Monday, August 10, 2015

Book Review: A Book of Spirits and Thieves by Morgan Rhodes

A Book of Spirits and Thieves (Spirits and Thieves #1)
Author:  Morgan Rhodes
Publisher:  Razorbill, 368 pages
Publication Date:  June 23, 2015

From Goodreads:
Crystal Hatcher, Modern-day Toronto: It’s a normal afternoon in her mother’s antique bookshop when Crys witnesses the unthinkable: her little sister Becca collapses into a coma after becoming mesmerized by a mysterious book written in an unrecognizable language.

Maddox Corso, Ancient Mytica: Maddox Corso doesn’t think much of it when he spots an unfamiliar girl in his small village. Until, that is, he realizes that she is a spirit, and he is the only one who can see or hear her. Her name is Becca Hatcher, and she needs Maddox to help get her home.

Farrell Grayson, Modern-day Toronto: Rich and aimless Farrell Grayson is thrilled when the mysterious leader of the ultra-secret Hawkspear Society invites him into the fold. But when he learns exactly what he has to do to prove himself, Farrell starts to question everything he thought he knew about family, loyalty, and himself….

Review:
Falling Kingdoms is one of my favorite series so I was so excited to read this spin-off series.  I LOVED IT.  Here's why:

1.  Unusual combination of urban fantasy and traditional fantasy.  I don't think I've ever read a book that combined the two.  Crystal and her sister Becca live in modern day Toronto along with Farrell Grayson, but then Becca's spirit (sort of) somehow gets sucked into Mytica.  

2.  Complex characters.  As is the case in Falling Kingdoms, Morgan Rhodes does a fantastic job of creating well-drawn and complex characters.  Characters who do horrible things and seem evil, but then also have heart and have the potential to be heroes.  There's one particular character in this book that appears to be turning into a villain, but you just never know and I love that you can't easily peg these characters.

3.  Elegant world-building.  It may be just that I love Falling Kingdoms so much but I love Mytica, the mythology is fascinating.  The part of the book that takes place in Mytica is a long time before the events that take place in Falling Kingdoms so if you haven't read that series, you don't have to in order to read this book.

4.  Fantastic plot.  Couldn't put it down and I can't wait to read the next one.  

5 Enthusiastic Stars!

Posted by:  Pam

2 comments:

  1. This sounds like a thrill ride. I've been seeing it since BEA. I think I definitely need to read this one, and Falling Kingdoms too!

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  2. Yay so excited that you loved this! I can't wait to read it (soon!) I know I will love it :)

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