Book Review: United We Spy by Ally Carter

United We Spy by Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: September 2013
Pages: 296
Series: Gallagher Girls, Book 6

Summary from goodreads:

Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie—and her country—forever.

Things I Liked:
Lots of action, intrigue, twists and turns in this one. It doesn’t disappoint as a conclusion to the series. I also loved that even though the situations turned very serious and life-and-death throughout the run of this series, this is still one of the cleanest series there is. My ratings for the swearing and the mrg factor are very minor. The swearing is literally only a few. “Crap!” or D---!” or “H---!” Soooo very mild for finicky readers like me. And I gave it 1 mrg-factor, just because Cammie and Zack’s relationship matures – but again, Carter keeps it squeaky clean.

Things I Didn't Like:
That this is the end of the series! The characters were way too fun and interesting for it to end. But, I’m one of those who still wishes the Harry Potter series didn’t end….

Read-alikes:
The Heist Society Series by Ally Carter
Also Known As by Robin Benway

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !

mrg-factor: X

v-factor: ->->->

Overall rating: ****

A Karissa Review

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: 2012
Pages: 320
Series: Gallagher Girls, Book 5

Summary from goodreads:

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan-an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers that months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie's summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home. Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It's a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

Things I Liked:
As I mentioned in the reviews of the previous books, the subject and writing mature in this series – very similar to how the Harry Potter series evolved from its first book to the very deep and serious last book. But again, Carter balances the very scary events of Cammie’s past with the wit and wisdom of her friends.

Things I Didn't Like:
I read this one before Carter had written her last book of the series – so I had a long wait for book #6. And this one ends, leaving you hanging, and the 6th book picks up right where it left off – no easing into it. So you need to read this one and the next one back to back, or you’ll be stuck like me, having to go back and remind myself where all the characters were, because I had to wait a year between the books. At least they are all written now, and you don’t have that frustration!

Read-alikes:
The Heist Society Series by Ally Carter
Also Known As by Robin Benway

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !

mrg-factor: X

v-factor: ->->->

Overall rating: ****

A Karissa Review

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter

Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: 2010
Pages: 288
Series: Gallagher Girls, Book 4

Summary from goodreads:

When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn’t know was that the serious, real-life danger would start during her junior year of high school. But that’s exactly what happened two months ago when Cammie faced off against an ancient terrorist organization dead set on kidnapping her. Now the danger follows her everywhere, and even Cammie “The Chameleon” can’t hide. When a terrifying encounter in London reveals that one of her most-trusted allies is actually a rogue double-agent, Cammie no longer knows if she can trust her classmates, her teachers—or even her own heart. In this fourth installment of the New York Times best-selling series, the Gallagher Girls must hack, spy, steal, and lie their way to the truth.as they go searching for answers, recognizing that the key to Cammie’s future may lie deep in the past.

Things I Liked:
Again, I loved that Cammie’s life, and the conspiracies in her family’s past are prominent here. But I also loved that above all, the book is about friendships and relationships – and how tenuous they are as a teen spy. That theme appeals to everyone – even those of us not lucky enough to be in the CIA. Again, we have lots of action, lots of twists, but Carter still keeps Cammie’s humor and matter-of-fact personality intact, so this doesn’t become a major tense spy novel. And again, the writing, subject matter, and perspective on life are all maturing as both the characters and readers mature.

Things I Didn't Like:
It’s a good thing all of the series is out now, because you’re left hanging a bit on this one. So make sure to get the next book ASAP.

Read-alikes:
The Heist Society Series by Ally Carter
Also Known As by Robin Benway

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->->

Overall rating: ****

A Karissa Review

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter

Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: 2008
Pages: 288
Series: Gallagher Girls, Book 3

Summary from goodreads:

When Cammie "The Chameleon" Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. After all, she's there to watch Macey's father accept the nomination for vice president of the United States. But when you go to the world's best school (for spies), "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart. Cammie and Macey soon find themselves trapped in a kidnappers' plot, with only their espionage skills to save them. As her junior year begins, Cammie can't shake the memory of what happened in Boston, and even the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women doesn't feel like the safe haven it once did. Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every one of the mansion's corners as Cammie and her friends struggle to answer the questions, Who is after Macey? And how can the Gallagher Girls keep her safe? Soon Cammie is joining Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. The girls must use their spy training at every turn as the stakes are raised, and Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth.

Things I Liked:
I loved that this is where we start delving into the more serious aspects of Cammie’s life as a teen spy. It’s neat that as Cammie matures, the content matures a bit as well. But Carter still keeps Cammie’s humor and matter-of-fact personality intact, so this doesn’t become a major tense spy novel.

Things I Didn't Like:
It’s a good thing all of the series is out now, because you’re left hanging a bit. So make sure to get the next book ASAP.

Read-alikes:
The Heist Society Series by Ally Carter
Also Known As by Robin Benway

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->->

Overall rating: ****

A Karissa Review

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: 2007
Pages: 256
Series: Gallagher Girls, Book 2

Summary from goodreads:

Cammie Morgan is back, and it's clear that her life hasn't calmed down. At first, giddy anticipation is in the air. Gallagher Academy, Cammie's elite spy school, is hosting a visit from a covert training center for boys. Soon after the boys' arrival, though, everything goes dangerously awry when a series of security breaches are discovered at the academy. Worse yet, teenage agent-in-training Cammie is being blamed for the penetration. With the school's top-secret status at risk, the Gallagher Girls have to work quickly to save their beloved school.

Things I Liked:
Again, I liked this one because Carter is very good at writing believable characters, even though we’re talking about teen spies. You just really like these girls, and you root for them from the beginning. And these have everything a great “escape” book needs – fun, wit, adventure, a little intrigue, and some romance here and there.

Things I Didn’t Like:
I read this one and the others to follow too fast. This is one of those series that I wish had more books – 6 was not enough.

Read-alikes:
The Heist Society Series by Ally Carter
Also Known As by Robin Benway

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->

Overall rating: **** 

A Karissa Review

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

Here's Karissa's first review!  If you missed her intro post, check it out here.  Feel free to leave her some comments.  I'll indicate a review by Karissa with the gorgeous photo and her name at the bottom of the post. 

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: April 2006
Series: Gallagher Girls, Book 1

Summary from goodreads:

Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her? Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.

Things I Liked:
I loved this entire series. I loved Cammie’s character, and that of her best friends. In the first book, the friends are slightly stereotypical – you have the smart one, the adventurous one, and the black horse. But they are still interesting to read, and if you follow the whole series, each character is fully fleshed out well. The first book is actually misleading in a way – the synopsis makes it sound like a romance, but it’s more than that. It lays out Cammie’s world, and hints to the conspiracies and danger she and her friends will face in the later books. The writing is also smart, descriptive, humorous and concise. Good combination.

Things I Didn't Like:
This is one of those series that I wish had more books – 6 was not enough. Others may not enjoy the teen elements (she swoons over boys and such) but then, maybe you shouldn’t be in the YA section….

Read-alikes:
The Heist Society Series by Ally Carter
Also Known As by Robin Benway

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none 
(I mean she gets excited about holding the boy’s hand, for Pete’s sake!)

v-factor: ->->

Overall rating: ****

A Karissa Review

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Short Stories I

I've been on kind of a short story kick for a while.  I avoided them for some time, but most of the time I like being able to devour these shorts in such a, well, short time.  Here are the ones I've read recently (and I'm being pretty loose in my use of the word recently, as some of these are from last year...).  Also, is anyone else so stingy that the thought of paying $3.00 or really anything for short stories is painful?  Let's just say, I prefer the free ones.  And those that aren't?  Thank you, library, for having them available.


Double Crossed by Ally Carter
Absolutely loved this.  I adore Ally Carter's series and seeing the two collide was so fun.  This was the perfect kind of story, too.  A short story should pretty much have an arc all its own and this one was wonderful.  It was perfect for devouring in one sitting and feeling satisfied.  Can't wait for more from this author!



Among the Nameless Stars by Diana Peterfreund
I enjoyed this short as well, though I think it left me a bit confused.  I liked seeing where Kai was when he left, but it didn't feel quite like a full story.  There was a lot of new stuff and not a lot of page time to explain it.  Still, I loved the book it went with enough to love this as well.



The New World by Patrick Ness
It has been ages since I finished the Chaos Walking trilogy, but this one has been sitting in my reader and I wanted to give it a try.  I felt like I was able to fall right back into Ness' world without any kind of refresher.  I loved seeing how Violet got there and what it must have been like.  Makes me want to do a reread.



The Spring Before I Met You AND The Summer Before I Met You by Sarah Rees Brennan
I'm lumping these two together, since they are from the same series.  I liked them a lot, mostly because of Brennan's fabulous writing, though I also thought the idea of seeing our two main characters from the POV of an outsider was interesting.  Fun stories, though not necessarily in the content (both were a bit heavy). 


Neverfall by Brodi Ashton
I thought this was rather an essential story to read for the whole trilogy to make sense.  I read it right before the last book and I think it made Cole a lot easier to understand.  His motivations and a bit of his history.  A nice addition to the series.


Life Before Legend by Marie Lu
I think I would have liked this more if I'd read it closer to when I read the second book.  Or maybe even the first.  I have to admit I had forgotten a lot of the story.  Even now, trying to remember the last book in the series, I'm drawing a blank.  I know I liked it, but I seem to have forgotten why...


Roar and Liv AND Brooke by Veronica Rossi
These two were both wonderful looks at some of my favorite side characters (well, Brooke wasn't a favorite, but her story was still interesting).  I loved seeing more of Roar and Liv and what it must have been like for Roar to lose her.  They were both rather painful reads and I think they make sense when both of them are read close together.  We see a lot about Brooke and possibly some motivation for her actions.  Loved them!


UnStrung by Neal Shusterman
This one was definitely important for me to read before I got to the third book.  I think it makes that one seem less like it's out of the blue.  I'm still not sure how I feel about short stories that are kind of required to enjoy the series.  Still, this one was a full story and it was beautiful and heart-breaking.  Definitely vital for more understanding of UnSouled. 



Isolation by Dan Wells
This was an interesting short story about Heron and I found it both intriguing and a little bit hard to follow.  It jumps back and forth in time and I didn't like that sometimes.  But I thought the story definitely made Heron make a LOT more sense in learning more about her history.  Good to read before Ruins.


Mitosis by Brandon Sanderson
First, I felt this was just the right length for a short story.  Most of these have been, though some felt a little too short :)  I loved seeing more of our "heroes" and just what it must have been like in the aftermath of the first book.  I don't know if it's essential for the next one, but I sure liked getting more story in the meantime.

Any favorite short stories you have found?  What's your favorite kind of short story?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion
Publication date: March 2012
Pages: 304
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Gallagher Girls, Book 5

When Cammie wakes up in a remote convent far from home, she is understandably confused. But, when she discovers she's forgotten the last several months of her life, confused doesn't begin to cover it. Chased and possibly caught by the Circle of Cavan, facing hostile friends she left behind, unsure of what she said and did, Cammie wants desperately to remember what she did. But there are some who don't want her to remember. At any cost.

Things I Liked:
My opinion of this series has certainly changed over the course of the books.  For the better.  It's evolved, for me, from fluff to substance, I think.  I'm always swept away in the exciting spy-packed stories from this series, but this one was particularly interesting.  It's darker and more sinister than previous books.  But, it also still has the humor and fun of the others too.  I loved watching Cammie try to unravel her summer and also unravel who she is and what she wants.  It had plenty of surprises, fun twists, and action scenes.  Plus, what person doesn't secretly want to be a spy and go on missions to fabulous foreign lands? 

Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit that even more than usually in this series, I had to suspend my belief.  Most of this came at the end, but still.  And I did see some of the twists coming, but not everything.  I kinda wish we had gotten a little more of the story progressing than we did, but I'll be interested to see what happens in the next book. 

Read-alikes:
Read the first four Gallagher Girls books first
Heist Society series by Ally Carter


BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
maybe one or two...

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
I did mention it was a bit darker, right?  Also a bit more violent.

Overall rating: ****

Guess I don't read a lot of spy books.  Any other read-alikes you guys can think of?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter

Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Publication date: June 2010
ISBN: 9781423128205
Source: Library

Cammie was not prepared to face the dangers of being a real-life spy in her junior year at school.  But, when a frightening incident in London reveals a trusted friend as a double agent, she must face the facts that she doesn't know who to trust anymore.  Being under constant surveillance takes its toll on her desire to hide, but she must find out just why she's being targeted, before its too late.

Things I Liked:
These books are always good for a little spy action mixed with teenage girl fun and a dash of humor.  I love reading them, essentially, because they are so fun and fluffy.  I have been really impressed, though, that Carter has managed to bring us around to serious issues in this book.  She developed a story line that came out in later books that I certainly didn't notice in the first seemingly-fluffy books.  They have a depth now that makes them even more interesting to me.  At the end of this one, I was begging for more action.  Here's a few of my favorite parts:

I wanted her to stop looking at me as a spy and start talking to me as a girl, but Gallagher Girls are only exceptional because we're both - all the time.  p 133

In the clandestine services, nothing ever happens quickly (except when it does).  Nothing is ever, ever easy (except when it is).  And, most of all, nothing ever goes perfectly according to plan (except in the movies). p 161

It is a little-known fact about covert operations that you will spend a lot of time with people you can't really trust.  They many be traitors and liars.  We call them assets or informants.  But mostly, in those days, I called him Zach. p 212

Things I Didn't Like:
If you manage to suspend your disbelief for the reading, it is really fun.  If you can't, it becomes ridiculously unbelievable.  Also, the spy/teenage girl jokes can wear a little thin.  I recommend reading only one of these books at a time.

Read-alikes:
Read the other books in the Gallagher Girls series first
Heist Society by Ally Carter is also similar in style, obviously

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none
just kissing

v-factor: ->
a few minor incidents, surprisingly, since they're in constant peril

Overall rating: ****

What do you read for fluffy fun?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter

Don't Judge a Girl by her Cover is the perfect saying for a Gallagher Girl.  Cammie and her friends go to the world's most secret school for teenage spies.  When her friend Macey's father runs for Vice President, she becomes the center of attention for the whole country - especially after a dangerous incident both she and Cammie barely escape from.  The rest of the year is difficult to deal with, what with Macey's safety uncertain and the memory of that traumatic experience.  Can Cammie and her friends keep Macey safe?

Things I Liked:
So much fun.  I love the spy aspect.  It is a delight to read a book that manages to have teen issues and mix it with spy details and espionage.  I love the sly and sometimes sarcastic humor that Carter manages to include on nearly every page.  Also, the story was really great - I didn't see most of the twists coming.  Plus I enjoyed how the characters I've come to love change throughout this book because of their experiences.  Here's a favorite part:

"Whatever the case, that didn't change the fact that a very cute, very mysterious spy boy was either out to save us, or kidnap us, or date us.  And I wasn't sure which one we were best equipped to handle." p174

Things I Didn't Like:
I actually got a little confused at the ending.  Stuff seemed to happen really fast and also to not be explained very well.  I think some of the details should have been smoother, even if we have to wait for another book to figure out where it is going and what exactly everything means.  It felt a little rushed maybe.

Read-alikes:
Definitely pick up the first two Gallagher Girls books, I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You and Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
mild action sequences

Overall rating: ****

What do you like to read for a break from more serious books?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage