To Steal From Thieves is a historical fantasy novel, set in an alternate London, where magic exists….somewhat. It is part one of at least a duology, with morally grey characters (somewhat) in a (somewhat) high-stakes heist.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you feel), I don’t have a lot to say about this book. Lobb is an enjoyable writer to read: the writing was tight and had entertaining voices for both Kane and Zaria. But a lot of it was just okay for me. I am a huge fan of heist novels and heist movies, so the the “heist” in this one fell flat for me. The actual heist scene was very short—because of the length and how it felt crammed into the end, it never felt high-stakes or risky enough for it to be engaging for me. The characters had great banter but that was the best part: they were supposed to be morally grey with a forbidden romance, but they didn’t feel dangerous or controversial, for the most part, and the romance never truly clicked for me.

I think a lot of readers will enjoy this one, and I hope it finds its market, because Lobb is a writer with clear talent. It just wasn’t the right book for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

This was such a fun, fast-paced read! To Steal from Thieves has all the things I love—heists, found family, and just the right amount of tension between characters. The worldbuilding was interesting, and the twists kept me hooked, though I wished for a bit more depth in some areas. Still, M.K. Lobb delivered an entertaining story, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

To steal from thieves is a ya historical fantasy novel set in London. It follows a conman named Kane Durante and the daughter of one of London's greatest alchemologists, Zaria Mendoza, as they pair up to pull off a big heist. Overall, this was an enjoyable read for me! It was fast-paced and incredibly entertaining. Unfortunately, there were a few things that didn't work for me. The main thing was the romance - the main characters had good banter but beyond that I didn't see much of a connection and I felt like it was too fast paced. Another issue I had was that the heist was way too short. I do still plan on picking up the next book though and I'm curious to see where this story goes.

To Steal from Thieves was a thrilling and fast-paced heist novel that kept me hooked from start to finish! Kane and Zaria made for an interesting and dynamic duo, and their chemistry added a layer of tension and excitement to the plot. The setting of the Great Exhibition in London was a fantastic backdrop for the high-stakes mission, and I loved how the twists and turns kept me guessing. The blend of magic, deception, and romance was well done, though at times the relationship dynamics felt a bit predictable. Still, it was a fun and engaging read that I couldn’t put down!

I was so incredibly excited to read this book and it did not disappoint!

A high-stakes heist, two reluctant partners, and a tangle of secrets, deception, and undeniable attraction - To Steal from Thieves follows con man Kane Durante and alchemologist Zaria Mendoza as they attempt to steal a priceless necklace from the Great Exhibition. But with betrayal looming and danger closing in, will they pull off the heist—or destroy each other first?

If you love books that feel like a fast-paced, tension-filled game of cat and mouse, this one is a must-read.

Kane and Zaria’s dynamic is electric—full of banter, chemistry, dark emotions and mutual suspicion. Both are in desperate situations, forced to work together, knowing they can’t fully trust the other. Watching their connection evolve while they plot to outmaneuver each other (and their enemies) kept me hooked right until the end.

I also loved the found family aspect of the friendships both MCs had with their only friends.

The world-building was really immersive since it was a historical YA fantasy taking place in 19th century London.

And the magic system? So interesting!. Alchemology isn’t just a gimmick—it’s integral to the story and to our FMC, adding depth and stakes that make this heist feel even more intense and desperate.

With compelling friendships, intense romantic connection, morally gray characters, and a great clifhanger ending that left me wishing I had the sequel NOW, this book delivered nonstop action, intrigue, and emotional depth.

Tropes featured in this book:
-historical fantasy
-enemies to lovers
-reluctant partners in crime
-young adult fantasy
-heist/heist crew
-con man x inventor
-interesting magic system
-morally gray characters
-suuuuuuper slow burn romance
-betrayal

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley, author M.K. Lobb, and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Unfortunately, I was let down by this book. Fantasy is always hit or miss for me, but I was very intrigued by the premise of a magical heist. I think the biggest downside to this book actually was that it needed MORE magic/fantasy elements! Once I started it, I was surprised to see this was more focused on the enemies to lovers romance plot and even more on the heist mystery part rather than the fantasy. Although magic exists in this world, it is just kind of stated what it is and not explained. Therefore, as a reader, I was left wanting to know more how the magic worked and to what purpose/function it served to the world beyond the function it was serving to the plot. I did think the heist was intriguing, but again, I would have personally liked more time spent on that plot. I got tired of the constant rivalry and hatred between Zania and Kane, and I really didn’t like either one of them separately or together. The way the book ended, I think Lobb might be setting up a sequel, but I don’t know if the book was strong enough on its own to carry another book or series. If you don’t get too bogged down in the details or like an enemies to lovers YA romance, this can still be an enjoyable read for you!

The character dynamics are unique. The book leaves you on the edge of your seat until the end! The reader is constantly worried about the characters as I became closer and closer with the characters

3.5 stars!

Do you like heists? What about reluctant partners, both plotting to betray the other? Oh, and what about platonic soulmates? And some explosives? Then boy, do i have the book for you.

Zaria Mendoza has been struggling to fulfill her father’s remaining alchemology commissions since his passing. The illegal trade takes pieces of you each and every time you create, and if she doesn’t find a magic source soon, she knows she’s going to follow in her father’s footsteps. She and her best friend Jules have been dreaming of escaping London’s Slums, and so after unsatisfied clients start hunting her, Zaria is more desperate than ever.

Kane Durante wants out. He’s been serving the kingpin Alexander Ward since he was a small child, and lately Ward has been threatening his friend Fletcher’s life. His one and only chance at saving Fletcher arrives with The Great Exhibition, and the mysterious necklace Ward wants brought to him at any cost. But he and Fletcher can’t do this alone- and so Kane recruits Zaria, plotting to betray her at the Exhibition and flee with the necklace as soon as possible.

I loved the high stakes in this book, but i do wish that Zaria and Kane’s feelings for each other were developed a little better! I also struggled with the pacing- the plot felt like it moved a little slow. The ending left me with more questions than answers, so hopefully a sequel is in the works soon!

Thank you to Netgalley and Brown Books! To Steal from Thieves debuts on March 25!

I was so excited to receive an arc for To Steal From Thieves by MK Lobb. This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2025 and it completely lived up to my expectations! From the very first page, the suspense pulled me in and didn’t let go. There were so many moments where I felt like I was on the edge of my seat, and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. The characters were fascinating, and I loved how their tension and motivations unfolded throughout the story. This book kept me up late reading, and I can’t stop thinking about it now that I’ve finished. If you’re into high-stakes thrillers that keep you guessing, this is a must-read!

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Books for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

“To be angry at God, I would have to expect something from him in the first place.”

Wow wow wow! I honestly didn’t have many expectations going into this book considering it was my first M.K Lobb book I can confidently say it will not be my last!!

The heist plot was done so well and all of the side-plots really tied the entire book together. The setting was rich and developed. The dialogue witty and engaging, truthfully it was just an overall incredible book. I love when you can tell the author loves what they do and what they create and M.K Lobb bleed her love of storytelling into every page and left me craving more!

The dynamic between Zaria and Kane gave me the same vibe of Rune and Gideon (from Heartless Hunter) I absolutely loveee the enemies-to-lovers odd situationship they developed into throughout the course of the book.

Overall an incredible, engaging, page turning book that really did give me Six of Crows vibes in the best possible way! I totally recommend it and can’t wait to see what else the author gets to publish! :)

Ahh I loved this! To Steal from Thieves is my first M.K. Lobb book but I'm officially a fan. A YA historical fantasy heist, with romance? I was immediately intrigued, and it delivered. Zaria and Kane are such fun, engaging main characters. I loved their chemistry and banter. And the magic system was so cool! A must-read for YA fantasy fans—especially those who want something different than the typical romantasies that have been popular lately.

What another wonderful deep dive into the words of M. K. Lobb. Immediately the reader is immersed in a grungy London where the true rulers are the mobs and dark market. I was so excited to read about these new characters and how they would eventually interact together. The plot of the driving force in this new novel and it didn't disappoint. I think I would've loved some more character development and play as I wasn't completely sold in Zaria. However I was very invested in Kane. I think Lobb was destined to write angsty, dark male characters! You do not want to miss this dark, romancic heist, with a mix of alchemy!

As someone who’s read Lobb’s other works, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on To Steal from Thieves. The heist and the setting for the heist caught my attention first and I am more than happy to say that Lobb doesn’t fail to deliver. Everything that was promised—from the cheeky conman, to the banter between the characters, to the fast paced development of the storyline—was delivered masterfully.
Lobb’s imagination is a gem in the YA fantasy genre. Truly a delight!

(Thank you NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this arc!)

this has a certain Enola Holmes meets divine rivals charm about it that made for a very quick & entertaining read! i wish we’d gotten a bit more development between the leads and honestly more depth for other supporting characters as their involvements play integral roles in the plot, but their presence both literally and figuratively are very scarce throughout the book.

the “alchemology” magic system is really interesting to follow but seemed incomplete during explanations…maybe my brain was not in a space to comprehend all the elements but it seemed like there were some missing pieces to fully ascertain how the magic system worked in this world.

overall, i enjoyed and will absolutely be looking forward to the next book

I was in no way prepared for the adventure this book took me on. It had me gripped from the very first page, and I loved every single moment of the ride. The world was alluring and magic system easy to follow, and I enjoyed the dynamics between all of the various players involved.

Zaria and Kane also were such captivating characters. Kane is the first true morally gray MMC I have read in a long time. I was constantly gripped by his moral justifications and dilemmas, and I adored how we saw him grapple with his own morality and sense of justice. He is witty and clever, and his chemistry with Zaria was palpable. As for Zaria herself, she also had such an intriguing and compelling inner narrative and emotional arc. I connected with her in so many crucial ways and felt her struggles as if they were my own. She is caring and loving but also fierce and strong, firm in her convictions and clever in her actions, and an all-together wonderful FMC. Together they had something so magnetic, and the tension and slowburn really worked for me. The banter had me kicking my feet in joy, and the romance itself had me swooning before wanting to immediately shake them for their idiotic natures when it came to each other. I just wanted to shout at them both every other page (lovingly, of course), and was repeatedly struck with how much I loved them together both romantically and as partners in crime (literally).

Then there is the case of the ending. I was two seconds from throwing it across the room. This book was 100% one of the ones where I had to put it down and just stare into space for a moment because I was left reeling in shock and *feelings.* This is one of those moments where I am kicking myself for reading it early because I have that much more time to wait for the next (though, of course, I am so thankful for the chance!). But nonetheless...

I loved every moment of this book and will be thinking about it for a while to come. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If MK Lobb ever writes a book I don’t become obsessed with, especially when that book features IDIOTS TO LOVERS with the slowest of slow burns, unlikable main characters (that I, of course, adore), and a heist, lower me into the cold ground.

Full of twists and turns, tension between Kane and Zaria that had me hoping for them to kiss near constantly, and steeped in the history of the Great Exhibition in Victorian London, this book was exciting, atmospheric and hugely entertaining!

What a deliciously good time!

I love a good heist story. This book follows Zaria and Kane while they try and pull off a heist during the Great Exhibition in 1850s London.

-Multi POV
-Enemies to lovers
-Back to enemies?
-Historical London
-Brooding MMC
-Stubborn FMC
-Enjoyable side characters

I had so much fun reading this story. I could picture everything vividly. I was rooting for the main characters the whole time. I am hoping there is a second book. The ending does leave on a semi cliffhanger, however, it also was a satisfying ending leaving you wanting to see where the story could go.

Please let there be a book 2!

(Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for this ARC.)

I didn't realize how much fun I was in store for when I started reading To Steal from Thieves! It's full of banter, deception, betrayal, and romance!

I was quickly immersed in the story. The Victorian setting is one of my favorites, and I enjoyed the characters. They have complex emotions and motivations, leading to a web of decisions and betrayals. The ending made me want more, and now I can't wait for the next book!

I really really wanted to like this but I just could not connect with anything in this book. I wasn't invested in the characters or the heist or the friendships. Everything felt so distant. The motivation for her wanting to leave her life behind didn't feel urgent. I think this book just wasn't for me but I'm sure others will really enjoy it.

To Steal from Thieves follows Kane and Zaria. Kane is a conman and son to the infamous Kingpin of London’s dark, magical market with the task to steal a priceless necklace from the Great Exhibition. Zaria is the daughter of one of the greatest alchemologists struggling to keep his business afloat after his death. Kane needs the help of magic to make his great heist and convinces Zaria to work for him so she can get out of debt. With secrets and betrayals around every corner, and enemies out for blood, Kane and Zaria risk everything in a high-stakes heist.

This was an enjoyable read and while I think it will appeal to tons of people, there some things that didn’t work for me. The main thing was the romance. I just didn’t feel the romantic chemistry--definitely felt a good friendship chemistry with their banter--or see why they should be together other than circumstances bringing them together. Both were set for betraying the other and there was such tension between them but it didn’t feel romantic to me. I’m sure others will adore their dynamic though.

Separately, I thoroughly enjoyed each character. I loved how dark and deceitful Kane was and the ending made things very intriguing for a sequel. He definitely is a character who starts in a seedy place and ends in a seedier place. He reminded me a bit of Kaz. Zaria was great and I really loved her chapters as they focused on magic. I really admired her snark and resilience. Both characters have such lovely friends—Jules and Fletcher are so great.

This alternate London was super interesting, and I loved the magic system. It was very unique, and I liked the concept of alchemology. Super intriguing and well explained. I would’ve loved a bit more focus on the magic, so hopefully in the sequel. The heist was really interesting, and the stakes were high throughout the entire novel which did make this easy to fly through. I’m definitely interested in reading the sequel when it comes out!

Overall if you love heists and Six of Crows and cool magic systems, this will be one you won’t want to miss!

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the arc in exchange for an honest review!