An Illusion of Thieves

An Illusion of Thieves struggles in the first few chapters with an inordinate amount of info dumping that really, really isn't necessary. There's a lot of unfamiliar place names, and explanations of history that honestly, really aren't necessary to the novel as a whole. If you took out the huge info dumps at the beginning of this book, it would flow so so much better. BUT DESPITE THAT, An Illusion of Thieves was an enjoyable fantasy novel with a heist twist into it.

Romy is a delightful main character, with a very unique magic power. She's got some sass to her that I really like. Her brother, Neri, on the other hand, I wanted to slap silly. He is the reason behind basically everything that happens in this book and he doesn't ever appear to be apologetic over it.

Readers of the Locke Lamora series should enjoy this one – same Italian-esque setting with thievery and wit involved.

If you're having a hard time settling into the book, force yourself to get at least 10% of the way in, and then it should get a little better for you.