In the crowded landscape of YA fantasy, finding a novel that seamlessly blends historical fiction, romance, and magic is rare. M.K. Lobb’s “To Steal from Thieves” accomplishes this feat with remarkable finesse, delivering a Victorian-era heist story that pulses with tension, chemistry, and heartbreak. Set against the backdrop of London’s Great Exhibition of 1851, this novel introduces readers to a world where alchemology—the creation of magic through personal sacrifice—exists alongside the grinding poverty of Devil’s Acre and the glittering façades of high society.
A Tale of Two Thieves: Character and Conflict
At the heart of this story stands two damaged, morally complex protagonists whose journey together forms the novel’s emotional core:
- Zaria Mendoza is an alchemologist struggling to fulfill her deceased father’s dark market commissions while paying rent to her landlord. Practical, prickly, and protective of those she loves, Zaria embodies the determination of someone who has learned to survive in a world designed to break her. Her character resonates with authenticity—she isn’t simply “not like other girls”; she’s a fully realized young woman with flaws, talents, and a desperate need to control her own fate.
- Kane Durante, by contrast, presents as the quintessential charmer. Adopted by the kingpin of the dark market after witnessing his parents’ murder, Kane has been molded into the perfect con man. Yet beneath his cavalier exterior lies a boy who dreams of freedom for his best friend Fletcher, who plays Chopin with haunting melancholy, and who longs to be something other than what he’s become.
When these two forge an alliance to steal the Waterhouse necklace from the Crystal Palace, the stage is set for a deliciously complicated relationship:
“I feel the same overwhelming drive to get us out of this place and keep you safe in the process. I’m just not quite as openly aggressive about it.”
The supporting characters, particularly Jules (Zaria’s loyal friend) and Fletcher (Kane’s surrogate brother), are beautifully developed, serving as moral counterweights and emotional anchors rather than mere plot devices. Ward, the kingpin antagonist, presents as a chillingly complex villain whose manipulative love for Kane creates some of the most disturbing and compelling dynamics in the novel.
Victorian London Through a Magical Lens: Setting and World-Building
Lobb’s depiction of 1851 London feels both historically grounded and refreshingly reimagined. The squalor of Devil’s Acre contrasts sharply with the Crystal Palace’s grandeur, offering a microcosm of Victorian social stratification:
“It seemed humanity’s creative genius had been condensed into a single space bursting at the seams with ideas and veritable worth. It was so overwhelming, so impossible, so… absurd.”
The novel’s most innovative element is its magic system. Alchemology requires practitioners to use their own blood and life force to create primateria—crystal-like embodiments of magic that can transform ordinary objects into weapons, tools, or devices. This system creates natural limitations and devastating consequences, as we see through Zaria’s declining health and the circumstances of her father’s death.
A Heist with Heart: Plot and Pacing
The narrative unfolds with the precision of a well-planned heist, each chapter alternating between Kane and Zaria’s perspectives to build tension and deepen our understanding of their motivations. Lobb skillfully lays groundwork for major revelations without telegraphing them, particularly regarding the true nature of the necklace and the complex web of betrayals that culminates in the novel’s explosive climax.
The pacing deserves special mention—it’s remarkably even throughout, with quiet character moments balanced against breathless action sequences. The Exhibition heist itself is a masterclass in suspense writing, with multiple moving parts and complications that feel organic rather than contrived.
Strengths and Standout Elements
- The chemistry between Zaria and Kane sizzles from their first contentious meeting, built on mutual wariness, reluctant respect, and an understanding that goes beyond mere attraction.
- The moral complexity of the world and its characters avoids easy categorization. Kane is both victim and villain, Zaria makes choices that hurt others to protect those she loves, and even the kingpin has moments of genuine—if twisted—affection.
- The historical details feel authentic without overwhelming the narrative. From the Crystal Palace exhibits to the pawnshop operations to the social stratification of Victorian London, Lobb weaves in period elements that enrich rather than distract.
- The writing style shifts seamlessly between lyrical description and sharp dialogue, creating distinct voices for each character while maintaining a cohesive tone throughout.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, “To Steal from Thieves” isn’t without flaws:
- The magical mechanics, while fascinating, occasionally need more explanation. Readers might benefit from clearer descriptions of how alchemology functions in practice, particularly regarding the creation and use of primateria.
- Secondary villains like Price and some of Ward’s men could be more fully developed, as they sometimes function more as obstacles than characters with understandable motivations.
- The ending, while emotionally satisfying and setting up an intriguing sequel, leaves several plot threads dangling in ways that might frustrate readers who prefer more resolution.
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows when the characters are planning the heist, creating a slight lull before the Exhibition scenes reignite the tension.
Comparisons and Context
Fans of Alexandra Bracken’s blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements will find similar pleasures here, though Lobb’s magic system has more defined rules and consequences. The novel also evokes Judy I. Lin’s “A Magic Steeped in Poison” in its exploration of magical traditions requiring personal sacrifice, though Lobb’s setting is Western rather than Asian-inspired.
Readers who enjoyed Lobb’s previous duology (“Seven Faceless Saints” and “Disciples of Chaos”) will recognize her talent for creating morally complex characters and high-stakes plots, though “To Steal from Thieves” leans more heavily into historical elements and romantic tension than her earlier works.
Final Verdict: A Brilliant Beginning to a Promising Duology
“To Steal from Thieves” succeeds brilliantly as both a standalone heist story and the first half of a duology. The novel delivers action, romance, and intrigue in equal measure, wrapped in prose that balances accessibility with genuine literary merit. Most impressive is how Lobb handles her characters’ morality—refusing to excuse their worst actions while ensuring we understand the circumstances and traumas that shaped them.
The novel ends on a perfect cliffhanger: Kane stepping into Ward’s shoes as the new kingpin, Zaria fleeing with mysterious jewels in her pocket, and the primateria source necklace changing hands once again. Readers will be left eagerly anticipating the sequel to discover how these deeply damaged, utterly compelling characters find their way back to each other—or tear each other apart completely.
“To Steal from Thieves” is a good read for its innovative magic system, complex characters, and impeccable historical atmosphere, with minor deductions for occasionally underdeveloped secondary characters and some pacing issues. It’s a worthy addition to the YA fantasy canon that will appeal to readers across multiple genres and age groups.
For Readers Who Enjoyed “To Steal from Thieves”
If you found yourself captivated by the magical heists, complex relationships, and historical setting of Lobb’s novel, consider these recommendations:
- “The Gilded Wolves” by Roshani Chokshi – Another ensemble heist story set in historical Paris with magical elements
- “The Beautiful” by Renée Ahdieh – For its atmospheric historical New Orleans setting and forbidden romance
- “These Violent Delights” by Chloe Gong – Offering similar moral complexity and historical fantasy elements
- “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo – The gold standard for YA heist stories with morally gray characters
With “To Steal from Thieves,” M.K. Lobb has cemented her place as a skilled storyteller whose work transcends simple genre categorizations. This novel will leave you contemplating its characters long after you’ve turned the final page, eagerly awaiting the conclusion to Kane and Zaria’s compelling, heartbreaking story.
