Aeda, a gifted Thief, is confined to the coastal city of Biersport, where she is a member of the elusive Grey Society. Bound by their commands, Aeda is reluctant to continue her life of crime but knows no other way to survive.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when she is tasked with stealing from the Historian Gieral, a member of the legendary order responsible for chronicling all of History. She is suddenly torn from the only life she has ever known and thrust into a new world filled with strange creatures and ancient mysteries.
Will Aeda rise above her circumstances to find her place in the world? Join her quest in a spellbinding tale of adventure, belonging, and the power of history.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The Thief and the Historian is a riveting hero’s adventure which includes mystery, picturesque landscapes, and a journey filled with magic and beasts. Corbett has created a journey of self-discovery where learning to get along is important. The valuable lessons throughout are perfectly pitched for young adult readers.
Prose: Corbett has a flair for describing landscapes and settings that is simple yet vivid. Despite there being limited dialogue, the author balances description, action, and conversation with ease.
Originality: Corbett crafts a rich, well-established fantasy realm with a fascinating central premise. The lessons throughout the novel are thoughtfully considered, while fast-paced adventure will keep readers turning the pages.
Character/Execution: The two main characters guide the way for the adventure, while delivering impactful sentiments about individuality and belonging. Aeda emerges as realistically conflicted in her role as a thief; her growth throughout the tale is intriguing and authentic.
Date Submitted: August 10, 2023
The Thief and the Historian by Brendan Corbett is the first book in the Runetree Chronicles. Aeda has made a living working as a thief for the Grey Society and, though she has misgivings about stealing, she does what she has to. But when a job has her stealing from Gieral, she makes an unexpected discovery. Gieral is a Historian, part of an order responsible for documenting history. The encounter between the two draws Aeda away from the life she’s always known and into one filled with danger. This opportunity gives her insight into the Historians and opens up a deeper mystery. This takes Aeda beyond what she’s always known and into new landscapes with fearsome beasts as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Brendan Corbett delivers a fantasy world that comes to life through vivid details that establish it as a unique society such as the currency, different groups of people, and organizations such as the Historians and Grey Society. There are cultural elements woven into the traditions and how the characters approach situations. The writing style has a subtle visual quality to it with phrases that make the story so much fun to read. Aeda and Gieral offer two different perspectives on this world as Aeda is a thief working with what is known and Gieral is a Historian who works within what isn’t known. Going to steal from Gieral sends Aeda on an unexpected adventure while providing her with an opportunity to change her life. Gieral represents a fun twist to the idea of a Historian who does more than just chronicle history and is at the heart of the action. The characters have a great back-and-forth that adds humor and charm to the tone of the story. Other characters add to the different elements of the world, giving it more depth. The Thief and the Historian is a very enjoyable read with endearing personalities, a rich and layered setting, and an action-packed adventure with a journey of self-discovery at its core.
