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Starside Saga #1
Thief of Sparks
While stealing gold to save her brother... She lifts a key that opens her destiny.
I'm not the best thief who ever ran the rooftops of Starside. My brother is. Or was.
But he's sick and we need coin. Now it's up to me.
I won't lie and say I don't love hunting down drunken noblemen as they wander home from their late-night revelries. I do love it. I try not to hurt them. Not too badly, anyway.
And they can spare the coin.
But lately something's changed. The dizziness has started and I'm seeing the glow . . . the magic power called the "mercus." It lets me see metal, even when it's hidden under cloaks or inside pockets.
What a wonderful power for a thief. If only I could control it.
But my awakening to this magic has awakened that other mind. The one that's been touching mine. He speaks directly into my mind. He commands me to come to him.
I won't lie. I'm afraid.
But that's nothing new. In my sixteen years I've gotten good at being afraid. I know how to use that feeling. I know how to turn it against my enemies.
Those who say I'm the prophesied one? They're all fools. Here's my prophecy for hold your coin purse tight. I'm coming for it.
I am Kila Sigh.
And Starside is MY city.
I'm not the best thief who ever ran the rooftops of Starside. My brother is. Or was.
But he's sick and we need coin. Now it's up to me.
I won't lie and say I don't love hunting down drunken noblemen as they wander home from their late-night revelries. I do love it. I try not to hurt them. Not too badly, anyway.
And they can spare the coin.
But lately something's changed. The dizziness has started and I'm seeing the glow . . . the magic power called the "mercus." It lets me see metal, even when it's hidden under cloaks or inside pockets.
What a wonderful power for a thief. If only I could control it.
But my awakening to this magic has awakened that other mind. The one that's been touching mine. He speaks directly into my mind. He commands me to come to him.
I won't lie. I'm afraid.
But that's nothing new. In my sixteen years I've gotten good at being afraid. I know how to use that feeling. I know how to turn it against my enemies.
Those who say I'm the prophesied one? They're all fools. Here's my prophecy for hold your coin purse tight. I'm coming for it.
I am Kila Sigh.
And Starside is MY city.
284 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2018
220 people are currently reading
3070 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 14, 2018
This was one of my #SPFBO entries for this year and it was a pretty fun read. I feel liek it starts off as a fairly typical thieving story, but it later developed into the start of a story I did not expect, but wanted to know more about.
We follow a brother and sister called Kila and Wen. They live day-by-day on the streets and in a little home in the Warren and they steal to live. Kila is stealing more out of the two of them as Wen is sick and they need money for his medicine. Until one day, the thing they steal is actually a cat, and this leads to no amount of trouble...
In a world where magic is limited and people are scared of cats and magic-users Kila is alone and left out of common society. Kila has the ability to see metal, something very useful for stealing. She has to do her best with what is given to her and what she can scrounge up, and she is a resourceful and spiky character. I liked her personality and her desperation to provide was warming and sometimes dangerous which was fun to read about.
I definitely enjoyed seeing the blend of magic and animals in this one, it had a lot of cute and amusing moments, and I think it's got potential. Oly and Nax were the two cat characters who we see the most of, and they are sarcastic and witty and added a new dimension to the story. I liked their comments a lot.
In the end I feel like this book was kind of cut off too early. It started off in a way that felt a bit too predictable to me, and then it changed direction and turned more into a heist story. I really liked the direction change, and I found myself sucked into the story as it went on, but then suddenly it ended without a real resolution and on a very large cliff hanger. I really wanted the author to keep writing in this book and finish this bit of the tale before cutting it off, and it is a really short read so they could have done so, but I guess they left the reader wanting more.
Overall, it was a fun one that had some good twists and I think it will be more memorable than some of the other stories I've read for SPFBO, but as it is so short and the story had only just begun I can't really say it felt complete to me. 3*s overall which is 6/10 for SPFBO purposes.
We follow a brother and sister called Kila and Wen. They live day-by-day on the streets and in a little home in the Warren and they steal to live. Kila is stealing more out of the two of them as Wen is sick and they need money for his medicine. Until one day, the thing they steal is actually a cat, and this leads to no amount of trouble...
In a world where magic is limited and people are scared of cats and magic-users Kila is alone and left out of common society. Kila has the ability to see metal, something very useful for stealing. She has to do her best with what is given to her and what she can scrounge up, and she is a resourceful and spiky character. I liked her personality and her desperation to provide was warming and sometimes dangerous which was fun to read about.
I definitely enjoyed seeing the blend of magic and animals in this one, it had a lot of cute and amusing moments, and I think it's got potential. Oly and Nax were the two cat characters who we see the most of, and they are sarcastic and witty and added a new dimension to the story. I liked their comments a lot.
In the end I feel like this book was kind of cut off too early. It started off in a way that felt a bit too predictable to me, and then it changed direction and turned more into a heist story. I really liked the direction change, and I found myself sucked into the story as it went on, but then suddenly it ended without a real resolution and on a very large cliff hanger. I really wanted the author to keep writing in this book and finish this bit of the tale before cutting it off, and it is a really short read so they could have done so, but I guess they left the reader wanting more.
Overall, it was a fun one that had some good twists and I think it will be more memorable than some of the other stories I've read for SPFBO, but as it is so short and the story had only just begun I can't really say it felt complete to me. 3*s overall which is 6/10 for SPFBO purposes.
May 7, 2021
Kila is a thief in Starside, living solely with her older brother Wen who is sick with a bloody cough. She steals mainly to pay their rent and for Wen’s medicine. After trying to steal from a sailor, she winds up with a cat. But that is okay, since cat tails are worth gold to temple masters who have spread the word that cats are in league with deymanes (demons?). But before she can collect the gold, Wen gets attached to the cat, and insists that they rescue the rest of the cats that traveled there to Starside.
Starside is a highly detailed city, complete with slums, harbor, rich areas, and various temples. I did want to know more about the various gods and religions there, since the god names kept getting mentioned, but never really explained. There were plenty of things that got mentioned without really telling us about them, like I’m still not entirely sure what a Donse master does (but it seems like it’s important to the book). It kind of felt like random words were thrown in for local color, but then never defined to the reader, leaving the reader scratching their head at what things are. Speaking of local color, the main heroine Kila’s name is far too close to the Starside swear word Kil commonly used during the course of this book. I kept having to stop and re-read sentences trying to figure out if they were using the swear word or merely shortening her name or referring to her in some way. In general, their thieving life didn’t really excite me. It was fun at the start as Kila used capoeira like Prince of Persia or Aladdin to jump from rooftop to rooftop as she chased marks or evaded people hunting her. But as the book went on, their thieving felt too business driven. By the end, everything was really looked at in a transactional or business standpoint. I didn’t get Kila’s choice of staying in the great house (which in the end didn’t really amount to anything). It was a stupid decision from the start and then she kept making bad decision after bad decision. Like wearing the dead girl’s clothes, sleeping in her bed, stealing from the kitchen, etc. Was she waiting around to get caught? It felt like she was mainly in the house just to give the audience a perspective from inside the house, and no real other reason. I did love Kila’s relationship with her brother (though he’s not the main focus, I did grow to worry about her quiet brother and his bloody cough) and the cats were fantastic, especially relaying messages in their varying personalities and being focused on food. I also loved her relationship with Finta, the woman with the potion. And I loved Kila’s antagonistic rivalry with Oly. The story reminded me of Night’s Gift (Of Cats and Dragons), which I finished reading recently. Granted the teenagers in the two medieval fantasy world books come from two entirely different walks of life, with entirely different magical skills, but they both acquire intelligent cats tagging along with them on their adventures. In the end, I was bored by the business-driven aspect this story seemed to take, and really, not too much happened beyond running, hiding, befriending the cats, and setting up for the next story.
Starside is a highly detailed city, complete with slums, harbor, rich areas, and various temples. I did want to know more about the various gods and religions there, since the god names kept getting mentioned, but never really explained. There were plenty of things that got mentioned without really telling us about them, like I’m still not entirely sure what a Donse master does (but it seems like it’s important to the book). It kind of felt like random words were thrown in for local color, but then never defined to the reader, leaving the reader scratching their head at what things are. Speaking of local color, the main heroine Kila’s name is far too close to the Starside swear word Kil commonly used during the course of this book. I kept having to stop and re-read sentences trying to figure out if they were using the swear word or merely shortening her name or referring to her in some way. In general, their thieving life didn’t really excite me. It was fun at the start as Kila used capoeira like Prince of Persia or Aladdin to jump from rooftop to rooftop as she chased marks or evaded people hunting her. But as the book went on, their thieving felt too business driven. By the end, everything was really looked at in a transactional or business standpoint. I didn’t get Kila’s choice of staying in the great house (which in the end didn’t really amount to anything). It was a stupid decision from the start and then she kept making bad decision after bad decision. Like wearing the dead girl’s clothes, sleeping in her bed, stealing from the kitchen, etc. Was she waiting around to get caught? It felt like she was mainly in the house just to give the audience a perspective from inside the house, and no real other reason. I did love Kila’s relationship with her brother (though he’s not the main focus, I did grow to worry about her quiet brother and his bloody cough) and the cats were fantastic, especially relaying messages in their varying personalities and being focused on food. I also loved her relationship with Finta, the woman with the potion. And I loved Kila’s antagonistic rivalry with Oly. The story reminded me of Night’s Gift (Of Cats and Dragons), which I finished reading recently. Granted the teenagers in the two medieval fantasy world books come from two entirely different walks of life, with entirely different magical skills, but they both acquire intelligent cats tagging along with them on their adventures. In the end, I was bored by the business-driven aspect this story seemed to take, and really, not too much happened beyond running, hiding, befriending the cats, and setting up for the next story.
November 9, 2018
Thief of Sparks by Erick Kent Edstrom is a book that has a lot of potential. It has a fun, interesting concept for it’s magic, coupled with cats that speak with telepathy! Telepathic cats are pretty cool. Unfortunately, for me the book didn’t quite fully live up to its potential.
Two elements of Thief of Sparks stand out for me. The first is the aforementioned cats. One thing Edstrom has done wonderfully is capture the personality of cats. They are aloof, somewhat clueless, and sarcastic. I’m pretty sure if my cat could speak to me telepathically our conversations would not be too far off what you find in Thief of Sparks. In addition to the authenticity and humor of the cats, I also enjoyed the budding comradery of the main group of characters. I cared about the characters and was interested in seeing how things would turn out for them.
Unfortunately, the book is very short and I think that brevity hurts it in many ways. While I cared about the characters, character development was weak. There simply wasn’t enough time for the characters to grow much. The magic system itself, from the bonding of cats to the “mercus vision” were also only lightly explained. I found myself confused at moments, not really understanding how the world worked—from who “Radiants” were to what a “Donne Master” did. There is a lot of potential in this book, but very little of it is developed. To top it off, the book doesn’t have an ending, per se. Instead, it just sort of stops. I found myself waiting for the end game to kick in, and there just wasn’t one.
There is a lot of potential in Thief of Sparks. I wish it lived up to more of it. 2.5/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
Two elements of Thief of Sparks stand out for me. The first is the aforementioned cats. One thing Edstrom has done wonderfully is capture the personality of cats. They are aloof, somewhat clueless, and sarcastic. I’m pretty sure if my cat could speak to me telepathically our conversations would not be too far off what you find in Thief of Sparks. In addition to the authenticity and humor of the cats, I also enjoyed the budding comradery of the main group of characters. I cared about the characters and was interested in seeing how things would turn out for them.
Unfortunately, the book is very short and I think that brevity hurts it in many ways. While I cared about the characters, character development was weak. There simply wasn’t enough time for the characters to grow much. The magic system itself, from the bonding of cats to the “mercus vision” were also only lightly explained. I found myself confused at moments, not really understanding how the world worked—from who “Radiants” were to what a “Donne Master” did. There is a lot of potential in this book, but very little of it is developed. To top it off, the book doesn’t have an ending, per se. Instead, it just sort of stops. I found myself waiting for the end game to kick in, and there just wasn’t one.
There is a lot of potential in Thief of Sparks. I wish it lived up to more of it. 2.5/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
January 18, 2019
From the cover: In the city of Starside, a 16-year-old thief named Kila Sigh awakens to the mercusine, a magic power she does not understand and cannot control. But it helps her steal. And steal she must, for her brother is ill and requires expensive medicine. When Kila unwittingly swipes a cat--an animal illegal in Starside--a new world of power and mystery emerges. For once bonded to a human, the animal can speak into their mind. Her mercus skills attracts the notice of a sinister mind in the city, a being hungry to control--and consume--Kila's growing power. Fans of fantasy will fall in love with this world of thieves, telepathic cats, and adventure. This novella is the starting point for an epic series of magic of and intrigue.
I received this book free from Goodreads Giveaway.
The book starts with teens stealing items. At first I thought ‘ok’ now what. But the author introduces ‘cats’ into the mix. It seems a little strange, but the cat element adds some intrigue to the story. It also helps to see a softer side to all the tough teens in the book. The story was short, but the cover does read that it’s a novella. I didn’t like the ending. I do know this is to be a series, but I would have liked a little more of a finish.
I received this book free from Goodreads Giveaway.
The book starts with teens stealing items. At first I thought ‘ok’ now what. But the author introduces ‘cats’ into the mix. It seems a little strange, but the cat element adds some intrigue to the story. It also helps to see a softer side to all the tough teens in the book. The story was short, but the cover does read that it’s a novella. I didn’t like the ending. I do know this is to be a series, but I would have liked a little more of a finish.
June 22, 2018
Thief of Sparks has a hot start with protag Kyla Sigh stalking a mark that will change everything for her. Prose is deft and acrobatically nimble. I don't know if I've ever read such runaway prose. I loved the opening scene.
It does get a bit weird with the introduction of the cats. I liked it's quirky snagging of the otherwise, apparently, tough-as-nails characters and the cat-thing probes the truth of their soft inner nature. But kind of weird. I'm really not a cat person, so I couldn't quite sympathize with the mania. But it did hit my humor chord a bit.
The story arc is the larger problem with this book. I really liked the story, but it was short and the ending was really no resolution at all. It didn't attempt the basic wrap-up that you expect in a full-length novel. I would love to have given this more stars, but the story just isn't all there. Excellent writing and pacing, but give me the whole thing, man. Give me the whole thing!
It does get a bit weird with the introduction of the cats. I liked it's quirky snagging of the otherwise, apparently, tough-as-nails characters and the cat-thing probes the truth of their soft inner nature. But kind of weird. I'm really not a cat person, so I couldn't quite sympathize with the mania. But it did hit my humor chord a bit.
The story arc is the larger problem with this book. I really liked the story, but it was short and the ending was really no resolution at all. It didn't attempt the basic wrap-up that you expect in a full-length novel. I would love to have given this more stars, but the story just isn't all there. Excellent writing and pacing, but give me the whole thing, man. Give me the whole thing!
May 6, 2019
Received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway, and while I was intrigued by the premise, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was a lot smaller than I expected, length-wise, but I shouldn’t have let that dissuade me – it packed a lot in ! The writing style was very suiting to the characters, and the characters themselves were very intriguing. What started out as a group of ragtag misfits turned out into an intriguing mystery that left me wanting more. That’s what I liked the most about this book – it revealed enough information to not frustrate you and leave you scratching your head, while giving you enough mysteries that makes you want to keep going, if only to know what the heck is happening to Kila.
December 25, 2019
2.5 out of 5.
If it wasn't for the mercus vision and the cats bonding with humans I probably would have given this less stars.
I think even though this was a novella there should still be a sense of good world building and character growth.
I wanted a better explanation on why Kila could see metal and the significance of the mercus vision. There was also the cats, you know they're being smuggled and sold but not why.
There was definitely potential in this book but I'm not sure I'm interested enough to continue reading.
If it wasn't for the mercus vision and the cats bonding with humans I probably would have given this less stars.
I think even though this was a novella there should still be a sense of good world building and character growth.
I wanted a better explanation on why Kila could see metal and the significance of the mercus vision. There was also the cats, you know they're being smuggled and sold but not why.
There was definitely potential in this book but I'm not sure I'm interested enough to continue reading.
May 7, 2019
I enjoyed the book, and I will read the next one in the series. But it felt somewhat incomplete, as if it is a brilliant beginning to a book, but not a completed one. It did a wonderful job of introducing the characters and the world, and making you interested in their story. But I feel like it did not have a central plot, just a bunch of smaller side plots. Perhaps the next book will continue the story from its beginning in the book and will feel more complete.
December 31, 2017
Thief of Sparks -Starside Saga Book 1
2.5 stars.
In this urban fantasy, it seems that cats 🐱 bond to selected humans. That's cool. Kila is our heroine, and I like females in protagonist roles. It is also a bit of a yawn because she is her brother's nursemaid as well.
The 'book' is no more than an introductory chapter, but it is sufficient to wet the appetite, which is what a lead into a new series is supposed to do.
I will read the full story when it is in the library; I fear one of those never-ending sagas 📚 were little happens across a Pentalogy.
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See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next oneor reread?: Yes
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
2.5 stars.
In this urban fantasy, it seems that cats 🐱 bond to selected humans. That's cool. Kila is our heroine, and I like females in protagonist roles. It is also a bit of a yawn because she is her brother's nursemaid as well.
The 'book' is no more than an introductory chapter, but it is sufficient to wet the appetite, which is what a lead into a new series is supposed to do.
I will read the full story when it is in the library; I fear one of those never-ending sagas 📚 were little happens across a Pentalogy.
Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
March 21, 2018
HERE ARE THE ONE WHO DO THE BOOK THERE IS KALA WEN HER BROTHER 2 WAIF THIEVES. I RECEIVE THE BOOK FOR REVIEW AND THIS IS MY OWN THOUGHTS ON IT.
WELL FIRST KALA WHO THE SISTER OF WEN THEY GO ON THE STREETS AND ALLEYS OF LONDON AREA THEY STEAL FROM ONE WHO CAN AFFORD.
THEY LIVE IN A SUMP BUT THE MONEY THEY GET GOES TO PAY RENT WHICH IS ONLY 2 PLATES ON THE FLOOR THE CLOTHES THEY TAKE FORM THE LINE THAT ARE HUNG NOT MUCH BUT MOST ARE RAGS.
WELL WEN IS SICK AND KALA HAS TO GET MED FORM THE MEDICINE WOMEN AND HOPE IT WILL HELP THEY DO THE ALLEY AND THEN NOW THEY PEOPLE ARE KILLING CAT OR GIVE THEM FOR SKILLET AND THE CAT CAN TALK TO THE ONE WHO HE OR SHE BOND WITH . WELL FIRST KALA WAS GOING TO TAKE THE CATS IN FOR THE RANSOM AND THEN THEY HAVE MONEY BUT WEN GOT ATTACHED TO ONE AND HE SAID THEY TALK.
WELL KALA IS OUT TO GET MONEY FORM THE DRUNKS AND SHE TOOK ONE KNIFE AND THEN WOULD CUT THE BAG AROUND THE BELLY WHICH USUALLY HELD THE MONEY AND THEN THEY SPLIT IT BETWEEN THEM WELL NOW SHE GOT TROUBLE 2 WAIF OR THIEVES ARE FOLLOWING AND THEN WANT THE MONEY SHE MAKING SHE GOES HIGH ON THE ROOFS AND FOLLOW THE HITS. FOR THE MONEY NOW SHE GOT 2 MORE TO TAKE CARE OF SHE MAKE RULES THAT THEY HAVE TO GIVE THE MONEY THEY BRING IN HALF GOES TO WEN AND HER.
THEY ARE NOW GOT 4 CATS AND EACH CAT BOUND WITH EACH PERSON THEY NEED MONEY SO THEY GO TO THE AREA WERE THE RICH ARE COMING TOGETHER BUT THE ONE THIEVE DID NOT TELL THEM THAT HIS RICH DADDY WAS ONE OF THEM
YOU SEE SHE HAS POWER TO SEE COIN GOLD AND OTHER METAL THEY DRESS KALA AS OLD LADY AND ASH FOR MONEY SOME WILL GIVE IT TO HER TILL SHE SEE THE SWORD .
THE STORY GET BETTER NOW I WILL NOW LET YOU SEE WHAT HAPPEN BUT THE SWORD IS TROUBLE FOR ALL WHO HAS IT
WELL FIRST KALA WHO THE SISTER OF WEN THEY GO ON THE STREETS AND ALLEYS OF LONDON AREA THEY STEAL FROM ONE WHO CAN AFFORD.
THEY LIVE IN A SUMP BUT THE MONEY THEY GET GOES TO PAY RENT WHICH IS ONLY 2 PLATES ON THE FLOOR THE CLOTHES THEY TAKE FORM THE LINE THAT ARE HUNG NOT MUCH BUT MOST ARE RAGS.
WELL WEN IS SICK AND KALA HAS TO GET MED FORM THE MEDICINE WOMEN AND HOPE IT WILL HELP THEY DO THE ALLEY AND THEN NOW THEY PEOPLE ARE KILLING CAT OR GIVE THEM FOR SKILLET AND THE CAT CAN TALK TO THE ONE WHO HE OR SHE BOND WITH . WELL FIRST KALA WAS GOING TO TAKE THE CATS IN FOR THE RANSOM AND THEN THEY HAVE MONEY BUT WEN GOT ATTACHED TO ONE AND HE SAID THEY TALK.
WELL KALA IS OUT TO GET MONEY FORM THE DRUNKS AND SHE TOOK ONE KNIFE AND THEN WOULD CUT THE BAG AROUND THE BELLY WHICH USUALLY HELD THE MONEY AND THEN THEY SPLIT IT BETWEEN THEM WELL NOW SHE GOT TROUBLE 2 WAIF OR THIEVES ARE FOLLOWING AND THEN WANT THE MONEY SHE MAKING SHE GOES HIGH ON THE ROOFS AND FOLLOW THE HITS. FOR THE MONEY NOW SHE GOT 2 MORE TO TAKE CARE OF SHE MAKE RULES THAT THEY HAVE TO GIVE THE MONEY THEY BRING IN HALF GOES TO WEN AND HER.
THEY ARE NOW GOT 4 CATS AND EACH CAT BOUND WITH EACH PERSON THEY NEED MONEY SO THEY GO TO THE AREA WERE THE RICH ARE COMING TOGETHER BUT THE ONE THIEVE DID NOT TELL THEM THAT HIS RICH DADDY WAS ONE OF THEM
YOU SEE SHE HAS POWER TO SEE COIN GOLD AND OTHER METAL THEY DRESS KALA AS OLD LADY AND ASH FOR MONEY SOME WILL GIVE IT TO HER TILL SHE SEE THE SWORD .
THE STORY GET BETTER NOW I WILL NOW LET YOU SEE WHAT HAPPEN BUT THE SWORD IS TROUBLE FOR ALL WHO HAS IT
January 23, 2019
I won a copy of Eric Kent Edstrom's fantasy thriller Thief of Sparks. It clocks in under 200 pages but there is more here then meets the eye. The majority of the book has this tense edgy feeling to it . The main character Kila is the main thief and pickpocket here. The majority of the story revolves around her and her actions . Cat lovers will find this series of novels interesting because the thieves can communicate with the felines and vise versa. It heightens the storyline and adds some comic relief to the story. The cats become part of the gang .
I was very disappointed when I finished the novel. I didn't want the story to end. The more details I got the more I was drawn into the story.
Edstrom Is a first rate storyteller blending fantasy and reality seamlessly in a dismal world he placed the characters in. It takes a few chapters to catch on to the language of the city he created, but once you figure it out the story moves along faster and smoother. If somehow Edstrom could get this saga made into a film it could rival the Harry Potter series. I was not a fan of the Potter novels as I think they are slanted toward children and teens,whereas this series is slanted toward older teens and young adults. I am nearly a senior but I enjoyed this novel very much. I would read the other novels in the series. 4 stars out of 5 for Thief of Sparks
I was very disappointed when I finished the novel. I didn't want the story to end. The more details I got the more I was drawn into the story.
Edstrom Is a first rate storyteller blending fantasy and reality seamlessly in a dismal world he placed the characters in. It takes a few chapters to catch on to the language of the city he created, but once you figure it out the story moves along faster and smoother. If somehow Edstrom could get this saga made into a film it could rival the Harry Potter series. I was not a fan of the Potter novels as I think they are slanted toward children and teens,whereas this series is slanted toward older teens and young adults. I am nearly a senior but I enjoyed this novel very much. I would read the other novels in the series. 4 stars out of 5 for Thief of Sparks
June 19, 2025
3.5
I feel like I've read a bit too many classic YA fantasy stories to really enjoy them (unless they do something really original) so this was just fine.
The strongest part of this book is the world building (or rather city building). Because we are following a poor girl with no education we can only rely on what she knows or thinks or has been told, which is not much, and which creates a great potential for surprises. I'll keep it vague for spoiler reasons but one of the plot twists is the appearance of something I took for granted that, as it turns out, is very uncommon in this world. I think that was really well done.
What I disliked were some instances of "tell not show". I feel like we've been told numerous times how the MC is a great thief, and being alert is her second nature... yet she lets herself be caught or surprised so many times. It's especially annoying in the beginning: I feel like starting the book with her failing at what is supposed to be her mastery *three* times *in a row* is a bit too much.
Overall not a bad book, might continue with the series if I'm ever in the mood.
I feel like I've read a bit too many classic YA fantasy stories to really enjoy them (unless they do something really original) so this was just fine.
The strongest part of this book is the world building (or rather city building). Because we are following a poor girl with no education we can only rely on what she knows or thinks or has been told, which is not much, and which creates a great potential for surprises. I'll keep it vague for spoiler reasons but one of the plot twists is the appearance of something I took for granted that, as it turns out, is very uncommon in this world. I think that was really well done.
What I disliked were some instances of "tell not show". I feel like we've been told numerous times how the MC is a great thief, and being alert is her second nature... yet she lets herself be caught or surprised so many times. It's especially annoying in the beginning: I feel like starting the book with her failing at what is supposed to be her mastery *three* times *in a row* is a bit too much.
Overall not a bad book, might continue with the series if I'm ever in the mood.
January 11, 2019
Expectations derived from the summary did not meet reality I read in this book, making a confusing reading experience. Thief of Sparks some good qualities – world-building, cover art, talking, snarky cats – but they’re not brought to the forefront enough to keep me interested.
The entirety of the book seemed like one big exposition. While we got to know the main character, Kila Sigh, very well, the other characters presented were underdeveloped. I don’t understand where this story could possibly be going. There wasn’t any real plot that happened in book 1, which ended on an unsatisfying cliffhanger.
I really could have used a map of Starside – where the story takes place. The setting seems to be really important to the overall plot. And since Kila and company are moving from one place to another throughout, an illustrated map would have been helpful to orient myself.
I do want to know what is so significant about Kila’s ability to see metal but I don’t know if I’ll read book 2 in order to find out.
The entirety of the book seemed like one big exposition. While we got to know the main character, Kila Sigh, very well, the other characters presented were underdeveloped. I don’t understand where this story could possibly be going. There wasn’t any real plot that happened in book 1, which ended on an unsatisfying cliffhanger.
I really could have used a map of Starside – where the story takes place. The setting seems to be really important to the overall plot. And since Kila and company are moving from one place to another throughout, an illustrated map would have been helpful to orient myself.
I do want to know what is so significant about Kila’s ability to see metal but I don’t know if I’ll read book 2 in order to find out.
March 25, 2018
"Fans of fantasy will fall in love with this world of thieves, telepathic cats, and adventure." Well, that is definitely truth in advertising. I'm a fantasy far and I most definitely fell in love with the lead character here (the thief, who is just the kind of kick-a** female lead I adore) and (most especially) I'm in love with the whole concept of these telepathic cats.
This is a great story with strong lead and supporting characters, a great plot, a well created and quite neat new world, and excellent writing. While short, since the author promised that this novella "is the starting point for an epic series of magic of and intrigue" that's ok. I'm really looking forward to what comes next.
Highly recommended.
This is a great story with strong lead and supporting characters, a great plot, a well created and quite neat new world, and excellent writing. While short, since the author promised that this novella "is the starting point for an epic series of magic of and intrigue" that's ok. I'm really looking forward to what comes next.
Highly recommended.
April 7, 2018
This is a wonderful little story I think all ages can enjoy. I downloaded it from a book funnel offer but took me awhile to get to it from my TBR pile. However, I wish I would have done it sooner because it was short enough to devour in one sitting. Kila is a young girl desperate to take care of her ill brother. Being homeless, she has had to resort to becoming a thief. But she has a unique gift of sight that helps in her thieving adventures. This story was very well written, scenes were well described and characters well developed. This would have been difficult given the uniqueness of this story, however, Mr. Edstrom did a great job of helping the reader understand and envision it through his eyes.
March 12, 2018
YA novella about Kila and Wen Sigh, last members of a family of thieves. Wen the protector has now fallen ill and it is up to 16 year old Kila to steal enough to keep them alive. One day she steals money and a sack containing a cat and their troubles really begin. Cats are rare, worth money and they can communicate with people. Kila begins to developed metal magic and the hunt for her begins in earnest.
Characters and setting need a lot of expanding as only Kila seems real. The cats in this introduction do not seem like they will be a lot of help as they still act like cats! A very quick easy read.
This book was a gift from the author. Thank you.
Characters and setting need a lot of expanding as only Kila seems real. The cats in this introduction do not seem like they will be a lot of help as they still act like cats! A very quick easy read.
This book was a gift from the author. Thank you.
January 6, 2019
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and this is my honest review.
The story felt incomplete. Almost like I picked up a book in the middle and didn’t read the beginning, very little of the middle, and not a lot of the end. It has a good principle for a story but it’s just not there.
You learn about Kila, the protagonist, and her brother Wen. Kila has the “mercy’s” vision but there’s no real back story about her or brother or how they ended up orphaned. Cats are hunted for money, but you don’t learn why.
I give this book 2 stars because while it felt incomplete the author was headed in the right direction. Personally, I won’t be reading the second book.
The story felt incomplete. Almost like I picked up a book in the middle and didn’t read the beginning, very little of the middle, and not a lot of the end. It has a good principle for a story but it’s just not there.
You learn about Kila, the protagonist, and her brother Wen. Kila has the “mercy’s” vision but there’s no real back story about her or brother or how they ended up orphaned. Cats are hunted for money, but you don’t learn why.
I give this book 2 stars because while it felt incomplete the author was headed in the right direction. Personally, I won’t be reading the second book.
March 20, 2018
I enjoyed this story about thieves and the magical cats that bonded with them. It started out with a thief following a mark. It did get your attention as she used acrobatics to get to just the right place for the hit while taking out 2 other thieves following the same mark. The story was full of action that kept you reading. Even though this story was a fantasy about magical cats, it was very believable. It was well written. The description of this world really set it up well. This was a new to me author, but I will be reading more of his stories.
May 10, 2017
I enjoyed this one, although there were a few times I wished our little thief would stand on her own a bit more, but family is, and her brother needed her.
I thought the magic system seriously odd, but in a good way - like growing into a psi power but with... Consequences.
The actiin, particularly across the roofs, was good and I liked that people planned ahead, and paid as well.
I recommend this one, and I'm going to pick up the first full-length novel in the series.
I thought the magic system seriously odd, but in a good way - like growing into a psi power but with... Consequences.
The actiin, particularly across the roofs, was good and I liked that people planned ahead, and paid as well.
I recommend this one, and I'm going to pick up the first full-length novel in the series.
October 19, 2017
Very good
The author’s descriptions of people and scenery bring to life what the people and places look like. I don’t like to describe the characters I read about in any of the books I read because I want the reader to see the characters for themselves and not through my eyes. There is lots of action and a very interesting double plot because the two cities are so close together. A wonderful book to read. I highly recommend it.
The author’s descriptions of people and scenery bring to life what the people and places look like. I don’t like to describe the characters I read about in any of the books I read because I want the reader to see the characters for themselves and not through my eyes. There is lots of action and a very interesting double plot because the two cities are so close together. A wonderful book to read. I highly recommend it.
January 29, 2018
A young girl thief steals to get money for food & housing for her and her (older) brother, as well as medicine for her brother.
Things are complicated when she finds a cat (worth 2 golds if she turns it in to the priests) who bonds with her brother and then demands she help his littermates (and she bonds with one of them during the rescue effort).
There's a foreboding presence that is felt several times, but never named.
Things are complicated when she finds a cat (worth 2 golds if she turns it in to the priests) who bonds with her brother and then demands she help his littermates (and she bonds with one of them during the rescue effort).
There's a foreboding presence that is felt several times, but never named.
March 25, 2018
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
All I have to say is wow. I loved this book from beginning to end, from the first page to the last had me wanting more. It's about a pair of thieves who are stealing to stay alive then a cat is involved and then begins a whole lot of things that you'll have to read the book to find out. I would explain more but I want a spoiler free review.
All I have to say is wow. I loved this book from beginning to end, from the first page to the last had me wanting more. It's about a pair of thieves who are stealing to stay alive then a cat is involved and then begins a whole lot of things that you'll have to read the book to find out. I would explain more but I want a spoiler free review.
January 24, 2019
I did really enjoy this book. I was so happy to win a signed copy. I loved to concept and the plot of the book. It gives a fresh take on magic and fantasy. My only issue and the reason it only received four stars was because it was a very short book. I think if it had been a bit longer then there could have been more character development and would have given the reader a better chance to connect to the characters. In the end I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a quick good read.
January 23, 2020
(I won a copy of this in a GoodReads giveaway)
I really like the world-building here, especially the way the fantasy words were eased into the story without being overly explained. The dialogue in general is great, the different kinds of speech the different characters use in different parts. This seems like a great start to a series, and I'm interested to know more about their world, how magic works there, and what Kila and Wen are going to do next...
I really like the world-building here, especially the way the fantasy words were eased into the story without being overly explained. The dialogue in general is great, the different kinds of speech the different characters use in different parts. This seems like a great start to a series, and I'm interested to know more about their world, how magic works there, and what Kila and Wen are going to do next...
September 20, 2017
My favorite kind of book, with talking cats!
May be considered spoilers:
YAY, they only talk to their bonded human and each other - cool huh? I almost took a star away because of the abrupt ending. But in fairness this was a free introductory book. It's not really a cliffhanger either, just sort of abrupt.
May be considered spoilers:
YAY, they only talk to their bonded human and each other - cool huh? I almost took a star away because of the abrupt ending. But in fairness this was a free introductory book. It's not really a cliffhanger either, just sort of abrupt.
June 2, 2019
Kila and Wen are sister and brother in Cheapsgate
They are orphans and thieves. Wen is better at it than Wen but he is sick. When Kila robs a mark she inadvertently takes a cat. cats bring bounty and she is determined to turn in the cat for the gold, but Wen bonds with the cat and that leads to a whole new adventure.
They are orphans and thieves. Wen is better at it than Wen but he is sick. When Kila robs a mark she inadvertently takes a cat. cats bring bounty and she is determined to turn in the cat for the gold, but Wen bonds with the cat and that leads to a whole new adventure.
February 20, 2022
Fun characters that combine coming of age tones with magic, thieves, a mystery animal and a ton of doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. We see fun, hardship, and growth as an unlucky group evolves through shared experience and desires! I just hate waiting for the next novel to get answers to questions and how successful the group may be.
April 29, 2018
Meh. 2.5 really. I'm not a fan of authors as narrators. He wasn't awful, but wasn't good either. But book just didn't hold my interest. If it weren't so short I wouldn't have finished it, but since it was quick I stuck with it. Just meh.
January 15, 2019
Enjoyed the story line. It is a rather short read with a lot of room for the story to progress. I read the chapter previews for the next book that were included and look forward to seeing where the story goes. This book was received as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
February 5, 2019
I received this book in exchange for an honest review, annd ive got to say i enjoyed it more than i thought. Ill keep this short and say It starts a little slow but once it picks up its pretty thrilling and i love the cats in this! Good job.
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