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branch_c's review
4.0
This book has a lot going for it, especially the creatively realistic historical fantasy setting and a clever plot that keeps the reader guessing until the last minute.
Most of the characters from the first Thieftaker book return here in their same roles, and this tended to make some of their interactions a bit predictable. But there were some interesting new additions: in particular Dr. Rickman and Mariz. These two seem to be well set up to make appearances in later volumes.
The character development I liked best was the continuing relationship between Sephira and Kaille. In contrast to the first book, where her major interaction with Kaille was to repeatedly order her henchmen to beat him up, there's some more complex psychological banter at play this time, and there might even be a hint of respect for him behind her evil façade. This is a good thing, because otherwise there's a risk of her becoming a bit boring, and not having her as a POV character, we don't get a deeper view of her motives.
There is also some more exploration of the magical system and the possibilities for extending it, which should add to the interest in future stories. Regarding that system, I wonder if we've reached the point where the Latin conjuring phrases don't need to be repeated in English each time - at least the ones we've seen used before. The readers can probably figure it out from context even if we don't remember. Also I still found the conjurers strangely lacking in curiosity about the nature of their power, but I expect this will be further expanded upon in subsequent volumes.
All in all, a solid continuation of this engaging series; looking forward to the next one.
Most of the characters from the first Thieftaker book return here in their same roles, and this tended to make some of their interactions a bit predictable. But there were some interesting new additions: in particular Dr. Rickman and Mariz. These two seem to be well set up to make appearances in later volumes.
The character development I liked best was the continuing relationship between Sephira and Kaille. In contrast to the first book, where her major interaction with Kaille was to repeatedly order her henchmen to beat him up, there's some more complex psychological banter at play this time, and there might even be a hint of respect for him behind her evil façade. This is a good thing, because otherwise there's a risk of her becoming a bit boring, and not having her as a POV character, we don't get a deeper view of her motives.
There is also some more exploration of the magical system and the possibilities for extending it, which should add to the interest in future stories. Regarding that system, I wonder if we've reached the point where the Latin conjuring phrases don't need to be repeated in English each time - at least the ones we've seen used before. The readers can probably figure it out from context even if we don't remember. Also I still found the conjurers strangely lacking in curiosity about the nature of their power, but I expect this will be further expanded upon in subsequent volumes.
All in all, a solid continuation of this engaging series; looking forward to the next one.
abigcoffeedragon's review
5.0
Excellent as always - I enjoy this historical Urban Fantasy and wish that more authors would try this in their writing. Modern Urban is not bad, nor is Historical in and of itself, but there is something about a present-tense feel to a past-tense world.
Ethan Kaille is, as usual, an excellent Sorcery Detective in a Revolutionary time period of Boston. There is enough real world history to give the time and place authenticity, but plenty of fantasy to be fun and not a history lesson. I love this series so much, and has become one of the markers by which I use to guide my own writing.
The ending is never predictable, which makes for a fun read, and the characters are always each unique and interesting. I always envision this as an Old World Harry Dresden series, though with a different and younger actor as the lead.
Great book.
Ethan Kaille is, as usual, an excellent Sorcery Detective in a Revolutionary time period of Boston. There is enough real world history to give the time and place authenticity, but plenty of fantasy to be fun and not a history lesson. I love this series so much, and has become one of the markers by which I use to guide my own writing.
The ending is never predictable, which makes for a fun read, and the characters are always each unique and interesting. I always envision this as an Old World Harry Dresden series, though with a different and younger actor as the lead.
Great book.
perch15's review
3.0
The Thieftaker Chronicles books are nice, comfort-food type paperback reads. I'm not a huge mystery guy, but I love Colonial history so as long as Mr.
Jackson continues to write them, I'll read them. If there was a bit more macro-plot a la Dresden I'd probably bump them up to four stars, but the lack thereof does nothing to hamper my enjoyment.
Jackson continues to write them, I'll read them. If there was a bit more macro-plot a la Dresden I'd probably bump them up to four stars, but the lack thereof does nothing to hamper my enjoyment.
readerreborn's review
4.0
I read a while back before the first book came out what this series was about and a bit about where it was going. Somehow, either I misread or got bad information, I thought that the events of this book would be tying into the small pox outbreak (which I've now confirmed via the author's website will actually be central to the third book, A Plunder of Souls) and so throughout half the book I thought it was going in a direction it wasn't. It kinda damaged my enjoyment when I realized I was getting something less epic and more formulaic than I originally expected. But don't get me wrong. The book is well written and enjoyable, and now I really can't wait for book 3 since Jackson says it'll be a step away from the formula of the first two books and be more of a personal journey.
janegonz's review
3.0
I got an advanced readers copy of this book and will definitely go back and read the first one.
jercox's review
4.0
A good followup to the world of Thieftaker. Early on, a few word for word descriptions from book one are intended to get new readers into the world, so it starts slow. But after that, moves along better and is a quite good story. I recommend reading the first book (Thieftaker) first, although it isn't strictly necessary. If you didn't like thieftaker, you won't like this. Otherwise, worth reading.
scriberjack's review
4.0
I read a while back before the first book came out what this series was about and a bit about where it was going. Somehow, either I misread or got bad information, I thought that the events of this book would be tying into the small pox outbreak (which I've now confirmed via the author's website will actually be central to the third book, A Plunder of Souls) and so throughout half the book I thought it was going in a direction it wasn't. It kinda damaged my enjoyment when I realized I was getting something less epic and more formulaic than I originally expected. But don't get me wrong. The book is well written and enjoyable, and now I really can't wait for book 3 since Jackson says it'll be a step away from the formula of the first two books and be more of a personal journey.
aphrael's review
3.0
Pretty much a continuation of the previous one. The whole question of why Ethan does what he does is definitely valid though. Also I thought there was only a few days passed since the men were found 'dead', I would have liked some mention of them being buried/cremated before we find that out, I figured they were still in some cold basement morgue of a place. Also them jumping from 'corpse is missing' to 'he is still alive' without any kind of "oh yeah the security is so tight no-one could have gotten in, but one men could have gotten out" or whatever. The ending is deeply sad though :(. I do still like the book despite the inconsistencies, I will likely read on when I feel the itch for one of these books. I like that it's historical.
wilmaknickersfit's review
4.0
If there was some humour in this series, I would give both books in the series so far 5 stars. I'd love it if the author would give Reg a voice to speak to Ethan, instead of just the facial descriptions we have at the moment.
zzazazz's review
3.0
Strong characters and setting but the mystery portion of this historical/fantasy/mystery novel was less than desired. I still will read the next book in this series, it's a nice world to slip into for a quick read.