Maggie's March Picks

A Conspiracy of Kings comes out this month, and so, in honor of that, I am choosing the Queen's Thief series, by Megan Whalen Turner, as my March picks (sorry that you are getting them towards the end of March - I have been trying to post this for like ever now and am having a bear of a time with the layout/font/publishing issues. I, of course, blame blogger entirely. And now, back to talking books...)

For those of you who have read Graceling/Fire and loved them, this has a similar feel to it but with even more intrigue. The first book, The Thief, has a pretty hideous cover and so that might have scared you away (I understand, it is really hard to overlook an ugly cover) but do not let it! Rarely does a series improve with every book but I can tell you that, in my opinion, The King of Attolia (the last one in the series so far) is even better than the first two. I know, right?! Also, there are only a handful of books I have read multiple times, and these are on the list. So, if you haven't read them, give them a try! -Maggie

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
(See what I mean about the cover?)

Publisher Weekly Review of The Thief: The bragging thief Gen is sprung from prison by the king in order to carry out a mission-steal the precious stone Hamiathes's Gift from an impossible hiding place. If he succeeds, he'll be rewarded. If he fails, he will be killed. If he runs away, he will be hunted down. Half prisoner, half outlaw legend, Gen goes along with the king's assistant in the risky plan. Set in a semi-Mediterranean realm of old and new gods and goddesses, this compelling adventure propels readers along through the enemy lands of Sounis, Eddis and Attolia. Gen, a beguiling narrator, is afraid of horses but not of entering a locked labyrinth; he comes from a long line of thieves but puts honor first. Turner's (Instead of Three Wishes) device of having Gen and others tell god and goddess stories around the campfire bumpily draws the reader away from the main story, yet the plot is strong enough to survive the wanderings. In addition to its charismatic hero, this story possesses one of the most valuable treasures of all-a twinkling jewel of a surprise ending.

The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
(This cover is slightly better but still not great. The paperback covers of both The Thief and The Queen are WAY better but alas, I would rather spend my book budget on new books instead of replacing ones we already have so just get over the covers and try them!)
I'm not going to put a book review up here for this one because it will ruin The Thief's fantastic ending. You'll just have to read it!


The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
(Finally, they start to get the covers right - all of the paperbacks match this one.)

As I mentioned earlier, this one is my favorite so far and it still amazes me that that is the case. With the exception of Harry Potter, no series of books that I have read get better and so that is one of the many reasons I truly love this series. Also, as I said above, I can't tell you anything about this story either because it will give away what happens in the two previous books.


A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
(Released Tues, March 23)

I don't know if you all care about book reviews from nationally trusted and respected magazines, but in case that does matter to you, this book has gotten a starred review from almost all of them: Publisher's Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Horn Book.


“Megan Whalen Turner is one of my all-time favorite writers. A Conspiracy of Kings is impossible to put down.” (Holly Black, author of the Modern Faerie Tales Series)

“The world Turner creates is so tangible that not only do I believe in its characters, I almost believe in its gods.” (Kristin Cashore, author of Graceling)

Happy Reading! -Maggie