The Spirit Thief
Rachel Aaron
Orbit, Oct 1 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780316069052
In the prison under Allaze Castle, charming Eli Monpress persuades the spirit of the oak door that being nailed is an injustice, the conned door agrees and spits out the nails before falling to the floor in euphoric rejoicing. Eli escapes the cell and in spite of tight security searching for him, the charm wizard and his allies (Josef Liechten the swordsman with a magic sword and Nico the demonseed who stalks the shadows) kidnap King Henrith of Mellinor. The master thief believes this will lead to achieving part one of his plan as he is sure to become the felon with the greatest reward for his head.
Spirit Court envoy Miranda Lyonettete riding Gin the beast arrives too late as Eli is gone with the king; left behind is an apparent ransom note for 40 thousand assumed to be in council’s standard gold. She says she will rescue their monarch, but expects the closed land of Mellinor to open up to the envoy from the Spirit Court. Soon after her frustrated arrival, Henrith’s brother exiled Prince Renaud the bounty hunter introduces himself to the thieving wizard; and follows that up by arriving at Allaze to claim the throne. His first act is telling Miranda to leave.
The first wizard thief fantasy is an amusing tongue in cheek thriller. The story line is fast-paced as readers will be mesmerized by Eli as he and Miranda play a satirical game of cat and mouse. Lighthearted throughout, fans who appreciate a jocular satire loaded with charm and irony will want read The Spirit Thief and look forward to more capers by Eli with the serious Miranda in pursuit.
Harriet Klausner
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