The Thief (1996 novel)
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| The Thief | |
| Author | Megan Whalen Turner |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Juvenile Fiction |
| 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) |
| Followed by | The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia |
The Thief is a 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 and The King of Attolia.
The Thief was a Newbery Honor Book in 1997.
Contents |
[edit] Exposition
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, pocket watches, 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] Synopsis
Gen is released from prison by the king’s scholar--his magus. 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 (the younger and kinder of the two) and Ambiades, and by Pol, a soldier.
As the travelers journey through the three countries of Sounis, Eddis, and Attolia, they argue and discuss history as well as legend. Gen and the Magus tell stories of the old gods still worshipped in Eddis – especially stories about Eugenides, the god of thieves for whom Gen is named. It becomes clear that the magus wants Gen to steal the legendary Hamiathes’s Gift, a small stone that protects the bearer from death and gives him or her the right to rule the mountain country of Eddis. The magus wants to give the stone to the King of Sounis. This would force the Queen of Eddis into a marriage that would unite the two countries. Gen doubts the stone’s very existence, but he is willing to try to steal it for his own reasons.
The journey is dangerous, and the travelers grate on each others’ nerves. 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 is exactly what he seems to be. By the end of the book, secrets are revealed, relationships adjusted, and respect between the travelers is lost and won.
[edit] Editions
The first edition was released in hardcover. The second edition was released on paperback featuring a new cover and an extended author's word.
[edit] Languages
The book has been released in English, Danish,Thai and Japanese, each of which featured a different cover.
