MK Lobb delivers a gritty, historical fantasy with morally grey characters and a London As It Never Was setting that has me ready for more! This book was such a fun ride to rethink think a major theft at the original 1851 World Exposition in London. I loved the way magic was interwoven into this new world, but also so deadly to the people who wield it. The world building was unique and Lobb did a great job of balancing the world building with the historical setting of London 1851.

The characters:
Zaria and Kane are delightful, off-beat characters with morally grey vibes. Each has their own pasts that funnels into personal character struggles. Both are desperate to save people in their lives from the gangs that control London's seedier areas. I loved that both characters had mental health rep (Zaria's ADHD and Kane's PTSD). It made them into relatable and raw characters that you wanted to root for.

Both characters are chaotic, untrustworthy, and out for themselves (and those they love) -- which makes their attraction to each other even more poetic and amusing to the reader. I loved the dual POV in this book that allowed the reader (but not the characters) to realize that Zaria and Kane's goals will force them to double cross each other. It had me chuckling to myself the further along we got into the plot.

It is clear from the start that both these characters walk a tightrope between doing the right thing and descent into full blown morally grey. I won't lie -- a certain character's descent into the realm of even more morally grey was absolutely satisfying in all the best way. I immediately needed to know more.

The plot:
I love good heist plot! Lobb really kept it moving by balancing the Kane's and Zaria's POVs throughout the book. I liked getting to see each of their motivators and how they consistently crashed into each other. With the major goal to steal an object from the Crystal Palace, Kane, Zaria, (and their trust sidekicks -- Jules and Fletcher) run amok across London setting their plan in motion. Keep in mind -- these two aren't working together because they trust each other -- oh no no they need each other out of necessity and nothing more. Each one using the other for openings to get what they truly seek. It makes for a gritty tale with the perfect amount of humor.

4.5/5

Any author who can kill off their characters with no remorse terrifies me, but a sick part of me loves the beautiful pain they create.

I really liked the seven faceless saints duology but I got really excited for this one when I started seeing the promo on Instagram because the plot seemed much more up my alley. Combining real-world historical events with some magical element will always be my favourite sub-genre of fantasy and mixing in the culture of the 1800s was the cherry on top.

I will say the ending did feel a bit rushed and I didn't realize this wasn't a stand-alone until the last 20% where it became obvious that this story wasn't nearly finished. BUT I'm already obsessed with Zaria and Kane and the magic system of this world and I need more now.

I'll be waiting very un-patiently for book 2
thanks to little brown books and netgalley for the arc!

Thank you to Netgalley and Litte Brown for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

MK Lobb keeps tearing my heart out and I keep thanking her for it. And honestly, I'd do it again. I think my favorite thing about this book is the angst and the depth of the characters that comes with said angst. They are so deeply flawed and yet so deeply relatable and I loved peeling back every layer of them and finding more and more underneath.

The plot honestly left me guessing until the very end, and please don't even get me started about the end itself. My heart is in pieces, and I loved every second of it. There's something about a MC descending into madness that just absolutely hits. This is a story full of love and hope that's filled at the same time with fear and sorrow. The journey that these characters go on is one that I fear so many people in this world have found themselves on, from the fear of love itself to the hopeless desperation of just wanting to be loved and seen. Wrap it all up with a kind of magic that sparkles in and of itself, and you have a stunning book.

I definitely need the next book right this second, and I know you will too!

I love a good heist novel and this did not disappoint. Kane and Zaria were fantastic characters, and I loved getting to see both their POVs. I loved the historical setting and got fully swept away into the world. I can’t believe I’ll need to wait so long for a sequel! Highly recommend this to any historical fantasy fans!

This was a good read. The premise and magic system was different and really interesting. I also love a good con and heist!

I enjoyed the characters and that it was dual POV. It was nice to see what was going through each of the MCs heads. It was interesting to see the emotions they were dealing with while starting to develop feelings for each other while also planning to con one another.

The ending left me a bit wounded, but I’m interested in seeing where the story will go next. This ended up being a reluctant allies to lovers to enemies to hopefully lovers again by the end of the next book. After that ending, the potential back to lovers is going to be hard fought.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book! A great plot and romantic side plot as well. Was engaging and pacing was great (no slow parts to bore/lose interest). Would definitely recommend!

This story was entertaining! Almost every element of this book, including the plot, world-building, pacing, and tension, was enjoyable to me. Everything was fantastic. makes it difficult to put down by striking a balance between intense action and poignant moments.

Entertaining yet somewhat unbalanced.

I enjoyed the world building and the characters, but felt rather indifferent towards the romance and found the heist part way too short.
I think the book would have been so much better if the romance had became a friendship instead as the banted was good and the chemistry was there, just not romantic.

Overall, a fun book yet fairly predictable read but NOT a standalone like i expected. Cliffhangers are a big no no for me, way overused and more frustrating than anything.

“If you hear screaming, I can assure you it won’t be coming from me.” 😏

The banter. THE BANTER!!!!! Oh, this book was fantastic and I absolutely loved Zaria and Kane, both as characters individually and their slow-burn romance together. Zaria is so strong and not afraid to back down from a challenge. Kane is such a charming con man and his sass towards Zaria was top notch. Put the two of them together and just WOW! This book had me screaming “just kiss already” multiple times! 😂

I loved that they were both plotting to con each other (and neither of them had any clue that they were playing each other). I also loved that we got to see both points of view, because watching Kane struggle to accept his feelings for Zaria was great to read!

I went into this one thinking it was a standalone, but I’m so glad that it’s getting a sequel, especially with the way things ended! I could totally see this one being a movie! The world building, the writing, and the overall story as a whole was amazing!

If you love historical fiction, epic heists, enemies to lovers vibes, magical weapons, and a dual POV young adult book, then this one is definitely for you! ♥️

Thank you so much to @mk_lobb and @netgalley for the advanced copy! To Steal from Thieves releases on March 25, 2025 and you don’t want to miss it!

This was a fun YA heist story. It was fairly predictable, but I found the characters fun and the world interesting throughout.

2.5 stars

Something about this just didn't work for me. I'm usually all for a heist story, especially with a good rivals to lovers subplot, but this just didn't deliver. The heist was only a few pages?? Even the actual planning of the heist got very little page time overall. I also followed the clues to got us to the end twist pretty easily, but it felt a little abrupt in its execution

Thank you to Little Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the eARC!

Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

M.K. Lobb’s “To Steal From Thieves” is a dazzling historical fantasy that perfectly blends magic, intrigue, and morally gray characters into a thrilling heist set against the backdrop of an alternate 19th-century London. Packed with betrayal, reluctant alliances, and heart-pounding stakes, this YA book delivers a gripping story that will leave readers desperate for more.

The story follows Kane Durante, a cunning con man, and Zaria Mendoza, a brilliant alchemologist drowning in debt and obligations. Kane, under pressure from a ruthless crime boss, must steal a priceless alchemical necklace displayed at the Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace to save his best friend’s life. After a failed initial attempt, he reluctantly partners with Zaria, who has her own reasons for wanting the necklace. Both plan to double-cross each other, but as their partnership grows more complicated, so do their feelings—and their betrayals.

The dual POV structure is one of the book’s greatest strengths, giving you a chance to delve deep into Kane and Zaria’s struggles. Kane is desperate to protect his friend Fletcher, while Zaria, fiercely protective of her found family, dreams of escaping London with her beloved Jules. Both characters are richly layered, grappling with internal conflicts that add depth to their morally ambiguous actions. Their relationship—full of banter, scheming, and reluctant attraction—is a masterclass in slow-burn tension.

The magic system, rooted in alchemology (a forbidden practice that creates magical items at the cost of a person’s life force), is intricately woven into the story. Zaria’s inventiveness adds a compelling layer to her character and the way she interacts with her craft. The heist itself is intense, with a steady build-up of tension and the ever-present potential for betrayal, ensuring you remain on the edge of your seat.

The setting is vividly atmospheric, immersing you in a reimagined Victorian London where the Crystal Palace serves as the stage for a high-stakes game of deception. Lobb’s writing is sharp, evocative, and brimming with wit, making it easy to visualize the grandeur and danger of this world. While the book’s plot is gripping, it’s the characters that truly shine. Kane and Zaria’s tenuous partnership evolves into a dance of attraction and mistrust, peeling back layers of vulnerability as they push and pull against their shared goals. Their chemistry is electric, their betrayals cutting, and their arcs deeply satisfying.

Fans of heist stories, morally complex characters, and romance steeped in mutual destruction will find much to love in “To Steal From Thieves.” The unexpected ending leaves you both wounded and eager for more. Overall, “To Steal From Thieves” is a standout YA fantasy that delivers thrills, heartbreak, and plenty of twists.

Thank you Netgalley and Little Brown Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

3.0

An enemies-to-lovers come together in order to pull off a heist that could change their lives.

We meet Zaria Mendoza, in-debt after her father's disappearance. In order to deal with that she has constantly sacrificed her soul in order to make dark market products to sell to shady men. Followed by Kane Durante, a conman raised by a kingpin, seeking his closest friend's freedom. An unlikely alliance to steal a necklace from the Waterhouse Exhibition.

I'm someone who places a decent interest in the worldbuilding, and the simple yet powerful concept of alchemology, of artwork always having a piece of your soul, although not a novel idea, is amazing regardless. The non-renewable resource that is primateria, and the different possibilities that can be invented, for a price.

What I didn't find interesting, and could be even eliminated entirely is the existence of this... romance? True, they had some initial attraction, but it felt shallow, and there was not much to build off of other than "we both deeply care about those that we consider family and would do anything for them". And then <spoiler>a kiss right about 80% of the book which was honestly out of nowhere and felt like it was just because they know this is the last time they're probably gonna see each other.</spoiler>. I admire the strong family bonds, and how the family characters Julian and Fletcher are aware that our main characters are unnecessarily taking a burden on their shoulders that can be shared. Also not really happy about the cliffhanger? What was that about?

Before I even read this book I knew it would be one for me. Heists and enemies to — okay, not *quite* lovers but, two people who see something in each other that winds up with them hate kissing and then an epic … well, I’ll leave that unsaid but these enemies be enemy-ing.

We got found family in the form of Zaria and Jules — she would do anything to get him away from London. To a new life. To keep him safe. And then there is Kane and Fletcher … Kane does everything within his power to protect his friend — to get him out alive.

And, of course, our main characters: Kane and Zaria — good god, these two… I’m all for the morally grey villain vibes and these vibes were to be had with these two involved. The scheming, and the cons, the inventing, the magic and … that kiss! I loved that they peeled each other’s layers back in ways only they could relate.

The magic system was intricate and also very interesting … the idea of creating magical items through a form called Alchemology … of course a forbidden practice which makes it all the more intriguing and I loved how Zaria’s ADHD interacted with her ability to create and invent.

Then to top it all off … we got a heist! And I love a good heist plot and everything that led up to it! Also the Crystal Palace would have been a thing to behold so I’m glad I got to view it through these characters in an alternate Victorian era London.

I can absolutely say I loved this one and cannot wait to read more in this world!! Thank you so much to Little Brown for the opportunity to read early.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for gifting me this incredible book! I discovered it through Instagram and immediately knew I had to request it—so thank you for the opportunity.

I absolutely loved this story! It has everything: tension between the main characters, a beautifully described setting, and thrilling heists. Kane and Zaria are such complex and well-developed characters, and I adored them both. The writing is excellent, making this book an absolute pleasure to read.

Thank you again for sending me a copy!

once again: YA fantasy is so back.

heist novels aren’t my favorite, nor have i read lobb’s previous duology, but i requested this bc i like historical fantasy & the overall plot seemed interesting. therefore, i’m happy to say it did not disappoint. kane & zaria are exactly the perfect duo to lead this book. i would say, despite this being historical, remember it’s ya fantasy first & to forgive it or pass if you’re looking for a lot of historical accuracy because you won’t find it here. but, if you can look past that, this book is a riveting adventure between two people who are kind of terrible, in a positive way!

I love a good heist plot so I had very high expectations for this book, especially with the it being set in 1800s London. Even knowing that the city had great disparities between the rich and poor, I found the descriptions of the waste, muck, grime, etc. running through the streets of the poorer districts very off-putting. There were a few instances where those descriptions factored into the plot, but more often than not it was quite jarring and knocked me out of the scene. Kane and Zaria were also so mean to each other, it made it difficult to get invested in the romance subplot. Even when they did finally kiss, it felt hollow because they'd been so ugly to each other just moments before. The way they spoke and acted made it seem like they were modern day teenagers dropped into a historical setting. Things ended on a pretty big cliffhanger, leaving me feeling like absolutely nothing was resolved amongst any of the characters after being invested for 400 pages. Overall, everything happened within the span of a week, so I sincerely hope these characters have the time grow and change in the sequel.

I got completely sucked into this one—the historical setting and gorgeous writing pulled me in right away. The characters were so layered, with all their messy emotions and motives, and it made the story feel real and gripping.

One of the standout elements for me was the intricate and tumultuous relationship between Kane and Zaria. Their evolution—from reluctant allies to lovers to enemies—was masterfully executed, full of tension and heartbreak. The twists and turns in their dynamic kept me deeply invested, and by the end, I was left emotionally shattered.

The ending, while powerful, has left me desperate for the next book. The unresolved conflicts and emotional wounds ensure this story will stay with me until I can continue the journey. A fantastic read for fans of emotionally charged historical fiction!

I LOVE heist stories! If you tell me there is a heist book coming out (especially a YA heist book), I am THERE. As soon as I heard about this book, it became one of my most anticipated releases for 2025 and I was super excited to be able to read it early.

Set in an alternate 19th century London where some people use magic, this book follows Kane and Zaria, two characters who unexpectedly have to work together to pull off a dangerous heist. Though they are initially wary of each other, their relationship does develop even as the stakes grow higher.

I liked following both Kane and Zaria. They were very different characters each struggling with different issues. The magic in this world uses a person’s life force so Zaria is trying to find a way to use magic safely, while Kane is in the employ of a truly terrible person. I also enjoyed the secondary characters and their motivations, and Kane’s crime boss was also super intimidating which made the stakes feel very high.

I loved the heist elements and the potential for crossing and double crossing the others involved. They have such a tenuous partnership that it felt even more intense here. The ending was definitely unexpected and I can’t wait to see where the story will go from here!

If you love a good heist story, definitely try this one.

Not what I expected. I loved the idea of the heist and the setting, and the magic was super interesting, but the plot felt slow and Kane goes beyond morally gray to be an actually bad person. Only about 15% of the book is actual heist.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.