A Conspiracy of Kings (Queen's Thief)

My relationship with this book started out cool, but now I am convinced it is the best book I will read this year.

Here are a few tips to really enjoy this book - I hope you will have as positive of a reading experience as I did:

Q1) Do you need to read any of MWT's books beforehand to enjoy this book?
A) Probably not, but it sure helps to re-read The Thief. The narrator of the book is Sophos. A secondary character in The Thief who has a charming personality. Refreshing your read of The Thief will bring this character (Sophos) to light as he comes of age and decides what kind of a man he is going to be in this book.

Q2)Should I buy this as an e-book or as a paper book?
A) I actually downloaded this first to my Kindle. Didn't like it that much - couldn't bond with the book. MWT has a wonderful command of the english language and her plots are dense, but light on their feet. It is easier to read this book in paper because it physically slows your reading down and you can refer back to dense (but nimble) sections.

Q3) For Young Adult Readers or for Adults?
A) For all--but it is definitely a mature plot line.

Q4) How does this fit with similar adventure/quest books like JK Rowling/ Harry Potter or Riodian's Lightning Thief?
A) MWTs books do not follow a formulaic structure. There are tremendous benefits to a formulaic structure - It makes for an easy read and easy bonding with the characters. It is easier to dive into those types of books since authors often don't write sequels rapidly. I found myself wishing for that type of familiarity to get me back into the author's mind/character's world. However, a simple re-reading of The Thief got me back there.

I can now say with confidence, I wouldn't trade MWT's structural choice for anything. She is doing something different, more complex and it allows you to get deeper into the world.

I will definitely be re-reading this book as well as the other in the series.

Well done MWT, well done!

This book was quite possibly my most anticipated title of 2010. For those not in the know, this is the fourth novel in the spectacular Queen's Thief series. The series that effectively robbed me of the ability to form coherent thoughts and/or sentences last February. The series that cast a complete spell over me and whose praises I have felt compelled to sing ever since. The series Ana and I had more than one spontaneous Twitter lovefest over. The series that was, hands down, my best discovery of 2009. So. Here we go.

Sophos has had it rough since parting ways with his old friend Gen after the adventures of The Thief and their narrow escape from the Queen of Attolia's dungeon. In fact, things have gone rather downhill from there for the reluctant heir to the throne of Sounis. Having once again disappointed his father by preferring poetry and philosophy to politics and strategy, Sophos finds himself tutorless and packed off home in disgrace. But when an unidentified armed force storms his family's estate, his mother and sisters disappear and Sophos himself is abducted and sold into slavery. And suddenly the choice of whether or not to take up the mantle of his responsibilities is taken out of his hands and he is able to exist in blissful anonymity, doing manual labor building walls during the day and entertaining his fellow laborers with epic poems and tales around the fire at night. But life will not hold still for Sophos and even he can't fool himself into believing he can watch his country tear itself apart and not want to fight to save it. And so he chooses to fight and to step into the role he's been dreading his whole life. And when it comes to intrigue and subterfuge and playing a part, Sophos knows just the person he can call on.

There is nothing like reading a Megan Whalen Turner book. I mean nothing. You open the book to that first page and you just feel so at peace. Don't get me wrong, you're filled with an almost unbearable paroxysm of anticipation, joy, and anxiety on behalf of these characters you've come to care about so much it's almost a surprise to remember they're not real and you've never met. But you feel at peace, secure in the knowledge that everything is going to play out so beautifully, so perfectly, so achingly subtle, that there's no fear on your part. It's an unmatched reading experience and one to be treasured and taken out on cold nights and experienced all over again. I knew I was going to fall in love with Sophos in this volume. He was clearly so full of potential in book one, a few tantalizing hints here and there, and then he disappeared so utterly that I knew when he did come back, he would come back with a vengeance. And so he does. And so does Gen. And they're all four there in their Sounisian, Eddisian, and Attolian individuality and awesomeness and I quite honestly found it difficult not to stand up and applaud after reading each scene where they're talking or plotting or just sending each other meaningful glances and thinly veiled threats. Which, of course, is kind of every five pages or so. And I tried, I tried to stay on top of things, marking who was scheming what and which hidden motivations belonged to whom. And still, still they all surprised me! Which, of course, is exactly the way I hoped it would be. And the ending? The ending is perfect. The kind of perfect that makes me smile and clasp the book to my chest.

Here is a small scene fairly early on that contains no spoilers except, perhaps, for The Thief. So if you haven't read the first book, definitely skip this bit, which is taken from the uncorrected ARC. Otherwise, enjoy.

***

When we were adventuring after Hamiathes's Gift, I had watched the magus beat Eugenides. We'd thought he was no more than a common thief named Gen from Sounis's gutters, and had listened to him whine and complain for days. When food was missing, it was easy to blame him. The magus used a riding crop on his back, and holy sacrificial lambs, Gen had come up off the ground like he'd been catapulted. It was as if he was a different person, some stranger who'd manifested in Gen's body. He'd dumped Pol flat onto his back--something I never thought I'd see--and gone for the magus. If Pol hadn't been up again so quickly, the magus was ready to run and dignity be damned. Even with Pol between him and Gen, the magus had been wary.

I thought later that this was the real Gen revealed, the person who'd been hiding behind a screen of complaints and needling humor. But I spent whole days with Eugenides after our adventures, and that Eugenides was exactly the Gen I had traveled with. Maybe I don't know which Gen is real. But I know there was nothing feigned about his emotions after he had been beaten.

Where, I wondered, was my wounded pride? Where was my outrage? My self-respect? Nowhere, it seemed. My back hurt. I lay there on my pallet, hoping it would improve soon and wondering, in a distant, unreproachful sort of way, if I was any kind of man at all and decided that I probably wasn't.

***

Oh, Sophos. You are so earnest and self-deprecating and you have a good heart. I loved making this journey with you.

Followers of Turner's Attolia series will have wondered what became of young Sophos, the heir to Sounis' throne, whose mysterious disappearance was mentioned in books but never resolved. A CONSPIRACY OF KINGS will answer all their questions, while offering even more.

Never interested in ruling or the skills of leadership, Sophos has grudgingly followed his tutors' lessons and then lost himself in the books he prefers. But when his family is attacked and he himself kidnapped and sold as a slave, he finds himself questioning exactly what sort of man he wants to be. Political schemes abound, from the quarreling barons of Sounis to the unscrupulous interest of the Medes, all of whom want to take control of Sophos in their own version of slavery.

But who can Sophos turn to for help, when he's unsure he can even trust his old friend, Gen, now King of Attolia?

A CONSPIRACY OF KINGS offers all the political intrigue and clever plotting of the previous Attolia books, and fans will easily devour it in one sitting. Turner's quick pacing and twisting storylines keep readers on their toes and make the book often impossible to put down.

While Sophos is perhaps not as intriguing a main character as Eugendies, he has more to him than even he initially suspects, and by the end proves himself worthy of having a book devoted to him. The transitions between his first-person narration and the more distant third-person portions of the book felt somewhat awkward, but as you get sucked into the story, that's easy to forgive.

Recommended to all who enjoy fantasy, though readers will get the most out of this book if they read the previous three titles in THE QUEEN'S THIEF series first.

Reviewed by: Lynn Crow

This 4th book in the Queen’s Thief series returns us to the he character from the first novel, Sophos. Sophos is the heir of the king of Sunnis but he is unsure of himself. When he is kidnapped and forced into slavery he discovers strength he didn’t know he had. Strength he will need if he survives his ordeals and finds himself King.

And don’t worry our favorite Thief has a role to play as well.

This series is exceptional in the ingenious weaving of intrigue and subterfuge. You hear this every time, in every high fantasy novel but none holds true as for this series. It does not blast you with unrelenting bleakness as Game of Thrones, it has an unnerving feel of an "It just is" world, and that springs life into characters in a way that Game of Thrones fails to do so, the overtones of bleakness blots out the individual emotions of characters, dulling them. Don't get me wrong I love game of Thrones however this author connects everything from the beginning to the end in each novel, we are not left wondering over potentially useless subplots, and there is no needless dying for the sake of shock factor. Give this novel a try, I urge you, and assure you, this novel will not disappoint.

Important: Conspiracy of Kings should not be read without first reading Turner's first three Attolia books, starting with The Thief. I know not everyone makes it past The Thief, which is too bad. Turner's world is genuinely original, avoiding the cliches and obvious plot twists of similar YA fantasy. She reveals it so deliberately, so delicately, it's a crime to miss the pleasure of reading the books in order.

Each of the four books is a Coming of Age story, although not always the one it first seems to be. And we get to grow up along with the characters: we start with a juvenile, self-centered point of view (the first act of Conspiracy of Kings mirrors Gen's imprisonments at the beginning of The Thief and Queen of Attolia) and we mature to a greater understanding of the world: its queens, diplomats, battles and politics. These are stories of young people and their almost-adult (but far from adoslescent) struggles with courage and responsibility, with religion and with love. In Conspiracy of Kings we rejoin young Sounis -- last seen in The Thief -- a bookish but brave prince who grows (through some touching and believable trials) into the larger-than life confidence and courage he'll need -- if he ever makes it to the throne. Gen and Attolia are back, as are Eddis and the Medes -- each familiar but each, once again, revealed anew.

I do get a little impatient with Turner's quasi-Greek God model of historical fantasy, which tends to feel derivative (why not integrate real Greek Gods? What's gained by the departure?) But this installment doesn't dwell on it too much. And in the end, it's very good, if not very great. Like other Turner fans, I'm both reverent and heartbroken at her devotion to the slow and careful crafting of these books. If only it were MORE! But then it wouldn't be Attolia.

I am really enjoying the Thief of Eddis series. In every book so far the ending is completely different from what you think it will be. Gen (the Thief) always has a secret plan that isn't revealed until the last second. I didn't think Turner would be able to catch me off guard while I read this book (the 4th in the series) but she succeeded! It's an easy read, no gore, no sex, and it's terribly unique which is refreshing. I recommend it if you're looking for something fun or a book that gives you a break from some heavier reading. I think, of the entire series, the first book, "The Thief" is my favorite. It does keep getting better though.

Book four of one of my favorite series. Megan Turner does a really good job of capturing you with her interesting story lines and lively characters, and giving you a fun ride with unexpected twists and turns. She manages to keep surprising you in each of the four books. Book four was my least favorite only because Gen was a more distant character than the previous books. That said, it is still a very well-written book that I highly recommend.

Other reviewers have said that they didn't think this book is the strongest in the series, but that isn't as much a reflection Conspiracy as it is on the quality of the series. I wouldn't recommend this book as a stand alone, why miss out on the quality reading that precedes this one? Turner creates a rich and believable world without tedious or lengthy detail, and the characters have become so real to me that I continue to wonder what is happening in their lives long after the books have been read. I even (or especially) wonder about the more minor characters. What happened to Costis? I hope he makes another appearance, along with Relius, Teleus, Philologos, and others. Will we learn more about Sophos's brave sisters or even cousin Agape who is so much like Eddis? The Mede will certainly be back, and earth shattering events (literally) loom on the horizon. Not to mention the heir and/or heirs that are referred to several times. Please keep the sequels coming!!!!

I hope that readers of all ages and gender will not be put off by the YA label. I imagine the series is put into that genre because it lacks graphic content and isn't extremely lengthy, but it lacks nothing for depth of plot. Each character is so different, many very non-stereotypical, and all are portrayed with complex emotions, motivations, and responses. I'll end with what is my strongest praise for any book or series; it is one of the very few that I reread, and it delights me every time.

Whenever people complain about YA fantasy today- that it's full of vampires, werewolves, drugs and unhealthy relationships- I think of Megan Whalen Turner's series and sigh with relief. These books are SO GOOD. A Conspiracy of Kings was by far my most anticipated release of 2010 and Turner does not disappoint. Throughout this series, I have known myself to be in the hands of a deft storyteller who knows exactly where she wants her story to go and how to take her readers there. She does not talk down to her audience. I'm well over the YA age by now, and found myself going backwards and trying to sort out everything that happened.

Turner's series reminds me so much of what I imagine Ancient Greece must have been like, with the gods just as wrapped up in the action (though not so obviously) as the people. This book is no exception, though since it is not told from Gen's point of view, we do not have as much knowledge about that. It's a story of people, yes, but also families and countries and the fates. I know that many are upset that Gen isn't in this book as much. I miss him, too, but I love the way we are getting the perspective of so many different people, too. I got to know Sophos so much better in this book and I hope that in the next book, Turner takes on one of her female characters and gives us their perspective. And Sophos is a strong character. He comes into his own here, and I really liked being there with him as it happened.

And I LOVE how Turner's female characters are so strong and intelligent and secure. They are just as much movers and shakers as the men are. That is played up a great deal in this book, as Sophos must decide whether some women are trustworthy and intelligent. I also love how Turner uses the first person and third person. Often, I feel that authors change person just to be "literary" or different, but she uses it to such great effect, and it was very powerful.

I believe this book is in the middle of the series- supposedly there are two more planned. In that way, it sets things up more than it does much else. The plot is resolved, yes, but it is just one move in a very complicated chess game. I am excited to see what happens next, and I look forward to the next books in the series. Hopefully it won't be too long of a wait!

Other reviewers have said that they didn't think this book is the strongest in the series, but that isn't as much a reflection Conspiracy as it is on the quality of the series. I wouldn't recommend this book as a stand alone, why miss out on the quality reading that precedes this one? Turner creates a rich and believable world without tedious or lengthy detail, and the characters have become so real to me that I continue to wonder what is happening in their lives long after the books have been read. I even (or especially) wonder about the more minor characters. What happened to Costis? I hope he makes another appearance, along with Relius, Teleus, Philologos, and others. Will we learn more about Sophos's brave sisters or even cousin Agape who is so much like Eddis? The Mede will certainly be back, and earth shattering events (literally) loom on the horizon. Not to mention the heir and/or heirs that are referred to several times. Please keep the sequels coming!!!!

I hope that readers of all ages and gender will not be put off by the YA label. I imagine the series is put into that genre because it lacks graphic content and isn't extremely lengthy, but it lacks nothing for depth of plot. Each character is so different, many very non-stereotypical, and all are portrayed with complex emotions, motivations, and responses. I'll end with what is my strongest praise for any book or series; it is one of the very few that I reread, and it delights me every time.

Whenever people complain about YA fantasy today- that it's full of vampires, werewolves, drugs and unhealthy relationships- I think of Megan Whalen Turner's series and sigh with relief. These books are SO GOOD. A Conspiracy of Kings was by far my most anticipated release of 2010 and Turner does not disappoint. Throughout this series, I have known myself to be in the hands of a deft storyteller who knows exactly where she wants her story to go and how to take her readers there. She does not talk down to her audience. I'm well over the YA age by now, and found myself going backwards and trying to sort out everything that happened.

Turner's series reminds me so much of what I imagine Ancient Greece must have been like, with the gods just as wrapped up in the action (though not so obviously) as the people. This book is no exception, though since it is not told from Gen's point of view, we do not have as much knowledge about that. It's a story of people, yes, but also families and countries and the fates. I know that many are upset that Gen isn't in this book as much. I miss him, too, but I love the way we are getting the perspective of so many different people, too. I got to know Sophos so much better in this book and I hope that in the next book, Turner takes on one of her female characters and gives us their perspective. And Sophos is a strong character. He comes into his own here, and I really liked being there with him as it happened.

And I LOVE how Turner's female characters are so strong and intelligent and secure. They are just as much movers and shakers as the men are. That is played up a great deal in this book, as Sophos must decide whether some women are trustworthy and intelligent. I also love how Turner uses the first person and third person. Often, I feel that authors change person just to be "literary" or different, but she uses it to such great effect, and it was very powerful.

I believe this book is in the middle of the series- supposedly there are two more planned. In that way, it sets things up more than it does much else. The plot is resolved, yes, but it is just one move in a very complicated chess game. I am excited to see what happens next, and I look forward to the next books in the series. Hopefully it won't be too long of a wait!

... once you've opened this book.

I pretty much dropped everything to read this book -- the fourth in Megan Whalen Turner's "Queen's Thief" series -- the moment B&N called me to tell me it was in. I so love this series, I had to contain my giggles as I paid for it and cracked it for the first time.

I was sent the first six chapters + the prologue from the publisher, so I skimmed a bit and then dove right in, abdicating all responsibility for my family or my home. I've been waiting for this book since 2006, so sue me.

So, for those who know the series, this book focuses on Sophos, the heir to the throne of Sounis who disappeared somewhere during The Queen of Attolia, the second book. He's been having a rough time of it. Being more of a poet than a warrior, he was overmatched from the start and really never had a chance against his uncle's enemies.

But Sophos needed this. As much as his father tried to make a 'manly man' out of him, Sophos was still pampered and surrounded by servants who took care of him. Sure, he learned some sword play, and he wasn't a complete loser, but he'd much rather compose an ode than learn to defend himself on the field of battle or in a fractious court.

Well, a surprise attack and subsequent enslavement by one's own countrymen tends to change a guy.

I'm still processing this one. I don't want to give anything away here, but I will admit there were times I thought Sophos was a little more Forrest Gump than I liked. The movie Forrest Gump, who was far less interesting than the original book version, I promise you.

But that's Turner's way. Things are rarely as they seem. I figured out several of the 'surprises' but it's going back and finding the subtle foreshadowing that provides so much of the after-the-fact fun. Even though I know her style, I still got sent down the wrong path multiple times even as the answers were right in front of my face.

Truly an amazing and under-appreciated writer, Megan Whalen Turner has created a world that I go back to again and again. As I've said before, I keep the books near at hand so I can just pick one up and start reading anywhere and be entertained. Now that they're on Kindle, I can really have them at the ready.

Was this book as good as the previous -- The King of Attolia? As I said, I'm still processing, but my first instinct is 'no'. K of A was a tough act to follow, but this is by no means less than great. I didn't want to put it down for a second and that wasn't out of loyalty to one of my favorite authors. That was pure enjoyment.

There are some nice romantic moments here, and there are some hints for things that might happen later. One thing that worries me in particular, but I trust MWT not to cut my heart out. She'll make it bleed a little, but I'm pretty sure she'll leave it intact.

This is a YA book, so no X-rated content but there is romance. Lots of political intrigue, suspense and some mild violence.

Now, I'm going back to the beginning and reading it again. :D

First of all, in order to appreciate this book fully, we just have to understand that this one is not "another Eugenides' escapade", but rather another chapter in the turbelent history of the three kingdom.

Then you'll love it as much as I do.

Sophos is definitely no Gen (who can be?) but he's endearing in his own ways. I love how his character were developing along the story. The difference between the inane and rather childish heir of Sounis and His Majesty, the Lion of Sounis is immense but also utterly believable.

For me, the developing of Sophos as a character is really important to keep the story going. As a king, Gen can't really work single-handedly any more (no pun intended!). He also really need a friend who is his peer as well. To Eddis, he will always be her Thief while he must be the King for Attolia. The old sheltered and pampered Sophos would have no place in this world of political intrigue and would not be worthy of Attolis's trust or Eddis' love, not to mention being an ally against the Medes. No more worry about that.

I also love how the differences between Sophos and Gen were portrayed and how much they resembled each other at the end. Sophos has never been comfortable with his title and always worried about his own competence, while Gen is born to be Thief of Eddis and always sure of himself. However, they both accept the weight of kingship eventhough they would preferred it the other ways.

As usual, Turner's prose is succinct but beautiful and the book is full of those gorgeously crafted scene where the characters truly shine (Sophos's theatre scene took my breath away), where the touching emotions showed (Eddis' farewell) and where it's just utterly hilarious and true to the characters (That tripping and shoving maneuver make me laugh out loud).

I disagree with some of the comments on the action of Gen and Eddis. We have seen it coming that there would be a merge between Eddis and others, both from the visions on volcano that Gen and Eddis have and what the gods said to young princess Helen in the short story in book 2. The only way to save the population of Eddis is to move them. I'm starting to see that as the political reason of why Gen need to be Attolis as well. Combining with the land of Sounis that Eddis would secure by marriage, the Eddisian would surely survive. Plus, to fight off the Medes, they truly have to fight as one. The annux title would give Gen the right to wield all the forces. The change of relationship also was foreshadowed since the beginning, when Gen expressed his sadness that Sophos is already Sounis. Like what Eddis said afterward, the moral and honor of sovereigns are different from those of philosophers

On Eddis being lovesick and doing nothing but wrinkling her hand, well she's not in her own country! Since everything is happening in Attolia, it's only right that the visiting monarch can't do much. However, it was hinted all the way through that Gen discussed every move with her and they even manipulate Sophos together.

The only thing I hate about this book is that it rendered me unable to read any new stuff for a while. The vivid world of Turner's truly stuck in my head. Help!

After multiple disappointments from quick-start-taper-off authors, I am happy to report that this fourth in the "The Queen's Thief" series is as good as the rest, and better because it has built on them.

Although this book is not quite as compelling as some of the earlier ones, she is obviously setting up things for the plot to continue. The prior books had more of a stand-alone feel to them.

I think her books are great and cannot wait to read the next.