Take a Thief

Take a Thief follows the journey of Skif, a street-smart orphan surviving in the kingdom of Valdemar through his skills as a pickpocket and thief. After losing his parents, Skif learns to navigate the dangerous streets, joining a group of young thieves under the guidance of their teacher Bazie. The narrative tracks Skif's transformation from a desperate child stealing food to survive into an accomplished thief. When tragedy strikes his makeshift family, Skif's path intersects with one of Valdemar's mysterious Companions - magical white horses who Choose special individuals to become Heralds of the realm. Skif's induction into the Herald's Collegium presents him with his first taste of stability, education, and legitimate purpose. His quest for justice and drive to uncover the truth behind past events leads him to work with Herald Alberich, testing whether his thieving skills can serve a higher calling. The novel examines themes of survival, belonging, and the complexities of morality when viewed through the lens of necessity versus choice. It stands as an origin story that bridges the gap between street crime and sacred duty.

Readers describe this as a solid origin story for the character Skif, though many note it works better as a companion novel than a standalone. The street-life portions receive more praise than the later Collegium sections. Liked: - Detailed portrayal of poverty and street survival - Strong character development for Skif - Fast-paced first half - Consistent with established Valdemar lore Disliked: - Abrupt pacing shift halfway through - Less compelling once Skif reaches the Collegium - Some characters feel underdeveloped - Plot threads left unresolved One frequent comment notes the book feels like "two different stories stitched together" with the second half losing momentum. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (11,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (200+ ratings) Most readers rank it in the middle tier of Valdemar books - not top-tier but worth reading for series fans.

Street Magic by Tamora Pierce A young street rat uses her magical abilities to survive in a dangerous city before being discovered by a temple mage who offers training and purpose.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch An orphan thief rises through the ranks of an underground organization while executing elaborate cons in a fantasy Venice-like setting.

Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell A girl searches for her mother across Paris rooftops with help from children who live in the heights of the city, blending survival skills with found family.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner A skilled young thief is released from prison to help recover a hidden treasure for the king, leading to unexpected revelations about power and destiny.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo A criminal prodigy assembles a team of outcasts for an impossible heist, drawing on their street skills and troubled pasts to attempt the impossible.

🔹 The book marks the first time in the Valdemar series that a Herald's origin story begins with them as a criminal, breaking the traditional noble or rural background pattern. 🔹 Mercedes Lackey has written over 140 books in her career, with the Valdemar series alone comprising more than 35 novels and multiple anthologies. 🔹 The city of Haven, where much of the story takes place, is modeled after medieval European cities, complete with a thieves' guild system similar to those that existed in places like London and Paris. 🔹 Companion horses in the Valdemar series, like the one that appears in this book, are actually mystical beings who choose their Heralds and can communicate telepathically, inspired by various mythological creatures. 🔹 The Herald's Collegium training system described in the book was influenced by real-world institutions like medieval universities and knight training programs.