Reviews

Forbidden City by James Ponti

readingthroughtheages's review

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5.0

Absolutely one of my favorite series. I love the way Ponti writes these adventurous mysteries because it certainly keeps me turning the pages!
In this story, we get to know Paris a bit more and see how he uses his wit and passion for words to help out his fellow spies.
Hoping we have at least 2 more in this series since there are 2 more characters who haven't had their story told. And I think there should definitely be one for Mother. Keep them coming, Mr. Ponti!

yapha's review

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4.0

This is a super fun continuation of the City Spies series. The spying, mystery, and adventure are excellent as always. What really sets this book apart is the diversity of the characters and how seamlessly that is worked into the stories. I hope there are many more to come!! Perfect for fans of the Spy School and Urban Outlaws series! Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss

wildflowerz76's review

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5.0

In this third City Spies book, the kids, along with Mother and Monty, are off to infiltrate a d international chess competition and convince a North Korean nuclear physicist to defect and come to the UK, thwarting Umbra, who has the same mission. What follows is a real life, figurative chess match as they work to beat their competition and claim the prize. Ponti has crafted yet another fantastic entry into this series that will surely keep you on the edge of your seat!

If you know me, you know I don't read a lot of kidlit. There are some exceptions and this series is one of them. My only complaint here is the title. They don't actually get there until the last 20% of the book and the setting isn't really integral to the plot...it could have happened anywhere. But that's only a minor thing and certainty didn't impede my enjoyment.

madisonroberts's review

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5.0

Can’t go wrong with the City Spies series. Seriously I love these books. They’re always checked out at the library otherwise I’d make a spy books tiktok.

caitcosentino's review

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adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-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

4.25

Loved this one, too! This series is incredibly readable!

annabg's review

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adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

A great story for people who can keep track of different perspectives all at once.

nyrabloodreaver's review

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

4.5

susylamb's review

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4.0

Another great book in this series.
Kids said they liked everything.
I love the different mentions of other books and history.

annielaine95's review against another edition

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adventurous informative tense fast-paced

5.0

taylee's review

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0