The Specialists: Down to the Wire by Shannon Greenland

Title: Down to the Wire
Author: Shannon Greenland
Average Price: $6.99 U.S. ($8.99 CAN) Paperback
Publication Date: September 2007
Publisher: Penguin
Number of Pages: 213

shannongreenland.com:

Frankie has an uncanny knack for electronics, specifically breaking into the most elaborate security systems. Which is precisely why he was recruited by the Specialists. And after only a few months in the organization, Frankie, aka Wirenut, is ready for his first mission. When wealthy entrepreneur Octavias Zorba hires the Specialists to recover a stolen neurotoxin, the head of the Specialists is sure that Wirenut is perfect for the job. But there's a catch. The computer-coded hints that will lead to the neurotoxin are hidden in a few precious museum artifacts, which happen to be securely locked away. And when these hints are found, there is limited time to get them decoded or they will disappear forever. Enter GiGi and her computer-code genius ability. But when GiGi and Wirenut begin their mission, they find themselves up against a few obstacles, including a copy cat who turns up everywhere they go. And suddenly they find themselves on a fast-paced hunt for the criminal, with time quickly running out....


Before I start this review I just want to say sorry about my current spy book addiction. You all must be sick and tired of hearing about the latest (and greatest) spy books. I'll try to mix to up a bit!

The second book in The Specialists series starts off with how one of the spies, Wirenut (a.k.a. Frankie) lands a position as one of the member of the Specialists. I thought his story was very interesting and had a wonderful tie-in with the plot of this book. I also liked how each book of The Specialists series focuses on one particular member. I really felt like I knew the characters.

Right after Wirenut's story ends we pick right up from the first book, Model Spy. The story moved quickly which made this book quite enjoyable. Unlike last time, I found that Shannon Greenland made the cliffhangers in these books a bit more dramatic and realistic.

What I noticed straight away when I started this book was all the detail that went in regarding each person's special skill. I learned so much about security systems, what types there are and how to break in to them that I'm sure I could write a little "how to" right now! It was incredible!

I like the betrayal the author threw into the end and how the mission in this book had a lot to do with Wirenut and his past. The only thing that I thought was really unnecessary was the gory scene at the mansion. Ewwww. Too much detail. In fact, I think that could have been taken out all together.

The Bottom Line: This is a cute, fast-paced novel that I would recommend to you spy book lovers out there and to some of the younger readers. I'm giving this novel a B.

Cover Note: I don't know if this is just me, but does the leg on the cover bother you? I don't think it looks natural and its driving me insane!

Iryna

Daredevils by Joy Lynn Goddard

Title: Daredevils
Author: Joy Lynn Goddard
Publisher: Chestnut Publishing
Publication Date: October 1, 2004
Number of Pages: 178

Lizzie loves playing hockey, despite being stuck on a boys’ team with teammates who treat her like dirt. When Trevor and Sean hide her equipment before a big game, she’s forced to sit on the bench, and her dream of winning the Most Valuable Goalie award seems way out of reach.
Added to her troubles is Tara, a creepy teenager with blue nails and “skunk” hair who is about to become Lizzie’s stepsister. Lizzie is supposed to make her feel like one of the family, although Tara makes Lizzie feel miserable every chance she gets.

Alex, a weird kid from the team, helps Lizzie plot against her enemies, dreaming up a plan that makes Trevor look like a jerk in front of all his friends. But Alex never imagines the disastrous outcome – it begins with a dare and ends when Alex plunges into the Niagara Gorge. Does he survive?
Faced with the roaring falls, the billowing mist, and the darkness that fills the gorge, the rescue team almost gives up on Alex. But Lizzie doesn’t. Remembering the tunnels running under the falls, she risks everything to save him – even her life.

I'm going to be honest with you up front - this isn't my favourite Joy Lynn Goddard book. In fact, this probably my least favourite book. I absolutely adore all of Joy's other books but I just don't really like "Daredevils". Don't get me wrong, you should totally check out some of this author's books from the library, but it's up to you to decide if you should read "Daredevils."

This novel has a pretty good start and I thought the idea of Alex falling in the gorge was excellent. I noticed right away that Joy Lynn Goddard does a really good job of showing, not telling, but I felt like I really didn't know the characters that well. I also personally think that the excerpt on the back of the book gave away a bit too much. However, considering the fact that this is the author's first book, I think she did a great job. My first book would probably be much, much worse.

I also loved the ending. It was a little predictable but Joy wrote it so that I forgot about my prediction and simply enjoyed the story.

Even though the main characters in this book are a little younger then in most YA novels, I'm sure that anyone can enjoy this story so I'm giving it a B.