Description: Jessie Archer is a member of the Athena Protocol, an elite organization of female spies who enact vigilante justice around the world. Athena operatives are never supposed to shoot to kill—so when Jessie can’t stop herself from pulling the trigger, she gets kicked out of the organization, right before a huge mission to take down a human trafficker in Belgrade. Jessie needs to right her wrong and prove herself, so she starts her own investigation into the trafficking. But going rogue means she has no one to watch her back as she delves into the horrors she uncovers. Meanwhile, her former teammates have been ordered to bring her down. Jessie must face danger from all sides if she’s to complete her mission—and survive. Review: I have always been frustrated with the James Bond and Mission Impossible movie franchises especially with their reductive treatment of women who are either the femme fatale caricuture or an "agent" who is suppose to be capable an...
Review: I was hesitant in picking up Code of Honor due to its cover and the subject of terrorism and featuring a Muslim teen. Thankfully, the book avoids stereotypes and is a fast paced spy thriller. Kamran is an Iranian American teen who has always considered himself "fully American". He is dating one of the most popular girls in school, a star athlete, and a homecoming king contender. He plans to follow his older brother and idol, Darius, and attend West Point for college. All of this changes when authorities identify his brother as a deserter and terrorist, responsible for the bombing of the U.S. embassy in Turkey and the deaths of 53 people.
Suddenly, Kamran is ostracized by his friends, girlfriend, and classmates. He is labeled a terrorist and then taken into custody and held as a prisoner by the U.S. government. Despite days of questioning and watching videos of Darius, the teen refuses to acknowledge that his brother is a terrorist. As he pays closer attention to the videos, he realizes that his brother is trying to give him information about terrorist plans by using scenarios from games the two used to play and the Code of Honor they signed when they were children. With help from surprising sources, Kamran escapes and heads out to find his sibling.
Gratz has managed to take a ripped from the headlines plot and add layers of suspense, intrigue, and danger into the scene. Since this is a middle grade/YA novel, you will have to suspend your disbelief in how Kamran manages to stay ahead and survive dangerous incidents. There are lots of action scenes and close calls that will keep readers turning the page to see what is next. Kamran and Darius are both well developed characters. Kamran's wide range of emotions such as anger, doubt, rage, and faith in his brother feel authentic. I also like that the story addresses questions about patriotism, loyalty, and trust.
Words of Caution: There is some strong violence and minor language. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.
If you like this book try: First Strike by Jack Higgins, Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz
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