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Midnight Thief
(Midnight Thief #1)
by
Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs.
But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—a ...more
But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—a ...more
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Hardcover, 376 pages
Published
July 8th 2014
by Disney-Hyperion
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Nov 22, 2013
Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies
rated it
did not like it
Shelves:
why-do-i-hate-myself
Actual rating: 1.5
Why hello there, generic special snowflake Mary Sue heroine who's a dumb, weak, pussy-ass delicate little flower with every guy desiring her and powers that she never earned.
She didn’t look like an assassin. She looked like a young girl—a pretty one at that, with her small stature and delicate features.

Why hello there, generic special snowflake Mary Sue heroine who's a dumb, weak, pussy-ass delicate little flower with every guy desiring her and powers that she never earned.
“You’re beautiful to watch, you know...Your grace—it’s impossible to ignore. Did you notice the way my men looked at you? And it wasn’t just them.”Oh, and there's a sad a ...more

This story is my homage to the medieval fantasies I grew up reading. Most notably, Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness, which I've read and reread countless times. Unlike the Lioness Alanna, Kyra is a thief instead of a knight, and the challenges she faces are different. But I hope I've captured the same spirit, vulnerability, and courage that drew me to my favorite girl-power fantasies from my childhood.
...more

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
Before I read MIDNIGHT THIEF, I took the advice of various and sundry others, and read the prequel, POISON DANCE, and I really liked it. Having since read the book, I'm going to hazard a guess that the point of the prequel was to, if not make a sympathetic character out of MIDNIGHT THIEF's villain, then to at least explain why he was the way he was.
But it didn't quite work that way for me.
I feel like I've said this recently, so if I'm repeating myself, I apologize, but in ...more
Before I read MIDNIGHT THIEF, I took the advice of various and sundry others, and read the prequel, POISON DANCE, and I really liked it. Having since read the book, I'm going to hazard a guess that the point of the prequel was to, if not make a sympathetic character out of MIDNIGHT THIEF's villain, then to at least explain why he was the way he was.
But it didn't quite work that way for me.
I feel like I've said this recently, so if I'm repeating myself, I apologize, but in ...more

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne
Book One of the Midnight Thief series
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: July 8, 2014
Rating: 5 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs.
But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, s ...more
Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne
Book One of the Midnight Thief series
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: July 8, 2014
Rating: 5 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs.
But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, s ...more

I must admit that I was first smittened by this book because of the synopsis. Anything that involves going sneaky and stealthy earns itself my full attention, as there is something about assassins, and well, I guess in this case, faux-assassins, that utterly fascinate me. They come like thieves in the night, arrive when you least expect it, and are super silent in the things they do. So when I was able to get an ARC of this, I was totally screaming, "GIMMEEEE!!" complete with an out-of-the-world
...more


actual rating: 2.5 stars
ARC provided by Disney-Hyperion through Netgalley
Kyra is a thief trying to make ends meet when she's taken into the Assassins Guild. There she hones her skills and learns a few new tricks.
Tristam is close to his knighthood when barbarians riding demon cats attack and kill his best friend. This makes Tristam choose a path which will allow him to seek justice for his fallen friend.
I was really, REALLY excited for this book, but that excitement died down within the ...more

Nov 13, 2013
Mogsy (MMOGC)
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
fantasy,
arcs-and-galleys,
netgalley,
shapeshifters,
young-adult,
review-copy,
assassins,
thieves
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.blogspot.com/201...
I was introduced to the world of Midnight Thief late last year when author Livia Blackburne offered me a review copy of the prequel novella, Poison Dance. After reading it I came to two conclusions. First, Ms. Blackburne obviously puts a lot of care and effort into her writing, and knows how to tell a great story. And second, if what I saw in her novella was any indication, the actual book is going to be awesome.
In Midnigh ...more
I was introduced to the world of Midnight Thief late last year when author Livia Blackburne offered me a review copy of the prequel novella, Poison Dance. After reading it I came to two conclusions. First, Ms. Blackburne obviously puts a lot of care and effort into her writing, and knows how to tell a great story. And second, if what I saw in her novella was any indication, the actual book is going to be awesome.
In Midnigh ...more

Jun 12, 2017
Rusty's Ghost Engine (also known as.......... Jinky Spring)
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
high-fantasy

One of the best books I've ever read! It was an absolute pleasure, and Livia Blackburne is now one of my top authors.
MIDNIGHT THIEF starts out with a bang. With a killer plot and really great motivations behind the characters, the reader is sure to fall in love with this story.
MIDNIGHT THIEF bounces back and forth between two characters: Kyra and Tristam.
Kyra is a teenaged thief who is one of the best climbers around. She's grown up on the streets of Forge, and she knows how to survive because ...more
MIDNIGHT THIEF starts out with a bang. With a killer plot and really great motivations behind the characters, the reader is sure to fall in love with this story.
MIDNIGHT THIEF bounces back and forth between two characters: Kyra and Tristam.
Kyra is a teenaged thief who is one of the best climbers around. She's grown up on the streets of Forge, and she knows how to survive because ...more

What to make of the AMAZING book! Where do I begin? The author has a PhD in neuroscience for heavens sake! Go figure she wrote such an incredible book! And for the love of all that is holy I have to wait a whole year for book 2! Let me just say I was riveted by the end of paige one. I could not put this book down. Everything about it was worth reading every word, line and savoring the picture she created as you get involved in the world and it's characters. This book truly has everything a story
...more

As I have mentioned many times, I am a dog person, definitely not a cat person. So, any book with giant killer cats has already got a strike against it in my eyes. Cats give me the creeps with their independent attitudes and crapping in a box. Seriously? I have to keep a box of your shit sitting in my house all day? I have yet to walk into someone's house and be surprised they have a cat. Why? Because they have a box of cat shit sitting in their house.
Exactly my point!
Obviously, the crap ...more

Exactly my point!

Obviously, the crap ...more

Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
When Livia Blackburne approached me last year and asked me to read the prequel to this story, Poison Dance, I jumped to it. Assassins are always my favorite bunch to hang out with and luckily it turned out for the best. Ever since then I've been frantically checking NetGalley for Midnight Thief and finally it is here.
First I'd want to start this review by saying that you should read Poison Dance before reading this book (it's free on Amazon so go and grab i ...more
When Livia Blackburne approached me last year and asked me to read the prequel to this story, Poison Dance, I jumped to it. Assassins are always my favorite bunch to hang out with and luckily it turned out for the best. Ever since then I've been frantically checking NetGalley for Midnight Thief and finally it is here.
First I'd want to start this review by saying that you should read Poison Dance before reading this book (it's free on Amazon so go and grab i ...more

4.5 stars
Absolutely riveting! I kept putting off reading this one, and now I am left wondering why. Kyra is a great addition to the canon of kick butt heroines (Katniss, Celaena, Elisa, Tris, Katsa, Saba, Enna, you get the point). I truly fell in love with Kyra's character from the first chapter. She is just the right balance between being vulnerable and being steel. Her drive to survive is incredible and makes you cheer for her from the start.
This is a great world to lose yourself in. It is we ...more
Absolutely riveting! I kept putting off reading this one, and now I am left wondering why. Kyra is a great addition to the canon of kick butt heroines (Katniss, Celaena, Elisa, Tris, Katsa, Saba, Enna, you get the point). I truly fell in love with Kyra's character from the first chapter. She is just the right balance between being vulnerable and being steel. Her drive to survive is incredible and makes you cheer for her from the start.
This is a great world to lose yourself in. It is we ...more

Completely unexpectedly, Midnight Thief was a very pleasant surprise. It came at a time when I had a hard time focusing on any read and I really needed something different and well done to pull me in. In many ways, The Midnight Thief was both those things.
This book is told from two perspectives, that of Kyra, a skilled thief, and a young knight named Tristam. Tristam’s point of view came as a surprise somewhat late in the story, just when I was starting to get comfortable with Kyra’s voice. Asid ...more
This book is told from two perspectives, that of Kyra, a skilled thief, and a young knight named Tristam. Tristam’s point of view came as a surprise somewhat late in the story, just when I was starting to get comfortable with Kyra’s voice. Asid ...more

Amount Read: 169 pages
I tried, guys. In fact, I got 40% into this book. The thing is that it's NOT bad. The world building is cool, the writing is totally acceptable, and the plot is, so far, quite promising. I didn't want to DNF because there's so much that's right about this book.
That said, I just DO. NOT. CARE. The characterization really isn't here for me, which leads me to not care about the interesting plot and world building. If it's a fantasy plot line of "oh no, these humans might die," ...more
I tried, guys. In fact, I got 40% into this book. The thing is that it's NOT bad. The world building is cool, the writing is totally acceptable, and the plot is, so far, quite promising. I didn't want to DNF because there's so much that's right about this book.
That said, I just DO. NOT. CARE. The characterization really isn't here for me, which leads me to not care about the interesting plot and world building. If it's a fantasy plot line of "oh no, these humans might die," ...more

Midnight Thief was a pretty interesting book. In it, you will meet Kyra. She's your typical assassin who doesn't look like an assassin. When she's offered a job by the Assassin Guild, she definitely hesitates to take it. Rightfully so in my opinion. She's not used to this world or the rules, but it is an intriguing offer.
For most of this book, I was pretty invested with what was happening. Then I hit some boring parts where nothing was really happening. Also, the romance was kind of annoying me ...more
For most of this book, I was pretty invested with what was happening. Then I hit some boring parts where nothing was really happening. Also, the romance was kind of annoying me ...more

“When you lose a friend in battle, it’s natural to feel like you’re to blame. But don’t let those thoughts consume you. War is fickle. Just fight your best and let the ghosts of every battle rest in peace.”
It’s rare when I find a book on my own―without all the cluster of social media or friendly recommendations. At some point or another, I’ve probably heard of a book through blogs or Instagram or BookTube, and when I see it at Barnes & Noble I have a sort of "ah-ha!" moment (it’s quite exhilara ...more
It’s rare when I find a book on my own―without all the cluster of social media or friendly recommendations. At some point or another, I’ve probably heard of a book through blogs or Instagram or BookTube, and when I see it at Barnes & Noble I have a sort of "ah-ha!" moment (it’s quite exhilara ...more

4.5 Stars
MIDNIGHT THIEF was a fascinating, emotionally-punched, action-packed, thrilling, fantasy book that I devoured so quickly it had me tripping over words trying to get them read so fast!! It was SO much fun, with twist and turns that just kept coming!! It will definitely go down as one of my favorite fantasy's of 2014!!!
Livia Blackburne delivers WAYYYY more then I anticipated in this novel!!! When I read the synopsis about the Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty ...more

This was really good. I loved watching the main character, Kyra, go through all these situations and actually make mistakes (Yay for a non-perfect YA fantasy heroine!) and watching the world building expand was an absolute thrill. I did wish that the plot were a bit tighter but I don't even care because this book was still very entertaining. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Series Review
Why should you check out ...more

Wow! Now this was impressive!
Midnight Thief, is a brilliant medieval fantasy adventure that was such a blast to read. I love fantasy books, but for whatever reason I really have to be in a certain mood to get into them, so color me shocked when I opened this book just to catch the first chapter, only to be instantly hooked. I could not put this down.
I can't believe this is Livia Blackburne debut novel. I'm in love with the way she can write. For some reason I thought this was a historical fantas ...more
Midnight Thief, is a brilliant medieval fantasy adventure that was such a blast to read. I love fantasy books, but for whatever reason I really have to be in a certain mood to get into them, so color me shocked when I opened this book just to catch the first chapter, only to be instantly hooked. I could not put this down.
I can't believe this is Livia Blackburne debut novel. I'm in love with the way she can write. For some reason I thought this was a historical fantas ...more

MIDNIGHT THIEF is a riveting page-turner full of action, intrigue, secrets. It is a fantasy but reads like historical fiction set in Medival Europe. The fantasy doesn't kick in until 110 pages before the ending. (I suspected early, but won't give away any spoilers.)
Forget Ye Old English speech, too, because the language is as easy to read--no dialects except one word (in't instead of ain't) and understandable as contemporary novels, only with a historical setting and tone. Even when the Barbari ...more
Forget Ye Old English speech, too, because the language is as easy to read--no dialects except one word (in't instead of ain't) and understandable as contemporary novels, only with a historical setting and tone. Even when the Barbari ...more

This and my other reviews can be found at http://amethystbookwyrm.blogspot.co.uk/
Kyra has grown up on Forge’s streets and with her ability to scale walls and avoid the attention of guards, she is able to take what she needs to survive. When James, the leader of the Assassin’s Guild, offers her a job to help them steal from The Palace, she agrees but struggles against the guilds rules and James, who is darkly alluring. Tristam is a young knight who is on a mission to stop Demon Riders after they ...more
Kyra has grown up on Forge’s streets and with her ability to scale walls and avoid the attention of guards, she is able to take what she needs to survive. When James, the leader of the Assassin’s Guild, offers her a job to help them steal from The Palace, she agrees but struggles against the guilds rules and James, who is darkly alluring. Tristam is a young knight who is on a mission to stop Demon Riders after they ...more

Errybody be posting Empire of Storm or Crooked Kingdom updates and here I be, reading some no-name book from 2014...haha.
Anyway. 3.5 star rating. I feel like I gave up my seat at the cool kids' table by liking this book so much, particularly after reading Khanh destroy this book in her review, haha. But 'ey, I liked it!
I read Poison Dance first, which nicely set me up to like this book. Once I started to get a few chapters in I was struck by how much the vibes paralleled Final Empire in ...more
Anyway. 3.5 star rating. I feel like I gave up my seat at the cool kids' table by liking this book so much, particularly after reading Khanh destroy this book in her review, haha. But 'ey, I liked it!
I read Poison Dance first, which nicely set me up to like this book. Once I started to get a few chapters in I was struck by how much the vibes paralleled Final Empire in ...more

Apr 16, 2016
Gergana
marked it as zzz-books-not-for-me
DNF:75%
Read in April, 2016.
Dammit! So close to finishing this one. So close...
One word: CLUTTERED
Imagine a huge mix of Shadow and Bone, Poison Study, The Darkest Minds and many many others. It's a book that combines the best elements from my favorite YA books and has a TON of plot twists in order to fit them all in in one single book.
Well, to be completely honest, Midnight Thief is one of the better YA fantasies I've ever read - it's is fast-paced, well-written and action-packed. It has believa ...more
Read in April, 2016.
Dammit! So close to finishing this one. So close...
One word: CLUTTERED
Imagine a huge mix of Shadow and Bone, Poison Study, The Darkest Minds and many many others. It's a book that combines the best elements from my favorite YA books and has a TON of plot twists in order to fit them all in in one single book.
Well, to be completely honest, Midnight Thief is one of the better YA fantasies I've ever read - it's is fast-paced, well-written and action-packed. It has believa ...more

This review was originally posted on Bewitched Bookworms
I admit, I was drawn in by the cover because I think it's absolutely fantastically awesome. Then, reading the synopsis I was hooked and I really wanted to know Kyra!
Lately, I've been in the mood for Epic Fantasy and Midnight Thief comes with a fantastic setting. A medieval land which is suddenly faced by some mysterious dangerous creatures. Kyra our heroine is an orphan who grew up in the streets and finall ...more

I loved the heroine Kyra. She is smart,strong,and fierce but still compassionate and will do anything for the people she loves. She doesn't have much and was a street rat before she meet her friend Flick and she started stealing for a living. She never steals from the poor only the rich. She doesn't even know her true age but she and her friends guess at around 17. She doesn't remember anything before being a street rat including how she became one or her family.
When she is approached by James t ...more
When she is approached by James t ...more

Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne is not your ordinary fantasy about a thief. For one thing, Kyra is not an ordinary thief, and for another, strange things are afoot in her world these days. Midnight Thief was one of my most anticipated reads for 2014 after I read Poison Dance, the prequel novella. I thought I knew what I was getting into, but I was wonderfully surprised and now must patiently wait for book two to be announced…. ;-)
Note: I received Midnight Thief from the publisher in exchange ...more
Note: I received Midnight Thief from the publisher in exchange ...more

I have been anticipating the release of this book ever since I read the prequel called Poison Dance. I instantly fell in love with the author's writing and characters.
I am extremely happy to say that Midnight Thief was a hundred times better than I ever imagined it would be. It was absolutely perfect, from the characters all the way down to the world-building.
Kyra is a thief. In a world where the rich take from the poor, Kyra is the "Robin Hood," stealing from the snobby rich folk and giving bac ...more
I am extremely happy to say that Midnight Thief was a hundred times better than I ever imagined it would be. It was absolutely perfect, from the characters all the way down to the world-building.
Kyra is a thief. In a world where the rich take from the poor, Kyra is the "Robin Hood," stealing from the snobby rich folk and giving bac ...more
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New York Times bestselling author Livia Blackburne wrote her first novel while researching the neuroscience of reading at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since then, she’s switched to full-time writing, which also involves getting into people’s heads but without the help of a 3 Tesla MRI scanner.
She is also the author of MIDNIGHT THIEF (an Indies Introduce New Voices selection), DAUGHTE ...more
She is also the author of MIDNIGHT THIEF (an Indies Introduce New Voices selection), DAUGHTE ...more
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Midnight Thief
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