Book Review: The Paladin's Thief Series

I promised, and so, here it is: my review of The Paladin's Thief series by Benjamin K. Hewett.

I think I mentioned that I came across these books because I attended a writing conference with the author. We got to talking, realized we have similar taste in protagonists and made a deal: my books for his. So he read mine, and I read his, and now I want to review them.

These books are fantasy, as you can probably guess. They follow the protagonist Teamus Steeps (also known as Teacup) a thief (or acquistioner, as he may prefer) of small stature.

You can probably guess why I said that Benjamin and I favor similar protagonists. Short thieves is where it's at!

Anyway, one night, Teacup gets involved in a bar wager involving Magnus, a paladin in every sense of the word, and Pale Tom, a creepy assassin who seems to have more going on than meets the eye. As a result, he ends up becoming targeted by the Nightshades, magical assassins who carry ability-enhancing dark rings and gets drawn into a larger, much deeper and darker adventure than he planned.

I have only read the first three books (Darts, Rings, and Swords) but there is a fourth book out now, so the story isn't over yet. I've enjoyed the adventure. Teacup has a strong voice and these are books that are quick and lively, so if you prefer your fantasy without much exposition, these may be for you. I also enjoyed the developing friendship between Teacup and Magnus, as well as how Teacup is actually a single father of teens, and how that plays out as the stakes get higher.

Hewett isn't afraid to strike his characters down, that's for sure.

I think the thing I liked the most was the worldbuilding. Like I said, it's light on exposition, so the world comes through the attitudes of the characters, the organizations and groups of people, and through the language and expressions used. It's very natural and feels appropriate to the story. The truth about the magical rings and other elements is often nuanced and hidden, so the revelations come piece by piece and with LOTS left to be uncovered. I'm intrigued by where the story is going, and I have the feeling I don't understand the magic system at all yet.

But that's okay, because I'm darn sure the protagonists understand it just as little.

Anyway, if you're looking for a quick, fun fantasy, with some good worldbuilding and voice, I recommend it. And, if you have any recommendations for me, I'd love to hear them!