Uncommon Criminals

  Uncommon Criminals was voraciously devoured in a single night. I was late to work the next morning, but it was very much worth it.

     Ally Carter writes seriously smart kids. I love that. She balances the lack of emotional knowledge --that can only be gained with time and experience-- with intelligence and professional competence and proficiency that seems quite authentic in a modern age like ours. Isn't it funny how ten year old kids can do more with computers than their parents? It is much the same with this band of teens brought up in a family of thieves. They have inherently absorbed skills and knowledge that rivals, and at times even surpasses, that of the adults around them. Kids/Teens/Young adults are smart, capable and just plain awesome. Thanks to Ally Carter for highlighting that when everyone else is busy warning kids about the "Real World" and everything they don't know yet.

     Six of six toes. :) If you haven't read the first book, Heist Society, I highly recommend it as well.

So Silver Bright ARC Contest

Check out this super cute contest for an ARC of So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev.  Looks like a lot of fun. I can't wait to see the winning entries. They are bound to be adorable!

(The Rules as posted on the author's website):

You have to obtain photographic proof of the existence of fairies. Now, it might look like that fairy is false (a doll, a charm, a music box) but WE know that's just their wiley magic at work. Look in all the usual places: in a garden, in a tree, in a pie... Perhaps you might need to set a fairy trap with cupcakes as bait. With patience and cunning, you should be able to snap a picture of Peaseblossom or her friends!

Once you have your photo:

• Post it on your blog, your Facebook page, or your Twitter stream (bonus entries in the random drawing for doing all three!) with a link to this contest and the Théâtre Illuminata website.
• Email me ( lisa at lisamantchev dot com ) with the subject header THE GREAT FAIRY HUNT and include link(s) to your photographic evidence.
• Deadline is midnight, Wednesday, June 8th.
• Contest open worldwide, but please note if you are an international entry in your email.
• Winners will be chosen by a panel of photomythological experts by Friday, June 10th
• Original material only. Please do not yoink a picture off the internet and claim it as your own or the fairies will hunt you down and poke you with pokey things.

But perhaps you are unsucessful in your hunt for a fairy. YOU CAN STILL WIN AN ARC. If you post the details of this contest and link back to it on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter account, you will also be entered into the random drawing. Same email address and subject header as above, and please include links to the places you've posted.  :)