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Three Thieves #2
The Sign of the Black Rock
Book two is a wild ride — chockfull of suspense and laughs, with a daring and determined female protagonist leading the way.
112 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Scott Chantler
43 books103 followersScott Chantler is the acclaimed cartoonist of the graphic novels SQUIRE& KNIGHT, BIX, TWO GENERALS (which was long-listed for CBC’s CANADA READS: TRUE STORIES, named one of Chapters-Indigo’s Best Books of 2010, and selected for BEST AMERICAN COMICS 2012), NORTHWEST PASSAGE (which was nominated for Eisner, Harvey, Shuster, and Doug Wright Awards), and the THREE THIEVES series (the first book of which, TOWER OF TREASURE, won the Joe Shuster Award for Best Comic for Kids).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 13, 2011
After only two books, I'd say this series has the potential to have an impact like Amulet or even Bone. Art and layouts are solid, characters varied and interesting, and the dialogue is fantastic. Probably the best part of the series so far. Let's hope Chantler can keep this pace going. The only problem with being invested in a series this early in the game is waiting forever for sequels to come out!
May 3, 2022
**Review is for all seven volumes in the series, read in a single sitting.
Good, old-fashioned clean entertainment that the world needs more of.
The art isn't stylized or intrusive, the script isn't excessive or needlessly strange.
The worst yuo could say is all of the structural pieces are standard, much of the plot is homage (even down to one of the locations being called Guilder), yet it is done so well that it doesn't matter. The sum total exceeds that of the parts.
Good, old-fashioned clean entertainment that the world needs more of.
The art isn't stylized or intrusive, the script isn't excessive or needlessly strange.
The worst yuo could say is all of the structural pieces are standard, much of the plot is homage (even down to one of the locations being called Guilder), yet it is done so well that it doesn't matter. The sum total exceeds that of the parts.
August 21, 2012
3.5* Even better than the first book.The thing I appreciate especially about this author/artist is his clarity. I was never lost, or wondering what was happening, there was no confusion whatsoever as often happens with graphic novels where the storyline switches back and forth in time. Enjoyed it! I bet you would too!
October 23, 2017
Entertaining tale of deception, intrigue, greed, and quiet generosity interspersed with some madcap physical comedy that keeps the tone of the story light. Fun read!
November 4, 2017
Really cute series of kids’ graphic novels. I think I’ll read all of them since they’re such quick reads.
November 12, 2019
Interesting read. Would definitely recommend to a friend.
August 30, 2024
I liked this a little more than the first, and I'm on board for the next! I hope they find the brother soon, and I'd love to know more about Captain Drake, who doesn't seem like he'd be a bad guy if he didn't have to serve a rotten queen.
November 13, 2015
The Sign of the Black Rock is a vey interesting story that takes place during one rainy night at the Black Rock Inn. Dessa, Topper and Fisk are just looking for a warm and dry place to spend the night when they stumble into more trouble than they are prepared for. Little do they know how close they will be to being captured by Captain Drake and the Queen's Dragons.
The continuing story of Dessa, Topper, and Fisk on the run is a fast-paced and exciting tale. The artwork by Scott Chantler is, once again, excellent and the coloring is better than it was in the first book, where the colors were a little muted.
Young Readers should really enjoy this story. All of the characters are interesting and kids will really bond with Dessa. I really like Topper and would like to learn more about him. Fisk is still quite a mystery. Why does he only have one head? What exactly is an etin anyway? I hope that we get to know more about him in the next five books.
If you child is having trouble find a love for reading, like my daughter did, try picking up a copy of the books in this series. Yes, they are comics. I know some parents don't want their kids reading comics. But speaking from a teacher's point of view, if a child finds a book that they love, be it a chapter book or a comic book, it really doesn't matter what type a book it is in the long run. If they get bitten by the Reading Bug, they will find chapter book eventually. Comic books, or graphic novels, can be a good transition into chapter books. A fun and interesting comic could be the one book that starts them down the path of a life of reading books for pleasure.
Overall, The Sign of the Black Rock is another great book in a series that promises to be quite wonderful. The storyline, the artwork, and the characters keep the user highly interested in this story. I cannot wait to see what happens next with Dessa, Topper and Fisk. I just hope that they can keep out of the hands of Captain Drake and the Queen's Dragons so Dessa can hopefully find her missing brother.
I rated this book an 8½ out of 10.
The continuing story of Dessa, Topper, and Fisk on the run is a fast-paced and exciting tale. The artwork by Scott Chantler is, once again, excellent and the coloring is better than it was in the first book, where the colors were a little muted.
Young Readers should really enjoy this story. All of the characters are interesting and kids will really bond with Dessa. I really like Topper and would like to learn more about him. Fisk is still quite a mystery. Why does he only have one head? What exactly is an etin anyway? I hope that we get to know more about him in the next five books.
If you child is having trouble find a love for reading, like my daughter did, try picking up a copy of the books in this series. Yes, they are comics. I know some parents don't want their kids reading comics. But speaking from a teacher's point of view, if a child finds a book that they love, be it a chapter book or a comic book, it really doesn't matter what type a book it is in the long run. If they get bitten by the Reading Bug, they will find chapter book eventually. Comic books, or graphic novels, can be a good transition into chapter books. A fun and interesting comic could be the one book that starts them down the path of a life of reading books for pleasure.
Overall, The Sign of the Black Rock is another great book in a series that promises to be quite wonderful. The storyline, the artwork, and the characters keep the user highly interested in this story. I cannot wait to see what happens next with Dessa, Topper and Fisk. I just hope that they can keep out of the hands of Captain Drake and the Queen's Dragons so Dessa can hopefully find her missing brother.
I rated this book an 8½ out of 10.
December 24, 2011
It was a dark and stormy night, and coastal innkeeper Grig is saddled with a crew of smugglers and the barrels of wine they just brought him, a full house in the common room, and now knights of the queen in search of three miscreants who tried to rob the queen's treasury--though they wouldn't mind bringing a few smugglers to justice as well. Meanwhile the three miscreants--a young girl and her two non-human companions--are caught in the storm as well, on a quest to find the girl's twin, stolen away by a man when they were young. All they have to go on is a mysterious book that belonged to the kidnapper. Throughout the night they are captured and escape several times, often with the help of the innkeeper's mute, scarred wife. Can they evade capture forever, though?
This is a suspenseful adventure story with beautiful, cartoon-like drawings in saturated color and black line. I think it would be better to start with book one, but this was the one we had at the library, so I went with it and could understand it fairly well. Some of the characters were pretty stock, but that won't bother kids, and they'll want to solve the mystery of the book and the missing brother as much as the girl does. Two thumbs up.
This is a suspenseful adventure story with beautiful, cartoon-like drawings in saturated color and black line. I think it would be better to start with book one, but this was the one we had at the library, so I went with it and could understand it fairly well. Some of the characters were pretty stock, but that won't bother kids, and they'll want to solve the mystery of the book and the missing brother as much as the girl does. Two thumbs up.
March 19, 2020
Book Two of the "Three Thieves" series picks up with our three ex-circus heroes fleeing the capital city of Kingsbridge, where they are wanted for breaking into the royal treasury. It's a dark and stormy knight along the coastal road, and they seek refuge in the barn of the the titular tavern/inn. Others at the inn include its venal owner, his mute downtrodden wife, seagoing smugglers bringing wine in to avoid the queen's tax, a performing magician, a slew of patrons, and eventually, the one-eyed Queen's knight from the first book, along with a bunch of his brethren.
The entire book takes place in the inn over the course of the night, and it's a really clever script, with the heroes in constant jeopardy from the innkeeper and the knights, and the smugglers trying to get paid without drawing attention to themselves. Lots of well-drawn action, clever jokes, and near the end, a few more plot points about the heroine's missing brother and the mysterious tome she carries. The artwork is the perfect balance of bold lines with plenty of expressiveness and background detail, and the colors are well thought out. If, like me, you grew up on Asterix, Tintin, and Dungeons & Dragons, you'll probably really like this.
The entire book takes place in the inn over the course of the night, and it's a really clever script, with the heroes in constant jeopardy from the innkeeper and the knights, and the smugglers trying to get paid without drawing attention to themselves. Lots of well-drawn action, clever jokes, and near the end, a few more plot points about the heroine's missing brother and the mysterious tome she carries. The artwork is the perfect balance of bold lines with plenty of expressiveness and background detail, and the colors are well thought out. If, like me, you grew up on Asterix, Tintin, and Dungeons & Dragons, you'll probably really like this.
May 11, 2017
This it the second book in the Three Thieves series. I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first book, but it was still a fun read.
During a terrible storm the three thieves take shelter in a inn only to find that the Captain of the Guard has tracked them to that inn. The Innkeeper’s wife ends up recognizing the book that Dessa is carrying and Dessa gets some more info on her brother.
What follows is a lot of grab and chase throughout the inn. There is some side story involving smugglers as well. The story felt a bit like an interlude to me, it wasn’t quite as exciting as the first book in the series. However, i am curious to see where the story goes from here.
The illustration was pretty typical but easy enough to follow. The story has been easy to follow as well.
Overall this was an okay book in the Three Thieves series. There’s a lot of time spend on the characters playing hide and seek with both the owner of the inn and the Queen’s Dragons. I think younger readers will find this more entertaining than adults. I was a bit disappointed that the story didn’t make more progress.
January 4, 2012
A second winning episode of the Three Thieves adventures. This one is much more claustrophobic than the first, as the entire book takes place over the course of a single dark and stormy night in a coastal inn called the Black Rock. Our three heroes have unwittingly sought shelter in the only refuge the area offers, the same inn that their pursuers, the elite guard unit known as the Queen's Dragons, have retreated to. The same inn that shelters a ship's crew of smugglers that have just made a delivery to the greedy innkeeper, the same greedy innkeeper who hopes to manipulate circumstances and all three sets of guests for his own personal gain. Full of tense action--with just enough levity to keep things from getting too heavy--and excellent illustrations, this confirms the series' place among my favorites for younger readers and I'm eagerly awaiting the next one.
September 29, 2015
I didn't expect to cheer for the guards quite so much in a story about thieves.
March 19, 2018
The paneling is great. The story is functional, but awkward; characters have to stop behaving believably to facilitate the plot. Another draft or two, and I'd love this comic.
March 28, 2018
"The Sign Of the Black Rock" By Scott Chantler has many interesting characteristics to the book. The book takes place during a storm where the main character Dessa and her 2 partners are forced into an inn, where Captain Drake and his companions are searching for them.
There are numerous reasons I gave this book 3 stars, this book may appeal to many people and has an extensive audience, yet I feel as if the book repeats itself. The whole book is based around the 3 main characters being forced into shelter during the storm, and during their refuge from the storm they are being chased by Captain Drake their pursuer. It seems as if its just a big game of cat and mouse, the book does have tense escapes, awe dropping athleticism and scary captures, but through-out the whole book it is just the same story but like its building up for something bigger. Being my mistake of reading the second book in the series it does seem to be better and would have given me a much better experience if i had read the first book.
Giving this series the benefit of the doubt i really think i would have enjoyed the book a lot better if I had some context with what had happened before these events took place, but the book could have been more appealing to me on its own. "The Sign of the Black Rock" still had a good story with intense situations where even though it is a short book and where you don't really get to see the characters develop or grow I still felt scared in some parts and sort of sympathetic.
There are numerous reasons I gave this book 3 stars, this book may appeal to many people and has an extensive audience, yet I feel as if the book repeats itself. The whole book is based around the 3 main characters being forced into shelter during the storm, and during their refuge from the storm they are being chased by Captain Drake their pursuer. It seems as if its just a big game of cat and mouse, the book does have tense escapes, awe dropping athleticism and scary captures, but through-out the whole book it is just the same story but like its building up for something bigger. Being my mistake of reading the second book in the series it does seem to be better and would have given me a much better experience if i had read the first book.
Giving this series the benefit of the doubt i really think i would have enjoyed the book a lot better if I had some context with what had happened before these events took place, but the book could have been more appealing to me on its own. "The Sign of the Black Rock" still had a good story with intense situations where even though it is a short book and where you don't really get to see the characters develop or grow I still felt scared in some parts and sort of sympathetic.
June 2, 2023
A terrible storm has forced all travelers to stop at the Black Rock Inn. The innkeeper is needing to pay some smugglers for some smuggled wine, but then the Queen’s Dragons arrive searching for three thieves who escaped from the Queen’s dungeons. Dessa and her friends are hiding in the inn’s stables from the storm, and still searching for Dessa’s brother. The innkeeper hopes to get a reward for helping capture them, but the innkeeper’s silent wife might help the thieves for her own secret reasons. Will the three thieves avoid capture so they can continue their quest?
Still a fun mid-grade fantasy action-adventure graphic novel.
Still a fun mid-grade fantasy action-adventure graphic novel.
August 30, 2023
Tbh it’s been almost a year since I read the last volume so my memory is foggy of the plot. Anyways still another great volume, I’ll probably read the rest of the series.
Great very expressive art that does well at visual storytelling, lively atmosphere etc.
It’s more of a filler chapter as the characters are stuck in the inn for the entire volume. But it’s still quite good I think. The rainy atmosphere and the anxiety is so well done.
Also it adds a side character for the volume that doesn’t take away from the thieves story but adds to it. Very well done ending like yes go lady!! 🫡
Great very expressive art that does well at visual storytelling, lively atmosphere etc.
It’s more of a filler chapter as the characters are stuck in the inn for the entire volume. But it’s still quite good I think. The rainy atmosphere and the anxiety is so well done.
Also it adds a side character for the volume that doesn’t take away from the thieves story but adds to it. Very well done ending like yes go lady!! 🫡
January 6, 2024
Other than how conveniently some of the plot elements fold together (sometimes coincidences can strain credibility) this is an absolutely charming and delightful tale. And again I am reminded of Jeff Smith’s artwork and storytelling style from the classic Bone: The Complete Edition.
January 19, 2025
Dessa, Fisk and Topper are looking for Dessa's brother they end up in a strange inn where Drake comes searching for them. The innkeepers wife helps them hide but the innkeeper finds them and holds them hoping for a ransom from Drake. In a scuffle Dessa loses the book she's been carrying hoping it will lead to clues about her brother. The greedy innkeeper has been abusing his wife, she has scars to show it. He's a horrible man and gets Dessa in trouble. The innkeepers wife gives Dessa a clue before they leave the inn....hope about her brother.
December 7, 2021
Fresh from their escape from Kingsbridge, Dessa, Fisk, and Topper are caught in a rainstorm and the only place of safe refuge is the Black Rock Inn. Unfortunately, they aren't the only ones in search of shelter! Over the course of the evening, our trio has to escape locked rooms, a greedy cruel innkeeper, and Captain Drake and the Queen's Dragons! Do they manage to make it through the night? Can Dessa find the trail of her missing brother? You'll only find out if you read this comic!
July 13, 2025
This second volume about the three thieves is set almost entirely in one building. A setting such as this takes a great deal of skill for an author and illustrator to keep the story fresh and interesting, but Chantler manages both with ease. Dessa moves forward slightly in her goal of finding her brother, while other back story emerges. I look forward to continuing my reading of the adventures of the three thieves.
July 13, 2017
Whoa, this was great! It continues the story, but makes a bottle episode out of it. Inclement weather forces the Three Thieves—and pursuers!—into the only inn around, run by a smarmy, greedy, selfish innkeeper. Lots of twists and reveals, it stands alone, and still sends the travelers on their way for a new adventure. I quite enjoyed it. More Captain Drake, please!
July 13, 2017
An outstanding continuation of the series. Our heroine runs smack into the posse who’s searching for her at an inn during a storm. The nefarious landlord wants to sell her to the guards, but more swashbuckling is going to happen!
June 7, 2017
loooooooooooooooovvvvvveeee
August 3, 2017
4.5 stars
February 19, 2018
Rated 5 stars
Ages 12/13+
Ages 12/13+
June 25, 2019
A lot of backstabbing, shady deals, and swinging from windows in the rain! Will our leads manage to get away in time for the next volume? (Yes.)
July 13, 2019
Another great read! This series is still holding strong with beautiful artwork and plenty of twists and turns. I think fans of Bone will like this.
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December 13, 2019OMG GREAT FOR A SEQUEL.
August 31, 2020
Just simply wonderful. One night at an inn during a dreadful storm with the protagonists, their enemies, smugglers, and the not-so-friendly innkeeper.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews