Tallah for Primeval Obsession / Detatchment

I though I had read this book as a middle schooler since Perfect Scoundrels has been sitting on my shelf for as long as I could remember, but the further I got into the series, the less familiar it seemed. Despite not being a nostalgia-filled reread, it was an excellent series. Carter’s use of third-person narration in these books makes Kat a much more mature and really added to the style of the books overall. While I love first person in her other iconic series, this was the perfect choice for Heist Society. 

This was such a solid book. I’m pretty sure I read it in middle school (though I’m not entirely positive) but either way, Ally Carter knows how to write a book. The plot was exciting, Kat was a pretty awesome protagonist, and Hale was the ultimate companion. The heist itself was fun and I loved the overarching message about the dubious origins of much of the art that is in museums today. Heist Society doesn’t quite live up to Gallagher Girls, but it’s still super exciting to read.

Favorite Quote: Is a forged Picasso any less beautiful than a real one? Maybe it was just her, but Kat didn’t think so.

Kat really annoyed me at the beginning, but the story grew on me pretty quickly. This might be a hot take, but the crows WISH they had what the heist society has. I honestly never knew what was coming next during this one. Hale was great as always, and the story was so exciting to read. I actually found myself getting stressed for them at points when things seemed to be going wrong. The familial tension in this one was excellent as well and really added a layer of depth to the story. I don’t think I ever read this one when I was younger, but it was great anyway as a first-time read.

Favorite Quote: People make and break their own fortunes—they are masters of their own fate.

I wasn’t sure if it was possible to write the perfect conclusion to a series, yet here I am. The story was filled with secrets and intense scenes, but what really made it stand apart was how profound the emotions were throughout. The book dealt with grief and love and family in a surprisingly eloquent way. There were moments that made me tear up, become über frustrated, or be legitimately happy for the characters. I’ve always been a huge fan of Ally Carter’s, but I did not expect to be so moved by a goofy story about teenaged thieves.

Favorite Quote: Someday you will know that the heart is not always as wise as it is strong.

While this might not have been my absolute favorite series of Ally Carter’s, I honestly can say I enjoyed every second of reading it. Kat could be frustrating at times, but she was a well-rounded and genuinely interesting protagonist which I really appreciated from a YA novel. I loved her relationship with Hale, and the complexities of this thief-ridden family. Ally Carter truly has no flops (that I’ve read yet, at least) so definitely check out her books. 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Books in Series: Heist Society; Uncommon Criminals; Perfect Scoundrels

Author: Ally Carter

BONUS REVIEWS

It was fun to see the two sets of characters mix, but it wasn’t anything particularly special. Macey and Hale were an interesting dynamic, but there was so much “action” that the dialogue kind of gotten thrown to the side.

Favorite Quote: You know, if I had feelings, that might have hurt them.

This was a fun companion to the series, but not quite as good as the books were. The story was a little hard to follow at time, but it was an exciting take on a locked-room mystery toward the end. Definitely a sweet message, but the story was kind of mid.

Favorite Quote: Money comes and goes, darling. Tiaras are forever. So are titles.

Bonus Books: Double Crossed; The Grift of the Magi

The boy shrugged and smiled, looked at her with that thousand-watt grin.

“Oh, Lance, I’m so glad to see you... I had missed you for so long.” the former paladin had said with a dopey grin, concealed by his Blade Of Marmora mask. Yet, his lips were outlined in the seemingly thin cloth.

“I want to wipe that grin of your face with my sword, but my mother taught me to play nicely.” 

@deathxstroke || plotted for a starter

       “Slade---”

       Voice hoarse and body threatening to tremble at any moment if Oliver thinks about what was at stake right now, he approached his former enemy, newly-renowned friend already in his Green Arrow outfit.

       “They have him.”

       William. Someone kidnapped his son from his own home, and Oliver could not get to them. It ANGERED him to no end that he wasn’t able to save his own son, and he needed all the help he could get. Felicity was on the lookout on her monitors, and John was out and about in Star City just in case something comes up and Oliver needs him there.

       “My son---they have William.”

       Slade would help---he would understand. Despite their differences, he knew that his friend would not turn his back to him when it came to family.

Ten sci-fi landscapes & character concept art

by Arnaud Kleindienst (illustrator & concept artist from Sélestat, France)

(1) Morning Fuel

(2) Double-Crossed

(3) Apex

(4) Alien Temple

(5) Abandoned Base

(6) Mysterious Tomb

(7) Alien Ship

(8) Creature Concept

(9) Ceremony Of The Star