Content levels
Trigger warnings
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Mercedes Lackey's triumphant return to the best-selling world of Valdemar, Takes a Thief reveals the untold story of Skif-a popular character from Lackey's first published novel, Arrows of the Queen. Skif is a homeless orphan who lives with a gang of juvenile pickpockets...until he is "Chosen" by one of Valdemar's magical horses and becomes a Herald serving the Queen.
Is Take a Thief appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This fantasy novel follows a street orphan's transformation from pickpocket to magical Herald. Contains moderate fantasy violence, themes of child neglect and poverty, and criminal activity, but focuses on redemption and found family.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include child abuse, death, and abandonment (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will love following Skif's journey from homeless thief to chosen hero with his own magical horse companion.