#BookReview: City of the Uncommon Thief by Lynne Bertrand

Synopsis: The story of a quarantined city gripped by fear and of the war that can free it.

"Guilders work. Foundlings scrub the bogs. Needles bind. Swords tear. And men leave. There is nothing uncommon in this city. I hope Errol Thebes is dead. We both know he is safer that way."

In a walled city of a mile-high iron guild towers, many things are common knowledge: No book in any of the city's libraries reveals its place on a calendar or a map. No living beasts can be found within the city's walls. And no good comes to the guilder or foundling who trespasses too far from their labors.

Even on the tower rooftops, where Errol Thebes and the rest of the city's teenagers pass a few short years under an open sky, no one truly believe anything uncommon is possible within the city walls.

But one guildmaster has broken tradition to protect her child, and as a result the whole city faces an uncommon threat: a pair of black iron spikes that have the power of both sword and needle on the ribcages of men have gone missing, but the mayhem they cause rises everywhere. If the spikes not found and contained, no wall will be high enough to protect the city--or the world beyond it.

And Errol Thebes? He's not dead and he's certainly not safe.



Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 3 Stars
My Review: This dark fantasy set in an intricate and gritty city where secrets and danger lurk around every corner. The story follows a group of young thieves and outcasts, focusing primarily on twelve-year-old Tenn, as they navigate a world of deception and survival. One of the book’s strengths is its richly detailed setting. Bertrand excels at creating a vivid and immersive cityscape, filled with dark alleys, towering structures, and a pervasive sense of mystery. The atmosphere is palpably tense and foreboding, effectively drawing readers into the world and keeping them intrigued by the city's secrets.

The characters, particularly Tenn, are well-crafted with distinct personalities and backgrounds that add depth to the story. Tenn's journey from a cautious outsider to someone who begins to unravel the city's mysteries is compelling, and his growth is handled with care and nuance. The supporting cast, including other young thieves and enigmatic adults, contribute to the complex social dynamics and add layers to the narrative. 

This was a solid read for fans of dark fantasy who appreciate detailed world-building and complex characters. Despite its pacing issues and occasional convolutions, it offers a rich and immersive experience in a unique and vividly crafted setting.

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Posted in: 4 Stars, Dutton Books, Edelweiss, LarkP., Review, Young Adult