The Shadow Thieves (1) (The Cronus Chronicles)

OK, I'm not a kid. In fact, I am a 65-year-old grandmother.That said, I am also looking for a summer read for the various DGC's who stop by for a chapter or two most afternoons. You know, front porch, fan breeze, iced tea and soft drinks, sometimes a store-bought cookie or two. Or even a homemade something-or-other, if the older DGC's want to make one, then eat it.This is it. They'll LOVE it!I like the idea that the story can stand by itself--no cliff-hangers here. Especially since we're going to have to wait a year for the next volume, then another year for the third one. (Harry Potter, anyone?)Then, the humor will definitely appeal to my pre- and early-teen DGC's--it did to me! Having worked many years in bureaucracies (as we all do, these days) Hades was very familiar, and more apt than most kids are likely to realize!The writing is good. There's enough suspense to prickle the neck, but not so much as to give nightmares to the littlest ones. (I wouldn't give Neal Gaimon's CORALINE to a really sensitive child, for instance, and I hae me doots about several others . . . .) On the other hand, have you SEEN what cartoons are like on TV these days? Sheesh.I suspect that many conservative Christians will have great trouble with the premise of the book--that the Greek version of the afterlife is the 'real' one, but remember, this is fiction!I think kids ALWAYS understand the difference, if one explains.

You must first know that I am a Great-Grandmother reading this with her 11 year old Great-Granddaughter. She recommended it. That said, I think it is a well written book that not only gives a good plot with a lot of action but it also defines the main characters very well.Charlotte is shy and does not feel she fits in with others in her school. When she wants to get out of something, she lies - very convincingly. Zee is her cousin from across the pond. He is proper, of mixed heritage and does not feel he fits in with others in his new school.Zee comes to America to live with Charlotte's family under mysterious circumstances. They both envy but like each other. The adventure starts when children in Charlotte's town get sick just like those in Zee's hometown. They are forced to work together to solve the mystery and save the children. As they work together thery learn a lot about themselves and how others see them versus how they see themselves.It was a fast, enjoyable read.

The Shadow Thieves falls into the category of literary fiction for literate children. As it is beautifully written, it serves as a model of how to use the language, while the story is so compelling as to keep even the most easily distracted middle school student turning each page to see what happens next.Unlike many children's novels, this one has diversity and a strong girl in a leading role. Plus, it, along with the other two books in Ursu's Cronus Chronicles trilogy, teaches much about Greek Mythology. If I were a middle school teacher, I would put it on the list of required reading for my students.

My 12 year old son had to read this book for his English class and he said that he really enjoyed reading it.

I liked the plot twist at the end. And i liked the book. 5/5 would read again. Now to read other books bye her

It ws a gift for our granddaughter. I had given her the 2nd and 3rd ones and she wanted this one. I am sure she liked it.

Awesome book you should real it too i promise u will love it!!! Thanx for reading my comment ! !

Exactly what i ordered. Perfect.