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Thieftaker Chronicles #2
Thieves' Quarry
Boston, Province of Massachusetts Bay, September 28, 1768
Autumn has come to New England, and with it a new threat to the city of Boston. British naval ships have sailed into Boston Harbor bearing over a thousand of His Majesty King George III’s soldiers. After a summer of rioting and political unrest, the city is to be occupied.
Ethan Kaille, thieftaker and conjurer, is awakened early in the morning by a staggeringly powerful spell, a dark conjuring of unknown origin. Before long, he is approached by representatives of the Crown. It seems that every man aboard the HMS Graystone has died, though no one knows how or why. They know only that there is no sign of violence or illness. Ethan soon discovers that one soldier -- a man who is known to have worked with Ethan’s beautiful and dangerous rival, Sephira Pryce -- has escaped the fate of his comrades and is not among the Graystone’s dead. Is he the killer, or is there another conjurer loose in the city, possessed of power sufficient to kill so many with a single dark casting?
Ethan, the missing soldier, and Sephira Pryce and her henchmen all scour the city in search of a stolen treasure which seems to lie at the root of all that is happening. At the same time, though, Boston’s conjurers are under assault from the royal government as well as from the mysterious conjurer. Men are dying. Ethan is beaten, imprisoned, and attacked with dark spells.
And if he fails to unravel the mystery of what befell the Graystone, every conjurer in Boston will be hanged as a witch. Including him.
Autumn has come to New England, and with it a new threat to the city of Boston. British naval ships have sailed into Boston Harbor bearing over a thousand of His Majesty King George III’s soldiers. After a summer of rioting and political unrest, the city is to be occupied.
Ethan Kaille, thieftaker and conjurer, is awakened early in the morning by a staggeringly powerful spell, a dark conjuring of unknown origin. Before long, he is approached by representatives of the Crown. It seems that every man aboard the HMS Graystone has died, though no one knows how or why. They know only that there is no sign of violence or illness. Ethan soon discovers that one soldier -- a man who is known to have worked with Ethan’s beautiful and dangerous rival, Sephira Pryce -- has escaped the fate of his comrades and is not among the Graystone’s dead. Is he the killer, or is there another conjurer loose in the city, possessed of power sufficient to kill so many with a single dark casting?
Ethan, the missing soldier, and Sephira Pryce and her henchmen all scour the city in search of a stolen treasure which seems to lie at the root of all that is happening. At the same time, though, Boston’s conjurers are under assault from the royal government as well as from the mysterious conjurer. Men are dying. Ethan is beaten, imprisoned, and attacked with dark spells.
And if he fails to unravel the mystery of what befell the Graystone, every conjurer in Boston will be hanged as a witch. Including him.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
24 people are currently reading
1237 people want to read
About the author
D.B. Jackson
26 books298 followers
D.B. Jackson has been writing fantasy and science fiction under a different pen name for over fifteen years. He has published novels, short stories, and media tie-ins in more than a dozen languages. He also has a Ph.D. in American History, and now, for the first time in his career, he is combining his love of fantasy with his passion for history. His first historical fantasy series, The Thieftaker Chronicles, includes Thieftaker, Thieves' Quarry, A Plunder of Souls (to be released in July 2014), and Dead Man's Reach (due out in 2015). The Thieftaker novels, which combine elements of fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction, are published by Tor Books. He is also at work on a new contemporary urban fantasy series, The Weremyste Cycle (written under the name David B. Coe), which will be published by Baen books. The first book, Spell Blind, will be out in January 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
May 24, 2015
Main strengths of this book is the magic system and very good historic reseach merge together to create a very good urban fantasy mystery.
So well worth the read, if you want something different to enjoy.
So well worth the read, if you want something different to enjoy.
September 25, 2019
The second novel in the “Thieftaker” series picks up three years after the first book. The year is now 1768, the year in which Britain decided to occupy Boston as a way to handle the colonists who are fussing more and more about unfair taxes. British regulars set about to find quarters for themselves amongst the citizenry which, of course, does nothing to lessen the tensions. But during that process, an entire ship load of nearly 100 soldiers is abruptly and mysteriously killed while waiting in Boston Harbor. Ethan Kaille, thieftaker and conjurer, is hired by the King’s Navy to investigate and it doesn’t take long to get himself in deep trouble. Not only is the local sheriff anxious to but this “witch” behind bars, but there is also the usual rivalry with boss lady Saphira Pryce, not to mention what appears to be a new conjurer in town more powerful than any ever encountered.
Once again, DB Jackson has scribed a wonderful tale that combines historical fiction with a nice mystery as well as spellcasting fantasy. Ethan Kaille is proving to be an excellent protagonist who is up against extremely difficult life-threatening situations but for very small rewards. He makes mistakes and pays for them but demonstrates dogged persistence on behalf of his client. The magic system is interesting but not overly complicated and we readers can often see the correct strategy to employ against the bad guys. The world building is spot on, filled with colonial Boston detail and accurate historical characters such as Sam Adams and other Sons of Liberty.
It’s a great combination and makes for a fun page-turning read. I hope there are many more of these novels to come.
Once again, DB Jackson has scribed a wonderful tale that combines historical fiction with a nice mystery as well as spellcasting fantasy. Ethan Kaille is proving to be an excellent protagonist who is up against extremely difficult life-threatening situations but for very small rewards. He makes mistakes and pays for them but demonstrates dogged persistence on behalf of his client. The magic system is interesting but not overly complicated and we readers can often see the correct strategy to employ against the bad guys. The world building is spot on, filled with colonial Boston detail and accurate historical characters such as Sam Adams and other Sons of Liberty.
It’s a great combination and makes for a fun page-turning read. I hope there are many more of these novels to come.
August 21, 2021
Thieves' Quarry (Thieftaker #2) by D.B. Jackson is a great sequel that realizes more of its potential than its predecessor. The author has really done his research on the time period and it shows. I particularly enjoy how he has combined the real world history and magic. I'm definitely going to have to continue this historical fantasy series. I can't wait to pick up A Plunder of Souls.
July 7, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
I plucked the first book in this series, Thieftaker, from the midst of the towering TBR pile back in February. At the time, a book about pre-Revolutionary America seemed like a good read for Presidents Day. After the Fourth of July, earlier this week, it seemed like an appropriate time to dig out the second book in the series.
And I’m glad I did. This was definitely the right book for the right time. Again.
Thieves’ Quarry takes place three years after the events in Thieftaker. Which makes the year 1768, the year that the British, in their infinite wisdom, decided to teach those fractious colonists in Boston a lesson by occupying the city with British regulars. Those muttering “revolution” mutter a whole lot louder as armed Redcoats stand on every street corner to watch the citizens. Even Ethan, who began the series as a British loyalist, feels uneasy at the occupation – and he’s not alone.
But in the case that forms the central mystery of Thieves’ Quarry, Ethan is working for the British Crown. Not precisely as a thieftaker, although as he puts it, all the men were certainly robbed of their lives, but as a conjurer. Someone killed every man aboard one of the British transport ships bringing troops to the colonies, and did it with an extremely powerful spell.
It’s up to Ethan to figure out who that powerful speller is, before the frustrated colonial Lieutenant Governor, Thomas Hutchinson, has Ethan and every conjurer in Boston hanged as a witch. Which won’t resolve ANY of the outstanding problems, nor will it trap the killer, but will give the restless populace something to focus on other than the occupation, and will have the added benefit of getting the Crown off of Hutchinson’s back, as he will have done SOMETHING to resolve the issue. Even if it doesn’t solve anything at all.
So Ethan finds himself in a race against time, trying desperately to figure out who committed this terrible crime, while the Sheriff, the Lieutenant Governor and his arch-rival Sephira Pryce dog his every step – when they are not out in front of him throwing roadblocks in his path.
And in the end, he discovers that the answer is one that he should have known all along.
Escape Rating B+: The author does an absolutely fantastic job of bringing pre-Revolutionary Boston to life. As we follow Ethan, it almost feels like the reader can not just see what he sees, but sometimes even smell what he smells. Even when it smells really, really rank.
So much of this story, in spite of the fantastical elements, rings true. As do most of the characters. While real historical figures play small parts in this story, notably Samuel Adams and the aforementioned Lieutenant Governor, all the characters feel like real people living in a real time and real place. Except for one.
For this reader, every time Sephira Pryce appears I have to grit my teeth and wait for her to step off the page again. She does not feel like a real person, instead, she reads like a caricature of a female criminal mastermind – ruthless, capricious, petulant, self-indulgent and gorgeous. Ethan’s lingering descriptions of her looks each time she enters the scene get old. I’m only grateful that there’s no “will they, won’t they” chemistry between them, because frankly that would make me drop the series. But there’s just something about her that doesn’t ring true, and it always bothers me.
But the mystery in Thieves’ Quarry kept me turning pages until the very end. And no, I didn’t figure it out. When Ethan finally unravels the whole mess, it’s easy to see how he (and we) should have figured things out much, much sooner. But didn’t. And that’s marvelous.
I enjoyed Thieves’ Quarry and its mystery as well as its gritty portrait of pre-Revolutionary Boston. Enough so that I may not manage to wait until the next appropriate holiday to pick up A Plunder of Souls. Next Presidents Day is awfully far away.
I plucked the first book in this series, Thieftaker, from the midst of the towering TBR pile back in February. At the time, a book about pre-Revolutionary America seemed like a good read for Presidents Day. After the Fourth of July, earlier this week, it seemed like an appropriate time to dig out the second book in the series.
And I’m glad I did. This was definitely the right book for the right time. Again.
Thieves’ Quarry takes place three years after the events in Thieftaker. Which makes the year 1768, the year that the British, in their infinite wisdom, decided to teach those fractious colonists in Boston a lesson by occupying the city with British regulars. Those muttering “revolution” mutter a whole lot louder as armed Redcoats stand on every street corner to watch the citizens. Even Ethan, who began the series as a British loyalist, feels uneasy at the occupation – and he’s not alone.
But in the case that forms the central mystery of Thieves’ Quarry, Ethan is working for the British Crown. Not precisely as a thieftaker, although as he puts it, all the men were certainly robbed of their lives, but as a conjurer. Someone killed every man aboard one of the British transport ships bringing troops to the colonies, and did it with an extremely powerful spell.
It’s up to Ethan to figure out who that powerful speller is, before the frustrated colonial Lieutenant Governor, Thomas Hutchinson, has Ethan and every conjurer in Boston hanged as a witch. Which won’t resolve ANY of the outstanding problems, nor will it trap the killer, but will give the restless populace something to focus on other than the occupation, and will have the added benefit of getting the Crown off of Hutchinson’s back, as he will have done SOMETHING to resolve the issue. Even if it doesn’t solve anything at all.
So Ethan finds himself in a race against time, trying desperately to figure out who committed this terrible crime, while the Sheriff, the Lieutenant Governor and his arch-rival Sephira Pryce dog his every step – when they are not out in front of him throwing roadblocks in his path.
And in the end, he discovers that the answer is one that he should have known all along.
Escape Rating B+: The author does an absolutely fantastic job of bringing pre-Revolutionary Boston to life. As we follow Ethan, it almost feels like the reader can not just see what he sees, but sometimes even smell what he smells. Even when it smells really, really rank.
So much of this story, in spite of the fantastical elements, rings true. As do most of the characters. While real historical figures play small parts in this story, notably Samuel Adams and the aforementioned Lieutenant Governor, all the characters feel like real people living in a real time and real place. Except for one.
For this reader, every time Sephira Pryce appears I have to grit my teeth and wait for her to step off the page again. She does not feel like a real person, instead, she reads like a caricature of a female criminal mastermind – ruthless, capricious, petulant, self-indulgent and gorgeous. Ethan’s lingering descriptions of her looks each time she enters the scene get old. I’m only grateful that there’s no “will they, won’t they” chemistry between them, because frankly that would make me drop the series. But there’s just something about her that doesn’t ring true, and it always bothers me.
But the mystery in Thieves’ Quarry kept me turning pages until the very end. And no, I didn’t figure it out. When Ethan finally unravels the whole mess, it’s easy to see how he (and we) should have figured things out much, much sooner. But didn’t. And that’s marvelous.
I enjoyed Thieves’ Quarry and its mystery as well as its gritty portrait of pre-Revolutionary Boston. Enough so that I may not manage to wait until the next appropriate holiday to pick up A Plunder of Souls. Next Presidents Day is awfully far away.
October 8, 2014
This is the second book in a fantastic historical urban fantasy. I loved it!
Ethan Kaille is an interesting character. He is a Thieftaker, a conjurer who uses his magic to track down thieves and the stolen items. I liked this eighteenth century gent. He has a very sharp mind, and is quite talented as a magical detective. He has a dark past, which gives him an air of mystery.
I downloaded this as an audio book, so I could listen to it while doing housework, or just before going to bed.
The tale was again narrated by Jonathan Davis, who brought the characters and story alive with his narration. I could listen to his voice for hours! In fact, I did! I became so involved in the story that I didn't realise how much time had gone by!
The story took me on a journey into eighteenth century Boston. I am not a history buff, but I am interested in this period in America's early history. The author has woven a wonderful tale into this backdrop.
Ethan Kaille reminded me of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden. However, Ethan is very much his own character and has his own quirks and way of doing things. He uses elemental magic - earth, wind, water, air and fire - for his spells. It has been a pleasure watching this character grow in confidence with his conjuring abilities, and trying new spells.
In this story, he is hired by the Customs office to investigate a mysterious mass murder on board a Royal Navy ship. The mystery of the deadly conjuring sees Ethan facing even more danger than ever before. Meanwhile, Sephira Pryce, Ethan's nemesis and fellow Thieftaker, is determined to get more clients by hiring her own conjurer.
The story has several twists and turns, which kept me hooked from beginning to end. The descriptions of the characters and scenes brought Boston in 1768 to life; I could picture it quite clearly. I did, however, feel that some of the scenes were a little too long and drawn out at times. However, that being said, there was plenty of action and danger with which to keep me interested and entertained. There was one scene in particular that upset me. Not because it was particularly gruesome or anything like that, but just because Ethan was rendered helpless and I wanted to rescue him. Silly, hey? The mystery of who was behind the deaths on the ship was a huge surprise; I never guessed who the culprit was, and was totally shocked when they were revealed. The end of the story has a twist that I didn't see coming, and has me looking forward to reading/listening to the next book in the series, A Plunder of Souls as soon as possible.
D.B. Jackson has written a fantastic historical urban fantasy. I loved his writing style, which was fast paced and action packed, and the story flowed wonderfully from beginning to end. I would most definitely read more of this author's books in the future.
There are a few scenes of a sensual nature, though not explicit, and scenes of cutting (for spell making) that may upset some readers. Therefore, I do not recommend this book for younger readers or those of a nervous disposition. However, I highly recommend this book if you love paranormal, urban fantasy, mystery, thriller or detective genres. - Lynn Worton
Ethan Kaille is an interesting character. He is a Thieftaker, a conjurer who uses his magic to track down thieves and the stolen items. I liked this eighteenth century gent. He has a very sharp mind, and is quite talented as a magical detective. He has a dark past, which gives him an air of mystery.
I downloaded this as an audio book, so I could listen to it while doing housework, or just before going to bed.
The tale was again narrated by Jonathan Davis, who brought the characters and story alive with his narration. I could listen to his voice for hours! In fact, I did! I became so involved in the story that I didn't realise how much time had gone by!
The story took me on a journey into eighteenth century Boston. I am not a history buff, but I am interested in this period in America's early history. The author has woven a wonderful tale into this backdrop.
Ethan Kaille reminded me of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden. However, Ethan is very much his own character and has his own quirks and way of doing things. He uses elemental magic - earth, wind, water, air and fire - for his spells. It has been a pleasure watching this character grow in confidence with his conjuring abilities, and trying new spells.
In this story, he is hired by the Customs office to investigate a mysterious mass murder on board a Royal Navy ship. The mystery of the deadly conjuring sees Ethan facing even more danger than ever before. Meanwhile, Sephira Pryce, Ethan's nemesis and fellow Thieftaker, is determined to get more clients by hiring her own conjurer.
The story has several twists and turns, which kept me hooked from beginning to end. The descriptions of the characters and scenes brought Boston in 1768 to life; I could picture it quite clearly. I did, however, feel that some of the scenes were a little too long and drawn out at times. However, that being said, there was plenty of action and danger with which to keep me interested and entertained. There was one scene in particular that upset me. Not because it was particularly gruesome or anything like that, but just because Ethan was rendered helpless and I wanted to rescue him. Silly, hey? The mystery of who was behind the deaths on the ship was a huge surprise; I never guessed who the culprit was, and was totally shocked when they were revealed. The end of the story has a twist that I didn't see coming, and has me looking forward to reading/listening to the next book in the series, A Plunder of Souls as soon as possible.
D.B. Jackson has written a fantastic historical urban fantasy. I loved his writing style, which was fast paced and action packed, and the story flowed wonderfully from beginning to end. I would most definitely read more of this author's books in the future.
There are a few scenes of a sensual nature, though not explicit, and scenes of cutting (for spell making) that may upset some readers. Therefore, I do not recommend this book for younger readers or those of a nervous disposition. However, I highly recommend this book if you love paranormal, urban fantasy, mystery, thriller or detective genres. - Lynn Worton
May 1, 2013
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
THIEVES’ QUARRY is a follow-up to my favorite urban fantasy novel of 2012, D.B. Jackson’s THIEFTAKER. I started this book with high expectations and it somehow managed to exceed them.
While it isn’t necessary to have read THIEFTAKER before checking out THIEVES’ QUARRY (Jackson does a great job of explaining things without boring those of us who have read the first novel), I highly recommend it just so you can enjoy seeing the changes the characters have gone through since the first novel.
Anyway!
THIEVES’ QUARRY starts off quickly with our intrepid thieftaker Ethan Kaille finding himself tasked with investigating the deaths of everyone onboard one of King George III’s Royal Navy vessels. The pre-Revolutionary War time period alone would make the stakes for this case incredibly high, but with the additional threat of having every conjurer in the city hanged if he fails the stakes are even higher for Ethan. This isn’t going to be an easy case and Ethan is going to need the help of every friend and spell he has in order to solve it.
The mystery at the heart of THIEVES’ QUARRY is one of the best I’ve come across in the urban fantasy genre. Normally the ‘mysteries’ in this genre aren’t much of one and I’m able to figure out what’s what pretty early on. That wasn’t the case here. It kept me guessing right along with Ethan up till the very end. That fact also makes this a hard review to write. With a mystery this good I don’t want to give anything away and risk ruining it for anyone.
What I can talk about is how much I loved the characters in this novel. Heck, as good as the mystery was I’d make the claim that the interactions between Ethan and the other characters (especially his dealings with nemesis and fellow thieftaker Sephira Pryce) are even better. At times humorous, sometimes sad and always real, these are characters you’re going to quickly find yourself attached to. Jackson also does a great job of interweaving historical figures in to the narrative. Normally when authors toss in real-life folks into their novels I find it jarring and it takes me out of the story. The fact it doesn’t happen here with characters as well-known as Samuel Adams (among others) is a credit to Jackson’s skills as an author.
It goes without saying that I highly recommend THIEVES’ QUARRY. If you’re looking for a great book curl up with while waiting for the fireworks this Fourth of July then look no further than this one.
THIEVES’ QUARRY is a follow-up to my favorite urban fantasy novel of 2012, D.B. Jackson’s THIEFTAKER. I started this book with high expectations and it somehow managed to exceed them.
While it isn’t necessary to have read THIEFTAKER before checking out THIEVES’ QUARRY (Jackson does a great job of explaining things without boring those of us who have read the first novel), I highly recommend it just so you can enjoy seeing the changes the characters have gone through since the first novel.
Anyway!
THIEVES’ QUARRY starts off quickly with our intrepid thieftaker Ethan Kaille finding himself tasked with investigating the deaths of everyone onboard one of King George III’s Royal Navy vessels. The pre-Revolutionary War time period alone would make the stakes for this case incredibly high, but with the additional threat of having every conjurer in the city hanged if he fails the stakes are even higher for Ethan. This isn’t going to be an easy case and Ethan is going to need the help of every friend and spell he has in order to solve it.
The mystery at the heart of THIEVES’ QUARRY is one of the best I’ve come across in the urban fantasy genre. Normally the ‘mysteries’ in this genre aren’t much of one and I’m able to figure out what’s what pretty early on. That wasn’t the case here. It kept me guessing right along with Ethan up till the very end. That fact also makes this a hard review to write. With a mystery this good I don’t want to give anything away and risk ruining it for anyone.
What I can talk about is how much I loved the characters in this novel. Heck, as good as the mystery was I’d make the claim that the interactions between Ethan and the other characters (especially his dealings with nemesis and fellow thieftaker Sephira Pryce) are even better. At times humorous, sometimes sad and always real, these are characters you’re going to quickly find yourself attached to. Jackson also does a great job of interweaving historical figures in to the narrative. Normally when authors toss in real-life folks into their novels I find it jarring and it takes me out of the story. The fact it doesn’t happen here with characters as well-known as Samuel Adams (among others) is a credit to Jackson’s skills as an author.
It goes without saying that I highly recommend THIEVES’ QUARRY. If you’re looking for a great book curl up with while waiting for the fireworks this Fourth of July then look no further than this one.
March 26, 2015
I think I enjoyed this one more than the first one.
There was less repetition, I think. Though I didn't read this one as I listened to the audiobook, so maybe I just didn't notice the repetition of threats from Sepheria.
Now, the baddy wasn't surprising to me.
The plot did feel a little too reminiscent of plots in both Voyager and The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (mostly Voyager)
But all in all, I didn't feel like I was wasting my time reading it.
Not sure about the narrator though as the accents just didn't feel right considering how people spoke back then. (Remember as Neil Gaiman says, we were all English back then. And there would have been a lot more English accents than 'American' certainly not a modern accent as we know it.)
There was less repetition, I think. Though I didn't read this one as I listened to the audiobook, so maybe I just didn't notice the repetition of threats from Sepheria.
Now, the baddy wasn't surprising to me.
The plot did feel a little too reminiscent of plots in both Voyager and The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (mostly Voyager)
But all in all, I didn't feel like I was wasting my time reading it.
Not sure about the narrator though as the accents just didn't feel right considering how people spoke back then. (Remember as Neil Gaiman says, we were all English back then. And there would have been a lot more English accents than 'American' certainly not a modern accent as we know it.)
August 2, 2013
Thieves’ Quarry is D.B. Jackson’s solid follow up to his first historical fantasy, Thieftaker, set in pre-Revolutionary (barely) Boston. In it, Jackson raises the stakes from the very start, beginning with a bit of a bang, as his protagonist Ethan Kaille is wakened one morning by an astonishingly powerful pulse of magic in the city. Ethan’s foreboding centered on that mysterious pulse is soon borne out as he is called in by the Crown to investigate the deaths of all the men, nearly a hundred, aboard an English war vessel floating in Boston Harbor, part of the fleet that brings an occupying force into the city in an attempt to quell the fractious colonists.
As with the first book, the strength of Thieves’ Quarry lies in its characters. Ethan is an engaging lead character, and as I mentioned in my review of Thieftaker, I greatly appreciate that… Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
As with the first book, the strength of Thieves’ Quarry lies in its characters. Ethan is an engaging lead character, and as I mentioned in my review of Thieftaker, I greatly appreciate that… Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
November 16, 2017
The British military have landed an occupying force in the colonies and Ethan Kaille, Thieftaker, has been called to a British ship. What he finds there nearly stops his heart. The crew, down to the last man, is dead, not a mark upon them. Kaille confirms that they have died at the hands of a conjurer - and he is the Crown's favorite suspect.
A murder mystery set against the turmoil of pre-revolutionary Boston, Ethan Kaille is once again up against a powerful conjurer and it will be his wits, not his spellwork, that saves him. Meanwhile, his nemesis, Saphira Pryce, has obtained her own conjurer, his family have decided he can be of use, and the conjurers of Boston are keeping Kaille at arms' length. It's one heck of a ride. He and Harry Dresden can most definitely compare injuries.
A murder mystery set against the turmoil of pre-revolutionary Boston, Ethan Kaille is once again up against a powerful conjurer and it will be his wits, not his spellwork, that saves him. Meanwhile, his nemesis, Saphira Pryce, has obtained her own conjurer, his family have decided he can be of use, and the conjurers of Boston are keeping Kaille at arms' length. It's one heck of a ride. He and Harry Dresden can most definitely compare injuries.
May 24, 2017
Just as with the first in the series, this held my attention from the first page to the last. Half of the time you spend guessing the next step and almost always, you're just a little wrong. This one definitely felt like more of a mystery than the first. I'm so excited for the 3rd and 4th, both sitting on my shelf, ready to have their dust jackets removed!
February 13, 2014
A day or two after Independence Day I noticed DB Jackson's new book Thieves Quarry was out. I enjoyed Thieftaker quite a bit and thought what better way to celebrate the holiday than with his new Historical Urban Fantasy. I have to say I was completely blown away. I liked the first one a lot but feel that Thieves Quarry was even better. I think this series might just be his best work yet which is saying a lot. Winds of the Forelands along with it's sequel series Blood of the Southlands are two series that are among my favorites when it comes to fantasy.
Once again DB Jackson proves that his world building is just as imaginative and strong as ever. His education in History goes a long way to making the book feel authentic. The magic is truly different and plausible. I can almost imagine real Conjurers during our Pre-Revolution days working as Theiftakers and soldiers. His characters are extremely life like and three dimensional. I love the fact that Ethan is a loyal citizen of England who up until events in this book has considered himself a Tory and not a Whig. Certain events that take place during the story start to change his views and while he's still a proud citizen of England he starts to become more sympathetic to the people of Boston and the colonies who are against England's newfound aggression. I think it takes a bold author to create a character that might not necessarily share his own personal point of views or opinions. It makes Ethan a much richer character. The characters in Thieves Quarry are not all black and white. Sure there are those that I consider heroes along with ones I think of as villains but hardly any of them are pure good or evil, they're made up of many shades of grey. Even the best of people make bad mistakes, much like Ethan in his youth when he took part in a naval mutiny. He served his time in hard labor for it. He's not perfect but who really is? The fact that he's a Speller or Conjurer when most people believe that they are witches and a product of Satan is bad enough. Sure the Salem Witch Trials may be long behind them but witches are still feared and hanged. So it's even worse for Ethan who is considered by many to have once betrayed England and his duty but he's a good guy. He made a mistake and paid for it dearly and does the best he can with what he has each day. He is a man of his word and will stand up for the little guy but he also obey's the law. He's as complex as he is unique and I applaud Mr. Coe for making him so. Saphira Price his main enemy and rival is equally complex and each scene she's in is deliciously fun.
I truly can't praise this book enough, it's as fine a fantasy as you'll find anywhere, actually it's much better than most. Whether you're into Urban Fantasy, High Fantasy or even Historical fantasy you'll enjoy Thieves Quarry. If you haven't read Thieftaker yet I urge you to do so. You're missing what just may be the finest fantasy series to come out this year.
Once again DB Jackson proves that his world building is just as imaginative and strong as ever. His education in History goes a long way to making the book feel authentic. The magic is truly different and plausible. I can almost imagine real Conjurers during our Pre-Revolution days working as Theiftakers and soldiers. His characters are extremely life like and three dimensional. I love the fact that Ethan is a loyal citizen of England who up until events in this book has considered himself a Tory and not a Whig. Certain events that take place during the story start to change his views and while he's still a proud citizen of England he starts to become more sympathetic to the people of Boston and the colonies who are against England's newfound aggression. I think it takes a bold author to create a character that might not necessarily share his own personal point of views or opinions. It makes Ethan a much richer character. The characters in Thieves Quarry are not all black and white. Sure there are those that I consider heroes along with ones I think of as villains but hardly any of them are pure good or evil, they're made up of many shades of grey. Even the best of people make bad mistakes, much like Ethan in his youth when he took part in a naval mutiny. He served his time in hard labor for it. He's not perfect but who really is? The fact that he's a Speller or Conjurer when most people believe that they are witches and a product of Satan is bad enough. Sure the Salem Witch Trials may be long behind them but witches are still feared and hanged. So it's even worse for Ethan who is considered by many to have once betrayed England and his duty but he's a good guy. He made a mistake and paid for it dearly and does the best he can with what he has each day. He is a man of his word and will stand up for the little guy but he also obey's the law. He's as complex as he is unique and I applaud Mr. Coe for making him so. Saphira Price his main enemy and rival is equally complex and each scene she's in is deliciously fun.
I truly can't praise this book enough, it's as fine a fantasy as you'll find anywhere, actually it's much better than most. Whether you're into Urban Fantasy, High Fantasy or even Historical fantasy you'll enjoy Thieves Quarry. If you haven't read Thieftaker yet I urge you to do so. You're missing what just may be the finest fantasy series to come out this year.
September 14, 2013
Forewarning, I got my copy of the book as a part of a contest.
The short: Thieve's Quarry is a historical fantasy with elements of urban fantasy and mystery fiction thrown into it. But most of all, it's an exciting adventure and a fun read.
The long: Ethan Kaille is a thieftaker and conjurer in Boston 1768. An older man who's lost a portion of his life serving out a sentence of mutiny, who's now living in Boston using both his wits and spellmaking to get by. When every man aboard the HMS Graystone died mysterious one night, he's asked by the Crown to figure what happen and who did.
Jackson has both created and interesting work and an excellent cast of characters in his Thieftaker Chronicles. The interesting thing is that in the afterword for the first book in the series, Thieftaker, Jackson stated that originally the story was sit in its own universe until it was suggested to set it in its current setting. Part of the charm of the books is the historical setting. To many, that could be a hindrance trying to adhere to history, but Jackson is able to use it nicely to suit is purposes. With the tension rising between the American Colonies and the British Crown, it lends a tense atmosphere and helps to set the mood of the novel. As well, historical Boston with both the character of the town and history of the time add to the overall feel of the world. We're now already seem elements that lead up to the American Revolution (The Stamp Act in the first novel and now the British occupation in the novel), I'm interested to see how other events will shape future stories and how the War will too.
There's a lot to like about Ethan in that he's a man of honour with quite a bit of bitter experience behind him though he's not bitter about it. He's lost a good chunk of his life to being a slave in the Caribbean for his crime of mutiny, but yet in his action he still believes in doing the right thing. The nice shift is seeing how his perspective in being a loyal British citizen to one starting to question the means with which the British using in the Colonies to suppress dissident.
It is just not Ethan alone, but there's a great cast of characters from his best friend Diver, his love Kannice, Janna Windcatcher ('cause if you're going to make up a name, mind as well make up a name you like) to the biggest theiftaker in town, Sephira Pryce. Though they might not be in the story for long, there's a nice depth to them and likeability. A lot of the times, the cast are standard troupes, but there's nothing wrong with that. A troupe done right is a fun thing to see.
Lastly, Jackson has created a simple and effective magic system, which feels like its starting to grow larger. In this novel, we learn from Janna that magic is only limited by what a conjurer believes he or she is able to do. It'd be interesting to see where this takes us.
The short: Thieve's Quarry is a historical fantasy with elements of urban fantasy and mystery fiction thrown into it. But most of all, it's an exciting adventure and a fun read.
The long: Ethan Kaille is a thieftaker and conjurer in Boston 1768. An older man who's lost a portion of his life serving out a sentence of mutiny, who's now living in Boston using both his wits and spellmaking to get by. When every man aboard the HMS Graystone died mysterious one night, he's asked by the Crown to figure what happen and who did.
Jackson has both created and interesting work and an excellent cast of characters in his Thieftaker Chronicles. The interesting thing is that in the afterword for the first book in the series, Thieftaker, Jackson stated that originally the story was sit in its own universe until it was suggested to set it in its current setting. Part of the charm of the books is the historical setting. To many, that could be a hindrance trying to adhere to history, but Jackson is able to use it nicely to suit is purposes. With the tension rising between the American Colonies and the British Crown, it lends a tense atmosphere and helps to set the mood of the novel. As well, historical Boston with both the character of the town and history of the time add to the overall feel of the world. We're now already seem elements that lead up to the American Revolution (The Stamp Act in the first novel and now the British occupation in the novel), I'm interested to see how other events will shape future stories and how the War will too.
There's a lot to like about Ethan in that he's a man of honour with quite a bit of bitter experience behind him though he's not bitter about it. He's lost a good chunk of his life to being a slave in the Caribbean for his crime of mutiny, but yet in his action he still believes in doing the right thing. The nice shift is seeing how his perspective in being a loyal British citizen to one starting to question the means with which the British using in the Colonies to suppress dissident.
It is just not Ethan alone, but there's a great cast of characters from his best friend Diver, his love Kannice, Janna Windcatcher ('cause if you're going to make up a name, mind as well make up a name you like) to the biggest theiftaker in town, Sephira Pryce. Though they might not be in the story for long, there's a nice depth to them and likeability. A lot of the times, the cast are standard troupes, but there's nothing wrong with that. A troupe done right is a fun thing to see.
Lastly, Jackson has created a simple and effective magic system, which feels like its starting to grow larger. In this novel, we learn from Janna that magic is only limited by what a conjurer believes he or she is able to do. It'd be interesting to see where this takes us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2017
See my other reviews at Never Enough Books
In 1768, just outside of Boston in Boston Harbor, a small flotilla of British naval ships have arrived. They carry over a thousand of His Majesty's soldiers and are set to occupy the city, ending a summer of rioting and political unrest.
Before the occupation can occur, Ethan Kaille is awoken by an incredibly powerful spell. When he tries to find the source he is approached by agents of the Crown and he soon learns what woke him. Every man on the HMS Graystone has died but no one knows why; there is no sign of illness or violence, it is as if the men lay down where they were and died.
Ethan soon discovers that not every one died on that ship; there is one person missing. Could they be the killer? Or could there be another conjurer in the city? One with the power to kill a ship full of men with one spell?
Thieves' Quarry is the second book in the Thieftaker Chronicles series. It is an interesting novel in that it combines fact and fiction in an almost seamless manner. The occupation of Boston in 1768 by British troops did actually happen, the HMS Graystone and it's ill fated crew however are mere figments. That doesn't make what happens to them any less tragic nor does it make us, the reader, not care.
As we are brought once again in to Ethan Kaille's world, we do care. We follow him as he tries to learn what happened to the ship's crew and its missing sailor. We feel his frustration as he is thwarted at many a turn, we feel his panic in the prison cell. Just as in the first book of the series, we are with him every step of the way.
I enjoyed Thieves' Quarry a good deal, just as much as I enjoyed the first book Thieftaker. Jackson does an excellent job of weaving fact and fantasy creating a most believable story. Those who enjoy a good mystery as well as those who enjoy a good historical fiction will do well to read this series. I enjoyed it greatly and look forward to getting the next book.
In 1768, just outside of Boston in Boston Harbor, a small flotilla of British naval ships have arrived. They carry over a thousand of His Majesty's soldiers and are set to occupy the city, ending a summer of rioting and political unrest.
Before the occupation can occur, Ethan Kaille is awoken by an incredibly powerful spell. When he tries to find the source he is approached by agents of the Crown and he soon learns what woke him. Every man on the HMS Graystone has died but no one knows why; there is no sign of illness or violence, it is as if the men lay down where they were and died.
Ethan soon discovers that not every one died on that ship; there is one person missing. Could they be the killer? Or could there be another conjurer in the city? One with the power to kill a ship full of men with one spell?
Thieves' Quarry is the second book in the Thieftaker Chronicles series. It is an interesting novel in that it combines fact and fiction in an almost seamless manner. The occupation of Boston in 1768 by British troops did actually happen, the HMS Graystone and it's ill fated crew however are mere figments. That doesn't make what happens to them any less tragic nor does it make us, the reader, not care.
As we are brought once again in to Ethan Kaille's world, we do care. We follow him as he tries to learn what happened to the ship's crew and its missing sailor. We feel his frustration as he is thwarted at many a turn, we feel his panic in the prison cell. Just as in the first book of the series, we are with him every step of the way.
I enjoyed Thieves' Quarry a good deal, just as much as I enjoyed the first book Thieftaker. Jackson does an excellent job of weaving fact and fantasy creating a most believable story. Those who enjoy a good mystery as well as those who enjoy a good historical fiction will do well to read this series. I enjoyed it greatly and look forward to getting the next book.
August 7, 2016
Ethan Kallie, conjuring thieftaker, lands in a big mess that actually isn't his fault. It's been three years since the first book in this series, and Ethan seems to have gone on working in pre-Revolutionary Boston. He walks between the edges of the authorities that want to try him for witchcraft (a capital crime of course), and Sephira Pryce, a rival thieftaker with more influence and much fewer scruples than Ethan has.
The Crown has sent British regulars to occupy Boston after the latest round of protests about taxation. Against this background, Ethan gets hired to investigate when there's a horrific attack against His Majesty's troops. Things get more complicated when Ethan crosses paths with Sephira again (of course), the sheriff who has it in for him, several rival conjurers of incredible power, and the theft of something from Miss Pryce several years ago.
The stakes get raised as things get worse for Ethan and his fellow conjurers. He has less and less time to find out what happened in the attack, who is behind the powerful spells Ethan can feel throughout the city, and how it all ties in to Pryce's missing property.
I enjoy the characterizations and the history. Jackson's magic system works, if maybe occasionally is a bit repetitive. The mystery of what happened with the magic is layered and nicely executed. It doesn't break Jackson's previously established rules, but goes in creative new directions.
If you like Dresden Files, you'll probably enjoy this as well. Recommended to fans of urban fantasy, historical fiction, magical adventure, and mystery stories.
The Crown has sent British regulars to occupy Boston after the latest round of protests about taxation. Against this background, Ethan gets hired to investigate when there's a horrific attack against His Majesty's troops. Things get more complicated when Ethan crosses paths with Sephira again (of course), the sheriff who has it in for him, several rival conjurers of incredible power, and the theft of something from Miss Pryce several years ago.
The stakes get raised as things get worse for Ethan and his fellow conjurers. He has less and less time to find out what happened in the attack, who is behind the powerful spells Ethan can feel throughout the city, and how it all ties in to Pryce's missing property.
I enjoy the characterizations and the history. Jackson's magic system works, if maybe occasionally is a bit repetitive. The mystery of what happened with the magic is layered and nicely executed. It doesn't break Jackson's previously established rules, but goes in creative new directions.
If you like Dresden Files, you'll probably enjoy this as well. Recommended to fans of urban fantasy, historical fiction, magical adventure, and mystery stories.
July 6, 2013
Boston, 1768, the beginning of the end for British colonial rule and the seeds of the American Revolution are succinctly and evocatively brought to life through the eyes of Ethan Kaille, a thieftaker with a gift for conjuring. The second book in the Thieftaker Chronicles finds Ethan in a race against time with the stakes against his life and that of his friends getting higher by the minute. Mr. Jackson does a wonderful job of keeping the suspense and the pacing very tight, the historical details accurate but surprisingly manages not to get sidetracked into a political debate on the subject of the occupation, choosing, wisely, to simply bring it to life solely though the communal experiences of his characters.
We get to know Ethan better in this book (don't worry, no spoilers!) and we get to see what kind of man he's evolving into. Mr. Jackson's supporting cast of characters is just as well fleshed out and rich as is Ethan Kaille and it certainly makes for a great read.
The first book in the series was my favorite book of 2012 and Thieve's Quarry is certainly worthy of the same high praise. I loved it, everything from the complex mystery around which the story is built, to the love story between Ethan and Kannice, to the tension that never lets up and even the little details, like the constant references to Kannice's delicious cooking that sent me into a frenzied Google search for New England clam chowder recipes.
Thanks for a very enjoyable read,Mr. Jackson. Is the next one ready?
We get to know Ethan better in this book (don't worry, no spoilers!) and we get to see what kind of man he's evolving into. Mr. Jackson's supporting cast of characters is just as well fleshed out and rich as is Ethan Kaille and it certainly makes for a great read.
The first book in the series was my favorite book of 2012 and Thieve's Quarry is certainly worthy of the same high praise. I loved it, everything from the complex mystery around which the story is built, to the love story between Ethan and Kannice, to the tension that never lets up and even the little details, like the constant references to Kannice's delicious cooking that sent me into a frenzied Google search for New England clam chowder recipes.
Thanks for a very enjoyable read,Mr. Jackson. Is the next one ready?
November 6, 2016
I think that the more accurate will be 3.5, but I though in this case I'll round it up.
The story and drama were better in this one.
Although I still don't care forHarry Dresden, sorry, Ethan Kaille, some of new characters actually were written better.
As you could figure, this series reminds me of Dresden Files, in some ways it's worst that Dresden, in some ways it's better.
The humor, the characters is the main advantage of Dresden Files over this, but not all is that bad.
What is better here is the fantasy part of the story. D.B. Jackson made it more balanced, more understandable... more real. The fantasy in these books, is not based on fantasy, but it as an addition to a story, as means to reach goals and create plot lines, but not the main part of story, that all is surrounded my that: magic creatures and magic powers as feels n Dresden books.
I would say that "Dresden Files" to "Thieftaker Chronicles" is like comparing "Lord of the rings" to "A song of Ice and fire", but in a little lesser scale .
I just discovered that there only 4 books in this series, and that actually made me sad. And I just started to like this series.
Really Mister Jackson? Really?
I hope that he will continue with this world, and maybe with a better lead character. That's would be sweet.
I definitely will recommend this series.
The story and drama were better in this one.
Although I still don't care for
As you could figure, this series reminds me of Dresden Files, in some ways it's worst that Dresden, in some ways it's better.
The humor, the characters is the main advantage of Dresden Files over this, but not all is that bad.
What is better here is the fantasy part of the story. D.B. Jackson made it more balanced, more understandable... more real. The fantasy in these books, is not based on fantasy, but it as an addition to a story, as means to reach goals and create plot lines, but not the main part of story, that all is surrounded my that: magic creatures and magic powers as feels n Dresden books.
I would say that "Dresden Files" to "Thieftaker Chronicles" is like comparing "Lord of the rings" to "A song of Ice and fire", but in a little lesser scale .
I just discovered that there only 4 books in this series, and that actually made me sad. And I just started to like this series.
Really Mister Jackson? Really?
I hope that he will continue with this world, and maybe with a better lead character. That's would be sweet.
I definitely will recommend this series.
August 6, 2013
Thieves Quarry is a great addition to a very powerful and memorable series. Jackson’s development of characters, interpersonal and political relationships is fantastic, and his use of them to develop the plot, atmosphere and those very characters is remarkable. His use of history makes this book not only fun to read, but also a constant learning experience. Jackson has created something truly unique. He should be very proud.
Read my full review here:
http://www.bookwormblues.net/2013/08/...
Read my full review here:
http://www.bookwormblues.net/2013/08/...
Want to read
February 16, 2013
LOVE these covers. Impossibly cool.
August 2, 2016
2nd part of the series, I won't be picking up the next ones, Ethan is just too dense, and some elements are becoming irritating and formulaic (Ethan and Sephira's relationship for one - the playfully, flirty 'haha I'll send my men after you cause I'm soo dangerous' was fine the first 50 times...)
maybe
April 15, 2013Not sure if I really want to read it, but I LOVE the cover
December 5, 2018
Let's start off with the good, shall we?
The magic. Ohmygoodness it's so cool. Conjuring, which comes in varying levels and the ghost channelers (or whatever they are, not much detail other than they're necessary.) I was with Uncle Reg in his opinion of Ethan most of the time... XD
Diver. He was loyal and basically everything you want in a puppy-dog sidekick. Er, helper? He's not quite a sidekick, in that he doesn't go with Ethan directly during his missions (or tries not to), but he helps out from time to time.
Kannice. She probably could've just solved the whole thing if Ethan had taken her with him, honestly.
Pell.
Now for the things that diluted my enjoyment a bit:
Ethan's running around in circles and being...well, clueless, got to me in this book. I noticed him being a tad stupid (decision wise) in the first, but it didn't really detract from my enjoyment because oh my stars the worldbuilding was amazing. This book still has the amazing worldbuilding, I just wasn't focused on it as much.
It seemed like two thirds of the book was Ethan running around in circles, with the author using "clues" and whatnot as a distraction to both Ethan and the reader: "HEY LOOK OVER HERE, IT'S TOTALLY THIS PERSON--wait, pysch, NOW GO THE OTHER WAY."
Sephira also annoyed me. She's supposed to be this bad-a** character. All I got from her this book is whiny-rich-girl-who-throws-a-fit-if-someone-other-than-her-succeeds. I got a tad of that in the last book, but again it wasn't as pronounced. It also seems like she's supposed to be Moriarty and Ethan Sherlock? Only neither of them are very good at it...
I may still pick up the next book, mostly because I love the magic aspect. Also, even though Ethan annoys me a bit, I like him.
The magic. Ohmygoodness it's so cool. Conjuring, which comes in varying levels and the ghost channelers (or whatever they are, not much detail other than they're necessary.) I was with Uncle Reg in his opinion of Ethan most of the time... XD
Diver. He was loyal and basically everything you want in a puppy-dog sidekick. Er, helper? He's not quite a sidekick, in that he doesn't go with Ethan directly during his missions (or tries not to), but he helps out from time to time.
Kannice. She probably could've just solved the whole thing if Ethan had taken her with him, honestly.
Pell.
Now for the things that diluted my enjoyment a bit:
Ethan's running around in circles and being...well, clueless, got to me in this book. I noticed him being a tad stupid (decision wise) in the first, but it didn't really detract from my enjoyment because oh my stars the worldbuilding was amazing. This book still has the amazing worldbuilding, I just wasn't focused on it as much.
It seemed like two thirds of the book was Ethan running around in circles, with the author using "clues" and whatnot as a distraction to both Ethan and the reader: "HEY LOOK OVER HERE, IT'S TOTALLY THIS PERSON--wait, pysch, NOW GO THE OTHER WAY."
Sephira also annoyed me. She's supposed to be this bad-a** character. All I got from her this book is whiny-rich-girl-who-throws-a-fit-if-someone-other-than-her-succeeds. I got a tad of that in the last book, but again it wasn't as pronounced. It also seems like she's supposed to be Moriarty and Ethan Sherlock? Only neither of them are very good at it...
I may still pick up the next book, mostly because I love the magic aspect. Also, even though Ethan annoys me a bit, I like him.
June 5, 2017
The second volume in DB Jackson's Thieftaker series is even better than the first, with Ethan Kaille facing threats new and old in a race against time to solve a deadly sorcerous mystery in pre-revolutionary Boston. 'Thieve's Quarry' is more or less wholly accessible to new readers. It's not necessary to have read the first book for this one to make sense, but there's enough here which builds on the previous volume to reward returning readers. The author has clearly done his homework and paints a vivid picture of colonial Boston on the eve of the American Revolution. If you like your urban fantasy with a healthy dose of history, you're in for a treat here.
My main gripe about the story is a holdover from the first book; the magic system Jackson has created is a little too easy for my liking. Conjuring can be fueled by just about anything at hand. Blood is Ethan's most oft-used power source, but he can conjure using herbs and even grass if he has to. Even though there are stronger conjurers out there, it left me feeling that Ethan was an overpowered protagonist, making it hard to think much is at stake when magic is so easy.
My main gripe about the story is a holdover from the first book; the magic system Jackson has created is a little too easy for my liking. Conjuring can be fueled by just about anything at hand. Blood is Ethan's most oft-used power source, but he can conjure using herbs and even grass if he has to. Even though there are stronger conjurers out there, it left me feeling that Ethan was an overpowered protagonist, making it hard to think much is at stake when magic is so easy.
October 1, 2020
Not quite as much fun as the first one but still fine. The world building is the real fun part with these and I think the world was already built in book one so there's a little less to sink your teeth into here. Not a series where the characters are gonna change much it seems.
I don't think Ethan's political transformation in the face of the occupation of Boston was super interesting or well-handled but it did strike a chord in me based on seeing mass gatherings of cops on our streets here in Kalamazoo and elsewhere this summer. The British regulars, fictional and historical, typically behave better than American cops do, of course, but the assemblage of illegitimate power and the outrage it ought to provoke in your heart is the very same. Jackson could have written more about that but obviously it's easy to say now.
The mystery was good and the magical lore continues to be pretty well-handled on its own terms.
I don't think Ethan's political transformation in the face of the occupation of Boston was super interesting or well-handled but it did strike a chord in me based on seeing mass gatherings of cops on our streets here in Kalamazoo and elsewhere this summer. The British regulars, fictional and historical, typically behave better than American cops do, of course, but the assemblage of illegitimate power and the outrage it ought to provoke in your heart is the very same. Jackson could have written more about that but obviously it's easy to say now.
The mystery was good and the magical lore continues to be pretty well-handled on its own terms.
September 15, 2023
The thief taker takes a job for the Royal navy. Failure could mean the end of every conjurer in Boston.
Thieves' Quarry by D. B. Jackson is the second in the Thieftaker series set in colonial Boston.
With the city in the wave of British army occupation, Ethan Kaile has plenty of problems as it is when he’s “asked” to investigate a mysterious incident in the harbor. The HMS Graystone has been found with nearly the entire crew dead of unknown causes (well all but one suspicious absent soldier).
Ethan has little choice to investigate the matter, particularly since it involves a spell. Unfortunately, he’s never known a spell powerful enough to kill nearly a hundred men.
In addition to the unknown speller, Ethan also has his hands full dealing with a rival thieftaker, government officials, the sons of liberty, and pushback from the army.
Should he survive and solve the case, he may love just long enough to be hung as a witch…along with every other speller in Boston…
Thieves' Quarry by D. B. Jackson is the second in the Thieftaker series set in colonial Boston.
With the city in the wave of British army occupation, Ethan Kaile has plenty of problems as it is when he’s “asked” to investigate a mysterious incident in the harbor. The HMS Graystone has been found with nearly the entire crew dead of unknown causes (well all but one suspicious absent soldier).
Ethan has little choice to investigate the matter, particularly since it involves a spell. Unfortunately, he’s never known a spell powerful enough to kill nearly a hundred men.
In addition to the unknown speller, Ethan also has his hands full dealing with a rival thieftaker, government officials, the sons of liberty, and pushback from the army.
Should he survive and solve the case, he may love just long enough to be hung as a witch…along with every other speller in Boston…
July 20, 2017
I can not believe how Ethen Kaille still has not given up his vow not to marry due to the fact that the first woman he loved and was engaged to marry.
She decided not to wait for him, in my estimation, she judged him harshly, but, she was young as well and had no idea if his reputation would harm her name. This is my idea of the character.
Could I put it down?
Nope. At 2 a. m. I am still reading this book.
I am hoping to email Mr. Jackson to see if he could give me some tips on how I could get latin worked into a piece that I am writing.
Ethen has captured my heart again!
Wish he would marry Kannice!
Wish he could retire theiftaking and have adventures from the Dowsing Rod.
Janna has Spirit!.
She decided not to wait for him, in my estimation, she judged him harshly, but, she was young as well and had no idea if his reputation would harm her name. This is my idea of the character.
Could I put it down?
Nope. At 2 a. m. I am still reading this book.
I am hoping to email Mr. Jackson to see if he could give me some tips on how I could get latin worked into a piece that I am writing.
Ethen has captured my heart again!
Wish he would marry Kannice!
Wish he could retire theiftaking and have adventures from the Dowsing Rod.
Janna has Spirit!.
January 1, 2022
Pretty much a continuation of the previous one. The whole question of why Ethan does what he does is definitely valid though. Also I thought there was only a few days passed since the men were found 'dead', I would have liked some mention of them being buried/cremated before we find that out, I figured they were still in some cold basement morgue of a place. Also them jumping from 'corpse is missing' to 'he is still alive' without any kind of "oh yeah the security is so tight no-one could have gotten in, but one men could have gotten out" or whatever. The ending is deeply sad though :(. I do still like the book despite the inconsistencies, I will likely read on when I feel the itch for one of these books. I like that it's historical.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2020
I got frustrated when reading this one. It seems like the conjuring power is immense, except when Ethan uses it. He always gets caught and beaten by Sephira’s men. He get locked up in prison, and generally beat half to death. Why can’t he just use his power every once in a while to do something more than conceal himself or eavesdrop? That is my problem with the book. I liked the first one, but I honestly had to double check I wasn’t rereading the first one when I started the book. It just felt so similar. I don’t know if I will read the next one or not. I am on the fence.
May 5, 2020
This book was just fine. The mechanics of the magic were really well done and made for intriguing and original world building. And yes, the author's knowledge of historical Boston shows. But the story was just okay to me. Enjoyable enough, especially for a quarantine read when I can't concentrate on anything for too long.
Also worth mentioning -- I read this as a standalone, which was totally fine. The backstory provided in this book is all that's needed to understand the characters and setting.
Also worth mentioning -- I read this as a standalone, which was totally fine. The backstory provided in this book is all that's needed to understand the characters and setting.
October 16, 2018
An excellent follow-up to Thieftaker with a satisfying blend of mystery, magic and historical fiction. I was happy to see the timeline hop a bit between books and seeing Ethan's life moving on during the meantime. I'm glad the subplot involving his former fiance was dropped by this point of the series, as well.
November 29, 2013
How did we end up here?
The good people at Tor sent me an email about some books. The sound of THIEVES’ QUARRY was a good one to my ears so I requested it. I don’t think I’ve read a Revolutionary-set book recently (or at all) so I was intrigued by the era and the premise. I wanted to see what the author was going to do with this.
Okay, book. You've got 50 pages. Go!
The plot hit the ground running right from the beginning. BAM! Nearly 100 people dead. I like my books with body counts so that was a good way to get me hooked. The magic was also evident from the beginning, as was Kaille’s profession, that lent itself to some excitement. There was enough blood and magic on the pages to keep be reading, that’s for sure.
What worked . . .
The author certainly knew his stuff when it came to 18th century Boston. The picture he painted was incredibly vivid and it wasn’t a problem to follow the characters down the streets as they walked and/or ran them.
I really liked Sephira and I was actually more taken in by her than I was Ethan. I don’t know if this was addressed in the first book but I’d really like to know her history and how a woman in such a stifling era came to be in such an outspoken and illicit position. Her role in this book was more at the fringes and she acted as more of a sinister nuisance to Ethan than anything else but I still would like to see her explained.
Despite this being the second book in a series I didn’t feel lost at all. The rep from Tor was spot on that these books really do stand alone. There was enough of Ethan’s history with all of the characters he comes into contact with that I didn’t think twice about his relationship to anyone or wonder why something was the way it was. It was all about the plot and everything else was woven into it rather seamlessly.
I liked the magic. It was definitely more old school, having to draw blood in order to cast. I’m guessing this may have more detail to it in the first book but what I said still stands: I understood plenty about how it worked and what was going on that I didn’t feel like I was missing anything and nothing ever took away from the plot.
What didn't work . . .
For all the detail the author went into I felt it was a bit much at times. Yes, it painted a vivid picture of the area and the era but it didn’t leave much to the imagination. It almost felt like he wanted to make sure all that research made it into the book so every little street had a name (no doubt accurate), every wharf was given a position that correlated with a street, every neighborhood was laid out in detail. It wouldn’t have taken away from the story at all to tone down on all that minutiae a bit.
I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters.The plot was interesting and I wanted to see how it all turned out, whether Ethan would save his neck or not, how Sephira fit into it all, who was really dead and who wasn’t. But I wasn’t invested in any individuals’s story (except maybe Sephira’s). I think a lot of it had to do with the style of writing. It wasn’t ridiculously old timey but it had an historical air to it that lent a distance to how it read. It was all very . . . blah in its execution in telling the story. Yeah, I kept reading but I certainly wasn’t on the edge of my seat and I didn’t give a whit whether Ethan lived or died at the end; I just wanted to see how the story wrapped up.
If you’re a self-harmer then you need to avoid this book at all costs. The cover should have the word TRIGGER in big red letters on it. Ethan carries a knife on him and he cuts his arm in order to draw blood and conjure and a sign of a conjurer is scarring on a person’s arm from all the cutting. It is absolutely unavoidable and is really an integral part of the story. There’s just no way around it.
And in the end . . .
It was an interesting story. I’m intrigued enough by the time period so there was a hook. The magical aspect of it was another hook. But I didn’t love it. I pretty much only liked it, and nominally at that. I liked seeing how it wrapped itself up, how the episode ended itself without too much disruption to Ethan’s everyday life. But it also ended rather neatly as well regarding Ethan’s life. A bit too tidy little bow on top for my liking but that balanced out to how the premise ended. That was rather gruesome and a bit sad but sometimes naiveté can’t protect a person. Turning a blind eye doesn’t help in the end.
It was okay. It’s a good look into the past with a pretty good premise and decent writing. Really middle of the road for me. I’d need to read more novels from this time period to really know where to place it in the grand scheme but it was okay for now. I was entertained enough to keep reading through until the end but it may have been a bit more out of compulsion to finish it than because I really wanted to keep reading. Just barely but it was there. I’m not really pushed enough to read the first book at this point, if that gets my point across better. Maybe at some point and maybe it’ll give me the Sephira history I’m looking for. But that would be for a rainy day when I’ve cleared out my reading pile, really.
The good people at Tor sent me an email about some books. The sound of THIEVES’ QUARRY was a good one to my ears so I requested it. I don’t think I’ve read a Revolutionary-set book recently (or at all) so I was intrigued by the era and the premise. I wanted to see what the author was going to do with this.
Okay, book. You've got 50 pages. Go!
The plot hit the ground running right from the beginning. BAM! Nearly 100 people dead. I like my books with body counts so that was a good way to get me hooked. The magic was also evident from the beginning, as was Kaille’s profession, that lent itself to some excitement. There was enough blood and magic on the pages to keep be reading, that’s for sure.
What worked . . .
The author certainly knew his stuff when it came to 18th century Boston. The picture he painted was incredibly vivid and it wasn’t a problem to follow the characters down the streets as they walked and/or ran them.
I really liked Sephira and I was actually more taken in by her than I was Ethan. I don’t know if this was addressed in the first book but I’d really like to know her history and how a woman in such a stifling era came to be in such an outspoken and illicit position. Her role in this book was more at the fringes and she acted as more of a sinister nuisance to Ethan than anything else but I still would like to see her explained.
Despite this being the second book in a series I didn’t feel lost at all. The rep from Tor was spot on that these books really do stand alone. There was enough of Ethan’s history with all of the characters he comes into contact with that I didn’t think twice about his relationship to anyone or wonder why something was the way it was. It was all about the plot and everything else was woven into it rather seamlessly.
I liked the magic. It was definitely more old school, having to draw blood in order to cast. I’m guessing this may have more detail to it in the first book but what I said still stands: I understood plenty about how it worked and what was going on that I didn’t feel like I was missing anything and nothing ever took away from the plot.
What didn't work . . .
For all the detail the author went into I felt it was a bit much at times. Yes, it painted a vivid picture of the area and the era but it didn’t leave much to the imagination. It almost felt like he wanted to make sure all that research made it into the book so every little street had a name (no doubt accurate), every wharf was given a position that correlated with a street, every neighborhood was laid out in detail. It wouldn’t have taken away from the story at all to tone down on all that minutiae a bit.
I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters.The plot was interesting and I wanted to see how it all turned out, whether Ethan would save his neck or not, how Sephira fit into it all, who was really dead and who wasn’t. But I wasn’t invested in any individuals’s story (except maybe Sephira’s). I think a lot of it had to do with the style of writing. It wasn’t ridiculously old timey but it had an historical air to it that lent a distance to how it read. It was all very . . . blah in its execution in telling the story. Yeah, I kept reading but I certainly wasn’t on the edge of my seat and I didn’t give a whit whether Ethan lived or died at the end; I just wanted to see how the story wrapped up.
If you’re a self-harmer then you need to avoid this book at all costs. The cover should have the word TRIGGER in big red letters on it. Ethan carries a knife on him and he cuts his arm in order to draw blood and conjure and a sign of a conjurer is scarring on a person’s arm from all the cutting. It is absolutely unavoidable and is really an integral part of the story. There’s just no way around it.
And in the end . . .
It was an interesting story. I’m intrigued enough by the time period so there was a hook. The magical aspect of it was another hook. But I didn’t love it. I pretty much only liked it, and nominally at that. I liked seeing how it wrapped itself up, how the episode ended itself without too much disruption to Ethan’s everyday life. But it also ended rather neatly as well regarding Ethan’s life. A bit too tidy little bow on top for my liking but that balanced out to how the premise ended. That was rather gruesome and a bit sad but sometimes naiveté can’t protect a person. Turning a blind eye doesn’t help in the end.
It was okay. It’s a good look into the past with a pretty good premise and decent writing. Really middle of the road for me. I’d need to read more novels from this time period to really know where to place it in the grand scheme but it was okay for now. I was entertained enough to keep reading through until the end but it may have been a bit more out of compulsion to finish it than because I really wanted to keep reading. Just barely but it was there. I’m not really pushed enough to read the first book at this point, if that gets my point across better. Maybe at some point and maybe it’ll give me the Sephira history I’m looking for. But that would be for a rainy day when I’ve cleared out my reading pile, really.
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