The Thief (1996 novel)

Infobox Book
name = The Thief
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption =
author = Megan Whalen Turner
illustrator =
cover_artist =
country = United States
language = English
series =
genre = Juvenile Fiction
publisher = HarperCollins (UK/USA)
release_date = October 1, 1996
media_type = Print (Hardback & Paperback) & Audio book
pages =
isbn = ISBN 0-688-14627-9 (USA 1st hardback edition)
preceded_by =
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.

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"), islanguishing 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.

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, theyargue and discuss history as well as legend. Gen and the Magus tell stories of the oldgods still worshipped in Eddis – especially stories about Eugenides, the god of thieves forwhom Gen is named. It becomes clear that the magus wants Gen to steal the legendaryHamiathes’s Gift, a small stone that protects the bearer from death and gives him or herthe right to rule the mountain country of Eddis. The magus wants to give the stone to theKing of Sounis. This would force the Queen of Eddis into a marriage that would unitethe two countries. Gen doubts the stone’s very existence, but he is willing to try to stealit 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.

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.

Languages

The book has been released in English, Danish,Thai and Japanese, each of which featured a different cover.

ee also

*The Queen of Attolia
*The King of Attolia

External links

* [http://home.att.net/~mwturner Megan Whalen Turner's Website]
* [http://community.livejournal.com/sounis/profile Book discussion site]