Reviews

Twisted Thieves by Elizabeth Rose Archer

tallerthanblue's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

wynne_ronareads's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

astravars_thrubooks's review

 Picked up the book of a  bookstagrammer you follow to show support!
Sigh 🙈 I couldn't get into it
 
Cardboard characters live in this very dark and vile and dangerous city (you get told, there's no atmosphere whatsoever) They get together very randomly to conduct an unclear heist task which they're hired for because one of them has the skills and brings the others on board because they're all poor and need the money (???) 

> I will rethink my decisions. 

hckilgour's review against another edition

I dnf’ed at page 137.

Honestly, it just felt like the author tried so hard to humanize and make her characters likable that it was annoying and detracted from the story. Like every chapter had a bloody flashback or introspection moment that took like 5 pages.

I was also confused in the first 5 chapters as each one was a new pov and none of them seemed to really relate.

Honestly just not the book for me but I see people who enjoyed Six of Crows liking this.

anyamaria's review

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

annawndr's review

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The vibes: 

The setting very much reminded me of Ketterdam from “Six of Crows”. You can really feel the dark, rotten and desperate atmosphere. Nevertheless there are bits of hope and humour throughout the story that lighten up the mood.

(One of my favourite lines: “Lev often found that most rich old men only grew moustaches so they could say cryptic things and rub them.”)

The plot: 

The first two parts of the plot are mainly setup for the main heist and to get to know the characters, but then the last third of the book just starts hitting you with plot twists. I always love to see a good plan go up in chaos and the plot definitely delivered on that. 

The characters: 

I really liked that the characters stayed true to their motives (especially Vera). You could always see why they would act like they did. I am excited to see the characters and their relationships evolve in book two.

lifeasliza's review

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

sof_28's review

adventurous fast-paced

4.0

I'd like to start by thanking the author, Elizabeth Rose Archer, for sending me a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Twisted Thieves is a story that follows 4 thieves and magicians, Vera, Anya, Lev and Aleks, and a corrupt princess, Sofya. The story is told from each character’s point of view, which I love since it gives an insight into the character’s mind and allows the reader to get to know their past better. 

I found the book entertaining and fast paced. Every time I picked it up, I was immediately hooked into the story and didn’t want to put it down. The world building was very well done. I could easily picture what the world looked like. In addition, I could clearly feel the vibes of the story and the industrial revolution-esque city. The magic system was unique and easy to understand, which I really appreciate.

Each character is so realistic and well written, although they all have very questionable morals. I love how the author wrote the backstories of each character! Their stories made me tear up (genuine tears were shed!!!), especially Lev’s and Anya’s. I felt Lev’s feelings so strongly, and although he is a man, I related to him the most. His story hit too close to home, and I genuinely felt deeply for him. He’s always making people laugh and seems so silly and carefree when, in reality, he feels everything profoundly. My girl Anya. I admire her so much too. She is such a strong character and I wish I could be like her. She is a mix of shy girly girl and badass “I will kill you if I have to” woman. I love her so much. She is the definition of “looks like a cinnamon roll, could kill you”. She’ll do anything to keep her sister safe and I adore her for it. Out of the group, Lev and Anya are definitely my favorites. But also, Lev and Vera?!! I need more of them right now!!! They are the definition of black cat x golden retriever. 

Unfortunately, the ending left me a bit unsatisfied. I just feel like it was a little bit too rushed and uncomplete. However, I am so happy this is going to be a series as I need to know what happens next, both with the characters and the plot, asap!  

You should definitely pick this book up, especially if you are a fan (like me) of Six of Crows or Dance of Thieves, as they give off similar vibes. I had so much fun reading this and cannot wait for what Elizabeth Rose Archer writes next!

Twisted Thieves comes out the 31st of January 2024 

tropes:
🥷🏻heist 
🔥female rage 
👑corrupt royals 
🐈‍⬛black cat x golden retriever 
🏰industrial revolution-esque city 
🗡️characters with questionable morals