Max finds himself lost at sea trying to find his mother who disappeared from the dock as he waited for her. Captain Cinn, a spice pirate aboard the Saucy Pig, takes Max on a journey across the high seas looking for his mother. Cinn knows some secretes about Max’s family, Max’s father’s death, and his mother’s disappearance. The best part of being on Captain Cinn’s ship is the food. Readers can almost smell and taste the delicious food being prepared. After meeting the Witch Queen, Max is sent on a mission that is supposed to bring balance to a world on the brink of war. Max needs the help of his friends to get there but on the journey he learns more about his family history and the power of his will to succeed.

The plot is quite complex as Max learns more about the world by meeting a wide range of characters. Each time the Saucy Pig find a new port, the cast grows and it is a little challenging to keep up. Some of the characters aren’t as memorable as others. The magical adventures includes beasts, monsters, harpies, and more. The world is well described for its vastness and diversity. It will be easy for readers to hold an image in their mind. Younger readers will enjoy the traps, mishaps, and peril; however, some might feel overwhelmed by the fast-paced plot, complicated world building, and large number of characters. It takes a little while to get to the main conflict and the ending intentionally sets up a second book. At the end, the reader will feel some closure and happiness but also know there will be continued tension.

Thanks #netgalley for the ARC!

DNF at 40%

This book had potential to be really good. Considering I'm not in the age range of this book (though I still love middle grade), it wasn't interesting enough for me. I wasn't invested in the characters enough, and often found myself drifting off mentally because of this.

That being said, I enjoyed the aspect of the food and spices. It made my mouth water multiple times. I enjoyed learning more about Max and what exactly was happening in his life. He was probably one of my favourite characters in the book.
I think this would be an enjoyable read for a lot of people, especially in the demographic this was written for.

Regardless, there could have been more to hook the reader, and make me want to continue reading, but I'd say give it a try anyways and test it out yourself.

An action-packed adventure that will delight Middle Grade readers. Max is on an epic journey to save his family with the help of some quirky characters, human and otherwise….. The author’s mechanism for constructing magical powers is very well done, and adds to the attraction of young Max, as well as to his credibility. My only very slight disappointment was a bit of a ‘rabbit out of the hat’ climax with an unexpected character popping out of nowhere, but otherwise a great page turner. The seeds are planted for an exciting sequel.

I LOVED this book! I could see it in my mind's eye as clearly as if I was watching a Hollywood blockbuster. It had some fantastical elements but they weren't overdone; it operated well within its own 'universe' of how things work. Definitely a book I will recommend to others and one I can't wait to read the next installment of. Having said that, it isn't a typical cliffhanger where one is frustrated with the author. This one does wrap up nicely for the adventure it starts. Do I care how the rest of the story will play out? Yes, absolutely!! But do I feel I was left high and dry waiting for an indeterminate amount of time before the next installment will arrive? no. Well done, John. And thank you for writing something worth reading.

Fantastic adventure with a great group of fun characters! Max is on quite an adventure with some amazing new friends... or are they??

I really enjoyed this story. It had all the makings of a great fantasy: adventure, pirates, shape-shifters and friendship. I was pleasantly surprised with how into I was. I found it difficult to put down. I needed to find out if Max found his mom, and what was going on with him. It was such a great read, and I can't wait to see what is in store for Max and friends in the next installment.

Max and the Spice Thieves is an action-packed middle grade fantasy book with plenty of adventure, mystery and magic! Set in a rich fantasy world with a large cast of interesting and engaging characters, this first book in the series is sure to be a hit with middle grade fantasy readers.