Written by Satima Flavell | 27 November 2011

Gollancz, May 2011 (re-issue): ISBN 9780575094499

Hot on the heels of the success of his dragon trilogy (The Adamantine Palace, The King of the Crags, and The Order of the Scales) Stephen Deas has introduced us to a new series, this time with the younger reader in mind. The first book, The Thief-Taker’s Apprentice, introduces a lad named Berren, part of a gang of young thieves under the leadership of the Fagin-like Hatchet. A misadventure which should have condemned him to a short and brutal life in the slave-mines throws him into the company of Syannis the thief-taker, who turns him into an apprentice.

Reminiscent in its subject matter of Robin Hobb’s Assassin trilogy, this one is much shorter, rather more lifelike and far more brutal. Of course, it’s set in quite a different stratum of society. The Thief-Taker’s Apprentice is realistic in its honest appraisal of life on the seamy side, and is by turns gory, funny and touching. Berren and Syannis develop into fascinating characters, the first a boy on the edge of manhood, with all the bravado, questioning and insecurity that entails; the other a been-there, done-that man of the world (and the underworld) who comes to a deeper understanding of himself and his young charge as the months pass. Both are realistic, complex characters, with a realistic, complex relationship and adventures to match.

The final showdown, in which Berren finally defeats his old enemies and earns his right to “learn swords” — his big aim in life — is as well-written a piece of gangster angst as you will find anywhere. Of course, there’s a price: he’s going to have to learn his letters as well, something he’s managed to avoid so far.

This is one for the boys. I daresay many girls will enjoy it as well, but if you know a teenage boy or two who will only read macho adventure stories, buy them this one. A sequel, The Warlocks Shadow, should be in the shops now, and the third book, The King’s Assassin, will follow next year.

You can find out more about the author’s work at www.stephendeas.com/.