The Gideon Trilogy: Gideon the Cutpurse

I should have reviewed this book ages and ages ago. I read it, yeesh, probably 6 months ago and its a really, really good book. A great book, in fact. If you havent read it yet, go out and pick up a copy. You dont even need to read the rest of the review, not really. Well, provided you like a science fantasy type of adventure.

But I suppose I should tell you more so you can decide for yourself (especially since another book in the series has since come out&so you can have the double the pleasure of reading).

Peter and Kate are two young almost-teens living in England. They dont even know each other hardly at all, but they are accidentally thrust into the greatest adventure of their young lives when they are sent back in time when Kates fathers anti-gravity machine turns out to function pretty well as a time machine something for which it was never intended.

Soon after they (and the machine) arrive in 1763 England, the vicious criminal The Tar Man steals the anti-gravity machine. Luckily, Peter and Kate are also soon befriended by Gideon. He is a cutpurse (i.e. a thief), but he is a gentlemanly one and very kind to them. He does have some experience with the Tar Man, however, as well as the Tar Mans nefarious boss (who youll meet late in the game).

Peter and Kate find themselves trying to adapt to the 18th century, which is sometimes easier for Peter than for Kate (after all, shes a girl and shes used to being able to speak her mind and not wear dresses all the time). They and Gideon find themselves mixed up in a mystery with the Tar Man involved and quite a few other famous people (in which Kate often proves her intelligence and her proclivity for meddling).

In the meantime, back in the present day, their parents are trying to figure out what has happened. The two kids even manage to leave clues, but once it becomes obvious that time travel might be involved, certain sinister governmental types want to step in. The ending is quite a cliffhanger (and no, Im not going to say what it is). But I will say that it will make you want to run out and pick up the second book immediately.

This isnt really a fantasy, nor is it completely science fiction-y. Ive labeled it a science fantasy for lack of a better label. While there are some fantastic elements (namely the time travel), the story itself is realistic and grounded in real history. This is an excellent adventurous series for both boys and girls and I highly recommend it. Readers as young as 9 will enjoy it, though it is a fairly long read (over 300 pages). But adults and older teens could also get a lot out of this one. Its just an all-around excellent book from a new author (perhaps the most amazing thing is that it is a debut novel!)

NOTE: According to Amazon, this book has also been released as Gideon the Cutpurse: Being the First Part of the Gideon Trilogy and as The Time Travelers: Book One of the Gideon Trilogy. The second book is The Time Thief.