“… (a) smarter take
D. Head, Reader Views
on the teenage spy genre.”
Two novice teen agents. A world teetering on the brink. One mission that could change history.
Summer, 1965. Eighteen-year-old James Vagus has no clear future—until a shadowy recruiter offers him an extraordinary path: espionage. Thrust into a secret world of danger and deception, James quickly learns that every move is a calculated risk, and every mistake could be his last.
His first mission takes him to the sun-drenched beaches of Miami, where he must infiltrate the Golden Syndicate, a covert organization led by the enigmatic Dr. van Heerden. With the help of fellow agent Dakota Walker, a fiercely skilled Cherokee teen, James plunges into a deadly web of espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes international intrigue.
The deeper they dig, the more dangerous their mission becomes. Clues lead them from the neon-lit streets of Miami to the dark walkways of Vienna, the bustling chaos of Madras, and the treacherous waters of the Florida Keys. As they uncover a plot designed to disrupt the global balance of power, the stakes rise higher than ever.
With enemies closing in and time running out, James and Dakota must rely on their wits, their training, and each other to stop an impending catastrophe. But espionage is never black and white—and survival is never guaranteed.
Packed with pulse-pounding action, suspense, and razor-sharp twists, Mission: Red Scythe is a gripping Cold War spy thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Perfect for teen readers of the Alex Rider series, boys wanting fast-paced action, and fans of high-stakes espionage, thrilling adventures, and Cold War intrigue.
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Reviews
Recommended. The author employs vivid descriptions to effectively bring the various settings encountered by the main characters to life. This descriptive approach creates a sense of immersion, making it feel as though one is participating in the mission. James skillfully conveys the emotions of the characters as they pursue the researcher, thereby enhancing the overall narrative experience. The detailed characterization and setting descriptions facilitate a shared discovery process, making the journey both exciting and engaging. Each character possesses a distinct voice that contributes to their individuality, and the dialogue reveals insights into their personalities. Readers are likely to find enjoyment in the numerous twists and turns throughout the story, which consistently maintains suspense and keeps them engaged. -Amanda Hanson, US Review of Books
★★★★★ Packed with mystery, suspense, and action, Mission: Red Scythe takes readers on a wild rollercoaster ride. From Miami to Madrid to Madras, the narrative covers a few vibrant and diverse locales, creating a dramatic atmosphere and settings that are easy to imagine. Author C.W. James weaves an absorbing plot that is high in stakes, moving the narrative at a brisk pace to keep readers glued to the pages. If you enjoy old-school spy/espionage tales, this will be right up your alley. The friendship and chemistry between James and Dakota were the book’s highlight for me. I particularly enjoyed how the two had each other’s backs every time one of them needed the other. The MIS-X unit feels like a covert military intelligence agency with how the operatives work at every level. Recommended to young adult fans of spy thrillers. – P. Deka, Readers’ Favorite
★★★★★The novel thrives on tight pacing, period-accurate details, and clever espionage mechanics. James is an immediately likable protagonist. He’s witty, deeply observant, and shaped by abandonment but not embittered. His internal monologue adds humor and vulnerability to what could otherwise be a classic spy archetype… James’ use of Cold War-era spy gear—including a wristwatch camera and a bug disguised as fake dog poop—is both historically grounded and delightfully retro. The dialogue, particularly in the interrogation-style conversations, feels very natural and it’s era-specific without being stilted. The novel’s structure is episodic but continuous, with each scene offering momentum and purpose… Mission: Red Scythe is elevated in how it balances action with psychological elements. James isn’t just playing spy—he’s constantly faced with identity, morality, and self-worth. The tone is brisk and cinematic, but it has just enough introspection to make it more than a popcorn thriller. – D. Head, Reader Views
Must Read The stakes are set early and escalate with each chapter, pulling the reader deeper into an adrenaline-filled adventure.
The writing is tight and focused, zeroing in on the action without getting sidetracked. The pacing keeps you right alongside James, allowing you to experience the tension, urgency, and thrill of the moment with him. He might keep his cool, but I was on the edge of my seat. I felt fully immersed in what was happening, with each scene pulling me deeper.
There’s something wonderfully cinematic about the whole setup. The time period, mysterious plot threads, and fast-paced momentum remind me of a young, trained Indiana Jones story, blending classic adventure with covert espionage back in time (the 1960’s).
The world-building is balanced, and the story is strong but not overpowering of the immediate action. The story doesn’t try to be overly expansive because it focuses on what’s right in front of James. This is exactly what gives the world a sense of authenticity. We get just enough backstory on James and eventually Dakota to make us care about them as people and as spies on a mission.
Tension is built masterfully throughout, keeping stakes high without ever feeling forced. If you are a fan of a good action spy thriller, then this is a fun and quick read. – R. Barnard, Reedsy Discovery
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Sample
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ISBN
Paperback: 978-1-962056-10-6
Ebook: 978-1-962056-09-0