Refreshingly uncontained!!

All things have a value. Sometimes the value is paid in coin. Other times, it is paid in time and sweat. And finally, sometimes it is paid in blood. Humanity seems most eager to use this latter currency. And we never note how much of it we’re spending, unless it happens to be our own.

I am sure Mr. Robert has either scrived his mind to make his brain cells hopscotch uncontrollably and release abnormal amount of creativity and imagination, or has twinned his brain with Einstein or some other smart ass. No normal person can be so imaginative and creative. I mean, wow! I am in awe of his brilliancy in contriving such a vivid and complex narrative.

It's an high-fantasy book with a world-building that radiate brilliance and a writing style so succinct that it will leave you feeling spellbound. While other author describe their world like Dora the Explorer (This is an apple, can you see it way), Mr. Robert used a much more sophisticated and engrossing way to describe the rules and politics of his world without breaking the flow of the story. He even managed to incorporate the pronounciation of protagonist's name within the narrative, I mean how cool is that? It is suffice to say that there wasn't a single moment in the book that didn't move the story forward. Did i mention that he built the world without making it obvious and without bogging it down with excessive explanation?

World-building started with the most basic and fundamental rule and then, progressively, kept getting more complex and intricate almost to the point where i was like duh-bul-yoo tee af! There were rules of existing magic system and then there were speculations on how a newly discovered tool can alter the existing rules. It was honestly a lot to take in but I really, really enjoyed the complexity of the system and the political intrigue between different merchant houses.

Carelessness begets many graves.

Synopsis

Sancia Grado - a masterful theif, is sent on a impossible heist to steal an item for an anonymous employer. But unbeknownst to her the object she was sent to steal contains the power that can revolutionize the magic technology knows as scriving - the art of altering reality of an object using the language of Occidental beings that once walked this world. The item that Sancia discovers is a key that can talk to her via the metal plate in her head. The four merchant houses who control the scriving technology will do anything to get this artificate and unlock its secrets.

Someone from one of these houses want Sancia and anyone who knows about this key dead. In the city of Tevanne there is no one who can stop them except for maybe Gregor Dandolo - a son of wealthy merchant and an ex-soldier who aspire to bring law and order back to Tavanne. His investigation of the heist Sancia pulled leads him directly to her and to the uncontainable mess involving people who can change laws of physics like their clothes.

Characters

Grudges,” said Sancia, “are a privilege I can’t afford.”

Sancia is a badass, black main character who, unlike other main characters, won't put herself in unnecessary danger; she knows when to say no and when to back out. She isn't some unrealistically fearless and brave hero. She is just a normal person with baggage stuck in extraordinary circumstances. I really liked her as a main character and hoping to know a bit more about her past in the coming books. 

He’s just trying to fix the world because it’s the only way he knows to fix himself.

Gregor aka the Revenant of Dantua is the guy you wouldn't want to mess with. He is smart, strong and the only guy who cares about justice. He works for a failing police department with an aspiration to protect everyone from the atrocities of the four houses all the while dealing with his own trauma and a past that doesn't make any sense. I really liked his story arc, and I am excited to see how it will develop in the next book.

I wish you could see them as I do, Sancia, he whispered. To me, they’re like stars in my mind

Clef aka the Key is funny, witty, mysterious and a pretty awesome side kick. I loved and adored him. There is nothing much I can say about him without giving spoilers. Just trust me he is the best.

Bernice and Orso and all other side characters were great too. Overall, this book has a great, diversified and well developed characters.

Romance
There was a hint of girl on girl romance, but thank goodness romance wasn't a big part of this book. It's beyond me how one can fall in love in the midst of all chaos, murders and escape plans. I mean seriously! I appreciate Mr. Robert for keeping this a bit more realistic and for excluding cringy romance from the plot.

Final thoughts

It's great a fantasy book and a fairly short one compared to other adult high-fantasy books. So If you are new to this genre or in mood for a short high-fantasy book then this the one you should pick. I am giving it four stars 'cos even though the writing and world-building was unlike anything I have read, it fell short on execution. It was great, but could have been better.