Reviews

Golden Gate by James Ponti

lanna97's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

5.0

naluju's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny informative lighthearted 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

5.0

Love this series! Imaginative and fun! 

pagebypaigebks's review

Go to review page

4.0

“Dead ends are only course corrections to help you find the right direction.”

I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.

Instagram Post

Blog Post

Content Warnings: death, kidnapping, murder

This was a great read! I loved how from the very first chapter we're thrown back into the action and adventure of the City Spies world. Just like in book one, there were exciting spy missions and daring action scenes. Each mystery and puzzle were a lot of fun to solve and their solutions were surprising at every turn. The writing style is very easy to follow and sucks you into the story. I could vividly picture each setting and it made for a very immersive reading experience. All of the amazing characters are back in full force and have a lot of character development. I'm very excited to learn more about each of the City Spies as the series continues. I also highly recommend the audiobook version, the narrator did a fantastic job of voicing all of the characters. Readers of every age will enjoy this series, I recommend it to anyone who likes a good spy story. It has everything from heists to royalty, and everything in between!

A great sequel filled with exciting plot twists, intriguing puzzles, and loveable characters.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

katrenia's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I loved the continuing story of this group, and learning more about the history of some of the other kids. I love how they work together to figure things out, and got the best of some notorious criminals.

princessreadsalot's review

Go to review page

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

4.5

kscaldwell's review

Go to review page

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

4.5

kxc319's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Super fun sequel to City Spies. These lovable characters take on 2 new missions, simultaneously. In one, they are searching for the missing children of their leader. In another, they are tracking down a double agent in MI6. This book is a page turner that leaves readers wanting more!

spevensie's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.0

themagicalinbetween's review

Go to review page

adventurous challenging funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Adventure! Intrigue! Spies! Double agents! Teamwork! "Golden Gate, City Spies 2" has it all!  A group of kids with unique talents and abilities (often orphaned/abandoned/in foster care) are brought together from all over the world to become MI6 agents, operating out of a castle in Scotland to accompany adult agents in secret missions they need help with things only kids can do or achieve! What is not to love? 

Set in current times with all the modern technology (the kids have phones and use them but their lives do not revolve around them) however, I love the emphasis on training the City Spies in practical skills and using their minds and problem-solving skills in addition to having a life that they enjoy individual interests that don't revolve around a screen. It gives a timeless feel to these stories. 
In this second book in the series, Olivia, also known as Sydney battles jealousy and finds her place amidst the team of young secret agents working for MI6. I appreciated the author giving the children real feelings, frustrations, struggles, and problems to work through and overcome together and as individuals. As I remember, there is always some kind of resolution or apology when an issue arises. 

"Golden Gate, City Spies 2" is filled with clever, mostly believable plots with twists and turns every which way. I was on the edge of my seat the last several chapters in anticipation of how it would all resolve! There's intrigue, double agents, questions of identity and solving problems as a team, a "family". I love the author's use of humour and dynamic personalities to add depth and interest throughout the story. As a second book in a series, you often wonder if it will hold up to the first and undoubtedly, "Golden Gate, City Spies 2" is a smashing success. 

Can't wait to read the next City Spies story! 

Things to Note: 
- lying under oath
- general deception as is often the case with undercover agents
- One unnecessary use of God's name in vain
- The head MI6 agent's code name is "Mother" which is confusing as he is a man and is searching for his wife (former MI6 agent) and kids. So the "Mother" thing throws you off a bit. Which I suppose is kinda of the point
- mentions of kids being orphaned or abandoned

shakirahnicole's review

Go to review page

4.0

why is this one of the best books i’ve read this year