The Thieves’ Carousel is one of those books that grabs you from the first line and doesn’t let go until you’ve tumbled, breathless, through every twist and turn. Lyo and Jasper aren’t just thieves—they’re broken souls chasing redemption, and their desperate attempt to steal time itself hits with raw emotion and moral weight. The writing is rich, the world of Aspizia feels darkly alive, and the stakes kept building until I had to know how it would all end. I loved how it explored love, loyalty, and the danger of wishing life could rewind. This story lingered with me long after I closed the book.

Thieves, time travel, and a whole lotta trouble—yes please! ⏳✨

Okay, so The Thieves’ Carousel totally stole my heart (and maybe a few hours of sleep). Lyo and Jasper are the kind of chaotic duo you root for even when you know they’re about to make terrible, beautiful choices. The action? Wild. The emotions? Messy in the best way. And that ending? Oof. I couldn’t put it down—every page felt like a dare to read just one more. If you like danger, feels, and a touch of heartbreak wrapped in gorgeous writing, this book is your next obsession. 💎💀🔥

I was hooked from the cover and description and so glad I was able to get into this thriller novel. The overall concept was what I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of this world. It was a great start to the Carousel series and how it was used in this universe. Briana Chen has a strong writing style and was glad I read this.

I loved everything about this book! Fast paced story with unique and incredible world building. I loved Jasper and Lyo’s characters. They had so much determination and grit. The grief that came from the characters losing their friend was very profound and accurately portrayed what losing someone so close to you feels like. I look forward to reading the rest of this series when it releases.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Review: A very fine reading experience. "And why", you ask? Read on.

This story line barks right up my particular grungy alley. Thieving guilds, confidence men whom laugh in dangers face while making the ladies hearts flutter. Stalwart companions that talk sense under the umbrella of a myriad of quests. Lyo and Jasper are great MCs and the supporting cast lends credibility to the story line. Constant movement helps build their characters, and that my friends, is hard to do.

I think this novel should have been named "A Carousel of Thieves". Has a better ring to it and fits the story line better.

I received this ARC for an honest review.

The Thieves’ Carousel by Briana Chen was thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. The structure alone made it nearly impossible to put down, and the story had me hooked with every turn.

The novel follows Lyo Morandi and Jasper Bray, two thieves who take on the near-impossible task of reforming their guild in honor of their late friend Milo. Their dream isn’t just about survival—it’s about reshaping Aspizia into a place with fairer opportunities for its people. When the legend of the Mago, a time-bending creature of myth, becomes entwined with their quest, the stakes skyrocket. Suddenly, Lyo and Jasper face not only the chance to achieve their mission but the dangerous temptation of undoing death itself—at a price they may not be able to bear.

What stood out most to me was how Chen balanced world-building and pacing. Unlike many fantasy novels that lean heavily on lore, this one is driven primarily by character relationships and the city’s intricate social fabric. The fantasy elements are sharp, sinister, and perfectly measured—adding weight without overwhelming the narrative. The result is a world that feels vivid and lived-in, with tension simmering in every alley and catacomb.

I was thrilled, terrified, and constantly eager for more. The book’s atmosphere is both menacing and exhilarating, and the emotional stakes never let up. Chen has crafted a story that is equal parts fast-paced adventure and thoughtful exploration of grief, loyalty, and the price of second chances.

The only reason I gave this four stars instead of five was the dialogue. At times, character voices blurred together, and without tags, I occasionally struggled to tell who was speaking. A bit more variation here would have elevated already strong characterizations and kept the momentum even smoother.

Overall, The Thieves’ Carousel is a triumph. It’s a gripping, gorgeously crafted fantasy that blends action, emotion, and danger in equal measure. Fans of fast-paced fantasy with heart and grit will not want to miss it.