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The School for Thieves
For the first printing only! This hardcover features vibrant sprayed edges while the special edition supply lasts.
A young pickpocket gets recruited into an elite group of thieves in this upper middle grade boarding school adventure full of heists, danger, and secret plots perfect for fans of Spy School and Keeper of the Lost Cities.
Tom Morgan’s life on the streets of London consists of shining shoes, picking pockets, and keeping his group of street kids out of the hands of snatchers. When he fails at the last and their home is raided, Tom is the only one not carted off to the workhouse. He’s determined to rescue his friends, but breaking into the workhouse is a nearly impossible task, let alone breaking back out.
Tom is at a loss until he’s approached by a mysterious figure claiming to be an accomplished thief and Tom’s ticket to the best training in the clandestine arts in the an elite international boarding school that would teach him all the skills necessary to help his friends. Without any better ideas—and his curiosity piqued—Tom accepts the invitation.
Whisked away to the snowy Alps, Tom enters a thrilling world of intrigue and heists. But the deeper he gets into the Shadow League, the harder it becomes to leave. Tom has to learn fast and uncover the nefarious secrets within the league to have any chance of saving himself, his friends—and maybe even the world.
A young pickpocket gets recruited into an elite group of thieves in this upper middle grade boarding school adventure full of heists, danger, and secret plots perfect for fans of Spy School and Keeper of the Lost Cities.
Tom Morgan’s life on the streets of London consists of shining shoes, picking pockets, and keeping his group of street kids out of the hands of snatchers. When he fails at the last and their home is raided, Tom is the only one not carted off to the workhouse. He’s determined to rescue his friends, but breaking into the workhouse is a nearly impossible task, let alone breaking back out.
Tom is at a loss until he’s approached by a mysterious figure claiming to be an accomplished thief and Tom’s ticket to the best training in the clandestine arts in the an elite international boarding school that would teach him all the skills necessary to help his friends. Without any better ideas—and his curiosity piqued—Tom accepts the invitation.
Whisked away to the snowy Alps, Tom enters a thrilling world of intrigue and heists. But the deeper he gets into the Shadow League, the harder it becomes to leave. Tom has to learn fast and uncover the nefarious secrets within the league to have any chance of saving himself, his friends—and maybe even the world.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published August 26, 2025
51 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 7, 2025
3.5
Some notes:
-Harry Potter-esque: boy chosen from a bad situation to go to a mysterious school with different houses and an International Cup competition
-I wanted more of the middle part of the plot - to hear more about Tom's classes, peers, etc.
-lots of names/positions to keep track of
-The ending felt a little far-fetched/rushed. Is there going to be a second one?
Some notes:
-Harry Potter-esque: boy chosen from a bad situation to go to a mysterious school with different houses and an International Cup competition
-I wanted more of the middle part of the plot - to hear more about Tom's classes, peers, etc.
-lots of names/positions to keep track of
-The ending felt a little far-fetched/rushed. Is there going to be a second one?
June 15, 2025
What if Oliver was mixed with Spy Kids? You’d get something like this book. So good and I can’t wait to put this into the hands of our library kids.
November 18, 2025
Ok so the best possible way to describe this book is
Think six of crows,children of the fox, false prince, mark of the dragonfly and Oliver Twist meets Harry Potter but without magic.
Of so I know that sounds stupid
But I promise you it’s not
This is definitely in the top ten books I’ve read this year if not higher
I may be biased lol because I love steampunk books
And heists
So steampunk heist is one of my favorite genres
While I do admit some of the writing was off and the pacing of the plot was a bit funky
The plot was really fun
And while it’s not necessarily the most important thing
This book has a really good Steampunk,French ,fallish winter aesthetic if anybody likes that 😁
Think six of crows,children of the fox, false prince, mark of the dragonfly and Oliver Twist meets Harry Potter but without magic.
Of so I know that sounds stupid
But I promise you it’s not
This is definitely in the top ten books I’ve read this year if not higher
I may be biased lol because I love steampunk books
And heists
So steampunk heist is one of my favorite genres
While I do admit some of the writing was off and the pacing of the plot was a bit funky
The plot was really fun
And while it’s not necessarily the most important thing
This book has a really good Steampunk,French ,fallish winter aesthetic if anybody likes that 😁
January 26, 2026
This boarding school heist book would be perfect for fans of City Spies or Spy School.
March 1, 2026
This was a fun adventure into the hidden world of the Shadow League. Schools to train thieves, spies, assassins, and politicos.
The book dragged a little in the middle with having so much exposition and background that needed to be given to the reader, but it was still enjoyable.
The end was a little predictable, but that didn't take away from the excitement and action. Look forward to more.
The book dragged a little in the middle with having so much exposition and background that needed to be given to the reader, but it was still enjoyable.
The end was a little predictable, but that didn't take away from the excitement and action. Look forward to more.
October 24, 2025
Not bad, not enthralling
December 12, 2025
Read with J.
December 1, 2025
Meh. Why weren’t the houses Thieves, Assassin, Politico, and Spy instead of separate schools? Seems like there is a lot of overlap there, no?. :I The cup challenge made no sense and really dumb. Are they teaching children in the assassin school to kill? Seems like theres a lot of morality issues with that.
I have a lot of questions. Heavily borrowed from Harry Potter.
I have a lot of questions. Heavily borrowed from Harry Potter.
October 15, 2025
4.25 🩶! I really enjoyed reading this thieves/spy book.
January 3, 2026
What worked:
Young readers are curious about things they’re not supposed to do, so a book about thieves should pique their interest. Tom is recruited to join the school, but his motivation is to rescue his friends from a workhouse. He was born in one, so he knows about the violence and hopelessness found there. Learning to become a criminal may sound immoral, but Tom’s recruiter, Corsair, explains the rationale behind the school and the Shadow League. Their role is to maintain balance between the three ruling superpowers, and that often requires the talents of trained thieves, spies, and assassins. That may sound wrong, but Corsair makes the Shadow League’s purpose palatable. Tom enrolls in the school midterm, and he knows he lacks background knowledge compared to other students. However, Tom has street smarts and life experience that will more than make up for the school knowledge he’s missed. Plus, Tom’s willing to work hard and do anything to rescue his gang.
Tom was rescued from the workhouse when he was seven, and he owes his freedom to Morris. Morris calls himself a magician who traveled the world before his death, following his arrest. Tom learns many skills from him that are useful in surviving the streets, but Tom doesn’t know where Morris learned them. Tom learns to pick pockets and run cons, but identifying snatchers may be most important. Morris tells him many entertaining stories, and Tom assumes they’re fictional. Little does Tom know, but the School for Thieves is real. The book’s second half is set at the school, and Tom learns more about the Shadow League, too. There is dissent within the league, as some members believe they should be running the world rather than the ruling groups. This conflict is similar to books where characters with super abilities think they should be ruling humans.
The school is reminiscent of books where kids head off to learn specialized skills that “normal” people don’t know about. Tom has his own room for the first time in his life, and he becomes friends with other first-year students. He’s bullied by a legacy student until he lets the boy and his cronies know he won’t be a victim. The school instructors are masters of their craft, and their instructional materials are based on “real” events. There are textbooks, projects, and tests just like readers will have experienced in their own schools. A teacher might reference a seemingly impossible crime they’ve committed and ask the students how they would do it. The story includes a competition between the different houses at the school, and a final challenge where winners from different schools complete a real mission.
What didn’t work as well:
It feels wrong to glorify characters who are criminals, but the book isn’t more violent or unseemly than most other middle-grade novels. It’s comparable to books involving spies or characters who do things that are against the rules.
The final verdict:
This book is most appropriate for upper-middle-grade readers due to the content and maturity of the text. There’s nothing inappropriate or profane, but reading about assassins, criminals, and political espionage isn’t suitable for elementary-age students. Overall, I highly recommend the book to a more experienced, developed middle-grade audience.
Young readers are curious about things they’re not supposed to do, so a book about thieves should pique their interest. Tom is recruited to join the school, but his motivation is to rescue his friends from a workhouse. He was born in one, so he knows about the violence and hopelessness found there. Learning to become a criminal may sound immoral, but Tom’s recruiter, Corsair, explains the rationale behind the school and the Shadow League. Their role is to maintain balance between the three ruling superpowers, and that often requires the talents of trained thieves, spies, and assassins. That may sound wrong, but Corsair makes the Shadow League’s purpose palatable. Tom enrolls in the school midterm, and he knows he lacks background knowledge compared to other students. However, Tom has street smarts and life experience that will more than make up for the school knowledge he’s missed. Plus, Tom’s willing to work hard and do anything to rescue his gang.
Tom was rescued from the workhouse when he was seven, and he owes his freedom to Morris. Morris calls himself a magician who traveled the world before his death, following his arrest. Tom learns many skills from him that are useful in surviving the streets, but Tom doesn’t know where Morris learned them. Tom learns to pick pockets and run cons, but identifying snatchers may be most important. Morris tells him many entertaining stories, and Tom assumes they’re fictional. Little does Tom know, but the School for Thieves is real. The book’s second half is set at the school, and Tom learns more about the Shadow League, too. There is dissent within the league, as some members believe they should be running the world rather than the ruling groups. This conflict is similar to books where characters with super abilities think they should be ruling humans.
The school is reminiscent of books where kids head off to learn specialized skills that “normal” people don’t know about. Tom has his own room for the first time in his life, and he becomes friends with other first-year students. He’s bullied by a legacy student until he lets the boy and his cronies know he won’t be a victim. The school instructors are masters of their craft, and their instructional materials are based on “real” events. There are textbooks, projects, and tests just like readers will have experienced in their own schools. A teacher might reference a seemingly impossible crime they’ve committed and ask the students how they would do it. The story includes a competition between the different houses at the school, and a final challenge where winners from different schools complete a real mission.
What didn’t work as well:
It feels wrong to glorify characters who are criminals, but the book isn’t more violent or unseemly than most other middle-grade novels. It’s comparable to books involving spies or characters who do things that are against the rules.
The final verdict:
This book is most appropriate for upper-middle-grade readers due to the content and maturity of the text. There’s nothing inappropriate or profane, but reading about assassins, criminals, and political espionage isn’t suitable for elementary-age students. Overall, I highly recommend the book to a more experienced, developed middle-grade audience.
December 29, 2025
With the very first page, a world of adventure opens up to a rich world with danger and heart.
Tom Morgan has spent most of his thirteen years of life on the streets as a pick-pocket, helping to keep the little community of forgotten kids alive and safe from the workhouses. The scars on his body prove how horrible those are. But not all of the kids realize how terrible these houses are, especially when they continue to promises beds and food. When a raid of the kids' hiding place leaves everyone but Tom captured and placed in one of these horrid places, he's determined to free them...no matter what. While he desperately tries to think of a plan, he runs across a gentleman who can change everything. The man knows everything about him and seems to have been watching him for years. He even knew the one friend, who had taught Tom so many tricks to survive. Tom can have everything...riches and the chance to free every child in that workhouse...but to do so, he's going to have to do the impossible and become one of the best thieves in a school where every student comes from a household of generations of thieves. And he only has a few months to do it.
This is one of the strongest books on the world-building end for middle graders that I've come across this year. The setting immediately threw me back into a London similar to Oliver Twist's. The problems hook right away, and with Tom's personality, create a world and characters to enjoy. The pacing is steady the entire way through, keeping a smooth balance between depth, description, intrigue, and action. I was, actually, surprised that this is one book and not the beginning of a series, since the school itself doesn't even hit until about halfway through. But the author packs it all in, and that without feeling overly rushed. There are definite nods of the usual school set-up, which seems to haunt middle grade novels since Harry Potter appeared, and a cup competition, too, between the schools (instead of houses within the school). But it carries the needed tension and excitement to keep those pages turning. I'd recommend this one to the upper end of the middle grader range and even up into tweens and lower YA.
Fans of exciting adventures with dark undertones similar to Oliver Twist or Six of Crows are sure to enjoy this.
Tom Morgan has spent most of his thirteen years of life on the streets as a pick-pocket, helping to keep the little community of forgotten kids alive and safe from the workhouses. The scars on his body prove how horrible those are. But not all of the kids realize how terrible these houses are, especially when they continue to promises beds and food. When a raid of the kids' hiding place leaves everyone but Tom captured and placed in one of these horrid places, he's determined to free them...no matter what. While he desperately tries to think of a plan, he runs across a gentleman who can change everything. The man knows everything about him and seems to have been watching him for years. He even knew the one friend, who had taught Tom so many tricks to survive. Tom can have everything...riches and the chance to free every child in that workhouse...but to do so, he's going to have to do the impossible and become one of the best thieves in a school where every student comes from a household of generations of thieves. And he only has a few months to do it.
This is one of the strongest books on the world-building end for middle graders that I've come across this year. The setting immediately threw me back into a London similar to Oliver Twist's. The problems hook right away, and with Tom's personality, create a world and characters to enjoy. The pacing is steady the entire way through, keeping a smooth balance between depth, description, intrigue, and action. I was, actually, surprised that this is one book and not the beginning of a series, since the school itself doesn't even hit until about halfway through. But the author packs it all in, and that without feeling overly rushed. There are definite nods of the usual school set-up, which seems to haunt middle grade novels since Harry Potter appeared, and a cup competition, too, between the schools (instead of houses within the school). But it carries the needed tension and excitement to keep those pages turning. I'd recommend this one to the upper end of the middle grader range and even up into tweens and lower YA.
Fans of exciting adventures with dark undertones similar to Oliver Twist or Six of Crows are sure to enjoy this.
March 17, 2026
I'm a librarian but also a "judge a book by its cover" type, which may be contradictory. I picked this one up because I'm a sucker for sprayed edges and love that more children's novels are starting to have them. I'm glad I picked it, because I really enjoyed the book!
This book is set in a very different version of our world, which could possibly be considered dystopian. France has become one of the leading empires of the world and is still trying to expand, with other empires trying to keep themselves afloat. Tom Morgan, who grew up in London in one of the workhouses that run on slave labor, has a knack for deception that has helped him survive on the streets. After his friends are taken to the workhouse, Tom is approached about a secret society focused on training master thieves that has its own school system. He agrees to attend with the hope that it will help him rescue his friends.
The Shadow League and the school at Beaufort's was fascinating to learn about and I enjoyed following Tom, an outsider at the school, as he discovered his world. There certainly are parallels with Harry Potter, but there were still fresh scenes that I really enjoyed and less of the "fluff" kind of filler stuff that makes Harry Potter books drag in the middle (for me, at least). Honestly, stories can be set in specialized schools without being Harry Potter. There were some great heists and the climax is exciting and pulls the story together well. It's more like a 4.5 than a 4 for me; I only doxxed it a little because I wanted more from the characters beyond Tom. Hopefully in the sequel they're built upon more.
There are some darker scenes that made me question the middle grade label some, but it feels like one of those that is in the weird floating spot between that and YA. If that's something that might concern you, look a bit more into it before reading it/giving it to a child. It would be a great pick for children who read at higher levels and for ones that want a more intense read (without crossing the line to YA). I'm looking forward to the sequel!
This book is set in a very different version of our world, which could possibly be considered dystopian. France has become one of the leading empires of the world and is still trying to expand, with other empires trying to keep themselves afloat. Tom Morgan, who grew up in London in one of the workhouses that run on slave labor, has a knack for deception that has helped him survive on the streets. After his friends are taken to the workhouse, Tom is approached about a secret society focused on training master thieves that has its own school system. He agrees to attend with the hope that it will help him rescue his friends.
The Shadow League and the school at Beaufort's was fascinating to learn about and I enjoyed following Tom, an outsider at the school, as he discovered his world. There certainly are parallels with Harry Potter, but there were still fresh scenes that I really enjoyed and less of the "fluff" kind of filler stuff that makes Harry Potter books drag in the middle (for me, at least). Honestly, stories can be set in specialized schools without being Harry Potter. There were some great heists and the climax is exciting and pulls the story together well. It's more like a 4.5 than a 4 for me; I only doxxed it a little because I wanted more from the characters beyond Tom. Hopefully in the sequel they're built upon more.
There are some darker scenes that made me question the middle grade label some, but it feels like one of those that is in the weird floating spot between that and YA. If that's something that might concern you, look a bit more into it before reading it/giving it to a child. It would be a great pick for children who read at higher levels and for ones that want a more intense read (without crossing the line to YA). I'm looking forward to the sequel!
Read
October 13, 202510.12.25. clean. 6+
19th century England & western France. alternative history where France, Prussia, and Japan are world superpowers.
Tom Morgan is a 13-year-old orphan on the streets of London who has managed to evade workhouse snatchers, thanks to his bond with other orphans and knack for trickery. But when their camp is raided and his friends are captured by workhouse agents, the only thing Tom can think of is how to get them out. Enter the Corsair, a cunning and mysterious man with a proposition: He wants to recruit Tom into Beaufort’s School for Deceptive Arts. From nabbing treasures to forging identity papers, Beaufort’s promises to teach Tom everything he needs to know to become a Shadow Thief and a member of the Shadow League, the secret global organization that helps keep the world’s political power in balance. But some want that balance tilted in favor of the shadow league, and Tom finds himself caught in a much larger scheme that can end in death.
lotta characters, but really only need to know Tom, Corsair, and Tom's dead mentor. start w images and description of work houses so give sense of what Tom trying to avoid
19th century England & western France. alternative history where France, Prussia, and Japan are world superpowers.
Tom Morgan is a 13-year-old orphan on the streets of London who has managed to evade workhouse snatchers, thanks to his bond with other orphans and knack for trickery. But when their camp is raided and his friends are captured by workhouse agents, the only thing Tom can think of is how to get them out. Enter the Corsair, a cunning and mysterious man with a proposition: He wants to recruit Tom into Beaufort’s School for Deceptive Arts. From nabbing treasures to forging identity papers, Beaufort’s promises to teach Tom everything he needs to know to become a Shadow Thief and a member of the Shadow League, the secret global organization that helps keep the world’s political power in balance. But some want that balance tilted in favor of the shadow league, and Tom finds himself caught in a much larger scheme that can end in death.
lotta characters, but really only need to know Tom, Corsair, and Tom's dead mentor. start w images and description of work houses so give sense of what Tom trying to avoid
February 8, 2026
An alternate history middle grade mystery-thriller which follows Tom Morgan, an orphan, who is trying to stay out of the workhouse and he is rescued by the the Corsair, french speaking in the audiobook, who wants Tom to come and be educated and mentored to become a Shadow Thief for the Shadow League to help keep the the three world powers in balance. Most of the students are legacies due to their parents once attending and some are not fond of Tom being a street urchin. Tom is put through various tests and discovers that at Beaufort's School for Deceptive Arts all does not appear at it seems. The first in a trilogy. I might have liked this book more if I had read it as the narrator does a wonder job with the various character voices with various European accents, and the story is varied detailed to the point I felt I was missing things due to listening while driving on my daily commute. It has a modern "Oliver Twist" vibe with the boarding school experiences of Harry Potter. This is the first in a planned series. Recommended for middle grade readers who like intricate adventure mystery stories.
January 22, 2026
3.5 stars
This book is like an amalgamation of Oliver Twist, Spy School, and Harry Potter - but without magic. Tom Morgan is an orphan who lives with a group of other kids in the poor part of London. They make a living by pickpocketing, begging, shining shoes, and running small cons. One day all the kids except Tom get caught by the authorities except Tom, who is then approached by a mysterious man who offers him a place at a prestigious boarding school with several different houses/schools (Politico, Thieves, Spies, etc.). The schools are in a challenge against each other to prove their skills.
This appears to be the first in a series. There is lots of action although pacing can be a little off at times (Ex - rushed at the end).
This book is like an amalgamation of Oliver Twist, Spy School, and Harry Potter - but without magic. Tom Morgan is an orphan who lives with a group of other kids in the poor part of London. They make a living by pickpocketing, begging, shining shoes, and running small cons. One day all the kids except Tom get caught by the authorities except Tom, who is then approached by a mysterious man who offers him a place at a prestigious boarding school with several different houses/schools (Politico, Thieves, Spies, etc.). The schools are in a challenge against each other to prove their skills.
This appears to be the first in a series. There is lots of action although pacing can be a little off at times (Ex - rushed at the end).
October 20, 2025
It was a fun book but it definitely felt like a bit too much was happening at times. By the midpoint I was having a bit of trouble keeping track of all the characters and it only got worse later on.
I noticed some similarities with Harry Potter, not the superficial ones like the school but plot ones. At times it felt a bit like a speedrun of the HP series. I do wish more time had been spent at the school. The book title gave me the impression most of the book would take place there, yet only about 20-30% did.
I liked the warehouse kids a lot, so the ending was heartwarming. 🥰
I noticed some similarities with Harry Potter, not the superficial ones like the school but plot ones. At times it felt a bit like a speedrun of the HP series. I do wish more time had been spent at the school. The book title gave me the impression most of the book would take place there, yet only about 20-30% did.
I liked the warehouse kids a lot, so the ending was heartwarming. 🥰
September 5, 2025
4.5 stars. This was like a mix between How To Murder Your Employer and Harry Potter but with kids and thieves. I loved the overall concept with a school for thieves. Have never read a book with thieves in it before. I liked Tom’s character and appreciated him still acting young even though he grew up in a harsh environment. I also loved the banter between Tom and the Corsair. I just wish there was a little more action and I hope this becomes a series!
October 18, 2025
This is a very exciting story. Some overtones of Harry Potter with the school and the different houses and years for grades. Some excellent plot twists (hello Maxine!) and creative story lines will keep readers engaged from page 1. I am eagerly awaiting the the next installment. Give this to fans of mystery and adventure.
November 3, 2025
Wonderful storyline introducing a world where skills that are usually frowned upon are obvious strengths in a complicated environment. Trust what you know to help you do the right thing no matter what the situation happens to be. The story also reinforces that forgiveness is worth providing to save valuable friendships.
January 7, 2026
Excellent writing and propulsive storytelling. A great first installment of this alternate historical academic action-adventure story. Wowed and a bit overwhelmed at all of the characters Burns has come up with. I was reminded of Harry Potter and The Bletchley Riddle, and will excitedly recommend!
March 7, 2026
Tom is an orphaned child in London trying to avoid the snatchers who will imprison him in the workhouse. His life takes a sudden turn when he is recruited to attend a secretive school that trains thieves, spies, and assassins. Before he heads off to the school, he helps pull off a daring caper. The start of what promises to be an exciting series!
September 20, 2025
This was a fun read! It had a few slow moments in the middle while the main character sulked but overall a very solid start to a series! The ending was a bit much but perhaps necessary to propel a sequel. It’s intriguing that there is also a bit of an alternate history aspect in the world.
November 3, 2025
This book was really good! I liked the characters and the plot was really good. The plot twists were really good, and I loved the setting. The school was really cool and it was super fun to read. I really liked it and will continue the series!
November 15, 2025
“Oliver Twist” meets “Oceans 11” meets “Kingman” in this action adventure middle grade series set in an alternate timeline where the French Empire has replaced the British Empire”. Lots of action, twists and turns. Looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.
December 7, 2025
It has a harry potter vibe, a spy school gone wrong was ok. the readers accent on audio made for a bit of difficult listening. I read this book for the prompt read a dark achedemic book (booklist queen 2025)
December 27, 2025
3.7
Hmmm, well…. I actually didn’t like the narrator of the audiobook - I found him lackluster. I think I would have enjoyed just reading it on my own better.
The boys enjoyed it enough. I thought it was fine. I think middle school kids will enjoy it.
Hmmm, well…. I actually didn’t like the narrator of the audiobook - I found him lackluster. I think I would have enjoyed just reading it on my own better.
The boys enjoyed it enough. I thought it was fine. I think middle school kids will enjoy it.
January 31, 2026
I wish this did it for me since it felt like a mash up of Harry Potter, Oliver Twist, and City Spies (without magic). The premise was interesting and usually a type of story I would love. I'm not sure why it was hard for me to get through.
February 3, 2026
Exciting and imaginative first book in a planned series. As to be expected, requires considerable suspension of disbelief, but has very good characters and a delightful premise. The bad guys are too obvious, but it IS a middle-grade novel.
September 2, 2025
Perfect for fans of City Spies, The School for Thieves is full of adventure and danger. I listened to this on audio with my 9 year old and we both enjoyed it.
September 5, 2025
If you love Harry Potter you will love this book - and notice subtle similarities too!😉
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews