Review by Colin Credle
In this final book of the Three Thieves series Scott Chantler ties together all the loose ends. After fleeing the island of Astaroth as seen in The Dark Island, Dessa and the Pirate King find a wounded Captain Drake floating on a piece of jettisoned wood in the ocean. He admits to finding Dessa’s lost brother Jared, only to lose him to Lord Chamberlain Greyfalcon and his Dragon guard Freynir. During their journey back to kingdom of North Huntington, Captain Drake trains Dessa how to use a sword, which is useful when upon returning they find the kingdom of North Huntington under siege by the kingdom of Lothar.
Chantler illustrates flashbacks in black and white, a stark contrast to the ongoing action filled with trebuchets, cannons, arrows, moats and lost helmets. Even the most minor characters from previous books manage to make an appearance, albeit in the background of the panels, and it’s noticeable Queen Magda keeps gaining weight. The Iron Hand Brotherhood of Assassins is oddly absent from the flashbacks, although Greyfalcon does explain their role and influence on his intrigues. We have sword fights, battling armies, dramatic prison escapes, hostage rescues and newly minted Kings. Dessa does end up in a good place that only capitalises on her rare abilities as an acrobat, diplomat and escape artist. Such a rich menu of events are well rendered by Chantler’s familiar simple, but expressive artistic style. The action is well choreographed and leaps from panel to panel.
As a series Three Thieves sustains momentum, builds the characters to be alluring and engages with mystery and intrigue. The Iron Hand keeps the momentum going and leads to a pleasing wrap up without any “deus ex machina” to taint it. We know everyone, it makes sense and yet it manages to surprise as well. Three Thieves is just plain good swashbuckling fun for all ages.