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young adult book reviews & more

The Specialists: Model Spy by Shannon Greenland

Model Spy (The Specialists)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

14 munch(es) :

Tasha said...

I loved this book. My little sister introduced me to it and like you I think girl spy books are the best!! It's also one of the first books I "officially" reviewed. Great review.

Liv said...

Oh, this looks good! I thought the Gallagher Girl books were pretty good, so I'll definitely be putting this in my to-read pile. Great review!

Meredith said...

This looks so good. I really really want to read this book. I am so mad at my library for not having it available yet!

Lenore Appelhans said...

So glad you liked it as much I did! The rest of the series is awesome too.

Shannon Greenland said...

Thanks for loving Model Spy. I so enjoyed writing it!

Keri Mikulski said...

Great review. I'm reading THE SQUAD right now and I'm loving the spy action. ;)

Simply_Megan said...

I think that this book sounds really good. I'll have to check it out.

Cassandra said...

i keep reminding myself to read this but can never remember... infuriating!

Carolina said...

I REALLY WANT TO READ THIS SERIES!!!!! I liked Gallagher Girls but I wished that there would have been more action. I hope my library gets this book soon or I'll have to go out and buy it myself and along the way I'll probable spend all my cash at the bookstore. I just can't stop myself.

Lana said...

I really liked this too! I actually just posted a review of it myself. :)

Anonymous said...

this is the BEST book i have ever read......i loved it!!!! i cant wait to read the next one haha

Anonymous said...

OME. I really want to read this series, but EVERY SINGLE BORDERS near me is OUT OF STOCK. I am not kidding. I LOVE the Gallagher Girls books. . . they r so funny: girl spy books are so entertaining to read! I cannot wait for the next book in that series (called 'Dont Judge A Girl By Her Cover': go to www.allycarter.com for more information!), and am hoping these will be a good read.

I hope they will get more in stock at borders soom!!

Thanks for the Review

Anonymous said...

i've read the squad too!!!!!spy books are really good
although, i gotta say, i find it very hard to believe model spy is better than ally carter's books. i think ally is an amazing author, and it's hard to imagine someone with better spy books out there. but we'll see...

Anonymous said...

where can i read this online or download?pls help me

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