The Magic Thief has been added to my collection of “books that had to be read straight through because I was so engrossed in the story.”

Connwaer, aka Conn, is a gutterboy living on the streets of the Twilight, the seedy and dangerous part of Wellmet, Conn has survived on instincts (stick to the shadows), skill (lock-picking and pick-pocketing), and sheer luck. Or has he? When Conn steals from a man who turns out to be a wizard, it becomes apparent that Conn may have more than just luck on his side. He may have what it takes to become a wizard himself.

I’m quite sure this book will have critics who will compare it the Harry Potter series, amongst others, but true book lovers know familiar storylines will always re-circulate. When written well, these storylines make readers feel as though they’re slipping on a comfy old pair of shoes. In this case, warm and fuzzy slippers, since I didn’t leave my house from the time I started the book until I finished it the next day. But, if anyone sees my boss, I was—cough, cough—sick. I swear.

“Sure as sure,” it’s Conn’s character that sells the book. His spirit burns right through the pages. He’s quiet, which serves to make him astute and observant about the things that go on around him. He reads people and their intentions perfectly. The thing I love most about him, though, is his resilience and pride. He’s willing to do what he must to survive, but he has clear personal boundaries that cannot and will not be crossed.

The sketch-style illustrations, by Antonio Javier Caparo, are a great addition to chapter headings that make an already fun book even more so.

Author, Sarah Prineas, already has more books in the works for this series, and I’ll be impatiently waiting for more.

Off to turn another page….

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