Alex O'Donnell And The 40 Cyberthieves

A Thought-Provoking Catholic Adventure!

In the mood for a thought-provoking adventure with Catholic morals? Grab this book and "Open Sesame!"

Since this is Regina Doman's fifth fairy tale novel, I knew when I opened "Alex O'Donnell and the 40 CyberThieves," that I was in for quite an adventure. I was in no way disappointed. From start to finish, "Alex O'Donnell" was an exciting read filled with vivid descriptions, quirky characters, and a fully-loaded plot.

Fans of Regina's previous novels will already be familiar with the two main characters, Kateri and Alex, and will enjoy how this book gives them front and center stage, plenty of room for character development, and adventures all their own. The story picks up momentum as you read and climaxes with a breathtaking, action-packed showdown.

Kateri, a level-headed hard-worker, wants an orderly life perfectly on track and true to her ideals, so she finds it perturbing that she is so attracted to Alex. He cannot possibly be the right guy for her, can he? In her mind, Alex is too carefree, irresponsible, and unrealistic. After all, his life is devoted to video-game playing, martial arts, and sword-fighting!

Nonetheless, uptight Kateri agrees to come for a visit to Alex's home in northern Virginia. Meanwhile, a mysterious check arrives for the O'Donnell family, seemingly out of the blue, for over one million dollars-some kind of "winnings" from a sweepstakes the family never knew they entered. (But Alex's computer-hacker dad knows more than he's telling.) Kateri meets the O'Donnells and finds an endearing family including two amusing younger brothers and a mom who doesn't let her multiple sclerosis get the best of her. Kateri does, however, have misgivings about Alex's dad.

When the O'Donnell family uses the mystery money to open a family business, Kateri ends up moving away with them to work as their assistant manager for the ominous Twilight Hills Hotel. Before long, she is bound up in an intricate cyber-plot against the O'Donnells that will have very real life-and death-consequences.

Incidentally, Regina took her inspiration for this novel from the Arabian Nights Tale of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," but reworked it so that the resulting story is unique and refreshingly modern-yet the story still pays homage to the old tale in the most clever ways!

Readers are sure to enjoy unique touches of humor, and Regina skillfully brought the complicated computer tech information down to an understandable level. At the same time, this novel addresses the question of technology-its use and overuse-in our modern world and whether it is possible to achieve a healthy balance.

Besides being a fun read, this book has a moral core. The characters do more than simply believe in God, they turn to Him; they care about God and their eternal souls. Yet they don't expect to sit back and do nothing while God solves their problems for them. These character take action. This novel proves that Catholic characters don't have to be boring, overly pious, or stodgy-they can be off-beat, exciting, and just as flawed and confused as real people.

I promise this book will be very different from any other novel you've read. "Alex O'Donnell" is an exciting and worthy addition-or start-to any fiction collection, Catholic or not. Highly recommended for readers 13 and up!

Reviewed by:
Therese Heckenkamp
Author of "Past Suspicion"
and Reviewer for TraditionalCatholicNovelscom

One Cool Book

With some authors, after about the third or fifth book their plot lines and stories all start to sound a lot alike. Regina however creates something new every time, and Alex O'Donnell and the 40 CyberThieves is no disappointment. I loved how we actually get to see a FTN couple while they are dating, we've never gotten to see that before, and I enjoyed watching Kateri and Alex work out their relationship with each other.

I encourage you all to order this book or borrow it from a friend as soon as you have the opportunity to. And while you do so, I shall finish re-reading my already beloved copy -

while I wait for that someday when my Alex will come.

Fast-Paced Fairy Tale!

I was so excited to read Alex O'Donnell and the 40 Cyberthieves! I read the entire book in a single day & Regina Doman did not disappoint. It is as action-packed as her other books, but still contains the romantic element of all fairy tales. The humorous quirks she gives her characters make them come to life so that they seem to jump off the page! They make the book so much fun to read! It is extremely hard to put down and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is definitely a tale you do not want to miss.

Another Wonderful Book!

This book, currently the latest in the "Fairy Tale Novels" series, is excellent.

The plot of this book is exciting, romantic,and adventurous.This book also has an excellent sense of humor that will have you laughing out loud. Nevertheless, this book is so intriguing that you will not what to put it down until you have finished the entire book.

This book is especially fascinating for those who know a little(or a lot) about computer programing.

I highly recommend this book to all young adults and adults.

Amazing

WARNING: *SPOILERS*
My parents bought this for my sister and I at the homeschool conference. We promptly sat down next to each other on the couch and read it. Then I read it again. And now I'm reading it again. Why? Because, though this is the third time I'm reading it, it seem like the first. And that is what I love about Regina Doman's books.
In this, the fifth book, Alex O'Donnell and Kateri Kovach are trying to figure out their relationship. Kateri wants to break up with Alex. Alex wants to propose to Kateri. Then something weird happens. Mr. O'Donnell receives a mysterious check for over $1,000,000 in the mail. With this, the family buys a hotel, which Kateri agrees to help run. What do you think happens? You'll have to read the book, because I don't want to spoil it more than I already have.
This was a much "lighter" novel than any of Regina's others. It was more fun. Well, how could you have a book with Alex O'Donnell that isn't fun? That would be inconceivable.
Do a teen in your life a favor and buy them this wholesome book. You won't regret it. And neither will they.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.