July 9, 2012

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:

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!
author image

Amanda

Amanda loves few things better than sitting down with a cup of tea and a book. She frequently stays up far too late, telling herself she just needs to finish one more page. When she's not wrapped up in the stories of others, Amanda works as a children's librarian in a public library.

10 comments:

  1. I've not read this series yet but you've intrigued me enough to want to pick up the first book and give it a try. :) Thanks for the recommendation!

    Here's my Recommend A... post!

    Wendy @ Escape Into Fiction

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, I really need to read this author's books. I think I've read one before, but I'm not sure which and didn't realize it was part of a series.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You do need to read these books. And in order is better, or else you will get spoilers that you're not even aware of. :)

      Delete
  3. I have never read this series, but everything I hear about it is great. I really should give it a try! Here are my picks http://wp.me/pzUn5-14V

    ReplyDelete
  4. This sounds like an awesome book for a historical fiction fan!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The books are vaguely influenced by Greco-Roman culture, but Megan Whalen Turner really has crafted an entirely new world, complete with gods and everything. Anyone interested in mythology, like I am, will definitely appreciate that aspect of the books.

      Delete
  5. I have this whole series on my TBR and I have heard AMAZING things so I am sooo excited to read them!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure everything you've heard is more than true. I can't praise it highly enough. :) You should start reading the series ASAP!

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to comment! I strive to make my blog the very best it can possibly be and I appreciate each and every comment on here.