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Scott McCully Espionage Adventure #1
A Tragic Introduction
Eighteen year old Scott McCully finds himself drawn into the dangerous world of espionage as he seeks the truth about his parents' deaths. When Scott's parents fail to show up for his football game - again - he’s more disappointed than concerned. Disappointment turns to grief when a secret agent tells him his parents have been killed. How could God have allowed his parents to die? and who are his parents anyway? Secret agents aren't exactly known for their candor, and Scott realizes the only way to get the truth about his parents will be to get it himself. He’s been told the secrets are there for his protection, and the deeper he gets, the more likely it seems that he might not live to find out the truth. You'll love this action-packed spy adventure. Get your copy today!
- GenresChristian
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2018
8 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 30, 2024
Okay...I'm so far behind on reviewing. There's no way I'm going to remember all the details, but I there are some things I remember for sure about this book. One, after I read it, I went and bought the next one...and the rest of the series. And then ended up binge-reading them in a day rather than spacing them out like I had planned. And then buying the rest of the author's books. So...there's that. XD
So...did this book knock my socks off all at once? Not exactly. (And yes, you're getting more of a cumulative-effect review here.) But there were several things that impressed me right from the beginning. The friendship dynamic--loved it so, so much! The way Scott and Matt were there for each other and stood up for each other and encouraged each other to do and be better--yeah, that had me solid from the beginning. And the way their faith was lived out--so, so, so much yes!!! Not that there was a sermon on every page. There wasn't, by a long shot. And they never felt unnatural for teenage boys. But teenage boys who love Jesus and who try to remember to honor Him with their words and actions and who remind each other when one of them is slipping--this isn't unnatural and idealistic, people; this is the embodiment of what we should be as Christians--thinking of and turning to God in the day-to-day moments and not just the major crises.
Not that there weren't major crises going on in this story! You learn your parents were agents for a top-secret spy network the same day you hear they've died in a plane crash...yeah, that'll throw a couple of wrenches into your day. :S And the bad guys aren't exactly the just-point-guns-and-tie-you-up types, so just how high the stakes will go is an open question. But I thought the author did a pretty good job of getting (and keeping) Scott and his friends involved in a believable-ish-if-you-squint kind of way that, let's face it, just about any teen spy adventure is going to have. ;) (Honestly, this one was not nearly as hard to believe as some.) And when you have stubborn teenagers who are going to investigate on their own, no matter what they're told, well...
I also loved the way that the plot wove all the life-or-death stakes with normal teenage issues like dealing with bullies and navigating relationships with girls. And yes, I wanted to cheer when Scott said straight out that he wouldn't try to make their friendship anything more because she wasn't a believer. Why are these teens so much more willing to make the right, tough choice than the adults in half the Christian romance novels out there? And what obvious attraction and chemistry there was was kept to a very clean, teen-appropriate level, which was also very much appreciated.
So yes, I admit to being a bit lost at a couple points in the story and to thinking the writing style was a little choppy at times, but I enjoyed it enough to buy the rest of the series without hesitation, even though a couple of the descriptions would normally have given me pause. And as the series went on, the characters just wormed their way further and further into my heart. Definitely recommended!
Content--violence, including gunplay; mentions of blood and wounds; mentions of deaths; mentions of torture; teens break rules and put themselves in danger; mentions of bullying
So...did this book knock my socks off all at once? Not exactly. (And yes, you're getting more of a cumulative-effect review here.) But there were several things that impressed me right from the beginning. The friendship dynamic--loved it so, so much! The way Scott and Matt were there for each other and stood up for each other and encouraged each other to do and be better--yeah, that had me solid from the beginning. And the way their faith was lived out--so, so, so much yes!!! Not that there was a sermon on every page. There wasn't, by a long shot. And they never felt unnatural for teenage boys. But teenage boys who love Jesus and who try to remember to honor Him with their words and actions and who remind each other when one of them is slipping--this isn't unnatural and idealistic, people; this is the embodiment of what we should be as Christians--thinking of and turning to God in the day-to-day moments and not just the major crises.
Not that there weren't major crises going on in this story! You learn your parents were agents for a top-secret spy network the same day you hear they've died in a plane crash...yeah, that'll throw a couple of wrenches into your day. :S And the bad guys aren't exactly the just-point-guns-and-tie-you-up types, so just how high the stakes will go is an open question. But I thought the author did a pretty good job of getting (and keeping) Scott and his friends involved in a believable-ish-if-you-squint kind of way that, let's face it, just about any teen spy adventure is going to have. ;) (Honestly, this one was not nearly as hard to believe as some.) And when you have stubborn teenagers who are going to investigate on their own, no matter what they're told, well...
I also loved the way that the plot wove all the life-or-death stakes with normal teenage issues like dealing with bullies and navigating relationships with girls. And yes, I wanted to cheer when Scott said straight out that he wouldn't try to make their friendship anything more because she wasn't a believer. Why are these teens so much more willing to make the right, tough choice than the adults in half the Christian romance novels out there? And what obvious attraction and chemistry there was was kept to a very clean, teen-appropriate level, which was also very much appreciated.
So yes, I admit to being a bit lost at a couple points in the story and to thinking the writing style was a little choppy at times, but I enjoyed it enough to buy the rest of the series without hesitation, even though a couple of the descriptions would normally have given me pause. And as the series went on, the characters just wormed their way further and further into my heart. Definitely recommended!
Content--violence, including gunplay; mentions of blood and wounds; mentions of deaths; mentions of torture; teens break rules and put themselves in danger; mentions of bullying
September 10, 2018
Super fun!
This was a fun Christian spy thriller. And it was even high-schooler-lust-free! BONUS! It had a little bit of your typical over the top stubborn teen determined to investigate no matter how many times he’s explicitly told not to. But hey. It’s larger than life, which is part of the fun.
This was a fun Christian spy thriller. And it was even high-schooler-lust-free! BONUS! It had a little bit of your typical over the top stubborn teen determined to investigate no matter how many times he’s explicitly told not to. But hey. It’s larger than life, which is part of the fun.
May 22, 2019
A Tragic Introduction tells the story of Scott McCully, a teen whose life is turned upside down after getting some shocking news about his parents. Afterward, he finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime, all while balancing bullies, the girl he likes, and his faith.
I found the story charming and the plot interesting. I personally wanted more, as I was an avid fan of the Alex Rider series during my teen years, and I enjoy a good meaty spy adventure, but for all its short length, Joiner's novel manages to deliver a well crafted story that took me on an emotional journey from start to finish. I appreciated the inclusion of Christian elements, and there was at least one plot twist that while somewhat predictable, was still enjoyable and satisfying in its revelation.
A nice start to a promising series, this is a story that would have thrilled me as a teen, and is a great read for middle and highschool students. 3.5 stars.
I found the story charming and the plot interesting. I personally wanted more, as I was an avid fan of the Alex Rider series during my teen years, and I enjoy a good meaty spy adventure, but for all its short length, Joiner's novel manages to deliver a well crafted story that took me on an emotional journey from start to finish. I appreciated the inclusion of Christian elements, and there was at least one plot twist that while somewhat predictable, was still enjoyable and satisfying in its revelation.
A nice start to a promising series, this is a story that would have thrilled me as a teen, and is a great read for middle and highschool students. 3.5 stars.
July 31, 2018
A Tragic Introduction is a fun adventure story featuring Scott McCully. A private school student whose parents mysteriously disappear, he fights to discover the truth. Are they dead, or are they still in peril?
Scott and his friends get into trouble both in the world of espionage and at school, and have to overcome many obstacles. There's witty dialog, budding romance, twists, turns, and spiritual introspection throughout the story.
A solid YA novel - unique in being a espionage story. It reminds me of Jill Williamson's The New Recruit series. If you're looking for a fun, clean read this summer, this would be a good book to introduce teens to.
(BTW, no relation between the reviewer and author)
Scott and his friends get into trouble both in the world of espionage and at school, and have to overcome many obstacles. There's witty dialog, budding romance, twists, turns, and spiritual introspection throughout the story.
A solid YA novel - unique in being a espionage story. It reminds me of Jill Williamson's The New Recruit series. If you're looking for a fun, clean read this summer, this would be a good book to introduce teens to.
(BTW, no relation between the reviewer and author)
October 8, 2018
Senior Scott McCully scans the stands for his parents during his football game. He comes up empty and wonders what it is that often keeps them away from these events. Scott will soon learn there's a lot about his parents he doesn't know ... and even more he's willing to do for them.
Scott sets out on a mission to find the truth about his parents, but he's not alone. He's got God and his loyal best friend, Matt, behind him as he faces mystery, heartbreak and danger.
Jessica C. Joiner has launched a great series for young people. In addition to being an exciting page-turner, the Scott McCully series presents characters whose lives unashamedly find their center in God. I highly recommend this book for all the young readers in your life ... and their parents!
Scott sets out on a mission to find the truth about his parents, but he's not alone. He's got God and his loyal best friend, Matt, behind him as he faces mystery, heartbreak and danger.
Jessica C. Joiner has launched a great series for young people. In addition to being an exciting page-turner, the Scott McCully series presents characters whose lives unashamedly find their center in God. I highly recommend this book for all the young readers in your life ... and their parents!
September 16, 2018
After picking this book up, I couldn't stop reading it. I just had to discover what happened to Scott and his friends. I love how the author skillfully entwined faith and adventure to draw in the younger generation. I highly recommend this author.
November 9, 2019
A fun adventure for teens.
December 16, 2019
Excellent book! I was hooked after the first chapter and couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read the next book!
March 10, 2020
A very good book! Excited to read the next ones! Crazy plot twist at the end!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews