Title: Den of Thieves
Author: David Chandler
Series: Ancient Blades
Sexual Content: None
objectionable Content: Violence
Buy Now From: Amazon
Synopsis (from Amazon): A thief must steal a crown to join a guild, but it comes at a catastrophic cost in this epic high fantasy trilogy debut.
Born and raised in the squalid depths of the Free City of Ness, Malden became a thief by necessity. Now he must pay a fortune to join the criminal operation of Cutbill, lord of the underworld—and one does not refuse the master . . . and live.
The coronet of the Burgrave would fulfill Malden’s obligations, though it is guarded by hungry demons that would tear the soul from any interloper. But the desperate endeavor leads to a more terrible destiny, as Malden, an outlaw knight, and an ensorcelled lady must face the most terrifying evil in the land.
My Review of Den of Thieves
Malden was born the son of a prostitute in a brothel. As such, he had little chance in life. With circumstances stacked against him, he became a thief to survive. Now, the leader of the Guild of Thieves has offered Malden a place in the guild, which would grant Malden certain protections. The problem? The entry fee. So when a impossible job comes his way that he would normally never even consider, he accepts with the entry price to be his reward.
Soon, Malden is twisted up in a plot that goes deeper than he knows. The consequences of his job now see him trying to steal the item he already stole, but this time from the most powerful sorcerer in the city. With the help of an incorporeal card sharp and a knight with a very high sense of honour, Malden will have to devise the most clever scheme he’s ever come up with, though he may die achieving it.
I liked Malden from the very beginning. He comes from very humble roots with very little going for him. Despite this, he’s extremely clever and to an extend, optimistic. Though he’s aware the life he lives isn’t the most respectable, he hasn’t lost himself to depression or in drinking. In comparison,, Croy feels almost comical. From the moment he appears in the book and every moment after, he just feels like a caricature of a stereotypical knight. I admit though, he does stick to his principles when push comes to shove. He won’t give up his honour or morals even if it means his death.
Cythera is the glue that holds them together. Both have feelings for her and want to free her from her imprisonment. Saving her might be more motivation for Malden to steal back the object than saving his own skin. She is an interesting character. She is magically trapped with the sorcerer Hazoth, but somehow hasn’t given up all hope. Her life is miserable, she’s constantly tortured while her mother is held captive as well. Thankfully, despite being beautiful, she doesn’t try to use her “feminine charms” to entice Malden to help her. In fact, she tries to deter him from doing so at first.
The story was enticing as well. It kind of feels like a heist movie, leaving the reader wondering how Malden is going to get out of increasingly impossible situations. I really like that it was just “oh by the way, this,” no there’s evidence through the story, foreshadowing, towards just how clever Malden really is and the different scenarios he’s thought through.
The ending was satisfying, wrapping up most things. However, this is the first book in a trilogy, so I look forward to the next installment. I have a feeling I know what may be coming next. I won’t spoil this of cours.
I can’t think of anything I particularly disliked about Den of Thieves. It was a good and satisfying read. It didn’t end on a cliffhanger but I still want more of Malden and his story.
My rating for Den of Thieves is 4 out of 5 stars and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a heist-like book with a fantasy setting, a bit of romance and a few freaky demons thrown in.
Thanks for reading!