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Product Description
Product Description
Winter has come early to Venice. Two orphaned children are on the run, hiding among the crumbling canals and misty alleyways of the city. Befriended by a gang of street children and their mysterious leader, the Thief Lord, they shelter in an old, disused cinema. On their trail is a bungling detective, obsessed with disguises and the health of his pet tortoises. But a greater threat to the boys' new-found freedom is something from a forgotten past - a beautiful magical treasure with the power to spin time itself.
From the Back Cover
Winter has come early to Venice.
Two orphaned children are on the run, hiding among the crumbling canals and misty alleyways of the city. Befriended by a gang of street children and their mysterious leader, the Thief Lord, they shelter in an old, disused cinema.
On their trail is a bungling detective, obsessed with disguises and the health of his pet tortoises. But a greater threat to the boys’ new-found freedom is something from a forgotten past—a beautiful magical treasure with the power to spin time itself.
Wonderful. An exciting and richly atmospheric thriller told in the best storytelling tradition by a bestselling international children’s author.
"My enjoyment of Thief Lord grew and grew as I read it … and I loved the offbeat ending." –Diana Wynne Jones. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My introduction to Cornelia Funke was "Inkheart" which I enjoyed. I looked forward to the sequel, "Inkspell", but wasn't so quick to pick up and read the already published "Thief Lord". For a fantasy lover like me, the book looked "too ordinary" with not enough promises of enchanted adventures. However, when I finally bought my copy of the book, it hooked me from the very first chapter.
"The Thief Lord" is often compared to the Harry Potter series but I'd advise potential readers to be wary of this comparison. While there are certainly similarities (like the main characters being children), "The Thief Lord" is also a very different book. Those who expect to read about wizards, magical creatures and enchanted objects will be disappointed. Apart from the magic roundabout that does not appear until towards the end, "The Thief Lord" deals with more earthly themes that children in the real world deal with such as family conflicts, loyalty and friendship, and wanting to grow up too soon.
That said, those who appreciate a fast-paced story with daring escapades will find much to enjoy in this book. "The Thief Lord" is every bit as exciting as the Harry Potter books. Children will enjoy reading about adults being outwitted by kids and adults will be drawn into the Venetian setting with its dark alleyways and alluring rivers that all seem to lead to adventures.
Any regrets about this book? I regret ever hesitating to read it and I regret the fact that Funke seems to have no plans to write a sequel despite the fact that the ending cries out for one. So grab your copy and prepare for an enjoyable ride.
"The Thief Lord" is often compared to the Harry Potter series but I'd advise potential readers to be wary of this comparison. While there are certainly similarities (like the main characters being children), "The Thief Lord" is also a very different book. Those who expect to read about wizards, magical creatures and enchanted objects will be disappointed. Apart from the magic roundabout that does not appear until towards the end, "The Thief Lord" deals with more earthly themes that children in the real world deal with such as family conflicts, loyalty and friendship, and wanting to grow up too soon.
That said, those who appreciate a fast-paced story with daring escapades will find much to enjoy in this book. "The Thief Lord" is every bit as exciting as the Harry Potter books. Children will enjoy reading about adults being outwitted by kids and adults will be drawn into the Venetian setting with its dark alleyways and alluring rivers that all seem to lead to adventures.
Any regrets about this book? I regret ever hesitating to read it and I regret the fact that Funke seems to have no plans to write a sequel despite the fact that the ending cries out for one. So grab your copy and prepare for an enjoyable ride.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My 11 year old daughter recommended this to me, and it certainly lived up to her recommendation. The story is part mystery, part fantasy - the Venetian setting is so appropriate! - and keeps you guessing at every turn. The characters are well delineated, and there is a philosophical substratum that will appeal to adults and children.
More books from Cornelia Funke please!
More books from Cornelia Funke please!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An extremely amazing book. I haven't had such an enthrilling read for a long time.
*****
A gang of children lie low in an old disused cinema, with the help of scipio the theif lord they manage to stay alive and well. Their continuous dealings with "the redbeard" lead them into something of, what more sinister. And finally the truth comes out about their leader.
An adventure is just around the corner, with help from some odd people, a detective who's obsessed with his pet tortoises and one of their culprits from a break in. Each page turns into another suprize.
A brilliant read for all ages.
*****
A gang of children lie low in an old disused cinema, with the help of scipio the theif lord they manage to stay alive and well. Their continuous dealings with "the redbeard" lead them into something of, what more sinister. And finally the truth comes out about their leader.
An adventure is just around the corner, with help from some odd people, a detective who's obsessed with his pet tortoises and one of their culprits from a break in. Each page turns into another suprize.
A brilliant read for all ages.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fab, classic read.
A lovely sense of place that really delivers on plot and atmosphere. The characters are great fun as well and really stay with you.
Published 7 months ago by Jasmine Richards
Inventive, but could have been better
This is the first book I have read by Cornelia Funke and I was expecting something more from such a big-name author. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mrs. A. Nicol
The Thief Lord CD
Our whole family loved this CD - it kept us rivetted on our long daily school runs for over a week. I am so pleased to have discovered it - it is a great story with believable... Read more
Published 19 months ago by sueg
The Thief Lord
This book was bought for a grandchild, who on reading could not put it down. Thoroughly enjoyable she saidThe Thief Lord
Published on 20 Dec 2009 by J. gillett
buy it!
Cornelia Funke captures the imagination of the reader from the start. Better for over 12's - boys or girls and I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult.
Published on 5 Nov 2009 by Sunbird
drawn by the setting
I was first drawn to the Thief Lord because it was set in venice and we were due to holiday there. I was soon engrosed in the story . It is a good story for young and old alike. Read more
Published on 6 May 2009 by B. M. Curry
An exciting story, a great idea- a beautiful setting!
Prosper and Bo, two orphaned children have two choices: Either Bo goes to stay with their Aunt and Uncle and Prosper goes to an orphanage, or Prosper collects Bo from the Aunt and... Read more
Published on 16 April 2009 by Susan Kalnitsky
Two words; Pure magic!!!!,
The plot: two children have run away from their aunt and have been befriended by a gang of street kids and their leader, the Thief Lord, also known as Scipio. Read more
Published on 6 July 2008 by Sarah Jane
Good for all ages
I ordered this book last Wednesday, it arrived last Thursday, it was read by 2am last Saturday. A+ on delivery (I went through marketplace) and it's a testament to Funke how... Read more
Published on 2 July 2008 by N. Pluck
Interesting ideas but over-long
Prosper and Bo are orphaned brothers who run away from their aunt to Venice and meet a group of street kids. Read more
Published on 18 Feb 2007 by Children's writer
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