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Tales of Istonnia #1
Ratpaths
Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN B00DVIP17A.
A young thief, caught between the rightful regent and the lord of the underworld. Fantasy novel with a touch of mafia and mystery.
The city state of Istonnia is suffering, its people cowering under the thumb of a despotic ruler.
Nivvo is a young thief, not interested in anything except keeping himself and his sister alive. That changes when he accidentally overhears a conversation.
Now Nivvo finds himself up to his neck in trouble. He has only one night to find the rightful heir. He has to smuggle him out of the city before the tyrant and his black-clad soldiers kill them both. And he has to avoid the crime lord's watchful eyes, for if Vicco Cambrosi catches them, they might be better off dead...
A young thief, caught between the rightful regent and the lord of the underworld. Fantasy novel with a touch of mafia and mystery.
The city state of Istonnia is suffering, its people cowering under the thumb of a despotic ruler.
Nivvo is a young thief, not interested in anything except keeping himself and his sister alive. That changes when he accidentally overhears a conversation.
Now Nivvo finds himself up to his neck in trouble. He has only one night to find the rightful heir. He has to smuggle him out of the city before the tyrant and his black-clad soldiers kill them both. And he has to avoid the crime lord's watchful eyes, for if Vicco Cambrosi catches them, they might be better off dead...
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
5 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Angelika Rust
24 books42 followersAngelika Rust was born in Vienna in 1977. These days, she lives in Germany, with her husband, two children, a despotic couple of cats and a hyperactive dog. After having tried almost every possible job from pizza delivery girl to HR consultant, she now makes a living knowing a little English.
She doesn't know yet what she wants to be when she grows up, whenever that may be. In the meantime, she writes the occasional book.
She doesn't know yet what she wants to be when she grows up, whenever that may be. In the meantime, she writes the occasional book.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 7, 2013
I'm not crazy about the cover, but I am crazy about the book. 'Ratpaths' is a fiction/fantasy novel that takes it's cues from a Renaissance Europe. The city-state Istonnia has been in turmoil since Ravires murdered his brother and nephew nearly fourteen years earlier. With clear succession to the throne, Ravires became a tyrant, using violence to maintain control of the city.
Nivvo, a young thief, overhears a conversation while running an 'errand' for a dear friend. Ravires had left his work incomplete so many years ago, and the rightful heir to Istonnia is still alive. Nivvo must make a decision -- cling to his life as a thief, or help overthrow Ravires.
What I liked about this book:
'Ratpaths' doesn't read so much as fantasy as it does historical fiction. Rust has created a rich, believable world and culture. There's no magic wands, sorcerers, or dragons, but there is a deep understanding of life, of politics, of human nature.
I almost didn't read this book because the writing felt foreign and the manner of speaking so different from modern usage. But in the end, this was my favorite part of the story. Rust does a fantastic job of using the language itself as part of the setting -- the unusual expressions and usage are Istonnian through and through.
Finally, while there are plenty of fantasy books out there with a political edge, 'Ratpaths' never felt derivative. The characters remain fresh, lively, and well-rounded.
What I didn't like about the book:
There were a few things that really threw me off, like Reka, Nivvo's sister. She is portrayed as much older than her thirteen years, and I had a hard time remembering that character was in fact a child. A bit more vulnerability and uncertainty in Reka's character might have been more in line with her age.
Final verdict:
Definitely worth checking out. If you're a fan of light fantasy/historical fiction, this should be right up your alley. There's some violence, but minimal language/sex, making this appropriate for younger pre-teen readers.
Nivvo, a young thief, overhears a conversation while running an 'errand' for a dear friend. Ravires had left his work incomplete so many years ago, and the rightful heir to Istonnia is still alive. Nivvo must make a decision -- cling to his life as a thief, or help overthrow Ravires.
What I liked about this book:
'Ratpaths' doesn't read so much as fantasy as it does historical fiction. Rust has created a rich, believable world and culture. There's no magic wands, sorcerers, or dragons, but there is a deep understanding of life, of politics, of human nature.
I almost didn't read this book because the writing felt foreign and the manner of speaking so different from modern usage. But in the end, this was my favorite part of the story. Rust does a fantastic job of using the language itself as part of the setting -- the unusual expressions and usage are Istonnian through and through.
Finally, while there are plenty of fantasy books out there with a political edge, 'Ratpaths' never felt derivative. The characters remain fresh, lively, and well-rounded.
What I didn't like about the book:
There were a few things that really threw me off, like Reka, Nivvo's sister. She is portrayed as much older than her thirteen years, and I had a hard time remembering that character was in fact a child. A bit more vulnerability and uncertainty in Reka's character might have been more in line with her age.
Final verdict:
Definitely worth checking out. If you're a fan of light fantasy/historical fiction, this should be right up your alley. There's some violence, but minimal language/sex, making this appropriate for younger pre-teen readers.
October 28, 2013
This is a wonderful story to lose yourself in a fantasy world with a gritty Oliver Twistish feeling.
It is written beautifully and really conjures the images of the places and scenery in the readers mind. I felt I was there and now I remember the story as if I'd seen a film. This is a credit to the author, as she has the balance of everything perfect.
Although I got to the end of the story and was satisfied with the conclusion, I sense there is more to come. This would make a great series and I hope another book will be out soon.
A reader captivating, clever storyline.
It is written beautifully and really conjures the images of the places and scenery in the readers mind. I felt I was there and now I remember the story as if I'd seen a film. This is a credit to the author, as she has the balance of everything perfect.
Although I got to the end of the story and was satisfied with the conclusion, I sense there is more to come. This would make a great series and I hope another book will be out soon.
A reader captivating, clever storyline.
March 15, 2014
I picked this up and begrudged every minute I couldn't be with it! The characters grow and develop with the story bringing surprises with every turn of the page. From humble beginnings to a climax that turns every anticipation on its head this book has it all and more. I would unhesitatingly reccommend this book to everyone who loves adventure, mischief, humor and the thrill of meeting a plot being unfurled before your very eyes
June 3, 2016
Really good book,well written and thoroughly enjoyable
July 15, 2020
Whoever did the interior layout of this books should be shot. It reads like one giant run on paragraph...
June 2, 2018
A cozy epic fantasy with the right amount of everything. No magic. Lots of intrigue. Fast-paced plot with enough atmosphere and thoughtful world-building to make it immersive. Best of all, the characters are likable--which seems hard for most authors to pull off.
I hope to find more undiscovered gems like this one.
I hope to find more undiscovered gems like this one.
January 31, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
Ratpaths is a magic-free young adult fantasy story about loyalty, freedom and dynasty.
Nivvo, a young thief, discovers the long dead heir to the throne is actually alive and needs rescuing from some sea-fairing kidnappers. The narration moves between Nivvo’s quest to save and reinstate the heir, and the story of his own early life.
Nivvo frees Vilores from his captors and leads him to a fragile kind of safety. He uses his skills learnt as a pickpocket to guide him through the city’s twisting, hidden ratpaths, but it’s the unravelling of Nivvo’s own dark story that provides the surprises in the plot.
It’s obvious that the author likes her characters, particularly Nivvo. He’s definitely “One spark short of a bonfire.” He’s fun and unpredictable to read, but it’s hard to tell if he’s brave or a bit mad. It’d sometimes be easier to understand him if this were clearer. The other characters, from the Fagan-like mafia boss Cambrosi to sweet and capable little sister Reka are well-developed.
The themes might be traditional but the setting is unusual, and much of it is imagined and constructed skilfully. Although the story is largely not supernatural, ghosts and the dead appear frequently in characters’ thoughts and dialogue. This, for me, is one of the most successful aspects of the book. The existence of Nivvo’s wider world is convincingly created by characters’ references to their beliefs and superstitions. A whole culture is economically brought into being in their dialogue, as they continually express their disbelief with phrases like, “I’ll be buried” or insult each other as “ghostless fools.”
There is a gradually distracting oddness that the young characters are always “lads” or “lasses.” Many of the characters have a name and a title, and are referred to variously. This is confusing, especially in the beginning.
Occasional appealing writing, like the moment Nivvo reveals himself to his sister in the first chapter “A shadow detached itself from the wall”, is spoilt by its repetition later in the book.
As a young adult book, Ratpaths might be better suited to the older reader. The plot is slow to start rather than complex, but issues like suicide and pregnancy resulting from rape indicate the limits of its audience. This suggests a possible mis-match between the tone and the content. For example, I was delighted when Nivvo’s plan to free himself from one of his captors became comically violent, “He got up without a sound, turned to the sleeping young woman and hit her over the head (with a short, thick branch)” but there’s an inconsistency with the much darker themes. I wasn’t always persuaded the story has sufficient breadth for both.
It’s worth reading to discover a world with a believable history and religion, double-crossing characters and a twisty-turny story.
Ratpaths is a magic-free young adult fantasy story about loyalty, freedom and dynasty.
Nivvo, a young thief, discovers the long dead heir to the throne is actually alive and needs rescuing from some sea-fairing kidnappers. The narration moves between Nivvo’s quest to save and reinstate the heir, and the story of his own early life.
Nivvo frees Vilores from his captors and leads him to a fragile kind of safety. He uses his skills learnt as a pickpocket to guide him through the city’s twisting, hidden ratpaths, but it’s the unravelling of Nivvo’s own dark story that provides the surprises in the plot.
It’s obvious that the author likes her characters, particularly Nivvo. He’s definitely “One spark short of a bonfire.” He’s fun and unpredictable to read, but it’s hard to tell if he’s brave or a bit mad. It’d sometimes be easier to understand him if this were clearer. The other characters, from the Fagan-like mafia boss Cambrosi to sweet and capable little sister Reka are well-developed.
The themes might be traditional but the setting is unusual, and much of it is imagined and constructed skilfully. Although the story is largely not supernatural, ghosts and the dead appear frequently in characters’ thoughts and dialogue. This, for me, is one of the most successful aspects of the book. The existence of Nivvo’s wider world is convincingly created by characters’ references to their beliefs and superstitions. A whole culture is economically brought into being in their dialogue, as they continually express their disbelief with phrases like, “I’ll be buried” or insult each other as “ghostless fools.”
There is a gradually distracting oddness that the young characters are always “lads” or “lasses.” Many of the characters have a name and a title, and are referred to variously. This is confusing, especially in the beginning.
Occasional appealing writing, like the moment Nivvo reveals himself to his sister in the first chapter “A shadow detached itself from the wall”, is spoilt by its repetition later in the book.
As a young adult book, Ratpaths might be better suited to the older reader. The plot is slow to start rather than complex, but issues like suicide and pregnancy resulting from rape indicate the limits of its audience. This suggests a possible mis-match between the tone and the content. For example, I was delighted when Nivvo’s plan to free himself from one of his captors became comically violent, “He got up without a sound, turned to the sleeping young woman and hit her over the head (with a short, thick branch)” but there’s an inconsistency with the much darker themes. I wasn’t always persuaded the story has sufficient breadth for both.
It’s worth reading to discover a world with a believable history and religion, double-crossing characters and a twisty-turny story.
December 20, 2013
When young Nivvo is hired to do what he does best – steal a valuable item- he happens to overhear a very important conversation. This leads him to a choice, one that could change the politics of his home as well as his own life forever. Risking everything, he embarks on a mission to replace the ruler and put another man in his place.
Nivvo’s story is an interesting one. His background is told in a series of flashbacks taking place between the present action of the main plot. His father (or the man he believed was his father) was executed as a traitor, leaving him and his mother to live on the streets. That is where Nivvo developed his extraordinary talents as a thief. With the birth of a sister and the death of his mother, he is forced into working for organized crime.
This story certainly has a mafia feel behind it. The “family” aspect of the criminals was spot on. They look out for their own, so long as everyone does their part and remains loyal. The feeling of being owned and not being able to leave are also present, completing the mafia-style underworld we’ve seen in Hollywood.
Nivvo is certainly an interesting character. Though he lives a life of crime, he still has morals and values that he upholds. He is staunchly devoted to his younger sister, and his thoughts constantly go back to her as he is away. He has no desire to take political power for himself, only to see that the city is back in the right hands.
The story moves along at a brisk pace, and there is just the right amount of action. It kept me interested without throwing too much at me at once. The world itself is well thought out, and the explanations of its history are well done.
Though she has a small part, Reka was also an interesting character. Despite her young age, she takes on the responsibility of helping the poor, and she turns out to be a quite a strong person. There is plenty of room for more from this world, and I’d enjoy seeing these characters again.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nivvo’s story is an interesting one. His background is told in a series of flashbacks taking place between the present action of the main plot. His father (or the man he believed was his father) was executed as a traitor, leaving him and his mother to live on the streets. That is where Nivvo developed his extraordinary talents as a thief. With the birth of a sister and the death of his mother, he is forced into working for organized crime.
This story certainly has a mafia feel behind it. The “family” aspect of the criminals was spot on. They look out for their own, so long as everyone does their part and remains loyal. The feeling of being owned and not being able to leave are also present, completing the mafia-style underworld we’ve seen in Hollywood.
Nivvo is certainly an interesting character. Though he lives a life of crime, he still has morals and values that he upholds. He is staunchly devoted to his younger sister, and his thoughts constantly go back to her as he is away. He has no desire to take political power for himself, only to see that the city is back in the right hands.
The story moves along at a brisk pace, and there is just the right amount of action. It kept me interested without throwing too much at me at once. The world itself is well thought out, and the explanations of its history are well done.
Though she has a small part, Reka was also an interesting character. Despite her young age, she takes on the responsibility of helping the poor, and she turns out to be a quite a strong person. There is plenty of room for more from this world, and I’d enjoy seeing these characters again.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2014
Amazing! This is the word that comes to my mind when I think about this book.
When I received the book I was happy because I won it and I got all giddy inside when it said that is written for me :D ( haha.. for us the readers and I really appreciated this). The cover was a bit strange and because I am sometimes stupid I tend to judge a book by it's cover it took me a long time to start reading it. Also when I opened the book the way it was edited annoyed me. You see, the alignment of the paragraphs is left sided and usually all books are justify; please next time try and edit this please?
It took me a while to enter the world of the story. Is a dystopian world where the city is ruled by a tyrant, but the twist is that underground the city there is another ruler that always helps its people, but in exchange of something. The story gets exciting after hearing a conversation and then the fun part starts. I won't tell much about the plot because it is up to you to find it.
The reason I started loving this novel is because I love fast books and in which the action is constant and this book is just the right thing. I love the witty and charismatic Nivvo and he became one of my favourite characters. Also there is Reka who is strong and doesn't put up with nobody and another favourite, Fedoro.
I just saw that there is a already a sequel published and I can't wait to get my hands on that one too.
Thank you for sharing your story with us Angelika!
When I received the book I was happy because I won it and I got all giddy inside when it said that is written for me :D ( haha.. for us the readers and I really appreciated this). The cover was a bit strange and because I am sometimes stupid I tend to judge a book by it's cover it took me a long time to start reading it. Also when I opened the book the way it was edited annoyed me. You see, the alignment of the paragraphs is left sided and usually all books are justify; please next time try and edit this please?
It took me a while to enter the world of the story. Is a dystopian world where the city is ruled by a tyrant, but the twist is that underground the city there is another ruler that always helps its people, but in exchange of something. The story gets exciting after hearing a conversation and then the fun part starts. I won't tell much about the plot because it is up to you to find it.
The reason I started loving this novel is because I love fast books and in which the action is constant and this book is just the right thing. I love the witty and charismatic Nivvo and he became one of my favourite characters. Also there is Reka who is strong and doesn't put up with nobody and another favourite, Fedoro.
I just saw that there is a already a sequel published and I can't wait to get my hands on that one too.
Thank you for sharing your story with us Angelika!
October 16, 2013
'Ratpaths' is the story of thief Nivvo who is living in a city ruled over by a tyrant who killed to secure his place on the throne.
I don't often enjoy historical fiction but I just couldn't put this book down. The story was told brilliantly, with well defined characters and believable plot twists. This definitely isn't your typical fantasy tale. It has a gritty realism to it and some violent things happened, yet it never quite falls into the dark fantasy category and it would be suitable for young adult readers. The characters stories have their heart-breaking moments and there is a lot of dark material in there but there's also a very good sense of humour.
I liked all the references to fire in the character's dialog exchanges, it made for unusual and interesting conversations! The setting felt totally unique and the world Rust has created felt solidly built and real. I sympathised easily with Nivvo, he was an excellent character and I can't wait to see what's next for him.
A brilliant debut novel I would recommend to just about everyone. I'll admit the cover put me off to begin with, but Ratpaths is truly a well-woven story with a unique setting and fantastic characters. It's not YA but would be suitable for older teenagers as well as adults. Highly recommended!
I don't often enjoy historical fiction but I just couldn't put this book down. The story was told brilliantly, with well defined characters and believable plot twists. This definitely isn't your typical fantasy tale. It has a gritty realism to it and some violent things happened, yet it never quite falls into the dark fantasy category and it would be suitable for young adult readers. The characters stories have their heart-breaking moments and there is a lot of dark material in there but there's also a very good sense of humour.
I liked all the references to fire in the character's dialog exchanges, it made for unusual and interesting conversations! The setting felt totally unique and the world Rust has created felt solidly built and real. I sympathised easily with Nivvo, he was an excellent character and I can't wait to see what's next for him.
A brilliant debut novel I would recommend to just about everyone. I'll admit the cover put me off to begin with, but Ratpaths is truly a well-woven story with a unique setting and fantastic characters. It's not YA but would be suitable for older teenagers as well as adults. Highly recommended!
April 18, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. The main thing about it that I loved was the fact that it is a fantasy tale, but without all the things associated normally with a fantasy tale. I mean, I adore fantasy tales with elves, dragons, even magic, I absolutely thrive on them, but this book takes you on a journey that enraptures you in every second of the story without the need for those things. Well…it enraptured me at the very least.
Nivvo is a very likeable and seemingly independent character who knows what he is capable of doing, due to the fact that he has encountered so much hardship since the young age of six. He knows how far he is willing to go for those he loves, and he is also willing to sacrifice his own self, happiness, and freedom to make sure those he loves are safe.
I love the that I wasn’t just told Nivvo’s whole story from the very beginning. On the contrary, he was just thrown into the story at his present age and the writer gradually introduces him throughout different daydreams and memories the character experiences.
I also love the character of Reka. She is so feisty and bold. I absolutely adored reading every part she was in, because she is a fighter. She will fight tooth and nail for the things she wants to protect.
This book made me want so much more. I cannot wait for anything else this author can dish out.
Nivvo is a very likeable and seemingly independent character who knows what he is capable of doing, due to the fact that he has encountered so much hardship since the young age of six. He knows how far he is willing to go for those he loves, and he is also willing to sacrifice his own self, happiness, and freedom to make sure those he loves are safe.
I love the that I wasn’t just told Nivvo’s whole story from the very beginning. On the contrary, he was just thrown into the story at his present age and the writer gradually introduces him throughout different daydreams and memories the character experiences.
I also love the character of Reka. She is so feisty and bold. I absolutely adored reading every part she was in, because she is a fighter. She will fight tooth and nail for the things she wants to protect.
This book made me want so much more. I cannot wait for anything else this author can dish out.
May 17, 2014
I received a copy of this book as a prize in a drawing on a review site. Based on this first book, I bought the sequel myself.
The city-state of Istonnia is ruled above ground by a ruthless tyrant and below ground by a crime lord. Nivvo is a skilled young thief caught between them. He is grateful for the crime lord's protection but wishes to maintain his independence. He is a thief with honor. While burgling a house, he overhears nefarious plans that lead to a daring rescue, perilous escape, unveiling of secrets, and the dawn of a new day in Istonnia as the tyrant is toppled. And the hero-thief still doesn't want to be anything but a thief -- even though he could be so much more. Now he's more firmly enmeshed in a web of conflicting loyalties and betrayal.
Ratpaths is an entertaining page-turner, by turns thrilling, funny, touching, horrifying. The characters, setting, history, and culture -- all fictional -- are presented with the kind of solid authority (and minimal exposition) that makes them easy to believe. Nobody ever seemed to do something because the plot demanded it. Rather, the plot unfurled naturally from the characters' actions. I look forward to more time with Nivvo, Reka, and the rest.
The city-state of Istonnia is ruled above ground by a ruthless tyrant and below ground by a crime lord. Nivvo is a skilled young thief caught between them. He is grateful for the crime lord's protection but wishes to maintain his independence. He is a thief with honor. While burgling a house, he overhears nefarious plans that lead to a daring rescue, perilous escape, unveiling of secrets, and the dawn of a new day in Istonnia as the tyrant is toppled. And the hero-thief still doesn't want to be anything but a thief -- even though he could be so much more. Now he's more firmly enmeshed in a web of conflicting loyalties and betrayal.
Ratpaths is an entertaining page-turner, by turns thrilling, funny, touching, horrifying. The characters, setting, history, and culture -- all fictional -- are presented with the kind of solid authority (and minimal exposition) that makes them easy to believe. Nobody ever seemed to do something because the plot demanded it. Rather, the plot unfurled naturally from the characters' actions. I look forward to more time with Nivvo, Reka, and the rest.
December 9, 2013
It becomes rather difficult to easily summarize a book as unique as this. Although there are definitely elements of the book that one might find common in other literature, the whole is an entirely different beast that just begs to be read.
The story of Nivvo, the thief, is one that is filled with a rich background, both of a political nature as well as that of the seedy underground where he spends his time. These two worlds clash greatly and Nivvo finds himself somewhere in the middle.
For reasons unknown to us (at the time anyways...don't want to include any spoilers here), he takes it upon himself to save the rightful heir to the throne, whom has been hidden away in a dungeon by the person who has usurped that same throne and has been abusing its power for years. Nivvo, the thief, has some inner conscience that pushes him forward. The question, of course, is why.
Rust manages to build a world that we can't help but want to know more about. Luckily, the ending of this book leaves things open for further tales of our young thief, meaning we might just get what we're looking for.
I can't wait to see what Rust has next under her sleeve!
The story of Nivvo, the thief, is one that is filled with a rich background, both of a political nature as well as that of the seedy underground where he spends his time. These two worlds clash greatly and Nivvo finds himself somewhere in the middle.
For reasons unknown to us (at the time anyways...don't want to include any spoilers here), he takes it upon himself to save the rightful heir to the throne, whom has been hidden away in a dungeon by the person who has usurped that same throne and has been abusing its power for years. Nivvo, the thief, has some inner conscience that pushes him forward. The question, of course, is why.
Rust manages to build a world that we can't help but want to know more about. Luckily, the ending of this book leaves things open for further tales of our young thief, meaning we might just get what we're looking for.
I can't wait to see what Rust has next under her sleeve!
January 22, 2014
A wonderfully crafted political fantasy with strong Italian influences. The premise is carefully crafted, and I really enjoyed the folkloric aspects that came through in their colloquiloisms, in particular those relating to ghosts or fire. The characterisation was splendid and I found myself really drawn to Nivvo's character, along with his sister, Reka - whom I hope we shall see more of later. I did find the flashbacks a little distracting at first - not because they were not wonderfully written, but because they tended to merge in too smoothly with the plot and my mind stumbled for a few sentences before clicking that this was backstory. Likewise, also, the various character titles and names took a bit of getting used to. Once I did, however, I was thoroughly hooked - line and sinker.
I highly recommend this title, it is carefully plotted, planned and realised and I look forward to reading more.
Received via Bookkus.
I highly recommend this title, it is carefully plotted, planned and realised and I look forward to reading more.
Received via Bookkus.
September 28, 2014
A well-written, believable fantasy adventure. Ratpaths is the story of Nivvo, a thief, who lives an Artful Dodger-esque life stealing to simply survive, using the 'ratpaths' of the title to make good his escapes. As a small child he has the unenviable task of providing for his destitute mother; then later, his half-sister. The story is nicely paced, with a gradual build to Nivvo's flight back to Istonnia, and the inevitable fight to reinstate the rightful heir to power (without giving too much away). The excerpt involving a nail-biting river crossing is exceptionally well done. Highly recommended.
December 20, 2016
The first time I read this, it wasn’t my favourite book and it was a couple of years before I picked it up again and gave it another go. I’m glad I did.
I think the only way Nivvo could be described is as a cheeky rascal. He’s just that sort of lovable scamp, who might have a somewhat dark side to him but for the most part is honest in his own way.
The city is living under the thumb of a tyrant who had Nivvo’s father killed when he was but a child, and sent him to the streets. The only reason he is alive is that the lord of the underworld took a liking to him...
The story comes to a satisfying end, yet there is obviously more to come.
I think the only way Nivvo could be described is as a cheeky rascal. He’s just that sort of lovable scamp, who might have a somewhat dark side to him but for the most part is honest in his own way.
The city is living under the thumb of a tyrant who had Nivvo’s father killed when he was but a child, and sent him to the streets. The only reason he is alive is that the lord of the underworld took a liking to him...
The story comes to a satisfying end, yet there is obviously more to come.
December 5, 2013
Under the boot of the usurper and tyrant, Ravires, the city of Istonnia is a place of repression and swift violence. When Nivvo, a young thief carrying out his trade, overhears a conversation between two conspirators, as they discuss the means and methods to kill the true heir to the throne, whom has been presumed dead for many years. Compelled to prevent this murder, Nivvo keeps the information from the cunning head of the 'Rat's, Vicco Cambrosi, to whom he owes allegiance, to do what he knows is right, with some very surprising results.
A good, fast moving adventure.
A good, fast moving adventure.
November 9, 2014
This book is special to me. I read it first as a beta-reader, which didn’t stop me from reading it again once it was published. Rust creates a believable plot through the streets of Istonnia, where no detail is overlooked, and the story of Nivvo the thief is amazingly executed. With a sense of adventure, a touch of suspense, and a dash of romance under a mafia-esque tone, Ratpaths becomes one of my favorite books. Highly recommended.
August 21, 2013
An exciting Renaissance-era story expertly blended with dark, mafia underpinnings. The story of the charming young thief, Nivvo, is beautifully told. The writing flows as lovely as poetry. The story had me at the edge of my seat. It's a tale loaded with humor and suspense.
I will happily buy the sequel. Angelika is a very talented author. Highly recommended!
I will happily buy the sequel. Angelika is a very talented author. Highly recommended!
April 28, 2014
it took a couple chapters to get used to the fictional world and made up names but then couldn't put it down. rewarded with fantastic characters, witty dialogue, good adventure. Will be checking out book 2.
May 19, 2014
This is a many layered and exciting story, with likeable characters and a subtle and original plot. Brilliant. I've just bought part two!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews