How to Steal a Lion

I thoroughly enjoyed this! A friend of mine introduced me to this site and I have finally decided to become a member after reading your book. I think the fact that this is an entertaining read and has nothing to do with magic or vampires etc is brilliant! I loved the sheer insanity of the heist and the way in which it was carried out was brilliant. Bummer the gold wasn't there though. I like this. Good luck. I could certainly see this adapted to film, and how entertaining it would be!

This is one of the more enjoyable stories I have read on Authonomy. The pace is quick and the dialogue is great, which keeps me glued to the story waiting to see what else will happen. The elusive and confident qualities of Herr Wolff is brilliant to peak the readers interests. This is especially wonderful when combined with the ignorance and naivety of Daniel. There isn't much background to Daniel's character, but frankly...I don't care. The story is so gripping that i just want to move forward. And in any case, any struggling student can relate to the character. The lack of background allows the reader to place themselves in that character's place and live the endorphin high.

So far I have read up to chapter 3, but I will definately keep going. Thanks for the great read!
Brittanee - Sinful

Extremely different idea to say the least, but very unique, and in the pitch it sounds like it could be extremely humorous.
Everyone has heard about the pranks that students get up to, and this one is extreme, but I suppose that's what stories are for, to get the imagination flowing.
'How to steal a lion' is a great title. It brings up images of stealing a lion from a circus to me, and who knows what other people imagine when they read the title? The surprise came when I read the pitch, and I was not disappointed.
Its a very funny story, packed with adventures and filled with antics and humour, as college friends team up and steal the enormous statue of a lion.
There are lots of problems they have to face, and you describe their relationships with each other extremely well, while they blunder through their escapade.
Your writing skills are good, and you have no obvious sign of edits.
The dialogue between the characters really works and it allows the reader to picture the scenes brilliantly.
Overall this is an excellently written book, and one I would probably buy myself because of its unusual and funny storyline. I give it 6 stars
Ruby Middleton(Will Ryan)

I found the ideas in this book to be unique. A well written story that has enough twists to keep me reading on. The narrative pace is fast moving and I can almost feel that I am there with Daniel and his friends. This is such an unusual story that I could see the author with a spin off film script from the novel. A fast paced movie about the heist could easily be a hit. Well done and thanks for a great read.

Kirk,
"How to Steal a Lion" began as my morning read and stayed that way all thoughout breakfast and coffee. The progression from college pranskters to Nazi hunters kept me engrossed, looking for the next endorphin rush with each surprise twist. You have a clipped and clear narrative style that keeps everything in sharp focus and moving at a brisk pace. Your dialogue is to the point and never rambling. Thank you so much for the compelling read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

All I can say is "wow".

From College to hunting Nazis. Where did that come from. I should be working but loved this style of writing and couldnt stop reading. Well done.
Sean

I love your book.
It has been few years since my last Octoerfest but your work gave it new meaning!
Thank you for sharing

LOVE this book! Thanks for the enjoyable read!

This has the making of an exciting adventure. I look forward to reading on. Happy writing

I eat lions, that is all....

Strikes me as one of those quirky 'thrillers' where you have to read it right through to the end to work it all out. Enjoyed what I read - first four chapters. Storyline is unfolding fine and more characters being introduced. Good read.

Great stuff! Great story! Good luck! Jeannette Maree - Cafe After Closing

Punchy, pacy and very enjoyable. Best of luck!

GG x

Hello there,

After reading the first three chapters I am really hooked into this story - I like the style, the description of the characters and their contrasting natures, the insane-ness of the whole plot and the plot is really pacy - I can't wait to read the rest.
Has this had any interest from publishers or agents yet?

Emma
Check out my novel, 'The Perfect Catch'

Hello there,

After reading the first three chapters I am really hooked into this story - I like the style, the description of the characters and their contrasting natures, the insane-ness of the whole plot and the plot is really pacy - I can't wait to read the rest.
Has this had any interest from publishers or agents yet?

Emma
Check out my novel, 'The Perfect Catch'

Well done, great stuff, just on chapter 2, has the roar of a lion and eye of a tiger, brilliant so far.

Clare "Be The Human Sunshine"

Well done, great stuff, just on chapter 2, has the roar of a lion and eye of a tiger, brilliant so far.

Clare "Be The Human Sunshine"

Hi Kirk,

I've read this to the very end on Kindle, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a real page 'clicker'. Bloody marvellous, mate. It is confidently written and richly layered without being overly complicated. I very much enjoyed the way all threads of the story (and the time-shifts) interwove come the end into a cohesive whole. I did spot a few typos in the latter half of the book, so it could use another proof if you haven't done this recently. I would also have opted for a more aggressive cut at the end of the story - probably around the time Daniel and Kim finally declare their feelings for one another at the park. My feeling is that the rest of what followed wasn't really necessary, but this is a personal taste thing. All in all this was an enjoyable read. Oh, and well done on getting to the Ed's desk!

All the best,

- Leyland (Jon le Riche)

"Smalltown"
"Adam Runs"

Congratulations!

Kirk,

For my first time read I'm utterly compelled by your story. I got in so deep that I felt at one point that I was watching a movie. As soon as Daniel got involved with Herr Wolff I was automatically sceaming in my head, 'Nooo, don't do it. He's trouble!' You're characters are realistic and I find myself attached to Daniel in way and I'm not to sure why, he's a very likeable character, although obviously smart, he seems incredibly gullible; I like that a lot. Be sure I've been hooked and will continue to read the rest of the chapters.

I'm happy that I've backed this book. I'm going to enjoy this read!

Carley

Hi Kirk. Congrats for this recognition. Having read How to steal a Lion, I am sure you have wonderful times ahead of you. Just keep the optimism high. I hope you found the time to read 'Almost an Ambassador'
Cheers
Rajiv

bit late but i have not forgotten..1/ well done that your book is now at editor desks. 2/ very enjoyable to read, very well done on dialogues, the story is very well tale. i could see it on screen with the right producer / director... so hope to see it soon on amazon...x

Hi Kirk,
well done.
Brigitte

good story. i like it and enjoyed myself while reading it.

A very good story with outstanding perspective.

Congratulations for a well-deserved achievement of your book making it to the desk and for the chance to reach more readers when published.

I wish you well.

~ Jeques

Well done.

Panos

Another read for How to Steal.

I thoroughly enjoyed this! A friend of mine introduced me to this site and I have finally decided to become a member after reading your book. I think the fact that this is an entertaining read and has nothing to do with magic or vampires etc is brilliant! I loved the sheer insanity of the heist and the way in which it was carried out was brilliant. Bummer the gold wasn't there though. I like this. Good luck. I could certainly see this adapted to film, and how entertaining it would be!

This is a fascinating start. I loved the tension in the opening few lines. You can feel the rage burning off Daniel. I love the title also. If I can just make an observation. The story opens with the line:

Daniel stormed out of the conference room, eyes bright with anger.

The way I see it, we're seeing everything from Daniel's perspective, so when you describe his eyes bright with anger, I immediately disconnect with the character for that moment. I would imagine he can't see his eyes burning with anger. Perhaps you could replace it with something equivalent.

Daniel stormed out of the conference room, his body trembling with rage.

It's just a thought.

One other thing I noticed.

"We're friends(,)" Daniel shrugged. "And don't mention girls."

I would replace the comma with a period as to shrug is an action and not a dialogue tag.

This is great start. I really enjoyed it. It's visual also, which I quite like. I seriously don't read enough crime thrillers, but I tend to like them when I do. The E.D., I believe, will have a ball with this one.

Alecia :)

Kirk: six stars to you. Wonderful story. I hope it will become a movie too.
best
Leelah saachi

OK Kirk. I wasn't going to read this at all, since I am only reading Christian books. Then I read one chapter and now I've read three, and if I had the time I would certainly keep reading. I can see why your book has reached its illustrious ranking. Congratulations. It is an intriguing tale, wonderfully well written, and should draw in anyone who has a spark of life in them. I think I'll have to put it on my bookshelf, even if only for a couple of days. Six stars.

This is some good shit.

'How to Steal a Lion' is a funny, frolicsome and unfeasibly far-fetched escapade; if HC have a tame film buff anywhere near their 'desk', 'The German Italian Job' could be in cinemas countrywide by next Oktober, accompanied by lionised VW campervans full of amusing marketing and merchandising opportunies... including teetering tower-height piles of the book for sale, obviously. Best of luck, and don't let anyone else write the screenplay...

Hi Kirk, what an original idea and so well delivered. As requested I am very happy to support the book and hope it wil be selected at the end of the month. Would you like to return ther favour and read my own book 'Sanctuary?' It is very different from your own, but is doing reasonably well and had received many gratifying and positive comments. Thank you Tina Cox

Excellently written, Kirk, fast paced, intriguing story. I hope your book is "the" lucky one.

Best,
Rob

Kirk
I enjoyed reading this book. It is fun and easy to read.

How to Steal a Lion. It's great to have some uncomplicated fun here for a change. Please dont fall of the ED!!
Here's some more stars...
Jane (Breath of Africa)

I don't know what I can say that hasn't been said already. The story is great, gripping, fast moving, entertaining. Read some more soon.
Good luck on the desk.
Brigitte

'Tis great to see your book staying on the top rank this month. My full support. It's inspiring to see your book making it to the desk.

Good Success!

I wish you well.

~ Jeques

What fun! A real page-turner, Kirk. I won't write a long comment for now, as I'd like to keep reading, but I wanted to let you know that I'm really enjoying this.

Annette

Not much more I can add to the comments you've already received. It's a good read and entertaining. I do think the opening paragraphs are a bit slow. Maybe it would be better starting with Daniel meeting Joseph in the beer garden, or trimming baclk on the paragraphs in the corporate offices to get to their meeting quicker. That is the true start of the story, I believe.

A disclaimer: I am obsessive about the opening pages of a book, believing they are the most important of all to attract an audience, agent, and publisher. So I tend to focus my remarks on the first chapter.

Good luck with your novel and good sales.

Hi Kirk,
I'm here as requested. A fun story so far and the comment about Mr. Wolff probably having read too many spy stories is a nice touch because I bet there's some dark scheming going on and all is not as simple as it seems. Highly starred. I caught a few very minor things which I can send to you via authonomy messaging if you like. I appreciate the way your write in short, terse prose, a style I long ago adopted myself. Please check out my SF/thriller "Space Games," when you get a chance. I hope you will find it equally fun.

Dean Lombardo
"Space Games"

First of all, I have to say this is one of the most enjoyable stories that I have read. The storyline is quick yet fun. With great dialogue and memorable characters, How to Steal a Lion has best seller potential. There are many twists and turns.

Hello

A nice start to your story. The chapter read well and the pacing was great. I enjoyed the read and curiosity drives the reader further - wondering what Herr Wolff wants or what he is. I can see why you book is highly rated. I wish you the best of luck with it. It appears to be a unique story.

I can't fairly ranke this book unless I read it all.

Yet, the narrative's good; the plot's original and has a clear funny touch, which I'm not sure if it's intentioned. I gte the feeling that this is a book for a young audience and in this moment in history the theme must be quite relevant. I still miss a more sensational or emotional touch - perhaps something even more personal, which helps me empathise with the main character at a much deeper level - personal or human...Most of us have been there, or are, or are expecting to be, or simply will be, there are endless fears, emotions and sensations we can all empathise with.

I don't buy the gullibility of a journalist even if he is young and surely the bank could not issue a bank card as soon as you open an account. It would be sent to the postal address or be ready for collection after three days.

Forgot to say that I'm backing your book.
Norma
davis

I usually read a couple or three chapters on here, but went to chapter 8 and didn't have time to continue. This is a great, smooth read. You've done a wonderful job. The dialogue keeps the story moving and the characters are interesting. I cheated and read the last chapter. I never do that. Hopefully, it will be published and I can read it in print. I see why it is highly rated. Wishing you the best.

Norma Davis, A Scorched Family

Just read the first three chapters and loving it! This genre isn't something I would normally pick up off the shelf, but your book is so fun and enjoyable, I'm so glad I started reading it! I can also really imagine it being turned into a movie.

Well done - I look forward to reading the rest :)

This is a really great start. I look forward to reading the rest. I will definitely back it.

Great Title. It kept me interested and looking forward to the next chapter. I read three chapters and liked the voice of the book. You seem comfortable in the writing and the prose flows. No glaring stops. This should be a popular book. Good luck with it.

Hey, this is a hoot! You launch us into this crazy story right out of the gate, stoking our curiosity. Your main character is fun to tag along with. I think you'll do well with this tale.
Cheers,
Tod Schneider
The Lost Wink

This got my attention, and I could visualize what was happening. I read part of the book and thought I'd like to see where it was going.
Blessings,
Gail Pallotta