Magical Heists: 8 Fantasy Caper Novels with Supernatural Elements
Book RaiderWho hasn't dreamed about being a part of an elaborate heist at some point in their life? Picture it: the thrill of dodging laser security systems, cracking uncrackable safes, and then of course, celebrating with some cheeky mojitos. Now, let’s add a twist. What if your fellow heist makers are wizards? Or the object you’re stealing isn’t a precious diamond, but a powerful magical artifact? Well, welcome to the world of magical heists.
In this realm, not only must our sneaky heroes be cunning and agile, but they must also navigate curses, enchanted alarms, and sometimes, cranky genies. They aren't just dodging rent-a-cops and security cameras; in these books, the stakes are way higher and way more exciting. Let's dive into a handpicked list of fantasy caper novels, where supernatural elements combine with the thrill of a classic heist. These are stories packed with potent hexes, dimension-shifting locales, and, of course, the odd magical item or two that absolutely, positively needs stealing.
The Lies of Locke Lamora
by Scott Lynch
Why The Lies of Locke Lamora is on this list: If you're on a hunt for a fantasy novel with both elements of magic and heist, then Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora comes out trumps. Lynch weaves magic and mythology perfectly into a thrilling heist plot giving it an absolutely enchanting twist.
Set in a Venice-like city called Camorr, the story revolves around Locke Lamora, a jovial and cunning thief who leads a band of merry bandits known as the Gentleman Bastards. The crew carry out artful scams and daring heists amidst a city teeming with magic, dark secrets, and ancient ruins. What starts out as a standard con drops Locke into deeper troubles with the city's twisted underworld. Add in some secret societies, a not-so-simple revenge plot, and supernatural sharks to boot, and you have a tale that will keep you hooked until the very end.
What readers like: Readers are charmed by Lynch's vivid and rich world-building, his wry, humour-laced dialogue, and complex, lovable characters. Lynch's imaginative mythologies and the cleverly set thrilling heists truly lend an irresistible magic to the story. Plus, Locke's crew with their brotherly bonds and cheeky cons have won over many a reader's heart.
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Minimum Wage Magic
by Rachel Aaron
Why Minimum Wage Magic is on this list: Imagine misty backstreets, shadowy characters with unlikely alliances, and an underbelly of magical mischief - pure ingredients of a classic fantasy caper. Now add a pinch of supernatural elements...ta-da! You've got Minimum Wage Magic by Rachel Aaron.
It's a tale set in the Detroit Free Zone where our feisty heroine, freelance mage Opal Yong-ae, copes with her troublesome magic while she uncovers dark secrets and treasures hidden in the DFZ's gritty depths. The job of cleaning up magical messes takes on an unexpected twist when her latest case entangles her in a dangerous, high-stakes caper. As the intrigue ensues, you'll find yourself as engrossed in this bustling, fantastic world as Opal is.
What readers like: Readers love this book for its deft blend of fantasy, humor, and heart. Opal's feisty, resilient character is especially resonant amongst fans. A perfect mix of magical danger, wry wit, and a dash of romance keeps the pages turning. If a cocktail of magical realism and crime mystery pleases your reading palate, Minimum Wage Magic could be your next favorite book.
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An Ember in the Ashes
by Sabaa Tahir
Why An Ember in the Ashes is on this list: While not a traditional heist novel, 'An Ember in the Ashes' is undeniably a thrilling caper set in a fantastical world, with a high stakes game of cat and mouse that involves elements of espionage and subterfuge. Plus there's magic. Lots of it.
Picture this: a brutally ruled society, an elite Martial class, a network of spies and an underclass just trying to survive. Oh, and two characters thrown together amid a rising rebellion. Laia, a Scholar, risks her life to go undercover in a ruthless Military Academy to save her brother. Elias, the academy's finest soldier, dreams of freedom from the tyranny he’s been trained to enforce. Their paths intertwine in a place brimming with secret plans, hidden destinies, and forbidden love.
What readers like: Readers are fond of the stunning world-building and how vividly the setting of the Martial Empire is painted. Both protagonists, Laia and Elias, are deeply complex and layered, their narrations enticing readers into their dangerous game. The book's fast pace is a heart pounding attraction that keeps pages turning, and the magic - just standing on the fringes of the story - adds an extra level of intrigue. This book is an emotional rollercoaster ride, with unexpected twists and raw, emotional resonance.
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To Kill a Kingdom
by Alexandra Christo
Why To Kill a Kingdom is on this list: This addictive treasure of a book is the perfect mix of oceanic fantasy and clever caper. It serves the heist angle in an intriguing way. Instead of bank vaults or art galleries, the bounty here is something far more captivating - the heart of a deadly, supernatural mermaid.
Prince Elian and Siren Princess Lira are unlikely allies in this deep-sea fantasy. Lira's a royal among the deadliest oceanic species, snatching Prince's hearts, until she kills one of her own. As punishment, she's turned into a human, the very thing she despises. Elian, the 'siren hunter', would rather spend his days killing sirens than being the heir of a kingdom. Fate brings them together, and they form an unlikely partnership to hunt for a way to eliminate the sirens for good.
What readers like: Readers have fallen hook, line, and sinker for the richly imagined marine realm, the unapologetically brutal siren, and the swashbuckling prince. They appreciate the well-executed enemies-to-lovers trope, a cat-and-mouse game full of tense banter, and the overall twist to the Little Mermaid legend.
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Heir of Fire
by Sarah J. Maas
Why Heir of Fire is on this list: Magical creatures, mysterious artifacts, and clandestine activities galore—Heir of Fire blends together crime and fantasy that will leave readers casting suspicious glances at their own bookshelves.
Heir of Fire is the third novel in the popular Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. The protagonist, Celaena Sardothien, is an infamous assassin turned royal assassin with a whole lot of secrets. Dispatched on an assignment that takes her thousands of miles from the castle, she uncovers a truth which might just land her in a whole new level of trouble. In a far-off land steeped in magic and strange creatures, our heroine is tasked with stealing an artifact that could spell disaster for the realm.
What readers like: Readers love the intricate weaving together of fantasy and crime elements. If you're the type who loves a quick-witted, knife-wielding heroine with a knack for getting out of stickiest of situations, then this is for you. Maas manages to fuse the thrilling aspect of underground dealings and supernatural elements in an utterly refreshing, nail-biting concoction. Also, if you're completely immune to getting hooked, then go ahead. We dare you.
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The Bear and the Nightingale
by Katherine Arden
Why The Bear and the Nightingale is on this list: With all the elements of a magical heist percolating through the background, The Bear and the Nightingale spins an enchanting web of magic, myths and subterfuge. And yes, it packs enough fantasy caper shenanigans to keep you guessing.
This novel sweeps you away into a frosty Russian village where old-world folklore collides head-on with the supernatural. Magical creatures are an everyday reality, and the villagers' survival depends as much on appeasing these mystical beings as it does on bracing the harsh winters. The wildcard in all of this is Vasilisa, a young girl with a special connection to the fabled creatures of her village. As her story of courage and rebellion unfolds, we get swirled into an ethereal narrative of magic, daring plots, and nothing less than a direct stand-off with the Winter King himself.
What readers like: Readers are smitten with Arden's luminescent storytelling that effortlessly melds reality with Russian fairy tales. The prose is as beautiful as it is immersive, and like the best kinds of magic, it can make all your real-world worries disappear quicker than you can say 'Baba Yaga'. Additionally, readers love how Arden keeps them on their toes with the ever-looming threat of a supernatural shake-up.
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A Darker Shade of Magic
by V.E. Schwab
Why A Darker Shade of Magic is on this list: Straddling multiple versions of London, each with its own degree of magic, 'A Darker Shade of Magic' delivers a captivating magical heist tale woven into its multi-dimensional narrative. It’s thief and pirate-filled waters, quite literally.
Our main dude, Kell, is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and closed-off Black. Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling to the frequent royal exchanges. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, a dangerous hobby which gets him into some royal mess when he slips up and brings a forbidden artefact home. Throw in some roguish charm, a dash of deadly intents, a cheeky pickpocket Delilah Bard for a twist, and you've got a book that brims with spellbinding twists and enchanting peril.
What readers like: Readers have likened getting absorbed in ‘A Darker Shade of Magic’ to a magic trick itself - Schwab's imaginative writing and intricate plot weaves a spell that's hard to break free from. You will love the unique magic system, the complex characters, that are flawed yet lovable, and several shades of moral grey (pun intended) cloaked under Schwab’s tight, atmospheric writing. Also, did we mention there is a perfect proportion of pirates, thieves and scheming nobles thrown into the mix?
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Six of Crows
by Leigh Bardugo
Why Six of Crows is on this list: The essence of magical heist comes alive in 'Six of Crows' as it takes you on a journey of magic infused caper which is downright riveting.
It's about six youngsters who plan a daring heist in an effort to redeem themselves. Think Ocean's 11 meets Harry Potter. Intriguing? Yes. Dangerous? Absolutely. But then, who says crime in a fantasy world is any less thrilling? With deadly encounters, big money and magic thrown into the mix, it's all a day's work for our heroes. Or should we say... anti-heroes?
What readers like: Fans rave about Bardugo's knack for creating intense, suspenseful scenes, her diverse, well-drawn characters, and her ability to construct a fantasy world so vivid, you almost believe in magic. One piece of advice though, once you pick this book up, you might find it very hard to put down. Consider yourself warned.
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