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Along Came A Spyder
Samira Joshi wants to be a spy!
Samira is smart, sassy and ... seventeen.
Her only dream in life is to be a spy. Leading missions, running agents, evading exploding napalm - Samira wants to do it all.
And, why not? After all, spying runs in her genes.
One day, she accidentally discovers a secret sisterhood of teen spies - The Spyders, and Samira wants in!
The question is, do they want her?
To find out, read this fast-paced and thrilling spy adventure by debutante author, Apeksha Rao.
Releasing soon, in leading bookstores all over India.
Samira is smart, sassy and ... seventeen.
Her only dream in life is to be a spy. Leading missions, running agents, evading exploding napalm - Samira wants to do it all.
And, why not? After all, spying runs in her genes.
One day, she accidentally discovers a secret sisterhood of teen spies - The Spyders, and Samira wants in!
The question is, do they want her?
To find out, read this fast-paced and thrilling spy adventure by debutante author, Apeksha Rao.
Releasing soon, in leading bookstores all over India.
- GenresIndian Literature
263 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
6 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 22, 2020
A funny and witty spy thriller. Despite being an adult, I enjoyed this YA spy thriller about a gang of teenage spies, who call themselves Spyders.
December 14, 2020
A fun young-adult spy thriller
Samira Joshi is smart and savvy, the plot is convoluted and absolutely delightful, and the story moves along nicely.
I loved the adventures, and some of the secondary characters and their quirks were most entertaining. I most especially enjoyed the sarcasm and the humor; in fact, the language is great, but for a few extra and misplaced commas. This debut is admirably done - clever touches abound - and I recommend the book to young readers and also to older ones.
Samira Joshi is smart and savvy, the plot is convoluted and absolutely delightful, and the story moves along nicely.
I loved the adventures, and some of the secondary characters and their quirks were most entertaining. I most especially enjoyed the sarcasm and the humor; in fact, the language is great, but for a few extra and misplaced commas. This debut is admirably done - clever touches abound - and I recommend the book to young readers and also to older ones.
September 29, 2020
A thrilling book with many adventures. The story is written in first person from the point of view of Samira. I read the first book, Itsy Bitsy Spyder by Apeksha Rao, before I started this one and I can say that this book can definitely be read as a standalone.
The story is fast paced and a page turner. The language is simple and funny at times. The story moves back and forth between the past and the present. I loved the twists and turns and how the adventures come in one after the other. The book also talks about the unpredictable lives of spies and their difficult training.
The author has created realistic characters. Even the secondary characters were important and have been developed well, though I wanted to know a bit more about them. They are tailing, eavesdropping and making gadgets, all in their day’s work. The back stories have been written in such a way that I could understand her relationship with her parents. I loved Samira and her grandmother’s closeness and also her difference of opinion with her mother.
The immense research that has gone into the book is clearly visible. I could feel the scenes move right in front of me. And the way it ended made me realise that there is more to come and I am really waiting for the books in the series now.
The book is a must read for adults and young adults alike.
The story is fast paced and a page turner. The language is simple and funny at times. The story moves back and forth between the past and the present. I loved the twists and turns and how the adventures come in one after the other. The book also talks about the unpredictable lives of spies and their difficult training.
The author has created realistic characters. Even the secondary characters were important and have been developed well, though I wanted to know a bit more about them. They are tailing, eavesdropping and making gadgets, all in their day’s work. The back stories have been written in such a way that I could understand her relationship with her parents. I loved Samira and her grandmother’s closeness and also her difference of opinion with her mother.
The immense research that has gone into the book is clearly visible. I could feel the scenes move right in front of me. And the way it ended made me realise that there is more to come and I am really waiting for the books in the series now.
The book is a must read for adults and young adults alike.
January 4, 2023
Book Title: Along came a Spyder
Author: Apeksha Rao
Format: Kindle
Book Title:
The title of the book ' Along Came a Spyder ' is exciting and thrilling.
Book Cover:
The cover image of the book is an animated figure of a woman who is dressed in a Spy dress. The naughty smile gives a refreshing feeling to the readers.
My review:
It was 90's I think, during my school times, there were many books and TV shows for children that were based on mystery spying and such adventures. On Indian Television, there were some shows where the protagonist was a teenager, either boy or girl. The episodes had wit, humour, fun, suspense, emotion and social message. After a long time, while reading the college romance books or Young Adult love stories, this book - ' Along Came a Spyder ' is refreshing and unique.
The story is about a 17-year-old teenager, Samira Joshi. Ever since she was aware that her parents are the RAW agents, to become a spy was the only target she had. Though her parents initially were interested in her becoming a spy, one day, her mother asks her to leave everything aside and prepare herself to become a doctor in the future. This sudden decision of her mother irks Samira. She looks for a getaway and happens to find a small organization of Spies or Spyders run by Col.SIngh. With a group of girls, her first assignment goes into unveiling a prostitution racket that links to a terror attack being busted.
This action-packed book is a continuous chain of events and incidents that are very gripping to read. As all the characters ooze with young blood, not a single dull or pale moment is observed in the story. We can expect an Indian Agatha Christie or Enid Blyton type story.
I very much enjoyed reading the book and will surely recommend it to everyone.
What I like:
1. The story-line
2. The personality of Samira, which is very inspiring
3. The intelligent usage of the resources she gets while spying, be it a technically advanced one or not.
4. Samira's Grandmother, who is very pleasing
5. The conviction of a 17-year-old girl towards her friend's problem is heartening
6. There is so much scope for a reader to be nostalgic and re-visit their teenage times where everyone at some point was a spy or read a book based on spies and espionage.
What I didn't like:
The story is very entertaining, and hence this section stands obsolete.
Characters:
Instead of mentioning about every character, that which can be understood after reading the book, I think explaining every aspect about the protagonist Samira Joshi is essential.
She is:
1. Young and dynamic
2. Sincere and spontaneous
3. Perfect daughter for such a couple, who are RAW agents
4. Brave, witty and cautious
This character is written with honesty and great depth. The adventures this character does in the name of spying is fantastic. Her presence of mind and intelligence in dealing difficult situations is a lesson to all the female readers.
Narration:
The story is narrated from the view of a 17-year-old girl, Samira Joshi. The whole narrative in which the story is written is, emotional, thrilling, unexpected, informative and concerning. It is moving because there is the concept of young girls being trapped in abusive tasks. It is exhilarating because well it has a great spy story. It is unexpected because the characters and conversations are out of the box. It is concerning because the quest that the characters carry out is for society. And the whole scenario of narration is perfectly aligned with a reader's mind.
Language & Grammar:
The language and grammar or the vocabulary constructs in a fiction book hold great importance. The captivating words will also clasp the reader's mind tight, and thus the story will remain for a long time in the senses. Being a blogger, author Apeksha Rao has very well used a simple and accessible language that can be understood by readers of any age. The clear writing style of the author surely wins more brownie points in the eyes of the readers who like to read simple yet good fiction books.
My Final Verdict:
A rolling ride of spying!
Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Narration: 3/5
Language & Grammar: 3/5
Final Rating: 3/5
Author: Apeksha Rao
Format: Kindle
Book Title:
The title of the book ' Along Came a Spyder ' is exciting and thrilling.
Book Cover:
The cover image of the book is an animated figure of a woman who is dressed in a Spy dress. The naughty smile gives a refreshing feeling to the readers.
My review:
It was 90's I think, during my school times, there were many books and TV shows for children that were based on mystery spying and such adventures. On Indian Television, there were some shows where the protagonist was a teenager, either boy or girl. The episodes had wit, humour, fun, suspense, emotion and social message. After a long time, while reading the college romance books or Young Adult love stories, this book - ' Along Came a Spyder ' is refreshing and unique.
The story is about a 17-year-old teenager, Samira Joshi. Ever since she was aware that her parents are the RAW agents, to become a spy was the only target she had. Though her parents initially were interested in her becoming a spy, one day, her mother asks her to leave everything aside and prepare herself to become a doctor in the future. This sudden decision of her mother irks Samira. She looks for a getaway and happens to find a small organization of Spies or Spyders run by Col.SIngh. With a group of girls, her first assignment goes into unveiling a prostitution racket that links to a terror attack being busted.
This action-packed book is a continuous chain of events and incidents that are very gripping to read. As all the characters ooze with young blood, not a single dull or pale moment is observed in the story. We can expect an Indian Agatha Christie or Enid Blyton type story.
I very much enjoyed reading the book and will surely recommend it to everyone.
What I like:
1. The story-line
2. The personality of Samira, which is very inspiring
3. The intelligent usage of the resources she gets while spying, be it a technically advanced one or not.
4. Samira's Grandmother, who is very pleasing
5. The conviction of a 17-year-old girl towards her friend's problem is heartening
6. There is so much scope for a reader to be nostalgic and re-visit their teenage times where everyone at some point was a spy or read a book based on spies and espionage.
What I didn't like:
The story is very entertaining, and hence this section stands obsolete.
Characters:
Instead of mentioning about every character, that which can be understood after reading the book, I think explaining every aspect about the protagonist Samira Joshi is essential.
She is:
1. Young and dynamic
2. Sincere and spontaneous
3. Perfect daughter for such a couple, who are RAW agents
4. Brave, witty and cautious
This character is written with honesty and great depth. The adventures this character does in the name of spying is fantastic. Her presence of mind and intelligence in dealing difficult situations is a lesson to all the female readers.
Narration:
The story is narrated from the view of a 17-year-old girl, Samira Joshi. The whole narrative in which the story is written is, emotional, thrilling, unexpected, informative and concerning. It is moving because there is the concept of young girls being trapped in abusive tasks. It is exhilarating because well it has a great spy story. It is unexpected because the characters and conversations are out of the box. It is concerning because the quest that the characters carry out is for society. And the whole scenario of narration is perfectly aligned with a reader's mind.
Language & Grammar:
The language and grammar or the vocabulary constructs in a fiction book hold great importance. The captivating words will also clasp the reader's mind tight, and thus the story will remain for a long time in the senses. Being a blogger, author Apeksha Rao has very well used a simple and accessible language that can be understood by readers of any age. The clear writing style of the author surely wins more brownie points in the eyes of the readers who like to read simple yet good fiction books.
My Final Verdict:
A rolling ride of spying!
Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Narration: 3/5
Language & Grammar: 3/5
Final Rating: 3/5
September 18, 2020
The author has a way with words; her wit makes this book both fun and thrilling at the same time! She creates a secret world within our real world and makes it all seem so convincing that it actually sounds real; maybe it is! Though the book revolves around a teenage spy with spunk, the advanced gadgets and dangerous situations are cleverly written, bringing it on par with any other spy thriller, but this one is more fun! A fast and engaging read that keeps you hooked throughout, this was an enjoyable book that leaves you wanting for more! This deserves both a series and a visual adaptation! It was that kickass!
September 17, 2020
‘Along came a Spyder’ breaks all myths that surround a debut novel. I don’t want to give away any spoilers so can’t write much about the story but intriguing plot, impressive characters and a book that you will read the beginning to end at one go. A page turner.
I would like to say that I have grown reading Agatha Christie , Arthur Conan Doyle and as a reader I was mightily impressed by Apeksha Rao’s debut spy novel.
This book is what all feminists and cheerleaders for young female adults will love.
I would like to say that I have grown reading Agatha Christie , Arthur Conan Doyle and as a reader I was mightily impressed by Apeksha Rao’s debut spy novel.
This book is what all feminists and cheerleaders for young female adults will love.
September 13, 2020
Ready, set, ADVENTURE!
You are totally missing out the fun if you have not grabbed Along Came A Spyder just yet!
Samira Joshi is the perfect spy model. Well, She can be my role model. A fun and engaging read. Once I started reading it, I just could not stop. What else can you expect from a book?!
Always wanting to be a spy and supported to become one as well, Samira's parents start acting weird and keep pushing her to live a normal life but that is not what Joshi wishes to oblige. When she finds out the local teenage spy syndicate, her goal is to only find herself in that place but, the other members do not want her to join in! Will Samira be able to persuade her parents as well as the group?
Exceptionally well-written plot with twists you cannot think of. It lay much much beyond my expectations. Kudos to the author for this beautiful book.
You are totally missing out the fun if you have not grabbed Along Came A Spyder just yet!
Samira Joshi is the perfect spy model. Well, She can be my role model. A fun and engaging read. Once I started reading it, I just could not stop. What else can you expect from a book?!
Always wanting to be a spy and supported to become one as well, Samira's parents start acting weird and keep pushing her to live a normal life but that is not what Joshi wishes to oblige. When she finds out the local teenage spy syndicate, her goal is to only find herself in that place but, the other members do not want her to join in! Will Samira be able to persuade her parents as well as the group?
Exceptionally well-written plot with twists you cannot think of. It lay much much beyond my expectations. Kudos to the author for this beautiful book.
October 4, 2020
I am not really much a fan of YA genre but my favorite type of books after whodunnits are spy and espionage books. Especially those that also deals with WWII. I loved Jack Higgins The Eagle Has Landed and Eagle Has Flown. Personally in my opinion being a spy is a tremendous strain on one's nerves. Every minute of your life you need to watch your own back and the fact that most of the time you are on your own and even the government and country for whom you are risking your neck will refuse to help you sometimes will be enough to make you think twice before becoming a spy.
But this is not the case for Samira Joshi who right from the age of a toddler is trained to be a spy. Both her parents are RAW agents, so it's quite natural that her ambitions would follow along the same lines but all of sudden her mother has done a volte face and she is quite adamant that Samira follow a career in medicine.
The book then follows Samira's adventures and her various missions with a teenage spy group called Spyders. The book is fast-paced and is full of escapades of this group of teenage spies. I loved the equation between Samira and her mom and also loved the sassiness in Samira. Her quick smart-ass replies and comments often made me laugh out loud.
I loved this book and the way the author narrates the story there is a certain authenticity that makes the missions all the more real and believable. I also loved the fact that she has done a lot of research before writing a book on Indian espionage. I will definitely wait for the next book in the series. Congratulations to Apeksha on hitting the right mark with her first book :)
But this is not the case for Samira Joshi who right from the age of a toddler is trained to be a spy. Both her parents are RAW agents, so it's quite natural that her ambitions would follow along the same lines but all of sudden her mother has done a volte face and she is quite adamant that Samira follow a career in medicine.
The book then follows Samira's adventures and her various missions with a teenage spy group called Spyders. The book is fast-paced and is full of escapades of this group of teenage spies. I loved the equation between Samira and her mom and also loved the sassiness in Samira. Her quick smart-ass replies and comments often made me laugh out loud.
I loved this book and the way the author narrates the story there is a certain authenticity that makes the missions all the more real and believable. I also loved the fact that she has done a lot of research before writing a book on Indian espionage. I will definitely wait for the next book in the series. Congratulations to Apeksha on hitting the right mark with her first book :)
September 25, 2020
This book is very crafty, thrilling and exciting. 'Along came a Spyder' is an adventurous read with excitement at every turn of a page. The story revolves around Samira, who has always dreamt of following her parents' career path and become a Spy but the twist here lies that she is not allowed to be so. Why? That's for you to find out!
Samira is convinced of her potential and strongly believes that she is destined to be a Spy, but there are hidden secrets that need to be resolved first! And only Samira could do that.
This book also hit me hard about the sacrifices some people make for the country and go unannounced about it. Their lives, the lives of their family, children, sometimes everyone and everything is at stake, yet they work hard so we could be safe. *Salute* to those secret soldiers and their families!
The author has a very witty way of storytelling, just when the reader is convinced of what's coming next, there is an absolute twist of plot. The author talks about multiple plots and stories in this one book, absolutely different from one another yet intertwined together to become one. The lovable family moments, heart-warming fights between Samira and her mother, the twisted yet sweet mother-in-law, a shy yet fighter father, and a long pause that sometimes happen between loved ones ... simply adorable!!
find out more at www.pinkwine.in
Samira is convinced of her potential and strongly believes that she is destined to be a Spy, but there are hidden secrets that need to be resolved first! And only Samira could do that.
This book also hit me hard about the sacrifices some people make for the country and go unannounced about it. Their lives, the lives of their family, children, sometimes everyone and everything is at stake, yet they work hard so we could be safe. *Salute* to those secret soldiers and their families!
The author has a very witty way of storytelling, just when the reader is convinced of what's coming next, there is an absolute twist of plot. The author talks about multiple plots and stories in this one book, absolutely different from one another yet intertwined together to become one. The lovable family moments, heart-warming fights between Samira and her mother, the twisted yet sweet mother-in-law, a shy yet fighter father, and a long pause that sometimes happen between loved ones ... simply adorable!!
find out more at www.pinkwine.in
January 14, 2021
Full review on my blog:
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2021/01/bo...
At seventeen, Samira Joshi is unlike any other teenager you would have ever met; she is training to be a professional spy or so she thinks, as both her parents are undercover agents for RAW, the elite intelligence agency of India and they trained her in spy-craft since she was a toddler. However, her parents Alka and Ranjit have a sudden change in mind after a recent operation in Georgia, much to Samira’s disappointment, and they now want her to concentrate on her studies, procure a seat to study medicine and forget being a spy.
While her parents are away on a critical mission to stop a nuclear attack on the country, Samira accidentally stumbles upon a network of spies, of teenage girls her age — The Spyders. Why did Samira’s parents keep Spyders a secret from her and what would happen to her parent’s mission, forms the rest of the story.
Young Adult (YA) fiction often gets cliched exploring only limited genres and themes; story of an aspiring spy and a group of such teenage girls is a unique and interesting premise. The narration is so racy that the reader would want to read the entire book in one go. The characters are perfectly balanced — Samira and the other girls have the innocence of their age, are stubborn at times but equally agile and smart.
The spy mechanisms, especially the use of technology is smart, real and makes the storyline authentic. All the missions undertaken in the story — both by Samira and her parents are crisp, have different backdrops and are contemporary. The thrill in each of these missions is intact till the end moment keeping the reader thoroughly engaged.
The epilogue hints at a sequel and I am very much looking forward to reading more of Samira’s adventures. If you are looking for an entertaining read with impressive characters, a taut storyline and a different genre, then this one is for you.
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2021/01/bo...
At seventeen, Samira Joshi is unlike any other teenager you would have ever met; she is training to be a professional spy or so she thinks, as both her parents are undercover agents for RAW, the elite intelligence agency of India and they trained her in spy-craft since she was a toddler. However, her parents Alka and Ranjit have a sudden change in mind after a recent operation in Georgia, much to Samira’s disappointment, and they now want her to concentrate on her studies, procure a seat to study medicine and forget being a spy.
While her parents are away on a critical mission to stop a nuclear attack on the country, Samira accidentally stumbles upon a network of spies, of teenage girls her age — The Spyders. Why did Samira’s parents keep Spyders a secret from her and what would happen to her parent’s mission, forms the rest of the story.
Young Adult (YA) fiction often gets cliched exploring only limited genres and themes; story of an aspiring spy and a group of such teenage girls is a unique and interesting premise. The narration is so racy that the reader would want to read the entire book in one go. The characters are perfectly balanced — Samira and the other girls have the innocence of their age, are stubborn at times but equally agile and smart.
The spy mechanisms, especially the use of technology is smart, real and makes the storyline authentic. All the missions undertaken in the story — both by Samira and her parents are crisp, have different backdrops and are contemporary. The thrill in each of these missions is intact till the end moment keeping the reader thoroughly engaged.
The epilogue hints at a sequel and I am very much looking forward to reading more of Samira’s adventures. If you are looking for an entertaining read with impressive characters, a taut storyline and a different genre, then this one is for you.
October 1, 2020
‘Along Came a Spyder’ by Apeksha Rao is a book that has transported me to my teens. This was the time when reading spy thriller/ mysteries or whodunit by foreign authors would always day dream of what a spy story in the Indian context would look like and here I was devouring one. I really envy all the teens now who can enjoy the spy genre in their context.
This story is about Samira Joshi who is 17 years old and has always been told that she could become a spy when she grows up and has been groomed that way, but lately her parents have been pushing her to pursue a mainstream career like medicine….What brought the change? How can Samira forget her dreams or does she pursue them by hook or crook…..Wait to read the story!
This story got me into it from the first page itself and through the pages I developed a feeling of love and empathy for Samira who was sure of following her dreams. The fact that adventure happens in this journey of hers takes the story to another level. Its such a cool thing to read about an exclusive team of female spy teens. The other characters in the story are very well depicted. There are so many elements in the story that are novel which I do not want to describe and spoil the story for you. Samira’s parents are a class apart and yet they are so much like normal parents, concerned about their daughter’s well being.
I loved this story and would definitely recommend it to all those who love spy thrillers and if you are a teen, you will definitely enjoy the energy and courage of teen spyders.
This story is about Samira Joshi who is 17 years old and has always been told that she could become a spy when she grows up and has been groomed that way, but lately her parents have been pushing her to pursue a mainstream career like medicine….What brought the change? How can Samira forget her dreams or does she pursue them by hook or crook…..Wait to read the story!
This story got me into it from the first page itself and through the pages I developed a feeling of love and empathy for Samira who was sure of following her dreams. The fact that adventure happens in this journey of hers takes the story to another level. Its such a cool thing to read about an exclusive team of female spy teens. The other characters in the story are very well depicted. There are so many elements in the story that are novel which I do not want to describe and spoil the story for you. Samira’s parents are a class apart and yet they are so much like normal parents, concerned about their daughter’s well being.
I loved this story and would definitely recommend it to all those who love spy thrillers and if you are a teen, you will definitely enjoy the energy and courage of teen spyders.
September 27, 2020
You might be familiar with the cobweb that is built by a Spider.
But have you ever got a chance to know the nitty-gritty of a spy web?
Along came a Spyder by Apeksha Rao is your ticket to eavesdrop and take a sneak peek into the spy world.
Sh...This is the topmost spy secret & you’ll get a chance to unveil it with this novel’s protagonist Samira Joshi. Her parents are the secret intelligent agents with RAW and following the league, she so wants herself to be a part of the SPYDER. This teen spy agency trains and works secretly with teenage spies as their undercover agents.
As opposed to her desperate desire and attempts to become a Spy, her parents want her to choose a run-of-the-mill profession. But why?
Because the revolver of the novel is loaded with thrill and mystery. Some of the six bullets inside this SPY-story are of humor and excitement too. These bullets keep hitting the characters and, in turn, bringing a tingling spy story for us.
Along came a spyder is a thrilling novel with a gripping story. The narration is fast-paced with a plain and simple writing style. The characters are thoughtfully plotted to pique the reader’s interest.
Just one look at the cover of the book is seductive to set aside all the priorities and take this beauty in hand with a sizzling hot brownie cup of coffee.
With this 255 pages adventurous ride, I’d love to brag myself as a fan of Apeksha Rao’s work!
But have you ever got a chance to know the nitty-gritty of a spy web?
Along came a Spyder by Apeksha Rao is your ticket to eavesdrop and take a sneak peek into the spy world.
Sh...This is the topmost spy secret & you’ll get a chance to unveil it with this novel’s protagonist Samira Joshi. Her parents are the secret intelligent agents with RAW and following the league, she so wants herself to be a part of the SPYDER. This teen spy agency trains and works secretly with teenage spies as their undercover agents.
As opposed to her desperate desire and attempts to become a Spy, her parents want her to choose a run-of-the-mill profession. But why?
Because the revolver of the novel is loaded with thrill and mystery. Some of the six bullets inside this SPY-story are of humor and excitement too. These bullets keep hitting the characters and, in turn, bringing a tingling spy story for us.
Along came a spyder is a thrilling novel with a gripping story. The narration is fast-paced with a plain and simple writing style. The characters are thoughtfully plotted to pique the reader’s interest.
Just one look at the cover of the book is seductive to set aside all the priorities and take this beauty in hand with a sizzling hot brownie cup of coffee.
With this 255 pages adventurous ride, I’d love to brag myself as a fan of Apeksha Rao’s work!
November 9, 2020
As the cover clearly reveals, Along came a spyder by Apeksha Rao is a story of teenage spy who wants to take it ahead as a professional career. The blurb is very interesting that mentions the details of every family member of Samira, the protagonist, carefully keeping the secret sealed.
The author has researched her subject very well and at no point will you feel irrelevant description or loss of connect in between.
I liked spy gadgets described in the story and love the way they work!
The first person narration by the protagonist herself expresses real feelings building in a teenagers's brain.
The language is simple to understand and the evidences are pretty well spread across the story to keep you interested till the end.
Slowly and gradually, the secrets open up whether it's about Samira stalking her friend and landing up to something she truly cherish or the trauma she's going through because of a childhood past.
At a point, you may feel does this happen in reality? But I guess that's the pure charm of fiction?
So in all, a fantastic light read which you can finish at your own pace. Narration is very good and story is well researched.
All the best to Apeksha for all her future endeavours. Looking more from the author.
The author has researched her subject very well and at no point will you feel irrelevant description or loss of connect in between.
I liked spy gadgets described in the story and love the way they work!
The first person narration by the protagonist herself expresses real feelings building in a teenagers's brain.
The language is simple to understand and the evidences are pretty well spread across the story to keep you interested till the end.
Slowly and gradually, the secrets open up whether it's about Samira stalking her friend and landing up to something she truly cherish or the trauma she's going through because of a childhood past.
At a point, you may feel does this happen in reality? But I guess that's the pure charm of fiction?
So in all, a fantastic light read which you can finish at your own pace. Narration is very good and story is well researched.
All the best to Apeksha for all her future endeavours. Looking more from the author.
September 20, 2020
It’s in her blood… yet can she be one? Meet seventeen-year-old Samira a bubbly teen who has just one dream…to be a spy. She’s a natural-born spy, has been trained since she was a kid in the nuances of the game, yet suddenly she finds her dreams encounter rough weather. Will she make it to the spy ring? Will she be welcomed into the secret sisterhood – The Spyders?....Don’t hesitate, pick up this thrilling read, a read that’s bound to see you smile all the way.
Action-packed and racy, ‘Along Came A Spyder’ is a virtual tour of the spy world, a world that is both dangerous and rewarding at the same time, a world that sees wits clash with emotions, and where only the best can survive.
Evocative and engaging, ‘Along came a Spyder’ is not only high on suspense but is also laced with some good moments of humour which is a plus point in that it offers the reader a relaxed yet addictive read. While the characters are fleshed out well, the pace is racy as one would expect an espionage thriller to be. There is neither a moment of lull in the narrative nor is there an iota of doubt that the book has been crafted after thorough research. Each little detail has been taken care of, and there are no loose ends.
Waiting for the next in the series…for I’m sure the author already has one in her mind.
Action-packed and racy, ‘Along Came A Spyder’ is a virtual tour of the spy world, a world that is both dangerous and rewarding at the same time, a world that sees wits clash with emotions, and where only the best can survive.
Evocative and engaging, ‘Along came a Spyder’ is not only high on suspense but is also laced with some good moments of humour which is a plus point in that it offers the reader a relaxed yet addictive read. While the characters are fleshed out well, the pace is racy as one would expect an espionage thriller to be. There is neither a moment of lull in the narrative nor is there an iota of doubt that the book has been crafted after thorough research. Each little detail has been taken care of, and there are no loose ends.
Waiting for the next in the series…for I’m sure the author already has one in her mind.
September 28, 2020
No matter what parents do good, challenging or risky work they always want the child to be happy and safe. The Joshi couple is no different. They push their only daughter away from the only dream that she has of becoming a spy to a safer profession of Medicine like any other regular parent.
The mystery of what happened in Pakistan when Samira was a child and many more childhood memories that made her parents so repulsive about her career choices as well described.
When Samira’s parents are out of the country on a covet mission, she accidentally founds an amazing, young and smart group of teenage girls. Who not only aspire to be spies but rather are really Spies. Thanks how Spyder’s enter Samira’s life.
A lot of challenges and some life-threatening situations, bring Samira really face to face with the life of a Spy. The story is about discovering friendship, trust, respecting mutual space and decisions and about the strong bong between parents and kids.
The story is very interesting and its hard to keep it down, until complete. It suits as a thrilling and entertaining successor of the Spy series.
The mystery of what happened in Pakistan when Samira was a child and many more childhood memories that made her parents so repulsive about her career choices as well described.
When Samira’s parents are out of the country on a covet mission, she accidentally founds an amazing, young and smart group of teenage girls. Who not only aspire to be spies but rather are really Spies. Thanks how Spyder’s enter Samira’s life.
A lot of challenges and some life-threatening situations, bring Samira really face to face with the life of a Spy. The story is about discovering friendship, trust, respecting mutual space and decisions and about the strong bong between parents and kids.
The story is very interesting and its hard to keep it down, until complete. It suits as a thrilling and entertaining successor of the Spy series.
December 31, 2020
It is a long, long time since I waited so eagerly for a book and that too for an age group that was technically not mine. I am not the target group for this book set around the adventures of a certain determined character called Samira Joshi who is 17. I am an adult in her mid-forties. And, that is exactly what is delightful about Apeksha's Along came a Spyder. I bought it, and waited for just the right kind of free time to gift myself a delicious and indulgent read. The sort of joyous reading we do when we are bookworms and when we were really young and holding the world at bay.
What appealed immensely apart from the witty and pacy writing is Apeksha's observation skills and ease with the age group of Samira. The lingo, the gadgets, the Gen Z attitude, the vulnerable and yet cocky nature, trying to not reveal emotions and also having an utter lack of fear, Samira is quite a sassy character who sizzles. In India, while we had a few famous detectives that made their way through books, television and comics like Feluda, Byomkesh Bakshi, Dog Detective Ranjha, Detective Moochhwala, Karamchand over the years we never had a brainy, spunky girl detective with her own agency and owning her attitude like second skin. Samira Joshi comes like a breath of fresh air! We get breathlessly caught up in her challenges, worry about her safety, the rather weird family which somehow you get attached to because they so deliciously dysfunctional ... and you know that when you finally close the book at the end ... it is really not the end ... it is the start of a series. You cannot stop at one and you feel as a reader that you are not going to allow Ms.Apeksha Rao to stop at one either...
Looking eagerly forward to the next in the series ... This book is a gift to joyous reading and writing.
What appealed immensely apart from the witty and pacy writing is Apeksha's observation skills and ease with the age group of Samira. The lingo, the gadgets, the Gen Z attitude, the vulnerable and yet cocky nature, trying to not reveal emotions and also having an utter lack of fear, Samira is quite a sassy character who sizzles. In India, while we had a few famous detectives that made their way through books, television and comics like Feluda, Byomkesh Bakshi, Dog Detective Ranjha, Detective Moochhwala, Karamchand over the years we never had a brainy, spunky girl detective with her own agency and owning her attitude like second skin. Samira Joshi comes like a breath of fresh air! We get breathlessly caught up in her challenges, worry about her safety, the rather weird family which somehow you get attached to because they so deliciously dysfunctional ... and you know that when you finally close the book at the end ... it is really not the end ... it is the start of a series. You cannot stop at one and you feel as a reader that you are not going to allow Ms.Apeksha Rao to stop at one either...
Looking eagerly forward to the next in the series ... This book is a gift to joyous reading and writing.
September 22, 2020
Apeksha gives the misnomers about debut novels a big run. No one can ever imagine that “Along came the Spyder” is her debut novel. She has already proven her wit and sarcasm in her earlier novella. In this novel, she weaves a thicker plot with nerve-wracking scenes. But has never gone overboard on emotions in any situation. Even in the scenes where one would expect the mother to go emotional, one can only see the tinge of those emotions which are in fact concealed by the duties.
This book is a fast-paced one and makes the reader finishes the entire novel in one go. The characters like Milli, Debbie, and Tina also steal the reader’s hearts with their quirky mannerisms. The author makes each and every character very unique and special.
If asked to review this book in just two sentences, my comment would be like:
“Along Came the Spyder” takes you on a long rough, racy tour of the Spyworld to show that only best can survive”. This book is an ideal gift for all young adults.
I just can’t wait to read the next books in this series.
This book is a fast-paced one and makes the reader finishes the entire novel in one go. The characters like Milli, Debbie, and Tina also steal the reader’s hearts with their quirky mannerisms. The author makes each and every character very unique and special.
If asked to review this book in just two sentences, my comment would be like:
“Along Came the Spyder” takes you on a long rough, racy tour of the Spyworld to show that only best can survive”. This book is an ideal gift for all young adults.
I just can’t wait to read the next books in this series.
November 26, 2020
So this is what it feels like to "read" a "movie"!
Well, this title has been in my want to read list even before it was published.. I've been waiting for Apeksha to bring this one out for so long now. And the wait has been, well, worth it!
The stage was beautifully set in the prequel - The Itsy Bitsy Spyder - and the story carries on at the same speed. Even though it might have started off on a different note than where we left the first one, this one still has the capability to suck you in right from the word go!
Apeksha has a command on the writing skills and manages to bring out the story in a concise yet descriptive way. You can't get bored at all when you read her work.
Samira Joshi, our protagonist here, wins your heart with her courage and vulnerability. I mean you can't imagine what actually happened in Pakistan! But to have the aspiration of becoming a spy still burning strong require a special level of will power. You can't help but feel for her and be inspired..
One thing I felt a tad bad about is how there wasn't more of my fav Aaji, we got to know more about Samira's parents but Aaji.. well.. I also understand you've to do justice to the story.
Overall, a must read. Go get your copy now if you still haven't.
Well, this title has been in my want to read list even before it was published.. I've been waiting for Apeksha to bring this one out for so long now. And the wait has been, well, worth it!
The stage was beautifully set in the prequel - The Itsy Bitsy Spyder - and the story carries on at the same speed. Even though it might have started off on a different note than where we left the first one, this one still has the capability to suck you in right from the word go!
Apeksha has a command on the writing skills and manages to bring out the story in a concise yet descriptive way. You can't get bored at all when you read her work.
Samira Joshi, our protagonist here, wins your heart with her courage and vulnerability. I mean you can't imagine what actually happened in Pakistan! But to have the aspiration of becoming a spy still burning strong require a special level of will power. You can't help but feel for her and be inspired..
One thing I felt a tad bad about is how there wasn't more of my fav Aaji, we got to know more about Samira's parents but Aaji.. well.. I also understand you've to do justice to the story.
Overall, a must read. Go get your copy now if you still haven't.
September 25, 2020
Seventeen-year-old Samira, someone who has spy-blood coursing through her veins. She has always wanted to be a spy and had been training for it from childhood. Had. There were things that kept her from pursuing her dream of being a spy.
She lands into a secret sisterhood, The Spyders, but will she be welcome there? Will she be able to overcome her obstacles?
This action-packed teen espionage thriller is just that, a thriller that is racy without being outright violent. Since this involves a bunch of teenagers, you also see a lot of emotions running amok.
There is jealousy, anger, comedy. It is indeed a lovely entry into the world of teen spies.
The characters are well made, each of them have some qualities that make them who they are.
This will be an interesting series for sure.
Read the book review of Along Came A Spyder on my blog Ishithaa
She lands into a secret sisterhood, The Spyders, but will she be welcome there? Will she be able to overcome her obstacles?
This action-packed teen espionage thriller is just that, a thriller that is racy without being outright violent. Since this involves a bunch of teenagers, you also see a lot of emotions running amok.
There is jealousy, anger, comedy. It is indeed a lovely entry into the world of teen spies.
The characters are well made, each of them have some qualities that make them who they are.
This will be an interesting series for sure.
Read the book review of Along Came A Spyder on my blog Ishithaa
September 29, 2020
Every one of us remembers rebelling against something as a teenager. Meet Samira , the sassy, sprightly, and super keen teenager who wants to be a spy. But her parents, both RAW agents, want her to study medicine. Take this adventurous journey with Samira as she noses her way into an elite gang of teenage spies to prove herself to her parents. Throw in her adorable grandma, the Spyder girls, and some notorious villains and you have yourself a book that will keep you on edge from beginning to end.
The story is rent with humor, suspense, traumatic flashbacks and cliffhanger sequences. This book brought back memories of all the teenage spy novels that I grew up reading, like Nancy Drew, Famous Five, and Secret Seven. I hope the author turns this book into such a series and my son can grow up reading them.
The story is rent with humor, suspense, traumatic flashbacks and cliffhanger sequences. This book brought back memories of all the teenage spy novels that I grew up reading, like Nancy Drew, Famous Five, and Secret Seven. I hope the author turns this book into such a series and my son can grow up reading them.
September 25, 2020
After reading Itsy Bitsy Spyder by Apeksha Rao, I was eager to read Along Came a Spyder. This book has been long in the making, but the wait was truly worth it. The author has got into the head of a seventeen year old and her feelings and emotions are portrayed perfectly.
I finished reading the book in two hours flat. I could not put it down. It raced from one adventure to another and really added a thrill to my evening.
I am really looking forward to more books from the author.
I finished reading the book in two hours flat. I could not put it down. It raced from one adventure to another and really added a thrill to my evening.
I am really looking forward to more books from the author.
September 26, 2020
Thrilling read for young adults
If you have ever seen The Person of Interest series and find it entertaining, Along Came A Spyder is as thrilling and entertaining. The author has very interestingly webbed the everyday life of Mumbai City with the crimes that the city has witnessed. Though a young adult fiction, this book is an interesting read for any book lover. Grab your copy today.
If you have ever seen The Person of Interest series and find it entertaining, Along Came A Spyder is as thrilling and entertaining. The author has very interestingly webbed the everyday life of Mumbai City with the crimes that the city has witnessed. Though a young adult fiction, this book is an interesting read for any book lover. Grab your copy today.
October 4, 2020
Apeksha has crafted an interesting spy thriller that engages you from the very first page and keeps you hooked as the story moves ahead. The plot is simple yet intriguing as we uncover the various adventures that Samira takes up in her quest of being a spy. Apeksha brings out another idea of children choosing their careers and how motivation can drive a teenager to become so brave as to face their worst fears. The author also explores the idea of teenage rivalry and friendship through Tina and how their journey evolves through the story. A Young-Adult book, the Spyders are an interesting start to a probable series and I would love to see more of the Spyders in the future with more adventures. The climax was a bit expected and I would have loved to see a twist though. There are many instances in the story that would actually make you gape in awe at the research that must have gone into the book. Wordplay in the title and many places in the book is quite commendable.
The characters in the story are well defined with credible back stories and settings. I loved how the backstory of the Joshis unravels and adds volume to the story. The entire concept of the Spyders and their different members, each with a completely different personality add a lot of credibility to Apeksha as a storyteller. With interesting nuances in the characters such as Col. Baldev Singh and his secretary, I would definitely like to know more about them and their stories as they come along.
The characters in the story are well defined with credible back stories and settings. I loved how the backstory of the Joshis unravels and adds volume to the story. The entire concept of the Spyders and their different members, each with a completely different personality add a lot of credibility to Apeksha as a storyteller. With interesting nuances in the characters such as Col. Baldev Singh and his secretary, I would definitely like to know more about them and their stories as they come along.
January 10, 2021
Sharply plotted and authentically told, I was surprised that a YA spy thriller could be this enjoyable. The element of mystery, thrill, and razor-sharp plot twists keep you going.
Though written for the young adult, I presume it would be received very well in the middle-grade, and possibly even children’s, age group. The author’s use of simple and crisp language will benefit the book’s reach, not to mention find favour among adults.
With a protagonist who will inspire many young girls, I can see this growing into a series the readers will devour.
For complete review, visit aquamarineflavours.wordpress.com
Though written for the young adult, I presume it would be received very well in the middle-grade, and possibly even children’s, age group. The author’s use of simple and crisp language will benefit the book’s reach, not to mention find favour among adults.
With a protagonist who will inspire many young girls, I can see this growing into a series the readers will devour.
For complete review, visit aquamarineflavours.wordpress.com
June 21, 2021
I would rate this book four out of five (4 stars).
It was entertaining, gripping, and thrilling. I can’t wait to read more of Samira Joshi’s experiences in the future as she follows her parents’ steps to venture into the world of deadly adventures.
Read my detailed review here -
https://soniasmusings.com/2021/06/18/...
It was entertaining, gripping, and thrilling. I can’t wait to read more of Samira Joshi’s experiences in the future as she follows her parents’ steps to venture into the world of deadly adventures.
Read my detailed review here -
https://soniasmusings.com/2021/06/18/...
September 19, 2020
A fast paced thriller with a very unique concept, which is bound to appeal to teenagers, thanks to the non-stop action - a very commendable debut
October 9, 2020
An action-packed espionage adventure which leaves you with such feels! While the plot is fun, what I loved the most was the Spyders themselves. These teenagers are as loveable and full of drama as any real-life teenager. Moreover, the novel is a trove of 90s references that took my back to my Famous Five and Nancy Drew days.
October 6, 2020
Not read many spy fiction novels so when this book came out, I had to get a signed copy of course.
A fun, engaging debut from a quite talented author. Enjoyed reading this, though like Bally says, I did miss The Blackbirds. Hoping that the next book in the series comes quite soon.
A fun, engaging debut from a quite talented author. Enjoyed reading this, though like Bally says, I did miss The Blackbirds. Hoping that the next book in the series comes quite soon.
December 15, 2020
Along came a Spyder is an awesome book, so gripping, the lead character Samira is so relatable to all teenagers, including me, soo nicely written, along with that it is also so informative, the author has written the book soo well.
October 6, 2020
Along came a spyder by Apeksha Rao is a witty, engaging, whodunit thriller. I am a huge mystery fan and I grew up reading the likes of Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie and Sidney Sheldon. So, I was really looking forward to reading this book and it didn't disappoint. In fact, I was impressed by the effortless, in a way, innocent writing style. I could easily compare the book to the Nancy Drew series where a young sleuth is all set to slay the bad guys and isn't distracted by a well-cut tuxedo or a dazzling smile.
The best part of the book is that the author has done immense research on the subject. I am not giving away spoilers but one can easily understand the effort that went into gathering solid information on RAW, spycraft, and gadgets used by spies for investigation. Clever plot with intriguing characters is why you should pick up this book. The characters including the side characters have depth and it is rewarding to find their personalities evolve as we progress through the story.
Perfect for teens and YA, I still enjoyed the book at this age.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series and the cliffhanger is killing me already!
Special mention to the fun book cover!
The best part of the book is that the author has done immense research on the subject. I am not giving away spoilers but one can easily understand the effort that went into gathering solid information on RAW, spycraft, and gadgets used by spies for investigation. Clever plot with intriguing characters is why you should pick up this book. The characters including the side characters have depth and it is rewarding to find their personalities evolve as we progress through the story.
Perfect for teens and YA, I still enjoyed the book at this age.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series and the cliffhanger is killing me already!
Special mention to the fun book cover!
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