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The Queen's Thief #5
Thick as Thieves
Thick as Thieves is the eagerly anticipated new stand-alone novel set in the world of the Queen's Thief. New York Times best-selling author Megan Whalen Turner's entrancing and award-winning Queen's Thief novels bring to life the world of the epics and feature one of the most charismatic and incorrigible characters of fiction, Eugenides the thief. Megan Whalen Turner's Queen's Thief novels are rich with political machinations and intrigue, battles lost and won, dangerous journeys, divine intervention, power, passion, revenge, and deception. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Marie Lu, Patrick Rothfuss, and George R. R. Martin.
Kamet, a secretary and slave to his Mede master, has the ambition and the means to become one of the most powerful people in the Empire. But with a whispered warning the future he envisioned is wrenched away, and he is forced onto a very different path. Set in the world of the Queen's Thief, this epic adventure sees an ordinary hero take on an extraordinary mission. The Queen's Thief novels have been praised by writers, critics, reviewers, and fans, and have been honored with glowing reviews, "best of" citations, and numerous awards, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, a Newbery Honor, the Andre Norton Award shortlist, and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Discover and rediscover the stand-alone companion stories The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia, and A Conspiracy of Kings, all epic novels set in the world of the Queen's Thief.
Kamet, a secretary and slave to his Mede master, has the ambition and the means to become one of the most powerful people in the Empire. But with a whispered warning the future he envisioned is wrenched away, and he is forced onto a very different path. Set in the world of the Queen's Thief, this epic adventure sees an ordinary hero take on an extraordinary mission. The Queen's Thief novels have been praised by writers, critics, reviewers, and fans, and have been honored with glowing reviews, "best of" citations, and numerous awards, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, a Newbery Honor, the Andre Norton Award shortlist, and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Discover and rediscover the stand-alone companion stories The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia, and A Conspiracy of Kings, all epic novels set in the world of the Queen's Thief.
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First published May 16, 2017
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About the author
Megan Whalen Turner
19 books5,804 followersMegan Whalen Turner is the author of short stories and novels for children, teenagers and adults. She has won the LA Times Book Award for Young Adult LIterature, a Boston Globe/ Horn Book Honor and a Newbery Honor. She won the Mythopoeic Award and was shortlisted twice for the Andre Norton Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,418 reviews
April 3, 2017
There is freedom in this life and there is power, and I was ambitious for the latter.
When you wait six years for a book, it's hard not to be nervous going into it. Would it be as good as I remembered? Would Thick as Thieves deliver what I loved about the other books in the series? Or-- what if I've changed? What if, after six years, I am a different type of reader who no longer likes this kind of book?
I shouldn't have worried. Megan Whalen Turner is still, after all this time, one of the strongest - and, if you ask me, best - writers of YA fantasy.
You should be warned: this is no Throne of Glass. This is no Shadow and Bone or Cinder or Red Queen. There is a time and place for that kind of easy, romance-heavy fantasy, but you won't find it in this series. The Queen's Thief series is about political machinations and slow-built character dynamics. Each scene is crafted in perfect detail. Each character is complex, multilayered and probably not all they first seem.
Even knowing this author and knowing that her slowly-developing plots often conceal something much deeper and cleverer, she still manages to surprise. To catch me off guard.
Thick as Thieves is not a direct sequel to A Conspiracy of Kings, as I expected, but rather a companion novel set in the same world. Familiar characters do appear eventually, though most of the story is about a Medean slave called Kamet. When his master dies and blame is set to fall on him, he flees the city. What follows is a journey filled with bloodshed, betrayal and bromance; a journey that brings Kamet ever closer to the last place he wants to be - Attolia.
Look, I LOVED it. I don't want to say too much because it's best just to experience it firsthand. If you like the slow, smart, political and twisty kind of fantasy, it really doesn't get much better than this.
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August 13, 2012
To the publisher.
Please make sure this book is published. Please don't torture us with unending anticipation after everything that happens in A Conspiracy of Kings.
I know we are a small community of Queen's Thief fanatics, but we are ardent.
Please end our misery by at least announcing an expected release date.
Please, please?
Thank you.
Please make sure this book is published. Please don't torture us with unending anticipation after everything that happens in A Conspiracy of Kings.
I know we are a small community of Queen's Thief fanatics, but we are ardent.
Please end our misery by at least announcing an expected release date.
Please, please?
Thank you.
May 1, 2025
Even before I recognized him, I smiled politely. Well trained, I would have smiled so at my executioner.
These books are so so so much fun. [Source ]
I always struggle to review books that I knew I would love and then did love, but I think I liked this even more than I expected. In a lot of ways, Thick as Thieves is far more of a typical journey novel; it’s simply a successful one because of the characters.
➽Costis – disaster attempting to carry off a mission with a really annoying guy he just kidnapped. also holy fuck I am crying about this post
➽Kamet – disaster trying to lowkey deceive a royal family to save his own life. selfish and he knows it. actually very compelling.
Really though, Kamet’ character development is amazing. As this is a journey novel, his arc takes up a good portion of the buildup in the novel — I loved seeing him realize that his treatment was fucked up, that his enslavement was not right, and also allow himself to have feelings. I love how realistically fucked up his worldview is - his expectation that Costis will be murdered is complete bullshit but fits his character - and I really loved seeing how conscious Megan Whalen Turner was of his flawed point of view.
Speaking of allowing himself to have feelings - the other main arc of this story is the relationship between Costis & Kamet, which is honestly the best. Kamet essentially stalls on escaping until he’s too attached to leave, and it is lovely, and their dynamic is so great. I will also state that it really does read in the same tenor as several romances in this series, and though it’s not exactly canonical, it’s… well, it’s very undisputed by canon. And so, along with the entire very large tumblr fandom for this series, I will acknowledge it as such. Costis and Kamet were in love. [Honestly, I think my bookstagram story said it all. Or maybe this far more articulate post.]
I’ve read five books of this now, and I’ve been thinking a lot recently about why I’ve loved this series’ progression so much. I’ve landed on this quote by Megan Whalen Turner:
I am such a softy. I write these incredibly violent books, and I just, I do not like to know that there’s a train wreck coming. I hate watching train wrecks. I much prefer that we just have our horrible thing, and the whole rest of the book is recovery. And although it starts in a very dark place, the whole rest of the book, things get better and better and better. That’s the kind of story arc I like. -Megan Whalen Turner
I really love the sense of hope in this series, the sense I have that Turner really wants recovery, rather than torture porn.
There was so much I adored about this book: the standalone-ish nature, the entire Immakuk and Ennikar thing, the constant allusions to book two, Eugenides showing up to be an asshole, the subtext getting lowkey confirmed, everything Attolia has ever done… everything, basically. This series really is so fun and I can’t wait for the next book.
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February 11, 2025
This is one of the better odd couple/buddy fantasies that I've read.
I get it, a lot of you aren't as fond of the books that don't have much Gen in them. But honestly, I'm just really enjoying this world with all of the characters that Turner has created.
Kamet, Nahuseresh's slave and right-hand man, doesn't actually want to escape his slave bonds. He has power over Nahuseresh's other slaves, the ability to make money for himself, and (other than getting beaten every now and then) he feels that his life is pretty darn good.
So when an Attolian soldier approaches him with the opportunity to run away, he scoffs at the idea.
That is, until he is warned by another slave that Nahuseresh has been killed.
He knows that his neck and all the other slaves close to his master are now on the chopping block, as the royals would rather pin the murder on them than investigate one of their own.
So in an attempt to save his own skin, and possibly divert suspicion away from the other slaves, he makes a run for it with the Attolian.
Now, all he has to do is survive this grueling journey without the soldier finding out he's a wanted man. Because no king, especially the petty King of Attolia, would want to start a war to save a slave's life.
And the entire journey this solder is getting under his skin, trying over and over to show him respect. Treating him like an equal and giving him respect that he feels he doesn't need or want.
He was happy as a slave, goddammit! Why won't this guy leave him alone already?
Everything else I could say about this book is a spoiler and I wouldn't want to do that to you guys.
But I loved it.
It hit my sweet spot and I just ate this story up.
I see you, Gen...
Highly Recommended for fans of fantasy.
I get it, a lot of you aren't as fond of the books that don't have much Gen in them. But honestly, I'm just really enjoying this world with all of the characters that Turner has created.
Kamet, Nahuseresh's slave and right-hand man, doesn't actually want to escape his slave bonds. He has power over Nahuseresh's other slaves, the ability to make money for himself, and (other than getting beaten every now and then) he feels that his life is pretty darn good.
So when an Attolian soldier approaches him with the opportunity to run away, he scoffs at the idea.
That is, until he is warned by another slave that Nahuseresh has been killed.
He knows that his neck and all the other slaves close to his master are now on the chopping block, as the royals would rather pin the murder on them than investigate one of their own.
So in an attempt to save his own skin, and possibly divert suspicion away from the other slaves, he makes a run for it with the Attolian.
Now, all he has to do is survive this grueling journey without the soldier finding out he's a wanted man. Because no king, especially the petty King of Attolia, would want to start a war to save a slave's life.
And the entire journey this solder is getting under his skin, trying over and over to show him respect. Treating him like an equal and giving him respect that he feels he doesn't need or want.
He was happy as a slave, goddammit! Why won't this guy leave him alone already?
Everything else I could say about this book is a spoiler and I wouldn't want to do that to you guys.
But I loved it.
It hit my sweet spot and I just ate this story up.
I see you, Gen...
Highly Recommended for fans of fantasy.
November 23, 2018
4.5 stars. Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:
Note: This review contains some spoilers for the second book in the QUEEN’S THIEF series, The Queen of Attolia. I've tried to avoid any other spoilers for the prior books.
In Thick as Thieves (2017), the long-awaited fifth book in Megan Whalen Turner’s QUEEN’S THIEF series, the setting shifts away from the peninsula where Eddis, Attolia and Sounis are, to another country in this world, the Mede Empire, which has long been nursing not-so-secret plans to conquer and annex the peninsula. Kamet is a valuable secretary and slave to Nahuseresh, former Mede ambassador to Attolia and nephew to the Mede emperor. After an escape from Attolia when Nahuseresh’s political intriguing there backfired on him, as was related in The Queen of Attolia, they are back in the Mede empire, where Nahuseresh is trying to regain his former political standing. Kamet has what he feels is a close and valued relationship with his master, despite Nahuseresh’s volatility and brutal beatings when slaves make a mistake or displease him, and the hope of an even greater position of power and influence in the future.
So initially Kamet laughs it off when an Attolian soldier offers him an escape from slavery and freedom in Attolia. He abruptly changes his mind a few minutes later, however, when another slave, Laela, tells him that Nahuseresh has been poisoned, almost certainly by the emperor’s command. She urges Kamet to go on the run immediately to save himself. When a Mede is murdered, his key slaves are tortured and all are executed on principle. Suddenly the Attolian’s previously-scorned offer becomes Kamet’s best option to survive. He leaves immediately, not even stopping in his apartments for supplies or the money he had managed to save up.
Kamet and the Attolian ― who remains nameless for most of the book, but will be identifiable to most readers who are familiar with the QUEEN’S THIEF series ― embark on a hazardous journey across the Mede empire and beyond. They’re pursued by the emperor’s handpicked guards and other enemies. Kamet mistrusts the offer from the Attolian, is keeping a dangerous secret from him, and plans on sneaking away from him as soon as possible. But as events conspire to keep them in each other’s company and they go through harrowing experiences together, they gain a greater respect for each other and even begin to develop a friendship that may carry them through the dangers to come.
In its tale of a danger-fraught journey and unexpected friendships, Thick as Thieves is more reminiscent of the first book in this series, The Thief, than some of the later books, though with a new main character. Kamet is a slave who initially has a slave’s mentality, an acceptance of mistreatment that should not be acceptable. He has pride in his place and power, even though he is mere property under Mede law. In fact, he initially disdains the Attolian, who he believes is a foolish, uncultured person, as well as the country of Attolia generally (“a place more backward than anywhere I have ever known, with its stinking sewers and its smoking furnaces and its preening idiot aristocrats”). But things are never as simple as they seem in this world, and the friendship that gradually develops between Kamet and the Attolian is a fine example of learning to appreciate the qualities in others who are unlike you. It’s a touching bromance.
Gen makes an appearance in the last part of the novel, and (typically for him) quickly put a new spin on several key elements of the tale, making the reader rethink everything that’s previously happened in the story. Gen just never disappoints, even when he is at his most frustrating and deceptive. He’s one of my favorite characters in fiction.
Like the earlier books in this series, Thick as Thieves contains stories-within-a-story that relate thematically to the main plot. Here, in a nod to the Mede culture, they’re in the form of blank verse poems. I had some difficulty wading through them; they’re more stylized and opaque than the stories in the prior books. But the patient reader will be rewarded with additional insights into the relationship between the main characters and some mysterious characters that show up at key turning points in the tale to help the two along their way.
The QUEEN’S THIEF series of YA fantasy novels, with allusions of Greek and other ancient mythologies, is well known for its plot twists and complex, layered characters, and Thick as Thieves admirably carries that torch. I was able to quickly identify the Attolian and even was reasonably certain of one major plot twist that is revealed close to the end, but ― this being the QUEEN’S THIEF series ― there were other surprises that I hadn’t anticipated at all. And I wouldn’t have it any other way! Turner says there will be one more book in this series. I’ll be anxiously waiting for it.
Initial comments:Guess what arrived in the mail today? *abandons all other books and dives in headlong*
*resurfaces a few hours later, throws confetti in air* I'm done!! Great book! 4.5 stars!
This story focuses on Kamet, a slave to the former Mede ambassador to Attolia, who we met in The Queen of Attolia. Gen doesn't show up until near the end, but it's definitely worth the wait.
Also I am patting myself on the back for guessing a couple of the surprise twists ... but of course I didn't get all of them. This is the Thief series, after all!
Note: This review contains some spoilers for the second book in the QUEEN’S THIEF series, The Queen of Attolia. I've tried to avoid any other spoilers for the prior books.
In Thick as Thieves (2017), the long-awaited fifth book in Megan Whalen Turner’s QUEEN’S THIEF series, the setting shifts away from the peninsula where Eddis, Attolia and Sounis are, to another country in this world, the Mede Empire, which has long been nursing not-so-secret plans to conquer and annex the peninsula. Kamet is a valuable secretary and slave to Nahuseresh, former Mede ambassador to Attolia and nephew to the Mede emperor. After an escape from Attolia when Nahuseresh’s political intriguing there backfired on him, as was related in The Queen of Attolia, they are back in the Mede empire, where Nahuseresh is trying to regain his former political standing. Kamet has what he feels is a close and valued relationship with his master, despite Nahuseresh’s volatility and brutal beatings when slaves make a mistake or displease him, and the hope of an even greater position of power and influence in the future.
So initially Kamet laughs it off when an Attolian soldier offers him an escape from slavery and freedom in Attolia. He abruptly changes his mind a few minutes later, however, when another slave, Laela, tells him that Nahuseresh has been poisoned, almost certainly by the emperor’s command. She urges Kamet to go on the run immediately to save himself. When a Mede is murdered, his key slaves are tortured and all are executed on principle. Suddenly the Attolian’s previously-scorned offer becomes Kamet’s best option to survive. He leaves immediately, not even stopping in his apartments for supplies or the money he had managed to save up.
Kamet and the Attolian ― who remains nameless for most of the book, but will be identifiable to most readers who are familiar with the QUEEN’S THIEF series ― embark on a hazardous journey across the Mede empire and beyond. They’re pursued by the emperor’s handpicked guards and other enemies. Kamet mistrusts the offer from the Attolian, is keeping a dangerous secret from him, and plans on sneaking away from him as soon as possible. But as events conspire to keep them in each other’s company and they go through harrowing experiences together, they gain a greater respect for each other and even begin to develop a friendship that may carry them through the dangers to come.
In its tale of a danger-fraught journey and unexpected friendships, Thick as Thieves is more reminiscent of the first book in this series, The Thief, than some of the later books, though with a new main character. Kamet is a slave who initially has a slave’s mentality, an acceptance of mistreatment that should not be acceptable. He has pride in his place and power, even though he is mere property under Mede law. In fact, he initially disdains the Attolian, who he believes is a foolish, uncultured person, as well as the country of Attolia generally (“a place more backward than anywhere I have ever known, with its stinking sewers and its smoking furnaces and its preening idiot aristocrats”). But things are never as simple as they seem in this world, and the friendship that gradually develops between Kamet and the Attolian is a fine example of learning to appreciate the qualities in others who are unlike you. It’s a touching bromance.
Gen makes an appearance in the last part of the novel, and (typically for him) quickly put a new spin on several key elements of the tale, making the reader rethink everything that’s previously happened in the story. Gen just never disappoints, even when he is at his most frustrating and deceptive. He’s one of my favorite characters in fiction.
Like the earlier books in this series, Thick as Thieves contains stories-within-a-story that relate thematically to the main plot. Here, in a nod to the Mede culture, they’re in the form of blank verse poems. I had some difficulty wading through them; they’re more stylized and opaque than the stories in the prior books. But the patient reader will be rewarded with additional insights into the relationship between the main characters and some mysterious characters that show up at key turning points in the tale to help the two along their way.
The QUEEN’S THIEF series of YA fantasy novels, with allusions of Greek and other ancient mythologies, is well known for its plot twists and complex, layered characters, and Thick as Thieves admirably carries that torch. I was able to quickly identify the Attolian and even was reasonably certain of one major plot twist that is revealed close to the end, but ― this being the QUEEN’S THIEF series ― there were other surprises that I hadn’t anticipated at all. And I wouldn’t have it any other way! Turner says there will be one more book in this series. I’ll be anxiously waiting for it.
Initial comments:Guess what arrived in the mail today? *abandons all other books and dives in headlong*
*resurfaces a few hours later, throws confetti in air* I'm done!! Great book! 4.5 stars!
This story focuses on Kamet, a slave to the former Mede ambassador to Attolia, who we met in The Queen of Attolia. Gen doesn't show up until near the end, but it's definitely worth the wait.
Also I am patting myself on the back for guessing a couple of the surprise twists ... but of course I didn't get all of them. This is the Thief series, after all!
June 12, 2017
Aha, I'd been waiting for this one. It did not disappoint.
While this book would work just fine as a stand-alone, in order not to cheat yourself out of a richer reading experience, I strongly recommend starting with the first book in the series, The Thief, and continuing in order. Do not read reviews, promos, or the jacket copy first, just turn to its Page One and start, and let the book teach you how to read it. Ditto the second, The Queen of Attolia, and after that you are on your own.
I'd been wondering how Turner was going to handle the challenge of a coming-of-age series story arc when the main character has worked his way out of his job. Pursuing interesting side characters was one of my theories, so, go me. (The other was "the next generation, lather, rinse, repeat," and I'm a bit glad we didn't go there.)
Also, if one has a passing acquaintance with Sumerian and Babylonian history and myth, this is just full of nice little Easter eggs from that basket. If not, the story still explains itself, literally en route. So many delicious tropes, folded into Turner's indirect evocation and restrained prose much like a cat curled up on its paws with its tail wrapped about itself.
I suppose it might, not wholly unfairly, also be described as "Epic of Gilgamesh AU fanfic." * But slyly so.
Recommended.
Ta, L.
* All right, having typed that, I had to go look. 45 pieces of "Epic of Gilgamesh" fanfic on Ao3. As always, the internet exceeds beyond my wildest dreams.
While this book would work just fine as a stand-alone, in order not to cheat yourself out of a richer reading experience, I strongly recommend starting with the first book in the series, The Thief, and continuing in order. Do not read reviews, promos, or the jacket copy first, just turn to its Page One and start, and let the book teach you how to read it. Ditto the second, The Queen of Attolia, and after that you are on your own.
I'd been wondering how Turner was going to handle the challenge of a coming-of-age series story arc when the main character has worked his way out of his job. Pursuing interesting side characters was one of my theories, so, go me. (The other was "the next generation, lather, rinse, repeat," and I'm a bit glad we didn't go there.)
Also, if one has a passing acquaintance with Sumerian and Babylonian history and myth, this is just full of nice little Easter eggs from that basket. If not, the story still explains itself, literally en route. So many delicious tropes, folded into Turner's indirect evocation and restrained prose much like a cat curled up on its paws with its tail wrapped about itself.
I suppose it might, not wholly unfairly, also be described as "Epic of Gilgamesh AU fanfic." * But slyly so.
Recommended.
Ta, L.
* All right, having typed that, I had to go look. 45 pieces of "Epic of Gilgamesh" fanfic on Ao3. As always, the internet exceeds beyond my wildest dreams.
October 15, 2019
Yeah, I am even more certain that
_____________
With Thick as Thieves Turner goes back to the series stylistic and thematic roots. It's simultaneously a plus and a minus. Like the original The Thief, this new addition is essentially a road trip/chase, with just a tiny dash of political intrigue. I missed the machinations, but I dearly loved this trekking adventure, primarily because of the characters involved in it. Turner's writing style is so simple and so very soothing and entertaining, I enjoyed every moment of reading this novel, and I expect I will read it over and over again.
Now, for the gripe. I am putting it inside the spoiler tags, and it is, so please come back and talk to me once you've read the novel. I'll be waiting for your input to at least reassure me I am not imagining things.
_____________
With Thick as Thieves Turner goes back to the series stylistic and thematic roots. It's simultaneously a plus and a minus. Like the original The Thief, this new addition is essentially a road trip/chase, with just a tiny dash of political intrigue. I missed the machinations, but I dearly loved this trekking adventure, primarily because of the characters involved in it. Turner's writing style is so simple and so very soothing and entertaining, I enjoyed every moment of reading this novel, and I expect I will read it over and over again.
Now, for the gripe. I am putting it inside the spoiler tags, and it is, so please come back and talk to me once you've read the novel. I'll be waiting for your input to at least reassure me I am not imagining things.
Want to read
October 7, 2016THE BEST NEWS HALLELUJAH I NEEDED A WIN.
Not thrilled with the title, it doesn't really jive with the other titles, but frankly, that's small beans, COS I'M GETTING BOOK FIVE.
Original review :
Seeing the book on Goodreads
Seeing the nonexistent release date and realizing that I will be reading this to mygrandkids children when it finally comes out.
Doomed to 20 years of waiting telling strangers:
Not thrilled with the title, it doesn't really jive with the other titles, but frankly, that's small beans, COS I'M GETTING BOOK FIVE.
Original review :
Seeing the book on Goodreads
Seeing the nonexistent release date and realizing that I will be reading this to my
Doomed to 20 years of waiting telling strangers:
October 22, 2020
4.5⭐️ (for that ending. That Ending!)
How is it that we keep getting books in a series called The Queen’s Thief without the actual Queen’s Thief?? I’m going mad with anguish over here.
As with the previous book, I was very fearful of reading TaT because, of course, MWT wrote this long-awaited novel without my favourite hero of the series. Again. Some might even say this is getting a bit... ridiculous (not me, though. Never me. I just worry about others...)🤨 *actually dying on the inside*. However, I am glad to report that I was pleasantly surprised.
I know I sound like a broken record by now when I gush over this series, particularly with the nonstop declaration of my undying love for Eugenides but, well… credit shall be given where credit is due, right?
And if you're wondering, you've guessed it, ladies and gents! He's still right up there, holding the top spot and he wasn't even present in this book until the very end. He’s that damn good, people!
Thick as Thieves is essentially the story of Kemet, a slave and secretary to the Mede Ambassador, whom we’ve previously encountered as a minor character in the second book, The Queen of Attolia. And the young soldier who’s sent by the King of Attolia to steal him from the Mede Empire, whom Kamet refers to as The Attolian. I should stop right here so as not to step on any spoiler territories.
This book marks a change of pace and is a lot less politically driven than its predecessors as the entirety of the plot revolves around Kamet and The Attolian as they try desperately to escape from the empire and get across the ocean to Attolia. The road-trip setting, the unforeseen difficulties they face along the way and the first person narrative are reminiscent of The Thief.
Though Kamet’s a caring and kindhearted character, he also comes off as self-important, conceited and arrogant at times. But his biggest mistake is making too many wrong assumptions by underestimating the most important character in the series. Assumptions he comes to regret. To Kamet, The King of Attolia is nothing but a weak and feeble king who can’t rule his retinues much less a kingdom.
The pacing of this novel goes back and forth. It has a quick start and then slows down for a while before picking up steam later on.
The last section is what upped my rating from 4.5 as Eugenides comes into the picture and true to his role - turns things upside down with twists and revelations in a subtle yet satisfying manner.
Turner’s writing is absolutely amazing and her mastery of foreshadowing is unparalleled. The world she creates and how she weaves in poetry, myths, legends and religions - in the same vein as ancient Greek and Rome - into her story is a crucial part of what makes it all feel believable and gives it that much depth.
Megan Whalen Turner, we need more from you!
How is it that we keep getting books in a series called The Queen’s Thief without the actual Queen’s Thief?? I’m going mad with anguish over here.
As with the previous book, I was very fearful of reading TaT because, of course, MWT wrote this long-awaited novel without my favourite hero of the series. Again. Some might even say this is getting a bit... ridiculous (not me, though. Never me. I just worry about others...)🤨 *actually dying on the inside*. However, I am glad to report that I was pleasantly surprised.
I know I sound like a broken record by now when I gush over this series, particularly with the nonstop declaration of my undying love for Eugenides but, well… credit shall be given where credit is due, right?
And if you're wondering, you've guessed it, ladies and gents! He's still right up there, holding the top spot and he wasn't even present in this book until the very end. He’s that damn good, people!
Thick as Thieves is essentially the story of Kemet, a slave and secretary to the Mede Ambassador, whom we’ve previously encountered as a minor character in the second book, The Queen of Attolia. And the young soldier who’s sent by the King of Attolia to steal him from the Mede Empire, whom Kamet refers to as The Attolian. I should stop right here so as not to step on any spoiler territories.
This book marks a change of pace and is a lot less politically driven than its predecessors as the entirety of the plot revolves around Kamet and The Attolian as they try desperately to escape from the empire and get across the ocean to Attolia. The road-trip setting, the unforeseen difficulties they face along the way and the first person narrative are reminiscent of The Thief.
Though Kamet’s a caring and kindhearted character, he also comes off as self-important, conceited and arrogant at times. But his biggest mistake is making too many wrong assumptions by underestimating the most important character in the series. Assumptions he comes to regret. To Kamet, The King of Attolia is nothing but a weak and feeble king who can’t rule his retinues much less a kingdom.
The pacing of this novel goes back and forth. It has a quick start and then slows down for a while before picking up steam later on.
The last section is what upped my rating from 4.5 as Eugenides comes into the picture and true to his role - turns things upside down with twists and revelations in a subtle yet satisfying manner.
Turner’s writing is absolutely amazing and her mastery of foreshadowing is unparalleled. The world she creates and how she weaves in poetry, myths, legends and religions - in the same vein as ancient Greek and Rome - into her story is a crucial part of what makes it all feel believable and gives it that much depth.
Megan Whalen Turner, we need more from you!
August 28, 2017
The first half of Thick as Thieves - the fifth in the wonderful Queen's Thief books - was so slow and disappointing, I feared I could not rate it above three stars, despite a loyalty I feel towards the series. I know this is not meant directly as a sequel to the prior books, however, I did miss my favorite characters and it took me a while to know what to make of the protagonist, Kamet and his companion, the Attolian (Costis). I am, however, pleased to report that the book picked up considerably after about halfway through, and I started to see where the plot was heading. Whalen Turner's books are generally not super fast paced, but that's all right, because the characters are compelling the writing excellent. This is true enough for Thick as Thieves, though I would have wished the plot was a little more engaging the whole way through.
Did this sate my hunger after a six year wait? Not entirely. But was it a worthwhile read? It really was. By the end, I wished I could know more about Kamet and Costis and that not so much of the book had been taken up by their travel. I won't spoil anything, but the ending is clever, and I just wished I could have had more of that.
All that being said, Whalen Turner is a truly wonderful, creative writer, who is great at world building and characterization. I will definitely remain loyal to the series, should she continue it.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Did this sate my hunger after a six year wait? Not entirely. But was it a worthwhile read? It really was. By the end, I wished I could know more about Kamet and Costis and that not so much of the book had been taken up by their travel. I won't spoil anything, but the ending is clever, and I just wished I could have had more of that.
All that being said, Whalen Turner is a truly wonderful, creative writer, who is great at world building and characterization. I will definitely remain loyal to the series, should she continue it.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
September 11, 2017
I enjoy a little middle grade reading every now and again and this is one of the series in that age group that I have genuinely enjoyed. I didn’t like this book as much as the others and I’ll explain why later, but it is a fun story with some fun twists and turns and there is a great Bromance in it as well.
The best parts of this book for me were the subtle humor throughout. I liked how the mythology of the land was mixed in and how a few of the gods might be trying to help Kamut our escaping slave and ‘the Attolian’ make it out of the realm alive. I loved when Gen finally got some page time. The last few chapters were really the best because of this. Gen and his machinations really are why I read this series.
Or do they? With Gen you are never sure and even though he lets you see one thing on the surface you can be sure there are five other things at least going on below the surface.
I think that the portrayal of Kamut and his slavery was done really well. Just because he was a slave didn’t mean that he didn’t take pride in his work and like parts of his life. He did and it was comfortable so good thing things happened as they did so he was forced to flee with The Attolian. Kamut’s every mannerism and action reminded us he was a slave for all of his life and I’m glad that The Attolian was able to help transition him to a free man with a few bumps along the way.
This was a 3 star read for me because there is a ton of just traveling. It isn’t my favorite thing in books and can get really old to me super fast. Walk a little bit and get put apon by bandits, walk a little bit and have another dangerous thing happen, walk a little bit…etc. MWT did do it better than many others but still it was a lot of travel. This is why The Thief is a lower rating for me as well.
There wasn’t enough Gen in it. I LOVE Gen and really wanted more time in Attolia to be with him and learn about the political machinations that are working there. The last chapters were the most enjoyable for me and they flew by so fast. If I was rating this book and the last 70 pages or so it would be 5 stars.
It is amazing that Gen is still playing this so well and that no one outside and some even inside the palace have no idea how much they are really in love. +100 points to Eugenies.
I still look forward to seeing more books in this series though. There will have to be a little more maneuvering before the final confrontation but I’m hoping that we will get to be with Gen right in the thick of it all.
The best parts of this book for me were the subtle humor throughout. I liked how the mythology of the land was mixed in and how a few of the gods might be trying to help Kamut our escaping slave and ‘the Attolian’ make it out of the realm alive. I loved when Gen finally got some page time. The last few chapters were really the best because of this. Gen and his machinations really are why I read this series.
“Kings don’t move mountains as a favor to a friend,”
Or do they? With Gen you are never sure and even though he lets you see one thing on the surface you can be sure there are five other things at least going on below the surface.
I think that the portrayal of Kamut and his slavery was done really well. Just because he was a slave didn’t mean that he didn’t take pride in his work and like parts of his life. He did and it was comfortable so good thing things happened as they did so he was forced to flee with The Attolian. Kamut’s every mannerism and action reminded us he was a slave for all of his life and I’m glad that The Attolian was able to help transition him to a free man with a few bumps along the way.
“Even before I recognized him, I smiled politely. Well trained, I would have smiled so at my executioner.”
This was a 3 star read for me because there is a ton of just traveling. It isn’t my favorite thing in books and can get really old to me super fast. Walk a little bit and get put apon by bandits, walk a little bit and have another dangerous thing happen, walk a little bit…etc. MWT did do it better than many others but still it was a lot of travel. This is why The Thief is a lower rating for me as well.
There wasn’t enough Gen in it. I LOVE Gen and really wanted more time in Attolia to be with him and learn about the political machinations that are working there. The last chapters were the most enjoyable for me and they flew by so fast. If I was rating this book and the last 70 pages or so it would be 5 stars.
“The only beautiful thing in the whole country was the queen, and she had sold herself into a marriage with the Eddisian Thief, the very one whose hand she had cut off. There was a match made in hell.”
It is amazing that Gen is still playing this so well and that no one outside and some even inside the palace have no idea how much they are really in love. +100 points to Eugenies.
I still look forward to seeing more books in this series though. There will have to be a little more maneuvering before the final confrontation but I’m hoping that we will get to be with Gen right in the thick of it all.
June 17, 2019
This 5th instalment in Megan Whalen Turner's The Queen's Thief series was a return to top form after the tiny lull of the 4th book. It was a really strong instalment in a series that I seem to appreciate more and more with each new book. This is an intelligent fantasy story with a heavy focus on characters and intrigue. I'm no longer going to call this series YA fantasy as I do not think the quality of the writing or the story itself are aiming for a YA audience. The early books in the Queen's Thief series and possibly the 4th instalment have a definite coming of age feel to them so perhaps that is where the YA label came from but this 5th book and the 3rd book in the series were just flat out regular fantasy tales!
I liked the plot and the characters of the 5th book. The new lead POV character was Kamet, the slave who is the secretary of Nahusaresh that we met in one of the previous books, and he proved an intriguing character with a unique and fun voice. As an added bonus he got paired with an old favourite from the earlier books! With Kamet being the lead character it meant that most of the action took place in the Mede Empire. I liked that a lot as I always wanted to learn more about the enemy who has troubled the nations of the Little Peninsula. We got a glimpse into life in the Empire for all sorts of different characters and learned a lot more about the Mede and their culture.
In some ways this is a very different sort of fantasy series to the typical stuff found in the genre. It is not fast paced epic fantasy but rather a more intimate style of fantasy that focuses on characters development and court intrigue. It does both really well as a Turner is a clever writer who rarely wastes a scene in her books and her characters are likeable and interesting enough to compel the right amount of emotional investment from the reader. Throwing in a few fun twists and turns also helps keep things exciting!
All in all I enjoyed this instalment of the series a lot and am kind of sad that the next book in the series will be the final one as this feels like a fantasy world with plenty more interesting stories worth telling!
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: I've been with Jeff Woodman for the first 4 books in this series but had to transition to Steve West for this instalment. I love Woodman and felt like he did an absolutely fantastic job with the early books but despite that I enjoyed West's performance with this one and think that the change of setting a a brand new lead character in Kamet helped the transition from Woodman to West to be a smooth one. West turned in a good performance here.
I liked the plot and the characters of the 5th book. The new lead POV character was Kamet, the slave who is the secretary of Nahusaresh that we met in one of the previous books, and he proved an intriguing character with a unique and fun voice. As an added bonus he got paired with an old favourite from the earlier books! With Kamet being the lead character it meant that most of the action took place in the Mede Empire. I liked that a lot as I always wanted to learn more about the enemy who has troubled the nations of the Little Peninsula. We got a glimpse into life in the Empire for all sorts of different characters and learned a lot more about the Mede and their culture.
In some ways this is a very different sort of fantasy series to the typical stuff found in the genre. It is not fast paced epic fantasy but rather a more intimate style of fantasy that focuses on characters development and court intrigue. It does both really well as a Turner is a clever writer who rarely wastes a scene in her books and her characters are likeable and interesting enough to compel the right amount of emotional investment from the reader. Throwing in a few fun twists and turns also helps keep things exciting!
All in all I enjoyed this instalment of the series a lot and am kind of sad that the next book in the series will be the final one as this feels like a fantasy world with plenty more interesting stories worth telling!
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: I've been with Jeff Woodman for the first 4 books in this series but had to transition to Steve West for this instalment. I love Woodman and felt like he did an absolutely fantastic job with the early books but despite that I enjoyed West's performance with this one and think that the change of setting a a brand new lead character in Kamet helped the transition from Woodman to West to be a smooth one. West turned in a good performance here.
February 24, 2020
I enjoyed this! But I wish I would have remembered more details from the 2nd book as it does play a huge role in this installment. I think if I could have recalled back certain moments, this would have been even more awesome!
March 16, 2023
“The Medes fear little in quite the way they fear their own slaves”
I love when a tertiary protagonist becomes the focal point of a story!
Remember the little slave of Nahuseresh, one Kamet, who was as insignificant to the main story as he was indispensable to his master? He is the gem that shines here, especially when set against someone who could not be more different from him: Costis, of course.
You will immediately notice that Thick as Thieves features two elements that Ms Turner had successfully employed in previous instalments: Firstly, we have the opportunity to see the character whose POV dominated the narrative from the outside. Just as Costis was used to show us Gen in an unbiased way of the external observer, now he is subjected to the very same treatment being the object of Kamet’s scrutiny. Secondly, the Author gave each of her protagonists a completely different set of features. The characters complement each other well, but also - in some cases - they become the axis of a dispute over principles.
There are two main motifs explored in the book: freedom and friendship.
The first one is obvious, given that a slave is the main narrator. Slavery is explored here as a symbol of a certain political, social and economic bliss, not solely as a symbol of lost independence or the right to self-determination. It struck a chord in me, especially that (in Europe) we often hear that it is precisely the renunciation of certain aspects of independence or privacy that is the - oh, how insignificant! - a price that is paid for access to the benefits of the convenience of modern life. Kamet’s reflections often converge on those questions of what freedom is and how being enslaved sometimes is disguised as longing for the simple comfort of known things and a familiar environment. Accompanying him on the road to freedom to make independent decisions in different spheres of life and to take responsibility for them was very rewarding.
Now, of course, Kamet would not get very far without Costis, whose company he accepts only grudgingly and conditionally. Costis is his direct opposite. He is an embodiment of the idea that political reality can arise and exist only thanks to the community of free citizens. Only free citizens can participate in political processes, whether at the local, state or international level; an enslaved man is not the subject of such a life but an object, not to say an instrument for the implementation of particular ideas. It is through Costis that Kamen learns how the political thus becomes a natural extension of freedom, not the privilege of the few but the duty of the many.
But Costis also teaches Kamet about things that go beyond duty. When reading, please do pay attention when his name was actually said by Kamet for the first time.
Although the story is quite simple, Megan Whalen Turner was able to write it out in a very decent way. In any case, this simplicity, contrary to appearances, is not a disadvantage - in times of multi-volume, forced novels, a bit of uncomplicated entertainment can be a nice diversion.
It also is a reminder of how in simple details, great things can be hidden and how the smallest and most inconsequential of characters, like, let’s say, errand boys and sandal polishers, are absolutely crucial to the story.
Technically,Thick as Thieves is not worse than its predecessor, but I missed that spark and at least a small dose of emotionality, which would help me better imagine the events taking place on the pages of the novel. It might be the curse of the penultimate book in the series, though.
Also in the series:
1. The Thief ★★★★☆
2. The Queen of Attolia ★★★★★
3. The King of Attolia ★★★★☆
4. The Conspiracy of Kings ★★★☆☆
6. Return of the Thief ★★★☆☆
I love when a tertiary protagonist becomes the focal point of a story!
Remember the little slave of Nahuseresh, one Kamet, who was as insignificant to the main story as he was indispensable to his master? He is the gem that shines here, especially when set against someone who could not be more different from him: Costis, of course.
You will immediately notice that Thick as Thieves features two elements that Ms Turner had successfully employed in previous instalments: Firstly, we have the opportunity to see the character whose POV dominated the narrative from the outside. Just as Costis was used to show us Gen in an unbiased way of the external observer, now he is subjected to the very same treatment being the object of Kamet’s scrutiny. Secondly, the Author gave each of her protagonists a completely different set of features. The characters complement each other well, but also - in some cases - they become the axis of a dispute over principles.
There are two main motifs explored in the book: freedom and friendship.
The first one is obvious, given that a slave is the main narrator. Slavery is explored here as a symbol of a certain political, social and economic bliss, not solely as a symbol of lost independence or the right to self-determination. It struck a chord in me, especially that (in Europe) we often hear that it is precisely the renunciation of certain aspects of independence or privacy that is the - oh, how insignificant! - a price that is paid for access to the benefits of the convenience of modern life. Kamet’s reflections often converge on those questions of what freedom is and how being enslaved sometimes is disguised as longing for the simple comfort of known things and a familiar environment. Accompanying him on the road to freedom to make independent decisions in different spheres of life and to take responsibility for them was very rewarding.
Now, of course, Kamet would not get very far without Costis, whose company he accepts only grudgingly and conditionally. Costis is his direct opposite. He is an embodiment of the idea that political reality can arise and exist only thanks to the community of free citizens. Only free citizens can participate in political processes, whether at the local, state or international level; an enslaved man is not the subject of such a life but an object, not to say an instrument for the implementation of particular ideas. It is through Costis that Kamen learns how the political thus becomes a natural extension of freedom, not the privilege of the few but the duty of the many.
But Costis also teaches Kamet about things that go beyond duty. When reading, please do pay attention when his name was actually said by Kamet for the first time.
Although the story is quite simple, Megan Whalen Turner was able to write it out in a very decent way. In any case, this simplicity, contrary to appearances, is not a disadvantage - in times of multi-volume, forced novels, a bit of uncomplicated entertainment can be a nice diversion.
It also is a reminder of how in simple details, great things can be hidden and how the smallest and most inconsequential of characters, like, let’s say, errand boys and sandal polishers, are absolutely crucial to the story.
Technically,Thick as Thieves is not worse than its predecessor, but I missed that spark and at least a small dose of emotionality, which would help me better imagine the events taking place on the pages of the novel. It might be the curse of the penultimate book in the series, though.
Also in the series:
1. The Thief ★★★★☆
2. The Queen of Attolia ★★★★★
3. The King of Attolia ★★★★☆
4. The Conspiracy of Kings ★★★☆☆
6. Return of the Thief ★★★☆☆
February 7, 2017
Brilliant. Megan Whalen Turner knows how to pull the rug out from underneath her readers, and I mean that in the best possible way. Also - one scene toward the end had me bawling like a baby. It was so good being back in this world!
to-read-sequel
October 13, 2016There's no title, no cover, no summary, no release date... And I still want to read this book SOOO much!!
Eeeep!
UPDATE: Almost 5 years later, and will you look at this?? Title! Synopsis! Cover!
Yaaaas.
Eeeep!
UPDATE: Almost 5 years later, and will you look at this?? Title! Synopsis! Cover!
Yaaaas.
May 22, 2017
When Megan Whalen Turner spoke to a packed crowd in Salt Lake City, she said this book almost didn't get written. It didn't seem like a good idea as far as the series was concerned.
Let that sink in for a minute. I'll wait.
It's common knowledge now that this is the second half of The King of Attolia, or more specifically, the material in it would have been the second half if The King of Attolia hadn't grown out of control. (I asked her if the next book really would be the last, and she said it ought to be, unless the same thing happened.) For me it's not quite as neat a connection as between The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia, but it is definitely an outgrowth of the latter, and not just because . I was surprised to learn that she managed to write the entire book in the wrong point of view (third person), discovered it was wrong, and had to write it again in first person. No wonder it took so long.
I chose not to read any material about the book, not even the cover copy, before reading it; I wasn't worried about spoilers, but I felt it would be fun not to have any expectations. I was along for the ride for most of the book, because it's a nice buddy adventure, two mismatched heroes learning to be friends, but it felt like four-star territory, frankly--the same reason I gave A Conspiracy of Kings four stars. Excellent writing, great character development , and a lot of adventure. I also found the Gilgamesh/Enkidu parallels and the style of poetry fitting. I liked Kamet in The Queen of Attolia and was excited to see more of him. But still, nothing extraordinary.
It wasn't until I was sitting waiting for MWT to start speaking...no. I bought the book on release day, read it, then found out she was coming to SLC. I decided to go buy the book again to get her to sign it, and to hear what she had to say. So. I was sitting in the back garden of The King's English bookstore, flipping through the pages, and decided to look for the point where the story became spectacular. It was a complete surprise to discover that this happens (the end of Kamet's journey, just before ) only some fifty pages from the end of the book.
But because this is a Queen's Thief book, that is not 284 pages of pointless meandering followed by 53 pages of pure adrenaline excitement. What happens is the ENTIRE BOOK to that point has to be rethought. Throwaway characters suddenly turn out to be hugely important. Events that seemed trivial become crucial. And I ended the book feeling that I would not fully understand it until I'd read it again.
I'd meant to re-read it before writing this review, but with at least three other discussions going on, I felt I would lose the momentum if I waited any longer. So, acknowledging that I'm probably forgetting half of what struck me as I read, here goes.
Kamet is one of MWT's more complex characters. Slavery is a complex issue, after all, and the question of what it means to be a slave of the Mede reflects not only on the nature of free will and humanity, but on how much ownership relies on the slave being willing to buy into the delusion that he is a slave. Kamet has always been a free man where it counts, but it took the Attolian, and his journey, to teach him what that meant. All that traveling that to me looked like a fun buddy comedy was essential to bring Kamet to a point where he could His developing friendship with the Attolian is enhanced, in the story, by seeing his companion's growing fondness for him and the stories of Immakuk and Ennikar. Kamet, in short, gains a friend without knowing that's what he's doing, and it's lovely to watch him realize it over the course of the ending.
It's tempting to think that the story only gets interesting when Gen shows up, but I think this is entirely Kamet's story. Though Kamet's reaction to meeting Gen again is priceless. Kamet has felt like a worthless cog for so long that it's revelatory when it turns out he was far more important than he'd ever imagined.
One of the other things MWT said was that her policy of not answering questions comes from her desire not to step on the excitement, wonder, and cleverness of her readers. If she comes out and says, for example, how old Gen is, then that's the end of the debate--the Author Has Spoken. And that's only the smallest of possible answers. (What she actually said was that 10-year-old readers think he's 12 (in The Thief, presumably), 12-year-olds think he's 14, 14-year-olds think he's 17, and 35-year-old women think he's 20. I did not get the chance to ask the question I was curious about, which is why knowing Gen's age would have a chilling effect on the discussion. Having been in a discussion group that was ruined by the presence of someone who spoke with the voice of the author--not even the author herself--I deeply appreciate this policy. There are plenty of elements in this book that are up for debate, and I like the idea of the discussion even as there are some questions I'd like answered. That there are communities devoted to this kind of discussion is cheering. Even our Goodreads discussions fit that description. This is a series with so much scope for analysis and discussion, and that makes it brilliant.
Having participated in some of those discussions, I have to say I no longer have any idea where the next book will go. There are plot elements that have to be addressed: . And there are things I'd like to see in the story that aren't as crucial:. I anticipate doing the same thing I did here, five or more years down the road--picking up book six with no preconceived notions. But next time, I will know better than to think I know what's going on just because it's deceptively simple.
(I'm also waiting for that book to come out before buying YET ANOTHER EDITION with pretty covers. They're almost certainly going to re-release the others to match whatever the cover design gods at Greenwillow come up with.)
(And now that we're at the end, I've got a spare copy of Thick as Thieves with no home. Anyone want it?)
Let that sink in for a minute. I'll wait.
It's common knowledge now that this is the second half of The King of Attolia, or more specifically, the material in it would have been the second half if The King of Attolia hadn't grown out of control. (I asked her if the next book really would be the last, and she said it ought to be, unless the same thing happened.) For me it's not quite as neat a connection as between The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia, but it is definitely an outgrowth of the latter, and not just because . I was surprised to learn that she managed to write the entire book in the wrong point of view (third person), discovered it was wrong, and had to write it again in first person. No wonder it took so long.
I chose not to read any material about the book, not even the cover copy, before reading it; I wasn't worried about spoilers, but I felt it would be fun not to have any expectations. I was along for the ride for most of the book, because it's a nice buddy adventure, two mismatched heroes learning to be friends, but it felt like four-star territory, frankly--the same reason I gave A Conspiracy of Kings four stars. Excellent writing, great character development , and a lot of adventure. I also found the Gilgamesh/Enkidu parallels and the style of poetry fitting. I liked Kamet in The Queen of Attolia and was excited to see more of him. But still, nothing extraordinary.
It wasn't until I was sitting waiting for MWT to start speaking...no. I bought the book on release day, read it, then found out she was coming to SLC. I decided to go buy the book again to get her to sign it, and to hear what she had to say. So. I was sitting in the back garden of The King's English bookstore, flipping through the pages, and decided to look for the point where the story became spectacular. It was a complete surprise to discover that this happens (the end of Kamet's journey, just before ) only some fifty pages from the end of the book.
But because this is a Queen's Thief book, that is not 284 pages of pointless meandering followed by 53 pages of pure adrenaline excitement. What happens is the ENTIRE BOOK to that point has to be rethought. Throwaway characters suddenly turn out to be hugely important. Events that seemed trivial become crucial. And I ended the book feeling that I would not fully understand it until I'd read it again.
I'd meant to re-read it before writing this review, but with at least three other discussions going on, I felt I would lose the momentum if I waited any longer. So, acknowledging that I'm probably forgetting half of what struck me as I read, here goes.
Kamet is one of MWT's more complex characters. Slavery is a complex issue, after all, and the question of what it means to be a slave of the Mede reflects not only on the nature of free will and humanity, but on how much ownership relies on the slave being willing to buy into the delusion that he is a slave. Kamet has always been a free man where it counts, but it took the Attolian, and his journey, to teach him what that meant. All that traveling that to me looked like a fun buddy comedy was essential to bring Kamet to a point where he could His developing friendship with the Attolian is enhanced, in the story, by seeing his companion's growing fondness for him and the stories of Immakuk and Ennikar. Kamet, in short, gains a friend without knowing that's what he's doing, and it's lovely to watch him realize it over the course of the ending.
It's tempting to think that the story only gets interesting when Gen shows up, but I think this is entirely Kamet's story. Though Kamet's reaction to meeting Gen again is priceless. Kamet has felt like a worthless cog for so long that it's revelatory when it turns out he was far more important than he'd ever imagined.
One of the other things MWT said was that her policy of not answering questions comes from her desire not to step on the excitement, wonder, and cleverness of her readers. If she comes out and says, for example, how old Gen is, then that's the end of the debate--the Author Has Spoken. And that's only the smallest of possible answers. (What she actually said was that 10-year-old readers think he's 12 (in The Thief, presumably), 12-year-olds think he's 14, 14-year-olds think he's 17, and 35-year-old women think he's 20. I did not get the chance to ask the question I was curious about, which is why knowing Gen's age would have a chilling effect on the discussion. Having been in a discussion group that was ruined by the presence of someone who spoke with the voice of the author--not even the author herself--I deeply appreciate this policy. There are plenty of elements in this book that are up for debate, and I like the idea of the discussion even as there are some questions I'd like answered. That there are communities devoted to this kind of discussion is cheering. Even our Goodreads discussions fit that description. This is a series with so much scope for analysis and discussion, and that makes it brilliant.
Having participated in some of those discussions, I have to say I no longer have any idea where the next book will go. There are plot elements that have to be addressed: . And there are things I'd like to see in the story that aren't as crucial:. I anticipate doing the same thing I did here, five or more years down the road--picking up book six with no preconceived notions. But next time, I will know better than to think I know what's going on just because it's deceptively simple.
(I'm also waiting for that book to come out before buying YET ANOTHER EDITION with pretty covers. They're almost certainly going to re-release the others to match whatever the cover design gods at Greenwillow come up with.)
(And now that we're at the end, I've got a spare copy of Thick as Thieves with no home. Anyone want it?)
Read
February 7, 2022There is freedom in this life and there is power, and I was ambitious for the latter.”
So What’s It About?
Kamet is proud of the power and influence that he has gathered for himself as his master’s most trusted slave, but none of his accomplishments can protect him when his master is murdered. Knowing that he will be blamed, Kamet flees for his life with the help of an Attolian soldier. Embarking on a journey that spans the Mede empire, Kamet is determined to regain control over his life no matter what – but his adventure shows his life in an entirely new light, and it becomes clear that more fates than his own hang in the balance.
What I Thought
There are a few things you can always expect from a book in this series. First of all, you may think you know exactly what’s happening, but by the end you will have an entirely different understanding of the book’s plot. Second of all, you will probably gain this entirely different understanding when Gen, the King of Attolia, waltzes in at the very last possible moment and dramatically reveals the nature of his subtle manipulations and machinations while being a total diva. Whalen Turner’s plots are genuinely some of the cleverest I’ve encountered in fantasy, YA or otherwise, and I always adore that “Aha!” moment where all of the pieces fall into place.
What has been true of the previous books in the series is also true here, but there are several new characteristics that set this book apart. While the previous books were all more or less about royalty and court intrigue, Kamet is a protagonist with much more humble origins. Whalen Turner explores the nature of his enslavement and the transformation of perspective he undergoes so effectively. Over the course of the story, Kamet grapples with what it means to be enslaved, to be a slave on the run and finally what it may mean to be a free man. He is a prideful man in the beginning of his story: so much of his identity is built upon the accomplishments and power that he has accrued in comparison to other slaves, and when the story takes all of that away from him and demands that he build himself back up again from scratch he comes to see what a “self-deception” that pride was, given that all of his false power was granted and taken away by the whims of the people who owned him.
He is forced to consider the strange double bind of worthlessness as a human being and worth as a piece of property that defines existence in slavery:
“I considered what I should answer—yes, I had been beneath contempt since birth? Or, on the contrary, that I had once been a man as worthy as himself and had become less of one at some time in my life?”
He learns what it means to have a relationship built upon something other than power and ownership, a sense of superiority to other slaves and/or fundamental mistrust – a relationship that is built on equal regard and respect:
“I opened my mouth, and no words came. I didn’t know what to say when “sorry” meant something, what to say to an apology that was so obviously sincere.”
He initially mistrusts Costis and looks down on him, so certain is he of the fundamental risk and instability and potential for control in relationships, so certain is he of his own superiority because of the power and education he has accrued. Slowly, he comes to see Costis for the genuine, honest and good person that he is, and a beautiful bromance follows. This gradual development of a trusting relationship is the heart of Thick as Thieves:
'“Immakuk and Ennikar,” he said. “Where?” I snapped my head around to scan the dock, and he nudged me with his elbow.
“Idiot. Us,” he said.
“Oh, of course.” I was squinting down at the dock nonetheless, but I saw nothing out of the ordinary there.'
Speaking of Immakuk and Ennikar, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the other deviation from the other books of this series, which is the fact that this story takes place on an entirely different continent. Along with the relocation comes an entirely different set of traditions and lore, and I happened to love the unique poetry by which the legends of Immakuk and Ennikar were conveyed. There were some extreme Gilgamesh and Enkidu vibes, what with the resolute, loving friendship between two ancient heroes. Here’s a sample of the poetry, and hopefully you can see why I enjoyed it:
“Narrow is the bridge between the lands of grain
and the lands of sand
the Isthmus evil stalked it
Terrifying Unse-Sek son of the Queen of the Night
tower tall
sword clawed
teeth blood red needle sharp
bat head and great bat wings
barbed at their joints
Unse-Sek stalked the Isthmus in the night
eyes gleaming
gleaming like the copper domes
of Ianna-Ir in the sunlight
In the dark gleamed Unse-Sek’s eyes
as he hunted men
waited until they slept
lurked and leapt
Then he devoured them greedy Unse-Sek
slurped their marrow
left their bones and gobbets of their flesh
scattered on the land.”
And of course Immakuk makes a timely appearance in Kamet’s own story, just in time to nudge events in the right direction for a happy ending. As with everything else in these books, I love the subtlety in the relationship that the heroes have with their gods.
So What’s It About?
Kamet is proud of the power and influence that he has gathered for himself as his master’s most trusted slave, but none of his accomplishments can protect him when his master is murdered. Knowing that he will be blamed, Kamet flees for his life with the help of an Attolian soldier. Embarking on a journey that spans the Mede empire, Kamet is determined to regain control over his life no matter what – but his adventure shows his life in an entirely new light, and it becomes clear that more fates than his own hang in the balance.
What I Thought
There are a few things you can always expect from a book in this series. First of all, you may think you know exactly what’s happening, but by the end you will have an entirely different understanding of the book’s plot. Second of all, you will probably gain this entirely different understanding when Gen, the King of Attolia, waltzes in at the very last possible moment and dramatically reveals the nature of his subtle manipulations and machinations while being a total diva. Whalen Turner’s plots are genuinely some of the cleverest I’ve encountered in fantasy, YA or otherwise, and I always adore that “Aha!” moment where all of the pieces fall into place.
What has been true of the previous books in the series is also true here, but there are several new characteristics that set this book apart. While the previous books were all more or less about royalty and court intrigue, Kamet is a protagonist with much more humble origins. Whalen Turner explores the nature of his enslavement and the transformation of perspective he undergoes so effectively. Over the course of the story, Kamet grapples with what it means to be enslaved, to be a slave on the run and finally what it may mean to be a free man. He is a prideful man in the beginning of his story: so much of his identity is built upon the accomplishments and power that he has accrued in comparison to other slaves, and when the story takes all of that away from him and demands that he build himself back up again from scratch he comes to see what a “self-deception” that pride was, given that all of his false power was granted and taken away by the whims of the people who owned him.
He is forced to consider the strange double bind of worthlessness as a human being and worth as a piece of property that defines existence in slavery:
“I considered what I should answer—yes, I had been beneath contempt since birth? Or, on the contrary, that I had once been a man as worthy as himself and had become less of one at some time in my life?”
He learns what it means to have a relationship built upon something other than power and ownership, a sense of superiority to other slaves and/or fundamental mistrust – a relationship that is built on equal regard and respect:
“I opened my mouth, and no words came. I didn’t know what to say when “sorry” meant something, what to say to an apology that was so obviously sincere.”
He initially mistrusts Costis and looks down on him, so certain is he of the fundamental risk and instability and potential for control in relationships, so certain is he of his own superiority because of the power and education he has accrued. Slowly, he comes to see Costis for the genuine, honest and good person that he is, and a beautiful bromance follows. This gradual development of a trusting relationship is the heart of Thick as Thieves:
'“Immakuk and Ennikar,” he said. “Where?” I snapped my head around to scan the dock, and he nudged me with his elbow.
“Idiot. Us,” he said.
“Oh, of course.” I was squinting down at the dock nonetheless, but I saw nothing out of the ordinary there.'
Speaking of Immakuk and Ennikar, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the other deviation from the other books of this series, which is the fact that this story takes place on an entirely different continent. Along with the relocation comes an entirely different set of traditions and lore, and I happened to love the unique poetry by which the legends of Immakuk and Ennikar were conveyed. There were some extreme Gilgamesh and Enkidu vibes, what with the resolute, loving friendship between two ancient heroes. Here’s a sample of the poetry, and hopefully you can see why I enjoyed it:
“Narrow is the bridge between the lands of grain
and the lands of sand
the Isthmus evil stalked it
Terrifying Unse-Sek son of the Queen of the Night
tower tall
sword clawed
teeth blood red needle sharp
bat head and great bat wings
barbed at their joints
Unse-Sek stalked the Isthmus in the night
eyes gleaming
gleaming like the copper domes
of Ianna-Ir in the sunlight
In the dark gleamed Unse-Sek’s eyes
as he hunted men
waited until they slept
lurked and leapt
Then he devoured them greedy Unse-Sek
slurped their marrow
left their bones and gobbets of their flesh
scattered on the land.”
And of course Immakuk makes a timely appearance in Kamet’s own story, just in time to nudge events in the right direction for a happy ending. As with everything else in these books, I love the subtlety in the relationship that the heroes have with their gods.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
The latest in this magnificent series is a road trip story about two unlikely companions: an Attolian soldier and favorite of King Eugenides, and the most educated and trusted slave of Nahuseresh, heir to the Emperor of Mede. The Attolian has been sent to steal this slave out of "spite" and offer him freedom when he reaches Attolia, but does Kamet want freedom when he is, in his own way, quite powerful? As always with Turner's books, there is a lot more here than meets the eye, and of course Gen's reach is a lot longer than you would think.
Reread 2021: Reading this within a week or so of The King of Attolia/A Conspiracy of Kings gave me a new appreciation for what was really going on. I was quicker to pick up on who everyone was and what was happening. The layers, the twists, the appearances of gods . . . I just continue to be impressed by her writing!
Reread 2021: Reading this within a week or so of The King of Attolia/A Conspiracy of Kings gave me a new appreciation for what was really going on. I was quicker to pick up on who everyone was and what was happening. The layers, the twists, the appearances of gods . . . I just continue to be impressed by her writing!
May 17, 2017
It took me almost seven years to write something about A Conspiracy of Kings, and I still haven't managed to articulate how much I love The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia. I don't think I'll manage a real review today (happy release day!) after reading this only once. Some thoughts, though:
The bulk of Thick as Thieves is a bridge book - the maneuvering of pieces, however precariously and uncertainly, into position. And then, just when I expected every chapter to be the last, the book kept going. In a way it goes where it's expected, because there's an inevitability to the way countries jockey for power. And yet there is such skill to the telling - such surprises along the way - such humor and wit and even pain -
This book is a joy.
Yes, it's a bridge book, but because it ends up somewhere, it is better than A Conspiracy of Kings. (Which has grown on me! Still.) Thick as Thieves uses the "being told as a story" device, too (I need to think more about that), and it focuses on slavery in a different society; MWT is telling a story about power in various forms underneath her story about Gen and politics.
This book is a joy. Go read it.
The last thing I'm going to do is highlight a few quotes that stood out to me on this initial read. MASSIVE SPOILER WARNING. These quotes are better in context anyway, so read the book first and then come back and flail with me!
The bulk of Thick as Thieves is a bridge book - the maneuvering of pieces, however precariously and uncertainly, into position. And then, just when I expected every chapter to be the last, the book kept going. In a way it goes where it's expected, because there's an inevitability to the way countries jockey for power. And yet there is such skill to the telling - such surprises along the way - such humor and wit and even pain -
This book is a joy.
Yes, it's a bridge book, but because it ends up somewhere, it is better than A Conspiracy of Kings. (Which has grown on me! Still.) Thick as Thieves uses the "being told as a story" device, too (I need to think more about that), and it focuses on slavery in a different society; MWT is telling a story about power in various forms underneath her story about Gen and politics.
This book is a joy. Go read it.
The last thing I'm going to do is highlight a few quotes that stood out to me on this initial read. MASSIVE SPOILER WARNING. These quotes are better in context anyway, so read the book first and then come back and flail with me!
August 9, 2017
I'm just going to start out by saying The King of Attolia is still by far my favorite book out of Turner's Queen's Thief series.
This book was good, and I cannoy deny I was hooked! What will happen to the servant who suddenly finds himself not only free, but on the run? He was an interesting man, and the clash of cultures of freedom and slavery and different countries was fascinating. I don't know what it was, but I found myself slightly disappointed that there wasn't more!
The whole book is his travels from his country to Attolia in order to be safe and free from an unfair justice system, but I guess I was hoping for maybe a little more of him in Attolia, meeting the beloved King and catching up on their lives in this huge, but well worth waiting for, gap between books. Not that this book was lacking, I just wanted to see more of my favorite characters after so long. :)
Turner left the ending opening for quite a lot in this next book. What will happen next? Will there be war? How will all the friends we've read about come together? Hopefully answers will come sooner rather than later. ;)
***********
TWO MORE BOOKS! :D
But when?!
WHEN!?!?!?
This book was good, and I cannoy deny I was hooked! What will happen to the servant who suddenly finds himself not only free, but on the run? He was an interesting man, and the clash of cultures of freedom and slavery and different countries was fascinating. I don't know what it was, but I found myself slightly disappointed that there wasn't more!
The whole book is his travels from his country to Attolia in order to be safe and free from an unfair justice system, but I guess I was hoping for maybe a little more of him in Attolia, meeting the beloved King and catching up on their lives in this huge, but well worth waiting for, gap between books. Not that this book was lacking, I just wanted to see more of my favorite characters after so long. :)
Turner left the ending opening for quite a lot in this next book. What will happen next? Will there be war? How will all the friends we've read about come together? Hopefully answers will come sooner rather than later. ;)
***********
TWO MORE BOOKS! :D
But when?!
WHEN!?!?!?
June 24, 2017
If you're not reading the Queen's Thief series, you really should be.
*As much political intrigue as a Game of Thrones novel, but minus the creepy rape.
*Amazing, strong female (and male!) characters.
*Complex relationships.
*Fantastic world-building.
I can't recommend them enough. This one was strangely sweet and touching, considering it was the story of an escaping slave.
*As much political intrigue as a Game of Thrones novel, but minus the creepy rape.
*Amazing, strong female (and male!) characters.
*Complex relationships.
*Fantastic world-building.
I can't recommend them enough. This one was strangely sweet and touching, considering it was the story of an escaping slave.
July 25, 2022
ETA 2022: As with all the others, and as predicted, I enjoy this one more every time I reread.
I still haven't quite figured out what to say about this, since I don't want to give any spoilers. (Not Telling is a big deal to this fandom.) Also, I have the hardest time talking about MWT books when they first come out. As enjoyable as they are in the reading, the true joy comes from rereading over and over and over again and catching things you missed the first five or six times. That means any new Thief book will never be my favorite and allows for a more relaxed read, which is nice. (For instance, I didn't truly even BEGIN to appreciate the joy that is A Conspiracy of Kings until the third readthrough. It was a mind-bending experience.) So yeah, this book stands as #5 out of 5 in my affections, but that's why I love Megan Whalen Turner. I trust her completely. I enjoy her books as I read them, knowing full well that that enjoyment and appreciation will only deepen and ripen in the years and rereads to come.
Even though Thick as Thieves was positioned as a companion standalone, I'm not sure that's entirely accurate. I mean, it can be read wholly divorced from the rest of the series, but I derived the bulk of my enjoyment from tying it back to the other stories.
For those wanting to know the vague shape of things, here's a bullet-point rundown of Thick as Thieves:
1) To my delight, Thick as Thieves is a short travelogue, aka The Thief 2.0, but with a company of two instead of a company of five.
2) It even begins in a parallel fashion, because you know how good MWT is with her subtle callbacks. Love it.
3) I adopted Kamet years ago after my second or third reread of The Queen of Attolia, and I am delighted to announce that I made the right choice. He is my sensible and snarky son and I love him.
4) We do get a nice reunion with a few other characters from previous books, as well as mentions of others so that we know they're alive and well. By my count, of those we have met before (counting Kamet), eight appear on page and two are at least mentioned in passing. Fans will rejoice.
5) That said, for the most part, the bulk of the story focuses on Kamet and his travel buddy. Let's just say they do a lot of CAMPING. (This is an insider fan nudge that will make certain people squeal. I know I did.)
6) As always, Gen looms large over the proceedings and is mentioned often, but MWT continues her chosen path, which takes us further and further from our beloved boy.
7) I cried. There's a Thing that comes out of nowhere and it sucker-punched me in the middle of a Brooklyn laundromat, and I'm still distraught every time I think about it. The fanfic and meta that comes out of this over the next however many years is going to be ROUGH.
8) For the first time EVER, the plot twists didn't surprise me. However, I must stress that this is NOT because MWT is in any way less brilliant. I think those who have had less time (and less motivation by way of burning obsession) to become accustomed to her twisty way of writing will be just as surprised as I was in the first four books. I was not in any way disappointed by having guessed things correctly. Instead, I feel unspeakably proud of myself for following along. It's a nice feeling.
Of course, greedy little fan that I am, I'm already itching for another installment. THERE ARE THINGS I MUST KNOW. CHARACTERS I MUST CHECK IN ON. IS MY CHILD ION NOMENUS OKAY?!
I still haven't quite figured out what to say about this, since I don't want to give any spoilers. (Not Telling is a big deal to this fandom.) Also, I have the hardest time talking about MWT books when they first come out. As enjoyable as they are in the reading, the true joy comes from rereading over and over and over again and catching things you missed the first five or six times. That means any new Thief book will never be my favorite and allows for a more relaxed read, which is nice. (For instance, I didn't truly even BEGIN to appreciate the joy that is A Conspiracy of Kings until the third readthrough. It was a mind-bending experience.) So yeah, this book stands as #5 out of 5 in my affections, but that's why I love Megan Whalen Turner. I trust her completely. I enjoy her books as I read them, knowing full well that that enjoyment and appreciation will only deepen and ripen in the years and rereads to come.
Even though Thick as Thieves was positioned as a companion standalone, I'm not sure that's entirely accurate. I mean, it can be read wholly divorced from the rest of the series, but I derived the bulk of my enjoyment from tying it back to the other stories.
For those wanting to know the vague shape of things, here's a bullet-point rundown of Thick as Thieves:
1) To my delight, Thick as Thieves is a short travelogue, aka The Thief 2.0, but with a company of two instead of a company of five.
2) It even begins in a parallel fashion, because you know how good MWT is with her subtle callbacks. Love it.
3) I adopted Kamet years ago after my second or third reread of The Queen of Attolia, and I am delighted to announce that I made the right choice. He is my sensible and snarky son and I love him.
4) We do get a nice reunion with a few other characters from previous books, as well as mentions of others so that we know they're alive and well. By my count, of those we have met before (counting Kamet), eight appear on page and two are at least mentioned in passing. Fans will rejoice.
5) That said, for the most part, the bulk of the story focuses on Kamet and his travel buddy. Let's just say they do a lot of CAMPING. (This is an insider fan nudge that will make certain people squeal. I know I did.)
6) As always, Gen looms large over the proceedings and is mentioned often, but MWT continues her chosen path, which takes us further and further from our beloved boy.
7) I cried. There's a Thing that comes out of nowhere and it sucker-punched me in the middle of a Brooklyn laundromat, and I'm still distraught every time I think about it. The fanfic and meta that comes out of this over the next however many years is going to be ROUGH.
8) For the first time EVER, the plot twists didn't surprise me. However, I must stress that this is NOT because MWT is in any way less brilliant. I think those who have had less time (and less motivation by way of burning obsession) to become accustomed to her twisty way of writing will be just as surprised as I was in the first four books. I was not in any way disappointed by having guessed things correctly. Instead, I feel unspeakably proud of myself for following along. It's a nice feeling.
Of course, greedy little fan that I am, I'm already itching for another installment. THERE ARE THINGS I MUST KNOW. CHARACTERS I MUST CHECK IN ON. IS MY CHILD ION NOMENUS OKAY?!
Read
August 6, 2017Actually I finished it the day I started it, but it's been too hot to write up a coherent reflection. And now that I'm sitting down to do that at six a.m., with a fan blasting directly on me, I am discovering that my real reaction would involve 1) discussion of all the books, which this one reflects, and therefore 2) too many spoilers. As it is, this is going to be a patchwork.
So let me observe that readers could begin here, with a seemingly straightforward tale of a slave who has managed to come to terms with his life--to even take pride in it, and anticipate wielding power--who finds himself pitchforked into running away, with only a foreigner as guide. The adventures of the two men makes up the bulk of the book, with occasional grace notes in poetry Kamet shares with his doltish foreigner, who is not doltish at all.
But to really enjoy this book to its fullest, readers really ought to begin with the first in the series. The feel of this one reflected The Thief, timewise it engages very closely with Queen of Attolia (and also points toward recognition of one figure), but one needs to have read King of Attolia to recognize another important character, and finally one needs to have read A Conspiracy of Kings to appreciate the . . . call it the scale of events toward the end.
The high-intensity emotions interlaced with humor is as bewitching as the detail evoking the world, which draws on, but does not map over, history and geography of the eastern end of the Mediterranean. You read them with that catch of breath, knowing that everyone you love is not necessarily safe. Most readers I talk about these books with place the stunning impact of that realization with but I put it at .
Another general observation. With The Thief, narrative trickery causes the reader to experience a paradigm shift. But with each succeeding book, one of the main characters sustains a profound paradigm shift, and the reader gets to watch it happen.
I was left with questions. Which, of course, leaves me longing for the next book.
So let me observe that readers could begin here, with a seemingly straightforward tale of a slave who has managed to come to terms with his life--to even take pride in it, and anticipate wielding power--who finds himself pitchforked into running away, with only a foreigner as guide. The adventures of the two men makes up the bulk of the book, with occasional grace notes in poetry Kamet shares with his doltish foreigner, who is not doltish at all.
But to really enjoy this book to its fullest, readers really ought to begin with the first in the series. The feel of this one reflected The Thief, timewise it engages very closely with Queen of Attolia (and also points toward recognition of one figure), but one needs to have read King of Attolia to recognize another important character, and finally one needs to have read A Conspiracy of Kings to appreciate the . . . call it the scale of events toward the end.
The high-intensity emotions interlaced with humor is as bewitching as the detail evoking the world, which draws on, but does not map over, history and geography of the eastern end of the Mediterranean. You read them with that catch of breath, knowing that everyone you love is not necessarily safe. Most readers I talk about these books with place the stunning impact of that realization with but I put it at .
Another general observation. With The Thief, narrative trickery causes the reader to experience a paradigm shift. But with each succeeding book, one of the main characters sustains a profound paradigm shift, and the reader gets to watch it happen.
I was left with questions. Which, of course, leaves me longing for the next book.
Want to read
March 2, 2017
ZOMGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.
June 27, 2022
***Reread 2022
I’m not sure if I’m falling out of love with these books. Only one more to go and then the series is finally complete. Honestly if the last one doesn’t have much Eugenides then I’ll probably unhaul the books. Maybe I’m just getting too old for these now. I love whining, dramatic Gen. I miss him. ***
This one follows Kamet, a slave in Mede and his journey with a character we have met before. It’s obvious who it is when you read it but I shan’t spoil it. I liked all the hints and they made me smile even though I guessed who it was.
This was quite a bit different from previous instalments. It had more of the story telling elements that I love so much. But it didn’t feel anywhere near as political, at least not until the end.
Also very little Eugenides which makes me terribly sad because I am completely in love with him. He was mentioned a fair bit and appeared in the flesh at the end of the book. But he is really what makes this series what it is and to not have him as a main character is disappointing to say the least. I could happily read 10 books just about Eugenides.
Nonetheless, the story itself was enjoyable enough and I did like the characters involved in this book. I just want more from my whining thief.
I’m not sure if I’m falling out of love with these books. Only one more to go and then the series is finally complete. Honestly if the last one doesn’t have much Eugenides then I’ll probably unhaul the books. Maybe I’m just getting too old for these now. I love whining, dramatic Gen. I miss him. ***
This one follows Kamet, a slave in Mede and his journey with a character we have met before. It’s obvious who it is when you read it but I shan’t spoil it. I liked all the hints and they made me smile even though I guessed who it was.
This was quite a bit different from previous instalments. It had more of the story telling elements that I love so much. But it didn’t feel anywhere near as political, at least not until the end.
Also very little Eugenides which makes me terribly sad because I am completely in love with him. He was mentioned a fair bit and appeared in the flesh at the end of the book. But he is really what makes this series what it is and to not have him as a main character is disappointing to say the least. I could happily read 10 books just about Eugenides.
Nonetheless, the story itself was enjoyable enough and I did like the characters involved in this book. I just want more from my whining thief.
September 6, 2022
Some people theorise that Kamet and Costis are together? But I just don’t see it.. even looking for it on a reread. 🤷♀️
————————-
Went searching for information about this book and instead found this post:
"When it comes to talking about what I am writing next, I told people that I think it’s teasing to drop hints about a book… for five years at a time. If I wrote books a little faster, I might be a little more willing to talk about what’s in them ahead of time. But I don’t, so I won’t. (Although, I will try to write faster, I promise, I promise.)" -Megan Whalen Turner
Read the rest of this post.
It's very insightful. She even mentions Goodreads!
————————-
Went searching for information about this book and instead found this post:
"When it comes to talking about what I am writing next, I told people that I think it’s teasing to drop hints about a book… for five years at a time. If I wrote books a little faster, I might be a little more willing to talk about what’s in them ahead of time. But I don’t, so I won’t. (Although, I will try to write faster, I promise, I promise.)" -Megan Whalen Turner
Read the rest of this post.
It's very insightful. She even mentions Goodreads!
January 3, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
2025 Reread- Still quite enjoyed this, though it's not my favorite in the series!
__________________________
Another great installment in the series! In this one the MC is a side character from previous books: Kamet, the slave of the former Mede ambassador to Attolia. As usual we get a blend of adventure, political intrigue, well-executed plot twists, and a hint of magic. One of the best YA fantasy series appropriate for younger readers but smart enough to appeal to older audiences.
2025 Reread- Still quite enjoyed this, though it's not my favorite in the series!
__________________________
Another great installment in the series! In this one the MC is a side character from previous books: Kamet, the slave of the former Mede ambassador to Attolia. As usual we get a blend of adventure, political intrigue, well-executed plot twists, and a hint of magic. One of the best YA fantasy series appropriate for younger readers but smart enough to appeal to older audiences.
May 18, 2017
Four stars rather than five only because I still think I love THE KING OF ATTOLIA best of this series so far and there has to be some way to show that, but please consider this more like a 4.5 star rating at least because MWT has done it again and this book is *great*. I was feeling so smugly pleased with myself for having figured out one of the book's twists before the reveal and then... nope, still unprepared for all the other twists.
No spoilers here beyond what you can find in the flap copy, just to say that Kamet is a great character, as I thought he would be -- distinct from all the other narrators in the series so far, with his own unique strengths and weaknesses and personality traits, but sympathetic and likeable even when the reader knows he's prejudiced or misinformed or just plain flat-out wrong. And his partnership with his Attolian accomplice is also well drawn and compelling, especially how it's intertwined and paralleled with the heroic myths Kamet recites for him along the way.
As for the tidbits we get about the characters we already know and love from the other books... I won't spoil those either, but they too are powerful and moving. And as always, I'm left both wanting more and itching to reread the whole series over again looking for those tiny, delicately scattered clues that this book will surely make obvious in retrospect.
Bravo once again, MWT.
No spoilers here beyond what you can find in the flap copy, just to say that Kamet is a great character, as I thought he would be -- distinct from all the other narrators in the series so far, with his own unique strengths and weaknesses and personality traits, but sympathetic and likeable even when the reader knows he's prejudiced or misinformed or just plain flat-out wrong. And his partnership with his Attolian accomplice is also well drawn and compelling, especially how it's intertwined and paralleled with the heroic myths Kamet recites for him along the way.
As for the tidbits we get about the characters we already know and love from the other books... I won't spoil those either, but they too are powerful and moving. And as always, I'm left both wanting more and itching to reread the whole series over again looking for those tiny, delicately scattered clues that this book will surely make obvious in retrospect.
Bravo once again, MWT.
August 25, 2017
Intensely satisfying and completely worth the wait. I love the characters, the twists...and Eugenides. Always Eugenides. <3
Seriously, one of the best series out there and this book is just as good as the others.
Pre-Review
This is officially a thing. 400 more glorious pages...I NEED THIS. I NEED IT NOW. I NEEDED IT YESTERDAY.
Seriously, one of the best series out there and this book is just as good as the others.
Pre-Review
This is officially a thing. 400 more glorious pages...I NEED THIS. I NEED IT NOW. I NEEDED IT YESTERDAY.
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