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Mageborn #1
The Never Thief
“I’m sure you’d just stand there and let me stab you.”
“I would let you do a great many things to me, Savvy Beck.”
I don’t belong here. I don’t belong in my world either, but that’s not going to stop me from finding a way home. My sister needs me, and nothing will get in my way. Not even the intriguing assassin who wants use of my skills.
Keiran is dangerous. An agent of the crown, a noble of the mageborn, and enough of a rebel that he seeks me out to offer a deal. The amulet that will open a pathway back to my world in exchange for my help “retrieving” an ancient artifact. It’s my specialty after all - stealing things. Trinkets, knowledge, magic…
But his specialty is doing the king’s bidding, and the king wants the amulet too.
When Keiran hands it over to me, we’ll be enemies. He claims he won’t hunt me, but I can’t take that chance. I need to find the amulet before our deal is done. Until then, I’ll keep up my guard, no matter how much I’m drawn to him.
“I would let you do a great many things to me, Savvy Beck.”
I don’t belong here. I don’t belong in my world either, but that’s not going to stop me from finding a way home. My sister needs me, and nothing will get in my way. Not even the intriguing assassin who wants use of my skills.
Keiran is dangerous. An agent of the crown, a noble of the mageborn, and enough of a rebel that he seeks me out to offer a deal. The amulet that will open a pathway back to my world in exchange for my help “retrieving” an ancient artifact. It’s my specialty after all - stealing things. Trinkets, knowledge, magic…
But his specialty is doing the king’s bidding, and the king wants the amulet too.
When Keiran hands it over to me, we’ll be enemies. He claims he won’t hunt me, but I can’t take that chance. I need to find the amulet before our deal is done. Until then, I’ll keep up my guard, no matter how much I’m drawn to him.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2022
12 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 21, 2023
Savvy is from Earth but she is stuck on another world called Demar due to some complicated portal business. She is looking for an artifact that would help her open a portal back but she gets interrupted by a handsome stranger and bound to him by a rune. There is a dangerous sort of king and Keiran is working for him as a Reaper.Together Savvy and Keiran and their two sidekicks must figure out a way to find the artifacts and avoid the king's machinations.
Some of this was a little confusing to me at times and it wasn't quite clear to me what happened with the portals and Savvy's sister but it seems like there will be another book about the sister and there might be more answers there. I liked the way the relationship developed (Keiran was more of a dark horse than Savvy) and the way things got together in the end. This was my first book by this author but would consider reading something else by her.
Steam level: Sexual activity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Some of this was a little confusing to me at times and it wasn't quite clear to me what happened with the portals and Savvy's sister but it seems like there will be another book about the sister and there might be more answers there. I liked the way the relationship developed (Keiran was more of a dark horse than Savvy) and the way things got together in the end. This was my first book by this author but would consider reading something else by her.
Steam level: Sexual activity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2023
To start, I would like to acknowledge that I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review-and I have a lot to say about this one. The beginning was amazing, it has a beginning that starts with an event-not just a lot of explaining about the plot of the book. That first ten or twenty pages or so of the book were honestly my favorite part. As you get further into the book, though, it just gets better and better. I loved the concept of two thief's working together-it just felt so new and original than other fantasy books I've read in the past. The banter between the characters was amazing, the friendship between Savvy and Cam was so much like a brother and sister bond that it made it so fun to read. There were a few sentences, however, that were hard to understand due to grammar and formatting issues, but it didn't make the book difficult to read. Going back to Savvy, I just loved her as a character-she is such a badass FMC and her relationship with Kieran was so swoony. If you're like me, and want the romance of a Sarah J. Maas book and the heist of Six of Crows (by Leigh Burdugo) this is one hundred percent the book for you!
💕💕💕Ratings💕💕💕
Overall: ✔✔✔✔✔
Romance: ❤❤❤❤
Spice: 🌶🌶
Plot: 👏👏👏👏👏
Humor: 🌟🌟🌟
🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡Quotes🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
"For all the good girls."
"With her eyes locked on his, she let go, half expecting the rival thief to drop her. He didn't."
"If you say good girl, I will knee you in the balls and take my chances with the guards."
"No one helps for free. Everyone wants something. I just haven't figured out your game yet."
"Why is it that every time things get even slightly dangerous, I end up in your arms?"
"Occupational Hazard, I suppose."
"Considering that we are in the same occupation, I doubt it."
"Not you. Her. Only her."
"He's a horse. He either want to fuck, run, or eat."
"It was a special rock. Complicated master thief stuff."
"I'm protecting my investment."
"She liked working with him, liked teasing him, liked the way he looked in the firelight when he got ready for bed."
"I'm sure you'd just stand there and let me stab you."
"I would let you do a great many things to me."
"I'm not a hero, Savvy."
💕💕💕Ratings💕💕💕
Overall: ✔✔✔✔✔
Romance: ❤❤❤❤
Spice: 🌶🌶
Plot: 👏👏👏👏👏
Humor: 🌟🌟🌟
🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡Quotes🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
"For all the good girls."
"With her eyes locked on his, she let go, half expecting the rival thief to drop her. He didn't."
"If you say good girl, I will knee you in the balls and take my chances with the guards."
"No one helps for free. Everyone wants something. I just haven't figured out your game yet."
"Why is it that every time things get even slightly dangerous, I end up in your arms?"
"Occupational Hazard, I suppose."
"Considering that we are in the same occupation, I doubt it."
"Not you. Her. Only her."
"He's a horse. He either want to fuck, run, or eat."
"It was a special rock. Complicated master thief stuff."
"I'm protecting my investment."
"She liked working with him, liked teasing him, liked the way he looked in the firelight when he got ready for bed."
"I'm sure you'd just stand there and let me stab you."
"I would let you do a great many things to me."
"I'm not a hero, Savvy."
January 14, 2023
First, I want to thank Nicole Hall for allowing me to read an ARC version of this book before the release date... so thank you!
I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I received this book, as ARC's have been a hit or miss for me, but I am excited to give this book my first 4/5 star rating in 2023.
I am not too familiar with Hall's writing and storytelling, as this is my first book by her, but after this one, I am happy to say that I am now a fan, and will continue to read anything that they publish. I fell in love with both characters early on and the world building and situations the characters were put into, even though dangerous, had an element of comedy. Both characters seemed to know the seriousness of different situations, but also knew not to take themselves too seriously. Their love was cute - I loved the cliche, all I wanted was my freedom before but now all I want is you. I loved both of their companions, especially Cam.
I will say though, that the only two things that I didn't like so much in this book was Savvy's past building as well as the ending. I think it took me until 75% to realize that Savvy was from what we consider Earth. We knew vaguely of her past with her sister Ashe, but not enough to understand why she is the way she is. I also wanted more of an ending - I feel that it happened super quickly and Kieran ultimately got lucky without really having a good plan. Then everything wrapped up and Kieran and Savvy's story ended abruptly as we shifted over to the new main characters in the upcoming book. I feel that they needed a little more justice, but I guess there was that link to an extended epilogue that I haven't gotten around to reading yet.
Overall, I was very impressed with the storytelling and writing. Every word and sentence felt perfectly placed, and read like they were all important to the story - there wasn't any repetition and if something was brought back up, Hall would explain it differently which added to the story.
Here is hoping for more ARC reads in the future, and even if I don't get picked again... I am still happy to read regardless!
I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I received this book, as ARC's have been a hit or miss for me, but I am excited to give this book my first 4/5 star rating in 2023.
I am not too familiar with Hall's writing and storytelling, as this is my first book by her, but after this one, I am happy to say that I am now a fan, and will continue to read anything that they publish. I fell in love with both characters early on and the world building and situations the characters were put into, even though dangerous, had an element of comedy. Both characters seemed to know the seriousness of different situations, but also knew not to take themselves too seriously. Their love was cute - I loved the cliche, all I wanted was my freedom before but now all I want is you. I loved both of their companions, especially Cam.
I will say though, that the only two things that I didn't like so much in this book was Savvy's past building as well as the ending. I think it took me until 75% to realize that Savvy was from what we consider Earth. We knew vaguely of her past with her sister Ashe, but not enough to understand why she is the way she is. I also wanted more of an ending - I feel that it happened super quickly and Kieran ultimately got lucky without really having a good plan. Then everything wrapped up and Kieran and Savvy's story ended abruptly as we shifted over to the new main characters in the upcoming book. I feel that they needed a little more justice, but I guess there was that link to an extended epilogue that I haven't gotten around to reading yet.
Overall, I was very impressed with the storytelling and writing. Every word and sentence felt perfectly placed, and read like they were all important to the story - there wasn't any repetition and if something was brought back up, Hall would explain it differently which added to the story.
Here is hoping for more ARC reads in the future, and even if I don't get picked again... I am still happy to read regardless!
January 8, 2023
A portal fantasy romance by the great Nicole Hall?!?! Sign me up! We follow Savvy who is a master thief clearly not from this world and she is on a mission; steal an ancient artifact that is the key to finding her sister. Too bad the sexy and brooding master assassin Kieran is after the same thing, but for very different reasons. This is a great enemies to lovers, forced proximity story. I even love the side characters that follow Savvy and Kieran. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 11, 2023
ENG/ESP
The plot was interesting, not really big drama, only showed the important thing, this isn’t the big and intricate story but the one you can read when you get tired of the hard one, the reading flows nice and smooth but at the end it could feel rushed and that all works out magically, some it really was lacking was the backstory of Savvy even though it is managed with a tint of mistery sometime it appear the info given wasn’t enough and the same happens with Kieran a ended the book feeling I knew nothing about him, as he didn’t gave any info until the last moments and the character building as to development really feel as none, the characters where likeable but for example Cam and Rin felt empty all this make difficult to grow love for the characters and empathize with them.
The romance was ok, maybe a little rushed, the tension and the craving maybe needed to be showed a little more but the phrases of Kieran 10/10, when all happens is great and besides what’s said above, without expecting realistic events the story becomes enjoyable, light, easy and a quick read.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
La historia funciona, como una fantasía ligera para cuando uno quiere una lectura rápida y darse un respiro, los personajes son agradables, aunque no sentí un gran crecimiento y desarrollo, el romancé como tema importante no está mal, Kieran si suelta una que otra frase 10/10 pero al igual que la trama se sienten un poco apresurados, tal vez forzados, pero como digo para lectura rápida sin complicaciones funciona.
The plot was interesting, not really big drama, only showed the important thing, this isn’t the big and intricate story but the one you can read when you get tired of the hard one, the reading flows nice and smooth but at the end it could feel rushed and that all works out magically, some it really was lacking was the backstory of Savvy even though it is managed with a tint of mistery sometime it appear the info given wasn’t enough and the same happens with Kieran a ended the book feeling I knew nothing about him, as he didn’t gave any info until the last moments and the character building as to development really feel as none, the characters where likeable but for example Cam and Rin felt empty all this make difficult to grow love for the characters and empathize with them.
The romance was ok, maybe a little rushed, the tension and the craving maybe needed to be showed a little more but the phrases of Kieran 10/10, when all happens is great and besides what’s said above, without expecting realistic events the story becomes enjoyable, light, easy and a quick read.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
La historia funciona, como una fantasía ligera para cuando uno quiere una lectura rápida y darse un respiro, los personajes son agradables, aunque no sentí un gran crecimiento y desarrollo, el romancé como tema importante no está mal, Kieran si suelta una que otra frase 10/10 pero al igual que la trama se sienten un poco apresurados, tal vez forzados, pero como digo para lectura rápida sin complicaciones funciona.
January 6, 2023
A story that takes you on an adventure full of danger but certainly also with love. A story with funny situations and full of magic. A story that takes you to a world opened before your eyes by the words of Nicole Hall.
Savvy Beck has entered the world of magic through a portal and has been searching for a way to return to her own world for several years now. According to the prophecy, she needs an amulet that she stole but then lost to Keiran, a thief just like her. He needs her to get another artifact before she gets the amulet that will open the gateway to her world. But nothing is as easy as it seems.
I thought Savvy was a great person. Straightforward, empathetic and caring for the people she cares about. Slowly but surely, Keiran has become one of these people.
Keiran has many secrets that are slowly being unraveled but in the end may be her downfall.
Is King Bedian's magic big enough to break love?
Read it for yourself in this great story!
Recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Savvy Beck has entered the world of magic through a portal and has been searching for a way to return to her own world for several years now. According to the prophecy, she needs an amulet that she stole but then lost to Keiran, a thief just like her. He needs her to get another artifact before she gets the amulet that will open the gateway to her world. But nothing is as easy as it seems.
I thought Savvy was a great person. Straightforward, empathetic and caring for the people she cares about. Slowly but surely, Keiran has become one of these people.
Keiran has many secrets that are slowly being unraveled but in the end may be her downfall.
Is King Bedian's magic big enough to break love?
Read it for yourself in this great story!
Recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2023
Looking forward to the next book
I think this was a great start to an interesting story. The first 3/4 of the book was well paced, very well thought out, and well written. I really appreciate that the Author used interesting dialogue, and did not repeat the same phrasing or words over and over again, as some well-known authors are prone to do. The character building was interesting And the romantic tension between the characters was irresistible. There was an enjoyable amount of humor that had me giggling at several points. I did feel like the story became very stilted about 3/4 of the way through. It seemed like there could have been a lot more detail and padding. Especially because this was the conclusion, and what the whole book had been leading up to. Given how well paced, the majority of the story was, the last quarter seemed so abrupt and rushed. Overall, I would recommend this book, and I will definitely be reading the next one when it comes out.
I think this was a great start to an interesting story. The first 3/4 of the book was well paced, very well thought out, and well written. I really appreciate that the Author used interesting dialogue, and did not repeat the same phrasing or words over and over again, as some well-known authors are prone to do. The character building was interesting And the romantic tension between the characters was irresistible. There was an enjoyable amount of humor that had me giggling at several points. I did feel like the story became very stilted about 3/4 of the way through. It seemed like there could have been a lot more detail and padding. Especially because this was the conclusion, and what the whole book had been leading up to. Given how well paced, the majority of the story was, the last quarter seemed so abrupt and rushed. Overall, I would recommend this book, and I will definitely be reading the next one when it comes out.
December 31, 2022
Loving this new series
This is a fantastic start to a new series. There are interesting characters, tricky quests, magical runes and a number of unswered questions that will leave me counting the days till the next book is released. I loved everything about this book, however...I did feel it wrapped up quickly, and perhaps a touch easily. After everything our MCs went through. And...all the interest certain 'things' just vanished, leaving me somewhat frustrated. Hopefully book 2 will have more answers, as well as more insight into the side characters that played essential roles, but we don't know all that much about them for now.
This is a fantastic start to a new series. There are interesting characters, tricky quests, magical runes and a number of unswered questions that will leave me counting the days till the next book is released. I loved everything about this book, however...I did feel it wrapped up quickly, and perhaps a touch easily. After everything our MCs went through. And...all the interest certain 'things' just vanished, leaving me somewhat frustrated. Hopefully book 2 will have more answers, as well as more insight into the side characters that played essential roles, but we don't know all that much about them for now.
January 3, 2023
Loved this book, cannot wait for the next! As with most first books within a series, this one does have a lot of world and character building in the first half. But the author does an amazing job of drawing you into this world. I found myself laughing multiple times at the dialogue between the Savvy and Kieran. This book is fast paced and definitely worth the read of you like magic, strong female characters who don’t take any crap, and a good enemies to lovers trope
January 9, 2023
Savvy entered the world of magic through a portal and has been searching for a way to return to her own world. According to the prophecy, she needs an amulet that she stole but then lost to Keiran, a thief. He offers a trade. Savvy needs to get an amulet he desires and in exchange she will get the amulet that will send her home. But that’s easier said than done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2023
I sat and read this in one day. I was hooked in the beginning by the immediate jump into action and wanting to know what was going on and why. The banter between Keiran and Savvy was entertaining.
If you want romance with minimal spice, then this is definitely something I'd recommend. It was a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you want romance with minimal spice, then this is definitely something I'd recommend. It was a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2023
This was my first book by Nicole Hall and it had my attention from the first page.
Overall, it was a good book. I do wish a few things were explained better earlier in the book, and the ending felt a bit rushed. I’m looking forward to book #2!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Overall, it was a good book. I do wish a few things were explained better earlier in the book, and the ending felt a bit rushed. I’m looking forward to book #2!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2023
This grabs you from the start and keeps drawing you further and further in. Witty banter, chemistry, tension, swoony moments, fun, magic, action and a HEA. A little quick on the ending but I’m certainly interested enough to be excited about book two in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2023
This fantasy romance is enemies to lovers and forced proximity. The writing is very descriptive and detailed. Savvy and Kieran are complex characters with alot of depth. The side characters are also amazing and likable. This story is a very interesting adventure that I really enjoyed. I hope to read more of this series.
January 24, 2023
I was drawn in right from the beginning because of the wonderful dialogue that had me enchanted from the moment I read the premise. I chose to read this book because of the way I laughed with delight at the snippet of dialogue. The author delivered a delightful story that was even better than I imagined. Great storytelling.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2022
I received an arc copy. I really liked this book. I feel like we needed some more back story on certain things. We may get that in the next book, though. But I really liked the characters and their magic. I will definitely be reading the next book. It looks like it follows different characters.
December 31, 2022
Such a good book!
I got this book as an ARC, normally pretty picky about magic based books, but this one kept my attention the whole time!!! Great chemistry and character growth!! Cannot wait for the next one to come out!!
I got this book as an ARC, normally pretty picky about magic based books, but this one kept my attention the whole time!!! Great chemistry and character growth!! Cannot wait for the next one to come out!!
January 8, 2023
Cannot wait for the next book in the series!!! (No spoilers below, continue on without fear)
Fast paced, easy read with EVERYTHING a fantasy reader could possibly want. World building, mystery, magic, strong leading character who can fight her own battles, family/friend/romance relationships, twists, and much more all in very comfortable 244-ish pages. And with more books to come! Sign me up! (and I did...received my copy of 'The Never Thief' as an arc. Absolutely thankful to have been selected for this arc and to be part of the group who got a first look at this series!)
Ok. I know. That is a lot to say about one book...especially book one in a series...yah gotta trust me on this. If you're like me and usually adore reading 800 page fantasy world chunky books then you'll really appreciate this read. This was a perfect weekend read for me without any heavy book hangover feeling. Totally excited for the rest of the series!
Fast paced, easy read with EVERYTHING a fantasy reader could possibly want. World building, mystery, magic, strong leading character who can fight her own battles, family/friend/romance relationships, twists, and much more all in very comfortable 244-ish pages. And with more books to come! Sign me up! (and I did...received my copy of 'The Never Thief' as an arc. Absolutely thankful to have been selected for this arc and to be part of the group who got a first look at this series!)
Ok. I know. That is a lot to say about one book...especially book one in a series...yah gotta trust me on this. If you're like me and usually adore reading 800 page fantasy world chunky books then you'll really appreciate this read. This was a perfect weekend read for me without any heavy book hangover feeling. Totally excited for the rest of the series!
January 2, 2023
" I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book."
Since falling through a portal to a different world, Savvy has been trying to get back home to her sister. A simple heist put her in the path of the most feared assassin in the kingdom. Would they be able to trust each other long enough to defeat their common enemy?
Since falling through a portal to a different world, Savvy has been trying to get back home to her sister. A simple heist put her in the path of the most feared assassin in the kingdom. Would they be able to trust each other long enough to defeat their common enemy?
January 2, 2023
This is an amazing fantasy romance! I liked it so much.. It is fascinating and suspenseful, magical and spellbinding..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2023
I love everything about this book. It got me hooked from the start!! I found the concept very original and would recommend it to loves fantasies together with the adrenaline rush and obviously romance!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2023
It is an interesting and entertaining story - one which sets the stage for more. Well done.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am under no obligation to review it.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am under no obligation to review it.
January 4, 2023
Good start
While there is still a lot untold the 2 MCs were developed pretty well. Think it rushed a little at the end but glad it ended the way it did.
While there is still a lot untold the 2 MCs were developed pretty well. Think it rushed a little at the end but glad it ended the way it did.
January 11, 2023
pretty god. liked their banter, but book was a little short and they fell in love a little too quickly
March 11, 2023
The quest literally made no sense to me
January 13, 2023
It was exciting and adventurous. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy and charismatic characters.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews