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The Traitor and the Thief #1
The Traitor and the Thief
Discovered picking pockets at Coxford’s Corn Market, fourteen year old Sin is hunted across the city. Caught by the enigmatic Eldritch Moons, Sin is offered a way out of his life of crime: join the Covert Operations Group (COG) and train to become a spy. At Lenheim Palace, Sin learns spy craft while trying not to break the school’s Cast-Iron Rules. Befriended by eccentric Zonda Chubb, together they endeavour to unmask a traitor causing havoc within the palace. After an assassination attempt on the founder of COG, Sin realises that someone closest to him could be the traitor. With no other option, Sin is forced into an uneasy alliance with the school bully, Velvet Von Darque.
But can he trust her? And will COG try to bury him with the secrets he discovers? Secrets, spies and steampunk gadgets abound in this fantastic adventure story!
But can he trust her? And will COG try to bury him with the secrets he discovers? Secrets, spies and steampunk gadgets abound in this fantastic adventure story!
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
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313 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 10, 2018
I received a copy of The Traitor and the Thief from the publisher, possibly because of The Cut Out. Both stories involve a fourteen-year old boy who is recruited as a spy, and hopes to be an agent of peace, but does not trust his bosses.
There the similarities end. The hero of The Traitor and the Thief is Sin, a resourceful young thief from the steampunk mean streets of Britannia. When he attempts to steal a gem to pay off his debt to a sinister figure known only as "the Fixer," he finds himself invited to join COG, the Covert Operations Group. This sounds better than his past life of desperation, so he accepts - and then immediately discovers that everyone in COG seems to have something to hide. Some might even be concealing details about Sin's own past. Life on the streets might be better than death at the hands of a traitor, which could be Noir (the sinister magician/hypnotist), Velvet von Darque (a cruel but beautiful fellow-student who resembles a female Draco Malfoy) or even Zonda Chubb (the apparently-friendly girl next door).
It's a cracking plot, but that's not why you read the book. You read it for the marvelous language and wordplay. The descriptions of the clockwork and steampowered contraptions - all invented by brilliant lunatic Nimrod Barm - are magical, and the dialogue is a pleasure to read. Each character has not only her own voice but also her own lingo, so Gareth Ward "posituitively" never needs to use phonetic spellings or other hacks for accents. ("My evening ain't exactly been bang up the castle," Sin tells some would-be muggers. "So if you want a battering, let's dance.")
At first I thought some of the characters were a bit clichéd, and that the book wasn't especially feminist. Velvet von Darque appears to be a typical femme fatale, and Zonda Chubb is a classic wholesome love interest. But the ongoing story upended my expectations several times. The stereotypes help build the vintage-adventure feel, and I'd rather a fleshed-out stereotype than a very original cardboard cut-out.
And Ward is carefully self-aware: "Mother fought hard to get women accepted into Cog," Velvet says. "We can't afford to be shrinking violets."
"I just don't think violence is the answer," Zonda replies.
"True enough, but unfortunately it's men asking the questions."
The Traitor and the Thief is like a steampunk mashup of Harry Potter and Alex Rider, and it's more fun than either series. I'm sure I'm not the only one hoping for sequels.
There the similarities end. The hero of The Traitor and the Thief is Sin, a resourceful young thief from the steampunk mean streets of Britannia. When he attempts to steal a gem to pay off his debt to a sinister figure known only as "the Fixer," he finds himself invited to join COG, the Covert Operations Group. This sounds better than his past life of desperation, so he accepts - and then immediately discovers that everyone in COG seems to have something to hide. Some might even be concealing details about Sin's own past. Life on the streets might be better than death at the hands of a traitor, which could be Noir (the sinister magician/hypnotist), Velvet von Darque (a cruel but beautiful fellow-student who resembles a female Draco Malfoy) or even Zonda Chubb (the apparently-friendly girl next door).
It's a cracking plot, but that's not why you read the book. You read it for the marvelous language and wordplay. The descriptions of the clockwork and steampowered contraptions - all invented by brilliant lunatic Nimrod Barm - are magical, and the dialogue is a pleasure to read. Each character has not only her own voice but also her own lingo, so Gareth Ward "posituitively" never needs to use phonetic spellings or other hacks for accents. ("My evening ain't exactly been bang up the castle," Sin tells some would-be muggers. "So if you want a battering, let's dance.")
At first I thought some of the characters were a bit clichéd, and that the book wasn't especially feminist. Velvet von Darque appears to be a typical femme fatale, and Zonda Chubb is a classic wholesome love interest. But the ongoing story upended my expectations several times. The stereotypes help build the vintage-adventure feel, and I'd rather a fleshed-out stereotype than a very original cardboard cut-out.
And Ward is carefully self-aware: "Mother fought hard to get women accepted into Cog," Velvet says. "We can't afford to be shrinking violets."
"I just don't think violence is the answer," Zonda replies.
"True enough, but unfortunately it's men asking the questions."
The Traitor and the Thief is like a steampunk mashup of Harry Potter and Alex Rider, and it's more fun than either series. I'm sure I'm not the only one hoping for sequels.
August 25, 2017
Caught stealing at Coxford’s Corn Market, 14 yr old Sin is hunted across the city. But his street skills can’t evade his pursuers. They want Sin to join their Covert Operations Group (COG) and train to become a spy. Used to his life of crime on the streets he’s not sure of these people, (but he does enjoy a nice warm bed and plenty to eat for a change.)
Wary to begin with, Sin soon makes a friend in Zonda Chubb, and an unlikely alliance with the school bully Velvet Von Darque. But there is an assassin among them, and he’s not sure who he can trust. Is his own life in danger?
A rip-roaring steampunk adventure by the winner of the Storylines Tessa Duder Writing Competition for Young Adults in 2016! With rich writing, well developed characters and awesome world building, The Traitor and the Thief is a fantastic read and not to be missed!
Wary to begin with, Sin soon makes a friend in Zonda Chubb, and an unlikely alliance with the school bully Velvet Von Darque. But there is an assassin among them, and he’s not sure who he can trust. Is his own life in danger?
A rip-roaring steampunk adventure by the winner of the Storylines Tessa Duder Writing Competition for Young Adults in 2016! With rich writing, well developed characters and awesome world building, The Traitor and the Thief is a fantastic read and not to be missed!
October 14, 2017
Steam punk adventure. #3wordbookreview
While I'm not a natural fantasy reader (too much world building, I think?), I thought this book was a cracker! Lots of action, the plot rips along, and the characters are awesome. Waiting impatiently for the sequel...
While I'm not a natural fantasy reader (too much world building, I think?), I thought this book was a cracker! Lots of action, the plot rips along, and the characters are awesome. Waiting impatiently for the sequel...
February 15, 2020
4.5 stars. Fabulous steampunk adventure by a New Zealand author.
September 1, 2019
An imaginative adventure that takes the reader on journey through a steampunk world, full on machines and clever ideas. I loved the story and will be recommending it to my students.
September 3, 2018
A thinly disguised Oxford is the setting for this wonderful Steampunk adventure. Think 'The Recruit' crossed with 'Stormbreaker' and set it in clockwork,steam,leather and copper!
Highly recommended, especially 11-15 age group. I wish I could make time slow down!
Highly recommended, especially 11-15 age group. I wish I could make time slow down!
November 14, 2017
It's not every day that your local magician, and co-owner of the best little bookshop you'll find anywhere, gets to sell his own book. So it was with great pleasure that I took my library copy home with me to read... for reader advisory purposes, you understand.
I'm pleased to say that I was not disappointed. Gareth Ward has created a believable and entertaining Steampunk universe with enough gadgetry (and corsetry) to keep any Steampunker happy including a steam-powered obstacle course, a character that seems to be some kind of steam-powered bionic cyberman and other fossil-fuelled Heath Robinson-y creations. The names of places are almost-but-not-quite the names we would use, such as Lenheim Palace for Blenheim. As we gain more knowledge of the politics of the world, it takes on a semblance of the balance of powers and alliances of a pre-World War I Europe.
Sin is a teenaged street urchin eeking a living as a pickpocket for a Fagin-like character known as The Fixer. After a theft goes wrong, he is chased across the streets of London by the mysteriously named Eldritch Moons. This is his audition for a place in COG: The Covert Operations Group. So begins his training as a spy for a group dedicated to avoiding a large scale war in Europe. Most of the plot revolves around his training and his involvement in unmasking a traitor within the organisation.
There is a strong supporting cast for Sin in the other students and staff of COG. Many of the types you would expect in a school story emerge including his bookish friend Zonda, who speaks her own version of golly-gosh-fabbity English. His apparent nemesis is the beautiful and entitled Velvet von Darque, whose corset-clad form slinks through the novel giving every appearance of being the femme-fatale villain. Discovering exactly whose side she is on is one of Sin's tasks. In fact, how to know who to trust is one of the biggest question of the story.
All in all, this is a rollicking read and a great adventure. Think Steampunk crust with a good dollop of Alex Rider and CHERUB, a spoonful of Harry Potter (with mechanical magic instead of spells) a sprinkling of Oliver Twist and a tiny pinch of X-Men.
Although this book can be enjoyed by anyone, I think its natural audience would be late primary/intermediate/junior secondary readers. I'm glad to have a second copy for the library and await the continuation of Sin's story and COG's attempts to stop the war with anticipation.
I'm pleased to say that I was not disappointed. Gareth Ward has created a believable and entertaining Steampunk universe with enough gadgetry (and corsetry) to keep any Steampunker happy including a steam-powered obstacle course, a character that seems to be some kind of steam-powered bionic cyberman and other fossil-fuelled Heath Robinson-y creations. The names of places are almost-but-not-quite the names we would use, such as Lenheim Palace for Blenheim. As we gain more knowledge of the politics of the world, it takes on a semblance of the balance of powers and alliances of a pre-World War I Europe.
Sin is a teenaged street urchin eeking a living as a pickpocket for a Fagin-like character known as The Fixer. After a theft goes wrong, he is chased across the streets of London by the mysteriously named Eldritch Moons. This is his audition for a place in COG: The Covert Operations Group. So begins his training as a spy for a group dedicated to avoiding a large scale war in Europe. Most of the plot revolves around his training and his involvement in unmasking a traitor within the organisation.
There is a strong supporting cast for Sin in the other students and staff of COG. Many of the types you would expect in a school story emerge including his bookish friend Zonda, who speaks her own version of golly-gosh-fabbity English. His apparent nemesis is the beautiful and entitled Velvet von Darque, whose corset-clad form slinks through the novel giving every appearance of being the femme-fatale villain. Discovering exactly whose side she is on is one of Sin's tasks. In fact, how to know who to trust is one of the biggest question of the story.
All in all, this is a rollicking read and a great adventure. Think Steampunk crust with a good dollop of Alex Rider and CHERUB, a spoonful of Harry Potter (with mechanical magic instead of spells) a sprinkling of Oliver Twist and a tiny pinch of X-Men.
Although this book can be enjoyed by anyone, I think its natural audience would be late primary/intermediate/junior secondary readers. I'm glad to have a second copy for the library and await the continuation of Sin's story and COG's attempts to stop the war with anticipation.
August 7, 2019
Having met the author, seen him perform as the Great Wardini, and shopped at his beautiful bookstore, I really REALLY wanted to like this book. Friends who had gone to him Steampunk ball book launch had all raved about it (both the book and the ball), and while people always say not to judge book by its cover I'm sorry but I do (and this one has such a wonderful cover).
I thought that because of all the high hopes and expectations I had for the book that there was no way it would be able to live up to them all.
Boy was I wrong. Gareth Ward wrote a magical adventure story that I could not put down. With spies, and mysteries and Steampunk gadgets it was a wonderfully crafted story that has left me wanting more.
Seriously Wardini - I hope you're writing the next one already! :)
I thought that because of all the high hopes and expectations I had for the book that there was no way it would be able to live up to them all.
Boy was I wrong. Gareth Ward wrote a magical adventure story that I could not put down. With spies, and mysteries and Steampunk gadgets it was a wonderfully crafted story that has left me wanting more.
Seriously Wardini - I hope you're writing the next one already! :)
August 19, 2017
Sin is an orphan living a life of hard knocks in London when he's hunted down by a strange organization. Fearing for his life, he runs...
There are gadgets galore, and much fun to be had in this novel that's probably best described as a cross between Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and something darker and more steampunky - with a little Oliver Twist thrown in for good measure.
I'd suggest a readership of 10+ But like Harry Potter, it would be hardly fair to say this book is just for kids.
There are gadgets galore, and much fun to be had in this novel that's probably best described as a cross between Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and something darker and more steampunky - with a little Oliver Twist thrown in for good measure.
I'd suggest a readership of 10+ But like Harry Potter, it would be hardly fair to say this book is just for kids.
December 16, 2017
Wow! What a great book! I understand from the “About the Author” section that this is Gareth Ward’s first novel (I may be wrong). It’s impressive! The characters are well-developed, the twists and turns are genuinely surprising and the writing maintains a lively pace that keeps the story moving without ever dipping into unnecessary sentimentality. I loved it!
June 23, 2017
Exciting steampunk adventure.
August 2, 2017
Loved it. Steampunk, magic, likeable characters (although the way Zonda talks drives me a little nuts), suspense, action... it's worth the pennies for sure. Plus NZ author!
August 19, 2017
What a fantabulous world Gareth has created!!!!!!! My daughter and I both thoroughly enjoyed this riveting read.
September 13, 2017
Everyone has secrets and steampunk is awesome.
August 9, 2017
Wadja mean, this book is for young adults??
This is a riveting steampunk story about an unlikely hero with twists and turns throughout the whole story and kept me balancing at the edge of my seat, holding my breath, waiting to see what happens next! Anyone of any age will love and devour this story!
Better yet, Gareth Ward has created this whole new and exciting universe for us to explore. Full of steam fueled contraptions and secret societies in dark cities.
The only question I have now is.. When's the next one coming out? I needzz to read more of this!!!
This is a riveting steampunk story about an unlikely hero with twists and turns throughout the whole story and kept me balancing at the edge of my seat, holding my breath, waiting to see what happens next! Anyone of any age will love and devour this story!
Better yet, Gareth Ward has created this whole new and exciting universe for us to explore. Full of steam fueled contraptions and secret societies in dark cities.
The only question I have now is.. When's the next one coming out? I needzz to read more of this!!!
August 28, 2018
Fantastic read that had me pondering the complexities of the characters and their motives throughout. I found myself itching to pick it up over and over again. Brilliant story and fantastic characters. Love the steampunk theme that doesn’t override the story but enhances it. Totally in love with Zonda and her sesquipedalian concoctions.
November 7, 2019
It took us awhile but I read this to my 9 year old son and we both enjoyed it immensely. So much so that my son made me read the first chapter of the next book straight after finishing this one. Lots of great characters and interesting gadgets to imagine.
November 7, 2017
Loved it. amazingly well written with great ideas and good flow. One of the best books I have read. Love to read more of Ward.
July 22, 2017
An entertaining steampunk-esque adventure, "The Traitor and the Thief" won the Tessa Duder award (for unpublished young adult writers) in 2016, and is scheduled for release (in New Zealand) on August 1st, 2017. It is well written, taking in elements of Harry Potter and the Cherubs series, whilst also retaining a fresh originality.
Sin is an orphan and a thief, living on the streets and his wits. That is, until the day he is picked up and introduced to COG, a society that takes in skilled teenagers and trains them to be spies, in an effort to prevent, or reduce, the effects of war. Illiterate and not strong with numbers, Sin immediately sets about improving his skill-set with a dedication that is quite inspiration. He swiftly makes friends and settles in to his new way of life. Of course, this newfound prosperity is not to last, for there is a traitor in their midst, and if they are not unmasked, then all of their hopes will be in vain. Can Sin uncover the traitor? Or will his own past catch up with him and lead them all into ruin?
With a sparkling array of characters, an engaging world, and enough twists to satisfy, "The Traitor and the Thief" should appeal to fans of Philip Pullman and Philip Reeve.
Sin is an orphan and a thief, living on the streets and his wits. That is, until the day he is picked up and introduced to COG, a society that takes in skilled teenagers and trains them to be spies, in an effort to prevent, or reduce, the effects of war. Illiterate and not strong with numbers, Sin immediately sets about improving his skill-set with a dedication that is quite inspiration. He swiftly makes friends and settles in to his new way of life. Of course, this newfound prosperity is not to last, for there is a traitor in their midst, and if they are not unmasked, then all of their hopes will be in vain. Can Sin uncover the traitor? Or will his own past catch up with him and lead them all into ruin?
With a sparkling array of characters, an engaging world, and enough twists to satisfy, "The Traitor and the Thief" should appeal to fans of Philip Pullman and Philip Reeve.
October 26, 2017
This is the latest Tessa Duder Award winner (the award is for New Zealand unpublished YA authors) and it deserves its prize-winning status. It's fresh, imaginative, exciting - and unput-downable. Steam punk fans will love it because it's right into the genre - the steam punk technology is fabulous. I do hope there's a sequel.
(Lorraine Orman, reviewer for the blog KidsBooksNZ).
(Lorraine Orman, reviewer for the blog KidsBooksNZ).
August 23, 2017
This debut novel from Gareth Ward is an intoxicating, animated young adult book that will fly by while you're reading and make you feel like you've travelled through time. The Traitor and the Thief is completely steampunk inspired in that Victorian era with all these amazing tech inventions (like travelling under the city in a metal fish!) and odd language like "dangiferous" and "whoopserooney" that was totally new to me. I haven't read a book like this that was primarily steampunk and I probably wouldn't have thought this would be a book that I'd enjoy if I saw it while I was browsing but I'm glad I was able to read this book for review because it surprised me and ending up being a very enjoyable story.
Sin was abandoned as a baby outside the steps of a church in a crate fourteen years ago and ever since he's been on his own, fighting for everything he has and thieving to keep afloat. His pickpocketing has put a marker on him though and he now finds himself hunted across London after picking the pockets of the very worst person possible, a member of a secret spy organisation - Covert Operations Group (COG). Luckily for him, they've decided to offer him a way out and into a new life if he joins them and trains to master the spy craft and not get into trouble along the way with the school's strict rules.
As I mentioned earlier, the steampunk subgenre is one I haven't ever read before and while I really enjoy science fiction I didn't think it would ever interest me. That is exactly why I recommend you read this book. One thing that took a little while to adjust to was the changes on words like dangerous becoming dangiferous and definitely changing into definoso, at least I think that's what those words are meant to be! I'm not sure if that's common with steampunk novels or if that's the author's own style but it was still charming. So if you have a younger child reading this book (since it's perfect for children and young adult readers) they may start using some made up words that sound much more magical than the usual spelling!
Primarily, this is a fantastic young adult novel with the right amount of action, mystery, and even a little romance all packaged with a stunning atmosphere that crafts the experience to send you into another world. Secondly, this is a fantastic entry point into the world of steampunk for people that haven't read a steampunk book before or maybe think it's not for them. I honestly enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the sequel because it finished on a good note. The only reason it is a three-star rating and not higher from me is that I wasn't obsessed with the plot so it took longer to finish it because I only read small parts at a time. Although, when I did actually sit down and read it the story went by very quickly.
(Thank you to Walker Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Traitor and the Thief is out now!)
"No need to look so terrified. Nobody dies on the first day."
Sin was abandoned as a baby outside the steps of a church in a crate fourteen years ago and ever since he's been on his own, fighting for everything he has and thieving to keep afloat. His pickpocketing has put a marker on him though and he now finds himself hunted across London after picking the pockets of the very worst person possible, a member of a secret spy organisation - Covert Operations Group (COG). Luckily for him, they've decided to offer him a way out and into a new life if he joins them and trains to master the spy craft and not get into trouble along the way with the school's strict rules.
"...it would be a very sad day for democracy indeed if moneyed men and wealthy business men controlled our government."
As I mentioned earlier, the steampunk subgenre is one I haven't ever read before and while I really enjoy science fiction I didn't think it would ever interest me. That is exactly why I recommend you read this book. One thing that took a little while to adjust to was the changes on words like dangerous becoming dangiferous and definitely changing into definoso, at least I think that's what those words are meant to be! I'm not sure if that's common with steampunk novels or if that's the author's own style but it was still charming. So if you have a younger child reading this book (since it's perfect for children and young adult readers) they may start using some made up words that sound much more magical than the usual spelling!
Primarily, this is a fantastic young adult novel with the right amount of action, mystery, and even a little romance all packaged with a stunning atmosphere that crafts the experience to send you into another world. Secondly, this is a fantastic entry point into the world of steampunk for people that haven't read a steampunk book before or maybe think it's not for them. I honestly enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the sequel because it finished on a good note. The only reason it is a three-star rating and not higher from me is that I wasn't obsessed with the plot so it took longer to finish it because I only read small parts at a time. Although, when I did actually sit down and read it the story went by very quickly.
(Thank you to Walker Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Traitor and the Thief is out now!)
April 11, 2025
Ever read a book because of its cover? That's certainly why I read The Night Circus.....and it's the reason I picked up The Liar and the Thief.
Because the cover features a graphic design of a busy system of pipes, cogs, dials, gauges and levers on which silhouetted Victorian figures, including a racing boy, are posed in a delicious colour scheme of mint, complementary red, grey, dusty white and dirty yellow. Intriguing
For this is steampunkland, set in a quasi Victorian/ Tedwardian Croxford, Britain where Dickensian street gangs abound, as do toffs, corseted, brocaded ladies and......humanoid automata or mekanika.
Orphan Sin's job is to work the smog swirling streets, picking a pocket or two but the roles become reversed when Sin is himself snatched by the sinister-named Eldritch to become a recruit for COG, a mysterious organisation with a mission to secretly disable the weapons used by the endlessly warring nations.
Instead of revelling in the comforts his new life offers, Sin is wary and suspicious: just why has he been chosen? who can he trust amongst both the staff and other candidates? is COG really what it purports to be? With the start of competitive training Sin makes a friend (or is she?) and uses his street smarts against sneering, overprivileged peers. When Sin reads a concealed letter that confirms that something dodgy is going on the game's afoot. Cue: flouting of Cast-Iron Rules, adventures aplenty and feats of derring do.
Familiar tropes here but Ward - magician, hypnotist, storyteller, bookseller - employs these motifs to scaffold a uniquely told tale of good versus the machinations of the malign. Sin's a feisty, engaging hero who's prepared to give as good as he gets. Impulsive, yes, but also a survivor - quick to sum up a situation and act. He takes nothing as a given and his questioning and planning propel the action. And the girl characters are spunky with good lines and given both prominence and agency.
Ward conjures up a credible steampunk world: fish- shaped craft that transport passengers through an underwater pipeline, Croxford market's famed flurohydrous roof, a turquoise solution forced by hidden steam-driven pumps swirling between ironglass sheets, a magician who can produce a buckler from his hat brim, the Tedwardian inspired interiors of COG's headquarters, home to the COG high-ups (villainous or not?), suitably gothic in name (Noir, von Darque, Eldritch, Nimrod) and appearance.
Readers will enjoy Ward's humour (a tweet is, of course, a clockwork carrier pigeon), his use of next level vocab (futile, apex, scholarly, hierarchy, penance) and nods to current concerns: 'Mother fought hard to get women accepted into COG.....' 'I just don't think violence should be the answer. ' 'True enough......but unfortunately it's men asking the questions. '
This 300+ pager has enough steam and punk to sustain the interest of 8-12 year olds who love immersing themselves in a slightly altered reality with an appealing hero, plenty of action and a mystery to solve. A deserving winner of two prizes including the Storylines Tessa Duder award.
Because the cover features a graphic design of a busy system of pipes, cogs, dials, gauges and levers on which silhouetted Victorian figures, including a racing boy, are posed in a delicious colour scheme of mint, complementary red, grey, dusty white and dirty yellow. Intriguing
For this is steampunkland, set in a quasi Victorian/ Tedwardian Croxford, Britain where Dickensian street gangs abound, as do toffs, corseted, brocaded ladies and......humanoid automata or mekanika.
Orphan Sin's job is to work the smog swirling streets, picking a pocket or two but the roles become reversed when Sin is himself snatched by the sinister-named Eldritch to become a recruit for COG, a mysterious organisation with a mission to secretly disable the weapons used by the endlessly warring nations.
Instead of revelling in the comforts his new life offers, Sin is wary and suspicious: just why has he been chosen? who can he trust amongst both the staff and other candidates? is COG really what it purports to be? With the start of competitive training Sin makes a friend (or is she?) and uses his street smarts against sneering, overprivileged peers. When Sin reads a concealed letter that confirms that something dodgy is going on the game's afoot. Cue: flouting of Cast-Iron Rules, adventures aplenty and feats of derring do.
Familiar tropes here but Ward - magician, hypnotist, storyteller, bookseller - employs these motifs to scaffold a uniquely told tale of good versus the machinations of the malign. Sin's a feisty, engaging hero who's prepared to give as good as he gets. Impulsive, yes, but also a survivor - quick to sum up a situation and act. He takes nothing as a given and his questioning and planning propel the action. And the girl characters are spunky with good lines and given both prominence and agency.
Ward conjures up a credible steampunk world: fish- shaped craft that transport passengers through an underwater pipeline, Croxford market's famed flurohydrous roof, a turquoise solution forced by hidden steam-driven pumps swirling between ironglass sheets, a magician who can produce a buckler from his hat brim, the Tedwardian inspired interiors of COG's headquarters, home to the COG high-ups (villainous or not?), suitably gothic in name (Noir, von Darque, Eldritch, Nimrod) and appearance.
Readers will enjoy Ward's humour (a tweet is, of course, a clockwork carrier pigeon), his use of next level vocab (futile, apex, scholarly, hierarchy, penance) and nods to current concerns: 'Mother fought hard to get women accepted into COG.....' 'I just don't think violence should be the answer. ' 'True enough......but unfortunately it's men asking the questions. '
This 300+ pager has enough steam and punk to sustain the interest of 8-12 year olds who love immersing themselves in a slightly altered reality with an appealing hero, plenty of action and a mystery to solve. A deserving winner of two prizes including the Storylines Tessa Duder award.
August 24, 2022
The Traitor and the Thief
Gareth Ward
Historical Book
Date finished= 20-06-2022
The main character, Sin, grew up in poverty and unsafe circumstances. Because of this he was forced to join an illegal gang in order to have a roof over his head and food to eat, something we all take for granted in our privileged town of Havelock North. Sin would preform acts such as pick pocketing, physical assault and even murder in order to stay alive. Similar acts are performed by gangs nowadays such as the mongrel mob. They need to commit crimes and illegal acts in order to feed themselves, their family, etc. Through this way of life, Sin grew strong connections with the boys he was in the gang with. A quote that proves this if “A pack’s not about science. It’s about heart, knowing you belong, knowing someone’s got your back. Knowing whether you fight or fall, you do it together.” Again referring back to the mongrel mob, they too form unbreakable bonds with each other out of pure necessity. Gangs such as sins gang and those of the real world are often living in harsh poverty, and the only way to feed themselves, their family, and everything they care for is joining gangs to get even the slightest little bit of money or food to keep them from starving one more night. The New zealand parliament website looked into young gangs in new zealand, and it discovered the 6 main reasons why youths (ages 10-23) join such gangs. Economic, community, cultural, family, peers and schools
Economic: They need the money
Community: They live in a rather depressed community lacking a sense of pride, and are therefore looking for a way to feel said sense of pride.
Cultural: The influence of American culture has been linked to gang membership is it idolizes the crimes they commit and also shows a sense of belonging wanted by our youths
Family: Their family is in the gang and it is seen as a responsibility to be in the gangs
Peers: their friends are in gangs and the youths have broken under peer pressure and then joined the gang
Schools: Research has shown that extended time outside of school is strongly related to crime and gang related activity.
Gareth Ward
Historical Book
Date finished= 20-06-2022
The main character, Sin, grew up in poverty and unsafe circumstances. Because of this he was forced to join an illegal gang in order to have a roof over his head and food to eat, something we all take for granted in our privileged town of Havelock North. Sin would preform acts such as pick pocketing, physical assault and even murder in order to stay alive. Similar acts are performed by gangs nowadays such as the mongrel mob. They need to commit crimes and illegal acts in order to feed themselves, their family, etc. Through this way of life, Sin grew strong connections with the boys he was in the gang with. A quote that proves this if “A pack’s not about science. It’s about heart, knowing you belong, knowing someone’s got your back. Knowing whether you fight or fall, you do it together.” Again referring back to the mongrel mob, they too form unbreakable bonds with each other out of pure necessity. Gangs such as sins gang and those of the real world are often living in harsh poverty, and the only way to feed themselves, their family, and everything they care for is joining gangs to get even the slightest little bit of money or food to keep them from starving one more night. The New zealand parliament website looked into young gangs in new zealand, and it discovered the 6 main reasons why youths (ages 10-23) join such gangs. Economic, community, cultural, family, peers and schools
Economic: They need the money
Community: They live in a rather depressed community lacking a sense of pride, and are therefore looking for a way to feel said sense of pride.
Cultural: The influence of American culture has been linked to gang membership is it idolizes the crimes they commit and also shows a sense of belonging wanted by our youths
Family: Their family is in the gang and it is seen as a responsibility to be in the gangs
Peers: their friends are in gangs and the youths have broken under peer pressure and then joined the gang
Schools: Research has shown that extended time outside of school is strongly related to crime and gang related activity.
October 1, 2017
I love it! The entire mind-blowing world sends my imagination rolling! Vivid description and fantastic characters — I got quite attached to them. It's an adventure that I would never want to end.
September 28, 2017
What a fantabulously spiffarony read. Full of high adventure, lots of adrenalin, friends, foes, a bit of a puzzle, and a lot of spying, this is a jolly good read.
November 22, 2017
A great book. I had been struggling with my current read and this is just what I want. Fast paced fun and action on every page. One thing rolling into the next and before I knew it I had finished and am hanging out for the next instalment! A brilliant read for any age! And I know it won’t be the last time I pick this book up!!
August 19, 2017
It's a galloping,gripping, great read....full of atmosphere and intrigue. The characters are interesting, credible and definitely not just for teenagers. It keeps you hooked right up to the last page. Looking forward to the next instalment asap please. Tony
P.s.the films gonna be awesome
P.s.the films gonna be awesome
February 14, 2018
my 9 1/2 year old confident reader loved this book. he's hanging out for the next one, so i hope it arrives soon. he thought the world that the author created was really believable. happily for me i get to read it next, and so far i'm loving it.
March 18, 2018
This was a pretty fun book.
Street rats becoming spies and uncovering secret operations in a steampunk London? Yes please.
I wish there had been a little more world-building, but overall I think the plot, characters, and setting were incredibly well done.
Street rats becoming spies and uncovering secret operations in a steampunk London? Yes please.
I wish there had been a little more world-building, but overall I think the plot, characters, and setting were incredibly well done.
November 24, 2017
Lively, highly original, with strong characters and a detailed universe.
Well worth a read and its reward.
Well worth a read and its reward.
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