- ASIN: B0DJCG426G
- Publisher: Chymist Press (15 Nov. 2024)
- Language: English
- Print length: 364 pages
- Genre: Steampunk Science Fiction
The BookViral Review:
S.G. Karam’s By Hook & Crook is a riveting tale of high-stakes crime, tangled relationships, and moral reckoning set in the richly imagined city of Azoria. Blending action-packed heists with deeply personal drama, the novel offers readers a thrilling and emotionally resonant journey that is as unpredictable as it is captivating.
At the story’s heart is Lars Harrow, a charismatic master thief whose life takes a perilous turn when he and his crew are drawn into a dangerous game orchestrated by the enigmatic and cunning Thume and the fiercely ambitious Vivienne. What starts as a targeted heist escalates into a labyrinth of intrigue, forcing Lars to navigate not only the external threats posed by his adversaries but also the internal dilemmas that come with the life he has chosen.
The dynamic between Lars and Trin forms the emotional core of the novel. After years of dancing around their feelings for one another, the two finally take the plunge, forging a relationship that serves as a counterbalance to the chaos around them. Trin is more than a love interest—she is Lars’s moral compass. Their relationship adds depth and vulnerability to Lars’s character, grounding him in a way that resonates amid the story’s relentless tension.
Lars’s crew provides both levity and tension, each member bringing a unique dynamic to the group. Liora, the inventive dynamo engineer, injects the narrative with sharp wit and technological ingenuity, while Jax’s strength and humour make him a steadfast presence. Their camaraderie and occasional clashes create a layered portrait of a team that relies on one another, even as the stakes threaten to pull them apart.
Thume and Vivienne are compelling figures who drive much of the novel’s suspense. Thume’s cold and calculating nature is matched by Vivienne’s unpredictable charisma, making them formidable adversaries whose motives are as intriguing as their actions. Their machinations force Lars into increasingly desperate situations, testing his resolve and resourcefulness at every turn.
Azoria, with its dynamo technology, serves as the perfect backdrop for the drama that unfolds. Karam’s world-building is immersive, painting a city that is vibrant yet shadowy, filled with opportunity and danger. The integration of technology into the setting feels seamless, adding a layer of ingenuity that enhances both the heists and the tension.
What sets By Hook & Crook apart is its balance between action and introspection. While the heists and confrontations are exhilarating, the novel never loses sight of the personal stakes. Themes of loyalty, ambition, and redemption run through the narrative, elevating it beyond a straightforward crime thriller.
With its richly drawn characters, intricate plotting, and a world that feels both fantastical and real, S.G. Karam has delivered a novel that will leave readers breathless and eager for more. It is an unreservedly recommended Golden Quill read!
