Title: Den of Thieves
Author: David Chandler
First published May 6, 2014
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.59
Overview
Step into a world of adventure, danger, and magic in David Chandler’s thrilling trilogy, The Ancient Blades. Meet Arin, a skilled swordsman who is also cursed.
His destiny is intertwined with a powerful ancient blade, but his curse threatens to consume him. In the city of Ness, he meets Terin, a thief with a quick mind and a faster hand.
Together, they embark on a journey full of challenges, including stealing a coveted treasure and facing an army of undead warriors. Along the way, they encounter Lyra, a witch with a heart of gold, who helps them navigate through the perils of their adventure.
With each step they take, Arin, Terin, and Lyra learn more about themselves and the world they live in. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that come their way or will their fates be sealed?
Find out in The Ancient Blades trilogy.
About the Author
David Chandler was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1971 and attended Penn State, where he earned an MFA in Creative Writing. Under his pen name David Wellington, he has written several popular and critically acclaimed horror novels.
He was also a co-author of the New York Times bestseller Marvel Zombies Return.
Recently, Chandler has ventured into the world of fantasy with his Ancient Blades trilogy. When asked about what inspired him to write these books, he explained that he wanted to satisfy the inner thirteen-year-old version of himself.
As a child of the 80s, Chandler grew up reading the best of fantasy and science fiction. He never lost his love for those books and longed for a chance to escape into a world of adventure and excitement.
He wanted to wander through worlds that could never exist in his boring suburb.
For those interested in his horror novels, more information can be found at…
Editoral Review
Den of Thieves by David Chandler is a thrilling work of historical fiction that transports readers to 17th century London where the lines between law and crime are dangerously blurred. Chandler’s writing style is sophisticated and captivating, making it impossible to put the book down.
Set during the tumultuous reign of King James II, Den of Thieves introduces readers to a cast of vivid characters who are intricately and convincingly woven into the fabric of the story. The main character, Jack Brown, is an infamous thief who has been sentenced to death for his crimes.
However, when he is offered a chance at a pardon in exchange for helping stop a group of robbers who are threatening the city, he jumps at the opportunity. The setting of 17th century London is described with impressive detail, immersing the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of the era.
The city is a hotbed of political maneuvering, corruption, and danger, all of which build to a tense and satisfying climax. Chandler’s skillful portrayal of the complex relationship between criminals and law enforcement highlights the book’s historical significance.
Den of Thieves holds a mirror to present-day society and raises thought-provoking questions about the intersection of morality and justice. The character development is a particular strength of this novel.
In addition to Jack Brown, there are several other characters whose stories intersect with his, adding depth and complexity to the plot. Each character is unique, with their own motivations and flaws, making them all the more engaging to follow.
The pacing is also admirable, as the story moves fluidly and with purpose, never dragging or becoming dull. The plot structure is well-crafted, with constant twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
One weakness of the book could be its graphic violence, which may be disturbing for some readers. However, these scenes are integral to the story and help to convey the grittiness and danger of the world Chandler has created.
Overall, Den of Thieves is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, thrilling story. Chandler’s writing is masterful, his characters engaging, and his exploration of the underlying themes of morality and justice is both relevant and thought-provoking.
I highly recommend this book, and rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
