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Thieves #2
Thick as Thieves
Ryia Cautella, a.k.a. the Butcher of Carrowick, and her motley crew have succeeded in the ultimate heist…with the most dire possible consequences. A terrifyingly powerful tool has fallen into the hands of Callum Clem, the criminal leader of the Saints, who was already one of the most dangerous men alive. With the newfound ability to force magic-wielding Adepts to his will, he is unstoppable.
With their group scattered throughout the five kingdoms of Thamorr—and not all on the same side of the fight—things seem hopeless. But can Ryia get the gang back together for one last job? Or will chess-worthy power plays and shifting loyalties change Thamorr as they know it?
With their group scattered throughout the five kingdoms of Thamorr—and not all on the same side of the fight—things seem hopeless. But can Ryia get the gang back together for one last job? Or will chess-worthy power plays and shifting loyalties change Thamorr as they know it?
374 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2023
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4821 people want to read
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March 24, 2023Oof. Right in the gut. My heart…
Full-er review:
A total gut punch of an ending, and much darker than I expected/remembered from the first, though given the way the magic works, that's not a surprise. It still held all of the heart and humor that roped me into the first book, and I loved the characters just as much this time around, especially as they grew or stagnated and dealt with the consequences of the past and present actions. A worthy conclusion.
Also I'm glad a certain pair finally worked their shit out... ;)
Definitely give this dark heist duology a go.
Full-er review:
A total gut punch of an ending, and much darker than I expected/remembered from the first, though given the way the magic works, that's not a surprise. It still held all of the heart and humor that roped me into the first book, and I loved the characters just as much this time around, especially as they grew or stagnated and dealt with the consequences of the past and present actions. A worthy conclusion.
Also I'm glad a certain pair finally worked their shit out... ;)
Definitely give this dark heist duology a go.
August 28, 2023
This review was originally posted on Before We Go Blog
4.5 stars
Thick as Thieves is the much-anticipated sequel to the dark heist fantasy Among Thieves, and closes out the Thieves duology with an absolute bang. It’s bigger, better, grittier, and more gut wrenching in every single way imaginable, making this the beautifully bittersweet finale that this series needed and deserved.
Our favourite motley crew of morally grey misfits made a bit of a mess of their last mission, and now they have to deal with the fallout of all their betrayals, screw-ups, and questionable actions.
Once again, they find themselves reluctantly having to work together to do some fucked up shit for a somewhat noble cause. Not really because they are heroes, but mostly because it just so happens that all their selfish ambitions align with their common goal. And with that recipe for disaster, we kick off another gritty heist adventure full of action, magic, secrets, betrayals, and plenty of dark humour.
I already really enjoyed the first book in this duology, but this sequel truly just took everything that was good from book 1 and cranked it up to eleven.
The pacing remains quick and engaging, but Kuhn also weaves in a lot more character development and skillfully expands the world in exciting ways, which makes this a very satisfying and perfectly well-balanced book.
My favourite part of coming back to this series was reconnecting with these endearing yet morally ambiguous characters who are way too cynical and sarcastic for their own good. We dive way deeper into their (often tragic) backstories, which not only strengthens the character development, but also expands the world as we learn about their different cultural backgrounds and upbringings.
I think Ryia still remains the true main protagonist of this story, but all the other POV characters, more minor secondary characters, and antagonists also get a lot more fleshed out. Each of them has a compelling journey to follow and I really liked how everyone’s morality and sense of loyalty is tested beyond belief in this story. They all make decisions that make you want to smack them in the face, but that is exactly why I love them so much.
The interpersonal relationships in this series are also so beautifully human and painfully messy, and I really appreciate how we get to explore sensitive themes of loyalty, trust, sexuality, and family through those complicated dynamics. Especially the slow-burn sapphic love story between Evelyn and Ryia ended up being one of my favourite dynamics in this series, and I totally wouldn’t mind an entire spin-off series just following them on whatever adventures they go on next.
I also liked that there are multiple surprising friendship/family reunions and some unexpected losses in this book that hit me harder than I was anticipating, which just goes to show how effective and emotionally engaging the character work is.
Now, one of my major complaints about book 1 was that I felt like the world building and magic system left me a bit wanting, but Kuhn absolutely delivered on that here.
I was so surprised to discover how well thought-out this magic system actually is and loved learning about all the lore and history behind the origin of the Adept magic.
Also, I think it was also a really smart decision to start the story off with the characters scattered all over the five kingdoms of Thamorr, as this naturally opened up the world and gave much more insight into the different political factions that are at play here.
This is not an insanely long book and there are a lot of moving parts, yet Kuhn somehow juggled them all masterfully and wove everything together into one satisfying and cohesive narrative. All the seemingly separate story threads end up being interconnected in some way and I loved how one minor decision could end up having major rippling effects throughout everyone’s lives and also the wider world as a whole. The stakes are truly sky-high, the tension is riveting, and all the (magical) action scenes are incredibly cinematic and thrilling, which made this book simply unputdownable from start to finish.
Overall, I think that Thick as Thieves is a very worthy and successful follow-up to an already incredibly brilliant debut. I like that this duology wraps up this main plot and gives the characters enough closure to satisfy the readers, yet also leaves open some threads to pursue if the author decides to come back to this world, which I would be 100% on-board for.
If you want an entertaining and edge of your seat high fantasy heist story with a cast of morally grey characters that you can root for, excellent banter, cutthroat political intrigue, brutal back stabbings and betrayals, a well thought-out magic system, some nice seafaring sequences, a touch of slow-burn (queer) romance, and plenty of bittersweet emotional gut punches, then you have to read the Thieves duology!
4.5 stars
Thick as Thieves is the much-anticipated sequel to the dark heist fantasy Among Thieves, and closes out the Thieves duology with an absolute bang. It’s bigger, better, grittier, and more gut wrenching in every single way imaginable, making this the beautifully bittersweet finale that this series needed and deserved.
Our favourite motley crew of morally grey misfits made a bit of a mess of their last mission, and now they have to deal with the fallout of all their betrayals, screw-ups, and questionable actions.
Once again, they find themselves reluctantly having to work together to do some fucked up shit for a somewhat noble cause. Not really because they are heroes, but mostly because it just so happens that all their selfish ambitions align with their common goal. And with that recipe for disaster, we kick off another gritty heist adventure full of action, magic, secrets, betrayals, and plenty of dark humour.
I already really enjoyed the first book in this duology, but this sequel truly just took everything that was good from book 1 and cranked it up to eleven.
The pacing remains quick and engaging, but Kuhn also weaves in a lot more character development and skillfully expands the world in exciting ways, which makes this a very satisfying and perfectly well-balanced book.
My favourite part of coming back to this series was reconnecting with these endearing yet morally ambiguous characters who are way too cynical and sarcastic for their own good. We dive way deeper into their (often tragic) backstories, which not only strengthens the character development, but also expands the world as we learn about their different cultural backgrounds and upbringings.
I think Ryia still remains the true main protagonist of this story, but all the other POV characters, more minor secondary characters, and antagonists also get a lot more fleshed out. Each of them has a compelling journey to follow and I really liked how everyone’s morality and sense of loyalty is tested beyond belief in this story. They all make decisions that make you want to smack them in the face, but that is exactly why I love them so much.
The interpersonal relationships in this series are also so beautifully human and painfully messy, and I really appreciate how we get to explore sensitive themes of loyalty, trust, sexuality, and family through those complicated dynamics. Especially the slow-burn sapphic love story between Evelyn and Ryia ended up being one of my favourite dynamics in this series, and I totally wouldn’t mind an entire spin-off series just following them on whatever adventures they go on next.
I also liked that there are multiple surprising friendship/family reunions and some unexpected losses in this book that hit me harder than I was anticipating, which just goes to show how effective and emotionally engaging the character work is.
Now, one of my major complaints about book 1 was that I felt like the world building and magic system left me a bit wanting, but Kuhn absolutely delivered on that here.
I was so surprised to discover how well thought-out this magic system actually is and loved learning about all the lore and history behind the origin of the Adept magic.
Also, I think it was also a really smart decision to start the story off with the characters scattered all over the five kingdoms of Thamorr, as this naturally opened up the world and gave much more insight into the different political factions that are at play here.
This is not an insanely long book and there are a lot of moving parts, yet Kuhn somehow juggled them all masterfully and wove everything together into one satisfying and cohesive narrative. All the seemingly separate story threads end up being interconnected in some way and I loved how one minor decision could end up having major rippling effects throughout everyone’s lives and also the wider world as a whole. The stakes are truly sky-high, the tension is riveting, and all the (magical) action scenes are incredibly cinematic and thrilling, which made this book simply unputdownable from start to finish.
Overall, I think that Thick as Thieves is a very worthy and successful follow-up to an already incredibly brilliant debut. I like that this duology wraps up this main plot and gives the characters enough closure to satisfy the readers, yet also leaves open some threads to pursue if the author decides to come back to this world, which I would be 100% on-board for.
If you want an entertaining and edge of your seat high fantasy heist story with a cast of morally grey characters that you can root for, excellent banter, cutthroat political intrigue, brutal back stabbings and betrayals, a well thought-out magic system, some nice seafaring sequences, a touch of slow-burn (queer) romance, and plenty of bittersweet emotional gut punches, then you have to read the Thieves duology!
December 30, 2024
Another enjoyable tale of hijinks and thievery. At first, I thought this might end up as a bit of a replay of the first book, with the same objective and just a different heist, but it (thankfully) turned out to be much more than that.
I really liked the extra levels of worldbuilding and character work in here, and new characters coming in were a good accompaniment to the existing cast, too.
Some nice new developments made for some really interesting infiltration scenes and I like how we have a main character with some pretty impressive powers, but who is by no means invincible. This goes for characters with Adept powers on the “other side” as well, so it’s good to see that it’s consistent.
I also like how you have a bunch of the most untrustworthy people all trusting each other again and again, despite prior experiences, and then wondering how they have been betrayed once more. It sounds ridiculous, but the storytelling is good enough to make it believable that a character might have changed after all, even if there’s always going to be that niggling doubt about them so it’s not really a surprise when the double-double-cross comes in.
I really liked the extra levels of worldbuilding and character work in here, and new characters coming in were a good accompaniment to the existing cast, too.
Some nice new developments made for some really interesting infiltration scenes and I like how we have a main character with some pretty impressive powers, but who is by no means invincible. This goes for characters with Adept powers on the “other side” as well, so it’s good to see that it’s consistent.
I also like how you have a bunch of the most untrustworthy people all trusting each other again and again, despite prior experiences, and then wondering how they have been betrayed once more. It sounds ridiculous, but the storytelling is good enough to make it believable that a character might have changed after all, even if there’s always going to be that niggling doubt about them so it’s not really a surprise when the double-double-cross comes in.
August 30, 2023
This was without question my most anticipated release of the year. Two years ago M.J Kuhn's debut novel, Among Thieves, was a much needed respite from life being an utter bastard to me and mine so I was overjoyed to hear a conclusion was coming.
*** Before I continue I'm assuming you've read the aforementioned Among Thieves. If not then read it and come back to this review afterwards***
Set mere months after the events of book 1 the crew are scattered along the kingdoms of Thamorr, all in different predicaments and with their own motivations still very much at the forefront of their minds. This time around the multiple perspectives used to tell the story feel even more important as not everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. It's not always easy to agree with their actions but they do a fine job of justifying them, if only to themselves.
Everything you may have wanted expanding on in book 1 is here. The world opens up exponentially and the magic is given a much greater explanation, both in terms of usage and history. I love it when an author adds more lore to a world so that it feels fleshed out and read and here M.J Kuhn delivered in spades.
Among Thieves was a fun romp, plenty of action, but on the whole fun. Thick as Thieves has a much darker tone, which is understandable given the situation. There's still banter between characters but it's a lot more subdued. Danger always feels a moment away and some of the things the characters go through is a lot more brutal than their first outing. I also particularly appreciated the exploration of free will / slaves and who has the right to decide a group of people's fate.
This was everything I wanted from the sequel, more insane ideas, more scheming, more wonderful character moments and a lot of twists and turns. Some characters I loved and some I outright hated but all left an impression on me.
One last thing, this was most certainly the conclusion to the story the author was telling, however, it felt like there are more stories to be told in this world. I truly hope this isn't the final time we see stories set here
*** Before I continue I'm assuming you've read the aforementioned Among Thieves. If not then read it and come back to this review afterwards***
Set mere months after the events of book 1 the crew are scattered along the kingdoms of Thamorr, all in different predicaments and with their own motivations still very much at the forefront of their minds. This time around the multiple perspectives used to tell the story feel even more important as not everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. It's not always easy to agree with their actions but they do a fine job of justifying them, if only to themselves.
Everything you may have wanted expanding on in book 1 is here. The world opens up exponentially and the magic is given a much greater explanation, both in terms of usage and history. I love it when an author adds more lore to a world so that it feels fleshed out and read and here M.J Kuhn delivered in spades.
Among Thieves was a fun romp, plenty of action, but on the whole fun. Thick as Thieves has a much darker tone, which is understandable given the situation. There's still banter between characters but it's a lot more subdued. Danger always feels a moment away and some of the things the characters go through is a lot more brutal than their first outing. I also particularly appreciated the exploration of free will / slaves and who has the right to decide a group of people's fate.
This was everything I wanted from the sequel, more insane ideas, more scheming, more wonderful character moments and a lot of twists and turns. Some characters I loved and some I outright hated but all left an impression on me.
One last thing, this was most certainly the conclusion to the story the author was telling, however, it felt like there are more stories to be told in this world. I truly hope this isn't the final time we see stories set here
August 11, 2023
I absolutely DEVOURED this thing! Couldn’t finish it fast enough. 😍
Bravo, to MJ Kuhn. 👏👏👏 I am so excited to see what you dream up next!
Bravo, to MJ Kuhn. 👏👏👏 I am so excited to see what you dream up next!
July 26, 2023
I just finished Thick as Thieves by M J Kuhn and all I can ask is how this was the END of the duology??
Spoilers ahead:
It just feels like the ending was written with the idea to have a King of Scars-like sequel. Which, I don't mínd, but I waited two years for this and now it feels like I have to wait even longer for an actual ending that might even never be published.
That being said, I really enjoyed the book.
All in all I'm still glad I purchased the book and I bingeread it in a few hours. It's a very fast-paced book and to me it never felt boring. I liked it more than part 1.
Spoilers ahead:
It just feels like the ending was written with the idea to have a King of Scars-like sequel. Which, I don't mínd, but I waited two years for this and now it feels like I have to wait even longer for an actual ending that might even never be published.
That being said, I really enjoyed the book.
All in all I'm still glad I purchased the book and I bingeread it in a few hours. It's a very fast-paced book and to me it never felt boring. I liked it more than part 1.
September 5, 2023
"'And did it ever occur to you that there are things I find more important than my own fucking freedom?'"
As a conclusion to a duology, this novel worked wonders. My chief complaints from the first title, Among Thieves, were that I wanted more with each point-of-view, and for the world to be fleshed out. And these were only really due to the shorter length. Thankfully, Thick as Thieves delivers on both accounts.
The ending to book one truly upended the world, and this novel makes a point to explore many new corners of the map to learn how things have been impacted. The nuances of the magic and its history were revealed to be more interesting than I imagined, and rather horrifying.
The big hook last time was that each member of our heist crew planned to betray the rest to fulfill their own goals. This time around, there's a bit more cohesion but it worked to make the betrayals more painful. Characters' actions have dire consequences in Thamorr.
If you like sinister magic and heists in your fantasy novels, I can't recommend these books, and the author, enough.
As a conclusion to a duology, this novel worked wonders. My chief complaints from the first title, Among Thieves, were that I wanted more with each point-of-view, and for the world to be fleshed out. And these were only really due to the shorter length. Thankfully, Thick as Thieves delivers on both accounts.
The ending to book one truly upended the world, and this novel makes a point to explore many new corners of the map to learn how things have been impacted. The nuances of the magic and its history were revealed to be more interesting than I imagined, and rather horrifying.
The big hook last time was that each member of our heist crew planned to betray the rest to fulfill their own goals. This time around, there's a bit more cohesion but it worked to make the betrayals more painful. Characters' actions have dire consequences in Thamorr.
If you like sinister magic and heists in your fantasy novels, I can't recommend these books, and the author, enough.
July 24, 2023
It’s a fun book two. The world building is solid and the characters interesting and well written, I also liked that the book ended solidly and could either be a stopping point or a place to launch future books from. I do like a nice genre classic of the scrappy underdogs out to stop evil not necessarily because it’s the righteous thing to do but rather for their own varying motives. Enjoyable author and I look forward to their third book whether in this world or a different one.
September 27, 2025
I have thoroughly enjoyed this duology — interesting cast of characters that I feel were tropey enough to be recognizable but still completely original.
My only spoiler-free qualm is that this book needs a map desperately!
My only spoiler-free qualm is that this book needs a map desperately!
June 3, 2024
4.5
I had a blast with this one. Just as fun and fast paced as the original with an epic story to boot.
I had a blast with this one. Just as fun and fast paced as the original with an epic story to boot.
May 4, 2023
Thick as Thieves is a brilliantly surprising edge-of-your-seat sequel filled with raw emotion and endless danger. This is one story that will bleed and embed itself into the very depths of your heart and soul. There is no running from these wickedly magnetic characters who find themselves caught up in a vicious plot of selfish ambition. Your heart will sour at their triumphs and plummet at their near misses. Truly, there is a never a dull moment, and once you start this story, you are utterly compelled to see it through.
Ryia has fought tooth and nail for the life she had found. It wasn't perfect, but it was hers. Now, that it is been decimated, she has a new goal. Driven to right the wrong that has been done to their world, she finds herself once again pulling together her old rag tag team of thieves, con men, pirates, and street rats to eliminate the deadliest threat in history or die trying. Can such a group of individuals get along long enough to agree on anything, or will their already frayed loyalties be too much to overcome? Only time and the heart can answer that question, but in the meantime new lines are drawn and what awaits them is a lion's so fierce and deadly it threatens to consume and incinerate them whole.
Within the pages of this book, we see a group of people that defies logic and have no business working together much knowing each other. Something beyond them has drawn them together for one last impossible mission, and we get the pleasure to observe on the sidelines the beauty of their madness and chaos. The heart knows the true worth and beauty of a person not our eyes and mind. If we let our heart lead us, this would be a much brighter and happier world.
M.J. Kuhn is a breathtaking author whose writing is both fascinatingly raw and breathtakingly magnificent. Her story speaks to me on a very visceral level and pulls forth deep and hidden emotions that leave me drained and invigorated. This is such a unique and vibrant tale that refuses to be ignored, and with each word we find ourselves endlessly challenged and delightfully encouraged to live, to change, to experience, and to feel.
Ryia has fought tooth and nail for the life she had found. It wasn't perfect, but it was hers. Now, that it is been decimated, she has a new goal. Driven to right the wrong that has been done to their world, she finds herself once again pulling together her old rag tag team of thieves, con men, pirates, and street rats to eliminate the deadliest threat in history or die trying. Can such a group of individuals get along long enough to agree on anything, or will their already frayed loyalties be too much to overcome? Only time and the heart can answer that question, but in the meantime new lines are drawn and what awaits them is a lion's so fierce and deadly it threatens to consume and incinerate them whole.
Within the pages of this book, we see a group of people that defies logic and have no business working together much knowing each other. Something beyond them has drawn them together for one last impossible mission, and we get the pleasure to observe on the sidelines the beauty of their madness and chaos. The heart knows the true worth and beauty of a person not our eyes and mind. If we let our heart lead us, this would be a much brighter and happier world.
M.J. Kuhn is a breathtaking author whose writing is both fascinatingly raw and breathtakingly magnificent. Her story speaks to me on a very visceral level and pulls forth deep and hidden emotions that leave me drained and invigorated. This is such a unique and vibrant tale that refuses to be ignored, and with each word we find ourselves endlessly challenged and delightfully encouraged to live, to change, to experience, and to feel.
July 23, 2023
The best type of sequel is one that displays the effects of the first greatly impacting everyone and everything iinside the narrative world we're returning to. The point of a story is to become a living thing, and as such its effects must be dramatic, logical and all-binding. Thick as Thieves is exactly this type of sequel. With the foundations laid in Book 1: Among Thieves, author MJ Kuhn is back with a running start starts the new story off by dropkicking the chaos switch, up-ending her world of Thamorr and shaking the lives of its fantastical inhabitants. We once again follow the Saintsof Carrowwick, now physically and politically divided into splinter cells, every member of which hoping to use their skills and knowledge to best the other in the quest to claim the power of the Quill, a mysterious weapon of mass-influence made to make or break entire kingdoms. Conversely, Ryia Cautella, our main figure of focus, finds herself isolated and trapped at the mercy of the famed mad king of Thamorr and must embark on her own adventure to rejoin up with her new-found family. Thick as Thieves is a swashbuckling thrill ride with confident action packed notes, a strong sense of identity and a wicked sense of humour to tie it all together. A perfect pick for fans of fantasy stories with a dark, rusted edge to them.
Want to read
May 15, 2022🚨 Among Thieves sequel!!🚨 Among Thieves sequel!!🚨
September 23, 2023
sophomore slump WHO this one was literally so good and probably better than the first damn!!
while i'd say the first 200 pages are absolutely Solid and an amazing, fast-paced adventure, there is a couple of hang ups i had from the climax to the end that i think i can attribute to her being a new writer (i.e. some plot repetition; missing chances to go deeper with characters, esp. at emotional moments) but i really adored this world and the characters and Riya was great and Clem was just like if Kaz was actually an evil, middle aged sob with no conscience and man i hated ******* so much by the end tbh, in a way where i am kinda pissed this is a duology bc wow there's so much more to the world to write why stop there?!!! felt like another book could EASILY come with ******* as the new villain in power and the repercusions of what happens at the end, and i feel like it would round out these characters better, rather than just leave them high and dry after all of that. anyways i flewww through this one and absolutely recommend to anyone who likes Six of Crows, cool ass magic systems, and thieving and pirates!! i think a good follow up to this would be Foundryside or Lies of Locke Lamora so let's see if i can get to those soon
while i'd say the first 200 pages are absolutely Solid and an amazing, fast-paced adventure, there is a couple of hang ups i had from the climax to the end that i think i can attribute to her being a new writer (i.e. some plot repetition; missing chances to go deeper with characters, esp. at emotional moments) but i really adored this world and the characters and Riya was great and Clem was just like if Kaz was actually an evil, middle aged sob with no conscience and man i hated ******* so much by the end tbh, in a way where i am kinda pissed this is a duology bc wow there's so much more to the world to write why stop there?!!! felt like another book could EASILY come with ******* as the new villain in power and the repercusions of what happens at the end, and i feel like it would round out these characters better, rather than just leave them high and dry after all of that. anyways i flewww through this one and absolutely recommend to anyone who likes Six of Crows, cool ass magic systems, and thieving and pirates!! i think a good follow up to this would be Foundryside or Lies of Locke Lamora so let's see if i can get to those soon
October 29, 2023
I adored the hell out of this book. I wish weren't as open-ended as it was towards the end. and The loss of a major character tore my heart. I was hoping for a third book and Needless to say, I'm an M.J.Kuhn fan for life.
June 23, 2024
The gang from the first book is back, including Nash, Ivan, and Ryia to name a few and some new characters enter the fold. We witness the results following the ending of first book, uncover new information about a few of the characters, and learn yo love or hate others.
This had a different feel than the previous instalment. The first was a bit more carefree with some humour and this had a more grim feel to it.
I do feel that this world could be expanded on so much more after the conclusion.
This had a different feel than the previous instalment. The first was a bit more carefree with some humour and this had a more grim feel to it.
I do feel that this world could be expanded on so much more after the conclusion.
June 9, 2024
Loved this just as much as the first book. Looking forward to whatever the author puts out next.
February 20, 2024
4.5
This was such a good sequel! Way better than the first one. There was only one thing that happened pretty fast -actually instantly - that didn't make sense to me, but other than that, I loved this. I loved the ending and the fact that this is a duology and the author decided to stop the story in a place that feels quite natural. The stakes are high, the characters follow their ideologies and there is a lot of action. I'm really glad I read this series.
This was such a good sequel! Way better than the first one. There was only one thing that happened pretty fast -actually instantly - that didn't make sense to me, but other than that, I loved this. I loved the ending and the fact that this is a duology and the author decided to stop the story in a place that feels quite natural. The stakes are high, the characters follow their ideologies and there is a lot of action. I'm really glad I read this series.
Read
April 22, 2023tl;dr
Recommended for anyone who wants gritty fantasy heists with high stakes and lots of backstabbing.
Thoughts
I've been looking forward to sinking my teeth into this sequel ever since I read the first book. There are a lot of stories that end on a "it's gonna be so big next time!" cliffhanger that don't always seem to quite hit the same highs, but this one very neatly ties a lot of the threads set up in the previous volume (BTW, these definitely need to be read in order). The blurb promises more gritty, and more gritty is what we get. Bigger fights, more drama, and a serious death toll. Just like the first book, expect lots of twists, conflicting intentions, and betrayal. There's definitely more relationship-building here, with a pairing that I've been cheering for actually getting their moment in the sun, which felt like a welcome bit of fresh air compared to how dark the rest of the book is. One of the new characters introduced is also a total badass delight. The ending is open-ended enough to leave room for future installments, but I'd also be satisfied to see the adventure end here.
Unfortunately, my favorite character
Overall, follows through on the first book pretty solidly, but I can't help but be mad about [name redacted].
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery books for an advance copy! All thoughts in this review are my own.
Recommended for anyone who wants gritty fantasy heists with high stakes and lots of backstabbing.
Thoughts
I've been looking forward to sinking my teeth into this sequel ever since I read the first book. There are a lot of stories that end on a "it's gonna be so big next time!" cliffhanger that don't always seem to quite hit the same highs, but this one very neatly ties a lot of the threads set up in the previous volume (BTW, these definitely need to be read in order). The blurb promises more gritty, and more gritty is what we get. Bigger fights, more drama, and a serious death toll. Just like the first book, expect lots of twists, conflicting intentions, and betrayal. There's definitely more relationship-building here, with a pairing that I've been cheering for actually getting their moment in the sun, which felt like a welcome bit of fresh air compared to how dark the rest of the book is. One of the new characters introduced is also a total badass delight. The ending is open-ended enough to leave room for future installments, but I'd also be satisfied to see the adventure end here.
Unfortunately, my favorite character
Overall, follows through on the first book pretty solidly, but I can't help but be mad about [name redacted].
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery books for an advance copy! All thoughts in this review are my own.
Want to read
June 5, 2022Looking forward to part 2!
April 3, 2024
:( .. i can’t wrap my head around that ending
September 7, 2023
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ＴＬＤＲ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 - ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ᴘʟᴏᴛ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 - ᴘᴀᴄɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ᴇɴᴅɪɴɢ
°
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ꜰɪɴᴀʟ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. Every bit as strong as the first, but bigger in scale, more ambitious in plot, and more than a little brutal in places. This rag-tag cast of characters is so much fun. Their relationships are complicated and their wants and fears are complex enough to keep each one interesting. There isn't a single POV I didn't enjoy returning to because, ultimately, they all feel like pieces of a whole. Take one away and the story wouldn't feel complete.
This is a remarkably quick read. It's a small book, but it packs a punch, with a speedy pace that carries the story along effortlessly yet never feels rushed. So much actually happens in this book without feeling crammed in.
This book is proof that fantasy books don't need to be 600+ pages to be good.
If anything, I'm a bit bummed this is only a duology. I'd definitely read more with these characters. I'm invested at this point and would follow them anywhere.
Full Review
Plot
Okay so I know this is the final book, but damn is that ending begging for a sequel. There are definitely some unresolved feelings regarding Tristen that I feel the characters really need to hash out with each other.
But regardless of whether we will ever see a return to this world and these characters, this was a thoroughly enjoyable book. Every bit as strong as the first, but bigger in scale, more ambitious in plot, and more than a little brutal in places.
After losing the quill in the first book, the chase is on to find it. I loved how the characters were initially in the dark, thinking they know the answer but being entirely wrong. I also loved how they weren't in the dark for too long. Just long enough to make the story interesting without making it an annoying wild goose chase.
Characters
This rag-tag cast of characters is so much fun. Each has their own unique skills, as is the way with heist books, everybody needs to bring something different to the table. Kuhn has created an excellent balance with all her characters. Despite being scattered at the start of the book and all working toward their own goals, each character is still very likeable. Their relationships are complicated and their wants and fears are complex enough to keep each one interesting. There isn't a single POV I didn't enjoy returning to because, ultimately, they all feel like pieces of a whole. Take one away and the story wouldn't feel complete.
It was great to see bonds strengthen and witness some of them grow closer. Particularly Riya and Evelyn. They had so many more tender, human moments with each other, opening up and being vulnerable. It was so lovely to watch things develop between them.
Setting
LOVED that we got to explore beyond Carrowick. Even though I do love a gritty, intimate city setting, there was something exciting about seeing further afield with these characters. So many didn't cities and countries were visited and each one felt like its own place and different to the others.
Writing Style
This is a remarkably quick read. I binged this pretty quickly, almost entirely in one sitting. It's a small book, but it packs a punch, with a speedy pace that carries the story along effortlessly yet never feels rushed.
So much actually happens in this book without feeling crammed in.
This book is proof that fantasy books don't need to be 600+ pages to be good. With basically no filler or fat, this is one of the tightest, leanest fantasy books you could hope to read.
And the writing quality is excellent. Solid writing that is detailed and rich without feeling try-hard. This book feels confident, like the author knew exactly what book they wanted to write, and did exactly that. It's incredibly clean in its delivery. (And I don't mean clean by a lack of profanity. There're plenty of fucks to go around thankfully)
Final Impression
If anything, I'm a bit bummed this is only a duology. I'd definitely read more with these characters. I'm invested at this point and would follow them anywhere.
Anyway, excellent book and a great conclusion to the series. Even though not everyone got the happiest of endings, the overall feeling it left me with was hope. Riya and the gang will be all right. They'll make their way one way or another
ＴＬＤＲ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 - ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ᴘʟᴏᴛ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 - ᴘᴀᴄɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ᴇɴᴅɪɴɢ
°
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ꜰɪɴᴀʟ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. Every bit as strong as the first, but bigger in scale, more ambitious in plot, and more than a little brutal in places. This rag-tag cast of characters is so much fun. Their relationships are complicated and their wants and fears are complex enough to keep each one interesting. There isn't a single POV I didn't enjoy returning to because, ultimately, they all feel like pieces of a whole. Take one away and the story wouldn't feel complete.
This is a remarkably quick read. It's a small book, but it packs a punch, with a speedy pace that carries the story along effortlessly yet never feels rushed. So much actually happens in this book without feeling crammed in.
This book is proof that fantasy books don't need to be 600+ pages to be good.
If anything, I'm a bit bummed this is only a duology. I'd definitely read more with these characters. I'm invested at this point and would follow them anywhere.
Full Review
Plot
Okay so I know this is the final book, but damn is that ending begging for a sequel. There are definitely some unresolved feelings regarding Tristen that I feel the characters really need to hash out with each other.
But regardless of whether we will ever see a return to this world and these characters, this was a thoroughly enjoyable book. Every bit as strong as the first, but bigger in scale, more ambitious in plot, and more than a little brutal in places.
After losing the quill in the first book, the chase is on to find it. I loved how the characters were initially in the dark, thinking they know the answer but being entirely wrong. I also loved how they weren't in the dark for too long. Just long enough to make the story interesting without making it an annoying wild goose chase.
Characters
This rag-tag cast of characters is so much fun. Each has their own unique skills, as is the way with heist books, everybody needs to bring something different to the table. Kuhn has created an excellent balance with all her characters. Despite being scattered at the start of the book and all working toward their own goals, each character is still very likeable. Their relationships are complicated and their wants and fears are complex enough to keep each one interesting. There isn't a single POV I didn't enjoy returning to because, ultimately, they all feel like pieces of a whole. Take one away and the story wouldn't feel complete.
It was great to see bonds strengthen and witness some of them grow closer. Particularly Riya and Evelyn. They had so many more tender, human moments with each other, opening up and being vulnerable. It was so lovely to watch things develop between them.
Setting
LOVED that we got to explore beyond Carrowick. Even though I do love a gritty, intimate city setting, there was something exciting about seeing further afield with these characters. So many didn't cities and countries were visited and each one felt like its own place and different to the others.
Writing Style
This is a remarkably quick read. I binged this pretty quickly, almost entirely in one sitting. It's a small book, but it packs a punch, with a speedy pace that carries the story along effortlessly yet never feels rushed.
So much actually happens in this book without feeling crammed in.
This book is proof that fantasy books don't need to be 600+ pages to be good. With basically no filler or fat, this is one of the tightest, leanest fantasy books you could hope to read.
And the writing quality is excellent. Solid writing that is detailed and rich without feeling try-hard. This book feels confident, like the author knew exactly what book they wanted to write, and did exactly that. It's incredibly clean in its delivery. (And I don't mean clean by a lack of profanity. There're plenty of fucks to go around thankfully)
Final Impression
If anything, I'm a bit bummed this is only a duology. I'd definitely read more with these characters. I'm invested at this point and would follow them anywhere.
Anyway, excellent book and a great conclusion to the series. Even though not everyone got the happiest of endings, the overall feeling it left me with was hope. Riya and the gang will be all right. They'll make their way one way or another
December 1, 2023
Rounded to 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Saga Press and Julia McGarry for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I planned it out so that I could read this duology back to back, which doesn’t always happen. I can’t even explain how happy I am about this, because I couldn’t wait to jump into it, and it turned out to be the right decision.
After completing a near-impossible heist that turned out to have ridiculously disastrous results, Ryia decides that she has to try her best to get the crew back together for one more job. But the crew is spread out across five kingdoms, and again, not everyone is on the same page.
She’s got one ally, and that’s Evelyn. I loved seeing how the connection between the two of them really grew even more throughout this book, and they both let down their walls and learned to trust the other. And yes, while the sapphic slow-burn continues in this book, there is a little bit of kissing, but not much in the way of spice. They work together as a team, and you can see how they improve over time.
They can’t defeat Callum Clem without the help of the rest of the crew, especially now that he’s developed all of these super-powers, turning him into mega evil-Cal, focused on wreaking havoc on the world. This allowed Kuhn to really explore the magic system more in this story, which I appreciated since it was so interesting. We also get to see more of Thamorr and the kingdoms within it.
There’s so much action in this story, I couldn’t stop reading it. This is one of those books where I promised myself I’d read just one chapter repeatedly. With each character having their own motives and goals, there was backstabbing in addition to the usual plot twists, and I never quite knew what to expect. I loved this book, and personally felt like it was even better than the first book. Overall, this was the perfect conclusion to an already great duology, with action, intrigue, forgiveness, redemption, sapphic romance, loss, and taking responsibility for one’s actions, and I would whole-heartedly recommend it.
Thank you to Saga Press and Julia McGarry for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I planned it out so that I could read this duology back to back, which doesn’t always happen. I can’t even explain how happy I am about this, because I couldn’t wait to jump into it, and it turned out to be the right decision.
After completing a near-impossible heist that turned out to have ridiculously disastrous results, Ryia decides that she has to try her best to get the crew back together for one more job. But the crew is spread out across five kingdoms, and again, not everyone is on the same page.
She’s got one ally, and that’s Evelyn. I loved seeing how the connection between the two of them really grew even more throughout this book, and they both let down their walls and learned to trust the other. And yes, while the sapphic slow-burn continues in this book, there is a little bit of kissing, but not much in the way of spice. They work together as a team, and you can see how they improve over time.
They can’t defeat Callum Clem without the help of the rest of the crew, especially now that he’s developed all of these super-powers, turning him into mega evil-Cal, focused on wreaking havoc on the world. This allowed Kuhn to really explore the magic system more in this story, which I appreciated since it was so interesting. We also get to see more of Thamorr and the kingdoms within it.
There’s so much action in this story, I couldn’t stop reading it. This is one of those books where I promised myself I’d read just one chapter repeatedly. With each character having their own motives and goals, there was backstabbing in addition to the usual plot twists, and I never quite knew what to expect. I loved this book, and personally felt like it was even better than the first book. Overall, this was the perfect conclusion to an already great duology, with action, intrigue, forgiveness, redemption, sapphic romance, loss, and taking responsibility for one’s actions, and I would whole-heartedly recommend it.
August 4, 2023
Overall a very successful sequel. Whereas the first book was a high 3 rounded to a 4 for me, this one is mid-low 4 unfortunately rounded down to a 4. An obvious read if you liked the first one, but if you were iffy on it, this wouldn't change your mind on the duology.
Negatives: I feel a few too many beats from the first novel were retread, admittedly with spins on them, for the most part.
It felt like some characters could've used a bit more spotlight at the end. The role of one character in particular felt a little tacked on. I would've loved another 10-20 pages during the climax
Positives:
Greater emphasis on "Adepts" and their abilities.
As in the first novel, you've got a charming ensemble of ever-entertainng rogues. I liked some chapters more than others, but there are none I could consider boring.
I look forward to more from the author, and hopefully, more from this world. I see a couple threads that could be followed without venturing too far, despite the fairly satisfying conclusion
Negatives: I feel a few too many beats from the first novel were retread, admittedly with spins on them, for the most part.
It felt like some characters could've used a bit more spotlight at the end. The role of one character in particular felt a little tacked on. I would've loved another 10-20 pages during the climax
Positives:
Greater emphasis on "Adepts" and their abilities.
As in the first novel, you've got a charming ensemble of ever-entertainng rogues. I liked some chapters more than others, but there are none I could consider boring.
I look forward to more from the author, and hopefully, more from this world. I see a couple threads that could be followed without venturing too far, despite the fairly satisfying conclusion
March 24, 2024
No sophomore slump for this author. Book 2 picked up right where book 1 ended and immediately immersed me back into the world of this rag tag team of miscreants who are after the quill of Declan Day. From imprisonment, torture, jailbreaks, sea-sickness, bitter cold, siblings reunited, brutal deaths and new-found kinetic magic this book certainly keeps you on your toes guessing what will happen next. Never once did the pacing in the book slow down. The ending was a bit emotional for me, but I am happy with how it ended. I'm also impressed that the author didn't hesitate to kill off her characters when it was necessary, although I still am seething over the injustice that Ivan had to suffer. I loved this duology so much that I suggested the first book to my book club. Hoping that they enjoy it as much as I have.
The narration was great, keeping the narrator from the first book and doing much better with her pronunciation of the names this time.
The narration was great, keeping the narrator from the first book and doing much better with her pronunciation of the names this time.
July 21, 2023
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Fantasy / Epic
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Thick as Thieves is the installment in author M.J. Kuhn's Tales of Thamorr series. The author takes a very interesting approach with the storyline as she weaves the plot through multiple POVs, each taking on their own chapters, and giving you their perspectives of the happenings throughout all of the trials. Ryia Cautella aka Butcher of Carrowwick spent 6 years running and hiding from the dangerous Guildmaster after what her father forced her to go through in his diabolical experiment.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Fantasy / Epic
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Thick as Thieves is the installment in author M.J. Kuhn's Tales of Thamorr series. The author takes a very interesting approach with the storyline as she weaves the plot through multiple POVs, each taking on their own chapters, and giving you their perspectives of the happenings throughout all of the trials. Ryia Cautella aka Butcher of Carrowwick spent 6 years running and hiding from the dangerous Guildmaster after what her father forced her to go through in his diabolical experiment.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
January 1, 2024
This book started right where the last one left off! It kept pace and was a thrilling conclusion to the story, although I think the door was left open for a companion series should the author decide to return to this world in the future. I definitely recommend this duology to anyone looking for a heist with a cast of very colorful characters in a gritty world with an extremely disturbing magic system!
September 14, 2023
I really liked the ending of the book, there were a few more twists than I anticipated.
I liked that the ending closed the duology but also left it open ended enough where more books could be written in the same universe. Would love to see a follow-on duology that include Tristan/Dennison and Ivan's story lines.
I liked that the ending closed the duology but also left it open ended enough where more books could be written in the same universe. Would love to see a follow-on duology that include Tristan/Dennison and Ivan's story lines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2023
I didn't like the cliffhanger in the previous instalment but this book was very good and worth the wait.
Well plotted, gritty, entertaining and gripping.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well plotted, gritty, entertaining and gripping.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews