By Hook & Crook by S. G. Karam is an innovative fantasy that reimagines the heist genre in the dazzling world of Azoria, where theft is not just tolerated but celebrated as an art form. The story follows Lars Harrow, a legendary thief whose overwhelming ambition drives him to pursue the ultimate score. When he receives a mysterious offer to steal from the notorious Cecil Thume, Lars finds himself drawn into a dangerous game that goes far beyond simple theft. As the stakes escalate and the true nature of his mark becomes clear, Lars must confront not only Azoria's criminal elite but also his own mortality and humanity, all while navigating a complex web of power plays and betrayals that could reshape the very foundation of his world.

Author S. G. Karam's masterful ability to create a morally complex alternate world where crime is celebrated had me questioning my own assumptions about right and wrong, and it makes for a really intriguing read that you don't want to put down. I was particularly impressed by how he balanced the technical intricacies of action-packed heist sequences with deeper philosophical questions about ambition and identity, delivered through dialogue and emotive character scenes. The character of Lars Harrow springs to life through nuanced development at the center of all this, making his internal struggles as compelling as his daring thefts. Brilliant speech and thought presentation lets readers into his amazing mind. What fascinated me most was the way Karam builds tension not just through action, but through the gradual revelation of how power and spectacle shape society, creating a narrative that works both as a thrilling heist story and a thoughtful examination of human nature. Overall, By Hook & Crook is an exceptional and highly recommended addition to the fantasy genre that will captivate readers seeking both excitement and depth.

A rumor that Darius Adalan and his crew stole an entire ship right from under Lord Thume's nose hits Azoria. Meanwhile, Lars and his fellow thieves revel in the accomplishment of a successful heist and plan to go even bigger. They follow the trail of a conspiracy involving a dead engineer in what seems to be a well-planned murder. Lars and his friends may be onto something new with a crystal that can detect dynamo energy flow. However, Thume is more determined than ever to catch the thieves and reclaim order in a world that's quickly descending into chaos. Who will win in this fascinating clash between justice and rebels? In S. G. Karam's By Hook & Crook, ambitious thieves, and a desperate politician are caught in a frantic battle while dealing with complex political games and secrets. 

What an immersive and addictive journey! The characters' deep thoughts are shared generously, allowing for easy connection with them. I enjoyed following the "genuine concern" in a character's voice and the "flicker of something akin to anger in his eyes". Furthermore, the characters deal with internal conflicts and battles that keep readers eager for answers. Lars' thoughts about the big heist he's planning reveal he's somewhat cautious and not recklessly greedy. Politics is a very strong theme in S. G. Karam's book, and it's smartly portrayed with discussions about governmental topics, manipulation, and heist schemes. By Hook & Crook is a masterfully written book and a brilliant combination of various attractive elements, including thorough descriptions, sophisticated characters, exciting political games, and epic, high-stakes missions. Every fan of movies like How to Rob a Bank and Army of Thieves, as well as books about heists, should read this!

In By Hook & Crook, S.G. Karam crafts a tale of crime, competition, and hidden motivations in a richly imagined world where sophisticated heists are sanctioned. The story follows master thief Lars Harrow and his eclectic crew as they navigate the treacherous environment of Azoria, with individual aspirations against the shadows of ambition cast by rivals like Darius Adalan. As a renowned thief, Lars seeks a game-changing heist to secure his legacy. When a patron presents an opportunity to infiltrate the ruthless Cecil Thume's secrets, Lars pursues groundbreaking technology but soon faces deadly consequences. Amidst treachery and intrigue, he realizes Thume's influence is more powerful than anticipated, risking Azoria’s future and humanity. Can he and his crew pull off the heist of a lifetime while the odds are stacked against them?

This is an exhilarating ride, a propulsive narrative that follows Lars’s daring heists, including a jaw-dropping escapade involving the theft of a four-ton statue and, later, the suspenseful search for a patron promising more extraordinary ventures. The stakes heighten when a mysterious device that has untapped potential is introduced, coupled with the murder of an engineer linked to Lars's world. Karam’s characters are vividly drawn and relatable. Lars is the unconventional hero of the story —intelligent and highly skilled yet conflicted about the consequences of his profession. His partnership with Trinelle introduces a dynamic blend of romance and camaraderie, while Liora, the brilliant engineer, exemplifies vulnerability. Darius Adalan is the antagonist and foil, personifying ambition unchecked by morality. Themes of loyalty, ambition, and the thin veneer of civilization against chaos resonate throughout the narrative, offering a nuanced portrait of moral ambiguity in their artisan world. S.G. Karam’s gift for setting shines in By Hook & Crook. The intricately crafted cities of Azoria and the subtly depicted Stoneford reflect the duality of beauty and decay—cities alive with industry yet haunted by crime. The rich descriptions immerse the reader in the bustling markets and storm-lashed rooftops. This novel offers exquisite prose and exciting characters.

The world of By Hook & Crook by S.G. Karam is a vibrant tapestry of deception, daring heists, and moral ambiguity. It is set in the eclectic city of Azoria, where thieves, engineers, and the elite collide in a dizzying dance. Lars is a master thief with a flair for the theatrical. He finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue when his former rival, Darius, pulls off an audacious heist that shakes the foundations of their criminal underworld. Lars and his crew are up for a most daring heist, and the excitement grows with the mounting odds. Can he pull this one off or meet failure at last? The theft of a statue made of pure copper becomes an emblem of more significant shifts in power as Karam explores themes of wealth, privilege, and justice through thrilling heists and high-stakes confrontations.

S.G. Karam expertly crafts the plot around thrilling moments that keep readers on edge —from roof-climbing escapades and advanced theft technology to the stark reality of betrayal and murder; the stakes are always high. The narrative crescendos with scenes of adrenaline-fueled thievery, detailed descriptions of dynamic action, and the looming threat from authoritative figures like Captain Myrim, who is on a relentless hunt for these audacious thieves. The characters are richly developed, each standing apart in their unique personality and talent, ambition, and personal demons. Lars is depicted as the quintessential anti-hero with charm and wit, while Darius dances on the fringes of morality, showing the fine line between rivalry and friendship. The ingenious engineer Liora is another character I liked — dazzling, intelligent, and complex. By Hook & Crook is a gripping tale in which every page holds a secret, and every heist could lead to dire repercussions. It reveals the delicate balance between ambition and morality in a world fueled by intrigue. I just couldn’t put it down.