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The Mission League #2
Project Gemini
MISSION 2: OKINAWA
After an exhausting school year, Spencer is thrilled to discover that the summer training mission will take him and his fellow agents-in-training to Okinawa, a tropical paradise. But there's little time for R & R as Spencer must attend school, volunteer at a local martial arts training facility, and track and report a mysterious girl named Keiko. Spencer thinks he knows exactly what to do, but the more he discovers about Keiko, the more questions he has. All he really wants to do is protect Keiko from her ex-boyfriend and stay out of trouble, but where Spencer Garmond is concerned, trouble is never far away.
After an exhausting school year, Spencer is thrilled to discover that the summer training mission will take him and his fellow agents-in-training to Okinawa, a tropical paradise. But there's little time for R & R as Spencer must attend school, volunteer at a local martial arts training facility, and track and report a mysterious girl named Keiko. Spencer thinks he knows exactly what to do, but the more he discovers about Keiko, the more questions he has. All he really wants to do is protect Keiko from her ex-boyfriend and stay out of trouble, but where Spencer Garmond is concerned, trouble is never far away.
398 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
9 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Jill Williamson
67 books1,620 followersJill Williamson is a multi-passionate creative who loves the arts. She’s written over thirty books for readers of all ages and is best known for her Blood of Kings fantasy series, two of which won Christy Awards and made VOYA magazine’s Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror list. She produces films with her husband and teaches about writing at conferences. Visit her at www.jillwilliamson.com.
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Newest Series:
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Jill's author website.
Jill's Amazon Author page.
Jill's Instagram.
Click here for a FULL LIST OF Jill's BOOKS.
Newest Series:
Thirst Duology
Fan favorites:
Writing books:
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 28, 2019
REREAD: I still love this book so much, but I'm also sooo glad Spencer starts improving after this. 😅
FIRST TIME:
This book was way too epic for my sleeping habits. Right from the very beginning, I was completely hooked and I didn't want to put it down. And since I started reading it after 10 pm...*ahem*
Project Gemini has absolutely none of the sequel slumps. It kept up the feel of the first book, and powered through the whole way. There was no feeling of repetitiveness either.
To be completely fair, this is probably more of a 4.5 rating because of the heavy guy-girl interaction. I'd keeping the minimum age recommendation to 14+ because of that. It bothered me a little, and was slightly uncomfortable at times, but at the same time, it was realistic and it's Spencer's personality. So just keep in mind that this book isn't brilliant and perfect, it does have a big con in this respect.
Putting that aside, I still absolutely loved this book (hence the late nights). Spencer's character development was really well done, and I honestly just love his voice. The entire prose just rings with his tone and thoughts and really connects with the reader. Spencer also brings such humour into the story; I was snickering away several times (and not just because it was late and I was tired).
I'm a very action-loving reader, and this book definitely fulfilled my taste for it. Spencer is the sort of guy who never lets something slip by. I was riveted and turning pages like crazy through the entire book.
This book brought up more questions than it answered, and I'm hanging on the edge of a cliff to get my hands on the next book. Jill Williamson has such powerful storytelling that it simply doesn't let up from beginning to end and it just leaves me wanting more and more each time.
I recommend this (with slight reservations because of the guy-girl aspects particularly) to anyone who's read the first book. It was a stunning sequel and definitely didn't let me down.
FIRST TIME:
This book was way too epic for my sleeping habits. Right from the very beginning, I was completely hooked and I didn't want to put it down. And since I started reading it after 10 pm...*ahem*
Project Gemini has absolutely none of the sequel slumps. It kept up the feel of the first book, and powered through the whole way. There was no feeling of repetitiveness either.
To be completely fair, this is probably more of a 4.5 rating because of the heavy guy-girl interaction. I'd keeping the minimum age recommendation to 14+ because of that. It bothered me a little, and was slightly uncomfortable at times, but at the same time, it was realistic and it's Spencer's personality. So just keep in mind that this book isn't brilliant and perfect, it does have a big con in this respect.
Putting that aside, I still absolutely loved this book (hence the late nights). Spencer's character development was really well done, and I honestly just love his voice. The entire prose just rings with his tone and thoughts and really connects with the reader. Spencer also brings such humour into the story; I was snickering away several times (and not just because it was late and I was tired).
I'm a very action-loving reader, and this book definitely fulfilled my taste for it. Spencer is the sort of guy who never lets something slip by. I was riveted and turning pages like crazy through the entire book.
This book brought up more questions than it answered, and I'm hanging on the edge of a cliff to get my hands on the next book. Jill Williamson has such powerful storytelling that it simply doesn't let up from beginning to end and it just leaves me wanting more and more each time.
I recommend this (with slight reservations because of the guy-girl aspects particularly) to anyone who's read the first book. It was a stunning sequel and definitely didn't let me down.
January 8, 2014
3.5 stars, but read with caution. I'll explain.
If you're the type of reader likes high action and doesn't mind dating drama and heavily physical guy/girl attraction, you'll be reaching for five stars after reading Project Gemini.
That said, if you're like me, inhabiting Spencer's mind in this book will probably make you uncomfortable. He's kinda obsessed with girls. Because of that, this is one of those books I say that I "like with disclaimers." (I'll readily admit that I'm funny about this. Nothing goes beyond his friends kissing a lot and Spencer's appreciation of girls in bikinis, so by general standards there's not much.) Also, if you have a hard time putting aside real world doctrinal beliefs in exchange for the "what if" game (i.e. what if people still had the gift of prophesy), you might get a little hung up. More in past books, though.
Major pros? The character development and voice. Goodness! Just the way Spencer says things cracks me up sometimes. It's so real. And Spencer is so real. I'd love to magically inherit Jill's brilliance to incorporate in my own writing!
More pros, there's some hope at the end of the book that Spencer might be on his way to getting his girl obsession a little more under control. And the guy can be pretty chivalrous already.
And then there's the action. Tons and tons of that. And a pretty tricksy mystery element too.
If you're the type of reader likes high action and doesn't mind dating drama and heavily physical guy/girl attraction, you'll be reaching for five stars after reading Project Gemini.
That said, if you're like me, inhabiting Spencer's mind in this book will probably make you uncomfortable. He's kinda obsessed with girls. Because of that, this is one of those books I say that I "like with disclaimers." (I'll readily admit that I'm funny about this. Nothing goes beyond his friends kissing a lot and Spencer's appreciation of girls in bikinis, so by general standards there's not much.) Also, if you have a hard time putting aside real world doctrinal beliefs in exchange for the "what if" game (i.e. what if people still had the gift of prophesy), you might get a little hung up. More in past books, though.
Major pros? The character development and voice. Goodness! Just the way Spencer says things cracks me up sometimes. It's so real. And Spencer is so real. I'd love to magically inherit Jill's brilliance to incorporate in my own writing!
More pros, there's some hope at the end of the book that Spencer might be on his way to getting his girl obsession a little more under control. And the guy can be pretty chivalrous already.
And then there's the action. Tons and tons of that. And a pretty tricksy mystery element too.
October 5, 2013
Another stellar entry into the Mission League series!
I found myself drawn into the world of Spencer Garmond and the Mission League even further with this latest entry in the series. This one keeps your attention, pushes you to the edge of your seat and causes some white knuckles at times as Jill Williamson puts her young lead character into increasingly dangerous situations - some life threatening. We see the character mature in very good ways in this book and I am really looking forward to the next entry in this well written series.
I found myself drawn into the world of Spencer Garmond and the Mission League even further with this latest entry in the series. This one keeps your attention, pushes you to the edge of your seat and causes some white knuckles at times as Jill Williamson puts her young lead character into increasingly dangerous situations - some life threatening. We see the character mature in very good ways in this book and I am really looking forward to the next entry in this well written series.
October 17, 2015
I would LOVE to see this as a movie . . .
August 28, 2016
THE SASS IS REAL WITH THIS ONE. Also, I JUST LOVE THESE KIDS SO MUCH <3 <3 <3
And I love how the mystery unfolded. Faster than the last but still slow and suspenseful. I'm so into this series.
And I love how the mystery unfolded. Faster than the last but still slow and suspenseful. I'm so into this series.
April 6, 2021
This book was pretty good. I'm really enjoying this Series. Imma gonna keep going! Yaaayy!
You know it's very hard to find clean books these days, so I'm glad I ran into these ones! The ending was unexpected, but it was still awesome!
Also, Author you are amazing! Love the books and good job!!😁
You know it's very hard to find clean books these days, so I'm glad I ran into these ones! The ending was unexpected, but it was still awesome!
Also, Author you are amazing! Love the books and good job!!😁
December 23, 2025
Once again, Spencer has me chuckling. Oddly enough, this book introduced me to a new part of Japan - I never knew it could be tropical. Sounds hella racist, I know, but dude, I genuinely thought it was more of a temperate landscape. But yeah, that was awesome - seeing a different part of Japan represented in media. Otherwise, the characters were fun but nothing too deep. I liked it.
November 21, 2014
Yaaaaay. It feels so good to be back with a Jill Williamson book. I had to take a long hiatus from her while I tried to scavenge some money.
Let's have some lists, shall we?
Things I liked:
1. The dialogue. Jill Williamson is THE MASTER. Spencer's internal monologue is entertaining and hilarious.
2. The setting. While the descriptions were sometimes lengthy, I really liked seeing Japan through Spencer's eyes.
3. Christophe's sacrifice. I nearly started crying then, and I might just start crying now. Self sacrificing characters are the best.
Things I disliked:
1. Where is Nick? He doesn't end up going to Okinawa, but it's never explained why.
2. Spencer is quite dumb. I hate to put it so bluntly because I love him anyway, but sheesh. I know main characters should be flawed, but Spencer's an idiot.
3. The ending was a bit too preachy. Mr. S...gosh. I had a LOT of second hand embarrassment there. If I hadn't still been frozen in admiration of Christophe, I probably would have been a lot more bothered.
Would I buy more books by Jill Williamson? You'd better believe it. A few downsides doesn't ruin a book. I am a devoted fan :)
Let's have some lists, shall we?
Things I liked:
1. The dialogue. Jill Williamson is THE MASTER. Spencer's internal monologue is entertaining and hilarious.
2. The setting. While the descriptions were sometimes lengthy, I really liked seeing Japan through Spencer's eyes.
3. Christophe's sacrifice. I nearly started crying then, and I might just start crying now. Self sacrificing characters are the best.
Things I disliked:
1. Where is Nick? He doesn't end up going to Okinawa, but it's never explained why.
2. Spencer is quite dumb. I hate to put it so bluntly because I love him anyway, but sheesh. I know main characters should be flawed, but Spencer's an idiot.
3. The ending was a bit too preachy. Mr. S...gosh. I had a LOT of second hand embarrassment there. If I hadn't still been frozen in admiration of Christophe, I probably would have been a lot more bothered.
Would I buy more books by Jill Williamson? You'd better believe it. A few downsides doesn't ruin a book. I am a devoted fan :)
January 31, 2015
A teenage "spy" and his adventures - awesome!
Fast paced, and fun. But I did find this part difficult to comprehend...
While all Christians, the mob mentality of Spencer Garmond's friends gets his whole basketball team in trouble, when one of them threatens a teenage girl...
While really not overtly horrifyingly descriptive, as Spencer's friends were only "kidding around", the author may have missed or expressly omitted how psychologically traumatizing something like this could be for all parties.
Also, I found the way the author made the Japanese pronunciations of English words and names demeaning.
Overall though, the book was entertaining and a good read.
Disclosure: received this book as a free giveaway from Goodreads.
Fast paced, and fun. But I did find this part difficult to comprehend...
While all Christians, the mob mentality of Spencer Garmond's friends gets his whole basketball team in trouble, when one of them threatens a teenage girl...
While really not overtly horrifyingly descriptive, as Spencer's friends were only "kidding around", the author may have missed or expressly omitted how psychologically traumatizing something like this could be for all parties.
Also, I found the way the author made the Japanese pronunciations of English words and names demeaning.
Overall though, the book was entertaining and a good read.
Disclosure: received this book as a free giveaway from Goodreads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Spencer, the main character, is becoming less of a self-centered macho jerk and more of a decent human being who still makes lots of mistakes. At least he's learning from them.
Like the first book in the series, it's a coming of age/adventure/spy novel with a background of faith. Very original theme. I have never read anything like them before. I hope the author writes more in this series!
Like the first book in the series, it's a coming of age/adventure/spy novel with a background of faith. Very original theme. I have never read anything like them before. I hope the author writes more in this series!
April 10, 2015
I call this an 8-star book. Poorly written I would have loved it because it's a young adult novel and takes place on Okinawa, a place I spent a significant amount of time. Jill Williamson's descriptions of the island are spot on which made it so good. The Mission League is just too cool. I loved The New Recruit and love Project Gemini even more.
September 28, 2013
Awesome sequel to the New Recruit! Jill Williamson delivers once again with a great character in Spencer Garmond. He draws you into the story from page one and keeps you reading until the end. Looking forward to the next book in the Mission League series.
May 13, 2014
A great read! It really connects with today's young people. The only problem I had with it was that the writer seemed to have a homophobic homeschooler stereotype going on... As a former homeschooler, this didn't appeal to me at all.
March 4, 2015
Mrs. Williamson does it again. This one was a real spy novel-twists and turns and characters who aren't what you think they are. When caught up in the confusion and twists, here's a hint. Remember the story title.
July 9, 2013
Awesome book, great follow-up to the first one. Spencer as a character continues to grow on me! Can't wait to read the next one!
January 30, 2017
A very surprise ending I loved it.
January 12, 2017
Different from the first one.
For me this one didn't flow as well as the first one. It was too complicated. I am pondering on whether to get book three or not.
For me this one didn't flow as well as the first one. It was too complicated. I am pondering on whether to get book three or not.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews