Runners and Riders (A Companion to the Treasure Chronicles)

Juliet may not have been rich in her seaside town, but she was happy. After her father unexpectedly receives an inheritance, they move away to New Addison City where she is expected to adjust and become a socialite. Thank goodness Juliet knows one person in New Addison City … or should she be. Her new friend introduces her to a gang called the Runners and she is doing everything she can to fit in. Juliet believes what she does is harmless, but as her tasks become more sinister, she begins to question how dark the motives of the Runners really run.

Runners and Riders is book 2.5 in the Treasure Chronicles series. The number is deceptive in that it is not a novella like many in between stories. This is a full length novel that could be enjoyed on its own merit since it is mainly the world building that has been pulled from the Treasure Chronicles first two books. The two gangs (the Runners and the Riders) give the reader some extra intrigue and side stories as a distraction along the way. Mierek has created another enjoyable adventure story that has a splash of romance without getting hot and heavy.

I have not read the previous books in this series but intend to now. This is called a novella but it really is a full length book.

Juliet is a poor lonely girl befriended by Anna who teaches her how to have adventures and the ways of stealing. When her family gets a windfall of money they move to New Addison City where she learns to live the life of luxury. She is pulled into the world of the Runners who are very ruthless group, stealing and murdering whatever they want to.

Into this world comes Johnathan Montgomery a new "Rider" to avenge his parents death at the hands of "Runners". Juliet becomes involved with him at first to help the Runners but then she discovers that they are even worse than she originally believed. Juliet has to decide who to side with to keep her family safe.

The story is quite adventurous and quick moving. The only problem I have with the story is the ease in which people kill each other, even the first time. There is very little remorse or hesitation in doing so. This world is quite brutal in that way.