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

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Cammie Morgan is back, and it's clear that her life hasn't calmed down since the events of I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You. 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.

MY TAKE:
After reading Double Crossed, I was intrigued enough with Gallagher Academy to start reading the series.

In Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy, the Gallagher Academy plays host to a group of boys from an elite spy training school for boys. However, things may not be as they seem and Cammie and her friends must be careful whom they trust.

I actually liked the plot and premise of this book. It was fast-paced and had I not taken a step back around the start of the final plot twist, I wouldn't have seen it for what it really was. The book has some predictable moments but overall, it's a fun and easy read.

As for the characters, my favorite character is Macey. Out of all the girls, she was the only one who pretty much reacted the way I would have reacted. She's not the smartest in the group and she's not the most naturally gifted at spying, but despite her extensive wardrobe, she seemed to be the most level-headed, at least as far as boys were concerned.

Cammie really got on my nerves sometimes. She was obviously into Zach and would continuously put herself and her missions in danger because she couldn't compartmentalize her feelings for Zach and her school.

I didn't like Zach at all. I don't like guys who are arrogant and who think they're so cool or that they're such badasses. Because I disliked him so much, I skimmed through the parts wherein he and Cammie had sweet moments. Frankly, I felt Cammie could do so much better. She seemed to still feel something for Josh, so perhaps she should try channeling her energy towards finding a way to be reunited with Josh.

THE GOOD:

1. The book is fast-paced.
2. You learn a little bit about spy stuff.
3. There are plenty of interesting characters.

THE BAD:

1. Zach is a polarizing character.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Guys are like dogs - they can always tell when you're needy.

READ IT IF:

1. You liked the first Gallagher Girls book.
2. You like spy novels.
3. You like strong, smart heroines.

RATING:


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