Stolen Histories is a fierce and immersive fantasy novel that follows the exploits of Amari, a magical seer and outlaw, and her best friend Taliya, a world-class thief and wardbreaker. Together, they live in a gritty, magical city named Castor, a place alive with haunted craters, floating trains, and social inequality. The story kicks off with the duo sabotaging corrupt institutions and snowballs into a high-stakes heist involving dragons, haunted landscapes, and the looming power of the imperialist Apolon Empire. At its heart, the novel blends thrilling action with deep emotional undercurrents and a strong thread of rebellion against colonial power structures.

I loved the writing. Michaels has a gift for character voice and atmosphere. The world-building is rich without being bogged down by info-dumps. The city of Castor felt lived-in and layered, like something out of Blade Runner with a magical twist. The dialogue was snappy and genuine. And the pacing—God, the pacing! It rolls like a freight train. One minute I’m chuckling at Amari’s sarcasm, and the next I’m holding my breath as she charges a dragon with nothing but grit and a well-timed incendiary. It’s chaotic in the best way. The narrative structure switches perspectives smoothly, adding depth without confusion. There’s always the sense that these characters lived whole lives before page one, and I respect that.

That said, the book isn’t just action for the sake of it. What hit me hardest was the emotional texture—Amari’s quiet grief, Taliya’s loyalty wrapped in bravado, the way their world erases voices like theirs, and how they steal those voices back with every job. The politics aren’t subtle, and that’s the point. Colonization, cultural theft, surveillance, and resistance—Michaels doesn’t pull punches. And yet, the story never loses its warmth. The queer joy, the found family, the relentless resilience—it all feels like a fist raised high. If I had a critique, it’d be that the lore occasionally verges on dense, especially the magical classification systems. But the energy of the story carries you through.

This book is fire. If you’re into heists, sharp-tongued women with secrets, or rebellion served with banter and blood magic, you need to read this. Stolen Histories is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, N.K. Jemisin, or anyone who ever rooted for the morally gray underdog. It’s fun, it’s furious, and it’s got heart for days.

Pages: 590 | ASIN : B0F3NQGSCH