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Heist Society #2
Uncommon Criminals
欧宝娱乐 Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fiction (2011)Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she鈥檚 simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That鈥檚 why Kat isn鈥檛 surprised when she鈥檚 asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.
There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn鈥檛 been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat鈥檚 world, history almost always repeats itself. But it鈥檚 the third problem that makes Kat鈥檚 crew the most nervous and that is simply鈥� the emerald is cursed.
Kat might be in way over her head, but she鈥檚 not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend鈥攖he gorgeous Hale鈥攁nd the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.
Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.
There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn鈥檛 been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat鈥檚 world, history almost always repeats itself. But it鈥檚 the third problem that makes Kat鈥檚 crew the most nervous and that is simply鈥� the emerald is cursed.
Kat might be in way over her head, but she鈥檚 not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend鈥攖he gorgeous Hale鈥攁nd the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.
Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.
298 pages, Hardcover
First published June 21, 2011
429 people are currently reading
18.1k people want to read
About the author
Ally Carter
50听books17.5k听followersAlly Carter writes books about sneaky people and movies about Christmas. She is the New York Times Best-selling author of the Gallagher Girls, Heist Society, and Embassy Row series for teens as well as WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOR for younger readers. Her books have been published all over the world, in over twenty languages.
She encourages you to visit her online at allycarter.com and embassyrowbooks.com.
She encourages you to visit her online at allycarter.com and embassyrowbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,462 reviews
May 10, 2019
This was my very first audiobook!
I'd never found a reason to listen to a book (rather than read it) because it just takes so much longer to finish. Also, I noticed that most people who love audiobooks tend to have a commute, and I'm never in a car (without kids) long enough to listen to anything.
So, no reason for audio books.
But.
I started exercising...because flab happens.
And for a while, it was fun with Richard.
Eventually, however, I moved on to an aerobic walking video. Because I'm cool like that. And also because it hurts my knees to even watch stuff like this:
And as much as I benefit from the low impact exercise, the lady who does them is like Fran Drescher in yoga pants.
Is your workout in a slump? Then come join us! We're sisters in SWEAT!
{insert braying laugh} This is REAL sweat, ladies!
*in fake Italian accent* I lika to sweat!
{insert more braying laughter} I'm soooo silly!
God help me, for 45 minutes a day, part of my workout consisted of not throwing my shoe at the television.
Then one glorious morning at the library, I was introduced to a little something called Play-A-Way.
Not by My Librarian, mind you. No, she was too busy collecting late fees (probably from orphans!) to bother showing off this technological wonder to an honored patron like myself.
Not mad, Danielle, just disappointed...
And now, with tiny things that the kids these days are calling earbuds , I can block the goat-like bleating of Walking Chick's voice, while still making my doctor happy with my daily dose of aerobics, AND I get to listen to a story while I do it!
So, was Uncommon Criminals any good, you ask?
Well...
I grabbed it because it was available that day at the library, and not because I'm a big fan of Ally Carter's series.
I was just so friggin' happy not to be listening to those lame jokes & horsey laughter that I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed anything.
Having said that, I think this was a cute story. Not fantastic, but cute.
I had a hard time swallowing that these kids were good enough to fly all around the world and con professionals. But, then again, I'm waaay outside the age range for teeny-bopper heist stories. And this is definitely a teeny-bopper story. I do love YA, but this isn't a series that I would recommend to adult readers.
But it is something that I would recommend to my daughter in a year or so, which says something.
Recommended for teens.
I'd never found a reason to listen to a book (rather than read it) because it just takes so much longer to finish. Also, I noticed that most people who love audiobooks tend to have a commute, and I'm never in a car (without kids) long enough to listen to anything.
So, no reason for audio books.
But.
I started exercising...because flab happens.
And for a while, it was fun with Richard.
Eventually, however, I moved on to an aerobic walking video. Because I'm cool like that. And also because it hurts my knees to even watch stuff like this:
And as much as I benefit from the low impact exercise, the lady who does them is like Fran Drescher in yoga pants.
Is your workout in a slump? Then come join us! We're sisters in SWEAT!
{insert braying laugh} This is REAL sweat, ladies!
*in fake Italian accent* I lika to sweat!
{insert more braying laughter} I'm soooo silly!
God help me, for 45 minutes a day, part of my workout consisted of not throwing my shoe at the television.
Then one glorious morning at the library, I was introduced to a little something called Play-A-Way.
Not by My Librarian, mind you. No, she was too busy collecting late fees (probably from orphans!) to bother showing off this technological wonder to an honored patron like myself.
Not mad, Danielle, just disappointed...
And now, with tiny things that the kids these days are calling earbuds , I can block the goat-like bleating of Walking Chick's voice, while still making my doctor happy with my daily dose of aerobics, AND I get to listen to a story while I do it!
So, was Uncommon Criminals any good, you ask?
Well...
I grabbed it because it was available that day at the library, and not because I'm a big fan of Ally Carter's series.
I was just so friggin' happy not to be listening to those lame jokes & horsey laughter that I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed anything.
Having said that, I think this was a cute story. Not fantastic, but cute.
I had a hard time swallowing that these kids were good enough to fly all around the world and con professionals. But, then again, I'm waaay outside the age range for teeny-bopper heist stories. And this is definitely a teeny-bopper story. I do love YA, but this isn't a series that I would recommend to adult readers.
But it is something that I would recommend to my daughter in a year or so, which says something.
Recommended for teens.
June 22, 2011
I haven't read the book yet, obviously, but I know that this is going to be a good one. All of Ally Carter's YA books ave been a success and I'm sure this will be too. The only thing I will be disappointed with if she doesn't have is some kissing with Hale and Kat, I mean, it's soooooo obvious that they like each other...
*EDIT* The cover is gorgeous!!!
*EDIT* Reading the synopsis just makes me more excited, and I'm about to die of anticipation!!!
*EDIT* The cover is gorgeous!!!
*EDIT* Reading the synopsis just makes me more excited, and I'm about to die of anticipation!!!
July 19, 2012
If there was ever a Young Adult book written almost exclusively for actual young adults, it鈥檚 Uncommon Criminals. In fact, with its light tone, overly simplified plot, short chapters, third person narrative and extremely subtle romance, it is at times more appropriate for younger young adults or even middle grade readers and should be judged/rated as such.
After successfully stealing (back) four paintings from the seemingly impenetrable Henley museum and returning them to their rightful owners, Kat has acquired a Robin Hood-like reputation. Therefore, she is only mildly surprised when an old lady, the rightful owner of the Kleopatra emerald, asks her to steal the supposedly cursed stone and return it to her family. Still feeling lucky after several well-done jobs, Kat shuts down her instincts and accepts the job. Hale is the voice of reason, very much against it, but as always, he goes where Kat goes, regardless of the consequences.
If Heist Society reminded me a lot of Ocean鈥檚 Eleven, Uncommon Criminals is an oversimplified version of Ocean鈥檚 Twelve. The crew gets conned by a better thief and they must find a way to outsmart that thief and retrieve what they lost. (Though the thief here isn鈥檛 as hot as Vincent Cassel, that鈥檚 for sure.)
As much as I like Hale (and he鈥檚 one swoon-worthy boy, believe me), his wealth and status seem awfully convenient at times. His contacts open all doors, the crew travels in private jets, and if they need a yacht near Monte Carlo, well of course he has one ready! I loved how devoted he was to Kat in Heist Society, but in Uncommon Criminals, he went from being devoted to being a doormat at times. Kat too seems to have changed for the worst. After the Henley job, she developed not just a reputation, but an overabundance of ego as well. She had reason to, up to a point, but she went a bit too far by taking sole credit for something that was a team effort.
Keeping in mind what I mentioned at the beginning, I won鈥檛 lower my rating because the heists themselves seemed far too simple. I look at this book the same way I鈥檇 look at The Famous Five 鈥� I would have adored it when I was twelve, loved it still when I was 14. At 28, I found it entertaining, but I really can鈥檛 take it seriously.
I鈥檒l read the third book mostly because it focuses on Hale, and from all the characters, he鈥檚 the one I haven鈥檛 managed to figure out.
After successfully stealing (back) four paintings from the seemingly impenetrable Henley museum and returning them to their rightful owners, Kat has acquired a Robin Hood-like reputation. Therefore, she is only mildly surprised when an old lady, the rightful owner of the Kleopatra emerald, asks her to steal the supposedly cursed stone and return it to her family. Still feeling lucky after several well-done jobs, Kat shuts down her instincts and accepts the job. Hale is the voice of reason, very much against it, but as always, he goes where Kat goes, regardless of the consequences.
If Heist Society reminded me a lot of Ocean鈥檚 Eleven, Uncommon Criminals is an oversimplified version of Ocean鈥檚 Twelve. The crew gets conned by a better thief and they must find a way to outsmart that thief and retrieve what they lost. (Though the thief here isn鈥檛 as hot as Vincent Cassel, that鈥檚 for sure.)
As much as I like Hale (and he鈥檚 one swoon-worthy boy, believe me), his wealth and status seem awfully convenient at times. His contacts open all doors, the crew travels in private jets, and if they need a yacht near Monte Carlo, well of course he has one ready! I loved how devoted he was to Kat in Heist Society, but in Uncommon Criminals, he went from being devoted to being a doormat at times. Kat too seems to have changed for the worst. After the Henley job, she developed not just a reputation, but an overabundance of ego as well. She had reason to, up to a point, but she went a bit too far by taking sole credit for something that was a team effort.
Keeping in mind what I mentioned at the beginning, I won鈥檛 lower my rating because the heists themselves seemed far too simple. I look at this book the same way I鈥檇 look at The Famous Five 鈥� I would have adored it when I was twelve, loved it still when I was 14. At 28, I found it entertaining, but I really can鈥檛 take it seriously.
I鈥檒l read the third book mostly because it focuses on Hale, and from all the characters, he鈥檚 the one I haven鈥檛 managed to figure out.
July 6, 2011
For a bit of W.W. Hale eye candy go to
Rating: 4.5
Favourite Quote: Luck is a strange thing in the life of any thief and halfway decent con man. What is it that keeps the mark from counting the till or the guards from looking up at precisely the wrong moment? Kat had learned at a very young age that luck is for the amateur, the lazy---those who are unprepared and unskilled. And yet she also knew that luck, like most things, cannot be truly missed until it is also truly gone.
When it comes to sequels they can be a scary thing especially when you love the first book. But Uncommon Criminals is just as good as Heist Society. Once again Ally Carter offers all the right elements for another fun read - clever writing, a quick and suspenseful plot and entertaining characters.
Again there were plenty of twists in this cleverly constructed plot making it impossible to put Uncommon Criminals down. And when I did I was thinking about all the ways Kat could possibly get herself out of trouble this time. I also love how Carter brilliantly describes the settings. She really knows how to capture the beautiful places like Monte Carlo the crew visits and you can picture everything perfectly thanks to Carter's wonderful writing.
Kat is a genuine and likeable character. She is independent, smart and stubborn. In this instalment Kat has to learn to that she doesn't have to do everything on her own even if she doesn't need help. That it is okay to want help from her crew. Kat showed a lot growth. I also love the distinctive bunch of secondary characters. As soon as I started the book I was eagerly awaiting when Hale, Gabrielle, Simon or the Bagshaw brothers would pop up in the story and when they did they didn't disappoint.
I know fans of the first book will be wondering about the romance. Does anything happen with Hale? Well all I can say is the spark is still there and you will have to read the book (I recommend immediately).
Overall, this is one addictive series that I highly recommend. I really hope Carter writes a Heist Society #3.
Rating: 4.5
Favourite Quote: Luck is a strange thing in the life of any thief and halfway decent con man. What is it that keeps the mark from counting the till or the guards from looking up at precisely the wrong moment? Kat had learned at a very young age that luck is for the amateur, the lazy---those who are unprepared and unskilled. And yet she also knew that luck, like most things, cannot be truly missed until it is also truly gone.
When it comes to sequels they can be a scary thing especially when you love the first book. But Uncommon Criminals is just as good as Heist Society. Once again Ally Carter offers all the right elements for another fun read - clever writing, a quick and suspenseful plot and entertaining characters.
Again there were plenty of twists in this cleverly constructed plot making it impossible to put Uncommon Criminals down. And when I did I was thinking about all the ways Kat could possibly get herself out of trouble this time. I also love how Carter brilliantly describes the settings. She really knows how to capture the beautiful places like Monte Carlo the crew visits and you can picture everything perfectly thanks to Carter's wonderful writing.
Kat is a genuine and likeable character. She is independent, smart and stubborn. In this instalment Kat has to learn to that she doesn't have to do everything on her own even if she doesn't need help. That it is okay to want help from her crew. Kat showed a lot growth. I also love the distinctive bunch of secondary characters. As soon as I started the book I was eagerly awaiting when Hale, Gabrielle, Simon or the Bagshaw brothers would pop up in the story and when they did they didn't disappoint.
I know fans of the first book will be wondering about the romance. Does anything happen with Hale? Well all I can say is the spark is still there and you will have to read the book (I recommend immediately).
Overall, this is one addictive series that I highly recommend. I really hope Carter writes a Heist Society #3.
May 7, 2020
HOLY COW. I didn't know it was possible for me to like a book more than Heist Society... and then BAM. Book #2... was crazy good. Those were some awesome plot twists, and to be honest, I think this was even better than the first book... if that's possible. I'm going to start making a list of the names Kat guesses for Hale's first name... Basically, LOVED IT!!!!
Update: After reading this and the first book, I now have an official list of the names Kat has guessed for Hale, along with whether he definitely said no or if it was a noncommittal answer. If you'd like me to post it here, let me know!
Update: After reading this and the first book, I now have an official list of the names Kat has guessed for Hale, along with whether he definitely said no or if it was a noncommittal answer. If you'd like me to post it here, let me know!
June 27, 2015
鈥淟ove is the biggest con of all鈥�
This sequel is really better. I could totally picture the world and loved Carte's way of making the characters look like good badass people. They are thieves who have no unbelievable tech, guns or really dangerous people behind them and still made the book enjoyable. I liked how they were conning and robbing in a classic and elegant way and still were the good guy. And how sly they were.
The writing was really easy and pleasant but the romance...
鈥淜at felt her heart beat faster, adrenaline pumping through her veins, and she knew he was right. She studied him for a long time. "Do you believe in curses, Hale?"
He looked at her. "I believe in you.鈥�
It had some cute and cheesy lines but I expected so much more with Hale that I was kinda disappointed.
Or at least more with Nick! So because it was lacking is some ways, I wouldn't say this book is a YA but had more of a Middle Grade feeling to it.
The plot twist got me by surprise but the ending was really predictable. It was a really easy read and would recommend it for sure :D
This sequel is really better. I could totally picture the world and loved Carte's way of making the characters look like good badass people. They are thieves who have no unbelievable tech, guns or really dangerous people behind them and still made the book enjoyable. I liked how they were conning and robbing in a classic and elegant way and still were the good guy. And how sly they were.
The writing was really easy and pleasant but the romance...
鈥淜at felt her heart beat faster, adrenaline pumping through her veins, and she knew he was right. She studied him for a long time. "Do you believe in curses, Hale?"
He looked at her. "I believe in you.鈥�
It had some cute and cheesy lines but I expected so much more with Hale that I was kinda disappointed.
Or at least more with Nick! So because it was lacking is some ways, I wouldn't say this book is a YA but had more of a Middle Grade feeling to it.
The plot twist got me by surprise but the ending was really predictable. It was a really easy read and would recommend it for sure :D
October 29, 2017
2.5 stars
I'm reading the reviews for this book and all I can say is that I definitely agree with many of you who said that this book is truly a YA book intended for young adults. I wish I read it when I was 14 or 15 because I would've adored it. It's light, fun and overall cute. Of course, sometimes we get a bit of drama-llama situations and questionable choices made by our interesting characters but overall, this entire trilogy is entertaining. Hale is cute, though, I love him.
I'm reading the reviews for this book and all I can say is that I definitely agree with many of you who said that this book is truly a YA book intended for young adults. I wish I read it when I was 14 or 15 because I would've adored it. It's light, fun and overall cute. Of course, sometimes we get a bit of drama-llama situations and questionable choices made by our interesting characters but overall, this entire trilogy is entertaining. Hale is cute, though, I love him.
April 3, 2021
At first I was excited because they mentioned that Uncle Eddie was in Paraguay (my country rarely gets mentioned in books) but then Kat mixed it up with Uruguay鈥t鈥檚 ok, it happens. But then se proceded to mix them up EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER. And it was just her, because everyone kept telling her it was Paraguay not Uruguay. At this point she was just being an ignorant and that鈥檚 not a pretty character trait, sweetie.
Also, like I mentioned in my review of Heist Society, they are all 15/16 years olds and they鈥檙e pulling off all these heists, and to be honest they don鈥檛 even plan it much. How are there no adult present, like, ever?
The plot was good, I just found the execution of it all a little boring. Once again, the villain is said over and over to be like bad and powerful but I鈥檝e never met a villain more dull than this one.
Also, like I mentioned in my review of Heist Society, they are all 15/16 years olds and they鈥檙e pulling off all these heists, and to be honest they don鈥檛 even plan it much. How are there no adult present, like, ever?
The plot was good, I just found the execution of it all a little boring. Once again, the villain is said over and over to be like bad and powerful but I鈥檝e never met a villain more dull than this one.
September 17, 2011
There was no way I couldn't like this book even if I tried. Ally Carter wrote in everything I look for in a good heist story: the loyal crew for the hero (or in this case, heroine), plot twists at every turn, crazy mysterious villains, and of course, the seemingly impossible heist that the crew needs to pull off by the end of the story.
I would say that Uncommon Criminals is the blockbuster, popcorn novel for YA for this summer as Super 8 is this summer's blockbuster movie for Hollywood- sort of hyped up but not as much as others have been (and attached to several big names of their respective industries).
Of course coming from Ally Carter, the plot of Uncommon Criminals was nothing short of riveting. For the whole 304 pages I kept the novel in my hands and never looked up unless to quickly take a sip of my caramel frapp, or occasionally getting distracted by people sitting next to me. The writing was elegant and polished, adding some glamor needed for the story like this.
Kat was a believable character. The way she sticks with her family, and the way she takes up a Robin Hood-like role was poignant to me. She seems so wise and she's seen so much of the world already that I was taken aback when I remembered that she was only fifteen. The same goes for the rest of her crew. It's hard to believe that they're only sixteen (or under!) when they're country-hopping by themselves, but hey, it works.
Speaking of Kat's crew, I badly badly badly want to join them. Not so much for the thievery, but for the traveling (I want to go all around Europe...) and working with the crew wouldn't be bad. The second in command of Kat's crew is W.W. Hale, who's handsome, smart, (conveniently rich), and every bit as stubborn as Kat herself. One of the best aspects of the novel, besides the thievery was Kat and Hale dynamic. It plays out nicely because we (and Kat and Hale themselves) never forget that they're first and foremost best friends.
The other crew members are Simon, the tech geek of the group (Q: Why is every "geeky" guy named Simon these days?); Angus and Hamish, the adorable brothers (note: every heist story needs a pair of brothers); and Gabriella, Kat's cousin and foil in the series meaning that she's fashionable and knows how to hold herself.
The heist itself? Brilliantly done. I know that I'll have to read over the ending again to take in all of it. I'm really looking forward to finding out who Visily Romani is (or will we every find out?). It might've been the frapp and the windy weather outside, but it suddenly got chilly whenever Mr (or Ms?) Romani's name got mentioned. Very mysterious....*scratches chin*
Uncommon Criminals can get serious sometimes as the themes of the story-family, friendship, betrayal- are serious, but it's always, just like any well-made Hollywood popcorn summer blockbuster, fun.
Recommended to all. :)
I would say that Uncommon Criminals is the blockbuster, popcorn novel for YA for this summer as Super 8 is this summer's blockbuster movie for Hollywood- sort of hyped up but not as much as others have been (and attached to several big names of their respective industries).
Of course coming from Ally Carter, the plot of Uncommon Criminals was nothing short of riveting. For the whole 304 pages I kept the novel in my hands and never looked up unless to quickly take a sip of my caramel frapp, or occasionally getting distracted by people sitting next to me. The writing was elegant and polished, adding some glamor needed for the story like this.
Kat was a believable character. The way she sticks with her family, and the way she takes up a Robin Hood-like role was poignant to me. She seems so wise and she's seen so much of the world already that I was taken aback when I remembered that she was only fifteen. The same goes for the rest of her crew. It's hard to believe that they're only sixteen (or under!) when they're country-hopping by themselves, but hey, it works.
Speaking of Kat's crew, I badly badly badly want to join them. Not so much for the thievery, but for the traveling (I want to go all around Europe...) and working with the crew wouldn't be bad. The second in command of Kat's crew is W.W. Hale, who's handsome, smart, (conveniently rich), and every bit as stubborn as Kat herself. One of the best aspects of the novel, besides the thievery was Kat and Hale dynamic. It plays out nicely because we (and Kat and Hale themselves) never forget that they're first and foremost best friends.
The other crew members are Simon, the tech geek of the group (Q: Why is every "geeky" guy named Simon these days?); Angus and Hamish, the adorable brothers (note: every heist story needs a pair of brothers); and Gabriella, Kat's cousin and foil in the series meaning that she's fashionable and knows how to hold herself.
The heist itself? Brilliantly done. I know that I'll have to read over the ending again to take in all of it. I'm really looking forward to finding out who Visily Romani is (or will we every find out?). It might've been the frapp and the windy weather outside, but it suddenly got chilly whenever Mr (or Ms?) Romani's name got mentioned. Very mysterious....*scratches chin*
Uncommon Criminals can get serious sometimes as the themes of the story-family, friendship, betrayal- are serious, but it's always, just like any well-made Hollywood popcorn summer blockbuster, fun.
Recommended to all. :)
July 19, 2011
Ahhhh. Where do I begin?
I remember reading Heist Society a loooong time ago, I remember listening to the audiobook of it quite a few times,
I remember loving this series. I just didn't rememmber HOW MUCH.
I loved this book! I was so surprised and pleased to discovered it is as good as the first one, plus more adventures,
more truths, even more lies, and oh so many incredibly kick-butt action!
The characters! Gosh the characters! I didn't recall them being this awesome!
they were all SO CLEVER, SO SMART. It takes some (okay, a lot) of talent to write a book like this, and to me,
Miss Carter deserves an standing ovasion! I can't even imagine how much time it took for her to plot all her characters' actions.
Each and everyone of the situations on this book were complicated and tricky at first to be ended later in the most simplified way you could think of
(or actually, haven't think of) these guys are teenagers after all, and trust them to find the answer to an exit problem using five hundred doves (not kidding, don't ask)
What I also loved about this second book is that it shows Kat's flaws. I mean I knew she had them, SHE knew she had them,
but it's nice to see them aknowledged. She can be a super kick ass thief, but she's also a fifteen year old girl who has normal problems while living an extraordinary life.
And Hale, oh W. W. Hale the Fifth, how I love you! He kept the loyalness he has come to be known for. He's awesome, you can tell he's deeply in love with Kat,
but he's not gonna take her crap, and I like that, he's fierce! reminds me of a GOOD Chuck Bass, utterly confident, careless in a way only the extra-rich are.
Every other character kick major butt in this one too. Gabrielle was cool in book 1, but I LOVED her in this one. And Nick, oh Nick I love you too <3
I just hope Miss Carter has something good prepared for him, cause in the short amount of pages he's been in, I've come to love him and wish him nothing but the best.
This book is incredible and I can't wait for the people at WB to give the green light so they can start turning this series into a movie!
It'd be the ultimate action-packed, romance-full, funny-filled film I've ever hoped to watch!
I remember reading Heist Society a loooong time ago, I remember listening to the audiobook of it quite a few times,
I remember loving this series. I just didn't rememmber HOW MUCH.
I loved this book! I was so surprised and pleased to discovered it is as good as the first one, plus more adventures,
more truths, even more lies, and oh so many incredibly kick-butt action!
The characters! Gosh the characters! I didn't recall them being this awesome!
they were all SO CLEVER, SO SMART. It takes some (okay, a lot) of talent to write a book like this, and to me,
Miss Carter deserves an standing ovasion! I can't even imagine how much time it took for her to plot all her characters' actions.
Each and everyone of the situations on this book were complicated and tricky at first to be ended later in the most simplified way you could think of
(or actually, haven't think of) these guys are teenagers after all, and trust them to find the answer to an exit problem using five hundred doves (not kidding, don't ask)
What I also loved about this second book is that it shows Kat's flaws. I mean I knew she had them, SHE knew she had them,
but it's nice to see them aknowledged. She can be a super kick ass thief, but she's also a fifteen year old girl who has normal problems while living an extraordinary life.
And Hale, oh W. W. Hale the Fifth, how I love you! He kept the loyalness he has come to be known for. He's awesome, you can tell he's deeply in love with Kat,
but he's not gonna take her crap, and I like that, he's fierce! reminds me of a GOOD Chuck Bass, utterly confident, careless in a way only the extra-rich are.
Every other character kick major butt in this one too. Gabrielle was cool in book 1, but I LOVED her in this one. And Nick, oh Nick I love you too <3
I just hope Miss Carter has something good prepared for him, cause in the short amount of pages he's been in, I've come to love him and wish him nothing but the best.
This book is incredible and I can't wait for the people at WB to give the green light so they can start turning this series into a movie!
It'd be the ultimate action-packed, romance-full, funny-filled film I've ever hoped to watch!
July 26, 2016
Hmmmm. I didn't love this one as much as I loved Heist Society. Maybe because there wasn't much plot in my opinion? Until the crew arrives in Monte Carlo there are a few key scenes but most of the time is spent on Kat thinking she has it all cover all by herself and totally secluding her crew + not listening to anyone when they try to give her advice. Of course, she learns and grows throughout the novel, but I really struggled with being 100% supportive of Kat during the whole book.
My favorite character is probably Gabrielle and I adore the friendship the cousins are developing. Kat wasn't a huge fan of Gabrielle in the first book, but she slowly begun to realize that her cousin is in her corner and their relationship in Uncommon Criminals is really endearing. Speaking of relationships, I loooooooove the shippy feels! They're so great! It's not overpowering, but it's constantly there and I am fully on board (蜖鈮� 蜏蕱蜖鈮�)
OK SO I'M KINDA PISSED BECAUSE I SPENT A GOOD 15 MIN WRITING ABOUT THE PROBLEMS OF THIS BOOK AND THAT PART DIDN'T POST UGHHHHHHHHHHHH.
ANYHOW IN SHORT WHAT I SAID WAS:
1. THE VILLAIN WAS ANNOYING. She's only said to be this bad-a thief by EVERYONE but nothing is ever shown except . None of her jobs are talked about except that one job with and the other jobs are all like "oh she probably invented that trick" ummmmmmmm ok. So yeah I didn't really get the big bad part and found her more annoying than anything else tbh.
2. The whole Paraguay/Uruguay part was super annoying as well. Kat (and everyone else) is supposed to be this mastermind of all things and now you're telling me that she can't remember whether it's Paraguay or Uruguay? They're two different countries. If I was from one of them I'd be offended because that's probably what happens irl all the time that people just don't care enough to remember and to make it into a running joke that's supposed to be cute and quirky is not that appealing.
3. THERE IS NEXT TO NO INFORMATION STILL ABOUT ANYTHING! For instance ...
*is this a literal or figurative family? because as far as I know -- Simon and the Bagshaws aren't connected to Kat and Gabrielle through blood; also, there are quite a few uncles mentioned and we know pretty much nothing about them except 2.
*if not then how did Simon and the Bagshaws end up with "the family"?
*where are Kat's grandparents if Uncle Eddie and are her family but her grandparents aren't anywhere to be seen? From either side of the family. And same about Gabrielle since Eddie isn't her grandfather either.......
*what exactly happened to Kat's mom ? (this may have been said and I just don't remember)
*don't the other families ever want the same jobs that "our" family wants? do they try to take them? what kind of conflicts does this cause and does "our" family have families they are more close to? have there been any marriages or allegiances between some families? why haven't we seen any of those families?
There were more things but I just don't remember. As a whole I liked it and I laughed out loud quite a few times, but omgggg I have so many questions and none of them are answered. I'm not a huge fan of all these plot holes and lack of information on everything and especially the character backgrounds. I think these books could benefit from 20-30 more pages at least just to give some background and talk about the characters more in depth.
*you can see the graphic in HQ on my tumblr in this Heist Society graphic set .
My favorite character is probably Gabrielle and I adore the friendship the cousins are developing. Kat wasn't a huge fan of Gabrielle in the first book, but she slowly begun to realize that her cousin is in her corner and their relationship in Uncommon Criminals is really endearing. Speaking of relationships, I loooooooove the shippy feels! They're so great! It's not overpowering, but it's constantly there and I am fully on board (蜖鈮� 蜏蕱蜖鈮�)
OK SO I'M KINDA PISSED BECAUSE I SPENT A GOOD 15 MIN WRITING ABOUT THE PROBLEMS OF THIS BOOK AND THAT PART DIDN'T POST UGHHHHHHHHHHHH.
ANYHOW IN SHORT WHAT I SAID WAS:
1. THE VILLAIN WAS ANNOYING. She's only said to be this bad-a thief by EVERYONE but nothing is ever shown except . None of her jobs are talked about except that one job with and the other jobs are all like "oh she probably invented that trick" ummmmmmmm ok. So yeah I didn't really get the big bad part and found her more annoying than anything else tbh.
2. The whole Paraguay/Uruguay part was super annoying as well. Kat (and everyone else) is supposed to be this mastermind of all things and now you're telling me that she can't remember whether it's Paraguay or Uruguay? They're two different countries. If I was from one of them I'd be offended because that's probably what happens irl all the time that people just don't care enough to remember and to make it into a running joke that's supposed to be cute and quirky is not that appealing.
3. THERE IS NEXT TO NO INFORMATION STILL ABOUT ANYTHING! For instance ...
*is this a literal or figurative family? because as far as I know -- Simon and the Bagshaws aren't connected to Kat and Gabrielle through blood; also, there are quite a few uncles mentioned and we know pretty much nothing about them except 2.
*if not then how did Simon and the Bagshaws end up with "the family"?
*where are Kat's grandparents if Uncle Eddie and are her family but her grandparents aren't anywhere to be seen? From either side of the family. And same about Gabrielle since Eddie isn't her grandfather either.......
*what exactly happened to Kat's mom ? (this may have been said and I just don't remember)
*don't the other families ever want the same jobs that "our" family wants? do they try to take them? what kind of conflicts does this cause and does "our" family have families they are more close to? have there been any marriages or allegiances between some families? why haven't we seen any of those families?
There were more things but I just don't remember. As a whole I liked it and I laughed out loud quite a few times, but omgggg I have so many questions and none of them are answered. I'm not a huge fan of all these plot holes and lack of information on everything and especially the character backgrounds. I think these books could benefit from 20-30 more pages at least just to give some background and talk about the characters more in depth.
*you can see the graphic in HQ on my tumblr in this Heist Society graphic set .
August 12, 2012
I honestly thought that I would like this better than , but the ending failed so miserably that I am left feeling nothing but disappointment. The ingredients for a fun, intelligent read were there, but they were wasted. Overall, the story was distractingly unrealistic, the characters were bland, and the ending was poorly put together.
First, let's talk about the novel as a whole. I am echoing myself from my review of the first book, but really? I'm supposed to believe these kids are capable of huge, dangerous heists? They don't seem to put much thought into their plans, and after awhile it gets tiring to be told what brilliant young thieves they are when I haven't been successfully shown that this is true.
There's also a lot of telling (instead of showing) when it comes to the characters. I have no emotional attachment to a single one of these people, probably because they never come alive to me. I don't even remember the Bagshaw brothers' names, let alone understand the differences in their personalities. (Because liking to blow stuff up doesn't count as a personality trait, FYI.) Even the two main characters, Kat and Hale, seem like your typical reader stand-in and vaguely dreamy love interest, respectively.
Quick sidenote about Hale: I am so over this archetype. Overprotective, possessive dudes are running rampant in 95% of the teen fiction I've been reading lately, and I find 0% of them attractive. So Hale needs to either grow up or go away.
However, despite all of these issues, the biggest problem for me was how weak the ending was. There were several plot-twists that occurred simultaneously, and none of them were executed well. I was irritated by how impossible the ending was-- impossible to guess, that is. I even went back and reread key scenes, but Carter neglected to lay even the most basic foundation to show how her plot-twists could happen. There were no subtle clues, no vague wording, to give any indication that the ending was even planned.
And it really sucks that this is the case. Because up until the ending, I was moderately enjoying myself. These books are fast-paced and action-oriented, which is refreshing in the sea of emo romances dominating the YA section. If only Carter had put more thought and effort into wrapping up her plot (and I wouldn't mind more rounded characters, either), then this book might have been something.
First, let's talk about the novel as a whole. I am echoing myself from my review of the first book, but really? I'm supposed to believe these kids are capable of huge, dangerous heists? They don't seem to put much thought into their plans, and after awhile it gets tiring to be told what brilliant young thieves they are when I haven't been successfully shown that this is true.
There's also a lot of telling (instead of showing) when it comes to the characters. I have no emotional attachment to a single one of these people, probably because they never come alive to me. I don't even remember the Bagshaw brothers' names, let alone understand the differences in their personalities. (Because liking to blow stuff up doesn't count as a personality trait, FYI.) Even the two main characters, Kat and Hale, seem like your typical reader stand-in and vaguely dreamy love interest, respectively.
Quick sidenote about Hale: I am so over this archetype. Overprotective, possessive dudes are running rampant in 95% of the teen fiction I've been reading lately, and I find 0% of them attractive. So Hale needs to either grow up or go away.
However, despite all of these issues, the biggest problem for me was how weak the ending was. There were several plot-twists that occurred simultaneously, and none of them were executed well. I was irritated by how impossible the ending was-- impossible to guess, that is. I even went back and reread key scenes, but Carter neglected to lay even the most basic foundation to show how her plot-twists could happen. There were no subtle clues, no vague wording, to give any indication that the ending was even planned.
And it really sucks that this is the case. Because up until the ending, I was moderately enjoying myself. These books are fast-paced and action-oriented, which is refreshing in the sea of emo romances dominating the YA section. If only Carter had put more thought and effort into wrapping up her plot (and I wouldn't mind more rounded characters, either), then this book might have been something.
April 20, 2016
2.5 stars
I wish I had more to say about this book. This is my third book (I've read and ) and so far I've found all her books kind of meh. But with the promise of teen art thieves, heists, cons, action, espionage, cursed jewels, ancient Egypt and Hale, I couldn't resist trying again.
But I almost wish I hadn't bother.
This book was just dull. None of the characters developed in the slightest since we last met them, and I had the same problems with them that I did last time. We barely seem to see them at all! We see what they did and what their role in the various heists were, but we never got to sit back and really see them... which was annoying, obviously. I think this was mainly because of the weird writing style.
The writing purposely left a lot out or skipped over important scenes so that we wouldn't know what was happening and be surprised at the end. Well, you know what? I don't like feeling manipulated... especially when I know that I am being mislead on purpose. If you could have surprised me at the end, I would have loved it. But instead we know that everything isn't as it seems, and then it tries to spring it on us that everything was a ruse. Well, sorry if we all saw through that. It wasn't half-obvious or anything... *rolls eyes*
Anyway, I'm not exactly impressed but I am still interested to see how everything wraps up in . I'm hoping we'll find out what the heck is up in Paraguay/Uruguay. Unless the rumours of a fourth book are true?
I wish I had more to say about this book. This is my third book (I've read and ) and so far I've found all her books kind of meh. But with the promise of teen art thieves, heists, cons, action, espionage, cursed jewels, ancient Egypt and Hale, I couldn't resist trying again.
But I almost wish I hadn't bother.
This book was just dull. None of the characters developed in the slightest since we last met them, and I had the same problems with them that I did last time. We barely seem to see them at all! We see what they did and what their role in the various heists were, but we never got to sit back and really see them... which was annoying, obviously. I think this was mainly because of the weird writing style.
The writing purposely left a lot out or skipped over important scenes so that we wouldn't know what was happening and be surprised at the end. Well, you know what? I don't like feeling manipulated... especially when I know that I am being mislead on purpose. If you could have surprised me at the end, I would have loved it. But instead we know that everything isn't as it seems, and then it tries to spring it on us that everything was a ruse. Well, sorry if we all saw through that. It wasn't half-obvious or anything... *rolls eyes*
Anyway, I'm not exactly impressed but I am still interested to see how everything wraps up in . I'm hoping we'll find out what the heck is up in Paraguay/Uruguay. Unless the rumours of a fourth book are true?
March 2, 2015
Listen to my Heist Society fanmix in and see the tracklist
Not as good as the first one, but that was still an enjoyable read.
March 13, 2021
"If it works, it works," Kat told him.
"And if it doesn't?" he asked.
She looked at him. "If it doesn't, then I've heard Monaco has the nicest prisons in all of Europe."
"It does," both Hamish and Angus said in unison.
And with that, it was decided.
gosh I love this crew. the squad goals are just so on point.
"And if it doesn't?" he asked.
She looked at him. "If it doesn't, then I've heard Monaco has the nicest prisons in all of Europe."
"It does," both Hamish and Angus said in unison.
And with that, it was decided.
gosh I love this crew. the squad goals are just so on point.
December 27, 2018
Love this series so much! The crew is great!
It feels like a guilty pleasure, because these kinds are so much younger than I am, but those are just really well-written books!
It feels like a guilty pleasure, because these kinds are so much younger than I am, but those are just really well-written books!
December 1, 2021
I DID NOT see that plot twist coming in the middle!!!
[REVIEW]
I will say this, I liked this a lot more than Heist Society! It wasn鈥檛 that Heist Society was bad, I just wasn鈥檛 as engaged with it as I鈥檇 thought I鈥檇 be. Uncommon Criminals, on the other hand, felt faster-paced, had higher stakes, and a plot twist I couldn鈥檛 see coming from a mile away.
MY THOUGHTS ON鈥�
MY CRITIQUES:
鈥ot surprisingly, I wasn鈥檛 a fan of the love triangle. I mean, can you really call it a love triangle? Love triangles typically involves a character having to having to choose between two love interests. Kat doesn鈥檛 seem to show a lot of romantic interest in Nick, but Hale seems to be upset whenever Nick tries to flirt with her. Either way, I didn鈥檛 like how jealous Hale got. I understand Hale being suspicious of Nick, especially since the crew knew nothing about Nick or his intentions when he joined both heists. But getting jealous that he was trying to steal Kat? And getting mad at Kat for not telling him that she saw Nick before, and didn鈥檛 tell him? Yeah, that kind of made Hale less attractive to me.
Let鈥檚 also not forget the fact that when Kat DID show her feelings for Hale, he rejected her. I understood why, with Kat not acting like herself, and Hale being disappointed about it. But I still found it frustrating that Hale would be like that, and then get jealous about the next boy who tries flirting with Kat.
鈥at鈥檚 mother was hardly brought up in this book. She was briefly mentioned in Heist Society, and all we really learned was that she鈥檇 been dead for sometime. I wanted to learn more about her, and how Kat feels about her mother. I wanted Carter to drop more hints about what happened to Kat鈥檚 mother, and how it had affected Kat (I still have a feeling it was partly the reason Kat tried to leave her life of thievery). I can only hope that we get more answers in Perfect Scoundrels.
鈥鈥檓 still confused about how Kat鈥檚 history with Simon, Angus, and Hamish. We obviously know Gabrielle is Kat鈥檚 cousin. We get Kat and Hale鈥檚 backstory because Hale鈥檚 her love interest. And Nick joins the crew after he pickpocketed Kat in Heist Society. But how did Kat meet Simon??? How long has she known Hamish and Angus??? As hilarious as they are, I want to get to know Simon, Angus, and Hamish more as characters.
鈥ust like the first book, I wish we would鈥檝e had more page time with everyone in Kat鈥檚 crew. Uncommon Criminals starts off with Kat, Hale, and Gabrielle in the first heist. Simon joined them early on after, and Nick, Angus, and Hamish showed up WAY later. Like, with Kat was still figuring out how to pull off the second heist later. In both books, I鈥檝e never felt like there鈥檚 enough page time of Kat鈥檚 crew all together. Which is a shame, because I love the banter when the crew does get together! I just wish we had more page time with all of them together as they planned the heist.
WHAT I LIKED:
鈥 remember being confused sometimes with some of the switches of the POVs in Heist Society. I feel like this was improved in Uncommon Criminals. The shifts were a lot smoother, and me already being familiar with the switches might鈥檝e helped with that.
鈥n Heist Society,,I felt like the first book had a lot more building up to the heist. The buildup wasn鈥檛 a bad thing, but I did think it dragged the plot from time to time. But in Uncommon Criminals, we jumped into the two heists pretty quickly! And the pacing was a lot faster, especially because there were TWO heists in this!
鈥he fact that the curse of the Cleopatra could be feared by even the world鈥檚 greatest thieves was hilarious to me. Like, here are thieves who can literally hack security systems, sneak into places they shouldn鈥檛, and con some of the most powerful people in the world. But as soon as this emerald showed up, every thief was like, 鈥淯mm, yeah, right, Imma head out now鈥︹€�
The curse also reminded me of the bad luck that comes when you say 鈥淢acbeth鈥� in a theatre. Basically, if you say 鈥淢acbeth鈥� in a theatre, bad luck will happen during rehearsal or the actual performance. Thespians will FREAK OUT if you say it, just as some of the characters (i.e. Gabrielle when she hurt her leg) freaked out when they learned had Kat stolen the Cleopatra.
鈥HE PLOT TWIST IN CHAPTER FREAKING 12. My mind is still spinning about how Carter pulled that off!
Well, okay, I won鈥檛 say I was totally clueless and gullible. As soon as Kat, Hale, and Gabrielle stole the Cleopatra the first time, I knew something was off. They couldn鈥檛 just steal the emerald, give it back to Constance, and then end the story there. It just seemed too quick and easy, especially with a jewel that鈥檚 supposedly cursed.
So when it was revealed that Constance was actually a con artist named Maggie who was going to sell the Cleopatra, claiming it as the Antony鈥eah, I was just as shocked as Kat! And I loved how that that lead to this book having TWO heists, both about going after the emerald! Well played, Ally Carter! You conned me with that plot twist!
鈥 loved the incorporation of Charlie鈥檚 character and backstory! When Charlie first appeared, I thought he鈥檇 only be in one scene, just creating a fake emerald for Kat. His and Eddie鈥檚 history with Maggie was built some great tension! The backstory also didn鈥檛 feel forced or random as a plot twist. Looking back, the hints were there, and all of it was executed wonderfully!
鈥his is kind of weird, but I laughed when Charlie said, 鈥淒on鈥檛 let men fall in love in love with you, girls. It's not the sort of thing that ends well.鈥� Like, that sums up practically every love triangle perfectly! I loved it!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
All in all, Uncommon Criminals was a wonderful sequel to the Heist Society series. Going to Perfect Scoundrels, I have so many questions! What is W.W. Hale the V鈥檚 full name? Will we find out who Visily Romani is? What happened to Kat鈥檚 mother鈥攁nd is it the reason Kat left thievery in the first place?
[REVIEW]
I will say this, I liked this a lot more than Heist Society! It wasn鈥檛 that Heist Society was bad, I just wasn鈥檛 as engaged with it as I鈥檇 thought I鈥檇 be. Uncommon Criminals, on the other hand, felt faster-paced, had higher stakes, and a plot twist I couldn鈥檛 see coming from a mile away.
MY THOUGHTS ON鈥�
MY CRITIQUES:
鈥ot surprisingly, I wasn鈥檛 a fan of the love triangle. I mean, can you really call it a love triangle? Love triangles typically involves a character having to having to choose between two love interests. Kat doesn鈥檛 seem to show a lot of romantic interest in Nick, but Hale seems to be upset whenever Nick tries to flirt with her. Either way, I didn鈥檛 like how jealous Hale got. I understand Hale being suspicious of Nick, especially since the crew knew nothing about Nick or his intentions when he joined both heists. But getting jealous that he was trying to steal Kat? And getting mad at Kat for not telling him that she saw Nick before, and didn鈥檛 tell him? Yeah, that kind of made Hale less attractive to me.
Let鈥檚 also not forget the fact that when Kat DID show her feelings for Hale, he rejected her. I understood why, with Kat not acting like herself, and Hale being disappointed about it. But I still found it frustrating that Hale would be like that, and then get jealous about the next boy who tries flirting with Kat.
鈥at鈥檚 mother was hardly brought up in this book. She was briefly mentioned in Heist Society, and all we really learned was that she鈥檇 been dead for sometime. I wanted to learn more about her, and how Kat feels about her mother. I wanted Carter to drop more hints about what happened to Kat鈥檚 mother, and how it had affected Kat (I still have a feeling it was partly the reason Kat tried to leave her life of thievery). I can only hope that we get more answers in Perfect Scoundrels.
鈥鈥檓 still confused about how Kat鈥檚 history with Simon, Angus, and Hamish. We obviously know Gabrielle is Kat鈥檚 cousin. We get Kat and Hale鈥檚 backstory because Hale鈥檚 her love interest. And Nick joins the crew after he pickpocketed Kat in Heist Society. But how did Kat meet Simon??? How long has she known Hamish and Angus??? As hilarious as they are, I want to get to know Simon, Angus, and Hamish more as characters.
鈥ust like the first book, I wish we would鈥檝e had more page time with everyone in Kat鈥檚 crew. Uncommon Criminals starts off with Kat, Hale, and Gabrielle in the first heist. Simon joined them early on after, and Nick, Angus, and Hamish showed up WAY later. Like, with Kat was still figuring out how to pull off the second heist later. In both books, I鈥檝e never felt like there鈥檚 enough page time of Kat鈥檚 crew all together. Which is a shame, because I love the banter when the crew does get together! I just wish we had more page time with all of them together as they planned the heist.
WHAT I LIKED:
鈥 remember being confused sometimes with some of the switches of the POVs in Heist Society. I feel like this was improved in Uncommon Criminals. The shifts were a lot smoother, and me already being familiar with the switches might鈥檝e helped with that.
鈥n Heist Society,,I felt like the first book had a lot more building up to the heist. The buildup wasn鈥檛 a bad thing, but I did think it dragged the plot from time to time. But in Uncommon Criminals, we jumped into the two heists pretty quickly! And the pacing was a lot faster, especially because there were TWO heists in this!
鈥he fact that the curse of the Cleopatra could be feared by even the world鈥檚 greatest thieves was hilarious to me. Like, here are thieves who can literally hack security systems, sneak into places they shouldn鈥檛, and con some of the most powerful people in the world. But as soon as this emerald showed up, every thief was like, 鈥淯mm, yeah, right, Imma head out now鈥︹€�
The curse also reminded me of the bad luck that comes when you say 鈥淢acbeth鈥� in a theatre. Basically, if you say 鈥淢acbeth鈥� in a theatre, bad luck will happen during rehearsal or the actual performance. Thespians will FREAK OUT if you say it, just as some of the characters (i.e. Gabrielle when she hurt her leg) freaked out when they learned had Kat stolen the Cleopatra.
鈥HE PLOT TWIST IN CHAPTER FREAKING 12. My mind is still spinning about how Carter pulled that off!
Well, okay, I won鈥檛 say I was totally clueless and gullible. As soon as Kat, Hale, and Gabrielle stole the Cleopatra the first time, I knew something was off. They couldn鈥檛 just steal the emerald, give it back to Constance, and then end the story there. It just seemed too quick and easy, especially with a jewel that鈥檚 supposedly cursed.
So when it was revealed that Constance was actually a con artist named Maggie who was going to sell the Cleopatra, claiming it as the Antony鈥eah, I was just as shocked as Kat! And I loved how that that lead to this book having TWO heists, both about going after the emerald! Well played, Ally Carter! You conned me with that plot twist!
鈥 loved the incorporation of Charlie鈥檚 character and backstory! When Charlie first appeared, I thought he鈥檇 only be in one scene, just creating a fake emerald for Kat. His and Eddie鈥檚 history with Maggie was built some great tension! The backstory also didn鈥檛 feel forced or random as a plot twist. Looking back, the hints were there, and all of it was executed wonderfully!
鈥his is kind of weird, but I laughed when Charlie said, 鈥淒on鈥檛 let men fall in love in love with you, girls. It's not the sort of thing that ends well.鈥� Like, that sums up practically every love triangle perfectly! I loved it!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
All in all, Uncommon Criminals was a wonderful sequel to the Heist Society series. Going to Perfect Scoundrels, I have so many questions! What is W.W. Hale the V鈥檚 full name? Will we find out who Visily Romani is? What happened to Kat鈥檚 mother鈥攁nd is it the reason Kat left thievery in the first place?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2016
Can鈥檛 believe it鈥檚 over. I still don鈥檛 really get what actually happened but I can鈥檛 stop grinning. Who could have seen it coming? It was just so bloody complicated, twins, fake stones, cons, plans for this and that... yet so simple! I wanna be a thief! Very, very much. I鈥檓 still not sure about the rating (shocking, I know) but I just adore Kat and W.W. Hale the 5th together (and not so much together) it totally made me blush. Also I will mistaken Paraguay for Uruguay for the rest of my life, thank you very much!
June 28, 2018
Uncommon Criminals is the second book from the Heist Society. I don't really know how I feel about it.. so many towards the end of this review I will know? Maybe?
Okay, so, this book was meh. Just like the previous book. I don't really know if I want to torture myself with more of these meh books but I haven't made my decision.. yet. Maybe they will get better or worse.. but I wont know until I read them. Maybe I'll flip a coin.
So this book was dull, boring, and again MEH. I still haven't really connected to the characters and I also haven't seen a lot of development between them either. I also don't really like the writing style. I'm pretty sure that's why I'm not really connecting to anything because we are only really seeing what they did but not what were doing throughout the whole book. It was annoying and frustrating to read. Does it change throughout the series? Does it get better? I have no idea.
Besides the frustrating writing, I just feel like I either missed a shit ton of things happening.. or the author just skipped over things really quickly. Either thinking in it her head.. and thinking she typed it? I don't know but it happens - a lot, to me.
Overall, I have no idea if I wanted to dive into the third book. I took a second chance on this series and I'm still not impressed, intrigued, or even slightly enjoying myself. I'm just numb to reading this series right now.
Okay, so, this book was meh. Just like the previous book. I don't really know if I want to torture myself with more of these meh books but I haven't made my decision.. yet. Maybe they will get better or worse.. but I wont know until I read them. Maybe I'll flip a coin.
So this book was dull, boring, and again MEH. I still haven't really connected to the characters and I also haven't seen a lot of development between them either. I also don't really like the writing style. I'm pretty sure that's why I'm not really connecting to anything because we are only really seeing what they did but not what were doing throughout the whole book. It was annoying and frustrating to read. Does it change throughout the series? Does it get better? I have no idea.
Besides the frustrating writing, I just feel like I either missed a shit ton of things happening.. or the author just skipped over things really quickly. Either thinking in it her head.. and thinking she typed it? I don't know but it happens - a lot, to me.
Overall, I have no idea if I wanted to dive into the third book. I took a second chance on this series and I'm still not impressed, intrigued, or even slightly enjoying myself. I'm just numb to reading this series right now.
August 25, 2017
Actual rating 4.5 stars
This review was originally posted at
Critically
Plot 鈥� 4.5 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed this sequel more than the first book. It was entertaining, fun and full of action. It鈥檚 full of suspense and twists and turns that I did not see coming at all. Thankfully, there鈥檚 more background information on the character鈥檚 and their family鈥檚 lives of thieving. This book focuses a lot on family and friendship but it has more of a romance as well.
Writing Style 鈥� 4 out of 5 stars
The writing style is funny, simple and really easy to read. Honestly, I always fly through Ally鈥檚 books because they鈥檙e so entertaining and fun and sometimes even intense that I always want to know what鈥檚 going to happen next. It鈥檚 detailed, descriptive and fast paced. It has a third person POV most of the time from the main character but with also extra chapter with different character鈥檚 POVs which bring new and extra details to the story.
Characters 鈥� 4 out of 5 stars
This improved so much more in this second book. One of my biggest complaints for the first book was the fact that we didn鈥檛 get enough background information on the character鈥檚 and their family and that is totally rectified in this book thanks to the plot. I definitely found myself connecting a bit more with all the different characters in part because I got to know them more through their relationships. It was just what I needed. Kat has grown from the first book but not necessarily in the best way. She鈥檚 gotten over confident and extremely independent. She鈥檚 stubborn and it causes a rift between her and the rest of her family鈥� again. I鈥檓 glad she grew in this book as well toward a more humble attitude which aligns with her determination and makes this a great book to read. I was kind of upset with Hale in this book though I totally understood where he was coming from. He鈥檚 hurt and angry and he feels vulnerable. It was nice to see a more emotional side of him even if he still carries on with his charming and protective self. I feel like the side characters in this book didn鈥檛 have as much exposure as they did in the first book but again, there was a lot more family background information so I guess I can live with it.
Emotionally
This review was originally posted at
Critically
Plot 鈥� 4.5 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed this sequel more than the first book. It was entertaining, fun and full of action. It鈥檚 full of suspense and twists and turns that I did not see coming at all. Thankfully, there鈥檚 more background information on the character鈥檚 and their family鈥檚 lives of thieving. This book focuses a lot on family and friendship but it has more of a romance as well.
Writing Style 鈥� 4 out of 5 stars
The writing style is funny, simple and really easy to read. Honestly, I always fly through Ally鈥檚 books because they鈥檙e so entertaining and fun and sometimes even intense that I always want to know what鈥檚 going to happen next. It鈥檚 detailed, descriptive and fast paced. It has a third person POV most of the time from the main character but with also extra chapter with different character鈥檚 POVs which bring new and extra details to the story.
Characters 鈥� 4 out of 5 stars
This improved so much more in this second book. One of my biggest complaints for the first book was the fact that we didn鈥檛 get enough background information on the character鈥檚 and their family and that is totally rectified in this book thanks to the plot. I definitely found myself connecting a bit more with all the different characters in part because I got to know them more through their relationships. It was just what I needed. Kat has grown from the first book but not necessarily in the best way. She鈥檚 gotten over confident and extremely independent. She鈥檚 stubborn and it causes a rift between her and the rest of her family鈥� again. I鈥檓 glad she grew in this book as well toward a more humble attitude which aligns with her determination and makes this a great book to read. I was kind of upset with Hale in this book though I totally understood where he was coming from. He鈥檚 hurt and angry and he feels vulnerable. It was nice to see a more emotional side of him even if he still carries on with his charming and protective self. I feel like the side characters in this book didn鈥檛 have as much exposure as they did in the first book but again, there was a lot more family background information so I guess I can live with it.
Emotionally
April 3, 2021
Ok... so no 5 stars this time...
I kinda wanted something to HAPPEN (between Hale and Kat) I mean plssssss stop just continuing it to the next book - when are they going to get together?? Idk
Hmm... we never find out who earlier used Visily Romani... maybe in the coming books? idk
Yeah well... I loved the writing as usual - but the plot was a little confusing at times... ok so a lot confusing at times!
Also, was it significant that Kat kept forgetting Paraguay was Paraguay?! Coz repeating that so many times just got on my nerves...
But anyway....
this is actually 3.5 rounded up *gasp* the lowest I've ever rated an Ally Carter book
oh well.
I kinda wanted something to HAPPEN (between Hale and Kat) I mean plssssss stop just continuing it to the next book - when are they going to get together?? Idk
Hmm... we never find out who earlier used Visily Romani... maybe in the coming books? idk
Yeah well... I loved the writing as usual - but the plot was a little confusing at times... ok so a lot confusing at times!
Also, was it significant that Kat kept forgetting Paraguay was Paraguay?! Coz repeating that so many times just got on my nerves...
But anyway....
this is actually 3.5 rounded up *gasp* the lowest I've ever rated an Ally Carter book
oh well.
June 14, 2024
3.5 stars rounded down
I thought I had read this before, but I hadn't--what I read were some of her Gallagher Girls book (teen spies in training) back when my daughters were the right age, and I liked those better.
Katarina (Kat, and I'm guessing this is a play on cat burglar) is from a crime family is on the move again. She has rebelled from the family trade of high stakes theft and only retrieves stolen goods albeit using the same set of skills to do so, and she has a group she often works with. There are plenty of twists and turns in this. I might have liked this better if I'd read the first book and knew what was going on, but it was still fun, and I can see why it's so popular with young readers.
I thought I had read this before, but I hadn't--what I read were some of her Gallagher Girls book (teen spies in training) back when my daughters were the right age, and I liked those better.
Katarina (Kat, and I'm guessing this is a play on cat burglar) is from a crime family is on the move again. She has rebelled from the family trade of high stakes theft and only retrieves stolen goods albeit using the same set of skills to do so, and she has a group she often works with. There are plenty of twists and turns in this. I might have liked this better if I'd read the first book and knew what was going on, but it was still fun, and I can see why it's so popular with young readers.
August 12, 2018
鉁湱鉁湰鉁� ~ 3.75 Stars
This was really fun and enjoyable, but I'd say I didn't like it *quite* as much as I liked the first book. Just by a smidge.
Kat and her crew are back in Uncommon Criminals, and this time their mission is to steal the Cleopatra Emerald from a man named Oliver Kelly, whose grandfather stole it from an Egyptian tomb. This is the biggest job Kat has ever had: nobody has ever successfully stolen the Cleopatra before. And if that wasn't enough, the Emerald is also supposedly cursed, bringing misfortune upon anyone who comes in contact with it.
It was a fun time! Kat & Co are in Monte Carlo this time for the majority of the story, which means: casino scenes and ballgowns. Yes please. I've never been to Monaco but it's always kind of fascinated me - this tiny country the size of a town with a royal family, chock full of casinos and hotels. It's like another world.
Unfortunately Kat did annoy me a little bit in this one, mostly surrounding everything to do with Hale. It annoyed me how he was always incredibly sweet and there for her and clearly loved her, and she kept insisting on her "I work alone" shit and taking Hale for granted. She also seemed to take sole credit for the heist in the previous book, when it was very clearly a team effort.
Still, I do like her as a character, and I LOVE all the other characters. Hale is amazing. WHEN WILL WE LEARN HIS FIRST NAME???? Gabrielle is my girl crush, Simon is adorable, and Hamish and Angus are hilarious.
Overall I'm really enjoying this series, I'm in love with the Art Thief Aesthetic, and any story with a heist is bound to have me hooked.
This was really fun and enjoyable, but I'd say I didn't like it *quite* as much as I liked the first book. Just by a smidge.
Kat and her crew are back in Uncommon Criminals, and this time their mission is to steal the Cleopatra Emerald from a man named Oliver Kelly, whose grandfather stole it from an Egyptian tomb. This is the biggest job Kat has ever had: nobody has ever successfully stolen the Cleopatra before. And if that wasn't enough, the Emerald is also supposedly cursed, bringing misfortune upon anyone who comes in contact with it.
It was a fun time! Kat & Co are in Monte Carlo this time for the majority of the story, which means: casino scenes and ballgowns. Yes please. I've never been to Monaco but it's always kind of fascinated me - this tiny country the size of a town with a royal family, chock full of casinos and hotels. It's like another world.
Unfortunately Kat did annoy me a little bit in this one, mostly surrounding everything to do with Hale. It annoyed me how he was always incredibly sweet and there for her and clearly loved her, and she kept insisting on her "I work alone" shit and taking Hale for granted. She also seemed to take sole credit for the heist in the previous book, when it was very clearly a team effort.
Still, I do like her as a character, and I LOVE all the other characters. Hale is amazing. WHEN WILL WE LEARN HIS FIRST NAME???? Gabrielle is my girl crush, Simon is adorable, and Hamish and Angus are hilarious.
Overall I'm really enjoying this series, I'm in love with the Art Thief Aesthetic, and any story with a heist is bound to have me hooked.
Want to read
February 16, 2011I know its going to be ahmazing! can't wait!! i am seriously getting upset though because i know i will have to wait so long for this book to come out, then i will read in like one day, then i will have to wait forever for the next!! lol oh well
April 1, 2020
The second book was just as fun as the first. This series is making me want to watch everything from National Treasure to Fools Gold for some reason. I鈥檓 here for it though.
October 14, 2019
Audiobook performed by Angela Dawe
2.5**
Katarina Bishop is back with her crew of teen-aged thieves. In this second outing they are after the Cleopatra emerald, despite legend that it carries a curse.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this plot, and more than one intricate theft taking place. Not to mention cons and contra-cons. The relationship between Kat and Hale is on a continued slow-burn, but she seems disinterested for most of the book. Or perhaps she鈥檚 just so focused on her mission to 鈥� well, that would be spoiling the plot. Kat鈥檚 crew includes her cousin, the fabulously beautiful Gabrielle, as well as computer whiz Simon, and the Scots Hamish and Angus. And, of course, there are private jets, private yachts and the palace at Monaco to add color and interest.
It's a fast read, and I like a lead female who is smart, determined and generally self-sufficient. But I didn't think it was as good as the first book, . Still, I see the appeal for the target YA audience.
Angela Dawe does a fine job performing the audio. She sets a good pace and clearly differentiates the many characters. I love how she voices Simon, who is suffering from a cold!
2.5**
Katarina Bishop is back with her crew of teen-aged thieves. In this second outing they are after the Cleopatra emerald, despite legend that it carries a curse.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this plot, and more than one intricate theft taking place. Not to mention cons and contra-cons. The relationship between Kat and Hale is on a continued slow-burn, but she seems disinterested for most of the book. Or perhaps she鈥檚 just so focused on her mission to 鈥� well, that would be spoiling the plot. Kat鈥檚 crew includes her cousin, the fabulously beautiful Gabrielle, as well as computer whiz Simon, and the Scots Hamish and Angus. And, of course, there are private jets, private yachts and the palace at Monaco to add color and interest.
It's a fast read, and I like a lead female who is smart, determined and generally self-sufficient. But I didn't think it was as good as the first book, . Still, I see the appeal for the target YA audience.
Angela Dawe does a fine job performing the audio. She sets a good pace and clearly differentiates the many characters. I love how she voices Simon, who is suffering from a cold!
July 27, 2011
Pre-reading: Hm, I think I like the Heist cover better, this one seems a little less intense. But it's still nice, love that the model kept her smirk :)
After reading: I really loved this book. I liked the first Heist a lot, but I feel like Ally Carter has improved her writing so much since the last Heist. All the characters in Uncommon Criminals are really wonderful and extremely well fleshed out. I also think Ally Carter's third person prose has gotten a lot better.
After reading: I really loved this book. I liked the first Heist a lot, but I feel like Ally Carter has improved her writing so much since the last Heist. All the characters in Uncommon Criminals are really wonderful and extremely well fleshed out. I also think Ally Carter's third person prose has gotten a lot better.
February 28, 2016
actually i'd give it 4 stars but i just love these characters so damn much i gotta go with the 5 stars
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