by Andy Peloquin
So… this is Grimdark Fantasy? I guess I’m a fan.
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Engaging coming-of-age story. Except a few “see you next Tuesdays” and the ending, it could have been a YA story.
However, it’s not what I expected Grimdark Fantasy to be. I guess I always think of the movie CRIMSON PEAK when I hear the word Grimdark. But I went and did a little research, and dang it, I guess I’m a little in love.
Here’s how genrebomb.com defines it (with a link to their noted movies):
Grimdark fantasy blends elements of horror—gritty violence, dark tones—with tropes of magic, warriors and monsters in a dystopian setting. Though most fantasy carries some element of horror, grimdark cranks up the darkness, violence and bleakness a few notches. Grimdark should give you the visceral sense of watching a scary movie or thriller.
6 Best Grimdark Fantasy Movies and Shows
I also think I wrote one unintentionally for the forthcoming Realm of Darkness boxset. 🤷🏽♀️ Interested, check out FIGHT FOR DARKNESS.
Anyway, back to the book. The premise of and ending to the first book in the QUEEN OF THIEVES series is definitely dark. And if you can’t handle some death and sexual assault, this book isn’t for you. However, if you don’t mind the grittier stuff, I highly recommend this.
Plot & Characters
Plot-wise, the first book, Child of the Night Guild, is a coming-of-age story. But then, the crisis of the book is predicated on the conflict with one of the kids Viola went into the Night Guild with. And it is notable that there is RAPE as a mechanism for him to torture the MC. This will likely turn some people off. I nearly lowered my score because of this, but I couldn’t think of anything worse to do the MC after what had already occurred. So, it makes sense that this is part of the story.
Character-wise, I didn’t so much love Elana, because she perpetually seemed like the victim. But her arc is solid. This first book (because it’s dealing with the coming-of-age aspect) almost seems like a backstory to the real story, which I’m reading now.
Romance Elements
Swoonworthiness
There was the tiniest bit of a romantic subplot, but it’s not romance or swoonworthy at all. This series isn’t going to give you an HEA, so if that’s what you’re looking for, this is not your read.
Heat
Not sure how to talk about this. There is nothing romantic about the graphic scene, so I’m going to say there is NO STEAM.
Fantasy Elements
Worldbuilding
This is good and subtle, but a very narrow perspective. I want more, because I’m left not knowing much about what’s beyond the city featured in this book.
Magic & Magic Systems
None. This is a rogue-type novel.
Writing & Narration
The writing is smooth and easy to follow. Nothing to stumble over here in the way of foreign terms or errors.
The narration was sometimes annoying with the voice the narrator used for the inner monologue bits. Hence the reduced rating. This might have something to do with the thickness of the British accent.
Synopsis
“They killed my parents. They took my name. They imprisoned me in darkness. I would not be broken.”
Viola, a child sold to pay her father’s debts, has lost everything: her mother, her home, and her identity. Thrown into a life among criminals, she has no time for grief as she endures the brutal training of an apprentice thief. The Night Guild molds an innocent waif into a cunning, agile outlaw skilled in the thieves’ trade. She has only one choice: steal enough to pay her debts.
The cutthroat streets of Praamis will test her mettle, and she must learn to dodge the City Guards or swing from a hangman’s rope. But a more dangerous foe lurks within the guild walls. A sadistic rival apprentice, threatened by her strength, is out for blood.
What hope does one girl have in a world of ruthless men?
My Ratings
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About the Author
I am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist–words are my palette. Fantasy and science fiction are my genres of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of heroes, villains, and everything in between. I’m also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy and sci-fi novels.
Speculative fiction provide us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion,race, or lifestyle–it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
Website: http://www.andypeloquin.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndyPeloquin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andyqpeloquin