Jim Morgan and the King of Thieves by James Matlack Raney
Published by Dreamfarer Press on September 1, 2012
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / Pirates, Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General
Pages: 282
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A gypsy curse A shadow pirate An ancient treasure An adventure beyond mystery and magic! Eleven year-old Jim Morgan once had a home, a life of comfort, and a future full of promise. But all that changed the night his father was murdered. Now Jim is on the run from his father s enemies, a wicked count and his vengeful son, and at the same time, trying to decipher the secret to the last mystery his father left him the hidden location of an ancient treasure. But standing in Jim s way is an army of pickpockets, led by a master criminal, known only as the King of Thieves, and around every corner, Jim finds dangerous foes, new allies, and more magic than he ever knew existed. If Jim can survive, he may discover a hero hidden within himself, and a destiny beyond his wildest dreams

This book was a lot of fun to read. I saw glimpses of my son in Jim — especially in the beginning, when he thought he knew everything or could just talk his way out of trouble. Watching him be forced to figure things out for himself really worked for me, and I liked that he didn’t just magically change overnight. His growth felt believable, with a few steps forward and some frustrating ones back. There’s betrayal, murder, pirates, and even a touch of magic, which kept me turning the pages. It’s geared toward a younger audience, but there’s enough going on to keep adults entertained too. If you enjoy pirate adventures with heart, this one’s worth picking up.

🛑 Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.