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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is set to be a masterpiece series

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

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

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

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

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