With MI5: Rogue Nation opening this weekend, whether it’s books or movies, people are drawn to spy series. Here are a few contemporary series with tons of action that will entice fans of this movie – from some newer series to some old favorites in addition to Alex Rider and Gallagher Girls.
For Older Readers:
Devil’s Breath by David Gilman
After an assassin tries to kill him at his boarding school, Max realizes that his father is missing. When he receives a message from his father, he’s determined to locate him. He travels to Africa to uncover the truth.
I am the Weapon by Allen Zadoff (2014 Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers)
Boy Nobody blends perfectly into the background, making him perfect for a teen assassin. On his latest mission, he makes the cardinal mistake: don’t make friends. Now he has to decide between loyalty to the Program or loyalty to himself. He’s no longer sure of the Program’s mission and it could cost him his life.
Model Spy by Shannon Greenland (2009 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults)
Kelly James helped the wrong person and her hacking skills have landed her into trouble – unless she agrees to join an agency. Without much of a choice, she packs her bags for training camp. Little does she know the entire plot was a set-up; the person she thought she was helping actually works for the agency.
Sure Fire by Jack Higgins and Justin Richards
Jade and Rich’s mother died, leaving them with a father they never knew. The twins know their father isn’t happy having them around, but they never imagined it’s because he’s a spy. Now he’s gone missing and it’s up to them to save him.
Younger Readers:
Double Vision by F.T. Bradley
Lincoln Baker can’t keep himself out of trouble. After everything goes wrong on a school field trip, he’s contacted by a secret government agency. Linc looks exactly like one of their field agents gone missing. The government offers him a deal – they will sweep away the trouble from the field trip if Linc finishes the mission.
Playing with Fire by Bruce Hale
After the latest disaster with his foster family, Max ends up at the Merry Sunshine Orphanage. It’s not long before he realizes that this is not like any other orphanage – it’s a school for spies. Just when he’s feeling comfortable in his new situation, a message appears from the father he thought was dead. Difficult choices are ahead for Max – dealing with family and loyalty.
Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
Ben would love to work for the CIA one day, he’s visited their site so many times. Unfortunately, he’s not the type that screams secret agent. He’s surprised to learn a spy school is interested in him – until he gets there and learns that he’s been mistaken for someone else. He doesn’t let that get him down and he’s not about to leave without a fight.
~ Jennifer Rummel currently reading Grace Cries Uncle by Julie Hyzy