This is the second book in Turner’s series about Eugenides (the first is The Thief). The book starts with Eugenides getting a hand chopped off because the Queen of Attolia finds him in her castle… After a whole lot of angsting and being all emo, Eugenides discovers that Attolia, Eddis and Sounis are at war.
I tried to like this book, I really did. Especially because so many people say it’s so great. But… I was just so indifferent to the whole thing. I mean, it was a good story, it was well written, but I just don’t really care about it one way or another.
I’m very much a character person. If I love the characters, it doesn’t matter how horrible the story is, I will love the books, and if I despise the characters, then it doesn’t matter if the book is considered one of the best books ever written, I will hate it. I think that was my biggest problem with this book. I don’t like Eugenides. Didn’t like him in The Theif, and nothing really changed my opinion in The Queen of Attolia. Didn’t like either of the queens, and there are no spectacular secondary characters that made me fall in love with them. (Well, I might have fallen in love with Eugenides father, but I totally didn’t get to see enough of him to decide.)
So, tell me. I know some of you have read The King of Attolia – is it worth it reading that book, if I didn’t enjoy this one that much?
if you are feeling a little luke-warm about the whole deal, I do not recommend reading King of Attolia. however, I just finished this cute sort of boy meets girl thingy called Shug by Jenny Han, maybe you should try that instead.
rachel
May 8th, 2006 at 3:20 pm
G. Asp. That crack you just heard was my heart breaking.
If you didn’t like Queen of Attolia, skip the third book.
I’m going to go and cry now.
Ah, Leila, I am sorry for breaking your heart! I mean, it was a cute story and all, but not quite my thing… but then, you did not enjoy the Howl movie, so perhaps we are equal. ;) –C
Leila
May 16th, 2006 at 2:32 pm
I’m not moving past The Thief. I was a big fan of Gen. He was sort of a brat.
On the other hand, I found Capt. Hook fairly interesting, I liked the girl power aspect. And, I devoured Avalon High in one sitting. I’m definitely picking it up at B&N this week to join my other Arthurian texts. Admittedly, it will stick out shelved with White and Mallory and Steinbeck, but it was a really great little escape, modern, but filled with the Arthurian lure I love so much.
jmfausti
June 6th, 2006 at 10:37 am
Wow, it’s so hard to imagine not liking Eugenides. Beyond the sriting style and plot twists, he is the reason I love those books so much.
If you decide you’re in the mood to revisit the series, I think you might enjoy the third book. Perhaps because the narrator, and entirety of Attolia (save the queen), feel the way you do about Gen. We also see a side of Gen that was not largely explored in the previous books — including the depth of his mercy.
Anyway, what could it hurt to try it? ;)
p.s. I see your a Hornblower Fan. Very cool.
Jenn
March 14th, 2007 at 1:49 am
A lot of people have said that it’s strange that I don’t like Eugenides… unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be trying the third book, but thanks. My pile of TBR books is growing astronomical – though in a few years, if I do decide I want to revisit the series, I will pick up the third book.
And yes, VERY MUCH a Hornblower fan. XD
Courtney
March 14th, 2007 at 9:01 am