Tag: m.k. lobb

Book Review: To Steal from Thieves (Thieves & Kings #1) by M.K. Lobb

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Historical Fantasy
Length: 400 pages
Author: M.K. Lobb
Publisher: Little Brown Books
Release Date: March 25th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In this high-stakes heist novel, an alchemologist and a con man team up to steal a rare necklace—but complicated feelings of attraction and deception threaten to destroy everything and everyone they love—for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Judy I. Lin.

Within the dazzling halls of London’s Crystal Palace, the event of the season has arrived: The Great Exhibition. An opportunity for the greatest minds of the century to come together under one roof in an unprecedented display of art and invention. And for two unlikely partners in crime, it’s about to become the score of a lifetime.

Charming conman Kane Durante works alone—or on occasion with his best friend, Fletcher. But when his boss, the infamous Kingpin of London’s magical dark market, gives him the impossible task of stealing a priceless artifact from the Great Exhibition, he knows it’s a job he can’t pull off alone. Enter Zaria Mendoza, daughter of one of London’s greatest alchemologists. Ever since her father’s death, Zaria’s been struggling to keep her underground business afloat, and impatient clients are becoming violent. When the infuriatingly handsome Kane offers her the promise of enough money to get out of debt and leave London entirely, she knows she can’t walk away from this dangerous partnership.

But robbing one of the most public, heavily-guarded buildings in London isn’t going to be easy, especially when love and betrayal threaten to ruin everything they’ve worked so hard for.

I LIKED IT.

I would read the next book. Which honestly could be the review in its entirety. Did I think this was anything ground breaking or like I have to shout at every person to go read it? No, but I had a good time and I have been craving all things fantasy and this hit that mark while ALSO having historical elements too! I had no idea (because I don’t often read summaries) that this was historical romance and I loved that world/magic elemental addition.

I enjoyed the characters and the back and forth of not knowing who was going to betray who as the heist loomed closer. I thought the slow burn romance was enjoyable and I hope to see more of that in the sequel too. It’s an easy read with a good premise.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Historical Fantasy
  • Language: mild – moderate
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: moderate

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Book Review: Disciples of Chaos (Seven Faceless Saints #2) by M.K. Lobb

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: M.K. Lobb
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Release Date: February 20th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In this thrilling sequel to Seven Faceless Saints, Roz and Damian must tackle the ongoing war between Ombrazia and Brechaat while coming head-to-head with the destruction that comes with the seventh saint, Chaos–perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Kerri Maniscalco.

 Damian Venturi isn’t aware of it yet. But as small shifts start to crack the foundations of the Ombrazian power structure after the Rebellion’s attack, cracks are beginning to show in Damian’s own facade. Uncontrollable anger is bubbling to the surface and can’t always be pushed down. Can he keep everyone safe, even from himself?

 Rossana Lacertosa should feel victorious. She accomplished everything she set out to do, and more. The Rebellion’s attack set countless prisoners free and brought attention to the unfairness in the Palazzo’s structure. And Damian is back by her side where he belongs. Yet the war with Brechaat rages on and government officials are hellbent on keeping the status quo.

 Then an Ombrazian general arrives from the front lines, and orders dozens of arrests, shipping Roz and Damian’s friends up north. Determined to free those who matter most, Roz and Damian set their sights on Brechaat. But on their journey to hell on earth, Roz will need to face the fact that Damian is not just shifting further from the boy she used to know, but down a dark path into chaos.

 The complications of love, magic, faith, and war will keep readers eagerly turning the pages as they head towards the gripping conclusion in the Seven Faceless Saints duology.

I LIKED IT.

I thought this was a good conclusion. I didn’t have any over hyped expectations or anything. I was just looking for a young adult fantasy to listen to and this did the job.

I always love meddling gods and while this had some predictable turns, I still liked the story. The romance played out differently than the usual though and I liked seeing Damian and Rossana work together. There’s a great plot with small parts playing into the story from multiple angles. Some good cross roads and growth and I liked the side characters too.

I felt like this wrapped things up well, but maybe there’s more? I’m not sure, I thought this concluded things and left it at a good spot.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: low
  • Romance: heated make-outs
  • Violence: moderate-high

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Book Review: Seven Faceless Saints (Seven Faceless Saints #1) by M.K. Lobb

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Mystery
Length: 400 pages
Author: M.K. Lobb
Publisher: Little Brown
Release Date: February 7th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In the city of Ombrazia, saints and their disciples rule with terrifying and unjust power, playing favorites while the unfavored struggle to survive.

After her father’s murder at the hands of the Ombrazian military, Rossana Lacertosa is willing to do whatever it takes to dismantle the corrupt system—tapping into her powers as a disciple of Patience, joining the rebellion, and facing the boy who broke her heart. As the youngest captain in the history of Palazzo security, Damian Venturi is expected to be ruthless and strong, and to serve the saints with unquestioning devotion. But three years spent fighting in a never-ending war have left him with deeper scars than he wants to admit… and a fear of confronting the girl he left behind.

Now a murderer stalks Ombrazia’s citizens. As the body count climbs, the Palazzo is all too happy to look the other way—that is, until a disciple becomes the newest victim. With every lead turning into a dead end, Damian and Roz must team up to find the killer, even if it means digging up buried emotions. As they dive into the underbelly of Ombrazia, the pair will discover something more sinister—and far less holy. With darkness closing in and time running out, will they be able to save the city from an evil so powerful that it threatens to destroy everything in its path?

I LIKED IT.

This book doesn’t seem to have rave reviews, but y’all, I really enjoyed it!! I don’t know if the audiobook helped it’s case, though I do highly recommend that route. This kind of reminded me of Blood & Moonlight with more romance.

And that was my favorite sub plot. I liked the second chance romance between Roz and Damian. There was plenty of tension and push/pull with even a few flashbacks to get a feel for their connection when they were kinds until now. I was very invested in this plot and hope it continues to develop well in the next book. It’s a mix of forbidden & childhood friends too. ALL GOOD THINGS.

I loved the murder mystery too. It was intriguing and kept me guessing. I don’t feel like it was super obvious who was doing what and I liked the complexity of the religious, political and societal aspects throughout the book. Maybe more things could be fully developed, but it’s a good read and one I’d easily recommend.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy Mystery + Romance
  • Language: a little strong
  • Romance: vague & brief open (leans towards NA over YA)
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, near death experience, kidnapping, battle themes, loss of loved ones

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