Urban Outlaws

Urban Outlaws #1

by Peter Jay Black

Deep beneath the city live five extraordinary kids: world-famous hacker Jack, gadget geek Charlie, free runner Slink, communications chief Obi, and decoy expert Wren. Orphans bonded over their shared sense of justice, the kids have formed the Urban Outlaws, a group dedicated to outsmarting criminals and handing out their stolen money through Random Acts of Kindness (R.A.K.s).

But the kids find themselves in serious trouble when they're caught in an epic battle to control Proteus, a genius super-computer. Proteus can crack any code in the world—and steal top-secret documents in nanoseconds. It's down to the Urban Outlaws to use their guile, guts, and skill to destroy the computer, avert world domination . . . and stay alive.

Don't miss the global launch of this debut series from Peter Jay Black—the perfect mix of explosive action, cool technology, and characters with lots of heart.

Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Action, Young Adult, Crime, Middle Grade, Thriller

288 pages, Hardcover

First published March 13, 2014

About the author

Keep updated with future releases at peterjayblack.com

Peter Jay Black enjoys spending his time between the UK and US, loves everything technology, science and movie related, along with an interest in ancient Egypt and history.

Urban Outlaws: Peter wrote the first book in the series from a Hollywood apartment - middle grade action & adventure novels about a team of super-skilled kids, who use gadgets and hacking to take from bad guys and give to the needy. Packed full of high-octane fun.

Reviews

[Mary ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually 4.5 stars

I really liked how cute and at the same time really action packed it was. Also, in my opinion it can be also considered a Fairy Tale Retelling because "Stealing from the Rich, Give to the Poor". I LOVED the friendship and the family bond that was created between the Urban Outlaws. I wanted for the personalities of the characters to be more portrayed but it's fine.

The gadgets were AWESOME. My favorite character is Obi for many reasons. First of all, he was bullied because of being overweight and you know my bond with bullied characters due to my own experiences. Secondly, he LOVES sci fi things and stuff!! He is amazing:)

Really excited to read Blackout
Recommended for fans of technology and action:)
~Mary

[Angela Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads first reads and was promptly wrestled to the ground by my eleven year old son. He flicked through the pages greedily, refused to even let me read the back cover waving my hands away like a bothersome fly...two days later, and may I say again two days later, my eleven year old son announced... it's amazing when's the next one out? I think in the words of the young - nuff said.

[Holly Bamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I got this book for Christmas, and honestly, it was one of the best books I've ever read. With action as fast-paced as Percy Jackson, it's Cherub, but better. Highly recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with the cover for Urban Outlaws. I love how bright and eye catching it is, but also the silhouette of the characters across the top. I will warn you all now that my review is more going to be my thoughts than what really happens in the book, this was my reading material on a journey to and from London. I began reading this when I was almost at London, so picked it back up on the way home.

Now to explain how engrossed in Urban outlaws I was, I am going to give you an example of what the train ride home was like.The train was super busy, it was full of all the Everton supporters going home from London after losing the match against Arsenal. I had a group of about eleven people surrounding me. Possibly about 30 minutes into the journey the person sitting next to me apologised for the language, that they weren't happy that they lost. I smiled and said it was OK....in reality I didn't even hear a word they had been saying, never mind any profanities.

Urban Outlaws is possibly aimed at a younger age to what I usually read, but this did not affect my enjoyment of this book, or how addicting it was. One of the first things that I really loved about Urban Outlaws were the Urban Outlaws themselves, I love how each one has their own talent and how they can use things to their advantage, Slink's ability is free running, and I love how he is the person they use to crawl through air vents, or make impossible paths through lasers or alarm triggers. Together this group of misfits manages to make the best use of every single ability and skill they have, to make a home for themselves, to help others out, and for RAKing (I think my heart melted a bit when I read this part)

While the Urban Outlaws do work well together, I did feel sorry for Wren, the newest and youngest member of their group. When missions are deemed to dangerous for her she is left behind in their den, and because of this when she was finally allowed to assist in a mission she assisted to the extreme causing a lot of headaches for Jack.

As you can see from the review, I have not gone into detail about what exactly happens in the book, or what the Urban Outlaws get up to, it is more a review of my thoughts that what happens. While I am happy I got to review this book, I am also disappointed that I have to wait so long for the next instalment. I need to read it right now and get some answers to things that I don't feel were given full closure.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was under the impression that "Urban Outlaws" was more of a modern Robin Hood tale, but I was incorrect. My biggest problem with this story is that it is filled with the same cliches in many juvenile/young adult novels. The "Urban Outlaws" are a bunch of homeless young adults who just happen to be whiz kid genius hackers. They live in an underground bunker in London, with all the comforts of home-seemingly undetected by anyone in the city. What confuses me is how they all became super sleuths and hackers growing up in a group home that couldn't even offer them a clean blanket to sleep on. Yet we're supposed to believe they managed to develop these sensational hacking skills while living on the streets? Perhaps their local public library let them use their computers? I'm sure there will be a follow-up, but I don't plan on reading it.

[Buda Kun-Szabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book "Urban outlaws" by Peter Jay Black you can find action packed parts, some cool places, and just fantastic character. In the beginning the book was amazing.It really felt like the modern Robin Hood.The book was action packed.In the book it included adventurist characters.The characters all had different traits which really showed me how amazing this book really is .For example, when they stole all of the money, it was action packed.You can really see how one kid had to jump to building to building.My favorite part of the book was the bunker parts because it was new and something I have not seen in other books in this genre.Another thing that I just loved was the first couple pages.It was the people and how they reacted in the beginning. There is nothing about this book you can not like.I truly recommend this book for a middle school student.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick, fast paced, and kept my interest

[England · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting, Thrilling Funny.
All the best characteristics a book could have...

and Obi, man is he funny, and a good security/camera guy- always stuffing his face!

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, talks about a group of geniuses named ‘Urban Outlaws’, and their adventure. My friend tell me to read this book, she’s really interested in sci-fi or adventure stories. I think the teenager would like to read this book. One thing I thought was interesting is their code name: Jack—>Achilles; (Achilles was a hero who brave and battle wise.) Charlie—>Pandora. (In the Ancient Greek language, word ‘Pan’ means everything, and ‘Dora’ means gift. )They are outlaws: living in dark, towards the light.

[Rasika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of children who have more maturity than adults. Just enter into the world of innovative electronic gadgets, programming, supercomputers. Add adventures, planning and humanity into it. Outcome is Urban Outlaws. Reading the book, one will definitely want to learn electronics and computers. Have a happy reading!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I confess I didn't actually read this, but I read some of #2, just enough to know that this book is action packed from the beginning. Highly improbable, but lots of fun for kids who want to be spies or ninjas.

It reminded me of Leverage, that TV show with Tim Hutton.

[Elizabeth]

reading a lot of middle grades books this summer bc i'm tutoring my cousin. this was obviously not for me but perfectly fun! i actually appreciate that the UK government is not a savior in this book--i feel like an american children's book would never paint the US government so uncharitably

[Ketan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for 10-15 yr kids and so are the characters in the book.
Decent enough story, filled with gadgets, hackers who can write code in 10 mins that works in 1st go.
Okay for a quick read, took me back to my adolescent stage, where one just thinks and the gadget comes out of the bag.

[Meshach Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing book! I loved the action and the technology put in here. I think that the author did a great job and I wouldn't change anything about it. I loved how they make there own gadgets and planned there attacks. I would recommend this book for readers 9-12 who like action and technology.

[Adele Broadbent · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a bunker hidden deep beneath London live five extraordinary kids: meet world-famous hacker Jack, gadget geek Charlie, free runner Slink, comms chief Obi and decoy diva Wren. They were in foster homes but have banded together to be a kind of a family. They're not just friends; they're URBAN OUTLAWS. They outsmart London's crime gangs and hand out their dirty money through Random Acts of Kindness (R.A.K.s). They might see a mother with not enough clothes or food for her baby or an old person with a run-down home. They buy whatever is needed to help that person. Obi (obese) stays in the bunker and runs the cameras, microphones etc from there, Slink sneaks into buildings, climbing almost anything, Jack is the ideas man and Charlie is the hardware/software whizz.

The first in a series, Urban Outlaws is an action packed from start to finish, full of high tech computer savvy, and RAK (Random acts of kindness), this is a bit Oliver Twist, a bit Robin Hood and a lot FANTASTIC!

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Urban Outlaws is a very fast-paced story about a group of orphans who find each other and form a group to take money from criminals and give it to those in need. Each character has his/her own story, but we learn the most about Jack, who is the leader of the group and we see the story through his eyes. The Outlaws live together in an underground bunker from World War II that they have remodeled to fit their needs. Their little world is disrupted when they find a supercomputer called Proteus that is able to gather intel about everyone. The Outlaws accidentally "fix" the computer and now must find a way to destroy it. I would like to have known more of a back story for the supporting characters, but overall this is quite a good read. I'll be looking forward to the next book in the series, Blackout.

[J.D. Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

So apparently there's a subgenre of thriller involving quantum computers; if you count beta reading for an unpublished author (as of the time of this review), I've read three.

This book is a fun popcorn read, especially for the target age. Adults may need a bit more suspension of disbelief.

[Adele Broadbent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed from start to finish, full of high tech computer savvy, and RAK (Random acts of kindness), this is a bit Oliver Twist, a bit Robin Hood and a lot FANTASTIC!

[Claude's Bookzone · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Gun violence
Hostage situation

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced Mission Impossible starring kids/teens. The book has it all: gadgets, a strong eclectic team, high danger, close misses, Robin Hood tactics, and cyber stunts that thrill. Jack is our focal character and lead computer expert, his planning drives all the missions and he feels the weight of responsibility as the oldest and head of the group. Obi is the group's eyes and ears, a computer guru who hacks into cameras and security systems as he sits back at base in his custom chair at the center of his computer command center. Charlie loves action, she is a wizard with building gadgets but also loves the danger of the physical side of things. Slink is a human acrobat, able to climb and get in anywhere, really laid back and full of confidence, he is their human fly. Wren is the newest and youngest addition at ten, just learning the ropes and settling in at their underground bunker. The bunker made me jealous. It's got everything and who (especially a kid) wouldn't want to live in a super cool underground lair? The book is action packed, both in cyber and physical prowess sense. Lots goes on and there is constant tension. Beyond all the adventure though, is the way that the group interacts. The combination of a great group of characters and several heart-pounding capers makes for an exhilarating read. I'd like to repeat the quote on the book's cover:

"Robin Hood meets the twenty-first century in Urban Outlaws, a heist story full of action, suspense, surprises, but most importantly, heart." Matthew Kirby (noted author)

Basically, read it and, like me, immediately dive into the sequels!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is very relateable to me personally, as I myself am in the same age group (15) as the main characters. I also find the idea of each person in the team having thier own set of skills great, which gives a good message to both young kids and maybe young teens. It really shows and tells you that no matter what living conditions you are in, or how bad you think you are, you are not bad at everything and there is something out there that you exceed at. Also, if you are just looking for a fun, PG and action packed book, "Urban Outlaws" checks off all those requirements. By the way, there is no age restriction on the book, it appeals to a certain type of audience not an age. Even if you are older, you were at that age some time in your life. The scenes are very well described, it gives a very strong image of whats happening. I would seriously love to watch a movie version of this book, and I would reccomend reading it anyways!

[Mauricio Salazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The government busted the Outlaws and the criminals and hid Proteus under a historic building. They destroyed Proteus by knocking over its server cabinets on the criminals.
Oof*
Eventually, they find Del Sarto after he took Wren. They defeat him by pushing him to the cabinet, except this one blows up on him. Shortly after, Wren finds her dad but isn't sure if she should stay with The Outlaws or go with him. But the virus escapes shortly then. Baum Baum Bauum.... I'm glad this is a series because I haven't a book this good in a while.

[Jeff Raymond · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is like a reluctant reader checklist in many ways, with a fun cast and a standard, action-packed plot with an exciting movie poster-style cover. The meat of the book is fine, and pretty much hits all the notes you'd expect, but this is not there to reinvent any genres but instead just play along with the orphaned action heroes trope and succeed at it. If you have that kid reader who is looking for that book that might hook them for good, this might be what you're looking for.

[Raygen · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book i have read is called urban outlaws made by peter jay black. the book is filled with a lot of action and gadgets which is the main appeal. the book stars five child characters named jack, charlie, slink, obi, and wren who try to use their gadgets to break in places and take money from criminals and give it to people through random acts of kindness R. A. K.. The villain is a super-computer named proteus who is only controlled through the people controlling it.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read with good characters.

A group of kids, orphaned and on their own, with strengths that, together, makes a team of Urban Outlaws. A modern day type of Merry Men that stumble upon a computer so powerful that governments and their secrets never have a chance. Unfortunately, there are others that want the power of the computer and the kids get in the way.

You won't put the book down once you pick it up.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Such an amazing book. Great use of Sci-Fi and technological advancements we have these days. If you love computers and thrillers that will keep you awake all night then this is the book to go for. I loved the way the author used kids as the main characters in his book instead of adults and every word was necessary to the book. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did! It's exceptional for kids under the age of 15.

[Seb Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Urban Outlaws | #1 - Peter Jay Black

This book is great for younger readers but nevertheless was fun to dive into. The story wasn't bad but I liked the characters and pace of the book the most! I have read the first three books of this series as the author was good at leaving you wanting more. I wouldn't recommend this if you are into very interesting stories and writing styles. But it is a book that is good for people who want a series they can dip in and out of but has a fast pace.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Action-packed, goes a mile a minute, and just good fun, the characters are likeable and the twists are entertaining. I am now thinking about the way that people who are very good at tech security don't use smart technologies in their homes because oh the misuse of cameras and tracking technology! The suspension of disbelief takes a little more effort to maintain in places but still, good fun!

[Demi Spelbos · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
I can see this being really fun for kids. For me, the characters were just a bit too flat and I wasn't interested enough in the hacking element. Which the whole story is basically based on.