Children's Books Too Cool for School

I'm going to have to get this out of the way right up front: I was disappointed when I finished this book. It was about 2 am, I was slap-happy, and I kept waiting for Megan Whalen Turner to leave me with my jaw on the floor, as she did in her previous books. Since the last Attolia novel managed to surprise me by making me think I had already been surprised, I guess the next clever trick was to surprise me by not surprising me at all. SURPRISE!

So, Attolia addicts be warned: There is no "WOW!" moment in this book.

After a few hours sleep and further reflection, I decided not to be disappointed after all. Because this book can stand proud next to any of the other Attolia novels in terms of the quality writing, fast-paced storyline, complex politics, and everything else that has made the Attolia novels some of my favorite reads since I first encountered them a few years ago.

Here's what you do have: The pleasure of meeting with Sophos again. Sophos is a great character, although, admittedly, a little pitiful.

He's smart, loves to read, and is very introspective. So, of course, he is expected to fight, council and read. He is still very much a boy.

A Conspiracy of Kings gives us the chance to watch him become a man, and none of that experience is boring. There are several interesting, distinct phases here, but none of them drag. As usual with an Attolia novel, there is a good constant sense of suspense and mystery.

Whalen Turner also continues her tradition of playing with narrative structure. The first part of the novel is told from the first-person perspective of Sophos to an unknown listener... just one of the many fun mysteries for the reader to ponder. Then the we get a chance to delve a little into the minds and motivations of others with a 3rd person semi-omniscient perspective. The narration eventually is given to Sophos again, and concludes in 3rd person. Thankfully, Whalen Turner is skilled at this, so it becomes fascinating rather than confusing.

All in all, this is a fine Attolia novel, even if it will never be my favorite. More to the point, it was nice to just relish being in that world again. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Great for all genders.