I love a good heist story especially when it's a heist story with magic and The Silver Queendom by Don Koboldt doesn’t disappoint. This was an easy, quick and fun read.
I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion
The book is told from the points of view of the four main people carrying out the con- Darin, the charismatic leader, a reluctant magic wielder and a magnet for trouble. Evie, the noblewoman fallen from grace, Tom, the friendly muscle and Kat, the newest recruit.
Darin and his gang pull off con after con but they always seem to end up in more trouble after each one and they hope this heist will be final.
The heists are suitably twisty and clever. The plot is fast-paced with plenty of swordfights and crossbow action. There is just a hint of romance between Darin and Evie ( which was perfect) and the magic was subtle enough to enhance the story but not overpower it. The world-building was easy to understand as is the politics. The characters were a little predictable, but I loved all of them with their little quicks.

I’m not sure if this is part of a series but I really hope we read more about Darin and the Rooster Inn gang.
Perfect for fans of
The Six crows or Hustle or Knave of Secrets ( review here)
Content warning
Reference to domestic violence, child labour

I want to start with the world building. It was fantastic! The world came alive and I felt engraved. The story wasn't new but still a fun ride. Highly recommend for those who are a fan of the black company.

This book was reminiscent of a little series called, “The Black Company.” Though the band is smaller, it has that same vibe of comradery within a group of people that may not be the most upstanding of citizens, but do have their own moral standards that they abide by. It isn’t as dark as that series, or even “The Band,” series. Yet I can’t help but feel that it falls within that group, any fan of those series will love it as much as I did.

Dan Koboldt does an outstanding job of building his world around the story, without overloading the reader with all the details upfront in a, “here’s the grand tour,” way. I love that. The magic is worked in nicely, and the history of the characters is revealed with a natural feel. Overall, this book is just well written and I can’t wait to read more! I imagine the gang is kicked back at a table in the Red Rooster Inn awaiting the next adventure and I plan on being there to see what happens!

If you are a fan of well-written Fantasy, do yourself a favor and read this one.

Normally I like adventure stories with rascally heroes and heroines, but I wasn’t captured by the first few chapters. Maybe it was because I didn’t understand the history, why the main characters were doing what they were.