** SHADOW THIEVES (published as SCHOOL FOR THIEVES in the US) is the OVERALL WINNER of the Barnes & Noble Children's and YA Book Prize 2026!** "Top marks" Observer "Utterly fabulous" ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG "The real thing" MICHAEL GRANT "A thrilling read!" JONATHAN STROUD "Propulsive pacing and action packed plotting" Publishers' Weekly starred review SKANDAR MEETS OLIVER TWIST IN THIS BLOCKBUSTING MIDDLE-GRADE ADVENTURE SERIES - PERFECT FOR FANS OF PERCY JACKSON! Dare you step into the shadows once again? Tom and his new friends from Beaufort's School for Deceptive Arts are taken on a treasure-hunting trip to a private island in the Mediterranean once owned by the great villain himself, the Duke of Nimes. The Duke is said to have hidden a spectacular treasure in the warrens, tunnels and caves that pepper the island - as well as a terrifying weapon. Will Tom's street-smarts keep him and his friends alive as they chase down the treasure? And who are the deadly double agents that are sabotaging everything? Trust no one. This is not a game. "Top marks" Observer "Utterly fabulous" ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG "Shadow Thieves is the real thing" MICHAEL GRANT "A thrilling read!" JONATHAN STROUD "Propulsive pacing and action packed plotting" Publishers' Weekly starred review * The second title in the smash hit global series SHADOW THIEVES, packed with more drama and danger than ever! * Boarding-school setting to appeal to fans of Harry Potter, Amari and Skandar * Packed with drama, action and dazzling acts of deception - perfect for the underserved readership of boys (and girls) of 10/11+ * Author Peter Burns is a critically acclaimed non-fiction sports writer and editor. This is his fiction debut. * US rights already sold! * Book 1, SHADOW THIEVES, nominated for Carnegie Medal 2026 Competition: Percy Jackson;and;the;lightning bolt;skandar;unicorn;young bond;amari;gone;escape room;rooftoppers;crookhaven;artemis fowl;highland falcon;thief;. Rick Riordan;Annabel:AF;Steadman;Brandon;BB;Alston;charlie higson;katherine rundell;michael grant;eoin colfer;derek landy;christopher edge;michael grant.