Reviews

I listened to this audiobook via @Libro.fm's ALC program for educators. This was the first Spy School book that I have read...which was fine despite being the 11th book in the series. The author does a good job of reminding the reader of prior events from the books so I wasn't lost (and this will also be helpful for long-time fans who have waited a while before the next book dropped). This series is lighthearted and action packed which is probably why kids gravitate toward it. The humorous responses from many characters to dangerous situations and action movie cliches kept me smiling throughout the story. However, as an adult, I really appreciated that there were some subtle themes at work among the action as well--about stereotyping and dealing with feelings of being left out from what others seem to have. I may have to go back and read some more of this series sometime!

eviejo_07's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

cluelesswonder's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny informative lighthearted

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Not a fan of insta-love. I also found myself zoning out reading this book.

mabry's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny informative tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ethan_bluestone's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny informative fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes

2.0

I won this book from a giveaway which I was super excited about, but after reading it…

Spy School Goes North really disappointed me.

The plot was fairly exciting, but it was basically identical to all the other spy school plots. Which makes sense, considering that this is the ELEVENTH book in the series. The only thing that was really different was the location being in Alaska, which was actually pretty interesting and one of the few redeeming factors. I feel like the best way for this series to stop being repetitive is to just make one final book and finish it up.

And for another thing, Mr. Gibbs is not the best at writing romantic relationships. Ben and Erica's relationship was barely talked about, which I somewhat understand because this is a middle grade book, but if you're not going to develop a relationship maybe just don't put it in at all. And I'm going to try not to give too many spoilers, but ahem, another relationship that developed in this book was pretty much love at first sight, and it seemed really unrealistic and unnecessary. Not to mention it was a gay relationship, which I do not like at all in middle grade books ESPECIALLY when it's one of the children/teens themselves. Disagree with me all you want, but it was just ridiculous. It would have been bad even as a normal guy and girl relationship.

Also, I'm getting really tired of Murray Hill, (yes he's in this book YET AGAIN lol) though that might be a testament to the author's writing skills. He sure can write an annoying character.

Overall, I feel like this author's books have been deteriorating now for a few years. Yes, there have been some good books, like the Once Upon A Tim series (which I love), and the third Charlie Thorne book. But the last two Funjungle books, Spy School book, and now this one have all honestly just been really bad.

In spite of all this, I'm sure there will still be tons of Spy School fans raving over this book, but it was definitely not for me and others I know.

Hope this series gets better, but I'm not holding my breath.

More...