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Operation Hurricane
A deadly ancient guild developed a new technology to twist time and they're using 15-year-old Evan Boyd as bait. Now the bait is biting back...
The pulse-pounding action of Mission: Impossible, the heart of The Goonies and the adventure of Indiana Jones... rip up the rulebook on spy stories - it's time to get hooked on a new hero...
Boyd isn't the easiest person to get along with; he doesn't really like anyone at school and doesn’t have much in common with his family. But when his father suddenly goes missing, he hunts for answers the only way he knows how; by taking on anyone who gets in his way.
But a deadly global force is developing a new technology that has the power to twist time and alter the balance of our future, and they’ll do anything to protect it. If Boyd wants to find the truth and save everyone he cares about, he’s going to have to take on an enemy that’s hellbent on changing the world forever.
The unmissable new Young Adult Fantasy series - for fans of His Dark Materials, the Cherub series and Alex Rider books!
The pulse-pounding action of Mission: Impossible, the heart of The Goonies and the adventure of Indiana Jones... rip up the rulebook on spy stories - it's time to get hooked on a new hero...
Boyd isn't the easiest person to get along with; he doesn't really like anyone at school and doesn’t have much in common with his family. But when his father suddenly goes missing, he hunts for answers the only way he knows how; by taking on anyone who gets in his way.
But a deadly global force is developing a new technology that has the power to twist time and alter the balance of our future, and they’ll do anything to protect it. If Boyd wants to find the truth and save everyone he cares about, he’s going to have to take on an enemy that’s hellbent on changing the world forever.
The unmissable new Young Adult Fantasy series - for fans of His Dark Materials, the Cherub series and Alex Rider books!
- GenresYoung Adult
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2021
11 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Shaw
2 books25 followersBenjamin Shaw was born in Hampshire, in the UK. After studying English at university, he worked in computers, despite not knowing much about them. He then went back to college, became a film journalist and was lucky enough to travel the world, interviewing people like James Bond.
After a decade in publishing, he decided to become an author and is currently writing the hotly anticipated Evan Boyd Adventures; the young adult fiction series about a reluctant teen hero.
Combining Mission: Impossible, with a dash of The Goonies and a healthy dollop of Back To The Future, the Evan Boyd books are bursting with action, stunts, gadgets and a little bit about the pain of growing up.
Benjamin lives on the south coast of the UK, with his lovely wife and his rather awesome dog, Humphrey.
After a decade in publishing, he decided to become an author and is currently writing the hotly anticipated Evan Boyd Adventures; the young adult fiction series about a reluctant teen hero.
Combining Mission: Impossible, with a dash of The Goonies and a healthy dollop of Back To The Future, the Evan Boyd books are bursting with action, stunts, gadgets and a little bit about the pain of growing up.
Benjamin lives on the south coast of the UK, with his lovely wife and his rather awesome dog, Humphrey.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 28, 2021
Being a spy book addict, this book was not at all what I was expecting (in a good way), I found the plot really original and an amazing introduction to science fiction for me.
Writing Style
The chapters are mostly short and page turning which made this book hard to put down and Shaw’s descriptions allow you to imagine everything without over explaining and making things boring. The story is fast paced and action packed and although I was a little lost during the first few chapters, I quickly got the hang of things. We get a lot of sarcastic and witty comments from Boyd and the other characters as well as some deep and serious scenes.
Boyd doesn’t want to save the world; like most 15-year-olds, he just wants everyone to leave him alone.
Boyd is such a well written character and I love how he isn’t one of those superman type of heroes. He makes questionable choices and he’s often confused and angry. And I love that, because he’s 15! He’s not meant to be perfect.
Also, when we finally get the backstory of Operation Hurricane and how Boyd is tied to it, and not to mention the origin of Boyd’s name, I was even more intrigued with everything. Seriously, this is a well thought out plot!
Operation Hurricane is a great book is you love:
▪️Spies
▪️Back to the Future
▪️Indiana Jones
Writing Style
The chapters are mostly short and page turning which made this book hard to put down and Shaw’s descriptions allow you to imagine everything without over explaining and making things boring. The story is fast paced and action packed and although I was a little lost during the first few chapters, I quickly got the hang of things. We get a lot of sarcastic and witty comments from Boyd and the other characters as well as some deep and serious scenes.
Boyd doesn’t want to save the world; like most 15-year-olds, he just wants everyone to leave him alone.
Boyd is such a well written character and I love how he isn’t one of those superman type of heroes. He makes questionable choices and he’s often confused and angry. And I love that, because he’s 15! He’s not meant to be perfect.
Also, when we finally get the backstory of Operation Hurricane and how Boyd is tied to it, and not to mention the origin of Boyd’s name, I was even more intrigued with everything. Seriously, this is a well thought out plot!
Operation Hurricane is a great book is you love:
▪️Spies
▪️Back to the Future
▪️Indiana Jones
June 16, 2021
*Thanks to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
An absolutely fantastic fast-paced and thrilling adventure. Laced with mystery and a strong dosage of constant character growth, this was almost flawless. It sincerely deserves its spot on my all time faves shelf.
The plot itself was strong and compelling. It had many moving parts and it’s complexity was impressive but also necessary considering the time travel and mystery genres the book belongs to. The twists and dramatic reveals were expertly done and often left me reeling for minutes as they sunk in.
The characters were well-structured. In particular, the relationship between the protagonist Boyd and the main character Fitz was one I welcomed enthusiastically. Their friendship started off tumultuously which made it all the more enticing and rewarding in the long run. The protagonist Boyd’s growth throughout the book only served to make him more likeable and if at first you don’t like him for his smarts you’ll certainly come to like him for his loyalty and bravery. His wit and sarcasm were a fun bonus too.
The humour was almost exclusively sarcastic which you could find annoying if that’s not your thing, but I loved it because that’s just my type of humour. It did a seem a little odd when older characters would use the same sarcastic humour that suited the teenaged characters only, but I let it slide because that was clearly the general humour employed throughout the book.
So all in all, I couldn’t stress more how much I loved this book and now I really really need the sequel and eagerly look forward to it!!
An absolutely fantastic fast-paced and thrilling adventure. Laced with mystery and a strong dosage of constant character growth, this was almost flawless. It sincerely deserves its spot on my all time faves shelf.
The plot itself was strong and compelling. It had many moving parts and it’s complexity was impressive but also necessary considering the time travel and mystery genres the book belongs to. The twists and dramatic reveals were expertly done and often left me reeling for minutes as they sunk in.
The characters were well-structured. In particular, the relationship between the protagonist Boyd and the main character Fitz was one I welcomed enthusiastically. Their friendship started off tumultuously which made it all the more enticing and rewarding in the long run. The protagonist Boyd’s growth throughout the book only served to make him more likeable and if at first you don’t like him for his smarts you’ll certainly come to like him for his loyalty and bravery. His wit and sarcasm were a fun bonus too.
The humour was almost exclusively sarcastic which you could find annoying if that’s not your thing, but I loved it because that’s just my type of humour. It did a seem a little odd when older characters would use the same sarcastic humour that suited the teenaged characters only, but I let it slide because that was clearly the general humour employed throughout the book.
So all in all, I couldn’t stress more how much I loved this book and now I really really need the sequel and eagerly look forward to it!!
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May 28, 2021Number 1 in my Amazon category on Launch Day!!
A massive 'thank you' to everyone who has bought and read Operation Hurricane - and especially those who have taken time to leave reviews.
There’s a ton of cracking authors writing superb young adult fiction right now; and I didn't want to chase a trend - which is why I wanted to make Boyd's story that bit different. It's not exactly a spy story, and it's not full-on sci-fi; it's more Spy-Fi (did I just make up something new? Probably not).
There's ancient guilds, mysterious henchman, huge set-piece fights and stunts - it's more Mission: Impossible meets Indiana Jones (thanks Naomi - credit to you for that one!) I purposefully wanted to avoid making Boyd a secret agent, or Alex Rider MkII; he's not had training or learnt to ski or how to cave dive. Sure, he's done some boxing and a bit of Tae-Kwon-Do but that's because he's a hot-head, he has anger issues and he's learning how best to exorcise those demons... little does he know, his demons are far greater than he could ever have imagined.
I wanted to focus on an imperfect hero, a reluctant lead character who is a loner and wilfully pushes away anyone who tries to help him. Also, just like I was when I was 15; when the pressure is on, he finds out that he doesn’t really know himself at all; but he’s going to have to learn fast.
Quite a few years ago, I was lucky enough to be stood on the set of a film called Casino Royale, in the Bahamas. As a massive fan of James Bond, this was a moment I won't ever forget. This week, I've been sent pictures of young adults reading my book with messages about how this is the first book their parents have managed to get them to read since lockdown started... and they loved it. That trumps any set visit I ever had... what a feeling. So if you've ever felt like you have a story to tell, never give up on it. Keep notebooks, scribble down your ideas and never be afraid to change things, never be afraid to put pen to paper or start tapping those keys. Every sentence, every draft is you learning how to get to where you want to get... never give up.
If I can do it, anyone can.
A massive 'thank you' to everyone who has bought and read Operation Hurricane - and especially those who have taken time to leave reviews.
There’s a ton of cracking authors writing superb young adult fiction right now; and I didn't want to chase a trend - which is why I wanted to make Boyd's story that bit different. It's not exactly a spy story, and it's not full-on sci-fi; it's more Spy-Fi (did I just make up something new? Probably not).
There's ancient guilds, mysterious henchman, huge set-piece fights and stunts - it's more Mission: Impossible meets Indiana Jones (thanks Naomi - credit to you for that one!) I purposefully wanted to avoid making Boyd a secret agent, or Alex Rider MkII; he's not had training or learnt to ski or how to cave dive. Sure, he's done some boxing and a bit of Tae-Kwon-Do but that's because he's a hot-head, he has anger issues and he's learning how best to exorcise those demons... little does he know, his demons are far greater than he could ever have imagined.
I wanted to focus on an imperfect hero, a reluctant lead character who is a loner and wilfully pushes away anyone who tries to help him. Also, just like I was when I was 15; when the pressure is on, he finds out that he doesn’t really know himself at all; but he’s going to have to learn fast.
Quite a few years ago, I was lucky enough to be stood on the set of a film called Casino Royale, in the Bahamas. As a massive fan of James Bond, this was a moment I won't ever forget. This week, I've been sent pictures of young adults reading my book with messages about how this is the first book their parents have managed to get them to read since lockdown started... and they loved it. That trumps any set visit I ever had... what a feeling. So if you've ever felt like you have a story to tell, never give up on it. Keep notebooks, scribble down your ideas and never be afraid to change things, never be afraid to put pen to paper or start tapping those keys. Every sentence, every draft is you learning how to get to where you want to get... never give up.
If I can do it, anyone can.
May 7, 2021
I had high hopes for this book and all I can say is wow! I was NOT let down! I read the entire thing in a day; it was impossible for me to put down. The storyline was exciting, captivating, and had me turning pages faster than I thought I could.
Without spoiling anything, this book is a perfect harmony of science fiction and spies. It sounds cliché, I admit, but the narrative being woven is incredible. The spy theme is written in a surprisingly refreshing manner. It isn't the same, overused spy novels you might have read before. This is on a whole new level by adding in science fiction elements that have you desperately wanting answers while also building an incredible picture in your mind. Every time a place or person was described, I could imagine the exact image Benjamin Shaw had in mind while writing it. The way he translates his imagination onto paper is astounding.
The main character, Boyd, is relatable in a way that isn't forced. While being a hero, Boyd was written to still be a lost, confused, and very angry teenager. It brought a new level of authenticity to the story because it didn't feel like you were forced to like Boyd. In some cases, you might actually not agree with his decisions, but it still circled around to the fact that he is just a fifteen year old boy trying to make the most of his situation.
The way that Benjamin Shaw eases into the story is both clever and perfectly paced. The writing flowed easily and the plot never felt rushed. The first chapter, even the first line, had me hooked. "The following takes place in our past - but firmly in our hero's future." I was intrigued from the start, but after finishing the book and re-reading that line I am feverishly hoping the sequel is already in the works! It might not make sense now, but trust me, it will.
I cannot recommend this book enough if you are looking something that fulfills your childhood dream of having a good spy novel while simultaneously appealing to a more sophisticated science fiction world.
I want to thank Benjamin Shaw for an ARC of this book and express that all opinions stated here are my own.
Without spoiling anything, this book is a perfect harmony of science fiction and spies. It sounds cliché, I admit, but the narrative being woven is incredible. The spy theme is written in a surprisingly refreshing manner. It isn't the same, overused spy novels you might have read before. This is on a whole new level by adding in science fiction elements that have you desperately wanting answers while also building an incredible picture in your mind. Every time a place or person was described, I could imagine the exact image Benjamin Shaw had in mind while writing it. The way he translates his imagination onto paper is astounding.
The main character, Boyd, is relatable in a way that isn't forced. While being a hero, Boyd was written to still be a lost, confused, and very angry teenager. It brought a new level of authenticity to the story because it didn't feel like you were forced to like Boyd. In some cases, you might actually not agree with his decisions, but it still circled around to the fact that he is just a fifteen year old boy trying to make the most of his situation.
The way that Benjamin Shaw eases into the story is both clever and perfectly paced. The writing flowed easily and the plot never felt rushed. The first chapter, even the first line, had me hooked. "The following takes place in our past - but firmly in our hero's future." I was intrigued from the start, but after finishing the book and re-reading that line I am feverishly hoping the sequel is already in the works! It might not make sense now, but trust me, it will.
I cannot recommend this book enough if you are looking something that fulfills your childhood dream of having a good spy novel while simultaneously appealing to a more sophisticated science fiction world.
I want to thank Benjamin Shaw for an ARC of this book and express that all opinions stated here are my own.
August 8, 2021
Move over Bond, Evan Boyd is here.
Before I post my thoughts on this, I have to thank the author, Benjamin Shaw, for reaching out to me on Goodreads and sending me a copy of this first in the series. I’m sorry it took me a while to get round to reading it…and, having just finished it, I’m keen to read more.
It would be easy to dismiss Operation Hurricane as a book that’s been done before. Teen hero, spies, gadgets and the like all feature so it does feel as if we’re in familiar territory. However, at no point reading this did I feel I was reading the same old story.
The last thing I want to do is give details away - this definitely works better not knowing much about what’s coming. Our story begins explosively, and the pacing of the chapters rarely lets up. I loved the sci-fi element of this, and the way the various strands were combined certainly sets up intrigue for later books in the series.
Inevitably, perhaps, Boyd will be compared to that other well-known teen spy. They certainly both show courage in the face of danger and are put in unenviable positions. However, Boyd is a snarky teen who often makes really silly decisions. He has not been trained from birth for this role…and just because he’s important doesn’t let him off his friends telling him when he’s out of order. Aside from the use of Facebook to communicate (don’t know many 15 year olds using it), I really liked the friendship between Boyd and his rather unwilling partner.
During the time I was reading there was rarely time to pause for breath. Everything happens fast…but there was still time to slot in details about certain characters that didn’t make complete sense at the time but was actually crucial to explaining the concept that seems to be driving the book. The villains are dangerous, and not too prone to gloating before being shown up, but it seems that sometimes those most dangerous are those closest to us.
Before I post my thoughts on this, I have to thank the author, Benjamin Shaw, for reaching out to me on Goodreads and sending me a copy of this first in the series. I’m sorry it took me a while to get round to reading it…and, having just finished it, I’m keen to read more.
It would be easy to dismiss Operation Hurricane as a book that’s been done before. Teen hero, spies, gadgets and the like all feature so it does feel as if we’re in familiar territory. However, at no point reading this did I feel I was reading the same old story.
The last thing I want to do is give details away - this definitely works better not knowing much about what’s coming. Our story begins explosively, and the pacing of the chapters rarely lets up. I loved the sci-fi element of this, and the way the various strands were combined certainly sets up intrigue for later books in the series.
Inevitably, perhaps, Boyd will be compared to that other well-known teen spy. They certainly both show courage in the face of danger and are put in unenviable positions. However, Boyd is a snarky teen who often makes really silly decisions. He has not been trained from birth for this role…and just because he’s important doesn’t let him off his friends telling him when he’s out of order. Aside from the use of Facebook to communicate (don’t know many 15 year olds using it), I really liked the friendship between Boyd and his rather unwilling partner.
During the time I was reading there was rarely time to pause for breath. Everything happens fast…but there was still time to slot in details about certain characters that didn’t make complete sense at the time but was actually crucial to explaining the concept that seems to be driving the book. The villains are dangerous, and not too prone to gloating before being shown up, but it seems that sometimes those most dangerous are those closest to us.
July 22, 2021
“The world is full of fakes who pretend to care and cowards who stand back and leave it to someone else to wade in and do something. Well, not me.“
I'd like to thank the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
I am a huge fan of all things spy related so I was super excited to pick this book up! We've got it all, secret code names, impressive technology, heists and thrilling chases. I enjoyed all of the characters and thought them to be very realistic. My favourite character would have to be Boyd as he wasn't your classic "perfect" spy, but a kid just trying to make the best decisions he can. He's fuelled by his emotions and it made his character more realistic. The plot starts off a little slow but quickly ramps up with lots of action. The writing style also fit the tone of the book very well. We follow the perspective of many other characters besides Boyd but I found it to flow nicely. The combination of the spy and sci-fi genres was also very exciting and made for a unique reading experience. There was a complex history and background to the enemy organization which made the story even more believable. I loved learning about all of the technology and the interesting ways it was used in the story. I'm very excited to see what will happen next in this series and I have a feeling that it will be even better!
I definitely recommend this to fans of Back to the Future and all spy film lovers!
I'd like to thank the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
I am a huge fan of all things spy related so I was super excited to pick this book up! We've got it all, secret code names, impressive technology, heists and thrilling chases. I enjoyed all of the characters and thought them to be very realistic. My favourite character would have to be Boyd as he wasn't your classic "perfect" spy, but a kid just trying to make the best decisions he can. He's fuelled by his emotions and it made his character more realistic. The plot starts off a little slow but quickly ramps up with lots of action. The writing style also fit the tone of the book very well. We follow the perspective of many other characters besides Boyd but I found it to flow nicely. The combination of the spy and sci-fi genres was also very exciting and made for a unique reading experience. There was a complex history and background to the enemy organization which made the story even more believable. I loved learning about all of the technology and the interesting ways it was used in the story. I'm very excited to see what will happen next in this series and I have a feeling that it will be even better!
I definitely recommend this to fans of Back to the Future and all spy film lovers!
June 5, 2021
An excellent young adult spy/sci-fi novel, like an Alex Rider novel with a dose of back to the future.
The story was fast paced and action packed. The story kept me gripped and I found it difficult to put down as I was keen to find out what happened to the characters next as well as the mystery of the past.
I enjoyed how Boyd wasnt written as a perfect spy and didnt always make the best decisions, sometimes letting his emotions get carried away.
Looking forward to reading the second book in the series and finding out what happens next to the characters.
The story was fast paced and action packed. The story kept me gripped and I found it difficult to put down as I was keen to find out what happened to the characters next as well as the mystery of the past.
I enjoyed how Boyd wasnt written as a perfect spy and didnt always make the best decisions, sometimes letting his emotions get carried away.
Looking forward to reading the second book in the series and finding out what happens next to the characters.
June 23, 2021
What a book! Possibly the best book of June. The writing is fantastic. I don't know how I finished it in a day. But it made my day, literally. The words keep you hanging, and the author should have more publicity than this! Read the book, you won't regret it.
Age:14 and up
Age:14 and up
July 29, 2022
Having read Alex Rider I thought I knew what to expect but this book was so original. I'll admit it was a little bit confusing at the beginning when all of these characters were being introduced, however as I carried on reading it all started to come together and it was an enjoyable read :) I loved all the characters, especially Fitz, he was so funny and the plot was well thought out and all managed to come together at the end :)
February 10, 2022
I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out.
May 1, 2021
Operation Hurricane is a genuinely brilliant and exciting book, the way Benjamin Shaw describes each character gives such a clear image in my head in a way that is unlike any other book I've read before.
I've read a few young spy novels, so I had some presumptions about what this one may hold, but boy was I wrong! The story is so original and unique, combining every day teenage life with extraordinary events, in a way that is both believable and sensational at the same time.
It's been a while since I've read a book that I really didn't want to put down, reading on lunch breaks and as late at night as my tired eyes would let me. I'm very, very excited for the next installment!
I've read a few young spy novels, so I had some presumptions about what this one may hold, but boy was I wrong! The story is so original and unique, combining every day teenage life with extraordinary events, in a way that is both believable and sensational at the same time.
It's been a while since I've read a book that I really didn't want to put down, reading on lunch breaks and as late at night as my tired eyes would let me. I'm very, very excited for the next installment!
August 24, 2021
I absolutely loved this book!
There’s so many elements of this book which are absolutely awesome. Time travel. A boy with a mysterious past. Corruption behind the scenes. A secret espionage department.
It’s all just very epic.
The one thing I didn’t like was that at one point we were introduced to a number of new characters and I was struggling a little to keep up, but I caught on soon enough.
Other than that I loved everything and I absolutely can’t wait for the sequel.
Also, what the hell is gonna happen with Skye and Boyd? Absolute drama!!
Easy 5/5.
Also here’s a couple quotes I adored - both from chapter 1!!
“It must be a family thing, maybe his parents were giants too - Boyd would remember to ask him, just before he knocked him on his backside.”
“You must be Boyd,” she said smiling. “Welcome to 1986.”
There’s so many elements of this book which are absolutely awesome. Time travel. A boy with a mysterious past. Corruption behind the scenes. A secret espionage department.
It’s all just very epic.
The one thing I didn’t like was that at one point we were introduced to a number of new characters and I was struggling a little to keep up, but I caught on soon enough.
Other than that I loved everything and I absolutely can’t wait for the sequel.
Also, what the hell is gonna happen with Skye and Boyd? Absolute drama!!
Easy 5/5.
Also here’s a couple quotes I adored - both from chapter 1!!
“It must be a family thing, maybe his parents were giants too - Boyd would remember to ask him, just before he knocked him on his backside.”
“You must be Boyd,” she said smiling. “Welcome to 1986.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2021
A great action-packed adventure in the vein of Alex Rider and Young Bond. The exciting story leaps of the page from the first chapter and doesn’t stop. Reminded me of the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles with a dash of Michael Crichton’s ability to weave in believable science fiction.
Really looking forward to seeing what happens with Skye.
A must-read for anyone who likes spy adventures.
Really looking forward to seeing what happens with Skye.
A must-read for anyone who likes spy adventures.
May 29, 2021
This was such an interesting, action packed story. I really enjoyed reading it. There were so many twists and turns that made want to keep reading and not stop. The story was a bit slow at first but once it picked up it turned even better.
June 1, 2021
Wow. Didn't expect that. I must say, that I was very impressed when I read this book and can't wait for the next one.
June 10, 2021
Fast-paced action and intrigue
I’m far from a young-adult, but this book was well done. The characters are solid and the plot moves along nicely. I’m looking forward to the next book!
I’m far from a young-adult, but this book was well done. The characters are solid and the plot moves along nicely. I’m looking forward to the next book!
April 2, 2023
Interesting book
I loved the characters especially Boyd.. Interesting and fun story. I would love to read more of his adventures soon.
I loved the characters especially Boyd.. Interesting and fun story. I would love to read more of his adventures soon.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews