Wednesday, July 8, 2009

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner


Synopsis:

"I can steal anything."

After Gen's bragging lands him in the king's prison, the chances of escape look slim. Then the king's scholar, the Magus, needs the thief's skill for a seemingly impossible task — to steal a hidden treasure from another land.

To the Magus, Gen is just a tool. But Gen is a trickster and a survivor with a plan of his own.


This is the first book in Turner's Queen's Thief series. A friend of mine told me years ago how good this book was. I bought a copy and there it sat on my shelf until recently. Turner is releasing a fourth book in this series and I've seen it mentioned on quite a few blogs lately, so I figured it was finally time to give it a try.

It took me a chapter or two to get into it, but once I did, I couldn't stop reading. Gen is a fascinating character and his relationships with the Magus and his apprentices is incredible captivating. The dialogue is wonderful and truly captures all of the tense moments between these characters.

There are a ton of twists and turns, which means you really have to pay attention. I caught myself glancing back at pages to catch things I'd missed. At no point do you know who to trust and that only adds to the desire to keep those pages turning.

I can totally see why so many people are excited for the new book. I went right out and bought the second in the series, The Queen of Attolia. Of course, it'll take me awhile to get to it, but once I do, I know I'll love it. I have to thank my friend Meghan for making me buy this oh so many years ago. Thanks Meghan and you were right!!

9 comments:

  1. I cannot cannot cannot wait to read this one - I really need to go buy it.

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  2. I just recently added this to my TBR list. I loved your review!

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  3. It's so funny how many of us left it sitting on the shelf for so long before finally picking it up and discovering how great it was! I did the same thing and am now trying to make up for it by spreading the word all over the place. Don't wait too long before jumping into QUEEN OF ATTOLIA because it is unbelievably good. Great review!

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  4. I've been meaning to get to this one.. thanks for the reminder.

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  5. I've never heard of this series before but it sure sounds like it is a good one!

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  6. I love this series. They're so clever and so fun.

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  7. I've had this one recommended by a friend too but still haven't read it. I may have to make time for it now!

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  8. This is a series that I had never heard of prior to reading your review - but it sounds interesting.

    Thanks for the review.

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  9. I LOVED that book! Wasn't crazy about the sequel, though. I'd heard there was a 3rd book, but a 4th? Hmmm... I'll have to check that out.

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