A review by kj468
City Spies by James Ponti

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

A fun middle grade spy story featuring a diverse group of likable kids. Overall, the “mission” wasn’t the most exciting of ya spy books (they go undercover to a youth climate change science summit), but maybe I’m biased because I’ve been to one too many boring academic conferences lol. Several aspects of the plot tied together nicely though, with some foreshadowing I didn’t catch in early chapters becoming relevant in the climax. There are a couple of plot points I wish we’d gotten answers to (all to do with Mother) — but I suspect those were left intentionally open for the sequels. 

The inclusion of the potential release of a super deadly virus as a significant plot point  is rather unfortunate for a book released in March 2020 lol