Alex O'Donnell and the Forty Cyberthieves: A Guest Review

There's a brand new Fairy Tale Novel! Here is a guest review by Mary C. *applause*


The book Alex O’Donnell and the 40 CyberThieves was an excellent addition to the Fairy
Tale Retold series by Regina Doman. It follows the story of two characters introduced in Waking
Rose, Alex O’Donnell and Kateri Kovach, and its fairytale counterpart is the Arabian Nights
narrative, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. When Alex’s family mysteriously ends up with a
fortune, strange happenings begin to occur. At the same time, the orderly and efficient Kateri is
trying to discern the direction she should travel in her own life; however, she gets drawn into the
lives of Alex’s easy-going family. This, of course, includes both the O’Donnell family’s positive
aspirations and successes, as well as their troubles. And, unfortunately for all those involved,
those troubles just might prove to be life-threatening.
Like in all of the Fairy Tale Novels, Regina Doman used Alex O’Donnell to address
a moral concern relative to the modern world. In this case, it is the dangers of becoming too
addicted or involved in the cyber and electronic worlds – to the point of excluding real life and
relationships. Although Mrs. Doman did not “stick it in your face,” the message was still clear.
When it comes to the story itself, this fifth book was written in a much lighter manner
than the previous four. Regina does an awesome job at balancing humor with the more serious
matters in the book, all while adding an adventurous theme. Readers of Waking Rose will find
the characters of Alex and Kateri wonderfully written, and true to their original personalities.
Alex’s family is a great addition to the story; they contribute to the fun as Kateri attempts to
understand them – which, for her, often ends in exasperation. It does not take long to find
oneself feeling quite affectionate towards Alex’s riotous younger brothers. While Alex’s father
remains somewhat cryptic throughout the book, the two mothers, of both the O’Donnell family
and the Kovach family, add their maternal wisdom and joy to the story. There is also a surprise
appearance of some of the former much-loved Fairy Tale Novel characters, and mentions of
others. As for the plot itself, the upcoming events in the book are not obviously laid out; I
personally was kept guessing (incorrectly, I might add) at what was about to happen next, up until
the end of the book.
Overall, the book was beautifully done, and a worthy addition to the series. For myself, it
is definitely one of my favorites. I have every intention of reading it several more times, as soon
as I am able to get it back from where it has already been loaned out. ;)


Thanks so much for the great review, Mary! :)