City of the Uncommon Thief

Gr 10 Up–Pale-skinned 16-year-old Odd Thebes and his cousin Errol live in a society that has no known name, in a city quarantined from the rest of the world. It is speculated about where they are from until Errol and Odd are presented with knotting spikes that do not seem to be made from any guild within their city. This discovery leads them on an adventure to uncover the city’s secrets and the dark truths hidden within their own guild. Bertrand’s novel is intricately plotted and extremely detailed. The languages of the guilds and the native tongue of the city can be difficult to understand in the beginning. Readers are introduced to numerous characters who play important roles in the emotional growth of Odd and Errol. World-building is a main feature of this novel: Readers will be deeply immersed in an imaginary world that contains its own history, culture, languages, and ethics. Folks may have trouble following the complicated story line as perspectives shift between Odd and Errol.