Tween Tuesday Review: End of the Earth

* Book 3 in the SPIES trilogy *

The School for SPIES is in serious trouble after their last failed mission and betrayal. The students are scattered, the school is burned down, and Max is in serious trouble. He's turned to the dark side, on orders from Hantai Annie.

Now Mrs. Frost wants to legally adopt him and keep him at LOTUS. Max just needs to find evidence against her and then he can plot his escape. But the fortress might be more security than he can handle.

Can Max uncover the whereabouts of his friends and bring down his enemies before LOTUS wins - forever?

My Thoughts: The ending of this trilogy was action packed with lots of danger, action, and plot twists. I liked learning more about LOTUS - their players and their headquarters. I liked the shift in perspectives. I loved how everything came together. I really enjoyed this trilogy.

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: my Library

Final Thoughts: Perfect trilogy for tween readers who love action books, thrillers, and spy stories. Plus there's a side of friendship, finally belonging, family drama, and a dash of romance.

Review: Thicker than Water

* Book 2 in the School for SPIES series *

The Problem: LOTUS has been stealing jobs from SPIES - so much so that the orphanage is in serious jeopardy. They have an upcoming major job that must succeed and they have only 3 days to pull it off.

The Mission: They need to steal a mind control device in a state of the art facility with tight security.

The Side Mission: A surprise visit from the government inspecting the orphanage makes it difficult to run operations as normal.

The Objective: Steal the mind control device to save their reputation as well as the orphanage. 

My Thoughts: I really liked this book and learning more about Max as he recovered from the episode in the first book. He's still having a hard time with trust, but with his background it makes sense. The added pressure with the government official looking into the orphanage heightened the book, especially as the team found ways around his intrusive behavior. Their antics and explanations added humor to the story. I'm eager to see where the next book leads after the cliff-hanger ending. A great action-packed middle grade spy novel that made me turn the pages faster and faster. 

Cover Thoughts: Great - love it and it's a scene from the book
Source: Sent for review

Tween Tuesday Review: Playing with Fire

Max has worn out his welcome with yet another foster family. As the last straw, this face worker places him in the Merry Sunshine Orphanage.

As Max begins a new chapter in his life, he hears that his father might still be alive. He'll do anything to break out of the orphanage and find him. He also becomes aware of the strangeness of his new home. First there are places off limits. Then there are the unusual classes he's forced to attend. Third, the field trips are not at all normal.

After one failed attempt to escape, he's forced to realize that the place he wants desperately to leave might be the only place safe for him.

My Thoughts: I felt so bad for Max. He had a rough time in life so far. Before he knows it, he's found himself a friend. He's unused to friendship and it takes him time and many mistakes to get the hang of it. I like how the people in the house - both the adults and the students show him what it means to be part of a family - especially when he needs it most. A heartwarming tale with lots of action, danger, and spy tricks. I can't wait for book 2.

Cover Thoughts: Excellent.
Source: My Library.