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A review by wildfaeriecaps
Thief Mage, Beggar Mage by Cat Hellisen
5.0
So grateful to get to read an early copy of this book!
Okay, surface level stuff: the worldbuilding here is phenomenal. There's an intricate mythos and political system. It never felt force-fed, though. Cat has a talent for this. Their work has always drawn me in and told me exactly what I need to know without overwhelming me. It's brilliant. Tet was an easy character to love. He's so human, it hurts. Flawed and angry and resigned and adaptable and just trying to get by. I love him.
I saw the twist coming, not going to lie there. But you know what? It was still very satisfying. Everything lines up exactly as it should and keeps you turning pages. And that end? Loved it.
Deeper level stuff: holy wow, my people. This book spoke to me. Maybe I'm projecting my own thoughts and issues here, but that's what art is for, right? To help us grow as people and see inside ourselves? And sometimes, outside of ourselves as well. Anyway. At its core, I want to say this book was about finding yourself. Accepting the facets of you that are more prickly than others. Shifting them around until they fit snug against other pieces--even if that means grinding down some edges or filling in the gaps like that amazing kintsugi pottery until you are something new and beautiful and intrinsically *you*
Anyone who knows me is well aware that Cat Hellisen is my favorite author of all time. I stand firmly by every book they've ever written and find the world a brighter place because of both them and their work. This book was no exception. It is beautiful and heartbreaking and soul-mending. Which is to say, you should absolutely buy and read this book.
Okay, surface level stuff: the worldbuilding here is phenomenal. There's an intricate mythos and political system. It never felt force-fed, though. Cat has a talent for this. Their work has always drawn me in and told me exactly what I need to know without overwhelming me. It's brilliant. Tet was an easy character to love. He's so human, it hurts. Flawed and angry and resigned and adaptable and just trying to get by. I love him.
I saw the twist coming, not going to lie there. But you know what? It was still very satisfying. Everything lines up exactly as it should and keeps you turning pages. And that end? Loved it.
Deeper level stuff: holy wow, my people. This book spoke to me. Maybe I'm projecting my own thoughts and issues here, but that's what art is for, right? To help us grow as people and see inside ourselves? And sometimes, outside of ourselves as well. Anyway. At its core, I want to say this book was about finding yourself. Accepting the facets of you that are more prickly than others. Shifting them around until they fit snug against other pieces--even if that means grinding down some edges or filling in the gaps like that amazing kintsugi pottery until you are something new and beautiful and intrinsically *you*
Anyone who knows me is well aware that Cat Hellisen is my favorite author of all time. I stand firmly by every book they've ever written and find the world a brighter place because of both them and their work. This book was no exception. It is beautiful and heartbreaking and soul-mending. Which is to say, you should absolutely buy and read this book.