Jim Morgan and the King of Thieves

by James Matlack Raney

Overview

A gypsy curse... A shadow pirate...An ancient treasure...An adventure beyond mystery and magic!Eleven year-old Jim Morgan once had a home, a life of comfort, and a future full of promise. But all that changed the night his father was murdered. Now Jim is on the run from his father's enemies, a wicked count and his vengeful son, and at the same time, trying to decipher the secret to the last mystery his father left him - the hidden location of an ancient treasure. But standing in Jim's way is an army of pickpockets, led by a master criminal, known only as the King of Thieves, and around every corner, Jim finds dangerous foes, new allies, and more magic than he ever knew existed.If Jim can survive, he may discover a hero hidden within himself, and a destiny beyond his wildest dreams...

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780985835903
Publisher:	Dreamfarer Press
Publication date:	09/28/2012
Series:	Jim Morgan , #1
Pages:	292
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.66(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

James Matlack Raney grew up all over the world, in Europe, Latin America, and Africa, before winding up in the mysterious land of horses and bluegrass - Kentucky. Now he calls Southern California home, writing adventures and occasionally living a few of his own.

Besides writing adventures about magical treasures, scheming thieves, and daring pirates, he also enjoys playing guitar, reading a great book by the pool or at the beach, and seeing his far-away friends and family whenever he has the chance.

Editorial Reviews

When 11-year-old Jim Morgan's father is killed, he's determined to find out why and ends up on the run in 19th-century London in Raney's debut historical adventure novel. Jim's mother died when he was an infant, and his father was away at sea for much of his childhood. Jim's aunt, who raised him, let him run amok, and he spent his days terrorizing the servants and paying little attention to his studies. His life changes the day his father comes home; by nightfall, his father is murdered, and Jim finds himself on the run from the killers. The youth ends up in the London underworld, where it's tough to be an 11-year-old kid--let alone one with no money, no connections and a price on his head. With no one to help him, he presses on and tries to figure out how to open a box his father left him. Over the course of the novel, which also includes magic, pirates and pickpockets, Jim matures from a spoiled, friendless rich kid to a young man with friends who can count on him. The novel features strong secondary characters, including a small gang of children who adopt Jim and teach him the ways of the underworld. It also has many tense moments, as well as a strong sense of fun. Raney sets this book up to be the first of a series, and while this initial story wraps up satisfactorily, many readers will be eager to spend more time in the world Raney has created. A rip-roaring good tale for children of all ages.

Kirkus Reviews