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amanda_mh's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
My experience reading this started as intrigue then lead to some anxiety and sadness back to intrigue. It kept me engaged and I overall enjoyed being on the inside of a girl gang based in history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
kimveach's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
An enjoyable, quick read about a group of women pickpockets and shoplifters in London after WWII.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
maregred's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Infidelity, Rape, Sexism, Blood, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
bookforthought's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
3.5
This was a bit of a different read for me, as I don't usually read gangland stories, but I love a good heist so I was fairly sure I'd enjoy this one. And I'm really glad I did! Queen of Thieves is a captivating read, as our protagonists play in the high-stakes game of post-WWII London gangland. Only one will emerge as the Queen of Thieves, and the future is far from rosy for the loser...
I had a lot of fun with this book, despite it touching on some tough topics and including some pretty explicit violent scenes. The characters were far from likeable, but they were certainly interesting, complex and resourceful and as morally grey as they come. I enjoyed the double narration from Nell's and Alice's POVs and getting to know both of them better. They were both extremely interesting as MCs, highly resilient and ready to do whatever it takes to not only survive, but thrive in a brutal, male-led environment. I love the recent trend that centres women's experiences in traditionally male stories, and Queen of Thieves does a great job of that.
The plot itself was interesting enough, although I had foreseen the main twists and reveals quite early on, so I wasn't particularly wowed by anything. It still flowed smoothly though and kept me interested to see who would crown herself the Queen of Thieves. The setting was also great, as post-war London and its seedy underbelly really came alive and played a key role in all the characters' actions.
What I really struggled with was the writing. The style just didn't work for me: I found it too simplistic and, often, confusing. There was also some major spelling, grammar and coherence issues, which I hope will have been fixed in the final version, but really dampened my enjoyment of this ARC. Now, this is entirely personal taste, and this writing and I didn't click but that doesn't mean it will be the same for you!
Overall, Queen of Thieves is an entertaining read, perfect if you're looking for a quick read to keep you engaged without an overly complex plot. Fans of heists, gangland and crime will particularly appreciate this work in centering female characters in what has been an overwhelmingly male trend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Rape
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