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Spy School #13
Spy School Blackout
In the thirteenth book in Stuart Gibbs’s New York Times bestselling Spy School series, 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!
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2025
338 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 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!
people-reading-in-public
January 4, 2026Middle-grade-aged oldest sister in a purple hoodie with three younger siblings and her parents eating lunch at the dolphin tiki bar & grille —new yrs eve
December 18, 2025
AMAZINGLY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 4, 2026
I literally was saying how I want a book to be set in Indonesia and then this book was set Indonesia! Super cool!
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 10, 2025
Loved this book immensely. The ending was brutal and now I cant wait for the next book.
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
November 11, 2025
i read this so fast, it was so suspenseful, I can't wait to hear the next
November 29, 2025
Always fun
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!
Read
January 22, 2026not as good as his other books
January 20, 2026
amaizng
amazingsnfnvfisnvsnivnnvi scdsi f f f. d d d d d d d d d d d d d dd d d d uni
amazingsnfnvfisnvsnivnnvi scdsi f f f. d d d d d d d d d d d d d dd d d d uni
February 1, 2026
Really enjoyed this one. I used to be so disappointed and angry when Murray came in EVERY BOOK! But he didn’t come and I kinda miss his annoyingness. But this book had really good twists and turns, didn’t expect Orion to betray them. The storyline had me interested the whole book. We got to learn a lot more about Trixie and Erica’s relationship. And Chip and Jawa returned! I was so sad when I figured out they weren’t going to continue training, I was so ridiculously happy when they came back. I loved this one and I’m excited for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
Always enjoy the adventures of Ben Ripley and his crew.
January 6, 2026
Guilty pleasure
January 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.25 stars
~This book was great, but I don’t think this series will ever end….~
~This book was great, but I don’t think this series will ever end….~
November 4, 2025
THE ENDINGGGGGGGG STOP I NEED SPY SCHOOL BLACKOUT PART TWO!!!!!
December 16, 2025
The only thing to dislike about this book is that I'm officially caught up on the series and I will have to wait a while for book #14 to be released. I loved the returning characters and seeing the adventures focus more on the students than the Hale family (not that I don't love the Hale family, but it is nice to be reminded of the individual skillsets of the students). I hope Trixie continues to be part of the crew.
October 17, 2025
Another solid installment in this long running series! The last two have done a good job pulling back some of the stakes while still keeping the things in crisis mode. I appreciated that both the last two big issues did not invite blowing up the world (ha!). I do really enjoy the audiobook narrator, but part of me hopes that Gibbs decides to wrap this series up and start a new one (or even a spin-off!).
November 2, 2025
This book and series was super cool because after Ben and the rest of crews previous mission they're in this small town and the power is shut down. It's really cool because the characters are really good and the whole worlds power is shut down for about two weeks. I recommend you read the 12 books that come before it first. This is one of my favorite series because it's really dramatic, and involves a lot of action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews