Mercedes Lackey's triumphant return to the best-selling world of Valdemar, Takes a Thief reveals the untold story of Skif-a popular characte...
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Dec 29, 2008
Mariah
rated it: 
Much of Take a Thief reads like a fantasy version of Oliver Twist- an orphan boy who runs away and joins a gang of pickpockets. Skif is a clever and resourceful lad who learns to survive no matter what. Skif’s routine is interrupted with a tragic fire- which he suspects was not an accident. As he investigates it, he finds that the arson is connected with other wrongdoing. The wretched circumstances which he and his peers endure is astounding- it reminded me of the all too real poverty that exist
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Mar 16, 2010
Chuck
rated it: 
Number 27 of 100 to e read in 2010 . . .
I have to say that I think the three novels Lackey wrote in the early 2000s that deal with the interim time between when Selenay takes the throne of Valdemar and when Talia becomes her chief adviser (the Queen's Own) are in many ways the best. These novels, the first two of which deal with Alberich (and who figures prominently in this book) explore issues of honor, of why people fight, and of society and justice as well as any speculative fic More...
I have to say that I think the three novels Lackey wrote in the early 2000s that deal with the interim time between when Selenay takes the throne of Valdemar and when Talia becomes her chief adviser (the Queen's Own) are in many ways the best. These novels, the first two of which deal with Alberich (and who figures prominently in this book) explore issues of honor, of why people fight, and of society and justice as well as any speculative fic More...
May 30, 2009
Annette
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I discovered Lackey's "Valdemar" fiction a year or so ago and quickly devoured 1/2 a dozen of her books. They're not top-10 material, by any means - I mean, no-one would compare her to Tolkien - but they're comfortable and enjoyable. Let's say that Tolkien is a fine steak dinner from a good restaurant. By comparison, Lackey is a higher end hamburger - say, Red Robin. No-one would say a burger is better than a steak, but a burger is still perfectly enjoyable (not to mention far more
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Dec 25, 2009
Pamela
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I love Lackey's Valdemar series; however, here she borrows so much from Dickens' Oliver Twist that it's extremely distracting. She basically recasts Fagan and his band of child-thieves as sympathetic Robin Hood-type guys who steal from the rich only and who take in young Skif, who's had a pretty bum life so far. Some passages are lifted straight from the Dickens original, such as teaching Skif how to steal hankerchiefs. It was an enjoyable read, though, despite the ridiculously over-the-top t
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Jul 04, 2011
Laura
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I hesitated to add this to my young adult shelf. I, after all, read it as an adult and found it enthralling. Mercedes Lackey is an excellent writer and her Valdemar universe is one of the finest fantasy settings I've ever encountered. Her books are always clean although not clean in the way adults would like it. Rape, child molestation, jealousy, and other crimes and vices occur regularly in Valdemar yet Valdemar is really an adventure universe. There aren't any graphic descriptions of what occu
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Sep 28, 2010
Harmonybites
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Although I do love Lackey's Valdemar, centered on the heroic Heralds and their horse-shaped magical "Companions," I don't think this is among the strongest books in that series, and if you're new to it, I'd recommend starting instead with Arrows of the Queen, the first published book within the series, even if chronologically later.
Skif, the protagonist of Take a Thief is a character in Arrows of the Queen and it was interesting reading a book centered on him that gives hi More...
Skif, the protagonist of Take a Thief is a character in Arrows of the Queen and it was interesting reading a book centered on him that gives hi More...
Sep 24, 2010
Kathleen
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I have always liked the hints we get that Valdemar--while very much worth protecting--is not a perfect place. Skif--the boy-thief Herald--has always been a big part of that depiction. Therefore, this story, which I will call the Oliver Twist of Valdemar, is a fascinating look at the poverty and inequality within Haven. Of course, unlike classic London, Skif's Fagin Bazie isn't even a little bit cruel, but rather cruelly murdered. After which Skif becomes a vigilante for justice and eventuall
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Jan 12, 2010
Edie
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Ah - Skif! I'm halfway through this one -- and what I like is that it shows a different part of Haven and Valdemar -- more about those who don't have much in the way of material goods and how they get by. Skif intrigued me when I met him in Arrow of the Queen (or whatever that first book was called) -- and this story of the series gives him and his experiences more depth.
And now I've finished -- most satisfying. one thing I thought was clever is that you really don't get the title More...
And now I've finished -- most satisfying. one thing I thought was clever is that you really don't get the title More...
Nov 27, 2011
Jeremy
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I like Take A Thief - it's probably the closest to a truly standalone novel in the series, Skif is an engaging character, and the seedy underside of Haven is a surprisingly rich world (given that Valdemar is basically the ideal modern-liberal nation.) If you don't like dialect, though, it's going to totally fall apart for you, because that's pretty much all there is. (I find dialect totally readable - doesn't bug me at all.) The magical talking horse side of the book is the least of it, and it's
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Sep 24, 2007
Speedtribes
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Oh Mercedes Lackey. In an authorial move that had left me severely disappointed in both the Storm Warning series and Exile's series-- she does it again. What could have been an interestingly nuanced coming of age story about a young thief boy's inclusion in an elite group of morally superior and God-backed do-gooders, Mercedes Lackey imposes a ham fisted moral preachiness onto the characters. (One must only be all good or all bad -- well, unless you do bad for the good, in which case it's all ri
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Nov 15, 2011
Macjest
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This one wasn't quite as good as the others I've read by Lackey this month. The diction used by the main characters was very distracting. I spent too much time deciphering what the character was saying instead of being carried away by the story. I think the story line of a boy who decided to be a thief to survive would have been more interesting had it not been for that. Then, the story makes a big shift about half way through as the boy becomes a good guy. My take on this - 50/50.
Aug 27, 2009
Tammy
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Skif is a runaway orphan, who under guidance of a war veteran, learns the skill of thievery. When his mentor is murdered, he uses his skills to find the murder to enact his vengeance. Due to his unique experiences, he is chosen to be a Herald, a member of the justice keepers in Valdemar. As his dubious background proves invaluable to the Heralds, his new found position is invaluable to solving the murder.
'Take a Thief' is a fun, light Oliver Twist like story.
'Take a Thief' is a fun, light Oliver Twist like story.
Jun 11, 2009
Kristen
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What can I say...I love Valdemar! I suddenly had a craving to reread some Valdemar the other day and this was the only thing I could put my hands on at short notice. I enjoyed it (again.) Valdemar is a nice comfortable place to escape to when you don't want to think too much. I can appreciate why I enjoyed it so much in my youth and while it's not quite as appealing now, this one is still a fun, quick read.
Jan 06, 2011
Sanya
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I kept going back and forth... three stars, four? I enjoyed the book, but only if I divorce it from the rest of the Valdemar novels.
As a stand alone book, it's very enjoyable, and wonderfully done. As part of the series as a whole, it feels wedged in, and tacked on to the existing history of the world.
As a stand alone book, it's very enjoyable, and wonderfully done. As part of the series as a whole, it feels wedged in, and tacked on to the existing history of the world.
Sep 18, 2010
Melissa
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Mar 04, 2010
Shannon
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This book is another wonderful masterpiece by Mercedes Lackey, only this time she has remade a classic into something enchanting and magical. Oliver Twist is a favorite among many people, but this version makes the story stand out all the more.
Apr 06, 2009
Karl
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This fantasy focuses on the development of Skif the orphan into a Herald of Valdemar. The story is similar to Lackey's first fantasy - Arrows of the Queen. The primary difference is the nature of the main character. This is a good one.
Jan 28, 2008
Andrea
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Lackey is one of my favorite authors ever but I must admit this was not one of my favorite books. I started reading Lackey in 8th grade but I will still pull out her books to reread them or read her newest publications just to see what she comes up with next. Her character building is really her main strength – you want to meet her characters – which is probably why I always reach for her books as a pick-me-up, it’s like talking to old friends. This novel is really just a whole book for one
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Nov 24, 2009
Becca
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I like how this book was less Herald-centric, and I did enjoy the sight of Haven from a different angle. It is still a somewhat typical book about a thief, but most of the Valdemar books are shallow anyway.
Jul 29, 2011
I did enjoy this book quite a lot, but it took me a while to get into it. Other then that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next installment.
Oct 04, 2009
Jennifer
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A heartwarming story of Skif. I liked the view of the heralds from people who are fighting to stay alive with all their means. Skif's growth and feelings are well written.
Aug 11, 2011
Emily
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This book is my guilty pleasure. Its got everthing from Oliver Twist, to Si-fi elements, to harry potter all in one great story. I just love it!
Jul 19, 2011
Mia
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I think that this is one of my favourites from the Velgarth series. It's clever and Skif is just so personable. I love how she weaves a tale.
Aug 23, 2010
Dawn
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I really enjoyed this book. Skif is one of the characters I've always enjoyed and he deserved a book of his own to really understand his back story.
Nov 07, 2010
Kelly
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The words were hard to read because it was all in lower class speak so this book took me a while to finish but it was still a great story
Jul 07, 2009
So far this book has kept me on my toes but alas I must return it to the library and wait a day before I check it out again. Humph!
Aug 04, 2011
yeah... I couldn't get into this. I think I was burnt out on fantasy at the time, though. Maybe I'll try again someday.
Apr 02, 2010
Eliza
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I think I attempted to hop on the Mercedes Lackey bandwagon 15+ years too late. I'm sure I would have loved this if I were 13.
Jan 15, 2009
Jenna
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This one was a little slow...it took while, a lot of back story before the actual plot begins. Very Oliver Twist-ish.
Nov 23, 2011
Anna
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If you've read more than one Mercedes Lackey book, this one just follows her formula. Feels like recycled material.
