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newamsterdame's review against another edition
5.0
Megan Whalen Turner's books have always seemed like complex puzzles to me. There's a moment in each of them that completely turns your perception of events on its axis, and so you can never read the book the same way twice.
I read Thick as Thieves when it originally came out, and hadn't reread it until this year, and reading it a second time really feels like reading an entirely new book. Part of it is the limits of first person narration, which Turner delights in telling you about-- we know Kamet is biased, we know he's nearsighted, we know he's prideful, all often to his own detriment. But you don't know exactly why these things matter until the closing events of the book, and at that point everything comes together to slap you in the face with revelations that change everything and lead into the next book.
In many cases, I find "big reveals" to be tedious and gimmicky. But that isn't the case here. The book certainly changes once you've read the entire thing, but that doesn't erase the impeccable character and relationship building that was done beforehand. This is the first book in the Queen's Thief series to focus so closely on one single relationship. (I'd argue that even the Queen of Attolia doesn't do it quite the same way, because there's too much else going on to focus just on Eugenides and Irene). Kamet and Costis are very different characters, and Kamet's biased viewpoint of Costis does a lot to reveal his own character (especially because readers of the series are otherwise familiar with Costis outside of Kamet's view of him).
The bond between these two characters is genuine, fraught, and impacting. I love how this book fits into the larger plot and worldbuild of the series, but I love it most for how complex that relationship becomes, and how simple it is at its core.
I read Thick as Thieves when it originally came out, and hadn't reread it until this year, and reading it a second time really feels like reading an entirely new book. Part of it is the limits of first person narration, which Turner delights in telling you about-- we know Kamet is biased, we know he's nearsighted, we know he's prideful, all often to his own detriment. But you don't know exactly why these things matter until the closing events of the book, and at that point everything comes together to slap you in the face with revelations that change everything and lead into the next book.
In many cases, I find "big reveals" to be tedious and gimmicky. But that isn't the case here. The book certainly changes once you've read the entire thing, but that doesn't erase the impeccable character and relationship building that was done beforehand. This is the first book in the Queen's Thief series to focus so closely on one single relationship. (I'd argue that even the Queen of Attolia doesn't do it quite the same way, because there's too much else going on to focus just on Eugenides and Irene). Kamet and Costis are very different characters, and Kamet's biased viewpoint of Costis does a lot to reveal his own character (especially because readers of the series are otherwise familiar with Costis outside of Kamet's view of him).
The bond between these two characters is genuine, fraught, and impacting. I love how this book fits into the larger plot and worldbuild of the series, but I love it most for how complex that relationship becomes, and how simple it is at its core.
triplebriiii's review against another edition
4.5
Excellent, as per usual. I really enjoyed getting to know Kamet more and was so happy that we got more Costis, I missed him last book. As with lots of other folks, def could have used more Gen and Attolia (feels weird calling her Irene lol), but this was still so good. This author loves their twists and turns and I was so proud of myself for catching on to them aha. But even though I guessed most of the twists, a sign of a good writer to me is if I'm still engaged and interested in the story, despite already guessing these twists. And the answer to that is a resounding yes.
Also I don't care what anyone says, they are in love.
Also I don't care what anyone says, they are in love.
vhgunter's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kathlgpa's review against another edition
4.0
This book was like an ancient buddy cop adventure. I really loved the growing friendship between the two main characters.
As with each book in the series, the overall events are part of a larger picture. But with a new narrator, setting and plot it feels like a standalone.
The ending has its twists that make it perfect.
As with each book in the series, the overall events are part of a larger picture. But with a new narrator, setting and plot it feels like a standalone.
The ending has its twists that make it perfect.
eletricjb's review against another edition
3.0
This was giving me kind of The Horse and His Boy feelings, which are too problematic for me to unpack right now. It was well-paced, entertaining story, but in comparison to the four books that have come before it, rather disappointing.
barf_mobile's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
apar's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars: Needs more Eugenides!
Megan Whalen Turner is a puzzle master of epic proportions. This time, I paid careful attention to any seemingly insignificant or unnecessary detail in the text hoping to catch Turner in the act, so to speak. Hell, I even read the damn thing super extra carefully (and stretched it out so long), and still I missed the biggest twist of all! I'm rather proud of myself for catching a few of the twists, but (as much as I like to fancy myself at least of average intelligence) I really think I got those only because I'd read all the books one after the other.
[Mild spoilers for the book.]
We do see a little bit of Eugenides towards the very end, though we hear of him and his doings on and off. While Eugenides' appearance is as satisfactory as ever, I was definitely hoping to see a lot more of him. But then again, I don't think I'm ever going to get enough of Eugenides.
This book has the same characteristics that make Turner's books such a great ride - the subtly of the developing relationship between Kamet and Costis, the slow reveal of their characters and motivations, the humour, unexpected twists and insanely clever plotting. I'm really impressed by how much Turner can show by telling so very little - a couple of sentences, a scene or two here and there add a lot of depth to the story and the characters, and fill in some of the gaps between this book and Conspiracy of Kings. All in all, this book is a worthy addition to the world of The Thief, and I cannot wait to see what she does next!
Megan Whalen Turner is a puzzle master of epic proportions. This time, I paid careful attention to any seemingly insignificant or unnecessary detail in the text hoping to catch Turner in the act, so to speak. Hell, I even read the damn thing super extra carefully (and stretched it out so long), and still I missed the biggest twist of all! I'm rather proud of myself for catching a few of the twists, but (as much as I like to fancy myself at least of average intelligence) I really think I got those only because I'd read all the books one after the other.
[Mild spoilers for the book.]
Spoiler
Thick as Thieves is the story of poor Costis, the victim of Eugenides' attention in [b:The King of Attolia|40159|The King of Attolia (The Queen's Thief, #3)|Megan Whalen Turner|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1293505327s/40159.jpg|847545] and the rescue of Kamet, the head slave of the Mede ambassador to Attolia's court. Hoping to avoid being implicated in the death of his master, Nahuseresh, a leery Kamet ends up trekking across the Mede empire with Costis, aiming for Attolia and the 'weak, ineffectual' Attolian kings' court. On the way, while negotiating run-ins with slavers, Mede guards, lions, caravans, river boats, former slaves and city officials, Kamet and Costis develop a friendship that is filled with all the charm and subtly that Turner wields so effectively.We do see a little bit of Eugenides towards the very end, though we hear of him and his doings on and off. While Eugenides' appearance is as satisfactory as ever, I was definitely hoping to see a lot more of him. But then again, I don't think I'm ever going to get enough of Eugenides.
This book has the same characteristics that make Turner's books such a great ride - the subtly of the developing relationship between Kamet and Costis, the slow reveal of their characters and motivations, the humour, unexpected twists and insanely clever plotting. I'm really impressed by how much Turner can show by telling so very little - a couple of sentences, a scene or two here and there add a lot of depth to the story and the characters, and fill in some of the gaps between this book and Conspiracy of Kings. All in all, this book is a worthy addition to the world of The Thief, and I cannot wait to see what she does next!
hayleybeale's review against another edition
5.0
A continuation of The Queen's Thief series, this YA historical novel is set in an alternate version of Medieval Mediterranean and is both a buddy road trip and a primer on political manipulation and intrigue. I loved it but I'm not sure how much kid appeal it has. See my full review here.
solem_lectorem's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5