(Note to self: don’t ever before a spy if you’re even a little bit claustrophobic.)
–Page 163
Hello again, fellow YA readers! I’m finally back today with another sweet lil’ book review… and this one is from one of our favorite young adult/teen fiction sub-genres… spy books.
Because, remember how I wrote and shared my own teen spy book, Cartoon, with y’all a while back? I mean—teen spies are awesome, and the world needs more of them. Seriously!
But, really, let’s hone in on Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover now. Which, for starters, has a great pun-ful title…
The Book Overview
Basically, this is a book about teen girls who become legendary undercover agents by attending an elite spy school. Not just any elite spy school, though: it’s the Gallagher Academy.
This book is also part of a series, as I’ve discovered, but it reads well as a stand-alone book, too.
The Book Cover and Description, Taken from Goodreads:
“When Cammie “The Chameleon” Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she’s in for an exciting end to her summer break. After all, she’s there to watch Macey’s father accept the nomination for vice president of the United States. But when you go to the world’s best school (for spies), “exciting” and “deadly” are never far apart. Cammie and Macey soon find themselves trapped in a kidnappers’ plot, with only their espionage skills to save them.”
Now, this is a book for teens, but us teens at heart can get in on all the action, too. Because, again… spies!!!
My Review
Overall, I can say I enjoyed this book. However, you know, there were some things that I didn’t exactly enjoy… but, all in all, it’s a good read that won’t disappoint. And here’s why!
There’s Action, Action, & More Action
I love how this book didn’t lull at very many points, and the action seriously just kept going. I’m a reader who likes fast-paced, and if you are, too, then this is right up your alley.
The action scenes are also well-written (and I can say that because I’ve written many action scenes myself!), and there are lots of moments where you will hold your breath until you turn the page.
These Teens Are REAL
I mean, okay, I know characters aren’t really “real”… but, the teens in this book are seriously so REAL!
The characters, from our main character, Cammie, to all the other girls and guys (yes, there are boy spies from a rival school involved to amp-up some drama!) are just written like real teenagers. They have all the thoughts and feelings that we can relate to as fellow teens (or, again, as teens at heart), and there’s nothing too anti-believable about them. They have flaws, they make mistakes, and, above all, they’re not superheros or anything. They are very down-to-earth, realistic teen spies.
Although, just in my opinion, the girls all seem quite boy-crazy, which can get kind of annoying. But, you know, some teen girls are really like that, too, so I’ll give it a pass.
And, Aside from that Ending…
No spoilers here, but, honestly, I felt kind of let-down by our big finale in this book. Maybe it’s just because it is part of a series, and now I’m expected to read the next book to figure out the actual ending… but, come on, there’s a lot of loose ends left to blow around in the wind!
But, if you don’t mind diving into the rabbit hole of the whole series, you may not mind the ending as much. I just wanted to read a good stand-alone that I randomly picked up from a local used bookstore, though, so… ah, well.
Again, though, I do recommend this book for teen spy book lovers!
Tl; DR: This is a good read that’s part of a full YA series based on high-action, thrilling spy adventures taken by realistic teens.
Now, on to my next reading review in the queue…
–Kari
Kari Lynn M. 