The Talent Thief

Gr 5—8—Twelve-year-old Adam Bloom is ordinary. His older sister, Cressida, however, is an extremely talented singer. When Adam accompanies her to a festival celebrating "Youthful Genius," he notices that something is amiss. First, he sees a creature in the shadows. Then the participants' talents begin to disappear without explanation. After Cressida's ability to sing vanishes, Adam and his new friend, a woman named Amy (once a gifted race car driver) discover that the event's sponsor, Fortescue, has launched an evil plot, one made possible with the help of an ancient creature capable of stealing talents. Adam, Amy, and Cressida set off on a journey to foil Fortescue and return the stolen talents to their rightful owners. Though imaginative, the novel lacks believability. Adam is almost too good to be true. An overzealous supporter of his sister, he has an overwhelming desire to do what is right. The story also leaves readers wanting to know more about the mysterious creature. The author uses descriptive language, but the theme of finding self-respect amid extreme talent begins to dominate the plot. Despite its shortcomings, this is a story that fantasy and adventure fans will enjoy, and the well-paced action will propel them to the end.—Rebecca Webster, Warren County Middle School, Front Royal, VA