Dessa (and Fisk and Topper) finally arrive on the island of Astaroth, and find a very strange place indeed, peopled with young princes and princesses and the mysterious Toymaker - but Jared is not there. Both Dessa and Captain Drake begin to put the pieces together: Greyfalcon kidnapped Jared because he, not Magda, is the true heir to North Huntington, and the other children on Astaroth are the heirs to other kingdoms. Aboard a ship, Drake confronts Greyfalcon and attempts to protect Jared. ( )

More questions are answered as Dessa finds the islands and the secret of the other kids on the island.

Meanwhile the Captain finds Jared and starts putting the pieces together as to who wanted Jared kidnapped and killed originally. ( )

After a quick start in Book 1 and then a more deliberate exploration of history and secondary plots in Books 2-4, Chantler remains squarely focused on the main plot in The Dark Island. Dessa suspects Jared is on Astaroth and she has landed within the opening pages. What she finds is more confusing for her than for the reader, as Chantler efficiently uses Dessa's story to advance our understanding of the larger machinations at work around her.

Drake's arc is completed as he fully measures up Magda, the role of Jared & Dessa, and his loyalties.

Fisk's character arc in the last book foreshadowed a dilemma he faces on the Dark Island. Up to now, Chantler devoted less attention to Fisk than to Drake, a reasonable focus given the action and complicated backstory relevant to understanding Dessa's nemesis. But even Topper had more time in prior books, given his role of comedic relief. Now, Chantler demonstrates the importance of a character can't be measured only by panels, and the Ettin's loyalty & moral compass prove to be the story's center of gravity.

The Dark Island ends with Dessa & Jared on different ships, recently disabused of mistaken beliefs, and each headed ... where?

The scenes on the island clearly celebrate shipwreck adventures such as the Swiss Family Robinson or Robinson Crusoe, and some of the technology evident give a nod to more whimsical stories like Gilligan's Island or the Flintstones.

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Three Thieves offers a strong story arc over seven books, well plotted and set in a fabulist world. Each book has a distinctive subplot while moving the larger plot forward. Events include set pieces (castles & kings, chase on horseback, piracy & floating islands) as well as the through-line of a search for a missing sibling. There is enough here that is original to avoid feelings of recycling or cliche, while at the same time Chantler readily incorporates recognisable elements from classic adventure tales and even pop culture.

Overall, chock-a-block with cliffhangers & plot twists, well written and a good challenge for younger readers while keeping the interest of the older among us. ( )

We couldn't put this one down! So excited to get the final book soon! ( )