Review: Chimera #1: An Illusion of Thieves

An Illusion of Thieves by Cate Glass
My rating: 4.25 of 5 stars

An Illusion of Thieves, first in the Chimera series, introduces us to clever Romy, a woman who was trafficked by her own parents at age ten, because they feared her magic, and who eventually became the mistress of the most powerful man in Cantagna, the Shadow Lord. After almost a decade under his wing, during which time Romy has enjoyed privilege, education, and learned the strategies of court intrigue as Sandro's companion. But all that comes crashing down when her brother Neri steals three rubies and leaves their father taking the blame. In Romy's world, a small number of people are born with magical gifts, like her own ability to overwrite people's memories and to weave such a convincing guise that she can forget her own name and identity, and Neri's ability to thieve masterfully, even walking through walls. But magic is illegal in the Costa Drago, where Cantagna is but one of nine independencies that manage a delicate dance of power. Though their father takes the blame to spare Neri's being discovered as a magic-user, Sandro banishes Romy's family from Cantagna, and Romy from his court, making her responsible for her brother Neri's adherence to probation, thereby placing her own life at risk should Neri falter. Finding her way with her damaged reputation, with her headstrong and angry brother in tow makes for one adventure but Sandro's jealous young wife places Romy's life in even greater danger. While resolving these challenges, Romy encounters two other magic users with unique skills (Placidio, Dumond) and other friends like Vashti, as well.

I enjoyed this magical world and the character of Romy. How refreshing to have a mature female protagonist, who is already worldly and resourceful. (I frequently wanted to smack her brother Neri, which was Glass's goal, I'm sure...) This is an engaging read, and as part of a series I know that we will come to see learn more about secondary characters who seemed a bit thin on the details.

The audiobook, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, was delightful.

Cate Glass offers a useful Glossary and Character List (complete with pronunciation guidance) here.

CW: the main character was sex-trafficked by her own parents at age 10, attempted sexual assaults

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