I really wanted to like The Knight Thieves. The cover is absolutely stunning, and the premise—an outlaw girl teaming up with a cursed prince on a magical quest—is the sort that feels like it should be instantly engaging. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t connect with the story.

A huge factor in this was Rosebud, a character who is supposed to be a clever and fearless leader, but instead felt impulsive, arrogant, and frustratingly reckless. Rather than being a cunning outlaw, she made rash decisions that often put others in danger, and instead of finding her charming or witty, she comes off as rather annoying. I love strong-willed protagonists, but Rosebud lacked the depth and emotional growth to make her likable or relatable. Her dynamic with Prince Timo had potential, but their interactions felt forced, and I never truly cared about their alliance. While his situation was far more interesting, reading through their journey often dragged.

Some of the problems with the pacing come directly from the minimal world building. The Nowhere Wood could have been a fascinating and immersive setting, but it felt like a collection of random magical encounters rather than a fully developed world. The magic system was vague and too many plot twists felt like convenient solutions rather than earned moments. Deus ex machina is still annoying, even when in a children’s book.

While I can see younger readers enjoying the fast-paced adventure and humor, there are certainly a multitude of other middlegrade books with similar premises who managed to tackle the writing and character development far better.

Jenn Bennett's "The Knight Thieves" is a delightful middle-grade fantasy that masterfully intertwines adventure, humor, and heart. The story follows twelve-year-olds Rosebud and Wilda, leaders of the Blackhearts outlaw gang, as they navigate a kingdom oppressed by the tyrannical Otto the Torch. Their mission takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Prince Timo, a fugitive cursed with a hexed wolf mask. Together, they embark on a perilous journey into the enchanted Nowhere Wood, seeking a magical artifact to lift Timo's curse and restore their realm.

Bennett's world-building is both vivid and imaginative, presenting readers with a realm filled with enchanting creatures and locales, from a friendly giant to an irascible albino dragon. The narrative is cleverly crafted, blending episodic adventures with a dose of madcap humor that keeps readers engaged. The protagonists are portrayed with depth and authenticity, showcasing their tenacity and vulnerability as they confront challenges and forge unbreakable bonds.

This novel is a testament to the power of friendship, courage, and resilience. Its rich tapestry of characters and settings makes it a compelling read for young audiences and a charming addition to the fantasy genre.

That was so fun! I love adventure stories and this one have exactly what I was hoping it would. Cannot recommend enough!

This is a fun, epic adventure with two heroines, a cursed prince, a pet lynx, and a quest to save the kingdom. There are some very interesting characters, some really great plot twists, lots of action and satisfying ending. All in all a great adventure.

Rosa and Wilda, two young outlaws (plus their wildcat) are trying to exact revenge on the villainous Firebrands who have taken over their village. This book read young (ages 8-11), and I felt the pacing was slower than I would have liked. The story begins moving along when a cursed prince crashes into their lives and together Rosa, Wilda, and Timo, must embark on a quest full of mayhem, dangers, and magical creatures to save the Queendom. This book appeals to young readers looking for a new adventure, but also holds the fantasy tropes we know and love.

I loved this rollicking tale full of adventure, hijinks, and heart. The fantasy elements and variety of characters (and animals!) made this a book of page-turning fun for me. I'm already hoping for a sequel. Rosebud, aka Ruthless Rose, and her Blackhearts teammate Wilda are both tenacious and vulnerable in their desire to help their kingdom and save their loved ones. When they're joined by the wolfhead-cursed Prince Timo, the trio faces challenges they never dreamed of. Clever wording and foreshadowing, both dry and silly humor, and the highest of stakes (aka, people about to be burned at the actual stake) make this one a real winner. I look forward to reading more by Jenn Bennett!