Play Book Tag discussion

An ok YA fantasy, but I was expecting more from the descriptions. Essentially, it's the adventures of two thieves. This is actually an omnibus of books 1 & 2 of the series. World building is a bit lacking, so with the storytelling. Good enough to keep my interest but overall has the feel of trying too hard, and inconsistent. I might continue the series if I want some light reading, but I won't cry if I leave it here.

Oh-so sorry you are not feeling the pull-the series does get better.
Have you read his new series? it starts with Age of Myth-he has really grown since the Riyria books.

I enjoyed this series. It's definitely lighter on the worldbuilding but heavier on the buddy-cop dynamics, so it scratched a particular itch at the time I read it. Though I wouldn't classify it as YA.

It reads like YA to me, a bit simplistic. It's encouraging that you say he gets better, as I find a lot of writers start out this way in a series and improve over time. I'll keep that in mind and look for the rest of the books.

*librarian hat on*

Actually, YA isn't a designation of simplicity but mostly a marketing designation that corresponds with themes--typically young ~teenage protagonists with age-, coming of age/identity themes, and most significantly, a teenage perspective (which is why, for example, you can have adult books with teenage protagonists, with an adult, looking back perspective). Royce and Hadrian are solidly adults with adult life experiences under their belts. There are a couple younger characters (I don't recall when they enter the story and if you've met them yet), but they're not the main viewpoint voices.

...which is probably more than you wanted, but hey. Had to nerd out there.

They definitely get better and more assured. I particularly love Royce’s snark!

KateNZ wrote: "They definitely get better and more assured. I particularly love Royce’s snark!"

Royce is one of my all time favorites-I always did have a thing for the "bad boys"😉-