The Thief (Queen's Thief, #1)

by Megan Whalen Turner

[nannah]

[first review, 2015:]

This was so interesting! Sometimes when authors try to set up a history or myths or gods for their world they end up shallow and very annoying, but in THIS every story is so interesting and I want to learn so much more about the Gods and the history of these places. The characters were such a big highlight to the story! And the conclusion is so twisty and satisfactory. Though more than half of the book consisted of the descriptions of their travels, the characters and stories that were told prevented it from being boring in any way. I can't wait to read the second!

[second review, 2021:]

It’s always wonderful when a book you loved when you were younger still stands up years later! The Thief is definitely one of those. I’ve been meaning to reread it for a while now, but fear has held me back. I shouldn’t have worried!

Content warnings:
- ableist c slur
- fatphobia

Gen, a thief caught after bragging about stealing something in a pub, is temporarily released from prison by the king’s scholar on the condition that he makes one very important theft: a legendary stone rumored to be the key to the throne of the neighboring country. They make their way into the heart of that country’s mountains, along with a few others for company and protection, spinning tales of the old gods and goddesses.

This seemingly little novel contains such a great adventure story full of mythology, great character relationships and arcs, and beautiful scenery. I think this story has what I find missing in a lot of more recent books: moments of stillness and prose in which description is just as important as the banter/dialogue. You could describe the first half of this book as “people traveling through the mountains”. While that’s true, it’s also never boring: the scenery is vivid, the stories about the old gods are interesting and engaging (especially if you try to think about how they relate to the story), and the character interactions are so well done.

I honestly really don’t have anything critical to add. It’s a great book.