The King of Attolia

The King of Attolia is the third installment in Megan Whalen Turner's highly praised Queen's Thief series, a young adult fantasy novel rich with political intrigue and complex character development. The story is primarily told from the perspective of Costis, a young soldier who initially despises the seemingly lazy and foolish new King Eugenides. As Costis is drawn into the king's inner circle, he slowly uncovers Eugenides's true brilliance and the immense pressures he faces from a resentful court and an encroaching empire. This book is perfect for readers aged 10-14 who enjoy intricate plots, clever protagonists, and a world reminiscent of ancient Greece. Parents should note the themes of deception, loyalty, and the challenges of leadership, making it an excellent choice for discussion.

By scheming and theft, the Thief of Eddis has become King of Attolia. Eugenides wanted the queen, not the crown, but he finds himself trapped in a web of his own making. Attolia's barons seethe with resentment, the Mede emperor is returning to the attack, and the king is surrounded by the subtle and dangerous intrigue of the Attolian court. When a naive young guard expresses his contempt for the king in no uncertain terms, he is dragged by Eugenides into the center of the political maelstrom. Like the king, he cannot escape the difficulties he makes for himself. Poor Costis knows he is the victim of the king's caprice, but he discovers a reluctant sympathy for Eugenides as he watches the newly crowned king struggle against his fate. Fans of the Newbery Honor Book The Thief and The Queen of Attolia will recognize Megan Whalen Turner's signature plot twists and turns in the third exquisitely crafted tale about Eugenides.