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“I know how much it hurts to remember, and how remembering is the only thing that comes close to comfort.”

What is the Book about?

We are the stories we tell ourselves…even the lies.

The Thief, a great spirit, and her descendants have abused their ability to steal magic for centuries. When Kaylo starts to hear the song of other people’s magic, he must learn to hide from his people as well as the invaders. A gift or a curse, Kaylo may be able to save his people from the Gousht Empire that claimed their land with this stolen magic.

Eighteen years later, Kaylo still prays to the spirits, but not out of loyalty or love. He knows better than to rely on those selfish bastards for anything. While hiding in the forest from his foolish acts of rebellion, he encounters a girl, Tayen, being pursued by two soldiers of the empire. Against his better judgment, he risks facing the consequences of his past to intervene.

When Tayen attempts to run off seeking vengeance for her family, he offers to train her to wield her magic and a blade. If he can’t convince her to relinquish her need for vengeance and stave off the demons of his past, he’s going to get them both killed.

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Rating
Plot ★★★☆☆
Characters ★★★★★
Excitement ★★★☆☆
Atmosphere ★★★★★
Writing Style ★★★★★

Favourite Character
Kaylo

My thoughts while reading it

“No Heart for a Thief” by James Lloyd Dulin is a haunting symphony of darkness and redemption, immersing readers in a world where the echoes of tragedy resonate long after the final page. This debut, the first installment in the Malitu series, invites us into the tortured soul of Kaylo, an aging thief and spirit dancer whose heart bears the scars of a war he feels personally responsible for.

The narrative begins with a visceral intensity as Kaylo, a reluctant hero, snatches a young girl named Tayen from the clutches of death. Her family slaughtered by the merciless hands of Gousht Empire soldiers, Tayen becomes a vessel of grief and vengeance. In Kaylo’s secluded forest sanctuary, the stage is set for an emotional journey that transcends the boundaries of fantasy.

Dulin’s storytelling prowess shines through a dual-timeline structure, weaving together the present-day struggles of Kaylo and Tayen with the haunting echoes of Kaylo’s tragic past. The characters are not mere ink on paper; they are living, breathing entities with wounds that bleed emotion into every word. As Kaylo reluctantly takes on the mantle of mentor and guardian, the reader is drawn into the intricate dance of pain and redemption, witnessing the fragile blossoming of an unlikely bond.

The magic system, grounded in the ethereal Great Spirits of Ennea, lends a unique and enchanting quality to the tale. The Thief spirit, with its morally ambiguous powers, adds a layer of complexity that tugs at the heartstrings. Dulin masterfully juxtaposes the polytheistic beliefs of Ennea against the oppressive monotheism of the Gousht Empire, crafting a rich tapestry that serves as a backdrop for the characters’ internal struggles.

Yet, it is the emotional intensity that sets this debut apart. Dulin doesn’t just tell a story; he immerses readers in the raw, unfiltered emotions of his characters. The mentor-student dynamic between Kaylo and Tayen is not just a plot device; it is a poignant exploration of loss, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit.

As the novel draws to a close, a bittersweet symphony resonates, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s soul. Dulin’s ability to infuse every word with emotion transforms “No Heart for a Thief” into an unforgettable experience. This is not just a fantasy novel; it is a journey into the depths of the human heart, where pain and redemption coexist in a delicate balance. James Lloyd Dulin’s debut is a masterful blend of darkness and hope, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to stir the deepest recesses of the soul.

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Reading Recommendation? ✓
Favourite? ✘