Cressida, Adam's talented sister, is invited to perform at Fortescue's festival of young talents and Adam tags along. But once the children arrive at the festival, in a mountain-top hotel, their terrific talents begin to mysteriously disappear. A piano virtuoso suddenly forgets how to play, a maths genius finds she can no longer multiply.
There's a sinister shadow that only Adam ever sees, a strange glow emanating from behind closed doors. With the help of an erratic ex-racing driver, dashing Amy Swift, Adam and Cressida rip-roar off through the mountains in perilous pursuit of the dastardly talent thief.
Review (Spoilers):
The Talent Thief was an interesting book set in an alternate world in the 1920’s or 1930’s. It explored both the advantages and disadvantages of having special talents. The author aptly described the attitude of some talented individuals who believe themselves to be the only ones of importance through his characterisation of Hans, a gifted musician who was spoilt by his fame.
The main characters of the story are sixteen year old Cressida who has an amazing singing voice and her twelve year old brother Adam who believes he has no talent. They are invited to a festival of young talents in the city of Paralin.
Williams demonstrates how talented people such as Cressida can feel so put upon and pressurised by their respective gifts that they can become quite cruel even though they might not ordinarily be so cutting and spiteful. I think that in the book Adam was more accepting of Cressida’s cruel remarks and petulant behaviour than was realistic. However, Williams did show the change in Cressida’s character over the book.
The mysterious Talent Thief called Nipso did not really have much opportunity to develop in the book as he was always uncertain and easily fooled. However, he does begin to make some sensible decisions instead of simply doing as he is told as the book progresses. It would be interesting to observe what further progress he makes in understanding peoples’ intentions. Also, a more detailed explanation of how the Talent Thief can use the talents of others should have been given.
This book was highly enjoyable and worth a read as it had action, adventure and humour; all essential ingredients for a good book. The conclusion of the book was slightly disappointing; though the main adventure had drawn to an end, a number of questions remained unresolved.
Did Cressida and Adam go back to live with their horribly selfish uncle or did they stay with Amy Swift? Will the creature Nipso choose to return to the jungle or journey to find Cressida? How wil Adam and Cressida go about returning all the talent spheres they have salvaged to the right people? Also, surely they will have to attempt to catch the real talent thief.
Book Rating: 4/5
Cover Rating: 4/5
Author: Alex Williams
