The Hacker's Key

by Jon Skovron

Ada Genet's father, Remy Genet, was one of the most infamous criminals in the world, specializing in infiltration, theft, and cybercrime. As far back as she can remember, Ada had been his accomplice. She helped him steal secrets from governments, weapons from terrorists, and money from just about everyone. But when the law finally caught up with them, Remy ended up in prison -- and Ada at a military boarding school, as a ward of the US Government. Now something called the Hacker's Key has been stolen from a secret UN installation. The Key could supposedly shut down every computer, smartphone, and internet-connected device simultaneously, causing mass chaos around the world. A Techno-Doomsday. A clue left behind at the scene points to Ada's father, but he's been in prison the whole time. Then Remy springs one last surprise. He'll speak, but only to one person -- his daughter, Ada.

Genres: Action, Thriller, Middle Grade

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Linda Pudenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My students will enjoy the story and the fast pace of the novel. I was looking for more Science Fiction, but it was a good mystery and I will move it over to those shelves/unit for my students.

[Lyndsay Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

End was quick. Feel there was more of a story to tell. Quick easy and captivating read otherwise!

[Ashley Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this! Mostly because I’m in college and it says appeals to 4th to 7th graders, but since I got this book for cheap somewhere a while ago I figure I might as well give it a chance. The beginning especially reminded me strongly of the TV show The Blacklist, except a more family-friendly version of that. Especially with how Raymond Reddington would only talk to one person, Elizabeth Keen (his daughter), just like the characters in this book. Wouldn’t be surprised it it was inspired by the show, but maybe it’s just a coincidence.

Anyways the main story / plot wasn’t the most complex, nor was I expecting it to be, but they visited a bunch of different places around the world which was cool as I don’t know these places very well. I also really enjoyed the character development and relationships between the characters that progressed as the book went on. Plus the Nintendo references were pretty fun. The ending was a bit quick and not as dramatic as I would have expected but I guess they’re not going to have a crazy shootout in a kids book.

Anyway, it was certainly quite enjoyable and I’m glad that I randomly picked it up even though I was initially reluctant. Very fun book.

[Molly Cluff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining thriller-style adventure for middle graders. I heard there were lots of video game references, but it was really just the occasional mention of Metroid stuff. I think the kids at my library will like all the action packed scenes. Ada as a main character is decidedly very on the moral side--never wants to injure or kill anyone even in high-octane fights, etc. I did feel like the final showdown scene wrapped up a little too nicely, with the Big Bad easily overpowered in a single moment. But I definitely have a readership for this type of spy thriller kind of book, so I'll definitely still recommend to patrons. The sites they visit sounded really cool!

[Steve Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a Best of the Best for the month of October 2020, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet / Stevo's Novel Ideas. You can find me at http://forums.delphiforums.com/stevo1, on my Stevo's Novel Ideas Amazon Influencer page (https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevo4747), on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Stevo4747), on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brocksteve/) or search for me on Google for many more reviews and recommendations.

[Garrett Olinde · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should pay more attention. This was a warmed over Nancy Drew story. Much of the science was iffy or even bogus.

[Coral Smith]

Suspense and adventure with some mystery mixed in. Quick moving modern adventure story with some great characters - Ada, Jace, Cody - an unlikely troop

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, quick read...

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a really fun, fast-paced adventure. I know I'm not the intended audience, but even still I enjoyed the story and think those who the story is intended for (approximately 4th-7th grade) will thoroughly enjoy it.

This story follows Ada Genet, who has been sent to a military boarding school meant to rehabilitate juvenile delinquents, as she aided her father with his crimes. However, one day an item called the Hacker's Key, which can destroy all of the world's technology, is stolen from a UN base, and the only clue is Ada's father. They send Ada to talk to her dad in prison in hopes of getting information from him, but he helps her escape so that she can figure out the mystery for herself. She and two of her classmates set off on an adventure around the world, tracking down villains, hiding from authorities, and solving the mystery around the key and its disappearance.

Though the story is over the top at times, Skorvron creates such a suspenseful, intriguing story that is sure to grasp the attention of adventure lovers. There are also the fun, spy-like elements, such as hacking into computer networks and scuba diving into evil underwater lairs. One drawback of this story is that many of the mystery elements center around the game Metroid, which I feel many children would not be aware of; though the author does a good job at explaining these elements. Overall, it is a really fun story and I am curious to see if Skovron will write any more adventures about Ada and her friends!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.

[Harley Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure for middle grade readers.