Sneaks - Knopf

Sneaks is a young adult novel by Catherine Egan, set in a world where children are born with unique abilities and are often exploited for their powers. The story follows a group of young people who have been trained as spies and assassins, known as Sneaks . The main protagonist is Kestrel, a young girl who has been raised in a secret academy, the Nest , where she has honed her extraordinary abilities, including enhanced agility and a unique talent for stealing without being detected. Kestrel is one of the most skilled Sneaks, but she yearns for a life beyond the dangerous missions and the control of her handlers. When Kestrel is sent on a mission to infiltrate a powerful corporation, she discovers a dark conspiracy that threatens the lives of all the Sneaks. With her friends, Rook and Crane, Kestrel uncovers a sinister plan to exploit and enhance the children s abilities for nefarious purposes. As they dig deeper, they realize that their own academy is not what it seems and their trusted mentors might be hiding dangerous secrets. As the truth unravels, Kestrel and her friends must decide where their loyalties lie and whether they will risk everything to expose the corruption and save their fellow Sneaks. The novel explores themes of identity, friendship, and the ethical implications of using children as weapons. This thrilling adventure story offers a unique blend of espionage, science fiction, and coming-of-age themes, showcasing the characters struggles to find their place in a world that seeks to control them.