Augusta Pine Does Not Exist: An edge-of-your-seat reverse heist thriller

by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Brought to you by Penguin.

Everyone thinks she's dead. Turns out she went undercover.

An edge-of-your-seat reverse heist thriller about a teen spy who must outsmart a team of criminals in order to free a building full of innocent hostages . . . and herself. Masterfully weaving together the undercover secrecy and thrills of The Naturals series, the killer twists and turns of Five Survive and the futuristic setting of Cyberpunk 2077.

In the near future, to combat identity theft, paper and plastic IDs have been replaced with permanent biometric tattoos. But governments still need people to work in the shadows. These people are called wraiths.

THEN
When she was fifteen, Augusta Pine (alias) hacked a car’s autopilot and accidentally killed her first crush. She was given two 1) Spend twenty years in prison for manslaughter or 2) serve ten years in the Identity Security Division as a wraith – an undercover spy with no official existence. Augusta chose the second.

NOW
Eighteen-year-old Augusta has no fixed home and all her family think she died in the car crash. Her only friends are her coolly professional handler, Prefect, and a snarky sentient Al spybot called Edgar. On a rare weekend to herself, she decides to rent a room in a smart apartment complex and makes grand plans to do nothing but relax . . . until six cyber criminals hack the building and imprison all the residents.

To save everyone, Augusta will have to rely on her wits and her own criminal skills to stay one step ahead of the killers. For the first time in her life, could it pay to not exist?

PRAISE FOR AUGUSTA PINE DOES NOT

‘An incredibly fun, fast-paced blend of a spy thriller mixed with speculative elements. A fantastic, immersive read.’ Ravena Guron, author of This Book Kills

‘Thrilling, clever and wickedly funny – Augusta Pine is the heroine we deserve.’ Kara Thomas, author of The Cheerleaders

‘Masterfully blends classic, adrenaline-pumping action with futuristic tech and next gen espionage. This is the future of thriller books – literally.’ Kayvion Lewis, author of Thieves’ Gambit

‘Bold, clever and original. A twisty, tense thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more.' Kathryn Foxfield, author of Good Girls Die First

‘A tense thrill ride of a book. Augusta Pine is the fearless anti-heroine we all need.’ Benjamin Dean, author of How to Die Famous

‘Clever, twisty and very funny. I absolutely inhaled the book.’ Emily Barr, author of The One Memory of Flora Banks

‘Big thrills, stunning twists and heaps of fun, this is a wickedly smart, fast-paced, up-all-night thriller.’ S. J. Green, author of Noah Can’t Even

‘Utterly unputdownable. Get used to being on the edge of your seat! A twisty, clever and compelling thriller.' Emily Cooper, author of Season of Fear

‘A super-smart, speculative spy thriller with a kickass main character.' J. L. Simmonds, author of Run Away With Me

‘A high stakes, high adrenalin, high-tech spy thriller that grips you from the explosive first page and does not let go.’ Kate Francis, author of Circle of Liars

‘Fresh, futuristic and filled with suspense. A technology drenched thriller with heart and humour that has you hooked until the very last page.’ Isabella Galbraith, author of The One

‘Spy novels are SO back. A darkly funny, futuristic thrill.' Beth Tomlin, author of To Hell With You

‘The fun and adventure of Mission Impossible meets the emotional grit of The Girls I've Been. This book was a thrill ride from start to finish!’ Kalyn Josephson, author of This Dark Descent

Emily Lloyd-Jones 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Genres: Young Adult, Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Science Fiction, Fiction

Audible Audio

Expected publication July 7, 2026

About the author

Emily Lloyd-Jones grew up on a vineyard in rural Oregon, where she played in evergreen forests and learned to fear sheep. After graduating from Western Oregon University with an English degree, she enrolled in the publishing program at Rosemont College just outside of Philadelphia. She currently resides in Northern California.

Reviews

[Emily Lloyd-Jones]

The Preorder Campaign is live!!! If you preorder from certain indie bookstores, you will receive an adorable keychain, Edgar pin, and other surprise swag!

AUGUSTA PINE DOES NOT EXIST is my white whale of a book. It took seven years, several drafts, and a lot of heist planning. It’s about a lot of things: the lengths we go to for family, how technology is encroaching into our lives, how we recover from mistakes we’ve made, and of course, a very snarky heroine.

It also has a slightly sociopathic AI spybot that looks like a bumblebee. And he is everyone’s favorite.

This book (and the whole fictional world) is very dear to me, and I hope readers will love Augusta as much as I do.

The book is now available for preorder wherever books are sold!! Preorders are so helpful for authors - I would really appreciate it!

[ananya ౨ৎ (new profile loading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

꣑ৎ⋆˙⟡⋮ 3.25 stars ☆

carmen sandiego x home alone 🙂‍↕️ think carmen sandiego heists & hacks meet home alone chases & traps (except set in a hotel) to outsmart the villains.

i can’t lie, this was a bit silly and quirky so it kind of felt like a fever dream at times…but not necessarily in a bad way. overall, this was an entertaining and cute spy reverse heist! it was also a pretty quick read as it kept me on my toes throughout—there was never a lack of action and there were some plot twists i did not see coming. i adored augusta’s cleverness and resilience and the whole premise of the ISD (identity security division) was quite interesting.

i loved the messages in this book as well! the technology was innovative and quite original (i especially thought the tattoo tech was interesting) and it explored some of the ethics behind deepfakes and ai, including the possibility of sentient ai, which is super relevant in today’s day and age. it was also an interesting exploration of moral complexity—the modus operandi of the ISD was, in many ways, about doing the wrong things for the right reasons.

however, it did feel a little more middle grade/younger ya than true ya, and i do feel like it should be marketed a little more towards a younger audience. this was due to a variety of factors. the mc’s jokes and quips and nicknames for others felt a lil juvenile and sometimes a tad cringe to me. the worldbuilding drops were a bit explicit and i wish they had been shortened and integrated more (there were paragraphs of background into various pieces of tech, and direct connections to modern-day tech were framed as references to the “past," since this book was set in the future). it wasn’t terrible but it did make the book feel a lil more middle grade, since it didn’t feel like the reader was trusted to put it together based on the context.

overall, though, i did enjoy! but i would recommend to a younger audience than it's marketed to. tldr: lighthearted, quirky, and quick-paced reverse spy heist.

thank you so much to emily lloyd-jones, macmillan children’s publishing, and netgalley for an arc (my first one!) in exchange for my honest review 🤍 this book comes out july 7, 2026!

꣑ৎ⋆˙⟡⋮ pre-read
YAY first arc (thank you to netgalley & macmillan publishing!) i'm so excited to read this one 😚 i've been meaning to get more into thrillers & the heist vibes here are immaculate (which i'll def be needing more of after finishing my lunar chronicles reread). anyways i have a feeling this will be fun 🙂‍↕️🕵️‍♀️💻💐

[lookmairead · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter how Emily Lloyd-Jones dresses up these baby potatoes, they’ll be fun and delicious.

This felt like an interesting jump for Lloyd-Jones after 3 intriguing fantasy books (The Bone Houses, The Drowned Woods & The Wild Huntress). When I heard she was making a futuristic ya mystery thriller, I was so curious, I asked for an ARC- so TY MacMillian Audio. 🥰

Maybe because I was a kid growing up with Men in Black and Alias this kinda felt like cat nip in my TBR.

The non-linear timeline threw me a little, but I understood why she did it in the end.

I kinda adored how this felt more like a radio drama. The audio makes me hope there is more in this world in the future.

Augusta Pine Does Not Exist is out 7 July 2026.

[Natalie Unsinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was all sorts of action-packed thriller but also adorably warm. It covers fighting your fears, loneliness, and the importance of family while also touching on moral dilemmas of technological advancement in a spy girl setting. And it was the found family side characters that really got me, making me laugh and giving me warm fuzzy feelings that left me hugging this book.
The pacing of the book in the beginning (with the use of flashback scenes) took me out of the main plot sometimes but I got used to it pretty quickly.

Thank you to Emily Lloyd-Jones, Macmillan Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[zaheerah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun! Definitely for young reader fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and shows like Veronica Mars or Totally Spies!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm such a huge fan of Emily's books, and I've become an even bigger fan after this shift from fantasy to dystopian/scifi. God, the humor is TOP NOTCH and the emotional core is stark in the best possible way. Of course I fell so utterly in love with the book as whole.

[Starr ❇✌❇]

not at ALL what I expected from ELJ but okay !

[Ten Cats Reading]

<.b>Preread:<./b>
This one starts out with a strong concept and a setting so corrupt and despicable, it completely changes the standards for moral judgment. It's a brilliant setting.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc!📚

[Dede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Balzer + Bray for an early copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. This was the first book I have read by this author and I will be looking for more! I loved the storyline and the characters. I thought it was well written. It was such a fun book to read and I liked how I was in the mind of a killer. I would definitely recommend this book!

[Trisha]

sometimes I need a little spy fiction mystery
this one sounds good!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of Augusta Pine Does Not Exist, and while I enjoyed it overall, it took some time to fully click. The beginning was a bit confusing, especially in audio format, since it switches between present-day action and past “case file” missions. Without the visual cues of chapter titles and formatting, it was harder to track what timeline I was in. I ended up re-listening to the first dozen chapters, and once everything fell into place, the story became much more engaging.
The premise is strong and leans firmly into science fiction. Augusta is recruited as a “wraith” for the ISA after accidentally killing a classmate by hacking his self-driving car. To avoid prison, she’s given a new identity, altered appearance, and a completely erased past. As the only minor ever recruited, she’s controversial within the agency—but also highly effective, even if her methods tend to be messy and unpredictable.
Augusta is a compelling protagonist. She’s flawed, often impulsive, and tends to go rogue, but that’s what makes her interesting. Beneath the action and sci-fi elements, there’s a clear thread of redemption running through her story. I also really liked her handler and especially EDGR, her sentient AI bee, who adds both humor and heart. EDGR’s injury was surprisingly emotional, and his return was a standout moment.
Once the structure becomes clear, the novel balances action, character development, and a hint of potential romance (even though it doesn’t fully develop). The characters feel well-developed, and the emotional beats land well, particularly as Augusta wrestles with her past and her place in the agency.
Overall, this is a solid sci-fi story with strong characters and a meaningful redemption arc. The audiobook experience can be a bit disorienting at first, but it’s worth sticking with. I’d recommend it for middle school to high school readers, especially those who enjoy fast-paced sci-fi with emotional depth.

[Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.50 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of the audiobook version of this title. I kind of forgot that when I started this book, that it is like sci-fi-esque (I was thinking it was just a YA mystery). So, that did catch me off guard in the beginning when I was trying to piece together what was happening at the start, but not the book’s fault. Having said this, I thoroughly enjoyed this! The elements of mystery and intrigue were really captivating. And the futuristic technology aspects were easy enough to comprehend and helped to move the plot along. As well as were very cool concepts to think about on a whole. I found a couple of the reveals a bit predictable, but I am an adult reading a teen book, so again not the book’s fault. Even though some of the reveals were easier to discern, I still found myself not knowing how things would wind up at the end of the story. And there were still plenty of twists that I didn’t see coming too. I think that this book was well written and was really fun to listen to the audio version of the book too, as the narration was well done and was set up like it was being read as audio files from a computer, which was a cool concept to hear. Overall, I really great YA sci-fi, mystery combination of a book that I would recommend others to pick up. The only reason I am not giving it five stars, is just because I didn’t get five-star feelings and at times, it felt a little repetitious. But again, a really great book, that others should check out!

[Laura (crofteereader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was really fun while also having a reasonable core of sharpness. It felt fairly similar to The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe in the way the story is told (with a uniquely skilled character stumbling upon a situation unexpectedly that they are equipped to handle - even if they and others don’t always think so) though I would say it’s not as heavy or emotionally raw.

I liked the little tidbits of Augusta’s file and previous cases she’s worked (it allowed more of her humor and confidence to seep in, since the main story was much more fraught). It also worked for worldbuilding, allowing ELJ to build a bit more of a picture of what this somewhat nearby future looks like and what some of the technological capabilities are. I also really admired the commitment to never include a single name from Augusta’s past life (not hers, her victim’s, or her family’s) - it really fit with the kind of mental compartmentalization Augusta would have to do to survive her situation.

I hope we get more books in this universe with this MC, but I also understand if we don’t - because it does stand on its own. I just had a fun time and would like to have more fun times in the future

{Thank you Balzer + Bray for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit, I was a little nervous going into this one. I intentionally avoided reading the full synopsis because I wanted to experience it blind, and it didn’t take long to realize it leaned heavily into the tech/sci-fi side of things—a subgenre that usually isn’t my favorite. Happily, this book completely won me over.

I was fortunate to receive both the eARC from Macmillan Children’s and the ALC from Macmillan Audio, which let me enjoy this as an immersion read ahead of publication. The audiobook elevated the entire experience. With a full cast featuring Christine Lakin, E. A. Castillo, Major Curda, Max Meyers, and Steven Rutledge, every performance felt engaging and authentic.

What I especially appreciated was the sound design. Thankfully, this isn’t a heavily dramatized production, but the subtle audio effects used to distinguish the various technologies added an extra layer of immersion without becoming distracting. It truly felt like the ideal way to experience this story.

I think teen readers are going to be captivated by the adventure the main character embarks on. Along the way, the story quietly explores many of the challenges young people face, weaving them naturally into the narrative without ever feeling preachy. I also think it’s a great fit for older middle grade readers.

Beyond the action and adventure, this is one of those books that lingers after you’ve finished it, raising thought-provoking questions about technology, the speed at which it’s evolving, and where that path could ultimately lead us.

[Karen Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Augusta Pine does not exist. She was created three years ago, a wraith used by a government agency that nobody really knows about. A secret operative, she is tasked with carrying out jobs that depend on her highly specialised skills.
Though she knows this choice was really her only option, she is hopeful that she can find a way back home eventually. Though she knows it is dangerous, she rents an apartment next to her grandmother. Unfortunately, on the day she goes to try and find out details of what her grandmother is doing she finds herself embroiled in a terrorist plot.
This is a story that, quite frankly, is preposterous. Thriller, spy fiction and an unexpectedly touching story about a young woman trying to make her way in the world. Good fun, and thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent, futuristic spy novel! I loved following Augusta in this action packed story. This was a fast paced, binge-able read that I didn’t want to put down. I liked how this book also incorporated the occasional flashback chapters that took us back to one of Augusta’s previous cases. Overall this was a fun young adult read.

Read this if you like:

📖 Spy stories
📖 Science fiction thrillers
📖 Fast pacing

Thank you to @fiercereads and @netgalley for the gifted copy.

[Amber A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for the audiobook!

Narrated by Christine Lakin; E. A. Castillo; Major Curda; Max Meyers; Steven Rutledge

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

She used to have a different name and a very different life, but that was before she became a murderer when she was fifteen and a hack on a self-driving car went very wrong.

Now Augusta Pine works for the Identity Security Division (ISD) as a Wraith--an agent with no official identity, no family ties, and nothing to lose. Ten years of service and Augusta will be free to return to her old life, her old family. If she survives that long.

Three years later on a rare break between missions, Augusta circumnavigates orders from her handler, Prefect, to book a rental apartment in Portland. She tells Prefect it's because of the dead racoon she saw in the pool at the hotel he booked. And that's partly true. But it's also to steal a brief, traitorous glimpse of her grandmother--part of the family she's forbidden to contact. It's never enough but these rare encounters and hacked emails let Augusta pretend she's still the girl her family already buried; let's her imagine she'll be someone they want back when she finishes the rest of her sentence.

Which means Augusta is just in time when the building is hacked by cyberterrorists with Augusta and the residents trapped inside as hostages.

Luckily for Augusta she's uniquely suited to dealing with this kind of situation. Unluckily for Augusta, trying to stop the terrorists puts her directly in their crosshairs and forces her to reluctantly work with some of the residents. As she tries to protect Eames--a teen boy with secrets of his own--and his little sister Piper, Augusta will have to use all of her skills as a hacker and a Wraith as well as her best friend and best kept secret--a powerful spybot named Edgar--if she wants to bring the criminals to justice and get out with her new identity intact in Augusta Pine Does Not Exist (2026) by Emily Lloyd-Jones.

Find it on Bookshop.

Augusta Pine Does Not Exist is an standalone sci-fi thriller. Augusta is both sardonic and painfully wistful as a narrator, desperate to return to her old life even as she mourns the girl she used to be and fears becoming someone her family won't recognize or want. Flashbacks throughout the novel in the form of case debriefings highlight key points in Augusta's time as a Wraith leading her to this time and place when the unthinkable happens.

Lloyd-Jones conjures an eerily prescient near future where generative artificial intelligence continues to gain sophistication and surveillance increases leading to deeper deep fakes, more dangerous instances of fraud, and identities becoming the most important piece of currency. In a world populated by smart buildings, self-driving cars, and electron ink tattoos are used for everything from payments to identity protection, Augusta will have to rely on her own wits and her grandmother's old fashioned aversion to technology if she wants to get herself and her friends through this dangerous hostage situation.

Augusta Pine Does Not Exist is as entertaining as it is timely. With the lightest hints of romance, plenty of humor and snark, and high action Augusta Pine Does Not Exist is the perfect beach read this summer (or any time of year!). Highly recommended.

Possible Pairings: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter, The Truth Commission by Susan Juby, Don't You Trust Me? by Patrice Kindl, Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart, Pretending to Be Erica by Michelle Painchaud, The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe, The Deceivers by Kristen Simmons, Die Hard, Minority Report

*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*

[Beth Menendez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fun spy/thriller/action story perfect for kids who loved Stuart Gibbs’ Charlie Thorne series but are now 14-15. Set in near future (touch of Sci-Fi) this was a fun read

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there's one thing that's true for any Emily Lloyd-Jones book, it's that I'm going to get way too emotionally attached.

I added Augusta Pine Does Not Exist to my TBR almost immediately after seeing it because I've recently fallen in love with several of Emily Lloyd-Jones's other books, and I was super excited to get approved for it in Netgalley. If I'd had the time, I easily could've consumed this in one sitting, and I'm already craving a reread because I was completely enthralled with this story. It reminded me a lot of Chloe Gong's Coldwire mixed with the action and suspense of Amie Kaufman's Red Star Rebels. Also, I really appreciated the social commentary on AI and exploitation of the poor in times of crisis, and in general, I thought the worldbuilding with the wraiths and the technology used were super fun. I do want to mention that I've seen some other reviews claiming this is more of a lower YA, and I think I'm inclined to agree, but I think it's still an enjoyable read for everyone.

Augusta Pine does not exist. She's a wraith (a spy, essentially, whose past has been erased) working for the Identity Security Division as a means of escaping the prison sentence she deserves. When Augusta takes a chance to revisit her past, she gets caught up in a cyberterrorist attack, and if she wants to protect herself and those she cares for, she'll need to put a stop to it herself. Part Home Alone-esque plot, part spy fiction, this book was action-packed from beginning to end. Sometimes the pace is slowed by mini reports on Augusta's past missions (which were super fun to read), but overall, I felt that the pace was quite fast and the tension was high almost the entire time. There were quite a few plot twists throughout (one of which I spoiled for myself) with a mix of predictability, but I think all of them were foreshadowed in one way or another. The suspense kept me hooked the entire time, and I loved how the cleverness of the characters pushed the plot along. The ending is mostly satisfying, but I feel like it's open for more, and I would absolutely love to follow Augusta's story further in the future. I'm holding out hope that the author decides to continue because this was such a fun read.

The character dynamics tied the whole thing together for me. Augusta was an amazing protagonist to follow; she has a great sense of humor, she's incredibly clever, and her backstory made me root for her from the beginning. She's easily earned herself a spot as one of my favorite characters ever, which is another reason I really hope there's more in store for her. Eames and Piper were great additions as well. Piper's commentary was as hilarious as Augusta's, and I really liked Eames's sense of justice as well as his interactions with Augusta. Eames definitely has a lot more depth to him than we saw here (sequel sequel sequel). Nonna was also a fun character and I really liked her devotion to protecting three random kids, so I'm assuming that's where the found family aspect comes from. Oh, and Edgar was adorable. I love him so much. The character that intrigued me the most was Prefect, if only because he's so mysterious. I went back and forth between trusting him and not, and I'm so unsure about him that it intrigues me even further. The characters and their dynamics are all amazing, and the humor was just perfect.

Augusta Pine Does Not Exist is a YA dystopian/cyberpunk spy adventure featuring a main character with an impeccable sense of humor and her robotic bee friend, perfect for fans of Chloe Gong's Coldwire and Amie Kaufman's Red Star Rebels.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!

4.5/5

[Liberty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.25 stars.

Before I get into the review, a quick thank you to NetGalley and the publishers over at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Augusta Pine Does Not Exist follows a teenage hacker who has chosen to work for a shady government agency for ten years in order to avoid being charged for murder following a hack gone wrong. Three years later, she has become a skilled wraith with no home, no family, and only a handler and snarky AI spybot for company. When the apartment building she's in gets hacked by a cyberterrorist organization, Augusta must fight for her survival and race against time to stay one step ahead of the killers. Augusta Pine Does Not Exist comes out on July 7th and is available for preorder now.

I had to take a slight detour from my Christmas in July (which, like Hallmark's, starts in June) to read this ARC. My reading for the month has been really slow so I didn't manage to get this one read when I had planned to. It also took longer to read than expected. I need my real life to calm down and stop getting in the way of my reading life. The thing that really sold me on this one was the characters. We spend most of our time in this one setting, the apartment building, except for the few case-file excerpts interspersed throughout the novel. Which means what really needs to hook the reader is the characters. I felt so much for Augusta and her past, but I also loved her AI spybot, Edgar. It reminded me so much of the different AI I've read of in other SciFi sort of novels. I wouldn't exactly call this one a SciFi, but it does heavily lean in that direction based on the technology used in this somewhat distant future. A lot of smart tech and upgrades to what we sort of already use. (There was also some great messaging in there about our reliance on technology and how it makes us less safe. The fact that this division of the government needed to be set up in this story gave me a weird sort of look into our possible future and it was terrifying.) I also really enjoyed the plot. I will say that I saw a couple of twists coming, but they played out differently than I expected so they were still satisfying to see.

I struggled with the age range on this one. The main character is supposed to be 18 but she feels younger than that at times. As does one of the hostages that she works with throughout the novel. Some of the jokes were pretty low hanging fruit and the quips just got to be a bit much at times. I wish we had gotten a few more case-file excerpts that focused more on what being part of this government agency was like in the office setting. The one example we got was just not enough. It was a great moment of levity in the middle of a stress induced chapter and it could have added so much to the novel.

Overall, this was such and fun read. It was also quick to get through when I was able to actually dedicate a few minutes here and there to reading during the week. It also left a door open to the possibility of making this a series. I think it could be fun to see what Augusta and Edgar get up to following this one. Definitely worth the read.

[bookedupnurse · Rating 4 out of 5]

When someone dies, a digital ghost lingers …

She was 15 when she became a murderer. After a hack goes tragically wrong, she is given a ln ultimatum: accept a harsh prison sentence or leave her old life behind and use her talents to support a new, questionable, government agency named Identity Security Division’.

Taking the offer of a new life, she now has a new identify. ‘Augusta Pine’ has become a skilled ‘wraith’; an undercover operative within the shadows, an informant, an identity that can be tweaked to fit any mission. This means she has no home, family or friends. Her old life is behind her and she is officially ’dead’. And now, the only correspondents are her handler and an AI spybot.

When she is sent on a mission in Portland, she jumps at the chance. She will be able to see her beloved grandmother, even though it is from a distance. Taking a risk, she hires the apartment next door and what begins as nostalgic stalking, soon becomes a fight for survival when a group of cyberterrorists hacks the building, all its technology and keeps the residents hostages.

Although she is unsure what the hackers want, Augusta does know they are willing to kill for it. With her quick wit, tech-ability and some help from a fellow hostage, she is in a race against time to get her job done and protect the public, especially her grandmother. Will she be successful? And can she hide her identity from the closest person to her from her old world?

A combined thriller and spy fiction, this fast-paced dystopian story shows what a future world could look like. Elements such as electron-ink tattoos have replaced ID cards, passwords or 2-step identification and visor-viewing glasses are all very interesting elements and also things that I could see happening in our lifetime … AI, meta glasses!? It is timely and on topic.

Augusta has strong been developed as a flawed, confident, impulsive and humour-filled vigilante who you feel drawn towards, despite her past. Interestingly, we never know any names of people from her past life - ‘sisters’, ‘nonna’ - as if to highlight the compartmentalism that she was required to follow. Previous case files show the different quests she has completed and the history she has experienced which adds layers to the story and her character. What place does technology have in providing justice within the community?

I definitely agree that this is aimed towards younger adult/teenage audiences and very similar to previous series’ like Veronica Mars. A great read and would recommend this for those who enjoy sci-fi stories!

With thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House and Emily Lloyd-Jones for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[motherknows.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of the audiobook! The following is my honest review:

3.5 stars rounded up

Firstly a note on the format: I received an advance copy of the audiobook and it’s fantastic. I highly recommend enjoying the story in this format if this is on your TBR; it truly heightens the experience of the story, particularly the case file elements, with well placed sound effects, telephone call recordings that sound authentic, IDS interview recordings, and computerized voices. The audiobook production is so unique & really adds to the entertainment value of the story in this format.

Whilst this is a multi-cast narration much of the story is read by Christine Lakin. Her performance is incredibly dynamic, bringing such a wide variety of voices to her narration. Whether performing youthful voices, adult voices, male voices, female voices, all were brought to life with a nuance & expressiveness that had me convinced more than once that sections of the story were duet narration. Augusta’s character is complex- she shifts from practical problem solver to sardonic commentary, to moments of raw emotion. Lakin truly met every beat, bringing Augusta to life- she gives the listener a performance, not a narration.

As for the story itself, it’s fun and engaging from the very first sentence. The narrative is twisty, suspenseful, and laced with humor & heart throughout. I enjoyed the case file elements that are woven into the story- episodic stories that reminded me of The Assassins Blade, bringing to life Augusta Pine’s past spy escapades whilst adding dimension to the overall story.

The FMC is reminiscent of Veronica Mars, in the best way. She is resilient & quick-witted, with a cynical edge, yet she carries a kindness that underpins her decision making. She’s truly a character to root for & a great role model for younger readers.

For a high-tech novel where science fiction meets dystopian future this story has a heartbeat. It’s so much more than a fast paced story about hacking and cyber security, exploring themes of human connection, the nature of justice, & the weaponization of technology. It’s very relevant to the world we live in, touching on themes of technology & government control with a subtlety that invites introspection.

This is a great fit for younger YA readers in particular. The publisher recommended age is 14+, which I agree with but, though there’s not a lot of language, I wish there had been even less. This would open up the story to middle grade readers too, who the story is otherwise appropriate for.

[MommaGoz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to thank Goodreads for this ARC of Augusta Pine Does Not Exist.

I had no expectations going into this read and it did come across as a first time author. The story was interesting as it lends to a not so distant future of what could be in store for us with AI and technology.

However, it was not believable that a super secret government agency would take on a 15 year old and put her in the field 3 years later without significant training. Augusta comments many times how she's never had weapons training, never had martial arts training, never had basic gun training. Yet she's been working various cases and is always successful? That just was not believable.

I did get a little lost with why Vale was intent on getting Project Persephone. If it was mentioned, I apparently didn't pay attention, which doesn't speak well for the book. You want to be all in when you're reading, you want it to totally grip your attention. I did find myself scanning multiple paragraphs and pages as it felt like a lot of words that were not necessary in many chapters. But that could be why I don't remember if Persephone's importantance (spoiler...other than being her daughter) was explained. (Another spoiler.... I understand Vale was going to sell her intel and wanted to flee with her kids. But why the importance specifically on her daughter?)

I liked Augusta. I felt her remorse at why she became a wraith. I liked the relationship between her and her handler, Prefect. But I feel it was a missed opportunity....the author should have written about Augusta's training in more detail. Why Prefect was chosen as her handler and explain her early jobs, the type of training she endured, exposure to or relationships with other wraiths in training. Then this storyline could have been her sophomore story. A second book in the Augusta Pine series.

Not having it felt like a complete oversight with a few flashbacks to try to help with context.

I will admit, my heart stopped for a moment when Augusta found Edgar in her apartment. I was saying "No!" along with her.

I feel like it was a breezy, light book, more YA maybe. There wasn't any depth to the book. Nothing that really drew you in and made you invested. Surface level reading.

All in all it was an enjoyable read and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have read it. I will take a closer look the next time I see a bee....Edgar???

[Ashlyn H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It’s not often when I’m reading a book that I think ‘This would make a great movie’, but HOLY HELL this book would make a great movie.

Augusta Pine Does Not Exist combines Emily Lloyd-Jones’ penchant for delightfully voice-y protagonists, found family, and complex characters with action, constant tension, and a breakneck pace. I’m not big on thrillers, but this book is *so* different from the author’s previous works (which I’ve enjoyed) that I was curious to see if she could pull it off. And I’m happy to say—she did! I couldn’t put this book down. The pacing almost never lets up, but I never felt overwhelmed because the protagonist, Augusta Pine, is so fun to follow. She has the sort of snarky irreverence that you’d expect from an eighteen-year-old, but she also has a good heart.

This story is told in told in two formats—the present, and also in the form of a case file that’s being assembled on Augusta. With the present story being so action-packed, there’s not a lot of time to dwell on Augusta’s past or her relationship with an important side character. The case files are a clever way to insert some breathing room. We get to learn more about Augusta and her complicated relationship with the organization she works for. “Interlude” type inserts run the risk of being boring if you aren’t as invested in them as the main story. But I never had this problem, because the author inserted the case files at exactly the right moments and tied them seamlessly into the present story.

My favorite part about this book is the character relationships. There’s a little bit of everything; Augusta and her grandmother (who she hasn’t spoken to in years, and has no idea that Augusta is her granddaughter), Augusta and her sociopathic AI bumblebee companion, Augusta and the stragglers she picks up along the way. Even the main villain is nuanced and multilayered. The story also touches on climate change and the social inequality inherent to late stage capitalism. Some of the scenarios I was reading had me wincing in a “oof, I can see that being real life in fifteen/twenty years” kind of way.

I would have liked a little more resolution in certain areas (mainly the aforementioned bumblebee), but overall I had a great time blasting through this story. It’s a fun, action-packed thriller with a lot of heart.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: July 7, 2026

At fifteen years old, a young girl and her male friend were in an accident, causing the boy to die. To avoid being charged with his murder, the girl agrees to work for a branch of government called the Identity Security Division (ISD) but there is one catch- everyone she ever knew and loved has to believe she is dead. So now she is known as Augusta Pine and she works for the ISD, catching cyberterrorists and other dangerous online threats, counting down the days until she can be freed of her obligations and return to the life she left behind- if they’ll even want her back.

“Augusta Pine Does Not Exist” by Emily Lloyd-Jones is like a teenage “Matrix”, with a protagonist whose special talents (in this case, hacking), force her to make a choice between going to jail or completely disappearing and leaving everyone she loves behind. “Pine” is sharp, funny and modern and the protagonist is eccentric, brilliant and completely lovable.

The story takes place in the future and although we aren’t given a specific date there are hints dropped to indicate it is farther than twenty years, where almost everyone has smart devices that control their homes, cars and pretty much their entire lives- unless you can hack them, which is where the ISD comes in.

Lloyd-Jones techy, YA fiction is creative and well-developed and, even as an adult reader, I was committed to Augusta and her plight right from the beginning. She is easy to empathize with and root for, and her enigmatic caretaker, known as Prefect, is mysterious and intriguing as well (I would love a backstory on Prefect, actually).

“Pine” is thrilling and action-packed and it ends the way I expected it to, with a fulfilling and complete close to the plot. Although there doesn’t seem to be any sequels planned, Augusta Pine is the type of character who could easily back an entire series, and I would be all for it.

[Natasha Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Lloyd-Jones’ action packed, cyberpunk-esque YA thriller (with its espionage undertones and Mindwalker meets Die Hard-style premise) was so deliciously plot twisty (and adrenaline fuelled) I couldn’t put it down!

Set in a not too distant future, we follow eighteen year old Augusta, a hacker for a secret government agency. Who at fifteen became a “wraith”, after a car hack went wrong and she must choose between prison or a ten year stint as a government asset.

She chooses the latter and three years later, she’s thriving (as much as a one can with no family and no home.)

But during a rare break between jobs, Augusta finds her building invaded by cyber terrorists. With no records and the perfect skill set to stop them, Augusta might just pull off her biggest win to date…

I really enjoyed this and think, if you like your FMCs morally grey, (with an anti hero-style heart of gold) or a fondness for risky endeavours. Then you’re going to absolutely love Augusta!

She’s witty and resourceful with a dark sense of humour that, when paired with her need to belong (and unpredictable urge to bend all the rules) only made her even more complex and endearing.

I liked alternating between the present tense and the past as well, as it gave us insight not only into Augusta’s skills, but also her growing found family-esque bond with handler, Prefect, resident Eames, his sister Piper and spybot Edgar (who’s sassier and more loveable than I expected.)

The action scenes, (which involves neutralising threats as she sneaks around the building) were as edge of your seat worthy as they were Die Hard-coded. And the twists even more impressive!

I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say this was an amazing read exploring justice, guilt, and systemic inequality (like wealth and tech disparity.) That felt surprisingly relevant despite its futuristic setting.

YA Thriller-loving, Cyberpunk fans should definitely consider checking out!

Also, huge thanks to Nina Douglas PR & Penguin

[Kassyreadsalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Augusta Pine Does Not Exist

Author: Emily Lloyd Jones

Synopsis: After a hack gone tragically wrong, a teen girl is given an accept a harsh prison sentence or leave her old life behind, adopt a new identity, and use her talents in the service of a covert government agency.

Three years later, the newly-named Augusta Pine has become a skilled wraith, one of the Identity Security Division’s secret operatives. She has no home, no family, and her only friends are her coolly professional handler and a snarky sentient AI spybot. So when she is sent to Portland for her next assignment, she seizes the chance to catch a glimpse of her grandmother and rents the apartment next door.

What begins as a little nostalgic stalking turns into a fight for survival when a group of cyberterrorists hacks the building and imprisons the residents. Augusta doesn’t know what they want, but she does know they are ready to murder for it. With her quick wits, tech savvy—and help from a distractingly hot fellow hostage—Augusta must race against the clock to stay one step ahead of the killers.

AUGUSTA combines the suspense of a thriller and the intrigue of spy fiction to create a totally original novel about identity, connection, and the struggle to build a future on the scars of the past.

Review: I don’t know what it is but Emily Lloyd Jones can do wrong! Her books have this quality where I’m hooked from the start! There were so many twists and turns! This book had so much action in it and I was not bored! I could envision this book becoming a fun action movie! Augusta Pine was such a fun character and I could see potential for this to have more books! I would love to see more from Augusta and her life! I would happily give my money to her! She never disappoints and always leaves me wanting more!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me the opportunity to read this in advance!

[Tegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Augusta Pine Does Not Exist is set in a near future where physical IDs have been replaced with permanent biometric tattoos to combat identity theft. It’s about a lot of things: the lengths we go to for family, how technology is encroaching into our lives, how we recover from mistakes we’ve made, and, of course, a very snarky heroine. It also has a slightly sociopathic AI spy bot that looks like a bumblebee. And he is my favourite.

I will confess that I originally had my doubts about this book, and those doubts were definitely misplaced. I've read some of Emily Lloyd-Jones' works in the past, but I've only read her Welsh myth retellings and not the books that came before that are more aligned with this current one, so I wasn't sure what to expect or if what I loved about her writing in the Welsh books would translate to a different genre. But this book is clever, twisty, and surprisingly funny. I found it unputdownable at points: it's fast-paced and compelling, and I would've happily stayed up all night to keep reading. There was never a lack of action. Some of the flashback scenes did take me out of the story, but I overall did enjoy the snippets of Augusta's file and the cases she's previously worked on to paint a more solid picture of this near-future world and what it took for Augusta to survive in her situation.

What I find to be the overarching message of this book (resisting the AI takeover) is more relevant than ever. There have been a lot of recent sci-fi and dystopian releases that take a firm anti-AI stance, and I'm interested in how many of them were conceived or drafted over five years ago, when the current state of technology was just fiction and dystopia rather than our reality. I also appreciated the exploration of moral complexity interwoven with the dilemmas of technological advancement: this technology is improving a lot of people's lives, but at what cost?

If you're looking for a quirky, quick-paced, and relatively lighthearted reverse spy heist, this one is for you. It's currently a standalone, but I would be interested in more books featuring these characters and this universe, regardless of length. 

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

After an ambitious hack goes horribly wrong, a teen genius is given an ultimatum: accept a harsh prison sentence or join a shady government agency. The newly-named Augusta Pine becomes one of the Identity Security Division's secret operatives. When Augusta sneakily tries to visit her beloved Nonna, she becomes trapped by an advanced cyberattack. Suddenly, Augusta has to use all of her skills to survive.

I really enjoyed the premise and the reveals about Augusta’s life as a Wraith interspersed with the crisis at hand. Augusta is the kind of sassy that will appeal to fans of Veronica Mars and Buffy - very sarcastic! Nonna was of course a favourite character, and I would have liked to see more of her. This will definitely appeal to teen and YA readers, while also provoking some thinking about technology and identity security. It definitely made me think about the way technology is going, how much information we share, and how vulnerable it could be in the wrong hands. While I might love a robot sidekick, Edgar definitely provoked some questions about AI and its power!

I feel like this would have worked a little better if it was a bit shorter - it’s a thriller, but it’s slightly long and that affects the pace a bit. I think if it was a bit shorter it would have moved faster. At times it just didn’t propel me along.

The villains were complex, and it was interesting to see Augusta pulled in different directions. The story had some excellent twists and a great mystery! As a child I was a big fan of Spy Kids and this felt like a great way to relive those films, with Augusta’s gadgets and the high-stakes action.

Thank you to Penguin for the proof!