Interestingly set in the American Revolutionary War, as the thirteen colonies are revolting against George III, and – as we soon find out – someone is about to make a heinous betrayal and switch sides completely. Aiden is our witness to this, a British kid farmed off because costs to become a trainee gentleman businessman in New York, and almost at liberty to work as a type-setter or idle in an eatery, both owned by his guardian. When mysterious documents are evidently on the premises, he gets out of trouble, but is definitely going to get back into it, and big time, with the help of his sparky female friend and the eatery's serving boy.

This could have been dreadful, a mishmash of anti-slavery sentiment, anti-colonial ideas and a huge liberty to impose modern sensibilities on a story set in those times. It doesn't do that. It introduces us to a true historical spy ring, shows us the two well-defined sides in the war and yet shows neither really is the right one for our hero as war only begets losers, and still manages to be pretty decently page-turning. It's not perfect – I was aware far too early on that this was probably going to be a Book One, and while a heck of a lot is resolved I can only sense we're bound to come back here. It does at least gain from being a read that doesn't labour anything at the cost of entertainment, and that provides us with quite the rare milieu to play out in.

In Three Words: History, plots,spies

Set during the American War of Independence in 1780 and based largely on facts, this is a gripping historical novel full of spies, traitors and difficult decisions. Packed with action and compelling twists and turns, the costumes and corruption created an atmosphere of such danger and intrigue, it was hard to put down.

The war for American independence is raging in New York and twelve year old Aiden Blaise is sure that the British are on the verge of winning. But Aiden's certainty is soon shaken as he discovers that the city, where he is desperate to prove himself, is full of spies and secrets. As Aiden gets drawn into a tangled web of lies and deceit, can he decide what is right and wrong and can he hold his nerve?

It was really exciting to see a middle-grade historical novel set outside both the First and Second World Wars and outside of British soil. However, occasionally the language was a little confusing and it might have been useful to begin with a short historical overview to help readers establish who was on which side, although I was reading a proof copy. However, the characters carried the story brilliantly and the level of danger and deception felt immediate and gripping.

There were a lot of key figures and historical detail in the narrative. I was fascinated by the end papers and the information about the Culper Spy Ring, George Washington, Benedict Arnold and James Rivington. There was a lot to learn and absorb and Iszi Lawrence achieves this by placing readers right in the thick of the action alongside Aiden Blaise. I loved Aiden's realisation of not necessarily being on the 'right' side and the subsequent exploration of the complexities, justifications and devastation of war. The personal and human cost really rang clear and I'd highly recommend this to competent readers who are looking for something a eye-opening and different.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for this eCopy to review

City of Spies was an excellent novel about the American war of Independence. We follow Blaire and his apprenticeship in New York to earn money for his family. Who can he trust in this den of spies he finds himself in?

Full of historical detail and codebreaking puzzles it really brought this period of history to life. A fantastic adventure for 9-12 year olds

Aiden Blaise, a twelve year old British boy, has been sent to New York by his family to make his fortune. Working as a typesetter in 1780, as the American War of Independence is raging, Aiden finds himself tangled up in a network of whispers and spies, enemies and frenemies and it is hard for him to know who to trust and how to stay safe.

This book is full of action, excitement and historical detail. There isn't a middle grade adventure book worm or mathematics loving code breaker who won't enjoy it and as fans of Hamilton, we found the history interesting and exciting in a way that even without prior knowledge of the era, you can't help but learn as you read, our favourite kind of fictional book!

We recommend this book for children age 9-12.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for sending us this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

City of Spies

This story is told from the perspective of fourteen-year-old Aiden Blaise. Aiden’s family sent him from England to Manhattan as an apprentice typesetter and although he misses his family dearly, he’s sustained by the hope of proving himself and returning home a rich and successful man.

But in 1780 the tension between the UK and the US is reaching fever pitch, and Aiden finds himself embroiled in a world where it’s hard to distinguish good from bad and right from wrong; and where your friends could be enemies and your enemies could very well be your saviours.

The story is fast-paced, engaging and peppered with humour, the characters bounce off one another brilliantly. Aiden must grapple with issues, feelings and situations he is in no way prepared for, and his vulnerability is both believable and relatable.

The historical detail will delight anyone who knows about, or would like to know more about, this fascinating time and place, and the code-breaking element is great for anyone of any age who likes a puzzle.

All in all, this is a book that can be enjoyed at a gallop but is so rich and layered that it also lends itself to re-reading. A cracker of a tale.