Recommend A... Book Published in 2010

Recommend A... is a new weekly feature hosted by Chick Loves Lit, where bloggers recommend a book based on a specific prompt.

This sounds like a fantastic new meme and I hope to be able to keep up with it on a fairly regular basis. I think what I'd like most in a meme is the chance to explore older, lesser-known books, and this may provide a great outlet to do so. Because, honestly, I feel very well-informed about recent or up-and-coming releases, but what about those fantastic books that are a few years old or even older? Today's prompt is just perfect for that, but in general I'd like to use this meme to bring attention to books I love that are not discussed as frequently. 

This week's prompt is to recommend a book published in 2010. I hope everyone's ready for this, because I have the perfect book to recommend:

A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner

The Queen's Thief, #4

I can't really provide much of a summary here, as literally every book in this series builds upon each other so much that a true summary would be incredibly spoiler-laden. I'll just say that the political conflict continues to escalate on the continent where the countries of Attolia, Eddis, and Sounis reside. We see some familiar faces and how they attempt to handle the rising tensions, as well as others we haven't seen since the series' beginning. The narrative voice continues to step away from Eugenides, and for the first time he's no longer the focal point in this book. Instead we get to see his friend Sophos' perspective of things as he tries to figure out allegiances and loyalties.

Since I cannot give a good description of the plot, I'll instead have to rely upon other elements within the story that really do make this book one of the best published in 2010. Unless you've read the books in order, you'll be unable to appreciate how truly mature the fourth book and series in general has become. I read The Thief when I was around 10, and while parts went over my head, for the most part I was able to follow along fine with the story. Each book since then has become a little more complex as the characters themselves mature. While the series may have started for middle-grade or young-adult audiences, I think that adults will get just as much satisfaction out of reading these books. The world-building is amazing, and Megan Whalen Turner has created some of the most complex characters and relationships I've ever read. I don't think any other author could make me go from completely hating one character to then considering the character to be one of my favorites quite the way that she does. Turner's characters are adults, yet somehow her books walk the line between younger and adult audiences. She never writes down, but neither does she work to make her books less accessible for younger fans. Turner's books are so well-crafted and every little detail has such meaning. 

Another fantastic thing about this series is that while the novels form part of a larger series, they each are self-sustaining enough to be read separately. While I wouldn't recommend missing even one of the books in this series, it's nice to read a book knowing that it won't end on a giant cliffhanger. It's an even greater relief since Turner likes to take her time between novels. The fifth book probably won't come out for another few years - but each book is so well-done that I'm actually okay with the wait. 

I would be remiss if I didn't end by noting that Eugenides constantly hovers somewhere between being my fictional boyfriend and my fictional best friend. He's captivated me for so many years now, and he's one of the best, most fully-formed characters I've ever read. He's not the central character in A Conspiracy of Kings, unfortunately, but he is still present from time to time.  

Has anyone else actually read this series? I'd love to discuss it in more detail with other fans! If not, then what are you waiting for? Seriously go and pick up her books - I promise you won't be disappointed!