The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner

Is it possible to love a sequel more than the original?

If you're talking about The Queen of Attolia, then the answer is yes!

What a great follow-up to the page-turning ending of The Thief.

One thing I really like about this novel is that every character is clever. They're all smart, they're all playing some sort of game, they all surprise me. Turner reveals each character's motivations and thoughts at exactly the right time.

The novel's opening scenes are suspenseful as we follow Eugenides through the secret passageways of Queen Attolia's palace. He's there on a mission from the Queen of Eddis. But things go horribly wrong and he suffers greatly for it.

The trial he is now faced with sinks him into a pit of despair. You feel his pain and frustration. You feel his anguish.

Once he's back in Eddis, the queen he serves offers comfort, but there isn't much she can do to help. Even his father who serves as the minister of war, can do little to restore his son's hope and sense of usefulness. He is a thief and his abilities have been severely compromised.

Just when you think the anguish and suffering will be his demise, Eugenides rises to the occasion and surprises us with his adaptability. A war has begun in his name and he alone is the one to set things in motion that will restore peace.

Once again, Turner weaves a tale of the gods which foreshadows one character's actions and also adds depth to the character. I love that.

This book is smart, witty, and exciting. It's a book I'd like to re-read just to admire Turner's writing style. I've already re-read several passages just to revel in her creativity and ability to capture a moment or an emotion in just one brilliant sentence. This second installment is compelling and adventurous. It's also a love story. And a great one on so many levels. The ending was perfect.

Now on to the third book--The King of Attolia.