Race of Thieves

Artifact Hunters #1

by S.M. Reine

You’d never know that Shatter Cage is a were-squirrel by looking at him. Between fake fire charms and his impenetrable confidence, everyone believes he’s the phoenix he claims to be.

The lie is a necessary part of his branding. He’s determined to become a Hero, blessed by the Oracles and venerated by legions of followers. For now, he’s just one more thief slinging magical artifacts on the black market, hoping for infamy to strike like lightning. But he’s never going to become canonized if Gutterman, demon and loan shark, gets his pound of flesh from Cage first.

A job offer from the biggest Hero cult in America lights a path to fame—and enough money to repay Gutterman. Unfortunately, Cage’s ex-girlfriend, Brigid Byrne, wants the job as bad as he does. Whoever steals an artifact named Nábrók will be hired. And Brigid doesn’t mind kidnapping, poisoning, and back-stabbing Cage to win…

The race of thieves is on. And Cage is bent on scoring Nábrók before all his bad decisions catch up with him.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Supernatural

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2018

About the author

Hi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.

If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.9845687475 stars.

It’s been five bloody shrimping days since I finished reading this book and I still don’t know how to rate it. Argh and stuff. Most mystifyingly perplexing this is indeed. I mean, Race of Thieves is after all a S.M. Reine book. Set in her yummilicious Descentverse. And the MC is a thief. Who also happens to be a were-squirrel. A WERE SQUIRREL, my Little Barnacles! It doesn’t get much tastier than that, if you ask me.



This is me before I started reading this book, in case you were wondering.

I think (because yes, I do think sometimes. And yes, it hurts. A lot) that my main problem with this book is that it’s funny as fish. (And as we all know I have no sense of humor whatsoever.) Okay, the fact that the book is funny isn’t a problem in itself, it’s just that reading a light, funny story set in this previously darkly dark universe feels Super Extra Weird (SEW™) and stuff. (Pretty sure Elise would find Cage’s squirelly shenanigans to be quite sacrilegious indeed. She’d probably chop him into little pieces with her falchions and barbecue him for dinner or something.)

Anyhoo and stuff, going back to what has to be one of the darkest, most fished up worlds in UF only to find oneself laughing one’s lovely exoskeleton off is a discombobulating as shrimp experience. And the fact that all cast members manage to make it to the end of the book unscathed makes it even more unsettling. I mean, Reine writes the type of books where so many characters end up deadly dead, you start wondering whether you’re next on the list, and end up taking all sorts of creative measures to avoid detection and stuff.



Quite the audacious strategy, I agree, but work it does. I mean, I’m still here to tell you about it, aren’t I? I rest in my armor case and stuff.

Now. Once you realize that no, you didn’t overdo it with the whisky IV before starting to read this book, that yes, this really is a most frolicsome romp, and that also yes, it was indeed written by S.M. Reine herself and not her evil twin, then deliciously titillating times await and stuff.

First, because the world is original as shrimp. Because Reine, so duh. You might think there’s nothing special about a world populated with shifters, demons and asshole angels, but throw oracles, cults, Heroes (as opposed to heroes, ha!), canonized thieves, woolly mammoths, visceral illusionists, the Hungry Little Caterpillar, fish dying of annoyance (depressing that), all sorts of, um, delightful creatures, warlocks and wizards and rune magic oh my!, multiple dimensions, and weird stuff galore into the mix, and you get, well, um, you know, the moderately creative setting for this story and stuff.

Also, the very cool thing about this book, for those who have read Reine’s pre-Genesis series (sorry, what? You’ve no idea what I’m talking about? It’s okay, I love you anyway. Hahahaha, no. Just kidding), is that we get to find out what the world has become, 50 years after the events in Sins of Eden (which, incidentally, has one of the crappiest scariest book covers in the history of crappiest scariest book covers). Oh I know exactly what some of you Clueless Tiny Decapods are thinking: that it’s pointless for you to give this series a try, since you haven’t read any of Reine’s other books (because you lack judgment like that). Ha! Well more wrong couldn’t you be, for very alone this squirelly series stands, and lost you won’t feel while reading it. So yay and stuff.



Second, because the cast of characters is slightly awesome. Because Reine, so duh. (“Sounds familiar,” you say? I wonder why.) I mean, the fact that the MC—Cage is his name, just so you know—is a were-squirrel/thief should be incentive enough for any shrimp in their right mind to read this story. Add that to the fact that he thinks being a squirrel is somewhat very lame—which gives him hilarious insecurities issues, which might or might not explain why he lies and pretends he’s really a were-phoenix—and lives in a run-down theater with his agoraphobic demon sidekick—who has an eyeball sidekick (dangling optical nerve included) called Vision, just so you know—who might or might not be in 💕lurve💕 with Cage, which wouldn’t be a problem for Cage if he wasn’t still in 💕lurve💕 with his self-serving thieving bitch of an ex girlfriend who happens to kick ass and comes fully equipped with a physical disability and wonderfully refreshing imperfections, and bloody shrimping hell this sentence is so long I forgot where the fish I was going with it. Go me and stuff.



Very long story very short? The cast of characters is Slightly Very Scrumptious (SVC™). And the shrimp on top of the paella? All the colors of the gender/disability/disorder/species rainbow are represented in this story. Let me tell you, it doesn’t get more inclusive as fish or diverse as squid as this cast here. Because Reine, so duh. 😬.

Third, because there’s nothing quite like a rollicking good heist that centers around a pair of hairy godly underpants of dubious origin (and even more dubious material). “Because Reine, so duh,” you say? Yeah, sure, why the fish not?!

➽ Nefarious Last Words (NLW™): Bloody shrimping hell of the stinking krill, I think I need to raise my rating for this book! 3.412335968 pathetically miserable stars begone! 3.9845687475 barely tolerable stars incoming! Because Reine, so duh. Obviously.

P.S. Those of you who feel bold and audacious enough to dive into the Descentverse might want to check this section of Reine’s website, where she explains how all the series in this world fit together (super cool flowchart included). You’re welcome and stuff.
P.S.: I almost wrote a never-ending review for this book. Almost. But decided to go for semi-never-ending one instead. Phew. A good thing I didn’t. It must be your lucky day or something. Then again maybe not.

· Book 2: Reign of Monsters ★★



Actual rating: 3.412335968 stars.

[Pre-review nonsense]

You know you're reading a S.M. Reine book when the MC (a were-squirrel dude with an agoraphobic eyeball demon sidekick and a slightly unbalanced, speech-impaired ex-girlfriend) doesn’t bat his bushy tail an eye at the thought of wearing a corset and high heels to get into a glittering drag club, and proceeds to happily strut his stuff among the deliciously diverse crowd of “guys or gals or people somewhere in between or nowhere at all on the gender spectrum.”



Yep, that’s right, Reine’s books are the Sesame Street of UF. Kind of.

➽ Full review to come and stuff.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Race of Thieves: An Urban Fantasy Novel
Artifact Hunters, Book 1
By: S M Reine
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
This world building is awesome! Demons, angels, shape-shifters, and anything else you can think of live among humans. Our main thief is a shape-shifter and lives with a demon that has agoraphobia. The demon also has wizard skills so he helps from home as our main guy steals. He is so good that a niece for the most famous thief asks him to join them. He has to do one job to show he can. Paid of course. But more than him is after the object he is supposed to get. One is his ex-girlfriend. It is a wild ride with suspense, humor, and great imaginative situations! I will definitely want to listen to book 2!
Awesome performance by Jeffrey Kafer of course!

[Karen ⚜Mess⚜ · Rating 5 out of 5]

MacHalo Buddy Read

I had so much fun reading this book. An easy 5 stars from me!

The humor was right on point for me. Cage was such a hot mess, I instantly fell in love with him. I'm looking forward in continuing this series.

[Alaina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Race of Thieves seemed like it was going to be an interesting read. I'll admit that I really only dove into it for a certain challenge but I was willing to risk it since this was a new author, series, and book for me. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.

Honestly, the characters did absolutely nothing for me. I tried to find something likable or relatable with any of them. It didn't matter if it was a main or side character to me either. It's not like they weren't likable or anything I just wasn't completely invested in them. At all.

I also think the world building could have been explained a bit better to me. I just wanted more from it because I couldn't relate to the characters. Other than that, we did get some action throughout this but, again, it did nothing for me.

In the end, it had potential to be a likable book and in some ways I'm glad that I took a chance on it.

[Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.47 acorns. Or tugboats. Or acorns in a tugboat. I can't remember.

What a unique freaking everything. Plot. Characters. World. A freaking were-squirrel. Posing as a phoenix. My mind has been blown.

“How’s this?” Cage asked, his stomach writhing like it was filled with worms. “I’ll shapeshift into a phoenix and fly to that window. I’ll affix a rope to the top so you can climb, and I’ll let you go inside first. The only cost is that I need you to walk about a block away so that you don��t see my frightening yet awe-inspiring phoenix form.”

Pros:
- Copious profanity
- Wit with a serious edge
- Mind-blowingly original everything
- "Shat" being used as a nickname
- Demons and all manner of creatures dressed in drag
- Unwarranted male confidence

Con: (Disclaimer: I would like the record to reflect that this con has more to do with my personal preference of books than they do anything else.)
- Couldn't get super emotionally invested in any of the characters

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a die hard Reine fan and have read all the previous books in this world/universe/timeline/etc. That being said, I think you can pretty much dive into this world wherever as it resets and changes dynamics continually. Yes, there are references or names I caught and had a little smile or chuckle over, but it's 100% not necessary for bizarre enjoyment of this book.

This book is definitely the start of a whole new series. The feel, the amount of smut, the witty banter all combines to a bit of a new take on this post-genesis world. Shatter Cage is a shifter with delusions of being a soon-to-be hero. He's hiding his squirrel shifter heritage behind the mask of a phoenix and he's living like a millionaire in a rundown movie theater. His partner, Vex, was a highlight for me, and helped me crawl through the frustrating parts of Shatter's story. His small-time stealing ends up showing some real promise at attracting a dream job, but he isn't the only "applicant."

Brigid is a fellow thief who shared a sordid past with Shatter, complete with whips and chains. The rivalry between them is constantly escalating and it was 100% enjoyment to watch. This book read like a comedy, an action heist flick, and a paranormal romance gone awry. I'm not even sure I can sum up the actual plot, but the characters were so unique and interesting that the pages flew by. If you have any interest in any of the above genres, then this is definitely worth a read. Fair warning - there are some yucky parts, some dark parts, and some smutty parts thrown in here. If any of those things aren't for you, you've been fairly warned!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so how can you take a book centered around a were-squirrel competing with his crazy ex girlfriend after a pair of demon underpants seriously? I'll admit that Race of Thieves isn't what you might expect from a book in S.M. Reine's Decentiverse, but it's not what it may seem at first glance. Except for the silliness - there's definitely a lot of silliness in Race of Thieves, but there's also a lot more.

Cage is pretty full of himself, but in a fun way. He has more self confidence than I've seen in a character in a long time. Sometimes that works for him, but sometimes it comes back to bite him. He was a pretty good thief, but he was also a pretty lucky one...

He's also taken deception to a whole new level. Very few people know his true were form. He's got a surprisingly amount of people convinced that he's actually a phoenix. That should give you a pretty good idea of his over the top confidence level.

I may have also gained a couple of new favorite characters in this world. Of course I loved Cage. It was kinda hard not to. The jury's still out on how I feel about Brigid... but Vex? I absolutely adored him. He is the perfect best friend.

This is just the beginning. There's more to come in the Artifact Hunters series and by the end of Race of Thieves, Cage is already chasing after his next treasure.

I received Race of Thieves in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not every were is a wolf. In this case, a squirrel who's pretty feisty and smart is the person Shatter Cage. Sometimes he is not as smart as he thinks he is. Then he finds himself in some pickles. But sometimes that squirrely brain helps him escape.

Okay, it sounds kind of silly. But Sara Reine's characters are serious beings on the post-apocalyptic side. All her books suck you in and won't let go until the last page. For those of us lucky enough to get to read for honest reviews it is the very best of worlds! I love all her series-es. Usually, I tell folks to start reading at the Six Summer Moon series and enjoy the ride. But somehow Ms. Reine has been able to write a new series that includes a lot of our old favorites without a newbie feeling lost. There is just enough background to feel informed without overwhelming the reader. So if you are new--start here.

If you follow my reviews you will know that my main objective is female authors writing strong female main characters. I know most people don't have that aim in their reading/entertainment lives. That's why I'm giving a four-star where most are giving a five-star review. I haven't been the biggest of fans of Sara's male main characters. But Dana is in this book. She's one of my favorite characters so if I could this would be a four and a half star review.

Thanks for letting me read this. I can't wait for the next one!

[Maria McNamee-Hirt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!

Adult urban fantasy. This has an atmosphere that reminds me of Snow crash. The vulnerabilities of each character and their banter made this a fun weekend read. Fast paced. No regrets.

[Courtenay Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always so completely blown away by the world-building in Sara’s books. I don’t have the greatest imagination for anything beyond the realm of what is familiar to me, so when I dive into the Descentverse, whether pre- or post-Genesis, the attention to every single detail, the descriptions and scenery - the grosser, the better - are almost their own stories within the story itself.
When I saw this book was about a were-squirrel, I really had no expectations. I’m convinced that Sara could turn a piece of plankton into a bada$$ hero. What she gave us in this book could not have been achieved with anything but a were-squirrel. Cage is completely insecure about his animal, which he over-compensates for - hilariously - by talking himself and his ‘phoenix’ up as much as possible. But he’s so goofy and not really believable that what could be arrogance comes across as so endearing. Add his best friend, Vex, the agoraphobic demon who hates being a demon, is Cage’s biggest advocate and cheerleader, and his own brand of charming - I mean, the guy is impossible not to love - and now you have a duo of very unlikely, somewhat ridiculous, yet undeniably clever characters.
I think what I enjoy the most about post-Genesis storylines is the clear parallels between real, present day social injustices and prejudices. In so many ways, it’s a not-so-subtle dig at the current climate - and you can kind of take your pick of what issues are being addressed because there’s too much bigotry in this world right now.
Sorry. I tangented.
Okay, let’s talk Brigid. How often do we get handed an imperfect woman modeled as perfect in the eyes of the man who loves her? I don’t mean that superficial stuff though. This is a woman who is selfish, self-serving, refuses to admit Cage means anything to her, PLUS she has actual physical imperfections - a jaw injury that leaves her speech a little muffled, chin hairs she has to pluck, questionable hygiene issues when ensconced in a consuming job - she’s basically the definition of a REAL, self-driven woman. Actually, I should probably say here that Cage is equally selfish and self-serving. This is definitely not something limited to one gender.
And then, just when you think you might actually dislike Brigid, she shows her compassionate side. And Cage is left looking a bit like a douche.
This book was head to toe action and adventure. There’s mentions and cameos of old favourites, there’s a memorable trip back to Hell where things are still as disturbing as ever, and there’s a conclusion that isn’t really a conclusion and leaves you hanging in anticipation of what these thieves are going to get up to next.
Plus some truly hilarious moments involving sneaky shifting into a small, furry creature. Trust me, this one is FUN!

[Tina G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, fast-paced urban fantasy...Race of Thieves: An Urban Fantasy Novel (Artifact Hunters, Book 1) by S M Reine and narrated by Jeffrey Kafer surprised me- I thought it was going to be the typical urban fantasy fluff, but it turned out to be an engaging, quick listen. Would recommend if you’re looking for something short but fun. 4 ½ stars for story, 5 stars narration.

What’s it about? Cage is an alpha were-squirrel pretending to be a phoenix shifter. He lives with Vex, who is an agoraphobic demon. While trying to sell a jacket Cage stole from an archangel, he is recruited by Silver Claw (a Hero cult) but must win a competition to secure the job- he must find and deliver the death underpants. The only problems with this is he owes money to Gutterman (a nightmare demon & loan shark) and his ex-girlfriend is vying for the job as well. You get humor, demons, sex, lots of action, hellhounds, and more. Cage is a bit full of himself at times, however the rest of his personality and relationship with Vex helps to offset the arrogance. “We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.”

The narrator, Jeffrey Kafer, did a fantastic job on this one. He definitely helped make the book stand out from others in the genre.

Overall I recommend and look forward to book two. I’m new to this author and will definitely try her other books.

Parental guidance/trigger warnings: This is contains mature themes. Swearing, sex (semi-graphic but not a ton), violence, stealing, once the MC yells rape when he is trapped by someone who is hunting him down.

“I was given this book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.”

[Elena Johansen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 54%. I'm bored, and I'm tired of not knowing enough about the setting to understand the stakes of this high-energy heist plot.

The author's note at the beginning mentions that there are over 50 books in "the Descentverse" and yeah, this is not a good place to jump in, even if the note claims it is. Barely anything is explained about how shifters work and even less about the world. When I gave up, the lead and his rival/ex-girlfriend have taken a literal, physical elevator down to Hell and are trying to steal something from demons. Also there are angels, also there are more types of shifter than you can shake a stick at, and there's allusions to some sort of world-altering event, but no details.

I'm lost, and I'm tired of being lost. I can fill in some blanks with the general knowledge I've acquired about how paranormal romance and urban fantasy tend to work--but by doing so, I'm making the Descentverse more generic, in my own brain, than I'm sure the author intends. It seems like a vibrant and well-realized world, if you don't get dropped into it with no grounding.

Also, "Shatter Cage" is a really dumb name, and its dumbness is not redeemed by having another character make fun of it in-universe. And if this is a romance--which I was under the impression it was based on the charity bundle I acquired it from--then it's not great that the love interest (the ex) doesn't even show up until more than a quarter of the way through the story. I kept waiting, and waiting...

[Megb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shatter Cage is a shapeshifter by birth, thief by choice. He loves the thrill of the game, the excitement when he achieves his goal. After a heist where he steals from an archangel, he gets noticed by a Hero cult and they make him an offer to work for them, he just has to make one little grab and bring the artifact back to Kleio (his recruiter). The best part? The cult belongs to Silverclaw who just so happens to be Cage’s Hero! The worst part? He’s not the only one after the artifact. There are multiple thieves who are trying to steal the same artifact as Cage and one of them coincidentally is his ex-girlfriend Brigid, who isn’t opposed to poisoning or kidnapping Cage to keep him out of her way. It’s a race to the finish. Will Cage be able to steal the artifact and get the job?
This book was so good. It takes place 50 years after the other books in the Descentverse so if you haven’t read any of the other books don’t worry. You can start here and won’t feel lost.
Cage was a hilariously witty character and I just loved the banter between Cage and Brigid. I loved Cage’s outlook on everything and the way he describes himself. There were parts where I literally laughed out loud.
And Vex was perfect! I loved his supportiveness and charisma! Everybody needs somebody like him in their lives for sure!
I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Llaph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've said it before and I'll most likely say it a ton more times ... but I so love her imagination!
Once again a new series/book full of the stuff you've known and new stuff you weren't expecting ... at all.
I love the relationships between Cage, Vhex, Bridget, and well everyone else but mainly the primary relationships.
I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one trying to match stuff up from the "older" books to this one.
I love how McIntyre got the biggest hero shrine... at least that is how I heard it so go Dana.
Oh @ seeing Charity and her "man" hah I liked the role they had to play in the book. I was hoping when Barcelona was mentioned they'd pop up. I always like how other worldy Reine's demons were so seeing a glimpse into "demon world" again was cool.
I love how she has another sympathetic view for demons beyond what you got to read in previous books. Some of them are just good demons and are misunderstood. hah
She always has the most unconventional non-mainstream coupling going on.Couples that you wouldn't really picture being a couple together. Cage andBridget.... I can't wait to see how she unfolds that one. It is a give and take nothing is perfect or follows what people would think one would. I mean they like ripping each other off and one-upping the other. It looks like they love to hate each other.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love SM Reine! I get immersed into her world with every book and I am left longing to return to my new found friends until the next book is released and I am once again able to leave reality for short spurts at a time and live amongst her heroines and enjoy all of their antics. I have been wanting to share this world with my brother and son, both avid readers themselves, but they weren’t too eager to read from the female perspective. Race of Thieves is a perfect gateway for them to become as much of a fan as I am. I have not seen or fallen for a thief with a big heart as seen with Shatter Cage in Race of Thieves since the Disney movie Aladdin! This is definitely A Whole New World with Supes of all flavors, loyal to a fault sidekicks and twists you will not be expecting. You will not want to pass up the chance to dive right in. If you are new to the SM Reine world you can still jump right in with Race of thieves but I warn you, this will make you want to go back and read the other series to find out why characters are still being revered in Shatter Cage’s world, like Deidre Tombs the original Phoenix Shifter. I look forward to more stories and to see all of these new characters evolve with each new book (please tell me there will be many more books!!!).

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story with twists and turns and no way out but kinky miracles intervene and it all makes a lovely rollercoaster of a read. It was a fast read and entertaining.

Race of Thieves is the first book in a new series based in SM Reine's urban fantasy world. It takes place decades after the timeframe of the rest of her previous books' timelines. I was happy to find that this provided a level of freedom as a fairly dedicated reader. As I was reading, I found that I was able to truly enjoy the story rather than remember the ins and outs and crossovers of the world from other stories of hers I've read.

The story of the Race of Thieves was truly an enjoyable one. The main male character is witty in a way that it appeared mostly to be egotistical and yet he was still likable. When he discovers another thief he must beat to steal an item in order to win his dream job, he isn't shy about his conflicted feelings while simultaneously not being a push over and letting her win. The "her" being one of the best thieves he's ever encountered and also his ex-girlfriend who regularly tells him to stop being so gooey and to stop loving her. Their scenes are written earnestly as two people torn between their feelings and the job....and they're super hot.

[Stacy Van cise · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start I have been a huge fan of this author for a very long time and I’ve read all of her work. This book like so many others that she wrote takes part in her universe of The Descent series but this does not mean that you need to read any of her other books to enjoy this one.
This book introduces you to Shatter Cage a thief and shifter. Shatter has a habit of attracting trouble. He is in dept to a Nighmare demon named Gutterman for a business he just never seemed to get any customers to even though it was in a good spot. He feels almost cursed. The demon want his money or his flesh, either will work. He is dodging the demon when a job offer falls in his lap. The chance to work for a hero is once in a life time opportunity. Now Shatter along with his partner Vex’s help must avoid Gutterman and his goons, not let himself be distracted by his on again off again fellow thief and lover Brigid Byrne and make down to the underworld to steal a pair of underpants to prove his worth. Stealing flesh pants from a damon is bad enough but when he finally gets to where they should be be finds out he has to steal them from his enemy and fellow thief. Snatching the pants, trying to pay of his dept and land the new job seems a tall order but if luck is on his side he might make it.

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a few months since I read Reine but reading this made me feel as if I never left. The best part about this book is that it's so deliciously great with the open-mindedness. I don't wanna say for spoilers but just know that there are a lot of things in here that I think some other books don't do for risk of losing readers. Nothing insane, but just things that get taken way too seriously or are still considered out of the norm. Like drag, for example. Most people love it nowadays but a lot are still finicky about a main hero doing it, even if it means it's for work. Small stuff like that. I just really loved the open-mindedness, there's no other way to say it without spilling everything.

Reine also has a great writing style. It's fast, it's engaging and it makes you forget you're reading. Cage was hilarious but the things he didn't say or do were also cool and they gave him a slight more depth in the time i got to know him. I liked his chaotic thing going on with his heroine counterpart, i love that this is in the Descentverse, and i enjoyed the other characters. It's an absolute recommend.

[Mary Mattson · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
Shatter Cage is hot sexy shifter! Wolf shifter you ask? Nope. Lion? Nope. Bear? Nope. Squirrel. A squirrel shifter. He shifts into cute and fluffy squirrel. Cage tells everyone he’s a Phoenix. He’s kind of bummed he’s a squirrel. Cage is also a thief. Hence the title “Race of Thieves”. Cage owes a Nightmare crime lord named Gutterman (a very apropos name by the way) for a loan to open his museum. Which is not doing as well as he expected. He’s approached by a recruiter to steal a pre-*Genesis artifact. Of course he runs into his ex-girlfriend, Brigid Byrne. She is after the same artifact. If he gets the artifact first he’ll be in his hero Silverclaw’s employ. What ensues is a comedic race to see who gets to the item first. He has a side-kick named Vex, who is too cute, and a cat named… no you have to read the book to find out.
I highly recommend this book if you like post-apocalyptic urban fantasy with a little sex thrown.
*Genesis happens in SM Reine’s Decentverse and Ascension series which is an absolutely must read. Best ever Urban Fantasy books ever written.

[Vannessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brand new series from Sara Reine and one I think I am going to really enjoy reading. The main character Shatter Cage was hilarious! He is a shapeshifter, to everyone else a dragon shapeshifter, but the reality is so much funnier!

Shatter is a professional thief and when he gets accosted by someone from the company his hero owns, he will do anything he can to win the race of thieves and land that dream job! Unfortunately for Shatter one of his rivals just so happens to be a blast from the past and what draws them towards each other is ultimately their downfall as well. I can see these two crossing paths a lot in the future, which will make for more great reading!

There were lots of twists and turns in this book and so many hilarious moments as well. I loved all the different powers and skills that the characters had here. Vex, Shatter's sidekick was a fun element as well - he's a demon who doesn't like what he is, but has powers beyond anyone else's!

I can't wait to read the next book in this series and see what Shatter and Brigid get up to next!

[Tina Pegar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the future of the Decentverse, this book can be read before of after any of the rest of SM Reine's series.

First off this is officially my favorite duo in the Descentverse. I was a little on the fence about a master thief as the main character but Shatter Cage isn't your normal thief. He is lying to everyone about the type of shifter he is saying he is a Phoenix when in fact he is a squirrel. The best thing about being a squirrel though is he is fast and he is a nice size for hiding in small spaces. What helps Shatter is Vex is BFF with agoraphobia and get demon powers. They are a wonderful pair.

Shatter has dreams of being a hero and when the opportunity to audition for his dream job as a thief for his hero Silverclaw he has to do it. Hopefully to get himself out of debt for the loan he took to open his own museum. What makes it better (or maybe worse) he is competing against his ex (who he still is really attracted to).

I can't wait to find out what comes next in this series and to get a chance to read Shatter and Vex more.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flat out, everybody needs a Vex in their life. EVERYBODY. A person who unconditionally supports you even when you're about to do the most bone-headed thing on the planet? YASSSSSS!

But this isn't all about Cage's BFF and personal cheerleading team (although he's still aces in my book!). Nope. This is about a wanna-be hero and the task he's, uhh, tasked with to become the, err, hero he wants to be. Okay, that sentence took a turn that, while completely accurate, ended up all over the place.

Anywho. Cage. Shatter Cage. He's already got the hero name. Now he just has to build a following and do SOMETHING to get noticed by the higher ups. Or, you know, the hero he hero-worships. *cue dramatic music*

So. Cage. His former lady friend. Some enchanted underpants. THE RACE IS ON, MY FRIENDS. And, as always, things are batshit crazy in the Decentverse. As one expects it to be.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Denise Belt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shatter Cage wants to be a Hero that is blessed by the Oracles, so he lies about his species and claims to be a were-phoenix instead of a were-squirrel. Through charms, confidence and just plain luck Cage uses his phoenix persona to be one of the best thieves around. When he receives a job offer from his favorite Hero cult, the lure of the money he needs to pay off his debts and to be part of a cult that has always been his dream there is no way he can say no.

Cage is a funny guy with a very original personality. His passion to steal things, love Brigid and be a hero only adds to his charm. This is a much different story than we are used to from Reine but just as good. Pay attention when you read, and you might find hints to past characters that may give you an idea of where some of her future books may be headed.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shatter Cage is a shifter , what kind of shifter depends on who he knows and most think he is something he is not. Cage has gotten himself in a jam after borrowing money to set up what he thought would be a sure thing his Museum of Oddities and Hellspawn alas he appears to be cursed and it has been an epic fail and now he needs to find a way to pay back the loan he got. Now the race is on to steal some well you will find out all I can say is really! lol Cage is up against some worthy competition to get them first and so begins a fantastic game of cat and mouse, we get to meet some great characters and some solid world building for the series which will keep you hooked, I enjoyed all the banter, double crossing and close calls while we see if Cage can come out on top.

[Nereid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Sara is surprising as the plot is so twisted and nothing remotely like the Descent series that it is hard to imagine it is by the same author. That is until you see the nuances and sneaky references to her other books scattered here and there and then just the way that she tackles some subjects with humour and understanding it feels like one of her books . This story is fast paced, entertaining, sexy as hell at times yet very funny and it kept me up reading for hours on end. Vex is definitely my new favourite and I cannot wait to see where this series goes.
Trust me if you are fan of this author you will not be disappointed. I was offered a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the future of the Decentverse, this book can be read before of after any of the rest of SM Reine' s series. This is the enjoyable tale of Shatter Cage, master thief, lover of museums, and man with the dream of becoming a hero. He overcomes some rather interesting situations that he gets himself into quite creatively with the help of his assistant, Vex. There is lots of action,a bit of magic, some steam, and so much more. I really enjoyed the characters and the plot of this book! This is a great story to be read by fans of previous books, and also a great book to start anyone on the Decentverse journey.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brand new tale in the Descentiverse? Bring it on.

Now, this can be read without having read all the previous stories, though some of the characters will be familiar if you have already done so.

I quite like Cage and Brigid - there is an unusual dynamic between them that I look forward to seeing played out over future novels.

Fast paced, humorous and full of action from start to finish, this is definitely one that pulls the reader along for the ride.

A fun start to the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Race of Thieves is a lightweight fantasy novel with romantic overtones, sex, and--a were-squirrel?

Admittedly, the were-squirrel drew me to the book and the narrative was a pure romp. I had a good time plunging through the adventures and the pacing was squirrel-quick (too soon?). Reine has a good grip on her fantasy world, and even though it was my first novel set there, I had no problem keeping up with the narrative.

The scenery was good and drew me in, and I'm interested in seeing where the characters get off to next.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this free for an ARC review. This is a stand-alone book set in the same universe as other books.

Cage and Brigid have a complicated relationship. They shag, they fight, they care about each other and screw each other over. They’re both thieves who get assigned a job, but only one can win. This book has shifters and demons and Gutterman. It’s set 50 years after the last book, so no real answers are given as to those events sadly. There are plenty of other fanfic mentions which I LOVED. This isn’t one of my favourite books by Sara but I did enjoy it.

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Race of Thieves as a free copy from the author/publisher. The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion. Fast-paced and full of unique characters, this was a fun ride with a quirky male lead, Cage, who never lets up on his con game-- whether it be schmoozing to achieve his goal, or posturing to convince people he's a phoenix. OMG, an alpha were-squirrel with a submissive side. Hilarious. For some reason, it just works and I enjoyed the tale.