The Shadow Thieves

by Alexandra Ott

  When we emerge from the trees, a light snow is falling. Ronan wraps one arm around me, and I let him. Beck stands on my other side, with Mari beside him. Our long shadows blend into one.

  Together the four of us walk home.

  Acknowledgments

  I am tremendously grateful to the many people who helped bring this book to life:

  To my editor, Alyson Heller, who knew exactly how to shape my early drafts and make Alli’s story shine; to Tricia Lin, for her editorial insight; to Eric Deschamps, who created the gorgeous cover art; and to the entire team at Aladdin for all their hard work.

  To my agent, Victoria Doherty Munro, whose wisdom and guidance aided me every step of the way.

  To Alexandrina Brant, Rachel Done, and Allison Pauli, who critiqued this book in its early stages and provided much-needed feedback.

  To Kate Brauning, Bethany Robison, and all the members of Team Brauning, from whom I learn so much every day.

  To the librarians, booksellers, and educators who have so graciously supported me and my books.

  To all of the friends and fellow writers who cheered me on along the way.

  To my extended family, for their support and encouragement.

  And to Mom, Dad, and Katie, my most enthusiastic champions. I love you.

  About the Author

  Author photograph by D. Young

  Alexandra Ott holds a BA in English from the University of Tulsa. She lives in Oklahoma with her tiny canine overlord. Visit her online at alexandraott.com and on Twitter @Alexandra_Ott.

  Aladdin

  Simon & Schuster, New York

  Visit us at simonandschuster.com/kids

  Authors.SimonandSchuster.com/Alexandra-Ott

  Also by Alexandra Ott

  Rules for Thieves

  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  An imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division

  1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020

  www.SimonandSchuster.com

  First Aladdin hardcover edition June 2018

  Text copyright © 2018 by Alexandra Ott

  Jacket illustration copyright © 2018 by Eric Deschamps

  Silver flap illustration copyright © 2018 by Thinkstock

  All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

  ALADDIN and related logo are registered trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

  For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Simon & Schuster Special Sales at 1-866-506-1949 or business@simonandschuster.com.

  The Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau can bring authors to your live event. For more information or to book an event contact the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau at 1-866-248-3049 or visit our website at www.simonspeakers.com.

  Jacket designed by Jessica Handelman

  Interior designed by Greg Stadnyk

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Names: Ott, Alexandra, author.

  Title: The shadow thieves / by Alexandra Ott.

  Description: First Aladdin hardcover edition. | New York : Aladdin, 2018. | Series: Rules for thieves ; 2 | Summary: “Alli must risk everything to save her new family from a rogue organization that is threatening the Thieves Guild’s existence—and the lives of all its members”—Provided by publisher.

  Identifiers: LCCN 2017040906 | ISBN 9781481472777 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781481472791 (eBook)

  Subjects: | CYAC: Orphans—Fiction. | Brothers and sisters—Fiction. | Loyalty—Fiction. | Stealing—Fiction. | Magic—Fiction. | Fantasy. | BISAC: JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / General. | JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / New Experience. | JUVENILE FICTION / Girls & Women.

  Classification: LCC PZ7.1.O88 Sh 2018 | DDC [Fic]—dc23

  LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017040906