The Thief Lord

Rating:
Summary: An 11 Year Old's View
Review: This book is an amazing adventure book that all ages can enjoy. Think about this story being about children runnning away and finding out a tromendous secret about their leader, The Thief Lord. You will have to find out your self about the amazing story that will unwind when you get really into this book. I as an eleven year old finished this book in 4 days but don't be fooled by the amount of time this book takes to read. You will be dumfounded by Ms. Funke's way of writing. Tyler, 11

Rating:
Summary: Not worth it!
Review: This book starts out believable, but then ends improbably in a weird merry go round chase. It was too easy of an ending and not very interesting. Plus, side characters like Hornet deserved more attention. And, the main characters didn't really seem to act like kids...how many kids REALLY would run away to Venice? If magic was going to be involved, (and it's also weird to have it thrown in at the end in a world with out any other magic) they should have been sent there somehow by magic. That at least would make it more interesting. If you want to read a GOOD Italian fantasy, read Stravaganza, The city of Masks. While not strictly set in Venice, it's just as good and way more engaging.

Rating:
Summary: Great Adventure, Great Read
Review: as a lover of any dark childrens tale - from literary classics like "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" to the beautiful Jean-Pierre Jeunet film, "City of Lost Children" - i am always looking for something new to fit my liking. this book will probably be compared to the Harry Potter tales because of similarly aged characters, and that hint of magic. i of course love the Harry Potter books, but i have to say that "The Thief Lord" definitely stands on its own, and doesn't need to be compared to the popular adventures of the boy wizard. I loved "The Thief Lord" for its exciting location, plot twists, dark narrative landscapes, and completely unique characters. great read for any age.

Rating:
Summary: Mystery In Italy
Review: This is a great story of some runaway boys and the thief lord or the person that steals things to help out runaways etc. I think this a great book because before they even tell you the end they show you how much trouble each person could get in if their cover was blown. A definate school read.

Rating:
Summary: If you loved Harry Potter....
Review: I first got turned on to this book when I watched Larry King Live. He interviewed the publisher who "discovered" the author of this book (the same guy who discovered Rowling). So, as soon as it came out I read it. It is a lovely tale of two young orphans and a misunderstood young aristocrat who combine forces in the fabulous city of Venice. The characters are loveable and there is enough mischief making so that a series can evolve. Give it a try, I'm sure you'll like it!

Rating:
Summary: snoozer
Review: This books was SLOW. It wasn't until the last 1/4 of the book before it actually started to hold my interest. The only reason I finished this book was so I wouldn't feel so bad for spending the money I did on this book.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: Such a cool book! Runaways survive on their own in the streets of Venice, stealing and hawking their wares to a local shifty store-owner. Their leader, who calls himself The Thief Lord, is given an offer to steal a wooden wing from a quiet house. As they begin to wonder what is so special about a wooden wing sculpture. With bits of magic and mystery, intrigue and secrets, The Thief Lord is a wonderful book, exciting, and full of vibrant, funny characters. Great for adults and kids alike!

Rating:
Summary: The Thief Lord disappoints
Review: The book starts out strong, with engaging characters who made me want to learn more about them, and a dramatic but well-motivated conflict. The momentum carries on almost throughout the book. Yet though the characters are strong and diverse enough to come to grip with these challenges, the author solves all of their problems -- literally by magic -- at the last moment, robbing the reader of the chance to fully enjoy the book. Some other books by the same author - including Dragonrider - are much more consistent, but I advise that you shy away from The Thief Lord.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful whimsical book
Review: I found this book to be a delightful, whimsical adventure. I got the feeling that the author enjoyed writing it; I regret not being able to read German because I probably missed some of the charm, although the Italian plays-on-words in the English version were enough for me to imagine the author having fun with us.

In any case, this book seems to successfully engage readers of many ages with its unique group of characters, a fascinating setting, and a plot that remains mysteriously unclear until the end. Evil spells on those who want to spend much time trying to make it a "Harry Potter wanna be" - it stands on its own. I hope I either learn German or the translator gives us more of Funke's work.

Rating:
Summary: Thief Lord rings true to Venician setting
Review: The Thief Lord is an excellent read. Very exciting, there is no lull in the action or plot. The Venician setting is perfect for the story and is portrayed almost perfectly. Although the story is predictable and the ending a bit choppy, The Thief Lord is a great read for those who favor books with excitement and a good plot.