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Three Thieves #5
Pirates of the Silver Coast
At long last, Dessa knows the location of her missing twin brother...
The island of Astaroth--"The Dark Island"--is a legend among sailors. It's rumored a demon lives there, and that is holds more riches than anyone could fathom. But no one has ever laid eyes on it.
Certain that her long-lost brother is being held on the Dark Island against his will, Dessa hires a ragtag group of smugglers o take her there aboard their ship. But it's a journey fraught with danger and treachery, and the outcome seems less and less certain with each passing moment.
The island of Astaroth--"The Dark Island"--is a legend among sailors. It's rumored a demon lives there, and that is holds more riches than anyone could fathom. But no one has ever laid eyes on it.
Certain that her long-lost brother is being held on the Dark Island against his will, Dessa hires a ragtag group of smugglers o take her there aboard their ship. But it's a journey fraught with danger and treachery, and the outcome seems less and less certain with each passing moment.
92 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2014
About the author
Scott Chantler
36 books84 followersScott Chantler is the acclaimed cartoonist of the graphic novels 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). He also teaches Writing for Graphic Novels at Max the Mutt Animation School in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 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 you 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 you 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.
January 8, 2024
Another absolutely wonderful and charming chapter in this engaging and delightful story that should appeal to children of all ages.
August 12, 2016
Three Thieves is one of the true all ages series which is just as compelling for adults as for children. I am astonished by Chantler's consistency in high-quality storytelling and art. My whole family has been hooked since the first book in the series.
June 7, 2021
Ugh... cliffhanger whyyyyyy... :P
March 2, 2021
This fifth book in the "Three Thieves" series splits its time between our heroine Tessa (plus her two sidekicks) and one-eyed Captain Drake of the Queen's Dragons knighthood. The previous book in the series spent a lot of time filling out his backstory, and most of his thread in this book is an extended scene between him and a fairground fortune-telling norker with a tarot deck. Meanwhile, Dessa and team sell his stolen horse to hire a ship to find the mysterious island where her brother may have been taken.
Shipboard adventures ensue, starting with the wily smuggler Captain Quinn -- who was last seen back in the second book, smuggling untaxed wine into the The Inn of the Black Rock. Soon enough, the legendary Pirate King is on their tail and mayhem and reversals ensure. There are one or two surprises for the characters and younger readers, but adults will have spotted these coming a mile away, so they don't land quite as well. On the final page, Captain Drake also gets a surprise, one that will definitely come out of the blue for the reader. All in all, this one felt like a little less happened than in the previous books, and leaves you immediately wanting the next in the charming series.
Shipboard adventures ensue, starting with the wily smuggler Captain Quinn -- who was last seen back in the second book, smuggling untaxed wine into the The Inn of the Black Rock. Soon enough, the legendary Pirate King is on their tail and mayhem and reversals ensure. There are one or two surprises for the characters and younger readers, but adults will have spotted these coming a mile away, so they don't land quite as well. On the final page, Captain Drake also gets a surprise, one that will definitely come out of the blue for the reader. All in all, this one felt like a little less happened than in the previous books, and leaves you immediately wanting the next in the charming series.
May 18, 2017
This is the 5th book in the Three Thieves series. There are seven books in this fantasy adventure middle grade graphic novel series. This was a fun volume in the series and I enjoyed it.
Dessa has recovered from her broken leg and is determined to hire a ship to get her to the Dark Island to find her brother. Meanwhile Captain Drake is at a fair and gets his fortune told. While he is dubious of the validity of the fortune, he does stumble upon a young boy that reminds him a lot of Dessa.
This was full of pirating fun and had a lot of adventure in it. I enjoyed the progress the story made and am excited to see what they find on the Dark Island in the next book.
The illustration is well done, colorful, and easy to follow.
Overall this was a great continuation of the Three Thieves series. I think the middle grade audience will enjoy these books more than adults will just because the plot is pretty simple and straightforward. I did enjoy the adventure and the colorful characters. I plan on continuing the series and recommend it to those who enjoy a straightforward fantasy adventure story.
Dessa has recovered from her broken leg and is determined to hire a ship to get her to the Dark Island to find her brother. Meanwhile Captain Drake is at a fair and gets his fortune told. While he is dubious of the validity of the fortune, he does stumble upon a young boy that reminds him a lot of Dessa.
This was full of pirating fun and had a lot of adventure in it. I enjoyed the progress the story made and am excited to see what they find on the Dark Island in the next book.
The illustration is well done, colorful, and easy to follow.
Overall this was a great continuation of the Three Thieves series. I think the middle grade audience will enjoy these books more than adults will just because the plot is pretty simple and straightforward. I did enjoy the adventure and the colorful characters. I plan on continuing the series and recommend it to those who enjoy a straightforward fantasy adventure story.
August 22, 2023
Dessa and her friends have hired a smuggler ship to take her to Asteroth, the Dark Island, in search of her brother. But they soon find themselves chased by the Pirate King. Will they escape the pirates or do the smugglers have a different idea?
Still a fun mid-grade fantasy action-adventure graphic novel series. A fun book that doesn’t move the overarching plot forward much, but does hint at more with Captain Drake.
Still a fun mid-grade fantasy action-adventure graphic novel series. A fun book that doesn’t move the overarching plot forward much, but does hint at more with Captain Drake.
July 29, 2017
Not...worse than its predecessor, just less good. The twists throughout were a bit predictable and followed convention more than I've come to expect so in that sense it was disappointing, but the BIG twist at the end I did NOT see coming and gave me a double-take in the best possible way. Would read again just for that experience.
December 21, 2021
With Dessa's escape from Captain Quinn (on his horse, no less!), she meets back up with Fisk and Topper in a seaside town. While she tries to find them a boat to take them to Astaroth, Drake gets his fortune predicted by a fortune teller. Twists and turns occur with both Dessa and Drake, culminating in an ending no one saw coming! I can't wait to see what happens next.
June 7, 2017
this is the best one in the series so far
July 20, 2017
The search continues, as does the chase. But the twist at the end of this one will leave you wondering how this entangled mess will ever be resolved.
August 3, 2017
4.5 stars
July 23, 2019
Great fun, and full of answers to the secrets that have been plaguing our characters for the last few books. AND THAT LAST PAGE!
December 13, 2019
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK.
July 21, 2022
I can’t believe Jared met the dragons!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2016
Originally published on my blog,
Nine Pages
.
I read this fifth book in the graphic novel series, Three Thieves, without having read any of the others and without knowing anything about the series, even so it was pretty easy to guess at the plot thus far. Dessa is searching for her missing brother. She and her companions have broken some laws (including laws about theft) doing so, and Captain Drake is trying to track them down. At this point, Dessa has stolen Drake’s horse and has a map to an island surrounded by dark legend. She needs a ship to take her there. Drake is tarrying at a fortuneteller’s stall while he awaits a new horse to go forward. You get the feeling that Dessa and her band are not only protagonists but probably good people too, people you could expect to do some thrilling heroics while committing crime. While the plot might be filled with clichés, clichés are often cliché for a reason. These plots work. They’re exciting, the things of legends. What’s more Chandler plays here with the traditional tale, placing a girl in charge of a band of notorious, misfit thieves, all cast out presumably from their various cultures, and by having the pirate king reveal herself as a woman too. All of these twists and the thieves’ time with the pirates come too easily and too quickly for my taste. I think I’d have preferred to see this all done in a novel, where we could take time to linger in fear before the resolution appears. Having read only this piece of a longer story, I’m not sure that I can judge much of the arc. Drake’s piece of this particular volume was maybe the space of half an hour, tops. Still it was an enjoyable way to spend a few minutes, getting this piece of the story, making guesses about what had come before and what will come after.
I read this fifth book in the graphic novel series, Three Thieves, without having read any of the others and without knowing anything about the series, even so it was pretty easy to guess at the plot thus far. Dessa is searching for her missing brother. She and her companions have broken some laws (including laws about theft) doing so, and Captain Drake is trying to track them down. At this point, Dessa has stolen Drake’s horse and has a map to an island surrounded by dark legend. She needs a ship to take her there. Drake is tarrying at a fortuneteller’s stall while he awaits a new horse to go forward. You get the feeling that Dessa and her band are not only protagonists but probably good people too, people you could expect to do some thrilling heroics while committing crime. While the plot might be filled with clichés, clichés are often cliché for a reason. These plots work. They’re exciting, the things of legends. What’s more Chandler plays here with the traditional tale, placing a girl in charge of a band of notorious, misfit thieves, all cast out presumably from their various cultures, and by having the pirate king reveal herself as a woman too. All of these twists and the thieves’ time with the pirates come too easily and too quickly for my taste. I think I’d have preferred to see this all done in a novel, where we could take time to linger in fear before the resolution appears. Having read only this piece of a longer story, I’m not sure that I can judge much of the arc. Drake’s piece of this particular volume was maybe the space of half an hour, tops. Still it was an enjoyable way to spend a few minutes, getting this piece of the story, making guesses about what had come before and what will come after.
February 19, 2017
The story is very funny, it illustrates different ''cute monsters'' and Dessa wanted to find her twin brother who with her friends happened a series of stories. Full of adventure,full of funny dialogue, but a little intrigue to me.
February 14, 2016
I got this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Let's just say it was pretty confusing. I haven't read the previous books, however, quite soon things are explained and while you still wonder what happened, not everything is as confusing. I am planning on reading book 1 to 4 now that I read this one. I am quite interested, this is quite a nice gem.
The art is at times a bit disappointing. The text is very sharp/very visible, while the art at times is blurry/seems to fade. This is a shame, especially my eyes didn't appreciate it at times. Not only the text bubbles have this problem, but also things like a ship's name. The ship's name will be sharp/well visible in a square, and the rest is blurry.
The story was decent, I really like it, and I can't wait to see what happens next, it seems like a lot of fun things happened in the previous books, and I do wonder what happened to our heroine and her friends for them to end up where they ended up.
I really liked the characters, especially our main girl. She really is a feisty one, with a good attitude and spirit. While I only know her from this one book, I can tell I will like her in the other books as well. I like a kick-ass main girl.
All in all, this was one fun book, and I would recommend it to everyone. If you like pirates, fantasy, adventure and good characters this is your graphic novel. :)
Let's just say it was pretty confusing. I haven't read the previous books, however, quite soon things are explained and while you still wonder what happened, not everything is as confusing. I am planning on reading book 1 to 4 now that I read this one. I am quite interested, this is quite a nice gem.
The art is at times a bit disappointing. The text is very sharp/very visible, while the art at times is blurry/seems to fade. This is a shame, especially my eyes didn't appreciate it at times. Not only the text bubbles have this problem, but also things like a ship's name. The ship's name will be sharp/well visible in a square, and the rest is blurry.
The story was decent, I really like it, and I can't wait to see what happens next, it seems like a lot of fun things happened in the previous books, and I do wonder what happened to our heroine and her friends for them to end up where they ended up.
I really liked the characters, especially our main girl. She really is a feisty one, with a good attitude and spirit. While I only know her from this one book, I can tell I will like her in the other books as well. I like a kick-ass main girl.
All in all, this was one fun book, and I would recommend it to everyone. If you like pirates, fantasy, adventure and good characters this is your graphic novel. :)
September 7, 2014
'Pirates Of The Silver Coast' is the fifth book in the Three Thieves series of graphic novels and my debut to the series. Despite that, I was able to jump right in and enjoy it.
Dessa is a girl looking for her twin brother, who was abducted years earlier. She has 2 travelling companions, Topper and Fisk, and a map to a mysterious island that she is convinced her brother is on. She convinces a ship to take her there. While onboard, Fisk finds himself being mocked for only having one head (other members of his tribe all have two). The ship is threatened by the Pirate King, who is looking to also find the mysterious island.
Meanwhile, Captain Drake, in pursuit of Dessa, finds himself waylaid by a fortune teller. This sidebar felt unnecessary and drawn out to me, but maybe this happens to Captain Drake in other books.
Scott Chantler's art and storytelling are good, and this would be a fun series for younger readers who might be reluctant readers. The characters are interesting and there were plenty of surprises in this one to keep the pages turning. I'm glad I read this one.
I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Kids Can Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Dessa is a girl looking for her twin brother, who was abducted years earlier. She has 2 travelling companions, Topper and Fisk, and a map to a mysterious island that she is convinced her brother is on. She convinces a ship to take her there. While onboard, Fisk finds himself being mocked for only having one head (other members of his tribe all have two). The ship is threatened by the Pirate King, who is looking to also find the mysterious island.
Meanwhile, Captain Drake, in pursuit of Dessa, finds himself waylaid by a fortune teller. This sidebar felt unnecessary and drawn out to me, but maybe this happens to Captain Drake in other books.
Scott Chantler's art and storytelling are good, and this would be a fun series for younger readers who might be reluctant readers. The characters are interesting and there were plenty of surprises in this one to keep the pages turning. I'm glad I read this one.
I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Kids Can Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
July 26, 2015
Another enjoyable addition to this series, with some interesting developments. I think it is a bit forced to have the group hire Quinn, like the author felt a need to have only familiar characters in major roles; the problem is that he was last seen under arrest for smuggling and it is hard to believe that he would be out and about so soon. Though of course the passage of time in this story is rather vague; the main characters seem to have been on the run for rather a long time. I found it interesting that there were hints about ettin society. Is there only one tribe in this region; how populous are they compared to humans? Norkers are still undefined however.
It will be interesting to see the explanation for the flying island. I'm trying to remember if there was a hint about it in a previous book, a drawing in a book or the like. And what will come of the captain meeting Jared; and when does that happen relative to the main character's story? They go on a journey of several days, perhaps even weeks while the captain's inter-cut story is an encounter of only minutes and would most likely have occurred not long after the end of the previous book since he is still looking for a horse.
It will be interesting to see the explanation for the flying island. I'm trying to remember if there was a hint about it in a previous book, a drawing in a book or the like. And what will come of the captain meeting Jared; and when does that happen relative to the main character's story? They go on a journey of several days, perhaps even weeks while the captain's inter-cut story is an encounter of only minutes and would most likely have occurred not long after the end of the previous book since he is still looking for a horse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2015
Pirates of the Silver Coast by Scott Chantler, published September 2014.
Genre: Graphic Novel.
Format: Hardcover, Print.
Plot: Book five in the Three Thieves series continues the story, with Dessa and crew hiring a smuggler's hip to take them to the Dark Island, where she believes her brother is being held. Meanwhile, Captain Drake is searching for a new horse, but also has a tarot reading that reveals more about his past, himself, and possibly his future than he anticipated. These two storylines weave together and heighten the emotional toll of the story and we also meet a new character,the Pirate King, who has a suprising secret and takes Dessa and her crew onboard as they all search for Dark Island. (Spoilers) But at the end Captain Drake actually meets Dessa's brother, Jared, at a stable and Dessa finds out that the mysterious Dark Island actually floats above the ocean, leaving both storylines hanging in suspense as it were.
Considerations: Some scenes of violence and peril may distrub some sensitive readers and ther is an extensive use of tarot cards that my offend more religiously conservative readers.
Review: Kirkus Reviews, June 2014
Selection Source: YALSA, Great Graphic Novels for Teens List
Recommended Age: Ages 8 and up.
Genre: Graphic Novel.
Format: Hardcover, Print.
Plot: Book five in the Three Thieves series continues the story, with Dessa and crew hiring a smuggler's hip to take them to the Dark Island, where she believes her brother is being held. Meanwhile, Captain Drake is searching for a new horse, but also has a tarot reading that reveals more about his past, himself, and possibly his future than he anticipated. These two storylines weave together and heighten the emotional toll of the story and we also meet a new character,the Pirate King, who has a suprising secret and takes Dessa and her crew onboard as they all search for Dark Island. (Spoilers) But at the end Captain Drake actually meets Dessa's brother, Jared, at a stable and Dessa finds out that the mysterious Dark Island actually floats above the ocean, leaving both storylines hanging in suspense as it were.
Considerations: Some scenes of violence and peril may distrub some sensitive readers and ther is an extensive use of tarot cards that my offend more religiously conservative readers.
Review: Kirkus Reviews, June 2014
Selection Source: YALSA, Great Graphic Novels for Teens List
Recommended Age: Ages 8 and up.
August 15, 2014
This fantasy comic book is the fifth in a series and I have only read the fourth before now – and reviewed it. It is entertaining and well-constructed. It is reminiscent of the French “bande dessinée” style in its artwork.
Parto f the plot deals with Captain Drake, a knight of the kingdom and member of the King’s Dragons, searching for three thieves. He visits a fortune-teller who explains his destiny – whether he believes it or not.
Meanwhile Dessa and her two companions put out to sea to find her twin brother, Jared, and meet various adventures on the way to Astaroth, the island where she believes Jared to have been taken.
The artwork is very good and I enjoyed the story and format. I’d recommend this to any comic lover who enjoys a simple adventure tale.
Enjoyable enough and I look forward to the next instalment.
Parto f the plot deals with Captain Drake, a knight of the kingdom and member of the King’s Dragons, searching for three thieves. He visits a fortune-teller who explains his destiny – whether he believes it or not.
Meanwhile Dessa and her two companions put out to sea to find her twin brother, Jared, and meet various adventures on the way to Astaroth, the island where she believes Jared to have been taken.
The artwork is very good and I enjoyed the story and format. I’d recommend this to any comic lover who enjoys a simple adventure tale.
Enjoyable enough and I look forward to the next instalment.
July 10, 2015
I've been enjoying this series a lot, but I have to say this one was just slightly more confusing than the other books. There is a lot of back and forth between the two plotlines of the Dragon captain and Dessa's crew. The captain is getting his fortune told, which seems to take place over the course of a half hour or so (I'm just guessing here), but when it comes to Dessa, the action obviously takes place over the course of several days, or even weeks, so when the story goes back and forth between the plots, it just felt a little odd. At first I thought the captain spent several days returning to the fortune teller, but such is not the case.
I was quite surprised by the ending! What does this development mean? I can't really talk about it here, as it's a major spoiler. I am looking forward to the next book, to find out the answers.
I was quite surprised by the ending! What does this development mean? I can't really talk about it here, as it's a major spoiler. I am looking forward to the next book, to find out the answers.
March 25, 2015
The three thieves have a new goal: the enigmatic island of Astaroth, where Dessa believes she'll find her kidnapped twin brother. Of course, they don't have an easy time finding it. They manage to get a ship to take them, but soon they find themselves pursued by pirates, and facing betrayal on their own ship. Not everything is as it seems, however, and everyone underestimates the abilities of Dessa and her friends. Meanwhile, Queen's Dragon Drake is still in pursuit.
Another exciting entry in the series, which will end up as a seven-book series. The adventures are beautifully drawn, the characters are fairly stereotypically plucky and resourceful, but enjoyable nonetheless. Lovers of light fantasy adventure with a hint of steampunk will enjoy the series.
Another exciting entry in the series, which will end up as a seven-book series. The adventures are beautifully drawn, the characters are fairly stereotypically plucky and resourceful, but enjoyable nonetheless. Lovers of light fantasy adventure with a hint of steampunk will enjoy the series.
October 28, 2014
In Dessa’s next adventure we begin to see just how far she has come from the start of her quest and how much she has learned since setting out.
We see some old faces in this episode of their journey and through them come to learn some new faces. And a fortune is told to a hesitant man.
Honestly I liked this volume very much. It was an excellent new chapter and kept the tension all the way through. Definitely a must-read if you love this series as I do.
My favorite volume remains the King’s Dragon, however, because of its dark twist to the story.
We see some old faces in this episode of their journey and through them come to learn some new faces. And a fortune is told to a hesitant man.
Honestly I liked this volume very much. It was an excellent new chapter and kept the tension all the way through. Definitely a must-read if you love this series as I do.
My favorite volume remains the King’s Dragon, however, because of its dark twist to the story.
August 26, 2014
I have been enjoying The Three Thieves series since I was introduced to them at a Booklist webinar. The whole plot involves Desa and friends tracking down her brother while being chased by the Queen's Dragon Guards. There is plenty of action - verbal and visual - with twists and betrayals abounding. One of the best scenes is where Fisk provides a fortune to Captain Drake while Desa is selling his horse. The ending is a classic cliff-hanger. I can hardly wait for the next volume!
September 16, 2014
Of course there have to be pirates. What kind of fantasy adventure would it be if there weren't pirates lurking out there somewhere.
Now we finally get to meet them, as the characters continue their odd quest.
What puzzles me about this volume is the ending, which suggests that the quest may have been going in the wrong direction, but how??? I hate having to wait for the next volume to explain that.
Now we finally get to meet them, as the characters continue their odd quest.
What puzzles me about this volume is the ending, which suggests that the quest may have been going in the wrong direction, but how??? I hate having to wait for the next volume to explain that.
October 21, 2014
I got this off of NetGalley and didn't notice that it's the 5th in a series. However, it was very easy to jump into and get to know the characters and the plot. Dessa seems a pretty awesome heroine, and her two buddies are hilarious. It seemed quite exciting, and just when it was getting good it left off with a cliffhanger! I'll definitely have to go back and read the first four, and now I can't wait for the next installment!
March 1, 2015
This one came in my JLG subscription. Don't ask me why book five of a series was sent. While I was able to drop right in and enjoy this adventure, I (and my students will) want to go back and read 1 -4, which my library doesn't own. And, I'm so on for the next installment. Crisp art, fast-paced dialogue and action, well-timed cut-aways to the parallel story. My tween GN fans are going to eat this one up.
December 19, 2014
The fifth book in the "Three Thieves" graphic novel series. Dessa and her friends are back together again and hire a ship to take them to the island of Astaroth where Dessa believes her twin brother is being kept. But they are followed and then boarded by the Pirate King. Captain Drake continues to persue the three thieves but has a surprise waiting for him up at the story's end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews