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peterkeep's review
3.0
I'd heard a lot of good things about this, drawing some comparison to one of my favorite books ever ([b:The Lies of Locke Lamora|127455|The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard, #1)|Scott Lynch|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1386924569s/127455.jpg|2116675]). In reality, it didn't live up to that lofty comparison, but that's not so bad. I think a better comparison would be Dougla Hulick's book [b:Among Thieves|8801543|Among Thieves (Tales of the Kin, #1)|Douglas Hulick|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388190169s/8801543.jpg|13675652] -- fast paced, centered around a thief hiding a stolen artifact, etc.
It reads more like a fun role-playing game's plot. There are a lot of characters that float in and out of the story, but not many that have some substance. They're periphery characters and you can tell. There were a couple of sections with really strong writing, but the plot didn't hold up, I thought. There were also a couple of instances where the author tried to get a bit more philosophical or deep (kind of) and they hit or miss randomly.
I was pretty unhappy with the conclusion of the murder storyline. I don't want to say much to spoil it, but the conclusion didn't feel like it held the same weight as it should have.
It reads more like a fun role-playing game's plot. There are a lot of characters that float in and out of the story, but not many that have some substance. They're periphery characters and you can tell. There were a couple of sections with really strong writing, but the plot didn't hold up, I thought. There were also a couple of instances where the author tried to get a bit more philosophical or deep (kind of) and they hit or miss randomly.
I was pretty unhappy with the conclusion of the murder storyline. I don't want to say much to spoil it, but the conclusion didn't feel like it held the same weight as it should have.
emilye3's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the way the plot lines were weaved throughout this! The twists at the end I didnt see coming. I really enjoyed Amra and Holgren working together. And the descriptions of the settings were wonderful to read.
galexywitch's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
daria_nedelcu19's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Enjoyment 8/10
Concept 9/10
Execution 7/10
Writing 7/10
Plot & Logic 6/10
Pacing & Structure 9/10
Atmosphere 8/10
Characters 8/10
Intrigue 8/10
World Building 7/10
Rating: 3.82/5
Concept 9/10
Execution 7/10
Writing 7/10
Plot & Logic 6/10
Pacing & Structure 9/10
Atmosphere 8/10
Characters 8/10
Intrigue 8/10
World Building 7/10
Rating: 3.82/5
landminecat's review
4.0
I impulse bought this for a quick pulpy action adventure, mainly as a change of pace from Rhythm of War. Well I got exactly what I asked for, but better.. At about 180 pages, it's short, but it packs in plenty of action. It's a high-stakes gory romp that has just enough humour to never feel grim and miserable. It's precisely as long as it needs to be, and no longer - some authors could learn from that. Is it some genius masterpiece of fantasy? Nah, but it's fun. Is it the most original and unique concept? No, but it's a good execution of its tropes. Is it the deepest plot? No, but it's fast and high stakes enough that it doesn't need to be. Also a wizard just fuckin blows up a dude at one point.
In short, it does what it says on the tin, and does it well.
In short, it does what it says on the tin, and does it well.
queenterribletimy's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted on RockStarlit BookAsylum!
Actual rating: 4.5*
Firstly, I propose a showdown between Benedict Patrick and Michael McClung so we can decide who is the true king of “Oh My God Why Is This Title So Long” competition. I take bets.
Anyway. I’m not completely new to the Amra Thetys series as I had the pleasure to read the 5th book, The Thief Who Went to War before anything else – which in itself was an interesting experience. At that point I already had The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids on my TBR for a while. Which, in case you didn’t know, was the first winner of SPFBO. And deservedly so.
The plot of The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids is not very complicated – a thief gets killed, Amra gets in the thick of it against her wishes and what starts as a murder mystery quickly becomes something more complex as the supernatural gets involved. And boy they do get involved. One thing I like about the world of Amra is that the deities aren’t only passive bystanders. Sure, they have their limitation and they are present in different ways than their human counterparts. That being said, I would have liked to learn a bit more about the world itself, about the gods, but since the book is just about 208 pages long and it’s filled to the brim with action, there wasn’t enough space for that too – which is not saying that the world is lacking. Because it’s not, it’s just me nitpicking here.
If one thing can be said about The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids, is that it’s definitely character-driven. First, we have Amra, a well-accomplished thief who seems to find trouble wherever she goes. She doesn’t seem to have many filters between her brain and mouth and pretty much says what she thinks. Behind the tough facade, she has a softer side too. She is not one for trusting anyone easily and Holgren is not an exception – even though they worked together in the past. By the way, I liked that they didn’t partner up out of the blue but they had some history and that their friendship builds slowly without rushing anything. It has a more natural feel than many more in-story friendships. Plus, I love their banter. You know what? I love the humor in this book, period.
Though a minor character, but I definitely have to mention Lhiewyn, the priest of Lagna, the God of Knowledge. A grumpy old man who is just a pure joy to read about. I love everything about his interactions with Amra and I was really happy to find out he already makes an appearance in book one of the series. I really, really have to read The Last God featuring him.
The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids will take you to a fun rollercoaster ride. McClung created a world brimming with magic, gods and highly entertaining characters you’d love to hang out with in real life. You really shouldn’t miss this series as I know it only gets better and better and OMG I can’t wait to follow these characters as they keep pulling on trouble’s braids.
Actual rating: 4.5*
“I know a secret or two as well,” I told him through clenched teeth. “Secrets have no power. Not by themselves. It’s the control of secrets that’s power.”
Firstly, I propose a showdown between Benedict Patrick and Michael McClung so we can decide who is the true king of “Oh My God Why Is This Title So Long” competition. I take bets.
Anyway. I’m not completely new to the Amra Thetys series as I had the pleasure to read the 5th book, The Thief Who Went to War before anything else – which in itself was an interesting experience. At that point I already had The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids on my TBR for a while. Which, in case you didn’t know, was the first winner of SPFBO. And deservedly so.
The plot of The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids is not very complicated – a thief gets killed, Amra gets in the thick of it against her wishes and what starts as a murder mystery quickly becomes something more complex as the supernatural gets involved. And boy they do get involved. One thing I like about the world of Amra is that the deities aren’t only passive bystanders. Sure, they have their limitation and they are present in different ways than their human counterparts. That being said, I would have liked to learn a bit more about the world itself, about the gods, but since the book is just about 208 pages long and it’s filled to the brim with action, there wasn’t enough space for that too – which is not saying that the world is lacking. Because it’s not, it’s just me nitpicking here.
If one thing can be said about The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids, is that it’s definitely character-driven. First, we have Amra, a well-accomplished thief who seems to find trouble wherever she goes. She doesn’t seem to have many filters between her brain and mouth and pretty much says what she thinks. Behind the tough facade, she has a softer side too. She is not one for trusting anyone easily and Holgren is not an exception – even though they worked together in the past. By the way, I liked that they didn’t partner up out of the blue but they had some history and that their friendship builds slowly without rushing anything. It has a more natural feel than many more in-story friendships. Plus, I love their banter. You know what? I love the humor in this book, period.
“Good. I want to be around to see what’s inside, Kerf knows why. But I have some errands to run. You sure this bracelet is good for another day or so?”
“If any knives sprout from your back I’ll give you a full refund.”
“Comforting.”
Though a minor character, but I definitely have to mention Lhiewyn, the priest of Lagna, the God of Knowledge. A grumpy old man who is just a pure joy to read about. I love everything about his interactions with Amra and I was really happy to find out he already makes an appearance in book one of the series. I really, really have to read The Last God featuring him.
The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids will take you to a fun rollercoaster ride. McClung created a world brimming with magic, gods and highly entertaining characters you’d love to hang out with in real life. You really shouldn’t miss this series as I know it only gets better and better and OMG I can’t wait to follow these characters as they keep pulling on trouble’s braids.
trueperception's review against another edition
4.0
A solid start to the series. There was some shakiness in the storytelling, but those can probably be chalked up to inexperience. The world building was very interesting. A lot to explore. Good characters, needing more exploration. The Eightfold Goddess somehow reminds me a bit of Lolth. Speaking of, a nice bit of darkness. Not over the top. I look forward to reading more in the series.
Oh, just a minor side note, I found this and chose to read it because of it winning the first year of SPFBO. Chalk up one in the Win column.
Oh, just a minor side note, I found this and chose to read it because of it winning the first year of SPFBO. Chalk up one in the Win column.