Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Books for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

“To be angry at God, I would have to expect something from him in the first place.”

Wow wow wow! I honestly didn’t have many expectations going into this book considering it was my first M.K Lobb book I can confidently say it will not be my last!!

The heist plot was done so well and all of the side-plots really tied the entire book together. The setting was rich and developed. The dialogue witty and engaging, truthfully it was just an overall incredible book. I love when you can tell the author loves what they do and what they create and M.K Lobb bleed her love of storytelling into every page and left me craving more!

The dynamic between Zaria and Kane gave me the same vibe of Rune and Gideon (from Heartless Hunter) I absolutely loveee the enemies-to-lovers odd situationship they developed into throughout the course of the book.

Overall an incredible, engaging, page turning book that really did give me Six of Crows vibes in the best possible way! I totally recommend it and can’t wait to see what else the author gets to publish! :)

Ahh I loved this! To Steal from Thieves is my first M.K. Lobb book but I'm officially a fan. A YA historical fantasy heist, with romance? I was immediately intrigued, and it delivered. Zaria and Kane are such fun, engaging main characters. I loved their chemistry and banter. And the magic system was so cool! A must-read for YA fantasy fans—especially those who want something different than the typical romantasies that have been popular lately.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

M.K. Lobb's To Steal From Thieves is a YA historical fantasy following the reluctant alliance between an alchemologist and a con man as they plot and carry out a dangerous heist.

This was an incredibly fun story. Good banter between main characters has become something a lot of people look out for in books and this book masters it. The banter doesn't feel cheesy or unnatural at all. Zaria and Kane have chemistry that makes every little remark feels so perfect. Reading about these characters together is addicting.

One of my favorite elements of the book was the magic system. The world of alchemology was one that had me absolutely enthralled. Lobb does an amazing job building the magic system and incorporating it into the plot and the lives of the characters. The entire system was fascinating and I need more like it.

Along with the relationship between the two main characters, there are some incredible friendships within the book. Both main characters have one best friend that means the world to them. The friendships felt so real and personal. All the relationships in this book add so much to the story. Lobb has perfected the art of writing true, meaningful relationships between her characters.

Everything about the plot worked for me. It was quick, bingeable, and an unbelievably exciting. There was endless tension and action brought into the story in so many different ways. The plot was always moving, but never too fast. Every little moment of the ending kept my eyes glued to the story, desperate to find out what was going to happen next. It was such a beautifully emotional end to the story. I wasn't expecting this to be the first in a series, but I am ready to devour whatever comes next.

Although I did love the relationships and the plot, there were a few things that didn't completely work for me. The main one was Kane as an individual. I loved his relationships with Zaria and Fletcher, and I thought he had an interesting backstory. However, there are a few mentions in the book of how he's someone who always pushes people away because he doesn't think he's good enough. I'm sure a lot of people won't be bothered by that, but it's just a type of character I don't love reading about. I also wish there was more development within the side characters and the villains. Obviously the book should mostly keep its focus on the main characters, but I do think there was room for the other characters to give a bit more.

To Steal from Thieves is an action-packed and emotional ride through a dangerous heist with a promise of romance, friendship, and betrayal. Any fan of YA historical fantasy will find themselves having a wildly fun time with this one.

Review on Goodreads (sophreadingbooks https://www.goodreads.com/sophreadingbooks) as of 2/17/2025
Review on Instagram (sophiesreading https://www.instagram.com/sophiesreading/) expected 3/4/2025

What another wonderful deep dive into the words of M. K. Lobb. Immediately the reader is immersed in a grungy London where the true rulers are the mobs and dark market. I was so excited to read about these new characters and how they would eventually interact together. The plot of the driving force in this new novel and it didn't disappoint. I think I would've loved some more character development and play as I wasn't completely sold in Zaria. However I was very invested in Kane. I think Lobb was destined to write angsty, dark male characters! You do not want to miss this dark, romancic heist, with a mix of alchemy!

As someone who’s read Lobb’s other works, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on To Steal from Thieves. The heist and the setting for the heist caught my attention first and I am more than happy to say that Lobb doesn’t fail to deliver. Everything that was promised—from the cheeky conman, to the banter between the characters, to the fast paced development of the storyline—was delivered masterfully.
Lobb’s imagination is a gem in the YA fantasy genre. Truly a delight!

(Thank you NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this arc!)

okay okay! solid fantasy, but i will say it’s not typically the genre i gravitate towards. i enjoyed lob’s writing and the characters but the plot was the only bit i couldn’t get behind personally (i also must find out if this is a standalone). overall it was bingeable and cute!!

this has a certain Enola Holmes meets divine rivals charm about it that made for a very quick & entertaining read! i wish we’d gotten a bit more development between the leads and honestly more depth for other supporting characters as their involvements play integral roles in the plot, but their presence both literally and figuratively are very scarce throughout the book.

the “alchemology” magic system is really interesting to follow but seemed incomplete during explanations…maybe my brain was not in a space to comprehend all the elements but it seemed like there were some missing pieces to fully ascertain how the magic system worked in this world.

overall, i enjoyed and will absolutely be looking forward to the next book

I was in no way prepared for the adventure this book took me on. It had me gripped from the very first page, and I loved every single moment of the ride. The world was alluring and magic system easy to follow, and I enjoyed the dynamics between all of the various players involved.

Zaria and Kane also were such captivating characters. Kane is the first true morally gray MMC I have read in a long time. I was constantly gripped by his moral justifications and dilemmas, and I adored how we saw him grapple with his own morality and sense of justice. He is witty and clever, and his chemistry with Zaria was palpable. As for Zaria herself, she also had such an intriguing and compelling inner narrative and emotional arc. I connected with her in so many crucial ways and felt her struggles as if they were my own. She is caring and loving but also fierce and strong, firm in her convictions and clever in her actions, and an all-together wonderful FMC. Together they had something so magnetic, and the tension and slowburn really worked for me. The banter had me kicking my feet in joy, and the romance itself had me swooning before wanting to immediately shake them for their idiotic natures when it came to each other. I just wanted to shout at them both every other page (lovingly, of course), and was repeatedly struck with how much I loved them together both romantically and as partners in crime (literally).

Then there is the case of the ending. I was two seconds from throwing it across the room. This book was 100% one of the ones where I had to put it down and just stare into space for a moment because I was left reeling in shock and *feelings.* This is one of those moments where I am kicking myself for reading it early because I have that much more time to wait for the next (though, of course, I am so thankful for the chance!). But nonetheless...

I loved every moment of this book and will be thinking about it for a while to come. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If MK Lobb ever writes a book I don’t become obsessed with, especially when that book features IDIOTS TO LOVERS with the slowest of slow burns, unlikable main characters (that I, of course, adore), and a heist, lower me into the cold ground.

Full of twists and turns, tension between Kane and Zaria that had me hoping for them to kiss near constantly, and steeped in the history of the Great Exhibition in Victorian London, this book was exciting, atmospheric and hugely entertaining!

What a deliciously good time!

I love a good heist story. This book follows Zaria and Kane while they try and pull off a heist during the Great Exhibition in 1850s London.

-Multi POV
-Enemies to lovers
-Back to enemies?
-Historical London
-Brooding MMC
-Stubborn FMC
-Enjoyable side characters

I had so much fun reading this story. I could picture everything vividly. I was rooting for the main characters the whole time. I am hoping there is a second book. The ending does leave on a semi cliffhanger, however, it also was a satisfying ending leaving you wanting to see where the story could go.

Please let there be a book 2!

(Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for this ARC.)

I didn't realize how much fun I was in store for when I started reading To Steal from Thieves! It's full of banter, deception, betrayal, and romance!

I was quickly immersed in the story. The Victorian setting is one of my favorites, and I enjoyed the characters. They have complex emotions and motivations, leading to a web of decisions and betrayals. The ending made me want more, and now I can't wait for the next book!

I really really wanted to like this but I just could not connect with anything in this book. I wasn't invested in the characters or the heist or the friendships. Everything felt so distant. The motivation for her wanting to leave her life behind didn't feel urgent. I think this book just wasn't for me but I'm sure others will really enjoy it.

To Steal from Thieves follows Kane and Zaria. Kane is a conman and son to the infamous Kingpin of London’s dark, magical market with the task to steal a priceless necklace from the Great Exhibition. Zaria is the daughter of one of the greatest alchemologists struggling to keep his business afloat after his death. Kane needs the help of magic to make his great heist and convinces Zaria to work for him so she can get out of debt. With secrets and betrayals around every corner, and enemies out for blood, Kane and Zaria risk everything in a high-stakes heist.

This was an enjoyable read and while I think it will appeal to tons of people, there some things that didn’t work for me. The main thing was the romance. I just didn’t feel the romantic chemistry--definitely felt a good friendship chemistry with their banter--or see why they should be together other than circumstances bringing them together. Both were set for betraying the other and there was such tension between them but it didn’t feel romantic to me. I’m sure others will adore their dynamic though.

Separately, I thoroughly enjoyed each character. I loved how dark and deceitful Kane was and the ending made things very intriguing for a sequel. He definitely is a character who starts in a seedy place and ends in a seedier place. He reminded me a bit of Kaz. Zaria was great and I really loved her chapters as they focused on magic. I really admired her snark and resilience. Both characters have such lovely friends—Jules and Fletcher are so great.

This alternate London was super interesting, and I loved the magic system. It was very unique, and I liked the concept of alchemology. Super intriguing and well explained. I would’ve loved a bit more focus on the magic, so hopefully in the sequel. The heist was really interesting, and the stakes were high throughout the entire novel which did make this easy to fly through. I’m definitely interested in reading the sequel when it comes out!

Overall if you love heists and Six of Crows and cool magic systems, this will be one you won’t want to miss!

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley, M. K. Lobb, and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for allowing me access to the e-arc.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would have liked to know more detail about the world. I liked the main characters but at times they felt two-dimensional. The magic system was interesting.

I would recommend it.

WOW what a wild ride this was! My first MK Lobb read and most definitely not my last!

I loved everything about this book, from the dynamic between Zaria and Kane to the pacing to the intrigue! I was left guessing at every turn, and was on the edge of my seat by the final page. Now I'm left grappling with the fact that I have to wait SO long for the next book!

To be honest, I realized I would not like To Steal From Thieves after the first few chapters. That said, I hate to DNF books that I request from publishing houses so I stuck this out.

In the end, there are two main reasons why this isn't the book for me.

First things first, I wanted magic. Since Zaria makes magical weapons, I was under the impression that she would encounter other alchemologists on her adventures. But, aside from mentions of her father and his assistant / partner (I can't remember her exact title), there's nobody else. What's the point of including magic in the story if it pops up so infrequently?

Then there's the "romance"...I've said this a million times, but I have no issue repeating it: main characters do not always have to fall in love with each other. Sometimes two people aren't compatible and that's totally fine. In this instance especially, I can't understand why these two would end up together.

The second Zaria starts working with Kane, her life is at risk. Kane only shows concern because Zaria has skills that benefit him. They're both using each other. I simply cannot accept that as the basis for a swoon-worthy romance.

Also, we have to talk about how Zaria and Kane are essentially the same person. They're both stubborn martyrs who seem to think they can save their friend all on their own. I didn't care for this, so since they're so similar, both characters annoyed me.

I initially picked up To Steal From Thieves because I love a heist novel. While the heist subplot did catch my attention, it was too short to distract me from the other elements I disliked.

Bottom line: This book stole time I won't get back.

Zaria Mendoza, an alchemologist whose illegal business is on the brink of collapse due to her father's death and gambling debts. An archeologist uses a piece of themselves and rare elements to make magical items. Desperate for funds to escape her life, Zaria reluctantly partners with Kane Durante. Kane is a thief of thieves and the adopted son of the dangerous Kingpin Ward. Kane has been tasked with stealing a priceless necklace from an exhibition at a London museum. He knows he needs Zaria's gift to help him steal it. They must learn to trust each other as there is trouble at every turn, and their romantic tension is brewing.

The book is a precarious balance between trust and self-preservation and how love can complicate personal ambitions and force characters to reevaluate their priorities. Both protagonists wrestle with moral compromises in their fight for survival. This struggle for survival is evident in the descriptions of the contrasted differences between the opulence of grand London and the slums, exaggerating the despair. It is a fast-paced story combining the refinement of historical fiction with fantasy intrigue. It keeps you on your toes and wondering who is outsmarting who or who is hunting both of them. I loved it!

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

To Steal from Thieves is an exciting, can't-put-down, high-stakes heist novel that is easily already one of my favorite books of 2025! Kane, an infamous conman, teams up with Zaria, a rare alchemologist, to steal one of the most sought-after treasures in the world. Unfortunately, they need to steal this priceless necklace from The Great Exhibition - a feat that is most likely impossible. And, while they need each other to successfully pull of this con, they are both secretly planning their own betrayals. As their partnership grows to something more, they realize that difficult choices will need to be made, and hearts may be broken.

I absolutely loved To Steal from Thieves! I've read M.K. Lobb's previous books, which I also thoroughly enjoyed, and was delighted to find that To Steal from Thieves is equally amazing. To begin with, the world building is excellent; Lobb does a fantastic job of balancing historical fiction with fantasy. The characters and the character development are next level. Zaria clearly struggles from the complex relationship she had with her late father. Now that she has taken his place and is responsible for his black-market choices (both good and bad), she finds herself barely keeping afloat. Kane, a fearsome presence who is willing to do anything for his father figure, struggles with his guilt and self-loathing. He also, more than anything, just wants his best friend to be free from the Kingpin's ownership. I really appreciated the authors focus on the friendships: Zaria/Jules and Kane/Fletcher. The story is told through the POVs of Zaria and Kane, which really allowed the reader to understand both characters, their worlds, and their relationships. The heist is super exciting with unexpected twists. The book does end on a huge cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the next book! To Steal from Thieves is an easy 5 stars, and I will be recommending it to anyone who loves a great heist and/or an exciting romantasy!

Great heist story sent in Victorian England mixed with a bit of magic. It follows alchemologist Zaria and con artist Kane, who must reluctantly work together to steal a priceless necklace from an exhibition. For Zaria pulling this job means getting out of the slums with her best friend and start a new life. For Kane it means setting his friend free from the clutches of the kingpin. I love the whole alchemy aspect, I wish there was more of it. The tension and banter between Zaria and Kane was excellent, I liked that we got chapters from both of their POV's too. Even thought it is YA, the characters read older by having live through so much at such a young age. The story is more character driven with the romance not being the center of it either, so if you're looking for something more romance heavy this might not be it, I enjoyed it very much nonetheless. That ending left me wanting more, I can't wait to see where the author takes this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for this ARC, all opinions are my own.

see while it seems super exciting to be approved to receive an arc for a heist book, in reality you finish that book and realise how long the wait for the sequel is going to be. or actually you don’t realise because book two hasn’t even been announced yet, and you’re still reeling from the cliffhanger ending and are trying to ignore the fact it’s likely to be over a year till you can go back into that world, but who really knOWs!!?

i liked the vibe of this book; reluctant allies planning to betray one another but also fantasising about kissing. always a winner. i thought the dual POV worked really well, particularly in the last 20% or so of the book when plans were being suitably imploded. switching between zaria and kane and seeing the way they anticipated and interpreted each other’s moves was fun.

i also enjoyed the moral ambiguity of pretty much all the characters, and after that ending am super excited to see how that continues to develop. villain arc here we come <3

i mentioned the kissing earlier, and while there is an enemies-to-lovers vibe going on, it is definitely not the focus of the book. this wasn’t an issue for me, and anyway who doesn’t love a slowburn romance developing over multiple books?? i for one can’t wait.