🗝️ Book Review: The Thief and the Historian by Brendan Corbett
A thrilling YA epic fantasy where a reluctant thief and a mysterious historian uncover ancient secrets that could reshape their world—Book 1 of The Runetree Chronicles.
Brendan Corbett’s The Thief and the Historian launches readers into the richly imagined realm of the Known Lands, blending high-stakes adventure, magical lore, and a journey of self-discovery. With a solid Goodreads rating of 3.98/5 from early readers, the novel is praised for its immersive worldbuilding, compelling characters, and thematic depth.
🧠 Plot Overview
Aeda, a gifted young thief, survives under the control of the shadowy Grey Society in the coastal city of Biersport. Though reluctant to continue her life of crime, she sees no other path—until she’s tasked with stealing from Gieral, a Historian belonging to a legendary order charged with chronicling all of history.
Their fateful encounter propels Aeda into a world she never imagined: one filled with missing Historians, fearsome beasts, and ancient mysteries. As she journeys across perilous landscapes, Aeda must confront not only external threats but also her own identity and purpose.
💬 Why Readers Are Hooked
- Unique Worldbuilding: The Known Lands are brought to life with vivid cultural details, including distinct currencies, factions, and traditions.
- Dual Perspectives: Aeda and Gieral offer contrasting views—one grounded in survival, the other in knowledge and legacy.
- Themes of Belonging & Transformation: The story explores how history shapes identity and how individuals can rise above their circumstances.
- For Fans Of: Sarah J. Maas, Garth Nix, and Tamora Pierce—especially those who enjoy morally complex protagonists and layered fantasy realms.
📣 Critical Praise
“A thrilling adventure perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Garth Nix… a spellbinding tale of belonging and the power of history.” — The Reading Life Blog
“Corbett delivers a fantasy world that comes to life through vivid details… a captivating trip that resonates with themes of transformation.” — Readers’ Favorite
⚠️ Critiques
- The pacing may feel dense early on as the world and lore are established.
- Some readers noted that the multiple layers of mystery require close attention to fully appreciate.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Thief and the Historian is a promising start to a YA fantasy series that balances action, introspection, and mythic intrigue. If you’re drawn to stories where reluctant heroes uncover ancient truths and forge new destinies, this one’s worth adding to your shelf.
