An incredibly gripping YA dystopian novel offering a dark glimpse into the criminal underworld that mirrors aspects of our own society. Quite unlike the books I usually choose, yet I was hooked from the very first chapter.

The map of the three empires was fascinating. I appreciated that the geography was inspired by our own world rather than an entirely fictional one. The key was especially compelling with its use of distinctive symbols to represent assassin spies and intelligence outposts. Studying the map drew me deeper into the story.

The definition of a ‘con’ at the beginning helped establish the tone and atmosphere. I had hoped to trace the different stages of the 'long con' as the story progressed, but this didn’t materialise. I suspect this is because the long con will unfold across several instalments.

The manipulation of history to create this extraordinary alternate world, where various types of criminals dominate in a Victorian style London, was executed with skill. The characters felt authentic, particularly Tom Morgan whose responses to the situations he faced were believable. His portrayal as a reluctant hero was convincing. He reminded me of John Wick and I could easily picture Tom as a young Keanu Reeves.

Beaufort’s School for Deceptive Arts was thoroughly developed. I enjoyed the final chapter and hope the Corsair makes a return in future books. I am eager to see what new challenges await Tom as a member of the Shadow League. With so many enemies, it would not surprise me if multiple bounties were placed on him.

Tom has also gained several allies who owe him their lives, even if their loyalty must remain hidden. I am curious to see how these connections will influence events in the next books of the series.

We're in a semi-steampunk world for this drama, a world of cars and planes but not the common modern technology. Oh, and workhouses and similar Victorian elements – as Tom knows all too well, having been born into one. He's a member of a street gang now, but one without a head, as it's just the kids and his own personal Fagin-type has died. Forced to move always one step ahead of those wanting him back in the workhouses, he's suddenly approached by someone else – the mystical Corsair, with an invitation that will change his life. For Tom is being offered a rare place in the global and extremely shadowy Thieves School.

This has serious issues. One is the pace of it all – and this is evidence that any review saying it's a fast-paced read has come from the forgers' house at the School. It's such a laboured set-up, that by the time some perfectly decent books have finished this is still witnessing Tom's first evening in the School itself. I mean, it does have a lot to do – the world-building, the motivation for Tom, the lost family Tom never knew (such as the allegedly thieving Egyptian mother – and we know that can't be true, or else the sensitivity reader was having a day off). This is not set-up-then-training-montage-then-first-book-story. It's everything else that could potentially be needed by the series at director's cut length, with nothing like a montage.

And while I can forgive the leg-work being done (well, to some extent…) other factors here are still bad. The initial mission for the lad, a lift-and-swop of a bracelet, is just silly. The author loves a list, from the catalogue of things in the daft underground vault to the bookshelf of schoolbooks Tom gets given. You're forced to suffer the way all the other characters dismiss Tom – they're legacy family members, bred to remain installed in the school, while Tom is from the streets – as if rage-baiting is entertaining.

And ultimately the whole Kingsman-for-kids vibe just flops. Ultimately this tries to marry that intent with something socialist about the power balance of the world – this world, with its three empires, Napoleonic France, Prussia and Japan – and some big bit of political machination that might just be an issue that Tom just has to stumble into. I know this is over-stuffed, but the balance of the empires is not done enough for us to care one jot about them, and this is one more part of the fantasy here that really fails. As does any chance I'll be returning for more.

Incredibly original, beautifully written, fast-paced and full of intrigue. A fantastic book and unlike anything I've read before. Love the idea of reimagined history - such a fascinating concept and a brilliant launchpad for a story. Lots for readers to sink their teeth into with this one. An exciting new series!

Shadow Thieves
By Peter Burns
Published by HarperCollins Publishers

This debut adventure novel from Burns is the first of a new middle-grade series.
Full of secrets, dangers and thrilling twists it is sure to keep you turning the pages.

Starring Tom Morgan, a 13 year old street urchin who lives from moment to moment. Picking pockets and shining shoes is how he survives on the streets of London Town, until his friends are caught and sent to the brutal workhouse.

This modern day Oliver Twist combined with some magical trickier is fast paced, intriguing and thrilling to the very end.
But the workhouse is not for Tom. He is whisked away on his very own journey to a boarding school for thieves. He is educated amongst the very best, but can never return to his roots.

However, as Tom uncovers more secrets and knowledge, he discovers how powerful some people are becoming until he is in far too deep to do nothing.
Who will believe Tom?
Will he deter them or will they destroy him?
Will he make it back in time to rescue his friends?
It takes all his strength, courage and determination to ‘leave no one behind’ as he battles with the best of the best!

Thrilling, raw and richly imaginative!
Your next class read!

Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery

I imagine this book will be popular with kids: it's well-written, fast-paced, and amusing. The protagonist, Tom, is a lovely character with a lot of heart and quite a bit of bite. But personally, I find it hard to get behind a book where the heroes are thieves and assassins. Yes, the 'good thieves' are much better people than the seriously awful antagonists... and I think the author may be gradually leading the series in a different direction... but I think this book still leaves the general impression that it's OK to gain wealth and power by defrauding or manipulating others, and I'm not comfortable recommending that to kids.

I loved going on this adventure with Tom, meeting all the interesting characters along the way! Peter Burns did an amazing job making the characters feel real and created the perfect atmosphere when setting the scenes. Great twists throughout!
This book is aimed at a younger audience. However, it can be enjoyed by all ages. When I was reading it, I did feel it had a modern day, Oliver Twist meets Harry Potter vibe about it. So well written. I was totally disappointed when it ended and can't wait for the next instalment! Thank you, @NetGalley, for the advanced copy.

I was gripped from the very beginning by the intense action and wonderful character building. The world inhabited by Tom and his friends is filled with dangers that lurk around every corner. Then Tom is offered the chance at a very different life in a very different world. My mind buzzed with questions as I became more and more engrossed in Tom's story. My Y6 class will devour this!
Highly recommended.

As an Upper Key Stage 2 teacher, I’m always searching for books that grab readers from the first page – and Shadow Thieves absolutely delivers. I was totally hooked. The gritty, alternate London setting is brilliantly imagined, and the unique world-building creates an immersive experience that will spark curiosity and discussion.

Tom Morgan is a compelling protagonist, and the real sense of peril throughout the story adds real depth and tension – it never feels safe or predictable. My pupils will love the high-stakes adventure and the moral dilemmas it presents.

I loved it and can’t wait to see where the author takes the story next. A fantastic choice for confident readers who enjoy stories with danger, drama and heart.

Shadow Thieves by Peter Burns is that rare kind of book that grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go until long after the final chapter. Set in an alternate London dripping with Dickensian grit and high-stakes intrigue, this dazzling debut delivers a heady mix of street-smart adventure, secret societies, and a boarding school for thieves that would make even the most hardened pickpocket feel underqualified.

We follow 13-year-old Tom Morgan, a sharp and loyal street kid with a strong moral compass and a bag full of survival tricks. When his closest friends are taken to a brutal workhouse, Tom’s desperate to find a way to save them. Enter the enigmatic Corsair, who whisks Tom away to Beaufort’s—a school unlike any other, nestled high in the Alps and shrouded in secrecy. But the further Tom steps into this new world of elite criminal training, the clearer it becomes that not everyone can be trusted—and getting out may be just as dangerous as getting in.

Burns nails the balance between breakneck action and character depth. Tom is a fantastic protagonist—quick-witted, brave, and full of heart—and the friendships and rivalries that blossom around him are as emotionally engaging as the many twists and turns of the plot. The worldbuilding is atmospheric and fully realized, from the icy halls of Beaufort’s to the grimy backstreets of alternate London.

There are definite echoes of Skandar, Percy Jackson, and even Oliver Twist, but Shadow Thieves carves out its own lane with confidence. It’s gritty yet hopeful, wildly imaginative without ever losing emotional grounding. And while it’s clearly the first in a series, it’s satisfying in its own right—though trust me, you’ll be craving book two the second you finish.

If you’re looking for a middle grade read that blends thrilling adventure, clever worldbuilding, and a deeply likable hero, Shadow Thieves is a must. It’s the kind of book you race through, then immediately want to press into someone else’s hands. A spectacular start to what promises to be an unforgettable series.

I am absolutely stunned into the most massive book hangover-
Tom and his band of friends live on the streets of an alternate London, one that is not under British rule. They live together and take care of each other like a family.

When they get snatched by the child snatchers and put into a workhouse, it is Tom that is broken free by friend Maxine. He vows to return and break his friends out. While he watches the workhouse, he is approached by the Corsair, a man who offers Tom an opportunity.

Tom accepts and becomes a student at Beaufort’s School of Thieving Srts or Thieves School. The skills he honed on the streets will do him well but he is faced with constant challenges, from the aggression of other students, the work load and physicality but also to learning so,e hard truths.

His first year at the school is challenging. He throws himself into his work, and his friends but has his ear and his incredible mind to the ground and he puts together some much needed clues.

I found myself so entrenched in this story that the time flew by. I could not, at any point, put this down. It’s an incredible tale of courage, truth and finding your place in a world determined to be rid of you.

Tom is an exceptional character, capable and strong and one that his class,Altés and teachers soon learn to respect and not undermine. He proves himself in this first year and I can’t wait to see what Tom finds himself embroiled in next!

This is set to be a masterpiece series

Wow. This book absolutely blew me away! It takes you on a wild ride and deposits you on the other end filled with joy, awe and the buzz of adventure.

The central plot itself was stunning and so immersive. The author captured the vibes of an alternative, Dickensian London with such utter perfection, I felt like I could have been in the book itself.

I honestly didn’t think I’d read the book in two days flat? But I did. I couldn’t help but sit for hours at a time and throw myself into such a compelling story. I loved everything about it, from the characters, the writing, the friendships and the daring and dangerous missions scattered throughout the chapters.

Tom’s character really was brilliant and he was so incredibly crafted. I loved how capable he was and easily fell to rooting for his ingenuity and clever, quick witted mind. He was a great character to follow and be introduced to the world of this story through his eyes.

What an absolutely amazing book and one I can’t wait to read the follow up for!