A Complement of Scoundrels

by S.V. Lockwood

There are many ways to bring down the man who betrayed you—and Myria Cadessa has thought of them all.

Cracking the Elysius Vault should’ve made Myria the richest thief in all Carintheum. Instead, it shattered her crew and left her rotting in jail while her double-crossing master walked away with everything that should’ve been hers.


But now she’s out, and it’s time to settle the score. Reunite her crew? A pleasure. Steal back everything her erstwhile leader took? And then some. She’ll just need to trick the king of all tricksters, with the law on her heels, and a troublesome new ally whose loyalties seem as conflicted as his feelings for Myria. It’s the most audacious heist she’s ever attempted, but she failed her crew once. This time, she’ll make it right—at any cost.


A Complement of Scoundrels is a bold, raucous journey through the underbelly of an empire where the devil’s rules reign, and morality, loyalty, and friendship are values few can afford. But where there’s a wit, there’s a way—and Myria has plenty of that.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

Paperback

Expected publication September 22, 2026

Reviews

[Kist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be biased (it's the first book from my publishing imprint with Bindery, Kist Reads), check that, I'm definitely biased.. but I fell in love with this fantasy heist story from jump and it kept me hooked all the way through. The prose, characters, dialogue, plot, worldbuilding, pacing etc etc were all so beautifully well done. Can't wait for this to be available so the world can experience what I did while reading this banger.

[Kyle Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley for an unbiased and honest review.

Um, what a freaking banger??? I was hooked from the start, and I never wanted to put this down. I plan on re-reading it again before the official release, that's how much I enjoyed this. Heists, beautiful character work, insane world building. What's not to love?

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a romping good time! I thoroughly enjoyed this story, my first in the "fantasy heist" but certainly not my last! I thought the author did a wonderful job of creating some characters with unique personalities and voices. The interplay and banter both between the main character group as well as their relationships with external parties was really fun to read and I found myself chuckling many times at the various quips and one-liners. The world Lockwood built is unique and well thought out, and I found it very easy to imagine myself in that world. The plot was well paced and I was on the edge of my seat more than I anticipated. I loved how everything was wrapped up and overall this was a fantastic tale that I would recommend to anyone looking for a thrilling, fast-paced heist with fun, playful banter and excellent characters.

[Sunhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had literally no expectations of this book. I received it quickly from NetGalley and I couldn't see much about it but the cover was stunning and the description intriguing. I was literally worried I'd hate it.

Two days in, I finished the book. I could not put it down. It took over my life. Sure, there are flaws, but they fell by the wayside. The heists and tricks and plot had a chokehold on me.

Myria and her crew were fun though I wish I had gotten to know Cass and Leo better. Felix and Myria run this story, almost to the point of pushing other characters off the story and page, even though I found them delightful.

My biggest complaint is that Felix stays stupidly loyal much longer than feels comfortable to his intelligent character. I also wish we could have seen more of the world. When we get clear glimpses of it, I fall in love.

I highly recommend this for anyone who likes a fantasy heist or found families.

[Nancy ☾.⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot begin to scratch the surface of A Complement of Scoundrels without gushing and spoiling it for everyone else. One of my best fantasy reads this year, and I can't wait to read more from this author. It has been far too long since I've liked a group of characters as much as these scoundrels. The story was told in dual POVs and featured two characters who were strong leads in their own right. They underestimated each other from the start, which made it fun as one character uncovered deceptions of the other. Over time, they became reluctant allies. They had great banter with each other and with other characters.

I wasn't familiar with arcane magic, so it was difficult for me to grasp the workings of the magic system. Still, the author did a splendid job of setting physical limitations and boundaries of certain magic abilities. The presence of magic was central to the world and swayed politics, economics, infrastructure, and more.

An outstanding book! I would recommend.

[CJ Alberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for work, Myria, I’d rob any bank with you old girl!!!!

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 ⭐️ for Goodreads

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC

RTC

[Michelle Parent · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this being S.V. Lockwood's debut novel, I'd say well done. The story follows Myria and her team of thieves after they're double crossed and they set out for revenge. I really enjoyed the book's unique magic system and the world the author created. It explores themes of friendship and loyalty, with a fun dose of hijinks and tomfoolery along the way. While the pacing felt uneven in parts, it still kept me entertained overall, and I'm glad I picked it up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for my ARC copy and my honest review.

Expected Publishing date: September 22, 2026.

[Talia N · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley and kist reads for an arc of this book.

in my mind, the lies of locke lamora is *the* benchmark for all heist fantasies and while i can fully recognise that that is an incredibly high bar to meet, it also means that it inevitably (and unfairly) influences my perception of all other novels in this subgenre. so personally, while a complement of scoundrels has its strengths, i also found that there were a few things that hindered a fully immersive reading experience.

just to start us off, the worldbuilding is 100% one of this book’s highlights. the setting and magic system really draws you in and i can see a lot of potential in this world and its magic but at the same time, i wish those elements were fleshed out even further so that their impact could be fully realised.

i did enjoy reading about the characters and they were all decently likable but i found their dynamics to be slightly underdeveloped. save for myria, the rest of the crew oftentimes felt like npcs, lacking in the depth and interaction that would help us understand their relationships better (i’m trying my hardest not to compare absolutely everything to locke lamora but the gentlemen bastards really set the bar way up there). i think more banter and more camaraderie would have enhanced the emotional moments, especially after the crew gets back together.

now, this might just be a me problem but i kind of struggled to fully engage with the writing style. it took me quite a bit of time to get into the flow and the ‘tell not show’ narrative style left me wanting more, particularly when it comes to the characters inner motivations and thoughts, and their planning their heists. a lot of the key measures seemed to be a little too conveniently explained during the execution of their plans and it made the process feel just a bit too easy, taking away some of the tension that was built.

i also had mixed feelings about the roman inspired names - while they can definitely enhance and enrich a narrative, it felt less integrated compared to novels like the will of the many or red rising. i would say stories that take some sort of inspiration from the roman empire will typically explore systemic injustices or broader themes, things that add depth and layers to the story but unfortunately, a complement of scoundrels doesn’t delve into these larger, societal-scale issues, making me feel like the use of roman inspiration feels a little wasted.

like i mentioned earlier, the magic system, while intriguing, lacks the clarity that i, as an avid fantasy reader, would have appreciated. i found myself wishing for more detail on its limitations since the vagueness kind of detracted from the stakes within the story. additionally, after the crew gets back together again, comments like ‘if anyone could do xyz, it would be so and so person’ felt unearned, given the earlier lack of established crew dynamics and individual capabilities.

despite these critiques though, the ending tied up the story nicely and provided a satisfying conclusion. this book really does offer a captivating world and a promising magic system but left me with a desire for deeper character exploration and a slightly more cohesive narrative structure. overall, a solid debut novel.

[Signe S. Brummerstedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Bindery Books for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review received through netgalley.

There are good books you enjoy reading. and then there are great books who completely transport you to another world.
A Complement of Scoundrels was definitely the latter.

The books follows Myria and Felix, condemned criminal and former soldier, as they must work together to take down an infamous criminal - and get some answers in the process.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page, and seeing all of Myria and her crews antics as they planned, executed and lied their ways through the world for revenge was amazing! They all felt like a family all throughout.

If you enjoy a fantasy heist, such as Crooked Kingdom or even Mistborn, you’ll have a lot of fun with this book and this crew! It really scratched the heist itch for me, and in the best way possible.

An easy 5/5 star read, and you all best buy it the minute it comes out!

[Keturah Sergeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the start this book is packed with action, intrigue and politics. Betrayal and sacrifice and secrets set the tone for a story driven by clever revenge and rebuilding. It took a moment to warm to the two narrators, one an overly arrogant criminal, confident in her ability to defeat an enemy she once trusted whose power has only grown in the years she's been in prison, because of him... She is clever in all things criminal, however, and her plots often play out well, eventually justifying her confidence. The other MC is a seemingly idiotic veteran, who sacrificed himself, his reputation and chances to bolster the reputation of a general already respected more than she should be, who spends the first third of the book being run circles round, while he remains entirely oblivious. There were moments I didn't understand why we needed his perspective and storyline at all... Eventually, he develops enough intelligence to expose some secrets, and proceeds to develop something like a personality, even a backbone at one point, which was wholly satisfying considering his earlier pathetic moping and ignorance. It is interesting how the two demonstrate very different experiences of living without magic, one having lost it in an epic sacrifice, the other by exploitation as a child, never having known it.

The plot line was engaging and intriguing throughout, so despite the initially weaker characters it was thoroughly enjoyable. Multiple cons to run, disguises and information gathering and layers of planning. The increasing political implications are well-built, the target having fashioned himself into a political opponent to the ex-soldier's general's brother, the original theft and betrayal having a much deeper implication for the fate of the city and it's continued political development. The trickery was fun and efficient, the heists grand, the smaller jabs building to full revenge, the stakes climbing as the revenge increases.

The ending was satisfying, the revenge complete and final, the characters developed and bonded, the future hopeful and open.

[Leigha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books, and the author for an e-arc!

I loved this! It was a lot of fun, and I really liked the main character. The novel felt very steampunk and gritty, and who doesn’t love a good heist? It was also interesting that we as the reader were never in on the plan, so we were truly along for the ride and didn’t know what would happen next.

However, I would have really liked a bit more world building and explanations around the magic systems. We were shown a lot but I never fully knew the rules of the world or the magic, so it was hard to know the stakes or even what was possible and what wasn’t. Certain events would happen and they just didn’t hit as hard because I never fully understood what was possible in this world in the first place (trying to be vague and spoiler free).

There were also a few times when I couldn't set the scene in my head because I didn’t have enough information on where we were, or even know who all was in the room or currently speaking. Thankfully I think a lot of those issues could still be fixed in editing as this was an arc.

That said this was an amazing debut, and I will definitely be reading whatever this author writes next!

[Chevonnika · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like 'Six of Crows' then you will definitely enjoy 'A Complement of Scoundrels'.

I managed to finish this book within the day as it kept my attention the entire time. The main character was super interesting, a female lead who is head strong but not to the point were she makes dumb decisions.

The side characters are also interesting but I think there could've have been a bit more depth for the other crew members.

The second POV character is an interesting character arc, I really enjoyed his story as well.

Unfortunately, the ending seemed a little lack luster, it happened quickly and just kind of wrapped up quickly. I would've liked a bigger climax at the end but I am not fully disappointed.


Would recommend to those who are fans os 'a six of crows'.

[Kels Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary - When a group of scoundrel thieves cracked the Elysium Vault, it should have been their greatest achievement. Myria was ready to walk side by side with her Master, and the team she led was going to be the richest thieves alive. That was until her Master double-crossed them all. After plotting her revenge while rotting in jail for three years, she is out and ready to bring her master's world crashing down. First, she must reunite with her crew, steal what is owned, all while keeping a certain Prefect from finding out who she really is. Will he be a new ally, or are his loyalties to his master? Myria has already failed her crew once; she will not make that mistake again, and absolutely no one will get in her way—not even the new potential ally—as she will make it right at any cost.

Thoughts - This is not normally a genre I like to read. I am not fond of revenge plotlines because, typically, the story is really hard to digest (it’s frustrating and annoying for me), but the author did exceptionally well creating this story with just the right amount of revenge woven through it. I will say I struggled to understand what I was reading to begin with, and there were a lot of new words I learned. That being said, I managed to grasp the story, and the further I went, the better I understood. The words kind of threw me, and I was not sure where or when the story took place, and the magic system really baffled me. Trying to understand the government, the world, the transportation, and the way the magic is used within this story was difficult at times, but I managed, and while I have missed things I am sure, I really dove into this, and it was a fun adventure. My understanding of this world was a steampunk city with a mechanical industrial atmosphere, similar to worlds like Mortal Engines and Arcane.

The magic system is interesting; it’s an energy that builds up within the human body and is the central power that is exploited throughout the book. It is stolen and harvested from individuals to create the glamorous empire, which is built on stolen magic and blood by the devils who hide behind the empire. The whole subplot of harvested Arcane was quite dark and horrifying, and really showed what the main character had gone through. While we are trained to condemn those who are branded scoundrels in this story, it really sympathizes with the characters, and you empathize with what they have been through. It is always the case, I feel, that those who are branded bad are somewhat more ethical and honorable than those who seek power and influence. This story shows it. It was a very political read, and it shows the manipulation and deception that those in power can create.

While the main crew were not innocent, as they did steal for a living, it does provide the reason for their transgressions. In a world where you need to fight—fight for those who can’t, fight for yourself, and fight for the greater good—you sometimes have to make bad decisions. While I don’t believe that anyone is above consequences, which is what the crew had to endure, sometimes wrong and right are on the opposite sides of humanity. Sometimes those who fight for the right reasons are manipulated into thinking that they are on the right side, such as Felix. Those who fight to live and to fight for those who can’t sometimes do it in a very wrong manner, such as Vixius. Then there are those who are the power-hungry manipulators whose façade shows nothing but goodness, and that would be Gloriana. While she wasn’t exactly pure evil, she had those qualities. There are also those who simply wish to exist and be part of something extraordinary. However, they often veer off course and are morally complex, which can lead to negative outcomes. This was the case for the main character, Myria, and her crew.

Their whole revenge heist scheme was excellently executed, and Myria was a strong female character who showed resilience, was highly intelligent, and was skillful with a heroine complex towards her fellow team, always wanting justice for those who were wronged in the beginning. It was a very nuanced and intricate read, done in a way that kept you interested until the very end. While the start may have been complicated for me, I truly enjoyed it until the end. It was definitely something different from my normal genre, and for that, it helped broaden my taste. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants morally ambiguous and complex characters, rich themes, and a strong female protagonist lead.

[Just Blue Through Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and to Bindery Books for the ARC of A Complement of Scoundrels by S.V. Lockwood.

This was a very strong debut that is a perfect fit for fans of Leigh Bardugo. It's an engaging and fun heist story in an interesting fantasy world where everyone seems to be born with their own bit of magic. It definitely is Bardugo-esque in that you are immediately dropped into the action trying to sort our a handful of characters and what the magic system is, but if you hang in for a few chapters it does read a bit more sensibly and becomes much easier to understand and be entertained by.

The pacing was really well done, especially when set as a standalone. By the 50% mark our crew is ready to roll, but the time spent within that first half is spaced well allowing each needed character to gain their place within the crew and move the story forward. The remaining 50% is well balanced, keeping a lot of the action in the last 25% but enough so that as a reader it keeps you guessing and anxiously awaiting the outcome.

The book also does a great job at reminding us how anyone can be a villain or a hero, depending on the context their story is told. It was easy to fall into "Well, they're going to betray you!" but also recognizing that a lot of the time people think they're making the right call - I appreciated that things weren't entirely black and white.

I do wish that:
- The story read more Adult than YA. It's incredibly plot driven, and so there is no deeper nuance to the characters. Myria spends very little time actually conversing with her crew and we don't get to spend time with her in prison to understand her fixation, her motivation, her pain -- Felix talks with Myria and Gloriana and thinks minimally about his injury but not anything deeper. We don't see them interacting with other people in the city in-depth except when it's pushing the plot so we don't really know the overall feeling toward living in a city constantly overtaking its neighbors and basically relocating people for their powers. We don't know much about any of the crew besides their individual gifts and that they too want revenge and think of each other as family. I would have liked more of a sense of comradery and depth for each person, it just feels like we stay very surface level. We don't even get to see where Myria plots or makes machinations as she goes - everything just seems to magically occur within the plot and I wanted more depth to that.
- Myria had more interest in her own backstory. I think I understand what happened to her, but then, I think I'm also wrong. My original thought from the first chapter was that she was special because curses don't affect her at all, yet she is then affected by them throughout the entirety of the book, so...what makes her lack of magic special? And how did she break all those curses in the first chapter but not at all later?
- The magic system was way more fleshed out. By the end of the book I had an ultralight understanding, but I don't even know if I was right about what I was thinking. I'm not quite sure what faculties are, I don't really understand how the phoenix is formed or battles, I'm not sure what curses are and who can cast them and when they are in effect or not, etc. I don't know what the types of powers are, how many areas there are, and it seems like the people of this world don't either because the highest levels of power don't know about silverwalkers either. I just think the story would have been much better served if this was better explained. I think I definitely missed things.

I would definitely read the next book by this author and recommend this to anyone in need of a good fantasy heist.

[Sylthrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Myria and her crew are out for revenge - after planning and - almost - executing the biggest heist in history, everything falls flat as they're betrayed last second and land in prison or worse. The culprit? Her old master. Now it's been three years and Myria is back in freedom.. And it's time her master paid the price for their services. If Myria is still stuck with her own little guard dog in shape of her more-or-less parole officer on her heels.. or not.

This book has a really cool setup - you get a brief view of a heist gone wrong at the start, then the betrayal, the imprisonment.. And then freedom again, but not wholly so. Myria is still being followed by an officer everywhere she goes - who is the second character to give us his point of view throughout the book, Felix. And Felix isn't just anybody either, he's ex-military, injured but trying to hide it, on good terms with some really high higher ups.. And expecting his Myria-watch to be a really boring task. And again, the story starts pretty interesting there, we watch his injury, what he used to do etc..
And in both cases those are the weak points of the story in my opinion. We get thrown into some action heavy scene with a lot going on, lots of characters, and especially a lot of story specific terms - and nothing gets explained. None of the terms, none of the magic you're just supposed to learn as you go, which means that both times there are a lot of people you don't know doing things you don't understand to achieve goals you have no idea of and.. That was a rough start. Really had me hesitant to even dive further into the story, it felt like it's not even going to get better, since after that first chapter you're just doing it all over in chapter two. What drew me in eventually was how the story builds up from chapter 3 onwards - always with a little intrigue, a little something to lure you in.. You know Myria is up to no good, but to watch it play out, watch her start from zero again.. Yeah, that's where the fun really starts.

And the story itself is actually quite fun - rebuilding the team one person at a time allows you to properly meet them and see their roles in the original heist gone wrong.
What bothered me a bit was that we don't really get to know the other characters too well or even find out about their motivations to be on that side of the law. I feel like you can't just describe one character to be on top of his field, basically knowing everything there is to know and being able to do it.. And then still just choosing to be a criminal. What makes that stand out even more is that some characters get a well done back story, one they even try to figure out throughout the book, while others are just there and for some reason trustworthy.

One thing I'd like to point out though is the story line regarding Myria's ability to use magic and how it eventually connects to another character. This whole topic was there from the start and mattered until the end and it was just so well done, I still think about it. I really enjoyed how this was wrapped up. Beautifully done.

Overall, once I got into it, I had fun with the story - there's action, high stakes, political intrigue.. And a whole heist to plan and prepare for around all that.

Thank you Bindery Books and Kist Reads for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it says 4 stars, it is probably more like 4.2-4.3 stars. This really was a great story and unlike most of the books I have been reading recently, very well written.

Set in a steampunk/alternate Roman Empire that is probably the least interesting/explored part of the tale. While this book is clearly grounded in its fantastical world the story is a caper. It would not be out of place next to The Rook, Six of Crows or The Lies of Locke Lamora. The leads are interesting characters with dramatic and engaging backstories, and the overall setup, mystery, and plot all come together nicely.

The characters in this book were well written. I enjoyed following the exploits of our Female Lead over the course of the book, and the Male Lead and several other characters were well developed. While enough supporting characters were introduced to bring together all of the plot themes, many of them did not get thorough or meaningful backstories-and most are interesting enough to merit additional page space. This is something that could easily be remedied in future stories set in this universe.

While I really enjoyed completing the story, I will say I did not always enjoy reading it. I think this is because at times the pacing and arrangement of chapters felt off. I did not like how the editor/author chose to structure the first couple of chapters, and later in the story the switching of perspective within chapters. There was a lot of jumping of perspective between the two main protagonists and it was not always clear. But, as this is an ARC, that may change.

That is why for me this is not a 5-star book. It took me a lot longer to finish than anticipated. I really enjoyed the story, but I found when the perspective switched, I could walk away from it, rather than remain engrossed.

Despite my hesitation around the completion of the story, I did enjoy S.V. Lockwood's writing. I know in the future I will look out for more works by this author, especially if another story is set in this world. It was not a long book, and though it took longer to finish, I must say the story left me wanting more of both the characters and the world.

I guess all of this is to say that I would encourage anyone looking for a book in the vein of the ones listed above to read this one. Getting in early was like a small discovery of an interesting new voice at the intersection of fantasy, steampunk, and crime fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC. Sorry it took so long to finish!

[RUTH GUCKIEAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review!

yes this is going to get the Six of Crows comp. yes that comp is earned. and yes the world Lockwood has built is so distinctly its own thing that the comparison feels more like a vibe check than a blueprint, which is exactly how a good comp should function.

Myria Cadessa got betrayed, got locked up, and got out with a plan to ruin the man who took everything from her. that's the pitch. the execution is a heist revenge story with a crew reassembly arc, a morally gray empire underbelly, and an FMC whose wit is her sharpest weapon. i was sold from the jump and Myria kept me sold — she's clever without being untouchable, angry without being one-note, and loyal in the specific, bruised way of someone who failed the people she loved and will burn the world down before she lets it happen again. that's a protagonist i will follow anywhere.

the writing is genuinely strong from a technical standpoint and i want to flag that because it's not always the case with fantasy heist novels — sometimes the plotting is tight but the prose is functional at best. Lockwood can actually write. the sentence-level craft is sharp, the dialogue crackles, and the pacing of the heist itself is that perfect escalating tension where every plan has a complication and every complication has a workaround and you're turning pages like your life depends on it.

the crew dynamics are a highlight. the "troublesome new ally" whose loyalties are a question mark adds exactly the right amount of romantic tension and paranoia to the group dynamic, and the found family thread underneath the scheming gives the story its emotional backbone. these are scoundrels who care about each other in ways they'd rather not admit, and that's always going to be my weakness.

the reason this lands at four instead of five: this book would genuinely benefit from a glossary. Lockwood builds a world with its own slang, references, and cultural shorthand, and while you eventually piece together meaning through context, there were stretches — especially early on — where i was parsing terminology instead of sinking into the story. it's not a dealbreaker because the writing carries you through, but a reference page at the front would have smoothed the onboarding considerably and let me focus on enjoying the ride rather than decoding it.

the world of Carintheum is richly constructed — an empire where morality is a luxury and the devil's rules govern the underclass. it's grimy and layered and feels lived-in in a way that a lot of fantasy settings don't. Lockwood clearly knows every corner of this world even when we're only seeing a slice of it, and that confidence in the worldbuilding makes the whole thing feel sturdy.

if you've been looking for your next heist fantasy with a razor-sharp FMC, a revenge plot that keeps twisting, and prose that actually delivers — this is the one. Six of Crows readers will feel at home here. and then they'll realize they're somewhere entirely new.

[Leah Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. My review is based on that copy. The published work may differ from what I read.

The combination of the cover and the title of this book intrigued me. I was very curious to see if the quality inside would match (scoundrels? Revenge plot? So much potential!). It ended up being a very entertaining read, but not without some issues. The banter between the characters doesn’t read like natural dialogue. In terms of prose there are some awkward and clunky turns of phrase, and some overly descriptive sections that mar the experience. The author was trying too hard to be impressive. However, the steampunk magical setting is interesting and fun, if not explained very well. There’s a lot of vibes over concrete world building here, but the vibes are pretty compelling.

I liked the concept of magic, or “arcana” as it’s called in the book, as a consumable and commercial resource. Considering how that would impact politics, power, and class issues makes for interesting reading. There are also some thoughtful ideas about propaganda and political systems raised. I appreciated the author’s willingness to build a world where these big concepts are front and center, I just wish they had been executed with a little more subtlety. The plot is messy and full of holes, but I had fun regardless. The characters were entertaining and I liked the parts they were playing, either intentionally or unintentionally, and their scheming and adventures kept me engaged. The capers that this crew of misfits get up to was a blast! The story goes in directions that I wasn’t expecting. Some of them were fascinating, and built layers of interest into the plot. The ending was well done. The author chose to wrap things up in a creative and satisfying way.

In terms of characters, their development is hit or miss. Myria is too unflappable, too perfectly on top of everything, too skilled by half, and often unkind in her singleminded pursuit of her goal. It made her insufferable at times, although I appreciated the complexity it added to her character. Felix worked better for me. He was fallible, struggling, and has a real process of growth throughout the story. He makes choices that are questionable, but as a reader you understand why even as you wish he would make different ones. His journey was a satisfying one, and Myria’s as well to a lesser extent.

There were some funny issues with the writing and the logic. I’m not sure the author understands the principles of basic genetics. For example, a naturally blond character has her hair turn brown from not being out in the sun for a couple of years. Which is just hilarious.

I had such a fun time with this. The prose issues got better the further into the story we got. In some ways it reminded me of a budget version of The Lies of Locke Lamora. Not as beautifully written, not as cleanly and intricately plotted, but entertaining regardless.

[Holly Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all — the atmosphere. You can feel the salt in the air. The ships, the political maneuvering, the underlying danger humming beneath every conversation… it all creates this delicious tension that never fully lets you relax. It’s romantic, yes — but it’s romantic in that storm-on-the-horizon way. The kind where love feels risky and a little bit reckless.

Myria is such a compelling heroine. She isn’t naïve, and she certainly isn’t fragile. What I loved most is how aware she is of the danger around her — and yet she steps forward anyway. There’s a moment where she essentially acknowledges that loving a scoundrel means accepting the shadows that follow him, and that quiet resolve says so much about her. She’s not trying to fix anyone. She’s choosing with open eyes.

And then we have our leading man — charming, strategic, and absolutely aware of the power he holds. He has that classic dark-romance edge: protective but possessive, confident but just vulnerable enough when it comes to Myria. There are several exchanges where he makes it clear that she unsettles him in ways no enemy ever has. Those moments? Chef’s kiss. The shift from calculated manipulation to genuine emotional exposure is subtle but beautifully done.

The finer details are what elevate this story. The way alliances are hinted at through small gestures. The coded language in conversations. The tension in scenes that don’t rely on physical intimacy but instead on proximity — the brush of fingers over a map, a whispered warning in a dim corridor, a look held just a second too long. It’s intimate without always being overt, which makes the eventual romantic payoff feel earned.

I also appreciated that the story doesn’t shy away from moral ambiguity. Choices have consequences. Loyalties are complicated. Love doesn’t magically erase the darker aspects of a person — it just asks whether you can live with them. As someone who loves both romantic sea adventures and a touch of darkness in my love stories, that balance really worked for me.

Why four stars instead of five? There were a few moments where I wanted just a little more emotional depth or an extra scene to fully sit in the aftermath of certain revelations. But overall, it was immersive, swoony, and deliciously tense.

If you’re a fellow grown woman who still believes in epic love stories — but prefers them with a blade hidden beneath the cloak and salt spray in the air — this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from Bindery Books via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. Release date September 22nd, 2026.

I'm always up for a good fantasy heist, so I was excited to get an advance copy of this book. In A Complement of Scoundrels, Myria spent three years in prison after her crimelord boss betrayed her and her entire team. Now free, Myria is determined to bring the team back together and ruin Vixius—but unfortunately her parole officer is the uncomfortably keen ex-soldier Felix.

A Complement of Scoundrels was a solidly constructed heist story where the attention stayed firmly on the slow reveal of the heist. (You would think this was a given, but quite a few books wander around and spend time on the romance or the heist found family instead.) Carriage theft, prison breaks, reckless chases, the last-minute plan collapse, the sudden betrayal, and all of the usual crunchy set pieces. At 400+ pages, the pacing felt sedate, but it gave Lockwood the time to slot all of the intricate pieces into place, from Myria's lack of magic to her complex relationship to the traitorous man she once idolized. Fun stuff.

I enjoyed the central relationship between Myria and Felix, which was played like it could be developed into a romance in later books, but stayed strictly platonic here aside from a few fraught hand kisses. They're pulled together primarily by admiring professional respect rather than the force of sexual tension. When Felix finds out that Myria fooled him into thinking she spent an entire four hours in a bathhouse while she was actually off committing Crime, his first reaction isn't anger, but grudging respect and an immediate desire to beat her at her own game. Myria immediately respects Felix's competence and decency, even as she acknowledges that it will make her job much more difficult. However, while I liked Felix's absolute sense of justice and suicidal despair over the loss of his combat magic, the other characters felt much less distinct. There are three other people on Myria's team, but while we're told that she's as close to them as family, we don't really see that on page, or get a strong sense of who they are as individuals.

Not particularly distinguished as a fantasy novel set in a vaguely steampunk flavored world, but a pretty good heist with an excellent pair of main characters. The conclusion is left open-ended enough to tease the possibility of a sequel, and I'm interested to see where Myria goes next.

[June ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for providing me with this ARC.

Wow. It took me a really long time to finish this book, and I’m not mad about it. I felt like I was thrust into a completely new world, with everything from the language to the descriptive writing and vivid imagery of magic… it was all very well done.

My favorite characters were definitely Myria, Felix, and Lysander.

Myria, as a character, was beautifully written, with her uncertain past and ambitious future; she carried the story and the characters' journey, as well as all the different heists! I loved the banter between her and her friends, especially Felix. And Felix’s unwavering loyalty was admirable, and his situation created a soft spot in my heart for him 😭…same goes with Lysander…there was something special about him as a character.

The ending definitely increased my rating for the book…it was everything I could’ve ever asked for. I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t say anymore, but you know when a character has a good heart just from their actions.

All the tension, betrayal, contingencies, etc., were so addictive to read about, and I constantly felt on edge as I read. While I enjoyed the writing (A LOT) and the old-timey vocab, the book would definitely benefit from a glossary. It felt like there were constant references, whether to a hierarchical or racial term or simply a location in the book; it would’ve been nice to have context or a reminder of those unique words. It would’ve helped the reader feel more connected to and familiar with the world and its language, especially given how unique it is.

Furthermore, I was wondering if it would’ve been better for the book to be a duology instead? Obviously, that’s up to the author and publisher, but I would’ve liked more background into the group and who they were as people, as well as what they meant to each other (the motive for all the heists would’ve been stronger and more meaningful). Maybe a prologue (other than the scene with the Elysius Vault) with the characters and their conversations would help familiarize the reader with the friendships, show how it was vs. how it is now, and how it ends. And just for fun... without spoiling, my favorite parts of the book were the descriptions of magic and healing in chapter 30, and the ending.

[Abbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC from Netgalley in return for a review.

I think this book just wasn't for me. A lot of folks are going to love this book, but I struggled with it. When I'm delaying picking my book up to get the dishes or laundry done, it's definitely a sign that I'm not into it.

The positive: the atmosphere and the worldbuilding are just fantastic. The crush of the city, the arcana (magic) system - top tier. The description language setting each scene was great for a really visual reader, not so much that it got boring but not so sparse that you weren't sure what the scene was. That was the best part of the book for me.

Also, the writing itself in a technical aspect was well done. I didn't spot any issues or errors with the writing (grammar, spelling, etc.).

The mediocre: Based on the blurb, which focused entirely on Myria, I wasn't expecting to bounce back and forth between two viewpoints. When Felix showed up, I was trying to figure out who the heck he was and why I was suddenly reading things from his perspective. And while these two characters were fleshed out, I never really found the impetus to cheer for them or get excited about their storyline. And Felix makes some of the dumbest decisions, which makes little sense for a supposed war veteran.

The bad: The secondary characters were flat as paper. I LOVE a good found family story, but the Myria's "crew" just felt like props around her. I like more depth in my secondary characters. It was also really strange to me that she was three years in prison, yet somehow the two weeks after she's out, she starts breaking into the unbreakable prison? I just... couldn't believe it based on what I had seen in the book so far.

Honestly, this plot feels more like "third book in the series" for me, as strange as that probably sounds. If we had prior books about thief team led by Hadria, so that we really got to know the characters and care about them, I think what happens at the start of this book would have had more impact. We're being asked to care about the destruction and death of this "found family" team of thieves because Myria cares about them, but we don't even know them. It makes it hard to care about Myria's revenge.

[Alice ☆ Manicures and Manuscripts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview: Cracking the Elysius Vault should have made Myria and her crew the stuff of legends and richer than all of Carintheum. Instead, they found themselves betrayed, sentenced to prison or worse.

Rotting in prison, Myria learns more about her master who double-crossed them all and sets her sights on getting revenge. Planning the perfect heist takes time. Lucky for her, she has plenty of it.

Now, newly released from prison, she has to reassemble her old crew, pull off the king of all heists, get close to her previous master without giving the game away, and all while dodging the law enforcement babysitter she finds herself saddled with. What could go wrong?

My thoughts: Do you ever find that the universe has designs when it comes to books? I recently read a Count of Monte Cristo retelling (and fully admit that I have not read the original, but I am familiar with it through film and pop culture), but I didn’t overly enjoy that version. Then, an ARC approval pops up a few weeks later for this, which essentially blends Count of Monte Cristo, Ocean's 11 and Six of Crows all in one delectable package.

This was great fun from the start. The writing is quick, witty, and the characters even more so. I instantly fell in love with Myria and was genuinely rooting for her and her crew from the get-go. I just wanted to hug Felix. I wish we had a sequel or prequel so I can see more of his sister too!

The plot and story were familiar, without feeling cliché, and the worldbuilding encased around it was so exceptionally crafted. I could see this being an exceptional tv show and movie - everything was so vivid and descriptive, I think it would translate amazingly (the kyrie and phaetons?! Gimme!)

I knocked it down from 5 stars because at times the magic system was hard to follow - mostly during the fight scenes, but I find that's pretty standard for fantasy books and does not detract from the action or story. I also really wanted more from the romance, but that's a personal preference!

Do yourself a favour and snap this up when it's available!

Thanks Netgalley and the authort/publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: 1.5 stars.

Oh. This one hurt. And not in a good way. I wanted to love this book so bad. I’ve seen people compare it to Six of Crows and I LOVE SOC. But honestly I feel like that comparison is a little insulting to SOC…

This book was the most confusing and boring thing I’ve read in a long time. The beginning jumps RIGHT in. Zero preamble. Zero introduction. Just rapid character names and settings and magic thrown at you at light speed. I like fast paced stories, but this wasn’t fast paced. This was like jumping into a sequel without having read the first book. Even now, I couldn’t tell you all the character names. Or…the plot. I THINK our FMC wants revenge because her heist was ruined and she was sold out? Does she get that revenge? I dunno. I started skimming at the 60% mark because I was so bored. A whole lotta NOTHING happened.

THE GOOD
- In theory, this would be a fun read! Maybe with a bit more editing and rewriting and polishing. As it stands, though, I have nothing good to say.

THE BAD
- The pacing. Imaging the slowest paced book ever. Then stretch it out so it’s the same pace, just longer. Like taffy. That’s this book. It was horrendous. I can’t even tell you how much time lapsed.
- The meat of the plot. The bones were cool. But I can’t tell you what happened. And not just because I skimmed at the end, but because I genuinely do not know. There’s a war? Our FMC has been in prison for three years? A heist? I. Don’t. Know.
- The characters. All I’ll say is that a piece of paper has more dimension than these characters. NONE of them were explored. Their wants and desires and fears and motivations… Even their basic descriptions! We got none of it! Was there supposed to be romance between Myria and Felix? Was Felix supposed to betray them? Because none of that was conveyed.

This book reads like a first draft that hasn’t hit the editing process. I’m sure a bit of work and some beta readers could help turn this into something good.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book due to a friendship with the author. However, the author knows me well enough to know that my feedback would be brutally honest if I disliked her work.

In this case, however, there is nothing to be brutal about. I was absolutely hooked by this novel. The action begins immediately and it doesn’t let up. I can’t agree that the pacing dropped off in the middle; the pace changes, but in the same way that Lies of Locke Lamora or Ocean’s 8 change in the middle, as the pre-heist mini-heists happen. They are interesting in their own right and entirely necessary for the plot.

It’s true, as others have said, that the magic system is never spelled out, but I don’t think it needs to be - the way it works is clear through context. The character development is done in much the same way; we learn about each character through what they say and how they say it, rather than exposition about back-stories. It makes the character development feel natural and organic (although I would love to see more of Cassia in future books, and explore Leo’s true motivations more). Naturally, Myria and Felix got the most significant development, but we still get to know what we need to about the rest of the gang. It’s also how we learn about the world - an almighty empire and colonial power that is starting to show its cracks.

The villain is unquestionably a bad guy, but Lockwood manages to give him some sympathetic moments without relying in his innate charisma, making him one of the most nuanced, but truly wicked, villains I’ve encountered in a long time. The secondary antagonist is even more complex, and I thought the conclusion in relation to that character was perfect.

All in all, this is the most addictive, clever, twisty book I’ve read since Lies of Locke Lamora. I could never predict exactly how the gang was going to pull something off, but it was always a delight to see how they did. It was sometimes gut-wrenching, sometimes deeply emotional, but it was always fun. I can’t wait to see more.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books & Kist Reads Publishing for this ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Expected Publishing date: September 22, 2026.

While this fantasy heist filled with morally grey characters had a promising premise, it felt unnecessarily bloated. The narrative could have reached its conclusion with a significantly lower word count if a couple of the characters hadn't made perplexing choices that derailed the plans to ensnare the villain.
The magic system was intriguing, but the world-building felt reactionary; I often felt like the rules of magic were only revealed at the exact moment they were needed to progress the plot. I would have appreciated a more fully realized system, specifically regarding why certain magic affects Myria while other types do not. I don’t need in-depth detail, but I don’t want it to feel like plot armor.
I found the first two-thirds of the book to be a bit of a slog, nearly putting it down at both the 34% and 62% marks. However, because this was a NetGalley ARC, I wanted to provide a comprehensive and fair critique. I’m glad I stuck with it; the final quarter of the novel, where the various subplots and heists finally converge, significantly redeemed my overall rating.
The highlight here is the character work. The author expertly explores the spectrum of moral ambiguity, showing that "good" people are often corruptible and "bad" people are capable of virtuous acts.
The plot begins as a straightforward "heist gone wrong" revenge tale, though it becomes increasingly convoluted as it nears the finish line. For fans of Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard series, this has a similar feel. While it works as a standalone, the world is ripe for "further adventures" should the author choose to return to it.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Stars. An enjoyable read if you can push through the slower middle sections for the high-stakes payoff.

[Stina Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning, this story pulls you into a whirlwind of adventure that never really lets up. Every chapter carries a sense of momentum, the kind that keeps you turning pages without realizing how much time has passed. The world itself feels richly layered and thoughtfully constructed, drawing you in until it becomes easy to forget anything outside of it. There’s always something unfolding just beneath the surface, making the experience feel immersive and consuming in the best way.

What truly stood out to me were the characters. They feel vivid and alive, each one bringing something unique to the story. I especially appreciated the dynamic between them, the tension, the loyalty, and the unspoken history that shapes their interactions. At the center of it all is a female lead who refuses to shrink herself or back down, and that alone makes the journey deeply satisfying. Watching her navigate impossible choices, simmering rage, and the promise of revenge is compelling in a way that’s hard to look away from. There’s something powerful about seeing a woman claim what she’s owed, and this story understands that perfectly.

The stakes remain high throughout, with just enough mystery to keep you guessing and questioning what might come next. Every revelation seems to open the door to even more uncertainty, creating a constant sense of anticipation. It’s the kind of book that leaves you pausing after chapters, just to process everything before diving right back in.

Interestingly enough, I stumbled upon this book completely by accident while learning a new platform, and once I started, there was no turning back. What began as a chance discovery turned into a genuinely rewarding reading experience. Sometimes the best stories find you when you least expect them, and this was one of those rare, fortunate moments.

[Gie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.45/5

It has everything I normally love. A revenge plot, found family, morally gray characters, clever heists gone wrong…the whole package. It also gives off strong “Six of Crows” vibes, though I didn’t end up loving it quite as much as “Six of Crows”.

Overall, I do think this is a solid debut fantasy novel, but there were a few things that didn’t fully work for me. As a non-native English speaker, I sometimes find certain fantasy novels harder to read, and the prose here made that even more challenging. I was constantly stopping to look up words, only to realize that some weren’t real words or were so unusual that they felt out of place compared to other fantasy books I’ve read. That really interrupted my immersion early on.

The good news is that I gradually adjusted to the writing style, and reading became easier. However, around the middle of the book, the pacing of the main plot slowed down quite a bit. During that bit, I found myself wishing the story leaned more into the character dynamics. Even though I usually appreciate fantasy that doesn’t prioritize romance, it’s clear there’s chemistry between Myria and Felix. I didn’t need a full-blown romance arc, but a bit more flirting and banter between them in the middle would have helped maintain the momentum for me.

My favorite part was the later chapters, when everything became more intense. I love a good revenge story, and the ending was quite satisfying. I also grew really fond of both main characters, Myria’s crew, and found myself rooting for them to succeed.

Overall, this was an enjoyable debut with a solid plot and likable morally gray characters, but the prose and some parts of the pacing kept it from becoming a top read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Journey Bloomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a good long while since I've read a book this good, especially a new book. I was utterly DELIGHTED with A Complement of Scoundrels, I didn't want it to end!
First of all, the characters were brilliant. Myria was a heroine I was rooting for all the way through, a thief who made hard decisions but truly cared about her crew and never crossed the hard lines. She was brave and clever and yet realistically flawed and didn't fall into any of the usual main character pitfalls.

Felix made a good counter to Myria, with his nobleness and honor and general decency, but also a naivety that made the two of them play off of each other beautifully. Can we also take a moment to appreciate the fact that there were two POVs, male and female AND YET THERE ISN'T A STUPID POINTLESS ROMANCE SUBPLOT REJOICE! There are, however, some absolutely gorgeous friendships that develop marvelously, (both old friendships and new ones), a bit of brother-sister time, a fascinating relationship between Myria and the man who betrayed her and that glorious sort of found family that only comes from crews of scoundrels with hearts of gold.

The pacing was lovely, never lagging or meandering into meaningless subplots, and it kept me hooked all the way through, (and up past my bedtime!) I'm actually very sad that it doesn't come out until September because I want to shove this book into the hands of everyone I know and force them to read it so I can gush about it further. (And also because I need a hard copy. I am in LOVE with the thought of holding a physical version in my hands). I already want to reread it and I haven't even been finished for a full hour. Impatiently waiting for the day when I can preorder this.

I am 100% going to read anything else this author comes out with, thank you SO much to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the review copy!