I love the idea of a spy school for teenagers, who all originate from famous figures in British history. Kit Marlowe hasn’t realised he comes from a family of spies and after an initiation test, he starts at a specialist school for further training. The plot is exciting, with Kit and his friends coming across as realistic and believable. Recommended.

Kit is minding his own business, tolerating a holiday with his family when he finds out that his parents and sister have been kidnapped and that he must get a Faberge egg in order to save them. He gets help from a girl named Abi whose sister was also kidnapped.

As it turns out the kidnapping was actually an initiation test into a secret spy school that his parents were part of, as were Abi's. But there is more going on than meets the eye because Kit found a vial in the egg that wasn't supposed to be there. It is a type of bug that can turn people into mindless zombies and there is a mad Russian who wants it.

This reminded me of Alex Rider but unfortunately I think the book got too long and there was too much extra and not enough action and character development. In the end the vial was kept safe but the bad guys are still out there. I wouldn't be surprised if there are more installments coming.

I absolutely love this book! Teenage spy school, a crazy entrance exam, and angry Russians. More exciting and fun than the Spy Kids franchise, this book is a must-read for kids who love adventure and dream of being spies some day!