Tower of Treasure: Three Thieves, Book One

Dessa, a 14-year-old acrobat, struggles with her values as they are compromised by the pressure of her traveling circus peers. Hugo, her mean and domineering master, refuses to pay anyone after a show, and troupe members are forced to find their own means to get money and food. Topper, a sky-blue eel-like creature destined to be the world’s greatest thief, pickpockets peasants for money to buy food, but recruits Dessa and Fisk the strong man to help break into the queen’s treasury using a map he found. Things don’t go well, and the struggle to find money and nourishment quickly turns into an escape for survival and many unanswered questions. Told in three acts, the story uses medieval slang sporadically without being overbearing. Chantler effectively presents action and adventure, with atmospheric coloring to convey the mood. It’s an entertaining and action packed new fantasy-adventure series that will appeal to fans of the genre. Ages 8–12. (Aug.)