Every time I think of this series, I kick myself for not having started it when I was younger. Not exactly because Id enjoy it more as a younger reader, but because I would have had more years to crush on Eugenides and the masterful storytelling that Megan Whalen Turner is capable of.
To be honest, in the beginning I wasnt very impressed with THE THIEF. The story starts in prison, and Gen is sick and scrawny and cranky. Not quite the most endearing character at this point. Even when Gen, the magus, the magus two apprentices, and their guard set off on their journey to steal Hamiathes Gift, I was less than pleased by Gen and the apprentices constantly ragging on each other.
But gradually, my vision expanded beyond Gens pettiness and immaturity and began to appreciate the, shall we say, surroundings. The majority of THE THIEF is a quest, and I cant pinpoint when I began to fall in love with these quarrelsome characters, but fall in love I did. As their personalities became clearer to me, I was often forced to revise my previous judgments on their character and even like themor, in some characters case, feel more suspicious of them. Turner draws heavily upon the setting and stories of Ancient Greece for her story, and I could imagine the rolling landscapes, the endless olive trees, and the sunshine as I read.
THE THIEF proves extraordinary in the last third or so, as Gen attempts to figure out how to steal Hamiathes Gift. I have heard that Megan Whalen Turner is a master of surprising plot twists, and was so delighted at what was revealed to me in the end. (Which Ill not spoil for you, no way.) There are few things in books as exciting as a well-executed plot twistbut they also run the risk of being unbelievable. Thankfully, in retrospect, you realize that Turner sets up her revelations excellently, subtly yet memorably.
THE THIEF is a fantasy adventure that should appeal to readers both young and old. Rich with Mediterranean influences, stories-within-stories, and characters whose hair you really, really want to ruffle, it is no wonder that this book has withstood the test of time. I will be returning to you, Gen, when I need another dose of your cleverness and snark!
To be honest, in the beginning I wasnt very impressed with THE THIEF. The story starts in prison, and Gen is sick and scrawny and cranky. Not quite the most endearing character at this point. Even when Gen, the magus, the magus two apprentices, and their guard set off on their journey to steal Hamiathes Gift, I was less than pleased by Gen and the apprentices constantly ragging on each other.
But gradually, my vision expanded beyond Gens pettiness and immaturity and began to appreciate the, shall we say, surroundings. The majority of THE THIEF is a quest, and I cant pinpoint when I began to fall in love with these quarrelsome characters, but fall in love I did. As their personalities became clearer to me, I was often forced to revise my previous judgments on their character and even like themor, in some characters case, feel more suspicious of them. Turner draws heavily upon the setting and stories of Ancient Greece for her story, and I could imagine the rolling landscapes, the endless olive trees, and the sunshine as I read.
THE THIEF proves extraordinary in the last third or so, as Gen attempts to figure out how to steal Hamiathes Gift. I have heard that Megan Whalen Turner is a master of surprising plot twists, and was so delighted at what was revealed to me in the end. (Which Ill not spoil for you, no way.) There are few things in books as exciting as a well-executed plot twistbut they also run the risk of being unbelievable. Thankfully, in retrospect, you realize that Turner sets up her revelations excellently, subtly yet memorably.
THE THIEF is a fantasy adventure that should appeal to readers both young and old. Rich with Mediterranean influences, stories-within-stories, and characters whose hair you really, really want to ruffle, it is no wonder that this book has withstood the test of time. I will be returning to you, Gen, when I need another dose of your cleverness and snark!
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