The Queen’s Thief: Series Review

I was not a natural reader.

I didn’t avoid books, but neither did I gravitate toward them. I began my life with largely ambivalent feelings toward them. 

My sister, however, had other plans for my life. She was a young girl who fits the classic description of a “voracious reader." She would recommend books, gently encouraging me to fall into reading just like she had.

One of the books she recommended early on was The Thief, the first book of The Queen’s Thief Series by Megan Whalen Turner. I devoured the book. Together we gushed over the writing, the characters, and the twisty plot.

There are six books in the series: The Thief, The Queen of Atolia, The King of Atolia, A Conspiracy of Kings, Thick as Thieves, and The Return of the Thief. The series chronicles the political battle to protect the small countries of Atolia and Eddis from the looming threat of the Mede Empire. 

Though the story begins from the perspective of the thief, Eugenides “Gen,” the point of view later shifts to an unlikely cast of characters. From a royal Atolian guard to a successful Mede slave, the story highlights the impact of ordinary and even unexpected players in the theatre of war.

This series is beautifully written! This series exemplifies robust and subtle world-building that feels alive with a rich history. The characters capture your heart. I have yet to meet a reader who isn’t enamored by Gen.

Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Content: Suitable for older MG readers

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