The Midnight Thief Review

Growing up on Forge's streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that's not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs. But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she's not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he is persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can't quite resist his pull. Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by the Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease. When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival—and vengeance—might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra's past that threatens to reshape both their lives. In her arresting debut novel, Livia Blackburne creates a captivating world where intrigue prowls around every corner—and danger is a way of life. Praise for Midnight Thief

The only reason this little fantasy novel came to my attention is because its sequel was on a list for August 2015 releases. Thank Jesus that I don’t have long to wait to read the second book, because I am officially a fan of the series.

The Midnight Thief features thieves and assassins in a fantasy setting — a dynamite combination. Our thief is Kyra, a young lady who pays the rent by taking on burgling jobs. She’s has a bit of a Robin Hood mentality, however. She only steals from the citizens of her city, Forge, who can afford it. Trouble starts, however, when Kyra’s impressive talents catch the attention of James, the young and ruthless leader of Forge’s assassin’s guild.

Now think. This is a YA fantasy. Kyra is a young woman. James is a young man. All reason and genre precedents lead to there being a romance between the two. And it sort of happens. Sort of. But more than that, there is incredible tension between the two. I was staggered by what went down between these characters. I can’t say anything more, except that I am extremely interested to see where Blackburne is going to take the relationship between the two going forward.

Somewhat less interesting is our second narrator, Tristam, who is a soldier for Forge. He has been stationed out beyond the city walls, attempting to protect the suburbs, if you will, from raiding parties of humanoid monsters that ride gigantic cats. Yes, you read that right. It’s a little weird, but I can forgive the oddity. Through Tristam, we get the perspective of the side of the political opposition to the assassin’s guild and James. Unfortunately, or perhaps not (???), there may be a love triangle a-brewing amongst Kyra, James, and Tristam. All I can say is, if Blackburne decides to develop that gist, then I have no idea how things will unfold. I have a favorite, isallI’msayin’.

I’m almost ashamed to admit… but I’m solidly Team James. I KNOW! He’s so violent and, if not evil, then certainly bad. He does bad, bad things in The Midnight Thief and I would understand if his status as a love interest is completely compromised. I can’t help, however, but hold out hope for his redemption. He’s an enthralling character. As Kyra notes:

There was something about James—his intensity of purpose and strength of personality—that could inspire a woman’s loyalty despite the cost.

I’m a fan. Going forward, I hope that James does not become the story’s villain outright. He is given nice dimension in The Midnight Thief, but the ending sees ol’ Jimmy on very uncertain grounds. Basically, I’m dying to see what happens next.

As for complaints, I will say that the pace at the beginning may have been too breakneck. It was nice to have matters develop so quickly, but it also seemed a little slapdash, having scenes tie up so fast. Likewise, it might have been nice to have some more world-building happen in beginning so we get a better idea of the setting our characters are operating in. Overall, it’s not bad when your main complaint is wanting moar!

Naturally, I will be reading book two, Daughter of Dusk, the day it comes out. Stay tuned for my reaction to the second installment in this promising, new series!