Sealed with a Lie

Gr 7–10—In the sequel to Two Lies and a Spy (S. & S., 2013), Kari and her little brother Charlie are living in Paris, attending GI (Generation Interpol) spy school, and still reeling from the discovery that their parents are double agents for Russia. Kari struggles with learning French, being away from her boyfriend and best friends, and coping with her feelings for Evan, the hottest boy at GI who kissed her. The only bright spot is Charlie, so when he's kidnapped and Kari receives a phone call threatening his life, she will stop at nothing to rescue him. Evan and Matthis, Charlie's friend, assist her as they fulfill the kidnappers' demands, first "rescuing" Gustav, a thief, from prison transport and then stealing jungbrunnen, the fountain of youth. Ultimately, Kari finds herself taken hostage along with her brother, and it will take all of her skills to make it out alive. This is a fast-paced ride, and those who haven't read the first title will be confused by some characters and Kari's throwaway references to her previous life and parents' betrayal. The cover seems designed to appeal to older readers, but other than some violence, the plot falls squarely in middle school territory. Purchase where the first book is popular.—Kefira Phillipe, Nichols Middle School, Evanston, IL