Thursday, January 21, 2021

Everything and more! The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep, my first five-star read of the year!

 


I received a free ARC of this story from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

“For want of a properly working pocket watch, Jackson Forge failed to save the world today—or at least the City of London. Now he’d be lucky to save himself.”

With this beginning as an indicator, I had a feeling that I was in for a great read. And it was everything! Every raving review I had read, every five-star rating, everything I was hoping for and more. Rarely do I form a final opinion about a story until I finish, but this was an exception. I rated it a five-star read from the first page and by the time I was halfway finished, I was ordering a paperback copy, knowing that it would be an instant favorite. From interesting characters and thrilling plots, to surprising twists and unexpected conclusions, this story was a non-stop adventure from beginning to end. The author’s writing style has a unique tone that perfectly balances detail and dialogue to fully immerse readers into the characters’ lives. This is a full length novel, but so fast-paced and addictive it can easily be read in one sitting if real life doesn't interrupt. I love Jackson and Kit and would enjoy reading more of their adventures!

Another reviewer wrote this story is reminiscent of Zootopia without the animals and it is true. I thought the resemblance was neat since Zootopia is another favorite of mine.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is the first book I have read by Michelle Griep and I am excited to read more of her past and future releases!

Below are a few more of my favorite quotes:

“Then he shoved his arms and legs into the blue woolen dream he’d clung to since boyhood.” The imagery here is unbelievably good.

“The woman could hold her own facing a pack of wolves while wearing a pair of wrist cuffs.” An accurate description of Kit, and one reason I am a fan.

“A small smile rippled across his lips. He’d never witnessed such boldness in a skirt before. The way she bartered with Skaggs. How, without flinching, she’d trudged through tunnels that could make a grown man faint. She was a feisty one, he’d give her that. A real fighter. He could appreciate such bravery and resourcefulness, especially when it came in such a comely package.” Someone is smitten.

“But as soon as his gaze landed on her, his jaw went slack. He couldn’t have put two words together if someone jammed a gun to his head. No man could. With her emerald green gown clinging to such shapely curves, the woman would silence a raging battalion of hellbent men, A slow smile lifted her lips. ‘You’re staring, Mr. Forge.’ ‘Pardon. My mind was elsewhere.’ Torchlight danced in her eyes. ‘And where might that be?” I loved the easy humor and witty banter through this book.

“She flashed a smile. ‘Broken hearts are not my specialty.’ Hah! He nearly chocked. She’d left at least ten casualties en route from the hall to the ballroom.”

“A reputation is only what others think of you. Character is what matters. That is who you really are.” The truth of these words really resonated with me.

“Time stopped, then. Right there. On a busy London street just outside the ugly grey stones of Newagate prison, his touch warming her.” *happy sigh*

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