The Queen's Thief Series by Megan Whalen Turner

Books in this series:
(1) The Thief
(2) The Queen of Attolia
(3) The King of Attolia
(4) A Conspiracy of Kings

Author: Megan Whalen Turner
Source: Borrowed
Format: Paperback except #4
Genre: Speculative Fiction - Fantasy


Enthralling. Captivating. Amazing. These are among the best words that I can use to summarise how I feel towards this fabulous series. The moment I start reading the first book, The Thief, I have a feeling that right then I’m holding something unique, I’m diving into something spectacular and I believe – without any doubt – that these books have the capability to sweep me away. After finishing all four books in a span of less than a week, my earlier prediction turns out to be true. I have unquestionably fallen deeply in love with this series. Written in a simplistic ways with a very comfortable pacing, The Queen's Thief is indeed a series that's full with surprises and I hope that I can deliver this review spoiler free while at the same time showing all of you what is it that I love about this series.

In The Thief, readers are being introduced to the most important character in the entire series – Eugenides or in short, “Gen”. He is young. He is hilarious. He is egocentric. And most crucial of all, he is the thief. He claims that he is genius enough to steal everything but apparently, he is also foolish enough that he brags about his most recent stealing activity at a bar, which leads to his imprisonment in a jail at Sounis. One day, the King’s Magus offers him freedom but in return he has to steal something for him. Here is where everything begins, where Gen and his companions – The Magus, his apprentices, Sophos and Ambiades, and a guard named Pol – start their adventure across three adjacent kingdoms, Sounis, Eddis and Attolia, to retrieve something no one else really believes exists. Narrated by the humorous Gen himself, readers get to see glimpses of his own thoughts and a delicious, detail account of his dazzling journey.

However, one thing that Gen – at all time – manage to keep to himself is the fact that he is actually more than what he lets everyone else sees. How clever this smelly, constantly starving character really is? Pieces by pieces of this intricate puzzle are being revealed rather slowly in the subsequent volumes in the series. It is surprising to me that The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia and A Conspiracy of Kings are no longer being narrated by Gen but from the eyes of two queens, a king and a mere guard. This drastic change is absolute necessary as the pace of the series moves up a notch and the plot thickens and becomes more complicated. Here we can see where Eugenides true power really lies and eventually finds out what other intricate things that this amazing character is able to steal.

While it is clear that I am terribly in love with the main character, Eugenides, the female figures in these books are also ones to be admired. Both queen of Eddis and Attolia portray two very strong-willed ladies with heads of their own. This is something that I think I rarely see in today’s books. The way they handle matters in hands are incredible and creepy at times too. Another aspect that really drew me into these books is the author’s way of establishing romance between Euginedes and his lady. You won’t find any “I love you’s” nor any scenes that clearly indicates that these two are in love. Though what is lack in words are made up through gestures, which ends up thoroughly melt and warm my heart. Little words do speak volume, these books really prove that.

Overall, this series is definitely my best read for this year. I know there are still months till the end of 2010, but these books have set the bar so high that I doubt any other books can beat it. While I cannot reveal what other things that Eugenides successfully steal in this series, I can tell you that in the span of few days, he had snuck into my senses and completely steal my heart.

Favourite Quote: You are treasure beyond any price - Eugenides

19 comments:

  1. Incredible and creepy? Whoa, that is interesting. I already marked them as to be read on GReads.

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  2. I'm reading one a month all summer. Just finished The King. I agree with you. It's a unique and amazing story with one of the best characters I've ever come across.

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  3. Whoa! You finished all these books so quickly! They must be great, then. I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  4. Great review! I've added them to my goodreads list as well. Thank you for recommending them! I'm glad you enjoyed them so much!

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  5. Loved, praised, an devoured? Awesome review!

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  6. Your review won me, definitely on my must read list. Thanks for the glowing recommendation!

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  7. It took me a really long time to pick up The Thief when I bought it for my library. I didn't really know more about it than that it was an award winning book. Then, eventually, I decided to read it and thought it was very good -- but I didn't know there were sequels. When I found them I read them and liked them too. I have the fourth book and want to read the others again to refresh my memory of the story. So far, I have read only The Thief again. I keep getting sidetracked by new books I want to read. I am glad that you enjoy the series. Happy reading! (Here from the CEP).

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  8. I'm from the CEP

    Great review! You have got me curious about the series - I added it to an Amazon order to see if it is really as good as everyone says it is :)

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  9. Here from the CEP!

    I love these books! And Eugenides! Oh, how he makes me feel all warm and squishy inside.

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  10. I'm here from the CEP. I hadn't heard of this book but I will have to give it a try now. great review.

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  11. I've not heard of this series before. Thanks for sharing--Sounds like something I could get lost in!

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  12. Never heard of this before but this sounds really good! Your review is really detailed and consistent! I really like the format of it! Great job!

    Here from CEP =)

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  13. sounds like you really enjoyed it looks interesting!

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  14. Great review! I've heard nothing but good things about this series. I really need to give it a try. Hope you enjoy the rest of the series!

    via CEP

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  15. I haven't heard of this series before but it sounds great! Will definitely check it out. I love a series that you can just speed through.

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  16. Here from CEP.
    I hadn't heard of this series before, but it sounds like a series I might enjoy.

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  17. I loved the first three books in this series and still need to read the fourth. I absolutely LOVE Gen! Wonderful review. I'm impressed by the way you shared your love for the series without revealing spoilers. :)

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  18. Oh I loved this series as well! Whats the CEP that everyone seems to have come from?

    I reviewed them here - http://readseverything.blogspot.com/2010/06/megan-whaler-turner-thief-and-series.html
    but your review is much better with fantastic details.

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