The Sword Thief

August 1, 2009
Gr 4-7-Amy and Dan Cahill are now on their way to Japan. In the dramatic opening chapter, while boarding a flight to Tokyo, they are outfoxed by two of their cousins, also in search of the Cahill family secrets. Separated from their au pair, Nellie, and cat, Saladin, they are forced to find alternate transportation in their Uncle Alistair's private jet. Though they never fully trust him, Amy and Dan must rely on his knowledge of Japan and of their Cahill ancestor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous warrior whose stronghold may harbor their next clue. Lerangis continues the formula of the earlier "39 Clues" books: plenty of action and surprises, but little in the way of characterization or description of the setting. The small tidbits of historical information about ninjas are not well integrated into the story. Nevertheless, this is sure to be popular with fans of the series who appreciate Dan's bad jokes, the double-crossing Cahill relatives, and cliff-hanger endings. (Note: Library edition does not include the playing cards.)"Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2009
Three different authors contribute volumes to the high-octane series about a treacherous, globe-circling scavenger hunt. Dan and Amy are still the principle underdogs in the search for the clues (a Mozart manuscript, a Japanese sword, ancient hieroglyphs) that will allow them to claim their family's historical power. The (stock) characters are energetically rendered; the action never abates.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)