#44: Megan Whalen Turner, The Queen of Attolia (Queen's Thief #2) (JRI)

[kareila]

Contrary to my expectations, I didn't enjoy this sequel as much as the first book, in spite of the welcome addition of strong female characters. This novel is much longer and more political, and the motivations of key characters are frequently unclear. Perhaps I've been spoiled by the Locke Lamora books, which maintain a comparable level of intrigue and even violence, but much more compellingly, and with a wicked humor that provides welcome respite. Most significantly, though, the character of the Thief seemed quite changed from the previous story, and I didn't find him to be as sympathetic this time around.