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a_chickletz's review against another edition
5.0
Since reading ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ I realized how much I enjoyed the thief genre. I eagerly pre-ordered, bought, or checked into other books that were recommended to me by GoodReads. This was one of them. The cover looked interesting, the ‘summary’ looked interesting and the author, well, the way he described the book to be akin to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was interesting! So when I was moseying around in a bookstore I was pleased to discover that all three of the newly printed volumes were available to buy. I bought the first one and took it home to read.
I have just finished this book and I now own the other two in the series (volumes, I mean).
I did read the reviews, which were mostly glowing with praise. Now, the previous book I read Among Thieves wasn’t my cup of tea even though most other reviewers enjoyed it. So I was afraid that, yet again, I was going to walk away from a genre I was being to enjoy with only Locke Lamora to account for. But this book, well, it comes in a pretty close second.
The reviews also said that the first story is a little slow. I will admit, it is but: READ THROUGH IT. When you find out who killed the king, things start picking up really fast and before you know it you’re sucked into the next story and you’re finished.
I really loved Royce and Hadrian. I guess in my head I pictured Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth. They both were written so you could tell them apart: Royce was the short, quiet, sneaky, sharp witted fellow while Hadrian was the tall, muscular, loud, strong, quick thinker who becomes the reluctant hero. I always enjoyed the way they seemed to take themselves out of whatever was going on at the moment to give a ‘funny’ commentary about the situation at hand, or that they were unafraid of telling someone off that was pissing them off. It didn’t come across ‘out-of-character’, or ‘forced’, because the author was able to give them the right and reason for using that form of dialogue.
The secondary characters were well written too. In my head, I was picturing who could play them if a movie was made. They all ranged from kind to downright disgusting! I quite pleased when a few of the bit the dust and sad when a few I liked did, too.
As I said, I now own the other two in the series and I can’t wait to start them. The second book (end of the first Volume) left me wanting more—especially on such a cliffhanger! So if you’re looking to start a book for the summer or you really like the thief genre, this book series is golden. I’m so happy that it started off as an indie series and was picked up by a publisher. YAY.
beaconhillbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
5.0
victorvalelover's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
jencam11's review against another edition
3.0
I seem to be in the minority here, but I could not get into this book. The author clearly put in effort to craft an epic story, but the writing in these novels is utilitarian at best, and more specifically lacks the artistry necessary to create a seamless narrative. In essence the characters, plot, and setting are there for a compelling story, but the way the descriptions, dialogue and thoughts of the characters are presented is done without full authenticity and genuineness. When I read the story I didn't imagine Royce and Hadrian actually existing in some far off land, going through these intrigues and adventures. All I could see was some author somewhere sitting at a laptop typing up this book. The author's voice outshone any of the character's voices, and all the other elements--from the ecology to the buildings to the political machinations to the theology of the regions--seemed made up rather than discovered. I will be just as happy going to read the synopsis of the rest of the books to find out what happens, because I was never pulled into the pages enough to live in the scenes. It's a shame, because I really wanted to like this book.
paigeautum's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
2.5
jsberick's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This was a reread. I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time though I could tell the writing wasn’t as polished as some of his later novels.
kylek44's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
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? No
4.5
wickedgrumpy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
I read the first half of this book originally and quite enjoyed it but then decided to take a break before continue onto the second half which then turned into probably about a decade of time for me to forget all the things. In my determination to finish series I have started (or decidedly discontinue them) I pick this back up and I think I appreciate it more than I did the first go around.
There are so quibbles I have with the misogyny, sexism, classism, otherisms, etc. but it is appropriate to the setting so I don't find myself deterred from the series because of it.
There are so quibbles I have with the misogyny, sexism, classism, otherisms, etc. but it is appropriate to the setting so I don't find myself deterred from the series because of it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism, Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
oberonmallory's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0