Island of Skulls (The School for Thieves Book 2) by Peter Burns

What worked:

For readers new to the series, the characters are either students or members of the Guild of Thieves. The students are learning to become thieves, forgers, assassins, and to perform other criminal activities. They’ll eventually become members of the guild. The Guild of Thieves’ purpose is to maintain balance between the three main world superpowers. The guild stops one faction from dominating the others. The main, underlying conflict deals with Chevaliers, a branch group of former Guild of Thieves members with a goal to rule the world, not maintain balance. 

Tom is the main character, and he’s the least experienced student. In the first book, he’s rescued from life on the streets to study at Bradbury, the School for Thieves. Another conflict pits Tom against another student named Cassidy. Cassidy has strong, negative feelings toward Tom, but he doesn’t know why. Their mutual dislike continues throughout the story. Tom’s survival instincts, manifested while homeless and avoiding the workhouse, have been invaluable, and the other students often look to him for ideas. His closest friend is Maxine, but he’s developed a crush on Connie, an older student.

Most of the book is set on the island where the characters initially think they’re being quarantined from a deadly disease at the school. They learn that they’re actually searching for treasure and a secret weapon, even though they don’t have specific details. The author increases the suspense when readers learn that teams of experienced agents have already searched the island, with many of them dying from hidden explosives. The students encounter numerous secret boobytraps, exploring the island without any guidance. Later in the plot, they face deadly, experienced agents, looking for the same treasures and a weapon that will change the world.

What didn’t work as well:

Some readers may have problems with future criminals being featured in a book, but the kids behave like young characters in other books about secret schools. Tom cares about others and has a strong sense of doing what’s right. His feud with Cassidy is tiring, even after he learns the cause. 

The final verdict:

I highly recommend you read this series starting with book one. It’s an exciting adventure, full of non-stop action, mystery, and surprises.