SOLVED. Book about medieval child pickpocket ring. [s]

[Mart]

Hi, I listened to the first few chapters of the audiobook a few years ago. The plot as I remember is about a group of street children who live together and work for, I guess, a man who is kind of the head of the group. If I'm not much mistaken it takes place in Venice or someplace like that. I think the main character, a boy, starts off as a part of the group against his will. He may be blackmailed to work for them?!

I think it's a pretty popular book or otherwise I wouldn't have checked it out. It is not The Thief Lord, I think it's a more adult book. Who knows maybe the bulk of the story takes place when the main character is a grown-up.

[Keyera]

This sounds similar to the plots for 'The Thief" by Megan Whalen Turner, and "The False Prince" by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Out of the two, the former is more likely. It is about a thief, named Gen who steals the king's ring and gets thrown in jail for quite a while, before the king's Magus (known by his title) takes him out of the jail in return for his help to steal something of great importance (though he refuses to say what, at this point). It is mentioned that Gen is young, though his exact age is not given. There are also 3 other men more or less around the same age as Gen. It does not take place in Venice, but rather a fictional country named Sounis. He also has no choice but to work with them, if he doesn't want to be thrown back in prison.

The latter suggestion was actually partially based off the former, so that will explain why there may be some odd similarities between the 2. In "The False Prince," 4 orphans are taken in by a man named Bevin Connor, who obviously has some sort of scheme to use them for. It quickly becomes clear that the boys have no choice but to participate in his plan. It takes place in another fictional country called Carthya. I don't remember anything about a ring, though, and it is definitely aimed towards a younger audience - around middle school, which is why I doubt it is the one you are looking for.

[Mart]

Neither of those ring a bell, unfortunately. The plot description really does seem most similar to "The Thief Lord" however the title isn't familiar, and I listened to a preview of the audiobook, which isn't familiar either. And it is a children's book and I don't think I would have checked out a children's book.

Another thing I'm kind-of remembering is that maybe I got it because I read a review on the guardian, so it's probably about 5-6 years old, maybe 7. It's possible it was praised in the review for depicting medieval Venice accurately. I think it may take place in a fictional version of Venice.

[Jamie]

Does it have an element of fantasy? It sounds KIND of like "The Lies of Locke Lamora" specifically the Venice-like setting.

[Mart]

Jamie wrote: "Does it have an element of fantasy? It sounds KIND of like "The Lies of Locke Lamora" specifically the Venice-like setting."

Boom! Thanks! May God bless you and your family.

[Jamie]

You're welcome! I have a thing for thief books thanks to Megan Whalen Turner, so your query stood out to me!