Published in 2010 by Greenwillow Books.
Audiobook performed by Jeff Woodman.
The young adult novels I enjoy most are the ones that are excellent books that just happen to be written for young people. Some young adult novels - even if enjoyable - scream "YA" to me. But the best ones appear equally at home in my hands as in the hands of one of my teenagers. The four installments of Megan Whalen Turner's fantasy series that began with The Thief are such books. With complex characters, elaborate plots, and meaningful themes, these are just fabulous reads.
A Conspiracy of Kings is the fourth - and to-date the last - book about the thief Eugenides and his associates. This one is focused on and partially told from the viewpoint of Sophos, friend of Eugenides and heir to the throne of Sounis.
I absolutely loved it! This one may be my favorite of the four (although it's certainly difficult to pick just one). Sophos is a terrific character, and there are lots of twists and turns on his path. I also found the political intrigue fascinating. Megan Whalen Turner is a wonderful storyteller - and Jeff Woodman, who narrates the audiobooks, is one of the best narrators I've heard.
If you haven't read this series, be sure to start with The Thief (which I reviewed here) - and be sure to do it soon! (My thoughts about the second and third books, The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia, are here and here.)
The publisher has posted the author's discussion guide for the series here.
I've always been intrigued by these by never tried them. I wonder if I can find it in audio? It might make the perfect companion when I go to set up my classroom. Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteWe're heading up to Salt Lake City and into Idaho next week. Any good bookstores or restaurants to recommend?
Have a fun weekend.
I think that this series on CD would be an excellent accompaniment to setting up your classroom!
DeleteI love The King's English Bookshop in SLC. (Their website is here.) A yummy restaurant in downtown SLC (and two other locations) is Blue Lemon. (Their website is here.) Have a fun and safe trip!
I've read all four books and really loved them. My daughter recommended them to me - saying Mama you have to read these books. I guarantee you wont want to put them down! How true. In fact I read The Queen of Atolia and Conspiracy of Kings twice! Eugenides is really something isn't he?
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fun when your child recommends a book to you? I love that my kids share my love of books!
DeleteGen is really a great character!