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The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained

The Thief Lord
By: Cornelia Funke
My Rating: Three out of five stars
Best for: 12 and up.

I’m in a Cornelia Funke funk…

I read and sort of enjoyed Inkheart. It was right on that edge of good and okay, with my mood determining which side my opinion falls. I thought I’d read another by Cornelia Funke to help me make up my mind. I picked The Thief Lord for my little test.

The premise sounds delightful. Two orphaned brothers find their way to Venice, land of enchanting canals instead of streets and many hidden corners and dark alleys. They meet up with a small band of street children, led by The Thief Lord, and this becomes the troop of good guys we get to root for.
The setting and the story promise adventure and intrigue, but the execution was pretty meh.

The highlight was the vivid picture of Venice, with its labyrinthine alleyways and shimmering waterways. The idea of a group of parentless children thriving amidst the city’s grandeur is undeniably appealing, and the initial chapters effectively capture the sense of wonder and possibility.

However, as the story unfolds, it struggles to maintain momentum. The plot becomes predictable, and the characters, while likable, don’t change. The Thief Lord himself, despite his intriguing title, remains curiously underdeveloped and isn’t even the main character and spends a lot of time off screen. I’m curious why the book ended up being named after him, and I felt like there were some missed opportunities there.

Furthermore, the novel’s pacing feels uneven. Certain scenes drag, while others feel rushed, particularly the climax, which lacks the excitement and tension that the build-up suggests. The ending drags on for several chapters after the plot lines are (sort of) buttoned up, but there are still plenty of unanswered questions.

Despite these shortcomings, The Thief Lord does possess a certain charm that is likely wasted on this adult reader. I suspect younger readers will find themselves captivated by the whimsical setting and the camaraderie among the children. However, those seeking a truly compelling narrative with complex characters and a gripping plot are going to find themselves wanting more.

Clearly, Cornelia Funke books are going to find themselves on my “it’s just okay” shelf.

There are no content concerns. This dad says The Thief Lord is best for readers 12 and up.

Happy reading!