Bibliographical information:

Turner, Megan Whalen. The King of Attolia. New York: Greenwillow (HarperCollins), 2006.

Brief summary:

When the novel opens, Costis, a squad leader in the Queen's Guard, is awaiting discipline (or possibly execution) for having punched the new king in the face. For reasons he does not fully understand, he is instead spared, and assigned to be the king's sparring partner. His new assignment enmeshes him in shifting alliances and personal politics within the palace and in the larger politics that connect Attolia with Eddis and the Mede empire.

Comments:

I like this series, and this is my favorite book within the series. The characters and the relationships are rich and interesting, and I have found myself wanting to reread it repeatedly.

Grade/Age level:

I'd guess roughly fifth grade to young adult.

Cautions:

If you like this book, you might also like . . .

The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, A Conspiracy of Kings

--Lisa Gordis

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