A review by geethr75
A Thief and a Gentleman by Arden Powell

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 

This was my second read in the Flos Magicae series, and I enjoyed this just as much as the first. I want to read all the books in the series now. 

 

Sebastian is a thief and con artist who is between jobs, and planning the heist of a lifetime with his partner in crime, Kitty. He runs into Morgan Hollyhock, whom he had known as a boy and renews the acquaintance. A bet with Kitty's boyfriend, Adam, to seduce Morgan has Sebastian make a deal with Morgan. But the more time he spends with Morgan, the more Sebastian finds himself getting emotionally invested. But Morgan is respectable, staid and completely disapproving of Sebastian's thieving ways. Can Sebastian have his cake and eat it too? 

 

This was a fun read, and Sebastian is such an interesting character. I loved the magical system and how Sebastian can talk to magic and do things that others can't. I laughed at how some of the magics he encountered were like overeager puppies rather than the guard dogs they were supposed to be. 

 

The world of Flos Magicae is an alternate universe London in the 1920s and it's well realised. Magic is common but not flaunted. I loved the world building, especially the enchanted make up which can make people stand out as well fade away in crowds. Sebastian's unique abilities were very intriguing. 

 

Warnings for panic attacks and PTSD. 

 

I cried at times too, just because Sebastian's emotions were too much for me and for him too. 

 

Recommended for anyone who likes queer books, fantasy, romance and magic.