Five Must-Read High Fantasy Heist Adventures Books

A group of diverse characters with unique skills coming together to pull off an unlikely quest. It is a tried and tested recipe for success and in this case, makes for an incredibly fun adventure.

Fantasy quest books that feature heists are quite popular amongst fans. These books typically have characters with a whole spectrum of emotions, skills, backgrounds, backstory etc. Of course, the coming together for the cause and pulling off a heist is the real thrill of these novels.

What I personally love about heist adventures is that simple action or magic is not enough. To pull off a heist against all odds require intelligence, planning and teamwork. All this becomes all the more difficult considering the characters usually have their own reasons to be part of the quest. All this makes for a riveting read that is fast-paced and thrilling.

Given below are five such superbly written high fantasy heist adventures that are a must-read for all fans.

1) The Palace Job by Patrick Weekes

The Palace Job is the first book in the Rogues of the Republic series by author Patrick Weekes.

It all starts with our protagonist Loch. A prisoner, fugitive and in fact a former soldier. Loch plans to steal an invaluable manuscript that once belonged to her family. This elven manuscript sits in a heavily guarded vault within a floating fortress. Of course, to make things worse she is relentlessly pursued by the law to bring her back to so-called justice.

Loch assembles a team of the most unlikely characters that include illusionists, shapeshifters, death priestess, talking warhammers and a simple lad with no visible skills to match the others.

The Palace Job is a thrilling ride with lots of action, funny elements and of course an immaculately planned heist that will not be easy to pull off.

2) Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Six of Crows is the first book in a series by the same name. Author Leigh Bardugo has created a captivating world that is soon to be featured in a Netflix show.

This New York Times bestseller series opens with Kaz Brekker. A criminal in the city of Ketterdam who is given the opportunity to be part of a heist that could change his life forever. The riches from the heist could make him an incredibly wealthy person beyond his wildest dreams

Of course, things are not as simple as they seem and Kaz along with the wild band of characters he has assembled for the job will face challenges beyond their imagination.

Six of Crows is a wild ride with superb action and dangers lurking at every corner.

3) The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

This is the first book of the hugely popular Mistborn series by author Brandon Sanderson.

The Final Empire is the starting point of an epic high fantasy adventure that is not for the faint-hearted. In the most unlikely of places, a half-Skaa, imprisoned in a dark prison, finds himself the power of the Mistborn. Now with his new power, Kelsier sets his site on not just one of the most dangerous heists possible, but on the Lord Ruler himself.

Of course he puts together a crew who share some of his powers and are raring to be part of a challenging quest. However, things turn when Kelsier meets another half-Skaa, a girl named Vin and things really start to unravel quickly from there with edge of the seat excitement.

The Final Empire is a brilliant book but you need to be aware that some readers have found the violence in the book too much to handle. So this one is strictly for adult high fantasy fans that know what to expect.

4) The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

One of the most appreciated books in the genre, The Lies of Locke Lamora is the first book of the Gentleman Bastard series by author Scott Lynch.

This is another book not for the faint-hearted considering some of the violence depicted in the novel. This book has got some high praise from some of the biggest names in the industry including George R.R. Martin.

This book has been described as funny, clever, intriguing and engrossing by its readers. It is about the lead character Locke Lamora bringing together a band of brothers known as the Gentleman Bastards. Together, they form a crew that is able to pull off some of the most ridiculous heists even other criminals would fear. However, things start to change and soon Locke Lamora finds himself fighting for his own survival, facing a bloody coup and combating an enemy that threatens to destroy everything he ever stood for.

5) The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

The Thief by author Megan Whalen Turner is the first book in The Queen’s Thief series. Readers should know that this is a story that picks up the pace quite considerably in its subsequent volumes. To truly appreciate the storyline and the overall plot, you do need to read the second book in the series.

This award-winning series starts with the charismatic thief Eugenides. He believes he can steal anything and is more than confidant about his abilities. Till of course he is imprisoned by the King and asked to steal a legendary and mysterious object. With no choice but to obey the King’s orders, Eugenides finds himself part of a quest that is sure to test every bit of his mettle.

The Queen’s Thief series is considered as one of the best YA Heist Adventure series and is a must-read for all fans of both young adult fiction and heist fantasy adventures.