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School of Thieves
Amra DeSilva left school when she was young and became the sole bread winner of her family. When life hits her hard, she has no choice but to do dirty thief work in order to make ends meet. One day, a new family moves into town. It's her father, who had long abandoned Amra and her family. Out of hatred, Amra plans to rob her rich father's house but gets caught red-handed.
However, it wasn't a policeman that caught her. In fact, she won't be facing any punishment at all. Instead, she gets recruited into the School of Thieves, a place where her criminal skills get polished and she is transformed into a criminal mastermind.
But how long will she be there for? What will happen to Amra's poor family? And will she ever get her revenge?
However, it wasn't a policeman that caught her. In fact, she won't be facing any punishment at all. Instead, she gets recruited into the School of Thieves, a place where her criminal skills get polished and she is transformed into a criminal mastermind.
But how long will she be there for? What will happen to Amra's poor family? And will she ever get her revenge?
104 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2023
10 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 7, 2024
Eat the rich! — That's exactly one sentence to describe the book. And yes, I agree.
This is a story Amra, a 16 years old sole breadwinner for her family consists of her disabled mother and a younger brother, she works two jobs a day, but sometimes she would pickpocket people, and she's very good at it. One day while she's working on her day job, she found out that her estranged father is now a rich men living happily with his new family, while her family had to live in hardship due to him. One day, she planned to use her skills to rob her father's home, but she got caught and was taken away. Instead of being punished, the people that took her in brought her to a school, The School of Thieves, where they're taught to do bad in order to do the good.
The story premise is simply about a school, training the strayed teens to become great 'robin hood', and for them to combat injustice, unfairness, and the corrupt. And genuinely speaking I like social commentary story like this, and as it's coming from a local YA, the author actually did a good job at it. To explain the story better, imagine early to mid 2010s dystopian YAs with crazy teens protagonists, with a combination of Disney's Sky High film, but instead of pupils with superhero powers, the pupils here are a bunch of teen criminals, with very unique specialties of their own, and they school train them to be superhero in a twisted way.
Surprisingly, this story is some of a rare case of where I really, really dislike the beginning of the story, but actually also really, really love the ending. I'll first get into the likes first.
One may not like the way how the story telling went during the 'main mission' part of the story, as there were barely any conversations between the characters, at least the earlier part of the mission, but for such type of narration, I personally think the author did a good job at building up the pacing and describing all the things the Amra's team did from the beginning until the end. It was quite exciting to read, and as a reader, it really did make me want to continue reading non stop what the kids will do next, what measure they will take, and what talent of theirs will they use. It's quite cool ngl.
The flashbacks of conversation and the end mission dynamics being shown between Amra's team members during the end chapters are absolutely my favourite, I like how it strengthen the reasons for motivations, and how their 'teamwork' is 'genuine'. But despite that, I have a bit of dissatisfaction, which I will write about it later, but I wished there are more of these moments and conversations during the school sessions itself, and not just it being dumped at the end.
Another one of my favourite is probably the ending itself. It was absolutely weird and horrifying, but at the same time, there was a sense of satisfaction for it to end like that. There's literally no need for it to be explained further, the school is clearly crazy, and whatever it was on the ending, and the craziness of it is understandable through and through. It is just what it is.
Regardless of that, in terms of technicality, I think the story could actually be better, if some things were written differently. Again, most of these things came from the first half of the story.
• My biggest problem and why I can't really feel much for Amra as a character is probably how 'surface' the story were told early on. The main issue for me is probably the lack of emotions shown by Amra, the main character itself.
I wished there are at least one single conversation shown when she found out about the living state of her father, maybe between her and her mother, where they reminisce about how trashy of a father their father is, at least that way, I could understand better the absolute strong hatred she has on her father and why she really wanted to ruin him, and at the same time, the conversation can be an indication of her affection towards her disabled mother and how much she love her family? And at least a conversation to show how grateful her mother really is for her exsitence and her hardwork for their little humble family. But sadly, none of that happened. And all of the family conflicts and careness towards the family were only told briefly. Also thus why I couldn't really understand her motive for vengeance as it weren't being expanded and told well through any means.
Another different case if probably throughout her days at school, especially during the beginning when she was took into the school, she barely show any sign of strong anxiousness from being kidnapped and being forced to be in the school, nor regarding the inability to contact her mother? I don't know, for a situation where one were forced to be somewhere and do things they doesn't want to, even for a strong willed person with family back home, there should be emotional distress appeared? For instance, it would be nicer if the author would write in something like this EARLIER into the story, eg: the place is comfortable different from her home, but a home is where family is, and that's where it is comfortable for me
In correlation, Amra's as a character were too accepting / reda over the situation, despite how she's being described as a 'rebel' by the other pupils, her being happy over the school conditions, and how she just wanted to do her best there feels a bit detached considering how it was eventually revealed later on that she just wanted to live with her family, and she was never 'brainwashed' to just accept things as they are. Another thing, it's a bit of a missed opportunity, but somehow, she never asked the goals of background of the place, and what she can do / what they can help for her family back home. I thought there might be more scenes of Amra, at least during the 'Chess Master Club', where they factually supposed to have ability to ask questions. Maybe she asked them about her family condition, or whether she can send letters to her brother to let her mother know that she's fine — and maybe then the teachers will blackmail her, or just scare her off, or just them telling her that her family is in a good hand and for her to not worry (in relation to the ending), that would just makes more sense as to why she's just reda jak terima dan belajar di sekolah ya.
• Although I like how the 'main mission' scenes were done with simple and straightforward narrative style of the writing, but on most of the other scenes, it kinda backfired, as it's so frustrating that there weren't much of relationship and pupils dynamics being shown. Is is too much direct telling and barely showing? I'm not sure. But with how her past conversations or what she heard with the other pupils were just being directly explained as a plot convenience at certain scenes, that puts a question mark on my head.
The extremely minimal interactions between Amra whether between her peers or the teachers makes it feel like her school experience has been super 'plain'. I thought she's an entirely a lone wolf with zero interactions at the place, as most experiences that was actually showed is ONLY between her and some one girl that bullied her (and at the end the character became irrelevant to the plot). But later it was told that s he actually isn't that lonely and the other kids actually kind enough to teach her stuff and has conversations with her?
• The pacing of the scenes at school feels like it was too fast, abrupt, and the learning environment weren't being expanded and described well. It's a school, a weird school at that, but it's still a school, and Amra also shared that there were classes, but somehow, just a month of 'schooling' for Amra's case, they all, no matter when they got enrolled into the school, suddenly were made to sit in exams, and it confuses me over how fast and unfair things is, and what weirder is, during the copycat test, Amra literally doesn't know what she's supposed to do? Like, what exactly they've been teaching them for a student to not know what they're supposed to do? And one month? For them to sit a major test and hoping to get chosen for a main mission? Confused saya.
Some other similar instances is, the game test, what kind of game is it? FPS? MMO? RPG? Even if it weren't written in the story in detail, a brief mention of what type of game they uses to test them would be better for us to at least imagine things on our own. Or during Spartan Warrior, what obstacles were there that managed to injure someone so badly? Macam Istana Takeshi kah, Dream Team kah, a brief expansion and description would help me understand better.
Another thing juak, a bit disappointing that there's no scene of the kids leaving the school / island for their mission, maybe Amra saw where they're located, or what the transportation were, and with how Amra already determined to leave the school after her mission, maybe a monologue of her saying it's the final time she'll see the school, and maybe a bittersweet goodbye for that short period of time there, it would be a great transition before jumping immediately into the 'main mission' arc.
Regardless all of that, I still truly enjoyed the story very very much and I like the entire premise through and through. Personally, as a former avid fan of 2010s YA dystopian books, I think this story has potential to be a longer novel with more things and stories to be told, but in the case of this novella, it's already fine with just how it is despite some of the disagreements.
Overall, I would love to recommend the story to everyone, as it's a fun fast paced read, and especially if you like YA dystopian, a bit of action with the Ocean's films vibe, and you if dislike corruption and capitalism, this book is for you!
This is a story Amra, a 16 years old sole breadwinner for her family consists of her disabled mother and a younger brother, she works two jobs a day, but sometimes she would pickpocket people, and she's very good at it. One day while she's working on her day job, she found out that her estranged father is now a rich men living happily with his new family, while her family had to live in hardship due to him. One day, she planned to use her skills to rob her father's home, but she got caught and was taken away. Instead of being punished, the people that took her in brought her to a school, The School of Thieves, where they're taught to do bad in order to do the good.
The story premise is simply about a school, training the strayed teens to become great 'robin hood', and for them to combat injustice, unfairness, and the corrupt. And genuinely speaking I like social commentary story like this, and as it's coming from a local YA, the author actually did a good job at it. To explain the story better, imagine early to mid 2010s dystopian YAs with crazy teens protagonists, with a combination of Disney's Sky High film, but instead of pupils with superhero powers, the pupils here are a bunch of teen criminals, with very unique specialties of their own, and they school train them to be superhero in a twisted way.
Surprisingly, this story is some of a rare case of where I really, really dislike the beginning of the story, but actually also really, really love the ending. I'll first get into the likes first.
One may not like the way how the story telling went during the 'main mission' part of the story, as there were barely any conversations between the characters, at least the earlier part of the mission, but for such type of narration, I personally think the author did a good job at building up the pacing and describing all the things the Amra's team did from the beginning until the end. It was quite exciting to read, and as a reader, it really did make me want to continue reading non stop what the kids will do next, what measure they will take, and what talent of theirs will they use. It's quite cool ngl.
The flashbacks of conversation and the end mission dynamics being shown between Amra's team members during the end chapters are absolutely my favourite, I like how it strengthen the reasons for motivations, and how their 'teamwork' is 'genuine'. But despite that, I have a bit of dissatisfaction, which I will write about it later, but I wished there are more of these moments and conversations during the school sessions itself, and not just it being dumped at the end.
Another one of my favourite is probably the ending itself. It was absolutely weird and horrifying, but at the same time, there was a sense of satisfaction for it to end like that. There's literally no need for it to be explained further, the school is clearly crazy, and whatever it was on the ending, and the craziness of it is understandable through and through. It is just what it is.
Regardless of that, in terms of technicality, I think the story could actually be better, if some things were written differently. Again, most of these things came from the first half of the story.
• My biggest problem and why I can't really feel much for Amra as a character is probably how 'surface' the story were told early on. The main issue for me is probably the lack of emotions shown by Amra, the main character itself.
I wished there are at least one single conversation shown when she found out about the living state of her father, maybe between her and her mother, where they reminisce about how trashy of a father their father is, at least that way, I could understand better the absolute strong hatred she has on her father and why she really wanted to ruin him, and at the same time, the conversation can be an indication of her affection towards her disabled mother and how much she love her family? And at least a conversation to show how grateful her mother really is for her exsitence and her hardwork for their little humble family. But sadly, none of that happened. And all of the family conflicts and careness towards the family were only told briefly. Also thus why I couldn't really understand her motive for vengeance as it weren't being expanded and told well through any means.
Another different case if probably throughout her days at school, especially during the beginning when she was took into the school, she barely show any sign of strong anxiousness from being kidnapped and being forced to be in the school, nor regarding the inability to contact her mother? I don't know, for a situation where one were forced to be somewhere and do things they doesn't want to, even for a strong willed person with family back home, there should be emotional distress appeared? For instance, it would be nicer if the author would write in something like this EARLIER into the story, eg: the place is comfortable different from her home, but a home is where family is, and that's where it is comfortable for me
In correlation, Amra's as a character were too accepting / reda over the situation, despite how she's being described as a 'rebel' by the other pupils, her being happy over the school conditions, and how she just wanted to do her best there feels a bit detached considering how it was eventually revealed later on that she just wanted to live with her family, and she was never 'brainwashed' to just accept things as they are. Another thing, it's a bit of a missed opportunity, but somehow, she never asked the goals of background of the place, and what she can do / what they can help for her family back home. I thought there might be more scenes of Amra, at least during the 'Chess Master Club', where they factually supposed to have ability to ask questions. Maybe she asked them about her family condition, or whether she can send letters to her brother to let her mother know that she's fine — and maybe then the teachers will blackmail her, or just scare her off, or just them telling her that her family is in a good hand and for her to not worry (in relation to the ending), that would just makes more sense as to why she's just reda jak terima dan belajar di sekolah ya.
• Although I like how the 'main mission' scenes were done with simple and straightforward narrative style of the writing, but on most of the other scenes, it kinda backfired, as it's so frustrating that there weren't much of relationship and pupils dynamics being shown. Is is too much direct telling and barely showing? I'm not sure. But with how her past conversations or what she heard with the other pupils were just being directly explained as a plot convenience at certain scenes, that puts a question mark on my head.
The extremely minimal interactions between Amra whether between her peers or the teachers makes it feel like her school experience has been super 'plain'. I thought she's an entirely a lone wolf with zero interactions at the place, as most experiences that was actually showed is ONLY between her and some one girl that bullied her (and at the end the character became irrelevant to the plot). But later it was told that s he actually isn't that lonely and the other kids actually kind enough to teach her stuff and has conversations with her?
• The pacing of the scenes at school feels like it was too fast, abrupt, and the learning environment weren't being expanded and described well. It's a school, a weird school at that, but it's still a school, and Amra also shared that there were classes, but somehow, just a month of 'schooling' for Amra's case, they all, no matter when they got enrolled into the school, suddenly were made to sit in exams, and it confuses me over how fast and unfair things is, and what weirder is, during the copycat test, Amra literally doesn't know what she's supposed to do? Like, what exactly they've been teaching them for a student to not know what they're supposed to do? And one month? For them to sit a major test and hoping to get chosen for a main mission? Confused saya.
Some other similar instances is, the game test, what kind of game is it? FPS? MMO? RPG? Even if it weren't written in the story in detail, a brief mention of what type of game they uses to test them would be better for us to at least imagine things on our own. Or during Spartan Warrior, what obstacles were there that managed to injure someone so badly? Macam Istana Takeshi kah, Dream Team kah, a brief expansion and description would help me understand better.
Another thing juak, a bit disappointing that there's no scene of the kids leaving the school / island for their mission, maybe Amra saw where they're located, or what the transportation were, and with how Amra already determined to leave the school after her mission, maybe a monologue of her saying it's the final time she'll see the school, and maybe a bittersweet goodbye for that short period of time there, it would be a great transition before jumping immediately into the 'main mission' arc.
Regardless all of that, I still truly enjoyed the story very very much and I like the entire premise through and through. Personally, as a former avid fan of 2010s YA dystopian books, I think this story has potential to be a longer novel with more things and stories to be told, but in the case of this novella, it's already fine with just how it is despite some of the disagreements.
Overall, I would love to recommend the story to everyone, as it's a fun fast paced read, and especially if you like YA dystopian, a bit of action with the Ocean's films vibe, and you if dislike corruption and capitalism, this book is for you!
June 16, 2023
4.9/5
Nice reading indeed, the story flow was smooth.
But tbh is kinda sad because the doppelganger part :)) and after everything happens, what happen to Mr. DeSilva family?
Nice reading indeed, the story flow was smooth.
But tbh is kinda sad because the doppelganger part :)) and after everything happens, what happen to Mr. DeSilva family?
August 25, 2023
This was so fun to read! It had the heist vibes x Ocean 12 kinda style which i love bcus of how clever it was executed.
January 3, 2025
4.5 stars. okay wow!!!!!!! this was an amazing read!!!! the concept for this middle grade book is unique and reminds me of alice in borderland, i was smiling in awe when i finished this book!!!!! okay worth it please read this book!!!!
April 24, 2024
Menarik jalan cerita dia.. Berjaya juga Amra membalas dendam.. Tapi tu lah kejutan betul bahagian akhir tu..
June 19, 2023
So, this story is about Amra, the breadwinner of her family after her father left to buy some milk (you know what I mean😔). But the thing is tbh even working two jobs isn't enough sometimes, so, Amra ni dia pun cari duit lebih thru pickpocketing (and yes, she's an expert at it) P/S : It's not good to steal others'belongings.
But anyway, so on one fine day, her father Mr. Pero De Silva moving back (?) into the town and ofc lah dia marah dan sangat berdendam, tambah pula dia ada a whole another family. So Amra decided to rob his house. Tapi tulah, she might be an expert on the street, but the filthy rich's house is just on another level. So, long story short, dia kena tangkap. Tapi surprise surprise, she wakes up in ofc not cell, but the school of thieves. And so her adventure begins.
For me, cerita ni sangat best. Dia ada vibe harry potter and school of good and evil sikit because of the classes they have to take to become an expert thief and also have this Italian job movie, fast furious kinda vibe (maybe sebab plan for revenge, on Amra side). Every chapter is a page turner. Ending dia macam wow but I really wish for a longer version of this book. I need the backstory of every character and the organization. I need moree of it. Thank you author for writing this ❤️
But anyway, so on one fine day, her father Mr. Pero De Silva moving back (?) into the town and ofc lah dia marah dan sangat berdendam, tambah pula dia ada a whole another family. So Amra decided to rob his house. Tapi tulah, she might be an expert on the street, but the filthy rich's house is just on another level. So, long story short, dia kena tangkap. Tapi surprise surprise, she wakes up in ofc not cell, but the school of thieves. And so her adventure begins.
For me, cerita ni sangat best. Dia ada vibe harry potter and school of good and evil sikit because of the classes they have to take to become an expert thief and also have this Italian job movie, fast furious kinda vibe (maybe sebab plan for revenge, on Amra side). Every chapter is a page turner. Ending dia macam wow but I really wish for a longer version of this book. I need the backstory of every character and the organization. I need moree of it. Thank you author for writing this ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2023
I don't expect it to be this good?
Good job author!
Good job author!
July 24, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
August 21, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella! Easy to follow, I liked how she used the chess jargon and strategy in her chapters. I read it with no expectations was was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected plot twists. Congrats, Sabrina!
P/S: Shoutout to the book cover designers cause it's 10/10
P/S: Shoutout to the book cover designers cause it's 10/10
October 19, 2024
Nicely written. Love the plot twist.
April 14, 2025
suitable for light reading, i finished it in one sitting (welp, maybe in two sitting because i dozed off midway). fast-paced, interesting concept, though in my opinion the ending is a bit out of nowhere...
recommended for children, i'd say.
recommended for children, i'd say.
June 16, 2023
Life is a chess match. If you are good with strategy, even the humble pawn could be the camouflage of a Queen without the opponent realising. (p.102)
This novella is about a young girl who was unintentionally recruited to the School of Thieves shortly after she was apprehended while attempting to rob a house. The real motive at first was that she wanted to get revenge on someone she knew, which was her father. They assigned her a mission once she entered the School of Thieves, which was to perform a variety of missions to hone her "thief skills." Fast ahead, and she has completed the necessary lessons and games to join a mission squad. To be frank, she's part of the team working to "abolish" her father by taking “things” inside the house. They were plotting and putting together "games" to plunder the house. And for the rest, you should read this novella—did Amra (the young girl) have her revenge on her father, and if so, how did it end?
I pictured the situation in this novella with a Matilda movie background in between readings. I mean, the movie was wonderful, and this novella was nice as well, so why not haha.
If the novella's intended audience was not youngsters, I believe it might be more engaging and deeper. Reading this can also pique our curiosity about the plot; what more if the author is able to offer more detailed backgrounds.
This novella is about a young girl who was unintentionally recruited to the School of Thieves shortly after she was apprehended while attempting to rob a house. The real motive at first was that she wanted to get revenge on someone she knew, which was her father. They assigned her a mission once she entered the School of Thieves, which was to perform a variety of missions to hone her "thief skills." Fast ahead, and she has completed the necessary lessons and games to join a mission squad. To be frank, she's part of the team working to "abolish" her father by taking “things” inside the house. They were plotting and putting together "games" to plunder the house. And for the rest, you should read this novella—did Amra (the young girl) have her revenge on her father, and if so, how did it end?
I pictured the situation in this novella with a Matilda movie background in between readings. I mean, the movie was wonderful, and this novella was nice as well, so why not haha.
If the novella's intended audience was not youngsters, I believe it might be more engaging and deeper. Reading this can also pique our curiosity about the plot; what more if the author is able to offer more detailed backgrounds.
November 16, 2023
EH? What the hell is with the ending?????
[my honest thought after finishing the book]
-
“In order to be real, you need to look real, smell real and act real.”
I was so excited to read it at first. Plus, the cover is way too gorgeous for me to not have it on my bookshelf. But the initial parts bore me. I just don’t understand why I couldn’t get to it. That was on me btw. I think it only gets interesting after the whole Mr De Silva arc started. Seeing how the students plot against him felt dramatic and funny, imagining it in my head. It gives me the Parasite vibes. Oh and I like it when Amra starts focusing on picking locks. Girlie is in her element!
Still, some parts just feel flat and lack depth. The premise is good but certain things are complex but it had been brushed off by describing it at a surface level, I was like “huh???” when reading it. More telling than showing I got bored. I think I can excuse all of that since this is after all, more intended for readers at a younger age. Plus, we have this thing called word count constraint.
Okay, but the ending. Ugh, the ending. I like the doppelgänger part but the narrative is just not it. I mean, googling your name and not finding any results??? Umm, it works the same way here. Like, I can’t find anything when I google my own name does it mean my identity has been erased?
The epilogue hehehehehe, the epilogue. Okay. “The school’s job was to protect the community from greater losses.” 🙄 Sembang kari betul.
“The students were trained to repair the corrupted society before it got any worse.” The school’s developer is stupid. They might suffer from some kind of savior complex that they want to establish a school for thieves. I mean, what happened then when the kids grew up? Are they completely sure the kids wouldn’t turn the same way as the corrupted people? Given their talents and experiences, they’ll be harder to control if they are the ones who lead astray after all of this. Of course but, since I am not a thief, I can’t understand the game, right? 🙄
Another thing bothering me is the way they involved completely innocent people in this whole scheme. Eg, the maid or the grocery truck drivers. And they expect these kids that have been morally corrupted to fix even more morally corrupted people? Heh. (No hate towards the author, I’m just ranting)
Kinda knew from the get-go they wouldn’t let Amra go that easily since she has talents, and the school needs that. Still, I hope one day, the queen and the king’s so-called “pawns” will eat them alive. That’s what you get for manipulating people. Manipulating troubled, unprivileged kids, on top of that!
Nevertheless, I do enjoy my time reading it. And if there’s a sequel I would most probably buy it because I am nosy and I want answers. This book holds so much potential if only it was longer. Oh, and I like each chapter’s names cause it really suits the story in it.
Last thought, just like Amra, I think the more information I got, the more I craved for more answers. And alas, up until the last page of the book, it didn’t satisfy all that.
[my honest thought after finishing the book]
-
“In order to be real, you need to look real, smell real and act real.”
I was so excited to read it at first. Plus, the cover is way too gorgeous for me to not have it on my bookshelf. But the initial parts bore me. I just don’t understand why I couldn’t get to it. That was on me btw. I think it only gets interesting after the whole Mr De Silva arc started. Seeing how the students plot against him felt dramatic and funny, imagining it in my head. It gives me the Parasite vibes. Oh and I like it when Amra starts focusing on picking locks. Girlie is in her element!
Still, some parts just feel flat and lack depth. The premise is good but certain things are complex but it had been brushed off by describing it at a surface level, I was like “huh???” when reading it. More telling than showing I got bored. I think I can excuse all of that since this is after all, more intended for readers at a younger age. Plus, we have this thing called word count constraint.
Okay, but the ending. Ugh, the ending. I like the doppelgänger part but the narrative is just not it. I mean, googling your name and not finding any results??? Umm, it works the same way here. Like, I can’t find anything when I google my own name does it mean my identity has been erased?
The epilogue hehehehehe, the epilogue. Okay. “The school’s job was to protect the community from greater losses.” 🙄 Sembang kari betul.
“The students were trained to repair the corrupted society before it got any worse.” The school’s developer is stupid. They might suffer from some kind of savior complex that they want to establish a school for thieves. I mean, what happened then when the kids grew up? Are they completely sure the kids wouldn’t turn the same way as the corrupted people? Given their talents and experiences, they’ll be harder to control if they are the ones who lead astray after all of this. Of course but, since I am not a thief, I can’t understand the game, right? 🙄
Another thing bothering me is the way they involved completely innocent people in this whole scheme. Eg, the maid or the grocery truck drivers. And they expect these kids that have been morally corrupted to fix even more morally corrupted people? Heh. (No hate towards the author, I’m just ranting)
Kinda knew from the get-go they wouldn’t let Amra go that easily since she has talents, and the school needs that. Still, I hope one day, the queen and the king’s so-called “pawns” will eat them alive. That’s what you get for manipulating people. Manipulating troubled, unprivileged kids, on top of that!
Nevertheless, I do enjoy my time reading it. And if there’s a sequel I would most probably buy it because I am nosy and I want answers. This book holds so much potential if only it was longer. Oh, and I like each chapter’s names cause it really suits the story in it.
Last thought, just like Amra, I think the more information I got, the more I craved for more answers. And alas, up until the last page of the book, it didn’t satisfy all that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2023
May 2023: School of Thieves
When I first saw the title, I thought why a story about school for thieves? Then only I know it is a special breed of thieves, the one that steals from thieves!
The story begins with Amra, who has to support her mother and lil brother because her father left the family. She does house repair and renovation jobs and I think that's empowering. Girls, please learn simple house repair stuff at least, that's a very useful skill nowadays.
I think the whole idea for this book is creatively crafted. I love the chess theme, the lessons they have at SoT and the money heist scene.
But the most thrilling part is the ending! The ending has answers to all the questions that linger in my head while reading this book. But of course, it opens up more questions😂
Rooting for a sequence!
When I first saw the title, I thought why a story about school for thieves? Then only I know it is a special breed of thieves, the one that steals from thieves!
The story begins with Amra, who has to support her mother and lil brother because her father left the family. She does house repair and renovation jobs and I think that's empowering. Girls, please learn simple house repair stuff at least, that's a very useful skill nowadays.
I think the whole idea for this book is creatively crafted. I love the chess theme, the lessons they have at SoT and the money heist scene.
But the most thrilling part is the ending! The ending has answers to all the questions that linger in my head while reading this book. But of course, it opens up more questions😂
Rooting for a sequence!
May 31, 2024
Cerita dia straightforward, ada sikit je plot twist kat ending dia. Ada la elemen sedih tapi untuk aku dia macam tak sampai sangat, tapi rasa la sedih tu. Friendship antara student School of Thieves tu pun comel je, masing masing ada specialty diorang sendiri. Tapi I really wish that buku tu macam cerita lebih sikit pasal ayah dia and the people behind sekolah tu. Okay je overall, a very light read, suitable if you want something simple and fast-paced.
May 21, 2023
Disclaimer: This is a middle-grade to young adult novella. So please expect the world-building not to be complex and the plot/words suit accordingly to their age and understanding.
My first impression after devouring this book: I. WANT. MORE. PLEASE.
Imagine that one day you woke up and enrolled in a school that could polish up your criminal skill.
Amra was caught red-handed for trying to rob her rich dad’s house. Her father just move into the town with a new family (yikes). But before you judge her action, Amra and her family are in a dire financial crisis after her dad abandoned them. She has no choice but to do dirty thief work to survive, solely for the sake of her mom and little brother. Isn't her dad cruel? LET'S JUDGE HIM.
So when 'School of Thieves' came to the scene, oh gosh I'm hooked. You would be shocked by the lessons, instructors, and pupils who got picked to enroll in there. No spoiler *scream* so, you better get this book. Although I need to admit, the minimal of the world-building made me groan and the excitement shrinks as it feel short. Deeply I know this novella got huge potential to surprise everyone.
A bit of criminal work crafty plotted thrills me with Amra and her teammate's trick to take down their target. Slay, I might say. The hidden agenda of the school is still secretive and the twist(s) coming is unexpected! Love Amra for still thinking about her family's well-being. Short but momentous to see at the end. But, I wish to dip more into Amra’s emotions, character growth, and relations to result in a good plot impact. Overall, a superb effort from the author for her 1st English book.
Great for those who want to start reading English books as Bookiut's new releases are so beginner-friendly. Big thanks to them for the reviewed copy <3
My first impression after devouring this book: I. WANT. MORE. PLEASE.
Imagine that one day you woke up and enrolled in a school that could polish up your criminal skill.
Amra was caught red-handed for trying to rob her rich dad’s house. Her father just move into the town with a new family (yikes). But before you judge her action, Amra and her family are in a dire financial crisis after her dad abandoned them. She has no choice but to do dirty thief work to survive, solely for the sake of her mom and little brother. Isn't her dad cruel? LET'S JUDGE HIM.
So when 'School of Thieves' came to the scene, oh gosh I'm hooked. You would be shocked by the lessons, instructors, and pupils who got picked to enroll in there. No spoiler *scream* so, you better get this book. Although I need to admit, the minimal of the world-building made me groan and the excitement shrinks as it feel short. Deeply I know this novella got huge potential to surprise everyone.
A bit of criminal work crafty plotted thrills me with Amra and her teammate's trick to take down their target. Slay, I might say. The hidden agenda of the school is still secretive and the twist(s) coming is unexpected! Love Amra for still thinking about her family's well-being. Short but momentous to see at the end. But, I wish to dip more into Amra’s emotions, character growth, and relations to result in a good plot impact. Overall, a superb effort from the author for her 1st English book.
Great for those who want to start reading English books as Bookiut's new releases are so beginner-friendly. Big thanks to them for the reviewed copy <3
July 29, 2023
First of all, I wanna say that this book and all English fiction from Bookiut has seriously invested so much into the cover. It was soooo gorgeous especially with the gold-lining! Exquisite. This story of Amra and her recruitment into School of Thieves had me soo excited!
The first time when Amra was trying to get into her long-lost rich father house and robbed him was so so thrilling. Even though I know she will be caught and eventually went to the SOT, it was still thrilling and I really really hope that she will be succeed. The moment when she finally went to SOT, I could not put the book down. It was so so good.
Everything that happened, it was described perfectly to the point that I had a series of vision that played out the scenes in my head. The book gives me the feel of watching K-drama. I was actually hoping for more scenes in the school and all of their subjects because what the writer gave me, it was not enough. I feel like I need more.
Every mission that Amra did was all for one and only goal, to reunite with her family, her ma and Andika. Mission in a mission, I loves it so much! Amra personal mission of getting away from SOT all while giving her all in team mission of robbing her father, yes, again. As I said, it was thrilling, even more than when she tried the first time. I swear I could not sit still when Amra and her team was trying to get away with the robbery, it was so nerve-wrecking!
It was a short read and I reeeeally hope there will be a continuation of SOT and Amra. I need to know how is she after everything. I could not get my head to agree that it is over. Seriously, author, please!
The first time when Amra was trying to get into her long-lost rich father house and robbed him was so so thrilling. Even though I know she will be caught and eventually went to the SOT, it was still thrilling and I really really hope that she will be succeed. The moment when she finally went to SOT, I could not put the book down. It was so so good.
Everything that happened, it was described perfectly to the point that I had a series of vision that played out the scenes in my head. The book gives me the feel of watching K-drama. I was actually hoping for more scenes in the school and all of their subjects because what the writer gave me, it was not enough. I feel like I need more.
Every mission that Amra did was all for one and only goal, to reunite with her family, her ma and Andika. Mission in a mission, I loves it so much! Amra personal mission of getting away from SOT all while giving her all in team mission of robbing her father, yes, again. As I said, it was thrilling, even more than when she tried the first time. I swear I could not sit still when Amra and her team was trying to get away with the robbery, it was so nerve-wrecking!
It was a short read and I reeeeally hope there will be a continuation of SOT and Amra. I need to know how is she after everything. I could not get my head to agree that it is over. Seriously, author, please!
May 20, 2023
School of Thieves follow a story of Amra who became a thief in order to provide for her poor family. When her father moves into the town she decided to rob him because he abandoned their family. Her plans didn’t go well as she was caught during the robbing. That’s how she entered the school as the title said!
As I was reading this book I thought the concept was good. However, I was left wanting for more. The book was too fast paced and I wish for the author to explain more details. I'm hoping for more world building and more emotions. I felt if the book was longer it could be a lot better.
Obviously I finished this book in one sitting considering the thickness of the book. This book would be great for beginner reader! It was easy to read and there's no complicated terms that you need to know. I definitely will let my younger cousin borrowing this book considering her age.
Thanks to @bukubookiut for the gifted copy in exchange of honest review.
p/s: School of Thieves would be available for purchase at the pts.com.my. Come visit KLIBF - Kuala Lumpur International Book Festival 2023 at PWTC ! There will be two more English titles that will be launching so come join Bookiut and PTS at their booth starting from 26/5 - 4/6😻
As I was reading this book I thought the concept was good. However, I was left wanting for more. The book was too fast paced and I wish for the author to explain more details. I'm hoping for more world building and more emotions. I felt if the book was longer it could be a lot better.
Obviously I finished this book in one sitting considering the thickness of the book. This book would be great for beginner reader! It was easy to read and there's no complicated terms that you need to know. I definitely will let my younger cousin borrowing this book considering her age.
Thanks to @bukubookiut for the gifted copy in exchange of honest review.
p/s: School of Thieves would be available for purchase at the pts.com.my. Come visit KLIBF - Kuala Lumpur International Book Festival 2023 at PWTC ! There will be two more English titles that will be launching so come join Bookiut and PTS at their booth starting from 26/5 - 4/6😻
May 16, 2023
A great thanks to Bookiut for giving me this copy in exchange of honest reviews.
And, honestly? ‘School of Thieves’ delivered better than my expectations.
To sum it up. Playful and fast-paced read!
‘School of Thieves’ tells about Amra who does thief work to make ends meet given her poor family circumstances. One day, a new rich family moves into town who turns out to be her father who had abandoned her family. Thus, Amra plans to rob her rich father’s house only to end up being caught by a policeman. And guess what happen next? Yes! The title! Exactly!
Amra is a refreshing character, given her concept as ‘a young girl who steals for revenge’. Therefore she is allowed to have flaws and do questionable things which I didn’t expect to read from a local publisher, especially since they target middle-grade readers!
The plot is engaging towards the end, with unexpected amount of plot twists (the second last one made my jaw dropped!). However, the twists (especially, the second last one!) happened almost abruptly that I think the author could use more space to explore the character’s inner reaction and conflict with more details. In other words, I want more human drama!
Some exposition scenes are cut short. As a result, there is a lack of character’s thought process, interactions and screentime, which can be used to develop their relationship, backstory, emotional weight and decision naturally. Should the author take time to develop these, the plot twists would’ve had more impact.
However, considering the small word count limit, it is understandable. This whole story would need 50,000 words, at least! (Tanda aku suka buku ni! Haha!)
In some instances, there are glimpses where the author’s writing style shines through (playful and twisted), which I consider as signs of potential growth. Therefore I would like to suggest her to read Hanna Alkaf’s novels to study about natural narrative and dialogues, especially if the author is serious to write more English novels.
Not sure if it’s the author’s choice, but the language style is not my cup of tea. The sentence reads like Bahasa Malaysia’s structure. However I understand that this book are perhaps intended for beginner readers who wants to improve their English, but finding books such as Harry Potter too overwhelming (just like me when I was a kid!)
As a whole, it’s a 3.5 stars read from me! Thanks for reading my review.
To Puan Sabrina Ismail, I wonder if this is a sign for me to pick up your Elite Bunian series. Please keep writing!
And, honestly? ‘School of Thieves’ delivered better than my expectations.
To sum it up. Playful and fast-paced read!
‘School of Thieves’ tells about Amra who does thief work to make ends meet given her poor family circumstances. One day, a new rich family moves into town who turns out to be her father who had abandoned her family. Thus, Amra plans to rob her rich father’s house only to end up being caught by a policeman. And guess what happen next? Yes! The title! Exactly!
Amra is a refreshing character, given her concept as ‘a young girl who steals for revenge’. Therefore she is allowed to have flaws and do questionable things which I didn’t expect to read from a local publisher, especially since they target middle-grade readers!
The plot is engaging towards the end, with unexpected amount of plot twists (the second last one made my jaw dropped!). However, the twists (especially, the second last one!) happened almost abruptly that I think the author could use more space to explore the character’s inner reaction and conflict with more details. In other words, I want more human drama!
Some exposition scenes are cut short. As a result, there is a lack of character’s thought process, interactions and screentime, which can be used to develop their relationship, backstory, emotional weight and decision naturally. Should the author take time to develop these, the plot twists would’ve had more impact.
However, considering the small word count limit, it is understandable. This whole story would need 50,000 words, at least! (Tanda aku suka buku ni! Haha!)
In some instances, there are glimpses where the author’s writing style shines through (playful and twisted), which I consider as signs of potential growth. Therefore I would like to suggest her to read Hanna Alkaf’s novels to study about natural narrative and dialogues, especially if the author is serious to write more English novels.
Not sure if it’s the author’s choice, but the language style is not my cup of tea. The sentence reads like Bahasa Malaysia’s structure. However I understand that this book are perhaps intended for beginner readers who wants to improve their English, but finding books such as Harry Potter too overwhelming (just like me when I was a kid!)
As a whole, it’s a 3.5 stars read from me! Thanks for reading my review.
To Puan Sabrina Ismail, I wonder if this is a sign for me to pick up your Elite Bunian series. Please keep writing!
March 11, 2024
It has a potential. I wish the author had picked a main theme and go heavy on that instead of trying to impress readers with a lot of subplots yet going into none of them in depths.
The timeline/world-building fell short: it was hard for me to be immersed in the story when I was having trouble to understand the layout of the fantasy world itself.
What ARE Amra's specialties that let her into the school in the first place?
What ARE the significance of her earlier failures before she finally got to the whatever goal she had in mind?
She gained some knowledge but it was only before the final act we were revealed that she's there for a month.
She didn't even get to have her own set of friends! Am i to believe that while she was wailing abt her ineptitude amongst the skillful students (whom were all told, never shown), she was also making friends?
Author set up a lot of anticipation in the first 30 pages of the book and then everything just went all over the place.
The cover is pretty tho.
The timeline/world-building fell short: it was hard for me to be immersed in the story when I was having trouble to understand the layout of the fantasy world itself.
What ARE Amra's specialties that let her into the school in the first place?
What ARE the significance of her earlier failures before she finally got to the whatever goal she had in mind?
She gained some knowledge but it was only before the final act we were revealed that she's there for a month.
She didn't even get to have her own set of friends! Am i to believe that while she was wailing abt her ineptitude amongst the skillful students (whom were all told, never shown), she was also making friends?
Author set up a lot of anticipation in the first 30 pages of the book and then everything just went all over the place.
The cover is pretty tho.
January 7, 2024
HOGWARTS FOR WHITE-COLLAR CRIMINALS
Amra who lived in poverty with her mother & sibling was caught off-guard upon realising her father is moving in the neighbourhood with his new family. As an act of revenge, she robs him only to be caught by...not he police. But by the people from School of Thieves - it's like Hogwarts for white collar criminals. Realising her father is one of the targets, Amra will do whatever it takes to be the best & make her father pay for abandoning her.
Interesting concept but I think this book could benefit with expansion. Because of Bookiut's size, the story feels rushed & the characters feel lackluster. Highly recommended for the author to rewrite this with more detail & elaboration - this concept has potential.
There are still unanswered questions;
Did SOT make clones or are they like trolls that creates changelings?
Who fund the school?
Why did Amra's father left in the first place?
Hope these gets answered.
Amra who lived in poverty with her mother & sibling was caught off-guard upon realising her father is moving in the neighbourhood with his new family. As an act of revenge, she robs him only to be caught by...not he police. But by the people from School of Thieves - it's like Hogwarts for white collar criminals. Realising her father is one of the targets, Amra will do whatever it takes to be the best & make her father pay for abandoning her.
Interesting concept but I think this book could benefit with expansion. Because of Bookiut's size, the story feels rushed & the characters feel lackluster. Highly recommended for the author to rewrite this with more detail & elaboration - this concept has potential.
There are still unanswered questions;
Did SOT make clones or are they like trolls that creates changelings?
Who fund the school?
Why did Amra's father left in the first place?
Hope these gets answered.
July 15, 2025
The writing is awfully smooth and enjoyable, but the reason I rated the story three stars was because of the story itself. I liked the characters, but sometimes I don't really agree with the actions the characters do, which they considered it right. For example, for the sake of their plan, they had humiliated the maid of their victims and too fired her from their job. The ending is also quite rushed and incomplete. We, as readers, don't really understand the full concept of the school, why was it like that, how and etc. There is barely any character development too.
That's enough of talking the weaknesses. There are also strengths of the story, as I previously said before. The characters' dialogues are very natural and entertaining. The feelings and such of the main character is also quite relatable.
That's enough of talking the weaknesses. There are also strengths of the story, as I previously said before. The characters' dialogues are very natural and entertaining. The feelings and such of the main character is also quite relatable.
December 15, 2023
Hmmm. A little conflicted on this one. It was an interesting enough read, so I figure it's a little under 3 stars. Like, the plot moves you along enough that you get kind of invested in the story but when you reach the end and think about it, you're like... really? Really?! *side-eyes author*
I like the heist aspect, and the side quest of getting back at Amra's deadbeat father. The characters are likeable and relatable. But ultimately the whole point of WHY the School of Thieves exists and what they're trying to achieve doesn't really make sense.
Like MAYBE if the whole School of Thieves thing was just left vague (i.e. the school exists, don't question it), it would have worked better. I think it was the epilogue that threw me off.
I like the heist aspect, and the side quest of getting back at Amra's deadbeat father. The characters are likeable and relatable. But ultimately the whole point of WHY the School of Thieves exists and what they're trying to achieve doesn't really make sense.
Like MAYBE if the whole School of Thieves thing was just left vague (i.e. the school exists, don't question it), it would have worked better. I think it was the epilogue that threw me off.
December 31, 2023
The writing is stellar. It is fast paced and the world building is actually pretty solid for a short book. But I can't lie when I say I wish there were more and the book is longer so I can get a better explanation on how they actually find someone to replace the thief "prodigy" back at home.
For others that are already in the school, their background story is pretty solid as they have no one else to turn to, so that's 100% believable. Their curriculum is also spot on I must say.
Overall, despite the nature of the book, the author still manages to pull off a full detail scene on how the main character and her team pull off a scam towards her father and his family. It's a solid 4.5 ⭐/5 ⭐ for me. I would surely recommend this book to my boys at school. Surely they would enjoy it!
For others that are already in the school, their background story is pretty solid as they have no one else to turn to, so that's 100% believable. Their curriculum is also spot on I must say.
Overall, despite the nature of the book, the author still manages to pull off a full detail scene on how the main character and her team pull off a scam towards her father and his family. It's a solid 4.5 ⭐/5 ⭐ for me. I would surely recommend this book to my boys at school. Surely they would enjoy it!
June 6, 2023
i read this on the mrt in one sitting. absolutely adored amra’s journey in getting the revenge she’s always dreamed of for her family. the school is unique, and i wish i could delve deeper into their developmental processes to prep the thieves. their entire heist is highly entertaining and smart. the plot twist is the cherry on top, though it’s sad to see amra do all that just to end up not being with her family. i wish it was a full length novel instead just so i can get more in depth characters and detailed storyline.
October 8, 2023
Welp, the starting seems normal vengeance kindda thing. But through the end, love the wording. Much better world if you joined rather than opposed. Through the end, the scene remineds me of The Mysterious Bennedict Society. The language is simple and easy to understand. I do really hope there will be a continuous for this short novella. The plot is really interesting especially with the excuse of 'for greater good'. It captured the idea of simple yet intriguing haha. Best way to keep mind from the harsh reality because i do hope we have that kind of society.
July 16, 2024
2.5?
Meh. Some parts don't make sense, especially the last part, which I don't really like because the author just glosses over how things work. The logic is kinda off, and the layout of the school is confusing. Some characters are likable enough (I like Lee!) and the premise is interesting, but there's not much depth and the writing is so-so. I mean I understand it's just a novella, but still. I don't completely hate it tho. Good for beginners I guess and at least it might help high schoolers with their vocab 🤷♀️ My adik would probably enjoy this more than I did
The cover is pretty
Meh. Some parts don't make sense, especially the last part, which I don't really like because the author just glosses over how things work. The logic is kinda off, and the layout of the school is confusing. Some characters are likable enough (I like Lee!) and the premise is interesting, but there's not much depth and the writing is so-so. I mean I understand it's just a novella, but still. I don't completely hate it tho. Good for beginners I guess and at least it might help high schoolers with their vocab 🤷♀️ My adik would probably enjoy this more than I did
The cover is pretty
July 26, 2023
Considering the target audience for this book, I wouldn't have read it if I do not know the writer personally. I was curious.
The storyline is intriguing and enjoyable. Words were used carefully and clearly. It is very suitable for young and teen readers.
Mature readers must set reasonable expectations if they decide to read this book. Don't expect a complex storyline or impressive words/sentences.
Overall, I enjoyed it very much. Keep up the good work.
The storyline is intriguing and enjoyable. Words were used carefully and clearly. It is very suitable for young and teen readers.
Mature readers must set reasonable expectations if they decide to read this book. Don't expect a complex storyline or impressive words/sentences.
Overall, I enjoyed it very much. Keep up the good work.
July 2, 2023
Exciting concept, promising plot, execution was so-so. I don't know if it's because it was short or just doesn't deliver.
Nevertheless, of course my fav part was when they were plotting to rob and actually rob Mr. DeSilva. Also, I was hoping there were some interaction between Amra and her father at least.
But that ending though :'(
Nevertheless, of course my fav part was when they were plotting to rob and actually rob Mr. DeSilva. Also, I was hoping there were some interaction between Amra and her father at least.
But that ending though :'(
July 28, 2023
NEED MORE the pace of the story is not too slow, the characters also are all lovable, and the PLOT TWIST AT THE END???? UGH SO GOOD. i actually hope we got the see what happened to Mr. DeSilva's family thooo
ALSO HOPE THERE'S SECOND BOOK FOR THIS BECAUSE ITS SO GOOD 👍 KUDOS TO THE AUTHOR
(btw i made goodreads acc just to give rating for School of Thieves hahaha)
ALSO HOPE THERE'S SECOND BOOK FOR THIS BECAUSE ITS SO GOOD 👍 KUDOS TO THE AUTHOR
(btw i made goodreads acc just to give rating for School of Thieves hahaha)
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