I’ve been selected by Philip Chase (aka YouTube’s Dr. Fantasy) to be a member of his judging team for the 10^th annual edition of the Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off, a contest created by author Mark Lawrence. I have been assigned six titles and will be publishing my reviews for the books here, a process that will culminate in the selection of the title I will advance in the competition. Each of the other members of Philip’s team will also be making a selection, and from those Philip will select our team’s finalist later this fall.

To make my selection I will be using a ten point system similar to the one Philp has been using for the contest. The scale looks like this:

1-2 points—A flawed book

3-4 points—A underdeveloped book with promise

5-6 points—A promising book, likely worthy of recommendation

7-8 points—A solid, admirable book that I will definitely recommend

9-10 points—A new favorite, likely worthy of rereading

I will be breaking my thoughts down via the following six categories:

*World-building

*Opening/Engagement

*Characters

*Plot/Theme

*Prose

*Satisfaction of Resolution/Story arc

I will strive to keep all of my SPFBO reviews non-spoiler.

FLIGHT OF AN ORPHAN THIEF is a YA fantasy delivered in third-person perspective, past tense. The world-building is conveyed without resorting to info-dumping, which I always appreciate. The setting is a vaguely mediaeval village that feels European. The economy quickly becomes a key element, and seems similar to the Italian city-states of the Renaissance period, with wealthy “Houses” competing for trade dominance within the primary port city setting, called Thapis.

The city has taverns (of course), and one of them provides a base of operation for a guild of thieves. Little is relayed of the religion which resembles European Christianity. Radjy incorporates horses beautifully, as she does books and the love of reading. The countryside surrounding Thapis feels bucolic. Martial training is well-portrayed and integral to the plot.

The opening introduces us to Ayla, a 16 year old orphan who is homeless, living on the streets of Thapis. The reader gains a feel for the harsh life she lives. Radjy swiftly establishes empathy, sowing the seeds of fondness for Ayla. The story questions grow intriguing when a rival sets Ayla up, and she is taken to jail. Another character is introduced to come to her rescue in the form of a lawman with a heart.

Ayla gains an opportunity for employment as a kitchen worker in one of the aforementioned wealthy “Houses.” Here Ayla gains the chance to make a life for herself. While the opening is fairly conventional, the stakes and intrigue keep the pages turning.  

There is a fairly small cast of characters with names that are unique and yet easy to remember. The fairly tight third-person POV is mostly from protagonist Ayla’s viewpoint, with some minor exceptions. While Ayla is a solidly drawn character, for whom I did grow fond and happy cheer on, the other characters are a bit less well-developed. There is a fellow orphan, Drom, whose role fades from visibility during much of this edition to the tale. Master Hammond, of the House, is well-portrayed. The rival, Marna, also fades from view, perhaps temporarily (I’m guessing she and Drom will reappear in future editions). Once Ayla grows into her new role in the House of Hammond, a fellow worker is introduced in the form of Ro. Ayla remains suspicious of Ro in spite of their growing closeness, inspiring some reader trepidation.

The plot is straightforward and yet enticing. There are solid moments of drama sprinkled throughout. The culminating rivalry between the Houses eventually dominates the tale, which gives the pace a boost in the final third of the book.

The themes most prominently featured are of seeking identity and longing for a home. Both are well-conveyed and enhanced my enjoyment of the tale.

The prose is accessible—even a non-fantasy reader would have little trouble following along. The language choices occasionally felt a bit modern to me, but not to a level of distraction. There is a dialect used, notably from the partner character, Ro, which sounded to me like Cockney. I believe it was added to convey a difference in the character’s social status.

As I approached the book’s end I worried that no significant resolution was in sight. There is a culminating setting change for the story’s climax, during which came a late surprise and significant twist. Indeed, rather than resolving Ayla’s situation, it greatly complicates it! What is revealed is intriguing and will provide a great lure to fans to read on in the series.

My score: 6—a promising start for the series and this author. I would recommend Flight of an Orphan Thief to YA fans looking for a fairly cozy and page-turning read.