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Thieves' World

Book 1 in the series:Thieves' World

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're a fan of gritty, character-driven fantasy with a lived-in feel, Thieves' World kicks off a classic shared-universe anthology set in the bustling, morally gray city of Sanctuary. With each story penned by a different notable author, the anthology weaves interconnected tales that let you see the same world from multiple perspectives. Fans of sword & sorcery, city-based adventures, or tabletop RPGs will find endless inspiration here. It's a treat for anyone who enjoys collaborative storytelling and richly textured settings reminiscent of Fritz Leiber’s Lankhmar.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers may find the shifting viewpoints and ever-changing cast of characters jarring or confusing, especially if you prefer a single protagonist to root for. The interconnected stories can occasionally feel uneven in tone or interest, and the world’s grim, rough-edged vibe won’t appeal to everyone. If you like your fantasy clear-cut, with straightforward heroes and a tightly focused plot, this anthology might not be your cup of tea.

A pioneering shared-world fantasy anthology: immersive, entertaining, and perfect for lovers of urban sword & sorcery tales - especially if you crave a diverse cast and a city brimming with secrets.

About:

Thieves' World is a shared world anthology featuring a collection of short stories by notable science fiction authors, all set in the down-at-heel town of Sanctuary. The stories revolve around morally ambiguous characters inhabiting a rich and seedy fantasy world, with each story told from a different character's point of view. The city of Sanctuary is brought to life through various characters, including thieves, rulers, crime lords, and fortune tellers, creating a network that adds depth to the setting. The writing style is described as direct and flowing, with a touch of chaos in some instances, reminiscent of urban sword and sorcery tales.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and morally ambiguous, ranging from thieves to crime lords, with interactions across different stories.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by direct and flowing language, maintaining consistent quality with occasional chaotic elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around interwoven stories of various characters within the city of Sanctuary, showcasing morally ambiguous themes.

Setting:

The setting is the city of Sanctuary, depicted as a richly detailed, down-and-out urban environment experiencing political and economic transitions.

Pacing:

The pacing is enjoyable and suitable for relaxed reading, with varied intensity among the stories.
“… and I am not,” the Emperor finished. “You belabour the obvious, Kilite. That idealism is my protection. He would no more lead a rebellion against the Emperor—against his brother—than … I would...

Notes:

Thieves' World is the first in a series of anthologies set in a shared fantasy world.
The city of Sanctuary is the central location for the stories in Thieves' World.
The anthology features a diverse cast of characters all written by different authors.
Each story in the anthology is interconnected, with characters appearing in multiple stories.
Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser stories inspired the tone and style of Thieves' World.
The anthology includes contributions from notable authors like Marion Zimmer Bradley and Poul Anderson.
There are a total of eight stories in the first volume, each focusing on different characters.
The stories reflect a morally ambiguous world where characters have complex motivations.
Robert Lynn Asprin created Thieves' World and involved several authors to contribute without interfering with each other’s characters.
The writing quality is consistently good throughout the anthology, highlighting the skill of each contributor.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include violence, themes of crime and betrayal, and moral ambiguity.

From The Publisher:

Contains all of the stories of the first two Thieves' World anthologies (Thieves' World and Tales of the Vulgar Unicorn), with additional material.

Return to the Olden Days of Sanctuary

Sanctuary, a seedy, backwater town governed by evil forces, powerful magic, and political intrigue

See how Thieves' World all began

Classic stories by:

Robert Lynn Asprin

Lynn Abbey

Poul Anderson

Marion Zimmer Bradley

John Brunner

David Drake

Philip Jose Farmer

Joe Haldeman

Janet Morris

Andrew J. Offutt

A. E.van Vogt

1979
308 pages

Ratings (3)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (2)

About the Author:

Editor Lynn Abbey is the co-creator of Thieves' World (with Robert Lynn Asprin). She is the author of Sanctuary, an epic novel of Thieves' World, and lives in Leesberg, Florida.

 
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