Has anybody read The Thief and its sequel, The Queen of Attolia, by Megan Whalen Turner? They are classified as YA but I find them deeply satisfying books to read, with convincing characters, a sensible plot and lots of subtle humour. The Thief won the Newbery Honor Book Award.

The Thief is narrated by Gen, thrown into prison for stealing the king's seal and then boasting about it in a wine shop. The king's magus needs Gen's skills to steal an item hidden in the neighbouring country of Attolia. Gen, the magus, and a few companions set off, and immediately Gen's cocky, brash attitude sets the others on edge. In return, Gen despises the snobbish companions who have press-ganged him into making the journey.

The romance that develops in The Queen of Attolia is only hinted at in The Thief, but it is definitely worth reading this book first. In fact, the first time I read The Thief I went back and reread it immediately. The book has several twists, and what you learn at the end changes how you read the begining.

I do hope somebody else has read these books which are amongst my favourites. I have found this website invaluable in recommending the books I enjoy. I've just finished War of the Oaks which I would never have discovered otherwise, and found it every bit as good as you all said.

I read the two books within the last couple of years and meant to write a review but never got around to it.  They're really impressive books, aren't they?  

Ita, the funny thing is, I just ordered hardback copies from Amazon last week to 1) support the author, 2) to have personal copies of such great books, and 3) re-read them so I can write a review of them.

Maybe Turner is one of those pesky muse-driven authors like Robin McKinley or Laura Kinsale, who seem to live to drive readers crazy.

Preeti

Great news!  Thanks.

_The Thief_ was an instant favorite for me.  It had such a great twist added to an already superb tale.

These books are certainly among the best books I ever read! I already pre-ordered the King of Attolia from amazon. I hope this book has alot more about Gen's and Attolia's relationsip; I just LOVED that!