Read an extra story from this book, which is included in the paperback. Young Adult Library Services Assocatiion Best Books for Young Adults, 1997 Gen has plans of his own.Īmerican Library Association List of Notable Books, 1997

The magus has plans for his King and his country. 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. When he needs something stolen, he pulls a young thief from the King's prison to do the job for him. He's not a wizard, he’s a scholar, an aging solider, not a thief. The most powerful advisor to the King of Sounis is the magus. * this ends the hidden synopsis script - */ I think I am going to give the second part a try./* this controls the hidden synopsis - */ The artifact in question was also well-thought-out and made me curious. Such a simple premise and it worked like a wonder. Instead, he honed his skills at stealing like his mother, until he was one of the best if not the very best in the land. While his father wanted him to be a soldier, he knew that was not the life for him.

He was actually named after the god of thieves, Eugenides. His companions freed him in order to gain a thief who can steal a powerful artifact and let’s face it, Gen has no disillusions about his abilities. Still he wasn’t annoying, he sounded believable AND has a wicked sense of humour. He spent most of the book whining about current conditions and the limited food, and sassing the magus and other members of the group. Gen was a dynamic, well-drawn character who has several surprises in store. At first I frowned, not impressed by stories within a story, but then I was left charmed almost despite myself. Secondly the world build was very original – a mix of ancient Greek mythology and stories which sounded even older, a bit prehistoric. It made my heart warmer instantly even though the novel featured few female characters and all of them belonged to the background – a feature I usually criticize. First of all, there was no romance of any kind. It was a YA fantasy, high fantasy too, and still I was left impressed. Their journey toward the treasure is both dangerous and difficult, lightened only imperceptibly by the tales they tell of the old gods and goddesses. What Gen is interested in is anyone’s guess.

He was captured for stealing the king’s seal and the magus is interested only in the thief’s abilities. To attain it for his king, he needs a skillful thief, and he selects a youth called Gen from the king’s prison. The king’s scholar, the magus, believes he knows the site of an ancient treasure.

The thief turner