Monday Musings: The Final Attolia Book (So Far)
Well, it's finally happened, friends. We have reached the (current) end of the Queen's Thief/Attolia series. Now, since Megan Whalen Turner is already working on book six, this isn't the final conclusion, but it's the furthest we can read for now.
Thick as Thieves continues Turner's trend of opening up a new perspective on the world of Attolia with each new book. This time, we're treated to a Mede perspective--specifically that of Kamet, slave and secretary to former Mede ambassador Nahuseresh (antagonist of The Queen of Attolia). Kamet is recovering from his master's response being passed over for a small governance in the country when an Attolian soldier appears offering him an escape from the empire.
Kamet, ever the proper slave, laughs in his face and decides the Attolian doesn't know him well at all.
Then his master is poisoned; Kamet is the obvious suspect, so he flees, hoping to get out of the city before he's caught. He runs into the Attolian and agrees to go with him (just to escape, mind you).
Their escape is anything but smooth. This is an Attolia book, after all. They face lions, slavers, angry merchants, and the emperor's special guard along their journey. At every step, Kamet means to leave the Attolian behind just as soon as he can slip away.
Throughout the journey, Kamet passes the time by telling his Attolian compatriot stories of legendary Mede friends Ennikar and Immakuk. Unlike the stories in the previous books, these are presented in a poetic style that evokes a different culture from the pseudo-Grecian Little Peninsula. These stories, as their predecessors, add a spice to the recipe of the novel. Watching the parallels of the stories match the present day events is always a delight in these stories; in this case, the parallels are thinner and therefore more rewarding when spotted.
For careful readers, the Attolian's identity is no surprise, but when Kamet finally chooses to call him by name the effect is profound. Their friendship (and lack thereof) is one of the most wonderful things this book provides. Kamet's journey is much like that of Gen, Attolia, Costis, and Sophis in the previous books; his perspective on his life and culture (much like ours) must be reassessed and undergo change. What the result will be, as always, depends on Gen's ability to understand people. (And also on the interference of the mythical deities and their chosen ones.)
Though Thick as Thieves is not a thriller of court intrigue like The King of Attolia, it is still a strong entry in the series. It is like A Conspiracy of Kings in that its journey is as much internal as external. It is Kamet's growth (slow though it seems) that we are interested in. The journey is long and tedious (mostly for the poor Kamet and his friend) but its destination is worth every moment.
Thick as Thieves continues Turner's trend of opening up a new perspective on the world of Attolia with each new book. This time, we're treated to a Mede perspective--specifically that of Kamet, slave and secretary to former Mede ambassador Nahuseresh (antagonist of The Queen of Attolia). Kamet is recovering from his master's response being passed over for a small governance in the country when an Attolian soldier appears offering him an escape from the empire.
Kamet, ever the proper slave, laughs in his face and decides the Attolian doesn't know him well at all.
Then his master is poisoned; Kamet is the obvious suspect, so he flees, hoping to get out of the city before he's caught. He runs into the Attolian and agrees to go with him (just to escape, mind you).
Their escape is anything but smooth. This is an Attolia book, after all. They face lions, slavers, angry merchants, and the emperor's special guard along their journey. At every step, Kamet means to leave the Attolian behind just as soon as he can slip away.
Throughout the journey, Kamet passes the time by telling his Attolian compatriot stories of legendary Mede friends Ennikar and Immakuk. Unlike the stories in the previous books, these are presented in a poetic style that evokes a different culture from the pseudo-Grecian Little Peninsula. These stories, as their predecessors, add a spice to the recipe of the novel. Watching the parallels of the stories match the present day events is always a delight in these stories; in this case, the parallels are thinner and therefore more rewarding when spotted.
For careful readers, the Attolian's identity is no surprise, but when Kamet finally chooses to call him by name the effect is profound. Their friendship (and lack thereof) is one of the most wonderful things this book provides. Kamet's journey is much like that of Gen, Attolia, Costis, and Sophis in the previous books; his perspective on his life and culture (much like ours) must be reassessed and undergo change. What the result will be, as always, depends on Gen's ability to understand people. (And also on the interference of the mythical deities and their chosen ones.)
Though Thick as Thieves is not a thriller of court intrigue like The King of Attolia, it is still a strong entry in the series. It is like A Conspiracy of Kings in that its journey is as much internal as external. It is Kamet's growth (slow though it seems) that we are interested in. The journey is long and tedious (mostly for the poor Kamet and his friend) but its destination is worth every moment.
Comments
Post a Comment
What do you think?