An Illusion of Thieves

March 4, 2019
This awkward debut novel builds a complex world of political intrigue and magic, but slow pacing and a lack of focus on the central plot make for a slow start to a larger series. In the mythical land of Costa Drago, Romy of Lizard’s Alley must give up her life as the courtesan of the city’s leader, il Padroné, to save her family from being put to death as punishment for her brother’s use of forbidden magic. In addition, Romy must learn to control her own powers in order to stop a plot against her former lover. While the details of the setting are intriguing, so much time is spent building it that the “epic plot” to overthrow il Padroné feels like an afterthought with no real risk of succeeding. Romy has hardly used her magic, but command of it comes easily when she needs it to. The magical team Romy assembles is strong, but their magical abilities are not clear; meanwhile, no effort is spared to describe the colors of the various nobles’ livery. Readers who enjoy European-style secondary worlds and don’t mind slow pacing will appreciate this tale of illegal magic and hope the sequels do more to develop the characters.

Starred review from April 15, 2019
In Glass' debut, magic is prohibited and punishable by a merciless death. Romy, a pampered courtesan, trades her life as the cherished companion of the most powerful man in the city to save her impetuous younger brother, who has used his skill for walking through walls to commit an impossible theft and brought unwanted attention to his sister's hidden background. Romy is a reluctant sorcerer, who despises her ability to alter a person's mind without their consent. She does not understand her brother's eagerness to explore his sorcerous talent, because whenever she uses her gift, it leaves her trembling and sick. When she discovers a threat to her former master and the city, Romy must find a way to foil the plot, even it if means using magic. She will have to work with her wastrel brother, employ a drunken swordsman, and make use of a talented craftsman to pull off an improbable heist. A combination of political intrigue, deceit, and forbidden talents imbues this adventurous series-starter that ends with hints of another caper to come with a Mission Impossible vibe.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)