The Smoke Thieves
Sally Green
512pp, £7.99, paperback
ISBN: 0425290212

I’m not a Game of Thrones addict - I tried reading the George RR Martin series and made it only to book two before I got totally confused with the multitude of characters. So, hurrah for The Smoke Thieves, with clearly defined families and countries, and short, punchy chapters headed with the individuals’ names, which leave you in no doubt where you are and who you’re reading about. The five protagonists are young (and therefore resonate with my readers) and very different. The females are strong - Catherine, in particular, is clever and powerful - and the males quite fascinating. There is a clear delineation between good and evil, and the “baddies” are worthy of booing and hissing. Towards the end of the book, they begin to interact, so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series.

Gill Ward is senior librarian at Fortismere School, London

Pupil reviews of The Smoke Thieves

‘Pages of sheer elation’

The Smoke Thieves is a well-written page-turner. The characters have clearly defined personalities and the world is complex, but not overly so. Like many other fantasy novels set in the mythical lands of the author’s mind, a map of the regions and areas is provided before the story begins. There is also a glossary-like outline of the places, royals and characters featured throughout the tale, which, if you were to get confused, would help (although it has been written in such a way that that’s unlikely).

Every chapter is exciting and interesting. Chapters begin with a quote that hints at what is to come and entice you into reading for even longer than you’d planned to. Each narrator has characteristics that differentiate them clearly. This means that, unlike many books that use polyperspectivity, it is not difficult to remember which protagonist a particular slice of the story belongs to. I especially liked reading the chapters from the point of view of a princess called Catherine.

I do, however, have one quibble: as you reach the climax of a chapter or section, you are snatched away to another character’s perspective.

This does, to some extent, create suspense but, in my opinion, the number of narrators means that, some of the time, this feeling is lost and the suspense that was previously very well created has to be built up from near square one.

Perhaps, had there been fewer narrators, it would have been more successful - although there is the chance that, had this been the case, I would have called it an unfinished jigsaw.

But my small complaint is nothing compared to the 512 pages of sheer elation, fear, suspense, action, rage and gut-wrenching sadness this story can offer you. It is brilliant. I feel that it may be the first of a series and, if so, I will be more than happy to re-enter the realms of Calidor, Brigant and Pitoria.

Mimi Needham-Hewavisenti, Year 9

‘You ache to learn more about their culture’

In one word, I would sum up The Smoke Thieves as “unique”.

The plot is set in a fantastical world and the point of view is split into five different characters’ lives. At times, this structure provides variety and more insight into the strange characters; however, you can get very much attached to one character and bored when reading about others.

The variety of class levels, from royalty to servants, is shown throughout the story as the characters lead different lives - connected by “demon smoke”, a fictional substance used commonly as a recreational drug - leading to a point where they intertwine. This is slightly unoriginal - most multiple viewpoint stories have them interact in this sort of journey end.

The theme of lies and betrayal is pursued throughout the story, giving it a sense of urgency, as you simply want to yank them out and sort out their problems and lies swiftly before they get themselves into an even bigger mess, which they often do.

However, I would not classify the book as rushed: there is a compelling and even comforting force as you ache to learn more about the countries, culture and history of the battling kingdoms.

It is interesting to compare their world to our own and the few similarities, such as the lack of equality, the corruption of governments and lack of trust.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and do hope a second one is in the making.

Liza Voloboeva, Year 9

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