The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Synopsis: As Gen sits miserably in prison he find himself brooding over those dooming, jubilant boasting words, "I can steal anything", which he proudly claimed to one of the city's busiest taverns. On a dare, he successfully steals the King's seal, and carelessly shows it off in the tavern, only to be arrested and taken to prison. After weeks of rotting, stinking, waiting in the dark cell he is called to an interview with the Maggus, the King's advisor, and offered a job. In another kingdom, the Maggus is convinced that there lies a powerful, ancient artifact given by the God's to the rulers of ages past called, the Gift. Realizing his opportunity to escape his suffocating cell, Gen accepts.

Review: I was very entertained. Though it was a little slower the first half of the book, a lot of traveling, I never got bored. Gen, the anti-hero, was a lovable character, despite the whining, and the coward that he claimed to be. I don't think I have ever been so surprised at plot twists! They were entirely unexpected and I loved them! I think the book was well developed and well thought out. The characters all likable. I can't wait to read the next books.