Reviewed by Riley
About The Pickpocket
Rory is a seven-year-old starveling, carving out a survival for herself down on the docks of Damsport. When Daria, an older girl and talented pickpocket, suggests they team up to con Damsians out of their purses, Rory accepts at once.
But Rory’s friendship with Daria turns out to be much more than a partnership of convenience, transforming her into the confident urchin we met in The Bloodless Assassin, and teaching her the dangers of letting someone get too close.
To get the most out of this novella, the author recommends that you first read The Bloodless Assassin.
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Review of The Pickpocket
The Pickpocket is a prequel novella to The Viper and the Urchin steampunk adventure series. I suspect it is best enjoyed after you have one or both novels in the series.
When I read the Bloodless Assassin, I fell in love with the Rory. Her determination to live life to the fullest, despite her urchin lifestyle, has left her with good friends and bitter disappointments. Yet she never gives up on life. In The Black Orchid, as Rory matures, she never allows herself to forget her roots.
The Pickpocket, examines some of those roots. Even as a very young starving child, Rory’s relentless spirit is ever present. And that spirit leads her to people and situations that will further shape her life. Rory makes the acquaintance of characters that The Viper and the Urchin series readers will recognize. And likely smile over. Oh Radish!
In The Pickpocket, Rory meets Daria who becomes Rory’s very first friend and mentor. And for a while, Daria also becomes Rory’s raison d’être, while they become thick as thieves – literally. Tragedy will strike though. In Rory’s life it seems inevitable. But it is the way Rory deals with that tragedy that brings both tears and hope to this reader.
I love this series! I was drawn to it because of the steampunk elements. The Pickpocket is really low tech, so don’t look for steampunk. But the other reason I love the series is the great characters and for someone that thinks Rory is one of the best characters in fictiondom, reading The Pickpocket made my day!
Fans of The Viper and the Urchin series should definitely read The Pickpocket. Rory will reach out and touch your heart. If you are new to the series, this short story is the brief introduction to the Urchin you will cry with, cheer for and sigh over when the end of the story comes all too soon.
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Links
Add The Pickpocket to your Goodreads shelf:
Purchased The Viper and the Urchin series at Amazon:
Whiskey With My Book 