Customer Reviews

A Conspiracy of Kings (Thief of Eddis)

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I enjoyed this book a lot. Turner continues to demonstrate her ability to construct beautiful sentences, moving descriptions of places, events and people, and elegant turns of phrase. There are the (for Turner) typical shining moments when characters reveal themselves, sometimes even to themselves. The reader learns more about Gen's world, its geography and history (the archipelago off the coast of Attolia and the impending all out war with the Medes suggests a future book in which the islands will play a prominent role and the possibility of a Salamis style naval battle with the Medes - I hope). We are reminded that Gen is 1) very young, 2) very very smart, 3) very very gifted, 4) willing to bear the burdens of both kingship and of those he loves, and 5) in need of a male friend to whom he can talk to and love more or less as an equal. We're also reminded that the gods work in subtle ways and that this is a world where violence is taken for granted even when regretted.

One reviewer asked why Gen was so "greedy". This seems a misreading of his motives which have to do with events foretold for Eddis and the impending conflict between the Medes and Eddis/Sounis/Attolia. Another reviewer found the epistolary style of the early part of the book off putting. I thought so too for the first few pages until the character to whom Sophos was writing became clear. One reviewer thought there was too little Gen. Gen isn't "onstage" in every scene, but I felt his presence continually in the actions and dialogue of the other characters. He remains the linchpin of the story. One reviewer questioned Sophos's intelligence and whether he was an interesting character. I read him as a very interesting character and quite smart, just not in a subtle and guarded "Gen" sort of way. One thing that struck me about Sophos as a character was that Turner was able to portray him as "royal" but in a very different way than Gen or Irene or Helen. By the end of _A Conspiracy of Kings_ I had a much better sense as to what made each of the rulers of Souris, Eddis, and Attolia uniquely suited to rule. This is in part to the different ways in which each has been introduced to the reader. One of the great things about this series is the way that Turner varies the point of view and other elements of the narrative structure while continuing the development of the characters, the plot and the setting. The density of the storytelling (which achieves a kind of paradoxical simplicity)contributes to the density of the story. The last scene of the book is utterly charming.

There are a number of fantasy writers whose books I look forward to reading but few writers whose books I look forward to rereading: Diana Wynne Jones, Patricia McKillip, C.J. Cherryh (for the most part), and Megan Whalen Turner.

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!

I'll just say it: I miss my thief. His Majesty, the King of Attolia has become more and more distant as these books progress. First he was Gen, a common thief, telling his story in an endearing first person. I loved him, and I loved that I, too, was tricked by the thief. I turned those last pages with my mouth open in shock that the braggart thief I had grown to respect for his stubbornness and wit was an even greater man than I thought.

For "The Queen of Attolia" he became Eugenides, a man whose life is related in third person, his thoughts a mystery, but the story at least told from his perspective. Then, in "The King of Attolia", I was denied even that. I was forced to sit and observe from the perspective of Costis, to be lured into his misconceptions and prejudices against the "King of Attolia," when I knew better. And now, in "A Conspiracy of Kings", he is donned (even more impersonally) "Attolis" and I see so little of the man I came here for. I am forced to snatch glances of the King through the eyes of Sophos, and desperately wish for more.

Sophos is not nearly the hero that Eugenides was.

His voice seems whiny and I found myself, if not skimming, at least hurrying through his story, which dominates the book. I just didn't care. I wanted to see the thief. Even the romance between Sophos and Eddis is not really fulfilling when I've already been privy to the complex relationship between Gen and Attolia. Can you imagine having to face the fact that you stole THE RIGHT HAND of the person you love? It seems unfathomable, unthinkable and yet, there it is, greeting Attolia every morning. I loved reading about it. I loved the scene in "The King of Attolia" where the queen touches the thief's face and he forgets, for an instant, that he is safe, he is loved, and believes he is once again at the mercy of a merciless queen. In comparison, Sophos and Eddis seem boring.

I want to read about the man who had the Queen of Attolia at his mercy--the woman who CUT OFF HIS GODDAMN HAND--and not only left her whole, but loved her. I came for the man who, mere pages after so successfully stealing the queen, was forced to stand imprisoned before Attolia, powerless, a pathetic sight, and swallow the knowledge that he would never die with dignity, he would lose everything--sight, sound, mind--and that the woman he loved would take it from him. And yet, he still had the courage to bait Attolia once more: "From shadow queen to puppet queen in one rule--that's very impressive."

"A Conspiracy of Kings" had all the classic elements I've seen--and loved--in Megan Whalen Turner's work: political intrigue, traitors, plot twists, romance, revelations, kidnapping, royal court drama--but it all seemed lacking without more of the thief. His personality is what draws me back. I spent the book longing for his appearances and however brief they were--I loved every second of them.

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!

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!

I've put off reviewing this book for weeks now, but I might as well spit it out. A Conspiracy of Kings is good...but it's not as good as the Thief trilogy. Under normal circumstances, I probably wouldn't hold that against the author - the Thief trilogy is so good it would be pretty darn hard to equal it, let alone top it. But these aren't normal circumstances, because Turner goes out of her way to remind us again and again of how much better the Thief books were. A Conspiracy of Kings is set in the same world as the Thief trilogy, and its protagonist Sophos sits squarely in Eugenides' shadow from start to finish.

I liked Sophos, I thought his story was interesting, and the writing is excellent of course...but Eugenides (Gen) seems to be lurking in the background of every major plot twist. Gen is such a compelling character, such a scene-stealer, that his mere presence sort of dooms any book that's not directly about him. When Sophos is alone, or far from Gen, he'll ask himself, "What would Gen do?"...and when he has the opportunity, he hies off to Attolia to ask. When Gen is nearby, he dominates the story. He's in charge, he delivers the tough love, he plants the seeds of Sophos' stratagems. And when it's not Gen, it's Attolia.

A Conspiracy of Kings kind of felt like a satellite, caught in the gravitational pull of the Thief books. I liked it - Turner has a gift, and I'll still buy anything she writes, no questions asked, but I kind of hope she either writes another book about Gen or cuts him out entirely.

The thing about the Queen's Thief books is that Megan Whalen Turner is so much better than just about anybody else writing children's fantasy, let alone fantasy for grown-ups, that when she's just really good instead of stupendous, it feels like a let-down. So yeah, I liked The King of Attolia best of all and yeah, I missed seeing more of Gen in this new book.

But Sophos's coming-of-age story is still very, very good. For one thing, no other writer raises questions about what it means to be human quite like Turner does. What if you don't like your fate? Is it okay to just kind of opt out? What does it mean to trust somebody, especially if that person is by definition untrustworthy? What is a friend, and when does power trump friendship--or does it? And what does that Spiderman theme really mean, "With great power comes great responsibility?"

For those of you who worry that Gen is exploiting Sophos and Eddis, I refer you to the title, A Conspiracy of Kings. Gen and Eddis are already conspiring when the book starts, and they push Sophos to grow up so that he can conspire with them. Because the mountain really IS going to fall down on Eddis, and the Medes really ARE going to invade these three smaller countries one of these days. Is Gen the king of kings here? Well, yeah--but we were told about that on the last few pages of The King of Attolia. (And Sophos would have been killed by a Mede or one of his barons in about five minutes if he'd tried to take the throne of Sounis without Gen as an ally.)

Then we have Turner's romances, in which political expediency necessarily plays a part, and people are awkward and have more than one motive, unlike in that whole traditional Barbie/Cinderella love story. (I mean, I'm a romantic, and I still know the real thing when I see it!)

When it comes to rich characterization, intricate plotting, thought-provoking explorations of human dilemmas, and finely tuned craftsmanship, Megan Whalen Turner is still unbeatable. Which is why, not just fantasy readers, but other fantasy authors look up to her.

Let's face it, we Megan Whalen Turner fans are spoiled. But that's a GOOD thing. And I'm happy to report that the author apparently has plans for two more books--more Gen to come!

Like many of you out there, I am a huge fan of Megan Whalen Turner's Queen's Thief series - though perhaps what I should really say is that I am a huge fan of her clever thief Eugenides. Ever since Ms. Turner turned my world upside-down after reading The King of Attolia, I have been waiting none too patiently for another installment of Gen. So it should come as no surprise that I'll admit to being the teeniest bit disappointed upon learning that the bulk of "A Conspiracy of Kings" follows the bookish Sophos from "The Thief" instead of Gen. And then I gave myself a mental face-slap and got down to business after reminding myself: it's Megan Whalen Turner and I will follow that woman anywhere she leads.

Sophos has never really wanted his life. Next in line to the throne of Sounis, he'd rather spend his days reading poetry than learning how to fight or the best way to converse with an ambassador. But to Sophos' credit, he's still trying to learn all that his father and uncle, the king, want - knowing even as he does so, that he's still a disappointment to them. But when his family is unexpectedly attacked by rebels - his sisters and mother gone and Sophos himself captured and brutalized and sold into slavery - does Sophos find himself relying on his training as a fighter and a leader in order to find the strength to fight for the country he loves.

What I love most about Megan Whalen Turner's books is that she expects a lot from her readers. She expects everyone to be intelligent as Sophos, the Magus, and Gen (although no one really ever could be as smart as Gen). Consequently I find myself often rereading passages so brilliant in their subtly that are never predictable except in their ability to render me speechless. And of course, there are many references to Gen - throwing ink pots and adoring his boots - but Sophos is the real star of A Conspiracy of Kings and he lives up to his role absolutely. Sophos is so genuine and determined and I love his humor and loyalty without hesitation.

Most likely due to his rough upbringing, Sophos is constantly plagued with feelings of self-doubt coupled with an immense sense of duty. Although he would much prefer to be left alone with his poetry and books, Sophos never ever backs down from his responsibilities to country and family. Even to the detriment of his own happiness. Take this passage on making tough decisions for example:

"What would I choose if I could have anything? Well, I wouldn't be useless. I would be the statesman my father wanted and the prince my country needed. But that wasn't what I was offered. I was still the same poor excuse for a prince that I had always been. Quite likely I would fail to be of any use at all -- to my father or anyone. When the rebelling barons were put down, I would see my uncle marry and produce an heir far superior to me, and I would be despised and useless and unwelcome even in my own home. That was what I was choosing.

I wonder if people always choose what will make them unhappy."

Sophos is sitting there, about to make what will become the most life-altering decision of his life and even though he knows it will be hard and will make him unhappy, he still CHOOSES WHAT IS HARDEST because he knows it to be the most necessary. And it's not just this once Sophos does this: he makes these hard choices again and again - knowing people may not love him for it, but knowing that it just needs to be done. A better man you could not find.

Also: The cover artwork for "A Conspiracy of Kings" is simply beautiful - the entire series has had superb covers actually, each one subtly foreshadowing little bits of the story perfectly. In this case, I think the man on the horse is a little too pretty to be Sophos but you have to agree that his detailed red coat is stunning and the movement of the horse and rider exquisite. Although what draws me to this cover above all is the tightly clenched fist, firmly wearing the golden lion signet ring. There is such power and determination in that single fist that captures Sophos spot-on.

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.

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.