The Specialists: Model Spy

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

Kelly James is a computer genius; thats why shes 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 governments 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 Kellys life arent enough to get accustomed to, this klutzy geek is now being sent on her first mission as an undercover model. Its going to take a lot of brainpower from this girl if shes going to make it out alive.

I really love reading pretty much all spy novels for teens, and its always a plus when the girls are the spies, because it makes the story all the more interesting. Ive 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 shes 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. Its 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 Carters Gallagher Girl series will definitely be interested in The Specialist series from Shannon Greenland. Or, if youre looking for an action-packed novel, then youll also like this book. I look forward to reading the rest of this series as well.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com