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Spy School #13
Spy School Blackout
Superspy middle schooler Ben Ripley goes off the grid to eliminate a cybersecurity threat.
After a devious computer hacker pulls off the CIA’s worst-case scenario, shutting down power networks all over the world, Ben and his fellow spies-in-training are forced to make a harrowing emergency landing of their plane in Indonesia. While chaos begins to erupt around the planet, Ben deduces that his team is closer to the mysterious hacker’s base than anyone else. But with all computers and phones down, there’s no way to communicate with anyone at the CIA. On their latest mission to save the world, Ben and his friends face a conniving villain, assassins, pirates, sharks, and very big lizards in the most remote—and deadly—location of any spy school yet!
After a devious computer hacker pulls off the CIA’s worst-case scenario, shutting down power networks all over the world, Ben and his fellow spies-in-training are forced to make a harrowing emergency landing of their plane in Indonesia. While chaos begins to erupt around the planet, Ben deduces that his team is closer to the mysterious hacker’s base than anyone else. But with all computers and phones down, there’s no way to communicate with anyone at the CIA. On their latest mission to save the world, Ben and his friends face a conniving villain, assassins, pirates, sharks, and very big lizards in the most remote—and deadly—location of any spy school yet!
328 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2025
292 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 8, 2025
I absolutely adored this book! THAT ENDING- took me off guard . This is probably my all time favorite spy school book written so far especially with Erica and Ben.
Things that I liked:
The fact that there were no adults- I really want more with just the teenagers solving the crimes and problems, like having them work together without Cyrus getting in the way was my favorite thing in this book. I feel like we really got the characters to shine in their own ways and highlight their specialties.
Another was Erica in this book, I really feel like she shined especially due to the previous books where I felt like she acted a bit out of character. Like having her kick butt and still having some of her flaws show was one of my favorite parts. Plus I absolutely loved her interactions with Ben in this book especially the scene of her sneaking into the yacht with sharks and being the one that didn’t get caught.
OMG JAWA AND CHIP ARE BACK- i actually screamed and was freaking out- like I missed them so much
Also I loved how Svetlana played more of a side role. Like in previous books I feel like she was there to compete with Erica and be the perfect version- but having her show vulnerability and having fears made me like her way more in this book.
Ben was another amazing part, especially showing his doubt throughout it and wanting to help others but at the same time not wanting to get hurt was amazing for his character development.
Overall I have nothing negative to say about this book and think it’s my all time favorite in the series.
Also PLEASE have the adults step back in the next book too because I think that was the main reason this is the best book in the series
But this book is so good please read it!
Things that I liked:
The fact that there were no adults- I really want more with just the teenagers solving the crimes and problems, like having them work together without Cyrus getting in the way was my favorite thing in this book. I feel like we really got the characters to shine in their own ways and highlight their specialties.
Another was Erica in this book, I really feel like she shined especially due to the previous books where I felt like she acted a bit out of character. Like having her kick butt and still having some of her flaws show was one of my favorite parts. Plus I absolutely loved her interactions with Ben in this book especially the scene of her sneaking into the yacht with sharks and being the one that didn’t get caught.
OMG JAWA AND CHIP ARE BACK- i actually screamed and was freaking out- like I missed them so much
Also I loved how Svetlana played more of a side role. Like in previous books I feel like she was there to compete with Erica and be the perfect version- but having her show vulnerability and having fears made me like her way more in this book.
Ben was another amazing part, especially showing his doubt throughout it and wanting to help others but at the same time not wanting to get hurt was amazing for his character development.
Overall I have nothing negative to say about this book and think it’s my all time favorite in the series.
Also PLEASE have the adults step back in the next book too because I think that was the main reason this is the best book in the series
But this book is so good please read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. It's always fun to see the characters interact and face new challenges, and this installment has plenty of them. As always, Ben and Erica make a great duo, and I love every scene with them together. I found both of their internal struggles intriguing, and I wonder if Ben's challenges are leading him toward a specific direction within the CIA. It’s always fun to see Erica confront her emotions, especially regarding her complicated family dynamics. I also appreciated the added depth to Trixie's character. As always, I can't wait for the next one!
December 18, 2025
AMAZINGLY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 10, 2025
I had never picked up one of Stuart Gibbs’s Spy School adventures before, and wow, am I glad I finally did. These books are just plain fun!
The story is a fast-paced dive into the world of teen spies, with plenty of wild twists and over-the-top moments. What I really appreciated, though, is that the kids aren’t out there alone. Adult family members, both found and biological, play an important role, giving the book a nice balance of outrageous spy antics and real support systems.
Along the way, the story digs into themes of trust, friendship, and forgiveness—all while the characters are racing to stop the world from collapsing. And honestly, if you pause to imagine the main threat happening in real life, it’s kind of scary!
What makes it such a joy to read is that it never loses its sense of fun. I loved the silly, made-up words sprinkled throughout, which add a touch of whimsy and keep the tone light. It’s easy to see why this is the 13th book in the series. With its mix of action, heart, and humor, Spy School has everything needed to keep middle grade readers hooked—and plenty to keep adults entertained too.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Simon and Schuster Children’s publishing via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Since I primarily read ARCs, I focus on how I believe middle grade or children’s readers will respond. I sometimes round my rating up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, while doing my best not to let my own personal preferences weigh too heavily.
My Rating System for Middle Grade and Children’s Books
⭐️ 1 Star – Significant problems; I would not recommend it to the intended audience.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – A lot of trouble connecting with it; issues with prose or overall execution, though it may still hold some appeal.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – An okay read. I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend it, but it has value for young readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – A really enjoyable book! I would recommend it for the appropriate age or reading level.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Outstanding! I would highly recommend it, especially for classrooms or school programs as a great wide-spread reading
The story is a fast-paced dive into the world of teen spies, with plenty of wild twists and over-the-top moments. What I really appreciated, though, is that the kids aren’t out there alone. Adult family members, both found and biological, play an important role, giving the book a nice balance of outrageous spy antics and real support systems.
Along the way, the story digs into themes of trust, friendship, and forgiveness—all while the characters are racing to stop the world from collapsing. And honestly, if you pause to imagine the main threat happening in real life, it’s kind of scary!
What makes it such a joy to read is that it never loses its sense of fun. I loved the silly, made-up words sprinkled throughout, which add a touch of whimsy and keep the tone light. It’s easy to see why this is the 13th book in the series. With its mix of action, heart, and humor, Spy School has everything needed to keep middle grade readers hooked—and plenty to keep adults entertained too.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Simon and Schuster Children’s publishing via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Since I primarily read ARCs, I focus on how I believe middle grade or children’s readers will respond. I sometimes round my rating up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, while doing my best not to let my own personal preferences weigh too heavily.
My Rating System for Middle Grade and Children’s Books
⭐️ 1 Star – Significant problems; I would not recommend it to the intended audience.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – A lot of trouble connecting with it; issues with prose or overall execution, though it may still hold some appeal.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – An okay read. I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend it, but it has value for young readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – A really enjoyable book! I would recommend it for the appropriate age or reading level.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Outstanding! I would highly recommend it, especially for classrooms or school programs as a great wide-spread reading
November 28, 2025
Omg this book is sooo good. I can’t believe it leaves me off a cliffhanger. (Ik this is a kids book)
October 10, 2025
Loved this book immensely. The ending was brutal and now I cant wait for the next book.
August 5, 2025
ARC from NetGalley
I thought this was a well-written thirteenth installment in the series. The book's humor was consistent and very age-appropriate and the mystery was plotted well. Lots of little plot twists that keep the story interesting. It's also cool to see the characters continue to develop after so many books.
A lot of familiar faces made appearances and the story's setting in Indonesia was insightful to read about.
I thought this was a well-written thirteenth installment in the series. The book's humor was consistent and very age-appropriate and the mystery was plotted well. Lots of little plot twists that keep the story interesting. It's also cool to see the characters continue to develop after so many books.
A lot of familiar faces made appearances and the story's setting in Indonesia was insightful to read about.
June 6, 2025
My guy Gibbs been dragging this series for damn near 2 decades.
Give it up, used to be one of my favorite series but the last 3-4 books have all been buns, absolute no passion.
Never would I have thought when I was reading ski spy school 7 years ago that I would be begging Gibbs to end the series but come on man enough is enough.
Give it up, used to be one of my favorite series but the last 3-4 books have all been buns, absolute no passion.
Never would I have thought when I was reading ski spy school 7 years ago that I would be begging Gibbs to end the series but come on man enough is enough.
October 9, 2025
I loved this book. It was one of the best yet! The plot twist were EPIC!! I definitely couldnt believe how it all played out in the end, it was an INCREDIBLE ending! Absolutely NEED the next book, asap, like yesterday haha!
Review was written by my middle school daughter who devoured this advanced copy (thank you netgalley, in exchange for an honest review) in less than 24 hours!
Review was written by my middle school daughter who devoured this advanced copy (thank you netgalley, in exchange for an honest review) in less than 24 hours!
December 1, 2025
At this point, I'm just reading for the sake of reading a Spy School book. I'm not even sure why I bother...
Alrighty. Let's get some points down straight:
1. The gibberish computer terms. I LOVE programming, and I was so excited when this book was announced to be on the topic of cybersecurity and a global blackout. I was like, "Yay! I'll get to learn more about CIA's stance on cybersecurity, maybe pick up a few new terms along the way, it's gonna be so fun!" Suffice to say, I was disappointed. Apparently, because Ben doesn't understand any of the tech lingo and stuff like that, everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) that is remotely related to computer/programming terms is written this way: "Oh, I just have to flabberjack the glummel and then retrodixate the hammerquig, and that will fix the problem of ergopuriw!" They're all gibberish, and I was so so so disappointed.
2. Zoe and Svetlana. I mean, there was literally no reason to make Zoe lesbian except for the sake of subscribing to LGBTQ+ agenda, and while I do respectfully acknowledge those kind of books and avoid them out of personal preferences and beliefs, I'm still an avid reader who hugely dislikes it when things are added in just for the sake of being "inclusive" or "stereotypical." Like, I know we all hate it when blondes are always dumb, when the smart guy always is edged out, when authors write in characters of other ethnicities but somehow the Asians still always have glasses, when a problem is introduced into the story just so there's some resemblance of a climax, etc. I think you get my point. The worst part about the whole Zoe and Svetlana thing is this book. NOTHING is developed about Zoe and Svetlana in this book. They don't seem to have any sort of relationship other than team members, and while Mike and Trixie are starry-eyed over each other (and Ben and Erica find comfort in each other), Zoe and Svetlana aren't close (nor do they get closer) in this book any more than Erica and Mike are close. Sure, they talk, but it's always about the mission at hand. So that begs the question, why was this couple introduced?? I didn't even see a glimpse of LGBTQ+ stuff, which is just weird after you introduce this couple that apparently had love on first sight.
3. The whole bad guy thing was so horrible. Orion reminds me of a Murray Hill, except not as scheming. He was so lame, he basically was brilliant with computers and dumb with everything else. He was also whiny, which I hate in villains. If you're gonna be bad, be bad without complaining about the intricacies! He was also mega rich, which I personally didn't mind (sometimes rich people are rich because they earned it, you know!) but Spy School made it look like the fact that he was rich made him a bad guy.
4. I felt like Staurt Gibbs didn't really do his research on this book and instead was just cruising off fumes. This book had similar themes like "rich people spend too much money" and "a blackout is bad but also good cuz no light pollution" and "we need to save the environment!" And while I do agree to some extent with all of these, by this point I feel like Gibbs is just adding these into his story because he knows that generates reads.
Staurt Gibbs, I'm so disappointed. The plot was awful, the climax was a huge just anti-climax, the relationships weren't written well, the techincal jargon was blanked out, and honestly? This felt like a colossal waste of time. I'm not sure I'll read another Spy School release, other than the better previous ones.
Content: Clean. No cursing or explicit scenes. Nary a mention of LGBTQ+ stuff, which (again) was super confusing since I was expecting it.
Alrighty. Let's get some points down straight:
1. The gibberish computer terms. I LOVE programming, and I was so excited when this book was announced to be on the topic of cybersecurity and a global blackout. I was like, "Yay! I'll get to learn more about CIA's stance on cybersecurity, maybe pick up a few new terms along the way, it's gonna be so fun!" Suffice to say, I was disappointed. Apparently, because Ben doesn't understand any of the tech lingo and stuff like that, everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) that is remotely related to computer/programming terms is written this way: "Oh, I just have to flabberjack the glummel and then retrodixate the hammerquig, and that will fix the problem of ergopuriw!" They're all gibberish, and I was so so so disappointed.
2. Zoe and Svetlana. I mean, there was literally no reason to make Zoe lesbian except for the sake of subscribing to LGBTQ+ agenda, and while I do respectfully acknowledge those kind of books and avoid them out of personal preferences and beliefs, I'm still an avid reader who hugely dislikes it when things are added in just for the sake of being "inclusive" or "stereotypical." Like, I know we all hate it when blondes are always dumb, when the smart guy always is edged out, when authors write in characters of other ethnicities but somehow the Asians still always have glasses, when a problem is introduced into the story just so there's some resemblance of a climax, etc. I think you get my point. The worst part about the whole Zoe and Svetlana thing is this book. NOTHING is developed about Zoe and Svetlana in this book. They don't seem to have any sort of relationship other than team members, and while Mike and Trixie are starry-eyed over each other (and Ben and Erica find comfort in each other), Zoe and Svetlana aren't close (nor do they get closer) in this book any more than Erica and Mike are close. Sure, they talk, but it's always about the mission at hand. So that begs the question, why was this couple introduced?? I didn't even see a glimpse of LGBTQ+ stuff, which is just weird after you introduce this couple that apparently had love on first sight.
3. The whole bad guy thing was so horrible. Orion reminds me of a Murray Hill, except not as scheming. He was so lame, he basically was brilliant with computers and dumb with everything else. He was also whiny, which I hate in villains. If you're gonna be bad, be bad without complaining about the intricacies! He was also mega rich, which I personally didn't mind (sometimes rich people are rich because they earned it, you know!) but Spy School made it look like the fact that he was rich made him a bad guy.
4. I felt like Staurt Gibbs didn't really do his research on this book and instead was just cruising off fumes. This book had similar themes like "rich people spend too much money" and "a blackout is bad but also good cuz no light pollution" and "we need to save the environment!" And while I do agree to some extent with all of these, by this point I feel like Gibbs is just adding these into his story because he knows that generates reads.
Staurt Gibbs, I'm so disappointed. The plot was awful, the climax was a huge just anti-climax, the relationships weren't written well, the techincal jargon was blanked out, and honestly? This felt like a colossal waste of time. I'm not sure I'll read another Spy School release, other than the better previous ones.
Content: Clean. No cursing or explicit scenes. Nary a mention of LGBTQ+ stuff, which (again) was super confusing since I was expecting it.
October 14, 2025
How does Stuart Gibbs keep coming up with great ideas for this series? This time Ben Ripley and his fellow spy kids must save the world from a massive "birthday cake" attack that takes down the powergrid worldwide! Set in Indonesia involving Komodo dragons, super/mega yachts, scuba-diving with sharks, and loud rock music, readers won't be able to put this one down until the end.
October 15, 2025
Well worth the wait
I realized, as I started reading, that it had been a year since I had read the last one. And it was very nice. It was full of twists and turns that made all the first books so enjoyable. Great book, one of the best of the series.
I realized, as I started reading, that it had been a year since I had read the last one. And it was very nice. It was full of twists and turns that made all the first books so enjoyable. Great book, one of the best of the series.
October 11, 2025
The kids (ages 11 and 9) and I absolutely love the Spy School series! We have spent countless hours reading snd listening together through all of Ben and friends adventures!
I was delighted to received this ARC for the 13th Spy School book, Blackout! Once again, it does not disappoint!
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC!
I was delighted to received this ARC for the 13th Spy School book, Blackout! Once again, it does not disappoint!
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC!
October 23, 2025
I think this book was amazing! Like the Orion plot line, and unlike Spy School Goes Wild, this brings back Erica's more neutral personality, which really suites her. Now, about the Orion stuff. Orion's betrayal was sure quite surprising, but it was clever to name the only named hacker in the entire series. I liked Trixie in the book, and how they collectively agree that Erica is just worried about her safety. However, I did not really find the book interesting because as a Murray Hill fan, I am shocked that this is the first time he is not featured in a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
Always fun
November 11, 2025
i read this so fast, it was so suspenseful, I can't wait to hear the next
October 28, 2025
Audiobook
I love this series! The things that Ben and his friends get into are very entertaining. I liked how they were on their own and that Ben had to figure things out by himself. Already looking forward to the next book and can't wait to go back and listen to the audiobook!
I love this series! The things that Ben and his friends get into are very entertaining. I liked how they were on their own and that Ben had to figure things out by himself. Already looking forward to the next book and can't wait to go back and listen to the audiobook!
October 28, 2025
The Orion twist is so obvious, Gibbs could've just written it on the cover.
The attack and its effects in the book is impossible. There's just no way it would work.
The global power supply is not network. It's not like the internet. You can't just hack it and turn it off.
Hell, USA's power grid isn't even interconnected between its states.
And airports, especially major and international ones, have several airgapped backup systems in place to prevent the very event that kicks off the book. The main one being emergency generators that power the runway lights and the tower, which can't be turned off remotely. You physically have to turn them off.
The same goes for hospitals and emergency services in developed countries.
And cell towers have battery reserves incase of powerloss.
Yes, you can hack the grid in areas, or even entire countries, but on a global and complete level it's just not possible.
Also, Gibbs continues to replace tech talk with gibberish, probably because he's too lazy to consult someone.
He also claims to have interviewed actual CIA operatives about scenarios like Birthday Cake. But I'm pretty sure CIA is fully aware a global scenario is impossible.
The attack and its effects in the book is impossible. There's just no way it would work.
The global power supply is not network. It's not like the internet. You can't just hack it and turn it off.
Hell, USA's power grid isn't even interconnected between its states.
And airports, especially major and international ones, have several airgapped backup systems in place to prevent the very event that kicks off the book. The main one being emergency generators that power the runway lights and the tower, which can't be turned off remotely. You physically have to turn them off.
The same goes for hospitals and emergency services in developed countries.
And cell towers have battery reserves incase of powerloss.
Yes, you can hack the grid in areas, or even entire countries, but on a global and complete level it's just not possible.
Also, Gibbs continues to replace tech talk with gibberish, probably because he's too lazy to consult someone.
He also claims to have interviewed actual CIA operatives about scenarios like Birthday Cake. But I'm pretty sure CIA is fully aware a global scenario is impossible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
THE ENDINGGGGGGGG STOP I NEED SPY SCHOOL BLACKOUT PART TWO!!!!!
November 13, 2025
The author does a great job refreshing my memory of the plot and characters at the start of the book without being boring. I am grateful for the refresher bc it’s been a while since I read the last one. So don’t be shy to jump right in even if it’s been a while! The audiobooks of this series are just so entertaining! The narrator does such a great job. I love the random facts I learn about animals and remote places like Indonesia! I like the lessons that are learned too. I will appreciate electricity and be more aware of how reliant I am on it. As well as how reliant society is on it too! My son is obsessed with Komodo Dragons when I read this book so that part was highly entertaining too. I loved seeing old characters resurface and I can’t wait for the next book.
SPOILERS and book notes:
Decrease your digital footprint online!! Use privacy settings on social media! block cookies etc. Don’t over share on social media. The people in the plane going to the most populated island of Indonesia Java: Alexander, Cyrus, Mary (Cyrus wife) Hale. Mike and trixie and Zoe and Svetlana and Ben and Erica. They were on their way back from Africa Botswana from saving 14yo Ben. They are going to one of Orions house!! The super rich computer hacker!! I loved him! Problems in a blackout: can’t see the runway and no communication from the tower to other planes trying to land. NO fuel and have to land but can’t tell what is forest and what is grass. Traffic jams on roads bc stoplights stop working. “Korman’s Three Rules of Crisis Management: 1) Everyone on your team has specific strengths. Know what they are. 2) In an emergency, there is no time to question this. Trust your team. 3) Just in case rules 1 and 2 don’t work, it’s not a bad idea to wear an adult diaper at all times.” Someone blacked out the city by doing a cyber attack since everything is electronic now. Jk they blacked out the whole world! It’s good for bad guys and money bc now they can say we won’t turn it on unless you pay us. Giant fruit bats! And macaque monkeys!! I love Orian so much with his nerdiness and big smile!! NOOO!!! He is behind the blackouts!!!!! He is the bad guy!!! Boooooo!!! And the adults had left chasing another lead! Now they are trapped in his mansion!! He did it for more money bc he lost a ton to murry’s schemes. Not a bad guy necessarily. He likes his friends but chose money over them. He is feeding them to his pet Komodo dragons! (Chap 9 2:45) there are two in a pit. Dragons do anything bc they don’t eat people. They escape on three mopeds. Each couple sharing one!! A wounded angry macaque monkey is far more vicious than a Komodo dragon and attacked the bad guy chasing them when they threw papaya at her and then she hurt the monkey. Now they got a ride on a boat by fixing a teens tourist boat for him to attack Orian’s compound from the sea! Scuba diving!! Ben loves it! I love the on going joke that Ben complains about almost being eat by the Komodo dragons but everyone says they aren’t dangerous. Mike hates chaffing so he takes off his suit. The rules of hand to hand combat is that there are no rules. Use everything to your disposal. Sand, ANYTHING. JAWAW AND CHIP ARE BACK!!!! I missed them the last couple of books!!!! They showed up at orians place!!! They work for the Indonesians secret service bc jawaw is part Indonesian and part other ethnicities so he can blend in wherever. And chip is part from the Netherlands which colonized Indonesia. They are mad they got ditched. They are stealing a yacht and real pirates are trying to steal it too lol. Now they are scuba diving at night in open ocean!! And I am dying!! That is seriously my worst night mare. And orian put chum in the water all around his yacht so it is like a moat of sharks surrounding it!!! AW! But Erica gets in anyways bc she is a brave son of a cuss. And Ben fell into shark infested waters but the yacht sailed away so he had to swim to the beach and woke up naked lol. The natives live with no electricity. Very happy. His friends found him!!! They found a dead sperm whale that they are dragging behind their yacht now. Second biggest whale in the ocean. Bc of blubber and gases the whale floats for a while then it sinks. It feeds so many different animals. Oh good orian agrees to shut down birthday cake and asks for forgiveness! The escape!! The sinking of the yacht reminds me of the titanic!
SPOILERS and book notes:
Decrease your digital footprint online!! Use privacy settings on social media! block cookies etc. Don’t over share on social media. The people in the plane going to the most populated island of Indonesia Java: Alexander, Cyrus, Mary (Cyrus wife) Hale. Mike and trixie and Zoe and Svetlana and Ben and Erica. They were on their way back from Africa Botswana from saving 14yo Ben. They are going to one of Orions house!! The super rich computer hacker!! I loved him! Problems in a blackout: can’t see the runway and no communication from the tower to other planes trying to land. NO fuel and have to land but can’t tell what is forest and what is grass. Traffic jams on roads bc stoplights stop working. “Korman’s Three Rules of Crisis Management: 1) Everyone on your team has specific strengths. Know what they are. 2) In an emergency, there is no time to question this. Trust your team. 3) Just in case rules 1 and 2 don’t work, it’s not a bad idea to wear an adult diaper at all times.” Someone blacked out the city by doing a cyber attack since everything is electronic now. Jk they blacked out the whole world! It’s good for bad guys and money bc now they can say we won’t turn it on unless you pay us. Giant fruit bats! And macaque monkeys!! I love Orian so much with his nerdiness and big smile!! NOOO!!! He is behind the blackouts!!!!! He is the bad guy!!! Boooooo!!! And the adults had left chasing another lead! Now they are trapped in his mansion!! He did it for more money bc he lost a ton to murry’s schemes. Not a bad guy necessarily. He likes his friends but chose money over them. He is feeding them to his pet Komodo dragons! (Chap 9 2:45) there are two in a pit. Dragons do anything bc they don’t eat people. They escape on three mopeds. Each couple sharing one!! A wounded angry macaque monkey is far more vicious than a Komodo dragon and attacked the bad guy chasing them when they threw papaya at her and then she hurt the monkey. Now they got a ride on a boat by fixing a teens tourist boat for him to attack Orian’s compound from the sea! Scuba diving!! Ben loves it! I love the on going joke that Ben complains about almost being eat by the Komodo dragons but everyone says they aren’t dangerous. Mike hates chaffing so he takes off his suit. The rules of hand to hand combat is that there are no rules. Use everything to your disposal. Sand, ANYTHING. JAWAW AND CHIP ARE BACK!!!! I missed them the last couple of books!!!! They showed up at orians place!!! They work for the Indonesians secret service bc jawaw is part Indonesian and part other ethnicities so he can blend in wherever. And chip is part from the Netherlands which colonized Indonesia. They are mad they got ditched. They are stealing a yacht and real pirates are trying to steal it too lol. Now they are scuba diving at night in open ocean!! And I am dying!! That is seriously my worst night mare. And orian put chum in the water all around his yacht so it is like a moat of sharks surrounding it!!! AW! But Erica gets in anyways bc she is a brave son of a cuss. And Ben fell into shark infested waters but the yacht sailed away so he had to swim to the beach and woke up naked lol. The natives live with no electricity. Very happy. His friends found him!!! They found a dead sperm whale that they are dragging behind their yacht now. Second biggest whale in the ocean. Bc of blubber and gases the whale floats for a while then it sinks. It feeds so many different animals. Oh good orian agrees to shut down birthday cake and asks for forgiveness! The escape!! The sinking of the yacht reminds me of the titanic!
December 19, 2025
This was not one of the better books in the series.
I’ll start off by saying that I am in my mid teens so maybe some of my critiques are just because this book isn’t technically for my age group
also
I still read it because it was literally my favorite series during covid and even though I’m older than 12 I want to keep up with the characters and the plots are usually still nice to read but anyway…
1. The plot was poor: I’m not talking about the concept because the idea was fine it’s just how it was executed. First of all it was highly unrealistic, like even for the age group it’s directed at. Orion can turn every single power grid in every single country turn off with his computer… like really? Obviously spy school isn’t gonna have the most genius realistic plots but I feel like this one was crazy. Maybe it would’ve been different if it was just Indonesia, but the entire world including the top government agencies??? And the part when Chip and Jawa came in. The convenience is actually so unrealistic it’s funny. So they happen to both have Indonesian descent strong enough to join an “agency” and they happen to be at Orions house at the same time as them and all that… Like yes they were a loose end back in Project X but come on. But fine it’s not even too deep of an issue like the rest of what I’m going to say…
2. TOO MANY CHARACTERS: I’m not even laughing. In the earlier books, there were a couple, and aside from the action and adventure, we got funny moments with them, tender moments, and moments where we got to know them better. Now, with the amount of characters, especially teens, we as readers barely get to know them. The only characters with really any talking time aside from Ben is maybe more Erica, and then near to the end we get more Trixie (and Mike I guess). Throughout most of the story though because there are so many characters it’s like they were just given random lines so that we remember that they’re there. The biggest example of this is Svetlana. She was introduced into the series in Goes North, and it has been 2 books. All now I feel like I barely know anything about her. I literally couldn’t care less about her character, and she’s so random too… like an amazing trained Russian agent who defected and now she’s apart of the team and “dating” Zoe. I’m sorry but she doesn’t need to be there if we’re not gonna get anything from her. It’s not even the fact that she was introduced because the series has been going on for a while and fresh characters are nice, but at least do something with her please.
3. Characters not acting their ages: This might be a non issue but the characters aren’t talking or acting like how they should be for their age. And I’m not saying they should be cursing or whatever or acting inappropriate- the book doesn’t need that. I just mean for example the dialogue. I don’t have the book w me rn for me to give an example but some of the expressions they say, or even just regular sentences are just so childish like I’m crying. I understand the audience the book is going for, but as the books go on the characters are getting older. They’re around 14-16 and they still act pretty young like 12. Which is weird if they’re gonna keep aging up. They don’t have to say anything crazy but they could talk normally because Mike especially. Or like Chip (but I guess he’s supposed to be dumb). Even Orion. I get that he’s supposed to be nice and sweet but come on. But basically the characters act a little young, and bc of this they can’t keep aging up. Like maybe the year can take a bit longer or something. Altho I could be wrong because I don’t recall Ben having a birthday after 13 but I think ppl said he’s 14 now idk. But he could actually be 13 because I remember near to the end of the book when Trixie was complaining she said that she’s “the age Ben was when he got recruited” which would be 12 but that’s crazy (like how can she be 12). But if Ben is still 13 (tho I doubt it) that’s also crazy because Erica is 16 so. And here’s the thing. It’s not even that the characters can’t be 14-16 yk. Nancy Drew and her friends are 17-18 and the books are also 8-12 but they don’t act stupid yk?
I think those were the main issues though and it was all of those combined which is why this is 3 stars and I usually rate spy school 5. The second one is the biggest issue though, especially since it doesn’t have anything to do with age and it’s just the writing.
Like I said before the last one is probably just a me issue like if you’re 12 you probably won’t care.
And maybe I’m being hypocritical because yes I’m going to read the one coming out next yr. And no I’m not hating I still like the series.
But yh.
I’ll start off by saying that I am in my mid teens so maybe some of my critiques are just because this book isn’t technically for my age group
also
I still read it because it was literally my favorite series during covid and even though I’m older than 12 I want to keep up with the characters and the plots are usually still nice to read but anyway…
1. The plot was poor: I’m not talking about the concept because the idea was fine it’s just how it was executed. First of all it was highly unrealistic, like even for the age group it’s directed at. Orion can turn every single power grid in every single country turn off with his computer… like really? Obviously spy school isn’t gonna have the most genius realistic plots but I feel like this one was crazy. Maybe it would’ve been different if it was just Indonesia, but the entire world including the top government agencies??? And the part when Chip and Jawa came in. The convenience is actually so unrealistic it’s funny. So they happen to both have Indonesian descent strong enough to join an “agency” and they happen to be at Orions house at the same time as them and all that… Like yes they were a loose end back in Project X but come on. But fine it’s not even too deep of an issue like the rest of what I’m going to say…
2. TOO MANY CHARACTERS: I’m not even laughing. In the earlier books, there were a couple, and aside from the action and adventure, we got funny moments with them, tender moments, and moments where we got to know them better. Now, with the amount of characters, especially teens, we as readers barely get to know them. The only characters with really any talking time aside from Ben is maybe more Erica, and then near to the end we get more Trixie (and Mike I guess). Throughout most of the story though because there are so many characters it’s like they were just given random lines so that we remember that they’re there. The biggest example of this is Svetlana. She was introduced into the series in Goes North, and it has been 2 books. All now I feel like I barely know anything about her. I literally couldn’t care less about her character, and she’s so random too… like an amazing trained Russian agent who defected and now she’s apart of the team and “dating” Zoe. I’m sorry but she doesn’t need to be there if we’re not gonna get anything from her. It’s not even the fact that she was introduced because the series has been going on for a while and fresh characters are nice, but at least do something with her please.
3. Characters not acting their ages: This might be a non issue but the characters aren’t talking or acting like how they should be for their age. And I’m not saying they should be cursing or whatever or acting inappropriate- the book doesn’t need that. I just mean for example the dialogue. I don’t have the book w me rn for me to give an example but some of the expressions they say, or even just regular sentences are just so childish like I’m crying. I understand the audience the book is going for, but as the books go on the characters are getting older. They’re around 14-16 and they still act pretty young like 12. Which is weird if they’re gonna keep aging up. They don’t have to say anything crazy but they could talk normally because Mike especially. Or like Chip (but I guess he’s supposed to be dumb). Even Orion. I get that he’s supposed to be nice and sweet but come on. But basically the characters act a little young, and bc of this they can’t keep aging up. Like maybe the year can take a bit longer or something. Altho I could be wrong because I don’t recall Ben having a birthday after 13 but I think ppl said he’s 14 now idk. But he could actually be 13 because I remember near to the end of the book when Trixie was complaining she said that she’s “the age Ben was when he got recruited” which would be 12 but that’s crazy (like how can she be 12). But if Ben is still 13 (tho I doubt it) that’s also crazy because Erica is 16 so. And here’s the thing. It’s not even that the characters can’t be 14-16 yk. Nancy Drew and her friends are 17-18 and the books are also 8-12 but they don’t act stupid yk?
I think those were the main issues though and it was all of those combined which is why this is 3 stars and I usually rate spy school 5. The second one is the biggest issue though, especially since it doesn’t have anything to do with age and it’s just the writing.
Like I said before the last one is probably just a me issue like if you’re 12 you probably won’t care.
And maybe I’m being hypocritical because yes I’m going to read the one coming out next yr. And no I’m not hating I still like the series.
But yh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
The Hales and the Spy School remaining students plus Trixie are seeking a bit of rest and relaxation to recover from their adventures in Africa, so they are taking Orion up on his offer to use his Indonesian beach house for a bit. But as their plane comes over Indonesian airspace Alexander Hale loses the airport, and not due to any incompetence on his part. The land is suddenly dark, the group realizes there must be a power outage, and they have to make an emergency landing. As they make their way to Orion’s place, they realize this isn’t just any local power outage, it is a worldwide event done by a hacker who is demanding a ransom from various governments to turn the power back on. As Ben, Erica, Mike, Zoe, Zvetlana, Trixie, and the adults witness the local beach town society descend into chaos, they can only imagine how things are playing out in bigger cities around the world. The adults head off to chase one lead, only for the kids to realize after they depart they were sent off chasing a red herring. The culprit is much closer. With limited electricity and tech, can they find the person responsible and bring the world power grid back online?
This was an exciting new adventure for the spy school kids to face. I really liked the Java, Indonesia setting. The way Gibbs worked some Komodo dragons into the plot was fantastic and provided several moments of comic relief. The adventure has Trixie and Erica finally address their feelings about one being the chosen spy and one being the one chosen to be a normal, and Trixie more than proves she is 100% a Hale. Jawa and Chip manage to make their way into this story. I won’t say how, but it was fun to have them along for the ride. The book really highlights how dependent we are on technology these days, and the plot scenario is one that was given to Gibbs by CIA analysts who want readers to be aware of such threats. I liked how the setting and scenario really gave Ben, Erica, and Trixie especially moments to shine with their innate skills. This was my favorite Spy School adventure in a while.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There are moments of peril, but no one is seriously hurt. Some car crashes after a chase scene, but everyone walks away. Some people battered around in a shipwreck. There’s a run-in with armed pirates, but some twisted arms and well-placed kicks are all that result.
Ethnic diversity: White American, white British, Indian (Asian) American, white Russian, Indonesian
LGBTQ+ content: In previous books Zoe & Zvetlana are said to be dating. That isn’t even mentioned in this book.
Other: Greedy people disrupt society and cause mass world-wide panic/chaos. Looting and other issues in cities are mentioned but not described. The kids are worried about family members and wonder if they have enough food and water and safety in the blackout. Some sibling jealousy is worked out.
This was an exciting new adventure for the spy school kids to face. I really liked the Java, Indonesia setting. The way Gibbs worked some Komodo dragons into the plot was fantastic and provided several moments of comic relief. The adventure has Trixie and Erica finally address their feelings about one being the chosen spy and one being the one chosen to be a normal, and Trixie more than proves she is 100% a Hale. Jawa and Chip manage to make their way into this story. I won’t say how, but it was fun to have them along for the ride. The book really highlights how dependent we are on technology these days, and the plot scenario is one that was given to Gibbs by CIA analysts who want readers to be aware of such threats. I liked how the setting and scenario really gave Ben, Erica, and Trixie especially moments to shine with their innate skills. This was my favorite Spy School adventure in a while.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There are moments of peril, but no one is seriously hurt. Some car crashes after a chase scene, but everyone walks away. Some people battered around in a shipwreck. There’s a run-in with armed pirates, but some twisted arms and well-placed kicks are all that result.
Ethnic diversity: White American, white British, Indian (Asian) American, white Russian, Indonesian
LGBTQ+ content: In previous books Zoe & Zvetlana are said to be dating. That isn’t even mentioned in this book.
Other: Greedy people disrupt society and cause mass world-wide panic/chaos. Looting and other issues in cities are mentioned but not described. The kids are worried about family members and wonder if they have enough food and water and safety in the blackout. Some sibling jealousy is worked out.
November 26, 2025
Objectively, this book was good. Not bad, not incredible, just good.
I'll start off with the bad:
I have been reading this series for about seven years now. The books just keep coming with no coherent storyline between them. It doesn't really feel like a series the way the first seven books did. Instead, it feels like some kind of sitcom or something. Maybe it's because I'm older now, but the first few books in this series were so vivid and new. I still like to reread the first seven sometimes, they're just that good! But everything after at Sea... yikes. Very repetitive. Nothing new is happening. I think nuking the Academy of Espionage was a horrible mistake.
Also, Murray not being in a book is SO weird. I don't know how I feel about it. It feels like a little whimsy was lost.
Okay, now, despite all that, I did mention that this book was good. It is. I think the plot was very creative, and I've been loving the gradual character development that some characters have been going through in these recent books! Additionally, the premise is something new and interesting. But I do feel like the boat thing was kind of done and over with in at Sea. And the whole "disaster in paradise" trope was done in Goes South. It does feel like some ideas are being recycled and reused.
The ending also promises that the next book's plot will directly connect to the plot of this one, so I hope that the books tying into one another again will make things a little better.
In conclusion, I think this book wasn't too bad. Certainly way better than Goes North, but not as good as Goes Wild. I will be reading the next book because I need to keep up with the characters after reading thirteen whole books about them 😭😭😭
I'll start off with the bad:
I have been reading this series for about seven years now. The books just keep coming with no coherent storyline between them. It doesn't really feel like a series the way the first seven books did. Instead, it feels like some kind of sitcom or something. Maybe it's because I'm older now, but the first few books in this series were so vivid and new. I still like to reread the first seven sometimes, they're just that good! But everything after at Sea... yikes. Very repetitive. Nothing new is happening. I think nuking the Academy of Espionage was a horrible mistake.
Also, Murray not being in a book is SO weird. I don't know how I feel about it. It feels like a little whimsy was lost.
Okay, now, despite all that, I did mention that this book was good. It is. I think the plot was very creative, and I've been loving the gradual character development that some characters have been going through in these recent books! Additionally, the premise is something new and interesting. But I do feel like the boat thing was kind of done and over with in at Sea. And the whole "disaster in paradise" trope was done in Goes South. It does feel like some ideas are being recycled and reused.
The ending also promises that the next book's plot will directly connect to the plot of this one, so I hope that the books tying into one another again will make things a little better.
In conclusion, I think this book wasn't too bad. Certainly way better than Goes North, but not as good as Goes Wild. I will be reading the next book because I need to keep up with the characters after reading thirteen whole books about them 😭😭😭
June 15, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Ben still just wants a little bit of a time out after having had over 150 near death experiences, so he's glad to be heading to the home of Orion, a hacker who has invited them to stay at one of his many homes, this one in Indonesia. Alexander Hale is flying there on one of Rufus Shang's jets, that he won't need because the group has put him in jail. Everyone is along for the ride- Cyrus and Mary, Alexander (although Catherine is elsewhere), Erica, Trixie, Mike, and Svetlana. When a hacker deploys a "Birthday Cake" maneuver, all of the lights are out, and the jet has to land in a less than optimal way. The group narrowly manages to get to Orion's, where there are back up generators, but Cathering wants them to help solve the problem of who is messing with the world power. What do they want? Unfortunately for Ben, he has to press pause on his idyllic vacation since the group is near the hacker. Cue up near death experiences 160-175 as Ben and his classmates have to save the world YET AGAIN.
I snorted audibly several times while reading this, and is was a very fun romp. I always enjoys these, and I do buy them for my school library, but we are getting to the point in the series where students aren't necessarily going to be able to finish the entire series in their three years in middle school. Gibbs is a fantastic writer, but I'd love to see him move away from Spy School and Fun Jungle to do some stand alone mysteries so that my students who don't want to commit to 14 books can experience Gibbs' talents.
Ben still just wants a little bit of a time out after having had over 150 near death experiences, so he's glad to be heading to the home of Orion, a hacker who has invited them to stay at one of his many homes, this one in Indonesia. Alexander Hale is flying there on one of Rufus Shang's jets, that he won't need because the group has put him in jail. Everyone is along for the ride- Cyrus and Mary, Alexander (although Catherine is elsewhere), Erica, Trixie, Mike, and Svetlana. When a hacker deploys a "Birthday Cake" maneuver, all of the lights are out, and the jet has to land in a less than optimal way. The group narrowly manages to get to Orion's, where there are back up generators, but Cathering wants them to help solve the problem of who is messing with the world power. What do they want? Unfortunately for Ben, he has to press pause on his idyllic vacation since the group is near the hacker. Cue up near death experiences 160-175 as Ben and his classmates have to save the world YET AGAIN.
I snorted audibly several times while reading this, and is was a very fun romp. I always enjoys these, and I do buy them for my school library, but we are getting to the point in the series where students aren't necessarily going to be able to finish the entire series in their three years in middle school. Gibbs is a fantastic writer, but I'd love to see him move away from Spy School and Fun Jungle to do some stand alone mysteries so that my students who don't want to commit to 14 books can experience Gibbs' talents.
October 6, 2025
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.
Ben and his team are finally getting a break. After being kidnapped and taking down yet another Shang, they go off to Indonesia for some much needed relaxation team. But wouldn't you know it, right as they were about to land, the entire city suffers a blackout. But it wasn't only their city, or even the whole country, it was the whole world! Can they get the power back on before the world ends?
Holy buckets, this book was so fast paced. Normally, with a Spy School book, there are tiny amounts of breaks between all the nearly dying, but not this time. There was just near death experience after near death experience, and I found it highly amusing that Ben has been counting them! I really love watching Erica grow (with some occasional set-backs, she really isn't built for emotions, but she sure is trying), and Trixie is quickly becoming my new favorite character, she is crushing it at the encyclopedic knowledge.
This is a great book to continue the Spy School series, it's still one of my favorite middle grade series to recommend.
Ben and his team are finally getting a break. After being kidnapped and taking down yet another Shang, they go off to Indonesia for some much needed relaxation team. But wouldn't you know it, right as they were about to land, the entire city suffers a blackout. But it wasn't only their city, or even the whole country, it was the whole world! Can they get the power back on before the world ends?
Holy buckets, this book was so fast paced. Normally, with a Spy School book, there are tiny amounts of breaks between all the nearly dying, but not this time. There was just near death experience after near death experience, and I found it highly amusing that Ben has been counting them! I really love watching Erica grow (with some occasional set-backs, she really isn't built for emotions, but she sure is trying), and Trixie is quickly becoming my new favorite character, she is crushing it at the encyclopedic knowledge.
This is a great book to continue the Spy School series, it's still one of my favorite middle grade series to recommend.
December 20, 2025
It’s not like I hated this book. I just didn’t love it and that’s depressing knowing that this is a Spy School book.
First off, this book feels like a plot that has been in every single one of these books. Something happens, a friend betrays them, and then Ben and Erica are magically the only ones who can stop it. And I’ve eaten up that plot every single time. However this time it felt flat.
I know this is a kids book, but there’s absolutely no progression in this romance. Like please go somewhere with it even if it’s small. The best we got in this one was a quick hug and a hand squeeze.
Another reason why this book seemed a little sad is that Catherine and Alexander (the best characters) were pushed to the side! They were barely in it. I need their dynamic again!
All things considered, I do need to take into consideration that this is a middle grade book and it therefore may remain shallow, but I believe Stuart Gibbs can do it! I know I can enjoy these books even as an older audience, I have before!
No hate, just disappointed.
First off, this book feels like a plot that has been in every single one of these books. Something happens, a friend betrays them, and then Ben and Erica are magically the only ones who can stop it. And I’ve eaten up that plot every single time. However this time it felt flat.
I know this is a kids book, but there’s absolutely no progression in this romance. Like please go somewhere with it even if it’s small. The best we got in this one was a quick hug and a hand squeeze.
Another reason why this book seemed a little sad is that Catherine and Alexander (the best characters) were pushed to the side! They were barely in it. I need their dynamic again!
All things considered, I do need to take into consideration that this is a middle grade book and it therefore may remain shallow, but I believe Stuart Gibbs can do it! I know I can enjoy these books even as an older audience, I have before!
No hate, just disappointed.
August 27, 2025
Spy School: Blackout is tense, funny, and full of surprises. From the very beginning, the story moves at a fast pace, keeping you on your toes and making it hard to put down. Just when you think things are calming down, something new and unexpected happens.
One of the best parts of the book is how the kids once again have to step up and save the world. It’s exciting to see Ben, Erica, and the rest of the team handle situations that even adults can’t figure out, and they do it with a mix of bravery, humor, and clever thinking.
Stuart Gibbs does a great job balancing suspense with comedy, making this a fun but thrilling read. If you’re a fan of the Spy School series, you won’t be disappointed.
One of the best parts of the book is how the kids once again have to step up and save the world. It’s exciting to see Ben, Erica, and the rest of the team handle situations that even adults can’t figure out, and they do it with a mix of bravery, humor, and clever thinking.
Stuart Gibbs does a great job balancing suspense with comedy, making this a fun but thrilling read. If you’re a fan of the Spy School series, you won’t be disappointed.
November 2, 2025
Honestly I didn’t expect anything that happened in this book everything was so well written and put together but the most mind boggling thing was that cliffhanger at the end it was so sudden I mean yes i thought about the rest of the games the entire mission but i didn’t think something really bad would happen i kinda hoped Ben and Erica could have a moment after everything that happened, i wouldn’t have expected that the others would get trapped in the screening room i just hoped they would just get out and go on the life rafts but wow it was an amazing book and Stuart Gibbs is definitely my favorite author ever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
This book wasn't as dramatic as the previous titles in the Spy School series, but the ending has a twist from the usual "happy sunsets" theme. What I didn't like: Murray Hill is only mentioned but doesn't break out of jail or something to get in Ben's way, and vintage arcade machines explode. I did like (spoiler coming) how, I shouldn't be reading much more of this, though.
November 27, 2025
Like its predecessors, Spy School Blackout was a pretty engaging installment in the series. It was funny, captivating, and had all the key qualities of a good Spy School novel. But at this point, everything is just getting a little cliche. The plot line, the development, and the resolution have all been used to death over the last twelve books in the series, and it needs some rest. The marine aspect to this story was interesting as we haven't had anything like it since "At Sea", but it was still mostly a textbook Spy School formula. We need some deviation from the standards here!
Overall, though, a solid Book 13. Rating: 4.3 / 5
Overall, though, a solid Book 13. Rating: 4.3 / 5
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