.
  

48 Hour challenge - 4th book done (K)

A year ago, during the 48 Hour Book Challenge, I got to meet Sarah Prineas, the author of The Magic Thief series, at Cover to Cover. I bought the first book, read it, and loved it -- very unusual for someone who isn't a fan of fantasy. It seems only appropriate that one of the books I purchased today was the second book in the Magic Thief series, Lost.

Like the first book, the adventures and magic in this book center around a very unlikely hero, named Connwaer. One of his most notable talents is his ability to pick pockets; another is his ability to pick locks. Conn is an apprentice to a magician by the name of Nevery.

When I reviewed the first book, I said that I thought this would be a series accessible to a wider number of readers. Both books have many supports for readers. They both have maps in the beginning to help the reader understand where events take place in the story. At the back of each book, are sketches of the main characters followed by descriptions. There are also more detailed sketches of the different settings in the story with accompanying descriptions. The Magic Thief series also has a slightly larger size font with space between lines -- easier to read. It's one of those books that looks thick, but doesn't take long at all to read.

Within the story, there are many letters and journal pages written by Conn's master, Nevery. When Conn gets exiled, he writes letters to Nevery as well. Within all this writing is a secret code. The reader can find the translation guide in the back of the book.

One final bonus in the back, that I really enjoy is the list of recipes for some of the food cooked in the book. I don't think this is a part that will appeal to kids, but I like it! :)

Sometimes, you can be disappointed by a second book in a series, but I didn't feel that way at all about Lost. I even realized I was much more comfortable reading a fantasy book the second time because I knew the characters and the setting from the first book. That comfort level allowed me to enjoy the fast pace of the magic this time.

Now that I have 2 books in this series, I look forward to recommending the Magic Thief series to students in the fall. If they like one, they'll have another to read. Though, I must say there is a little bit of a cliffhanger at the end of Lost. Readers will want to know what happens to our hero, Conn, next.

The Magic Thief -- bonus!

I read The Magic Thief last week during the 48 Hour Challenge and loved it! Today, while I was looking at the Class of 2k8 website (of which Sarah Prineas, the author, is a member), I found the coolest bonus website for The Magic Thief. This year's class of new authors has really got it going on when it comes to great graphics to appeal to their audiences! One more bonus reason to like this book! It will be fun to share with my class next year!