FICTION

Rules for Thieves

by Alexandra OTT
320p. S. & S./Aladdin. Jun. 2017. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481472746.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4–6—Alli Rosco escapes from her orphanage, but during her first day of freedom, she is hit by a curse. The cure is expensive, so she teams up with a boy named Beck to try to pass the trial to join the Thieves Guild and earn the money she needs. As Beck teaches Alli the rules of being a thief, she will have to decide what she is willing to do and what conflicts with her own set of values. This debut novel introduces readers to a fantastic world of orphans, thieves, magic, and adventure. Characters are well developed and balanced, though some of the secondary players are a little flat. While the world is well imagined, the background details are scarce. The plot is fast-paced and addresses ethical dilemmas. There are enough remaining loose ends to spawn a sequel, though this title can stand alone.
VERDICT This compelling debut fantasy novel with complex themes, lots of action, and a good cast of characters will appeal to fantasy readers across the spectrum.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK , Jun 01, 2017

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