Book Review: Only the Good Spy Young

Title: Only the Good Spy Young
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books

From Goodreads
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.

In this fourth installment of the New York Times best-selling series, the Gallagher Girls must hack, spy, steal, and lie their way to the truth as they go searching for answers, recognizing that the key to Cammie’s future may lie deep in the past....

My Review
You know how sometimes as a series goes along it starts to lose its steam and you wonder why you're still reading it?  Well that does NOT happen with the Gallagher Girl series.  It only seems to get better with each book.  This book picks up pretty much where the last book, Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover, left off.  From page one it doesn't take much for the action to start.  By page 12 Cammie was already running! And a few pages after that I once again didn't know who I should be trusting.  What I really liked what how little rehashing of the previous books this one did.  Sometimes when you read a book later in the series the first few chapters seem to just retell you what has been happening - something I find boring.  None of that here!

As Cammie resettles back into school she finds it to not be the safe haven she once had - yes it's safe, way safer than it's ever been, but to Cammie it no longer feels like home.  I think this really shows the story taking a turn and pushing into new territory instead of staying with the tried and true.  You can tell that Cammie is growing up and getting closer to being more independent.  I liked the changes I saw in her.  In the first book Cammie, even though she was training to be a world class spy, was sometimes awkward, shy and uncertain.  I saw less and less of that in this installment.  Many times Cammie took control without hesitating - something I was really happy to see. 

As far as the story goes - we find some answers in this book, but of course many remain unanswered.  I will say there were a few good surprises that I did not seeing coming.  One even made me gasp and say "no way!".  I'll be interested to see how that part turns out :) The ending, although wide open, is not unsatisfying.  I've always found with this series that each book ties up that part of the story well while opening more doors for Cammie to enter.  This one was no exception. 

One minor complaint was the lack of both Cammie's friends and mother in this book.  It felt like they all faded into the background some - especially her mother.  She barely seemed to be in the book.  Her friends play important roles, but some of their funness (if I can make up that word) was missing.  Maybe it was the change the story was taking, but I missed it.  I really missed Macey! She was always my favorite character beyond Cammie.  I hope she's in the next book more! This didn't hurt the book, just a personal preference.

Final Thoughts: It's still got me hooked, curious and wanting to know more
Best stick-with-you image: Falling through the air shaft
Best for readers who: are girls and like strong female characters and mystery
Best for ages: 11+