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Queen of Thieves #3
Queen of the Night Guild
"I am Ilanna, Journeyman of House Hawk... and vengeance will be mine."
Ilanna has lost her friends, her home, her family, her dreams of freedom.
All that remains is a burning desire to find the bastards who burned down her city and tried to kill her.
But a traitor hides among the ranks of the Night Guild, poisoning her friends and allies with lies.
Cast out and condemned to death, Ilanna has no choice but to turn to old enemies to save not only her life, but her Guild and city in the process.
Read the breathtaking, heart-stopping conclusion to the Queen of Thieves series!
Ilanna has lost her friends, her home, her family, her dreams of freedom.
All that remains is a burning desire to find the bastards who burned down her city and tried to kill her.
But a traitor hides among the ranks of the Night Guild, poisoning her friends and allies with lies.
Cast out and condemned to death, Ilanna has no choice but to turn to old enemies to save not only her life, but her Guild and city in the process.
Read the breathtaking, heart-stopping conclusion to the Queen of Thieves series!
392 pages, ebook
Published January 30, 2018
122 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Andy Peloquin
91 books1,298 followersI am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 5, 2018
The author drops us right where Thief of the Night Guild ended. Horror that Ilanna had lost all of what she had worked so hard to attain. True, she had her freedom, but to lose those whom she loved to share it with is an emotion we all wish never to experience ourselves.
The Night Guild is built on the sins of mankind, where the innocent to survive must face the danger or die. The author takes the reader into the anguish of those whose freedom has been ripped from them, then to be part of the Night Guild whether they wish it or not. The life is for those who have the strength to survive, however they can.
Ilanna is a young woman who faces much in this three-book series. Her experiences of tragedy, successes and determination had me admire who she becomes. She is intelligent and skilled in her trade and equally determined to find those who have taken her son from her, taking her to the brink of certain death.
This gripping and gritty tale will stay long with me, rethinking the scenes where friends are there to help, where Illanna is left alone with impossible odds and comes out the victor, where evil is found in the most benign faces. I highly recommend this read if you love a thriller written with a writing style which keeps you on the edge of your chair.
The Night Guild is built on the sins of mankind, where the innocent to survive must face the danger or die. The author takes the reader into the anguish of those whose freedom has been ripped from them, then to be part of the Night Guild whether they wish it or not. The life is for those who have the strength to survive, however they can.
Ilanna is a young woman who faces much in this three-book series. Her experiences of tragedy, successes and determination had me admire who she becomes. She is intelligent and skilled in her trade and equally determined to find those who have taken her son from her, taking her to the brink of certain death.
This gripping and gritty tale will stay long with me, rethinking the scenes where friends are there to help, where Illanna is left alone with impossible odds and comes out the victor, where evil is found in the most benign faces. I highly recommend this read if you love a thriller written with a writing style which keeps you on the edge of your chair.
November 28, 2025
2.5 rounded down
I wanted to like this series more than I did. The plot itself is genuinely intriguing, and Ilanna’s coming of age arc has real weight, there’s a solid character journey buried here. But the writing keeps getting in its own way, and this book encompasses the worst of it. Important plot points and character traits are spoon fed repeatedly, to the point where scenes start feeling overwhelmingly repetitive. After a while, it’s less “grimdark tension” and more “I get it, please move on.”
There’s also a strange tone issue throughout the series in that it often reads like a YA dark academia style story that had brutality added on top to make it feel adult. Nothing wrong with YA or dark academia, both can be fantastic, but when a book masquerades as something it isn’t, the seams really show. In the end, the series has good ideas, but the execution made it tough for me to fully enjoy.
I wanted to like this series more than I did. The plot itself is genuinely intriguing, and Ilanna’s coming of age arc has real weight, there’s a solid character journey buried here. But the writing keeps getting in its own way, and this book encompasses the worst of it. Important plot points and character traits are spoon fed repeatedly, to the point where scenes start feeling overwhelmingly repetitive. After a while, it’s less “grimdark tension” and more “I get it, please move on.”
There’s also a strange tone issue throughout the series in that it often reads like a YA dark academia style story that had brutality added on top to make it feel adult. Nothing wrong with YA or dark academia, both can be fantastic, but when a book masquerades as something it isn’t, the seams really show. In the end, the series has good ideas, but the execution made it tough for me to fully enjoy.
September 9, 2025
Queen of the Night Guild is a brutal, brilliant finale that doesn’t just conclude Ilana’s journey—it detonates it. Peloquin pulls no punches, delivering a story steeped in vengeance and betrayal.
Her transformation is complete here. She’s no longer the girl clawing her way out of the shadows—she is the shadow. She doesn't just hide away, but finally has the strength to change the Guild, and ive really enjoyed the journey. The heist elements are razor-sharp, but it’s the political tension and fractured loyalties within the Guild, and the Bloody Hand that elevates this story for me. As always the the pacing is relentless, and the plot is action packed!
As cheesy as it sounds, Child was the spark, Thief was the blaze, and Queen is the inferno. A great conclusion to a trilogy that’s carved out a permanent place on my shelf, and now in my head.
It's not been one where I've sat back and overthought as much as others, ive just strapped myself in and let the ride take me.
I'd say the entire trilogy has themes of revenge, survival, and justice, which has obviously takes you to some really dark and hopeful places, and it's done really well with a blazingly fast pace.
I really do need to know more, and luckily there is a 3.5th book, that I've already started.
Her transformation is complete here. She’s no longer the girl clawing her way out of the shadows—she is the shadow. She doesn't just hide away, but finally has the strength to change the Guild, and ive really enjoyed the journey. The heist elements are razor-sharp, but it’s the political tension and fractured loyalties within the Guild, and the Bloody Hand that elevates this story for me. As always the the pacing is relentless, and the plot is action packed!
As cheesy as it sounds, Child was the spark, Thief was the blaze, and Queen is the inferno. A great conclusion to a trilogy that’s carved out a permanent place on my shelf, and now in my head.
It's not been one where I've sat back and overthought as much as others, ive just strapped myself in and let the ride take me.
I'd say the entire trilogy has themes of revenge, survival, and justice, which has obviously takes you to some really dark and hopeful places, and it's done really well with a blazingly fast pace.
I really do need to know more, and luckily there is a 3.5th book, that I've already started.
December 3, 2019
4.5/5
QUEEN OF THE NIGHT GUILD is the third installment of the QUEEN OF THIEVES series by Andy Peloquin. It is the adventures of thief Ilanna, who was sold by her debt-ridden father to the titular Night Guild. The Night Guild is a Thieves Guild straight out of Dungeons and Dragon with trained assassins, soldiers, thieves, and poisoners. They are a powerful organization in her home kingdom but not the most powerful as she finds out throughout this book.
Andy Peloquin is one of my favorite authors today. I have only read three of his novels but they have been consistently some of the best, easiest to read, and entertaining fantasy I have read in years. The story flows incredibly well from beginning to end with the main character developing from a scared and traumatized young girl to a hardened bitter cynic who wants nothing more to do with the Night Guild yet knows nothing else.
Readers should obviously start with the first book as a summary spoils the twist of the previous novel's conclusion. Needless to say, Illana has lost her entire life in an act of arson and it has driven her half-insane. Consumed with a need for revenge, she attempts to track down the people who did it as the Night Guild falls prey to a conspiracy against it. Illana attempts to turn the tables on her enemies but her anger, bitterness, and arrogance result in some of her solutions making the problem much-much worse.
I like the way Andy Peloquin handles the character of Illana as she's an incredibly nuanced character. The Night Guild has done a number on her but she's used to being able to manipulate it and its members pretty well. There's a great moment in the book when she deals with a genuinely honest man (who is not particularly nice) and it completely throws her. The fact she can't bribe, blackmail, intimidate, or entice him leaves her completely cold. The fact she can't appeal to his sense of justice is also great because she's never had to try and wouldn't even know where to begin.
The action in the book is extremely well done with Illana being closer to John McClain than more invincible heroes. She takes a rather severe beating with injuries that leave a permanent mark, starting with burns on her hand and face from the fire at the beginning. Illana suffers badly for her actions and yet she trudges on, which is something that makes the book feel stronger. I'm reminded a bit of Katniss Everdeen's literary depiction as what made those books memorable was the fact it authentically depicted the trauma she suffered.
The Duke is a fantastic villain of the story as he's wonderfully self-righteous and believable. He genuinely believes he's a good man and is uninterested in what Illana is selling. He also has a great love for his brother, the King, that makes him credible. However, he's also someone who shares his society's disdain for bastards and doesn't consider them a part of the family. His lies directly contribute to the suffering of virtually the entire city. I also enjoyed the Bloody Hands as they prove to be a brutish and detestable group of thugs. I'm not sure I really buy the Night Guild is any better than them but I understand why Illana believes it.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this book. Illana is a fantastically written character and a well-done bi-heroine (though romance is nothing she's terribly interested in). I look forward to picking up the sequel series when it comes out but this trilogy stands on its own. It's a book series that could theoretically be classified as a Young Adult one (albeit a very grimdark one ala Joe Abercrombie's work for teenagers) but adults should enjoy it even more.
QUEEN OF THE NIGHT GUILD is the third installment of the QUEEN OF THIEVES series by Andy Peloquin. It is the adventures of thief Ilanna, who was sold by her debt-ridden father to the titular Night Guild. The Night Guild is a Thieves Guild straight out of Dungeons and Dragon with trained assassins, soldiers, thieves, and poisoners. They are a powerful organization in her home kingdom but not the most powerful as she finds out throughout this book.
Andy Peloquin is one of my favorite authors today. I have only read three of his novels but they have been consistently some of the best, easiest to read, and entertaining fantasy I have read in years. The story flows incredibly well from beginning to end with the main character developing from a scared and traumatized young girl to a hardened bitter cynic who wants nothing more to do with the Night Guild yet knows nothing else.
Readers should obviously start with the first book as a summary spoils the twist of the previous novel's conclusion. Needless to say, Illana has lost her entire life in an act of arson and it has driven her half-insane. Consumed with a need for revenge, she attempts to track down the people who did it as the Night Guild falls prey to a conspiracy against it. Illana attempts to turn the tables on her enemies but her anger, bitterness, and arrogance result in some of her solutions making the problem much-much worse.
I like the way Andy Peloquin handles the character of Illana as she's an incredibly nuanced character. The Night Guild has done a number on her but she's used to being able to manipulate it and its members pretty well. There's a great moment in the book when she deals with a genuinely honest man (who is not particularly nice) and it completely throws her. The fact she can't bribe, blackmail, intimidate, or entice him leaves her completely cold. The fact she can't appeal to his sense of justice is also great because she's never had to try and wouldn't even know where to begin.
The action in the book is extremely well done with Illana being closer to John McClain than more invincible heroes. She takes a rather severe beating with injuries that leave a permanent mark, starting with burns on her hand and face from the fire at the beginning. Illana suffers badly for her actions and yet she trudges on, which is something that makes the book feel stronger. I'm reminded a bit of Katniss Everdeen's literary depiction as what made those books memorable was the fact it authentically depicted the trauma she suffered.
The Duke is a fantastic villain of the story as he's wonderfully self-righteous and believable. He genuinely believes he's a good man and is uninterested in what Illana is selling. He also has a great love for his brother, the King, that makes him credible. However, he's also someone who shares his society's disdain for bastards and doesn't consider them a part of the family. His lies directly contribute to the suffering of virtually the entire city. I also enjoyed the Bloody Hands as they prove to be a brutish and detestable group of thugs. I'm not sure I really buy the Night Guild is any better than them but I understand why Illana believes it.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this book. Illana is a fantastically written character and a well-done bi-heroine (though romance is nothing she's terribly interested in). I look forward to picking up the sequel series when it comes out but this trilogy stands on its own. It's a book series that could theoretically be classified as a Young Adult one (albeit a very grimdark one ala Joe Abercrombie's work for teenagers) but adults should enjoy it even more.
August 22, 2019
This has been an exceptionally thrilling dark fantasy trilogy all along and, the final book did not disappoint. Andy Peloquin gave us a kick-ass heroine who started out with nothing, was beaten, broken and abused in all aspects, betrayed by her very own father when sold off at the tender age of seven to the Night Guild to be turned into the thief which she was forced to become but Ilanna proves the saying that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger because every time she rose from the ashes like the Phoenix. In this 3rd book Ilanna loses more of her loved one that she ever could anticipate as she saw the Bloody Hand from Voramis come to Praamis to take over the night guild and she vowed that she would let no one bring her city as low as they had done to Voramis. She challenges the mighty Duke and the King himself as she barters for their aid to save her city but not all people are as honourable as Ilanna, even though they call her thief. She is audacious, daring and courageous, self-confident and not ready to relent until her fight is won. She never turns her back on her friends not even when her own life is at risk and her eloquence wins the day even when battling with those more scholarly than she ever had the opportunity to be! The ending is amazing but makes the whole read even more worthwhile. Though this is the finale of the trilogy I look forward to reading more about Ilanna and her comrades in the Night Guild or what is left of them as she prepares to make the Night Guild meet her higher level of expectations and turn them all into better humans than they ever dreamt of becoming.
December 3, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Destroyed emotionally by the death of her friends ,and mentors, Ilanna Knows only devastation, she’s struggling to keep heart and soul together , without the people who structure her life she doesn’t feel she can go on .
But now another enemy is lingering , set to rip apart the last part of her life .
She will only have one chance to save at least some of the Guild , but will she choose the path , and it she does will the Guild ever forgive her . Can she forgive herself .
With some excellent and exciting battle scenes that will make your gut churn and your blood race , this is a perfect 3rd book in this series.
Absolutely brilliant , hooked from the moment I opened the book , it’s a fantastic read .
I wish I could give it more than 5 stars .
Very highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book and chose to submit a review
Destroyed emotionally by the death of her friends ,and mentors, Ilanna Knows only devastation, she’s struggling to keep heart and soul together , without the people who structure her life she doesn’t feel she can go on .
But now another enemy is lingering , set to rip apart the last part of her life .
She will only have one chance to save at least some of the Guild , but will she choose the path , and it she does will the Guild ever forgive her . Can she forgive herself .
With some excellent and exciting battle scenes that will make your gut churn and your blood race , this is a perfect 3rd book in this series.
Absolutely brilliant , hooked from the moment I opened the book , it’s a fantastic read .
I wish I could give it more than 5 stars .
Very highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book and chose to submit a review
March 9, 2018
Wow. In all my years of reading fantasy, it's been rare that I've seen a heroine as tough and as capable as Ilanna. And make no mistake, Andy Peloquin has put her through the WRINGER. In the first two books of the series, she's been beaten (repeatedly), raped, betrayed, broken, and seen ally after ally, friend after friend taken away from her. At the end of Book Two, the cutthroat organization known as the Bloody Hand invaded her beloved Praamis, setting fire to her house and killing her son.
Does it get better before it gets worse? Nope.
Ilanna is forced to seek out an old adversary to rid Praamis of the Bloody Hand, a man who wants nothing more than to end the Night Guild permanently. Will there be anything left by the time the dust settles? (no spoilers here)
Peloquin has written a masterpiece of a series. I can easily see this as a Netflix series, and would recommend it to anyone who loves strong heroines, fierce action, and memorable characters. Though he does have a tendency to repeat himself on occasion, that's a minor niggle, and did not take away from my enjoyment in the slightest.
I am moving on to Traitor's Fate to dive back into this amazing world!
Does it get better before it gets worse? Nope.
Ilanna is forced to seek out an old adversary to rid Praamis of the Bloody Hand, a man who wants nothing more than to end the Night Guild permanently. Will there be anything left by the time the dust settles? (no spoilers here)
Peloquin has written a masterpiece of a series. I can easily see this as a Netflix series, and would recommend it to anyone who loves strong heroines, fierce action, and memorable characters. Though he does have a tendency to repeat himself on occasion, that's a minor niggle, and did not take away from my enjoyment in the slightest.
I am moving on to Traitor's Fate to dive back into this amazing world!
January 8, 2018
I just finished the preview copy of the book. It continues the story and is well written, I found no grammatical errors nor spelling issues , nothing to take you out of the story. There was a little bit of the redundancy on LLanna's thoughts on what she had lost, which I then found myself skipping over. Fans of the Night guild books will enjoy the story. I read it in two sittings (only because I fell asleep).
November 28, 2019
Wow. I couldn't wait to start this final book in this series and I was definitely not dissapointed. The characters were you all put through their paces quite thoroughly, at times brutally. The intrigue keeps you on your toes with not knowing who to trust, but the frailty of the human condition pushes through and we see each other in a newer fuzzier light. Can't wait to read more of Andy's works as I'm sure they too will run the gambit of human emotions and thrills to boot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2018
A SAD TIME
Excellent story!!!! A lot of things have happened in the Night Guild. Ilanna is a member of the House of Hawk. She is coming from a job when she noticed the fire and realized that her house was on fire. She lost two people that were important to her.
So many things start happening that nothing was the same!
Great surprise at the end!!!!
Excellent story!!!! A lot of things have happened in the Night Guild. Ilanna is a member of the House of Hawk. She is coming from a job when she noticed the fire and realized that her house was on fire. She lost two people that were important to her.
So many things start happening that nothing was the same!
Great surprise at the end!!!!
April 6, 2019
Another
Well what can I say absolutely loved these books. Well written well characterized enough suspense infuriating storylines of a character you can't help but love. Many lives lived and lost deep betrayal and quick intellect makes this book a fantastic read. You would be strong fool to pass on this series.
Well what can I say absolutely loved these books. Well written well characterized enough suspense infuriating storylines of a character you can't help but love. Many lives lived and lost deep betrayal and quick intellect makes this book a fantastic read. You would be strong fool to pass on this series.
June 20, 2024
Nice wrap up, Mr Peloquin!
October 2, 2019
There were several logical inconsistencies in this book:
First, the Bloody Hand burned down the marketplace to "send a message to the Night Guild," but then they covered it up because "it would only turn us against them." How can an extortionist be effective at all if they cover up their involvement? What message are they sending if it wasn't the lengths they were willing to go?
Second, as Illanna is escaping from the Duke's gardens, she figures she'll be safe as long as they don't have "dogs." But then after she hears the dogs, she remembers the stories of the Duke's dogs bringing down mountain lions. The dogs shouldn't have come as a surprise to her if she had heard stories of them. She should have realized to begin with she had to move quickly before they came.
Third, Illanna says the Duke would have killed her if he wasn't afraid of her spilling his secrets. How was keeping her imprisoned for a long period of time going to stop the release of any material she had? If she went missing, wouldn't that have been the same as if she'd been killed?
Finally, Illanna's nanny and kid supposedly burned up in a fire. Wouldn't she have made darn certain of that before she jumped to that conclusion? I know if my kid died in a first, I'd want to get his remains. In fact, she goes back for her chest of gold but the not remains of the boy she loved so much. Also, she was there as the fire was going on. In fact, the staircase collapsed as she tried to go up to rescue him. How then did Ria get so burned getting out without Illanna seeing them? And where did they go? Illanna spent all night there, they ran away and didn't bother to come back?
Still, it was a well told story with good pacing and it really made you feel for the characters. Well worth reading. These inconsistencies are tragic as they could have been easily handled.
First, the Bloody Hand burned down the marketplace to "send a message to the Night Guild," but then they covered it up because "it would only turn us against them." How can an extortionist be effective at all if they cover up their involvement? What message are they sending if it wasn't the lengths they were willing to go?
Second, as Illanna is escaping from the Duke's gardens, she figures she'll be safe as long as they don't have "dogs." But then after she hears the dogs, she remembers the stories of the Duke's dogs bringing down mountain lions. The dogs shouldn't have come as a surprise to her if she had heard stories of them. She should have realized to begin with she had to move quickly before they came.
Third, Illanna says the Duke would have killed her if he wasn't afraid of her spilling his secrets. How was keeping her imprisoned for a long period of time going to stop the release of any material she had? If she went missing, wouldn't that have been the same as if she'd been killed?
Finally, Illanna's nanny and kid supposedly burned up in a fire. Wouldn't she have made darn certain of that before she jumped to that conclusion? I know if my kid died in a first, I'd want to get his remains. In fact, she goes back for her chest of gold but the not remains of the boy she loved so much. Also, she was there as the fire was going on. In fact, the staircase collapsed as she tried to go up to rescue him. How then did Ria get so burned getting out without Illanna seeing them? And where did they go? Illanna spent all night there, they ran away and didn't bother to come back?
Still, it was a well told story with good pacing and it really made you feel for the characters. Well worth reading. These inconsistencies are tragic as they could have been easily handled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2018
Ilanna is back as a member of the House Hawk in this third novel about the Night Guild, it’s members, intrigue, and dark. Ilanna is the main character in the story and she has her own secrets. The plot begins with a series of life altering tragedies for Ilanna, with at least one deliberately instigated by an enemy. She must find out who and why and along with a few select members she trusts, for good or bad, she begins the search for answers. Her quest takes her on a path that is dark and mysterious, filled with danger, and she has to survive not only her mission, but the machinations of other Night Guild members, and the rage she feels over her tragic loss. She soon finds she must depend on nothing but her own inner strength and perseverance.
Ilanna is a terrific character! She faces things that often seem insurmountable but does not give up. The author has created a dark world that is so clearly depicted I found myself actually smelling things he described at certain points in the narrative ( not that it was a GOOD scent...). I enjoyed this story and the character of Illanna- a strong, resilient, but sometimes vulnerable woman who makes a truly inspiring heroine. I recommend this book to readers who are looking for just that kind of heroine.
I read this as an arc which affected my review in no way at all.
August 5, 2024
What a great book. I’m horrible at giving reviews but this is the best book of the series. Basically non stop action, a couple of interesting twists, has everything. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy without magic or dragons (which I love) but this has everything else
second reading:
Ilianna is back but has lost everything she cared about - her child is dead in a fire that was supposed to be a warning for her, she has been condemned by the Night Guild for crimes against them and the Bloody Hand is invading.
She has to use all of her wits and hard-earned skills to try and do something but there is an unknown traitor causing problems.
This book has lots and lots of action, sometimes pretty gruesome, there is a mystery of who is the traitor, there is hatred, love, friendships tested. There are surprises, disappointments, expectations met.
This book and series have everything you could want.
Again, I highly recommend them. Fantastic read.
second reading:
Ilianna is back but has lost everything she cared about - her child is dead in a fire that was supposed to be a warning for her, she has been condemned by the Night Guild for crimes against them and the Bloody Hand is invading.
She has to use all of her wits and hard-earned skills to try and do something but there is an unknown traitor causing problems.
This book has lots and lots of action, sometimes pretty gruesome, there is a mystery of who is the traitor, there is hatred, love, friendships tested. There are surprises, disappointments, expectations met.
This book and series have everything you could want.
Again, I highly recommend them. Fantastic read.
February 5, 2018
The finale of the Queen of Thieves trilogy comes to a thrilling close. As Ilanna's circle of friends wanes, the Bloody Hand arrives in Praamis with one goal, taking over the Night Guild and the city. Can Ilanna rally the Guild to fight the Voramian thugs, while also finding the traitor in the Guild's midst? The stakes are higher, and the action matches.
The author finishes his series in fine style, crafting a breakneck thriller while sending his protagonist spiralling further down a torturous rabbit hole. The characters are likeable, although some of the bad guys are like pantomime villains. It doesn't really matter. This tale is all about Ilanna and the cruel world she must navigate.
After a slight stumble with book two (a mere four stars). the author has things back on track with a non-stop adventure on the streets of Praamis.
The author finishes his series in fine style, crafting a breakneck thriller while sending his protagonist spiralling further down a torturous rabbit hole. The characters are likeable, although some of the bad guys are like pantomime villains. It doesn't really matter. This tale is all about Ilanna and the cruel world she must navigate.
After a slight stumble with book two (a mere four stars). the author has things back on track with a non-stop adventure on the streets of Praamis.
January 30, 2018
Ilanna has suffered a devastating loss. Not sure what to do or where to turn, she is confronted with a horrendous betrayal. Working on the premise that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, she forms a surprising alliance to rid the city of an evil and very destructive faction. As always, our heroine is brave, resourceful and magnificent. Through the heartbreak and betrayals, she proves that her intelligence and resilience will make her the Queen of the Night Guild. Fantastic addition to this series.
February 12, 2018
Thank you
Oh Andy I was very upset with you!! My girl went through so much in this book. You kept me in suspense to the end. I am very happy with the ending I do like a happily ever after ending will as happily ever after that the Guild can have. Am looking forward to the next in the series. I recommending the series to all that enjoy a little on the dark side. I didn't think I would but met Andy last summer and purchased the first in the series and have e enjoyed his book very much. Give him a try- you'll enjoy his writing.
Oh Andy I was very upset with you!! My girl went through so much in this book. You kept me in suspense to the end. I am very happy with the ending I do like a happily ever after ending will as happily ever after that the Guild can have. Am looking forward to the next in the series. I recommending the series to all that enjoy a little on the dark side. I didn't think I would but met Andy last summer and purchased the first in the series and have e enjoyed his book very much. Give him a try- you'll enjoy his writing.
September 17, 2018
Action-packed read you must!
What an amazing series this is! I just so happen to stumble onto the first book, Child of the Night Guild: Queen of Thieves book 1, and I am so glad I did! This is book in particular has loads of emotional scenes and is an action packed mystery. As I was reading nothing was given away, and shock was what I was left with. Andy Peloquin has a way with words that draw you in, only to spit you out at the end with a new truth and identity for his main character, Ilanna. This is a must read that won’t disappoint!
What an amazing series this is! I just so happen to stumble onto the first book, Child of the Night Guild: Queen of Thieves book 1, and I am so glad I did! This is book in particular has loads of emotional scenes and is an action packed mystery. As I was reading nothing was given away, and shock was what I was left with. Andy Peloquin has a way with words that draw you in, only to spit you out at the end with a new truth and identity for his main character, Ilanna. This is a must read that won’t disappoint!
September 1, 2023
CW: violence, gore, death, abuse, suicidal ideations, mentions of/attempted assault, some others.
There is a reason that mothers are feared throughout almost every species: they will tear this world apart for their children. Ilanna is no exception.
Just as she finishes her most impressive mission to date, Praamis burns. While the fire is localized to one area, someone has destroyed Ilanna’s entire world, and she’s going to find out who. Armed with a lifetime spent in the company of thieves and cutthroats, the Night Guild’s most talented hawk is on the warpath. Stand in her way, if you dare.
Oh. My. God. I knew it was going to be good, but I was not at all prepared for this level of excellence. I read it all in one night. Sleep is for the weak, and I needed answers. (Which I got. Eventually.)
“Queen of the Night Guild” picks up exactly where “Thief of the Night Guild” left off, thankfully. Well, I say ‘thankfully,’ but in true Peloquin fashion, the whole book just stomped on the little pieces of my heart that I had left. Just when you think your soul can’t crumble any more, wham! More misery. It was glorious.
Things I loved about this book: set to a faster pace than book 2, this story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Just as you think you know what’s going on, new information comes to light. Not for one second did I know what was going to happen or how, and it was amazing. We also finally get to see what happens when Ilanna reaches her breaking point (hint: it’s bloody). We get to see her utilize all of her skills, not just in fighting and flying, but her true cleverness and quick thinking, all with a healthy dose of snark. While still exceedingly human, and therefore slightly breakable, there seems to be very few things our exceedingly talented and stubborn MC can’t do if she puts her mind to it. Additionally, major bonus points to the author for giving us answers to all the questions by the end of the book, for better or worse. Spoilers are an unforgivable sin, so you’ll have to read it yourself to find out, but the ending was so satisfying and checked so many things off my “WTF” list. It’s just layer upon layer of incredible depth combined with moving parts that are put together with such incredible skill and finesse; I don’t even have words for how insanely talented the author is.
Things I didn’t love about this book: It gave me approximately a 22% increase in stress lines and gray hair.
Seriously, I cannot stress enough how much I’ve loved both this character and this series. I’m incredibly excited to continue journeying through this world with “Traitor’s Fate” and then the 5th Darkblade book, though I think I’m going to need a stress ball to get through them.
There is a reason that mothers are feared throughout almost every species: they will tear this world apart for their children. Ilanna is no exception.
Just as she finishes her most impressive mission to date, Praamis burns. While the fire is localized to one area, someone has destroyed Ilanna’s entire world, and she’s going to find out who. Armed with a lifetime spent in the company of thieves and cutthroats, the Night Guild’s most talented hawk is on the warpath. Stand in her way, if you dare.
Oh. My. God. I knew it was going to be good, but I was not at all prepared for this level of excellence. I read it all in one night. Sleep is for the weak, and I needed answers. (Which I got. Eventually.)
“Queen of the Night Guild” picks up exactly where “Thief of the Night Guild” left off, thankfully. Well, I say ‘thankfully,’ but in true Peloquin fashion, the whole book just stomped on the little pieces of my heart that I had left. Just when you think your soul can’t crumble any more, wham! More misery. It was glorious.
Things I loved about this book: set to a faster pace than book 2, this story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Just as you think you know what’s going on, new information comes to light. Not for one second did I know what was going to happen or how, and it was amazing. We also finally get to see what happens when Ilanna reaches her breaking point (hint: it’s bloody). We get to see her utilize all of her skills, not just in fighting and flying, but her true cleverness and quick thinking, all with a healthy dose of snark. While still exceedingly human, and therefore slightly breakable, there seems to be very few things our exceedingly talented and stubborn MC can’t do if she puts her mind to it. Additionally, major bonus points to the author for giving us answers to all the questions by the end of the book, for better or worse. Spoilers are an unforgivable sin, so you’ll have to read it yourself to find out, but the ending was so satisfying and checked so many things off my “WTF” list. It’s just layer upon layer of incredible depth combined with moving parts that are put together with such incredible skill and finesse; I don’t even have words for how insanely talented the author is.
Things I didn’t love about this book: It gave me approximately a 22% increase in stress lines and gray hair.
Seriously, I cannot stress enough how much I’ve loved both this character and this series. I’m incredibly excited to continue journeying through this world with “Traitor’s Fate” and then the 5th Darkblade book, though I think I’m going to need a stress ball to get through them.
January 8, 2020
This is certainly a novel that puts you through the wringer. Starting where the last book left off, Illana is left with her life in tatters, her home burned and her only family gone with it. Her trials don’t stop there however and you barely get a chance to take a breath before she is dealing with an invasion of the Bloody Hand, ready to take over her city and, perhaps most importantly, her Guild. Peloquin doesn’t spare you blood, death and pain; as we have already found out, characters you have grown attached to have a nasty habit of winding up dead and there is no exception here.
Soon Illana finds herself on the run from everyone; the Bloody Hand, the Guild and the law. Marked for death she can think of little more than vengeance, but that vengeance is going to lead her to some of the most difficult choices she has ever had to make. Peloquin’s penchant for a fast moving plot shows in spades here and you are plunged into disaster, catastrophe and chaos from start to end. But his writing shines through as well; Illana’s troubles become your own and the characters are no less vibrant and three dimensional for the non stop action. I particularly enjoyed how some characters who had previously loomed in the background are brought to the fore and given a tangible voice and motivation.
All in all, this is a cracking piece of work and one that I enjoyed thoroughly. Everything from action to dialogue and all that comes in between crackles off the page. If you like your fantasy dark but with humour, verve and wit then this is a series to delve into. Having come to the end, I am only sorry there is not more.
Soon Illana finds herself on the run from everyone; the Bloody Hand, the Guild and the law. Marked for death she can think of little more than vengeance, but that vengeance is going to lead her to some of the most difficult choices she has ever had to make. Peloquin’s penchant for a fast moving plot shows in spades here and you are plunged into disaster, catastrophe and chaos from start to end. But his writing shines through as well; Illana’s troubles become your own and the characters are no less vibrant and three dimensional for the non stop action. I particularly enjoyed how some characters who had previously loomed in the background are brought to the fore and given a tangible voice and motivation.
All in all, this is a cracking piece of work and one that I enjoyed thoroughly. Everything from action to dialogue and all that comes in between crackles off the page. If you like your fantasy dark but with humour, verve and wit then this is a series to delve into. Having come to the end, I am only sorry there is not more.
September 20, 2024
This book was intense. As dark as books 1 and 2 are, they're nothing against this.
After Ilanna's son and his caretaker died, Ilanna has lost everything that's dear to her and it makes her more dangerous than ever.
I really enjoyed reading this trilogy and Ilanna has quickly become one of my favorite FMC in fantasy. She's known so much violence but still tries to do right by her son. When this is taken away, her going against everyone in her way to get revenge is a total treat to read about. She might lose herself in her rage/hate, but she always pulls through and gets her mission done.
Thinking back on the scared child in the first book, I never thought Ilanna would become so badass, but she does. She takes risks, is creative and never gives up.
A lot of the side characters from the previous two books make an appearance as well. Secrets are revealed, and there are quite a few twists in the story, which I really enjoyed and some surprising allies.
If you've read the first two books in this series and enjoyed them, don't wait any longer and grab book 3.
If you love grimdark and badass FMCs, then you better pick up this series. It's absolutely worth your time!
After Ilanna's son and his caretaker died, Ilanna has lost everything that's dear to her and it makes her more dangerous than ever.
I really enjoyed reading this trilogy and Ilanna has quickly become one of my favorite FMC in fantasy. She's known so much violence but still tries to do right by her son. When this is taken away, her going against everyone in her way to get revenge is a total treat to read about. She might lose herself in her rage/hate, but she always pulls through and gets her mission done.
Thinking back on the scared child in the first book, I never thought Ilanna would become so badass, but she does. She takes risks, is creative and never gives up.
A lot of the side characters from the previous two books make an appearance as well. Secrets are revealed, and there are quite a few twists in the story, which I really enjoyed and some surprising allies.
If you've read the first two books in this series and enjoyed them, don't wait any longer and grab book 3.
If you love grimdark and badass FMCs, then you better pick up this series. It's absolutely worth your time!
November 19, 2025
This book was amazing! I loved all the twists and turns, Some I saw coming some I very much didn't and some I really didn't want to believe I was right. I definitely forwent sleep to finish this book so I could see what was coming next. The Ending was incredible and I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out for Ilanna, our favourite Praamian thief!
Well...After everything this poor woman has already been through and fighting tooth and nail to get where she is, to get out...just to have the reason and hope for that dream die so abruptly. All because there is a traitor in the Night Guild that thinks there is an easier way. As Ilanna navigates what to do next and find the traitor as well as push out the Bloody Hand that threatens every last bit of peace that her city still holds, being condemned to die was not on her to do list all she wanted was to get out with her family safe and intact....
Well...After everything this poor woman has already been through and fighting tooth and nail to get where she is, to get out...just to have the reason and hope for that dream die so abruptly. All because there is a traitor in the Night Guild that thinks there is an easier way. As Ilanna navigates what to do next and find the traitor as well as push out the Bloody Hand that threatens every last bit of peace that her city still holds, being condemned to die was not on her to do list all she wanted was to get out with her family safe and intact....
August 7, 2024
Queen of the Night Guild is the third and final instalment of the Queen of Thieves trilogy by Andy Peloquin.
Like its predecessors, Queen of the Night Guild is a dark, action-packed story of high stakes, betrayal, and death.
Being the third book, it's hard to summarise it without spoiling, but needless to say, Ilanna's troubles only heighten as the story goes on. I found myself wondering how she could move on despite the unfolding events, and I was thoroughly impressed by her limitless resolve.
There are unlikely allies as there are heroes, and the twists and turns keep coming. The book never lets up!
My only grumble would be the number of times I was reminded about what Ilanna has lost over the years, but that might just be me.
All in all, a great ending to an otherwise dark and heartbreaking trilogy!
Like its predecessors, Queen of the Night Guild is a dark, action-packed story of high stakes, betrayal, and death.
Being the third book, it's hard to summarise it without spoiling, but needless to say, Ilanna's troubles only heighten as the story goes on. I found myself wondering how she could move on despite the unfolding events, and I was thoroughly impressed by her limitless resolve.
There are unlikely allies as there are heroes, and the twists and turns keep coming. The book never lets up!
My only grumble would be the number of times I was reminded about what Ilanna has lost over the years, but that might just be me.
All in all, a great ending to an otherwise dark and heartbreaking trilogy!
April 11, 2022
Thief of the Night Guild: A Grimdark Epic Fantasy Thief Adventure (Queen of Thieves Book 2), my second read from prolific author Andy Peloquin, picks up seamlessly from the end of the first book, resolving its cliffhanger ending. With more than 60 books published, it’s hard to believe I’ve not read him before, I need to get going & read more Andy Peloquin books. I look forward to reading more from this author. Rebecca McKernan’s narration added to the enjoyment of the well-written work. 14-hours 13-minutes/376 pages. “I received a free Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 27, 2023
Queen of the Night Guild ( queen of thieves Book 3
I have enjoyed reading this book , Illana, a child of 8 sold by her father to the night guild. The bruittle training she and another 12 children went through, each child was given a number as a name, gets was number 7. When their training if you could call it that was over they were selected into a house called Night Guild. They are turned into pick pockets , braking into people's house's, those with money. Until the Bloody hounds come to take every thing from them and rule the lands. It's up to Ill and to stop them if she can. The kings brother the Duke hairs them all . If he had his was he would hang the lot of them. This is a fantastic book I recommend it to all kindle readers, brilliant.
I have enjoyed reading this book , Illana, a child of 8 sold by her father to the night guild. The bruittle training she and another 12 children went through, each child was given a number as a name, gets was number 7. When their training if you could call it that was over they were selected into a house called Night Guild. They are turned into pick pockets , braking into people's house's, those with money. Until the Bloody hounds come to take every thing from them and rule the lands. It's up to Ill and to stop them if she can. The kings brother the Duke hairs them all . If he had his was he would hang the lot of them. This is a fantastic book I recommend it to all kindle readers, brilliant.
August 13, 2023
This book picks up where the second one ends and has Ilanna having lost everything and things never seem more dire for her. As the book goes on her situation, and the situation of the Night Guild as a whole, just seems to get worse and worse. But she refuses to accept that as an answer and continues fighting and trying to save as much as she can. This book is a much darker and bloodier book than the previous ones as most of it happens during various fights, but it is just as well written. The end has a happy surprise and leaves Iliana in a better place than she has been for quite some time and doesn't leave any huge things hanging. Ilianna remains my favorite character, but Errik is becoming a close second.
September 15, 2024
¿De verdad tengo que marcar la alerta de spoilers si el tercer libro ya indica como acaba todo?
Ilanna ha sufrido lo peor que le puede pasar a una madre. Primero la violan, luego no puede criar al hijo y, finalmente, una banda rival le mata al hijo.
Así que ella, en vez de desmoronarse, decide acabar con esta banda rival. ¿Tenaz y persistente? Desde luego ¿Increíble e inverosímil? También.
Este libro es un robo bastante mejor que los anteriores, seguido de conspiraciones muy raras, con personajes con conveniente doble moral, y masacre tras masacre.
El traidor de veia venir desde el segundo libro, y el final es un regalo de Andy Peloquin porque se le había acabado el rojo.
De nuevo, escribe muy bien, pero le falta imaginación. A ver si lee algo nuevo y se inspira.
Ilanna ha sufrido lo peor que le puede pasar a una madre. Primero la violan, luego no puede criar al hijo y, finalmente, una banda rival le mata al hijo.
Así que ella, en vez de desmoronarse, decide acabar con esta banda rival. ¿Tenaz y persistente? Desde luego ¿Increíble e inverosímil? También.
Este libro es un robo bastante mejor que los anteriores, seguido de conspiraciones muy raras, con personajes con conveniente doble moral, y masacre tras masacre.
El traidor de veia venir desde el segundo libro, y el final es un regalo de Andy Peloquin porque se le había acabado el rojo.
De nuevo, escribe muy bien, pero le falta imaginación. A ver si lee algo nuevo y se inspira.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2020
This is a multiple story Series in 1 Bundle, I bought this on Audible.com. I listened to this bundle of the story that follows a 8 yr old child into a Organization of Thieves, assassins, pickpockets, poisioners, Grubbers, and Strong Arms.
The story is good but sad In many ways too. The trials this girl child goes through are extreme but she makes it and rises above.
I was not really impressed with the Narrator's voice, was rather piercing at times, also when Narrator was voicing her thoughts it came out rather Winny.
The story is good but sad In many ways too. The trials this girl child goes through are extreme but she makes it and rises above.
I was not really impressed with the Narrator's voice, was rather piercing at times, also when Narrator was voicing her thoughts it came out rather Winny.
March 24, 2020
The third and final book in this trilogy, Queen of the Night Guild continues the dark adventure. This story brings outright war and death to the guild along with a bitter betrayal and the loss of more dear characters. This is an incredible series, and while I would highly recommend it, I would also warn readers that not too many characters make it to the end of the book alive. Heartbreak, cruelty and misery are part of world of the Night Guild.
The narrator of the audiobooks does a very good job with the books.
The narrator of the audiobooks does a very good job with the books.
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