Let me start by saying this book hooked me from the first chapter. The magic system—scriving—is unlike anything I've read before. It's not just waving wands or chanting spells; it's about convincing objects to defy reality. Imagine a lock that thinks it’s already open or a carriage that believes it’s rolling downhill forever. Mind-blowing stuff.

Sancia, the sarcastic thief with a mysterious past, is hands-down my favorite character. Her grit and humor carry the story, but what really got me was her power and its painful drawbacks. No spoilers, but let’s just say her ability comes at a cost—and it makes every action scene tense and unpredictable.

The pacing? Perfect for late-night binge-reading. The first heist grabs you, and then the stakes keep climbing like dominoes falling in reverse. By the end, I was flipping pages so fast I almost missed dinner. And that climax? Pure chaos in the best way—explosions, betrayals, and a villain who isn’t just evil for evil’s sake.

Small warning: This isn’t a fluffy fantasy. Themes of slavery and PTSD are woven in, handled with care but unflinching. It adds depth to Sancia’s journey, though—she’s not just stealing for thrills; she’s fighting to survive in a city that chews people up.

If you love heists mixed with magic that feels like mad science, grab this book. I’ve already pre-ordered the sequel.