Ringmaster by Julia Golding

Challenge #10 ~ “3 books set on three different continents: Book 3 ~ AFRICA.”

ringmaster

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

As middle grade novels go, this was definitely up there with some of the best, and even better, it brought entirely new elements to your usual teenage-spy trope as well. The characters were great – sure, at times Golding played up some of the cliché good guy/bad guy traits but this didn’t negatively impact the book, and even now I’m not sure which of the side characters was my favourite (there are just too many gems among them to choose!) As for the storyline itself, Golding kept the reader on their toes from start to finish with its fair share of twists and turns, proving that this is certainly one of those little known gems that’s definitely worth a read.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

As well as being a fun and enjoyable read, this was one of those books that was well-written in every aspect too, from the characters to the pacing to the setting. Kenya, where the story takes place, is not likely to be a familiar environment to the reader, and yet Golding has sufficient skill to make the reader feel at home there whether in some foreboding forest, city streets, or even polo field. Artistic licence is most definitely used, but Golding builds a world that is relatable, comprehendible, and (above all) doesn’t undermine or contradict itself – the perfect basis for a story.

A warning for the book:

One of the most common critiques I’ve heard/seen about this book is that it isn’t very plausible as scenarios go. And I agree – it isn’t – but that doesn’t make it a bad book (at least, not to me). So, if you’re looking for a teenage spy story that is realistic, this may not be for you, but a well-written and fun middle grade thriller about a teenage spy? Well, then this one is at least worth consideration.

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