Book review: The Thief

THIS is the first in a series called Queen's Thief and was first published in 1996.
The story revolves around a thief named Gen, who resides in a country called Sounis. During his trial for theft, Gen openly brags that he can steal anything.
He later gets a visit from the King's adviser Magus who persuades Gen to steal a ring called Hamiathes' Gift, which is supposed to be passed from one ruler to another.
The two go on a quest to find the ring in another country called Attolia (not exactly friendly with Sounis) together with Magus' apprentices Sophos and Ambiades, and a soldier called Pol.
Along the way we learn about the old Gods of these lands, and about the fragile peace shared between neighbouring lands Sounis, Attolia, and Eddis.
We also learn that each man has his own motive for going on this trip.
The problem with this book is that it veers into several directions before coming to a conclusion.
The story of the old gods (seemingly inspired by tales of Greek gods), which flows throughout the book, could have been shortened significantly as it keeps interrupting the main story, which is the quest for the ring.