Let me start by saying this book grabbed me by the collar and didn't let go. The magic system here - called 'scriving' - is unlike anything I've encountered before. It's not your typical wand-waving fantasy; instead, it's about convincing objects that reality works differently for them. At first I was skeptical (where are my fireballs?), but by chapter three I was completely hooked on this fresh take.

The main character, Sancia, is an absolute gem. She's a thief with a mysterious past and an even more mysterious ability that makes her perfect for high-stakes heists. What I love most is how real she feels - sarcastic, flawed, but incredibly competent in her own way. Her dynamic with the other characters (especially grumpy genius Orso) had me laughing out loud at times.

The pacing is masterful. It starts with what seems like a simple theft but quickly spirals into something much bigger. Around page 150, I hit a point where I literally couldn't put it down - my dinner burned because I was too absorbed in finding out what would happen next! The last third of the book especially reads like an action movie.

What surprised me most was how the world-building unfolds naturally through the story rather than through heavy exposition dumps. You learn about Tevanne's class divisions and scriving technology organically as Sancia navigates them. The industrial-fantasy setting feels lived-in and believable.

Fair warning though: this isn't lighthearted fantasy. There are some dark themes including slavery and PTSD handled with appropriate gravity. But these elements make Sancia's victories feel earned rather than handed to her.

I finished this at 2 AM and immediately bought the sequel - that's how good it is. If you want fantasy that breaks molds while delivering heart-pounding action and characters you'll genuinely care about, don't miss Foundryside.