I was intrigued by the story and I have to confess, the book cover influenced me a lot in picking this book. Unfortunately, this was not for me and I could not finish the book, but the main story still intrigues me and I will give it another go at another time. I am sure other people will enjoy this way more than me.

I wanted to enjoy this more than I did , the world-building was lacking a bit for me, I couldn’t pinpoint what itwas but something was missing, overall,I did think it was an enjoyable read , but I thought the story could be so much more

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

This was a really fast paced and fun heist novel set in an intriguing fantasy world. I thought that the plot was well crafted and streamlined, making this an easy and quick read. I also enjoyed the characters and thought that the author did a really good job of making each one distinct so quickly, although I'm not sure that the narrative needed to be told in multiple perspectives. The magic system was novel and understandable, which was key for the plot to move so fast and there is definite potential for more stories involving these characters and exploring other areas of the world. I for one will be hoping for a sequel as I had a good time with this one!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Unfortunately this was a pretty quick DNF for me. I really don’t tend to enjoy gritty worlds, and this one just seemed to be sort of overtly grim (lots of mentions of bodily fluids in the streets, casual violence and slavery, etc). By 20% I still hadn’t really connected with any of the characters, so it wasn’t much fun watching them plot against each other as I had no one to root for. A shame, as I was looking forward to it.

Among Thieves is a fun and interesting heist book, but it unfortunately lacks something to make it stand out.

In Among Thieves we meet a fun and colorful group of criminals that is tasked with stealing something from the most powerful man in society. The premise itself isn’t very unique, but it works well enough. What drives this book are the characters.

All the main characters are unique and well fleshed out in their own way. You’ll love to hate them, and hate to love them. Unfortunately, there were too many of them. Each character has his or her own POV characters, making it difficult to really get attached (or really loathe) any of them. Aside from that, the constant changing of POV made me sometimes do a double take just to be sure whom’s chapter I was reading at that point.

The world itself was interesting, but nothing mind-blowing. I liked the magic system, but I feel like it wasn’t fleshed out at much. But I heard there’ll be a second book, so hopefully we’ll dive into a bit more world building!

All together, I enjoyed Among Thieves, but really wanted a little bit more from it.

Among Thieves was a great read, it had plenty of action and twists and turns, it had humour, characters bouncing off of each other, a relatively straight forwards plot, it’s absolutely what I needed, to just sit down with a book and enjoy myself. It’s a relatively simple premise following 5 characters, Saints (mostly) under the ownership of Clem, one of the merciless bosses of the syndicate. Clem is down on his luck and needing funds and when an opportunity to earn a fortune stealing an item from the The Guildmaster presents itself, while the odds are against them, the heist is on. But what does this item do? Can the team trust each other? And will they be able to pull it off?

I’m not going to say Leigh Bardugo has the rights to heist books and gangs of misfits, nor Samantha Shannon has the rights on stories of syndicates and ‘crime bosses’, these themes have existed before and will continue to do so, although if you enjoy either author I think you’ll enjoy this. I adored the characters in this, the moment Clem appeared on the page I got a particularly menacing Jaxon vibe, you’ve got The Butcher, a mercenary with axes, Evelyn a former Needleguard, Ivan, a genius of disguise and counterfeits, Tristan, young and with a mysterious past, and Nash, a smuggler, and the interactions between them all are so enjoyable to read. The Butcher, Ryia, is my particular favourite, she carries a lot of pain with her and the possibility of redemption, this woman is essentially a weapon but she has such dry wit and the scenes with her invariably have fantastic action and I loved getting to know her and watching her go on a journey of purpose. Evelyn too was one of my favourites, a disgraced former guard, she works with the Saints in order to gain her status once more, and throughout the book you watch her morals and loyalties change the closer she gets to the team. Ryia and Evelyn together is delicious, their personalities and intentions are so polar that it’s a joy to read. From how it ends I believe this is just the first instalment (I hope), and going forwards I really would like to get to know Nash and Tristan better who you know less about in this book, and of course more about where the future takes Ryia, Evelyn and Ivan. These characters like each other, maybe even love each other possibly as a family, and yet they are prepared to betray each other, lie to each other etc, it makes an interesting dynamic!

The writing is witty, the characters sniping at each other and plotting amusing and easy to read, and the plot isn’t convoluted, nor is it a chore to follow 5 different characters exploits.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review, I can’t wait for more from these characters.

I really enjoyed this book, and want to buy a physical copy so I can read it again. I liked the plot and characters.

Among Thieves gathers together a motely crew of morally ambiguous characters with a thrilling high stakes heist in a fantasy world that brims with intrigue. Told predominantly through the eyes of protagonist Ryia, also known as The Butcher, a mercenary on hire to the highest bidder. I really liked Ryia as a character - she never sets out to be anything other than she is, and doesn't set out to make friends and be good. She's aware that in many circumstances she's seen as the bad guy, and every sarcastic comment emphasises this.

That's not to say there aren't some great relationship dynamics - there is, and I found that all the characters felt well developed and characterised. They work well together, each have their own ambitions and ideas, and none of them can be trusted. In what immeasurably fun watching them all squabble and guess who was going to double cross who. Morally grey characters are so much more interesting than straight up good guys.

In terms of the plot I do think that this is a little light on the world building and lore. I would have liked more information on each guild and the various magical abilities because at times I don't felt like I knew enough to immerse myself in the world. I think a lot of this is due to the short length. 300 pages just isn't enough, in my opinion, to really get to grips with a high fantasy world. It just felt like the reader is dropped into the action with nothing to work with.

Great characters and an easy writing style, bit I thought the world building needed quite a lot of work for me to really love this.

Among Thieves is the Money Heist Vs Assasins Creed mashup that we didn’t know we needed. MJ Kuhn talks to her readers like they are in the room with her. She’s sitting them down and talking about an idea she has, an idea of stealing a powerful relic and convincing us all it’s a great idea. She shares her wisdom with us in a dark and hypnotic fashion. Whilst reading Among Thieves I had many “aha moments, damn this is good and how can I be a part of this amazing group?” A lot resonated with me – putting on a front to hide the inner despair of a broken past.

Among Thieves is a genre-bending tale of criminality and magic. An unlikely band of criminals with varied skillsets from basic thievery to a master of disguises operates under the name of The Saints run by Cal Clem take on an impossible heist. The only problem? Well the only problem aside from it pretty much is impossible – they are criminals and they all want to doublecross each other. Rhyia, the butcher of Carrowwick, is a badass woman who’s been on the run for the last six years to keep her true identity safe. She will do anything to keep The Guildmaster of Thammor off her back.

Outrunning The Guildmaster, his Disciples, Sensers and other rival gangs is no mean feat. So when she overhears a conversation between the rival gang, The Kestral Crowns, and Toliver Shadowwood she knows this could be her key to finally getting The Guildmaster off her back for good. This is an opportunity she can’t turndown. So The Saints develop a plan to steal this artifact, the most perilous part of the journey is sailing to the Island but Cal Clem has been arrested without sharing the plan with anyone else…

A story with gut and determination. A story about self-acceptance, betrayal, and recovery. Told from five alternating POV’s Rhyia, the butcher. Nash, Queen of the seas, a character who at over six feet tall gave me serious Brienne of Tarth vibes. She’s someone not to be messed with. Tristan is a mysterious character, he’s been making eyes at Rhyia from the start and has a past that he’s constantly running from. The baby of the group, a bit of a pickpocket extraordinaire. Ivan is an exemplary con man, a master of disguises, and a major flirt. He’s got no trouble with conning both the elite and those stricken with poverty. Finally, we have Evelyn, ex Needle Guard Captain. She was becoming something of a high-functioning alcoholic until Cal Clem offered her something she couldn’t refuse. Now she’s part of this crack-shot team and trying to capture the impossible.

Among Thieves is fully imagined and hopelessly makes your head spin. An original work of suspense, murder, and betrayal. A real generosity of female spirit and endurance resides within the pages.

If I hear another “this ripped off Six of Crows” I may scream!! SOC wasn’t the first hiest book and this was actually 10 times better than SOC I loved it so so much

Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Group for the ARC!

Among Thieves was one of my most anticipated sapphic releases of the year, so I was beyond excited to be able to read it before release. I mean come on - a ragtag crew of criminals, committing an impossible heist, AND they’re pretty much all queer?? It can’t get more exciting than this.

And oh boy, was this book exciting! It may take a little while to get into, especially due to the numerous POVs and rich set of characters and locations, but once you’re immersed in the story, it’s gonna be hard to put this one down. The worldbuilding is extraordinarily rich, especially considering that this seems to be a standalone. All of the characters have complex backstories, intriguing traits and flaws and most importantly, loads of gay panic at all times. At least the majority of them has, and that’s a win in my book.

The story is engaging, and to be a reader in this scenario is a true treat. Everyone has their own hidden agenda and motivations, and you never quite know who you should be rooting for. The ending left me absolutely FUMING, and I hope this does well enough for a possible sequel, because I will riot if we don’t get more of this crew and their complex world.

I was successfully drawn in due to the vibe this book gave of being a finer and a little darker version of the Six of Crows setting. It was very captivating to read this book, and I loved the way the twists and reveals were executed. And the book presenting multiple characters' perspectives posed no problem, which isn't common in my experience. It was also very satisfyingly fast-paced. I realise this is a stand alone, but I wouldnt be opposed to seeing more in the series or a spin-off type of story

“Welcome to the team.”

I had a good time reading this. The characters were fun and the adventure interesting. The plot twists really had me shocked and wanting to read on. The world itself had a lot of potential. The world building could have been stronger, but it was still an exciting and interesting world.

I was pulled in quickly as it had a strong start. The characters were interesting, and I liked each of them. There were humorous moments making this a fun read, and some of the relationships between the characters helped drive the book, however, I do feel some of them could have been stronger developed.

‘He might just be the only one left in this world who she trusted.’

While I feel the pacing could have been better, the book still held my attention. The plot was good and made for a solid read. I found it took a bit too long to get into the main action making the middle a little slow, but it picked back up again towards the end.

The writing style was good, and I would read another book by this author. This one left on a bit of a cliff-hanger so I would be interested in a sequel. Overall, I enjoyed it for the most part and would recommend it.

This book was brilliant! Took me a while to get used to all the characters POVs and at first I thought it was annoying but soon because one of the strong points.
So we follow this gang that has been brought together by the powerful Clem in order to steal a magical quill from the current guild master in order to gain power of all the lands. Smugglers, masters of disguise, a captain and the infamous Butcher make up some of the crew who have to work as a team inorder to pull off the theft. Surely this band of criminals won't double-cross the others to benefit themselves? Honor among theives?
This is a jape of epic proportions. Noone is who they claim to be and would sell their own grandmother's when their backs are against the wall.
It's fun, sometimes gory and doesn't stop with the action from start to finish. It doesn't slow down for a second. It will keep you on the edge of your seat for all the double crossings and soft spots. I can guarantee you'll want your own set of throwing axes by the time you've turned the last page!

I've had this on my TBR for over 2 years and I had expectations. It was originally due out last year but like other books, this got delayed for a year. Finally having gotten my hand on a copy I wasn't as excited as expected. The story was fun if not a bit stroppy. The characters were nicely fleshed out if not a bit repetitive. And the world felt small and missed information.

The Story for the most part makes sense and takes logical twists and turns, but every now and then it takes a small jump. It was almost as if the author did know how the write the section and decided to jump it. For the sake of the story, it was fine but for me personally, I didn't like it.

The world-building lacked in the edges. We are given everything we need but it still didn't feel enough. I didn't feel like anything was missing but still, I wanted more information about the world. Apart from that, the world is a fascinating place and not somewhere I want to live.

All in all an enjoyable read though the story had more potential than what the book resulted being. I wanted more basically.

Who doesn't love an epic heist?

This had me hooked from the beginning. It really delivered everything I was promised; an epic heist filled with bloodshed and betrayal, accompanied by a very exciting magic system that I am really intrigued to learn more about in the sequel.

Also, I’m a massive fan of a good morally grey character, and this book was filled with them! Sometimes multi-perspective books can be a struggle if the characters don’t have a distinctive voice, but that wasn't the case here. I enjoyed all of the perspectives, some I didn’t connect with as much as others, but I didn't hate any of them.

I do feel that the world building was a little bit disjointed and not as fleshed out as I would like, but I feel that there’s room for this to develop in the sequel and to learn more.

I feel that if you enjoyed Six of Crows, then this would definitely be your cup of tea.

(Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review).

A bit late to the party in reviewing this one but better late than never.

Among Thieves was a well written, action fantasy book that has been set up for a sequel to follow it. There are multiple point of views within the book, which I always enjoy as it feels like we are getting different perspectives which makes the story even better.
The magic system is new and unique, adept who have this sort of power from birth, most are taken by the Guild master and turned unto mindless slaves and sold onto the highest bidder or slaves for the Guild master to do his dirty work.
Ryia and her band of thieves work for the Saints and have to pull of a heist that goes wrong. The stakes are high in this one.
If you enjoyed six of crows then I think you'll enjoy this book, it has the same sort of feel to it.

3.75/5⭐

Among Thieves is an enjoyable YA fantasy heist that has a band of misfits, f/f relationship, and intriguing magic system.

Told from five POVs:
- Ryia, The Butcher, is smart mouth assassin, famous for her axes that never miss the mark.
- Tristan, a pickpocket with quick wits who follows Ryia around
- Nash, navigator, smuggler, and self-proclaimed Queen of the Seas
- Ivan, master of forgery and disguise
- Evelyn, disgraced Captain from the Royal Guard turned reluctant gang member

The world-building is okayish. It could've used more details. It's divided into different nations ruled by kings but controlled by the Guildmaster and that's it. Its strength lies with the magic system. It's easy to follow and interesting. The Adepts have magical abilities and they have two kinds: sensors that can sense physical danger and the intent to harm; and kinetics that have unnatural strength and moves quickly. And these adepts are nothing but slaves controlled by the Guildmaster.

a compelling tenuous heist with a morally grey cast of characters, each with their own motivations. i do wish the worldbuilding was explored more but that ending sure has me hooked for the next book!

The premise of this sounded amazing and whilst I was intrigued by some of the POV's overall it just didn't work for me and I couldn't get invested in the storyline or the majority of the characters and there were no solid bonds between characters and the dynamics felt off. There is good representation and it's fast-paced but it didn't have a lot of depth. The worldbuilding felt a bit half-assed and I had trouble following it in places.

It was an okay read but nothing spectacular and I had to push myself to stay invested.

Thanks to Netgalley for an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.