Title: Uncommon Criminals
Author: Ally Carter
Series: (Heist Society #2)
Published: June 2011 by Disney-Hyperion Book
 

I think I mentioned it before that I wasn’t that blown away by Ally Carter’s books but when my sister bought Height Society I still decided to give a try. They are not bad (need to emphasized that) it just… it wasn’t my type. Though sometimes, I see myself liking the story but as the entirety… not that much. A good book, a very good book. So when I saw my sister already have her copy of the second book I decided to read it (while the first book is still fresh in my mind). While I may sound pessimistic; I do like the story, enough for me to continue it. When I read the first book, I don’t know what’s wrong with story (or with me) that somehow blocks me from enjoying it fully. But now I can tell you what I didn’t like.

I’m not gonna do summary, but to give you the basic: Kat was asked to steal the Cleopatra Emerald and returned it to its original owner. As it turned out they were conned by this person. So after that nerve wracking job, they must steal the emerald back.

In a fingersnap, the reason came to me why I didn’t like the story. It has a tendency to be repetitive. It has a theme, no wait— it has recurring theme. How can I explain it clearly? Hmmm, let me try. You see, Kat as a thief comes first before anything else in the story. And how will we— readers know that? By putting Kat in situations where her skills will be tested. So as long as there are things to steal then there’s your story. Character development or anything else that needs to develop will come as second priority. Unless it can be executed both, but sadly I don’t see it here. Well, it’s not that bad actually, I mean the author put a lot of thought on how to implement the story in a very interesting manner, and I find the way Kat’s mind work exciting. It’s just that I don’t like these kinds of books. I like story that continues in their succeeding books. These kinds, well, they kinda start with a clean slate in every book, so if you happen to stumble across it and didn’t know it came from a series you wouldn’t be that confused. It can be a stand alone for all I know.

Well, in all fairness it wasn’t much as a repeat of the first book. At first, I thought it was, so when it turns out that they were deceived and need to retrieve back the emerald where they initially steal themselves, I thought that was a clever twist. But that said, I’m still a fan of character development and fluid storyline than recurring theme books.

I realized that Ally Carter’s readership is for younger teens (or much younger like tweens) so maybe that’s also a reason why I’m not digging it that much. But I need to emphasized they are no way terrible. They are great books. I love the writing, it was easy for me. The characters are great and the ideas are exceptional. I can give praises to this book even though I’m not so much into, because regardless of my personal taste when it comes to books, Uncommon Criminal is gem on its own (depending on who you’re asking). I can see it, but enjoyability plus personal factor kinda messes it up for me. But that will always present in every book I read. It’s a big factor in my reading habit.

What else… what I like about the book though (what I’m weeping in the first book) there’s bit of development on Hale and Kat’s relationship. It was evident; I know that they like each other. But more than knowing the obvious I want to see it happen in the book. Well, I’m quite happy about it ‘cause it manifested a bit. The author decided to put a bit more in their relationship. I’m glad Nick was back. Hey, I like the guy. But like HexHall I really don’t care who Kat chooses. But I mean, you have to be blind if you don’t see how obvious Kat and Hale into each other. Just sayin’. To sum up, a good book! Three stars!