The Thieves of Nottica

Omicron is a planet where the humans are the invading aliens. Rigg is a native of Omicron, a shape-shifter and the youngest member of the Keymasters, a band of professional thieves who use their skills to defy an overbearing government known as the Hand. When the Keymasters find themselves on the run after a failed job, they must battle their way through mechanical monsters, airships, politics . . . and the throes of new love.

—
Rigg pressed her back against a tree and closed her eyes, wishing she could have died in a less humiliating way. She supposed it could have been worse: the frog could have been a cute mechanical bunny.

—
Lisa's head was tilted back and she was staring at the wall with her mouth open.

"It's . . . beautiful," she whispered.

"It's graffiti," Rigg said flatly.

Lisa shook her head in awe. "And it's beautiful."

Rigg peered up at the wall. "Huh?"

—
Rigg laughed softly at Lisa's...