SOLVED. Fantasy/Steam Punk Book From 2014? Sentient Book found in Tomb at beginning made from human skin/hair. [s]

[Samuel]

Meta Data:

Read around 9/2014. Hard back from the library so I believe fairly recent pub from when I read it. I believe it was the beginning of a series. Setting was a Steampunk/Fantasy world, which wasn't supposed to be earth. The cities are powered by large steam engines, that are heated and tended by magicians who can cause the air to expand or contract to heat/cool things. The people travel by airships using this magic to control the air currents.

Plot Details:

Begins with a Student finding a tomb in the mountains. He finds a book that was made by a sorcerer/enchanter (can't remember what they called him exactly in the book) from the living skin and hair of an assistant. This makes the book sentient when it is in contact with someone. We learn the book can read the holders thoughts and retain them. The book was originally made for teaching.

When back at school he doesn't tell anyone for as long as he can, but his friends and a teacher find out. The teacher brings it to some kind of council, but once they learn about its ability to retain thoughts and knowledge decide it needs to be kept "safe." One of the faculty tries to escape with it, and the main character fights him in a tunnel or hallway using the magic to create projectiles or shields.

The main character escapes on an airship, has some battles in the air.

The sorcerer could travel between worlds, which the main character attempts. But almost dies before finding out you need to make sure to go fast enough that you don't run out of oxygen or something.

I believe there is something about a rope so someone can pull him back or maybe he gets chased by someone grabbing the rope not sure anymore.

That's all I got I think. Thanks for looking and attempting to help me.

[Samuel]

Updated title to try to be a little more concise and sure of the components

[Kokomomomo]

Thief's Magic?

[Samuel]

I do believe that is it, not as steampunk as I remember.

Thank you.