Mission: The Figueroa Cipher

★★★★★

Mission: The Figueroa Cipher is a gripping story, the kind that hooks you from the start and then doesn’t let go. It promises a whirlwind of excitement, whisking you away on a globe-trotting escapade. C.W. James’ narrative skillfully guides the reader through breathtaking international locations and the cryptic clues that take the agents there. The main characters are believable young spies, and the villains are just as convincing. The different scenes around the world bring the plot to life. The intriguing espionage network missions are full of twists and turns, leaving the reader wondering who is loyal and who can be trusted. The plot is intelligent, tight, and focused, yet it’s also full of action, adventure, danger, and mystery. This is an exciting book for readers of all ages who enjoy spy action thrillers. – A. Papayannopoulos, Readers’ Favorite

The author’s young adult spy novel checks all the boxes for an engaging read for its target audience. The writing is swift, the worldbuilding creates distinct places without being overwhelming, and the adherence to the expectations of two dashing teenage spies is spot on. Readers and parents familiar with the writer’s previous title with these characters will know they are getting a clean, age-appropriate title without the grit, language, and moral uncertainty of adult works. Much of the plot, antagonists, and even the protagonists’ character traits feel as if they belong in the James Bond franchise. Still, the majority of this book’s intended audience will not care. Fans of the earlier book will love this one just as much, and, as the books are stand-alone adventures, readers of the genre, especially teenage boys, will get a lot of entertainment from this Cold War adventure. – M. Heisey, US Review of Books