Ursu's understated humor is very like that of Terry Pratchett. I ended up laughing (or snorting) out loud in parts, which might be uncommon for an adult reading a book for ages 9-12. Like Pratchett's writing, it was a wry look at everyday issues applied to absurd situations (ie. Hades with personnel problems), and everyday life portrayed in such a way you realized it itself is pretty absurd - all wrapped in an entertaining story. I loved it, and am eager to read more of her novels.

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This was a great read! I loved it right away, mostly because of the writing style. I love Greek mythology and really liked the author's twist on Hades. The book says it's for ages 8 - 12, but I think older teens and anyone who likes YA will enjoy this. It reminds me of Neil Gaiman's works, only young adult and not quite as creepy.

When I started it I didn't realize it was book one of a series. I was sort of dreading the ending because so many series' leave the reader with a cliffhanger. The Shadow Thieves definitely ended its story, only it left enough room for more books to come. I haven't read the others yet, and I don't know how many there are, but I highly recommend reading The Shadow Thieves even just as a stand-alone novel.

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I picked up this book because I needed a "U" author to complete a reading challenge and this book sounded interesting. I figured it was young adult but upon reading realized it was closer to teen than young adult. The protagonists are 13-year old children: Charlotte and Zachary "Zee". It's well-written but something only the much younger generation would enjoy. A little too simplistic for mature readers.

There are lots of instances where the author spends a paragraph or two detailing what might have happened if such and such happened first. Then the author details what actually happened which makes for a long story with extraneous information and irrelevant details. The story is divided into four parts, the first was ok but a little confusing as the events occurred in the middle of the story not the beginning. The second part was a little over the heads of the intended audience what with detailed Greek mythology with the Underworld center-stage. I've heard of everyone of this myths and even I found it tedious and confusing. I imagine the younger crowd would be completely lost. The story really picked up in part 3 and sailed right into part 4 and a stunning conclusion.

This is the first in a series but I don't believe I will be reading the others...unless, of course, I need a "U" author again.

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