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Lawless #1
Lawless
The Lawless School provides the right education for kids on the wrong side of the law. An action-packed, globe-spanning adventure begins here!Welcome to Lawless, where the head of the class is a dangerous place to be.M Freeman is the newest student at the prestigious (and mysterious) Lawless School. All she really wants is to fit in, but from the moment she arrives, her unusual skills have the whole academy buzzing. M excels at escape tactics. She's a whiz at spotting a forgery. But can she tell right from wrong? She'll have to figure it out fast, because some of her teachers are planning the crime of the century . . . and M and her classmates might be the only people who can stop them.Jeffrey Salane's debut novel is full of twists and turns, and the Ebook includes additional content from the author, unavailable anywhere else!
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
October 14, 2023
No preamble here. We meet our main character, an adorably plucky twelve year old girl, M Freeman, as she is interviewing for placement in the prestigious Lawless School. In the blink of an eye, this reader was submerged in adventure, crime, mystery and secrets.
M never really questioned anything. She was homeschooled, able to avoid the distractions and drama, often found in “regular school”. Bright and curious, M was happy with her studies and content with her life, despite having lost her father in a tragic accident while her maternal parent was an almost absentee mother. Her trip into the city changed everything.
With no time to prepare, M is yanked from her home to be dropped in the middle of who-knows-where to train for a life in Crime. That is only the tip of the iceberg. M knows that most students and staff cannot be trusted and that she alone must figure out who is friend and who is foe simply to survive the grueling training.
One mystery leads to another as M discovers that her father harbored secrets here at Lawless. Soon, her potential success at Lawless fades into the background as understanding her father becomes priority. Convinced that her father left messages for her, she vows to solve his puzzle. Unfortunately, this decision places M and the few students she has chosen to trust, in danger. M will not only have to face her fears, but she will have to make potentially life-changing, split-second decisions along the way.
Mr. Salane has crafted M Freeman and her story in such a spectacular fashion, that this reader found it remarkably difficult to stop reading. The intended audience for this book may be Middle School; but it is, quite frankly, too good to be that limited. Yes, it is certainly suitable for that age group; but anyone that passes this book up because of the genre is self-limiting and missing out. If you’ve had any interaction with a child between the ages of 10 and 14 you know two things; they tend to have the attention span of a gnat and almost everything gets boring, very quickly. Mr. Salane clearly understand this and he has a penned a tale that will not disappoint.
This review was written for Buried Under Books Blog.
M never really questioned anything. She was homeschooled, able to avoid the distractions and drama, often found in “regular school”. Bright and curious, M was happy with her studies and content with her life, despite having lost her father in a tragic accident while her maternal parent was an almost absentee mother. Her trip into the city changed everything.
With no time to prepare, M is yanked from her home to be dropped in the middle of who-knows-where to train for a life in Crime. That is only the tip of the iceberg. M knows that most students and staff cannot be trusted and that she alone must figure out who is friend and who is foe simply to survive the grueling training.
One mystery leads to another as M discovers that her father harbored secrets here at Lawless. Soon, her potential success at Lawless fades into the background as understanding her father becomes priority. Convinced that her father left messages for her, she vows to solve his puzzle. Unfortunately, this decision places M and the few students she has chosen to trust, in danger. M will not only have to face her fears, but she will have to make potentially life-changing, split-second decisions along the way.
Mr. Salane has crafted M Freeman and her story in such a spectacular fashion, that this reader found it remarkably difficult to stop reading. The intended audience for this book may be Middle School; but it is, quite frankly, too good to be that limited. Yes, it is certainly suitable for that age group; but anyone that passes this book up because of the genre is self-limiting and missing out. If you’ve had any interaction with a child between the ages of 10 and 14 you know two things; they tend to have the attention span of a gnat and almost everything gets boring, very quickly. Mr. Salane clearly understand this and he has a penned a tale that will not disappoint.
This review was written for Buried Under Books Blog.
January 28, 2015
After reading the first couple of chapters of Lawless, I had high hopes for this book. Jeffrey Salane throws us right into the story as we start with M’s interview for Lawless; the school of criminals. It immersed me into thoughts of fast-paced action, betrayal and drama, but after finishing Lawless, I felt under-awed and a bit disappointed.
With nothing but an empty envelope with her name on it and a painstakingly crafted, hand-written speech she’d never got to deliver, M sat as the limo pulled around to her front door. And of all the millions of questions she had about the Lawless School, only one came to mind in that instant:
What am I going to tell Mom?
Lawless was full of lots of little twists and turns, starting in Chapter 3 when there’s already doubts over who M should and shouldn’t trust. I loved all the unexpected happenings and how I was always left guessing at what M would discover next, but in truth, throughout most of the book, the twists were the only parts keeping me interested.
I didn’t like how slow the book became. Of course, M was at a school of criminals, so the lessons were a vital part of Lawless but I felt there was just too much description and not enough action. For a book aimed at young people, I expected a lot more to happen. It took until the last few chapters of Lawless for all the quick, dramatic events to unfold. And that was the part I loved.
Cars started furiously honking as they ripped past the small girl in the black parka. Lights flickered as the high-pitched squeal of swerving tires echoed in the night air. M was frozen in place, waiting to be struck by the oncoming traffic until one car pulled to her side and the passenger-side door flew open.
‘Get in now!’ cried Zara.
M leapt into the car and Zara put the pedal to the metal before the door had shut, leaving M’s mother and a team of angry Fulbrights behind in the proverbial dust.
All it took was some quick movements and a few more twists to get this book going. Yes, the actions were exaggerated but Lawless was a criminal school; if a bunch of 12 year old kids are training to be law-breakers, you’re bound to see some ridiculous acts!
Jeffrey Salane’s character portrayals were a stand out for me in this book. I liked how, despite how he made each character differentiate from the rest with their traits, I was still always trying to guess how maybe all wasn’t what it seemed. He also did a great job of making me hate Ms Watts, with her snide remarks and arrogance.
All in all, I did like Lawless and its unpredictability. However, I was bored reading the middle section and whilst I did enjoy the over-the-top action at the end, I wanted more excitement and a more tied-up ending. I don’t actually think anything was resolved
3/5.
(review also seen on my blog at http://beentherereadthatreviewedthebo...)
With nothing but an empty envelope with her name on it and a painstakingly crafted, hand-written speech she’d never got to deliver, M sat as the limo pulled around to her front door. And of all the millions of questions she had about the Lawless School, only one came to mind in that instant:
What am I going to tell Mom?
Lawless was full of lots of little twists and turns, starting in Chapter 3 when there’s already doubts over who M should and shouldn’t trust. I loved all the unexpected happenings and how I was always left guessing at what M would discover next, but in truth, throughout most of the book, the twists were the only parts keeping me interested.
I didn’t like how slow the book became. Of course, M was at a school of criminals, so the lessons were a vital part of Lawless but I felt there was just too much description and not enough action. For a book aimed at young people, I expected a lot more to happen. It took until the last few chapters of Lawless for all the quick, dramatic events to unfold. And that was the part I loved.
Cars started furiously honking as they ripped past the small girl in the black parka. Lights flickered as the high-pitched squeal of swerving tires echoed in the night air. M was frozen in place, waiting to be struck by the oncoming traffic until one car pulled to her side and the passenger-side door flew open.
‘Get in now!’ cried Zara.
M leapt into the car and Zara put the pedal to the metal before the door had shut, leaving M’s mother and a team of angry Fulbrights behind in the proverbial dust.
All it took was some quick movements and a few more twists to get this book going. Yes, the actions were exaggerated but Lawless was a criminal school; if a bunch of 12 year old kids are training to be law-breakers, you’re bound to see some ridiculous acts!
Jeffrey Salane’s character portrayals were a stand out for me in this book. I liked how, despite how he made each character differentiate from the rest with their traits, I was still always trying to guess how maybe all wasn’t what it seemed. He also did a great job of making me hate Ms Watts, with her snide remarks and arrogance.
All in all, I did like Lawless and its unpredictability. However, I was bored reading the middle section and whilst I did enjoy the over-the-top action at the end, I wanted more excitement and a more tied-up ending. I don’t actually think anything was resolved
3/5.
(review also seen on my blog at http://beentherereadthatreviewedthebo...)
February 9, 2013
Lawless was a fun middle-grade read that I know I can get more out of when I read it again.
This action-packed "spy" book is about eleven-year-old M (yes, that's her name). We're eased into the strangeness of her life till now--a homeschooled education in profiling people, spotting forgeries, taking in her surroundings, lying, planning escape routes--when she's suddenly taken from her home and thrown into a dangerous full-time school dedicated to studying those things and more. For a successful life of crime.
M's story is full of twists and crazy action and middle-grade humor. Just when I thought I'd figured out where things were headed, I realized I'd been thrown for a loop! While Lawless played the old card of "kid going off to boarding school," it did so in a fun way with a cool twist. My biggest complaint was that the main character M felt older than the 11-12 years she was supposed to be, and the ending was a bit exaggerated. But other than that, the story worked.
The reading level is aimed at middle-grade readers. I think anyone who likes action, spy-type books and enjoys a good puzzle-solver will have fun with this book.
This action-packed "spy" book is about eleven-year-old M (yes, that's her name). We're eased into the strangeness of her life till now--a homeschooled education in profiling people, spotting forgeries, taking in her surroundings, lying, planning escape routes--when she's suddenly taken from her home and thrown into a dangerous full-time school dedicated to studying those things and more. For a successful life of crime.
M's story is full of twists and crazy action and middle-grade humor. Just when I thought I'd figured out where things were headed, I realized I'd been thrown for a loop! While Lawless played the old card of "kid going off to boarding school," it did so in a fun way with a cool twist. My biggest complaint was that the main character M felt older than the 11-12 years she was supposed to be, and the ending was a bit exaggerated. But other than that, the story worked.
The reading level is aimed at middle-grade readers. I think anyone who likes action, spy-type books and enjoys a good puzzle-solver will have fun with this book.
July 18, 2013
I have such mixed feelings about this book! I loved the premise, and I loved the beginning and the action and the characters. I liked that the story kept me guessing throughout the story in regards to who could actually be trusted. However, I did not like the ending. The ending made no sense to me. I feel like it ended too quickly and too "neatly", especially since this is the start of a series. It almost seemed like the book was getting too long and Salane was told to end it.
I loved the concept of a school for thieves. I found the action engaging and interesting and I enjoyed watching them puzzle out the clues of the art work- kind of a kids Dan Brown book only not with the over all conspiracy theories that usually accompany Dan Brown's book- although to be fair this book does have conspiracies in it!
I think it was a good book and it was a fun read- I just don't know that I LOVE it. It was okay.
I loved the concept of a school for thieves. I found the action engaging and interesting and I enjoyed watching them puzzle out the clues of the art work- kind of a kids Dan Brown book only not with the over all conspiracy theories that usually accompany Dan Brown's book- although to be fair this book does have conspiracies in it!
I think it was a good book and it was a fun read- I just don't know that I LOVE it. It was okay.
August 17, 2013
I could see this being a fun pair to Gallagher Girls or a ladder to Heist Society.
May 19, 2020
2.5 stars, rounded down
This reminded me of a middle grade Heist Society/Gallagher Girls. The premise was interesting, but it didn’t work as a middle grade novel. M (not short for anything - her name is an initial) did not think or act like a 12 year old girl at all. From Mary Sue-ing her way into the Lawless school (being the BEST at everything and catching everyone’s eye even though she doesn’t know what she’s doing half the time and has never even heard of the Lawless school) to her extensive knowledge of Rembrandt to the way she talked, she did not seem like a kid. None of the characters did.
However, despite that complaint, the first half of the book was fine. It was interesting enough seeing the kids compete with each other and the classes they attended. The second half of the book suddenly introduced a life or death plot that was too far out of left field for me to enjoy it. Moon rocks used to create a black hole? And then someone made a black hole that swallowed up just the school and nothing else? It came out of nowhere and I didn’t care for the ending.
This reminded me of a middle grade Heist Society/Gallagher Girls. The premise was interesting, but it didn’t work as a middle grade novel. M (not short for anything - her name is an initial) did not think or act like a 12 year old girl at all. From Mary Sue-ing her way into the Lawless school (being the BEST at everything and catching everyone’s eye even though she doesn’t know what she’s doing half the time and has never even heard of the Lawless school) to her extensive knowledge of Rembrandt to the way she talked, she did not seem like a kid. None of the characters did.
However, despite that complaint, the first half of the book was fine. It was interesting enough seeing the kids compete with each other and the classes they attended. The second half of the book suddenly introduced a life or death plot that was too far out of left field for me to enjoy it. Moon rocks used to create a black hole? And then someone made a black hole that swallowed up just the school and nothing else? It came out of nowhere and I didn’t care for the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2015
Quiet 12 year old M Freeman thinks she has a normal life. Sure, her father died in a plane crash when she was younger, but the crash was an accident… right? And sure, she’s home schooled and doesn’t understand other kids, but of course that’s only because M keeps to herself and is very busy with her studies. Or is it?
The book starts off with M going to an interview for a school called Lawless. The hosts, a woman named Ms. Watts and a girl about her age who goes by Ms. Smith, ask her questions that to any other kid would seem suspicious, but to M they’re just normal. Questions like, “how would you exit this room?” and “how many stories are in the neighboring building?” Then they give her an envelope. But near the end of the interview, Ms. Watts asks Ms. Smith to leave. Then she turns to M and tells her to forget about Lawless and everything that just happened. She instructs M to burn the envelope at home and scatter the ashes.
However, on the ride home, M’s curiosity takes over and she opens the envelope… only to find it empty. Discouraged and confused, she burns the letter when she gets to her house. A message is revealed by the flames, “DON’T TRUST ZARA,” then the letter turns to ashes.
M’s mother calls her upstairs. When she gets there she finds her mom standing next to Ms. Smith, the girl from the interview. Her mother exclaims, “M, I’d like you to meet Zara Smith, your new roommate at Lawless school!”
When M gets to Lawless, she learns she’s been training to be a criminal all her life, and Lawless will help her achieve that. It’s all M wants to do, especially after learning that her beloved dad was also a thief. As her teacher says, “there’s only two types of people on this planet: criminals and victims. Which do you want to be?”
So M’s journey at Lawless begins. She starts pulling mastermind stunts, earning both friends and foes. But at a school for criminals, everyone’s got a story and there’s no one you can trust. Join M as she breaks into secrets about her family, teachers, and friends; connecting the dots to create a picture no one saw coming.
I would give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Why? Though it was a great read there were way too many flaws. First off, the main idea wasn’t all that inventive. There are so many books with the same ‘special school’ concept; take, for example, the Harry Potter series.
However that first reason didn’t affect my rating much at all, I usually don’t mind that kind of thing. What really left a bad impression was the weak, rushed, and unclear ending. It made no sense whatsoever and was all too good to be true. It was one of those bad endings where it concludes too much for there to obviously be a sequel but leaves some questions unanswered. There is a sequel, “Justice,” that I haven’t read yet. To sum it all up, the writer is clearly inexperienced.
Another thing I really didn’t like was that the main character was all too perfect and unrelatable, pulling stunts that seem unreal for someone of her age and abilities. As one review criticizes, “pretty sick of [when] the kid suddenly discovers that they are amazing at something they never expected to be amazing at and now their life is wildly different...” I agree with this statement. Sure, she was schooled in crime, but she didn’t even know it! Also I got the sense that her homeschooling didn’t include gym class, yet she seems to be acing PE at Lawless. I mean, seriously: she faces her biggest fear by page 50! You could counter that it adds more action to the story, but even though I agree, the author should have toned down on M’s abilities.
Fourth, the time period was unclear and unrealistic. Judging by the technology, clothing, and characters, the time period seems to be about 10-25 years into the future. However, their gym, ‘The Box’, is out of place; it seems like it would be invented in 50 years… at minimum!
Fifth, the characters were unrealistically emotional. After one of her friends reveals a secret that doesn’t mean much, she tries to avoid him at all costs, and he’d been one of her best friends! After the same guy does something you have to admit is mean, they shun him and hate his guts, which is a little over the top. Why? Because he did it to get back at someone who was mean to M. Sure, he was a bully, but with good reasons.
Sixth, while the book’s events could happen, the ending is much more unrealistic. Relating back to my fifth reason, it’s out of place like a puzzle piece that doesn’t fit… even though it’s one of the most important ones!
Finally, characters had been poorly created. One of her friends, Merlyn, is a total stereotype nerd, and Cal you don’t know much about. Almost all M’s friends have only 1 trait and are uncomplicated.
So why did I rate this book a 3 and not, say, a 1? Because it was very intriguing and a complete page turner. So interesting, in fact, that it was hard to put down and so full of action I couldn’t help but ignore some of the book’s flaws.
The book starts off with M going to an interview for a school called Lawless. The hosts, a woman named Ms. Watts and a girl about her age who goes by Ms. Smith, ask her questions that to any other kid would seem suspicious, but to M they’re just normal. Questions like, “how would you exit this room?” and “how many stories are in the neighboring building?” Then they give her an envelope. But near the end of the interview, Ms. Watts asks Ms. Smith to leave. Then she turns to M and tells her to forget about Lawless and everything that just happened. She instructs M to burn the envelope at home and scatter the ashes.
However, on the ride home, M’s curiosity takes over and she opens the envelope… only to find it empty. Discouraged and confused, she burns the letter when she gets to her house. A message is revealed by the flames, “DON’T TRUST ZARA,” then the letter turns to ashes.
M’s mother calls her upstairs. When she gets there she finds her mom standing next to Ms. Smith, the girl from the interview. Her mother exclaims, “M, I’d like you to meet Zara Smith, your new roommate at Lawless school!”
When M gets to Lawless, she learns she’s been training to be a criminal all her life, and Lawless will help her achieve that. It’s all M wants to do, especially after learning that her beloved dad was also a thief. As her teacher says, “there’s only two types of people on this planet: criminals and victims. Which do you want to be?”
So M’s journey at Lawless begins. She starts pulling mastermind stunts, earning both friends and foes. But at a school for criminals, everyone’s got a story and there’s no one you can trust. Join M as she breaks into secrets about her family, teachers, and friends; connecting the dots to create a picture no one saw coming.
I would give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Why? Though it was a great read there were way too many flaws. First off, the main idea wasn’t all that inventive. There are so many books with the same ‘special school’ concept; take, for example, the Harry Potter series.
However that first reason didn’t affect my rating much at all, I usually don’t mind that kind of thing. What really left a bad impression was the weak, rushed, and unclear ending. It made no sense whatsoever and was all too good to be true. It was one of those bad endings where it concludes too much for there to obviously be a sequel but leaves some questions unanswered. There is a sequel, “Justice,” that I haven’t read yet. To sum it all up, the writer is clearly inexperienced.
Another thing I really didn’t like was that the main character was all too perfect and unrelatable, pulling stunts that seem unreal for someone of her age and abilities. As one review criticizes, “pretty sick of [when] the kid suddenly discovers that they are amazing at something they never expected to be amazing at and now their life is wildly different...” I agree with this statement. Sure, she was schooled in crime, but she didn’t even know it! Also I got the sense that her homeschooling didn’t include gym class, yet she seems to be acing PE at Lawless. I mean, seriously: she faces her biggest fear by page 50! You could counter that it adds more action to the story, but even though I agree, the author should have toned down on M’s abilities.
Fourth, the time period was unclear and unrealistic. Judging by the technology, clothing, and characters, the time period seems to be about 10-25 years into the future. However, their gym, ‘The Box’, is out of place; it seems like it would be invented in 50 years… at minimum!
Fifth, the characters were unrealistically emotional. After one of her friends reveals a secret that doesn’t mean much, she tries to avoid him at all costs, and he’d been one of her best friends! After the same guy does something you have to admit is mean, they shun him and hate his guts, which is a little over the top. Why? Because he did it to get back at someone who was mean to M. Sure, he was a bully, but with good reasons.
Sixth, while the book’s events could happen, the ending is much more unrealistic. Relating back to my fifth reason, it’s out of place like a puzzle piece that doesn’t fit… even though it’s one of the most important ones!
Finally, characters had been poorly created. One of her friends, Merlyn, is a total stereotype nerd, and Cal you don’t know much about. Almost all M’s friends have only 1 trait and are uncomplicated.
So why did I rate this book a 3 and not, say, a 1? Because it was very intriguing and a complete page turner. So interesting, in fact, that it was hard to put down and so full of action I couldn’t help but ignore some of the book’s flaws.
February 24, 2017
Going into this book I did not know what to expect. The title and cover had caught my eye and I had bought it from a book fair, expecting some plot twists. Reading the book, I got a lot of plot twists. The plot is still revealed to be very well thought out. Through this whole book I didn't know what to expect. Even after this book I still have questions. One main question that still stands is what M's name means. I am also interested in hearing about M's family and their backstory. Hopefully sequel book ( Justice) will talk a bit about everyone's origins, the origins of the school, and what goes on in a thief's mind.
January 3, 2016
I read an ARC provided through NetGalley.
Chapter 1 of Lawless opens as M. Freeman is waiting for her interview for the Lawless School. As soon as M. enters the interview, her life will never be the same, for, you see, the Lawless School is a school for theives and other criminals. M. has been carefully homeschooled so that she can do well at Lawless, but was never told about the school (unlike her classmates). From the interview on, M. is being tested in one way or another, given puzzles that she has to solve (how do I get into a mandatory commencement speech when my guardian has stolen my ID card and I cannot get through security?). While at Lawless, M. makes friends and learns things about her life and family that she did not know before. It seems though, that every time M. learns an answer, either it is not a straight answer or it leads to another question. Although Lawless is where her father went to school, is Lawless really the right place for M.?
There is plenty of action in this story. Chasing, stealing, explosions, crawling through vents, all happen in this book. I think that my fifth graders who love action will love this book. You never know what side a character will be on - characters seem to change sides (for or against what M. is doing). At times it was difficult to keep track of who was on what side and why. This is not a simple "these are the bad guys, these are the good guys" type of story.
My rating is due to the fact that there were very few answers and still many, many questions at the end of this book. I know there will be a sequel, but I prefer to have answers to at least SOME questions when I finish a book. At the end of this book I have more questions than answers.
Chapter 1 of Lawless opens as M. Freeman is waiting for her interview for the Lawless School. As soon as M. enters the interview, her life will never be the same, for, you see, the Lawless School is a school for theives and other criminals. M. has been carefully homeschooled so that she can do well at Lawless, but was never told about the school (unlike her classmates). From the interview on, M. is being tested in one way or another, given puzzles that she has to solve (how do I get into a mandatory commencement speech when my guardian has stolen my ID card and I cannot get through security?). While at Lawless, M. makes friends and learns things about her life and family that she did not know before. It seems though, that every time M. learns an answer, either it is not a straight answer or it leads to another question. Although Lawless is where her father went to school, is Lawless really the right place for M.?
There is plenty of action in this story. Chasing, stealing, explosions, crawling through vents, all happen in this book. I think that my fifth graders who love action will love this book. You never know what side a character will be on - characters seem to change sides (for or against what M. is doing). At times it was difficult to keep track of who was on what side and why. This is not a simple "these are the bad guys, these are the good guys" type of story.
My rating is due to the fact that there were very few answers and still many, many questions at the end of this book. I know there will be a sequel, but I prefer to have answers to at least SOME questions when I finish a book. At the end of this book I have more questions than answers.
March 21, 2017
M Freeman has been home schooled her whole life. Her father was her best friend, but he died a long time ago. All she knows about her father is that he attended Lawless school and loved her very much. Lawless is a school you go to to become a master criminal. When M gets into Lawless she doesn't know anything about it. After the interview when she gets home to tell her mom about it the lady from the interview is having coffee with her mom! Then the lady from the interview tells her it is time to go and she has to leave right now. M gets in the car and says goodbye. She doesn't know what is going on. After a long few confusing days getting used to Lawless and her new friends she finds out that she is special. She keeps finding out more and more about her father and their relationship. Finally a guy named Adams Worth asks her to join a secret group of people called the masters. M's father founded this group. M has to complete a mission to get fully joined in the Masters. She decides to steal a famous painting. Completing this mission will be very hard and scary but she knows she can do it with the help of all her new friends. The ending of this book is very confusing and hard to understand for me.
I did not like this book at all. It was really slow at first and hard to understand with what information it gives you in the beginning. I would not recommend this book because it is hard to get into. I would give it 3 stars.
I did not like this book at all. It was really slow at first and hard to understand with what information it gives you in the beginning. I would not recommend this book because it is hard to get into. I would give it 3 stars.
November 8, 2013
M. Freeman has grown up being sheltered and believing that her parents were art collectors and historians until her birthday when she receives an interview to attend Lawless School. Unbeknownst to M , Lawless isn't an ordinary school. It is a school for spies and criminals and M is about to discover that they don't let just anyone in and that in fact she is a legacy as her father was a top student of Lawless when he was younger. Now M, has been chucked into a world where she is not only a newbie but must use the knowledge she has been taught ever since she was a little girl during stories and homeschooling lessons in order to survive. What will happen though when it seems that whatever M tries to do lands her in trouble and then it's discovered that the reason all eyes are on her , is because of something her father didn't get to finish before he disappeared. Can M with the help of her new friends save what they are supposed to save but what happens when M's mum arrives and things start to go haywire ? Who will M save and who can M trust ?
Find out in Book #1 of Jeffrey Salane's new series "Lawless". All readers who love spies and stories like Etiquette and Espionage , Spy Girl , HIVE , School of Good and Evil , Gallagher Girls and Heist Society will find themselves at home with Lawless.
Find out in Book #1 of Jeffrey Salane's new series "Lawless". All readers who love spies and stories like Etiquette and Espionage , Spy Girl , HIVE , School of Good and Evil , Gallagher Girls and Heist Society will find themselves at home with Lawless.
April 22, 2013
Really a 2.5 rating, rounded up to 3.
I can see how kids will enjoy this story - CRIMINALS! BOARDING SCHOOL! HIJINX! - but I wasn't feelin' it. This definitely felt like the author's first book and it needed a lot more editing to tighten the story. Things felt very scattered and I never really understood the characters' motivations at all. I just didn't get why they were doing any of this and while kids may not necessarily be able to put their finger on what bothers them, I think they'll sense this too.
Also, I'm feeling pretty sick of the kid suddenly discovers that they are amazing at something they never expected to be amazing at and now their life is wildly different trope. Yeah, we all have strengths, but I'm about done with that storyline. This one varied a little bit since the character was raised to develop certain skills, but still, it felt trope-y.
For ages 10/11+ - there's some shocking of kids' fingers and a fair bit of danger. And, of course, they're at a school for criminals. So there's that.
I can see how kids will enjoy this story - CRIMINALS! BOARDING SCHOOL! HIJINX! - but I wasn't feelin' it. This definitely felt like the author's first book and it needed a lot more editing to tighten the story. Things felt very scattered and I never really understood the characters' motivations at all. I just didn't get why they were doing any of this and while kids may not necessarily be able to put their finger on what bothers them, I think they'll sense this too.
Also, I'm feeling pretty sick of the kid suddenly discovers that they are amazing at something they never expected to be amazing at and now their life is wildly different trope. Yeah, we all have strengths, but I'm about done with that storyline. This one varied a little bit since the character was raised to develop certain skills, but still, it felt trope-y.
For ages 10/11+ - there's some shocking of kids' fingers and a fair bit of danger. And, of course, they're at a school for criminals. So there's that.
November 2, 2013
I love this book! It has a very exciting plot line and I would highly recommend it. I want to go to Lawless school, except for the fact that it is for criminals. The classes sound very fun and exciting. If you enjoy this book, I would read H.I.V.E. They are very similar and are both very good. Also, H.I.V.E. focuses more on boys whereas lawless more hones in on girls.
November 25, 2021
Overall this was a fun read. I wasn't a huge fan of where the plot went in the last third of the book, which definitely brought the rating down to 2, whereas it had been 3 stars up until that point.
I'm still glad I finally read it. I'm also glad there wasn't a total cliffhanger at the end, as I have no intention of continuing this series.
I'm still glad I finally read it. I'm also glad there wasn't a total cliffhanger at the end, as I have no intention of continuing this series.
March 3, 2015
I really want to give it 2.5 stars. Very cute and entertaining for the age range, I guess. Just very unbelievable for a 12 year old girl and one of the BEST examples of Mary Sues I've ever read.
February 24, 2017
Breaking Laws
Ryan Lomas
What scares you the most? Is it spiders? Sharks? Ghosts? Whatever your answer is, many people can agree that big changes like family members dying, or adapting to new daily routines. Both of those things happened to M, a high school teenager whose parents, or parent, was involved in, heists, she is yet to learn about.
M Freeman might just be the most attentive, over prepared freshman anyone might know. Every aspect of her life has been preparing her for a school, a secret school, that trains young adults to be the perfect criminals. Jeffrey Salane writes on the cover, “The right school for kids, on the wrong side of the law”. This quote already makes the novel a good read for middle school students.
The author of Lawless, as you might already know his name, Jeffrey Salane does an exceptional job of portraying the characters in a way that hooks the reader into the book. Recently, I saw that the sequel to Lawless was published. I am really looking forward to reading it, as I was very pleased with the first book.
Whether you like reading, or enjoy watching t.v., Lawless is a great book to read during your free time. Jeffrey Salane really hit it out of the park with this novel, and I hope this review has been worth your while. I also hope that the book does just as good a job of describing all of the characters and places as it did for me.
Ryan Lomas
What scares you the most? Is it spiders? Sharks? Ghosts? Whatever your answer is, many people can agree that big changes like family members dying, or adapting to new daily routines. Both of those things happened to M, a high school teenager whose parents, or parent, was involved in, heists, she is yet to learn about.
M Freeman might just be the most attentive, over prepared freshman anyone might know. Every aspect of her life has been preparing her for a school, a secret school, that trains young adults to be the perfect criminals. Jeffrey Salane writes on the cover, “The right school for kids, on the wrong side of the law”. This quote already makes the novel a good read for middle school students.
The author of Lawless, as you might already know his name, Jeffrey Salane does an exceptional job of portraying the characters in a way that hooks the reader into the book. Recently, I saw that the sequel to Lawless was published. I am really looking forward to reading it, as I was very pleased with the first book.
Whether you like reading, or enjoy watching t.v., Lawless is a great book to read during your free time. Jeffrey Salane really hit it out of the park with this novel, and I hope this review has been worth your while. I also hope that the book does just as good a job of describing all of the characters and places as it did for me.
November 16, 2019
If you’re an 8-9 year old child, this books is probably pretty good. Lots of twists and turns. Questions about who the main character M. (yes just a letter) can trust. Spy and gadget fun while at boarding school.
If you’re a bit older (like 10+) or a parent sharing a book read with her child (like me), there are loads of issues with this book:
1. The all too real problem of children talking and behaving like short adults
2. The adults being insanely stupid and/or neglectful
3. Plots holes
4. Weak (and I mean very weak) motivation to do bizarre things just to move the plot along
5. Villains just being evil for evil’s sake
6. Thirteen year olds driving like they own the Grand Prix
I give it three stars for having a strong female lead and a plot that those in mid elementary will enjoy. And I only give it three stars because it’s not that good and relies too much on the tropes of this generation’s children’s lit. (I’m tired of reading books that start with variations on “this was his/her destiny.”)
If you’re a bit older (like 10+) or a parent sharing a book read with her child (like me), there are loads of issues with this book:
1. The all too real problem of children talking and behaving like short adults
2. The adults being insanely stupid and/or neglectful
3. Plots holes
4. Weak (and I mean very weak) motivation to do bizarre things just to move the plot along
5. Villains just being evil for evil’s sake
6. Thirteen year olds driving like they own the Grand Prix
I give it three stars for having a strong female lead and a plot that those in mid elementary will enjoy. And I only give it three stars because it’s not that good and relies too much on the tropes of this generation’s children’s lit. (I’m tired of reading books that start with variations on “this was his/her destiny.”)
June 5, 2021
3.5 stars
The opening scene of this audiobook takes place in an interview. Protagonist, M. Freeman is having a verbal inquiry into her suitability for the prestigious Lawless School. The exchange is move a verbal chess game to probe the thinking skills and decision making ability of the young student who has been homeschooled her entire life. The end of the interview and strange way that the school notifies Miss Freeman of their decision typifies the mystery that surrounds this unusual school. As the interview concludes, the adventure begins.
This novel begins with a Potter-type flavor and incorporates the strange instruction, the new students abilities of unusual excellence, the mystery of M's background, and unknown elements lurking beneath the service. "Lawless" lacks the character development and the chemistry of the cast that I found in Harry's adventures, but I still found myself engaged by the plot and writing style f this novel. Book two has been place on my future read list - but not at the top of the list.
The opening scene of this audiobook takes place in an interview. Protagonist, M. Freeman is having a verbal inquiry into her suitability for the prestigious Lawless School. The exchange is move a verbal chess game to probe the thinking skills and decision making ability of the young student who has been homeschooled her entire life. The end of the interview and strange way that the school notifies Miss Freeman of their decision typifies the mystery that surrounds this unusual school. As the interview concludes, the adventure begins.
This novel begins with a Potter-type flavor and incorporates the strange instruction, the new students abilities of unusual excellence, the mystery of M's background, and unknown elements lurking beneath the service. "Lawless" lacks the character development and the chemistry of the cast that I found in Harry's adventures, but I still found myself engaged by the plot and writing style f this novel. Book two has been place on my future read list - but not at the top of the list.
March 9, 2020
When I went to the North Texas Book Festival, I met James Ponti. I really liked the guy so I bought his books for my nephews. This wasn't one of them. Meeting him just reminded me that I already had this book in my classroom library but I hadn't read it. I fixed that!
I'm very curious how this book will compare with James Ponti's books. They seem kind of similar. City Spies with a bit of Hogwarts? In any case, I'm looking forward to the comparison although I really need to look through my classroom library to see if I have the rest of the Lawless series.
I'll be putting this book out for my unit on series books.
I'm very curious how this book will compare with James Ponti's books. They seem kind of similar. City Spies with a bit of Hogwarts? In any case, I'm looking forward to the comparison although I really need to look through my classroom library to see if I have the rest of the Lawless series.
I'll be putting this book out for my unit on series books.
December 10, 2021
This book is so fun. There's really no other word I could use to describe it. It's exciting and suspenseful at times. The story follows M Freeman as she navigates a world that she doesn't understand but has also been preparing for her entire life. M is the perfect example to kids about what resilience and hard-work and do for you. It's clear she has a natural talent but the criminal school she goes to is anything but easy. I love the characters in this book. The plot was fascinating and plays on our interest of the unknow. Very good book for tweens.
I would recommend this for ages 11+ because it's easy to follow and read. It does contain mentions of murder and death but never in depth and only in order to help develop the plot. This book is about criminal activity however, never violent crimes, so do be aware of that.
I would recommend this for ages 11+ because it's easy to follow and read. It does contain mentions of murder and death but never in depth and only in order to help develop the plot. This book is about criminal activity however, never violent crimes, so do be aware of that.
September 27, 2019
Lawless is an amazing book. It starts with M learning about her history. It has a good introduction and it stays like that up until almost the end of the book. The one thing that I didn't like was that the main heist, after getting intrigued, it ends abruptly. They got the paintings but couldn't stop Mrs. Watts. Since it is in a series that doesn't matter too much beucsae it will have another part to the story although it still felt like he wanted to stop writing the rest of the book. Overall it is still a great book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2021
Although I throughly enjoyed the whole plot of this book I felt that at some moments was very hard to go along with and needed some clarity on any other book I would have rated it a 2 but since this is Jeffery Salanes first book I will cut him some slack but if I ever do come around to reading the second one I will hope that it is a more clear read but this is a great book if your looking for a quick read and I absolutely loved the characters in this book just wished some parts had more structure and clarity
October 9, 2023
This spy novel had us hooked in the beginning, but the ending got progressively more confusing. We finished but still feel somewhat baffled because there is so much double-crossing (triple-crossing? quadruple crossing?) and mixed up storylines. I have no idea who is on whose team, and who is fighting for "good" and who is "bad," knowing they are all criminals but some are more evil than others. We enjoyed it and the girls want to read the next one so hopefully it will clear up something of the confusion. :)
May 18, 2017
Well written. Well thought out. Good concept.
Just not much fun to read. Bittersweet, serious, improbable, and the big redemption comes down not so much to 'In the end, Harry, it is your choices that determine who you are' so much as 'Whatever our heroine may think she wants, in the end good and not evil are in her DNA.'
Just not much fun to read. Bittersweet, serious, improbable, and the big redemption comes down not so much to 'In the end, Harry, it is your choices that determine who you are' so much as 'Whatever our heroine may think she wants, in the end good and not evil are in her DNA.'
October 15, 2017
the book lawless by Jeffrey Salane deserves 5 stars . this book gets better every time I turned a page. I loved how he included real life art into this story and how he related it to M's mom who does identical paintings like the ones in the museum that costs thousands of dollars. M passed all her with flying colors. the book is very creative and mysterious all at the same time.
October 24, 2018
I would have given this a 3 for an average read, but Jackson insists he loved it and would rank it a 5, so I'm splitting the difference to go with a 4.
It's a fun story about a girl learning about herself, her mysterious parents, and the new life she's thrust into with transitioning to a secret school.
It's a fun story about a girl learning about herself, her mysterious parents, and the new life she's thrust into with transitioning to a secret school.
February 18, 2019
M Freeman has always been able to see things that others overlook, read expressions of other people, and read situations for what they really are. Little does M know that she has been trained to a be thief until she is whisked away to a school for thievery. While she is there M must figure out who she can trust and who is out there to steal your trust.
Good for 3rd grade and up.
Good for 3rd grade and up.
September 30, 2024
It's a good book that doesn't get old. It could be better in plenty ways but if you just want to enjoy a book and get out of the world it will do. You can relate with the main character and her choices. It's a mystery. No bad words, no drugs, no sexual content, etc. Girls ages 9-13 can read this trilogy.
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January 22, 2020This book was just too far-fetched for me. The action was way out there. It was confusing at times, with little details left out like people entering rooms so they throw you off when they start speaking. Also, never once do characters consider whether stealing has any moral issues.
Read
November 27, 2020I did not like this book. I felt that when the story transitioned to another scene I felt took much time passed in between that the story got confusing. I did not help that the main character's name is only a letter.
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