Megan Whalen Turner: The Thief

I hadn't ever expected to read this book.  But when two of your former students show up to your football game with wrapped presents and strict instructions as to which order to unwrap/read the presents, and to avoid looking for the third book at all costs until the second book was finished, I couldn't NOT read it!!

And to be honest, I wasn't totally thrilled with this book until about page 200.  And then I couldn't put it down.  And then the end hit me like I had just ran into a brick wall and because it didn't hurt enough the first time, I went back and repeated the action. 

I can't say much about the book.  The twist at the end should not be revealed until the reader gets to that page and experiences it with the other characters. 

I am amazed at Turner's ability to suck a reader in, and totally mess with the reader. 

Let's just say that Gen is the best thief ever.  We experience the story through his eyes/voice, and while I didn't love him, he did grow on me. 

I need to read the next book to get more of a grasp on the big picture, so I apologize for the very vague and unhelpful "review."  I liked the characters, when the action got underway, and the mythology throughout the book.  Some of the names/places/backstory are frustrating and confusing, but at the end everything becomes worthwhile!!

On to The Queen of Attolia!!