STOLEN HISTORIES

A magically gifted thief and her seer partner take on a high-risk job that could reshape the local balance of power in Michaels’ fantasy adventure novel.

As the story opens, the author introduces readers to the criminal underbelly of Castor, a port city brimming with magic, ghosts, and systemic injustice. Amari Kato is a magically enhanced seer with a defiant streak and a moral compass rooted in rebellion, and her best friend and partner in crime, Taliya Camry, is a charismatic “wardbreaker” with a flair for the dramatic. After a high-stakes heist involving a dragon-guarded vault nearly goes awry, the duo is approached by Nuru, an ancient shapeshifter from a hidden colony, who asks them to retrieve a stolen artifact hidden in the Empire-controlled Archive—an ethereal realm of lost knowledge. What begins as a job for hire unfolds into a layered journey involving magic, politics, and mythic lore. Michaels crafts a vivid world where elemental magic hums through every object and ritual, and where ambient power bleeds into city streets and backroom deals. The friendship between Amari and Taliya is the novel’s emotional heart—equal parts banter, strategy, and fierce loyalty. Both characters are well developed with clear voices and complementary strengths that balance action with emotional nuance. The prose is rich and often lyrical, particularly in the worldbuilding: Castor pulses with life, from the haunted Kiyoshi Crater to floating market districts and magically enhanced restaurants: “In the Upper District, the ambient magic is a touch calmer and flows around her like a fast-moving stream.” The magic system—based in singing, runes, and time manipulation—feels both unique and intuitive, integrated naturally into daily life. Although the novel features frequent exposition and a large cast of minor characters, it remains grounded in Amari and Taliya’s dynamic, making even the slower-paced chapters feel purposeful. By the end, the story sets the stage for even more expansive world-saving adventures.

A richly imagined, character-driven fantasy that’s bursting with magic and mischief.