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The Specialists #2
Down to the Wire
Book 2 of The Specialists
GiGi is back, this time teaming up with electronics specialist Frankie, aka Wirenut, for their next mission. Wirenut has an uncanny knack for breaking into the highest-level security systems that stump even the experts. Which is precisely why he was recruited by the Specialists. So when wealthy entrepreneur Octavias Zorba hires the Specialists to recover a stolen neurotoxin, the head of the Specialists is sure that Wirenut is perfect for the job. But there’s a catch. The computer-coded hints that will lead to the neurotoxin are hidden in a few precious artifacts. And when these hints are found, there is limited time to get them decoded or they will disappear forever. But as GiGi and Wirenut begin their mission, they suddenly find themselves on a fast-paced hunt for the criminal, with time quickly running out….
GiGi is back, this time teaming up with electronics specialist Frankie, aka Wirenut, for their next mission. Wirenut has an uncanny knack for breaking into the highest-level security systems that stump even the experts. Which is precisely why he was recruited by the Specialists. So when wealthy entrepreneur Octavias Zorba hires the Specialists to recover a stolen neurotoxin, the head of the Specialists is sure that Wirenut is perfect for the job. But there’s a catch. The computer-coded hints that will lead to the neurotoxin are hidden in a few precious artifacts. And when these hints are found, there is limited time to get them decoded or they will disappear forever. But as GiGi and Wirenut begin their mission, they suddenly find themselves on a fast-paced hunt for the criminal, with time quickly running out….
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
139 people are currently reading
1982 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Greenland
22 books477 followersShannon Greenland is the award-winning and best-selling author of Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult books. She grew up in Tennessee where she dreaded all things reading and writing. She didn’t even read her first book for enjoyment until she was twenty-five. After that, she was hooked! When she’s not writing, she's usually traveling or hanging out with a rogue armadillo that frequents her backyard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 2, 2020
Q: Brilliant, klutzy, drop-dead gorgeous GiGi. (c) is back with her all-permeating lollipops.
The Specialists team are embarking on being private mercenaries in this one:
Q:
We’ve been a private organization for a month now, and it has opened all sorts of avenues. (c)
The team's doing more made up pseudogeeky stuff. Frankly, it's so very made up that's its downright cringey:
Q:
I wove in and out of security barriers, tunneled through safeguards, zoomed around blocked systems. I designated principles, specified components, wrapped codexes. I stranded screeds, followed copeperis, formatted algorithms. (c)
Q:
Every one of your e-mails left a pellucid image. (c)
They also go to a made up country (Rissala) where people speak made up language (Rissalan, of course):
Q:
Katarina nodded. “Gopi. Vjepl zua. Fu zua piif epzvjoph?”
The girl shook her head. “Pu.” (c)
Weirdly, this setup's a bit better than when people start going on foreign cultures and get it wrong.
Their PT is not just full of 'sexual tension' (which, IMO, just means they are not doing it right) but of this:
Q:
Behind me someone grunted. A body smacked to a mat. Someone else growled.
Everyone was already at it while Beaker and I continued eyeing each other. (c)
Misc fun:
Q:
… David had done it. He’d actually done it. Finally. After sixteen hours. (c)
Q:
So here we sat on the hilltop above the capital city, watching the early sun peek out over the Mediterranean Sea. It was the most beautiful clear blue water I’d ever seen. From our high vantage point I scanned the canals, idly watching the boats sway in the gentle breeze. Below us the city crammed the cliffs. Our hotel was smooshed in there somewhere. It’d been quite a climb getting up here. (c)
Q:
I definitely needed more physical training.
Never thought I’d actually think those words. (c)
Q:
A lollipop bouquet! Full of dozens of suckers. Raspberry, cherry, watermelon, lemon, mango, passion fruit, apple, banana, and I don’t know how many more. (c)
Weird stuff:
Q:
No one wanted to adopt you because they were afraid of your mental stability. (c) Seriously? That should be either abilities or unstability. But being afraid of 'mental stability' is something new.
Q:
On silent, slippered feet, we shuffled out of the closet … (c) I'd really like to see some chatty feet.
Q:
I swallowed. “Hi.”Okay, that came across good. Calm. Casual. Not too excited. Not too nervous. It sounded I-missed-you-but-not-desperately. The tone was definitely I’m-my-own-woman. (c)
Q:
“He was an international terrorist. There’s no telling how many languages he knew.” (c) Right, cause terrorists are known linguists.
The Specialists team are embarking on being private mercenaries in this one:
Q:
We’ve been a private organization for a month now, and it has opened all sorts of avenues. (c)
The team's doing more made up pseudogeeky stuff. Frankly, it's so very made up that's its downright cringey:
Q:
I wove in and out of security barriers, tunneled through safeguards, zoomed around blocked systems. I designated principles, specified components, wrapped codexes. I stranded screeds, followed copeperis, formatted algorithms. (c)
Q:
Every one of your e-mails left a pellucid image. (c)
They also go to a made up country (Rissala) where people speak made up language (Rissalan, of course):
Q:
Katarina nodded. “Gopi. Vjepl zua. Fu zua piif epzvjoph?”
The girl shook her head. “Pu.” (c)
Weirdly, this setup's a bit better than when people start going on foreign cultures and get it wrong.
Their PT is not just full of 'sexual tension' (which, IMO, just means they are not doing it right) but of this:
Q:
Behind me someone grunted. A body smacked to a mat. Someone else growled.
Everyone was already at it while Beaker and I continued eyeing each other. (c)
Misc fun:
Q:
… David had done it. He’d actually done it. Finally. After sixteen hours. (c)
Q:
So here we sat on the hilltop above the capital city, watching the early sun peek out over the Mediterranean Sea. It was the most beautiful clear blue water I’d ever seen. From our high vantage point I scanned the canals, idly watching the boats sway in the gentle breeze. Below us the city crammed the cliffs. Our hotel was smooshed in there somewhere. It’d been quite a climb getting up here. (c)
Q:
I definitely needed more physical training.
Never thought I’d actually think those words. (c)
Q:
A lollipop bouquet! Full of dozens of suckers. Raspberry, cherry, watermelon, lemon, mango, passion fruit, apple, banana, and I don’t know how many more. (c)
Weird stuff:
Q:
No one wanted to adopt you because they were afraid of your mental stability. (c) Seriously? That should be either abilities or unstability. But being afraid of 'mental stability' is something new.
Q:
On silent, slippered feet, we shuffled out of the closet … (c) I'd really like to see some chatty feet.
Q:
I swallowed. “Hi.”Okay, that came across good. Calm. Casual. Not too excited. Not too nervous. It sounded I-missed-you-but-not-desperately. The tone was definitely I’m-my-own-woman. (c)
Q:
“He was an international terrorist. There’s no telling how many languages he knew.” (c) Right, cause terrorists are known linguists.
November 11, 2012
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
Francisco Badaduchi, or Frankie, can do anything easily with technology. Creating false accounts, altering IP addresses, and hacking into what are supposed to be the securest systems in the world. There is nothing that Frankie can't do.
Frankie soon takes on a real challenge. Apparently, the security system at the New Mexico Museum of History is impossible to get past. Fortunately for Frankie, he is able to enter the museum with ease. Unfortunately, a thief follows him and takes a precious museum artifact, only to sprint away when security arrives and catches Frankie at the crime scene.
Before he knows it, after being strangely interrogated, Frankie becomes part of The Specialists, the group of agents who each have their own special ability used to catch dirty criminals.
Frankie slowly becomes Wirenut and receives his first case. A neurotoxin has been stolen, and the only way to find it is for Wirenut to crack the computer codes hidden in various artifacts. With his first mission, Wirenut gets paired up with GiGi, who is as much a computer genius as he is.
The case seems easy enough to crack, but trouble quickly ensues when someone who has the exact same talents as the two combined is on the same trail for all the wrong reasons. Wirenut and GiGi have to make sure that the case is the only thing on their mind, which means their feelings for certain people must be pushed to the side -- at least until it's all over.
Witty and very adventurous, readers will not be disappointed with this second installment in the unique THE SPECIALISTS series that takes them through the world of special agents. Shannon Greenland does a wonderful job in developing characters that face the same problems that normal teens do.
Well, except for the training and the missions that they must complete!
Francisco Badaduchi, or Frankie, can do anything easily with technology. Creating false accounts, altering IP addresses, and hacking into what are supposed to be the securest systems in the world. There is nothing that Frankie can't do.
Frankie soon takes on a real challenge. Apparently, the security system at the New Mexico Museum of History is impossible to get past. Fortunately for Frankie, he is able to enter the museum with ease. Unfortunately, a thief follows him and takes a precious museum artifact, only to sprint away when security arrives and catches Frankie at the crime scene.
Before he knows it, after being strangely interrogated, Frankie becomes part of The Specialists, the group of agents who each have their own special ability used to catch dirty criminals.
Frankie slowly becomes Wirenut and receives his first case. A neurotoxin has been stolen, and the only way to find it is for Wirenut to crack the computer codes hidden in various artifacts. With his first mission, Wirenut gets paired up with GiGi, who is as much a computer genius as he is.
The case seems easy enough to crack, but trouble quickly ensues when someone who has the exact same talents as the two combined is on the same trail for all the wrong reasons. Wirenut and GiGi have to make sure that the case is the only thing on their mind, which means their feelings for certain people must be pushed to the side -- at least until it's all over.
Witty and very adventurous, readers will not be disappointed with this second installment in the unique THE SPECIALISTS series that takes them through the world of special agents. Shannon Greenland does a wonderful job in developing characters that face the same problems that normal teens do.
Well, except for the training and the missions that they must complete!
January 6, 2013
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I really loved Model Spy the first in the series. My review of that one is here. In fact, I really enjoyed it so I couldn't wait to read the sequel. The sequel did not disappoint.
I feel like the Goodreads summary gives an adequate enough synopsis of what happens, so I'll just jump into my feelings about the book.
I loved getting to know the character Wirenut better. Wirenut had me rooting for his successes, bemoaning his failures, and my heart wrenching for his pain.
In the first book, we didn't really get to see GiGi interact with Wirenut all that much so I loved watching Wirenut become more than a name on the page. Wirenut has suffered intense loss and in this novel a criminal was playing with him and clearly trying to bring him out in the open.
It made more a fascinating mystery that I wanted to crack the whole time. I loved watching GiGi try to help Wirenut and watch their friendship develop. I would have liked to see more of David in this novel, but I'm sure that will happen in later novels. I can't wait to see what character we get to know better in the third novel.
I know several people thought the book was predictable, but even though that might still be true, I still really loved the novel.
I love the characters and I love watching them interact. I loved watching GiGi and the other characters grow in this novel.
In Summary: Greenland's Specialists series is intriguing and definitely has me hooked. Down to the Wire was an intriguing addition to the first one and I loved watching the characters grow. Down to the Wire was intriguing, captivating, and an enjoyable read. I loved it.
The Wrap-up: I definitely can't wait to read the third one in the series. This series is very enjoyable and I can't wait to read more of it.
Love,
Danica Page
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I really loved Model Spy the first in the series. My review of that one is here. In fact, I really enjoyed it so I couldn't wait to read the sequel. The sequel did not disappoint.
I feel like the Goodreads summary gives an adequate enough synopsis of what happens, so I'll just jump into my feelings about the book.
I loved getting to know the character Wirenut better. Wirenut had me rooting for his successes, bemoaning his failures, and my heart wrenching for his pain.
In the first book, we didn't really get to see GiGi interact with Wirenut all that much so I loved watching Wirenut become more than a name on the page. Wirenut has suffered intense loss and in this novel a criminal was playing with him and clearly trying to bring him out in the open.
It made more a fascinating mystery that I wanted to crack the whole time. I loved watching GiGi try to help Wirenut and watch their friendship develop. I would have liked to see more of David in this novel, but I'm sure that will happen in later novels. I can't wait to see what character we get to know better in the third novel.
I know several people thought the book was predictable, but even though that might still be true, I still really loved the novel.
I love the characters and I love watching them interact. I loved watching GiGi and the other characters grow in this novel.
In Summary: Greenland's Specialists series is intriguing and definitely has me hooked. Down to the Wire was an intriguing addition to the first one and I loved watching the characters grow. Down to the Wire was intriguing, captivating, and an enjoyable read. I loved it.
The Wrap-up: I definitely can't wait to read the third one in the series. This series is very enjoyable and I can't wait to read more of it.
Love,
Danica Page
September 1, 2015
Obviously, I loved this series so much that right after finishing the first one -- I dove right into the second!
Well -- I do read quite quickly and it helps that they aren't that long.
This installment of the series is just as light and interesting as the first book had been. I can see a pattern forming with the rotation of each member on the team being included into every book. I was a bit scared at first because I have the tendency to be reluctant to like series' which every book focuses on a different character in the same world. Which is why I'm glad we got GiGi still and some of Wirenut!
His backstory was like a punch to the gut. Despite the lightness of the story and book itself, the plot was on point with the details and divulged quite well into the backstory of the secondary protagonist.
Gigi was near and dear to my heart so I'm glad we continued on with here story -- which brings me to David! I'm glad things have moved along further in that part of the subplot. THat's important to this book is that romance, at least for Gigi, is super subplot but what we do get is cute and got me rooting for everyone.
There was this one point in the book that got my heart just-- it got me right in the feels.
Would definitely reread.
Well -- I do read quite quickly and it helps that they aren't that long.
This installment of the series is just as light and interesting as the first book had been. I can see a pattern forming with the rotation of each member on the team being included into every book. I was a bit scared at first because I have the tendency to be reluctant to like series' which every book focuses on a different character in the same world. Which is why I'm glad we got GiGi still and some of Wirenut!
His backstory was like a punch to the gut. Despite the lightness of the story and book itself, the plot was on point with the details and divulged quite well into the backstory of the secondary protagonist.
Gigi was near and dear to my heart so I'm glad we continued on with here story -- which brings me to David! I'm glad things have moved along further in that part of the subplot. THat's important to this book is that romance, at least for Gigi, is super subplot but what we do get is cute and got me rooting for everyone.
There was this one point in the book that got my heart just-- it got me right in the feels.
Would definitely reread.
September 22, 2010
This is more like 1.5 star, actually.
I love teen spy school stuff. Big fan of Gallagher Girls, The Squad etc, so I have high hope for this. Sadly, it fells way way short.
The serie is about a group of teens who were recruited into the Specialits squad, doing spy and hired gun stunts. All of them are gifted in certain way and seemed to be orphan to some degrees.
The story was told by Gigi, a gorgeous girl whose talent is cracking computer code. The plot of this installation is that Wirenut, resident thief and electronical expert must retrieve things in order to prevent a mass murder by neurotoxin, which is an extremely nasty poison.
Now came the WTF part which contains loads of spoiler...
Apparently the bad guy is Wirenut uncle, who supposed to be executed already for killing his whole family with 16th century sword. Yep, that's right, an old fashioned sword. Then he let Wirenut live coz there's something special in him and now want to recruit him back as a partner in crime.
My, oh my, talk about cheesy!
Of course, that's not enough. Wirenut falled in love with this girl and she was raised by the uncle! Then after he managed to kill the uncle, they discovered there's more toxin hiding in the Specialist' range! And the only way to deactivate it is for Wirenut and the girl to drop their blood syncronisely on the contraption!
I settled for 2 instead of 1 stars because the writing is ok and the characters are not completely unlikeable.
I love teen spy school stuff. Big fan of Gallagher Girls, The Squad etc, so I have high hope for this. Sadly, it fells way way short.
The serie is about a group of teens who were recruited into the Specialits squad, doing spy and hired gun stunts. All of them are gifted in certain way and seemed to be orphan to some degrees.
The story was told by Gigi, a gorgeous girl whose talent is cracking computer code. The plot of this installation is that Wirenut, resident thief and electronical expert must retrieve things in order to prevent a mass murder by neurotoxin, which is an extremely nasty poison.
Now came the WTF part which contains loads of spoiler...
Apparently the bad guy is Wirenut uncle, who supposed to be executed already for killing his whole family with 16th century sword. Yep, that's right, an old fashioned sword. Then he let Wirenut live coz there's something special in him and now want to recruit him back as a partner in crime.
My, oh my, talk about cheesy!
Of course, that's not enough. Wirenut falled in love with this girl and she was raised by the uncle! Then after he managed to kill the uncle, they discovered there's more toxin hiding in the Specialist' range! And the only way to deactivate it is for Wirenut and the girl to drop their blood syncronisely on the contraption!
I settled for 2 instead of 1 stars because the writing is ok and the characters are not completely unlikeable.
July 16, 2013
Oh,NO!!! PLEASE SOMEONE SAİD TO ME THAT THEY ARE NOT SİS/BRO?!?! NO!!!!!
December 23, 2016
Muy entretenida.
August 22, 2019
Our heroine is ready for her next assignment and this time she is teamed with the hacker to recover a stolen neurotoxin. But nothing is ever easy...
This is the second book in a teen spies series featuring a group of smart and tough kids keeping the world safe. And while we may have seen a few stories like this in the past, that's okay with me as I am a sucker for spy stories.
As a young adult novel, the plot is a little lighter than many I have read recently, but then that is not a bad thing either. The plot is fun and easy to read and while most of it is kind of predictable, there are some surprises as well. This time we got to meet another teen in the program, which provided some more depth to the setting. Overall, a nice addition to the series and I am looking forward to the next one.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is the second book in a teen spies series featuring a group of smart and tough kids keeping the world safe. And while we may have seen a few stories like this in the past, that's okay with me as I am a sucker for spy stories.
As a young adult novel, the plot is a little lighter than many I have read recently, but then that is not a bad thing either. The plot is fun and easy to read and while most of it is kind of predictable, there are some surprises as well. This time we got to meet another teen in the program, which provided some more depth to the setting. Overall, a nice addition to the series and I am looking forward to the next one.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
May 17, 2019
Again I remind everyone that the concept of brilliant teens and spying is not a new concept. However this author does an excellent job of making the books in the series exciting and believable. I couldn't even contemplate writing about some of the things Wirenut does in this book to access museum treasures that hold clues. We learn about his background and how he became a part of the Specialists. The descriptions of his methods and the precision involved was complex and believable.
If you like Julie Moffet or Ally Carter, you will love this series. I recommend reading them in order for greatest understanding and satisfaction.
If you like Julie Moffet or Ally Carter, you will love this series. I recommend reading them in order for greatest understanding and satisfaction.
October 2, 2017
I loved getting to see more of GiGi's story, but also getting to know Wirenut a lot more than we got to see in book one! I loved the character development and the slow reveals from start to finish. There's a hint of mystery as you try to figure out what's going to happen and what had already happened. With a few darker moments it still has all the same aspects as book one making love the characters more and more as you learn more about them <3
August 5, 2019
I enjoyed this second book in The Specialist series. This is the story of Frankie (Wirenut) and the special mission he and Gigi have to handle. We also learn about his background and how he came to join the team. This story has a lot of action, adventure, and a bit of romance. I will be reading the rest of the series to learn more about the rest of the team.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2019
a bunch of teens with some useful skills and problematic backgrounds all form the specialists. These so far with books 1 &; 2 have been a fun interesting series to read. Good for Teens, all the way up to us "oldsters to read" Just a touch of romance but nothing big mostly crushing type situations. Some thrilling mysteries to solve with a touch of danger and intrigue along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2018
Loved the first book and started the second immediately. I read through it in a day. The author kept me entertained again and on to the next in the series.
This is a great spy series with a little bit of everything. I received a free copy of the series from the author through Voracious Readers Only and it does not disappoint.
This is a great spy series with a little bit of everything. I received a free copy of the series from the author through Voracious Readers Only and it does not disappoint.
August 4, 2019
I love this teen series although it has been forever since I have seen my teen years. This is the second book and it is like the first, fast-paced with lots of action. This is a very riveting story that grabbed me from the start and would not let go. Absolutely awesome!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2020
She needs to join forces with him to get a toxin back but it is not going to be easy. It is hidden in code with a time limit. Can they solve the clues? Will they find the toxin? Can they trust anyone else? See how they get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2021
Wraps up a little too neatly
I think there are a few too many story lines in the book and they’re not able to be resolved with enough detail. The areas with the possibility for emotional and psychological depth are glossed over entirely. That being said it’s still a cute easy read for a preteen.
I think there are a few too many story lines in the book and they’re not able to be resolved with enough detail. The areas with the possibility for emotional and psychological depth are glossed over entirely. That being said it’s still a cute easy read for a preteen.
December 9, 2017
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first in the series but it’s still worth reading. It was a little hard to follow in some places but other than that it was a nice, quick read
September 1, 2018
Very well written. Keeps your attention while you are waiting on the next surprise. Good read
December 1, 2018
3.5 stars
September 21, 2020
These books never get. Re reading and still as quick a page turner as ever
December 29, 2022
Copy-paste my review from Model Spy here.
July 21, 2024
Not as thrilling as the first but I did enjoy it. The idea of a massacre of family is strange I thought there would be some Star Wars reference where Antonio was actually Frankie’s father. The reason for the slaughter was not because of him but maybe pinned on him by another character. I just couldn’t fathom the evil but it was a good book nonetheless. I also wanted the insider to have more reason for the treason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2020
The action in here improved a lot from the first book, Model Spy.
Not a lot of faults here aside from the main character being super strong in an instant then goes back to being a nervous genius. I understand how adrenaline works but I guess that kind is too much for me (including having amazing fighting moves). Again, Gigi's brain overdrive doesn't make sense and lastly, I thought that Gigi saying the wrong sentences was cute...but now, it's kind of annoying and cringy.
Not a lot of faults here aside from the main character being super strong in an instant then goes back to being a nervous genius. I understand how adrenaline works but I guess that kind is too much for me (including having amazing fighting moves). Again, Gigi's brain overdrive doesn't make sense and lastly, I thought that Gigi saying the wrong sentences was cute...but now, it's kind of annoying and cringy.
October 31, 2017
I decided that since I started Model Spy (because I couldn’t bring Wuthering Heights with me to work last Friday) that now I’m taking a break to finish this series.
Wirenut sounds like such an interesting character because of his speciality of electronics. I love TL because it is annoying about the whole “he tells you things when you’re ready” is basically just a way to get the plot moving.
5/5 for nostalgic reasons
Wirenut sounds like such an interesting character because of his speciality of electronics. I love TL because it is annoying about the whole “he tells you things when you’re ready” is basically just a way to get the plot moving.
5/5 for nostalgic reasons
July 5, 2014
Down to the Wire is starting to get personal. It brings in Frankie (Wirenut), who is a thief like Parker from Leverage. He has a much darker past than GiGi. Unlike GiGi, he actually seen someone die. GiGi nearly witnessed her parents die, but her father saved her by putting on the oxygen mask first before his (I mean on the plane; her parents died in a plane crash on route to Canada).
It is wonderful to finally see interactions between GiGi and her team. In the first book, there wasn't that many interactions until Frankie (Wirenut) came along. I mean, David is a different team. He doesn't belong to GiGi's team. He is part of the first Specialists Team. For Frankie, it gets very personal and GiGi tries to cope with that. It only gets personal for her and David when TL (Thomas Liba) shows them something at the end of the book, but that doesn't matter very much because Frankie takes a huge part of the stage until the end. That part was mostly Genius Girl territory.
The plot goes by terribly fast. I quickly dived into the sequel, because I was so addicted to the storyline. Down to the Wire is one of those books that is perfectly made up of espionage, thrilling events, and lots of spunk. It is all that and more.
GiGi is one smart girl. She has grown so much by this book. However, she isn't perfect. She is a bit clumsy, but even that Bella Swan trait is disappearing. Thank goodness. I never had a fondness for Bella Swan. Maybe Edward, but that is a different story. It is part of a story that should had never existed. Anyway, it isn't this story. David and GiGi are no Edward and Bella. Maybe GiGi, but that is the farthest I would go. Thank you ver much. GiGi still has that annoying EQ problem. Hopefully, she is working on that.
GiGi does go a bit undercover like the other two people n the mission, but it wasn't anything too outlandish like that model cover story. Now that was an interesting time for all of them, right? Yeah, it totally was. I totally loved some of the disguises. GiGi is awesome in that book.
I briefly apologize for any spelling error. I am not writing this on a laptop but an iPad. My bad. I take all blame. Thank you for still following along.
The ending of Down to the Wire is good. It leaves on a very good cliffhanger. I can't wait to find out about all those little secrets.
Rating: Four out of Five
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
It is wonderful to finally see interactions between GiGi and her team. In the first book, there wasn't that many interactions until Frankie (Wirenut) came along. I mean, David is a different team. He doesn't belong to GiGi's team. He is part of the first Specialists Team. For Frankie, it gets very personal and GiGi tries to cope with that. It only gets personal for her and David when TL (Thomas Liba) shows them something at the end of the book, but that doesn't matter very much because Frankie takes a huge part of the stage until the end. That part was mostly Genius Girl territory.
The plot goes by terribly fast. I quickly dived into the sequel, because I was so addicted to the storyline. Down to the Wire is one of those books that is perfectly made up of espionage, thrilling events, and lots of spunk. It is all that and more.
GiGi is one smart girl. She has grown so much by this book. However, she isn't perfect. She is a bit clumsy, but even that Bella Swan trait is disappearing. Thank goodness. I never had a fondness for Bella Swan. Maybe Edward, but that is a different story. It is part of a story that should had never existed. Anyway, it isn't this story. David and GiGi are no Edward and Bella. Maybe GiGi, but that is the farthest I would go. Thank you ver much. GiGi still has that annoying EQ problem. Hopefully, she is working on that.
GiGi does go a bit undercover like the other two people n the mission, but it wasn't anything too outlandish like that model cover story. Now that was an interesting time for all of them, right? Yeah, it totally was. I totally loved some of the disguises. GiGi is awesome in that book.
I briefly apologize for any spelling error. I am not writing this on a laptop but an iPad. My bad. I take all blame. Thank you for still following along.
The ending of Down to the Wire is good. It leaves on a very good cliffhanger. I can't wait to find out about all those little secrets.
Rating: Four out of Five
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
July 1, 2013
I feel that the goodreads summary describes this book well, and so I'm not going repeat it by writing the same thing in this review.
I give this book a 5/5
Great book! I can almost say I liked it better than the first book in this series. ALMOST.
I love everything about Wirenut! His witty remarks and fun personality made the whole "dangerous mission to save the world" situation a lot more fun, which is one of the things I like about this book. I also like wirenut's talent of being able to break into any security system and I loved how Shannon Greenland described every break-in with so much detail, which really made you feel like you were right there in the action.
The plot itself was fine for this specific book. Obviously, there are books with way better plots out there, but this book was great just the way it was. Despite the somewhat predictable plot, I was always hooked on reading more.
One thing that was quite disapointing was the fact that David was only in short pieces of the book (mostly the beginnig an end). However, I can honestly say that the end (including the unbelievably annoying ending) made up for it. With that ending, I am positive I won't be disappointed with David's appearance in the following books.
I feel that anyone in the mood for a fun spy story could read this book/series and enjoy it. However, I believe that this book is mostly very suited for anyone in beween 4th-8th grade, depending on their reading level. Still, I would encourage anyone to read this book as it is a very fun and short read.
I give this book a 5/5
Great book! I can almost say I liked it better than the first book in this series. ALMOST.
I love everything about Wirenut! His witty remarks and fun personality made the whole "dangerous mission to save the world" situation a lot more fun, which is one of the things I like about this book. I also like wirenut's talent of being able to break into any security system and I loved how Shannon Greenland described every break-in with so much detail, which really made you feel like you were right there in the action.
The plot itself was fine for this specific book. Obviously, there are books with way better plots out there, but this book was great just the way it was. Despite the somewhat predictable plot, I was always hooked on reading more.
One thing that was quite disapointing was the fact that David was only in short pieces of the book (mostly the beginnig an end). However, I can honestly say that the end (including the unbelievably annoying ending) made up for it. With that ending, I am positive I won't be disappointed with David's appearance in the following books.
I feel that anyone in the mood for a fun spy story could read this book/series and enjoy it. However, I believe that this book is mostly very suited for anyone in beween 4th-8th grade, depending on their reading level. Still, I would encourage anyone to read this book as it is a very fun and short read.
March 13, 2009
2.5 stars. Quite a disappointing followup to the first book in The Specialists series. The stakes in here are supposedly higher, but they turned out to be incredibly farfetched and unbelievable. A deadly neurotoxin is stolen and a billionaire hires the Specialists to find it... and, what do you know, the location of the neurotoxin is hidden if they just find and decipher three clues! Really??? Weak. The bad guys apparently wanted them to find the location of the toxin; if they didn't work quickly to find these three clues, the bad guys threatened to release the toxin. How does that make sense??
A lot of this story was very predictable too - from the characters introduced (gee, I wonder who they really are...) to the ending. I was disappointed in this book because series - or at least the first planned sequel - should be just as good, if not better, than the original book because the situation and characters have all been established and the author only need to worry about the plot and further developing everything from the first book. But that wasn't the case here; there were too many unbelievable coincidences, the plot bordered on just plain stupid, and I grew extremely tired of the main character mixing up word order in her sentences when she was flustered. I mean, who actually does that? (It should be noted that this occurred in the first book too, I just overlooked it then)
At any rate, I'll probably read the next book because they're quick to read and I'm hoping it gets better.
A lot of this story was very predictable too - from the characters introduced (gee, I wonder who they really are...) to the ending. I was disappointed in this book because series - or at least the first planned sequel - should be just as good, if not better, than the original book because the situation and characters have all been established and the author only need to worry about the plot and further developing everything from the first book. But that wasn't the case here; there were too many unbelievable coincidences, the plot bordered on just plain stupid, and I grew extremely tired of the main character mixing up word order in her sentences when she was flustered. I mean, who actually does that? (It should be noted that this occurred in the first book too, I just overlooked it then)
At any rate, I'll probably read the next book because they're quick to read and I'm hoping it gets better.
January 19, 2015
I know I'm probably a bit old to be reading this, but exams are starting tomorrow and since I don't know of many female characters who write code I find this series comforting somehow. Like a bowl of soup when you're sick.
By the way why aren't there more female hacker characters? Or mathematicians? Or scientists?
Probably because most writers are from the more theoretical fields, but still.
Nevermind, I enjoyed this book. It's mindless fun and it's a perfectly good way to lose a couple of hours of studying; so I can start panicking tomorrow when I won't be able to finish on time. Normal university student stuff. Or not ,whatever. Normal for me anyway. :P
I am dying from laughter every time GiGi is thinking of code! I don't know what that is, but it's probably exactly what my little sister is thinking when she sees what I'm doing on my laptop. :D Gibberish.
I won't get into the plot. For a book for kids, it's pretty good. I should get it for my little cousin. Who knows, she might decide she wants to study...
Now that I think about it, I wish I had done something like that for my sister as well. Probably wouldn't have worked on her though. She's just too determined to not study. :P
By the way why aren't there more female hacker characters? Or mathematicians? Or scientists?
Probably because most writers are from the more theoretical fields, but still.
Nevermind, I enjoyed this book. It's mindless fun and it's a perfectly good way to lose a couple of hours of studying; so I can start panicking tomorrow when I won't be able to finish on time. Normal university student stuff. Or not ,whatever. Normal for me anyway. :P
I am dying from laughter every time GiGi is thinking of code! I don't know what that is, but it's probably exactly what my little sister is thinking when she sees what I'm doing on my laptop. :D Gibberish.
I won't get into the plot. For a book for kids, it's pretty good. I should get it for my little cousin. Who knows, she might decide she wants to study...
Now that I think about it, I wish I had done something like that for my sister as well. Probably wouldn't have worked on her though. She's just too determined to not study. :P
September 28, 2021
This was the first book that I've read in the Specialists series about several young adults with many unique talents who have been recruited to join a team to go out on missions. Even though this book was told from the point of view of GiGi who was a computer analyst, this was not her story. The story was about Frankie or Wirenut. He was an expert thief and master of technical gadgets that aid in burglaries. He had become known as the Ghost because of his ability to get in and out of places no one else could go, but he only wrapped yellow ribbons around the valuables just to show that he was able to break in but had no interest in stealing them. Frankie was recruited by the Specialists and his talents were immediately put to use as he and Frankie went on a mission together to keep a neurotoxin from being released killing millions. This was an interesting story, but it lacked the emotional connection that I've found in similar stories by other authors. I might have found that connection had I read the first book that told GiGi's story.
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