The School for Thieves

By: Peter Burns

Narrated by: Zac Lowe-McAlley

A New York Times bestseller

A young pickpocket gets recruited into an elite group of thieves in this “page-turning, edge-of-the-seat” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) 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 world: 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.

Critic reviews

"Thirteen-year-old pickpocket Tom Morgan is dedicated to helping his fellow orphans who are imprisoned amid the unspeakable conditions of a Dickensian workhouse. Zac Lowe–McAlley breathes life into every ghastly situation and character—with Tom a standout. When a mysterious but compassionate recruiter from the School for Deception Arts encounters Tom, he recognizes the boy’s talent and encourages him to attend the school. Even though he’s been told that failure there is fatal, Tom accepts, hoping to spring his incarcerated friends. At the school, the haughtily rendered international elites disdain him, but his fearlessness confounds them. As audio showcases Lowe–McAlley’s infectious vibrancy, the moving story and breathtaking conclusion prove irresistible."

Refreshingly Good

With character flaws and realistic growth, this book is such a refreshing story. The book is nicely paced, every scene driving plot or character development. Tom is a protagonist you can get behind with his emotions and actions effectively influencing the story. The world-building is vivid and immersive. Loved it!!!

the concept was great

great book just wish it was longer you should definitely expand the world hopefully for a second book soon