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The Langley Irregulars #1

Homeland Insecurity

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From USA Today and Amazon bestselling author Shawn M. Warner (Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor)

Secret agents are all Jack and his friends ever wanted to be. Spy adventures were the movies they watched, the books they read, even the games they played.

Playtime is over!

Kelly, a political refugee and friend of Jack’s sister is targeted for revenge by the man her father sent to prison. Armed with nothing but heroic courage and skills born from their childhood dreams, Jack and his friends fight a battle against an enemy who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. If Jack is to survive, he and his friends must work as a team and even then, winning comes at a terrible price.

Audible Audio

First published June 3, 2024

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193 people want to read

About the author

Shawn M. Warner

3 books607 followers

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5 stars
24 (47%)
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11 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Lizette Warner.
49 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2024
FAST PACED, thrill & adventure- this story was a movie playing in my head as I read it.

I love the characters, especially Phil. I love how these kids are part of my life. They came to life and I rode the highs and lows right alongside them. I can’t wait for the next book!

If you like Alex Rider, Inheritance Games, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter or Stranger Things you’ll love this book.

I love the surprises, like character profiles in the book. Read it! You’ll love it.


MOVIE PLEASE & THANK YOU!
Profile Image for G..
93 reviews
December 22, 2024
As an adult reader, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the first one. I'm having a hard time finishing it. Hopefully, I can complete it, but if not, I might leave it unfinished. Otherwise, as a teenager, I would have enjoyed it more likely.Since the targeted readers are teenagers, I give it three stars.
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
16 reviews
May 30, 2024
Awesome read! This book gave me a more adult Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew kind of vibes as I move throughout the book and I loved those when I was younger.

I loved seeing how Jack, Phil, Collin and Peter grow together throughout the story with all that they go through. I also enjoyed how this book also had a lot of unexpected plot twists!
Profile Image for Joseeey.
25 reviews
August 13, 2024
I read the author’s first book, Leigh Howard and I absolutely loved that book. However, I feel like it was a struggle to finish this book. I feel like there were too many characters introduced that were one dimensional. Sometimes I had to power through chapters and I don’t feel it’s a strong first book to what appears to be the start of a series. The story just didn’t seem to capture my attention.
Profile Image for BooksBooksandmoreBooks69.
1,996 reviews39 followers
June 7, 2024
This isn’t my usual read. But I was going on holiday, so I thought I’d try it out….

I did like the profiles of the characters at the front of the book, and I did pop back several times to check them out as they appeared in the book. I also really liked the camaraderie between them.
Phil/Peter/Collin and Jack were a blend of personalities that worked well together. So when Jack finds out that a friend of his sisters is being bullied, he rallies the troops and takes a stand. But you have to wonder if they’ve bitten off more than they can handle?
Someone wanting revenge on Kelly’s father (he’d been sent to prison and now they want to settle a score!)

Great characters, well thought out and the plot although a little used, was given a new slant. It’s a teen book, it’s not that dark, but it certainly gave a few authors that write this genre a run for their money. It had something that was childlike, but also quiet grown up, I mean who takes on people that would 💀 you and not think twice, and doing this as a teen (ok your a teen until nineteen)

It certainly wasn’t Nancy Drew/ Famous Five and the Secret Seven (all classics in my generation,) now readers want more of an edge and less innocent times!

It’s a YA book, but I’d happily watch this at the cinema (as long as it stayed true to the book.) I could not put it down until the last page. Definitely a book I’d read again on holiday.

It’s a fast paced, action and adventure story. Lots going on, a few twists thrown in for good measure.

Highly recommended if you’re a fan of Percy Jackson/Harry Potter/Inheritance Games. I did think of a younger James Bond at one point 😆

🦋
Profile Image for Stephanie Augustine.
Author 1 book27 followers
October 29, 2024
Who doesn't love a solid crew who stands up for what they believe in? I know I do. Homeland Insecurity does an amazing job at building the story of Jack, Phil, Collin and Peter. Four friends obsessed with spy movies and justice - the book starts off with a bang showing how Jack isn't afraid to stand up to the bullies. While the plot builds, Warner really focuses on the dynamic of the group. They each have a unique personality that blends together. The plot of the book takes a bit to reveal itself so be prepared for the team building portion. Even though it takes a bit to push through, it's essential to the main story.

While this focuses on all four characters of the group, it's told through Jack's perspective. This limitation didn't hinder understanding the rest of the characters. I really enjoyed reading through his point of view since the plot point dealt directly with his family. All of the characters really shine and always stay true to themselves.

Homeland Insecurity by Shawn Warner is a must read for any espionage fan. The plot point itself does take some time to get there since the building of the characters is the main focus. With this understanding of Jack, Phil, Collin and Peter, the plot is even more thrilling. This is a book that you have to go until the end to appreciate the beginning.
1 review
March 11, 2024
Another gripping story, from start to finish, from the genius writer who brought us ‘Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor’

After a long absence of reading I decided to pick up my first book in years, Shawn’s launch title: Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor. A story I found so absorbing I honestly couldn’t put it down for a second - I read it in a DAY, I was so hooked!
Understandably, when I found out Shawn was due to release a second book, I was quick to ensure I had my copy ordered the second it became available, namely his recently titled: Homeland Insecurity.

From the offset I was once again quickly pulled in to a world of non stop action that constantly kept you on the edge of your seat and reminds you of the importance of what it means to be family and of friendship.
At all times the story felt gripping and fast paced, with very likeable characters who’s personas effortlessly evolved throughout their adventure, leaving the reader eager to find out what happens next at every turn of the page.

This is yet another enthralling story that you would expect from the mind of S.M Warner. So be prepared to be thrown into a world of espionage and survival that will genuinely keep you wanting more. You’ll be ‘blown away’! 😉

Jackie & Kenny
Profile Image for Chris.
1 review
March 16, 2024
AMAZING, a must read . What’s not to love about a group of high school kids that get in trouble with the school principal , lol ! Jack has a great power of deduction and observation , there is drama, fun, Homeland Security , secrets, friendships . A page turner, keeps you on the edge of the seat . Loved the illustrations of the characters , felt like an added bonus to the book . Well written , it really gets you immersed in the story . Very descriptive feels like you are there with the characters . Looking forward to more books from Mr. Shawn Warner !!
Profile Image for Matthew Rollins.
Author 3 books8 followers
May 7, 2024
Homeland Insecurity is an intriguing young adult thriller, with a full team of engaging characters -- high school kids you can't help but root for. We've been in their shoes, navigating teenagedom between the treacherous waters of bullies, principal visits, burgeoning independence, who's dating who, and dreams of someday being spies. All that takes a back seat when a terrorist cell threatens to bring deadly political retribution to their hometown. What follows is a fast-paced, action-packed, heartbreaking tale that doesn't let up until the very end!
Profile Image for C. Sloan Lewis.
Author 1 book2 followers
May 22, 2024
A really fun read!! The author has done a great job of creating well-developed characters that really act and think like their ages. As a middle and high school teacher, I want to start recommending this to my students who are intersted in secret agents, thrillers, spy stories, and general shenanigans!

Even though I am not much of a reader within this genre, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading Warner's next book!
Profile Image for Annabelle.
559 reviews58 followers
February 24, 2025
I was a massive fan of "Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor" but this book just fell flat for me. The plot feels rushed and underdeveloped and so do the characters. I sometimes couldn't tell them apart and remember who had what background information. Also the drive for them to get involved was very unclear to me and there were just too many logically mistakes. The overall idea of the story is great but the book would benefit from some heavy editing.
1 review
May 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this book; It kept me on the edge of my seat. While it will take me a while to forgive the author for one of his plot decisions, I totally understand why he made the choices he did. And it's a testament to how invested I was in the characters that it bothers me as much as it does.
I can't wait to read the Langley Irregulars' next adventure!
Profile Image for Elly B.
1 review
June 24, 2024
Did not expect it to end that way! The author sure did pull one over on me because as a 37 year old I was for sure this was going to be a lighthearted tale about kids who play spys. Couldn’t have been more wrong! I thoroughly enjoyed his first book, but Shawn did come out swinging with this one! Will definitely keep reading!
Profile Image for BJ Sloan.
20 reviews4 followers
May 7, 2024
Autor, Shawn Warner master mind creator of the fab four detective friends Jack-Peter-Phil and Collin serves up another edge of your seat read which will keep you locked in until the dramatic end.
Profile Image for Alix.
36 reviews
August 3, 2024
What else can be said? Shawn M. Warner is a great writer!!!
1 review
April 4, 2024
Homeland Insecurity is a great read, it was very compelling and it drew me in so effectively. I rarely write reviews but when I read this book, I knew I had to let everyone know. The character development made me truly care about them. I had a hard time putting it down. Shawn's style of writing wonderfully captures the friendship, the tension, the angst, and the details that make it such a tremendous book. I highly reccomend it for all ages from young adults and up.
Profile Image for Shawn M..
Author 3 books607 followers
November 23, 2024
Homeland Insecurity is the tale of secret agent apsiring teens, Jack, the strategic mastermind, Phil, the tactical expert who can finesse any situation, Peter, the fidgety, athletic and muscular one and the youngest of our heros, Collin, who can intellectually outwit and outmaneuver anyone, and I mean anyone.

One thing Jack can't stand is a bully. There's no bully, big/small, or older/wiser Jack won't stand up against to protect their victims. There's no one Phil, Peter and Collin would rather be with in a battle then Jack.

When Jack finds out his sister's best friend, Kelly, a political refugee, is being targeted for revenge by the man her father sent to prison, Jack and his friends spring into action.

Jack and his friends are prepared to fight a battle against an enemy who will stop at nothing to get the revenge he seeks. For Jack and his friends to survive, he and his friends will have to work as a team where winning has a price.
__________________
I write action-adventure stories that inspired me to start writing as a little kid, since my mom read me adventure stories about a boy and his horse when I was six. If an author is allowed to have a favorite, these Langley Irregulars are my favorite so far.

Homeland Insecurity took me over 15 years to write and publish. It was the story I was writing when Leigh Howard and the Ghosts demanded to be written. One viral story and months later sees Homeland Insecurity coming to a bookstore near you on June 4, 2024.

PREORDERS
If you'd like a pre-ordered signed copy of Homeland Insecurity, you can find where to purchase one from my website. If it's still available use the discount code: preorder2024
https://www.shawnwarner.com/homelandi...

ARC COPIES
Early reviews are really important for authors and I do appreciate all your help in welcoming Homeland Insecurity into the world. I like to say Jack is hoping Leigh's success helps him and his friends get noticed. If you are genuinely interested to write a review for Homeland Insecurity, I'd love to get you an ARC copy.

I have a limited number of ARC Copies available. If I ever get access to my Author Goodreads account I'll make them available via give-aways. If not, you can reach out to books@shawnwarner.com for a copy.

If you've pre-ordered and want an ARC Copy so you can leave a review, you are in luck because we are prioritizing anyone who has already pre-ordered Homeland Insecurity. Send an email to books@shawnwarner.com and point us to your past review so we can verify that you have written a review. We can't make promises for ARCs. We have few ARCs and we want to ensure they get into the right hands of folks who'll help us spread the Homeland Insecurity word.

BOOKISH MERCH
If you do purchase Homeland Insecurity elsewhere and want bookish merch, SAVE YOUR RECEIPT! Head on over to my website and I'll gladly send you the bookish merch (stickers, bookmark and a signed book plate) in exchange for proof of purchase.
https://www.shawnwarner.com/homelandi...

HOMELAND INSECURITY UPDATES
Jack and his friends go by the monicker, The Langley Irregulars. Homeland Insecurity is the First Mission.

Second Mission of the Langley Irregulars is already written. (In 15 years I wrote Jack's first story and the follow up story and have been revising, which is the story of any writer. Books aren't written - they're re-written.) I'll be looking for how to bring Second Mission to a bookstore near you in the near future.

Thanks for reading,
Shawn
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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