Children of the Fox: Thieves of Shadow, Book 1
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Children of the Fox is the first book in a new series by Kevin Sands (The Blackthorn Key series), set in a fantasy world with two moons, a brooding volcano, and a cosmic conflict between followers of the Bear, who are soul-stealing conjurers, and those of the Fox, who are thieves. The story takes five orphan Fox kids, the youngest about 10 and the oldest 14, who've individually come to excel at specialized criminal skills, and take on a thieving job that will probably get them killed -- but if it doesn't, will make them rich enough to give up thieving. There's a lot of past and present violence, as Weavers (conjurers) kill their victims and use their souls in enchantments; there's lots of often mortal combat, magical and otherwise. Villains gouge out a character's eye. Narrator Callan, now 14, bears horrific scars on his back from being beaten as punishment for stealing an apple as a starving 6-year-old orphan -- which also mark him as a thief and keep him from getting honest work, so now he's a very skilled con artist. The characters are engaging and complex as their values evolve from self-preservation to brilliant teamwork and we learn more of their history. Strong messages of teamwork, loyalty, valuing everyone's skills -- and being able to adapt fast as things change and plots twist.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
The five CHILDREN OF THE FOX, young outlaws all, are Callan, 14, a skilled con artist whose scarred back marks him as a thief; fashionable, flirty Meriel, about the same age, who's deadly accurate with knife-throwing when she's not picking silly young men's pockets; tall, skinny, awkward Gareth, who's brilliant at finding information; red-haired, masked Foxtail, skilled at climbing, housebreaking, and other useful arts; and Lachlan, the youngest, who seems to have an endless web of connections and resources around town. Together -- because the job is going to call for a lot of skills and planning -- they're hired by a mysterious client to steal a magic stone called the Eye from a sorcerer so murderous and powerful, even the emperor's afraid of him. As they well know, the task is impossible and is sure to get them killed. But if it doesn't, they'll be rich and free for the rest of their lives.
Is It Any Good?
Blackthorn Key series author Kevin Sands returns with a gripping fantasy that pits a band of young criminals against powerful sorcerers in an often cruel world with two moons and a looming volcano. Children of the Fox Callan, Meriel, Gareth, Foxtail, and Lachlan are complex, engaging, and conflicted as they take on a challenge that requires every bit of their talents, and working together, which none of them have ever done. Also, it will probably get them all killed. Callan, a proficient con artist, wonders from time to time if they're being played, but their options are few and the plot twists are many, keeping readers glued to the page right up to the moment that sets up Book 2.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like Children of the Fox in which the heroes are outlaws. It's a very old theme -- why do you think it's popular? Do you have any favorites? If the heroes are outlaws, what does it say about the society they live in?
One of the core messages of the story is that if you want something so badly you can hardly think of anything else, you become very easy for someone else to manipulate by promising it to you. Do you see this happening in your own life or your friends' lives? What happened?
Have you ever had to do something that you thought was a really bad idea? What happened, and how did it turn out?
Book Details
- Author: Kevin Sands
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: October 5, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 416
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 2, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1
Greek myths meet fast-paced adventure in boy-demigod tale.
-
The Nightmare Thief, Book 1
Thought-provoking story examines mind control, blackmail.
-
A Tale of Sorcery: A Tale of Magic, Book 3
Fairies and fire demons vs. villains in wild page-turner.
For kids who love fantasy and teamwork
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate