20th Mar
By Hook & Crook by S. G. Karam is the first audiobook in the Kings of Copper Trilogy narrated by Luke Daniels. An action-packed gaslamp fantasy where heists are sanctioned, Lars Hallow and his team must save the city. A fresh start to an engrossing tale, you’ll want to travel to Azoria and help them uncover the diabolical conspiracy.
By Hook & Crook
by S. G. Karam
Series: Kings of Copper Trilogy #1
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Length: 11 hours and 12 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Gifted
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
Lars Harrow thrives in Azoria, where dynamo-powered innovation fuels the dazzling spectacle of sanctioned heists. As one of the city’s most celebrated thieves, he’s turned daring thefts into electrifying performances. Yet beneath the thrill of each score, a restless ambition burns—Lars dreams of pulling off a heist so audacious it will change the game forever and make him the master of his own destiny.
His chance comes when a mysterious patron offers him the key to infiltrating the secret warehouse of Cecil Thume, the ruthless mastermind who profits from every heist in Azoria. As Lars chases the promise of new technology that could rewrite the city’s future, a brutal murder sends a clear message: Thume will stop at nothing to protect his secrets.
Navigating a labyrinth of intrigue, double-crosses, and the risk of betraying everything he holds dear, Lars discovers Thume’s influence runs far deeper than he ever imagined. With each daring move, he gambles not just with Azoria’s fate but with his own humanity.
In a city where heists are a sanctioned spectacle, one thief’s ambition will ignite a revolution—and risk everything to steal the future.
Our story begins as Lars Hallow, and his band of trusty thieves are pulling of a heist in the city Azoria when his rival appears. Karam immediately thrusts us into the action and I knew I was in for a treat.
I enjoy steampunk with its Victorian setting and gadgets put this tale falls within the gaslamp fantasy genre with the element of magic. The author skillfully fleshes out the world as he weaves the story, creating a flow that hooks the listener. The motley crew of thieves and villains drew me in to this fast-paced world where the disparage between social classes is wide. Lars and his crew are viewed as heros, for each heist is used to assist the city. There is a competitiveness between the gangs of thieves in the city. Each competing to pull off the biggest heist and unseating the others.
A new client soon sends Lars and his team down a rabbit-hole as a conspiracy theory involving the man who legalized theft emerges. I loved the tale that unfolds from the clever gadgets to the magic used. We get twists and turns that kept me listening into the wee hours. I wish the characters were fleshed out more. The engaging pace and action hampered further development, but I am hoping we learn more in the next audiobook. This was a fun listen and perfect for fans of the genre.
With his rich tones and unique voices, Luke Daniels’ narration elevated the story. I am particularly fond of his narrations in the fantasy genre. This format was well-suited to the story, enabling me to keep track of all the characters. I cannot wait for the next audiobook in the series.
*kindleunlimited
About S. G. Karam
S.G. Karam is a software professional, lifelong geek, reader, educator, cook, traveler, tinkerer, blogger, amateur guitar maker, tech book writer, and for the first time, a sci-fi/fantasy novelist. Reading fantasy has been a huge part of his life, starting with Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman, Robert Asprin, Terry Brooks, Robert Jordan, Tolkien, and continuing into authors like Brandon Sanderson and George R. R. Martin.
About Luke Daniels
Luke Daniels has narrated over 250 audiobooks, has been the grateful recipient of thirteen AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has earned three Audie nominations. His background is in classical theater and film. Luke has performed at repertory theaters around the country, but now he resides in the Midwest with his pack.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat.
