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The Artyra Chronicles #1
A Thief Among Liars
Ceylon, thief and Daughter of the Underworld, has always known she would succeed her father’s command of the kingdom’s most ruthless guild. But when she botches a job—foiled by her sworn enemy, Malachi—her father’s faith in her crumbles, and Ceylon is given one final chance to prove herself: steal the heart of her enemy or lose her chance to lead.
Though Ceylon’s romantic experience is, well, non-existent, she won’t risk her future position for anything, and she infiltrates his guild. But Malachi has his own agenda, and the longer Ceylon is with him, the more she realizes her father has been keeping secrets from her—like importing enough ammunition to start a world war. With the fate of her kingdom in the balance, Ceylon must decide who to trust, who to love, and who to kill. And if there is any limit to what she’ll give to become the leader of the Underworld... including her own heart.
Daring thieves and long-time rivals makes E.A. Whyte's debut novel perfect for fans of Dance of Thieves and Six of Crows.
Though Ceylon’s romantic experience is, well, non-existent, she won’t risk her future position for anything, and she infiltrates his guild. But Malachi has his own agenda, and the longer Ceylon is with him, the more she realizes her father has been keeping secrets from her—like importing enough ammunition to start a world war. With the fate of her kingdom in the balance, Ceylon must decide who to trust, who to love, and who to kill. And if there is any limit to what she’ll give to become the leader of the Underworld... including her own heart.
Daring thieves and long-time rivals makes E.A. Whyte's debut novel perfect for fans of Dance of Thieves and Six of Crows.
- GenresFantasy
338 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2024
17 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
E.A. Whyte
3 books9 followersErin (E.A.) Whyte is an editor and the author of A Thief Among Liars, her debut YA fantasy about a master thief tasked with stealing the heart of her enemy. When not writing, you'll find Erin exploring local coffee shops, reading, and jotting down the many story ideas in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 10, 2024
Many thanks to the author, for a free ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
This felt like a quick read, and I’m not saying that because it’s 338 pages… I’m saying it because the fast pacing is pretty consistent throughout.
REASONS TO READ:
- If found families with clever FMC’s (that also know how to throw a punch), enemies-to-TBD… with low spice– is your vibe.
- If you are looking romantasy heist buddy read with your YA reader.
- You like your plots a little more dialogue heavy.
REASONS TO PASS:
- With that ending, this feels like a duo. And if unfinished series drive you crazy, keep your eye out for book 2.
- I’ll read any book that uses my favorite stories as book comparisons. But… it’s a big ask to then surprise me in that formula. That being said- the references made sense to me. But I was hoping for some more unique world building.
3.5/5 - Rounded Up bc overall it’s a fun & easy read, don’t forget to grab your popcorn.
This felt like a quick read, and I’m not saying that because it’s 338 pages… I’m saying it because the fast pacing is pretty consistent throughout.
REASONS TO READ:
- If found families with clever FMC’s (that also know how to throw a punch), enemies-to-TBD… with low spice– is your vibe.
- If you are looking romantasy heist buddy read with your YA reader.
- You like your plots a little more dialogue heavy.
REASONS TO PASS:
- With that ending, this feels like a duo. And if unfinished series drive you crazy, keep your eye out for book 2.
- I’ll read any book that uses my favorite stories as book comparisons. But… it’s a big ask to then surprise me in that formula. That being said- the references made sense to me. But I was hoping for some more unique world building.
3.5/5 - Rounded Up bc overall it’s a fun & easy read, don’t forget to grab your popcorn.
May 28, 2024
I received an e-ARC from E.A. Whyte - thank you!
This book had my attention from beginning to end. Even when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about what might happen next - a sign of a fantastic and captivating book to me!
I fell in love with the beautifully written FMC, Ceylon - you can’t help but root for her especially in all the impossible situations she encounters. I also felt like I was able to visualize and step into the world of Yvelle (the stunning map doesn’t hurt either!)
And the ending did not disappoint - I’m eagerly waiting for the next book already!
This book had my attention from beginning to end. Even when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about what might happen next - a sign of a fantastic and captivating book to me!
I fell in love with the beautifully written FMC, Ceylon - you can’t help but root for her especially in all the impossible situations she encounters. I also felt like I was able to visualize and step into the world of Yvelle (the stunning map doesn’t hurt either!)
And the ending did not disappoint - I’m eagerly waiting for the next book already!
May 23, 2024
Thank you E.A. Whyte for the ARC!! I received the eARC for free. This review is my own.
This book has everything you need to get you hooked and keep you hooked the entire time. Thieves, assassins, magic, a kickass FMC, a truly evil villain, and an incredible plot.
A thief is tasked with stealing the heart of her enemy and, honestly, what is better than that?! I eat it up. Give me.
Ceylon is in a tough predicament and you can’t help but feel for her. I just love how she is written. Skilled and a force to be reckoned with, but still totally relatable and not invincible.
I loved the twists and turns and that I was able to come up with some plausible theories as I read, but was still surprised! The ending has me salivating in anticipation for book 2. I’m excited to explore the world some more and try to figure out the mysteries we are left with with that cliffhanger ending 😭
Definitely worth reading. 5 stars.
This book has everything you need to get you hooked and keep you hooked the entire time. Thieves, assassins, magic, a kickass FMC, a truly evil villain, and an incredible plot.
A thief is tasked with stealing the heart of her enemy and, honestly, what is better than that?! I eat it up. Give me.
Ceylon is in a tough predicament and you can’t help but feel for her. I just love how she is written. Skilled and a force to be reckoned with, but still totally relatable and not invincible.
I loved the twists and turns and that I was able to come up with some plausible theories as I read, but was still surprised! The ending has me salivating in anticipation for book 2. I’m excited to explore the world some more and try to figure out the mysteries we are left with with that cliffhanger ending 😭
Definitely worth reading. 5 stars.
July 1, 2024
Ohhh my heart.
My favourite part of this book was our FMC’s journey of not only self discovery but of finding out the true meaning of family and love - whatever that happens to look like! Our two main characters, Ceylon and Malachi, as well as many secondary characters make selfless decisions to help/save others, which made for a beautiful story about sacrifice.
I already can’t wait for book 2! EA Whyte knocked it out of the park with her debut novel, out July 10th!
“Ceylon, thief and Daughter of the Underworld, has always known she would succeed her father's command of the kingdom's most ruthless guild. But when she botches a job-foiled by her sworn enemy, Malachi-her father's faith in her crumbles, and Ceylon is given one final chance to prove herself: steal the heart of her enemy or lose her chance to lead.
Though Ceylon's romantic experience is, well, non-existent, she won't risk her future position for anything, and she infiltrates his guild. But Malachi has his own agenda, and the longer Ceylon is with him, the more she realizes her father has been keeping secrets from her-like importing enough ammunition to start a world war. With the fate of her kingdom in the balance, Ceylon must decide who to trust, who to love, and who to kill. And if there is any limit to what she'll give to become the leader of the Underworld... including her own heart.”
My favourite part of this book was our FMC’s journey of not only self discovery but of finding out the true meaning of family and love - whatever that happens to look like! Our two main characters, Ceylon and Malachi, as well as many secondary characters make selfless decisions to help/save others, which made for a beautiful story about sacrifice.
I already can’t wait for book 2! EA Whyte knocked it out of the park with her debut novel, out July 10th!
“Ceylon, thief and Daughter of the Underworld, has always known she would succeed her father's command of the kingdom's most ruthless guild. But when she botches a job-foiled by her sworn enemy, Malachi-her father's faith in her crumbles, and Ceylon is given one final chance to prove herself: steal the heart of her enemy or lose her chance to lead.
Though Ceylon's romantic experience is, well, non-existent, she won't risk her future position for anything, and she infiltrates his guild. But Malachi has his own agenda, and the longer Ceylon is with him, the more she realizes her father has been keeping secrets from her-like importing enough ammunition to start a world war. With the fate of her kingdom in the balance, Ceylon must decide who to trust, who to love, and who to kill. And if there is any limit to what she'll give to become the leader of the Underworld... including her own heart.”
July 20, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
Absolutely adore the characters and the story! Once I was about halfway in I was hooked and finished the rest of the book in one sitting! 😆
Would’ve been a true 5 star read for me but I found the timing challenging as a lot happened in a short amount of time and it felt a bit unrealistic (but it’s a fantasy book so not a complete dealbreaker). I wanted more of Ceylon and Malachi’s backstory as it was hard to grasp how they became so close so quickly, some more context may have helped me with that. Everything happening quickly was a great thing as it kept me hooked but it also left me with some questions and wonderings - hoping book #2 will provide some more answers!
I will definitely be thinking about these characters and the story and can’t wait to read more!!
Absolutely adore the characters and the story! Once I was about halfway in I was hooked and finished the rest of the book in one sitting! 😆
Would’ve been a true 5 star read for me but I found the timing challenging as a lot happened in a short amount of time and it felt a bit unrealistic (but it’s a fantasy book so not a complete dealbreaker). I wanted more of Ceylon and Malachi’s backstory as it was hard to grasp how they became so close so quickly, some more context may have helped me with that. Everything happening quickly was a great thing as it kept me hooked but it also left me with some questions and wonderings - hoping book #2 will provide some more answers!
I will definitely be thinking about these characters and the story and can’t wait to read more!!
July 15, 2024
I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Heist, family, renewed friendships and dark pasts revealed - thief among liars has it all.
I really enjoyed the ending and look forward to finding out how Ceylon will plot her way out of this mess in book 2.
I would love a prequel, novella or short story about Ceylon and Malichi’s relationship as I felt like I wanted more backstory to better connect with/ understand their relationship with each other. I would also love short story about the lost prince! It would be a fascinating addition to the plot.
All that to say, so many plot points in ATAL had me thinking and wondering even when I’m not reading it, so that’s the sign of a good book!
Heist, family, renewed friendships and dark pasts revealed - thief among liars has it all.
I really enjoyed the ending and look forward to finding out how Ceylon will plot her way out of this mess in book 2.
I would love a prequel, novella or short story about Ceylon and Malichi’s relationship as I felt like I wanted more backstory to better connect with/ understand their relationship with each other. I would also love short story about the lost prince! It would be a fascinating addition to the plot.
All that to say, so many plot points in ATAL had me thinking and wondering even when I’m not reading it, so that’s the sign of a good book!
August 3, 2025
Explicit. 100th book of the year - and this was a good one! It was funny and had good banter, even if that died a little halfway through. The main characters were interesting and the side characters held their own. I felt like the timeline and the story was a bit rushed and could have done with a little more expansion, but since it's a series I guess it works anyway. I really liked Malachi's guild and friends, but not a fan of the mild cliffhanger ending. Looking forward to book 2 though!
August 31, 2024
4.5 Stars
This book is like Throne of Glass x Six of Crows x The Serpent and the Wings of night but make it YA. I was extremely impressed at the quality of writing and world building for a debut novel. It was also first YA novel that I have read in a while where the characters actually acted their age, which is so refreshing! This story hit its target audience perfectly. I found a lot of YA fantasy I have read is filled with violent acts often committed by the protagonists, so I was really happy to read a story that wasn’t focused on that as well.
Like many fantasy stories it takes a little bit to get into, with a lot of world and plot building at the beginning, only for you to completely get sucked in when everything comes together. I am so ready to read the next one in this series now 🙌
The only things that are keeping it from being a 5 star read is a) the timeline - it was too short to be realistic, if it was expanded to even a month it would’ve made more sense b) the MMC and FMC relationship and quick comfort around each other (especially when the FMC is in “enemy” territory). It didn’t feel like there was any chemistry between the two of them or reason for them to grow so close so quickly.
That all being said, I feel like a lot of their relationship is built from their runs ins over the years. Which brings me to what I really want to read… a series of prequel short stories about the two foiling each other’s heists over the years. I think it would be so fun to read, and give a lot of context to their relationship!
In conclusion, this book is going up there in my YA fantasy books recs. I definitely recommend reading this book! Now I will be patiently waiting for the next one!!
This book is like Throne of Glass x Six of Crows x The Serpent and the Wings of night but make it YA. I was extremely impressed at the quality of writing and world building for a debut novel. It was also first YA novel that I have read in a while where the characters actually acted their age, which is so refreshing! This story hit its target audience perfectly. I found a lot of YA fantasy I have read is filled with violent acts often committed by the protagonists, so I was really happy to read a story that wasn’t focused on that as well.
Like many fantasy stories it takes a little bit to get into, with a lot of world and plot building at the beginning, only for you to completely get sucked in when everything comes together. I am so ready to read the next one in this series now 🙌
The only things that are keeping it from being a 5 star read is a) the timeline - it was too short to be realistic, if it was expanded to even a month it would’ve made more sense b) the MMC and FMC relationship and quick comfort around each other (especially when the FMC is in “enemy” territory). It didn’t feel like there was any chemistry between the two of them or reason for them to grow so close so quickly.
That all being said, I feel like a lot of their relationship is built from their runs ins over the years. Which brings me to what I really want to read… a series of prequel short stories about the two foiling each other’s heists over the years. I think it would be so fun to read, and give a lot of context to their relationship!
In conclusion, this book is going up there in my YA fantasy books recs. I definitely recommend reading this book! Now I will be patiently waiting for the next one!!
September 18, 2024
BIG thank you to the author, for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A story that starts off with a heist - yes, please! My intrigue was piqued from the beginning, and the consistently fast pace kept me hooked the whole way. This is a low fantasy book with thieves, assassins & magic.
Our FMC (Ceylon) is badass and not following the popular fantasy trope of “she is so small but strong” we’ve been seeing a lot of. She’s got a brutal backstory that explains why she is cold and doesn’t understand how friendship/relationships work. Her father, Bronn - Lord of the Underworld, gives her one final task to prove herself: steal the heart of her enemy or lose her chance to be his successor and lead the guild. We have themes of found family, rivals to ??? lovers hopefully 🤞🏼, quests and power.
I really liked our main characters. Malachi and Ceylon have a history and excellent tension. I LOVE the villain. He is absolutely ruthless in his pursuit of power, always thinking 2 steps ahead. I’m excited to see where this story goes and the ending has me SO ready for book 2. I do like that there are opportunities for prequels and more. @ EA What is Battle of the Burning Sea??
A story that starts off with a heist - yes, please! My intrigue was piqued from the beginning, and the consistently fast pace kept me hooked the whole way. This is a low fantasy book with thieves, assassins & magic.
Our FMC (Ceylon) is badass and not following the popular fantasy trope of “she is so small but strong” we’ve been seeing a lot of. She’s got a brutal backstory that explains why she is cold and doesn’t understand how friendship/relationships work. Her father, Bronn - Lord of the Underworld, gives her one final task to prove herself: steal the heart of her enemy or lose her chance to be his successor and lead the guild. We have themes of found family, rivals to ??? lovers hopefully 🤞🏼, quests and power.
I really liked our main characters. Malachi and Ceylon have a history and excellent tension. I LOVE the villain. He is absolutely ruthless in his pursuit of power, always thinking 2 steps ahead. I’m excited to see where this story goes and the ending has me SO ready for book 2. I do like that there are opportunities for prequels and more. @ EA What is Battle of the Burning Sea??
March 5, 2025
After reading through this book, I know the second will be well worth the wait!
E.A. did an incredible job with world building and it truly felt as though I was right there alongside Ceylon throughout her adventures. The second half was where I was really hooked, but the first half really set the scene and set up the story which is why I think I became as invested as I did. It felt like I was playing through a dnd heist and her imagery and writing style really drew me in.
If you enjoy
-Found Family
-World Building
-DnD
-Enemies to Lovers
-Fantasy
-Low Spice (I definitely was happy about this!!)
Then you will really enjoy her debut novel! I am so genuinely thrilled for what is to come as she is a ridiculously talented author and I cannot wait to see how the story continues in book 2!
E.A. did an incredible job with world building and it truly felt as though I was right there alongside Ceylon throughout her adventures. The second half was where I was really hooked, but the first half really set the scene and set up the story which is why I think I became as invested as I did. It felt like I was playing through a dnd heist and her imagery and writing style really drew me in.
If you enjoy
-Found Family
-World Building
-DnD
-Enemies to Lovers
-Fantasy
-Low Spice (I definitely was happy about this!!)
Then you will really enjoy her debut novel! I am so genuinely thrilled for what is to come as she is a ridiculously talented author and I cannot wait to see how the story continues in book 2!
November 19, 2024
This is a solid 3.5/5. It would have been a 4, but I felt the enemies to lovers either took too long or the hate wasn’t intense enough, and the ending packed a LOT of information in a short period of time. It’s a very decent setup for a second novel, but there was just a lot to unpack in the last 80 pages that could have been slowly introduced. I wanted more backstory for Ceylon and Malachi, but they’re both pretty badass in their own right and I’m excited to see where book 2 takes them!
June 21, 2024
Really enjoyed this book! Thanks for the eARC copy.
I found myself wanting to keep reading it and liked that it had parts that surprised me. I liked the characters and their development as the story went on. I wasn’t sold on how realistic the timing was for her quest, but that’s okay.
I liked the heist-y feel of it and even the Cinderella vibes later on.
Looking forward to the next one!
I found myself wanting to keep reading it and liked that it had parts that surprised me. I liked the characters and their development as the story went on. I wasn’t sold on how realistic the timing was for her quest, but that’s okay.
I liked the heist-y feel of it and even the Cinderella vibes later on.
Looking forward to the next one!
July 30, 2024
An FMC who is actually badass, an MMC who fully believes in her abilities and even admires her for them, and a sweet romance that's central to the plot but doesn't detract from the fast-paced, high-stakes heisty goodness going on. Great read – can't wait for book 2!
May 20, 2025
Amazing!
I really enjoyed this book! The story is so compelling, I had a hard time putting it down. I could not find any characters that I disliked, and the main protagonists were well written. I appreciated that it was free from smut, too. Definitely recommend!
I really enjoyed this book! The story is so compelling, I had a hard time putting it down. I could not find any characters that I disliked, and the main protagonists were well written. I appreciated that it was free from smut, too. Definitely recommend!
September 22, 2025
This book is highly recommended for anyone who loves morally complex characters, high-stakes missions, and a dash of romance woven into a gritty fantasy world. I’m already excited to see what happens next in The Artyra Chronicles.
Highly Recommend 😊
Highly Recommend 😊
October 11, 2025
I can totally see the comparison with Six of Crows!
I'm normally not a YA reader, but I enjoyed this one more than expected. The author did a good job at creating nuanced characters and develop their interactions. I found the word building a little generic, but it works for the story so far.
I'm normally not a YA reader, but I enjoyed this one more than expected. The author did a good job at creating nuanced characters and develop their interactions. I found the word building a little generic, but it works for the story so far.
July 10, 2024
The banter is witty, the main character doesn’t take any flack, and the “oh whoaaa I didn’t see that happening” makes it easy to hate the bad guy but understand her “love”/loyalty to him.
July 16, 2024
This has everything in a book I could ever want! Swoony romance (with a lot of sass) sneaky theives, dark towns with darker secrets and absolutely lovable characters!!!
Read
March 30, 2025Loved it! Can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews