Among Thieves

April 12, 2021
Kuhn debuts with an electrifying fantasy that takes readers into the seamy heart of Dresdell, one of the five kingdoms of Thamorr, where rival crime syndicates vie for jobs. When Toliver Shadowwood, the King of Edale, arranges a meeting with the Kestrel Crowns, Ryia Cautella, an infamous member of the Saints of the Wharf, snoops on their rendezvous. She discovers that Shadowwood is after an ancient, magical quill belonging to the Guildmaster of Thamorr, the most powerful person in all the five kingdoms. It’s this quill that gives the Guildmaster his uncanny powers, so when the Crowns reject the offer, Ryia seizes the opportunity to poach the job, bringing the intel to her boss, Callum Clem. The Saints prepare for a sea voyage to the Guildmaster’s island—but just as they’re setting out, Callum is arrested. The rest of the Saints must forge ahead without his guidance, suddenly stripped of any concrete plans to carry out their death-defying heist. The plot thickens as the Saints near their goal, with hints of deception and betrayal among the crew. Though the supporting characters feel sketchy at times, Kuhn successfully builds a fast-paced mystery around both the quill’s powers and Ryia’s troubled past. Fantasy fans won’t want to miss this. Agent: Abby Schulman, Rebecca Friedman Literary.

August 1, 2021

DEBUT The Butcher of Carrowwick is known as a merciless, scathing, and deadly mercenary among her fellow dockside gangsters. Few know that she's Ryia Cautella--and only she knows that's not her real name. For the last six years, Ryia has hidden her secrets and stayed only a few steps ahead of the powerful Guildmaster, ruler of the five kingdoms of Thamorr, and his powerful Adept servants. When she learns of an artifact that could free her from the Guildmaster's pursuit, she's willing to cross her gang's boss, Cal, to get it. Her plans must be carefully laid, for she will not only be heading straight into the Guildmaster's fortress, but also dealing with her band of thieves and criminals who will be with her every step of the way. Each has secrets of their own and plans as deep and hidden as Ryia's. This fantasy heist's fast pace, multiple points of view, and intriguing twists will leave readers clamoring for the next book. Rich worldbuilding adds to the standard Western epic fantasy conventions. VERDICT Kuhn's debut is full of magic and mystery, plus a group of delightful, morally challenged misfits who are looking for freedom, no matter the cost.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2021
Double- and triple-crosses abound in this action-packed debut fantasy heist novel featuring an ensemble cast of ne'er-do-wells each looking out for number one. When the head of the Saints of the Wharf crime syndicate assembles a team to infiltrate a magically guarded island and steal a priceless artifact with unknown magical qualities, each of the recruits has a different reason for agreeing to take the job: fear, love, greed, blackmail, revenge. Among the team are Ryia, who has earned her reputation as the Butcher of Carrowwick by ruthlessly maiming and killing on behalf of her patron. She knows more about the artifact than anyone and secretly wants it destroyed. Disgraced former captain of the guard Evelyn has been promised revenge on the person who cost her everything--Ryia. A breakneck pace, foreshadowed twists, and plenty of backstabbing will keep readers engaged, though the characters can seem a bit flat and their changes of heart are often sudden. A solid choice for fans of heist stories like Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows (2015).

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