The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Here’s a quick bit from Ms. Turner’swebsite:  The most powerful advisor to the King of Sounis is the magus. He's not a wizard, he's a scholar, an aging solider, not a thief. When he needs something stolen, he pulls a young thief from the King's prison to do the job for him

Gen is a thief and proud of it.  When his bragging lands him behind bars, he has one chance to win his freedom--journey to a neighboring kingdom with the magus, find a legendary stone called Hamiathes's Gift and steal it.


The magus has plans for his King and his country.  Gen has plans of his own.

Newbery Honor Book Award, 1197

ALA List of Notable Books, 1197

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Blue Ribbon List

Horn Book Fanfare List

Selection of the Junior Library Guild

My Take

I was so very fortunate to have won a copy of this book from the author in the hope that I would pass this along so that others could read it.  I am giving my copy to the library at my son’s school.  They are thrilled to be getting it and I know that many other kids will be reading it for some time to come. 

Now, about the book itself… I can see why this book has won so many awards.  It’s quite a tale.   I do feel it’s geared towards middle school age kids but older teens are just as likely to enjoy it.  I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.  I see that there are a couple more books planned beyond what’s out there now as well. 

This book was suspenseful and interesting.  Gen, the main character, was not terribly likeable in the very beginning.  However, as the story went on, he became much more endearing.  Ms. Turner’s writing pulls you in and takes you along on the journey.  I’m excited to see where Gen’s adventures take him next.  I’m giving this one 5 kisses!