"Thick as Thieves" Arc Review - Spoiler Free!

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

“I could run away and make myself a free man.”

“Oh, I’d find you.”

-The Queen of Attolia

I asked our authoress if it was okay for me to write a spoiler free review, and she gleefully gave me permission to “torture” you all! Thank you so much, Megan! XD

Now, for the real trick… How to review a QT book without giving anything away. This is a no spoiler review as it says on the tin. I’m sworn to secrecy.

However, I will be talking openly about the information revealed in the summaries published online (I have to have something to work with), so if you don’t want to know even that about the new book, beware of small spoilers. I wrote this to be as general as possible and nothing specific is revealed.

“Thick as Thieves” has all the things we’ve come to expect from the QT series: heartbreak, humor, intrigue; Eugenides popping out of a cake and shouting surprise.

This is the most adventure focused book we’ve gotten since “The Thief.” Queen and King were heavy on the court intrigue and espionage. Conspiracy is a pretty balanced mix of adventure and court drama. There can be no argument that politics is the driving force of this story, however action and adventure with a touch of clever shenanigans make up much of the narrative. It’s brilliant fun.

Kamet’s first person voice is much softer then any of the other QT characters, even pre-buff Sophos. I think that’s because he’s a very calm and thoughtful person, who likes to express himself in a sarcastic and pragmatic manner. It’s amusing and made me sympathize with him immediately.

If you have reservations about Kamet being the narrator of this book, allow me to put your worries to rest. He's wonderful and you will love him! Kamet’s my favorite narrator so far. How much you connect with him will likely depend on your personality, but nevertheless, I think you’ll enjoy his unique voice.

I was very excited about seeing Nahuseresh and Medea from Kamet’s point of view. He seemed to get along so well with Nahuseresh in Queen. It bothered me, because it’s something that I’ve always had a hard time reconciling with who I know Nahuseresh to be.

We get a more multi-faceted view of that ketchup-bottle-bearded-jagbag and even Melheret to a degree. So those of you who feel they are flat, interchangeable villains may change your opinion.

Medea is very different. It shares similarities with Eddis, Sounis, Attolia, but feels far less Greek and much more Persian/Turkish. The place names are built on a very different grammar structure. Kamet is comfortable here, and he guides us through his world with ease.

We get to see many of our old favorites and Kamet’s opinions of them, which range from generous to cynical to hilarious and back again.

Kamet is very much a Chekhov’s Gunman in Queen, and his story will answer some questions that we’ve been trying to figure out since KoA. This book is the missing second half of KoA, but not quite in the way anyone expected. So get excited! If you weren't already...

Ultimately, “Thick as Thieves” is a tale of friendship, trust, and a symbiotic relationship--Kamet playing the brains to another’s brawn.

It’s the kind of story it takes for two to become as “Thick as Thieves,” and I’m quite certain reprobates and newbies alike will love it.

PS: This book played me like I haven’t been played since “The Thief.”

PSS: A full, much more detailed review to come after the official release date.

Comments

[freenarnian.livejournal.com]

First of all, how dare you.

...

Just kidding. (Mostly.)

Secondly: aaaaAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!! (Translation: Played? Oh boy! And I'm already a fan of Kamet as narrator, so I'm itching to see the world of QT through his eyes!)

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

I know, I'm a terrible person. Hangs head in shame...

I'm just keeping everyone excited. XD I'm super excited for the release too! I can't wait to squee with you all! Only two and a half months, reprobates. We've waited seven years. That's nothing. :)

THANK YOU FOR TORTURING US!

[an-english-girl.livejournal.com]

BUT: I hereby petition for the reprobates to be officially divided into the Patient Waiters and the Jammy Dodgers.
Reminding you also that Patience Is A Virtue, whereas Jammy Dodgers have short lives and meet sticky ends...
[and I would join them any day someone will let me have an ARC]
XD

Re: Your Welcome?

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't mind being called a Jammy Dodger. The Doctor likes Jammy Dodgers!

I do feel bad sometimes, if that makes it any better. XD There are some other spoiler free reviews on Goodreads if anyone wants to check them out!

[qwentoozla]

Ahh, I'm so excited for this book! Thank you for the review!

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

Your very welcome! When CoK was coming out, there were a lot of spoiler free reviews for it, but I've hardly seen any for TaT. Maybe, it's a bit early yet? Anyhow, I was happy to write one!

[(Anonymous)]

This was a great review! It made me extra excited, without spoiling anything.

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[sandtree.livejournal.com]

Uggghhhhhh I can't wait! Thank you for the review, even though THIS IS TORTURE hahaha.

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

Your welcome. I'm happy to torture everyone. XD

[mikkaybear.livejournal.com]

How on earth did you manage to write this without spoiling anything?! You are a genius.

You should also post this review on Amazon, if you're comfortable with that. Authors can really benefit from reviews posted on retail sites.

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

Very carefully... I hadn't thought of Amazon. That's a great idea!

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

So... Amazon is not letting me post a review! Maybe, because the book is not out yet? I'll try again closer to the release date. I'll also try Goodreads.

In the meantime, I did post a link on my tumblr. Feel free to share/reblog, everyone!

http://ninedaysaqueen.tumblr.com

[mouseguru.livejournal.com]

Great review - it was so fun to be able to read one without fearing spoilers. I'm even more excited to read it now!

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I think everyone is going to be really happy with this one. :D

: )

[(Anonymous)]

I'm glad you liked it!

I want to remind everyone that I am lurking here in my usual fashion. I just saw this review and it made my day. I will probably be lurking on and off until the pub date and then I will avoid the site for a few months. This is partly because it makes it easier for me to avoid jumping into conversations when I should be biting my tongue and partly so people can be comfortable saying what they like without worrying about my feelings. If you really want to write something without that creepy sensation of me reading over your shoulder, you can post it privately. I'm not a member of the community and won't see it.

Happy Reading
~mwt

Re: : )

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

I'm glad I made your day!

I'll remind everyone closer to the release date that they can community lock anything they don't want you to see.

I, personally, don't mind you reading over my shoulder. I have nothing but nice things to say! ;)