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.

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.

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.

Adventurous / Mysterious / Fantastical / Nostalgic / Heartwarming

Cornelia Funke

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read The Thief Lord | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Thief Lord Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Thief Lord Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

The Thief Lord Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-13

The Thief Lord Chapters 8-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-19

The Thief Lord Chapters 14-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-25

The Thief Lord Chapters 20-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-32

The Thief Lord Chapters 26-32 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 33-38

The Thief Lord Chapters 33-38 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 39-45

The Thief Lord Chapters 39-45 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 46-53

The Thief Lord Chapters 46-53 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Thief Lord Character Analysis

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Themes

The Thief Lord Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Thief Lord Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Thief Lord Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Thief Lord Essay Topics

The Thief Lord

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Thief Lord?

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Book Details