Thieves of Weirdwood (Thieves of Weirdwood #1)

Gr 4-7--Twelve-year-old thieves Arthur and Wally need to score some quick cash. Wally's brother, Graham, is in dire straits--stuck in the hospital with a huge unpaid bill, while Arthur's ne'er-do-well father, Harry, owes serious money to loan sharks. Arthur thinks he has found the answer to their problems when he sees a mysterious mansion, and he enlists Wally's lockpicking skills to get in to steal treasure. Little do they know, they've unwittingly stumbled into Weirdwood Manor, and even more nightmares await. Weirdwood Manor is the headquarters of a magical order protecting the divide between the Real and Imaginary worlds. When the Imaginary world enters the Real world, havoc ensues, with people being turned into porcelain dolls and monsters attacking unsuspecting people. Wally likes to think of himself as the "Gentleman Thief," but when he and Arthur are caught, they are at risk in both the Real and Imaginary worlds. Wally is befriended by Breeth, a ghost girl only he can see who can inhabit any living being. With Breeth at his side assisting him into and out of the hospital and manor, he hopes to be able to save his brother, Arthur's dad, and all of Kingsport before it's too late. Unfortunately, the novel's plot lines are fairly convoluted and only the most diehard fantasy lovers will likely appreciate this ghostly adventure. The illustrations are slightly creepy and mysterious, which do complement the story well. VERDICT Shivering's new fantasy series enters into an already crowded genre, and unfortunately the characters and plot will fall flat for many readers.--Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

When two 12-year-old thieves attempt to rob a spooky, deserted mansion in hopes of landing treasure, they instead stumble into a magical adventure. Aspiring con man Arthur Bentonwants to pay off his father's debts, while lockpick and pickpocket Wally Cooper must settle medical bills for his brother, who has been institutionalized due to "grand delusions about his role in a citywide conspiracy." But when the two break into Weirdwood Manor, they discover that it sits on the border between the mundane and Fae worlds, and its inhabitants are dedicated to protecting both realities. With supernatural threats leaking into their own world, courtesy of a Rift in the Veil and a powerful magical artifact, it's up to Arthur, Wally, and their new friends to thwart a mad scheme imperiling both Kingsport and Mirror Kingsport. With this rousing escapade, Heidicker (Scary Stories for Young Foxes) and narrator Shivering play with the power of belief and the impact of imagination as heroes face off against otherworldly threats and explore the lingering legacy of a notorious Gentleman Thief and his reclusive creator. Strong worldbuilding and great fun carry the story, and occasional illustrations by Early visualize the enchantment. Ages 8-12. Agent: John Cusick at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management. (Apr.)

"With a good dose of comedy, a dash of self-awareness, and some riveting plot twists, this book is unique and hilarious." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books