#Review - Among Thieves by M.J. Kuhn #Fantasy #Epic

Series: Unknown
Format: Hardcover, 352 pages
Release Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: Gallery / Saga Press
Source: Publisher
Genre: Fantasy / Epic

A thrilling fantasy debut—a high-stakes heist novel set in a gritty world of magic and malice, and perfect for fans of Six of Crows!

In just over a year’s time, Ryia Cautella has already earned herself a reputation as the quickest, deadliest blade in the dockside city of Carrowwick—not to mention the sharpest tongue. But Ryia Cautella is not her real name.

For the past six years, a deadly secret has kept her in hiding, running from town to town, doing whatever it takes to stay one step ahead of the formidable Guildmaster—the sovereign ruler of the five kingdoms of Thamorr. No matter how far or fast she travels, his servants never fail to track her down...but even the most powerful men can be defeated.

Ryia’s path now leads directly into the heart of the Guildmaster’s stronghold, and against every instinct she has, it’s not a path she can walk alone. Forced to team up with a crew of assorted miscreants, smugglers, and thieves, Ryia must plan her next moves very carefully. If she succeeds, her freedom is won once and for all…but unfortunately for Ryia, her new allies are nearly as selfish as she is, and they all have plans of their own.  

M.J. Kuhn's Among Thieves is the first installment in a yet to be named series. This book is being compared to Six of Crows, and The Lies of Locke Lamora. In just over a year’s time, Ryia Cautella has already earned herself a reputation as the quickest, deadliest blade in the dockside city of Carrowwick—not to mention the sharpest tongue. But Ryia Cautella is not her real name. For the past six years, a deadly secret has kept her in hiding, running from town to town, doing whatever it takes to stay one step ahead of the formidable Guildmaster—the sovereign ruler of the five kingdoms of Thamorr. 

No matter how far or fast she travels, his servants never fail to track her down...but even the most powerful men can be defeated. Ryia’s path now leads directly into the heart of the Guildmaster’s stronghold, and against every instinct she has, it’s not a path she can walk alone. Forced to team up with a crew of assorted miscreants, smugglers, and thieves, Ryia must attempt to retrieve an impossibly powerful relic, secreted away on an island in the possession of the most powerful man in all the kingdoms. The man who would love to break Ryia. Unfortunately for Ryia, her new allies are nearly as selfish as she is, and they all have plans of their own. 

Even though Ryia is considered a primary character in this story, there are more than a few who could also take center stage. Claudia Nash has spent the past 10 years working for Callum Clem. Nash is here because she has sweet feelings for Ivan, but she still thinks about herself first.

Tristan Beckett has a secret. He's an expert card cheater called snake of the southern dock. He's also not who he claims to be. But after being caught trying to cheat at cards, he owes a debt to Callum Clem. Tristan is also being blackmailed by The Harpies because they somehow learned his secret, and he now has to betray The Saints if he wants his secret to remain a secret. 

Ivan Rezkoya is a chief forger for Callum Clem and a master of disguises. Ivan is secretly trying to get enough money to go back home and save his brother from prison. 

Evelyn Linton is a disgraced ex-captain of the royal guard who lost her chance at higher accolades after allowing the Butcher (Ryia) to take the finger of the Prince she was supposed to be protecting. Evelyn is only helping because Clem promised her that she could bring Riya to justice once their theft is done. 

Callum Clem is the leader of the group known as the Saints. He has his finger on the pulse of Carrowwick and knows how to push people's buttons to get what he wants out of people to benefit his goals. Clem wants to rule the land. He sends our swindlers on a near suicidal mission to steal this precious object known as The Quill. The Quill is the most powerful artifact ever made. If it falls into the wrong hands, the owner can rule the known world.

In this world, there are humans born with supernatural powers. They are kidnapped before their first birthday and taken back to an island ruled by the Guildmaster and his Disciples, the most powerful of Adepts. Little is known about island except that it holds a seasonal auction of adult Adept slaves that have had their humanity sapped but not their gifts. The magic-system is quite simple to grasp, some people are born with magical abilities, they are either Sensers, people that can smell people and their intents, or Kinetics, people that can make things move with their minds. 

Ryia is in a category all her own. She literally can stand toe to toe with the most dangerous magical users in the land thanks to a childhood spent being an experiment which led her to being chased by the Guildmaster. She also has the reputation as being the Butcher of Carrowwick who carries deadly axes where after she goes. This story is filled with twists, and betrayals, and characters who are morally grey. If you are a reviewer who can remember places, faces, and characters without going back and double checking, excellent. If you are a reviewer of my age, take notes of the characters and show sticks out and why. Trust me, having the ability to go back and sift through your notes is a life saver.

The only negative I have is that there was zero information on whether this was a standalone, or part of a series. Since the book ends on a cliffhanger, one could presume, not assume, that there will be another book.   

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