For teens who feel powerless against injustice, this epic fantasy explores one young woman's journey to embrace her unique magic and fight for a better world.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels overwhelmed by injustice and is searching for their own power to make a difference. Devils & Thieves is a fast-paced fantasy mystery about Jem, a young woman with a rare and misunderstood form of magic. After her mentor is murdered, she's sent to a secret academy where she must navigate treacherous alliances between magical factions to uncover a vast conspiracy. The story champions themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and fighting for what's right, even when the odds are stacked against you. Appropriate for ages 13 and up, it’s an excellent choice for teens who love intricate magic systems and underdog heroes who challenge the status quo.
Story contains strong themes of classism and prejudice against a marginalized magical group.
Romantic ContentMild
Some romantic tension and a slow-burn relationship subplot.
Sensitive Topics
The central plot is driven by a murder, and grief is a catalyst for the protagonist's journey. The approach is direct but not graphic, focusing more on the mystery than the trauma. The book deals heavily with themes of prejudice and systemic classism, with the protagonist belonging to a marginalized group. The resolution to the primary mystery is hopeful and empowering, but it ends on a cliffhanger, setting up a sequel.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14-17, who loves the magic school setting of books like Harry Potter or A Deadly Education but craves a faster, mystery-driven plot. This reader feels like an outsider, champions the underdog, and is drawn to stories about found family and challenging corrupt authority.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. The world-building and its specific terminology (Deviants, Nobles, Hunters) are introduced organically. Parents should be aware of some fantasy violence, a murder mystery plot, and themes of class-based discrimination. A parent hears their teen expressing frustration that "the world isn't fair" or that they feel powerless against established systems. The teen might be struggling to find their place in a new social environment and feeling like their unique skills or interests are not valued by their peers.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely focus on the thrilling mystery, the unique magic system, and the developing friendships and rivalries. An older teen (15-18) will engage more deeply with the social commentary on prejudice, systemic inequality, and the moral complexities of loyalty and justice.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many "chosen one" narratives, this book's protagonist is powerful precisely because she's an outcast. The magic system, rooted in the physical craft of blacksmithing, is refreshingly unique and tangible. The story expertly blends the familiar magic school trope with a compelling, fast-paced murder mystery, giving it a distinct thriller-like momentum.
Read plot summary
Jemmie, a "Deviant" with the rare magic of creating enchanted metal items, is reeling from the murder of her guardian. She is sent to the prestigious and hidden Hollows academy, a school for the magically gifted. There, she discovers a world of warring factions: the powerful Nobles and the warrior-like Hunters. As an outsider, Jem must navigate dangerous social dynamics and uncover the truth behind her guardian's death, a conspiracy that goes to the very top of their society and is deeply connected to her own mysterious past.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Jem's identity as a 'Deviant' makes her an outcast at the school. How does she turn what others see as a weakness into her greatest strength?
2
The different factions (Nobles, Hunters, Deviants) have strict rules and long-held beliefs about each other. Do you think characters like Casimir and Jem can truly bridge those gaps? Why or why not?
3
Jem is faced with several people she can't decide whether to trust, like Rook and Cobus. When she chose to trust someone, what factors influenced her decision? Did you agree with her choices?
4
The book's magic is tied to physical crafts like blacksmithing. How does this make the magic feel different from other fantasy books you've read?
