The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner

In the Queen of Attolia we saw the Thief of Eddis save his country and rescue Attolia from the clutches of the enterprising Mede Empire. Now Eugenides has accomplished his last great theft and become the King of Attolia. But he has another victory to earn as he battles to win the respect and loyalty of those closest to him (his attendants and guard), let alone the sell-out barons and high-nosed Attolian court. But how will a short, young, Eddisian thief earn the title of king in more than name only?

(Drumroll…) I absolutely loved this book! I was skeptical but this series just keeps getting better. Eugenides continues to astound me just as much as Megan Whalen Turner amazes me. Without losing his signature sarcasm, absolute self-determinism, and sheer will to never give up, Gen has risen to the occasion, becoming a wise, omniscient judge and a merciful ruler that I have fallen in love with (not to mention an AWESOME swordsman outwitting every opponent in spite of his handicap). Turner is a masterful plotter and an imaginative creator of characters, scenes, and worlds. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. I will definitely be purchasing my own copy of this series – I know it will only get better upon multiple re-readings. Afterall, only the best books do