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City Spies #7
Europa
In this seventh installment in the New York Times bestselling series from Edgar Award winner James Ponti, the young group of spies work to prevent a dangerous criminal from escaping prison in another international adventure perfect for fans of Spy School and Charlie Thorne.
The City Spies are ready to start fresh with a new home, new schools, and a new directive now that Clementine has come in from the cold and Le Fantôme has been put behind bars. But their plans are put into jeopardy when Umbra threatens to attack multiple high-level targets across Europe unless he is released from prison. With intel leading them to Rome, Paris, London, and Amsterdam, the City Spies split up and race across the continent solving codes and chasing clues in an effort to thwart the attacks. With so many moving parts, the City Spies are going to have pull out all the stops if they have any chance to succeed at this latest mission.
The City Spies are ready to start fresh with a new home, new schools, and a new directive now that Clementine has come in from the cold and Le Fantôme has been put behind bars. But their plans are put into jeopardy when Umbra threatens to attack multiple high-level targets across Europe unless he is released from prison. With intel leading them to Rome, Paris, London, and Amsterdam, the City Spies split up and race across the continent solving codes and chasing clues in an effort to thwart the attacks. With so many moving parts, the City Spies are going to have pull out all the stops if they have any chance to succeed at this latest mission.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2026
About the author
James Ponti
61 books1,591 followersJames Ponti is the New York Times Bestselling author of three Middle Grade book series: the DEAD CITY trilogy about a secret society that polices the undead who live beneath New York City; the Edgar Award-winning FRAMED! series about a pair of Sherlockian tweens who solve mysteries in Washington, D.C.; and the all-new CITY SPIES about an unlikely squad of five kids from around the world who form an elite MI6 spy team.
James grew up in Atlantic Beach, Florida and lives in Orlando. He's a die hard fan of the Boston Red Sox, the USC Trojans, and the Italian National Soccer Team. He loves travel, writing, and spending time with his amazing family.
James grew up in Atlantic Beach, Florida and lives in Orlando. He's a die hard fan of the Boston Red Sox, the USC Trojans, and the Italian National Soccer Team. He loves travel, writing, and spending time with his amazing family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 16, 2026
I am very excited for the next book in a fantastic series!
February 14, 2026
i adored this. it’s so Sydney’s book, and it really has a lot of emotional depth that i didn’t expect. i did in fact cry during some of it… three times. loved it so much, and my first 5 star of the year!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In "Europa," the seventh installment of James Ponti's "City Spies," the action never seems to slow down.
Fresh off their last adventure, "London Calling," the team — Paris, Brooklyn, Sydney, Kat, Rio and Cairo — have been relocated to a safe house in London. They're ready for a new home, new schools and a new directive from M16 now that "Le Fantome" Lucian Allard has been put behind bars.
But Allard, leader of Umbra, M16's rival spy agency, isn't planning to cool his jets in Great Britain's highest security prison for too long. Before the team can settle in, M16 intercepts a cryptic message from Allard to Umbra — one that involves rogue agent Clementine (who is now in witness protection). The City Spies quickly figure out that the coded message, which calls for bombs to go off at two train stations, isn't pointing to London's terminals but to those in Paris. The team, with handlers/guardians Mother and Monty in tow, heads to Paris to help avert a crisis, only to soon realize the attacks aren't planned for the stations, but the location above — the Musee D'Orsay.
Unable to foil Umbra's attack completely, the team retreats to London to regroup. But Allard isn't resting on his laurels. Soon, another cryptic message is sent via a burner phone, this time targeting four different European locations. The clues split up the team as they race across Europe, to museums featuring works of Degas, Rembrandt, Raphael and J.W. Turner, as they try to solve the latest message and save the day.
Full of action, the newest addition to the "City Spies" series is sure to please fans of this ongoing series. Not only is the book fast-paced, but it's also full of cultural facts. Did you know that the artist Vincent van Gogh once had a studio two doors down from the artist Edgar Degas? The name of Rembrandt's largest painting? Or the burial place of Raphael? Berkshire-based readers might delight in knowing that a version of Degas' sculpture, Little Dancer of Fourteen Years, seen during the scene in the Musée d'Orsay, can be viewed at The Clark Art Institute. In addition, works by Rembrandt and Turner can also be viewed at the Williamstown museum.
There's also some wonderful lessons about teamwork and responsibility tucked into this middle-grade reader. When Sydney fails to listen to her handlers and moves forward with trying to diffuse a paint bomb on her own, there are serious real-world consequences for her and her teammate, Paris. Later, the reader is able to see how the consequences of her actions inform her decision-making and leadership skills in a similar situation.
Brilliantly written for ages 8 to 12, this series allows kids to experience what it would take to be a spy, which, in this case, includes a great set of research skills and knowledge of art, literature and soccer. Knowledge, after all, is power.
Fresh off their last adventure, "London Calling," the team — Paris, Brooklyn, Sydney, Kat, Rio and Cairo — have been relocated to a safe house in London. They're ready for a new home, new schools and a new directive from M16 now that "Le Fantome" Lucian Allard has been put behind bars.
But Allard, leader of Umbra, M16's rival spy agency, isn't planning to cool his jets in Great Britain's highest security prison for too long. Before the team can settle in, M16 intercepts a cryptic message from Allard to Umbra — one that involves rogue agent Clementine (who is now in witness protection). The City Spies quickly figure out that the coded message, which calls for bombs to go off at two train stations, isn't pointing to London's terminals but to those in Paris. The team, with handlers/guardians Mother and Monty in tow, heads to Paris to help avert a crisis, only to soon realize the attacks aren't planned for the stations, but the location above — the Musee D'Orsay.
Unable to foil Umbra's attack completely, the team retreats to London to regroup. But Allard isn't resting on his laurels. Soon, another cryptic message is sent via a burner phone, this time targeting four different European locations. The clues split up the team as they race across Europe, to museums featuring works of Degas, Rembrandt, Raphael and J.W. Turner, as they try to solve the latest message and save the day.
Full of action, the newest addition to the "City Spies" series is sure to please fans of this ongoing series. Not only is the book fast-paced, but it's also full of cultural facts. Did you know that the artist Vincent van Gogh once had a studio two doors down from the artist Edgar Degas? The name of Rembrandt's largest painting? Or the burial place of Raphael? Berkshire-based readers might delight in knowing that a version of Degas' sculpture, Little Dancer of Fourteen Years, seen during the scene in the Musée d'Orsay, can be viewed at The Clark Art Institute. In addition, works by Rembrandt and Turner can also be viewed at the Williamstown museum.
There's also some wonderful lessons about teamwork and responsibility tucked into this middle-grade reader. When Sydney fails to listen to her handlers and moves forward with trying to diffuse a paint bomb on her own, there are serious real-world consequences for her and her teammate, Paris. Later, the reader is able to see how the consequences of her actions inform her decision-making and leadership skills in a similar situation.
Brilliantly written for ages 8 to 12, this series allows kids to experience what it would take to be a spy, which, in this case, includes a great set of research skills and knowledge of art, literature and soccer. Knowledge, after all, is power.
June 1, 2026
May 2026:
I admire James Ponti for writing books like Carmen Sandiago games that are both super fun, but teach you something. This book still is not one of my favorites of the series, but it's got a lot to love. One of the few things I dislike is Mother is very insistent that they are ALL a family, but when talking to Anne, he always says "your brother" referring to Cairo, like he's the only one, but is frustrated when the kids act like they are not all siblings.
But, these books feature an epic thing: an epic platonic guy/girl friendship between Monty and Mother. They act as the parents for the team, but they are both very comfortable, but not weird with each other. I love it.
Also this series has something else, there is no clear favorite kid. And all the girls are written like real people, and awesome ones at that. Do you know how rare that is?? The boys think the girls are awesome, and the girls think the guys ars awesome, and none of it is shoved in your face.
OG review: I loved the focus on Paris and Sydneys sibling dynamic in this book!
The mind game puzzles were not really my thing, so it's not one of my favorites in the series, but I still enjoyed it. The only sad thing is how long I have to wait to figure out what happens next.
I admire James Ponti for writing books like Carmen Sandiago games that are both super fun, but teach you something. This book still is not one of my favorites of the series, but it's got a lot to love. One of the few things I dislike is Mother is very insistent that they are ALL a family, but when talking to Anne, he always says "your brother" referring to Cairo, like he's the only one, but is frustrated when the kids act like they are not all siblings.
But, these books feature an epic thing: an epic platonic guy/girl friendship between Monty and Mother. They act as the parents for the team, but they are both very comfortable, but not weird with each other. I love it.
Also this series has something else, there is no clear favorite kid. And all the girls are written like real people, and awesome ones at that. Do you know how rare that is?? The boys think the girls are awesome, and the girls think the guys ars awesome, and none of it is shoved in your face.
OG review: I loved the focus on Paris and Sydneys sibling dynamic in this book!
The mind game puzzles were not really my thing, so it's not one of my favorites in the series, but I still enjoyed it. The only sad thing is how long I have to wait to figure out what happens next.
March 6, 2026
Imagine Mission Impossible meets The Da Vinci Code, but with a "found family" that you actually want to hang out with. The setting shifts across Europe—from the rainy streets of London to the sun-drenched ruins in Rome—and Ponti describes them so well I felt like I needed a passport just to finish the chapter.
Why I Loved It:
The "Umbra" Threat: They feel like a shadow that’s always one step ahead, which kept me turning pages until 2:00 AM.
The Riddles: I’m a sucker for a good code. I actually had to put the book down a few times to see if I could solve the Shakespearean clues before the characters did. (Spoiler: They are much smarter than I am).
Final Verdict
This is peak Middle Grade fiction. It’s smart, it’s fast, and it never treats its readers like they can’t keep up with complex history or politics. Whether you’ve been following the team since Scotland or you’re just getting started, Europa is an absolute triumph.
Favorite Quote: "Being a spy isn't about being invisible; it's about being the person everyone sees but no one notices."
Why I Loved It:
The "Umbra" Threat: They feel like a shadow that’s always one step ahead, which kept me turning pages until 2:00 AM.
The Riddles: I’m a sucker for a good code. I actually had to put the book down a few times to see if I could solve the Shakespearean clues before the characters did. (Spoiler: They are much smarter than I am).
Final Verdict
This is peak Middle Grade fiction. It’s smart, it’s fast, and it never treats its readers like they can’t keep up with complex history or politics. Whether you’ve been following the team since Scotland or you’re just getting started, Europa is an absolute triumph.
Favorite Quote: "Being a spy isn't about being invisible; it's about being the person everyone sees but no one notices."
February 26, 2026
I read the first half of this as slowly as possible, both trying to make it last and waiting for the audiobook my daughter was listening to. I loved this 7th installment so much!
Now that these characters have been together for nearly two years, the reader has gotten to see so much growth, and that aspect was so awesome to see in this book. No spoilers at all, but the threads through each book in City Spies are teamwork, family (especially found family), messiness of real life, and ultimately love. The mysteries are clever and not super scary but exciting without being full of plot holes. And I love that the reader has the chance to figure them out along the way.
The narrator, Lisa Flannigan, is a favorite and I have just loved her voices throughout the series. When I was reading without the audiobook I could hear each character in my head.
So glad that there will be more!
Now that these characters have been together for nearly two years, the reader has gotten to see so much growth, and that aspect was so awesome to see in this book. No spoilers at all, but the threads through each book in City Spies are teamwork, family (especially found family), messiness of real life, and ultimately love. The mysteries are clever and not super scary but exciting without being full of plot holes. And I love that the reader has the chance to figure them out along the way.
The narrator, Lisa Flannigan, is a favorite and I have just loved her voices throughout the series. When I was reading without the audiobook I could hear each character in my head.
So glad that there will be more!
February 24, 2026
Wow, ok! I seriously thought this was going to be the last City Spies book.... I no longer think this is going to be the last City Spies book! 😂
Anyway, Europa was of course, amazing! James Ponti never disappoints! ❤️
Anyway, Europa was of course, amazing! James Ponti never disappoints! ❤️
June 23, 2026
𝙲𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚎𝚜
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝟽- 𝙴𝚞𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚊
🌍 🔎 🕵️♀️
𝙿𝚛𝚎-𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍
eeekkkk im so excited for this one! i re-read the entire series when i found out this book 📕 existed because i had forgotten 😐 everything…. but i have HIGH expectations for this book 📖. and i just realised book 8 is coming in january!!! the cover is one of the coolest by far and i can’t wait 🎉
AMAAAAZIING! (full review coming soon!)
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝟽- 𝙴𝚞𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚊
🌍 🔎 🕵️♀️
𝙿𝚛𝚎-𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍
eeekkkk im so excited for this one! i re-read the entire series when i found out this book 📕 existed because i had forgotten 😐 everything…. but i have HIGH expectations for this book 📖. and i just realised book 8 is coming in january!!! the cover is one of the coolest by far and i can’t wait 🎉
AMAAAAZIING! (full review coming soon!)
February 24, 2026
I absolutely love every book in this series. THE FOUND FAMILY???? Top tier, let me tell you.
I don't know how the author is capable of writing such plot-twisty, spy, MI6, MI5, confusing, adventurous, clue-dependent stories. I would be losing my mind trying to figure out when to reveal which clue, when certain things should be found, etc. LOSING MY MIND, I tell you.
I love all of the characters in this book, and my only complaint would be that the ending felt cut off. I need to know more about how everything worked out with the family! And poor Paris! Despite how strong he is, he should be upset, right? But we didn't see that, so I don't know... And also what happened to Lucien? He was kind of left hanging. Maybe we're not aloud to know, I don't know... Also at times the plot was a little hard to keep up with but that might just have been me getting distracted XD!!
All of these books are great and I'm so sad this is the last one in the series. I want more! Guess I'll just have to reread the other ones XD
I don't know how the author is capable of writing such plot-twisty, spy, MI6, MI5, confusing, adventurous, clue-dependent stories. I would be losing my mind trying to figure out when to reveal which clue, when certain things should be found, etc. LOSING MY MIND, I tell you.
I love all of the characters in this book, and my only complaint would be that the ending felt cut off. I need to know more about how everything worked out with the family! And poor Paris! Despite how strong he is, he should be upset, right? But we didn't see that, so I don't know... And also what happened to Lucien? He was kind of left hanging. Maybe we're not aloud to know, I don't know... Also at times the plot was a little hard to keep up with but that might just have been me getting distracted XD!!
All of these books are great and I'm so sad this is the last one in the series. I want more! Guess I'll just have to reread the other ones XD
February 25, 2026
So sad this series is over, some of the best children's books ever!
March 12, 2026
five freaking stars. I am so happy there will be at least another book. I thought this one would be the last but no. I don't even know what to say but I'm glad Sydney's the main character because she is my favorite. I almost cried when I finished cause I didn't want the series to end but now I'm waiting for the next book!
April 13, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars!
Content warnings:
Violence: It's been so long since I read this I'm having a hard time remembering, but I'm pretty sure it didn't exceed explosions, guns, stuff like that.
Swearing: None!
Romance: Nothing really that I remember between the main kids.
11/12+
overview (spoiler free!)
↝ after the devastating attack that destroyed their last home, the City Spies are ready to start a new life as far away from the danger as they can be. but when you work for MI6, there'll always be a new mission.
↝ Le Fantôme may be behind bars, but there's no stopping him from carrying out his plans. with a fresh batch of threats, the City Spies are sent all over Europe, racing against time to stop him.
my thoughts
↝ I fear there's never been a bad City Spies book; even though each book involves being given a mission and completing it, the plot doesn't feel repetitive and I'm always up for reading the new ones that come out
↝ there better be another one coming after that absolute bombshell of a cliffhanger
characters
↝ Brooklyn - this girl's still got my heart. I love seeing how much she's grown since the first book.
↝ Sydney - she had some great character development in this book, and my heart absolutely aches for her.
↝ Kat - she is my CHILD. of course I love all of them but she's my favorite and it was so cute to see her proud of herself for solving some of the puzzles.
↝ Paris - I love the older brother vibes that he gives and how he really keeps the team together and going.
↝ Rio - I think he's my second favorite bc like why is he just so ridiculously funny and amazing.
↝ Cairo - this kid is so sweet and he's been through so much, I really hope he feels like he belongs more in the next book.
favorite scenes
↝ as always, gotta love the rapidly switching POVs during the mission. always gets me on the edge of my seat.
conclusion
the found family vibes are so strong and I still absolutely love this series.
tysm for reading!!
Content warnings:
Violence: It's been so long since I read this I'm having a hard time remembering, but I'm pretty sure it didn't exceed explosions, guns, stuff like that.
Swearing: None!
Romance: Nothing really that I remember between the main kids.
11/12+
overview (spoiler free!)
↝ after the devastating attack that destroyed their last home, the City Spies are ready to start a new life as far away from the danger as they can be. but when you work for MI6, there'll always be a new mission.
↝ Le Fantôme may be behind bars, but there's no stopping him from carrying out his plans. with a fresh batch of threats, the City Spies are sent all over Europe, racing against time to stop him.
my thoughts
↝ I fear there's never been a bad City Spies book; even though each book involves being given a mission and completing it, the plot doesn't feel repetitive and I'm always up for reading the new ones that come out
↝ there better be another one coming after that absolute bombshell of a cliffhanger
characters
↝ Brooklyn - this girl's still got my heart. I love seeing how much she's grown since the first book.
↝ Sydney - she had some great character development in this book, and my heart absolutely aches for her.
↝ Kat - she is my CHILD. of course I love all of them but she's my favorite and it was so cute to see her proud of herself for solving some of the puzzles.
↝ Paris - I love the older brother vibes that he gives and how he really keeps the team together and going.
↝ Rio - I think he's my second favorite bc like why is he just so ridiculously funny and amazing.
↝ Cairo - this kid is so sweet and he's been through so much, I really hope he feels like he belongs more in the next book.
favorite scenes
↝ as always, gotta love the rapidly switching POVs during the mission. always gets me on the edge of my seat.
conclusion
the found family vibes are so strong and I still absolutely love this series.
tysm for reading!!
April 22, 2026
“Leave no prints. Hide your face. Disappear, without a trace.”
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings mention of violence, death, kidnapping
This was an amazing continuation of the series! It delivered on the best found family vibes and character development the City Spies series is known for. The action never stopped, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I also loved how James Ponti makes each character feel unique. They are so distinct from one another, down to having their own special pancake orders. The clues, as always, were very well-thought-out and complex, but not too difficult to follow. The spy action and travel were fun to read about, and never felt repetitive, even though this is the seventh book in the series. As always, I loved the audiobook narrator for this series! She does an amazing job at differentiating each of the characters. We left on quite a cliffhanger, and I'm interested in seeing how it will play a part in the next book. I can't wait to see what the City Spies do next!
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings mention of violence, death, kidnapping
This was an amazing continuation of the series! It delivered on the best found family vibes and character development the City Spies series is known for. The action never stopped, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I also loved how James Ponti makes each character feel unique. They are so distinct from one another, down to having their own special pancake orders. The clues, as always, were very well-thought-out and complex, but not too difficult to follow. The spy action and travel were fun to read about, and never felt repetitive, even though this is the seventh book in the series. As always, I loved the audiobook narrator for this series! She does an amazing job at differentiating each of the characters. We left on quite a cliffhanger, and I'm interested in seeing how it will play a part in the next book. I can't wait to see what the City Spies do next!
April 1, 2026
This book was amazing! It was a little slow for my taste and I wish it had more action, but I understand it does have to be a bit watered down since it is middle grade. I loved the character development and seeing Sydney grow. The ending was very interesting and I already can't wait for the eighth book! (Also, when will this series end???? I'm kidding I LOVE this series)
May 12, 2026
5 stars. Another exciting romp through Europe as the City Spies try to decipher what menace an imprisoned Umbra operative is threatening as they adjust to their new home in London. I keep wanting to look art pieces I’m not familiar with or locations I don’t know. Love the puzzle solving. Sydney: if it goes blam, then it’s my jam. Eagerly awaiting book 8!
February 17, 2026
So Amazing!!!! I got the book the day it came out and I thought it was spectacular!!! I absolutely love this series and can’t wait for the next one!!! The ending was also AMAZING (but the cliffhanger was insane)!!!
May 10, 2026
Niet het beste boek van de serie naar mijn mening, maar wederom een heerlijke manier om even in een andere wereld te verdwijnen. Je zit weer helemaal in het boek en ik kon hem ook niet wegleggen. Heerlijk als dat mij overkomt!
March 17, 2026
Great addition to a favorite series
The worst part is waiting for the next one to be released. I love all the details of the cities!
The worst part is waiting for the next one to be released. I love all the details of the cities!
April 3, 2026
Both my boys loved this one, and I think the author did a great job continuing the adventure, keeping it interesting the whole book, and still leaving us wanting more.
April 21, 2026
This is such a strong series, and the audiobook is outstanding. Each City Spy has a distinct voice that matches their temperaments and backgrounds. There are puzzles galore where mathematics and reasoning are center stage and written in such a way that makes logic and deduction fast-paced and fun. I love the monthly complimentary Audiobook Listening Copies (ALCs) from Libro.fm, they help me choose audiobooks to add to our library's collection.
June 13, 2026
I fricking love City Spies
July 2, 2026
I described this to Drew as being a series with warm characters who grow and change, with a deep commitment to family, and with all kinds of fun.
March 31, 2026
This series is so much fun! The kids are spunky, smart, and fearless, jumping in to help save the world without worrying about their own safety. What makes this series stand out is the way I get to travel around the world with them, learning more about each location, as well as the culture and people of each place. The action is nonstop, and I look forward to each new one in the series.
April 28, 2026
Loved it! So nice to read well-written, engaging, and clean fiction, especially for kids! James Ponti is a master at including bits of trivia about history (and pretty much every other topic) in his novels, so I feel like I'm learning something. He also manages to keep them fast-paced and action-packed without being violent, which is quite an accomplishment.
May 1, 2026
Still loving the family dynamics (big brother Paris is especially great in this one!)
March 25, 2026
Another excellent book in the City Spies series. Le Fantôme has been captured by the City Spies and placed in a high-security prison. His criminal organization, Umbra, threatens mass violence across Europe to force his release. The team sleuthing uncovers coded messages leading them to four major cities: Rome, Paris, London, and Amsterdam, forcing the team to split up to identify specific targets to prevent the attacks. The clues, initially thought to involve soccer matches, are determined to link to famous artists like Degas, Rembrandt, and Raphael, and a sleazy art dealer. Ponti keeps the series fresh by continuing character development, including the return of Clementine (suggested by Umbra to be a possible collaborator) and her daughter, Annie.
February 27, 2026
Well executed and seat if your pants without dumbing down for middle school
May 29, 2026
I have no idea how James Ponti creates such cryptic and intertwined puzzles, but he's done it again. (The man's a genius.) Definitely going to need to finish this series!
February 10, 2026
This seventh installment in the terrific City Spies series finds our family of young secret agents (and their adult handlers) getting used to their new living quarters in London. Now that Le Fantome, the head of the terrorist group known as UMBRA, is in an English prison, the kids are focusing on their academics, both in regular schoolwork and in the on-going business of espionage.
But right as they're finishing up their first lesson in spycraft history and techniques with the high-ranking agent they call Tru, they learn of a mysterious series of messages originating from Le Fantome himself. MI5 is on high alert, but the kids swiftly realize that the supervillain's coded threats involve the city of Paris rather than anything within British borders. As covert agents under the umbrella of MI6, this means that the kids get to go on the ground in France, to the city that their eldest agent and de facto leader calls home.
Alas, things go sideways in what the City Spies soon learn is only the opening salvo in Le Fantome's wicked plans. But of even greater concern to the kids and to the adults on their team is the fact that Le Fantome's coded instructions keep referring to the former MI6 agent they all know as Clementine, who had gone deep cover to eventually rise to the position of one of his most trusted lieutenants in UMBRA. It's taken years to bring her back in from the cold -- years in which her loyalty had been severely doubted -- and she's in hiding now as a civilian. Le Fantome's messages, however, hint that she's anything but. The City Spies are torn as to her loyalties, even as they race to decrypt and stop UMBRA's latest plans at sowing terror throughout Europe.
I was impressed at how long it took me to get the actual reference of the title, but just as with every other James Ponti book I've had the pleasure of reading to date, I very much enjoyed following along and solving the puzzles with the characters. The riddles are all carefully constructed, then explained in a way that feels very organic instead of teach-y, which is just one of the things I love about this series. The semi-gratuitous crack against Tottenham certainly didn't hurt either, lol.
I also really appreciated the examination of the kids' emotions as they grow up and start facing increased responsibilities and the pressures of adulthood. It was nice to see Sydney continue to come to terms with her impulsiveness, even as Paris stepped further into his leadership role and Brooklyn faced up to the trauma of her recent past. It was also great to see Kat's neurodivergence acknowledged. Mr Ponti takes so much care with this series to flesh out his characters, making them all people you can really root for, with the dossiers at the end really helping newer readers catch up, too. I was really excited for the way this novel ended, and can't wait to read what happens in the next one!
Europa by James Ponti was published today February 20 2026 by Aladdin and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
This review originally appeared at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
But right as they're finishing up their first lesson in spycraft history and techniques with the high-ranking agent they call Tru, they learn of a mysterious series of messages originating from Le Fantome himself. MI5 is on high alert, but the kids swiftly realize that the supervillain's coded threats involve the city of Paris rather than anything within British borders. As covert agents under the umbrella of MI6, this means that the kids get to go on the ground in France, to the city that their eldest agent and de facto leader calls home.
Alas, things go sideways in what the City Spies soon learn is only the opening salvo in Le Fantome's wicked plans. But of even greater concern to the kids and to the adults on their team is the fact that Le Fantome's coded instructions keep referring to the former MI6 agent they all know as Clementine, who had gone deep cover to eventually rise to the position of one of his most trusted lieutenants in UMBRA. It's taken years to bring her back in from the cold -- years in which her loyalty had been severely doubted -- and she's in hiding now as a civilian. Le Fantome's messages, however, hint that she's anything but. The City Spies are torn as to her loyalties, even as they race to decrypt and stop UMBRA's latest plans at sowing terror throughout Europe.
I was impressed at how long it took me to get the actual reference of the title, but just as with every other James Ponti book I've had the pleasure of reading to date, I very much enjoyed following along and solving the puzzles with the characters. The riddles are all carefully constructed, then explained in a way that feels very organic instead of teach-y, which is just one of the things I love about this series. The semi-gratuitous crack against Tottenham certainly didn't hurt either, lol.
I also really appreciated the examination of the kids' emotions as they grow up and start facing increased responsibilities and the pressures of adulthood. It was nice to see Sydney continue to come to terms with her impulsiveness, even as Paris stepped further into his leadership role and Brooklyn faced up to the trauma of her recent past. It was also great to see Kat's neurodivergence acknowledged. Mr Ponti takes so much care with this series to flesh out his characters, making them all people you can really root for, with the dossiers at the end really helping newer readers catch up, too. I was really excited for the way this novel ended, and can't wait to read what happens in the next one!
Europa by James Ponti was published today February 20 2026 by Aladdin and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
This review originally appeared at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
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