Thief of Night
by Holly Black
This is the riveting follow up to Black’s first adult novel, Book of Night, which throws you right back in to the action of the previous story so I would recommend reading this duology in order. Thief of Night to me was even stronger than the previous book in this dark fantasy series, which I enjoyed. The world of the story is almost exactly as our own, only shadows fed on blood can be used for magical purposes and sometimes they can even split off and very rarely develop their own personality. Charlie is a complex character, a grifter who developed her skills in order to rescue her sister from an abusive household. Despite being smart and loyal, she seems to always make the worst choices including drinking more than she should and letting her temper override her common sense. I enjoyed the romantic relationship that grows throughout the story, bringing two damaged spirits solace. I also liked having the shadows’ perspective featured more than in the previous story and it was bittersweet seeing the sisters’ relationship evolve as they both grow as people.
A Philosophy of Thieves
by Fran Wilde
A Philosophy of Thieves is set in a high-tech future dystopia where valuables are hidden in human safes and the rich hire thieves who act as entertaining performance artists who steal from their guests only to then buy back the stolen goods at a mark up. But get caught and they will be punished by the law just like any other criminal. The Canarviers are the top of their field in New Washington, but even those on top sometimes fall and when King Canarvier is caught it will be up to his children, Roosa and Dax and their grandmother, Nan to take part at the Grandest of Heists in order to bring King home in the first half of the novel. After an unexpected twist the second half continues to focus on the Canarviers, but also gives more insight into what it is like being part of one of the elite families. I thought the concept was intriguing. It reminded me a bit of Repo in its division of the have and have nots and its quirky sensibilities. If you like this you may also enjoy Glitterati by Oliver K. Langmead that takes another view on the possible outcomes of overconsumption in the future.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 