Never trust an elf, a thief, or a woman. Shadow is all three...
Shadow, a light-hearted (and light-fingered) elven thief, returns to her homeland after several centuries' absence only to find that a great human trade city has grown up next to the forest in which she was born. Now the elves and the humans maintain an uneasy alliance, but when Shadow steals a magical bracelet, she finds herself caught in the middle of a plot that may tear the city—and the alliance—apart forever.
Thief's Paradise
The marketplace of Allanmere was a thief's paradise, ripe with opportunity—and the elf named Shadow was always ready to pluck it. Her latest acquisition, for instance, was a splendid silver bracelet; a shining tribute to Shadow's cunning, skill, and luck.
But even a thief's luck can turn bad. Especially when the bracelet carries a strange magic ... and a secret admirer who'd kill to possess it.
Anne Logston: An Icon of the Creative Universe—A Master of Science Fiction and Fantasy Quill—Paver of Past, Present, and Future. Each of best-selling author Anne Logston's books have their own story, but can all be described as all highly character-driven with a lot of action. Her characters, especially Shadow, often have a touch of whimsy and sly humor. While still maintaining a light touch, she talks about the consequences of racism, defining your own identity, and what happens when magic becomes mixed up in everyday lives.
Her scalp prickled as unseen eyes marked her passage, and Shadow became increasingly uneasy. She dodged into an alley—and collided with someone. Rough hands grasped her. She smelled leather and sweat, and sized up three large men surrounding her.
"Well, what's this?" the man holding her chuckled. "A ripe elven piece, and so eager she ran right to us."
She glanced at the men, shrugging disappointedly. "Three, is that all?" she sighed. Shadow shook her head and started unlacing her tunic. "You three will just have to do."
She pulled open the tunic. The man holding Shadow had to release her as the garment was pulled over her head; then he stood gaping.
Shadow let the garment dangle teasingly from one hand.
Abruptly, Shadow whipped the tunic into the face of the man who had grabbed her. She dived between his legs with a strong upward punch as she went and dashed down the alley, ignoring the enraged shouts behind her.