hmfogel's review
5.0
Disclaimer: I proofread this one. But that was my first time seeing the manuscript (so I had nothing to do with its story content) and trust me, it really is this good. Brenda makes you care about the protagonists and despise the antagonists, not to mention the fabulous worldbuilding. If you're a fantasy fan, definitely put Joythief on your to-read list!
claudiearseneault's review
4.0
First, the premise, shall we? JOYTHIEF revolves around a poison that steals what is most precious to yourself. How cool and terrifying is that? How many wildly different but intense story could we tell from it?
For Mariq, this invaluable part of herself is her spider-thief skills. And here JOYTHIEF brings us not only a story full of intense adventure, magic, and intrigue, but also weaves in a deeper theme: how much of ourselves we tie to our skills. What part of our identity is connected to what we can do? Are we worth less if we lose them? And if we have horrible powers, does that make us a monster? What of men with skills, but no identity? Can they use their strengths to break free and build themselves?
JOYTHIEF has all you want in good fantasy: a thrilling storyline, powerful and dangerous magic, complex characters, and a powerful theme gluing it all together.
(Also it has Cendim, my Good Slytherin baby, whom I will always love. Every novel needs a Cendim!)
For Mariq, this invaluable part of herself is her spider-thief skills. And here JOYTHIEF brings us not only a story full of intense adventure, magic, and intrigue, but also weaves in a deeper theme: how much of ourselves we tie to our skills. What part of our identity is connected to what we can do? Are we worth less if we lose them? And if we have horrible powers, does that make us a monster? What of men with skills, but no identity? Can they use their strengths to break free and build themselves?
JOYTHIEF has all you want in good fantasy: a thrilling storyline, powerful and dangerous magic, complex characters, and a powerful theme gluing it all together.
(Also it has Cendim, my Good Slytherin baby, whom I will always love. Every novel needs a Cendim!)
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