To Deal with Kings

Thieves & Kings #2

by M.K. Lobb

Zaria and Kane, alchemologist and con man, are a match made in hell—yet they'll have to team up again to stay out of jail, as new threats arise and rival kingpins clash throughout London's slums.

Zaria Mendoza doesn't think she'll ever see Kane Durante again. In fact, she thinks he's dead, burned up in the flames that destroyed the pawn shop where she lived with her best friend Jules. All Zaria has left is the necklace they stole from the Crystal valuable not just for its jewels, but for the magic it holds within as a rare primateria source. Yet why did Kane slip it into her pocket right before everything went up in smoke? Why did he give her what she needs most, after she betrayed him?

With the previous kingpin dead, Kane feels adrift, even though he's the one who pulled the trigger. He may be the natural successor as kingpin of Devil's Acre, London's worst slum, but not everyone in his crew respects him as leader. Yet Kane has bigger fish to fry. Inspector Price knocks on his door and demands his help in discovering the identity of a mystery man calling himself the Curator, who has installed an unidentifiable alchemological device in the Crystal Palace—the location of the heist Kane pulled off with Zaria. He has ten days to find the Curator. Otherwise, he and his estranged best friend Fletcher end up in jail, Zaria alongside them.

Trouble faces Zaria and Kane from every side as they're forced to team up once again, to save themselves, and maybe even all of London. Because Zaria's being manipulated by Vaughan, a faceless man calling himself the new kingpin of the Seven Dials slum, and he's hiding more secrets than anyone bargained for...

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Romantasy

431 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

M. K. Lobb is a fantasy writer with a love of all things dark— be it literature, humour, or general aesthetic. She grew up in small-town Canada and now lives by the lake with her partner and their cats. When not reading or writing, she can be found at the gym or contemplating the harsh realities of existence.

Reviews

[liz ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and it did not disappoint. picking up right where book one left off there was not a single second i was bored, i flew through this book! zaria and kane’s dynamic one of my favorites and their tension was crazy!!! betrayals were fresh and their hate for each other brought so much tension to the book all while simultaneously caring and yearning for each other even when they know they shouldn’t! i truly had so much fun reading this book and thought it was an amazing sequel and perfectly wrapped up this duology!

𓈀 𓄹𓂃 thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the advanced readers copy!

“Do you want me to say you’ve monopolized my thoughts since the very first day we met? That I am tormented by the fact that I care for you when I shouldn’t? You’re so stunningly alive, and yet somehow you still manage to haunt me. Neither of us can fully trust the other, but I want your trust nonetheless. I yearn for it. Do you know how foolish that makes me feel? Not only because you detest me, but because even if you didn’t, we could never be together.”

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic conclusion to the Thieves & Kings duology! I was able to seamlessly jump back into this world of alchemology, plots, and betrayals.

I loved the simmering tension between Zaria and Kane - the love, the hate, and just wanting to be seen. Jules and Fletcher added the perfect balance to their hot tempers and I always appreciate a well-done found family trope. I adored each of them and was so invested in their well-being!

The pacing of the plot was also superbly done. Unlike the first novel, which needed time to build the world and magic system, this story moved quickly - every answer followed by yet another question or twist. Each reveal was extremely satisfying and I was on the edge of my seat until the very end.

To Deal with Kings is the perfect blend of high-stakes plot, historical fantasy, and a dash of romance. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda R Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Deal with Kings is an urban historical fantasy crime mystery with a little bit of romance - ok it basically does all the things. If you loved To Steal from Thieves, you'll eat this up, no crumbs. Things are so DARK from the beginning, which picks up immediately after the end of TSfT. I said after the first book, Kane was either full leading MMC energy or villain origin story, and here he is somehow naturally both. Zaria is as clever and talented as ever. Fletcher is the bestie none of us deserve. And Jules! Oh, Jules is the bestie of dreams. The way he respects, supports, and loves Zaria unselfishly and loyally? Chef's kiss perfection. The twists are a little predictable, but the overall mystery is solid with atmosphere for days. I really enjoyed this sequel so much. My only wish was for more of the romance, but the yearning was on point. Our MCs fight so hard to accept themselves in this one, and I'm here for that energy. This is an incredibly satisfying conclusion; I only wish there was more to look forward to.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for Young Readers for this eARC!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you to hachette for the eARC of To Deal With Kings! this was a great sequel and end for this duology. I loved seeing Zaria and Kane's developments, both individually and their relationship. Their respective friendships with Jules and Fletcher really shine through and M.K Lobb does a great job balancing the main romance and those friendships. I'm gonna miss reading about these characters.

[hannah pachet · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the first things i did after finishing to steal from thieves was see if the ARC for this second instalment was available, because i so badly wanted to read it — and luckily for me, it was! to deal with kings was a fantastic sequel and finale, and i had so much fun with it.

as a whole, this was sort of my perfect YA fantasy duology. i loved the characters, particularly the fact that they were willing to be dark enough to suit their roles. our main characters in kane and zaria had excellent and consistent development in this second book, and the side cast was awesome as well. i also really appreciated the plot progression: it had the same investigative aspects as book 1 and was super compelling, but it didn’t get TOO big in a way that urban fantasies sometimes do. the book never really felt slow, nor rushed, and i did not want it to end!!

thank you to net galley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley | A Pair of Readers]

MK Lobb never disappoints. I know when I open her books I am in for a good time and To Deal With Kings is no exception. MK delivers a gritty game of chess between ruthless kingpins desperate to take control of London's underworld for themselves.

The story picks up after the eventful cliffhanger, with Zaria under the thumb of a dangerous criminal, Kane in control of the Devil's Acre, and my boys, Fletcher and Jules trying to keep it altogether. I loved the character growth from several of our characters in this conclusion to the Thieves and Kings duology. Kane, learning (at times) he cannot control all things and all people. Zaria learning she doesn't have to carry the weight solely on her shoulders. Also, I loved that we finally got closure on Fletcher's search and his story by the end of the book.

The plot moves quickly as the group walks a tight rope chasing a new foe, The Curator, who threatens their freedom. The Curator's taunts and games drive the group closer together despite the fallout amongst them -- tying this group together and forcing them to trust each other in order to survive.

I am sad to leave those world behind, but I loved how MK wrapped everything for us. This duology is a wonderfully fun and morally grey tale of a magical and gritty London.

[biba ♡]

ty hachette for the finished copy - i will be getting on reading and reviewing these asap 😛

[Risa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded down


This book was fine, but I don’t think it even came close to reaching its potential.

It was nice to be back in this world, with these characters. But I wanted MORE.

First, I guessed the major plot twist from very early on. (I mean, who else could the villain(s) have been?? There were no possible red herrings even introduced!)

Second, I said this with the first book, and I’ll say it again with the second book: I do not see the romantic chemistry between Zaria and Kane at all. Seriously, I don’t understand how they came to fall for each other, it never clicked for me. (But I did like some of their banter.)

And third, the ending was supposed to be exciting and action-packed, but it just fell flat to me—from the big battle through the epilogue.



Four books in, I’ve come to realize M.K. Lobb’s novels are like my strange addiction—I love most of the characters, the plots are good in theory but poor in execution, and the romance is good on a line level but terrible within the context of the story. However, I always find myself compelled to finish each book, which I think is a testament to my interest in the concept and the intrigue of the settings she creates.


It’s clear that this author loves to write romance (and out of context, the scenes are well-written), but still doesn’t know how to develop the relationship between her characters. In her first duology (7FS), it was a bit more forgivable in my eyes, simply because the two main characters had a romantic history that preceded the first book (so feelings were already in place, even if the reader wasn’t privy to them all).

In this duology, however, Kana and Zaria meet for the first time in book1; and over the the course of weeks (two weeks total, if I remember correctly), they fall for each other, and it’s never clear why. It comes across as two barbies dolls being forced to kiss just because that’s what the author wants them to do… but the characters never build a traceable romantic bond over the course of the two books. (Like yes, they both have their own trauma and emotions to deal with, and can probably commiserate with each other to some extent; but how did that equate to falling head over heels in love?).

The only relationships that I felt were handled well in this book were the platonic ones—namely Jules and Zaria’s, Fletcher and Kane’s, and even Jules and Kane’s. The friendships, and all the hardships that came with them, were well done and fleshed out very well. It’s just a shame that the author could not do the same for the romantic relationships!

There was even a side gay romance that we are just told about, and we never actually see develop in any sort of way. (Which is fine—I’m happy that the queer rep is there. But I still don’t understand how Zaria came to the conclusion that these two men were in love.)



It’s interesting because I find that I tend to have A LOT to say about M.K. Lobbs books because the potential is so clearly there! These books could be so amazing… and yet they always fall sort in the end, like she doesn’t know how to delve deeper than surface level, nor does she know how to properly execute the story as a whole. It’s a shame and it’s frustrating. But I do enjoy reading the books, even as I pick out their faults. So I see myself giving this author more chances in the future, with the hope that one day her stories will finally live up to their potential.


(I should note that I read an eARC version of this book, so the final version may have some improvements to it.)








NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:


- You know, good on Kane for being bold enough to shoot two of the guys disrespecting him as the new kingpin.


- Oh, I forgot about the deal Julian’s father made with Ward! And I like how Kane is now collecting on it, so now Julian is part of Kane’s crew (which doesn’t have a name is seems? All I know is they run Devil’s Acre. But does the actual crew have a name?).


- Oh that’s a fun twist—that Zaria’s mom works for Vaughan!


- 16% in: Wee haven’t been introduced to the Curator yet; but based on the description from the back blurb, I’m willing to bet the Curator is either Zaria’s mother (most likely), Julian’s father (least likely, but trying to keep my options open so early on), or Vaughan (too obvious, but a possibility nonetheless).


- Maybe I missed something… but who is Mirko??? I thought it was just George, Jules, and Zaria around??? (Oh wait—is that who they are staying with since the spawn shop burned down? I totally missed that. How is he related to them?)
- Ah okay—he is George’s friend. I didn’t realize that until chapters later when it was bluntly mentioned.





- Wait, how did Zaria know that Fletcher (might be) staying cat the Moore & Sons factory building? Like apparently she met there with Kane in the first book (I don’t remember that detail, but I believe it)… but why would she think that Fletcher (Kane’s best friend) would still be there?





- I like how Zaria took Jules place in Kane’s crew! And she’s staying in his house. We know that’s gonna be fun.

- I will say though, the way Zariaa just handled over the necklace when Kane asked for it. I don’t understand why Kane gave it to her in the first place, except for the plot convenience of Kane not having it in his possession when the inspector asked for it back. (Hopefully there’s a more compelling reason that will come up later though.)


- Listen. I know Zaria is 18 years old (so legally an adult), and Kane made it abundantly clear that their target (Cubitt) isn’t to touch her (and she doesn’t have to sleep with him). But using him to seduce a man, so that he follows her to a brothel… I mean, between this and the fact that Kane is willing to shoot people as needed, I don’t know why the author didn’t just commit and age the characters up so that this was new adult. (It’s almost like it wants to be new adult, but it’s being stifled from being new adult—like the story is having an identity crisis.)

- Having said that, I am really enjoying the story, especially when I age up the characters to being in their early 20s in my head. (It’s giving Six of Crows vibes in that sense—where the characters read as older, and should’ve been older.)



- I bet you Cleland and Ferrington will return, probably on Vaughan’s team.


- 38% in: Zaria asking to Kane “How to you know the Curator is is a he?” only further confirms my suspicions that the Curator is in fact her mother.


- 46% in: I like the scene where Kane tricked and trapped Zaria in his office. However, regardless of how weak she’s feeling, it felt a bit out of character for her to open up and tell Kane about Vaughan fairly easily. (I also don’t buy that Kane can tell she’s afraid of someone more than him just by looking at her.)


- Another possibility is that Vaughan is actually Zaria’s mother.


- Interesting that the necklace is a fake! That explains why Zaria couldn’t figure out how to use it, but it felt magical.


- Ahh okay, so the Curator is using the real necklace to put up those exhibitions. I’m curious to learn why!


- I’m really enjoying the plot of this story. But like with the first book, I’m not buying Kane and Zaria’s romantic feelings for each other at all. they just make no sense.


- 59% in: From that letter they found in Cecil’s home, I’m willing to bet AV is in fact Vaughan… who also happens to be Zaria’s mother. (And perhaps the Curator as well.)


- Yep, I told you Ferrington and Cleland would be back as enemies (who work for Vaughan)!


- The dart that shatters and causes excruciating pain is interesting.


- 65% Vaughan and the Curator working together? More like Vaughan and the Curator are the same person! And suspect #1 is still Zaria’s mother! (I mean seriously—at this point, who else could they be? There’s no other possibilities for red herrings even. I’ll be SHOCKED if I’m wrong.)


- 70% in: This letter that was hidden Ward’s bedroom, that mentions Kane’s parents and Zaria’s father, feels… unnecessary to be honest. Like, maybe it will tie into the machines appearing the Crystal Palace somehow, but I feel like we are starting to bog the story down with unnecessary details.


- Okay, so these devices are siphoning energy from the people who visit the exhibits. I actually really like that, and it’s a clever way to make these new primateria sources without using your own energy (which can kill you, like it did to Zaria’s father). I mean, I guess maybe that explains why he was mentioned in the letter (and further explains how the Curator could be Zaria’s mother—because she probably knew that.)


- Hopefully either Adam nor Elijah are secretly betraying Kane!


- 74% in: I mean, I guessed that Adam and Elijah had some sort of romantic connection going on (though there weren’t really any clues, like at all). But how Zaria came to that conclusion (telling Adam “You love him”) is beyond me; I love the queer rep, but that was so random.


- 75% in: And here we have the usual ‘I’m a monster, you deserve better than me’ speech and the ‘I don’t care I still want you’ reply, followed by a kiss. (Is it well written? Yes. But it’s so expected.)

- Also, that vulnerable kissing scene would’ve hit harder if I understood why the hell these two have fallen for each other. I still don’t see it.


- 78% in: So Zaria thinks Evan Pritchard is the Curator. But I’m not buying it.


- 83% in (pg286): Yep. Told you Vaughan was a woman! And that woman is—surprise, surprise, Zaria’s mother! (IT WAS SO OBVIOUS!)

- Also, Aurora Vaughan—were we ever told that Zaria’s mother was named Aurora before now? I don’t think so. But it was still SO OBVIOUS!!!!
- So her mother remarried before Zaria was born; and dropped her off to her father once she was born.

- So Aurora wants to make it so alchemy is more easy to access, so she can wipe out the slums, because London is becoming overcrowded. I mean… okay, it’s kind of a random motive, but sure.


- I mean, I appreciate Maisie telling Zaria what’s going on… but it feels a bit too easy, that she would suddenly grow a conscious essentially and not agree to what’s happening.

- Though I do appreciate that her plan to shoot Aurora so Zaria could run totally didn’t work at all. And that Zaria is currently at the mercy of Vaughan and her gang.


- 87% in: also appreciate that everything is going to shit for Kane, Fletcher, and Jules right now since they were arrested by Price at the same time! It’s the most suspense I’ve felt in the entire duology!


- 89% in: Wait. Maisie said before that she was from Ireland… like Fletcher. Are they related, like siblings or something??

- Yep. Maisie and Fletcher are siblings! I totally forgot Fletcher had come to London in search of his sister—I’m sure it was mentioned in the first book at some point though.


- I don’t like that Aurora is explaining the Magnum Corpus, or whatever it’s called, to Zaria as she’s doing it. It’s giving mustache twirling villain vibes, and Aurora could be so much more compelling than that.


- Why are there two of those devices in India (and one in Egypt, and one in China)? Why not just pick a fourth country instead? (I assume this has something to do with British colonization?)


- 94% in: It’s nice that her father did in fact create a primateria source that works (the necklace that Zaria took from the top of the fountain). But this “big battle” scene is dragging on, without any actual action.


- 95% in: Aurora to Kane: “You’re a pathetic excuse for a kingpin.” Kane to Aurora: “Yes, well, you’re a pathetic excuse for a mother. We all have our flaws.” That made me cackle!


- I didn’t expect Price to be so sexist, but here we are. I’m glad Zaria was the one who came up with the idea to trade him Kane’s freedom for the necklace. The sexism still felt sort of out of place, to be honest, though. I mean, doesn’t Britain have a Queen running their country in this book?


- 97% in: I’m glad Aurora was arrested, and Kane was freed. But that was the most anti-climatic big battle ever! There was hardly any fighting, other than Kane grabbing Aurora for a hot minute. What a let down.

- I will say though, that I like that Zaria gave Price the forged necklace, rather than the real one. Now THAT is a nice touch! (And the fact that they are giving back what they stole—the fake necklace—is a great point that is so true!)


- 98% in: I mean, we always knew that Zaria and Jules were never actually going to leave London. Especially once Kane offered Jules a job earlier in the book, it was a done deal they were staying. But Jules and Zaria calling each other “their home” is a really cute way to end the main storyline.


- The epilogue was also anti-climatic. Like I like the idea that Zaria is now deemed the kingpin of the dark market, while Kane is considered the kingpin of Devil’s Acre. But I was expecting something more romantic? Exciting? I don’t know. the epilogue wasn’t bad, but it felt a bit flat to me.


Final Thoughts

- This book was fun to read overall, but I could’ve been better. I never felt like the potential was truly met. And I’m kind of annoyed at how flat the ending was—both with the “final battle”, and with the epilogue at the end.

- While the romance wasn’t the main focus of the book (nor was I expecting it to be), there were times when the story focused too much on Kane and Zaria’s romance (which I STILL do not understand), and then after they finally had their balcony kiss, it was like their romance was almost non-existent, and instead the story wanted to focus on the platonic/sibling-like relationships. It was so inconsistent.

- I’m bummed, because I have read all four of M.K. Lobbs’ novels (and have the ARC for her adult debut as well) because her concepts are so compelling. And her books usually start off pretty well… and then somewhere in the middle, things start to go downhill, and she always struggles to land the ending.

- Will I continue to read her works, despite there needing to be improvements? Probably, because I do enjoy the books as I’m reading them, in the moment. But I wish, and hope, that her execution of her stories will start improving sooner rather than later.

[Juliet Zaczepinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a great conclusion to this series. I loved the first book so much and feared the second would not be as strong, I’m happy to say incorrect. Questions were answered and the main characters got the growth and development. The plot was so captivating and Lobb’s writing just sucks you into the book. Kane was my personal favorite character and I loved seeing his internal turmoil as well as healing his relationship with Fletcher. The ending definitely left an opening for another book but could also be left where it ended. If there is one thing M.K. Lobb can write it is an incredible side plot of romance; I would absolutely recommend this duology and Lobb’s other writings.

[lucia]

AHHHHH YESSSSS SEQUEL INCOMING
brb raiding the amazon book warehouse

[Erin Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up in the immediate, ash-strewn aftermath of To Steal from Thieves, this sequel by M.K. Lobb delivers everything fans of the first book craved: more intricate alchemology, high-stakes deception, and a "found family". If you’re looking for a fantasy series that blends the gritty atmosphere of a heist with a deep, pulsing mystery, this series is an essential addition to your shelf.

The story reunites us with Zaria Mendoza and Kane Durante under the most precarious of circumstances. After the explosive heist at the Crystal Palace, the power vacuum in London’s slums has been filled by a terrifying new player: a faceless kingpin named Vaughan. Meanwhile, the law is closing in. Inspector Price is leveraging a mysterious alchemological device planted at the Great Exhibition to blackmail Kane into hunting down a figure known as "The Curator." Forced back together by necessity rather than choice, our favorite alchemologist and con man must navigate a maze of double-crosses to save themselves—and perhaps all of London—from a threat that could dismantle the magical black market forever.

What makes To Deal with Kings such a standout sequel is the evolution of its protagonists. Zaria, who began the series drowning in her father’s debts and shouldering the burden of her dangerous magic alone, undergoes a transformation. In this book, she finally begins to realize that strength doesn’t always mean carrying the world on your shoulders. Her struggle to trust others, particularly Kane, feels authentic and earned. Watching her move from a desperate survivor to a woman who finds power in her community is deeply satisfying.

Kane’s journey is equally compelling. Having stepped into the shoes of the kingpin of Devil’s Acre, he is grappling with the reality of power he never truly wanted. His arc in this installment is one of relinquishing control. Kane has always been a man who tries to manipulate every outcome to protect those he loves, but To Deal with Kings forces him to confront the fact that he cannot control people like chess pieces. His "match made in hell" chemistry with Zaria is as electric as ever, fueled by the "will-they-won't-they" tension and the mutual trauma of their past betrayals.

The supporting cast also gets their time to shine, which was a highlight for me. Fletcher and Jules, often the moral anchors of the group, are given much more agency here. Fletcher’s search for answers and his complex history with Kane are explored with real heart, providing a grounded emotional counterpoint to the more fantastical elements of the plot. Jules remains the steadfast heart of the group, and the "found family" dynamic between the four of them is the glue that holds the narrative together.

Lobb avoids the "sophomore slump" by leaning into a brisk, action-packed pace. The "heist feel" from the first book remains, but it is elevated by a ticking-clock mystery that keeps the tension high. While the ending provides a sense of closure that could technically conclude the series, the world Lobb has built is so rich and the characters so vibrant that it’s hard to say goodbye. There is a "tidy" nature to the finale, but it leaves just enough room for the imagination to wonder what’s next for the slums of London.

In short, To Deal with Kings is a masterful conclusion (or perhaps just a pause) to a thrilling story. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy seeing morally grey characters fight for a better future. I truly hope we get another book in this world—I’m not quite ready to let go of Fletcher, Jules, and the chaotic, magical bond between Zaria and Kane.

Thank you to the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Izzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounding up.

One of the most underhyped books I've ever read. Book 1 was amazing, book 2 was too.
There are no spoilers for book 1 in this review.

I don't really like reducing books down to famous titles because I think it takes away a lot of the author's creativity and reduces the pains the author took to create this world. But, in order to fully encompass the way this story was told, I think a comparison to the famous heist in Six of Crows would be the best way to describe it. After all, not many books can create a vibe similar to the suspense of Six of Crows or a character like Kaz Brekker, but this book comes pretty damn close, even surpassing the others in some aspects.
Imagine Six of Crows. But without Matthias or Nina. And Inej is replaced by Alina. After a lot of imagining and wrangling, you will arrive at a picture that is somewhat similar to this series. But not exact! So read it!
(wow that was a horrible pitch, i dont think car saleswoman is in my future)

PLOT: Fast-paced, interesting, no insta-love. I will admit that the explanations do get somewhat tedious and confusing at points, but that might just be me. And some of the conflicts seemed glossed over in the moment, but were eventually redeemed. I'm really terrible at writing plot reviews so I'll just leave it at that to not insult the author's work. But yeah, I really liked it! Read it!

CHARACTERS:
KANE: Yes please. He's so fucking smart, except he's not inhuman like Kaz what. No, he actually has FLAWS and sometimes, his plan doesn't quite work! More achievable, more realistic, more imperfect. Which is pretty damn amazing. And the ending... We love men who respect women and give them proper recognition! That is a lot of exclamation marks for such a short review. But yeah, I will be adding book 3 to my most anticipated reads list just for Kane. This character deserves more love for sure.
ZARIA: I will say she made a lot of terrible decisions. I think she is just so human and we can't really blame her for some of the choices she made because there's no way we could've done any differently. She's smart but also not almost impossible like Kane. Her line about knowing decisions that were bad but not were good really resonated me as someone who is undertaking the terrible concept of "growing up". It's scary and it's nice to know that sometimes, people that are scared get happy endings too. She deserved that ending so much and I'm so happy for her, even if she is a fictional character!
JULIAN: Jules is a miniature Wylan, just less explosive. He honestly didn't have much of an impact, but I do remember that for a while I was hoping he and Fletcher would get together. Alas... But there's always a chance!!!
FLETCHER: He's just adorable. Like an oversized Labrador. I think he should've made Kane grovel more, but oh well! Yeah so Jules x Fletcher WHEN.

To summarize: Read this series so that I have someone to rant with. I love me a good heist!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

[McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zaria Mendoza’s and Kane Durante are back at it again! Devil’s Acre has a new kingpin, and Kane immediately works to secure that position and the loyalty of his associates. Meanwhile, Zaria finds herself unwillingly tangled in the dark market yet again as a new force shows itself. Betrayals aren’t easy to forgive, and Zaria and Kane must delicately navigate a tenuous alliance when their freedom is threatened. Can Zaria and Kane finally be honest with each other, or even themselves?

I just finished this book seconds ago and I’m already in mourning. I never wanted this book to end and yet I couldn’t finish it quickly enough! What do you mean my time in this world, with these complex and beloved characters, is over? This young adult duology is easily my favorite, and that’s entirely due to the characters Lobb has created.

The friendships, the romance, and the overall found family were easily the shining star of this story. The tension was electric and addicting between Zaria and Kane. Sweet, broken Kane who would do anything for Zaria but admit his obsession. Kane now must leave what little soul he has left behind if he’s to assume the throne left open after killing Ward. Zaria, who only wants safety and security for herself and her best friend Jules, finds herself unable to forget the newest kingpin of Devil’s Acre. Zaria can see that there’s something human left in Kane, even if he can’t. OOOOOHHH I was eating it up. There’s hate/love, mutual respect, and so much YEARNING. I’ve read many adult fantasy romance books who can’t hold a candle to the fiery chemistry that Zaria and Kane have.

That is equally met by the friendships that are more deeply explored in this book. Jules is right there with Zaria at every turn; he has her back and best interests at heart. Jules is willing to punch Kane at a moment’s notice. It’s also so satisfying to see best friends who aren’t romantically involved in any way but instead love each other platonically. Fletcher is still reeling from Kane’s betrayal, but even with this underlying tension these brothers would do anything for each other.

I’m seriously contemplating starting a petition for another book. Maybe we can revisit Devil’s Acre some years into the future? Please, M.K., I beg of you!!

To Deal With Kings is out March 24, 2026.

Many thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, NetGalley, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Little Brown Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I loved the first book so much that I immediately wanted to pick up the sequel. It did not disappoint! I really loved spending more time with these characters. To me, the complex characters are really the stars of these books. It's more about the lying and swindling they do to themselves--hiding what they truly want in life from their own psyche--and the real mystery that needs to be solved is who they will be by the end of the book. They get caught up in the usual dreams young people have (of running away from your problems or imagining a perfect future that doesn't exist), Yet, they finally come to terms with who they really are, what really matters in life and how to make the home and people they love their new dream. I loved the way these characters weren't perfect people and they came to accept that.

Overall, if you loved book 1 for the characters, I think you'll love this book just as much. If you are in it for the mystery/heist elements, that is more secondary in my opinion.

The only critiques I would give are that:

1. The twists were way too easy to spot--but note that that did not reduce my enjoyment of the story
2. I wanted a lot more romance! There was a forced proximity set up in the book that I expected to yield more tension-filled moments, but the romance seemed a bit light in this book. Based on the soul-searching the characters had to do separately, it makes sense, I just wanted a bit more romantic tension while they figured things out!

I sincerely love these characters and I will miss them. I would read 4 or more books in this world just to spend more time with them. I know this is a duology, but if more books ever get made, I'll auto-but them!

[Zia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and M.K. Lobb for the opportunity to read and review an Advance Reader Copy of this book!

THIS is how a conclusion to a duology should be done! This book was so fun, so incredible!

We pick up the story only a few days after the events of the first book, which I really appreciated because it keeps the momentum going. We get to follow our original four characters again and see how each of them navigates everything that happened at the end of the first book. Watching the emotional fallout unfold, and seeing some feelings grow while others change, was really satisfying.

I loved both our FMC and MMC, but especially getting to see how our MMC navigates life after everything that happened. As one character perfectly describes him, “he’s a catastrophe,” and catastrophic is exactly what we get, in the best way.

The FMC’s relationship with her best friend is also as adorable as ever. I felt even more connected to their friendship in this book, and it was so nice to watch them support each other and figure out how to move forward while everything around them is changing.

And of course, the romance between the FMC and MMC is messy, but they’re messy together. What I really appreciated is that their relationship never felt inherently toxic. They challenge each other, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse, but ultimately it pushes them to grow and fall even deeper in love. And honestly, we love that for them.

Also, the plot twists and the detective-style storyline running throughout the book—ugh, I’m such a sucker for those.

Overall, this was truly a fantastic duology, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy!

Thank you again to NetGalley, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and M.K. Lobb for the opportunity to read and review an Advance Reader Copy of this book!

[Journey Bloomfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid sequel. It had the same gritty, Victorian feel as the last book, but the plot was a bit less cohesive than I might have liked. A few things felt just a bit too convenient, and I guessed a lot of the twists before they came. And I also sort of feel that the thing that drew me into the original, (the magical gunsmithing), was sort of nonexistant in this one. Zaria hardly uses her Archemology, save for the end. The end which felt a bit too easy for the characters. I like a happy ending, but I also want to doubt that they're going to get one in the climax, and it quite quickly wrapped up and handed them all what they most wanted, which felt sort of anticlimactic. I am also very unsure about the way Zaria's storyline turned out, since she basically just became everything that she hated about Kane in the beginning.

However, I liked the characters fairly well. Zaria showed some spirit, and Kane was a mess but he sort of got his act together by the end and seeing his humanity shine through was decidedly fascinating. The writing was compelling and I was invested in how things turned out. It was, as I said, a solid sequel and it explained everything well enough that even though I hadn't read the first one for half a year, I still knew exactly what was going on and never got lost.

There was also a lot of swearing, and some highly disturbing implications that I did not approve of, and were very extraneous and uneccessary. I get that they're mobsters and such, but an f word every single page seemed a bit over the top. (Not to mention distracting).

So it was fairly good but had some less desirable content and the ending displeased me. A steady three star read. I would probably pick up another of M.K. Lobb books but I'm not about to go foist them on all my friends.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the shocking events at the end of the last novel, this followup was on my list of most anticipated reads this year. I'll just state right now, it's absolutely a worthy sequel.

Events pick up immediately after the end of To Steal From Thieves. Distrust is high, friendships possibly shattered, and a home destroyed. Still ruthless and clever, Kane is now the Kingpin of Devil's Acre, a position of power he never wanted but will kill to maintain. If he's in control, the people he cares about are protected - but he soon learns not everything can be controlled. Zara continues to drown in her father's debt and work with dangerous magic as she struggles to carry her burdens alone. Both character arcs are incredibly strong, Kane's in particular.

Fortunately Kane and Zara have two loyal best friends who'd sacrifice anything for them - Fletcher and Jules. Besides lending support and helping their thick-headed friends see what's right in front of them, both get a chance to shine and are integral to the plot. Fletcher's search for his sister is resolved, and Jules finds himself in an unexpected line of work.

When a new foe makes an appearance at the Crystal Palace, the group must set aside their differences and work together to learn the Curator's identity. The clocking is ticking and stakes are high. If they fail, Kane, Zara, and Fletcher will go to prison.

I think this is a duology, but I'd sure enjoy spending more time with these characters. Plot threads are wrapped up, but the ending proposes an intriguing premise. Highly recommended for fans of found family and strong friendships, high stake heists, and flawed characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Valerie | Vanelena.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Deal with Kings is an excellent conclusion to the Thieves & Kings duology. Set during Victorian era England, during the World’s Fair, this fantastical heist story features alchemical magic, feuding gangs controlling the dark market, and an enemies to lovers romance.

We pick up in To Deal with Kings right where Book 1 left off. Zaria double crossed Kane during the heist and trying to flee London with Jules. Ward is dead, and Kane has taken over as Kingpin. But a mysterious pair shows up seeking to blackmail Zaria into spying on Kane. She reluctantly agrees, knowing she has little choice. But joining Kane’s crew and helping solve a mystery that will keep them out of prison is a challenge. Zaria is falling for Kane again, and knowing she has to betray him again is more difficult than she bargained for.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought this was a great conclusion to this duology. It moves at a great pace for YA, giving us plenty of plot and action, but also a lot of character development and introspection. Well in book one, Zaria and Kane were reluctant allies, they begin this book as enemies having betrayed each other during the heist. So it takes a while for them to get back into each other’s good graces, not to mention trust and affection. We also have the mystery of Zaria’s mother, and Kane wrestling with his role as kingpin. I found it an enjoyable read, and a satisfying end for this series.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this book was a great way to wrap up the duology!

It picks up right where the first book left off (post heist), and it was so fun to be back with these characters in this world.

One thing I loved about this book is the author’s writing style. I truly felt like I could see what was going on like a movie in my head; her descriptions are always spot on. Along similar lines, this author is really talented at writing angsty romance between the two main protagonists, so she delivered in that department as well.

I loved the found family vibes with Zaria, Kane, Jules and Fletcher in the first book, and that remained to be true in the sequel as well. (Although I do wish we got to see more of Fletcher, as he took a bit more of a backseat in this book as compared to the first!) I was cheering for all four of them the whole way, and it was great to see them work through their differences to the best of their abilities.

The mystery element in this book was great too. While I did end up guessing some of the plot twists, I still really enjoyed reading how the characters got themselves through various situations.

I continue to enjoy the books this author puts out, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little Brown for allowing me to read the eARC!

[Monica Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series, which somehow manages to combine magic, historical fiction, dark romance and found family. So To Deal With Kings had a high bar to met and it met it. Star crossed enemies (although the enemies part isn't convincing anyone, including themselves) Zaria and Kane have found that taking over the underworld only has created more problems while they attempt to stay one step ahead of police, rival gangs and those trying to make a deal.

The characters are so angsty, but I did find that I could follow who was upset with each other and why at every point. I understand particularly why Kane and Zaria couldn't find it in themselves to trust each other (as frustrated as I was, since they are clearly meant for each other, it felt perfectly in character that they spent so much time reluctant to put their guard down) and I enjoyed what I saw of their extended family like Fletcher and Julian. I do wish that we had seen more of MK Lobb's world beyond London - there are tantalising hints of how the magic and worldview plays out in places like Egypt and India, and I'd love to see more of it. Similarly, the book ends with me wanting to see more of the adventures of what would come next. This is for fans of the steampunk magic of Mortal Engines and Margaret Owen's Little Thieves. Thanks to Little Brown Books for the early copy.

[Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Little Brown Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. A thrilling conclusion! Zaria is now in the clutches of Vaughan, a faceless man who calls himself the new kingpin of the Seven Dials slum, and who is hiding a plethora of secrets. She never expects to see Kane again, even believing he died in the fire. But she has the necklace they stole, what she doesn’t understand is why Kane slipped it to her after her betrayal. Kane is know the successor of the Devil’s Arce, but not everyone respects him as a leader. And that doesn’t include the trouble he finds in a mysterious man who calls himself the Curator. The Curator has installed an alchemical device in the Crystal Palace, where Kane and Zaria stole the necklace. He’s give ten days to find the Curator otherwise him, Zaria, and their friends will end up in jail. The two are forced to work together again in order to save themselves and possibly all of London. But with trouble at every side can they really trust each other? This story is every bit as exciting as the first! I love a morally gray character and Kane and Zaria are totally shades of gray! M.K. Lobb really delivers with this one! It’s dark and dangerous, with a lot of intriguing that kept me hooked!

[Michelle (easy.vesey.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You’re so stunningly alive, and yet somehow you still manage to haunt me.” 💜

To Deal With Kings was an amazing conclusion to the Thieves and Kings duology! The book picks up right where things left off in book 1 and Kane and Zaria are dealing with the aftermath of their heist. Things are still intense, especially with a new player, The Curator, entering the mix.

M.K. Lobb’s writing style is one of my favorites! I can easily picture everything as it unfolds and it all flows perfectly. As I said with book 1, this duology would make for a great movie! The books are action packed with just enough tension, angst, and romance to reel you in!

What I loved most was the found family vibes among Zaria, Kane, Jules and Fletcher! They overcame their differences and found that they were truly stronger together as opposed to being on opposite sides.

If you are interested in a enemies to lovers historical fantasy full of action and heists, scientific-type “magic” (called alchemology), and found family, then be sure to check this series out! To Steal from Thieves is available now and To Deal with Kings releases on March 24!

Thank you so much to Little Brown and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zaria and Kane return in this stellar YA duology conclusion, 𝘛𝘰 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴.

The book picks up immediately following the thrilling, action-packed ending in 𝘛𝘰 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘴. Zaria finds herself caught between dangerous kingpins, one who is ruthless and holds her heart, and the other who leverages her absent mother to pull Zaria's heartstrings, motivating her to spy on Kane. She's desperate - everything has fallen apart following her betrayal of Kane, and she's lost Fletcher's friendship and her home, clients, and final reminders of her father. As her interests once again align with Kane's, they're forced to work together as the mystery of the alchemological necklace deepens.

Lobb pens Zaria's story in lush, enjoyable prose that strongly emotes in readers. It's easy to feel the tension and loneliness Zaria and Kane are experiencing, and their yearning is at its peak due to the set up from the duology opener. Zaria's alchemology talents play a central role in the plot, allowing her character to shine. Kane is broken and struggling to process his emotions, conditioned to conceal as a sign of strength. Side characters are also further developed in this sequel with Jules becoming more involved with the crew alongside Zaria, Kane, and Fletcher.

The world feels dark, dangerous, gritty, and I love the complicated, morally gray characters. The pieces of the story fit seamlessly together, making for a well rounded duology. I couldn't put either book down; I loved the pacing with the heist plot of the first book and the resulting aftermath chaos in the second book.

Thank you to Little, Brown and NetGalley for the advance reading copy!

[Ashley Wendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one so much more than book one!!

To Deal with Kings picks up right where we left off in book one. The pacing was exactly what I wanted this time around. It actually felt like things were moving instead of just…happening.

I also thought the character arcs were stronger here. The growth felt more natural, the relationships were more convincing, and overall I was way more invested in what was happening.

I did figure out the major plot twist pretty early on, but it never took away from my enjoyment. I was still excited to see how it all played out…and there was even a smaller twist that did surprise me and I loved!

There are still a few minor plot threads that I wish had been fleshed out just a bit more, but overall this felt like a much stronger follow-up.

There were a couple minor plot threads I wish had been fleshed out a little more, but overall this was such a stronger sequel for me. I also think it’s a really good example of YA romantasy done well…great romantic tension, good chemistry, and no need to push into open-door territory to make it work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mackenzie Busalacchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Deal with Kings is the gripping, action-packed, edge-of-your-seat sequel in M.K. Lobb's epic historical fantasy series. Somehow, the stakes are higher, the romantic chemistry is tenser, and the banter is even wittier. In To Deal with Kings, Zaria and Kane are forced back into a partnership in order to save themselves and their friends. Once again, I love how the author makes the reader obsessed not only with the main characters but also the side characters and friends.

I absolutely love this duology - I'm obsessed! Zaria and Kane are two of my favorite fantasy heist characters ever. They're both so broken and morally gray and yet have such redeeming qualities. I truly can relate to them both. I loved their character arcs; throughout the book, I could tell the author deeply respected them and wanted what was best for them as characters. To Deal with Kings is easily one of my top five favorite books I've read this year. I will absolutely be recommending this duology to all my fantasy-loving friends. Easy five stars!!!!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Things take off right where they ended in this sequel. This time we follow our four favorites as they uncover the mysteries surrounding the primateria source and The Curator. The heist in the first book really drew me in but I found the mystery worked just as well in this one.

Zaria is a strong main character who tends to approach things level headed and with intent. I love her relationship with Jules and how they will do anything for each other. I was really rooting for a few reconciliations in this book! I loved Fletcher in the first book and he still remains my favorite character. Kane is a conflicted morally grey character who is struggling with the weight of his new position and his rocky friendships. Most of book I was hoping he would find his happiness in the end.

I’m still sort of hoping we might have a little left in this world but I’m happy with where things ended. Getting another chance to see them all together was wonderful!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Maeghan 🦋 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a chance to review this arc!!

This conclusion picks up where the last one left off - a clear distinction being with the plot being more centred around the gang than the first instalment.
I very much enjoyed the first 50% of this book because I feel that the characters had more depth than in the first instalment. I unfortunately lost interest in the second half because the plot was a bit directionless and the endless repetition of how one was feeling was irritating. I didn’t like how every character was psycho analyzing Kane or Zaria… it was an odd behaviour as no one was studying to become a therapist.
Fletcher was my favourite character in the first instalment but he took a back seat in this one.
The twists were painfully obvious and I think there was a missed opportunity with the ending.

I liked that it was very fast paced and easy to read. I would recommend this duology for a quick read. I love the writing and would read the author’s next books.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent conclusion to the duology that began with To Steak From Thieves which I really enjoyed reading from last year. This is my fourth book by Lobb and I have to say that each one just keeps getting better in terms of writing and characters.

This book picks up right after all the heists and betrayals in Thieves. Zaria and Kane are thrust back together while still having to constantly question the other’s motives as they find themselves more and more pulled together. I love how the stakes felt even higher and how grounded the fantasy felt. Kane is such a complicated character and I love how much he reminds me of Kaz Brekker. Zaria is feisty and fun and I was rooting for her the whole time. I love how we get more with Jules and Fletcher who have a bigger role to play in this book.

This was fun and tense and twisty and if you love heists, danger and lost people finding one another definitely pick up this duology.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for granting me an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐
In the aftermath of the To Steal from Thieves, Zaria is trying to figure out how she and Jules can leave London and the black market web in which they've been entangled. Kane has taken over for Ward and is navigating running the crew himself. They are both avoiding the police and suddenly new mysteries devices are appearing at the Exhibition.

It was fun to return to this world where there's a bit of magic woven into London's dark market. On the heels of everything that happened in To Steal from Thieves, this is a satisfying conclusion to the duology. You might like this if you enjoy:
- historical London
- mysteries and subterfuge
- alchemological magic system
- YA tension and banter

Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will be published on 3/26.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and M.K. Lobb for an arc of this book!

This is a great second book in what I hope will be a trilogy! In this one we continue the quest for the necklace and see our two main characters Zaria and Kane. In this book Kane grapples with his new position and the challenges that come with keeping friendships. There is a lot of growth in this book when it comes to our main characters from their relationships with others and their own experiences they face with people from their past. I found the plot of this one to be really engaging and I wanted to find out the connections each character had more and more as the story went on. This is great for anyone who is interested in starting a new heist series with an enemies to lovers storyline.