*A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner

Sophos, newly king of Sounis, takes center stage in A Conspiracy of Kings, the fourth Queen’s Thief book.

*A Conspiracy of Kings (Queen’s Thief, #4) by Megan Whalen Turner. Greenwillow Books, 2017 (originally 2010). 368 pages.

• Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15

• Recommended For: Ages 14 and up

A Conspiracy of Kings implies more than one king, and indeed, this volume includes more than one king. Until now, the Queen’s Thief books have centered around Eugenides, thief of the Queen of Eddis and married to the Queen of Attolia. But loyal readers will remember young Sophos, from book 1. And, as Sophos narrates much of A Conspiracy of Kings, readers learn that he, like Eugenides, is now a king; his uncle, the King of Sounis, has died, leaving Sophos heir to the throne.

Sophos is fleeing for his life when the book opens. Captured, he’s sold into slavery (although it’s clear that his captors meant for something a little different to happen to him). In what is a tremendous burst of character maturity, Sophos puts his head down and learns to be a good slave. He gleans much about his people and the way his country actually runs. When he finally escapes, he’s built up a small network of allies. Sophos reunites with the Magus, and the two begin a harrowing journey to Attolia to seek Eugenides and his queen’s favor and assistance: the barons are bent on taking over Sounis, but Sophos is determined to be king. Sophos also reunites with his father.

It wouldn’t be a Queen’s Thief book without romance, and readers won’t be disappointed. Like Eugenides and Irene (the Queen of Attolia), Sophos and his future bride must work around political alliances and responsibilities, but love wins out to the delight of those that know them best. It also wouldn’t be a Queen’s Thief book without political maneuvering, international intrigue, and a pagan setting reminiscent of ancient Greece. Eugenides is off stage for much of the book, but his presence is felt, and the ending will assure readers that he pulled more plot strings than was obvious at first glance.

Considerations:

• Religion: Religion (and a pagan culture with a panoply of gods) is still very much a part of the world in this book, but because Eugenides is off stage, much of this is downplayed (compared to earlier volumes). Still, there’s a particularly interesting scene near the end where Sophos is learning more about Gen’s relationship with the gods and how different it is from ordinary mortals.
• Language: unlike the other Queen’s Thief books, Thick as Thieves is relatively free from language issues.

Bottom Line: Fans will want to read it! Those new to the series won’t understand the nuances.

*indicates starred review. A best of the best in its field.

Related Reading at Redeemed Reader:

• More Queen’s Thief Reviews: We like books 1-3 best of the series (read our review of book 1 here book 2 here, book 3 here, and book 4 here); we recommend reading our thoughts on the final volume, The Return of the Thief, for insight into how the series ends up.
• A Review: Those who enjoy stories of dastardly political leaders (like Sophos’s uncle) and the desperate attempt by good leaders to right wrongs will enjoy A Crane Among Wolves (note: this is a “messy” book and comes with significant considerations).
• A Resource: Reading With Discernment: YA Literature.

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