Museum of Thieves

By Lian Tanner, 320 pages

This book introduces us to the city of Jewel, a carefully controlled dystopia which strives to protect it's citizens, especially it's children, at all cost. In Jewel, children are chained to an adult at all times to ensure their safety, decisions are made for the public by Blessed Guardians and never questioned, and consequences for all missteps is Care: a prison for those who put the safety of the city in danger. Ironically, this attempt to eliminate all dangers has resulted in citizens who not only are unable to function without specific guidance, but who are also completely ruled by fear. The one place in Jewel exempt from the control of the Guardians is the Museum of Dunt, a strange building run by strange people where all laws of reality are suspended. This is where the young heroine Goldie finds refuge after escaping from her guardchain. Suddenly, Goldie is forced to gain all the competence and courage she has be denied throughout her childhood as she finds herself involved in a desparate attempt to save the city from much greater dangers than any the people are able to imagine. The premise of Museum of Thieves is reminiscent of Lois Lowry's The Giver, but is most certainly it's own story with a fresh plot and characters. A sequel is expected next fall.