Midnight Thief: Livia Blackburne *Review*

Genres: Young Adult, YA Fiction, YA Fantasy | Release Date: 7 July 2015 | Series: Midnight Thief | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 394 | Publisher: Hyperion | Review

Overview:

I started Midnight Thief only last night, but already had it finished by midday today. Admittedly, I didn’t have anything to distract me, but I’m not sure I’d have paid attention if there was! Livia Blackburne wrote this beauty years ago, and I’m so glad that I recently stumbled across it for my bookshelves.

Kyra was an orphan who has become a thief. Not just any thief, but a brilliant one. So much so, the Assassin’s Guild headhunts her for their organisation. When Kyra agrees to their proposal, she has no idea what’s coming next. Her friends, Flick and Bella, try to warn her that she can’t trust them, that they’ll have an agenda. But Kyra wants to trust in James, the Guild leader, because this is a surefire way of earning enough coin to keep her and her friends under a roof. And what’s more, Kyra can always walk away. Right?

Tristam is a knight, and the other main character that we follow in Midnight Thief. He wants to do the right thing, for everyone. And he is seeking revenge against the Demon Riders (people who have large cats at their command), who are wreaking havoc everywhere they go. When Tristam and Kyra meet, it’s not long before they’re forced to work together and deal with multiple threats. What’s more, there’s a surprise twist that no one sees coming – not Kyra, not Tristam, and certainly not me either!

Happiness Boost:

This was a beautifully written tale that was a lighter read, being a YA fiction rather than a dark fantasy. Truthfully it was exactly what I needed today. While Midnight Thief still delivers on poignant moments, it was one that I could continue to read without needing to step back.

Speaking of poignant moments… There’s one in particular in Midnight Thief, in which I cried. My reading glasses fogged up, and I had to take a deep breath. I’m putting it as a happiness boost though, because if an author can make me feel that deeply, they’re doing things spectacularly well! Livia managed to deliver such a strong story, even as she made sure there were tender moments that a reader could get lost in (for better or worse, when it’s your emotions on the end of the hook).

I try my best not to compare authors, as every person is unique. But having said that, Livia’s writing reminded me of when I first started diving into Tamora Pierce’s Tortall realm. Midnight Thief is going to become an adventurous comfort read for me, just as Tamora’s did, all those years ago. It’s pretty high praise, but something so well written deserves to be praised!

Downside:

There are some characters that see things in black and white, rather than the shades of grey that is more accurate for life in Midnight Thief. This may be due to the characters’ own upbringing or race, and obviously it’s a very small downside in the grand scheme of things. I was a little sad about it though, so needed to say it.

Final Thoughts:

I truly think any teen (or older) would love to read this book if they enjoy fantasy. Midnight Thief gives us a burst of bravery, intrigue, and a whole lot of adventure. This was Livia Blackburne’s debut novel, and I’m adding her other books to my TBR list right away. Of course this also includes Daughter of Dusk, which I’ve just learned is the second novel in the Midnight Thief series! I’m so, so glad I own this book. Is there room on my bookshelf for it? No, but I’m making room! This book is going to be treasured for decades to come…

You can order via my Amazon link: Midnight Thief