Fire and Heist by Sarah Beth Durst (ARC) - Review

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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As a wyvern (think were-dragon), leading your first heist is a big deal - bigger than taking your first step and saying your first word. It's your first chance to really gain power and acceptance within your family and community. However, leading a life of crime isn't easy, and Sky learns the truth about her mother, who recently went missing, the real reason her boyfriend broke up with her, and a valuable jewel that could restore her family's standing. With her crew at her back, Sky knows what she has to do in order to successfully complete her heist along with getting her mother and boyfriend back. Then, she discovers an unbelievable secret about were-dragon society - something much more valuable and dangerous than treasure.

I was so pleased when I found out I was approved for Fire and Heist on NetGalley because it sounded exactly like something I needed in my life. Basically, all I needed to hear was Ocean's Eleven with were-dragons and I was sold. I'm a sucker for a heist fantasy really. The novel does quite a bit of things well, particularly the first half. I liked getting to know Sky and her family as well as the planning of the heist. For the most part, the tone of the story is quite fun and fast with a lot of good twists to keep you turning the pages. However, when it comes to pulling off the heist we didn't get to see as much of it as I would have liked. I also would have preferred to get a bit of a better feel for the wider wyvern world. Plus, I wish the secondary characters were a little more fleshed out.

Overall, Fire and Heist by Sarah Beth Durst is a fun, unique YA fantasy with just a dash of romance and plenty of dragons and a decent sense of humor. If you like Ocean's Eleven, White Cat by Holly Black, Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, and Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, I have a feeling you'll also enjoy this new standalone novel. I have to admit, I wouldn't say no to seeing more stories set in this world. I'm going to have to read more of Durst's work soon - The Queen of Blood and The Lost are at the top of my list.

I read this ARC from November 29 - December 2, 2018 and my review is also on Goodreads.  Fire and Heist by Sarah Beth Durst was released today, December 4, 2018.  Thanks again, NetGalley!