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60 pages 2 hours read

Cornelia Funke

The Thief Lord

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2000

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke follows runaway brothers Prosper and Bo as they escape to Venice and join a group of orphans led by the enigmatic Thief Lord, Scipio. While evading their wealthy but unkind aunt, they get embroiled in a heist for a magical object. Along the way, they uncover secrets about their new family and face moral dilemmas about trust, loyalty, and identity.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Cornelia Funke's The Thief Lord enchants readers with its atmospheric portrayal of Venice and a captivating storyline. Praised for its vivid imagination and well-developed, diverse characters, the novel entertains both young and mature audiences. Some critics find the plot predictable and the pacing uneven, but overall, it remains a beloved adventure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Thief Lord?

A reader who loves adventure, mystery, and magical realism in a rich, atmospheric setting would enjoy The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke. Fans of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series or Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy will appreciate its engaging storytelling and relatable young protagonists who navigate complex, fantastical worlds.

Book Details
Pages

350

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Venice, Italy • Early 2000s

Publication Year

2000

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-14 years

Lexile Level

700L

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