- Hardcover: 224 pages
- Publisher: Greenwillow (Oct 31 1996)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0688146279
- ISBN-13: 978-0688146276
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.8 x 2.1 cm
- Shipping Weight: 431 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (78 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #444,008 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
The bragging thief Gen is sprung from prison by the king in order to carry out a mission-steal the precious stone Hamiathes's Gift from an impossible hiding place. If he succeeds, he'll be rewarded. If he fails, he will be killed. If he runs away, he will be hunted down. Half prisoner, half outlaw legend, Gen goes along with the king's assistant in the risky plan. Set in a semi-Mediterranean realm of old and new gods and goddesses, this compelling adventure propels readers along through the enemy lands of Sounis, Eddis and Attolia. Gen, a beguiling narrator, is afraid of horses but not of entering a locked labyrinth; he comes from a long line of thieves but puts honor first. Turner's (Instead of Three Wishes) device of having Gen and others tell god and goddess stories around the campfire bumpily draws the reader away from the main story, yet the plot is strong enough to survive the wanderings. In addition to its charismatic hero, this story possesses one of the most valuable treasures of all-a twinkling jewel of a surprise ending . Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up?Things are not what they seem in this story of wit, adventure, and philosophy. Gen, an accomplished thief incarcerated for stealing the king's seal, is dragged from his cell by the king's magus, who is on a quest. The prize is Hamiathes's Gift, said to be a creation of the gods that confers the right of rule on the wearer. During the quest, the magus and Gen take turns telling the youngest member of their party myths about the Eddisian god of thieves. Turner does a phenomenal job of creating real people to range through her well-plotted, evenly paced story. No one is entirely evil or completely perfect. Gen is totally human in his lack of discipline, seeming lack of heroism, and need for sleep and food. The magus makes the transition from smug, superior scholar to decent guy in a believable fashion. Turner also does a neat job of puncturing lots of little prejudices. There are many deft lessons in this story. As absorbing as it is, the best part lies in the surprise ending. Though it is foreshadowed throughout, it is not obvious?its impact is more like morning sunlight than a lightning bolt. This book is sure to be a hot item with adventure and fantasy lovers, and YAs who like snide, quick-tempered, softhearted heroes will love Gen.?Patricia A. Dollisch, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
I DIDN'T KNOW HOW LONG I had been in the king's prison. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
I DIDN'T KNOW HOW LONG I had been in the king's prison. Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
family favourite,
By
This review is from: The Thief (Paperback)
I was inspired to rate and review this book by the fact that I am planning to get a second copy as our first hardcover copy is getting rather battered because the whole family has read and re-read it numerous times.I see from some (a very few) of the other reviews that some young readers considered it "boring". I guess it might be, in some ways. It IS slow to get to any "action". But oh, it's SO well written, and the characters are so well drawn. Not sure exactly why we like this book so very much, and its sequels The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia as well, but something about the protagonist Eugenides captures the reader's attention and makes one care deeply about his fate. Author Turner creates a wonderfully imagined alternate fantasy world, with enough similarities to our own world for us to feel immediately at home there, ands enough differences to keep us on our toes. I see in our public library these books are in the Young Adult section; and from our own family responses I'd say The Thief could be appreciated by a mature 10-year-old and up. THe adults I know who've read it all give it rave reviews too. One of MY favorites, in a personal library of several thousand volumes.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Flawless.,
By a reading father (Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Thief (Paperback)
I haven't read absolutely all of the reviews, but have seen enough to realize that re-capping the plot is pointless. For this you must read below.So, I will just say: This is an absolutely brilliant story, which will grab the interest of literate "young adults" and adults alike. The setting is imaginary, but a basic knowledge of ancient Greece definitely adds to the appreciation level. Be prepared to be wanting to read more about Gen, and if you like "The Thief" you will want to immediately purchase the two sequels: "The Queen of Attolia" and "The King of Attolia". I tend to be rather sequel-wary but these are even better than the original (if possible!); the character development continues and the author has more than a few surprises in her plot development. All three books reward re-reading; after finding out the endings many incidents have a new meaning and we get the secondary enjoyment of "Oh, THAT'S what that was all about ..." A beautifully imagined world, just the other side of reality; where the gods walk (when they choose), and with flawed & conflicted but deeply appealing & believable characters. If I could give this book (& the sequels) 10 stars , I would. Try it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rock On, Gen!!!,
By Scott (Cumberland, ME USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Thief (Mass Market Paperback)
In The Thief , an accomplished Sounis thief named Gen claims he can steal anything. But when the king's magus hires Gen to steal Hamiathe's Gift, a stone dipped in the waters of immortality, he gets caught in a sticky situation. He will have to betray his true kingdom, Eddis, or his new colleagues.This book is character & plot driven. Not only does Gen change his thoughts about his soldier father, but there are also some exciting battles & escapes. Therefore, this book is both character & plot driven. Since I enjoy fantasy books, I ws interested in the author's writing style. Most of the fantasy books I've read aren't in first person, & yet this book is. She also tells the reader a lot of things in very few words. Because of her particular writing style I enjoyed this book a lot.
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