*This is the first novel
in a series.*
Chinese American Winter Young is a 19-year-old global pop
phenomenon, the most famous superstar in the world. He’s a spy, too, having
been approached by the Panacea Group to infiltrate the crime world syndicate of
Eli Morrison. His one weakness is his daughter, Penelope, though Eli is
anything but weak. The criminal tycoon has no qualms about having adversaries
tortured or entire families assassinated. Penelope is Winter’s biggest fan, and
for her birthday celebration, Eli is indulging an extremely exclusive private
concert with the one and only Winter Young. Panacea Group has been trying for
years to get evidence to bring Morrison down. The CIA has too much red
tape, so that’s when they call in Panacea, as they have the power to choose
what is right over what is diplomatic. The covert spy operation works out
of the [fictional] Claremont Hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota. Winter will need to
use all his fame, charisma and newfound spy skills to pull off a successful
mission. He won’t be alone, as he’ll have Sydney Cossette posing as his
bodyguard and taking on the persona of Ashley Miller. Sydney is Panacea’s youngest
spy, and she’s keeping a big secret from them, lest they release her from their
employ (and no, the secret isn’t her petty thievery). Infiltrating Eli’s inner
circle and attending Penelope’s extravagant birthday celebration takes the
group to London. His manager, Claire, is along, as are two of his closest
back-up dancers, Leo and Dameon. On their list of Eli’s closest associates is
Connor Doherty, the accountant who has beautifully expensive taste in
accessories, and who appears to have a secret relationship with Penelope. It’s
a high-stakes, life or death mission. Can Winter and Sydney survive each other?
Can they just ... survive?
The new
series starter from Lu is a rip-roaring adventure containing espionage,
mystery, enough advanced gadgetry to make any techie jealous, glamour and
danger. Where superstar Winter is Chinese American, polyglot
spy Sydney is cued white with a nice range of ethnic diversity amongst the
plentiful supporting cast and queer inclusivity, too. Winter’s compassionate,
down-to-earth character is a good balance to Sydney’s abrasiveness. The story
is clever and fun with intense scenes and a nail-biting plot. It’s propulsive
and gripping. Lu remains one of my top authors of YA.
Standout
line: “Optimism is my hidden power.”
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