Thief of Lives (Noble Dead)

The first book was certainly a good and pleasent surprise, so I immediately picked this one up as soon as I put down the first. This book was a great sequel and an excellent stand alone book. Our three unexpecting heroes, Magiere, Leesil, and Chap, the magical hound, are all trying to settle down to become tavernkeepers. Naturally they can't and are soon sent to the city of Bela, where political intrigue and vampire violence meet them at every turn. The great thing about the series is that the main characters are so dynamic and round that they constantly surprise you. For instance, Magiere is so calculating and cold, yet she is niave enough to not think that people wouldn't have heard about her exploits. Lessil is a paradox in and of himself. Chap is pile of questions that I certainly enjoy pondering. The villians in this book aren't as great as the first. Ratboy is back and is not the same Ratboy that we loved to hate. Ratboy's lover, Sapphire, is about as shallow and stupid as they come. Chane is the new face on the block and is the best antagonist next to Westiel Massing. Massing is as enigmatic as ever and just as manipulating too. Chane makes up for the two others in his family, because he is smart and savy enough to almost make you want to like him, but... The world that the Hendees created is refreshing and savory. Each book expands this great world into something that keeps me coming back for more. Keep up the great work!

When I read Dhampir, I wasn't sure if it was intended for an extended run or not, but here is the next volume of what now appears to be at least a trilogy. This is good news, as the Hendee's have managed to create two strong characters and put together a plot that still maintains it's mystery and draw at the end of two volumes. Magiere is a dhampir, daughter of a vampire and a human. At the end of the previous volume (in which a vampire killing scam suddenly turns out to be serious) she discovers that dhampirs have significant and deadly powers of their own. Her companion is half-elven Leesil who also hides many mysteries. Trained as an assassin, Leesil was happily pursuing a life of crime until he met Magiere. Just for a moment, at the beginning of Thief of Lives, the couple has settled into the routine of running an inn.Nothing lasts, of course, and in short order Magiere, Leesil, and Chap the wonder dog have been maneuvered into heading for the capital city of Bela to hunt the vampire responsible for killing the daughter of a prominent councilman. They arrive to discover that they are not particularly welcome - even less so when they announce that the killer may be one of the privileged classes. And instead of one vampire there are two, or maybe three, or ... Add a dog with unexpected skills, another elven killer, some mages, and a return visit by Welstiel Massing (who has hidden agendas of his own) and you have a good picture of what life is like for Leesil and Magiere.Not counting their own relationship, which has become clouded by their discovery that being a dhampir is more than having a funny ethnic designation. The events of the previous volume (which include Leesil feeding Magiere his own blood to save her life) have triggered a series of psychological and physical changes in the young woman. Not feeling in control of herself, Magiere has taken to avoiding Leesil out of fear that she might hurt him. This has put their normally close alliance is under a strain and has left both of them prone to emotional mistakes.The Hendee's manage this complex set of factors like long time writers, and the result is an active, flowing plot with a wealth of character and setting detail. While revealing a lot, they always manage to hold enough back so that there is always something new on the horizon. While this is a Gothic world, with Gothic vampires, there is a fresh newness to the plot that defies the stereotypes it works with. The book stands fairly well on its own, generally explaining what it inherits from the previous volume, but you are best of starting from the beginning - if for no other reason than the first book being equally enjoyable.

This second installment in the Dhampir saga is much improved over the first novel ("Dhampir"), which was a book built around a great idea but which was rather stiltingly written. The key characters in Thief of Lives become much more three dimensional, the plot is interesting and - when appropriate - action packed. This book excellently advances an alternative fantasy world, and describes and explains the cultures of other countries and humanoids (elves, humans, vampires, and hinted at "others"). There are many hints that the next novel will describe the Elven nation and culture, and that Leesil will address his heritage and his mother's legacy. Good work, overall. I greatly look forward to the next novel.

Don't be put off by the cover. Despite a jacket which makes Leesil the elf, look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy, this book was excellent!The plot? This novel is a sequel to Dhampir, and begins pretty much where the first book left off. I.E. while trying to create a `normal' life for themselves the vampire hunting duo are sucked once more into the action, working hard to uncover a nest of vampires who are preying on the citizens of a prosperous northern town.What makes this series succeed (at least for me) are the characters. Magiere and Leesil are likeable. Magiere's stiff emotionlessness and Leesil impulsiveness are a good combination. (And an interesting reversal of the typical fantasy gender roles). I like the fact that the author has not rushed the romance between these two characters, but has allowed it to develop naturally. My favorite of the two main leads is Leesil, whose backstory is quite fascinating. I like the fact that he refuses to take anything seriously except Magiere. Now if he could only stay away from the wine flask!Peeves? I am at a loss to criticize anything about TOL except the fact that I'd like to see more books. Soon! (Grin). Second: while I don't need anything graphic as an adult reader, I felt romance scene was rushed. Especially after all that buildup. Surely a LITTLE more romance wouldn't be amiss. Finally, I am wondering about Magiere's craving for blood and what impact this will have on the couple's relationship in the future.This is a wonderful series with very likeable characters. A keeper!

The action comes fast and furious in Thief of Lives, but the characters of Leesil and Magiere remain at the heart of the story, and that is the reason I love this series so much! The main characters come alive and grow and change throughout the book. A new cast of supporting characters are introduced as well. I especially liked Wynn, an intelligent young woman sage, and Vatz, a feisty young man--both of whom are willing to risk their lives to fight the undead alongside Magiere and Leesil. This book focussed slightly more on Leesil, revealing intriguing glimpses into his past. More of Magiere's strange Dhampir abilities are revealed. You will also learn shocking secrets about Chap and Welstiel, and revisit old enemies from Dhampir, and new ones as well, when Leesil and Magiere are hired by the city of Bela to deal with a mysterious murder of a nobleman's daughter, and find themselves fighting the undead again. I cannot wait to read the next book! I cannot recommend this series highly enough to those who love character driven stories with a lot of action and a touch of romance. However, I do recommend that you read Dhampir first, in order to fully enjoy Thief of Lives.