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Among Thieves

Book 1 in the series:Tales of the Kin

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Among Thieves by Douglas Hulick is a fast-paced fantasy novel set in the seedy underbelly of the Empire, particularly in a district called Ten Ways. The story follows Drothe, a nose (information gatherer) working for a crime boss, as he gets entangled in a gang war and a hunt for a mysterious book that could bring down the empire. The plot is filled with twists and turns, intricate character relationships, and elements of medieval spy fiction and swashbuckling action. The world-building is unique, incorporating elements of magic and a complex political hierarchy within the criminal underworld.

The narrative is written in the first person perspective of Drothe, allowing readers to delve into a world of intrigue, insane emperors, devious thieves, and shadow princes. The characters, especially Drothe and his sworn partner Degan, are well-drawn and engaging, adding depth to the story. The writing style is dynamic, featuring witty dialogue, natural-sounding conversations, and humor interspersed with thrilling fight scenes and suspenseful action sequences.

Characters:

Characters are morally complex, led by the anti-hero Drothe, with various supporting roles, including strong female characters and intricate relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is descriptive and engaging, utilizing first-person narration filled with humor, although it occasionally falls into info dumping.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a thief navigating the criminal underworld, featuring a potent relic, intricate schemes, and themes of loyalty and betrayal.

Setting:

Set in the gritty, urban environment of Ildrecca, the world is a unique fusion of historical influences with a complex social structure.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, with consistent action and tension, though it experiences occasional slow moments.
“Athel,” I said. Nothing. I slapped the smuggler lightly on his sweaty cheek. “Hey, Athel.” His eyelids fluttered once. I wove my fingers into his hair, took hold, and raised his head so he could see ...

Notes:

The protagonist, Drothe, is a Nose in the criminal underworld, responsible for collecting information.
The setting is a gritty, morally ambiguous world where Drothe deals with crime lords and dangerous relics.
The plot involves an ancient book with the power to bring down emperors, pursued by various factions.
Drothe's character is described as flawed yet likable, with a sense of honor despite his criminal activities.
The city of Ildrecca is a mix of ancient Rome and medieval elements, where magic exists but is not the focus of daily life.
The story features complex relationships and characterizations, with a primary theme of loyalty and betrayal.
Among Thieves includes well-written action sequences, particularly sword fights, reflecting the author's background in historical martial arts.
The narrative is told in the first person, allowing readers to experience the protagonist's thoughts and struggles directly.
The book has been compared to Scott Lynch's 'Lies of Locke Lamora' and Steven Brust's 'Vlad Taltos' series due to its themes and characters.
Several female characters play significant roles without being romantic interests, contributing to a more realistic representation in the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include moderate violence, torture, and dark themes related to crime and morality.

From The Publisher:

View our feature on Douglas Hulick's Among Thieves.

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About the Author:

Douglas Hulick has been reading fantasy literature for almost as long as he can remember. He suspects this penchant for far-away lands of yore led, in part, to his acquiring a B.A. and M.A. in Medieval History, and likewise to…

 
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