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Queen of Thieves #1.25
An Orchestra of Treachery: A Queen of Thieves Novel
A good thief always expects the worst and prepares for anything.
lanna isn't simply good; she's the greatest thief produced by the Night Guild in decades.
But alone in Voramis, bereft of allies and friends, she has no one to count on when a golden opportunity—the perfect heist—goes inevitably awry and knives in the dark are drawn.
Even her wits, cunning, and preparations may come up short in the face of treachery, landing her squarely in the path of dangerous, bloodthirsty foes willing to stop at nothing to get their hands on her prize.
An Orchestra of Treachery expands on the Queen of Thieves trilogy and deepens your understanding of Ilanna's character. Grimdark, shocking, and action-packed, it's everything you want in a heist novel!
lanna isn't simply good; she's the greatest thief produced by the Night Guild in decades.
But alone in Voramis, bereft of allies and friends, she has no one to count on when a golden opportunity—the perfect heist—goes inevitably awry and knives in the dark are drawn.
Even her wits, cunning, and preparations may come up short in the face of treachery, landing her squarely in the path of dangerous, bloodthirsty foes willing to stop at nothing to get their hands on her prize.
An Orchestra of Treachery expands on the Queen of Thieves trilogy and deepens your understanding of Ilanna's character. Grimdark, shocking, and action-packed, it's everything you want in a heist novel!
234 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2024
About the author
Andy Peloquin
95 books1,359 followersI am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 4, 2024
Another fantastic read in this series, set during the time Illana spent in Voramis after her assault by Sabat and the death of Ethan, she takes a job that makes her suspicious – too much money for what doesn’t seem too difficult.
It turns out more difficult than expected with lots of action, a very interesting and exciting story.
I loved this book, it gives more insight into Illana, her skills, intelligence and mastery of theft.
She is definitely a morally grey character (a thief can’t be anything else), one of my favourites.
This is a great story and series, one I recommend happily.
I devoured this in a couple of hours, it's fairly easy reading but if violence bothers you, you might not enjoy it.
It turns out more difficult than expected with lots of action, a very interesting and exciting story.
I loved this book, it gives more insight into Illana, her skills, intelligence and mastery of theft.
She is definitely a morally grey character (a thief can’t be anything else), one of my favourites.
This is a great story and series, one I recommend happily.
I devoured this in a couple of hours, it's fairly easy reading but if violence bothers you, you might not enjoy it.
May 9, 2026
This is a novella in between books 1 and 2 of Queen of Thieves series. This continues Ilanna's story picking up a few months after Child of the Night Guild. We see Ilanna still struggling with some of the horrid actions inflicted upon her from book one. Ilanna is currently hiding out in Voramis when she gets offered a heist job willing to pay a substantial amount of gold to complete.
I absolutely loved the twists and turns of this novella and really enjoyed the extra characters introduced in this book. Hoping they will show back up in other books. In true Andy Peloquin fashion, this story is dark and gritty and doesn't hold any punches. Even with just 200ish pages, I was left with a hurting heart for some of these characters.
Do I think this series/writing will be for everyone? No. But I am really enjoying Andy's writing while simultaneously being devastated with each new book.
I absolutely loved the twists and turns of this novella and really enjoyed the extra characters introduced in this book. Hoping they will show back up in other books. In true Andy Peloquin fashion, this story is dark and gritty and doesn't hold any punches. Even with just 200ish pages, I was left with a hurting heart for some of these characters.
Do I think this series/writing will be for everyone? No. But I am really enjoying Andy's writing while simultaneously being devastated with each new book.
August 6, 2024
Ilenna, the best thief produced by the Night Guild in ages is hiding out in Voramis to protect the child she carries from the Guild ever learning about it.
A job comes along that sounds too good to be true steal a dagger and get way too in pay for the job.
Non-stop action, betrayal, back-stabbing, and setups. Twists and turns galore with a great ending to the story. Well done, Andy.
A job comes along that sounds too good to be true steal a dagger and get way too in pay for the job.
Non-stop action, betrayal, back-stabbing, and setups. Twists and turns galore with a great ending to the story. Well done, Andy.
August 6, 2024
Billed as entry 1.25 in his Queen of Thieves series, I found this to be a perfect entry point. I haven't read any of the Queen of Thieves books (or listened in this case) before, but I will now.
aQoT (as it shall ever been known in this post) is a fast-paced, wonderfully-written slice of assassin goodness. Honestly, it felt like a world I knew like the back of my hand from the off. Not because it's like anything I've read before - but because how well Peloquin treats the world he's created. It's living and breathing, and there's a history here. It works.
This is a heist story, that brings in elements from Peloquin's Darkblade series, too. Fans of his work will love this. And newcomers? This is the perfect place to start. I'm sure you'll get addicted?
aQoT (as it shall ever been known in this post) is a fast-paced, wonderfully-written slice of assassin goodness. Honestly, it felt like a world I knew like the back of my hand from the off. Not because it's like anything I've read before - but because how well Peloquin treats the world he's created. It's living and breathing, and there's a history here. It works.
This is a heist story, that brings in elements from Peloquin's Darkblade series, too. Fans of his work will love this. And newcomers? This is the perfect place to start. I'm sure you'll get addicted?
August 13, 2024
An Orchestra of Treachery by Andy Peloquin
****
The Queen of Thieves series continues with this entry stated as #1.25. So many good things to talk about starting with how this story of another woman mirroring Illana's own story. It helps the reader realize Illana has grown emotionally from all her occurences and difficult situations in 'Child of the Night Guild'. I really like how an artifact was implemented and how there is sort of a whole story behind it.
With all the abuse that came from various sources in this book I have no idea how her child could possibly survive at this point...but I DO know the answer to that. Or rather what the author will do because I've been reading reviews to spoil some of what is ahead. It's tough to read in areas. I do thnk the narrator did a fabulous job and once again, I much prefer the audiobooks because it helps me to feel a little less alone in fighting this entire world's demons.
So why 4 stars and not 5? Well, I do think An Orchestra of Treachery would have been even better without many of the very intensely descript and graphic scenes. It certainly would be more accessible to more readers if made so. I think accessibility is important. But aside from that, brilliant character, plot and story about a character who refuses to give up or give in.
My wishlist for what comes next: It's implied a partner can help in an individual in getting through very hard times and tragedies. I want Illana to find her someone and I hope he/she/they are somehow even sweeter than Ethan, which I am BTW, still pissed about. I hope Illana has her kid and he/she looks nothing like Sabbat. I hope her kid makes it and she has a happy ending, eventually. And if she takes over the Night Guild, I hope she makes it a better place and something is done about Master Velvet. Nothing too graphic...but a little justice for him just going along with things as they were.
****
The Queen of Thieves series continues with this entry stated as #1.25. So many good things to talk about starting with how this story of another woman mirroring Illana's own story. It helps the reader realize Illana has grown emotionally from all her occurences and difficult situations in 'Child of the Night Guild'. I really like how an artifact was implemented and how there is sort of a whole story behind it.
With all the abuse that came from various sources in this book I have no idea how her child could possibly survive at this point...but I DO know the answer to that. Or rather what the author will do because I've been reading reviews to spoil some of what is ahead. It's tough to read in areas. I do thnk the narrator did a fabulous job and once again, I much prefer the audiobooks because it helps me to feel a little less alone in fighting this entire world's demons.
So why 4 stars and not 5? Well, I do think An Orchestra of Treachery would have been even better without many of the very intensely descript and graphic scenes. It certainly would be more accessible to more readers if made so. I think accessibility is important. But aside from that, brilliant character, plot and story about a character who refuses to give up or give in.
My wishlist for what comes next: It's implied a partner can help in an individual in getting through very hard times and tragedies. I want Illana to find her someone and I hope he/she/they are somehow even sweeter than Ethan, which I am BTW, still pissed about. I hope Illana has her kid and he/she looks nothing like Sabbat. I hope her kid makes it and she has a happy ending, eventually. And if she takes over the Night Guild, I hope she makes it a better place and something is done about Master Velvet. Nothing too graphic...but a little justice for him just going along with things as they were.
May 4, 2026
Actual Rating: 3,5 Stars
I went into this Book Blind, but found the setup and world easy to navigate.
The plot is twisting and turning and very engaging and for sure a big plus of this book. I was hooked and wanted to know how things continue.
The characters are very interesting. Ilanna as the calculating mastermind thief, with perfect training and endurance of course, but her own problems to overcome. And the other persons with their own reasons and past problems still haunting them. It’s nice, it’s engaging and I did feel with them and hoped everyone makes it through. Even though some characters didn’t get a lot of time, they still seemed lively enough.
The world, the underground with guilds and brothels, was shown nicely and didn’t hesitate to show the bad sides. Its dark and gritty, so if you want a little reprieve or escape from our current world and problems, I don’t know if this book is right.
You might wonder now, if all of those are great, why just 3.5 stars?
For two reasons
A) it’s quite gorey sometimes. Sure it could be worse, but I think I prefer my fight scenes without graphic details every time somebody is hit or injured. It’s just not for me so I started to skip those scenes.
B) the style sometimes felt a lil clunky. It’s okay, but not great, and some sentences and dialogues felt a little stilted. It’s not the worst I’ve seen, but together with the descriptions of the fights etc, I just couldn’t fully enjoy the book, even though the story was very interesting.
I went into this Book Blind, but found the setup and world easy to navigate.
The plot is twisting and turning and very engaging and for sure a big plus of this book. I was hooked and wanted to know how things continue.
The characters are very interesting. Ilanna as the calculating mastermind thief, with perfect training and endurance of course, but her own problems to overcome. And the other persons with their own reasons and past problems still haunting them. It’s nice, it’s engaging and I did feel with them and hoped everyone makes it through. Even though some characters didn’t get a lot of time, they still seemed lively enough.
The world, the underground with guilds and brothels, was shown nicely and didn’t hesitate to show the bad sides. Its dark and gritty, so if you want a little reprieve or escape from our current world and problems, I don’t know if this book is right.
You might wonder now, if all of those are great, why just 3.5 stars?
For two reasons
A) it’s quite gorey sometimes. Sure it could be worse, but I think I prefer my fight scenes without graphic details every time somebody is hit or injured. It’s just not for me so I started to skip those scenes.
B) the style sometimes felt a lil clunky. It’s okay, but not great, and some sentences and dialogues felt a little stilted. It’s not the worst I’ve seen, but together with the descriptions of the fights etc, I just couldn’t fully enjoy the book, even though the story was very interesting.
August 5, 2024
To say that I was excited to hop back into another addition of the Queen of Thieves world is an understatement.
I am an absolute fan of Ilanna through and through. Her journey in the Queen of Thieves trilogy is epic, dark and heart wrenching. One of the first series that left me speechless for days.
An Orchestra of Treachery is a fantastic heist novel that takes place within a time we don't really get to live in or see - within the original series. This time spent away from where the night guild resides and the stage is set in Voramis, which is widely known as The Hunter's stomping grounds. Not to mention the Bloody Hand's. Ilanna is here for some very good reasons - and ends up taking a job that blends so many things together and that is always a joy for me. Even if you don't read all of the separate series these books stand alone on their own merits.
This novel has all the twists and turns one might expect from a heist, and though it is a much shorter novel than we're used to seeing from Andy, it still grabs you right in the feels and makes you care for characters that don't spend too much time in this world.
One of my absolute favourite things is how Andy can write many worlds, and many characters and have them seamlessly cross over, and spend time in each others spaces which makes the world much bigger. I bow down to that, because I am helplessly sucked in for the long run.
So, if you're a fan of the Queen of the Night Guild series, as well as the Darkblade series - you will have a joy ride with this addition.
I am an absolute fan of Ilanna through and through. Her journey in the Queen of Thieves trilogy is epic, dark and heart wrenching. One of the first series that left me speechless for days.
An Orchestra of Treachery is a fantastic heist novel that takes place within a time we don't really get to live in or see - within the original series. This time spent away from where the night guild resides and the stage is set in Voramis, which is widely known as The Hunter's stomping grounds. Not to mention the Bloody Hand's. Ilanna is here for some very good reasons - and ends up taking a job that blends so many things together and that is always a joy for me. Even if you don't read all of the separate series these books stand alone on their own merits.
This novel has all the twists and turns one might expect from a heist, and though it is a much shorter novel than we're used to seeing from Andy, it still grabs you right in the feels and makes you care for characters that don't spend too much time in this world.
One of my absolute favourite things is how Andy can write many worlds, and many characters and have them seamlessly cross over, and spend time in each others spaces which makes the world much bigger. I bow down to that, because I am helplessly sucked in for the long run.
So, if you're a fan of the Queen of the Night Guild series, as well as the Darkblade series - you will have a joy ride with this addition.
August 20, 2024
I always know when I'm going into one of Andy Peloquin's novels that I can expect a good time, and this was absolutely no exception. Despite it being a couple of years since my last re-read of the Queen of Thieves series, I fell into the world instantly, transported back to events as though it were months rather than years.
This takes place between books one and two of the Queen of Thieves series, when Illana goes to Voramis for personal reasons. You don't need to have read Child of The Night Guild first, but I'd recommend it - mostly because it's awesome and secondly because it does give valuable back story for this.
This is almost a long and fleshed out novella; it doesn't have the world building or the long reaching narrative that I remember the main series having. But it does have characterisations in spades and it builds Illana's character further. It also has a very clear and almost clear-cut quest that is a thief's bread and butter. But obviously goes very, very wrong. This is a heist novella at it's core, built up with characterisations and a small amount of additional world building.
It's also very, very good. And reminds me that I need to re-read (or listen to) the main Queen of Thieves series. It's full of subterfuge, action, betrayal and heart-ache. And characters both old and new are brilliantly depicted, full of complex motivations and age old hurts. All of them come to life, good, bad and somewhere in between. I very much enjoyed it and whether it's your introduction to a fantastic series or read after, it's well worth your time.
This takes place between books one and two of the Queen of Thieves series, when Illana goes to Voramis for personal reasons. You don't need to have read Child of The Night Guild first, but I'd recommend it - mostly because it's awesome and secondly because it does give valuable back story for this.
This is almost a long and fleshed out novella; it doesn't have the world building or the long reaching narrative that I remember the main series having. But it does have characterisations in spades and it builds Illana's character further. It also has a very clear and almost clear-cut quest that is a thief's bread and butter. But obviously goes very, very wrong. This is a heist novella at it's core, built up with characterisations and a small amount of additional world building.
It's also very, very good. And reminds me that I need to re-read (or listen to) the main Queen of Thieves series. It's full of subterfuge, action, betrayal and heart-ache. And characters both old and new are brilliantly depicted, full of complex motivations and age old hurts. All of them come to life, good, bad and somewhere in between. I very much enjoyed it and whether it's your introduction to a fantastic series or read after, it's well worth your time.
August 6, 2024
An Orchestra Of Treachery is book 1,25 in the Queen of Thieves series and thus can be read as a standalone.
I haven't read the main series yet, but this gave me the perfect opportunity to meet Ilanna and find out if the series actually is something for me. The answer is YES!
The story here follows Ilanna, who takes on a job to steal a priceless dagger. The heist is planned and everything seems to go well until it doesn't.
I've already read a couple of books by the author and know the world his characters live in. It's not a kind world, but one where you should trust only yourself if you don't want to end up being killed, mugged or raped.
In Andy Peloquin fashion, there's lots of intrigue, blood, moments where the characters cut it real close and much more.
There was a twist at the end of the book, I really didn't expect, but loved so much more because of not seeing it coming.
Ilanna is a character I can't wait to get to know better in the Queen of Thieves series. Strong, intelligent, a little bitter, but still with empathy towards others.
This book might also be something for readers, who don't like it too bloody. It's kind of tame in comparison to some of the other books the author has written (looking at you Silent Champions and Darkblade Assassin😁 ).
I haven't read the main series yet, but this gave me the perfect opportunity to meet Ilanna and find out if the series actually is something for me. The answer is YES!
The story here follows Ilanna, who takes on a job to steal a priceless dagger. The heist is planned and everything seems to go well until it doesn't.
I've already read a couple of books by the author and know the world his characters live in. It's not a kind world, but one where you should trust only yourself if you don't want to end up being killed, mugged or raped.
In Andy Peloquin fashion, there's lots of intrigue, blood, moments where the characters cut it real close and much more.
There was a twist at the end of the book, I really didn't expect, but loved so much more because of not seeing it coming.
Ilanna is a character I can't wait to get to know better in the Queen of Thieves series. Strong, intelligent, a little bitter, but still with empathy towards others.
This book might also be something for readers, who don't like it too bloody. It's kind of tame in comparison to some of the other books the author has written (looking at you Silent Champions and Darkblade Assassin😁 ).
August 13, 2024
This book is set as book 1.25 in the Queen of Thieves series, but I read it as an introduction to the series and don't feel like I have missed anything at all! I have read other books set in this world, so a lot of the characters were familiar to me. In this book, Ilanna is a thief for the Night Guild, but she is working in Voramis. Staying at the Arms of Heaven, she is approached by the mistress for a job they both need. Zephar claims to be the last in her family and wants something that is her birthright back. Ilanna agrees and the backstabbing begins! And what should be a simple job has turned into chaos of epic proportions for those involved.
I have to say, Andy is the master of surprises! I think I know what is coming and then I am smacked in the face with something completely different than I expected! And while you obviously expect treachery (it is in the name of the book after all), it knows no bounds! Agreements are broken, trust is tested and battles are fought. While this book is shorter than the usual books, that does not take away from anything! The character and world building are still amazing, the battles and fights epic and the treachery is marvelous! I loved reading more about the world of Voramis and can't wait to start the series from book one!
I have to say, Andy is the master of surprises! I think I know what is coming and then I am smacked in the face with something completely different than I expected! And while you obviously expect treachery (it is in the name of the book after all), it knows no bounds! Agreements are broken, trust is tested and battles are fought. While this book is shorter than the usual books, that does not take away from anything! The character and world building are still amazing, the battles and fights epic and the treachery is marvelous! I loved reading more about the world of Voramis and can't wait to start the series from book one!
August 31, 2024
Let’s preface this by saying I am NOT a fan of Grimdark/dark, and Andy Peloquin excels in writing those genres. There’s mentions of r*pe and s*xual abuse and a ton of violence.
But Andy also excels at making interesting characters. This book was dominated by females and I don’t think we got many or any descriptions of their voluptuous boobs boobing along happily. From Ilanna the thief, to Zephar , Thierra the female knight, to the courtesans in the brothel, every woman was complex and nuanced.
This whole book was full of twists and turns that I did not expect, and it kept me on my toes enough to make skimming through pages of violence and gore worth it. The heist and all its subsequent complications was enough to keep me riveted to a story I thought I’d have to force myself to finish. 5/5 stars for making me enjoy a Grimdark, Mr Peloquin.
August 31, 2024
This excellent short-ish novel has more twists and turns than the tangle of old cables at the back of the junk drawer. Who's playing whom? Everyone in turn, it seems.
This book's top features, in my opinion:
Excellent writing of women by a man, some of the best I've seen. The women are strong without being caricatures or stereotypes, and have just as many adventures as the next man.
Plot points and twists galore. I didn't know whether I was coming or going for a lot of the time, but the ending is most satisfying.
Combat. Probably one of the biggest (and quickest) melee scenes ever, largely dominated by an elderly man in a dress who turns out to be an unstoppable killing machine. Well, until he...
No spoilers, you'll have to read it to find out.
This book's top features, in my opinion:
Excellent writing of women by a man, some of the best I've seen. The women are strong without being caricatures or stereotypes, and have just as many adventures as the next man.
Plot points and twists galore. I didn't know whether I was coming or going for a lot of the time, but the ending is most satisfying.
Combat. Probably one of the biggest (and quickest) melee scenes ever, largely dominated by an elderly man in a dress who turns out to be an unstoppable killing machine. Well, until he...
No spoilers, you'll have to read it to find out.
August 16, 2024
Most excellent adventure! Twists and turns, betrayal layered on betrayal, found family and an incredible battle scene that results in a high body count on both sides!
There are some great characters in this tale! I enjoy a strong female lead and this story has 3 or 4! All a little different, with very specific skills but at the heart of things ...more in common than not.
I enjoyed every minute of this adventure.
My rating 4.5 rounded up for GR
There are some great characters in this tale! I enjoy a strong female lead and this story has 3 or 4! All a little different, with very specific skills but at the heart of things ...more in common than not.
I enjoyed every minute of this adventure.
My rating 4.5 rounded up for GR
August 16, 2024
Another great story of the Queen of Thieves with lanna from the Night’s Guild, now living in Voramis while she is carrying her child. I love her character and strong will. Ianna always comes up with a good plan for a heist, but something usually goes wrong and things become a battle with lots of blood and gore. I do enjoy seeing how Ianna gets out of the messes she finds herself in.
May 1, 2025
An exciting read that kept me hooked and enthralled in the story; I ended up reading it in 2 sittings! Having already read the first 4 Darkblade books, I was on the lookout for mentions about the Hunter of Voramis even though this took place before Assassin, was not disappointed. The Queen of Thieves series has quickly become one of my favorite series to read so far.
November 17, 2025
So I felt a little lost during this one only becasue I somehow didn't realize that this was after the first book for Queen of Thieves which I haven't started yet lol either way I really enjoyed the fighting and having two awesome girl bosses during this book! The banter and amicable realtionship had me in a chokehold. I did freak out though because we were in Voramis and I was listening to this on audio while reading Darkblade: Assassin in physical so that was interesting when making other certain connections!
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