a fascinating second installment
The intrigue and emotional investment of both characters and reader are heightened in this second book about the thief, Eugenides. The story opens with Gen sneaking through the back passages and secret tunnels of the Attolian palace. When he is unexpectedly captured, the Queen wreaks a terrible revenge on him not only for his theft of Hiamathes Gift, but even more for the defiance Gen dared show her at their last meeting. Afterward, Gen's own Queen enlists his help in political maneuvering against the warring kingdoms that surround them, especially now that the powerful and wealthy Medes from across the sea are aiding Attolia in her bid for dominance. Will Gen be able to aid his Queen and save her throne? Can he outsmart two opposing monarchs, their henchmen, and their interlopers? What can the Thief possibly steal to win a war?
I love Ms. Turner's use of language, her layered plots, and her multi-faceted characters. Is anyone truly all good or all bad? Maybe, but which ones? I love her inclusion of Greek-style folk tales; she is obviously a top-notch scholar in the field, and they add interesting tones and shadows to the overall plot and character development.
