Shadow Thieves: Island of Skulls

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