Blood Relations

Spy High #5

by A.J. Butcher

Looking for a way to escape problems with school and with his girlfriend Lori, Ben Stanton and his Spy High friends become involved in the investigation of a sinister cult that includes a member of Ben's own family.

Genres: Young Adult, Espionage, Mystery, Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Science Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2003

About the author

Andrew James Butcher is the English author of the futuristic teen spy series, Spy High. A.J., who taught English at both Poole Grammar School and Parkstone Grammar School, in Poole, Dorset, and currently teaches at Talbot Heath School in Bournemouth, Dorset took a sabbatical from his teaching career to write Spy High Series Two. He says he has been influenced by Charles Dickens and George Orwell, but that Stan Lee, creator of many of Marvel Comics' super-heroes, is his biggest inspirational figure.

The series is published by Atom Books in the UK and Commonwealth and Little, Brown and Co. in the US. The first series has also been translated into many other languages.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book for kids that feel like they are misfits. These teenagers get recruited to go to this super elite school. People know about the school, but just think its elite. The big secret of the school that only the students and staff know is that its a spy school for teenagers. This is the 5th in the series and its not getting old yet. I had to order used copies to complete reading the series as it is no longer in print, but it was worth it.

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good entry.

The plot is on a smaller scale, mostly focused on family troubles, with themes like loyalty. A lot of it deals with Ben and his own changes.

The story deals with Ben, whose grades are slipping, and whose relationship with Lori is deteriorating. He sees a new mission as a way to prove himself, only to find out that some of the suspects belong to his own family.

A suspenseful, action-packed story.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, really fun. I liked that Ben finally got over most of his arrogant-ness. Although, it did sort of feel like him and Jake were sort of friends. Didn't really get that in the end. But, very good. I don't know if I like the new Bex though. In the last one, she was more quiet. In this one, she was the female version of Eddie. I kind of liked having Eddie as a one of a kind.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the worst books in the series, why did Lori have to become team leader and Jake's girlfriend????????

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

OH Uncle Alex :(

[Dolores · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.J. Butcher's Spy High series is one of my favorite YA series, book 5 in particular. This is a fantastic read: a thrilling spy story and an interesting mystery. I would highly recommend both this book and the series at large.

Furthermore, the opening scene of this book is one of my favorite things I've ever read. It's a brilliant prologue and offers a look into what and who made the character of Ben Stanton who he is.

5/5 stars

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 again.

[MinneOma · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can I say...I am trying to keep up with Spencer. I am losing the battle, but this series is such a quick read that I am doing okay. The other 2-3 books that he is currently reading/or listening to I won't be able to read with him.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

aka The Soul Stealer

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

It seemed to me that A.J. Butcher was being anti against Mormonism. The religion he created sounded like it was emulating and twisting some of the mormon doctrine. Did anyone else feel that way?

[Kanika · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a bit confusing...

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had a good plot and good characters but I wasn't to fond of the writing style.