Book Review: The Palace Job

Disclaimer: I love a good heist. So if that genre doesn't delight, then this book isn't for you!

I've been reading the most delicious book. "The Palace Job" by Patrick Weekes is soooooo much fun!

As I mentioned, I love a heist. And when the heist includes a tough leading lady, a death priestess who used to be a matchmaker, a failed magician, a dwarf acrobat, a unicorn, a young, handsome virgin, and a lockpick then I'm pretty much sold from page 1. 
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The first thing that makes "The Palace Job" so compelling is its strong world-building. Heaven's Spire, the Republic, and the surrounding lands are an odd mixture of steam punk, high fantasy, and new world technology powered by crystals and daemons. The book borrows from many of the best elements of fantasy and does what good books do: weaves them into a new vision.  As my husband said, this book reads like someone who thinks in systems wrote it--and that's a good thing.

My next favorite element: the large cast of characters. I love meeting new people, and that interest extends into my fiction choices. In particular, "The Palace Job" does a great job of exploring racism and sexism through the vehicle of fantasy, without ever coming off as moralistic or sanctimonious.

​Instead, the narrative voice is casual and sly in the way it talks around the racism dark-skinned humans face, as well as elves, dwarves, and fairy creatures. In the Republic, there's more than enough bias to go around. For young readers, like my twelve year old son (he's a precocious reader, so yes, this is a book that grown-ups will love. But there are elements of sexuality that may make for some very lively conversations at home, if your tween or teen is reading it too.) the world of Heaven's Spire provides a great mirror to the "real world" and could be a jumping off point for the difficult conversations many of us have been having at home and in the classroom about human rights and privilege in America in the 21st century.

​And lastly, the pacing is incredible. From the first chapter, the reader dives into the story and is dragged forward at breakneck pace until the final pages. This book will read you, so reserve a few hours of time to get on the ride and stay there. I started listening to the audiobook on Kindle and then couldn't wait to get to the end so I started reading it instead. "The Palace Job" ended up being the first book I've finished reading on my phone (Yes, I realize that dates me). Then I plowed through Book 2 "The Prophecy Con" and am just getting starting on the most recent "The Paladin Caper." 

This book would make an excellent Christmas present for anyone who loves high fantasy. 

In three words: Funny. Smart. Eccentric.

​Next three: Buy it now!