Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Language: Exclamations of deity (Oh Gods, Thank the Gods, Oh My God) are used frequently.  Damn and hell are also used frequently in several different forms and phrases.  Bastard is used once.  The “B” word is also used.  Several references are made to cursing without actually using the words.   For example, “A great deal of swearing”.

Violence: Eugenides is caught in the Queen of Attolia’s castle and is imprisoned and treated poorly.  His hand is cut off as punishment and is described in detail.  There is a war between several countries and thus, fighting and death.  Some battle scenes are described which include fighting with swords.   Eugenides gets his ears “boxed” by the queen.  Eugenides is angry and throws things.  There is a scene where Eugenides takes a goat to offer as a sacrifice to his Gods.  He “deftly” slits the goat’s throat, then its belly.  The blood and guts are described.  The windows of the building are blown out by the anger of the Gods.

Sexual Content: Eugenides declares his love for the Queen.  He kisses the queen.

Adult Themes: There is much talk of war, loyalties, and betrayals in this book.  Worship of Gods and the fear of offending “the Gods” are the basis of many decisions the characters make.  The Gods speak with the characters in several instances.  Eugenides feels “betrayed” by the Gods.

Synopsis

The Queen of Attolia is the second book in the Queen’s Thief series.  It continues the life and adventures of Eugenides, the queen’s thief.  In the first book, Eugenides stole a mythical relic from the Queen of Attolia.  Now he finds himself in the path of her wrath and her plans for revenge.  His small country becomes entangled in a war with Attolia.  It is said that Eugenides can steal anything, but can he steal the Queen of Attolia and peace for his warring country?  What will be the cost of such attempts?

This is a fantastic, compelling story.  The characters are strong and believable and  Eugenides has a dry wit that I love.  The twists in this story are so fun.  There were parts of this book I just couldn’t get through fast enough for wanting to know what happened next.  I can’t believe how badly I wanted good things to happen for Eugenides, like he was my child or something!   The ending was superb.  I loved it, and I love Eugenides.  Such emotions can only be brought about by a great story.  Having said all that, I have to add how disappointed I am in the language levels in this book.  I would never feel comfortable allowing my children to read this book.  I felt uncomfortable with the language.   This is not a child’s book.  The themes, feelings and actions of this book are very adult.  The main characters are young adults, but I would suggest caution in allowing children to read this book.  My favorite quote from this book is, “Gen, I know my decisions are my own responsibility.  If I am the pawn of the Gods, it is because they know me so well, not because they make up my mind for me.”