The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas

This is a story about a pickpocket called Connwear, magician Nevery, body gaurd Benet, Dutchess's daughter Rowan and the villan Crowe who live in the magical city of Wellmet.
Connwear once tries to pick a magician's pocket and almost loses his life. The magician (who, you may have guessed, was Nevery) is suprised that Connwear didn't lose his life immediately while stealing the stone in Nevery's pocket. The stone is called a Locus Magicalicus. So Nevery takes on Connwear as a apprentice but the other magicians are questioning Connwear's ability. Now, it's up to Connwear to get a Locus Magicalicus but another alarming thing begins to happen - the magical levels in Wellmet are decreasing and Connwear thinks Crowe is behind this. So it's up to Connwear and Rowan to save the day.
(I can't tell you the ending otherwise there's no fun reading the book)
My opinion on the book is that it's extremly well written, story is fine and pictures are extraodinary. Really good if you like twists and turns and excitement (includes magic). By the way there are some good biscuit recepies too at the back.