Seekers of the Fox: Thieves of Shadow, Book 2
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Seekers of the Fox is the second installment in Kevin Sands' middle-grade Thieves of Shadow series, set in a magic-soaked world and featuring the adventures of five young thieves, ages 10-14. Book 1 left the youngest member of the band near death, and the magical force that saves him will also soon destroy him -- unless the kids can find two swords that may exist only in legend, but might heal him. Their quest takes them through many perils and dire situations -- including sleazy taverns, shipwrecks awash in treasure and skeletons, a magic "eye" with a mind of its own that's attached itself to the narrator's eye socket, murderous law enforcement, and close encounters with the Bear and the Fox, spirits who rule the world. The art of the gaff -- confidence trick -- plays a large role in the story, as do other skills related to thievery, because their dystopian world has forced the young characters to live by their wits from an early age. Along the way, young readers may pick up a bit of insight on how not to get conned. There's never a dull moment, with complex, engaging characters, lots of plot twists, imaginative world-building, and a conclusion that sets up more to come in Book 3.
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What's the Story?
The young SEEKERS OF THE FOX -- con artist Callan, knife-throwing Meriel, masked acrobat Foxtail, bookish Gareth, and affable Lachlan, all devotees of the fox spirit Shuna, protector of thieves -- first came together in Book 1 as a carefully chosen gang tasked with stealing a magical object. That job didn't go as planned, and as the story opens here, Lachlan, the youngest, is near death from a magical wound. His friends rush to save him and think they've succeeded, but soon discover that the "cure" will kill him. Hope may lie in the healing powers of two legendary swords. Which may or may not exist, but the quest to save Lachlan is on and they're all in.
Is It Any Good?
Kevin Sands delivers an engaging, exciting installment in his imaginative middle-grade series of magic, thievery, friendship, dystopian society, cosmic forces, and those who get caught up in them. As the Seekers of the Fox race to save their youngest from an untimely death, their quest may be hopeless -- but, as narrator Callan notes, sometimes all your choices are bad but you still have to make them. Thrills, plot twists, betrayals, and surprises are plentiful, as are sweet moments of discovery and connection among the young protagonists.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the thieves in Seekers of the Fox. Why do you think having main characters as thieves is such a popular theme? What's the appeal? What other thief-centered stories are your favorites?
A skilled con artist, Callan notes that need, speed, and greed (really, obsessively wanting something and being in a hurry about it) often motivate people to do stupid things, like fall for a scam that's too good to be true. Do you see people around you doing this -- wanting something so much they're not exactly thinking straight? How does it play out?
If you were going on a quest, what would it be and who would you take along? Why do you think it would be good to have them with you?
Book Details
- Author: Kevin Sands
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: October 18, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 400
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: October 15, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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The Good Thieves
Kids fight gangsters in thrilling, heart-filled 1920s tale.
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To Catch a Thief
A riveting, rollicking Hitchcock suspense classic.
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Ocean's Eleven
Fun heist movie for older kids and their families.
For kids who love adventure and fantasy
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