TSR Code:

'Meet Pinch, a man of many titles: scoundrel, thief, criminal extraordinaire, ...heir to the throne?
Manferic III, Pinch's guardian and the former ruler of Ankhapur, has died without a direct heir.  By ancient law, the crown will pass to the relative "chosen by the cup", a family relic, in a ceremony whereby the rightful heir is selected and pretenders and other rejected candidates meet their deaths.
Pinch's outlaw days have prepared him for life on the mean streets...but is he ready for the dangers that lurk in courtly hallways, among royal relatives and dagger-bearing shadows?'

Other titles in The Nobles Series:

• Book 2 - War in Tethyr
• Book 3 - Escape from Undermountain
• Book 4 - The Mage in the Iron Mask
• Book 5 - The Council of Blades
• Book 6 - The Simbul's Gift

Cook displayed skill in both writing a good plot and characterization. From the rogue's shadows to the intrigue of the royal court, I found the book gripping. The only flaws are the rushed feel towards the end, and jagged ends that connect the plotline, which don't mesh too well. Few would notice them, I believe, but they made me whince a bit.

All in all, worth a read.