Title: Midnight Thief
Author: Livia Blackburne
First published July 8, 2014
376 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781423176381 (ISBN10: 1423176383)
Rating: 3.72
Overview
Kyra has spent her whole life perfecting the art of thievery on the dangerous streets of Forge. When the leader of the Assassins Guild makes her an offer she can’t refuse, Kyra is torn between her independence and the lure of wealth.
Meanwhile, Tristam of Brancel is a Palace knight on a mission to avenge his friend’s murder by the ruthless Demon Riders. But his efforts are constantly thwarted by a skilled thief who can slip past Palace defenses with ease.
When fate brings Kyra and Tristam together, they must put aside their differences and work together to survive. As they delve deeper into their mission, they uncover a shocking secret about Kyra’s past that could change their lives forever.
In Livia Blackburne’s thrilling debut novel, danger lurks around every corner and alliances are tested as Kyra and Tristam navigate a world full of intrigue and peril.
About the Author
Livia Blackburne, a bestselling author, wrote her debut novel while studying the neuroscience of reading at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. While she still delves into the minds of characters, she no longer requires the assistance of a 3 Tesla MRI scanner since writing is now her full-time profession.
Blackburne has authored several books, including MIDNIGHT THIEF (which was chosen for Indies Introduce New Voices), DAUGHTER OF DUSK, and ROSEMARKED (a book of the month on Amazon and a YALSA Teens Top Ten Nominee).
For more information about Blackburne, you can visit her online.
Editoral Review
Midnight Thief is a thrilling fantasy novel written by Livia Blackburne, first published on July 8, 2014. Blackburne is an American author with a Ph.D. in neuroscience who has authored other young adult and middle-grade fantasy novels, including Rosemarked and Umbertouched.
The story is set in the city of Forge, a dark and grimy world with parallel themes to medieval Europe. The protagonist, Kyra, is an orphaned street thief who survives by stealing from the rich and powerful of Forge.
But when she is caught by the Shadow Society, a secret organization that protects the city’s citizens, they offer her a deal: work for them and help stop the corruption that plagues the wealthy elite of Forge.
The novel is an action-packed adventure filled with twists, turns, and suspense.
Blackburne engages readers with her vivid descriptions of the gritty city streets and brings the characters to life with their unique backgrounds and personalities. Kyra is a complex protagonist, fiercely independent but deeply conflicted, and her interactions with the other characters are mesmerizing.
She falls in love with James, the Shadow Society’s leader, and learns to trust him despite his privileged upbringing.
Blackburne’s writing style is fluid and engaging, and she is a master of pacing.
The plot moves quickly from scene to scene, keeping the reader intrigued and engaged. The author successfully manages to balance the action with the characters’ internal struggles and emotions, providing the story with depth and meaning.
The novel’s themes are relevant and empowering. It highlights the importance of fighting against corruption and advocating for social justice.
It also explores the dichotomy between privilege and poverty, demonstrating how people from different backgrounds can come together to overcome systemic injustices.
There are, however, some criticisms of the book.
The plotline may seem predictable to some readers, and the secondary characters’ development may seem underutilized. In addition, while Blackburne’s writing is engaging, some of her descriptions may feel overwrought or unnecessary at times.
Overall, Midnight Thief is a thrilling ride that will keep readers on their toes from beginning to end. It is a well-crafted novel with complex characters and themes that are relevant today.
It is recommended for those who enjoy action-packed fantasy novels with strong female leads and social justice themes.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.