Thick as Thieves (Queen’s Thief, 5)

The Queen’s Thief series is one of my favorite fantasy series ever, and the fact that these books come out every few years, builds such a delicious amount of anticipation, which I find is always fully rewarded once I get going with one of Megan Whalen Turner’s books. It takes awhile for the book to be written, but the way the plot is carefully developed - where the reader doesn’t always know everything that is going on until the very end - makes it such a satisfying read. All of the books in the Queen’s Thief series is built on a kind of twist and now that I expect it with the series, it was so interesting to read this book, looking for where the surprise will be. Thick as Thieves is a different kind of adventure to the previous books in the series, and centers on the point of view and personality of Kamet - a very intelligent, slightly prejudiced, sheltered servant who finds himself on the run with an Attolian. Most of the story is built on the relationship between Kamet and the Attolian (another delicious aspect to this story is that we are not told who the Attolian is, until almost the end of the book.) I loved the way the characters were developed in this - with enough action and close, daring escapes to make the plot move quickly. Kamet as a character was also fascinating to watch develop. He is a good man, but with flaws, and it was rewarding to see him become a better person through his ordeal. Although we are kept at a distance from the Attolian because we only see him through Kamet’s eyes - the Attolian’s character development was also noteworthy because of how the reader can interpret his character better than Kamet does because Kamet is hampered by his preconceived ideas. I’m always in awe of how intricately the books in the Queen’s Thief series are written, and Thick as Thieves was another wonderful installment. There were some previous characters that I would have liked to see more of, but I love that the author takes such different approaches to each book in the series, and seeing how the world-building comes together makes for a wonderful immersive reading experience.

Another re-read because this series is always re-readable. The point of view this time around is that of Kamet. He was formerly the slave of Nahuseresh the Mede. Kamet has a bit of a superiority complex, and starts out speaking to everyone in a haughty manner. Then a mysterious Attolian shows up to steal him away. Everything Kamet once knew has suddenly changed. Kamet and the Attolian learn to work together while navigating through the country (in secret) in order to escape to Attolia. Kamet is under the misguided impression that the Attolian is a stupid barbarian, and the Attolian is trying to keep Kamet safe. And free. I always liked how the Attolian is nameless for the bulk of the story. The first time I read this, I was really puzzled about that choice. Since I've read it before, I know who he is, and I appreciate him more. Good story, but not as great as the others. There wasn't nearly enough of Eugenides, Attolia and Relius in it, and no Eddis, the Magus or Sounis. Only one more left in the series, which is indeed a shame.

Kamet is happy to be a powerful slave to a powerful man. His master, Nahuseresh, may have fallen out of favor a bit over that small disaster in Attolia, but Nahuseresh is still the Emperor's nephew and brother to the heir. Kamet hoards his power and favors carefully as he knows he's destined to become the most powerful slave in the Mede empire and perhaps the second most powerful man, second only to the Emperor himself. Kamet's been trained all his life for this. Kamet's happy with his lot in life, greedily eyeing his destination and putting up with beatings as part of the status quo, until he's stolen at Eugenides' command. The King of Attolia takes his spite out on Kamet, sending an Attolian soldier to steal the slave away on the very day his master is poisoned. And thus begins Kamet's slow torturous journey to freedom he does not want in a kingdom he despises as a backward cesspit. There are many discoveries along the twisting road to freedom, friends made and found, gods wandering anonymously, and behind it all - overlapping intrigues and plans-within-plans - is our favorite thief. And behind him stand the gods. Megan Whalen Turner is at her twisty best. Everything we love about the Queen’s Thief series is here and in play again. We are immersed in Eugenides’ world in a fantastic read that I will immediately re-read just to see what hints or twists I missed. There’s so much about the human spirit, slavery, freedom, and friendship in this book. It’s all cleverly hidden in a story that’s almost impossible to put down to eat and sleep. Megan Whalen Turner is an incredible writer and every bit of that talent is invested in the hidden cracks and crannies of this story. My only quibble with this book is that it ended and I must wait for the next book.

One of my favourite authors and a great book. Really fast delivery.

I was surprised to learn there was a new book in the series, and had to order it immediately when I found out. It lived up to and exceeded my expectations :)

The latest installment in the Queen's Thief series is as brilliant as its predecessors. Eugenides aka The Thief does not make an entry until three quarters into the story.But he has been pulling the strings far longer.Now that that's out of the way, let's concentrate on why I liked the book.I wasn't fond of Kamet the slave from the earlier books in the series.The way he spirited his master Nahuseresh right under the nose of the Queens....grr. However here he's paired with an interesting character from the series as the duo make their way from the Mede Empire to Attolia. The author gives a vivid picture of the slavery in the Mede Empire. The lives of both the educated (never pampered) upper slaves as well as the slaves doing menial duties are carefully drawn.Things are never black and white.The masters are not cruel all the time -at times they are almost tender and considerate.Of course as the Attolian says, that's because they consider the slaves as valuable property not out of any tender feelings. Just like the earlier books in the series, this one too has tales of Gods (narrated by Kamet to the Attolian)- only these are the Gods of the Medes. And they love interfering with the lives of the mortals - in this case Kamet.As always the best thing about the books is the politics. Kamet thinks that he's a pro at the game.But as we all have learned by now, he's no match for the Thief.

A wonderful addition to the Queen's Thief series. Kamet may not be as charming as Gen but his journey to Attolia (and to friendship with "the Attollian" :D) is certainly entertaining and beautifully written.

Muy buen libro en una serie que me encanta. Me encanto tambien que llego en la fecha prometida.