I am quite pleased with Ally Carter‘s latest book All Fall Down. I had high expectations since her NYT bestselling series, Gallagher Girls, is such an excellently hilarious series, but All Fall Down definitely stands on it’s own! It features Grace, snarky and bitter, and granddaughter of a powerful ambassador. Oh and she’s looking for her mother’s […]
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By: [email protected],
on 7/4/2015
Blog: Perpetually Adolescent (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Cait Drews, young adult, book review, YA book review, Ally Carter, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Add a tag
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By: Lizzy Burns,
on 8/12/2014
Blog: A Chair, A Fireplace and A Tea Cozy (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: reviews, ally carter, spy girls, disney hyperion, 2013, Add a tag
By: Maryann Yin,
on 9/6/2013
Blog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Editors, Revolving Door, Publicity, Rick Riordan, Ally Carter, Chelsea Handler, Juliet Grames, Mac Barnett, Sherry Turkle, Clint Greenleaf, Colin Dickerman, Katy Hershberger, Lizzy Mason, Mark Doten, Tanya Hall, Ted Danson, Add a tag
By: Maryann Yin,
on 3/8/2013
Blog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Young Adult Books, Trends, Ally Carter, Beth Revis, Lauren Oliver, Veronica Roth, Add a tag
By: Jennie,
on 2/26/2013
Blog: Biblio File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: YA, Fiction, Ally Carter, Heist Society, Add a tag
By: Jennie,
on 3/29/2012
Blog: Biblio File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: YA, Fiction, Ally Carter, Gallagher Girls, spies, Add a tag
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By: Micol Ostow,
on 3/27/2012
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: ally carter, rgz Seattle HOST, Add a tag
By: Jennie,
on 3/23/2012
Blog: Biblio File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: YA, Fiction, series, Ally Carter, Gallagher Girls, spies, Add a tag
By: Amanda,
on 3/14/2012
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: young adult books, young adult fiction, Ally Carter, Gallagher Girls series, Add a tag
The latest Gallagher Girls book is out! I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I was squealing a bit when it came in my mailbox and figured that deserved to be shared with all of you. It's out on shelves now, so run out and grab it! Don't you love the cover?!
Out of Sight, Out of Time
Ally Carter
304 pages
Young Adult
Hyperion
9781423147947
March 2012
Review copy
By: Jennie,
on 9/28/2011
Blog: Biblio File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: YA, Fiction, series, Ally Carter, Add a tag
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 9/2/2011
Blog: The Bookish Type (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Young Adult, Romance, Cover Art, paranormal, sequel, contemporary, caper, Ally Carter, dystopian, Lisa Desrochers, upcoming release, Cover Art Revealed, Kelly Keaton, Title Revealed, Add a tag
Ally Carter, bestselling author of the Gallagher Girls and Heist Society series, recently revealed the cover for Gallagher Girls #5: Out of Sight, Out of Time. Check it out:
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By: [email protected],
on 7/4/2015
Blog: Perpetually Adolescent (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Cait Drews, young adult, book review, YA book review, Ally Carter, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Add a tag
By: Bianca Schulze,
on 3/18/2015
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Chapter Books, Meg Cabot, Author Interviews, Fractured Fairy Tales, featured, Ally Carter, Middle Grade Books, Sophie Kinsella, Steven Kellogg, Jen Calonita, Liane Moriarty, Fairy Tale Reform School Series, Ages 9-12, Fairy Tales, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Chapter Books, Meg Cabot, Author Interviews, Fractured Fairy Tales, featured, Ally Carter, Middle Grade Books, Sophie Kinsella, Steven Kellogg, Jen Calonita, Liane Moriarty, Fairy Tale Reform School Series, Ages 9-12, Fairy Tales, Add a tag
JEN CALONITA has interviewed everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Justin Timberlake, but the only person she's ever wanted to trade places with is Disney's Cinderella. She's the award-winning author of the My Secrets of My Hollywood Life series.
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By: Lizzy Burns,
on 8/12/2014
Blog: A Chair, A Fireplace and A Tea Cozy (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: reviews, ally carter, spy girls, disney hyperion, 2013, Add a tag
United We Spy
Previously, in The Gallagher Girls:
In I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To Kill You, Cammie Morgan had to balance boyfriend and school. Not too simple when you're at the local snooty private boarding school and he's a townie; when your mom is the headmistress; and, oh, yes, when the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is actually a school for super spies.
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy introduced a new layer to Cammie’s world: boy spies from the Blackthorne Institute including a maddening, heart pounding, annoying, (and so cute!) Zach. Cammie and friends prevent a kidnapping in Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover.
More secrets about the Gallagher Academy, Blackthorne, spies, family and friends are uncovered in Only the Good Spy Young. Cammie believes she has to figure out what's happening on her own, and has to deal with that aftermath, in Out of Sight, Out of Time.
The Plot: United We Spy is Cammie's final year in school, and the final book in the series.
The Good: The previous book, Out of Sight, Out of Time, was intense. Cammie was recovering from amnesia following a kidnapping, as well as dealing with the aftermath of having run away.
Long story short: the entire series has been about Cammie and her friends uncovering and fighting the mysterious and old secret society, the Circle of Cavan. All that comes to a head in the final book. Cammie also has to figure out what graduation will mean, for her -- what will her next step be? Will she remain in the world of intrigue and spies, and what exactly does that mean?
This series is best read in order, because it builds on previous books in terms of plot and character development. And while I'm sad to see the series end, because I love these young women, I love this world, I love Ally Carter's writing, I know that there are a good number of readers who like their series complete. (The cool new term for this, from what I understand, is "binge reading," like binge TV watching, where you can power through the whole thing at one go.)
I refuse to give away any more details -- you need to read and discover that by yourself.
Just know this: I have invested my own money and shelf space in making sure I own each book, in hardcover.
And now, some United We Spy quotes -- because I just love the writing.
"Cambridge is nice. It could use some better locks, though." Said as Cammie & friends are breaking in. For reasons.
"The first rule of running, Sir Walter," I told him. "Never go anyplace familiar." I remain half-convinced that reading these books (as well as watching The Americans) means that I, too, could be a successful spy.
"The jump didn't kill us. At least, my first thought was that we hadn't died. But I didn't let myself get too cocky about the situation. After all, we might have been off the mountain, but we were anything but out of the woods."
"Spies aren't like normal people. No one expects us to have houses and mortgages, tire swings and barbecues on the Fourth of July. But every spy is somebody's child."
"Women of the Gallagher Academy, who comes here?" "We are the sisters of Gillian."
Other books in the series, in order:
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (2006) My review
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (2007)
Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover (2009) My review
Only the Good Spy Young (2010) My review
Out of Sight, Out of Time (2012) My review
Amazon Affiliate. If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.
© Elizabeth Burns of A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy
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By: Maryann Yin,
on 9/6/2013
Blog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Editors, Revolving Door, Publicity, Rick Riordan, Ally Carter, Chelsea Handler, Juliet Grames, Mac Barnett, Sherry Turkle, Clint Greenleaf, Colin Dickerman, Katy Hershberger, Lizzy Mason, Mark Doten, Tanya Hall, Ted Danson, Add a tag
A number of publishing job promotions and changes were announced this week.
Greenleaf Book Group founder Clint Greenleaf will step down as CEO and serve as chairman. Tanya Hall, the current COO, has been named his successor.
Two members of the Soho Press editorial team have received promotions. Juliet Grames has been named associate publisher and Mark Doten is now senior editor.
New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.
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By: Maryann Yin,
on 3/8/2013
Blog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Young Adult Books, Trends, Ally Carter, Beth Revis, Lauren Oliver, Veronica Roth, Add a tag
In recent years, young adult books have driven a surge in sales for publishers. Besides increasing the revenue streams of these companies, it also seems to have uplifted the popularity of short fiction. The YA authors who have contributed to this trend tend to set their short fiction pieces within the universe of a popular book series.
For instance, Beth Revis recently concluded the Across the Universe trilogy and celebrated by inviting her fans to download a free novella called “As They Slip Away.” Ally Carter incorporated characters from two teen series, Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls, for “Double-Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Novella.”
As we previously reported, HarperCollins established HarperTeen Impulse as a digital imprint dedicated to solely publishing short fiction. But, even before this venture came along, Divergent series author Veronica Roth penned a short story called “Free Four” and Delirium trilogy author Lauren Oliver wrote a piece called “Hana.” What do you think?
New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.
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By: Jennie,
on 2/26/2013
Blog: Biblio File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: YA, Fiction, Ally Carter, Heist Society, Add a tag
Kat's got a new job with an intriguing new client-- Marcus. Hazel Hale has died and left the control of Hale Industries to Hale with her lawyer as the trustee. It doesn't pass the smell test to Marcus, so he hires Kat to find the real will. But whomever changed the will knows the truth about Hale and Kat and isn't afraid to use it against them. Kat's a little too close to this one. She's conning a conner, and the consequences are personal.
Guys, you know how much I love Ally Carter. Lots of action, lots of twists, lots of romantic tension and great supporting characters. This third installment in the Heist Society series does not disappoint.
I liked how the con was a change of pace, and how much more of the family got involved. I liked Kat's complicated feelings when she notices how her uncles are aging and what a central role she and her gang are starting to take. I like that she's not really at peace with it, even at the end of the book. I also really like the examination of the fact that Hale is part of Kat's world, but he's not. There's a whole side to him that she doesn't know and she isn't sure she likes it. I really appreciate and enjoy the way Carter can have her characters grapple with some big issues, and not always find solutions to them, without it taking away from the action and adventure.
There's a reason she's one of my favorites and this book just further solidifies that.
Book Provided by... my local library
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
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By: Jennie,
on 3/29/2012
Blog: Biblio File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: YA, Fiction, Ally Carter, Gallagher Girls, spies, Add a tag
Cammie remembers leaving school to find the Circle of Cavan, to keep everyone else out of danger.
She wakes up 4 months later in a convent in the Alps.
She remembers nothing in between.
But suddenly she's back at school, trying to discover what she did on her summer vacation. The adults are freaked. Her friends are treating her oddly. And Zach is apparently now a student.
Oh, and if you think that the teachers at Gallagher Academy will cut you a break because you have amnesia and missed the first month of class, then you haven't been paying attention.
Love! First, off Gallagher Girls, of course there's love.
I like Cammie's struggle as she tries to come to terms with this person in the mirror that she doesn't recognize, as her friends try to come to terms with her, their anger at her leaving, the mystery of what the hell happened.
Not as many cool gadgets, or spy lessons, but enough snipers and car chases and explosions to keep a girl happy. This book really focuses on who Cammie is now, and the mystery of what happened to make her that way.
Now, some things I caught onto right away (and if you know how "Early one Morning" and Spike go together, you will, too.) But who the bad guys were and why was a surprise.
It's a page turner that kept me up all night.
AND! MY FAVORITE PART! I can't talk about here, because it's a spoiler, but click here if you've read it already.
Book Provided by... the publicist, for review consideration,
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
0 Comments on Out of Sight, Out of Time as of 3/29/2012 8:18:00 AM
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By: Micol Ostow,
on 3/27/2012
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: ally carter, rgz Seattle HOST, Add a tag
Readergirlz Seattle Host Stephanie Guerra recently sat down to chat with Ally Carter, author of the Gallagher Girls series. Here's what they talked about:
Hi Girlz,
Ally Carter, author of the Gallagher Girls and Heist Society series, came to Third Place Books in Seattle to promote Out of Sight, Out of Time (fifth in the Gallagher GirlsSeries). She was delighted with the crowd, and commented on her enthusiastic, smart readers. I read the book and had the chance to interview Ally, who is funny, articulate, and altogether charming.
In Out of Sight, Out of Time, Cammie Morgan wakes up in a European convent without a clue about what she has done in the past few months—or what’s been done to her. All she recalls is that she had to leave Gallagher Academy to protect her family and friends from the Circle of Cavan, an ancient terrorist organization. Now she must return home and try to unravel what she’s been through, and whether she can trust her friends, her boyfriend, and even herself.
By: Jennie,
on 3/23/2012
Blog: Biblio File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: YA, Fiction, series, Ally Carter, Gallagher Girls, spies, Add a tag
I'm sure I'm not the only blogger who has this problem-- you read a book and are ready to review it, only to realize that you never reviewed the previous book in a series? Or am I the only who's stupid enough to try to review every book they finish?
And it's not because I didn't enjoy the book. I mean, I pre-ordered this one and it arrived on my doorstep during ALA Annual 2010. Now, 2010 was in DC, so after a day of conferencing, I came home to shower, eat, change and then go back for the Printz reception. Only, NEW GALLAGHER GIRLS. Never mind the huge bag of highly-anticipated ARCS I had just carried home. NEW GALLAGHER GIRLS. Of course I started reading it. Of course I got so caught up in it that I was late the Printz reception and missed the 1.5 acceptance speeches.
But, afterwards, I got to talk to Ally Carter herself. And tell her that I was late and missed speeches because her book was (so far) really, really good. She didn't look at me like I was crazy or nuthin'. Because she's nice.
And then MT Anderson dropped some cake on me, but that's another story.
Anyway, because I've waited so freakishly long to blog about this (ALMOST 2 YEARS?! WTF?!) The details are hazy, so here's the description from the book jacket:
When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn't know was that the serious, real-life danger would start as soon as her junior year. But that's exactly what happened when she faced off against an ancient terrorist organization dead set on kidnapping her.
Now the danger follows her everywhere, and even Cammie "The Chameleon" can't hide. When a terrifying encounter in London reveals that one of her most trusted allies is actually a rogue double agent, Cammie no longer knows if she can trust her classmates, her teachers--or even her own heart.
Despite the fact the details are hazy, here is what I remember
OMG SO FREAKING GOOD!
A whole new level of excitement and danger-- it's not a game anymore and things are getting real.
Shifting alliances-- you really don't know who's good and who's bad anymore-- lots of gray areas.
Even better? Lots of backstory. Exciting exciting backstory that's super-relevant to the plot.
LOVE this series. And luckily the next installment is out! Huzzah!
Book Provided by... my wallet
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
0 Comments on Only the Good Spy Young as of 1/1/1900
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By: Amanda,
on 3/14/2012
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: young adult books, young adult fiction, Ally Carter, Gallagher Girls series, Add a tag
The latest Gallagher Girls book is out! I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I was squealing a bit when it came in my mailbox and figured that deserved to be shared with all of you. It's out on shelves now, so run out and grab it! Don't you love the cover?!Ally Carter is SO good at what she does. These books are funny, smart, and definitely page turners...perfect for reluctant readers and those of us that not only love books, but love to get lost in a series. I don't read a whole lot of "funny" stories, but these are some of my favorites. They have heart to them, sensitive moments, and real emotion, but a lot of the time it's just action and fun!
After I read one I always feel like my high school was just waaaaay too ordinary. I want to go to spy school!
Out of Sight, Out of Time
Ally Carter
304 pages
Young Adult
Hyperion
9781423147947
March 2012
Review copy
2 Comments on Out of Sight, Out of Time is here!, last added: 3/15/2012
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By: Jennie,
on 9/28/2011
Blog: Biblio File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: YA, Fiction, series, Ally Carter, Add a tag
Since the successful Henley Heist, Kat has been doing jobs by herself, tracking down paintings stolen by Nazis and stealing them back to return them to their rightful owners. Then a woman comes to Kat speaking about the Cleopatra Diamond. The Cleopatra Diamond is cursed. Stealing it is forbidden, but the woman tells Kat that Visiliy Romani sent her so Kat feels she has no choice.
But, in this con, Kat was the mark and as she tries to make it right, the diamond's curse seems to be wreaking its havoc on Kat’s team. Plus! Some Kat/Hale/Nick drama-rama.
I loved that the boy drama was there but wasn’t the focus of the plot. I loved that when the deals go down, the reader’s never entirely sure how much is planned and how much is luck and how much is good improv on the part of Kat and her team. I love her team-- Carter has such great supporting characters. I especially want more Gabrielle--that girl has depths that we’re just beginning to glimpse.
I just become a bigger Carter fangirl with every book of hers I read. New Gallagher Girls in March 2012!
Book Provided by... my local library
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
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By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 9/2/2011
Blog: The Bookish Type (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Young Adult, Romance, Cover Art, paranormal, sequel, contemporary, caper, Ally Carter, dystopian, Lisa Desrochers, upcoming release, Cover Art Revealed, Kelly Keaton, Title Revealed, Add a tag
Ally Carter, bestselling author of the Gallagher Girls and Heist Society series, recently revealed the cover for Gallagher Girls #5: Out of Sight, Out of Time. Check it out:
Coming March 20, 2012!
The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.
I loved the Heist Society books, and I've been meaning to read this series for ages. It sounds really cute -- to match its cute cover!
The revamped cover art for A Beautiful Evil, sequel to Kelly Keaton's fabulous debut Darkness Becomes Her, was recently revealed on Novel Novice. Check it out:
Coming February 21, 2012!
A power she can’t deny. A destiny she’s determined to fight.When Ari first arrived in the dilapidated city of New 2, all she wanted was to figure out who she was. But what she discovered was beyond her worst2 Comments on Cover Art Revealed (2), last added: 9/3/2011Display Comments Add a Comment
Blog: Biblio File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: YA, Fiction, art, Ally Carter, Heist Society, Add a tag
Heist Society Ally Carter
Every time Kat thinks she gets out, they pull her back in. Her family's business isn't the mob, but art thievery. She thought she had pulled the perfect con, getting into an elite boarding school and out of the life. But then her friend Hale frames her for the perfect prank and gets her kicked out, because they need her for one last job.
A major art collection has been stolen and the owner wants it back. The only suspect is Kat's father and the owner won't stop at anything to get it back. Only problem is that Kat's father was doing a different job when the collection was stolen-- he didn't do it. The only way to keep her father alive is to find out who did steal the art and steal it back. But, it's a lot easier to walk out on your family than it is to walk back into it. Kat needs a crew, but who will listen to her now?
Fans of Carter's Gallagher Girl series will recognize and enjoy her blend of adventure, highly unlikely elite skills, and sexual tension. Kat's ragtag team of teen thieves hopscotch around Europe as they try to unravel the mystery of who really did steal the paintings and how they're going to get them back. It's a fun adventure and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Uncommon Criminals.
ARC Provided by... a friend
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.0 Comments on Heist Society as of 1/1/1900Add a Comment
Blog: The Bookish Type (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: sequel, contemporary, caper, Ally Carter, Heist Society, Three and a Half Stars, Uncommon Criminals, Review, Young Adult, Add a tag
Katarina Bishop is known as The Girl Who Robbed the Henley to criminals worldwide. Ever since her infamous heist, Kat has not only been living the life -- she's been living it alone, restoring priceless pieces confiscated by the Nazis during WWII to their rightful owners. Kat is the most talented teen con in the world and perfectly capable of running these jobs solo, yet everyone in her life sees this as an act of betrayal. So when Kat agrees to recover a cursed gem that hasn't seen the light of day in over thirty years, her old crew is more than ready to do what no con has done before: steal the Cleopatra Emerald. But Kat isn't the only thief hunting the Cleopatra, and none of the usual rules apply -- because the thief they're up against wrote the book on every con they know.
In Uncommon Criminals, Ally Carter once again brings the nonstop action and mind-blowing ingenuity that made Heist Society such a stellar read. Kat's crew is up to its usual antics, with the Bagshaw brothers wreaking havoc grenade-launcher style, Gabrielle turning heads and Simon doing something snazzy with a computer. Carter makes the life of a teenage con look glamorous, while still walking the fine line of moral acceptability with her heroine's Robin Hood-like ways. Kat isn't in it for the money. She reclaims artifacts stolen from their rightful owners (many taken by the Nazis during WWII) and sends them on their way home. It's a hard line to walk, and the novel takes a fascinating look at both the dangers and the delights of vigilantism.
Uncommon Criminals still features the snappy repartee and outrageous antics that make every page laugh-out-loud funny. However, the relationship between Kat and Hale has grown angsty. The young lovebirds dance around each other tantalizingly, but never grant readers a final moment of gratification. Their hot-and-cold tension costs them the spark they possessed in book one, and that, combined with a major mistake, makes Kat self-conscious in a way that doesn't mesh with the girl we know and love. Kat from Heist Society was a fierce and self-reliant leader, whereas this novel forces her to question her own sufficiency and skills. While those are both valid coming-of-age questions, they seem to detract from Kat's signature swagger.
The adventures in this installment are even more incredible than the first, with the teens accomplishing cons that have eluded even the best thief in the world. Unfortunately, the tricks in this story were almost too unbelievable, and never allowed readers to see clearly the carefully placed puzzle pieces that pulled the con together --- requiring a major suspension of disbelief that lessened some of the fun. Part of the intrigue of Heist Society was the teens' ability to pull off a major con because of their very youth -- it was believable even though it was incredible, coming together with a final flourish and neat bow. Uncommon Criminals lacks the plausibility that allowed readers to live vicariously through Kat and her crew.
Nonetheless, Carter's style is perfectly suited to this tale of a cursed emerald and a timeless love. The tone of the novel flows like a recounted legend, and is peppered with the spectacular history of both the Cleopatra Emerald and the Bishop family. Carter has quite a few surprises up her sleeve, and readers will find themselves shocked time and time again as even the most preposterous impossibility becomes r3 Comments on Review: Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2) by Ally Carter, last added: 6/22/2011Display Comments Add a Comment
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: ally carter, Rock the Drop, lj smith, vampire diaries, lisi harrison, Maricopa County Library District, Gallagher Girls series, Caris O'Malley, photo op, Add a tagMaricopa County Library District Rocked the Drop system-wide in Phoenix, Arizona! Thanks to Teen Services Manager Caris O'Malley and everyone who participated!
Add a CommentBy: TinaFerraro, on 11/1/2010
Blog: Books, Boys, Buzz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Ally Carter, Simone Elkeles, Lauren Strasnick, Add a tagI hope everyone had a Happy Halloween! I did--and not just because of the festivities and the sugar, but because on Saturday, my issue of the Romance Writer's Report (commonly called the RWR) arrived in my mailbox. And it turned out the rumors were quite true...my picture was on the cover:
Yep, that's me in the bottom picture, center, the one looking at the camera. To the left is Lauren Strasnick and (forever Buzz Girl) Simone Elkeles, and to the right is Ally Carter. The picture was taken at the reception for the Golden Heart and Rita finalists, and all of us in the picture were up for the Best Young Adult Romance.
For those of you who remember the '70's song about having your picture on the cover of the Rolling Stone ("gonna buy five copies for my mother..."), yes, I spent the weekend singing it!
But oddly, this was not the first time my face graced a magazine cover in a small way!. So I went digging through my files and found my copy of Woman's World from October 12, 1993. Featuring Elvis (although he was not longer alive at the time). Anyway, again, look down at the bottom picture...
Find the heading "They swear a salad made them go into labor!" And yeah, that's me and my son, Nick, as well as my friend, Pam and her son, Blake. It's actually a long story, but Pam knew of a balsamic vinegar salad that she swore jump-started her overdue labor, so when I reached my due date with 8 pound Nick and my doctor said I was not ready to deliver, I gave the salad a try. He was born hours later! Then we had a third overdue mother give it a try...and the next thing you know, we were being interviewed by the L.A. Times. The story exploded and we actually appeared in Newsweek and were on TV talk shows, too. It was pretty exciting, especially since I had two little kids and a newborn to juggle during all that.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy...and as you munch on Halloween candy, spend of the rest of your day singing "The Cover of the Rolling Stone..." I know I will!11 Comments on Coming Off A Halloween Sugar Buzz..., last added: 11/3/2010Display Comments Add a Comment
Blog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Facebook, David Sedaris, Ally Carter, Salman Rushdie, Nora Roberts, Andy Borowitz, Jodi Picoult, Claire Cook, Betty White, Tatjana Soli, Harlan Coben, Kathy L. Patrick, Tishani Doshi, Add a tag
Looking at the comments section for our Should Authors Dance? post, it seemed like plenty of GalleyCat readers want to see their favorite writer appear on Dancing with the Stars. Now it’s time to do something about it.
Reader Michelle Gilstrap suggested Lotus Eaters author Tatjana Soli and proposed: “[Soli] is coming to Los Angeles for a special event on October 16th, I will ask her if she would like to do it. We should start a Facebook page for her, if she says yes. This is how they got Betty White on [Saturday Night Live].”
It’s a great idea. We’ll start by letting our readers pick the best writer to appear on Dancing with the Stars–we’ve collected ten suggestions from GalleyCat readers below. Go to this Facebook link to vote for your favorite author. We’ll count the votes and build a special Facebook page to advocate for the winning author. The ten suggestions follow below…
New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.
Add a CommentBy: Camille, on 9/1/2010
Blog: Book Moot (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: caper stories, artwork, ally carter, museums, Add a tag
Heist Society by Ally Carter. Hyperion, 2010
Loved this book.
Audrey Hepburn It is "the caper" genre, à la How to Steal a Million. The cover photo even evokes Audrey Hepburn.Katarina was really trying to escape the family business. She had even made a new start at a posh boarding school when she is accused of a crime there that she did not commit. Who set her up and why?Upon leaving school, she learns that her father is suspected of an art theft (THAT is the family biz) he did not commit. The owner of the paintings is very very angry and he wants his paintings back. He is also a very scary bad guy. So, who did steal the art work and can Kat find out in time to save her dad? She puts together a team of next-generation teen art thieves to try.
Like every good caper, the story unfolds in traditional fashion from building the team to the job itself. Each member of the team has their specialty. Kat's return to the shady world of art thievery has also brought her wealthy friend, Hale, back into her life. What is her relationship with him now? Are they friends, teammates or something more? Art, museums, security systems, Interpol, international travel: this book has it all.Angela Dawe capably narrates the Brilliance audiobook. Carter blogs that there is a Heist Society 2 coming.Sign me up! I am a fan.
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: ally carter, july 2010, only the good spy young, roundup of discussions, Add a tag
Before we get into great discussion with Holly, did you see all the threads from July? If not, check out the below. We had a blast with Ally. Thanks again for the great month, everyone!
Discussion about Only the Good Spy Young with Ally
Do you ever feel like a chameleon?
Friends who understand you
What's your codename?
Different points of viewAdd a Comment
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: ally carter, july 2010, only the good spy young, Add a tag
Here's a big merci to the awesome Ally Carter for joining us at readergirlz this month!
We loved hearing stories about the Gallagher Girls (and guys) and spy school and secrets and lies! Ooh, intrigue.
Some highlights:
Ally's amazing guest blog!
Ally considers herself both "wishy-washy" and "adaptable." She's a chameleon!
Up next: Gallagher Girls 5 and Heist Society 2. HOORAY!
We've so loved having you here this month. Thank you, Ally!Add a Comment
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: ally carter, july 2010, only the good spy young, Add a tag
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: ally carter, july 2010, only the good spy young, Add a tag
Ally asks, "If you could go to the Gallagher Academy, would you? Even if it meant leaving your friends and family behind?"Add a Comment
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: july 2010, only the good spy young, ally carter, Add a tag
Ally asks, "If, like Cammie, you knew every inch of the Gallagher Mansion and grounds, what part would be your favorite?"
Follow-up: What aspects of historical mansions/sights do you love most?Add a Comment
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: july 2010, only the good spy young, ally carter, Add a tag
Ally asks, "If you could have any of the Gallagher Gadgets, which would you choose and why?"
Follow-up: What spy gadget would you most want to own?Add a Comment
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: july 2010, only the good spy young, party it up, ally carter, Add a tag
Planning your own Gallagher Girls book group get-together? Here are some party ideas from featured author Ally Carter.
Invite: Send a coded message via covert means. (This invitation will self-destruct in three...two...)
Décor: Plaid, crests, swords, and cut-out letters
Food: Peanut M&Ms, "drugged" apples, crème Brule, and, of course, Evapopaper (perhaps phyllo dough could be used in such a way)
Movies & TV Shows: Alias, the Bourne movies, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Craft: Make a hair bow out of coordinating plaids; create a super secret book cover to hide your covert texts; hollow out an old lipstick tube or some other innocuous-looking container to form a secret carrying device; make a holder for all that dangerous/killer spaghetti.
Add a Comment
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My students LOVE the series... I actually just came back from visiting Chapters where I went JUST to buy the book and :-(
it wasn't out yet. The sales person said, "It's coming... it's just not here yet. That is NOT the first time books have been out, but don't make it to this particular store. I don't know if they're just too lazy to put them on the shelves or they ticked off the delivery driver so he leaves them out, but both my husband and I had gone to get new releases and have always had to go to a different Chapters. SO FRUSTRATING!
I delayed an entire order of books so that this one wouldn't be back ordered. I am hoping that it will come in right before break so that I can read it!