I just finished this book and am feeling the urge to tell to everyone show good it is and how they need to read it.

This book is so well written a en every character is so complex and has so much depth. I love every single one of them.

The magic system was insanely unique, I don’t think I’ve ever read about a magic system like it. I think it was so well thought out and cool.

Also every time the two main characters argue I was just begging for them to kiss. But also the tension was so good I needed more fighting. It’s like I was torn in two. M K Lobb truly knows how to write tension.

Also the ending?!?!? Has me shocked. I need book two immediately

Describing something as a heist is a sure fire to get my attention and this succeeded incredibly 👏🏻 I had such a good time and the story was engaging the entire time. I didn’t know what was going to happen and was excited to find out.

Thank you for the ARC!

Frankly, I don't know how to feel about this book. It was enjoyable enough to finish it, but I didn't feel attached to any of the characters. I just feel neutral towards them. Also, I find that Kane and Zaria were both hypocrites in their quest to protect their best friends. The magic system was interesting and I would like to learn more about it. The heist itself is fine for what we got. I just wished it was more challenging.

A magical romance disguised as a heist novel, To Steal from Thieves is a delight to read. M.K. Lobb brings her witty charm and complex characters to life in the pages of this novel (if you liked Seven Faceless Saints, you'll love this one).

I love a good Heist, and in a historical fantasy romance, say no more! this was really interesting and reminded me of Divine Rivals in moments, but I don't read a lot of historical fantasies so I don;t have much to compare. I think it was done perfectly and set at a fast and steady pace. My only disappointment is the lack of romance, it was still in there but barely. otherwise this was a solid read, I'm new to the author so I'll have to check out more.

I also love when I find a book that interweaves historical fiction into fantasy, and this book did just that. Set against the backdrop of the Great Exhibition in London, magic hides in the streets. Intriguing, suspenseful, and a forbidden romance make a novel that you won't be able to put down!

--I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.--

I flew through this book, honestly it was such a fun ride! To Steal from Thieves has all the good stuff: clever heists, found family vibes, and just the right amount of character tension. The worldbuilding was cool and the twists kept me hooked, even if I wanted a bit more depth here and there. Still, M.K. Lobb totally delivered, and I’m definitely picking up the next one!”

A super fun heist and fantasy novel! This is my first book from M.K. Lobb, and I definitely plan to check out their other books. I loved the grittiness of this world, with super high stakes for our main characters, Zaria and Kane. Their individual backstories were very interesting to learn about and it was fun watching their paths intersect for this shared goal of stealing a rare necklace. As you read about them, you realize that they're essentially each other's mirrors or two halves of the same coin, and these types of character dynamics always hit so hard. Both of them present a hard front to society, but deep down, there's nothing either of them wouldn't do for the people they love. The romance between them was also filled with so much tension and I'm very curious to see where things go in book 2. Thank you to the NOVL for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

To Steal from Thieves has a lot going for it—a gritty, magic-filled world, a pair of snarky, morally gray characters, and some solid tension throughout. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the leads, and the heist element gave the story a fun edge.

That said, it didn’t fully grab me. The pacing felt uneven (the beginning dragged a bit), and while the world-building was interesting, it sometimes got bogged down in too much detail. A few plot points were easy to see coming, which took some of the punch out of the reveals.

It’s not a bad read—just not a standout for me. But if you like dark fantasy with flawed characters and some slow-burn intrigue, it’s worth checking out.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book prier to its publication.

This book was such a fun ride! To Steal from Thieves mixes magic, clever cons, and just the right amount of romantic tension. Kane and Zaria make a great (and sometimes chaotic) team, and following along as they navigate trust, betrayal, and a nearly impossible heist at the Great Exhibition kept me turning the pages. The world feels rich and unique, and the pacing makes it hard to put down. Definitely recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.

I really enjoyed this. It's fast-paced and has a good mix of more "old" London times and steampunk in it. I also enjoyed the magical bit, but I wish there had been more world building. I didn't know this was apparently not a standalone until the end when I was going EXCUSE?!?!?!?!?! I really liked the two main characters and their banter and the tension??? SO GOOD. I also think the side characters are well developed. It was really just the world building that was lacking.

Lobb always fills my need for angsty, dark fantasy. I didn't enjoy this one as much as her first duology, but it was still a richly imagined tale. (However, I could definitely tell the author had no experience with firearms judging by the way the characters handled them. Really did annoy me).

After loving the SEVEN FACELESS SAINTS duology, I was so excited to have the opportunity to read TO STEAL FROM THIEVES EARLY and confirm that MK Lobb remains the queen of historically inspired fantasy. I loved the characters in this book (especially Zaria and Fletcher) but the world is so beautifully rendered that London, and the Exhibition itself, ultimately became my favorite character. I love a wall-plotted heist and adding a deliciously tense Will-they-or-won’t-they was just the cherry on top.

I love a heist. I love flawed characters who would literally do anything for the people they love. I love a unique magic system. And this book had all three plus the bonus of taking place in Victorian England.
Kane and Zaria were complicated characters and their interactions were full of mutual dislike and yearning and hating that they were attracted to each other.
I enjoyed the adhd representation as well.

My students have been very into titles like Such Charming Liars, Thieves Gambit, and Heiress Takes all, so I was really excited to read To Steal from Thieves. They are going to devour this book. Great pacing, interesting characters, and a fun plot!

If you’re a fan of high-stakes heists, reluctant allies, slow-burn tension, and a dash of magical grit, To Steal From Thieves is definitely worth the read.

Set in an alternate-history version of 1851 London during the Great Exhibition, this book throws you into a world where alchemology—the magic-infused, soul-draining art of creation—is both powerful and dangerous. Zaria Mendoza is doing everything she can to survive the illegal trade her father left behind, while trying to dodge angry clients and protect her best friend, Jules. Meanwhile, Kane Durante is plotting his own escape from the criminal empire he’s been shackled to since childhood, with his own best friend’s life hanging in the balance. Naturally, their paths cross for one epic heist—and, of course, they plan to double-cross each other from the start.

What really stood out to me was how this book doesn’t just offer action—it simmers with frustration, injustice, and desperation. Both Zaria and Kane are carrying the weight of survival, and that shared sense of being trapped makes for some crackling chemistry. The romance, though? It’s a slow burn—like, glacial slow—and while the attraction is there, I did wish their emotional connection had a little more development. Still, there’s something fun about watching two people actively trying not to fall for each other… and failing.

The worldbuilding is rich and textured—MK Lobb clearly did her homework. The fusion of history and fantasy is done so well, with little real-world Easter eggs (yes, there’s a Karl Marx cameo) tucked into a grimy, magic-laced London. And the magic system itself is cleverly built, tied into the plot in a way that feels meaningful rather than flashy.

Pacing-wise, the story dragged in places, and the ending left me with more questions than closure—but if that means we’re getting a sequel, sign me up. This one had all the right ingredients: betrayal, angst, reluctant allies, a touch of magic, and just enough emotional grit to keep me hooked.

Heist lovers, you’re going to want this one on your shelf!

I ate this up. I love KaneZaria!
The atmosphere was great! The magic system with alchemy was interesting.
Lowkey gives Peaky Blinders vibes with the setting.
I do wish there was a bit more romance though...
3.5 ~ 4 stars.

The banter in the first few chapters had me giggling and knew I’d enjoy this one! Plus, a heist with enemies to lovers! It was unlike anything I have read in a long time and it was so fun!

I loved being on my toes and waiting to see what was going to happen next! The only complaint I had was I wanted more about Zaria & Kanes feelings for each other but that’s the romance girly in me ;)

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Betrayal, conning, morally gray characters. This story being dual pov between Zaria and Kane makes the story so much better. As the reader I get to know more than both of them and see how the dominos each of them have laid out come into play. Each of them have a best friend and their relationship with each of them is very well done. The magic is pretty well explained with it being blood magic with alchemy and mixing old London and gangs ruling over them makes it even better. the story reminds me of six of crows. The romance in the story is a back burner barely any sub plot but the hate/ reluctant allies relationship of Zaria and Kane is amazing it pushes the story so well. I very much enjoyed the story and am looking forward to book 2.

Thank you NetGalley and little, brown books for young readers for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

(I did DNF around the 12% mark). I loved the plot idea, but I was honestly just a little bored. The setup was kinda long, and the writing was really repetitive. I think I could have stuck it out, but I was running out of time and had some other books to get to. This sounds like a pretty solid book, and I think it was for the parts that I read, but I just didn't have time to finish.