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A review by themagicalinbetween
Golden Gate by James Ponti
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
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