My son is a fan of the Alex Rider series and really enjoyed this book, read it in record time and wants to know if there will be anymore!

I wasn't aware that this is recommended for ages 9-12 when I downloaded a copy of it but I must say I am glad there are authors out there writing spy thrillers for kids as just like us adults, they can enjoy this genre. Naturally, there is none of the bloodshed and brutalness that feature in adult espionage books but this is every bit a spy novel minus those aspects. I guess you could say this is along the same lines of James Patterson's Alex Rider series or a younger version of James Bond which I feel will appeal to youngsters, especially boys. From doing a little research I can see that Lane has written lots of children's book's - I always feel that authors who dedicate their careers to writing for kids are a special breed - It's such a noble thing to do - to try and encourage the young to read. I feel you can both learn and get enjoyment out of books for the rest of your life on this earth if you are gently encouraged to read from a young age. Kudos to Andrew Lane!

I was pleasantly surprised to find that this thriller was set in Newcastle - a place that I know well and live only a short distance from so this added to my curiousity. The book opens with friends Kieran and Sam witnessing a kidnapping in a Newcastle shopping centre leaving them shocked and concerned and wondering what they can do to help. It quickly dawns on them that the guy who was kidnapped had left behind some property in the ensuing furore, namely an earpiece and a pair of glasses. It soon becomes clear that the boys have accidentally stumbled across the undercover world of Rebecca Wilson who works for the British Secret Intelligence Service. How does the kidnapped guy fit into the story? Well, he is Rebecca's handler. Without him she has no idea which of her contacts can be trusted. She is going to have to rely on teenager Kieran to get her out of trouble. Before Kieran and Sam know what's hit them they're involved in a mission to stop a weapon of mass destruction from falling into the wrong hands.

I would've loved a book such as this to read when I was young, I guess those growing up now don't realise how lucky they are to have such a fantastic selection of books, authors, and genres to choose from. The writing is great, there is plenty of action throughout and the pace is fast enough to propel you through the story to the conclusion. The storyline is one that I would find compelling in an adult book adding credibility to the novel. Lane certainly doesn't skimp on the detail and knows how to keep you interested.

All in all, an exciting novel for children that will make them think and lead them to ask questions regarding the subject matters covered. I think the recommended reading age is likely correct but I enjoyed it and I am considerably older so I feel that it will appeal to a wider audience than to those it specifically targets. Any book that encourages youngsters to get into reading is a blessing, in my opinion.

Many thanks to Piccadilly Press for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.