***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***

“How can anyone hate us just for who we are?”

A Conventicle of Magpies is set in Victorian era, a world where the Avanish have enslaved the Saosuíasei. It follows the story of Rook, a Saosuíasei and a thief with proficiency to use Bloodskill. Rook has grown up in a world that hates and discriminates against her race, the Saosuíasei. She's a member of the Conventicle of Magpies, one of one of the city’s most notorious gang. But when they learned that the the Avanish wishes to exterminate them all, it was time to fight for freedom and equality in an unequal world. To top that, there's a serial killer haunting the streets preying on Saosuíasei, draining their blood to satisfy the elite's demand.

****
A+++ for the amazing cover! It's beautiful, detailed, and appropriate for the book.
The Conventicle of Magpies is action packed and fast paced. So much is happening! The sequence of events was well laid out and the scenes were rich with details. I enjoyed the entire book, especially the rising rebellion. The characters are likeable especially Rook! She's unapologetic, resourceful, and tough. I love how the magic system is based on blood and the mystery element. LMR Clarke's writing style is easy to follow and has a good mix of dialogue and description. I'm sure things will get even better in the next installment! Can’t wait!

First of all, I find the cover of this book appropriate, eye catching and clever.
I love reading books set in history and I love a good victorian fantasy/thriller. I enjoyed the writing style and thought it was more or less appropriate given the time setting. The author was also very descriptive throughout which really helped with keeping the visuals clear.
I liked Rook's character. She is tough and practiced thief in a gang of lady's, who are fighting to bring about justice to their society. Blood is a powerful and valuable source, "enhancing speed and strength and agility", and people are being killed for it.

"Billy Drainer stalks the night,
Ready to give you all a fright.
Seven swift knocks to your head,
Drains your blood and then you're DEAD!"

The elite want the minority gone, furthermore Billy Drainer is picking them off, so in order to take control and survive, they must unite with others.
This book is exciting, fast paced and keeps you wanting more.
My only criticism is, I found some of the formatting strange in parts and the newspaper text hard to read, but overall, I think it's an interesting story and I will be certainly tuning in for book two.

Set in a fantasy version of a Victorian city, Rook is a member of the oppressed minority of society. She is also a member of a all female gang that works undercover to bring justice and order to the women in their society. The ruling elite wish to wipe them out and in addition there is a Jack the Ripper type character killing them off. Rook and her fellow gang members must join forces with another gang to try to help their people overcome both the serial killer and the governing class.
This is a thrilling and intelligently written story. The characters are exciting, resourceful and adventurous. The plot is fast paced and diverse. Themes of the book are among others oppression, genocide, power and injustice.
A dark Victorian thriller but with a very modern take. I can't wait to read the concluding part.