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45 pages 1 hour read

The Thief

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1996

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Book Brief

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Megan Whalen Turner

The Thief

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

280

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Eddis • Fantasy World

Publication Year

1996

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

920L

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Super Short Summary

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner follows Gen, a thief imprisoned in Sounis, who is offered freedom if he helps retrieve Hamiathes’s Gift, a stone granting immortality. Gen joins the king’s magus, two apprentices, and a soldier on a journey to find the stone. Unbeknownst to them, Gen seeks the stone to ensure his cousin’s ascension as Queen of Eddis.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Adventurous

Emotional

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

4.1

92,666 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Megan Whalen Turner's The Thief captivates readers with its intricate plot and richly developed characters. Praise has been given for its clever twists and world-building, although some critics find its pacing uneven and the beginning slow. Overall, it’s recognized as an enchanting and rewarding read for those who enjoy fantasy with a dash of mystery.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Thief?

Readers who enjoy young adult adventure with complex characters and plot twists will love Megan Whalen Turner’s The Thief. Fans of intricate world-building and clever protagonists, similar to those in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series or Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness quartet, will find this book captivating.

4.1

92,666 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Gen

Gen is the protagonist who is recruited to aid in a journey fraught with challenges, and his cleverness and concealed motivations play a pivotal role in the story. He has a complex personality, often revealing glimpses of unexpected traits.

An advisor to the king, the magus sets off on a vital mission with Gen and others, demonstrating his intelligence and strategic thinking throughout the journey.

The older apprentice to the magus, Ambiades struggles with personal discontent that affects his actions and interactions with others in the group.

As the younger apprentice on the journey, Sophos is quietly thoughtful and more interested in books, providing a contrast to the more intense dynamics in the group.

Pol serves as a protector during the journey, highlighting the group's need for security and underscoring the potential dangers they face.

Book Details
Pages

280

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Eddis • Fantasy World

Publication Year

1996

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

920L

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