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Cadre Kids: Illusion
Book 2 of the Cadre Kids seriesFinding themselves amerced in public school, two fraternal-twins, Jake and Rosa lean on each other as well as their older brother, Ted, to help navigate the public education system. The odds became stacked against them when their mom fought the system attempting to prevent it continuing their home-schooled education. Unbeknownst to her, this was a system no one could win. Fighting the system only garnered the teenagers worse-unwarranted attention, thrusting them into a world where they are constantly singled out and, targeted. The targeting is by design, not by teachers who feel slighted, but by a powerful fifth column which longs to ensure the teens fail. Confronted by bullies, insurmountable odds and, special preferences the three teens take very different approaches to help survive public-school life. Their juvenility keeps their spirits alive creating ghost hunting videos, but adventuring with family and friends can only take them so far. Jiu Jitsu which their parents enrolled the teens in to help them build confidence, instead becomes the glue bonding them to an unlikely network of friends. As the friends endure hardships, the teens uncover of hints about the unknown evil lingering cabal. When at last, one of them is turned, the rest inevitably unite becoming the Cadre Kids.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2020
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 3, 2022
The joys and stresses of coming of age collide with a corrupt education system and shadowy conspiracy in this lively sequel to Cadre Kids: Larceny. Forced into a public school by new legislation, formerly homeschooled siblings Jake and Rosa, along with their older brother Ted, hold secret Jiu-Jitsu sessions as a way of coping with their hardships and building friendships. Also invited are rich kids Mike and Hunter, and other unlikely allies who join the kids’ ghost-hunting activities as well. Unfortunately, Jake and Rosa have been set up to fail by unscrupulous figures with high-reaching connections, keen to punish the family for daring to oppose the system.
Ms. Mulligan revels in the messy relationships and infectious energy of kids trying to navigate a public school system with rules that seem to make no sense. There’s a satirical vein running through the depictions of political correctness and woke policies that really appeals to me. Jake and Rosa’s mother, Gretchen, whom they nickname German Tiger Mom (GTM), remains a crowd-pleaser, standing up for common sense and decency. The story takes a few dark turns that generate quite a bit of suspense, especially involving Rosa in the final third. But there are also plenty of teenage high-jinks, mostly entertaining, sometimes very funny.
The writing, like the kids, can be a little hectic at times. Ms. Mulligan is a witty writer, and her free-wheeling, creative style turns up plenty of gems. The dialogue is colourful and often a lot of fun. But the large cast of characters can be a bit much. I did lose track of who was who at the school, partly because the characters from the first book weren’t re-introduced; I had to try to remember who they all were. Some readers might take issue with the head-hopping (jumping from one character’s thoughts to another’s in the same scene), but I found it easy enough to follow.
Again, the blend of genres here is unique. The big pharma conspiracy has horrific implications, and there’s even a body count this time around. Isabella is even more evil this time. The overarching series narrative means not all the plotlines are tied up, which is fine because we’re teased a deep-dive into the conspiratorial rabbit hole. I like how the character relationships are progressing—they’re messy and natural and engaging. There’s an unpredictability to the storytelling that kept me hooked, and eager to know what happens next.
Ms. Mulligan revels in the messy relationships and infectious energy of kids trying to navigate a public school system with rules that seem to make no sense. There’s a satirical vein running through the depictions of political correctness and woke policies that really appeals to me. Jake and Rosa’s mother, Gretchen, whom they nickname German Tiger Mom (GTM), remains a crowd-pleaser, standing up for common sense and decency. The story takes a few dark turns that generate quite a bit of suspense, especially involving Rosa in the final third. But there are also plenty of teenage high-jinks, mostly entertaining, sometimes very funny.
The writing, like the kids, can be a little hectic at times. Ms. Mulligan is a witty writer, and her free-wheeling, creative style turns up plenty of gems. The dialogue is colourful and often a lot of fun. But the large cast of characters can be a bit much. I did lose track of who was who at the school, partly because the characters from the first book weren’t re-introduced; I had to try to remember who they all were. Some readers might take issue with the head-hopping (jumping from one character’s thoughts to another’s in the same scene), but I found it easy enough to follow.
Again, the blend of genres here is unique. The big pharma conspiracy has horrific implications, and there’s even a body count this time around. Isabella is even more evil this time. The overarching series narrative means not all the plotlines are tied up, which is fine because we’re teased a deep-dive into the conspiratorial rabbit hole. I like how the character relationships are progressing—they’re messy and natural and engaging. There’s an unpredictability to the storytelling that kept me hooked, and eager to know what happens next.
February 10, 2022
I must say that I enjoyed Mary Mulligan’s young adult novel Cadre Kids: Illusions. The melodic cadence of Mulligan’s storytelling, like that of a children’s story, instantly drew me in. I was captivated by the lives of Ted, Jake, and Rosa as they moved about their daily lives and their interactions with their family, friends, and teachers.
Besides Ted, Jake, and Rosa, other characters are introduced throughout the narrative, a few of them that are up to no good, making me curious as to how each person's story would tie into the other. Mulligan does a wonderful job at story building, allowing the reader to get to know each character separately without giving away too many clues as to how they work together to build the plot of something bigger and more sinister than we could have ever imagined.
Although I found Cadre Kids: Illusions to be a great read that left me anticipating Mulligan’s next installment so I can find out what will happen next, there were a few instances where characters who had never been introduced would just show up in the story, places where dialogue would be several pages long without any description or narration to break it up and at the beginning of the story scenes would begin and end without introductory sentences that left me wondering how did we get here. However, this may have just been something unique to Mulligan’s writing style and did not harm the plot of the story in any way.
Besides Ted, Jake, and Rosa, other characters are introduced throughout the narrative, a few of them that are up to no good, making me curious as to how each person's story would tie into the other. Mulligan does a wonderful job at story building, allowing the reader to get to know each character separately without giving away too many clues as to how they work together to build the plot of something bigger and more sinister than we could have ever imagined.
Although I found Cadre Kids: Illusions to be a great read that left me anticipating Mulligan’s next installment so I can find out what will happen next, there were a few instances where characters who had never been introduced would just show up in the story, places where dialogue would be several pages long without any description or narration to break it up and at the beginning of the story scenes would begin and end without introductory sentences that left me wondering how did we get here. However, this may have just been something unique to Mulligan’s writing style and did not harm the plot of the story in any way.
January 19, 2023
"Cadre Kids: Illusion" is book 2 of the "Cadre Kids" series. In this second book, the action-adventure continues where fun ghost-hunting teens, forced into a public-school nightmare, land smack in the middle of the mother of all conspiracies. The protagonists - Jake, Rosa, and their older brother, Ted, help and support each other navigating through the public education system they've been amerced in. Luck stopped being in their side when their mom who has a very non-conforming, strong and independent personality decided to fight the system attempting to prevent it from continuing their home-schooled education. Little did she know, this was a system no one could mess with. Going against the system only created unwarranted attention for the teens, pushing them into a world where they are constantly being harassed, singled out and targeted. The targeting is deliberate, not by the teachers who feel insulted, but by a powerful, authoritative fifth column that tries to ensure that the teens will fail. Chased and confronted by bullies, improbable odds and special preferences, the three teens are obligated to take very different approaches to survive public school life. Readers interested in stories where an outsider protagonist / force is able to shake the system will find this book particularly interesting, inspiring, and entertaining.
September 6, 2023
Mary Mulligan's "Cadre Kids: Illusion" is a compelling addition to the Cadre Kids series, offering a riveting coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of public school life. This second installment delves deeper into the lives of fraternal twins Jake and Rosa, along with their older brother, Ted, as they grapple with the challenges of adapting to a conventional education system.
Mulligan masterfully captures the essence of adolescent struggles, portraying the twins' resilience in the face of unwarranted attention and bullying. The narrative skillfully explores their diverse coping mechanisms, from creating ghost hunting videos to finding solace in Jiu Jitsu.
As the story unfolds, the bonds of family and friendship take center stage, weaving a tale of camaraderie and resilience. Mulligan's writing is both immersive and emotionally resonant, drawing readers into the lives of these relatable characters.
With a perfect blend of action and adventure, "Cadre Kids: Illusion" keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the teens uncover secrets about an enigmatic cabal. This book is a testament to the strength of young minds in the face of adversity and the power of unity. Mulligan's storytelling prowess shines, making this a must-read for young adults and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Mulligan masterfully captures the essence of adolescent struggles, portraying the twins' resilience in the face of unwarranted attention and bullying. The narrative skillfully explores their diverse coping mechanisms, from creating ghost hunting videos to finding solace in Jiu Jitsu.
As the story unfolds, the bonds of family and friendship take center stage, weaving a tale of camaraderie and resilience. Mulligan's writing is both immersive and emotionally resonant, drawing readers into the lives of these relatable characters.
With a perfect blend of action and adventure, "Cadre Kids: Illusion" keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the teens uncover secrets about an enigmatic cabal. This book is a testament to the strength of young minds in the face of adversity and the power of unity. Mulligan's storytelling prowess shines, making this a must-read for young adults and adventure enthusiasts alike.
November 16, 2023
Mary Mulligan's "Cadre Kids: Illusion," the second installment in the Cadre Kids series, delves deep into the challenges faced by fraternal twins, Jake and Rosa, as they enter the complex realm of public education. Battling a system that seems designed for their failure, the siblings, along with their older brother Ted, find themselves targeted by a mysterious cabal seeking their downfall.
Mulligan intricately weaves a narrative of resilience and familial bonds as the teens confront bullies, navigate the intricacies of high school, and inadvertently stumble upon a sinister plot. The author skillfully captures the essence of adolescence, portraying the characters' juvenile spirits through their ghost hunting adventures and shared experiences.
As the siblings take diverse approaches to survive the trials of public-school life, the martial art of Jiu Jitsu unexpectedly becomes a unifying force, connecting them with a network of friends. Mulligan skillfully builds tension, unraveling hints of the looming evil cabal, ultimately culminating in the formation of the Cadre Kids.
"Illusion" is a captivating exploration of teenage struggles, family dynamics, and the unexpected allies that emerge in the face of adversity. Mulligan's storytelling prowess shines, offering readers an engaging blend of action, adventure, and mystery.
Mulligan intricately weaves a narrative of resilience and familial bonds as the teens confront bullies, navigate the intricacies of high school, and inadvertently stumble upon a sinister plot. The author skillfully captures the essence of adolescence, portraying the characters' juvenile spirits through their ghost hunting adventures and shared experiences.
As the siblings take diverse approaches to survive the trials of public-school life, the martial art of Jiu Jitsu unexpectedly becomes a unifying force, connecting them with a network of friends. Mulligan skillfully builds tension, unraveling hints of the looming evil cabal, ultimately culminating in the formation of the Cadre Kids.
"Illusion" is a captivating exploration of teenage struggles, family dynamics, and the unexpected allies that emerge in the face of adversity. Mulligan's storytelling prowess shines, offering readers an engaging blend of action, adventure, and mystery.
September 20, 2023
Mary Mulligan's "Cadre Kids: Illusion" is the latest installment in the Cadre Kids series, presenting a coming-of-age story within the context of public school life. This second book delves into the lives of fraternal twins Jake and Rosa, as well as their older brother, Ted, as they navigate the challenges of adapting to a traditional educational environment.
Mulligan skillfully portrays the struggles of adolescence, depicting the twins' resilience in the face of unwelcome attention and bullying. The story explores their various coping mechanisms, such as creating ghost hunting videos and finding solace in Jiu Jitsu.
As the narrative unfolds, the themes of family and friendship become prominent, creating a story of camaraderie and perseverance. Mulligan's writing immerses readers in the lives of these relatable characters.
Balancing action and adventure, "Cadre Kids: Illusion" offers an engaging plot as the teenagers uncover secrets about a mysterious cabal. This book highlights the strength of young minds when confronted with adversity and the significance of unity. Mulligan's storytelling abilities shine, making this a recommended read for young adults and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Mulligan skillfully portrays the struggles of adolescence, depicting the twins' resilience in the face of unwelcome attention and bullying. The story explores their various coping mechanisms, such as creating ghost hunting videos and finding solace in Jiu Jitsu.
As the narrative unfolds, the themes of family and friendship become prominent, creating a story of camaraderie and perseverance. Mulligan's writing immerses readers in the lives of these relatable characters.
Balancing action and adventure, "Cadre Kids: Illusion" offers an engaging plot as the teenagers uncover secrets about a mysterious cabal. This book highlights the strength of young minds when confronted with adversity and the significance of unity. Mulligan's storytelling abilities shine, making this a recommended read for young adults and adventure enthusiasts alike.
February 25, 2024
I found myself laughing out loud a number of times reading Mary Mulligan’s Cadre Kids and once started, found it very hard to put down. The story mostly follows the adventures and shenanigans of teenagers Rosa, Ted, and Jake as well as an interesting cast of other school mates and adults, from their funny mom affectionately known as GTM or German Tiger Mom to a slew of creepy politicians and educators. It was refreshing to see a young adult novel where the teens are focused on honing skills in something other than catching the attention of a dreamy romantic interest (in this case, the teens of a serious dedication to the practice of jiu jitsu) and unmarked by an overabundance of angst. But while the teens are merely trying to survive public school and all of its attempts at control and brainwashing, they come across something even worse, making this a real page-turner by the end. After checking it out myself, I’ve passed this on to my twelve-year-old son, though I’d recommend parents reading it first for any teen under fourteen or so.
November 5, 2023
Fun and Suspenseful
I enjoyed reading the adventures of protagonists Jake, Rosa, and their older brother, Ted. The former home-schooled siblings must navigate through the public education system that is frustrating and corrupt. The story takes dark turns involving the adults that is very suspenseful. The teens are quite entertaining and very funny. The dialogue is realistic and will appeal to young adults.
The plot twists and turns and keeps the reader engaged and wanting to read on to find out what happens. Real life topics, such as a corrupt pharmaceutical company, bullying and school policy make the journey believable and interesting.
This is book two in the saga of the Cadre family. It’s fun, intriguing and full of suspense and teenaged antics. Young adults and adults, like me,will find this an enjoyable page-turner from the first page to the last. I would recommend this adventurous tale to people of all ages.
I enjoyed reading the adventures of protagonists Jake, Rosa, and their older brother, Ted. The former home-schooled siblings must navigate through the public education system that is frustrating and corrupt. The story takes dark turns involving the adults that is very suspenseful. The teens are quite entertaining and very funny. The dialogue is realistic and will appeal to young adults.
The plot twists and turns and keeps the reader engaged and wanting to read on to find out what happens. Real life topics, such as a corrupt pharmaceutical company, bullying and school policy make the journey believable and interesting.
This is book two in the saga of the Cadre family. It’s fun, intriguing and full of suspense and teenaged antics. Young adults and adults, like me,will find this an enjoyable page-turner from the first page to the last. I would recommend this adventurous tale to people of all ages.
May 12, 2024
In a way, the book started of rather slowly for me. I am a little harsh with this, perhaps, but the opener - the first few sentences in a book should hook you up hard. From that point on, you should already be into it. So in that sense, the book didn't really do it for me. But it does catch on and develop well. It's just personal preference. The author did a good job with the editing and I didn't find anything that would bug me off.
The plot itself is interesting and you'll be surprised at how the book, despite the slow start, turns into a page turner later on.
I can judge it to be an overall nice read that would be good for people who are fans of a not all that heavy story. The conflict between the people and the system is something I experienced myself in my younger years and I found it more relatable than I thought.
The plot itself is interesting and you'll be surprised at how the book, despite the slow start, turns into a page turner later on.
I can judge it to be an overall nice read that would be good for people who are fans of a not all that heavy story. The conflict between the people and the system is something I experienced myself in my younger years and I found it more relatable than I thought.
March 9, 2023
The teen characters were my favorite part of this book – smart, scheming and always on the move. There are a number of humorous conversations which catch you by surprise and a number of frustrating responses – as kids are kids. Despite it all, they are in such a predicament to force their behaviours to ‘fit’ into their school system.
Another intertwining plot within the story involves the adults, many of them the parents of the kids. It is alarmingly dark and one will wonder just how these two plots will connect – particularly with the children’s keen interest in ‘ghost hunting’.
I enjoyed the creativity and imagination very much, although at times it felt like a bit of a roller coaster. I got lost here and there – perhaps because I hadn’t read the first book in the series.
Another intertwining plot within the story involves the adults, many of them the parents of the kids. It is alarmingly dark and one will wonder just how these two plots will connect – particularly with the children’s keen interest in ‘ghost hunting’.
I enjoyed the creativity and imagination very much, although at times it felt like a bit of a roller coaster. I got lost here and there – perhaps because I hadn’t read the first book in the series.
November 10, 2023
This is the first book I've read from Robert Apple and I have to say that it was a nice, enjoyable read. The story follows on siblings Jack and Rosa, along with their brother Ted they have ghost-hunting adventures while dealing with a corrupt school system. This is one of the very few novels that addresses the issues with corrupt schools and I liked how they handled it. Along for the ride are rich kids Mike and Hunter, and many other kids as well. The story does well with introducing characters fluidly and making a exciting setting that captivated my attention.
Although I did have some problems with reading it such as how characters that were never introduced appeared out of nowhere, although I think its because I didn't read the first novel and how several scenes seemed to have ended so suddenly. Overall, if you're into stories with ghosts, stories about school life and being an outsider, this book will be just for you.
Although I did have some problems with reading it such as how characters that were never introduced appeared out of nowhere, although I think its because I didn't read the first novel and how several scenes seemed to have ended so suddenly. Overall, if you're into stories with ghosts, stories about school life and being an outsider, this book will be just for you.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews