Nest

by R.J. Vale

"SCRATCHES MY TERRY PRATCHETT ITCH"
SIX OF CROWS meets LOCKE LAMORA in this warm and humorous fantasy adventure of thieves and prophecies

In Nest, where your birth determines your destiny, one thief is about to change everything.

Min never wanted to be a hero. She's content picking pockets and dreaming of a better life. But when she's thrust into the centre of a simmering revolution, she must accept the role she never asked for, or watch her world crumble.

As rebellion brews and magic awakens, Min finds unlikely allies in Elijah, a quiet orphan with hidden powers, and a mysterious talking cat with secrets of his own. Together, they must navigate political intrigue, face powerful enemies, and unlock the truth about Min's destiny before it's too late.

Nest is a spellbinding fantasy adventure that will captivate fans of Neil Gaiman and Leigh Bardugo. With its richly imagined world, complex characters, and high-stakes plot, this first book in The Aerie Chronicles promises to take readers on an unforgettable journey.

Will Min rise to become the hero her city needs, or will she remain a thief in a world on the brink of chaos?

This book is for you if you

RevolutionsFantasy adventuresMagic murder and intrigueReluctant resourceful heroinesSorcerers with shady pastsSpectacular world-buildingSlow-burn heartbreaking romanceA cast of unforgettable characters

Genres: Fantasy

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2024

Reviews

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ended up being between 3-4 stars but i rounded up. It started off well and i had high hopes it might be up there with Six of Crows but it just didn’t deliver like i had hoped. But it was still a good story and i look forward to book 2.

[Buttons · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5.

A great story line and loveable characters. I’d like to give Book 2 a try.

The spelling mistakes and random words were frustrating.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quite wonderful book in every way. It’s extremely well written with a wicked sense of humour that was constantly making me smile. The worldbuilding was perfect and whilst very clever it was quite easy to understand.
The young heroes and ‘their’ cat were extremely likable and whilst Min may not have had scrupulous morals she was a credit to the genre and will I hope be the centre of many more adventures.
Imagine a gentle version of Six of Crows meets Locke Lamora as suggested by the author with just a little Terry Pratchett thrown in.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels.

[Bee Shoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a good pace and neatly pulls together a variety of characters. It doesn't rely on spice or crazy action scenes to progress, but rather meanders along organically. I particularly like how the characters have natural flaws which they personally grow and improve or become more aware of through the story. It was a nice light read and tied up well at the end.

[sian james · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, A Successor To Terry Prachet

I loved this - filled with vivid characters, dry wit, and a sense that ultimately, the world makes sense, if we’re brave enough to fight for it.

This is the first author I’ve come across for a long time whose characterisation and humanity put me in mind of the much-missed Terry Prachet.

I’m looking forward to more.

[Elaine Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, fast paced fantasy revolution story based in the city of Nest. With a bird named caste system, we follow Elijah and Min, two Sparrow orphans and their part in helping in-act change over the ruling families. With magic thrown in from unlikely sources.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up because the premise sounded really good.
It was an OK read. I wasn't blown away, but there were some funny bits that made me chuckle & the story was interesting enough to keep me going.
But honestly I probably won't carry on with this series.