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maregred's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Classism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Slavery
lastblossom's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
tl;dr
It's a crew of misfit kids with varying secret histories doing a heist in a brutal fantasy world. You already know if you want to read this.
About
Ryia "The Butcher" Cautella is on the run. She has been for a while. She's always managed to stay one step ahead of the Guildmaster of Thamorr, but he seems to be closing in faster every time. And now, with time running out, she's forced to join a team of people with histories and motives as secretive as hers to steal from that very Guildmaster.
What I Liked:
It ticks all the boxes for me, genre-wise. Fantasy heists are my kryptonite, and a team of misfit kids will always get me excited. This book absolutely delivered on the promise - a thrilling heist, conflicting motivations, morally gray characters, deadly secrets, interesting magical worldbuilding, and some fun interpersonal relationship stuff. Multiple POVs written with powerful distinct voices, and I liked all of them. Ivan is my favorite, with Evelyn a close second. The item being stolen was well woven into the world building and magic system. Writing was fast-paced and snappy. The ending strongly implies a sequel, and I hope that it comes quickly. Can't wait to read more!
What Wasn't For Me:
My other kryptonite is found family, and there is very little going on here. I do respect the author doubling down on a group of thieves who all plan to betray each other, and I think I'll probably eat it up it when it happens. But if you were hoping everyone would learn to look after each other after they went through some trials - that absolutely will not happen. I prefer slow burn romance, but I was not even aware there was a romance until I read it in a description.
It's a crew of misfit kids with varying secret histories doing a heist in a brutal fantasy world. You already know if you want to read this.
About
Ryia "The Butcher" Cautella is on the run. She has been for a while. She's always managed to stay one step ahead of the Guildmaster of Thamorr, but he seems to be closing in faster every time. And now, with time running out, she's forced to join a team of people with histories and motives as secretive as hers to steal from that very Guildmaster.
What I Liked:
It ticks all the boxes for me, genre-wise. Fantasy heists are my kryptonite, and a team of misfit kids will always get me excited. This book absolutely delivered on the promise - a thrilling heist, conflicting motivations, morally gray characters, deadly secrets, interesting magical worldbuilding, and some fun interpersonal relationship stuff. Multiple POVs written with powerful distinct voices, and I liked all of them. Ivan is my favorite, with Evelyn a close second. The item being stolen was well woven into the world building and magic system. Writing was fast-paced and snappy. The ending strongly implies a sequel, and I hope that it comes quickly. Can't wait to read more!
What Wasn't For Me:
My other kryptonite is found family, and there is very little going on here. I do respect the author doubling down on a group of thieves who all plan to betray each other, and I think I'll probably eat it up it when it happens. But if you were hoping everyone would learn to look after each other after they went through some trials - that absolutely will not happen. I prefer slow burn romance, but I was not even aware there was a romance until I read it in a description.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Classism, Death, and Murder
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