Mundie Moms

Friday, January 13, 2017

A BOOK of SPIRITS and THIEVES by Morgan Rhodes / Book Review


By: Morgan Rhodes
Published by: Razorbill
Released on: June 23rd, 2015
Series: Spirits and Thieves #1
Purchase from: Penguin | Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Source: arc from publisher / purchased book
Rating: 4.5 stars 

New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes takes readers into exhilarating new high-fantasy territory with A BOOK OF SPIRITS AND THIEVES, an epic contemporary saga perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander. 

The lives of Toronto teens Crystal and Becca Hatcher revolve around helping their mother out at the family’s used bookstore, the Speckled Muse. It’s a relatively uneventful after-school job, until a package arrives addressed to their mother, Julia. Thinking it’s nothing more than run-of-the-mill inventory, Becca opens it and removes the book inside, unwittingly triggering an ancient magic and intertwining their fates with the powers that flow from the mysterious leather-bound book. Two parallel worlds collide, and Becca is left in a catatonic state after her spirit is snatched from modern-day Toronto back to the ancient world of Mytica. Crys is guilt-ridden, having witnessed the entire event, and vows to do whatever is necessary to save her.

Written in alternating perspectives that shift between modern-day Toronto and the ancient kingdoms of Mytica, Rhodes delivers a rich and suspenseful series opener that will leave readers breathless. 


Set in both modern day and the ancient kingdoms of Mytica, this is the perfect blend of intrigue, magic, mystery, danger, and action. There's a perfect mix of both contemporary, high fantasy and urban fantasy elements that I loved. Rhodes's character chemistry, well paced plot, and her ability to effortless weave readers between modern day Toronto, and Mytica was awesome. This was a story that did not disappoint. 


Crystal and Becca couldn't be more different as sisters. Yet, each sister has a drive, and determination that is admirable. I love that no matter their differences, and their not always getting along, they'd do anything for each other. Crystal is the one who really stole this story for me. I love her drive, and her unwavering determination to get answers. Answers into how her sister slipped into a coma after opening up the Bronze Codex, how this book ties into her family, the truth into what really happened with her parents. She liked that even thought she was told not, she seeks out her Dad to get answers, and wasn't afraid to find the answers, even if they were ones she didn't want to hear or wasn't prepared for. She's got a fiery passion, and she's someone that won't back down. Nor is she easily manipulated, especially when it comes to Farrell. 


Farrell is an interesting character. I'm really conflicted on how I feel about him. Part of me admires his protectiveness of his brothers, and his round about way of wanting to help Crys. Then at the same time, I loath him, because of the things he does. He's tied into a secret society, Hawkspear, that ties him to Crys's family. This organization is one I can definitely say he's in over his head with. Part of me wants to think he cares about that, and the other part wonders what his motives really are. To contrast with Farrell's character is his brother Adam. He is a polar opposite of Farrell, and thankfully he has a conscience he listens to. He plays a huge role in the story. 

Becca's story is a little more complex than Crystal's. Without giving too much away on her, I loved seeing ancient Mytica through her pov of the story. I liked how effortlessly this told only from both girl's points of views, the story effortlessly goes between a modern day setting into a historical one. There's definitely a lot that happens in Mytica. Luckily for Becca she's got Maddox to help her. Maddox is intriguing. He was a character that took me awhile to warm up to. I loved the way his story played out, and seeing his character development. Not to mention what naturally develops between him and Becca. 

Adult wise, I will say I'm not a fan of the girl's mom in regards to her reasoning for doing what she does. I'll remain vague so I don't spoil this story for anyone. I get her protectiveness, but still, she could have gone about the whole thing different. I really like their Aunt. Their dad was a hard one. However, he does something that makes me believe that he really did see his errors, and wanted to be better. I'll just leave at that. 

One thing is for sure, this is another fantastic book Morgan Rhodes fans are going to devour. The characters, the setting, and the multiple points of views were awesome. Rhodes is a master of the multiple point of view story telling. I really enjoyed all she gave me in this book, even if she does leave me hanging at the end. Talk about a killer ending! Literally. I did not see that ending coming. I can not wait to pick up the next book to see what happens next. 

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