Liberty: The Spy Who (Kind of) Liked Me

Author: Andrea Porter Publisher: HarperTeen ISBN: 9780062673329

THIS is actually quite an interesting book, but it would have been better if it were not written in such a frivolous manner.

It might be just me, but I think a spy novel should be in a more serious vein, even if it’s a teen novel.

Written in the first person, the flow of the story is in the style of the author narrating what happened to an audience.

It’s amusing in parts, but disconcerting in others.

The story revolves around teenager Paige, who is fluent in five languages and a master of several obscure martial arts (how convenient).

Her journalist parents have gone missing while reporting stories of the endangered and oppressed.

To Paige, they are heroes. So is Sean Raynes, a young man who exposed America’s spying techniques.

So Paige is caught in a dilemma when she is approached by Madden Carter, an undercover operative who gives her a mission – fly to Russia under the cover of an exchange student, find Raynes, and discover what other government secrets he’s stockpiled.

In return, they will help her find out what happened to her parents.

So armed with her wit, clichéd one-liners and undaunted optimism, Paige sets off to save the world ... well, you know what I mean.

The book has its moments and would surely appeal to young adults. – K.K. Wong