A great end to a fabulous series. This set of books gripped me from the get-go and the final instalment didn't disappoint. J J Arcanjo's writing is superbly plotted and supremely confident, while his characters - who now feel almost like family - are well-drawn.
The fifth book is tense from the start and focuses mostly on the relationships which have developed throughout the series. I expected the action to take the characters outside of Crookhaven, but instead the school takes centre stage, as it should. If you've loved this series, then The Thieves' Revenge should be both satisfying and emotional. For readers who are not familiar with it, I highly recommend seeking out book 1.

Gabriel and the Nameless go head-to-head in the final instalment of the Crookhaven series! Page-turning adventure, hilarious banter, edge-of-your-seat action. I'm going to miss these characters so much! (Lucky for the BBC TV show, right?!)

Brilliant, exciting, humorous fifth and final book in the series. A fitting end to the series. (Soon to be on TV too.) For children and younger (feeling) adults too. Villains school fifth and final year - some villains are really good (in all senses), some change and some are just dastardly.

This had a slightly different feel to start with. That’s okay, as Gabriel has had to grow up over his previous four years at Crook-haven, and things feel tarnished. He’s made friends, learned a lot about himself, gone through tragedies caused by his parents, and in fact his parents still want to kill him. So excellence by the end of the year is not top of his list.
But all of this won’t stop Gabriel and his crew, looking out for each other, having friendly banter, getting the better of their teachers. Gabriel’s parents better look out because Gabriel and his crew have a secret weapon - each other.

Thank you to Hachette Children’s book and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely expressed.

I cannot recommend this book enough or this whole series in general. Its always hard to review a sequel without giving anything away or comparing with the others in the series.

First and foremost, the plot and characters of the book demonstrate the best of humanity, people make mistakes, but in essense there is so much good in this, that I want my kids to know; how to treat friends, strangers, those we hate. That knowing right from wrong isn't always black and white. That people come in a variety of races, a variety of backgrounds, that we all have the ability to choose our fate.

The characters are flawed, yet loveable. The friendships are so well portrayed throughout the series with depth and intruige. The plots are exciting and this one delivers the climax of them all.

I cried, in previous books and this one. I know I'm going to go into school and ensure all the children there know about this book series. It is definitely one of the most riveting, emotional middle grade series of this generation.

Plus with a BBC adaptation currently being filmed, I'm going to get to relive this soon. I advise you, get in quick and read these books before the series hits the screens.

I have adored this series! Returning to these characters is like slipping into a warm cosy hug (although with peril and danger, suspense and adventures thrown in!) I am delighted to see that a BBC series will be coming soon, and I can’t wait to see it.
The books have an enduring message of kindness, loyalty, courage and adventure, all the while within the unconventional setting of a school for criminals. In Gabriel’s 5th year at Crookhaven, he must rely on his friends to help him finally track down and take down the Nameless, whilst also trying to keep his head above water at school. The stakes are high and everyone is close to breaking point. I found whizzed through the story and read it all in one day.
Don’t hesitate to read it.