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Chorus of Thieves
Chorus of Thieves is an action-packed fantasy with friendship at its heart.
Melody and Enrick are mercenaries at the tail end of a job.
It's hard to make a living in a land of corrupt kings, horrifying monsters, and fallen gods.
So, whenever they are offered a chance at a score in the dazzling, coastal city of Tarmassa that promises riches and revenge, they do not hesitate.
But what they find in that city is worth far more than gold or vindication.
And it could lead to dangers beyond their wildest dreams.
Chorus of Thieves marks the start of a new series inspired by classic sword and sorcery fiction, such as Robert E. Howard's Conan, but with modern writing influences that include Joe Abercrombie, Nicholas Eames, and Christopher Buehlman.
"If you like Guy Ritchie movies and fantasy novels you will love Chorus of Thieves."
-E.S Scrivner, Author of Winters Haven
Melody and Enrick are mercenaries at the tail end of a job.
It's hard to make a living in a land of corrupt kings, horrifying monsters, and fallen gods.
So, whenever they are offered a chance at a score in the dazzling, coastal city of Tarmassa that promises riches and revenge, they do not hesitate.
But what they find in that city is worth far more than gold or vindication.
And it could lead to dangers beyond their wildest dreams.
Chorus of Thieves marks the start of a new series inspired by classic sword and sorcery fiction, such as Robert E. Howard's Conan, but with modern writing influences that include Joe Abercrombie, Nicholas Eames, and Christopher Buehlman.
"If you like Guy Ritchie movies and fantasy novels you will love Chorus of Thieves."
-E.S Scrivner, Author of Winters Haven
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2025
About the author
J.B. Corvin
3 books5 followersJ.B. Corvin is the pen name that Justin Bolton uses when he writes his fantasy stories.
He holds a great love in his heart for all things fantasy and sci-fi, whether it be books, movies or video games.
Whenever he isn’t writing, he’s more than likely reading, or playing TTRPGS with his daughter. Justin lives with his wife, daughters and cats in Louisiana.
He holds a great love in his heart for all things fantasy and sci-fi, whether it be books, movies or video games.
Whenever he isn’t writing, he’s more than likely reading, or playing TTRPGS with his daughter. Justin lives with his wife, daughters and cats in Louisiana.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 16, 2025
There’s a decent story here, and some decent base characters, but I don’t think either get developed enough to fulfil their potential. The story is split over two timelines, showing events from “present day” and from “two years earlier”, but it doesn’t seem like the flashback chapters are placed at meaningful points, they just seem to come up at random and can break the flow of the main story a bit.
The chapters overall are very short, many of them taking up just a page and a half on my Kindle, and that contributes to a fast overall pace. There’s plenty of action, which is generally well-handled, and the writing is easy going as well.
I did feel that some of the chapters head-hopped a little between characters, but otherwise the viewpoint characters were quite interesting. I think a bit more could have been done to show the relationship building, but at the same time, it’s a relatively short book, so there’s not a vast amount of room for that while still having a full story behind it.
There are some decent little twists and turns to the story, and I can definitely say I didn’t expect it to end up where it did. The author notes influences such as the classic sword and sorcery titles like the Conan stories, and I think the pace and action means this book does a pretty good job at hitting the same sort of vibe.
The chapters overall are very short, many of them taking up just a page and a half on my Kindle, and that contributes to a fast overall pace. There’s plenty of action, which is generally well-handled, and the writing is easy going as well.
I did feel that some of the chapters head-hopped a little between characters, but otherwise the viewpoint characters were quite interesting. I think a bit more could have been done to show the relationship building, but at the same time, it’s a relatively short book, so there’s not a vast amount of room for that while still having a full story behind it.
There are some decent little twists and turns to the story, and I can definitely say I didn’t expect it to end up where it did. The author notes influences such as the classic sword and sorcery titles like the Conan stories, and I think the pace and action means this book does a pretty good job at hitting the same sort of vibe.
July 31, 2025
Sword and Sorcery for the win!
J.B. Corvin nailed it. This book read like a classic sword and sorcery from the eighties. Hints of Conan, a dash of Krull but unique story that kept me engaged the entire read. It was one of those books that let you forget you are reading. And get absorbed into the world He has created. A very satisfying read, I Highly recommend!
J.B. Corvin nailed it. This book read like a classic sword and sorcery from the eighties. Hints of Conan, a dash of Krull but unique story that kept me engaged the entire read. It was one of those books that let you forget you are reading. And get absorbed into the world He has created. A very satisfying read, I Highly recommend!
February 7, 2025
What's in a name?
Chorus of Thieves is an entertaining, emotional and action-packed fantasy.
I was immediately intrigued with the FMC, Melody, a former gladiator. She's a fighter like no other, her blades singing with vengeance. It's a story of monsters, magic, forgotten gods, and most importantly, friendship.
They make up a merry band of outcasts and have taken on a job so dangerous that the only way they can pull it off is to work together and face their greatest fears. It's a battle for life and death, where you never know who is loyal and who will betray you.
It is told from multiple points of view, which really lets you step into what they are going through. It has complex, diverse characters without being overly complicated. It gave me 300 & Clash of the Titans with a dash of Frankenstein vibes.
Humor, hope, action, reluctant heroes, found family, vengeance, quests, and gladiator battles... A must read for fantasy fans!
Chorus of Thieves is an entertaining, emotional and action-packed fantasy.
I was immediately intrigued with the FMC, Melody, a former gladiator. She's a fighter like no other, her blades singing with vengeance. It's a story of monsters, magic, forgotten gods, and most importantly, friendship.
They make up a merry band of outcasts and have taken on a job so dangerous that the only way they can pull it off is to work together and face their greatest fears. It's a battle for life and death, where you never know who is loyal and who will betray you.
It is told from multiple points of view, which really lets you step into what they are going through. It has complex, diverse characters without being overly complicated. It gave me 300 & Clash of the Titans with a dash of Frankenstein vibes.
Humor, hope, action, reluctant heroes, found family, vengeance, quests, and gladiator battles... A must read for fantasy fans!
February 14, 2025
An action packed collision of mythology vs Frankenstein vs X-men, that is how I would describe this book.
There is a lot going on in this story and as said earlier, many elements of it hint at known stories. We follow multiple characters, which tends to make the chapters short as we switch between pov's constantly. Between that, all the action going on and also switching between the present and past, I had to stop and go back a page or 2 a few times.
There is so much going on with so many mixed elements, that I felt a bit distracted from the main storyline. I personally feel that some of the actions and moments could have been skipped, while others should have been developed more thoroughly.
That being said, I could literally feel the enthusiasm with which this story was written. And I believe that with a little more pacing and a little less of all the action and elements in the stories to come, J.B. is off to start a great author journey!
Congratulations on your first published book and thank you for this ARC opportunity!
There is a lot going on in this story and as said earlier, many elements of it hint at known stories. We follow multiple characters, which tends to make the chapters short as we switch between pov's constantly. Between that, all the action going on and also switching between the present and past, I had to stop and go back a page or 2 a few times.
There is so much going on with so many mixed elements, that I felt a bit distracted from the main storyline. I personally feel that some of the actions and moments could have been skipped, while others should have been developed more thoroughly.
That being said, I could literally feel the enthusiasm with which this story was written. And I believe that with a little more pacing and a little less of all the action and elements in the stories to come, J.B. is off to start a great author journey!
Congratulations on your first published book and thank you for this ARC opportunity!
June 21, 2025
This review is intended to point potential readers to books they might like, so in that spirit, I will do my best not to spoil the book in my review.
“The rest of the day was spent in the courtyard (…) where they partook in a brutal medley of push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, all of the ups that masochists had come up with to bring pain to all of the different muscles in the body. Enrick was starting to think that he might not even have to worry about surviving the games tomorrow. Today might kill him first.”
Chorus of Thieves got me in the nostalgia. A very specific nostalgia. I couldn’t read on my own as a kid and didn’t start reading chapter books until I was well into my teens. As soon as chapter books became accessible to me, I fell into a Star Wars feeding frenzy. My jams were the books that took place before the prequel trilogy or the YA jedi adventures. Deserts, monsters, heists, and a penchant for found family. Corvid delivers on the vibes I’ve been looking for with Chorus of Thieves.
Taking place on Erden, a world rich in beauty and beasts, Chorus of Thieves follows Mel and Enrick (and others!), running from their pasts, uncertain of their futures, and figuring out their present. The story engages and entertains, delivering action packed monster fights and gladiatorial tournaments, all the while building up a cast of likable characters and trickling in their backstories at opportune moments.
Best of all? The end delivers! It’s not a slow-burn book by any means, there’s always plenty going on, but it works to build the reader up to where it’s headed. Some large questions get answered but the world of Erden retains plenty of mystery to carry it into future books while still creating a satisfying conclusion. I am fortunate enough to have an advanced copy of Book 2: Harmony of Storms, and I’m looking forward to diving in!
Corvin delivers on an action-packed summer read (or any time of year, my brain sees desert and thinks summer) with vibes of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom meets The Mummy Returns (without mummies, specifically), dashes of sly humor sprinkled in at opportune moments. So, if you’re looking for something like that with a muscle mommy FMC, this is the book for you!
“The rest of the day was spent in the courtyard (…) where they partook in a brutal medley of push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, all of the ups that masochists had come up with to bring pain to all of the different muscles in the body. Enrick was starting to think that he might not even have to worry about surviving the games tomorrow. Today might kill him first.”
Chorus of Thieves got me in the nostalgia. A very specific nostalgia. I couldn’t read on my own as a kid and didn’t start reading chapter books until I was well into my teens. As soon as chapter books became accessible to me, I fell into a Star Wars feeding frenzy. My jams were the books that took place before the prequel trilogy or the YA jedi adventures. Deserts, monsters, heists, and a penchant for found family. Corvid delivers on the vibes I’ve been looking for with Chorus of Thieves.
Taking place on Erden, a world rich in beauty and beasts, Chorus of Thieves follows Mel and Enrick (and others!), running from their pasts, uncertain of their futures, and figuring out their present. The story engages and entertains, delivering action packed monster fights and gladiatorial tournaments, all the while building up a cast of likable characters and trickling in their backstories at opportune moments.
Best of all? The end delivers! It’s not a slow-burn book by any means, there’s always plenty going on, but it works to build the reader up to where it’s headed. Some large questions get answered but the world of Erden retains plenty of mystery to carry it into future books while still creating a satisfying conclusion. I am fortunate enough to have an advanced copy of Book 2: Harmony of Storms, and I’m looking forward to diving in!
Corvin delivers on an action-packed summer read (or any time of year, my brain sees desert and thinks summer) with vibes of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom meets The Mummy Returns (without mummies, specifically), dashes of sly humor sprinkled in at opportune moments. So, if you’re looking for something like that with a muscle mommy FMC, this is the book for you!
July 18, 2025
There is a lot going on in this title. All of it wonderful! I was fully invested in Melody and Enrick from the start. Something about the way J.B. Corvin introduces them just pulled me in and I found myself walking alongside them very quickly, even thinking about the book when I wasn't reading it...like a siren's call. The story moves quickly while it bounces between present and past but it all comes together in a fun adventure. The side characters are well thought out and add to the well crafted world that I can't wait to find out more about in future books.
Hurry up with the next book in this series!
There is one scene that cuts away and then comes back two chapters later that made me have to go back because it was confusing and some of the fights were a little to fast and could use a tiny bit more tension but most of the book is wonderful and the prose is fun and well written. That's the only reason I am giving 4.5/5 (can't put half stars in goodreads so I marked it 5/5).
Hurry up with the next book in this series!
There is one scene that cuts away and then comes back two chapters later that made me have to go back because it was confusing and some of the fights were a little to fast and could use a tiny bit more tension but most of the book is wonderful and the prose is fun and well written. That's the only reason I am giving 4.5/5 (can't put half stars in goodreads so I marked it 5/5).
July 19, 2025
I loved this book so much! For me, personally, it reminds me of Dungeons and Dragons and Indiana Jones because of the characters and monsters, but also reads like a fun video game in the action sequences. I'm also a huge sucker for the found family trope, which really delivers in Chorus of Thieves. This is such a colorful, lively world and I enjoyed being in it immensely. Obviously, Mel was my favorite character. I can't help myself as I always love badass women while reading books. I also love the dual timeline as well, though I understand how that isn't always for everyone. Personally, I thought it was well done. Which is what dual timelines SHOULD be, but not your steak. Please save leather for shoes and couches. Anyways, there is lots of banter and humor and action and all good things. The worldbuilding is fantastic and the characters will make you fall in love. I can't wait to get the second book, which has already come out!
NO SPOILERS HERE!!!!!!!!!! HAHA
NO SPOILERS HERE!!!!!!!!!! HAHA
March 25, 2025
This is not my normal genre, but decided to give it a try anyway. And holy moly, I was not disappointed!
There was present time, and then flashbacks and I loved that. It felt like it really developed the story and makes it more personal to each character!
This is in third person, which again, is not my favorite but J.B. Does it in a really well way! Along with multiple POV’s!
The humor was top notch, found family, lots of action, and battles.
All in all, I’m not disappointed that I read this! The FMC is a badass, and I love the friendships she made along the way!
If you’re looking for an action packed, fast paced book then this is for you!!
There was present time, and then flashbacks and I loved that. It felt like it really developed the story and makes it more personal to each character!
This is in third person, which again, is not my favorite but J.B. Does it in a really well way! Along with multiple POV’s!
The humor was top notch, found family, lots of action, and battles.
All in all, I’m not disappointed that I read this! The FMC is a badass, and I love the friendships she made along the way!
If you’re looking for an action packed, fast paced book then this is for you!!
April 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The central cast were engaging and really exciting to spend time with. Erden is well drawn as a new and dangerous landscape. The book felt familiar to me, and I was trying to think why. I read all of Douglas Hill's books as a child and I think I felt a connection between Chorus of Thieves and Blade of the Poisoner, a book I loved as a teen.
I will be returning to Erden as soon as I am able to.
I will be returning to Erden as soon as I am able to.
February 27, 2025
Plenty of action and a fair dose of colourful language. It's not a fairytale. I felt like I sped through the story because of the short chapters and everything keeps moving nice and fast. Has a bit of gladiator vibes about it with the violence, grisly characters and scenery.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews