Blackwood sets his narrative of theatrical intrigue against the vibrant backdrop of Elizabethan London in 1601. With meticulous attention to historical details, the author brings to life a swashbuckling world where men engage in sword duels to defend their honor, women disguise themselves as men to pursue careers on the stage, and servants unquestioningly obey their masters.

The Globe Theatre is vividly portrayed, from its whitewashed thatched roof to the backstage wings. The property room, where props are stored, and the tiring-room, where actors change costumes, serve as key settings for the action in this fast-paced novel.

Blackwood paints a rich, detailed picture of London, complete with its sights, sounds, and smells, from street vendors to dimly lit taverns to the wherry-boats on the Thames River. He offers a panoramic view of the city from the tower of St. Paul's Cathedral, all seen through the amazed eyes of Widge, a country boy who has spent his first fourteen years in rural Yorkshire.

Blackwood uses Widge as the story's narrator, a technique that allows both the protagonist and the reader (who, like Widge, is likely new to Elizabethan London) to experience the city with fresh, eager perspectives. The narrative is rich with sensory details, including the voices on the streets, the dampness of misty days, and the pervasive stench in the air.

Widge speaks with a Yorkshire accent, using words like '"a" for "he" and "wis" for "think," which may be challenging for young readers. Some might find the dialect as difficult to decipher as the charactery code Widge has mastered. However, the Yorkshire terms are explained within the text, so attentive readers should have no trouble understanding Widge's speech.

Historical figures also make appearances in Blackwood's novel. Characters like William Shakespeare and actors Richard Burbage, John Heminges, and others bring authenticity to the theater world. Heminges even speaks with his characteristic stutter. The language of the theater is frequently used, and readers will learn these terms alongside Widge, who is also new to the theater environment.

Blackwood incorporates stylistic elements reminiscent of Shakespeare at his finest: wordplay, witty banter, and dry humor. The cliffhanger chapter endings ensure that this book remains a compelling page-turner.

An accurate depiction of an apprentice's life adds psychological depth to Blackwood's historical novel. Widge has been treated like a slave, owned by his master and forced to obey every command. He has grown up without any moral guidance or positive role models to teach him right from wrong. What ultimately saves him is his own ability to evaluate situations and act accordingly.

The role of women in Shakespeare's theatrical world is highlighted through Julia's quest to become a performer. At the time in England, it was believed that the stage would corrupt women, so men took on women's roles. Julia had to travel across the Channel to France to find an opportunity in the theater.

Several of Blackwood's novels explore themes akin to The Shakespeare Stealer, featuring a young protagonist thrust into unfamiliar surroundings who must learn to survive independently. In Wild Timothy, a boy who favors books over outdoor adventures gets lost in the wilderness and must endure several weeks on his own. The high school senior in The Dying Sun, accustomed to the warmth and bustle of city life in the year 2050, embarks on a journey to Missouri, a state where winter is a constant. In Beyond the Door, the protagonist stumbles upon a parallel world and faces a life-or-death predicament.

While Blackwood often uses survival as a central plot element, his main characters are consistently well-developed. They gain deeper self-awareness and discover their capabilities by overcoming physical challenges.

Brabander, Jennifer M. Review. Horn Book Magazine (July/August, 1998): 483. The reviewer draws a comparison between Blackwood's narrative style and that of Shakespeare.

Margolis, Sally. Review. School Library Journal (June, 1998): 140. This reviewer describes Blackwood's book as a "fast-moving historical novel that introduces an important era with casual familiarity."

Phelan, Carolyn. Review. Booklist (June 1 & 15, 1998): 1763. This reviewer believes the protagonist "makes a wonderful guide to London and the Globe, as everything is remarkable to his unjaded eyes."

Review. The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (June, 1998): 353. This reviewer highlights Blackwood's meticulous use of Elizabethan and theatrical details.

Telgen, Diane. Something about the Author. Volume 72. Detroit: Gale Research, 1993. This volume includes an interview with Blackwood, where he discusses how characters and situations allow themes to emerge in novels and plays.