Spy Secrets That Can Save Your Life by Jason Hanson - Age 13+

This was an entertaining/fun/disturbing/eye-opening read...
I had Max (15) and my sister read it, and I want Doug to read it too. But I decided NOT to let Sam (12) and Gabe (9) read it because of his real world examples of people being hurt by bad guys. (Even though he is trying to arm you with techniques that will help you protect yourself.)

Don't get me wrong, it is not unduly graphic in any way, and the boys would probably not be phased--I'm just being extra sensitive to their sensitivity.

(On a side-note, I would love, love, love to see a version of this book written specifically for kids/teens.)

Anyway, quite awhile ago, I saw this guy on Shark Tank trying to sell the "Sharks" on his Spy School idea. His business got funded and led to him writing this book. I read a review of it somewhere, remembered the author from Shark Tank, thought how much Gabe wants to be a "secret agent" and put the book on hold at the library. (I plan to buy a copy--just haven't gotten around to it yet.) I was glad I did, even though I decided not to let Gabe read it.

Now, since this book was written to build his business, he pushes a LOT of different products you can buy: All available on his sensory-overload weird and convoluted website(s). Reading the book DID make me want to spend $600 on spy gear, but instead I just bought a few little things on Amazon. I.E., Paracord, a lock pick set (for the boys for fun) and a tactical pen.


{Turns out, you can't buy every spy gear item under the sun or your spouse may suspect you are planning to murder him and leave the country.}

Anyway, whether you dream of being an international man of mystery, a secret agent, or even a Bond girl, this was a great read that also happens to have a lot of helpful information in it. I hope you'll check it out and let me know what you think in the comments!

Happy Reading!!
Emily



P.S. This post contains affiliate links.

Ascendance Trilogy by Jennifer Nielsen

The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen is the first book of hers I read, and it remains my absolute favorite. Not only did I LOVE the first book, (Could NOT put it down!) the second and third books were great too!  {Now, how often does it happen that the final book isn't a complete let down?! I'm looking at you Divergent and Hunger Games!}


This is an action-oriented fantasy that revolves around political intrigue in a kingdom far, far away. (No magical creatures in this book.)


I was quickly captivated by the street-smart, clever, semi-criminal main character Sage, and can honestly say, that I didn't see the final plot twist coming (in any of the books) despite the fact that this book was written for an early middle-grade audience. (Booklist says grades 4-7) I also loved how the series ended though I wished it didn't.

I highly, highly recommended these books and wouldn't hesitate to recommend buying them. (If you're the type of person who likes to have books to share, lend, re-read.)
If you have no kids, buy them for yourself. They are really fun to read.


Now, once you've read The Ascendance Trilogy, you are going to want to check out some of Jennifer Nielsen's other books.

I have read
"A Night Divided",
"The Scourge",
and "The Mark of the Thief" trilogy, (though I haven't finished the third book in that series.)

"A Night Divided" is written about 12-year-old Gerta who lives in Berlin when the wall goes up and is cut off from her father and brother. This is a great book for introducing this important historical event, but while "The False Prince" felt like it appealed to me as an adult as much as it would have to me as a kid, "A Night Divided" feels like it is written for 12-13 year olds.
Maybe the plot isn't as deeply developed as I would have wanted or maybe the ending is a little too pat. The point is, it is a great book, and a book I want my kids to read for the historical insight they will gain, but I would have been just as happy to have it from the library.

{Did you ever read the book "So Far From the Bamboo Grove"? I read that as a kid, loved it, thought about it often and re-read and loved it as an adult. It was a book that seeped into my soul. "A Night Divided" is not quite at that level.}

"The Scourge" was a page-turner, but I think I just wasn't overly in love with the ending or the characters. I liked it, but I didn't finish it wishing there was a second book. Doug said he really enjoyed it though, and Max sped right through it with no complaints.

Finally, "The Mark of the Thief" books were good but not as captivating for me as "The False Prince". They take place in ancient Rome and involve, magic, magical creatures, Roman games, Caesar, and the gods Mars and Diana. If you or your kids are Percy Jackson fans, you might really really dig these. I loved the first one, but now that I'm on the third, I'm a tiny bit over the magical battles--which is why I haven't finished it yet. However, Max will probably pick it up and finish it in one sitting.

Hope you've found something to peek your interest. If you've read any of these, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading,
Emily

P.S. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. They do not, however, change the price of the books.