The Specialists: Model Spy by Shannon Greenland

Kelly James is a computer genius; that’s why she’s about to graduate college at the young age of sixteen. So when her (incredibly hot) friend David asks her to uncover some top secret information belonging to the government, she agrees and manages to hack her way through half the levels of the government’s main computer system – only to get caught. But instead of being sent to jail, Kelly is offered a chance to join a special-operations division of the US government called the Specialists. Even though it does mean changing her identity from Kelly James to Kelly Spree, or GiGi, she has no friends or family to go to so she has nothing to lose. And then she finds out that David also works for the Specialists. As if all these new changes to Kelly’s life aren’t enough to get accustomed to, this klutzy geek is now being sent on her first mission – as an undercover model. It’s going to take a lot of brainpower from this girl if she’s going to make it out alive.

I really love reading pretty much all spy novels for teens, and it’s always a plus when the girls are the spies, because it makes the story all the more interesting. I’ve really only read one other series in which the main characters are female spies, the Gallagher Girl series by Ally Carter, and I have to say that this first novel in The Specialists series was much more impressive. First of all, girl genius Kelly/GiGi is a lovable character because she’s funny, smart, and sort of insecure; many of her thoughts, except those pertaining to computer technology or other specifics, are easy to understand. The story was so much more enjoyable because Kelly seemed so real. Also, I loved the non-stop action, cool spy gadgets (not that I understood what most of them were for), international flair, and the touch of romance. It’s really easy to get caught up in all the action of this story, but there was also enough characterization to keep me happy. Model Spy was such a unique story and definitely one that I immensely enjoyed.

Readers looking for a step up from Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girl series will definitely be interested in The Specialist series from Shannon Greenland. Or, if you’re looking for an action-packed novel, then you’ll also like this book. I look forward to reading the rest of this series as well.

Rating: 4.25

Review copy from personal collection