Vow of Thieves

Vow of Thieves explores the power of bonds that extend beyond blood. The novel juxtaposes multiple families and communities, showing that characters find profound strength within these connections. For instance, the Ballengers, a large clan steeped in history and legacy, starkly contrast Kazi’s small found family, which comprises of Wren and Synové. Despite how different these families are, their various family members share similar relationships grounded in loyalty. However, family is not the only source of strength in this novel; community emerges as another indomitable force. The novel emphasizes that human connections—whether chosen or determined by birth—are stronger than violence or weapons.

Kazi prioritizes family and community from the beginning of this novel, which shows her character growth from the previous book in the series. In the previous novel, Dance of Thieves, her grief and trauma over her mother’s kidnapping prompted her actions. However, in this novel, she puts her anger aside to focus on what is best for Jase’s family, thinking of them as her own, and proving that Kazi is fully capable of making unselfish decisions and prioritizing their wellbeing. At the beginning of Vow of Thieves, Kazi worries about melding with the Ballenger clan after her marriage to Jase, telling him: “I’ve never had a family before, Jase. I may not be good at [it]” (10). However, later in the novel, she proves that she is indeed capable of belonging to a family since she demonstrates loyalty and familial bonds by protecting Lydia and Nash rather than killing Montegue. She also forgives Gunner despite his treatment of her, saying, “I will try my best to put this behind us and move forward, for Jase’s sake” (384). Kazi’s forgiveness shows her growth from the start of the series.

Jase, too, reevaluates how he views family, and this leads to him understanding that family support is valuable and powerful. He recognizes that Wren and Synové are Kazi’s family before Kazi does. He welcomes them into family secrets despite the rest of his family’s reservations. At first, it seems Jase will never forgive his family, particularly his brother Gunner, for abandoning Kazi. However, as part of his growth, Jase realizes his family has been under immense strain and that his anger at Gunner is as destructive as Gunner’s anger toward Kazi. Furthermore, Jase learns to work collaboratively with his family. While Jase always depends on his family for support, he makes decisions for most of the series without consulting those around him. However, the plan to save Kazi is Gunner’s idea, and as they collaboratively put this plan into action, Jase illustrates his newfound ability to work as a team with his family.

Paxton’s character arc also demonstrates the power of familial bonds. His family were once the heads of the Ballenger clan, but after his great-grandfather gambled away Hell’s Mouth, they lost control of the clan. Paxton and Jase start the series in an adversarial relationship, and Paxton tries to undermine Jase’s authority and take over the arena. Their relationship is so fraught that when Jase learns the Ballengers lost the arena, his first suspect is Paxton. However, while Paxton is running the arena, it is not by choice. Instead, Paxton follows along with Montegue to protect Lydia and Nash and the Ballengers’ interests in the arena. Paxton explains: “I know Jase and I have had our outs over the years—our grains run in different directions—but I’m a Ballenger too, just as much as any of them” (161). He places family loyalty over individual differences and the competition for power. Paxton’s support leads to Kazi, Lydia, and Nash’s escape. He works with the Ballenger family and they accept him for the first time, proving that the family is stronger together.

In addition to family bonds, the power of community is also a driving force in the novel. One of the ways that Montegue undermines the town is by offering rewards for reporting other citizens for disloyalty. However, his ploy only works temporarily, and most of the town is quick to join Jase when he returns. Jase notices that his “forces had grown. Citizens who had fled were coming back, hoes, pitchforks, and clubs in hand” (428). Since Montegue has not built a community, many of the townspeople who were temporarily allied with him—including hundreds of mercenaries—leave his side as soon as the tide turns against him. The people who decorate for the Winter Festival to lull Montegue and his soldiers into complacency also reflect the power of community as they work together to deceive the soldiers. The communities of Hell’s Mouth and Tor’s Watch illustrate that even the strongest armies will struggle against a determined local populace.

Vow of Thieves underscores the power of family and community as vital sources of strength and resilience. Pearson demonstrates that the bonds people form, whether by blood or choice, provide support and hope in adversity.