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kellysbookverse's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“if you’re such a good thief, why haven’t you stolen me yet?”
This was such a stunning, heartfelt book - which is fast becoming K. Ancrum’s brand!
Incredibly easy to read (due to both the writing and the short chapters), Icarus will pull you in, chew you up and spit you out. It follows our main character, Icarus, the son of a renowned art-thief and forger. He works alongside his father to steal priceless art from their victims, forge/restore it and return a copy, keeping the original for themselves. The job in this book concerns Mr. Black, a rich neighbour who Icarus’ dad Angus has some history with. On one of his reconnaissance missions, Icarus is greeted by Helios - Mr. Black’s teenage son, who is under house arrest.
Icarus and Helios spend the rest of the book learning and exploring each other, feeling out their relationship and plotting to escape - the house, the town, their lives. Their relationship was the main driver of the book, and it was so lovely and delicate, unfurling like a flower in the sun. Icarus was strong, but spent a lot of the book teaching himself that it was ok to want more, to want better for himself, to want in general. I also loved Helios, who was so resigned to living with his abusive father but determined not to let it overwhelm him.
A surprise delight in this book was Icarus’ school friends - particularly Luca and Celestina, with whom Icarus had such different but just as sweet relationships. Celestina in particular exposed him to affectionate touch, and I loved the scenes where Icarus finally relaxed with her.
This book is definitely more character-driven than plot-driven, though the plot is fairly strong too (if expecting you to suspend disbelief a little). I liked the nods back to the original myth for which the book is named, through Icarus’ relationship with his father and his actions towards the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this and highlighted a LOT of quotes which will stick with me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Death of parent
Moderate: Vomit
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