My favorite thing about this book was the prose! I liked the characters and the fairly classic coming-of-age, discovering-magic-powers storyline, but for me by far the most appealing aspect of this debut novel was Morse’s writing style.

Her words are clear and concise, while still being descriptive. She’s great at balancing the need for action and clarity (important in this style of fantasy!) while also giving us insight into how characters are thinking and feeling.

For me, her style would make pretty much anything an enjoyable read, and I look forward to seeing what else she comes up with in the future!

Angela Knotts Morse brings us an emotional journey that ends in a magical awakening. The Thief’s Relic is a tale that lingers long after you’ve finished reading.

The pacing throughout this novel has an intensity that I wasn’t expecting. There is action and venture in nearly every scene. Even scenes of domesticity are somehow heart-stopping. The ever-moving flow left me breathless at times. But, in a good way. I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. To be honest, I figured it would be the same old tale told a million times, but this novel is something special. I fell in love with this story, these characters, and this world. It was everything I could want without knowing what to ask for.

I award The Thief’s Relic a full 5 out of 5 stars. I hope all my fantasy lovers will want to pick this one up. The tale will capture your heart and make you fall in love with Eamonn, Leyna, and Dorylss.

When I came to read this book it had very few reviews. Of those some were not complimentary.

I realise everyone has a different viewpoint but I can put my hand on my heart and say that this was one of the BEST fantasy books I have read.

I just love reading about any form of magic.

Last year I read 120 books and reviewed them all. I would put this in the top ten of those. The story kept my interest from the outset and, for me personally, the pace was perfect throughout. There were certainly enough twists and turns even right up to the epilogue to keep me glued to it.

I always give an honest review and I reiterate that it is my own humble opinion, no one else’s.

I wholeheartedly RECOMMEND this book. It’s the first one by this author and I would say it was definitely worth MY time.

I will be waiting with anticipation for the next in the series. I’m looking forward to it already.

Eamonn’s drive for life itself is extremely appealing to me as a reader! His goals and dreams, his desire for knowledge (which I hope will not be lost in his journey) create a compelling protagonist to root for! Leyna’s bravery despite her fear is applaudable! The elements of found family warmed my heart! My heart cracks for Hadli, and I’m excited to see where the story goes!

I would consider this book to be firmly YA (not middle school as some reviewers claim due to torture scenes and some language). The narrative is also far more thorough. While some might say it slows the story down, it also creates a highly immersive world.

If you enjoy found family, thief to hero, blooming young love, fantastical world building, morally ambiguous characters, or unredeemable villains, this is the book for you!

When I first picked up this book I wasn’t sure how I would like it as its not my usual preference. But I was beyond pleasantly surprised when this book passed all my expectations.

Angela has created a beautiful rich world, with a well fleshed out history and backstory. I really felt like I could envision myself in many of the places described in the book. The characters are a breath of fresh air. They aren’t perfect, they have their flaws, but you can see them actively trying to overcome said flaws. I have not read many books from the MMC point of view and I loved it. I now want to read more books in the MMC pov.

The story had me hooked and kept me reading which is a feat for me nowadays as I’ve been in a reading slump for awhile. I got slight LotR vibes from the story and I loved that. I don’t want to put spoilers here so all I will say is that ending had me wishing the next book was already published! Whenever the next book is released it is an automatic buy from me!

Wow, The Thief’s Relic by Angela K Morse really blew me away. I had goosebumps at the end! 

Eamonn was such a sweet character who desperately wanted to go to school and do good. I was rooting for his goals at every turn, and I felt deeply for him when he had to go against his values to survive.

His story of found family throughout his journey warmed my heart the most. I was so happy to see his mentorship with Dorlyss evolve into a father-son relationship, something Eamonn was always longing for.

I loved the growing relationship between Eamonn and Leyna – it was perfectly paced for YA, and also left me hoping for more in the next book. I appreciated that Leyna had her own autonomy and strength in her own adventure.

The writing was so easy to read! It was immersive and had excellent flow.

The Thief’s Relic was packed with action, mystery, and magic. While the magic was just starting to develop in this book, I am SO excited to see more powers and more of Avaria in the next book…… I cannot wait for the sequel!!