Official Review: The Thief Who Pulled On Trouble's Braids

[kio]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Thief Who Pulled On Trouble's Braids" by Michael McClung.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Murder, demons, dangerous goddesses, mages, and death are but a few of the problems Amra Thetys faces in Michael McClung’s Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids.

When her friend, Corbin, showed up on her doorstep, Amra never expected it to be the last time she’s ever see him. With a job that’s gone bad, Corbin asks her to hold on to a toad statue for him as well as take care of his dog, Bone, should anything happen to him. Next morning, when Corbin doesn’t return to pick up his statue, Amra goes out looking for him, only to find a howling Bone and her friend’s mutilated corpse mere feet from his house. Vowing revenge for her friend’s death, Amra seeks out the help of her mage friend, Holgren. Things soon turn sour, however, when Corbin’s long-lost relatives show up demanding justice for his death. There at the scene of the crime when the police came, Amra is the easiest person to plant the crime on, given her history as a thief.

As Amra investigates Corbin’s death, she soon discovers she may have bitten off more than she can chew. The person, Heirus, who hired Corbin to steal some statues, had been specifically looking for the one Corbin had left with Amra. A dangerous Elamner, Heirus is well-guarded, is more than he appears, and will stop at nothing to get the statue from Amra, including putting up a reward for whoever kills her. If Amra wants to avenge Corbin and get out alive, she’ll need all the magical and non-magical help she can get. Who really is Heirus? Why does he want the toad statue? Will Amra succeed in avenging Corbin?

This book is engaging, well-developed, and entertaining. The non-stop action, mystery, humor, and magic is delightfully mixed and is unique. The author’s writing style is smooth and easily transitions between the various complex subplots without losing the reader. I particularly liked how all the plot twists keep the reader guessing which antagonist is truly the villain.

The characters are well-developed and loveable, even the villains. The dynamics between Amra and the various characters are masterfully done and add a level of humor I didn’t expect from this dark paranormal fantasy. I particularly liked how none of the characters are purely good or purely evil. Even the main character is more like an anti-hero.

There are, however, a few problems with the editing of the story. There isn’t any significant sentence fragments or spelling errors, but there is a couple of places where the wrong character’s name is used.

Overall, I’d give the book 3 out of 4 stars. I loved how the fast-paced plot and well-rounded characters. I enjoyed being on the edge of my seat while still laughing at some of the things the characters did and said. I would recommend this book to most readers, particularly to those who like paranormal fantasy, action/thrillers, and adventure.

******
The Thief Who Pulled On Trouble's Braids
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like kio's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Kappy]

Good review. I am a big fan of books and movies in which the main characters are not all good or all evil. I love SF, but I don't care too much for fantasy, so I'll probably skip this book.

[kio]

Thanks for your comment Kappy. I'm glad you liked the review even if you're skipping the book

[debo9967]

Seems like an interesting book. Nice review.

[kio]

Thanks debo9967. I hope you enjoy it.

[Rachaelamb1]

I have to say I love the title. It sounds humorous to me but perhaps the actual story is a bit darker than I personally like.

[kio]

It was fairly dark, but there was enough lighter moments for which might still hold some appeal to you, Rachelamb1.