(Big spoilers) I still liked the book and would reccomend it just overall the setup didnt have the best payoff in my opinion. I know this book series is beloved by so many and I had been wanting to read more fantasy that’s based around thieves. The world building was absolutely stellar and the first half of the novel I adored. I loved how grounded the novel felt like Locke is the best at what he does because he is the most clever person in the room. The introduction of magic halfway through the novel and some very odd scenes really took me out of it. It just seemed counterintuitive to set up a character who’s whole stic is being able to rouse his way out of situations take a magic potion for his disguise. I think it’s indicative of the whole second half, in lockes childhood parts we see how he uses his wits to operate. Then the second half of the novel locke wins with a swordfight. I know the whole point is for him to be put into a situation where his wits cant save him fully, but I still think the solution to that did not have to be magic. I think if there was more mentions of the setting even having magical elements in the first half I would have been more forgiving. I found a technologically advanced Venice really interesting while having these down to earth thieves use it as their playground. Any thoughts or opinions are appreciated, I’d just like to reiterate that I really liked the book, just felt like I was reading a different one halfway in
by forensicnitr0