The Thief Lord

This is a kids' book by Cornelia Funke, who has more recently become well-known for her Inkheart series. It was a very easy read, fun and interesting. I'd recommend it maybe for the 7-10 crowd, or of course for an older reader who won't be quite as enthralled but will enjoy the story anyway.

I can't really remember any criticism I had for the book, just that it didn't wow me.