Chasing Thieves

by J.F.R. Coates

The mages guild is in disarray. After the elusive relic thief steals a string of high-profile artifacts, guildmasters scramble to create the perfect thief ward before their reputation is left in tatters. Lucca, a student within the guild is sent out in a desperate attempt to ensnare the thief. His only weapon is an illegal love charm. A trap is set, but who will fall into it first? The relic thief who has never once been captured, or a lion mage with a heart yearning for adventure.

354 pages, Paperback

Published February 25, 2026

About the author

J.F.R. Coates is a speculative fiction author, focusing in fantasy and science fiction. Her work tends to focus away from the human characters of the setting, instead giving life to the creatures that dwell alongside the familiar. From dragons and gryphons, to creatures of her own creation - like the ailur or starat - these story worlds are full of fascinating creatures to get to know.

Born and raised in picturesque Somerset, England, J.F.R. Coates moved to Brisbane in Australia as a teenager. She grew up reading from a young age, starting with Enid Blyton's The Famous Five and Secret Seven, before finding her calling with J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Fantasy has gripped her ever since, and now she calls amongst her favourite authors Maggie Furey, Philip Pullman, and Robin Hobb.

Reviews

[Grognak Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fantasy romance!

Great furry fantasy romance! Definitely not explicit like I thought it was going to be, but still a good story that doesn't leave you hanging at the end like some do. Loved all the characters and the different take on fantasy methods of communication and transportation.