The Nine (Thieves of Fate #1) by Tracy Townsend

Cover design by Jacqueline Nasso Cooke Caver design ©Prometheus Books

​Rowena Downshire is nearly invisible. She works as a black market courier in the city of Corma. It’s a hard life, with a ruthless employer, and just enough money to keep her off the streets. When a sudden late night delivery on the opposite side of town goes wrong, Rowena finds herself in the middle of a dangerous, mysterious adventure with two of the most dangerous men in Corma.
The Alchemist is feared by most of the people in the city. He is a magician or a witch according to rumors. People fear him, and yet he is The Alchemist, the one everyone seeks out, in the city of Corma. When a young girl shows up on his doorstep, explaining about the missing package meant for him, The Alchemist knows something is wrong. After learning what he can about the package and the courier, he finds himself taking the girl in and calling on the aid of an old acquaintance, Anselm Meteron.
Anselm Meteron is a retired mercenary living in Corma. Despite being retired, his name still holds power, and his night club is flourishing. When The Alchemist calls upon him for assistance, he is ready to help.
Reverend Phillip Chalmers is a scientist whose recent work delved into the theory of the Grand Experiment and the Creator’s work. When Chalmers wakes up beaten and bruised hanging from his feet, he discovers that his work, and a mysterious book that updates itself, have put him in danger and the only way to survive may be to translate the book. But if this books and its contents were to fall into the wrong hands, it could mean the termination of the Grand Experiment and all of humanity.
This is a very interesting novel, unlike many of the fantasy stories I have read recently. The writing is complex, but still enjoyable, and the vocabulary unique and intriguing. The many different dynamics make this an engaging reading experience.
The characters are believable and unique. Each one is well developed, with rich histories that help to shape their individual personalities. Their actions throughout the novel make them the most unlikely of heroes, from Rowena to Anselm.
The character of Rowena Downshire is the perfect combination of innocent child and budding adulthood. I enjoyed learning about her and her life up to this point; the obstacles that helped to shape her personality and her caring nature. I was surprised to find her the opposite of the character of Rare.
I would have liked to have known more about the more minor characters, such as Ivor, Rare, and Bess. With Rare, I felt that though I would have liked a little more, I was satisfied with the information provided. With Bess and Ivor, I was provided less information about their history and their motivation, and seriously wished I had been provided a little bit more. Where I do not hold hope of learning more about some of these characters in the next installment, I feel there is hope of learning more for some of them, so I will stay hopeful.
As for Anselm and The Alchemist, we are provided with enough of their histories to be truly surprised that they are the heroes of the story, along with Rowena. I hope to learn more about them in the next book.
The plot line and the mystery, is riveting and unlike any I have read in a very long time. The creatures are well detailed and extremely unique, drawing the reader in.
I would recommend this novel to fantasy loves who enjoy unique characters and creatures. I absolutely loved this novel and will eagerly await the second installment.
I received my copy of this novel from the publishers at Pyr Science Fiction and Fantasy for the sole purpose of providing an honest review before the release date, November 14, 2017. 

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