'Fantasy fans won't want to miss this' Publishers Weekly A high-stakes heist novel set in a gritty world of magic and malice. WHO NEEDS FRIENDS WHEN YOU HAVE AXES? Ryia 'the Butcher' Cautella has earned her reputation as the quickest, deadliest blade in the city - not to mention the sharpest tongue. But Ryia Cautella is not her real name. A deadly secret has kept Ryia in hiding, running from city to city, doing whatever it takes to stay one step ahead of the formidable Guildmaster - sovereign ruler of the five kingdoms. But even the most powerful men can be defeated. One last impossible job is all that stands between Ryia and her freedom - but even the Butcher can't do it alone. She teams up with the Saints, a crew of uniquely skilled miscreants, smugglers and thieves, to carry off a death-defying heist into the most tightly guarded island in the kingdoms - the Guildmaster's stronghold. Unfortunately for Ryia, her new allies are all planning betrayals of their own . . . 'Electrifying' Publishers Weekly 'Gritty, fun and effortlessly immersive' H.M. Long, Hall of Smoke 'A riveting, high-stakes adventure' J.S. Dewes, The Last Watch 'Lightning-paced . . . You won't want to miss AMONG THIEVES' Lucy Holland, Sistersong 'A ride from beginning to end' Genevieve Gornichec, The Witches Heart

'Fantasy fans won't want to miss this' Publishers Weekly A high-stakes heist novel set in a gritty world of magic and malice. WHO NEEDS FRIENDS WHEN YOU HAVE AXES? Ryia 'the Butcher' Cautella has earned her reputation as the quickest, deadliest blade in the city - not to mention the sharpest tongue. But Ryia Cautella is not her real name. A deadly secret has kept Ryia in hiding, running from city to city, doing whatever it takes to stay one step ahead of the formidable Guildmaster - sovereign ruler of the five kingdoms. But even the most powerful men can be defeated. One last impossible job is all that stands between Ryia and her freedom - but even the Butcher can't do it alone. She teams up with the Saints, a crew of uniquely skilled miscreants, smugglers and thieves, to carry off a death-defying heist into the most tightly guarded island in the kingdoms - the Guildmaster's stronghold. Unfortunately for Ryia, her new allies are nearly as selfish as she is, and they all have plans of their own . . .

M. J. Kuhn returns to the gritty world of heists, magic, and deception in this high-stakes fantasy follow-up to internationally bestselling Among Thieves perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and V.E. Schwab. Ryia Cautella, a.k.a. the Butcher of Carrowwick, and her motley crew have succeeded in the ultimate heist...with the most dire possible consequences. A terrifyingly powerful tool has fallen into the hands of Callum Clem, the criminal leader of the Saints, who was already one of the most dangerous men alive. With the newfound ability to force magic-wielding Adepts to his will, he is unstoppable. With their group scattered throughout the five kingdoms of Thamorr--and not all on the same side of the fight--things seem hopeless. But can Ryia get the gang back together for one last job? Or will chess-worthy power plays and shifting loyalties change Thamorr as they know it?

'Fantasy fans won't want to miss this' Publishers Weekly A high-stakes heist novel set in a gritty world of magic and malice. WHO NEEDS FRIENDS WHEN YOU HAVE AXES? Ryia 'the Butcher' Cautella has earned her reputation as the quickest, deadliest blade in the city - not to mention the sharpest tongue. But Ryia Cautella is not her real name. A deadly secret has kept Ryia in hiding, running from city to city, doing whatever it takes to stay one step ahead of the formidable Guildmaster - sovereign ruler of the five kingdoms. But even the most powerful men can be defeated. One last impossible job is all that stands between Ryia and her freedom - but even the Butcher can't do it alone. She teams up with the Saints, a crew of uniquely skilled miscreants, smugglers and thieves, to carry off a death-defying heist into the most tightly guarded island in the kingdoms - the Guildmaster's stronghold. Unfortunately for Ryia, her new allies are all planning betrayals of their own . . . 'Electrifying' Publishers Weekly 'Gritty, fun and effortlessly immersive' H.M. Long, Hall of Smoke 'A riveting, high-stakes adventure' J.S. Dewes, The Last Watch 'Lightning-paced . . . You won't want to miss AMONG THIEVES' Lucy Holland, Sistersong 'A ride from beginning to end' Genevieve Gornichec, The Witches Heart