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City Spies #7
Europa: code rood (Wereldspionnen Book 7)
De wereldspionnen zijn klaar voor een frisse start in een nieuw huis in een nieuwe stad. Helaas hebben ze geen moment rust, want ze krijgen meteen een tip dat hun aartsvijand Umbra dreigt om meerdere locaties in Europa aan te vallen. Dat betekent een nieuwe geheime missie, die de spionnen van Londen naar Parijs, Rome én Amsterdam brengt. De wereldspionnen zullen alles uit de kast moeten halen om de aanvallen te voorkomen.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2026
About the author
James Ponti
56 books1,554 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 139 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.
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 16, 2026
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.
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.
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! ❤️
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.
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
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Copy provided by the publisher!
After their adventures in London Calling, the City Spies find themselves lodging in a safe house in London, since their Scottish base was compromised. Tru uses this as an opportunity to brush up on the groups' skills and knowledge of history in her Tru-torial sessions, which involves visits to important MI6 sites and sometimes delicious lunches. When there is a threat that train stations may be bombed, she has the group look at the notes, and the kids are the only ones who realize that it's not London train stations that are being targeted, but rather ones in Paris. They take off to the city with Tru reluctantly posing as their grandmother. We see that Gilles Deschamps is working for Allard, who is threatening the government even from jail, telling agents that if he isn't released, bad things will happen, not that he will be responsible for them. At the last minute, the children figure out that the "train station" is actually an abandoned one that is beneath the Museum D'Orsay. They manage to get into the museum after hours, and while Sydney doesn't completely diffuse the bomb, she manages to limit the damage of the paint, and suffers a concussion. Even with her injuries, she is able to deliver a coded message to Paris when they are arrested and questioned. They are released, but can no longer remain in Paris. There are suspicions that Clementine is somehow involved in this threat, so when she and Annie show up, there are some questions. When Allard gets loose and endangers Clementine, will the City Spies be able to save her? More missions are on the way.
Strengths: You have to love the ease with which the City Spies bop back and forth on the EuroStar and run around London and Paris on their missions. It is nice that they have supportive adults like Tru and Mother on their side, and Clementine is an interesting character, since we're never quite sure if she is completely good. Annie gets a little more coverage in this one. The recap of the different kids in the back, along with their pictures, is a fun overview. There are a lot more puzzles and clues in this one, as Tru sets up meetings with the kids via puzzles, and the train station bombing also requires them to solves some siddles. Reading a print copy of this book made me realize that even though this is 378 pages long, the print is on the large side, with lots of white space. Publishers don't seem to realize that this makes a HUGE difference in the reading experience for middle school students.
Weaknesses: I'm not personally a fan of the clues and riddles; to me, they slow down the story. There seem to be more of them in this book than the others in the series, so maybe actual tweens are requesting that they be included.
What I really think: I'm always interested to see what Ponti writes next, and even though I'm not a fan of enormous series, both his work and Stuart Gibbs' still circulates well for the entire series. We'll refer to this as the Jackson Braun Conundrum, after the author of The Cat Who Mysteries, which lasted for an inordinate amount of books. I'll continue to purchase these until the end!
After their adventures in London Calling, the City Spies find themselves lodging in a safe house in London, since their Scottish base was compromised. Tru uses this as an opportunity to brush up on the groups' skills and knowledge of history in her Tru-torial sessions, which involves visits to important MI6 sites and sometimes delicious lunches. When there is a threat that train stations may be bombed, she has the group look at the notes, and the kids are the only ones who realize that it's not London train stations that are being targeted, but rather ones in Paris. They take off to the city with Tru reluctantly posing as their grandmother. We see that Gilles Deschamps is working for Allard, who is threatening the government even from jail, telling agents that if he isn't released, bad things will happen, not that he will be responsible for them. At the last minute, the children figure out that the "train station" is actually an abandoned one that is beneath the Museum D'Orsay. They manage to get into the museum after hours, and while Sydney doesn't completely diffuse the bomb, she manages to limit the damage of the paint, and suffers a concussion. Even with her injuries, she is able to deliver a coded message to Paris when they are arrested and questioned. They are released, but can no longer remain in Paris. There are suspicions that Clementine is somehow involved in this threat, so when she and Annie show up, there are some questions. When Allard gets loose and endangers Clementine, will the City Spies be able to save her? More missions are on the way.
Strengths: You have to love the ease with which the City Spies bop back and forth on the EuroStar and run around London and Paris on their missions. It is nice that they have supportive adults like Tru and Mother on their side, and Clementine is an interesting character, since we're never quite sure if she is completely good. Annie gets a little more coverage in this one. The recap of the different kids in the back, along with their pictures, is a fun overview. There are a lot more puzzles and clues in this one, as Tru sets up meetings with the kids via puzzles, and the train station bombing also requires them to solves some siddles. Reading a print copy of this book made me realize that even though this is 378 pages long, the print is on the large side, with lots of white space. Publishers don't seem to realize that this makes a HUGE difference in the reading experience for middle school students.
Weaknesses: I'm not personally a fan of the clues and riddles; to me, they slow down the story. There seem to be more of them in this book than the others in the series, so maybe actual tweens are requesting that they be included.
What I really think: I'm always interested to see what Ponti writes next, and even though I'm not a fan of enormous series, both his work and Stuart Gibbs' still circulates well for the entire series. We'll refer to this as the Jackson Braun Conundrum, after the author of The Cat Who Mysteries, which lasted for an inordinate amount of books. I'll continue to purchase these until the end!
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February 18, 2026This is one of my favorite book series, and I’ve read the previous installments multiple times, and I’ve been waiting for #7 for a while.
I wasn’t disappointed, but to be honest, I wasn’t thrilled. I loved the premise of this book, loved the history facts and the Shakespeare references (reading this one at my current age, this was one of the first times I was able to figure out some of the literary puzzles, which made the experience really special but also a bit more frustrating because I wish I could tell the City Spies what it was!) Oh city spies. I feel so maternal towards them all. They are like wonderful friends to me.
Of course I knew Lucien Allard was going to escape again, I was kind of just waiting for that. I didn’t really expect the last part with the Clementine rescue mission though. The thing with these book is that I never know how far it can go, which always is a pleasant surprise when it gets darker than I expected. It does a great job of highlighting the negative and not-so-thrilling side of espionage. But then, I do have some complaints.
From the get-go, I was never really a fan of Cairo joining the team. It made me quite upset, to be honest, and it did make me lose respect for Mother. I think given all of his expertise and everything he’s witnessed in the field, it should be his duty to dissuade his children from joining the SIS (to the best of his ability, at the very least). I found it terribly irresponsible to allow him to be a fully fledged part of the team, but I didn’t write a review for that book, so whatever. The ending of this just made me sigh and shake my head. I actually had to say, “what in the world”? I really, truly hope this isn’t hinting at Annie fully joining the team too, because you know what, I can excuse one but two is just where I draw the line. After everything and Annie’s distrust of MI6, why in the world would she ever want to be a part of something like this? I understand if she’s just moving in temporarily because Clementine’s out of commission, but if she really were to join the team (which “agent” sort of made it appear like), I really wouldn’t enjoy that and it would just take away from the whole experience.
Also, I’ve noticed that Sydney always gets the short end of the stick… makes me pretty sad #freesydney. I get that her personality is just more difficult (I guess bro) than the others, but come on, somehow it’s ALWAYS her doing something off. And then the Brooklyn glaze contrasted with that Oh brother I get miffed. It just feels like Brooklyn can do no wrong sometimes. Each of the spies has their unique strengths and weaknesses and that’s what makes the characters compelling for me. So this just doesn’t exactly sit right with me.
But all in all, I really did like this book. I felt genuine panic at the last 10% where they went to help Clementine. I love this series, I really do.
I wasn’t disappointed, but to be honest, I wasn’t thrilled. I loved the premise of this book, loved the history facts and the Shakespeare references (reading this one at my current age, this was one of the first times I was able to figure out some of the literary puzzles, which made the experience really special but also a bit more frustrating because I wish I could tell the City Spies what it was!) Oh city spies. I feel so maternal towards them all. They are like wonderful friends to me.
Of course I knew Lucien Allard was going to escape again, I was kind of just waiting for that. I didn’t really expect the last part with the Clementine rescue mission though. The thing with these book is that I never know how far it can go, which always is a pleasant surprise when it gets darker than I expected. It does a great job of highlighting the negative and not-so-thrilling side of espionage. But then, I do have some complaints.
From the get-go, I was never really a fan of Cairo joining the team. It made me quite upset, to be honest, and it did make me lose respect for Mother. I think given all of his expertise and everything he’s witnessed in the field, it should be his duty to dissuade his children from joining the SIS (to the best of his ability, at the very least). I found it terribly irresponsible to allow him to be a fully fledged part of the team, but I didn’t write a review for that book, so whatever. The ending of this just made me sigh and shake my head. I actually had to say, “what in the world”? I really, truly hope this isn’t hinting at Annie fully joining the team too, because you know what, I can excuse one but two is just where I draw the line. After everything and Annie’s distrust of MI6, why in the world would she ever want to be a part of something like this? I understand if she’s just moving in temporarily because Clementine’s out of commission, but if she really were to join the team (which “agent” sort of made it appear like), I really wouldn’t enjoy that and it would just take away from the whole experience.
Also, I’ve noticed that Sydney always gets the short end of the stick… makes me pretty sad #freesydney. I get that her personality is just more difficult (I guess bro) than the others, but come on, somehow it’s ALWAYS her doing something off. And then the Brooklyn glaze contrasted with that Oh brother I get miffed. It just feels like Brooklyn can do no wrong sometimes. Each of the spies has their unique strengths and weaknesses and that’s what makes the characters compelling for me. So this just doesn’t exactly sit right with me.
But all in all, I really did like this book. I felt genuine panic at the last 10% where they went to help Clementine. I love this series, I really do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2026
Europa by James Ponti is a highly entertaining and fast-paced spy adventure that immediately drops you into a globe-trotting mission full of puzzles, disguises, and high-stakes teamwork. Rather than relying on nonstop explosions, the book builds tension through clever problem-solving and tightly coordinated operations, which makes the action feel more earned and engaging.
What really stands out is how the team operates. This isn’t a story about one lone genius; each character plays a distinct role, whether it’s decoding clues, blending into different environments, or thinking their way out of tight situations under pressure. A lot of the excitement comes from watching their plans unfold in real time, especially when something small goes wrong and they have to improvise quickly. Those moments, where a carefully planned operation suddenly depends on quick thinking, are some of the most memorable in the book.
The dialogue adds a lot of personality. The characters don’t just exchange information—they joke, challenge each other, and occasionally argue in ways that feel natural for a group working this closely together. That mix of humor and urgency keeps scenes from feeling too heavy, even when the stakes are high.
The plot itself is structured around a series of interconnected missions that gradually reveal a larger objective. Without giving anything away, there are multiple points where new information forces the team to rethink what they thought they understood, and those shifts keep the story feeling fresh. The pacing is especially strong: chapters tend to end at just the right moment, making it very easy to keep reading “just one more.”
The European setting isn’t just background; it actively shapes the story. Different cities bring different challenges, from navigating unfamiliar streets to adapting to new cultural settings while staying undercover. The variety helps the book maintain momentum and gives each segment of the story its own distinct feel.
One small note: my copy had a minor editing issue on one page where “Cairo” was written instead of “Rio,” who was actually the character involved in that moment. It was easy to catch from the context and didn’t cause any confusion, and it definitely didn’t take away from the overall experience; it just stood out briefly.
Overall, Europa succeeds because it focuses on smart, engaging storytelling rather than constant action. The combination of teamwork, clever planning, and quick improvisation makes it feel both exciting and believable. It’s a fun, fast read that stays consistently engaging and never feels like it’s wasting your time.
What really stands out is how the team operates. This isn’t a story about one lone genius; each character plays a distinct role, whether it’s decoding clues, blending into different environments, or thinking their way out of tight situations under pressure. A lot of the excitement comes from watching their plans unfold in real time, especially when something small goes wrong and they have to improvise quickly. Those moments, where a carefully planned operation suddenly depends on quick thinking, are some of the most memorable in the book.
The dialogue adds a lot of personality. The characters don’t just exchange information—they joke, challenge each other, and occasionally argue in ways that feel natural for a group working this closely together. That mix of humor and urgency keeps scenes from feeling too heavy, even when the stakes are high.
The plot itself is structured around a series of interconnected missions that gradually reveal a larger objective. Without giving anything away, there are multiple points where new information forces the team to rethink what they thought they understood, and those shifts keep the story feeling fresh. The pacing is especially strong: chapters tend to end at just the right moment, making it very easy to keep reading “just one more.”
The European setting isn’t just background; it actively shapes the story. Different cities bring different challenges, from navigating unfamiliar streets to adapting to new cultural settings while staying undercover. The variety helps the book maintain momentum and gives each segment of the story its own distinct feel.
One small note: my copy had a minor editing issue on one page where “Cairo” was written instead of “Rio,” who was actually the character involved in that moment. It was easy to catch from the context and didn’t cause any confusion, and it definitely didn’t take away from the overall experience; it just stood out briefly.
Overall, Europa succeeds because it focuses on smart, engaging storytelling rather than constant action. The combination of teamwork, clever planning, and quick improvisation makes it feel both exciting and believable. It’s a fun, fast read that stays consistently engaging and never feels like it’s wasting your time.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Tension, action, and, for all things, clever-puzzle solving skills come together to form another fun adventure.
After bringing Le Fantome behind bars and having Clementine return, the City Spies are now in London after losing their other base. But that doesn't mean things are going to quiet down. Instead, Umbra is planning bomb attacks, and while the crew first believes them to be in London, it soon becomes clear that several major, European cities are on the target list. So, they divide up to stop the terror...hopefully, before it begins. Of course, things don't run completely smoothly because the villains are vicious, and Umbra isn't an enemy to be underestimated.
It's always a treat to dive into Ponti's work. The tale flies by quickly and smoothly, letting each scene come across with natural flow...and that while the City Spies are up against anything but normal circumstances. They always work together and do their best to solve each new problem. In this latest installment, Ponti takes the problem solving to a new level with more puzzles and riddles that need to be solved. So, fans of this sort of thing are going to especially enjoy this 7th adventure. As with the other adventures, there's never a boring moment, and every step forward seems to find more complex issues that need to be solved. The teamwork is always inspiring and makes sure that no singular character outshines the rest. That doesn't mean that everything goes smoothly, though, since the City Spies do make mistakes...sometimes big ones. This adds to the tension and makes the read that much more grabbing.
City Spy fans are going to enjoy this adventure as much as the others. There are plenty of surprises, gray characters, and heart as well as action. The City Spies aren't done, yet, though, so we'll see what adventure lies in store for them next.
After bringing Le Fantome behind bars and having Clementine return, the City Spies are now in London after losing their other base. But that doesn't mean things are going to quiet down. Instead, Umbra is planning bomb attacks, and while the crew first believes them to be in London, it soon becomes clear that several major, European cities are on the target list. So, they divide up to stop the terror...hopefully, before it begins. Of course, things don't run completely smoothly because the villains are vicious, and Umbra isn't an enemy to be underestimated.
It's always a treat to dive into Ponti's work. The tale flies by quickly and smoothly, letting each scene come across with natural flow...and that while the City Spies are up against anything but normal circumstances. They always work together and do their best to solve each new problem. In this latest installment, Ponti takes the problem solving to a new level with more puzzles and riddles that need to be solved. So, fans of this sort of thing are going to especially enjoy this 7th adventure. As with the other adventures, there's never a boring moment, and every step forward seems to find more complex issues that need to be solved. The teamwork is always inspiring and makes sure that no singular character outshines the rest. That doesn't mean that everything goes smoothly, though, since the City Spies do make mistakes...sometimes big ones. This adds to the tension and makes the read that much more grabbing.
City Spy fans are going to enjoy this adventure as much as the others. There are plenty of surprises, gray characters, and heart as well as action. The City Spies aren't done, yet, though, so we'll see what adventure lies in store for them next.
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