Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

Synopsis:
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 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

Review:

This is such a fun series, I really like it. I liked Cammie in this one; she has had a hard summer and is trying to fit back in with her friends and Zach. Like the past books I do wish Zach was present a little more, and while it’s okay that romance isn’t the main plot, I wouldn’t mind a little more. I like the overall story and think the series is a lot of fun (it's hard to write about, since I don't want to give spoilers this late in the series). I’m glad there will only be one more book thoug...moreThis is such a fun series, I really like it. I liked Cammie in this one; she has had a hard summer and is trying to fit back in with her friends and Zach. Like the past books I do wish Zach was present a little more, and while it’s okay that romance isn’t the main plot, I wouldn’t mind a little more. I like the overall story and think the series is a lot of fun (it's hard to write about, since I don't want to give spoilers this late in the series). I’m glad there will only be one more book though, I’m not a big fan of long series. I do wish I had read the books closer together. I read book four Oct 2010, and while I remember the gist of it I felt like I had forgotten a lot going into book five. Since my books are all in storage right now I wasn’t able to re-read it before starting Out of Sight, Out of Time. Once I got into it though I didn't feel like I was missing too much, the story moves along well and there is plenty of action/mystery to keep you entertained. Fun read. Content: Clean.

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Synopsis:
Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners. There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed. Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time. Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

Review:

I think I liked this one as much as the first. Unlike some series, each book covers its own heist and has its own plot and could probably stand on its own (although I recommend reading them in order). I thought this was entertaining. Kat is a likable heroine; she starts out a bit cocky in this one. She thinks she can do it all on her own, as the story progresses though she realizes just how important it is to have a team and friends to support her. I like all the characters in the book and it wa...moreI think I liked this one as much as the first. Unlike some series, each book covers its own heist and has its own plot and could probably stand on its own (although I recommend reading them in order). I thought this was entertaining. Kat is a likable heroine; she starts out a bit cocky in this one. She thinks she can do it all on her own, as the story progresses though she realizes just how important it is to have a team and friends to support her. I like all the characters in the book and it was fun being along on their ride. I liked Hale in this one. I was a little frustrated with the whole Hale-Kat relationship, there was too much left unsaid I guess. I’ve recently been on a regency kick where the romance is the main point of the story and in this series it kind of takes a back seat, and to be honest I wish there was a tad more where the romance is involved. Overall, I think this is a great series. It’s clean, lighthearted, smart and a fun way to pass the time. I look forward to reading the next book; I just wish I didn’t have to wait so long! Content: Clean. Reading Order: Book One: Heist Society Book Two: Uncommon Criminals Book Three: Perfect Scoundrels (Feb 2013)

Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter

Genre: YA

Publication Date: June 2010

One Word Review: Entertaining

Author Website: www.allycarter.com

First Line: “Targets acquired, ten o’clock.”

GoodReads Synopsis: 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 she 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.

Kathy’s Review: I really liked this series. I think it’s fun, clean and unique. I like Cammie’s character, for the most part. I like it when she is sharp, uses her wits and really acts like the spy that she is. I just wish that would happen a little more often. Most of the time, she seems like your normal 17 year-old girl with insecurities and who relies on her friends to help her through the tough times. This book felt a lot like the 2nd, 3rd and 4th books…you learn a little more, but not a lot happens. I was kind of left wondering just how many books are suppose to be in the series, does anyone know? I like Cammie’s friends and of course I like Zach, even if we’re not sure whose side he is on. I do wish he would be in the book a little more and that there was a tad more romance (but, I’m just a sucker for romance). Overall, a good edition to the series and I look forward to seeing what happens with Cammie next.

Bookworm Rating: 4

Reading Order:
Book One: I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You
Book Two: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
Book Three: Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover
Book Four: Only the Good Spy Young
Book Five:

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Genre: YA Fiction

Publication Date: February 2010

One Word Review: Great

Author Website: www.allycarter.com

GoodReads Synopsis: When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected. Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help. For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history-or at least her family's (very crooked) history.

Kathy’s Review: Ally Carter has become one of my favorite YA authors. Her books (at least the ones I’ve read) are clean, have cool storylines with super smart heroines. I really enjoyed Heist Society. I admit, the story did remind me of a few spy movies (The Thomas Crown Affair, After the Sunset, Entrapment, etc.), but it still holds its own and to be honest I think it would make a great teen movie. I liked Kat, her conscience is working on her and she wants to get out of the “family business”, but gets sucked back in and as much as she wants to go clean, she is also very good at what she does. I loved the relationship with Kat and Hale, I thought he was great! I wasn’t expecting a love triangle, but I was pleasantly surprised when it slowly crept into the story. I’m still Team Hale and I’m hoping for another book so I can find out what happens with them. Great, entertaining story.

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter

Genre: YA Fiction

Publication Date: July 2009

One Word Review: Entertaining

Author Website: www.allycarter.com

First Line: “We’re moving.”

GoodReads Synopsis: 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...

Kathy’s Review: This is such a fun series. I thought this book really got back to its original charm. Cammie seemed more like herself, was smart, tough, and of course constantly breaking rules. I was very glad to see the whole gang back together again. I really like the interactions of Cammie, Macey, Bex and Liz. They work well together and their personalities are all unique, but complimentary. The story, setting and mystery are all fun and original. I like reading about all the spy stuff, gadgets, missions, and this installments added disguises. While I enjoyed the story, it did feel like the book was a set up for the next book, there was still mystery and excitement, but felt more like it was gearing up for the next adventure. My only complaint is that I wish there would have been more Zach (or even a little love triangle with Josh-Cammie-Zach), a little romance adds a lot, in my opinion. I like Zach, but I’m still a little unsure whose side he’s really on?? I look forward to reading the next book, which comes out in June!

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Reading Order:
Book One: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You
Book Two: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
Book Three: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover

Book Four: Only the Good Spy Young (June 2010)

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

Genre: YA Fiction

Publication Date: October 2007

One Word Review: Entertaining

Author Website: www.allycarter.com

First Line: "Just be yourself," my mother said, as if that were easy."

Synopsis: Despite Cammie's best intentions to be a normal student, danger seems to follow her. She and her friends learn that their school is going to play host to some mysterious guests--code name: Blackthrone. Then she's blamed for a security breach that leaves the school's top secret status at risk. Soon Cammie and her friends are crawling through walls and surveilling the school to learn the truth about Blackthorne and clear Cammie's name. Even though they have confidence in their spy skills, this time the targets are tougher (and hotter), and the stakes for Cammie's heart--and her beloved school--are higher than ever.

Kathy's Review: This was a fun sequel to the first book as we're reunited with a lot of our favorite characters. I enjoyed the storyline and it was fun returning to the Gallagher Academy. The story moves along quickly and definetly kept my interest. I think if you enjoyed the first book you'll like this one as well. There were a few things that made me like this book a litte less than the first one, but I still think it was a lot of fun. I love how creative it is, how clean it is and it left me wanting to go to spy school all over again.

I felt Cammie was lacking something. In her attempts to be "normal" she lost some of her charm and kick-butt attitude. I also missed the fun interaction that she had with her friends in the first book, it seemed like Bex wasn't around as much this time around. It also seemed like the boys were better at just about everything...I wanted to see the girls be a little tougher, smarter, and I felt like the girls just didn't bring their A-game. Don't get me wrong, I still really liked the book, those are just a couple things that I wish had been a little different.

Bookworm Rating: 4

Reading Order:

Book One: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

Book Two: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy

Book Three: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover

Book Four: Only the Good Spy Young

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

Genre: YA Fiction

Publication Date: May 2006

One Word Review: Entertaining

Author Website: www.allycarter.com

First Line: “I suppose a lot of teenage girls feel invisible sometimes, like they just disappear.”

GoodReads Synopsis: The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school teaches advanced martial arts in PE, chemistry always consists of the latest in chemical warfare, and everyone breaks CIA codes for extra credit in computer class. So in truth, while the Gallagher Academy might say it's a school for geniuses what they really mean is spies. But what happens when a Gallagher Girl falls for a boy who doesn't have a code name? Cammie Morgan may be fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways (three of which involve a piece of uncooked spaghetti), but the Gallagher Academy hasn't prepared her for 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, and track him through a mall without him ever being the wiser, but can she have a regular relationship with a regular boy who can never know the truth about her? Cammie may be an elite spy in training, but in her sophomore year, she's doing something riskier than ever—she's falling in love.

Kathy’s Review: I had actually started this one a few months back and for some reason couldn’t get into it. This time around I couldn’t put it down. I guess the mood you’re in really makes a difference when it comes to reading. Anyway, this was a lot of fun; I enjoyed it from the first page to the last and I'm eager to read the rest of the series. Cammie was a very believable character and easy to relate to. I liked that she was this superspy yet vulnerable at the same time. When she meets Josh for the first time and he actually sees her I felt so happy for her. While I thought they had good chemistry and it was fun watching their relationship grow I felt things were a little off. Cammie felt she had to create a fake persona whenever she was around Josh, which is not a good way to build a relationship. It will be interesting to see what happens in later books. The supporting cast of characters were also a lot of fun. I love the setting and plot. The book is super clean and entertaining. I wish I could go to spy-school!

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Reading Order:
Book One: I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You
Book Two: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
Book Three: Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover
Book Four: Only the Good Spy Young