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Skate the Thief
Beware of Spilling Ink
Skate is a thief, trained and owned by the local crime syndicate, the Ink. When she tries to burgle a shut-in’s home, she gets caught by the owner—a powerful undead wizard. He makes a deal with her: “borrow” books from other wizards in return for a place to stay.
Caught between her growing fondness for the wizard and her past with the crime syndicate, Skate doesn’t know where her loyalties lie. But she’d better figure it out, because there’s a new player in town, one whose magical hypnotism puts them all at risk.
Skate is a thief, trained and owned by the local crime syndicate, the Ink. When she tries to burgle a shut-in’s home, she gets caught by the owner—a powerful undead wizard. He makes a deal with her: “borrow” books from other wizards in return for a place to stay.
Caught between her growing fondness for the wizard and her past with the crime syndicate, Skate doesn’t know where her loyalties lie. But she’d better figure it out, because there’s a new player in town, one whose magical hypnotism puts them all at risk.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
349 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2020
27 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 7, 2021
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and let me tell you that I honestly loved it. There were some parts that kind of dragged, and the beginning was kind of slow, but I don't care. I'm probably going to buy a copy of this book to help sales to make sure there is a book 2. Gah! So good!
May 23, 2022
I found this book on TikTok. It’s a very small press, so I assume it’s indie.
One of the things you get told as an author, especially as an indie author, is to write to market. Write a book meets the expectations of a target audience. Then I read a book like this one, and realize you can sell books that don’t follow those rules. High fantasy, but no quest, no kings/queens/dark lords. Elves only mentioned in passing as being long gone.
Skate the Thief is about a young girl thief, part of a guild of thieves, the Ink, living and working in a large city. Skate and her accomplice try to burgle a wizard’s house, and she gets caught. The wizard decides to keep her around, as he needs someone with her skills.
The wizard is old, and has old secrets. Skate doesn’t tell him that she’s part of the guild, and tells the guild that she’s staying with him for a bit, to figure out what would be best to steal. Then she finds out a terrible secret that the wizard hides, that would have great value to the guild. She also finds out that living in a wizard’s house isn’t such a bad deal at all, and her internal struggles, trying to understand right and wrong, and what to do with her situation, consume her.
I very much enjoyed this book. No explicit violence. Zero sex or romance. Great characters. An interesting, different story.
One of the things you get told as an author, especially as an indie author, is to write to market. Write a book meets the expectations of a target audience. Then I read a book like this one, and realize you can sell books that don’t follow those rules. High fantasy, but no quest, no kings/queens/dark lords. Elves only mentioned in passing as being long gone.
Skate the Thief is about a young girl thief, part of a guild of thieves, the Ink, living and working in a large city. Skate and her accomplice try to burgle a wizard’s house, and she gets caught. The wizard decides to keep her around, as he needs someone with her skills.
The wizard is old, and has old secrets. Skate doesn’t tell him that she’s part of the guild, and tells the guild that she’s staying with him for a bit, to figure out what would be best to steal. Then she finds out a terrible secret that the wizard hides, that would have great value to the guild. She also finds out that living in a wizard’s house isn’t such a bad deal at all, and her internal struggles, trying to understand right and wrong, and what to do with her situation, consume her.
I very much enjoyed this book. No explicit violence. Zero sex or romance. Great characters. An interesting, different story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
This book was just AWESOME. Skate, the protagonist, has had a very rough childhood. She became a thief to find shelter, food, and protection. While trying to rob the wizard, Bellamy, she is caught. The yummy part of this story is Skate developing relationships and conflicts over feelings. She has to choose a path. The question becomes what is right, and what is wrong. Skate has to make some tough choices. Her journey to those choices is well written.
I look forward to a sequel to find out what happens.
I look forward to a sequel to find out what happens.
May 12, 2022
I loved getting to know Skate, going on this adventure was a great time and I'm glad I was able to read this. The story was fantastic especially for a first book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2020
This book was so hard to put down! I really enjoyed the unfolding layers of information on each of the characters. Skate's navigation of life with few privileges, to one of a few more privileges, and a whole lot of learning from the wizard, was quite enjoyable. All of the personalities drew me in. I could imagine myself in the streetscapes and interiors!
Looking forward to more from this author!
Looking forward to more from this author!
June 28, 2020
In Skate the Thief, the setting and coincidental circumstances make Skate special, not the other way around like in many stories. The idea that anyone can practice magic, if taught, is marvelous. One doesn't have to come from a special bloodline to be able to change the color of a fireplace. That sense of equality is unique in most literature, and helps contradict the hierarchical structure of their world. The setting was unique to have magical and mythical creatures co-existing with humans, especially for the most part even aware of each other.
Skate the Thief also brings up important ethical issues and challenges the traditional beliefs of right and wrong. In Skate's case, both choices (of remaining loyal to The Ink or to Belamy) are morally wrong and right. While The Ink took her off the streets, Belamy showed her nothing but kindness, even when she didn't deserve it. While she must betray someone in the presence of many lives at stake, kindness is the most important value. While staying with Belamy, Skate evolves from a cold criminal on the streets to an girl capable of independence with a strong moral compass and the ability to care for others. Skate the Thief teaches that while loyalty and survival are important, trust and compassion are more essential forces.
The ending held a strong climax, and I enjoyed the increase in intensity. However, some of the chapters felt very information-heavy. Some chapters would just be Skate asking multiple questions and Belamy listing the answers. I feel like there could have been a way to trim down some of the background information, which was sometimes irrelevant and distracting from the plot. It is also difficult to believe that Skate is only nine- her emotional maturity puts her, in my mind, closer to thirteen or fourteen.
You can see this review and more at pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com!
Skate the Thief also brings up important ethical issues and challenges the traditional beliefs of right and wrong. In Skate's case, both choices (of remaining loyal to The Ink or to Belamy) are morally wrong and right. While The Ink took her off the streets, Belamy showed her nothing but kindness, even when she didn't deserve it. While she must betray someone in the presence of many lives at stake, kindness is the most important value. While staying with Belamy, Skate evolves from a cold criminal on the streets to an girl capable of independence with a strong moral compass and the ability to care for others. Skate the Thief teaches that while loyalty and survival are important, trust and compassion are more essential forces.
The ending held a strong climax, and I enjoyed the increase in intensity. However, some of the chapters felt very information-heavy. Some chapters would just be Skate asking multiple questions and Belamy listing the answers. I feel like there could have been a way to trim down some of the background information, which was sometimes irrelevant and distracting from the plot. It is also difficult to believe that Skate is only nine- her emotional maturity puts her, in my mind, closer to thirteen or fourteen.
You can see this review and more at pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com!
June 2, 2020
*No Spoilers*
A beautiful heart-touching fairy tale like storyline. One like me will totally love reading this in one sitting.
Skate, a nine year old thief, affiliated with the gangs of Ink. A witty and intelligent house breaker of Caribol, working to get herself some shelter and food. Never to get caught at all, but, when she breaks in the house of Mr. Belamy, he actually catches her.
The good old Belamy appears to be kind and actually lets her stay in her house if she steal books for her, but she has to take care to only pick the ones up which he already does not own.
Will Skate be able to find enough of books to get food and sleep?
Will The Ink let her work for them as well?
The author has done a very good job detailing very little things written across the book. The feelings, characters, how they see what they see, surrounding, everything is very well developed. A lot of work is seen throughout the text.
Give it a try, you will not regret it!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A beautiful heart-touching fairy tale like storyline. One like me will totally love reading this in one sitting.
Skate, a nine year old thief, affiliated with the gangs of Ink. A witty and intelligent house breaker of Caribol, working to get herself some shelter and food. Never to get caught at all, but, when she breaks in the house of Mr. Belamy, he actually catches her.
The good old Belamy appears to be kind and actually lets her stay in her house if she steal books for her, but she has to take care to only pick the ones up which he already does not own.
Will Skate be able to find enough of books to get food and sleep?
Will The Ink let her work for them as well?
The author has done a very good job detailing very little things written across the book. The feelings, characters, how they see what they see, surrounding, everything is very well developed. A lot of work is seen throughout the text.
Give it a try, you will not regret it!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2023
This was a book I ended up taking my time with rather than tearing through in a few days, and I'm honestly glad I did. I don't know what I expected when I first started, but I was treated to a very charming fantasy story with plenty of charm, magic, danger, and memorable characters. I feel bad about sleeping on this book for so long, but I'm glad I got around to reading it. I'm even more excited to see where the story goes in the second book! I love the writing style and Jeff's ability to keep you intrigued from chapter to chapter. This brought back some of the nostalgia I felt back when I regularly read fantasy books as a kid, and it might have gotten me back on board. I highly recommend checking out this book. I don't think you'll regret it. Also, Rattle is a precious creature that must be protected.
August 20, 2020
When did I become this person who reads YA books?
Maybe senility has set in. Or I'm disillusioned with adult life. Whatever the reason, I'm enjoying books with young characters more than I thought possible. And this one is so much fun!
Skate is a precocious girl doing whatever she must to survive. She's adventurous, sassy, and curious. She's also on her own, orphaned in an uncaring world filled with danger and magic. Consequently, she's always a breath away from catastrophe.
Skate the Thief is filled with complex, unique, memorable characters. (I'm looking at you, Rattle.) The plot is both entertaining and thought-provoking. This story is an ideal escape for all ages.
*I received a review copy from Thinklings Books.*
Maybe senility has set in. Or I'm disillusioned with adult life. Whatever the reason, I'm enjoying books with young characters more than I thought possible. And this one is so much fun!
Skate is a precocious girl doing whatever she must to survive. She's adventurous, sassy, and curious. She's also on her own, orphaned in an uncaring world filled with danger and magic. Consequently, she's always a breath away from catastrophe.
Skate the Thief is filled with complex, unique, memorable characters. (I'm looking at you, Rattle.) The plot is both entertaining and thought-provoking. This story is an ideal escape for all ages.
*I received a review copy from Thinklings Books.*
June 5, 2020
This is book one of the Rag and Bone Chronicles and follows the main character, nine year old orphan Skate, as she targets a house to get goods for her boss and earn her keep. After both her parents died years before in a house fire, there was no one willing or able to take her in. Instead she ended up working for The Ink, a criminal organisation that takes in young orphans and trains them to do stuff like burgle houses, pickpocket or act as assassins. Skate is happy to do burglary and works with another young lad called Twitch, possibly due to his stutter. There are multiple bosses within The Ink and hers is Boss Marshall who deals with the burglars. A much older teen that no one gets on with and whom you have to keep a wary eye upon, is a lad called Kite, who can sneak up on you at any moment without you noticing and has left quite a few of his teammates injured or left behind on jobs, to be picked up by the Guard. His aim is to join the assassin team, which only takes teens when they turn eighteen for obvious reasons.
Skate and Twitch target a certain house, they believe should have some good gear to steal and that should be easy to get in and out of. Twitch acts as her lookout and also to give her a boost up when needed. Unfortunately, she doesn’t realise that the house she has chosen, is inhabited by an owner who is an undead wizard, who is also very powerful! He is a shut-in, never usually going out, at least not when she was casing the joint. She believed he was in bed asleep, but as she will find out later, he never sleeps. He catches her before she can escape and ends up making a deal with her. If she will steal books for him, that he hasn’t read, then he will let her stay in his house and feed her as well. Considering she usually spends her days in the streets, dressed only in rags and can only have a place to sleep and food maybe once a day, is if she has paid her dues to The Ink. Only problem with obtaining books he hasn’t read, is that she can’t read!
The more she learns about him and his strange invention, called Rattle, who looks like an eyeball stuck on huge spider legs, the more she begins to like the wizard. Her boss allows her to stay there and gain more information about the wizard and where his most precious belongings are kept. His boss and his assistant have some idea about what the wizard has become and why he doesn’t need to eat sleep or do anything else a human would have to. His terms for her stealing the books he wants are rather odd, as he claims it is only to be borrowing of the books, and she will have to return them to the places she steals them from. He starts to teach her to read and write and also uses his invention to help her along the way with her lessons, even though it cannot talk back to her, it can at least understand her!
She begins to like her new life with the wizard more than her previous one, but once in The Ink, you can never leave it, as their saying goes, Beware of Spilling Ink! She has to play Boss Marshall along with her progress as she tries to find an item they say she needs to locate, but that she has no idea what it looks like. Just as she is trying to decide whether she should stick with the wizard and have an easier life, or leave her place with The Ink, there is a group of three performers who look to be a danger to both parties. This group include a magician who it seems can hypnotise large numbers of people, but for what purpose is yet to be discovered. They practised on crowds in the slum areas, which was strange as the people watching would not be able to pay for the performance! Boss Marshall’s boss also gets involved in all of this and she will discover secrets about what he and some of his men are and it is something from Twitch’s nightmares!
A tale of children being used by criminal organisations for their own monetary gain, with little thought about the children themselves. They have no other life than that which they have been trained for and any sense of wrong was forced out of them from the minute they were taken in by The Ink. This was the only life Skate can remember, but now she is seeing a future where she could do anything, as she is taught to read and write. She also learns more about why the wizard took the decision he did to become an undead wizard and how this ties into a man encased in a glass sphere, who is stuck in his library, with a window view. This is a book that gives you a partial view of life with the very rich and then those who are very poor and struggle to even survive, but with magic mixed in to many aspects of it.
It made me think of life for the very poor in a time such as the eighteenth century, where slums were the norm for many. Children were put to work at a very young age and exploited without any concern for their safety. Lots of decisions to be made and a warning that magic should not be taught to all and that self -taught wizards are very dangerous! A great read, but not one that is a very quick one. I loved the characters of Skate, Rattle and Petre, as well as the wizard Bellamy. The storyline leaves the book at an opportune moment, as a new adventure is about to begin. So I have been left looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens to Skate and her fellow travellers. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion f the book above.
Skate and Twitch target a certain house, they believe should have some good gear to steal and that should be easy to get in and out of. Twitch acts as her lookout and also to give her a boost up when needed. Unfortunately, she doesn’t realise that the house she has chosen, is inhabited by an owner who is an undead wizard, who is also very powerful! He is a shut-in, never usually going out, at least not when she was casing the joint. She believed he was in bed asleep, but as she will find out later, he never sleeps. He catches her before she can escape and ends up making a deal with her. If she will steal books for him, that he hasn’t read, then he will let her stay in his house and feed her as well. Considering she usually spends her days in the streets, dressed only in rags and can only have a place to sleep and food maybe once a day, is if she has paid her dues to The Ink. Only problem with obtaining books he hasn’t read, is that she can’t read!
The more she learns about him and his strange invention, called Rattle, who looks like an eyeball stuck on huge spider legs, the more she begins to like the wizard. Her boss allows her to stay there and gain more information about the wizard and where his most precious belongings are kept. His boss and his assistant have some idea about what the wizard has become and why he doesn’t need to eat sleep or do anything else a human would have to. His terms for her stealing the books he wants are rather odd, as he claims it is only to be borrowing of the books, and she will have to return them to the places she steals them from. He starts to teach her to read and write and also uses his invention to help her along the way with her lessons, even though it cannot talk back to her, it can at least understand her!
She begins to like her new life with the wizard more than her previous one, but once in The Ink, you can never leave it, as their saying goes, Beware of Spilling Ink! She has to play Boss Marshall along with her progress as she tries to find an item they say she needs to locate, but that she has no idea what it looks like. Just as she is trying to decide whether she should stick with the wizard and have an easier life, or leave her place with The Ink, there is a group of three performers who look to be a danger to both parties. This group include a magician who it seems can hypnotise large numbers of people, but for what purpose is yet to be discovered. They practised on crowds in the slum areas, which was strange as the people watching would not be able to pay for the performance! Boss Marshall’s boss also gets involved in all of this and she will discover secrets about what he and some of his men are and it is something from Twitch’s nightmares!
A tale of children being used by criminal organisations for their own monetary gain, with little thought about the children themselves. They have no other life than that which they have been trained for and any sense of wrong was forced out of them from the minute they were taken in by The Ink. This was the only life Skate can remember, but now she is seeing a future where she could do anything, as she is taught to read and write. She also learns more about why the wizard took the decision he did to become an undead wizard and how this ties into a man encased in a glass sphere, who is stuck in his library, with a window view. This is a book that gives you a partial view of life with the very rich and then those who are very poor and struggle to even survive, but with magic mixed in to many aspects of it.
It made me think of life for the very poor in a time such as the eighteenth century, where slums were the norm for many. Children were put to work at a very young age and exploited without any concern for their safety. Lots of decisions to be made and a warning that magic should not be taught to all and that self -taught wizards are very dangerous! A great read, but not one that is a very quick one. I loved the characters of Skate, Rattle and Petre, as well as the wizard Bellamy. The storyline leaves the book at an opportune moment, as a new adventure is about to begin. So I have been left looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens to Skate and her fellow travellers. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion f the book above.
July 28, 2021
I need more Rattle now!! 😀😀 This is such a great book. I love all the "bookishness" in it, and the magic of course, and the main character is very likeable with her spunky attitude but heart of gold. Great world building. I love the part with the dragon too. The characters are well developed and not always as they seem.
January 21, 2022
Skate is a thief and a member of an organization called The Ink. She steals items to sell through them and doesn't have the easiest life. She works for the boss and once you're in The Ink, there's no getting out. Being an orphan, The Ink is the only thing she knows and does their bidding without thinking too much on it. Until she steals from the wrong house.
Robbing an older man she believes is a hermit along with her colleague Twitch, they're caught in the process, but Twitch manages to escape. It's revealed that he's actually a wizard when he halts Skate in place, preventing her from escaping. Skate weaves a story about having nowhere to go and the wizard makes a bargain with her. If she can bring him a new book, then he'll give her a place to stay. While this sounds like an easy task, Skate's inability to read makes it difficult. As the story progesses, more conflict breaks out between another magician. And even though Skate likes her life with the wizard better, doesn't mean the boss will let her out of The Ink.
SKATE THE THIEF is a unique story full of a strong female lead, criminal organizations, and magic. I love how witty and feisty Skate is and she has a hard shell around her heart from growing up on the streets. Her wit brings a lot of sarcastic humor into the plot which breaks up some of the more serious parts. The story starts off slow, but once it builds up, I feel like it doesn't stop. I love the wizard and all that he does for Skate, and I love the idea that magic can be taught. He teaches her to read and write which is life changing for her.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of criminal operations, magic, and coming of age stories. Skate is a strong character and I love her growth throughout the story.
Robbing an older man she believes is a hermit along with her colleague Twitch, they're caught in the process, but Twitch manages to escape. It's revealed that he's actually a wizard when he halts Skate in place, preventing her from escaping. Skate weaves a story about having nowhere to go and the wizard makes a bargain with her. If she can bring him a new book, then he'll give her a place to stay. While this sounds like an easy task, Skate's inability to read makes it difficult. As the story progesses, more conflict breaks out between another magician. And even though Skate likes her life with the wizard better, doesn't mean the boss will let her out of The Ink.
SKATE THE THIEF is a unique story full of a strong female lead, criminal organizations, and magic. I love how witty and feisty Skate is and she has a hard shell around her heart from growing up on the streets. Her wit brings a lot of sarcastic humor into the plot which breaks up some of the more serious parts. The story starts off slow, but once it builds up, I feel like it doesn't stop. I love the wizard and all that he does for Skate, and I love the idea that magic can be taught. He teaches her to read and write which is life changing for her.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of criminal operations, magic, and coming of age stories. Skate is a strong character and I love her growth throughout the story.
July 7, 2020
Skate the Thief is an amazing book - there is no doubt about that. The characters, the setting, the plot, everything was carefully woven together to create a book that leaves me eagerly anticipating the sequel.
The cast:
The cast was wonderfully crafted and diverse. Skate and Twitch were introduced right off the bat as two characters that you won't forget. Skate is a calm, cool, collected girl who has matured quickly. She's got spunk, and it often leads her into trouble. Twitch, on the other hand, is a nervous boy, and loyal to Skate. Both of them are loyal to the Ink.
Then you meet the additional characters. I can't describe them all (spoilers!) but I'll tell you that they're absolutely unforgettable. The 'wizard' mentioned in the blurb is someone that you will fall in love with, and joyfully await the next clue.
The world:
The world is quirky and unique. Even though this is a third-person novel, you really get the sense of the fact that the towns Skate runs through are her entire world. The way magic is woven in is skillfully simple, making it easy to follow, and information is provided when necessary.
Overall, this book is one of my favorites. The characters, the world, the plot, they all fall together to make an epic adventure full of charm and drama. I can't provide much more than this for I fear to spoil the ride, but I would surely recommend Skate the Thief to anyone who loves a good fantasy, because this one really hit the spot.
The cast:
The cast was wonderfully crafted and diverse. Skate and Twitch were introduced right off the bat as two characters that you won't forget. Skate is a calm, cool, collected girl who has matured quickly. She's got spunk, and it often leads her into trouble. Twitch, on the other hand, is a nervous boy, and loyal to Skate. Both of them are loyal to the Ink.
Then you meet the additional characters. I can't describe them all (spoilers!) but I'll tell you that they're absolutely unforgettable. The 'wizard' mentioned in the blurb is someone that you will fall in love with, and joyfully await the next clue.
The world:
The world is quirky and unique. Even though this is a third-person novel, you really get the sense of the fact that the towns Skate runs through are her entire world. The way magic is woven in is skillfully simple, making it easy to follow, and information is provided when necessary.
Overall, this book is one of my favorites. The characters, the world, the plot, they all fall together to make an epic adventure full of charm and drama. I can't provide much more than this for I fear to spoil the ride, but I would surely recommend Skate the Thief to anyone who loves a good fantasy, because this one really hit the spot.
January 3, 2021
Skate is an orphan who was taken in years ago by a criminal syndicate. In exchange for shelter and food, she an other children steal, hustle, and pick pocket to assist the syndicate. Skate meets a wizard during one of her assignments who offers her room and board as well as reading lessons, friendship and kindness to help him "acquire" certain books.
The main character is one of my recent favorites; she is smart, brave, and loyal. She knows her own mind and is sassy without being annoying and bratty. She is an insightful kid and her background has helped her to see the good (and bad) in people that may not be readily apparent.
The fantasy setting-essentially Dickension with wizards and magical devices- isn't particularly unique but works well for the story.
My only complaint is that there are certain stories told to explain the back story of particular characters like Petre, and Belamy's military background that seemed to go on for way too long. It was a little boring and I skimmed. It was only noticeable because the rest of the novel was so engaging and well-paced.
Overall, this was a really great, fun, well-written story. I don't read a lot in the young adult genre but I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in this series.
The main character is one of my recent favorites; she is smart, brave, and loyal. She knows her own mind and is sassy without being annoying and bratty. She is an insightful kid and her background has helped her to see the good (and bad) in people that may not be readily apparent.
The fantasy setting-essentially Dickension with wizards and magical devices- isn't particularly unique but works well for the story.
My only complaint is that there are certain stories told to explain the back story of particular characters like Petre, and Belamy's military background that seemed to go on for way too long. It was a little boring and I skimmed. It was only noticeable because the rest of the novel was so engaging and well-paced.
Overall, this was a really great, fun, well-written story. I don't read a lot in the young adult genre but I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in this series.
December 22, 2023
I absolutely adore a book that allows me to easily fall in love with its characters and become invested in what happens to them. Skate the Thief does just that! Once you get to know Skate (and the incredible Rattle especially) and Twitch and Bellamy, you can’t help but to be sucked into their world and follow along every step of the journey, and it’s a thrilling one! The author provides impressive detail in building the magical world in which these endearing characters reside without going overboard. I really enjoyed this first glimpse into this series, and even though the setting and characters draw you in immediately, the plot prevents you from putting the book down. I believe this series and its characters will be as beloved as Harry Potter or the Pevensie children. I will definitely be rereading my copy so that I can feel all the things again!
June 4, 2020
In all honesty, I think I enjoyed the concept of this book the most. An undead wizard taking in a young aspiring thief and giving her a job is a fun, open-ended idea for a story, and I am glad to say that Jeff Ayers did not disappoint. Slow at times, but overall an engaging read. I was never sure of where the story was going or what Skate was going to do next, which was refreshing for me personally.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
November 15, 2022
For a nine-year-old, Skate has the mind and attitude of a teenager, so it's difficult to visualise a child but for her dialogue and writing. Skate only wants one thing: books. It doesn't matter where she is, that is her one motivation. A tough book to get into, but ideal for teenagers and - possibly - young adults.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2020
The sense of fun and excitement that I felt reading this book, I have not felt since reading Harry Potter. From the get go, I was invested in who Skate was and how she interacted with the other characters in the book. She amazed me in how she got out of one predicament after another. And she is only 10 years old! There are heroes, scoundrels and the ever-creative Rattle that carry the intriguing story to its explosive climax. If you like a book you will want to read in a day -- this is it! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!!
July 12, 2020
This was such a fun story! Magic, magical creatures, vampires, undead, strong female protagonist...definitely my cup of tea!The world building was so well done, and I can’t wait to see more of Skate’s world in the next book in the series!
October 21, 2021
A thief meets a wizard.
Skate meets a wizard and her life changes forever. Jeff Ayers has written a most imaginative book. I found myself wondering just what he would introduce me to next. I enjoyed it immensely!
Skate meets a wizard and her life changes forever. Jeff Ayers has written a most imaginative book. I found myself wondering just what he would introduce me to next. I enjoyed it immensely!
May 14, 2020
This is a great book and I know the author personally
June 27, 2020
3.5. Above average.
November 28, 2021
A light-hearted (mostly) tale of a thief caught and sheltered by a wizard. Plenty of slice-of-life events to savor, peppered with a handful of fast-paced action scenes to move the plot along.
January 31, 2022
Skate's plucky in the best way.
September 11, 2022
This isn't my usual kind of book, but it was a fun change of pace and I enjoyed it for the most part.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2022
Ah frack! A cliffhanger ending and the next book isn't out yet, not even a title and a release date. When will I EVER learn?!
December 29, 2022
Just didn't appeal to me; no particular reason, though it was a bit slow. That said I only read about 5% before deciding it wasn't for me. DNF
November 4, 2024
A charming fantasy world built with fun characters.
I'm looking forward to finding out where the story goes for my favorite characters.
I'm looking forward to finding out where the story goes for my favorite characters.
November 20, 2025
6'7, big ball.
May 24, 2020
A solid old school fantasy urban romp, fast paced with mystery and intrigue at the forefront of a tale about found family.
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