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er_inreads's review
4.0
This book really pulled me in from the first chapter. I couldn’t put it down. I was so scared to start, because I just knew there would be a cliffhanger and I wasn’t sure I was emotionally equipped to suffer through that, so it sat on my bedside table for 3 months. I was a little worried I wouldn’t get into it due the narration POV the story is told in, but it was done so well that I was able to move past that.
The world building was beautiful, it was easy to visualise as I read, and the story line was great. I was happy to see homage paid to LGBTQI+ and POC, and I truly hope that these characters are brought back bigger in the next book. Telium is perfectly morally grey and I loved that. She was strong enough to survive with no man or fae to help her and that’s so refreshing to see. I loved that they came to her for help, versus needed a MMC to help “save” everyone. Teli has fast become one of my favourite FMC. Mallux was written well, and if it wasn’t for my penchant for SJM books, I would have been more shocked at the character twist at the end.
I found the love triangle predictable, but I still was 100% down for it. It gave Feyra/Tamlin/Rhysand vibes, and I predicted the plot twist off the back of this - was I disappointed I got it right? No. I was still metaphorically on the edge of my seat reading those last few chapters and when I tell you I am MAD not knowing what happened to her powers! The cliff hanger ending is always appreciated, despite my emotionally instability to survive while waiting, and really build’s anticipation for the next book. I will be not so quietly waiting the new arrival.
A great debut novel, and one I would happily read again and again.
The world building was beautiful, it was easy to visualise as I read, and the story line was great. I was happy to see homage paid to LGBTQI+ and POC, and I truly hope that these characters are brought back bigger in the next book. Telium is perfectly morally grey and I loved that. She was strong enough to survive with no man or fae to help her and that’s so refreshing to see. I loved that they came to her for help, versus needed a MMC to help “save” everyone. Teli has fast become one of my favourite FMC. Mallux was written well, and if it wasn’t for my penchant for SJM books, I would have been more shocked at the character twist at the end.
I found the love triangle predictable, but I still was 100% down for it. It gave Feyra/Tamlin/Rhysand vibes, and I predicted the plot twist off the back of this - was I disappointed I got it right? No. I was still metaphorically on the edge of my seat reading those last few chapters and when I tell you I am MAD not knowing what happened to her powers! The cliff hanger ending is always appreciated, despite my emotionally instability to survive while waiting, and really build’s anticipation for the next book. I will be not so quietly waiting the new arrival.
A great debut novel, and one I would happily read again and again.
lornamac88's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
chelseas_reads's review
5.0
the assassin thief is the sort of book that you read slowly, savouring every part of it. (at least, that’s what i did).
the first thing i’d like to note here is that this book is about an “assassin”. we have plenty of books about those, however very few actually feature said assassin killing people. while this book is in no way perfect, (she had some softhearted moments), she certainly killed several people just because she could.
i really loved telium. i didn’t at first, because i was a little weary about an assassin who doesn’t actually kill anyone (which was quickly disproven. she’s a badass. and ruthless.)
the magic system is something really unique to this book. while i’m sure stealing someone else’s power isn’t a new thing, it’s not something i’ve read about before. and i loved it.
along with an intricate magic system, we also have an in depth history lesson. i didn’t find anything info dumping, as everything was sprinkled nicely throughout the book. the author has clearly put a lot of thought into both magic and history.
at the end of the book we’re treated to a plot twist. it was unexpected and amazing. of course i had some suspicions, but i was barking up the wrong tree with those thoughts!! i love a twist that catches me off guard like that.
and to finish off this review: while my advanced copy didn’t feature a map (it will come in the finished copy – don’t worry!), i was amazed to find a pronunciation and translation guide at the back of the book. i haven’t seen something like this in a long while, as most fantasy books don’t include such things these days. it was a nice touch!
my only problem is that i now have to wait a long time for the next book in the series ….
the first thing i’d like to note here is that this book is about an “assassin”. we have plenty of books about those, however very few actually feature said assassin killing people. while this book is in no way perfect, (she had some softhearted moments), she certainly killed several people just because she could.
i really loved telium. i didn’t at first, because i was a little weary about an assassin who doesn’t actually kill anyone (which was quickly disproven. she’s a badass. and ruthless.)
the magic system is something really unique to this book. while i’m sure stealing someone else’s power isn’t a new thing, it’s not something i’ve read about before. and i loved it.
along with an intricate magic system, we also have an in depth history lesson. i didn’t find anything info dumping, as everything was sprinkled nicely throughout the book. the author has clearly put a lot of thought into both magic and history.
at the end of the book we’re treated to a plot twist. it was unexpected and amazing. of course i had some suspicions, but i was barking up the wrong tree with those thoughts!! i love a twist that catches me off guard like that.
and to finish off this review: while my advanced copy didn’t feature a map (it will come in the finished copy – don’t worry!), i was amazed to find a pronunciation and translation guide at the back of the book. i haven’t seen something like this in a long while, as most fantasy books don’t include such things these days. it was a nice touch!
my only problem is that i now have to wait a long time for the next book in the series ….
lizzy2747's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bound_to_books's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
melsbookspace's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
_rowantree_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tezzarudge's review
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the associated publisher and audio publisher for the advanced audio copy.
This book is a bit of a mix bag. It has some brilliant moments, some meandering in the middle and some lowlights.
The opening prologue had me engaged right away. We meet Telium , a once in a generation assassin. Who is quickly exhiled and escapes into the wilderness .
The opening few chapters, really made me feel like I would connect with the MC.
Unfortunately one of the lowlights of the book ended up being the MC. She just ended up being a bit ridiculous at points. Unintelligent, beyond naieve and just somewhat dry.
The character work in general was a bit of a struggle for me personally. I personally read books to connect emotionally with the characters (Robin Hobb is my favourite author) , however I just never connected to anyone in the story.
That said, the story itself was good. The twists and turns were well delivered and despite seeing people not liking the ending. I disagree. I think the author swung for the fences and it paid off
I particularly enjoyed the narrator. She really went for the sell and will look to see if the narrator does more books within the fantasy genre.
I think this book is worth a shot. Its closer to YA than adult fantasy and if you're more into action, than characters, it should be a good read for you
This book is a bit of a mix bag. It has some brilliant moments, some meandering in the middle and some lowlights.
The opening prologue had me engaged right away. We meet Telium , a once in a generation assassin. Who is quickly exhiled and escapes into the wilderness .
The opening few chapters, really made me feel like I would connect with the MC.
Unfortunately one of the lowlights of the book ended up being the MC. She just ended up being a bit ridiculous at points. Unintelligent, beyond naieve and just somewhat dry.
The character work in general was a bit of a struggle for me personally. I personally read books to connect emotionally with the characters (Robin Hobb is my favourite author) , however I just never connected to anyone in the story.
That said, the story itself was good. The twists and turns were well delivered and despite seeing people not liking the ending. I disagree. I think the author swung for the fences and it paid off
I particularly enjoyed the narrator. She really went for the sell and will look to see if the narrator does more books within the fantasy genre.
I think this book is worth a shot. Its closer to YA than adult fantasy and if you're more into action, than characters, it should be a good read for you