The Vengekeep Prophecies (edition 2012)

fast-paced, some coming of age aspects. ( )

Publishers Weekly
In an excellent, self-contained adventure from Farrey (With or Without You), 12-year-old Jaxter Grimjinx is anxious to prove himself at the family business: thievery. Jaxter’s first attempt at burglary ends with a house fire and his family being jailed, but his parents have already put their biggest con into motion, having replaced the prophetic tapestry that predicts the year ahead for the city of Vengekeep with one that shows the Grimjinx family as heroes. The family quickly discovers, however, that the fake tapestry is actually enchanted, and every disaster it depicts is coming true, from lava men to winged skeletal creatures. Stuck in the role of town saviors, the Grimjinxes must destroy the tapestry before it destroys Vengekeep. Farrey’s rich fantasy hits the ground running and never lets up. Jaxter has an amazing talent for defeating magic with science, and a strong theme of the value of knowledge runs through the book. Farrey’s story is gentle enough for sensitive children, yet the travails of the conniving Grimjinx clan will entertain a broad range of readers. Ages 8–12. ( )

Clever spin on a family of pickpockets and thieves ala Oliver Twist with a bit of fantasy tossed in for good measure
The Grimjinx family has a history of outsmarting, outpickpocketing and outwitting the local constable even though the whole village is aware of the family business. When mom accidentally weaves a tapestry that predicts the Grimjinx family will save the village from the doom of the Vengekeep Prophecy it is up to them to fix the problem, save the village and stay alive. Jaxter and his friend Callie must head out to find the necessary magic to get rid of the plagues and make it back before the next full moon. The story has just the right mix of humor, fantasy and mystery to captivate boys and girls. The quotes pulled from famous par-Goblins are pretty funny too! ( )