Book: The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen TurnerGenre: YA Fantasy
Rating: A
For: F2F Book club summer project
From: I bought it!
This is the continuing story of the thief boy we met in the first book called, The Thief. And this could be quite the tricky review since that first book ends in quite the twist, if I talk about this second book much at all, it will give away that twist!
Quandary!
So let's just say that our boy, the thief, gets mixed up in the middle of a war between all the three kingdoms of this world. It starts out with quite the horrendous thing that happens to him, in fact, it was one of those, wait, WHAT? moments for me. The, "did I just read what I thought I read?" sort of moments. And because of that incident, he has much to overcome.
But he makes a surprising decision, and it's all pretty amazing actually, how he manipulates things and what happens. In fact, I love how in this book, what you think is happening is not necessarily what is really happening, so stay on your toes!
I also love this book because even though it does get quite political, it is also very romantic in an unconventional sort of way. It's very hard to describe, but whatever it is, I loved it.
But the best thing I love about this book is the thief himself. What a dude! I don't know, there is just something about him that makes you love him no matter what. He is strong, yet vulnerable. Smart, yet silly. And so very funny. His sense of humor is a blast. And he puts this wall up around him that seems so impenetrable, and it's great to see how even that is not what it seems.
I'm totally enjoying the series. I can't wait to start the next one. (Though I am waiting just a bit, because I don't want it all over too fast!) And I can see what everyone's been talking about. These books are unique, not the same old same old that we (or at least I) seem to be caught up in lately.
Bottom line: I loved it!
Presenting Lenore
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Angieville
Yayyy, I love this book! And I totally know what you mean about the thing that happens - my sister had told me it was going to happen, but I thought she meant, like, much later on in the book. I had to read that part three times before it sunk in. How did you feel about, er, the other central thing that happens between the two characters also involved in the horrendous thing that happens?
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes! What you said. I loved these books and oh the twisting and turning that happens. Sigh. Can't wait to talk about these later this year.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Thief! I have this on hold at the library, so hopefully it gets in soon!:)
ReplyDeleteLol. Nice way to avoid the major spoiler, Jenny. :)
ReplyDeleteSuey, I am absolutely delighted that you enjoyed QUEEN so much. Like I've told you, it completely blew me away. I had the same reaction to that early incident. Could not believe I'd read what I'd read. Took pages to shake it off and keep going. And you're right about the best thing in this book (and series). Gen himself. I have very a sizable crush on him. He's just solid gold from top to bottom. And hilarious.
And the end is perfect. That is all there is to it. *happysigh*
So glad you've been converted to the Gen religion :)
ReplyDeleteI am also reading the series slowly to savor it!
Okay sound like this is a series that I need to check out. Going over to the library site and place these on hold.
ReplyDeleteJenny: How I feel about that other thing? It was weird at first, but then it felt so right!
ReplyDeleteMelissa: Me too. I hope everyone "gets" it.
Chantele: I look forward to seeing what you think!
Angie: Yes, Gen is wonderful. But I wish I knew how to say (or spell) is whole name!
Lenore: Ha! The Gen religion! Love it.
Jan: Yay! You'll love 'em!