The Thief (1996 novel)
| The Thief | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Author(s) | Megan Whalen Turner |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Attolia |
| Genre(s) | young adult fantasy |
| Publisher | HarperCollins (UK/USA) |
| Publication date | October 1, 1996 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) & Audio book |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-688-14627-9 (USA 1st hardback edition) |
| OCLC Number | 33209215 |
| LC Classification | PZ7.T85565 Th 1996 |
| Followed by | The Queen of Attolia |
The Thief is a young adult fantasy novel by Megan Whalen Turner, first published by HarperCollins on October 1, 1996. It is the first in a series of books, followed by The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia and A Conspiracy of Kings.[1]
The Thief was a Newbery Honor Book in 1997.[2]
Contents |
[edit] Plot introduction
Although the time period is somewhat similar to ancient Greece, this fantasy story takes place in a Byzantine-like civilization that includes more modern inventions such as rifles, glass window panes, telescopes, cannons, and printed books.
The story takes place in the countries of Sounis, Eddis, and Attolia and is told in the first person from the point of view of Gen, a young thief who, despite his considerable talent for thievery (his own tag line is "I can steal anything"), is languishing in the King of Sounis's prison for the outrageous crime of having stolen the King's Seal and bragging about it in a wine shop.
[edit] Plot summary
Gen is released from prison by the magus, the king's scholar. The magus finds Gen filthy, uncouth, and insolent, but he needs Gen’s skills as a thief. Without telling Gen where they are going, he takes him out of the city. They are joined by the magus’s two apprentices, Sophos and Ambiades, and by Pol, a soldier.
The journey is dangerous, and the travelers grate on each others’ nerves. The magus reveals that the object he wants Gen to steal is a precious stone called Hamaithes's Gift. Gen risks death in a daring attempt to steal the stone from an almost inaccessible temple, while the entire party is pursued by the Guard of Attolia.
None of the main characters are exactly what they seem to be. By the end of the book, secrets are revealed, relationships adjusted, and respect between the travelers is lost and won.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
 |
This article about a young adult novel or novella is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
