The King of Attolia

The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner, 2006 Greenwillow Books

     Eugenides has shifted from the Thief of Eddis to the King of Attolia, marrying its queen in an alliance to protect the nation from the Mede Empire. At first his rule is considered a joke--his staff put sand in his food, snakes in his bed, and arrange for the palace's hounds to be released when the new king is vulnerable in their path.
     Attolia is frustrated with her king's refusal to take his power, but allows him to play her fool--subordinate and controlled. When one of the Queen's Guard, a squad leader named Costis, punches Gen the entire court laughingly encourages him, while expecting his execution any day. Costis is stunned when the king promotes him and brings him closer to the center of court intrigue.
     Gen is playing a complicated game of rooting out corruption and betrayal by playing a child acting at being king. His backroom investigation is curtailed when his enemies attempt assassination and his affinity with and love for the queen becomes public. The Thief of Eddis is forced to bring his strength to bear and show he is not just a pawn for the queen or her enemies.
     The King of Attolia is the story of Gen's transition from outsider to King of the nation. Readers of all ages will enjoy the mystery behind Gen's actions and the danger he survives in the face of his entire world crumbling, though some action is not suited for younger children.