Heart of the Thief

The Wardbreaker #1

by Katerina Martinez

When you have an exceptional talent, you're gonna attract the wrong people.

First of all, I don't consider myself a thief. I'm a finder. I find things people have lost, things people have had stolen from them. The only problem is, some people don't appreciate the distinction; especially once I've broken past their protective wards and... stolen from them.

Enter, Asmodius. I may have stolen from him recently, and he may have found out it was me. When his henchmen catch up to me and bring me before him, he gives me a choice. I can face the consequences of having stolen from one of the most powerful magical families in New York City, or I can work for him. It turns out I have a gift he's pretty keen on exploiting, and as long as I play ball, I get to keep my head.

But there's another problem with that: this guy is a legit crime boss, and what he wants me to do for him is suicide at best. The worst part? He puts his infuriatingly attractive son on babysitting duty to make sure I'm keeping up my end of the deal.

Despite the arrogant, controlling shadow hanging over me, I have to put together a team to help me pull off the most dangerous heist in history.

Either way, I'm probably dead, so I may as well have a little fun while I'm at it.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Demons, Adult

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2019

About the author

Katerina Martinez is a widely known author who writes supernatural fiction with a creepy, thrilling, and romantic bent. A veteran of many years of writing, she is the author of Dark Siren, the first book in the breakout Half-Lich Trilogy which became an instant bestseller in 2016. She continues to expand her back-list with books such as Wings of Light, and Heart of the Thief, and Night Hunter - three series starters that all take place in the same world.

If you would like to keep in touch with Katerina, learn about her work, and receive an exclusive short story set in the Blood and Magick universe, just follow this link, sign up, and don't be shy to drop her an email.

https://www.katerinamartinez.com/

Reviews

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soo much better than I expected!


I've never read this author before, the plot sounded pretty typical, and my mood was not the best.

This book managed to surprise me and get me out of my funk, so yay, author!

The main characters are really fun and the side characters are, at times, even better. Witty, smart, sarcastic comments litter this book, everyone is pretty kick-ass, and what I like best is that friend-way of doing stuff! It's not an all-powerful MC who does everything on her own, she's making a team and I have the feeling they will be awesome soon enough.


This has the potential to be in the top fun books this year, it's definitely worth a try!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have several books by this author, but like any bibliophile, I haven’t read them. This new book seemed like something I’d like, so I dived right in. Now, I’m very angry at myself. Why, you ask? Well, this book drew me in right away, and I loved the book from start to finish; why did I wait so long to read this author?!? This book didn’t even really suffer from the series starter slow book that some can suffer from. Yes, it did take a little bit to get used to the language, but even that intrigued me. I loved this book, I think I may have a new author to love (like I need more!! LOL!), and I can’t wait to read the next one to find out what Izzy, Axel, and friends (especially the new on at the end of the book) will get up to next. Highly recommend!

[Jeanny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliffhanger ending.

[Mona Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure

Every time I read one of Katerina Martinez's books, I am sent on an adventure of the mind. I become so engrossed with the story and characters that she weaves that I feel as though I am part of it. This story is no different. I was engaged from the beginning and when the ending came, I couldn't believe it. I want more, I need more. I want to be part of Izzy's crew. You need to read this book, seriously go read it

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating; "Nooooooo!!!!!!" she wails into the night like a dying banshee. “You can’t leave me there.” I was sucked into the story, immersed in Izzy’s world, and desperate to learn more about what’s going on. There’s a fairy tale kind of feel to this book, I just can’t put my finger on exactly which tale this reminds of the most. I get a sense of Aladdin about it, a bit of Cinderella, some Robin Hood, and even a trace of Rumplestiltskin out of the book. This story also feeds my love of a good heist story, especially when it includes some wicked double-crosses. I adore being able to cheer for a “good” bad guy. I’m fascinated by this unique group of characters, and I'm already counting down the minutes until book 2 is released, (a little less than 70,000 I believe,) I'm that excited to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of the Thief is a new series by Katerina Martinez. This book is an intense high stakes urban fantasy novel that follows Izzy, a mage with a unique and rare talent. She can crack wards and recover the treasures kept behind them. Most immediately think “thief” but she views herself differently. She simply recovers what was taken from another wrongly. After taking on a job in a house that would probably call to the Warren family, Izzy finds herself out “gunned” and hauled in to have an audience with a crime lord of the city. He has a particular job for her, his son will watch her, and when the job is done…one way or another…his son is to fulfill one FINAL job for him to earn his place at his side.
Heart of the Thief is engaging and quite thrilling from start to finish. Izzy is a unique and engaging character. She has unique “friends” and I love the dynamics of all of them. I have to say that Danvers is my favorite as she knows how to work the system when she finds her business in a pinch. Izzy has a jaded past, but she’s worked hard to get above it. Her home life wasn’t ideal, but she didn’t let it define who she is. I absolutely love how she almost has an alter ego as well. The author has her pull on that in certain moments in order to take her character to another level.
There isn’t much that I don’t like about this book. While I do admit that the pace slows down a bit in places, the author more than makes up for it with engaging characters. The surprises that the author throws into this story hooked me in and had me page-turning for more. Izzy finds herself in some truly intense situations which kept me riveted. I will admit that the author leaves readers with a few questions at the end of this story, but I’m hopeful that we’ll get some answers with the next book.
I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is an engaging story, and it doesn’t have a major cliffhanger. So if you are one of those readers who hate insane cliffhangers…you’re spared the angst this time. LOL! You are left with questions about a handful of situations, but with another book coming I think it’s safe to say that we can anticipate answers to come. I love the hints of romance in this book and look forward to seeing where things go between Axel and Izzy.

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book draws you in slowly at first but then captures your imagination and the spark of interest becomes a flame about 1/8th of the way through the book so that you really cant put it down until you know how things end. Its almost the UF version of oceans 11 but with less people.
I love Izzy as she has a toughness that she portrays which is almost a defence mechanism from the way she was brought up and survived , but inside she is vulnerable and although she has lived life alone i think she is realising that she needs others around her.
Axel is the son of a crime boss trying to live up to what he father thinks he should be but struggling as he has a heart and good sense of wright and Wrong although he needs to realise this and admit it to himself
Throw in 3 other wonderful strong characters and a couple of not so nice evil crime boss and nasty Crow Shifters and you have an absolutely wonderful mix of personalities which is a delight.
The storey line is key to this book and the romance is secondary although i am sure that there will be more heat as the series develops.
I loved everything about this book and cant wait for the next instalment - This should be a must read for any one that loves a really good UF storey with a little romance.

[Denise H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started a little slow for me but once it got going I was definitely hooked on the storyline and captivated by the interesting array of characters introduced. Izzy and Axel have definitely piqued my curiosity. I enjoyed the banter, the suspense, the drama, the magic, the whole shebang and I loved Izzy’s personality. From the way she was raised and what she had to do to survive, she was a loner by past circumstances and had a fun, snarky attitude, a rebellious nature, was strongminded and had a tough exterior she presented to others and a quiet vulnerability she hid.

This first book basically sets up the characters and storyline with a touch of romantic interest on the side. I am sure there will be more as the series progresses and characters develop further and bonds strengthen. It was a fun tale from beginning to end and I look forward to reading more of Izzy’s adventures. Katerina Martinez is a new author for me, but one I will definitely add to my reading list.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cover is GORGEOUS! I am in love with it.

I really liked this book, it was a fun read. The story was original and the characters were great. I loved the bantering between all of them and the 'Crows' cracked me up. Izzy is amazing and hilarious and bad a$$. The magic was also original! I loved reading about the different types of magic (especially Izzys) and the Tempest and the Guardians! I need more! I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. I'm excited to see where this story goes.

This was one of my favorite parts. I laughed so hard.
“See that door?” I said to the doll. “I’m gonna walk out that door, now, and you’re gonna let me. Your master’s gonna be pissed enough that you let this happen on your watch. Then he’s gonna take you out of that doll and bind you to a dildo or something. Do you want that? Do you want to be a dildo?”

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got sucked into this from the first chapter. Where do I start without spoiling anything....? First off, she is NOT a thief, she merely finds things. Please keep that in mind when you start reading (I say firmly tongue in cheek). Secondly, enter tall dark and handsome (swoon!). A little bit of a twist here, some magic there; a job that can go seriously wrong and lives are at stake. Think Mission Impossible combined with Logan Lucky, a dash of The Italian Job and maybe add a little Inception - and you have the makings of a series that will leave you craving the next book rather desperately.
You absolutely need to read this. Like-able characters with some brilliant comedic moments, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Julissa Faw · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the heroine in this book. Izzy is quirky. But after getting pulled into robbing a high powered villain by another scarier one that threatens to kill her, she loops in her friends and gives their powers and talents away in doing so. She knows that she's putting them in danger and it just seems like a crappy thing to do to a friend. So all of them are staying in the bad guy's house and none of them suspect that he won't give them a portion of the treasure they steal or just kill them outright after the deed is done? Hmm.
The love interest Alex is a beta male. He doesn't push any buttons and the chemistry between he and Izzy is non-existent.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magickal Entertainment

An ambivalent alliance is formed. A heist is planned, so is a double cross. The devil, they say,is in the details. Unfortunately for one, the details suck and the alliance has a hidden conclusion.

Having read all books by Katerina Martinez I can honestly say that the characters are people I could love or hate to know. The positions they are put into make this novel work like ballet dancers performing. I am intrigued to get to know more about this world and these people.

[Noxwitchbooklife · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun beginning to this new series by Katerina Martinez!

It starts with a bang, has a magical heist, the beginnings of a forbidden romance with a mob boss's son and ends with an unlikely alliance.

Some interesting unusual magics in this and some wonderfully dramatic supporting characters.

I'm hoping I'll get to see a journey to the Tempest and all the wonderful crazy Katerina is so good at creating in the rest of the series!

[Rachel H · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope.

I couldn’t connect with characters and I couldn’t connect with the story. Apparently it’s hard to connect with an ex stripper/thief character. The plot didn’t make any sense, and none of the characters were likable or believable. The scene where the main character Izzy was describing why she use to be a stripper didn’t deliver well, was very off-putting and one dimensional.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I just loved this! Off to a flying start this series is promising to be addictive as I was glued to the pages and just could not put this Down! I absolutely love Izzy and her snark and she makes a fantastic kick ass heroine. Fast paced, action packed this is a thrilling and suspenseful story and I cannot wait to read the next book!

[Katryne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good!

I always love a good story about a thief, I like reading about the preparation before their big heist and each team member. Well, Heart of the Thief sure delivered!
It was a very good story and I can't wait for the next book in Izzy and her team's adventure!

[Dianna Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaz-balls!!!

As always with this woman, she has drawn me in and I am eagerly awaiting the next book to come out. If you like talented people who are misunderstood and wind up on the wrong side of the law, this is the book for you.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read

This was a great read. It kept me intrigued and I didn't want to put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I'm ready to read the sequel to find out what's next and what's going to happen with the characters next.

[Avid · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 19% Never came back to it. The book lost me when the dad's order was revealed. idk why - maybe too cliched for me and the naivete of the son was ridiculous. If your dad is a bad guy, you should expect him to act in character. See progress notes for additional irksome inconsistencies.

[Aira]

DNF, the characters felt very stilted IMO

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75.

[Ashana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this is harsh but the MCs were just childish morons without a lick of sense. Especially the girl. Omg! She was the epitome of too stupid to live. The start was so promising. But then it just dragged on. There is no brain involved in any of the things the girl does. She is just a selfish moron who just lives in a place of ignorance and denial, and she doesn't even think before dragging other people down with her.
Done with the book. Not going to read further books in the series.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good 'heist' story with magic thrown in. The story started with a bang, then got a bit slow, setting up the characters and main premise. Then picked up again. It has a bit of romance, tension, and lots of action with interesting characters. It ended up a good story. It's on KU so I'll go on to the next one, I want to see what happens!

[Jan Staniec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new, exciting series! Mages, demons, a glimpse into another time. We meet Isabelle Warden, a young woman with powers that she’s learning are far greater than she knew. A corrupt government, mafia families, all mages, shapeshifters and a few hot guys wanting something from Izzy and She’s just trying to get by. She has feeling for Axel, a mafia bosses son, he has orders to kill her and is torn between obeying his father and dealing with his growing feelings for Izzy. Much more to this novel, but I’ll stop before I get into spoilers.

[Kelly Roever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Sometimes...it feels good to be bad, for the right cause of course!

I absolutely loved the start to this series, I love the companionship and banter of the characters, the plot from start to finish kept you intrigued wanting to finish it to know what happend, the world building is phenomenal of itself and the subtlety that pulled two series together, knowing the characters from another series are from the same world without going into a full background was done very well. I am very excited to see where this story goes.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

This urban fantasy feels familiar in plot, though it deviates enough to stand apart, if not presenting as 100% original. Regardless, it’s a decent story with fascinating side notes, especially about the teeniest and the origins of magic. I am intrigued to see where this goes.

Pros:
- tempest
- drowned queen
- Intriguing FMC
- Alex is startlingly in his humanity

Cons:
- Little too similar to others.
- Alex, while interesting, lacks a certain Alpha appeal .... but that will probably grow.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing start to what promises to be a compelling series! The story starts off right away and is action packed from beginning to end! I am very curious as to what is in Qyhena Ophine’s scroll. Wonderfully written and draws the reader in until they are as vested in what happens as Izzy. I can’t wait to read the next book!

[MandyViolete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bam!

New to me author and the first book I’ve read of theirs-and it was amazing!! My first amazing and awesome read of the year!! There was a little too much details in a few areas, but the action and on the edge of your seat dynamics had me struggling to adult when all I wanted was to devour the book. Diving into book 2 now!

[LadyPan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this book on my shelf unread for a while.. I picked it up because the cover caught my eye. I'm glad I did. This is turning out to be a pretty good read. The story line is strong. I'm really liking all the characters and the path they are all on. I also really like the pace of this book. It is written well. I'm excited about starting book 2!

[T T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising

One of the author groups o follow recommend this book. I'm glad I have it a try. Definitely worth a read.