When Prosper and Bo (Boniface) run away to Venice to avoid being separated by their aunt and uncle, their legal guardians now that their mother has died, they have no idea of the adventure that awaits them in the narrow alleys and waterways of the magical city. In truth, their adventure might have been short lived and their capture quick if it wasn't for the mysterious Thief Lord who takes them under his wing along with three other orphans he provides shelter and food for in an old theatre which has been shut down.
But even in a city as beautiful as Venice, where stone dragons and angels perch on bridges and buildings, the dangers are many for the two boys. Somehow, their odious aunt and uncle have discovered that they are in the city and have hired Victor Getz, a crafty detective of many disguises, to find them. But even Victor is preferrable to the devious Barbarossa with whom they must deal when they want to sell the Thief Lord's treasures, purloined to pay for their needs.
Events spin further out of Prosper's control as a man known as the Conte hires the Thief Lord to steal a carved wing for an unheard of amount of money. After turning the wing over to the Conte, the children discover that it is the only missing part of a stolen carousel with the power to make a person young or old. As they run out of options, will they escape to the hidden island and succumb to the temptation to use the carousel in an attempt to fix their problems?
Carolyn Funke has painted a vivid image of Venice in this story of danger and intrigue for middle grade readers. For an exciting middle grade read, check out The Thief Lord locally through the Gail Borden, Bartlett, Poplar Creek, Schaumburg, or Batavia libraries, or click on links below to read reviews of other exciting books for middle grade readers.
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