A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner 316 pages

This is the fourth in a series that includes The Thief, a Newbery Honor Book and The King of Attolia, a Best Book for Young Adults. Sophos, a most reluctant king of Sounis, loses his family during an invasion. He survives by posing as a slave on a nobleman's estate. Reluctantly he is drawn from his hiding place to try to avoid a bloody invasion. He is unsure of his place in life and love and does not know who to trust. Deft plotting and rich characterizations make this a worthy book for teens. While this book stands alone, many will want to read the earlier books that focus on some of this book's side characters.