Child of the Night Guild (Queen of Thieves – 1) by Andy Peloquin
“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?
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Author’s Bio
I am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist–words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy 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 novels.
Fantasy provides 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!
My Review
5 stars
When Viola is very young, her father sells her to the Night Guild to cover his debt. Through abuse and torture, Viola forgets her past and becomes Seven. Through the years of more training and abuse she becomes Ilanna and part of the Hawk Guild. Until things take a turn for the worst. But the one thing that her life has taught her is that she will not be broken and will rise again.
I’m going to warn you, this is a dark story. Viola goes through Hell several times in her training. This is meant to break her down to only know the Guild. But she won’t forget, or let them break her no matter what. She is the only female in a male world and is determined to survive. It is hard following her through the tortures she faces. All I could do is hope everything would work out for her in the end. But this is not a happily ever after story.
This is a raw and brutal story but I loved it each step of the way. There is so much detail that goes into this world. I loved all aspects of the Guild and the different jobs they learn. It’s so easy to get drawn into the story that I had a hard time putting the book down. I just had the see what happened to Ilanna next. And the ending, not what I expected but left me eagerly waiting for book two.
This is a wonderful, dark fantasy story that will appeal too many. It’s one that I recommend everyone check out. You may find your new favorite author.
I received Child of the Night Guild from the author for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.