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Three Thieves #3
The Captive Prince
Book three of the acclaimed Three Thieves graphic novel series begins with Dessa, Topper and Fisk, still on the run from the Queen's Dragons, stopping to make camp for the night. While collecting firewood, Dessa happens upon a kidnapping and manages to boldly rescue the captive boy and bring him to safety. Once out of harm's way, the boy reveals that he is Paladin, the crown prince of Medoria! Upon Paladin's safe return to his kingdom, his father, King Victor the Fourth, decrees three days of celebration in tribute to the three heroes who have saved his precious only son. Dessa, Topper and Fisk know they are taking a risk by remaining in the castle for all that time, but how can they refuse the king? And to make things trickier still, is the charming prince falling for Dessa?
The cinematic artwork in this series offers a fully visual experience for young readers looking for an exciting tale of adventure, told in episodes. Dessa's derring-do is on display once again as she's seen swinging into action to save the prince's life (twice!), among other exploits. The fast pace alone is enough to keep young readers turning the pages. Creator Scott Chantler has also crafted a tremendously intriguing fantasy world in these books, fleshing out the intricacies a bit more with every installment. The layers and connections between characters promote critical thinking, while the masterful storytelling provides terrific opportunities for studying story components and literature.
The cinematic artwork in this series offers a fully visual experience for young readers looking for an exciting tale of adventure, told in episodes. Dessa's derring-do is on display once again as she's seen swinging into action to save the prince's life (twice!), among other exploits. The fast pace alone is enough to keep young readers turning the pages. Creator Scott Chantler has also crafted a tremendously intriguing fantasy world in these books, fleshing out the intricacies a bit more with every installment. The layers and connections between characters promote critical thinking, while the masterful storytelling provides terrific opportunities for studying story components and literature.
116 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
14 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Scott Chantler
40 books103 followersScott Chantler is the acclaimed cartoonist of the graphic novels SQUIRE& KNIGHT, BIX, TWO GENERALS (which was long-listed for CBC’s CANADA READS: TRUE STORIES, named one of Chapters-Indigo’s Best Books of 2010, and selected for BEST AMERICAN COMICS 2012), NORTHWEST PASSAGE (which was nominated for Eisner, Harvey, Shuster, and Doug Wright Awards), and the THREE THIEVES series (the first book of which, TOWER OF TREASURE, won the Joe Shuster Award for Best Comic for Kids).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 3, 2022
**Review is for all seven volumes in the series, read in a single sitting.
Good, old-fashioned clean entertainment that the world needs more of.
The art isn't stylized or intrusive, the script isn't excessive or needlessly strange.
The worst yuo could say is all of the structural pieces are standard, much of the plot is homage (even down to one of the locations being called Guilder), yet it is done so well that it doesn't matter. The sum total exceeds that of the parts.
Good, old-fashioned clean entertainment that the world needs more of.
The art isn't stylized or intrusive, the script isn't excessive or needlessly strange.
The worst yuo could say is all of the structural pieces are standard, much of the plot is homage (even down to one of the locations being called Guilder), yet it is done so well that it doesn't matter. The sum total exceeds that of the parts.
June 18, 2016
The entire plot ground to a halt for a boring romance, the character development stagnated, and I have no idea what happened to the costume design in this book. This was an awful lot grimmer than the previous two books, as well, completely abandoning the light and funny tone I enjoyed so much.
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February 24, 2017It okay, because it talk about King and Queen in castle and lose their son of Prince then young girl did save him and she just enjoy herself.
March 25, 2020
I absolutely loved the first two books in this series -- this one is a slight notch down. Picking up several weeks after the events of "The Sign of the Black Rock" our three fugitive heroes are out wandering the roads, having apparently shaken off the Queen's Dragons (knights) on their trail. Camping by some ruins, they just happen to stumble across two thugs with a prisoner -- naturally heroine Dessa rescues the prisoner, who turns out to be the titular prince of Medoria.
They all head back to Medoria's capital city of Florin, where the trio are hailed as heroes and Dessa and the prince make googly eyes at each other. Things start to go sideways when the King of Medoria tries to push the bookish prince into being more of a man, and partaking in a jousting tournament for the first time. There's a kind of turn in the king's character that gets more and more extreme, to the point where it really takes over the story in a way that's not particularly believable.
By the end of the book, the three are on the run yet again -- but then there's an epilogue that has a revelation that makes the events of the book quite a bit more interesting. As with the other books, I quite like the artwork -- the rescue scene amidst the ruins at the beginning of the book is quite good, ditto for the jousting section. It's worth noting that the romantic plot does come to the fore in a way that might turn off middle-grade boy readers who might have enjoyed the first two books a bit more. All in all, a little broader and less tightly controlled than the first two books, but I'm definitely eager to get the next and see where the story heads next.
They all head back to Medoria's capital city of Florin, where the trio are hailed as heroes and Dessa and the prince make googly eyes at each other. Things start to go sideways when the King of Medoria tries to push the bookish prince into being more of a man, and partaking in a jousting tournament for the first time. There's a kind of turn in the king's character that gets more and more extreme, to the point where it really takes over the story in a way that's not particularly believable.
By the end of the book, the three are on the run yet again -- but then there's an epilogue that has a revelation that makes the events of the book quite a bit more interesting. As with the other books, I quite like the artwork -- the rescue scene amidst the ruins at the beginning of the book is quite good, ditto for the jousting section. It's worth noting that the romantic plot does come to the fore in a way that might turn off middle-grade boy readers who might have enjoyed the first two books a bit more. All in all, a little broader and less tightly controlled than the first two books, but I'm definitely eager to get the next and see where the story heads next.
May 11, 2017
This is the third book in the Three Thieves series. So far I liked this book even less than the previous two. There just isn’t a lot that happens here.
In this book Dessa and crew happen upon a kidnapping and Dessa stops it only to find that the young man she rescues is a Prince. The King wants to hold a celebration to honor the Prince’s rescuers but our three thieves are worried about staying in one place the whole time and getting caught by the Queen’s Dragons.
I found the whole storyline to be a bit boring and kind of pointless. Again we make a tiny bit of progress in the whole story about Dessa finding her brother. Most of the time is spent traveling and then watching Dessa and crew at the celebration.
The illustration continues to be well done but pretty typical comic-like artwork. It’s okay but not spectacular.
Overall this wasn’t my favorite graphic novel. I just thought it was a bit boring and that the story doesn’t make much progress. It’s a very simple storyline and I think younger kids will enjoy more than adults.
My son is 10 years old and has read all the books in the series. When I asked him what he thought he shrugged and said “It’s okay, I didn’t love it”. That sums up pretty well how I am feeling about this series so far. Right now I am unsure whether or not I will continue with it.
In this book Dessa and crew happen upon a kidnapping and Dessa stops it only to find that the young man she rescues is a Prince. The King wants to hold a celebration to honor the Prince’s rescuers but our three thieves are worried about staying in one place the whole time and getting caught by the Queen’s Dragons.
I found the whole storyline to be a bit boring and kind of pointless. Again we make a tiny bit of progress in the whole story about Dessa finding her brother. Most of the time is spent traveling and then watching Dessa and crew at the celebration.
The illustration continues to be well done but pretty typical comic-like artwork. It’s okay but not spectacular.
Overall this wasn’t my favorite graphic novel. I just thought it was a bit boring and that the story doesn’t make much progress. It’s a very simple storyline and I think younger kids will enjoy more than adults.
My son is 10 years old and has read all the books in the series. When I asked him what he thought he shrugged and said “It’s okay, I didn’t love it”. That sums up pretty well how I am feeling about this series so far. Right now I am unsure whether or not I will continue with it.
August 23, 2014
This was a riot. The Prince and Dessa fall slowly in love this time after she unwittingly rescues him from his kidnappers. While at first he is kind of a pushover and…well a wimp, he does grow into a more loveable character who I appreciate. Sadly Captain Drake is nowhere to be found this time.
July 13, 2017
Another standalone adventure (and quick read if you don't have much time but want a great story), in which the thieves do a good deed and discover they've rescued the crown prince of a nearby country. Some progress is made on the greater quest, but I also enjoyed the new cast of characters. The story relies a lot on established tropes (marrying a commoner!?/Arranged Marriage Veto/jealous female rival), but the rest accomplishes so much that I forgive it.
Also, I haven't mentioned the humor yet. These books are consistently funny but resist the easy jokes for creative visual humor. The way Chantler draws the frames and uses timing reminds me more of a high-quality children's television show.
But c'mon, where was Captain Drake? A cameo in the epilogue does not suffice.
Also, I haven't mentioned the humor yet. These books are consistently funny but resist the easy jokes for creative visual humor. The way Chantler draws the frames and uses timing reminds me more of a high-quality children's television show.
But c'mon, where was Captain Drake? A cameo in the epilogue does not suffice.
June 25, 2023
Still on the run, Dessa and her friends stop for a rest, and stumble upon a kidnapping in progress. Dessa rescues the young man and discovers he’s a Prince. The King of Medoria wants to celebrate his son’s rescuers. The Prince wants to woo Dessa and promises to help her find her brother, but the King does not want his son to marry a commoner. When word of three wanted thieves on the run reaches Medoria, will Dessa and her friends be able to escape again? And who was wanting to kidnap the Prince?
Still a fun mid-grade fantasy action-adventure graphic novel series, though this one isn’t as good as the first two books.
Still a fun mid-grade fantasy action-adventure graphic novel series, though this one isn’t as good as the first two books.
December 21, 2021
Another fabulous adventure with Dessa, Fisk, and Topper! In this one, Dessa, Fisk, and Topper (well, mostly Dessa and Fisk) do what they do best: show up for the little guy and save the day. In this case, the little guy turns out to be Paladin, the only son and prince of a kingdom! Unfortunately, things get complicated quickly when Dessa finds herself in the middle of a love triangle that's complicated with political ramifications. Will Dessa, Fisk, and Topper have to go on the run again? Will we find out why the prince was kidnapped in the first place? Read this and find out!
January 20, 2025
During their travels the three thieves, Dessa, Topper and Fisk happen upon a kidnapping. Dessa saves the young boy who turns out to be a Prince. When they return him the King is overjoyed and calls for a huge celebration. Unfortunately this brings attention to the three who are hiding from the Queens's Dragon after being caught stealing. The young Prince falls in love with Dessa which the King does not approve. Learning of Dessa's quest to find her brother the Prince wants to go along to help but things go awry when the Dragons come to the kingdom.
September 14, 2024
Ooh, Dessa gets a love interest! Not sure if we'll ever see Prince Paladin again, but I hope so.
This installment was fine. Dessa's not any closer to finding her brother, which, three books in, is kind of frustrating.
This installment was fine. Dessa's not any closer to finding her brother, which, three books in, is kind of frustrating.
April 25, 2018
This was a very good book and loved the way that it introduced new characters in suspense. I really recommend this book for anyplace to be honest it explains a lot of things about team work and trying new things.
May 24, 2019
The plot was really good, and I loved the artwork!
June 7, 2017
it was a great graphic novel
July 20, 2017
The plot thickens, as our intrepid trio help rescue a prince. There is luuuuuuv, and jealous suitors, along with prejudiced dads. And a bit of a twist at the end. More!
August 3, 2017
4.5 stars
Love the relationship between Paladin and Dessa. So sweet!
Love the relationship between Paladin and Dessa. So sweet!
October 25, 2018
Oh, the love interest, the gymnastics, the cliffhangers!
February 27, 2019
Continues this epic fantasy quest with humor and excitement! A+
June 25, 2019
I like the modern trend toward male damsels in distress, I must admit. They don't need to be dumb or clumsy, just somehow held back.
Want to read
March 12, 2020i is good
July 21, 2022
It was cool to see Dessa find her first love, it was sad to see him kill the bird but I really hope Dessa’s okay since she fell of the roof!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2022
I didn’t mind this book,but I think that there should be more of them.
August 30, 2023
Loved it
January 7, 2024
Another fast-paced, free-wheeling, light-hearted adventure. Absolutely delightful.
December 1, 2024
✨ It wasn’t that great.
January 29, 2025
This was a great volume! Lots of action and suspense.
July 26, 2015
Another story that is a sort of distraction from the main plot, but it is charming in its way. It is nice to have the usual gender roles subverted, with the girl rescuing the prince (and further subverted by the rescued character then actually becoming somewhat competent rather than just staying useless), though this is problematized by the later use of the trope of manly, gruff warrior father disappointed in his scholarly son (reminiscent of Samwell Tarly, though way more amicable). Also nice to see the mother approving of the peasant girl, since cattiness is another overused trope. It would be nice for once for a young royal to be depicted as other than either a spoiled brat, or as a sensitive person yearning to escape the confines of palace life; both options seem overdone. I like Dessa's self-awareness when she's like, "really, I have to rescue him again?" Fisk proves himself to be more than muscle, since he has a pretty good sense of how precarious their situation is and repeatedly suggests that they leave while they can. Also interesting that we finally see some two-headed ettins, if only at a distance. Look to be about the same size as Fisk. Also, you have to wonder how things work out for Paladin; that would be pretty awkward to return home after that confrontation with his father, but he doesn't have many better options.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2013
Dessa and her two friends are still on the run from the Queen's knights, but are feeling safer now that they've left the country. Then Dessa encounters two kidnappers and their victim, a boy her own age whom she rescues in her usual spectacular way. Turns out he's the son of the local king, who invites Dessa and her friends to the palace to celebrate his son's return. The prince, rather bookish and not much interested in the manly sports his father loves--or in the girl his father plans for him to marry--falls in love with the charismatic Dessa. This of course enrages the king, which bodes ill for Dessa and her friends--but what else is new?
This entertaining series continues apace with lots of action, a little romance, classic graphics of a medieval world, and characters who are fun, if not particularly original. My favorite part was when they were at the joust to celebrate the prince's return, and the prince, who had never jousted before, was forced to participate by the king. Of course things went wrong and once again the prince's life was in danger, and Dessa, now awkwardly clad in long satin skirts, looks around for someone who might help the prince. Of course no one makes a move, and she says, "Really? It has to be me again?" Fun stuff!
This entertaining series continues apace with lots of action, a little romance, classic graphics of a medieval world, and characters who are fun, if not particularly original. My favorite part was when they were at the joust to celebrate the prince's return, and the prince, who had never jousted before, was forced to participate by the king. Of course things went wrong and once again the prince's life was in danger, and Dessa, now awkwardly clad in long satin skirts, looks around for someone who might help the prince. Of course no one makes a move, and she says, "Really? It has to be me again?" Fun stuff!
June 18, 2013
Dessa and her companions are still on the run while they try and find her brother. They might be notorious thieves, but really only one of them likes to steal things. Dessa is kind-hearted and even that gets her into trouble at times. She stumbles upon a young man who has been kidnapped. Of course, she frees him only to learn later that he is the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom. The king declares the three friends heroes after saving his son, not knowing they are wanted criminals. Dessa leaves a real impression on the prince who will do anything for her. Being celebrated as heroes draws too much attention to the trio and they once again must flee. The Three Thieves is a wonderful graphic novel series for boys and girls alike. It is helpful, but not absolutely necessary to have read the previous two volumes before this one. One will still enjoy the fun and adventure of this action-packed tale without knowing the details of the back-story. Perfect for 4th graders and above.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews