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AWOL #1
Agent Without Licence
Young Bond and James Bond meet Alex Rider and Cherub in this brilliantly written, fast-paced spy action thriller. All credibly delivered from somebody who knows all about counter-intelligence...
Kieron and his friend Sam are shocked to see a man kidnapped in a Newcastle shopping centre right in front of their eyes. The boys quickly realise that the kidnapped man left something behind in the scuffle - an earpiece and glasses. Kieron puts them on and realises he can see not what is front of him, but a busy, tourist city, somewhere very hot - in Mumbai...
Kieron has accidentally stumbled upon the undercover world of Rebecca 'Bex' Wilson - a freelance agent working for the British Secret Intelligence Service. And without her handler Bradley (the man who was kidnapped), Bex is in trouble. She doesn't know who of her usual contacts she can trust, and like it or not, she is going to have to use teenage Kieron to get her out of danger. Before Kieron and Sam know it, they are part of a mission to stop a weapon of mass destruction from falling into the wrong hands...
High-octane action and fast-paced adventure - guaranteed.
Kieron and his friend Sam are shocked to see a man kidnapped in a Newcastle shopping centre right in front of their eyes. The boys quickly realise that the kidnapped man left something behind in the scuffle - an earpiece and glasses. Kieron puts them on and realises he can see not what is front of him, but a busy, tourist city, somewhere very hot - in Mumbai...
Kieron has accidentally stumbled upon the undercover world of Rebecca 'Bex' Wilson - a freelance agent working for the British Secret Intelligence Service. And without her handler Bradley (the man who was kidnapped), Bex is in trouble. She doesn't know who of her usual contacts she can trust, and like it or not, she is going to have to use teenage Kieron to get her out of danger. Before Kieron and Sam know it, they are part of a mission to stop a weapon of mass destruction from falling into the wrong hands...
High-octane action and fast-paced adventure - guaranteed.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2018
17 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Lane
50 books32 followersSee also work published as Andy Lane
During 2009, Macmillan Books announced that Lane would be writing a series of books focusing on the early life of Sherlock Holmes. The series was developed in conjunction with the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Lane had already shown an extensive knowledge of the Holmes character and continuity in his Virgin Books novel All-Consuming Fire in which he created The Library of St. John the Beheaded as a meeting place for the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who.
The first book in the 'Young Sherlock Holmes' series – Death Cloud – was published in the United Kingdom in June 2010 (February 2011 in the United States), with the second – Red Leech – published in the United Kingdom in November of that year (with a United States publication date under the title Rebel Fire of February 2012). The third book – Black Ice – was published in June 2011 in the UK while the fourth book – Fire Storm – was published originally in hardback in October 2011 with a paperback publication in March 2012. The fifth book, Snake Bite was published in hardback in October 2012 and the sixth book, Knife Edge was published in September 2013. Death Cloud was short-listed for both the 2010 North East Book Award. (coming second by three votes) and the 2011 Southampton's Favourite Book Award. Black Ice won the 2012 Centurion Book Award.
Early in 2012, Macmillan Children's Books announced that they would be publishing a new series by Lane, beginning in 2013. The Lost World books will follow disabled 15-year-old Calum Challenger, who is co-ordinating a search from his London bedroom to find creatures considered so rare that many do not believe they exist. Calum's intention is to use the creatures' DNA to help protect the species, but also to search for a cure for his own paralysis. His team comprises a computer hacker, a free runner, an ex-marine and a pathological liar.
During 2009, Macmillan Books announced that Lane would be writing a series of books focusing on the early life of Sherlock Holmes. The series was developed in conjunction with the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Lane had already shown an extensive knowledge of the Holmes character and continuity in his Virgin Books novel All-Consuming Fire in which he created The Library of St. John the Beheaded as a meeting place for the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who.
The first book in the 'Young Sherlock Holmes' series – Death Cloud – was published in the United Kingdom in June 2010 (February 2011 in the United States), with the second – Red Leech – published in the United Kingdom in November of that year (with a United States publication date under the title Rebel Fire of February 2012). The third book – Black Ice – was published in June 2011 in the UK while the fourth book – Fire Storm – was published originally in hardback in October 2011 with a paperback publication in March 2012. The fifth book, Snake Bite was published in hardback in October 2012 and the sixth book, Knife Edge was published in September 2013. Death Cloud was short-listed for both the 2010 North East Book Award. (coming second by three votes) and the 2011 Southampton's Favourite Book Award. Black Ice won the 2012 Centurion Book Award.
Early in 2012, Macmillan Children's Books announced that they would be publishing a new series by Lane, beginning in 2013. The Lost World books will follow disabled 15-year-old Calum Challenger, who is co-ordinating a search from his London bedroom to find creatures considered so rare that many do not believe they exist. Calum's intention is to use the creatures' DNA to help protect the species, but also to search for a cure for his own paralysis. His team comprises a computer hacker, a free runner, an ex-marine and a pathological liar.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 6, 2018
I wasn't aware that this is recommended for ages 9-12 when I downloaded a copy of it but I must say I am glad there are authors out there writing spy thrillers for kids as just like us adults, they can enjoy this genre. Naturally, there is none of the bloodshed and brutalness that feature in adult espionage books but this is every bit a spy novel minus those aspects. I guess you could say this is along the same lines of James Patterson's Alex Rider series or a younger version of James Bond which I feel will appeal to youngsters, especially boys. From doing a little research I can see that Lane has written lots of children's book's - I always feel that authors who dedicate their careers to writing for kids are a special breed - It's such a noble thing to do - to try and encourage the young to read. I feel you can both learn and get enjoyment out of books for the rest of your life on this earth if you are gently encouraged to read from a young age. Kudos to Andrew Lane!
I was pleasantly surprised to find that this thriller was set in Newcastle - a place that I know well and live only a short distance from so this added to my curiousity. The book opens with friends Kieran and Sam witnessing a kidnapping in a Newcastle shopping centre leaving them shocked and concerned and wondering what they can do to help. It quickly dawns on them that the guy who was kidnapped had left behind some property in the ensuing furore, namely an earpiece and a pair of glasses. It soon becomes clear that the boys have accidentally stumbled across the undercover world of Rebecca Wilson who works for the British Secret Intelligence Service. How does the kidnapped guy fit into the story? Well, he is Rebecca's handler. Without him she has no idea which of her contacts can be trusted. She is going to have to rely on teenager Kieran to get her out of trouble. Before Kieran and Sam know what's hit them they're involved in a mission to stop a weapon of mass destruction from falling into the wrong hands.
I would've loved a book such as this to read when I was young, I guess those growing up now don't realise how lucky they are to have such a fantastic selection of books, authors, and genres to choose from. The writing is great, there is plenty of action throughout and the pace is fast enough to propel you through the story to the conclusion. The storyline is one that I would find compelling in an adult book adding credibility to the novel. Lane certainly doesn't skimp on the detail and knows how to keep you interested.
All in all, an exciting novel for children that will make them think and lead them to ask questions regarding the subject matters covered. I think the recommended reading age is likely correct but I enjoyed it and I am considerably older so I feel that it will appeal to a wider audience than to those it specifically targets. Any book that encourages youngsters to get into reading is a blessing, in my opinion.
Many thanks to Piccadilly Press for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that this thriller was set in Newcastle - a place that I know well and live only a short distance from so this added to my curiousity. The book opens with friends Kieran and Sam witnessing a kidnapping in a Newcastle shopping centre leaving them shocked and concerned and wondering what they can do to help. It quickly dawns on them that the guy who was kidnapped had left behind some property in the ensuing furore, namely an earpiece and a pair of glasses. It soon becomes clear that the boys have accidentally stumbled across the undercover world of Rebecca Wilson who works for the British Secret Intelligence Service. How does the kidnapped guy fit into the story? Well, he is Rebecca's handler. Without him she has no idea which of her contacts can be trusted. She is going to have to rely on teenager Kieran to get her out of trouble. Before Kieran and Sam know what's hit them they're involved in a mission to stop a weapon of mass destruction from falling into the wrong hands.
I would've loved a book such as this to read when I was young, I guess those growing up now don't realise how lucky they are to have such a fantastic selection of books, authors, and genres to choose from. The writing is great, there is plenty of action throughout and the pace is fast enough to propel you through the story to the conclusion. The storyline is one that I would find compelling in an adult book adding credibility to the novel. Lane certainly doesn't skimp on the detail and knows how to keep you interested.
All in all, an exciting novel for children that will make them think and lead them to ask questions regarding the subject matters covered. I think the recommended reading age is likely correct but I enjoyed it and I am considerably older so I feel that it will appeal to a wider audience than to those it specifically targets. Any book that encourages youngsters to get into reading is a blessing, in my opinion.
Many thanks to Piccadilly Press for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 16, 2020
Great action packed story that features some cool high tech tools, terrorists and greebs who save the day. Will be recommending this book to my students who “don’t read” because I think they will be hooked.
Read
January 1, 2020WARNING! This Book review has a few book spoilers. If you do not want your book reading experience to be spoilt, then please skip this post.
This book is about two teenagers, Kieron Mellor and Sam Rosenfeld. One day, while they were having lunch, they saw two people kidnap the man called Bradley Marshall sitting at the table next to them. In the commotion, Bradley Marshall had dropped two things. A pair of Glasses and a Bluetooth earpiece. Kieron picked them, thinking that he could sell them at a Pawnshop for some quick money.
However, after he puts the glasses on experimentally, he realises that the glasses are not as simple as it seems.
After putting on the glasses, he realises that he is seeing an image of someplace in Mumbai. Kieron later realises that he is looking through the glasses lens of Rebecca 'Bex' Wilson. Bex is an undercover spy and requires Bradley to give her support through the glasses and earpiece. Bradley can give her information about the surroundings and also of potential threats around her. However, with Bradley kidnapped, Bex can only rely on Kieron for help to help her complete her mission and save the world.
If you want to know more, READ THE BOOK!! ;)
I enjoyed reading this book as it has both a prospect of an adult going on a mission ( James Bond ) and Teenagers going on missions as well. ( Cherub ) Finally, this book has quite a few cool gadgets that we could possibly have in the near future. This especially made me enjoy the book as I like learning about the possibilities of technology that people cant think about.
This book is about two teenagers, Kieron Mellor and Sam Rosenfeld. One day, while they were having lunch, they saw two people kidnap the man called Bradley Marshall sitting at the table next to them. In the commotion, Bradley Marshall had dropped two things. A pair of Glasses and a Bluetooth earpiece. Kieron picked them, thinking that he could sell them at a Pawnshop for some quick money.
However, after he puts the glasses on experimentally, he realises that the glasses are not as simple as it seems.
After putting on the glasses, he realises that he is seeing an image of someplace in Mumbai. Kieron later realises that he is looking through the glasses lens of Rebecca 'Bex' Wilson. Bex is an undercover spy and requires Bradley to give her support through the glasses and earpiece. Bradley can give her information about the surroundings and also of potential threats around her. However, with Bradley kidnapped, Bex can only rely on Kieron for help to help her complete her mission and save the world.
If you want to know more, READ THE BOOK!! ;)
I enjoyed reading this book as it has both a prospect of an adult going on a mission ( James Bond ) and Teenagers going on missions as well. ( Cherub ) Finally, this book has quite a few cool gadgets that we could possibly have in the near future. This especially made me enjoy the book as I like learning about the possibilities of technology that people cant think about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2021
A ver ¿como digo esto sin sonar hater?
Es de esos libros que son buenos para leer entre lecturas pesadas... pero no es la gran cosa .Y no, no pienso que tenga que ver con el hecho de que últimamente tengo lecturas muy buenas y con historias súper complicadas y profundas.
Para empezar es un CLICHÉ de agentes secretos y es primero con esta temática que leo y la verdad no me decepciono.
Osea me gusto, me entretuvo y no fue difícil de leer y así.
Algo que nunca termine de entender y eso es el lapso de tiempo que hay entre cada capítulo (aunque bueno a veces soy MUY lenta para agarrar las cosas y tal vez se deba a eso).
Nada que ver pero amo que el prota y su mejor amigo sean emos no se es que me caen bien.
En resumen es un libro entretenido y me voy a leer el segundo
Ese es todo mi reporte Joaquín
Cris fuera
Besos en la cola
Es de esos libros que son buenos para leer entre lecturas pesadas... pero no es la gran cosa .Y no, no pienso que tenga que ver con el hecho de que últimamente tengo lecturas muy buenas y con historias súper complicadas y profundas.
Para empezar es un CLICHÉ de agentes secretos y es primero con esta temática que leo y la verdad no me decepciono.
Osea me gusto, me entretuvo y no fue difícil de leer y así.
Algo que nunca termine de entender y eso es el lapso de tiempo que hay entre cada capítulo (aunque bueno a veces soy MUY lenta para agarrar las cosas y tal vez se deba a eso).
Nada que ver pero amo que el prota y su mejor amigo sean emos no se es que me caen bien.
En resumen es un libro entretenido y me voy a leer el segundo
Ese es todo mi reporte Joaquín
Cris fuera
Besos en la cola
March 25, 2024
A fast-moving, high-tension story of a pair of teenage boys who witness a kidnapping and find a pair of glasses and an earpiece left on the table.
Keiran tries the glasses, and the weirdest things happen. He can see his friend Sam through them, but he can also see another scene where he hears a woman talking. It turns out that the glasses are for communicating between ground support and a spy in the field and sucks them into a world of sleuths, spies and deadly weapons.
Bex knows something is up, but does she trust the kid with Bradley’s gear? Danger is around every corner. Bradley has been taken who knows where, and a teenager she doesn’t know is using the gear. How do they sort out what is going on?
I enjoyed the extended reality of the story, the pace and the subtle humour.
Recommended for readers ten years and older.
Keiran tries the glasses, and the weirdest things happen. He can see his friend Sam through them, but he can also see another scene where he hears a woman talking. It turns out that the glasses are for communicating between ground support and a spy in the field and sucks them into a world of sleuths, spies and deadly weapons.
Bex knows something is up, but does she trust the kid with Bradley’s gear? Danger is around every corner. Bradley has been taken who knows where, and a teenager she doesn’t know is using the gear. How do they sort out what is going on?
I enjoyed the extended reality of the story, the pace and the subtle humour.
Recommended for readers ten years and older.
June 10, 2021
What is this book about? (write 1-2 sentences)
The Book is about two boys that get caught up with MI6 on a nuclear bomb plot to blow up some towns in the middle east
Favourite part of the story and why? (write 1-2 sentences)
when the spy they are talking with has to invade where the nuclear bomb is being held because it. is very well written
Favourite character and why? (write 1-2 sentences)
Kieron because he keeps cool when it gets difficult
What is a lesson or a fact that you learned from this book? (write 1-2 sentences)
try to keep out of other peoples business
Give your review out of 5 stars
4
The Book is about two boys that get caught up with MI6 on a nuclear bomb plot to blow up some towns in the middle east
Favourite part of the story and why? (write 1-2 sentences)
when the spy they are talking with has to invade where the nuclear bomb is being held because it. is very well written
Favourite character and why? (write 1-2 sentences)
Kieron because he keeps cool when it gets difficult
What is a lesson or a fact that you learned from this book? (write 1-2 sentences)
try to keep out of other peoples business
Give your review out of 5 stars
4
January 31, 2025
Es war ein guter Einstieg in eine gute Reihe.
Manche Szenen kamen mir dann doch etwas langatmig vor, jedoch sind die actionszenen super.
Das Finale war spannender als erwartet und dramatischer als von einem Jugendbuch erwartet.
Die Charaktere sind das Herzstück dieser Reihe und die werden prächtig vorgestellt. Nichts sollte zwischen die beiden Jungs kommen, die gehen durch mehr als dick und dünn.
Manche Szenen kamen mir dann doch etwas langatmig vor, jedoch sind die actionszenen super.
Das Finale war spannender als erwartet und dramatischer als von einem Jugendbuch erwartet.
Die Charaktere sind das Herzstück dieser Reihe und die werden prächtig vorgestellt. Nichts sollte zwischen die beiden Jungs kommen, die gehen durch mehr als dick und dünn.
December 4, 2019
"Agent Without a License "is an action-packed book, kind of young version of James Bond. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book that is energetic and has its life and death moments. The main characters are two best friends, just enjoying there lives all to change in a matter of seconds. Their normal lives kidnapped the moment they....... read the book and you will find out.
January 20, 2023
This is a fast and furious adventure featuring Kieron in Newcastle, England and Bex who is in India.
When Kieron and his friend Sam witness an apparent abduction, and then find a virtual reality kit which the abductee dropped in the melee, they are dragged into an international secret mission which is way out of their comfort zone.
For fans of Alex Rider and Cherub.
When Kieron and his friend Sam witness an apparent abduction, and then find a virtual reality kit which the abductee dropped in the melee, they are dragged into an international secret mission which is way out of their comfort zone.
For fans of Alex Rider and Cherub.
October 25, 2024
Really good listen. Two teens fall in to a situation involving MI5 and some cool spy gadgetry. Entertaining, until it comes to “the end of part 1”. Arrgh, now I have to find part 2 on this free library site.
January 28, 2025
It’s probably even better in English, but ok, you read what you got, right? Pretty fast-paced interesting book for teenies.
July 29, 2018
I received a copy of Agent Without Licence from Allen & Unwin Australia to review.
From a veteran author of young adult fiction comes this brilliant spy thriller that introduces a younger audience to the joys of modern espionage.
Kieron Mellor and his best friend, Sam, are typical teenagers living the ‘greeb’ lifestyle in Newcastle, England, with their biggest problem revolving around how to get tickets to the next rock show. But when they witness a man being kidnapped in their local mall, they are thrust into the world of covert espionage and a plot to unleash untold destruction on the world. Noticing that the kidnapped man has dropped a set of glasses and an earpiece, Kieron picks them up, only to discover that they are part of a high tech virtual reality kit that can provide the user with a database of information about anything they see. They also connect Kieron to Bex, a secret agent on mission in Mumbai who is in desperate need of his help.
Bex’s handler, the man who was kidnapped, was using the technology currently in Kieron’s possession to remotely assist Bex with her mission. Bex was observing a deal for information about nuclear weapons, but the disappearance of her handler resulted in her losing her target. With no other options, Bex is forced to utilize Kieron and Sam’s help in order to complete her mission and stop an act of mass destruction. However, the Newcastle teens have problems of their own; a fanatical right-wing extremist group and a mole inside Bex’s organisation are hunting them for the missing glasses, and they have no intention of leaving any witnesses alive.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/07/29/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
From a veteran author of young adult fiction comes this brilliant spy thriller that introduces a younger audience to the joys of modern espionage.
Kieron Mellor and his best friend, Sam, are typical teenagers living the ‘greeb’ lifestyle in Newcastle, England, with their biggest problem revolving around how to get tickets to the next rock show. But when they witness a man being kidnapped in their local mall, they are thrust into the world of covert espionage and a plot to unleash untold destruction on the world. Noticing that the kidnapped man has dropped a set of glasses and an earpiece, Kieron picks them up, only to discover that they are part of a high tech virtual reality kit that can provide the user with a database of information about anything they see. They also connect Kieron to Bex, a secret agent on mission in Mumbai who is in desperate need of his help.
Bex’s handler, the man who was kidnapped, was using the technology currently in Kieron’s possession to remotely assist Bex with her mission. Bex was observing a deal for information about nuclear weapons, but the disappearance of her handler resulted in her losing her target. With no other options, Bex is forced to utilize Kieron and Sam’s help in order to complete her mission and stop an act of mass destruction. However, the Newcastle teens have problems of their own; a fanatical right-wing extremist group and a mole inside Bex’s organisation are hunting them for the missing glasses, and they have no intention of leaving any witnesses alive.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/07/29/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
October 3, 2018
Der originale Klappentext ist nicht wirklich aussagekräftig und hätte mich eher abgeschreckt. Doch hat man erst einmal das Buch angefangen, so will und kann man nicht mehr aufhören! In alter Young Sherlock Holmes Manier werden komplizierte Geheimnisse aufgedeckt, in James Bond Manier Actionszenen umgesetzt. Andrew Lane ist auf jeden Fall ein wahrer Könner auf dem Gebiet des Kliffhängers, ein Meister der Spannung und Erzählung, DER Meister des analytischen Denkens. Andrew Lane ist selbst ein Agent: genial und unberechenbar. Gefesselt hat mich dieses Buch, und nicht mehr losgelassen! Coole Charaktere, verrückte Stories modernste Technik und detaillierte Beschreibungen machen dieses Buch aus und tragen es. Ich bin wirklich begeistert.
Ich freue mich total auf den nächsten Band der Reihe, wie ich auf der Internetseite von Andrew Lane in Erfahrung bringen konnte, arbeitet er bereits an „weiteren Bänden“. Dass er zeitgleich jedoch offiziell an 10 weiteren Büchern arbeitet, hat meine Freude etwas gedämpft. Doch Andrew Lane ist generell ein sehr beschäftigter Autor: so schreibt er nicht nur für die Young Sherlock Holmes-Reihe, für die er gerade auch an einem neunten Band arbeitet, sondern auch für die weltbekannte Fernsehserie Doctor Who. Ein Besuch auf seiner Seite lohnt sich auf jeden Fall!
Ach übrigens: wenn Andrew Lane auf seinen Portraits auch nicht danach aussieht, er hat durchaus Humor…
Also, dieses Buch möchte ich wirklich empfehlen, jedem der Reihen wie „Top Secret“ oder „Bodyguard“ mag im Besonderen, hier ist neuer Lesestoff für Jugendliche!
Ich freue mich total auf den nächsten Band der Reihe, wie ich auf der Internetseite von Andrew Lane in Erfahrung bringen konnte, arbeitet er bereits an „weiteren Bänden“. Dass er zeitgleich jedoch offiziell an 10 weiteren Büchern arbeitet, hat meine Freude etwas gedämpft. Doch Andrew Lane ist generell ein sehr beschäftigter Autor: so schreibt er nicht nur für die Young Sherlock Holmes-Reihe, für die er gerade auch an einem neunten Band arbeitet, sondern auch für die weltbekannte Fernsehserie Doctor Who. Ein Besuch auf seiner Seite lohnt sich auf jeden Fall!
Ach übrigens: wenn Andrew Lane auf seinen Portraits auch nicht danach aussieht, er hat durchaus Humor…
Also, dieses Buch möchte ich wirklich empfehlen, jedem der Reihen wie „Top Secret“ oder „Bodyguard“ mag im Besonderen, hier ist neuer Lesestoff für Jugendliche!
May 8, 2025
This book was a great read. Full of action and adventure. The storytelling keeps you engage and wonder how it would ends as well as how the next mission would go in the next book. Its interesting with how it engages the audience with the story of two boys and how they end up assisting with an extremely important mission that could affect the world.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews