Book Review: Heist Society by Ally Carter

Monday, July 4, 2011

Heist Society by Ally Carter
Publication date: February, 2010
Published by: Hachette Australia
Source: Thanks to Hachette Australia

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.
Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster's art collection has been stolen, and he wants it returned. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat’s father isn’t just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.
For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it’s a spectacularly impossible job? She’s got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family’s (very crooked) history—and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  "It is an occupational hazard that anyone who has spent her life learning how to lie eventually becomes bad at telling the truth."

Heist Society is a brilliant read! It was fun and fast paced and I loved every minute of it.

Kat is a 15 year old retired thief or was until she was forced to get back in the family business in order to save her Dad.  Her father has been set up, accused of stealing paintings from a mobster type of guy that lead to some very dangerous consequences.  With help from her crew including the yummy Hale she is going to steal the painting back and clear her father's name. But this is the biggest and most dangerous heist of Kat's life.

Carter has written a well thought out plot. They were surprises around every corner and it certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.  I loved that I could never predict what was going to happen next.  It was exciting and completely addictive.

And the characters what a funny, warm and brave bunch!  I would love to hang out with Kat and the crew.  Kat is strong, determined and instantly likeable.  And I loved the dynamics between Kat and her friends.  There is plenty of witty dialogue that ensured I was grinning the whole way through.

There is a tiny bit of romance.  You can see there are some feelings between Kat and a certain thief.  Carter is taking the slow and natural progression which I love.  Although further down the series I am sure I am going to begging for Carter to make something happen.  But for now I am enjoying the playful and some time sweet banter.

"Dancing. Come on. You can do it. It's a lot like navigating through a laser grid. It requires rhythm.' He moved her hips to the beat of the distant music. 'And patience.' He spun her around slowly and back toward him. 'And it's only fun if you trust your partner.' The dip was so slow, so smooth that Kat didn't know it was happening until the world was already turned upside down and Hale's face was inches from her own. 
Count me in, Kat.' He squeezed her tighter. 'You should always count me in."

After finishing this I am left thinking to myself why didn't I read this earlier and of course had to start book #2 Uncommon Criminals immediately.  I definitely recommend this if you are looking for a fun novel with entertaining characters and a fantastic premise.  Don't miss out on this awesome series.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Romance 4/5
Cover: 4.5/5

For more info:  Visit Ally Carter's website or Date A Book.

For more reviews:  The Unread Reader

Note:  Stay tuned this week for a GIVEAWAY for this book!

55 comments:

Misha said...

Though I haven't been hearing great things about the second part, the first does sound like so much fun. The premise is unlike any other YA novels.
Awesome review!

Bleuette said...

Ooh sounds really good! This has been on TBR pile for a while I should really pick it up soon and I love the idea of "a family of theives."

Missie, The Unread Reader said...

I loved Heist Society. I feel the same. I loved to hang out with Kat and crew! And the surprises kept in on the edge of my seat too!

This review makes me happy! Thanks, Nic.

Emily said...

My lib has this and I will definitely be picking it up soon!

Nina said...

I need to get a copy of this one very soon. I just keep hearing positive things about it!

Leanna Elle said...

Oooh, I had never really considered reading this before reading your review. It sounds really good, though. I might just have to check it out!

Abbey said...

i've been tempted to pick this up for a while but you've deffinently swayed me in the buy it direction!
i'm liking the sound of Hale.
The premise kind of reminds me of this great English movie i watched called Wild Target.
great review!

Small Review said...

Witty dialogue, a realistic and sweet romance, surprises, and a cast of characters you just want to hang out with...just what I want! This is going on the TBR now. Thanks!

Jenny said...

I'm kind of loving the sound of a slow romance with lots of tension. I'm sure like you at some point I'll be begging for things to get moving, but I love a slow build:) I need to read this series! Awesome review Nic:)

Savannah said...

This is one series I want to pickup. I have heard great reviews on it. Thanks for this review, I'm adding it to my tbr pile!

Jan von Harz said...

I loved this one and am hoping to get the next book soon. Glad you enjoyed it and cannot wait to hear what you think of Uncommon Criminals.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you liked it so much! For me this one was a bit hard to get into it at the beginning, but once things were set in motion I did like it tons.
I love Hale and Gaby, they are my favorite characters :D

:D

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Okay, if you had to start #2 right away... I have to know! I enjoyed Missie's review and now this... oh I so need to get this series!!

Julie said...

I have this book in my TBR pile. I've heard such great things about it! I have to move it up on my list. I got it because I love the movie The Thomas Crown Affair. The synopsis reminds me of it. Great review!

A Canadian Girl said...

I'd love to hang out with Kat and her crew (especially Hale!) too though I'd be a horrible thief.

Alison Can Read said...

I would like to re-read this book. I enjoyed it but didn't love it. I remember liking the characters and the witty dialogue. I thought it was a bit confusing and took me awhile to get into it. But I also think it would be easier on a second go-round.

Jenny N. said...

I always thought this sounded like such a fun read and you confirmed it for me. Will have to add the books to my wishlist.

Midnight Bloom said...

I really loved reading Heist Society too! I can't wait to read Uncommon Criminals so we can see more of Hale and Kat together!

Audrey (holes In My brain) said...

Great review! I totally loved the plot too, and fell in love with those awesome characters along the way :) Hale! :P

Jacinda (The Reading Housewives) said...

Great review! I've listened to a bit of this on audiobook, but it expired from the library and I never started listening to it again! I really need to read this and book #2!

Nomes said...

nic ~ your enthusiasm is contagious :)

i liked this one too (but really wished for something more with Hale ~ he is absolute hotness)

kai (amaterasu) said...

I got interested in this book when I saw a my book boyfriend post before, but your review made me want to read it so bad! great review! :)

Jammie said...

Great Review I have seen this book around. I really wanted to read it. I want to read it even more now! :D

Erin W. said...

Great review!

Cherry said...

I presume by your review that the story telling quality is also awesome... Maybe I ought to give this one a go... :)

Unknown said...

I REALLY AND TRULY LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! Great Review! Makes me rethink how I review my books.

Chey said...

I bought this not too long ago and LOVED it. Thanks for your review!

Unknown said...

nice review! :) i have this on my TBR file! :)

Catherine Siborutorop said...

Great review! Gosh, I can't wait to put my hands in this. I've read The Gallagher Girl series, and it was AMAZING. I truly love Ally Carter's books :))

Kacennnka said...

I really looking forward to reading this book!

Andra Lyn said...

Woo...I definitely like those quotes. I think this book sound AMAZING. I will be getting it asap...just moved to the top of the TBR pile..sigh that piles just about falling over by now...

Anonymous said...

Great review! It seems intriguing. Can't wait to read this book! :D

Zemira said...

I really need to read Heist Society ASAP!

Nikita said...

I heard really great thing about Heist Society and your review is amazing too. I really want to read it! :)

Wendy Darling said...

I'm dying to read this series! It sounds like so much fun. :)

Kaye M. said...

I love this book. I'm rereading it - on and off - to be prepared for the sequel. Ally Carter is on my list of authors that I wanna write like when I grow up. :p

Vivien said...

Sounds like another great series to get into.

Rummanah Aasi said...

I also really enjoyed this book. It's what I call "Oceans 11" for teens. Watching them create a scheme and execute it was my favorite part of the book besides the fabulous banter between Kat and Hale. :)

Lyndsey Lore said...

Love your review, Nic! Even though the premise is totally different, this makes me miss Alias SO much.

Laura Hartness said...

I managed to get a copy of this and just can't wait to read it! Thanks for the review and I'm going to enter the giveaway for Uncommon Criminals!

Laura Hartness

Diana said...

love love love your review! you give enough info to suck us in but not enough for spoilers :) havent had time to read it yet, but I will definitely be on the look out for it!

Diana
ps. thanks for the giveaway :)

Melissa @ Book Nerd Reviews said...

I actually don't think I have heard of this book prior to reading your review, but it defintely sounds like a fun read, and I am looking forward to reading this myself!!

Rommel Fernandes said...

Thank you for the review. Need to check this book.

WickedWillow said...

Nice review!
I am a new follower!!

Anonymous said...

great review nic! . the book sounds really good just the kind of book i need now . im reading all slow and heavy books atm . i need something entertaining .ill be sure to check it out :)

Sapphired Dragon said...

I hadn't heard of this author till recently but both this series and her Gallagher girls series look like something I might want to look up. Thanks for reviewing and helping make up my mind to put this on my TBR list.

Books for Company said...

I have to be honest, this isn't a book l have ever been that interested in but l am now!

KimboSliceAus said...

I've heard so much about this series. I really need to get it. :)

jayjay said...

Awesome review! been hearing good things about this series! can't wait to read it! :)

ZoeRainDasher said...

Kat and Hale.

Gosh, sometimes I forget that Hale isn't his first name.

A.J. said...

Great review; this sounds good and fun! I'm adding this to my TBR list now. I really can't help myself after seeing your Book Boyfriend post of Hale. ;D

NatyGry said...

Awesome review!
Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Great review!

I love Ally Carter's books!

Delilah said...

Great review I like reading this book. It was such an easy read!

Unknown said...

Great Review! I thought this book was adorable!

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