A journey of trust, betrayal, rediscovering magic, secrets, lies and danger

Desperate times call for desperate magic . . .

Magic rules the city of Creije Capital and Tavia Syn knows just how many tricks she needs up her sleeve to survive. Selling dark magic on the streets for her kingpin, she keeps clear of other crooks, counting the days until her debt is paid and she can flee her criminal life.

But then, one day, with her freedom in sight, Tavia uncovers a sinister plot that threatens to destroy the realm she calls home. Desperate to put an end to her kingpin’s plan, Tavia forms an unlikely alliance with three crooks even more deadly than her:

Wesley, the kingpin’s prodigy and most renewed criminal in the realm

Karam, an underground fighter with a penchant for killing first and forgetting to ask questions

And Saxony, a Crafter in hiding who will stop at nothing to avenge her family

With the reluctant saviours assembled, they embark on a quest to put an end to the dark magic before it’s too late. But even if they can take down the kingpin and save the realm, the one thing they can’t do is trust each other.

Oh I absolutely inhaled this book.
⠀
Welcome to the deadly streets of Creije where magic is sold and bought.
⠀
This is the first of a new duology from @alexandrachristowrites and my god is it good. I fortunately had a review copy of it courtesy of @tinamories and @hotkeybooks and this gorgeous version pictured here is from @fairyloot.
⠀
Tavia is a busker, working for her friend-turned underboss Wesley. Tavia’s job is to sell dark magic on the streets to the unsuspecting. Her wares aren’t legitimate and she uses her charm and tricks to sell them. She does this with the hope of one day leaving the streets of Creije behind.
⠀
Working with her friend Saxony, she has been given a brand new potion to sell which is supposed to bring luck to whomever consumes it. However, it’s not as it seems and this Loj is dangerous, as Saxony finds out.
⠀
Loj is doing something to the inhabitants of Creije and Wes isn’t happy about it. There are forces at work and they must band together to bring down the kingpin. What follows is a journey of trust, betrayal, rediscovering magic, secrets, lies and danger. ⠀ ⠀
⠀
Our Crooked crew isn’t just made up of Wes, Saxony and Tavia but the wonderful Karam as well. They’re an odd bunch but you get completely drawn in by their charm.
⠀
I think it’s a toss up between Wesley and Tavia for my favourite, I love both their characters and think they bounce well off each other. Karam is a sweetheart and I love her relationship with Saxony. More of that please!!
⠀
Now the ending, damn! How can you leave it like that??? I want more!
⠀
I can’t wait to take a bite out of the next book!