Thieves' World (Thieves' World Book 1) [Mass Market Paperback]

Robert Asprin (Editor), Lynn Abbey (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert (Lynn) Asprin was born in 1946. While he has written some stand alone novels such as Cold Cash War, Tambu, The Bug Wars and also the Duncan and Mallory Illustrated stories, Bob is best known for his series: The Myth Adventures of Aahz and Skeeve; the Phule novels; and, more recently, the Time Scout novels written with Linda Evans. He also edited the groundbreaking Thieves World anthologies with Lynn Abbey. His most recent collaboration is License Invoked written with Jody Lynn Nye. It is set in the French Quarter, New Orleans where he currently lives.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Ace; Reissue edition (July 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441805914
• ISBN-13: 978-0441805914
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #272,439 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Sit down stranger, have a drink, let me lighten your purse.. March 26, 2000

By Mr. S. Carlin

Format:Paperback

One of the few anthology series to work, this book comprises a series of stories by different authors all set in the same town. The town of Sanctuary is no ordinary town, as the title of the book suggests it is the home of a great numbre of people who live by nefarious means. Each and every story is a wonderful tale, introducing interesting characters.

Unfortunately, while the series did continue for at least another 11 books only the next two managed to continue the ethos and wit of the first book. By the fourth novel the series lost it way and became dull reading. Content yourself with this book. If you want to, read the next 2 (Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn and Shadows of Sanctuary) but go no further for the series becomes self-important, dull and unreadable.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Chaos, Mayhem, Political Intrigue, and really great writing! November 17, 2003

By Madelyn Pryor VINE™ VOICE

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Set in a common place and time, this anthology tracks the tales of several different characters through a city rife with corruption, crime, and immorality. Some of the characters are
* Shadowspawn- a master thief that finds himself in the middle of a web meant to catch another...
* Prince Kadakithis- the brother to the emperor he is a political threat so he has been sent to San to bring order, or to meet a more gruesome end...
* Myrtis- the most powerful and beautiful madam in Thieves' World she will do whatever it takes to protect her girls and their way of life, even if that means bargaining away a bit of her soul...

Fans of science fiction and fantasy are sure to recognize and be fans of at least a few of the authors represented including Marion Zimmer Bradley, Robert Asprin, John Brunner, Lynn Abbey, Poul Anderson, Andrew Offutt, Joe Hademan, and Christine DeWees.

Part of the fun of this unique series is that while each author had a character (or two) they created themselves to use in this series, all authors had access to that character. Therefore Shadowspawn appears in more than just his story and so on.

It's a great and entertaining read, but be warned, you can't just read one book in the series. You'll be back for book 2: Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Detailed and Addicting December 7, 1998

By [e-mail]

Format:Paperback

If you like to follow multiple plot lines, with rich personalities, and interesting locales.....and more than a little interest in skullduggery, sorcery and vengence well-deserved, you'll get sucked right into this place. So grab a chair at the Vulgar Unicorn, (for gods' sake order wine, not the beer) and keep your hands down near your belt, near your money and weapons.