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Remembrandt #1
Remembrandt
Alexandra Stewart doesn't just walk down memory lane, she lives on it. Her eidetic memory records her experiences and plays them back, DVD style. It's great when she wants to ace a test, but not so great when she topples over a cute boy in the hallway and the humiliation plays back over and over and over...
Brown University seems like the perfect place for the seventeen-year-old to forget her past. Hope for a normal life comes in the form of a handsome new running partner who makes her heart race and body perspire even before she laces up her shoes.
When her Russian professor gives her a puzzle that seems impossible to solve, Alex discovers that he has a secret - one that will catapult her into a world of cryptic codes and covert missions. As she tries to find a balance between the two different worlds vying for her attention, Alex wonders if she can have relationships with the ones she cares about while hiding a clandestine life, uncovering the truths of an underground enemy.
One thing is for certain, whatever happens will be forever etched into her memory. And some things are better left forgotten.
Brown University seems like the perfect place for the seventeen-year-old to forget her past. Hope for a normal life comes in the form of a handsome new running partner who makes her heart race and body perspire even before she laces up her shoes.
When her Russian professor gives her a puzzle that seems impossible to solve, Alex discovers that he has a secret - one that will catapult her into a world of cryptic codes and covert missions. As she tries to find a balance between the two different worlds vying for her attention, Alex wonders if she can have relationships with the ones she cares about while hiding a clandestine life, uncovering the truths of an underground enemy.
One thing is for certain, whatever happens will be forever etched into her memory. And some things are better left forgotten.
205 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2014
16 people are currently reading
2129 people want to read
About the author
Robin M. King
5 books142 followersRobin M. King received her Bachelor's degree in education from Brigham Young University and has been instructing children and young adults for over twenty years. When she's not writing or helping her students remember the quadratic formula, she leads a clandestine life as a mother of six. Don't tell anyone, but she's also an undercover marathoner, photographer, singer, seamstress, baker, and household appliance repairman.
Her first novel, Remembrandt, a romantic suspense, introduces seventeen-year-old Alexandra Stewart. With her eidetic memory, Alex can't forget anything. When she solves an impossible puzzle for her Russian professor, she is catapulted into a life of cryptic codes, covert missions, and unexpected love. Check it out HERE.
Read the continuation of Alexandra's story in Van Gogh Gone (Remembrandt #2) HERE . Get Memory of Monet (Remembrandt #3), the last book in the series HERE .
Robin is in the process of publishing her next books, including 3 young adult contemporaries that will make you want to write love songs, and 2 adult romcoms that will make you laugh and cry within its pages.
Her first novel, Remembrandt, a romantic suspense, introduces seventeen-year-old Alexandra Stewart. With her eidetic memory, Alex can't forget anything. When she solves an impossible puzzle for her Russian professor, she is catapulted into a life of cryptic codes, covert missions, and unexpected love. Check it out HERE.
Read the continuation of Alexandra's story in Van Gogh Gone (Remembrandt #2) HERE . Get Memory of Monet (Remembrandt #3), the last book in the series HERE .
Robin is in the process of publishing her next books, including 3 young adult contemporaries that will make you want to write love songs, and 2 adult romcoms that will make you laugh and cry within its pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
August 7, 2018
3.5 stars
This is a nice, short college story about a girl with an eidetic memory who gets to do some spy stuff. These action scenes were great, but most of the book is actually about training and college life stuff. The writing is solid, and the characters are well done.
Some of the editing was really good, but some of it was nonexistent. It was weird.
This is a nice, short college story about a girl with an eidetic memory who gets to do some spy stuff. These action scenes were great, but most of the book is actually about training and college life stuff. The writing is solid, and the characters are well done.
Some of the editing was really good, but some of it was nonexistent. It was weird.
November 22, 2014
Before I started Remembrandt I was a wasn't sure how much I was going to enjoy reading a Young Adult action/spy/romance book but let me tell you, once I started I did NOT want to stop!
I initially had concerns about getting into the story because I thought it might be to young for me but the author, Robin King is a GENIUS at writing to multiple audiences at once, which is a rare talent in my opinion. I found myself completely engrossed in Alexandra's story and especially loved reading about her unique eidetic memory which is a character trait unlike anything I've read before! (Which is a good thing, I read a lot and I love to be surprised!) But I also enjoyed the deeper moments through out the book as we learn about Alexandra's backstory of growing up with such a rare "gift" and all the heartbreak and tragedies that come with such talent and life in general.
And can I pause for a moment so I can gush about Alex's flirtations with her love interest William! With each of their conversations I felt as if I were right there watching their innocent interactions play out right before my eyes. And there were a couple of times I found myself giggling out loud over how adorable (yet still frustrating) they were together! For example...
"The world around us disappeared. We were no longer on campus, just a girl and a guy in perfect harmony - a duet. I wasn't the violin out of tune anymore. He had suddenly come to the piano and played the A so I could tune my string..."
I don't want to type anymore because I don't want to spoil anything but it's GOOD.
All of the characters in Remembrandt were well thought out, fully developed, flawed but real, and now I wish I could meet them in person! I felt connections to each character which is a big part of the reason I couldn't stop reading this book. I kept wanting to see what was going to happen next, not just with Alex but with each character in the book because I love them all and was curious about each of their stories.
Remembrandt is a perfect read for younger girls AND women who just want to enjoy a delightful book that will leave you with a big cheesy grin on your face; wishing your life was as unique and adventurous as Alex's! (Or was that just me?)
Praise to Robin King for her debut novel and for writing such an amazing first book that had me hooked right from the beginning. My only complaint...it ended too soon! But lucky for me, King has more in store for Alex and "The Company" and will be having her continue her undercover spy missions in an ongoing series (yeah!)
I anxiously await the next installment and in the mean time, I will be buying this book for all my nieces as gifts!
I initially had concerns about getting into the story because I thought it might be to young for me but the author, Robin King is a GENIUS at writing to multiple audiences at once, which is a rare talent in my opinion. I found myself completely engrossed in Alexandra's story and especially loved reading about her unique eidetic memory which is a character trait unlike anything I've read before! (Which is a good thing, I read a lot and I love to be surprised!) But I also enjoyed the deeper moments through out the book as we learn about Alexandra's backstory of growing up with such a rare "gift" and all the heartbreak and tragedies that come with such talent and life in general.
And can I pause for a moment so I can gush about Alex's flirtations with her love interest William! With each of their conversations I felt as if I were right there watching their innocent interactions play out right before my eyes. And there were a couple of times I found myself giggling out loud over how adorable (yet still frustrating) they were together! For example...
"The world around us disappeared. We were no longer on campus, just a girl and a guy in perfect harmony - a duet. I wasn't the violin out of tune anymore. He had suddenly come to the piano and played the A so I could tune my string..."
I don't want to type anymore because I don't want to spoil anything but it's GOOD.
All of the characters in Remembrandt were well thought out, fully developed, flawed but real, and now I wish I could meet them in person! I felt connections to each character which is a big part of the reason I couldn't stop reading this book. I kept wanting to see what was going to happen next, not just with Alex but with each character in the book because I love them all and was curious about each of their stories.
Remembrandt is a perfect read for younger girls AND women who just want to enjoy a delightful book that will leave you with a big cheesy grin on your face; wishing your life was as unique and adventurous as Alex's! (Or was that just me?)
Praise to Robin King for her debut novel and for writing such an amazing first book that had me hooked right from the beginning. My only complaint...it ended too soon! But lucky for me, King has more in store for Alex and "The Company" and will be having her continue her undercover spy missions in an ongoing series (yeah!)
I anxiously await the next installment and in the mean time, I will be buying this book for all my nieces as gifts!
May 10, 2015
I have a good friend (and author) who told me not to read this book because it is too teenagery (apparently this is a real word) and girly for my tastes. I definitely prefer my action stories. But Robin did not disappoint. I enjoyed the development of the characters and found myself rooting for the success of Alexandra. I appreciated that the story line was "real" - though maybe events took place a little condensed than what could have happened in real life; eidetic memory or not. Robin - I went against your wishes and read your book anyways and am glad I did. I can't wait to see where The Company takes Alexandra next!
December 3, 2014
I'm new to the whole spy genre but I kinda of love it. And more than that I love teen spies! Once I got into the story a little I couldn't stop reading. Luckily it's a short quick read. There are a few layers going on in the story and with some authors that just means overkill but Robin found a way to give you just enough at the right times so that I was totally hooked but didn't feel bombarded with any part of the story. I had a blast watching Alex's past and present become revealed and follow her along her adventures.
I read all of the Gallegher Girl books and I think I lapped those up because I adore the genre but with those books there were some annoying things. Not so with Remembrant. I got the awesomeness that is a teen spy story without feeling like the characters were immature or silly. This book was fun for me in my 30's but totally appropriate (and I'd expect entertaining) for a young teen as well.
If you are looking for a fun spy tale complete with romance check this out!
I read all of the Gallegher Girl books and I think I lapped those up because I adore the genre but with those books there were some annoying things. Not so with Remembrant. I got the awesomeness that is a teen spy story without feeling like the characters were immature or silly. This book was fun for me in my 30's but totally appropriate (and I'd expect entertaining) for a young teen as well.
If you are looking for a fun spy tale complete with romance check this out!
November 12, 2014
Remembrandt is a clever and fast paced young adult suspense novel by author Robin King. Alexandra Stewart starts a new semester at Brown University, hoping to leave behind painful memories, which is nearly impossible when her eidetic memory replays everything in movie-esque detail. Things aren't always what they seem: her new running partner will show up in another important area of her life, her Russian professor is anything but ordinary and Brown University holds a well kept secret.
Robin King delivers a perfect mix of suspense and romance. The characters jump out and pull you along for a crazy ride. Alex's eidetic memory will reel you in, her will double life will haunt you and keep you guessing until the very end. It's a fantastic debut for Author Robin King - can't wait for Book Two!
Robin King delivers a perfect mix of suspense and romance. The characters jump out and pull you along for a crazy ride. Alex's eidetic memory will reel you in, her will double life will haunt you and keep you guessing until the very end. It's a fantastic debut for Author Robin King - can't wait for Book Two!
December 26, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Alex is an amazing girl. I was fascinated by her eidetic memory and all of its possibilities. This book has one adventure after another. I loved how Alex was a strong young woman, who could literally think her way out of anything. I thought the author did a great job of introducing Alex's back story with her mom and brother. Her father teaches at Brown. I did love how she had a great support system in her roommate and her professors. All the characters are fantastic and entertaining. William especially. He's a doll. Alex's adventures are very page-turning and I can't wait to see what is next for her.
January 15, 2015
This was a fascinating book, I couldn't put it down! I would actually rate it 4.5 and the only reason I docked it .5 is because it was too short. I understand it is meant for a young audience so I get it, but I would have loved for it to span over a longer period of time, therefore making it a tad more believable, and I would have liked for her to have had a little interaction with her father.
That being said, it was a great story and well written. I'm recommending it to all teenage girls!
Looking forward to more books from this author
That being said, it was a great story and well written. I'm recommending it to all teenage girls!
Looking forward to more books from this author
January 4, 2015
I love that this went outside of what's out there right now...which is sixteen year old super-power-kind-of-whiny-heroines living in a dystopian world inside a major love triangle with two perfect (sometimes human) love interests.
The characters were likable and I loved the spy genre...a quick entertaining read that answered just enough questions to wrap up the story but didn't answer quite enough to end my interest in upcoming books. Great first novel, Robin!
The characters were likable and I loved the spy genre...a quick entertaining read that answered just enough questions to wrap up the story but didn't answer quite enough to end my interest in upcoming books. Great first novel, Robin!
February 4, 2015
Robin King's debut young adult novel was a fun, fast paced read with a dollop of romance.
Alexandra Stewart is a seventeen year old prodigy who keeps her "special abilities" locked away. With so much sadness in her past, she desires to just be a "normal" student and starts a new semester and a hopefully a new beginning at Brown University. There she meets a kindly Russian professor who not only begins to unravel her secret, but threatens the anonymity she guards so closely.
She encounters a fellow distance runner while out one evening and strikes up a conversation. Alexandra feels a connection to him but the timing is all wrong and yet... she always seems to be drawn back to him. Who can she trust? Is she destined to live a double life?
Things are becoming more complicated and before long she is unwittingly thrust into a whirlwind of intrigue, espionage, and unanswered questions. These experiences will challenge her abilities and soon awaken something else she wasn't even aware of.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters and learning about Alex's past. The clever addition of an Eidetic memory opens up all kinds of possibilities to explore. The romance was a perfect blend of sweet anticipation for the reader and the development of genuine feelings and friendship.
The ending leaves you wishing for Alexandra's next adventure! Robin King has crafted a solid first novel for an exciting series that has great potential.
Alexandra Stewart is a seventeen year old prodigy who keeps her "special abilities" locked away. With so much sadness in her past, she desires to just be a "normal" student and starts a new semester and a hopefully a new beginning at Brown University. There she meets a kindly Russian professor who not only begins to unravel her secret, but threatens the anonymity she guards so closely.
She encounters a fellow distance runner while out one evening and strikes up a conversation. Alexandra feels a connection to him but the timing is all wrong and yet... she always seems to be drawn back to him. Who can she trust? Is she destined to live a double life?
Things are becoming more complicated and before long she is unwittingly thrust into a whirlwind of intrigue, espionage, and unanswered questions. These experiences will challenge her abilities and soon awaken something else she wasn't even aware of.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters and learning about Alex's past. The clever addition of an Eidetic memory opens up all kinds of possibilities to explore. The romance was a perfect blend of sweet anticipation for the reader and the development of genuine feelings and friendship.
The ending leaves you wishing for Alexandra's next adventure! Robin King has crafted a solid first novel for an exciting series that has great potential.
December 25, 2014
REMEMBRANDT is a truly remarkable book with a captivating plot that offers a fresh flavor of mystery. With an added pinch of espionage, a dollop of suspense, and a splash of romance, this book kept me reading and loving it page after progressive page. The integral ability the main character, Alexandra, retains—an eidetic memory—elevates the story to a new realm of genius, especially when there’s the business of spying to be successfully accomplished.
Robin King achieves a well-balanced book by having created distinctive characters, dynamic content driven by a solid plot, and established scenes that blend flawlessly from one part to the next. The imagery engages the reader to experience all the senses without effort. As the reader, I felt as though I was an unseen part of the story; watching, feeling, tasting, smelling, and hearing the story as it played out in my mind scene by craved for scene.
REMEMBRANDT, one clue and puzzle at a time, will be unraveled before your eyes until it is beautifully embedded upon your mind, remembering it as an extraordinary masterpiece.
Robin King achieves a well-balanced book by having created distinctive characters, dynamic content driven by a solid plot, and established scenes that blend flawlessly from one part to the next. The imagery engages the reader to experience all the senses without effort. As the reader, I felt as though I was an unseen part of the story; watching, feeling, tasting, smelling, and hearing the story as it played out in my mind scene by craved for scene.
REMEMBRANDT, one clue and puzzle at a time, will be unraveled before your eyes until it is beautifully embedded upon your mind, remembering it as an extraordinary masterpiece.
September 8, 2014
What a great debut young adult novel from Robin King!
The main character, Alexandra had me hooked from the first page all the way to the last page. While studying at Brown University she steps into a world of adventure that she wasn't looking for. With her eidetic memory, she is the prefect agent at the Company. Author, Robin King weaves a fascinating tale of adventure, puzzles, history, art, romance and family.
Robin keeps you intrigued throughout the entire book as you try to figure out the puzzles Alexandra is faced with. Will Alexandra be successful in time to save a missing Company agent or will she be too late? You will have to read to find out! I would highly recommend this book to young adults and adults alike. I really enjoyed reading it!
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series from Robin King and she takes us on another Alexandra Company assignment.
The main character, Alexandra had me hooked from the first page all the way to the last page. While studying at Brown University she steps into a world of adventure that she wasn't looking for. With her eidetic memory, she is the prefect agent at the Company. Author, Robin King weaves a fascinating tale of adventure, puzzles, history, art, romance and family.
Robin keeps you intrigued throughout the entire book as you try to figure out the puzzles Alexandra is faced with. Will Alexandra be successful in time to save a missing Company agent or will she be too late? You will have to read to find out! I would highly recommend this book to young adults and adults alike. I really enjoyed reading it!
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series from Robin King and she takes us on another Alexandra Company assignment.
September 9, 2014
Loved loved loved this one! Suspense and romance and hunky running partners, oh my!
Let's be honest, we've all dreamed of being one of those suave, oh-so-cool spies or secret agents, right? Well with Remembrandt, you get to to be! Or at least, Alexandra gets to be and the writing is so effortless you feel like you're right there along with her. Alexandra's crazy eidetic memory (yep, eidetic - even cooler than a photographic memory!) leads to some crazy times in crazy places. It makes me want to hop on a plane to Russia and kick some trash!
And I'll just come right out and admit it: William is my new fictional crush. Oh William! Where have you been all my life?! And can Casey and I be real-life roommates?
Everything about this book rocks and I already can't wait for book two! A fabulous debut for author Robin King!
Let's be honest, we've all dreamed of being one of those suave, oh-so-cool spies or secret agents, right? Well with Remembrandt, you get to to be! Or at least, Alexandra gets to be and the writing is so effortless you feel like you're right there along with her. Alexandra's crazy eidetic memory (yep, eidetic - even cooler than a photographic memory!) leads to some crazy times in crazy places. It makes me want to hop on a plane to Russia and kick some trash!
And I'll just come right out and admit it: William is my new fictional crush. Oh William! Where have you been all my life?! And can Casey and I be real-life roommates?
Everything about this book rocks and I already can't wait for book two! A fabulous debut for author Robin King!
September 4, 2015
WOW! What a FANTASTIC book!
LOVED IT! SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
Amazing story line as this girl is trying so hard to fit in--yet her mind just will not let her push aside her abilities.
She is pulled into a life she never thought she would be in by her quick response to solve puzzles...FUN!
Then she finds a strength within herself that she often doubted--you will LOVE this scene.
Now she is hooked and wants to solve even more puzzles--and that will take her half-way across the world!
The way her running partner and she come together and how their relationship plays out will leave you smiling :)
LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. IT!
Will definitely read more from this author!
Grab a copy for an extraordinary weekend read!
LOVED IT! SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
Amazing story line as this girl is trying so hard to fit in--yet her mind just will not let her push aside her abilities.
She is pulled into a life she never thought she would be in by her quick response to solve puzzles...FUN!
Then she finds a strength within herself that she often doubted--you will LOVE this scene.
Now she is hooked and wants to solve even more puzzles--and that will take her half-way across the world!
The way her running partner and she come together and how their relationship plays out will leave you smiling :)
LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. IT!
Will definitely read more from this author!
Grab a copy for an extraordinary weekend read!
January 10, 2015
I received an autographed copy for Christmas from our DIL Mary. Mary is a member of a writer's group that includes Robin King (the author). I believe this is Robin's first published book. I was so impressed. I thought it was wonderfully well written and engaging from the first paragraph. Sometimes I find longer books that take the first 50-100 pages just "setting the scene" tedious. I love it when a book "grabs you" from the very beginning as this one did. This was a great YA fiction - do I see a series or sequel in the future???? :-) Thanks Mary for a wonderful gift and thank you Robin for sharing your gift of words!
April 2, 2016
Pretty good first book by Robin King. I really liked the whole premise for the story and how well she stuck to it. The flow of events moved at a nice pace, wasn't overly descriptive yet I was still able to have good imagery of each scene.
I really appreciate that this YA book is indeed written for a YA. It was clean (language/sex) but still hinted at romance, appropriately. Thank you for that!
Overall, a fun story that could appropriately have a sequel, or two, to see how Alex develops at The Company.
I really appreciate that this YA book is indeed written for a YA. It was clean (language/sex) but still hinted at romance, appropriately. Thank you for that!
Overall, a fun story that could appropriately have a sequel, or two, to see how Alex develops at The Company.
March 2, 2015
70% Teen romance, 30% spy thriller. My expectations were moderate but I was pleasantly surprised. The language is simple making it a quick read and suitable for young audiences. The characters and relationships were interesting and engaging. I appreciated that the relationships remained appropriate considering the ages of the characters and potential audience. There is mild violence and tense situations, but not foul language. Very refreshing!
September 9, 2014
After reading "Remembrant", I didn't want the story to end. I loved the setting, intrigue, surprises, adventures, and romance in this book. I'm happy to hear that the experiences and friendships won't end. I'm looking forward to what happens next. I recommend this book to the young and young at heart alike.
January 20, 2015
Yep I finished in two days that's how much I loved it. I can't wait to read about Alex's next adventure and hopefully a lot more romantic meetings with her new beau. (I won't spill who she ends up with). This book is like the merging of two of my favorite TV shows, Unforgettable and Alias. Totally awesome.
August 27, 2017
I loved this book!!!! It was full of suspense and intrigue with the perfect hint of romance. I had a hard time putting it down! There was depth to this novel that took me completely by surprise. I loved Alexandra's character and loved the idea of an eidetic memory. I loved it more than Ally Carter's Heist Society, which is a similar genre. I highly recommend this book!
October 16, 2014
LOVED this book!! I especially loved the main character, Alexandria. Her eidetic memory adds flavor to the intriguing adventure. I couldn't stop reading until I came to the last word. "Remembrandt" is a must read for anyone desiring a fast paced adventure with the perfect touch of romance.
December 31, 2014
What a great debut book! A delightful read, great story with suspense and a little romance:)
January 5, 2015
Exciting, fun story.
September 27, 2016
I didn't expect to like a YA book, being an adult male but I have to say that Robin King pulled it off. It was action packed, though-provoking, and fun too.
July 4, 2015
3.5 This book was hard to get into but ended up being an enjoyable read.
August 6, 2018
I normally enjoy YA books, even in my twenties, but I couldn’t get into this book like I normally do with others. Not only was the book filled with distracting editing errors (especially toward the end, “Is that is a good thing? Page 202), but the action was “tame” and not very eventful. Now I admit, Ms. King probably can write a book better than I can because I’ve never tried, but I have definitely read better novels.
Despite my criticism of the book, I still loved the idea of the storyline. The ideas and plot kept my attention the entire time, and if I was 10 years younger, I might be drooling over this book. She has very descriptive imagery and doesn’t go overboard with wording. It keeps the pace going fast and the readers attention.
In my critique I would say the book is really unrealistic in my eyes and lacks emotional depth in the character development.
Unrealistically, the main character, Alexandra, because of her eidetic memory and intelligence, joins an secret intelligence organization as an operative at the age of seventeen. This organization known only as The Company, is not a rogue CIA operation, but a contracted intelligence organization that protects people around the world. First off, Alexandra seems too good to be true. She is way ahead of her age group as she is a JUNIOR (by the number of credits) at Brown University at the age of seventeen. Not only is that too good to be true, but she meets William, a PhD professor who teaches Spanish at Brown who is twenty-two years old. Two child prodigies. Do they just flock to Brown? Seems a little too good to be true.
For the emotional depth of the main character, the characters that Robin King writes about are fun to read, light-hearted and funny at times. But I can tell this is one of her first novels because I have a really hard time connecting with the characters because it seems she is too good at everything she does and things always seem to go Alex's way in the movie. For example, in the chapter entitled "Dr. William," she hurts her knee and William leans over to check it out. There is a line where it says, "Thank goodness I shaved my legs last night." How many times have I been around a boy I had a crush on and didn't shave my legs! It just seems like everything is going exactly right for her with no trials or difficulties. She gets recruited only after a month or two at Brown by her professor, Professor Golkov. She meets a really handsome man, William, and they share A TON of things in common, such as running and languages and both being child prodigies. They fall for each other right away, which can happen when two people share a lot in common. However, the story doesn't mimic reality in the slightest sense. It is too fantastical.
I guess I have a hard time with the author because she graduated from Brigham Young University, just like me, she says Alex is from Eastmont High School, which is located right here in Salt Lake City, and she is from East Wenatchee, where I and a ton of my friends from that University have been. I feel like I am reading a typical character based on her life (or from things she has familiarized herself with) and her skills in writing lack imagination. That sounds a little harsh, especially to Robin King, but a reader is entitled to an opinion.
I would still recommend this read to middle schoolers, especially young women between the ages of 10 and 13, as a means to read something that helps them to escape from reality for a little while and find enjoyment in reading. Encourage young readers to pick up a book. I enjoy that it is a short read and so easy to get through. Definitely an enjoyable read, so hopefully that is all the author was aiming for. Not a challenging read with complex characters and plot worth discussing at a book club. I definitely wouldn't put this in the literary canon up there with "The Outsiders" and "To Kill a Mockingbird."
Despite my criticism of the book, I still loved the idea of the storyline. The ideas and plot kept my attention the entire time, and if I was 10 years younger, I might be drooling over this book. She has very descriptive imagery and doesn’t go overboard with wording. It keeps the pace going fast and the readers attention.
In my critique I would say the book is really unrealistic in my eyes and lacks emotional depth in the character development.
Unrealistically, the main character, Alexandra, because of her eidetic memory and intelligence, joins an secret intelligence organization as an operative at the age of seventeen. This organization known only as The Company, is not a rogue CIA operation, but a contracted intelligence organization that protects people around the world. First off, Alexandra seems too good to be true. She is way ahead of her age group as she is a JUNIOR (by the number of credits) at Brown University at the age of seventeen. Not only is that too good to be true, but she meets William, a PhD professor who teaches Spanish at Brown who is twenty-two years old. Two child prodigies. Do they just flock to Brown? Seems a little too good to be true.
For the emotional depth of the main character, the characters that Robin King writes about are fun to read, light-hearted and funny at times. But I can tell this is one of her first novels because I have a really hard time connecting with the characters because it seems she is too good at everything she does and things always seem to go Alex's way in the movie. For example, in the chapter entitled "Dr. William," she hurts her knee and William leans over to check it out. There is a line where it says, "Thank goodness I shaved my legs last night." How many times have I been around a boy I had a crush on and didn't shave my legs! It just seems like everything is going exactly right for her with no trials or difficulties. She gets recruited only after a month or two at Brown by her professor, Professor Golkov. She meets a really handsome man, William, and they share A TON of things in common, such as running and languages and both being child prodigies. They fall for each other right away, which can happen when two people share a lot in common. However, the story doesn't mimic reality in the slightest sense. It is too fantastical.
I guess I have a hard time with the author because she graduated from Brigham Young University, just like me, she says Alex is from Eastmont High School, which is located right here in Salt Lake City, and she is from East Wenatchee, where I and a ton of my friends from that University have been. I feel like I am reading a typical character based on her life (or from things she has familiarized herself with) and her skills in writing lack imagination. That sounds a little harsh, especially to Robin King, but a reader is entitled to an opinion.
I would still recommend this read to middle schoolers, especially young women between the ages of 10 and 13, as a means to read something that helps them to escape from reality for a little while and find enjoyment in reading. Encourage young readers to pick up a book. I enjoy that it is a short read and so easy to get through. Definitely an enjoyable read, so hopefully that is all the author was aiming for. Not a challenging read with complex characters and plot worth discussing at a book club. I definitely wouldn't put this in the literary canon up there with "The Outsiders" and "To Kill a Mockingbird."
May 22, 2017
Alexandra is 17, in college and has a photographic memory. Exact recall makes classes like Russian easier for her.
I received a free copy for a review. Part of the reason this appealed to me was there was a grade school series about a girl named Cam Jansen who would solve mysteries with her photographic memory. This is like Cam grown up.
Alexandra's Russian professor notices she's good at the academics of Russian but offers her tutoring in pronunciation. He notices her ability to solve puzzles and recruits her for a private spy organization to go after an underground Russian terrorist group. She is tested, trained and given a mission that doesn't go anything like planned. There is even a bit of romance along the way.
The only thing I didn't like was that she has had a family tragedy where she lost her older brother and mother. Obviously there is a lot of anguish over losing her brother. Every now and then she mentions her mother. Her father is alive and a professor at her college and she claims that she's close to him but she never contacts him. She doesn't call him to say she made plans for the weekend or ask his advice or even feel guilty about hiding her secret life from him. It leads to other questions but I don't want any spoilers.
I received a free copy for a review. Part of the reason this appealed to me was there was a grade school series about a girl named Cam Jansen who would solve mysteries with her photographic memory. This is like Cam grown up.
Alexandra's Russian professor notices she's good at the academics of Russian but offers her tutoring in pronunciation. He notices her ability to solve puzzles and recruits her for a private spy organization to go after an underground Russian terrorist group. She is tested, trained and given a mission that doesn't go anything like planned. There is even a bit of romance along the way.
The only thing I didn't like was that she has had a family tragedy where she lost her older brother and mother. Obviously there is a lot of anguish over losing her brother. Every now and then she mentions her mother. Her father is alive and a professor at her college and she claims that she's close to him but she never contacts him. She doesn't call him to say she made plans for the weekend or ask his advice or even feel guilty about hiding her secret life from him. It leads to other questions but I don't want any spoilers.
May 13, 2019
Alexandra Stewart had a unique gift, she has an eidetic memory, she records her life experiences and gets to play them back DVD style. When she starts at Brown University, it seems like a great place for her to forget her past. She hopes for a normal life, and enjoys her new handsome running partner. When she is asked by her Russian Professor to solve a puzzle that seems impossible, Alex discovers he has a secret, one that leads her to cryptic codes and covert missions.
This books was so well written, it has a great balance of youth life, romance and mystery. This is a great clean read, I loved the setting, the story line but the most enjoyable part was the character of Alexandra Stewart, I was hooked from the start and couldn’t wait to see what was in store for her. I turned pages late into the night and couldn’t wait for a reading break in my day. Well worth Reading.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This books was so well written, it has a great balance of youth life, romance and mystery. This is a great clean read, I loved the setting, the story line but the most enjoyable part was the character of Alexandra Stewart, I was hooked from the start and couldn’t wait to see what was in store for her. I turned pages late into the night and couldn’t wait for a reading break in my day. Well worth Reading.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
November 28, 2017
I didn't know what this book was about going into it. I was expecting something a lot different. But this one caught and held my attention in a good way. Kind of slow in the beginning, has some typos, and I'm not sure the split second trip to Russia the first time was realistic, but it was an intriguing read. The author writes on a higher level. I could only hope to be as good one day. All the puzzles, languages, mystery and deceptions, poetry and great works, eidetic memory, and the way it all came together with the Rembrandt and her mother in the end was an amazing ride. I would have liked to have seen more with her father. She talked about him being around, but she never went to him for anything. While perhaps slightly unbelievable, it's an entertaining ride suitable for all ages. Can't wait to pick up the second book.
August 21, 2017
I needed some time to spare and when I asked my mom what I should read, she handed me this with the comment, "It's a little bit girly but its about spies."
I have to admit, it was a lot better than I was expecting. Good plot, good characters and my favorite part, the huge twists. I am always somebody who tried to predict what would happen (usually getting them right or almost right) but this piece of literature was completely unexpected. The intriguing language kept enticing me to read more. And yes, my mom was correct it was a little girly but I didn't mind it all that much. Now the only thing I doing is crossing my fingers and wait to buy the sequels.
I have to admit, it was a lot better than I was expecting. Good plot, good characters and my favorite part, the huge twists. I am always somebody who tried to predict what would happen (usually getting them right or almost right) but this piece of literature was completely unexpected. The intriguing language kept enticing me to read more. And yes, my mom was correct it was a little girly but I didn't mind it all that much. Now the only thing I doing is crossing my fingers and wait to buy the sequels.
June 18, 2021
It was pretty good. I felt it was sort of slow but I think that was just me since I am very impatient and want to see what comes next. It was pretty good. William is great and James and Alex’s relationship is refreshing. I looked ahead and see that her and William don’t end up together which makes me a little sad but I can’t wait to find out what comes next. I don’t think I am going to read the next books though. I have so many books I need to read that series are problematic at the moment. But reading later will cause problems since I won’t remember what happened in the previous book so my time is now.
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