Title: Realm of ThievesAuthor: Karina Halle
Series: Thieves of Dragemor #1
Pages: 432
Publication Date: June 10, 2025
Publisher: Ace
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Fantasy / Romantasy
Synopsis:
For Brynla Aihr, crime and survival have always gone hand in hand. Ever since she escaped the fanatical dragon-worshipping cult that controls her homeland, she’s had to carve out a life doing the stealing dragon eggs. Egg theft is illegal and, in most cases, fatal. To breach a dragon’s nest means a harrowing journey through the ancient wards spelled to keep the monstrous beasts confined. Dragons can’t get out and only those with a death wish can get in.
Despite the risks, dragon eggs are highly coveted for their magic. A black market flourishes under competing criminal empires, and Brynla’s loyalty has always been to the highest bidder. Until she finds herself kidnapped and blackmailed by Lord Andor, a formidable lieutenant of House Kolbeck, and thrust into the dangerous political games of rivaling dynasties.
Brynla and Andor clash at every turn, sparking heat in ways Brynla’s never felt before. But in a world that’s prophesized to return to the dragons, and rife with betrayal and secrets at every turn…how close to the flames is she willing to stand?
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My Thoughts On Realm Of Thieves:
Realm of Thieves is a high-stakes, darker romantasy with mafia-style politics, an unforgiving dragon-infested world, and a FMC who’s as sharp as she is scarred. The illegal dragon egg trade and the brutal risks, kidnappings, violence, and deadly consequences involved gave the story a sense of danger that rarely lets up.
Brynla is layered and complex, and her survival instinct and staunch independence make her a compelling protagonist right from the start, especially as her past in a dragon-worshipping cult adds depth to her motivations. She’s strong and smart, and I enjoyed her journey. Also, shout out to Brynla’s dog, Lemi! I loved Lemi and the bond Brynla shared with her canine companion. It was my second favorite relationship in the story.
Of course, my favorite relationship in the book was the fantastic romance between Brynla and Andor! Their dynamic had so much tension, and there was a delicious push-and-pull between them. I loved their banter and how they slowly connected, and their more intimate scenes were sizzling! Andor’s mix of restraint and intensity made him a surprisingly perfect partner for Brynla, and his softer nature adds an unexpected layer to his morally gray role, which was a nice contrast to the otherwise intense world.
Other things that really stood out were the setting, world-building, and atmosphere. The dragons were amazing and intimidating, the magic system was complex and unique, and the looming presence of rival criminal houses all vying for dragon eggs and hiring people to steal them for their magical power added so much tension and suspense to the story. At times, the political threads were a bit dense, but the author generally does a good job of pulling readers back into the action and plot without feeling too much like an info dump.
This was a strong and immersive start to the series, and I loved the ending! While not everything was tied up, the world, characters, and plot left me curious about what’s to come. I’m especially interested to see how the shifting alliances and brewing wars, as well as some of the betrayals and surprising revelations, develop as the series continues.
- enemies to lovers
- heist
- dragons
- he falls first
- found family
- only one horse
- touch her and die
“My gods, you’re a stubborn little thief, aren’t you?”
“What I really want more than anything is to matter to you. To be something to you, to be everything to you.” He pauses, swallowing hard. “I want to be your better tomorrow.”
Karina Halle is a former travel writer, music journalist & screenwriter, and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of over 60 bestselling novels, ranging from horror and suspense to contemporary romance. She lives in LA and on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, and her adopted pitbull Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.
Halle is represented by the Root Literary Agency and is both self-published and published by Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Hachette & Montlake. Her work has been translated and published in 20 languages.
Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.
