So far, I have read most of the book. I am not completely done with it but I feel that this is an excellent book. The author uses many literary elements to help develop the story and make it an enveloping read. Funke's characterization is very strong. The Temple text describes characterization as "the art of creating people out of words on the page". It also states that strong characterization is done so that the reader feels like he or she has gotten to know another person. I have read very few books where I feel connected to the characters and am affected by what happens to them in the book. In The Thief Lord I feel that Funke did a great job of characterization because I have been greatly affected by the occurrences of this book. For example, when they come back to their hiding place and Bo and Hornet are missing, I really felt scared for them and sad for Prosper. It is a great thing to be so involved in what happens in a book that your own emotions begin to spring forward. I feel that is the work of a great author.