"The Thief’s Keeper by Kylie Wang is a richly woven prequel to the An Enemy’s Keeper series that takes readers on a heartfelt and adventurous journey through the ruins of post-conquest England. Set in the aftermath of rebellion, the novel explores themes of survival, unlikely friendships, and the pursuit of hope against the odds.

Aelfric, a runaway thrall with a yearning for freedom, and Aliwyn, a resourceful young thief shunned for being “cursed,” form an extraordinary bond that propels the story forward. Their mission to reunite a lost toddler with his family adds emotional depth to the plot while highlighting the sacrifices required in a world dominated by oppression and hardship.

Wang masterfully balances historical detail with a gripping narrative, creating an immersive medieval setting that feels both vivid and authentic. Aelfric and Aliwyn’s journey is fraught with danger, yet their courage and resilience shine through, making them characters readers can truly root for. The novel’s exploration of trust and redemption, coupled with a touch of mystery surrounding Aliwyn’s condition, adds layers to the story that keep readers engaged.

Fans of coming-of-age adventures, historical fiction, or stories of found families will find The Thief’s Keeper an utterly rewarding read. Wang’s balance of action, heartfelt moments, and strong character development ensures it resonates with readers of all ages.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy stories with heart, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit!"

"The Thief's Keeper is one of the best books I've read this year. It is realistic and well-researched, set in England in an alternate Middle Ages just after the Norman Conquest. I would say the book is appropriate for middle-grade readers and up through adults.

The two protagonists are Aelfric, a 14-year-old escaped thrall (slave) boy, and Aliwyn, an orphaned 13-year-old girl who suffers from a mysterious illness (scurvy) and is caring for a toddler separated from his parents. They team up to help Aelfric escape his master, try to get Aliwyn medical help, and find the toddler's parents. They deal with many trials and tribulations, but the heart of the story is not so much what happens as the growth of these two protagonists as they learn more about love, friendship, loyalty, trust, and compassion."

""The Thief's Keeper (An Enemy's Keeper Prequel)" is a thrilling historical adventure filled with danger and friendship. Set in medieval England after a rebellion, it follows Aelfric, a young thrall escaping his master, and Aliwyn, a clever thief who is cast aside for being "cursed." Together, they form a strong bond while trying to save a lost toddler from cruel traders and reunite him with his family. I am deeply impressed with the powerful friendship between Aelfric and Aliwyn. They have to trust each other to survive, and their relationship brings warmth and hope to an otherwise dangerous journey. I highly recommend this book."