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A review by lauren_miller
To Steal from Thieves by M.K. Lobb
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
OK so,
I enjoyed the fact that this is legit enemies with a hint of lovers; there's passion, betrayal, and revenge at the heart of Kane and Zaria's relationship, and it's not pretty. in fact, everything about this story is pretty brutal. there's violence and murder, stealing and deception, power and obsession, all the makings of a tragedy when you're under the thumb of a kingpin like Ward. is this a heist novel? technically. but it reads more like a mafia story with a hint of thievery; it's more about the relationships that the MMC and FMC are desperate to protect, at the cost of their own safety and desires.
I really enjoyed the magic system and how it goes beyond the basic concept of alchemy to require so much of the maker. it was just as cruel as the rest of the elements in the story but oh so beautiful. I don't blame Jules for wanting to take at least some of the burden when the effects are so awful. And I love that Kane plays the piano. it has no real bearing on the story, but that scene, out of the entire story, I would dare say, is him at his most human; despite the ending, it gave me hope for him.
ALL THAT SAID, the writing and story were good, but the overall atmosphere and plot were super heavy, dark, and not really to my taste. I would definitely recommend it, but I don't really have any desire to continue on in the series.
3.75 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed the fact that this is legit enemies with a hint of lovers; there's passion, betrayal, and revenge at the heart of Kane and Zaria's relationship, and it's not pretty. in fact, everything about this story is pretty brutal. there's violence and murder, stealing and deception, power and obsession, all the makings of a tragedy when you're under the thumb of a kingpin like Ward. is this a heist novel? technically. but it reads more like a mafia story with a hint of thievery; it's more about the relationships that the MMC and FMC are desperate to protect, at the cost of their own safety and desires.
I really enjoyed the magic system and how it goes beyond the basic concept of alchemy to require so much of the maker. it was just as cruel as the rest of the elements in the story but oh so beautiful. I don't blame Jules for wanting to take at least some of the burden when the effects are so awful. And I love that Kane plays the piano. it has no real bearing on the story, but that scene, out of the entire story, I would dare say, is him at his most human; despite the ending, it gave me hope for him.
ALL THAT SAID, the writing and story were good, but the overall atmosphere and plot were super heavy, dark, and not really to my taste. I would definitely recommend it, but I don't really have any desire to continue on in the series.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Murder
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Grief, Fire/Fire injury