Shadow Thieves: The Iron Mountain

** 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

After discovering betrayal within the Shadow League,Tom Morgan risks everything to free his mentor the Corsair from the Penumbra — a frozen, rat‑infested prison in the icy north. It’s a race against time as Tom and his friends embark on a desperate assault that will uncover brutal truths about Tom's origins. Truths that could ruin everything.

A vicious new regime. An impossible quest. An answer tied to blood.

DARE YOU STEP INTO THE SHADOWS?

Reviews

Praise for book 1 in this incendiary series!

⚡️⛵️⚡️⚜️⚡️🧨⚡️

"This high-octane, fast-paced debut will be impossible to put down, especially for 9+ Skandar fans” – Imogen Russell Williams, Guardian

“A rip-snorting series opener … top marks” – Observer

“Fun, exciting and deliciously inventive” – Charlotte Eyre, The Bookseller

“A mix of Dickensian atmosphere, Bond-like stunts and boarding school rivalries, this is a must for Harry Potter or Percy Jackson fans” – Daily Mail

“Destined to be every youngster’s must read!” – The Lancashire Evening Post,

“Propulsive pacing and action-packed plotting … a page-turning, edge-of-the-seat adventure. Meticulously unraveled secrets and personable characters will have readers clamoring for the next volume of this enthralling series starter” – Publishers’ Weekly starred review

“Clever, mysterious and the start of a promising new series” New Statesman

"I have never been as quickly hooked by a book as I have been reading Shadow Thieves by debut fiction author Peter Burns. Debut author? And it’s this good? Shadow Thieves is the real thing. Gripping from page one, this epic novel is a more grounded Percy Jackson, a fun read start to finish” — Michael Grant

“Utterly fabulous … engrossing and charmingly done” — Alexander Armstrong

"Dark, daring and delightful, Shadow Thieves is packed with spectacular heists, stylish cons and breathtaking set-pieces. This unputdownable new fantasy is conjured with immense imagination and verve. A brilliant achievement and a thrilling read” – Jonathan Stroud

‘Deeply atmospheric, Shadow Thieves sweeps you along from one daring escapade to the next. Set in an alternate-history vision of London, I loved the rich, immersive world-building and can’t wait to read more!’ Jack Jackman, author of Maisie vs Antarctica

About the author

Peter Burns is the author of ten critically acclaimed non-fiction sports books and has been nominated for numerous awards, including twice for the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year. The truth, however, is that he’s always wanted to write children’s books, so Shadow Thieves is a dream come true.

Peter studied English at the University of St Andrews before gaining a Masters in publishing at Napier University. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife, four kids and a slightly nervous cocker spaniel.

He isn’t a Thief, a Spy, an Assassin or a Politico.

Or is he?