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Thief of Sorrows
I do not bow to fear…it bows to me.
What if Robin Hood was a woman who not only stole from the rich, but killed them as well? Isolde Cotheran is anything but a damsel in need of saving. Working through assuming the role of heir to Thornwood, Isolde masquerades as the Hood, a vicious outlaw. The Hood leads a cadre of thieves and assassins to steal and punish the lords and ladies of Arnoria who do not heed her deadly warning: Abuse humans and pay the price. In a world where hierarchy means life or death, humans serve as slaves to Isolde’s kind, the Virya, a race of beings blessed by the gods with the ability to transform into animals and control the elements.
When Isolde viciously kills a lord, it sets off a chain of events that brings two men back into her life. Liam, the handsome captain of the guard, who was shunned from Thornwood for joining the king’s army. And Gage, the Right Hand of the king and murderer of Isolde’s first love, is determined to make her his wife by any means necessary. After a successful heist leaves Gage humiliated and in danger of the king’s wrath for failure to capture the Hood, Isolde’s world is thrown into chaos. Struggling to protect those she loves not only from the dangers of the kingdom but from her own deadly power, Isolde is forced to take action when one of her own is caught in the crosshairs. Choices are made and blood is spilled, forcing the Hood to face her past. A past that is far more dangerous than even she realizes.
What if Robin Hood was a woman who not only stole from the rich, but killed them as well? Isolde Cotheran is anything but a damsel in need of saving. Working through assuming the role of heir to Thornwood, Isolde masquerades as the Hood, a vicious outlaw. The Hood leads a cadre of thieves and assassins to steal and punish the lords and ladies of Arnoria who do not heed her deadly warning: Abuse humans and pay the price. In a world where hierarchy means life or death, humans serve as slaves to Isolde’s kind, the Virya, a race of beings blessed by the gods with the ability to transform into animals and control the elements.
When Isolde viciously kills a lord, it sets off a chain of events that brings two men back into her life. Liam, the handsome captain of the guard, who was shunned from Thornwood for joining the king’s army. And Gage, the Right Hand of the king and murderer of Isolde’s first love, is determined to make her his wife by any means necessary. After a successful heist leaves Gage humiliated and in danger of the king’s wrath for failure to capture the Hood, Isolde’s world is thrown into chaos. Struggling to protect those she loves not only from the dangers of the kingdom but from her own deadly power, Isolde is forced to take action when one of her own is caught in the crosshairs. Choices are made and blood is spilled, forcing the Hood to face her past. A past that is far more dangerous than even she realizes.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 2013
136 people are currently reading
5314 people want to read
About the author
Kristen M. Long
4 books108 followersKristen began her career as a writer at the age of eighteen. Thief of Sorrows was the first novel she had ever considered putting onto paper. It will always hold a special place in her heart along with all of the characters. One in particular. Music is her biggest source of inspiration when it comes to writing. The Star Wars (mainly episodes I and III) and Lord of the Rings scores sit at the top of her Spotify playlist.
Fantasy romance and epic fantasy are her two favorite genres to write. However, she does dabble in vampire lore as well. She loves creating characters and worlds that live in her readers’ hearts and become a part of their lives. It’s her goal, with any book she writes, to leave a lasting impression on her readers. To remind them that they are not alone.
She is a Tennessee native and grew up in a small town just outside of Chattanooga. Reading has always been her favorite past time with Sarah J. Maas, Brigid Kemmerer, Leigh Bardugo, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charlotte Bronte as some of her favorite authors. Her favorite thing to do besides reading is spending time with her amazing family, eating Cheezits, watching Below Deck with her mom, and tanning. She also works as an Emergency Room nurse. It is Kristen’s dream to leave her stethoscope behind one day and become a writer full-time.
Fantasy romance and epic fantasy are her two favorite genres to write. However, she does dabble in vampire lore as well. She loves creating characters and worlds that live in her readers’ hearts and become a part of their lives. It’s her goal, with any book she writes, to leave a lasting impression on her readers. To remind them that they are not alone.
She is a Tennessee native and grew up in a small town just outside of Chattanooga. Reading has always been her favorite past time with Sarah J. Maas, Brigid Kemmerer, Leigh Bardugo, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charlotte Bronte as some of her favorite authors. Her favorite thing to do besides reading is spending time with her amazing family, eating Cheezits, watching Below Deck with her mom, and tanning. She also works as an Emergency Room nurse. It is Kristen’s dream to leave her stethoscope behind one day and become a writer full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
December 12, 2022
“They say you are a murderer and an outlaw.”
“They aren’t wrong.”
“Perhaps not. But you are so much more than that. If they call you anything, let them call you a thief of sorrows. That is what you are. You steal away pain and give something far greater in return…Hope.”
Thief of Sorrows is an epic debut novel. Isolde is the Hood, a thief and assassin working against the bigoted king. But she is also the heir to Thornwood manor. Her story starts off with a bloody heist, and fully takes off from there and does not stop.
After killing a slimy lord, the king sends in his right hand, Gage, and the captain of the guard, Liam, back into Isolde’s life. While being groomed as heir, she is learning the moves in political games that she can’t even grasp; while working as the Hood, she faces danger at every turn. But the king has things planned for her—as heir and the hood—that she’s not prepared for.
This book was such a ride. Not only is the magic system and world building so intriguing, but the found family of thieves, assassins, and outcasts are also so so good. Isolde is SO BAD ASS. Literally can take on several magic wielders and barely break a sweat. She is strong, powerful, sassy, and my favorite type of fmc. While there is a little romance in this book, I fully expect it to take off later in the series. This debut is mostly about her journey and the found family she’s created. I would say that romance is subplot at this point but according to the world building, mates are a thing and she hasn’t found hers yet 👀
Now hear me out…. I think this series is going to give me similar feelings as Throne of Glass. I find the similarities between Isolde and Celaena to be comforting (without it being like “oh she’s just copying TOG”). This book is fully adult. There’s explicit (but lyrical) spice, and the fmc is an immortal 55 year old with a 25 year old face.
Now, THE TROPES
🏹 bad ass fmc
🏹 gender bent Robin Hood retelling
🏹 found family
🏹 slow burn
🏹 heists
🏹 epic fantasy
🏹 fated mates
Thank you so much to Rachel @ The Nerd Fam & Kristen for an arc! All opinions are my own. This book comes out January 17th!!
“They aren’t wrong.”
“Perhaps not. But you are so much more than that. If they call you anything, let them call you a thief of sorrows. That is what you are. You steal away pain and give something far greater in return…Hope.”
Thief of Sorrows is an epic debut novel. Isolde is the Hood, a thief and assassin working against the bigoted king. But she is also the heir to Thornwood manor. Her story starts off with a bloody heist, and fully takes off from there and does not stop.
After killing a slimy lord, the king sends in his right hand, Gage, and the captain of the guard, Liam, back into Isolde’s life. While being groomed as heir, she is learning the moves in political games that she can’t even grasp; while working as the Hood, she faces danger at every turn. But the king has things planned for her—as heir and the hood—that she’s not prepared for.
This book was such a ride. Not only is the magic system and world building so intriguing, but the found family of thieves, assassins, and outcasts are also so so good. Isolde is SO BAD ASS. Literally can take on several magic wielders and barely break a sweat. She is strong, powerful, sassy, and my favorite type of fmc. While there is a little romance in this book, I fully expect it to take off later in the series. This debut is mostly about her journey and the found family she’s created. I would say that romance is subplot at this point but according to the world building, mates are a thing and she hasn’t found hers yet 👀
Now hear me out…. I think this series is going to give me similar feelings as Throne of Glass. I find the similarities between Isolde and Celaena to be comforting (without it being like “oh she’s just copying TOG”). This book is fully adult. There’s explicit (but lyrical) spice, and the fmc is an immortal 55 year old with a 25 year old face.
Now, THE TROPES
🏹 bad ass fmc
🏹 gender bent Robin Hood retelling
🏹 found family
🏹 slow burn
🏹 heists
🏹 epic fantasy
🏹 fated mates
Thank you so much to Rachel @ The Nerd Fam & Kristen for an arc! All opinions are my own. This book comes out January 17th!!
December 4, 2023
DNF
When decades old magic people start sticking their tongues out each other as a form of hostility I'm out.
When decades old magic people start sticking their tongues out each other as a form of hostility I'm out.
January 20, 2023
If you’re a fan of Throne of Glass, definitely read this book! We have a badass, morally grey FMC who is a gender bend Robin Hood. Not only does she steal from the rich but she 🗡️s too.
The writing is incredible & I loved the diversity of characters.
The shift of POVs in third person did throw of some of the story for me and I struggled to connect to the main characters BUT I’m excited to see where this series goes!
The writing is incredible & I loved the diversity of characters.
The shift of POVs in third person did throw of some of the story for me and I struggled to connect to the main characters BUT I’m excited to see where this series goes!
February 25, 2024
Retelling of Robin Hood, however Robin is a female and there is magic, shape shifting. However, it ends with a cliffhanger, so make sure to jave book 2
March 2, 2023
A gender bent Robin Hood retelling that got a whole hell of a lot darker than I thought it would. There’s a perfect list of trigger warnings in the beginning so please review them before you read if needed! This book has a couple spicy scenes but it’s not overly descriptive or emotional. It’s more of a wham bam thank you ma’am. This isn’t a slow burn, or even a love triangle thing. The romance that is there is a small subplot, so keep that in mind.
This lands somewhere between a 3.5-4star rating for me. There are humans and virya who live in this land of prejudice and poverty. The virya are basically fae-like people with the ability to control elements and shift into animals. They think themselves higher than everyone else and see humans as property …most of them. The FMC is a believer in equality and does the Robin Hood thing of steeling from the rich to aide the poor. The FMC and her band of merry men & women do their part to make a difference in the lives of those who need help.
The FMC is ruthless, snarky, and runs solely off of revenge and murderous rage. And maybe a cookie or two.
To be completely honest, there’s only so much of a smart mouth a character can have before they annoy the hell out of me. This one did get to that point but again that’s my person opinion. I wish the world and romance were more fleshed out and given time to develop.
I enjoyed that it wasn’t predictable, the virya are super interesting creatures and overall I had a good time!
This lands somewhere between a 3.5-4star rating for me. There are humans and virya who live in this land of prejudice and poverty. The virya are basically fae-like people with the ability to control elements and shift into animals. They think themselves higher than everyone else and see humans as property …most of them. The FMC is a believer in equality and does the Robin Hood thing of steeling from the rich to aide the poor. The FMC and her band of merry men & women do their part to make a difference in the lives of those who need help.
The FMC is ruthless, snarky, and runs solely off of revenge and murderous rage. And maybe a cookie or two.
To be completely honest, there’s only so much of a smart mouth a character can have before they annoy the hell out of me. This one did get to that point but again that’s my person opinion. I wish the world and romance were more fleshed out and given time to develop.
I enjoyed that it wasn’t predictable, the virya are super interesting creatures and overall I had a good time!
January 22, 2023
1.5 ⭐️
I really really liked the premise of the book. The idea of a woman Robin Hood was super intriguing to me and the blurb of the book sounded really good.
But I just couldn't make it past the first third of the book. It just felt repetitive and a little cringy.
Isolde gets mad, wants to kill everyone, hates slavery, apparently is all powerful, has a monster lurking beneath her skin, repeat. And her cadere just saying "she's going to do what she wants to do" about all of her actions. She just doesn't have many good redeeming qualities that make me want to like her, other than fighting for slavery.
Malaki might have been my least favorite of all. He hates all of Isoldes plans and ideas, yet has a super weird attachment to her. It was almost like a lover, but I don't think that's how their relationship was supposed to come across?
From what I understood of the magic system, it sounded really interesting. However, I have no idea what Isoldes powers are. She keeps eluding that theres a monster beneath her skin and everyone says she's all powerful, but all she does is use some wind and apparently can turn into a bird?
I know that I probably am missing out on a ton of information that could probably answer some of my questions by not continuing. I just felt like while some mystery is good, so an author isn't info dumping at the beginning, not knowing anything combined with hard to read characters, this book was just not for me.
I really really liked the premise of the book. The idea of a woman Robin Hood was super intriguing to me and the blurb of the book sounded really good.
But I just couldn't make it past the first third of the book. It just felt repetitive and a little cringy.
Isolde gets mad, wants to kill everyone, hates slavery, apparently is all powerful, has a monster lurking beneath her skin, repeat. And her cadere just saying "she's going to do what she wants to do" about all of her actions. She just doesn't have many good redeeming qualities that make me want to like her, other than fighting for slavery.
Malaki might have been my least favorite of all. He hates all of Isoldes plans and ideas, yet has a super weird attachment to her. It was almost like a lover, but I don't think that's how their relationship was supposed to come across?
From what I understood of the magic system, it sounded really interesting. However, I have no idea what Isoldes powers are. She keeps eluding that theres a monster beneath her skin and everyone says she's all powerful, but all she does is use some wind and apparently can turn into a bird?
I know that I probably am missing out on a ton of information that could probably answer some of my questions by not continuing. I just felt like while some mystery is good, so an author isn't info dumping at the beginning, not knowing anything combined with hard to read characters, this book was just not for me.
August 1, 2023
How can I express nicely that I think the book had no actual plot?? Because for 342 pages,I was LOST
January 17, 2023
Stop everything you’re doing and read this book.
If you love strong, compassionate, and hilarious female main characters this book is for you.
This story is beautifully told in descriptive 3rd person POV. This book starts off with a BANG. The world building is so beautifully done.
The found family trope has my heart in a knot: I absolutely fell in love with these characters and world. I couldn’t put this book down from start to finish.
This book doesn’t even need spice (there is a tiny sprinkle) because the characters and plot stand on their own.
Isolde is compassionate, witty, brilliant, and her one liners kill me. She is kind to those who deserve it and cut throat to those who threaten her or her family. The found family is layered in so thick and it brings my heart so much joy.
If you love YA Fantasy you absolutely have to read this gender bent Robin Hood retelling. It’s AMAZING
If you love strong, compassionate, and hilarious female main characters this book is for you.
This story is beautifully told in descriptive 3rd person POV. This book starts off with a BANG. The world building is so beautifully done.
The found family trope has my heart in a knot: I absolutely fell in love with these characters and world. I couldn’t put this book down from start to finish.
This book doesn’t even need spice (there is a tiny sprinkle) because the characters and plot stand on their own.
Isolde is compassionate, witty, brilliant, and her one liners kill me. She is kind to those who deserve it and cut throat to those who threaten her or her family. The found family is layered in so thick and it brings my heart so much joy.
If you love YA Fantasy you absolutely have to read this gender bent Robin Hood retelling. It’s AMAZING
September 21, 2023
3.5 stars
Thank you to the author for a gifted audiobook.
I’LL READ THE SECOND.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Audio notes: I loved the audio! The narrator was great. And I think that really helped my overall enjoyment of the book.
I was very intrigued by the gender bend on Robin Hood and liked how it played out. There’s some great action, lots of politicking and some dark evil. Isolde was a FMC you wanted to root for and I liked seeing her strength and determination to right wrongs.
The romance didn’t really set me swooning. It was a relationship already formed and that left me in the dust for catching up on the chemistry. I am genuinely curious where it’ll go in book two now that events have occurred. There’s room for a solid build.
I felt like the plot meandered and in the middle especially. I kept waiting for different aspects of the story to move, or for even sub-plots to get a little more shine. I still have plans to read book two and see the progression. I do think the writing was wonderful and the potential is here.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 2-3 open; low-moderate explicit
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of sexual assault and rape, kidnapping children, assault, murder, near death experiences, weapons violence
Thank you to the author for a gifted audiobook.
I’LL READ THE SECOND.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Audio notes: I loved the audio! The narrator was great. And I think that really helped my overall enjoyment of the book.
I was very intrigued by the gender bend on Robin Hood and liked how it played out. There’s some great action, lots of politicking and some dark evil. Isolde was a FMC you wanted to root for and I liked seeing her strength and determination to right wrongs.
The romance didn’t really set me swooning. It was a relationship already formed and that left me in the dust for catching up on the chemistry. I am genuinely curious where it’ll go in book two now that events have occurred. There’s room for a solid build.
I felt like the plot meandered and in the middle especially. I kept waiting for different aspects of the story to move, or for even sub-plots to get a little more shine. I still have plans to read book two and see the progression. I do think the writing was wonderful and the potential is here.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 2-3 open; low-moderate explicit
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of sexual assault and rape, kidnapping children, assault, murder, near death experiences, weapons violence
March 29, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ This had so much potential to be a 5 star read for me, but it fell just a little flat. The beginning moved soooo slowly and the world building was a little vague. Our FMC was a badass that didn't take shit from anyone and while that's great, it was overdone in some parts to the point of annoyance almost. I appreciated her work and what she did for her country and I really loved her friend group. There was little to no romance but the end of the book hinted at 2 different directions the romance could head in. The book ended on a cliffhanger that was exciting enough that I'll probably pick up book 2.
August 15, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Kris, I’m so proud of you for this and simultaneously want to fight you. The story was gripping and i couldn’t seem to stop reading. But my feelings were hurt so many times.
Isolde is ONE OF THE BADDEST BITCHES IN THE GAME!!!!
Can’t wait to pick up book 2!!!
Kris, I’m so proud of you for this and simultaneously want to fight you. The story was gripping and i couldn’t seem to stop reading. But my feelings were hurt so many times.
Isolde is ONE OF THE BADDEST BITCHES IN THE GAME!!!!
Can’t wait to pick up book 2!!!
February 12, 2024
4.25 stars, 0.5 spice (small tiny amount of fade to black)
"Sometimes the only thing a monster fears...is another monster. There will be a time when Arnoria will need a hero. One not soaked in blood, dressed as a nightmare, and stained with death. but not now. Now...it needs a villain"
A Gender bend Robin hood retelling with heists, political intrigue, found family, fated mates (our FMC hasn't found hers yet but I know it's going to be so good when she does), Epic Fantasy, and Secret Societies.
Thank you so much to Kristen M. Long and The Nerd Fam for sending me a physical ARC!
It has been a long time since I have been blown away with an ARC and this book delivered!
If you love how badass Celeana Sardothian but wish she used her talents to directly help those are who are oppressed, and wish she was an adult you will love this.
Isolde, our FMC ‘The Hood’, is a masked vigilante who is fighting to protect Humans. By day she is heir to Thornwood and must keep up political appearances, trying to protect her people, without dooming them by being labeled a sympathizer.
She has a whole cadre of thieves and assassins, they make up this beautiful found family. Kristen did a great job giving each of these characters clear backstories and personalities. And it follows many of their POVs. And unlike most multi-POV books, I LOVED every single one. She switched between them at the right times and they were always interesting and exciting.
The magic and beings in this world are so cool. The magical people (similar to a fae) are called Virya, there are Virya, half-virya and humans. All of the magic is elemental, but the way it is written and how the elements are used is unique and unexpected.
I love the way Kristen M. Long writes fantasy. It is accessible but it works perfectly with the nature of the world (example describing a man with tattoos. 'his tunic stood in stark contrast to his deep, russet skin. Vines and names of the dead ran along the chiseled lines of his muscles in deep, black remembrance')
This book had very very very minimal romance. I have a feeling we will see more in future books, but as someone who reads almost exclusively romance this book kept me engaged, and I didn't even miss it. I am so excited to continue this series and see how the world expands. There are so many great subplots and I just know Isolde is going to rain hell in the next book.
“If they call you anything, let them call you thief of sorrows. That is what you are. You steal away pain and give something far greater in return…Hope.”
*also this is her DEBUT NOVEL, are you kidding me?! So good
"Sometimes the only thing a monster fears...is another monster. There will be a time when Arnoria will need a hero. One not soaked in blood, dressed as a nightmare, and stained with death. but not now. Now...it needs a villain"
A Gender bend Robin hood retelling with heists, political intrigue, found family, fated mates (our FMC hasn't found hers yet but I know it's going to be so good when she does), Epic Fantasy, and Secret Societies.
Thank you so much to Kristen M. Long and The Nerd Fam for sending me a physical ARC!
It has been a long time since I have been blown away with an ARC and this book delivered!
If you love how badass Celeana Sardothian but wish she used her talents to directly help those are who are oppressed, and wish she was an adult you will love this.
Isolde, our FMC ‘The Hood’, is a masked vigilante who is fighting to protect Humans. By day she is heir to Thornwood and must keep up political appearances, trying to protect her people, without dooming them by being labeled a sympathizer.
She has a whole cadre of thieves and assassins, they make up this beautiful found family. Kristen did a great job giving each of these characters clear backstories and personalities. And it follows many of their POVs. And unlike most multi-POV books, I LOVED every single one. She switched between them at the right times and they were always interesting and exciting.
The magic and beings in this world are so cool. The magical people (similar to a fae) are called Virya, there are Virya, half-virya and humans. All of the magic is elemental, but the way it is written and how the elements are used is unique and unexpected.
I love the way Kristen M. Long writes fantasy. It is accessible but it works perfectly with the nature of the world (example describing a man with tattoos. 'his tunic stood in stark contrast to his deep, russet skin. Vines and names of the dead ran along the chiseled lines of his muscles in deep, black remembrance')
This book had very very very minimal romance. I have a feeling we will see more in future books, but as someone who reads almost exclusively romance this book kept me engaged, and I didn't even miss it. I am so excited to continue this series and see how the world expands. There are so many great subplots and I just know Isolde is going to rain hell in the next book.
“If they call you anything, let them call you thief of sorrows. That is what you are. You steal away pain and give something far greater in return…Hope.”
*also this is her DEBUT NOVEL, are you kidding me?! So good
February 12, 2023
I've been quite eager to read this one, now after 40 % I lack the spirit to go on.
The storyline has much potential, but that's it.
There are so many points being especially mysterious, but with time it's just annoying how much is hinted at but never explained. I felt like reading but not gaining anything.
Then I don't quite know why so much people here say there's slow burn romance, because I couldn't find any real romance at all.
Furthermore I don't really get a connection to the characters, the FMC might have the potential but up until now I more often roll my eyes at her than cheering on her.
It's quite often repeated that she's nearly losing control of whatever is never explained, and wanting to kill or hurt, and her most trusted to think everything she's doing to be shitty and stupid.
Then there's the point of her talking every few minutes about her dead lover, but then suddenly there is another guy showing up with whom she's madly in love since a long time
And last but not least, I'm now native speaker but even I read many typos and some strange grammar here and there.
Maybe I'm going to finish it when there is a second book which is promising to be more fulfilling.
The storyline has much potential, but that's it.
There are so many points being especially mysterious, but with time it's just annoying how much is hinted at but never explained. I felt like reading but not gaining anything.
Then I don't quite know why so much people here say there's slow burn romance, because I couldn't find any real romance at all.
Furthermore I don't really get a connection to the characters, the FMC might have the potential but up until now I more often roll my eyes at her than cheering on her.
It's quite often repeated that she's nearly losing control of whatever is never explained, and wanting to kill or hurt, and her most trusted to think everything she's doing to be shitty and stupid.
Then there's the point of her talking every few minutes about her dead lover, but then suddenly there is another guy showing up with whom she's madly in love since a long time
And last but not least, I'm now native speaker but even I read many typos and some strange grammar here and there.
Maybe I'm going to finish it when there is a second book which is promising to be more fulfilling.
February 24, 2024
4⭐️
2🌶
What a solid start to a new series. If you are a fan of Robin Hood and Throne of Glass you will really enjoy this book. The best comparison that I couldn't stop thinking about is the Disney version of Robin Hood but instead of talking animals there are people who can turn into animals.
The magic system and world building were pretty great. I thought it was really cool that the elemental magic seemed to be connected to what kind of animal the people could transform into. For example, if someone had air magic they could transform into a bird. This is at least my understanding of the magic system.
I really liked the MFC. Who doesn't love a badass who can fight for themselves and can be witty at the same time.
My only critique would have to be knowing which POV you are reading. I listened to the audiobook and there never was a clear indication of which POV I was on. So it kind of took me out of the story trying to figure out which character the chapter was about.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the sequel.
2🌶
What a solid start to a new series. If you are a fan of Robin Hood and Throne of Glass you will really enjoy this book. The best comparison that I couldn't stop thinking about is the Disney version of Robin Hood but instead of talking animals there are people who can turn into animals.
The magic system and world building were pretty great. I thought it was really cool that the elemental magic seemed to be connected to what kind of animal the people could transform into. For example, if someone had air magic they could transform into a bird. This is at least my understanding of the magic system.
I really liked the MFC. Who doesn't love a badass who can fight for themselves and can be witty at the same time.
My only critique would have to be knowing which POV you are reading. I listened to the audiobook and there never was a clear indication of which POV I was on. So it kind of took me out of the story trying to figure out which character the chapter was about.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the sequel.
January 17, 2023
4/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
Tropes:
-Gender bend Robin Hood Retelling
-Found Family
-Morally Grey FMC
-Secret Societies
-Magic Systems
-Slow Burn
-3rd person POV
”I do not bow to fear, it bows to me.”
This was an epic fantasy! It had great world building and character development. This books has Minimal romance but A-LOT of action!
1/5 🌶️
Tropes:
-Gender bend Robin Hood Retelling
-Found Family
-Morally Grey FMC
-Secret Societies
-Magic Systems
-Slow Burn
-3rd person POV
”I do not bow to fear, it bows to me.”
This was an epic fantasy! It had great world building and character development. This books has Minimal romance but A-LOT of action!
Read
July 3, 2023DNF at 1% because you know how you can glean how the rest of the book is going to read by the simple narrative style and amateur dialogue?
This.
This.
August 9, 2023
Loved this one!! Cannot wait for book two 😱 the audiobook version was fantastic!
April 6, 2025
It's good
September 30, 2023
3.5 stars
February 15, 2024
4.5
I absolutely loved this book!! It was so action packed, I can’t wait to continue the story!
I absolutely loved this book!! It was so action packed, I can’t wait to continue the story!
January 18, 2023
“I do not bow to fear, it bows to me.”
Thief of Sorrows is a lovely fantasy debut that is down right addicting.
The story follows Isolde, the Heir of Thornwood manor who doubles as The Hood, who fights for the people who cannot fight for themselves. Isolde and her friends are on a mission to stop the abuse of humans and half bloods. This is a gender swapped Robin Hood retelling and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s full of found family, action, heists, plotting, political games, and a well thought out magic system.
The world is made up of humans, halfbloods, and Virya—beings with abilities like morphing into beasts or having the ability to control the elements. But the Virya who can transform don’t always because they can lose themselves to the animal. Isolde is Virya and I really enjoyed discovering the magic she has and how she uses it. I look forward to learning more about the magic system and world in the next book in the series.
Isolde is a badass. I appreciated that she was older and had years of training and was already a strong brutal warrior instead of having a young FMC learn to fight in a few months and suddenly be better than those who had trained for years and were seasoned warriors. She is a feisty person who struggles to hold her tongue in the face of injustice and she fights to give the people of her kingdom the best lives they can have. I really enjoyed her as a character and understood her emotions and actions. She is somewhat morally grey when it comes to protecting the people she cares about, but she doesn’t like killing.
I adored the found family in this book. Isolde has saved people and made them her family, and they double as a team of thieves and assassins who help The Hood protect the innocent and helpless. I enjoyed getting to know each one of them and the dynamic between the group. I wholeheartedly loved the relationship that Isolde and Malaki have. He’s a friend and father figured wrapped in one and he’s so protective of her it’s adorable.
The way this book enraptured me was a pleasant surprise. I was living for the heists and missions Isolde and Co went on during this book and the action kept me turning the pages. The political intrigue and games captivated me and it was interesting to see how Isolde used the knowledge she learned as the Heir to her advantage when she poses as The Hood. The villains in this book are truly despicable and I can’t wait until they get what they deserve.
I am truly excited for the next book and for the new places it will take us. While there isn’t a lot of romance in the book, I’m excited for the prospects in the next book in the series as the author said there will be increasing spice and romance over the course of the series.
Things to expect:
✨Gender swapped Robin Hood
✨Multi POV
✨Found family
✨Heists
✨Political intrigue
✨Morally grey FMC
✨Shifter-based magic system
Thief of Sorrows is a lovely fantasy debut that is down right addicting.
The story follows Isolde, the Heir of Thornwood manor who doubles as The Hood, who fights for the people who cannot fight for themselves. Isolde and her friends are on a mission to stop the abuse of humans and half bloods. This is a gender swapped Robin Hood retelling and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s full of found family, action, heists, plotting, political games, and a well thought out magic system.
The world is made up of humans, halfbloods, and Virya—beings with abilities like morphing into beasts or having the ability to control the elements. But the Virya who can transform don’t always because they can lose themselves to the animal. Isolde is Virya and I really enjoyed discovering the magic she has and how she uses it. I look forward to learning more about the magic system and world in the next book in the series.
Isolde is a badass. I appreciated that she was older and had years of training and was already a strong brutal warrior instead of having a young FMC learn to fight in a few months and suddenly be better than those who had trained for years and were seasoned warriors. She is a feisty person who struggles to hold her tongue in the face of injustice and she fights to give the people of her kingdom the best lives they can have. I really enjoyed her as a character and understood her emotions and actions. She is somewhat morally grey when it comes to protecting the people she cares about, but she doesn’t like killing.
I adored the found family in this book. Isolde has saved people and made them her family, and they double as a team of thieves and assassins who help The Hood protect the innocent and helpless. I enjoyed getting to know each one of them and the dynamic between the group. I wholeheartedly loved the relationship that Isolde and Malaki have. He’s a friend and father figured wrapped in one and he’s so protective of her it’s adorable.
The way this book enraptured me was a pleasant surprise. I was living for the heists and missions Isolde and Co went on during this book and the action kept me turning the pages. The political intrigue and games captivated me and it was interesting to see how Isolde used the knowledge she learned as the Heir to her advantage when she poses as The Hood. The villains in this book are truly despicable and I can’t wait until they get what they deserve.
I am truly excited for the next book and for the new places it will take us. While there isn’t a lot of romance in the book, I’m excited for the prospects in the next book in the series as the author said there will be increasing spice and romance over the course of the series.
Things to expect:
✨Gender swapped Robin Hood
✨Multi POV
✨Found family
✨Heists
✨Political intrigue
✨Morally grey FMC
✨Shifter-based magic system
March 27, 2023
A badass female Robinhood retelling?! 🩵🏹😈🖤 Say less!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars. .5🌶
Thank you, Kristen and Nerd Fam, for letting me be a part of the ARC team!
I fell in love with Isolde on page one. Who doesn't love a morally great FMC?! AND The third-person POV was done so well that I truly enjoyed every side story. I haven't read a book written this well in third-person POVs by multiple different characters since Throne of Glass!
The world and magic system is amazing! Multiple Animal Shifter and Fae! If you love amazing world building, Found Family, Heists, Badass FMC, and a Slow burn (That I have the highest hopes for in book 2 😉), then you need to read this book!
**UPDATE. THE Audiobook is also amazing!!!
I truly enjoyed reading this book and the journey it took me one and can not wait to see what happens in Book 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars. .5🌶
Thank you, Kristen and Nerd Fam, for letting me be a part of the ARC team!
I fell in love with Isolde on page one. Who doesn't love a morally great FMC?! AND The third-person POV was done so well that I truly enjoyed every side story. I haven't read a book written this well in third-person POVs by multiple different characters since Throne of Glass!
The world and magic system is amazing! Multiple Animal Shifter and Fae! If you love amazing world building, Found Family, Heists, Badass FMC, and a Slow burn (That I have the highest hopes for in book 2 😉), then you need to read this book!
**UPDATE. THE Audiobook is also amazing!!!
I truly enjoyed reading this book and the journey it took me one and can not wait to see what happens in Book 2!
January 30, 2024
Thief of Sorrows is a gender-bend Robin Hood retelling that follows an amazing FMC - Isolde. Isolde is a ruthless vigilante who takes unthinkable risks to protect her people. The world in this story is made up of humans and Virya- magical beings. The magic system in this book is made up of shifters who have elemental magic - earth, wind, water, and fire. There are Virya who believe humans are lesser beings.
This epic fantasy contains great world building, heists, fated-mates, found family feels, adventure, and slow burn romance. There is minimal spice/romance in this first book but it has potential to grow.
Thief of Sorrows is the first book of a series. I couldn’t stop reading. Isolde is such an easy character to love and the story moves really quickly with action at every turn.
This epic fantasy contains great world building, heists, fated-mates, found family feels, adventure, and slow burn romance. There is minimal spice/romance in this first book but it has potential to grow.
Thief of Sorrows is the first book of a series. I couldn’t stop reading. Isolde is such an easy character to love and the story moves really quickly with action at every turn.
January 17, 2023
Wow! This Robin Hood gender bend retelling blew me away! Also I love the magic in this book! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book of the series!
Isolde is a morally gray character who is tired of humans being treated poorly by those with powers. She spends most of her time dressed up as the vigilante known as The Hood. Isolde and her friends work together to save the humans and steal from the rich.
If you love:
-Magic
-Fantasy
-Morally Gray female characters
You will love Thief of Sorrows!
Isolde is a morally gray character who is tired of humans being treated poorly by those with powers. She spends most of her time dressed up as the vigilante known as The Hood. Isolde and her friends work together to save the humans and steal from the rich.
If you love:
-Magic
-Fantasy
-Morally Gray female characters
You will love Thief of Sorrows!
January 15, 2023
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ARC!
This book exceeded all of my expectations!!! Gender bent Robin Hood with a morally grey FMC. The writing in this book is phenomenal, the characters are AMAZING and the magic system, plot, and world are so interesting. I cannot wait to explore it more as the series continues!!! Isolde is such a badass, I love her cadre so much and Nan is just absolutely precious 🥹 definitely recommend this book!!!
This book exceeded all of my expectations!!! Gender bent Robin Hood with a morally grey FMC. The writing in this book is phenomenal, the characters are AMAZING and the magic system, plot, and world are so interesting. I cannot wait to explore it more as the series continues!!! Isolde is such a badass, I love her cadre so much and Nan is just absolutely precious 🥹 definitely recommend this book!!!
November 28, 2023
If you love epic fantasy you’re going to love this book! I’m so excited to read more in this series and see where it all goes. This was an amazing debut novel and I loved how original it was. It’s a fantasy Robin Hood retelling with a flip, the main female character is Robin Hood. It’s a slow burn with so much depth and intrigue. I can’t wait for the next one!
February 27, 2023
I really liked the magic system in the book. I wish there was a little more. The plot was good. Why is the main character so important to other people? Why is she so special? I really liked this book and I am waiting on the next one.
May 18, 2023
DNF at 37% - giving this 2 🌟 because it's possible the story gets better. But there's not enough world building or character background/information for you to get an understanding of what's going on.
August 27, 2024
Super slow paced but once I got to the the end I couldn't put it down and now I'm dying to read the second one.
March 13, 2024
If you want a fierce, brave, kicks FMC this is the book for you. But I warn do not go into this book thinking it is a romantasy, it is very much a fantasy book first.
This was a plot that had me in its claws, and put me through emotions. The author was able to build a world that I fell for quickly and hard, I felt like I was right there with the characters feeling everything they felt.
I know that book 2 will have my head spinning, with no idea what to expect.
This was a plot that had me in its claws, and put me through emotions. The author was able to build a world that I fell for quickly and hard, I felt like I was right there with the characters feeling everything they felt.
I know that book 2 will have my head spinning, with no idea what to expect.
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