Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Clever historical fantasy has crafty, delightful narrator.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As THE THIEF begins, Eugenides is taken from his prison cell and embarks on a reluctant journey in search of an invaluable treasure known as Hamiathe's Gift. A stone dipped in the Waters of Immortality, the Gift conveys the right to rule the four kingdoms to whichever king or queen it is given. The Magus of Sounis wants Gen to retrieve it from an underwater temple, since he has boasted that he "can steal anything." If Gen can't, it's back to prison or an even harsher fate.
Is It Any Good?
Cleverly constructed and unpredictable, this historical fantasy abounds with suspenseful set pieces, twisty double-crosses and a vivid set of main characters. The Thief starts slowly, but the measured pace allows for some delicious discussions between Gen and his captors. Author Megan Whalen Turn has created a highly detailed setting and peopled it with realistic and complicated characters. Eugenides the Thief is a delight from the beginning, and many readers will want to follow his continuing adventures in this book's sequels.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the unreliable main character in The Thief . Why do readers like stories about tricksters?
Why do people continue to study Greek mythology? What lessons can it teach modern-day readers?
Gen and the magus eventually develop mutual respect for each other. What kinds of actions help develop trust between people?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Greenwillow Books
- Publication date : October 31, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 279
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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