To Steal from Thieves

Gr 8 Up–Zaria Mendoza, 18, receives her father’s banned alchemy business upon his death. Selling magic proves to be a challenge as she must use the dark market in order to survive and keep the business afloat. While struggling, she meets Kane Durante, a charming con man who offers her the opportunity to help him steal a prized necklace in exchange for the freedom of his only friend, Fletcher Collins. The book is set in what seems like an alternative 19th-century London, and readers will feel as though they have stepped back in time with modern characters giving the novel a historical yet mystical feel. The magic is unique and entertaining, as it is shot out of revolvers. As the heist to find the necklace unfolds, Zaria and Kane fall for each other and secrets and motives are revealed, giving readers an inside peek into their shady lives. Plenty of twists and turns keep readers engaged as the pace of the novel increases and comes to a close. After a cliff-hanger ending, readers will hope for a sequel. Characters are diverse: Zaria is Spanish and English; Kane is Italian; Jules, Zaria’s friend, is Chinese; Fletcher is Irish.