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The Specialists #3
The Winning Element
[The Specialists, book 3. An award winning spy series.]
With two successful missions behind her, GiGi is feeling confident and comfortable with the Specialists. Unfortunately, things are about to change. TL has informed her that a notorious chemical smuggler was personally responsible for the death of both her mother and father. The government has been trying to track him down for years, to no avail.
Enter the Specialists, and this time, GiGi's in charge of the mission. Only there's a catch--the success of the mission depends on many things, including Beaker's chemical expertise. And Beaker is the last person GiGi wants to deal with. When the mission deems it necessary to go to Florida, Beaker is ready. But when her cover has to be a cheerleader at the national cheerleading competition, Goth-girl Beaker is not too pleased.
With personality conflicts, mission challenges, and the demanding schedule of the cheerleading competition, it's difficult for Beaker and GiGi to focus on the task at hand. Can they put all things aside and find the smuggler, or will their window of opportunity be shut forever?
With two successful missions behind her, GiGi is feeling confident and comfortable with the Specialists. Unfortunately, things are about to change. TL has informed her that a notorious chemical smuggler was personally responsible for the death of both her mother and father. The government has been trying to track him down for years, to no avail.
Enter the Specialists, and this time, GiGi's in charge of the mission. Only there's a catch--the success of the mission depends on many things, including Beaker's chemical expertise. And Beaker is the last person GiGi wants to deal with. When the mission deems it necessary to go to Florida, Beaker is ready. But when her cover has to be a cheerleader at the national cheerleading competition, Goth-girl Beaker is not too pleased.
With personality conflicts, mission challenges, and the demanding schedule of the cheerleading competition, it's difficult for Beaker and GiGi to focus on the task at hand. Can they put all things aside and find the smuggler, or will their window of opportunity be shut forever?
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2008
82 people are currently reading
1496 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 67 reviews
September 13, 2020
A glimpse into how Sissy the Beaker gets an experiment with 2 made up substances wrong. Just once but it was sort of enough to get her into trouble. Or not trouble, depending on the definitions.
Q:
“My name’s GiGi. That stands for Girl Genius.” She flipped a red braid over her shoulder. “I can factor, square, and quadruple any of your cheers.” (c) So, cheerleading is the new experiment's name. Goth Sissy and uncoordinated Gigi get to cheerlead for a male Villanelle (or, rather, Villanueva). Nice touch.
Q:
It never would have occurred to me that people needed to practice clapping and shouting. (c)
Q:
“Go out and do it again. Both of you. You’re jogging in here like a computer genius and chemisty whiz undercover on a top-secret mission. (c)
Q:
We jogged in, side by side, our feet nearly touching our butts. In my opinion it was a ridiculous way to jog. With our elbows into our sides, we clapped. "H-E-Y. Hey! We’re ready for today! P-U-M-P. Pump it up! H-E-Y. Hey! We’re ready for today! P-U-M-P. Pump it up! H-E-Y. Hey! We’re . . .”
We kept jogging around the barn, grinning, chanting the stupid cheer. According to Coach Capri, at America’s Cheer, all cheerleaders would be expected to enter the morning meeting doing this chant.
I didn’t see why we couldn’t just go in and have a meeting. And why, exactly, did cheerleaders feel the need to spell everything? (c)
Lots of made up geekery chem. Made up geekery tech. As usual.
Some nice touches on handsprings and learning how to do them (GiGi is klutzy, in case someone forgot that).
Some character troubles:
Q:
“I don’t know how you can see through all that black gunk on your eyes.” …
“I like my black gunk.” (c)
Q:
Give me a computer and solitary research any day. (c)
A lot of fun:
Q:
And then the place broke into wild applause. They were like possessed, brain-washed cheerleaders.
You will be obnoxiously excited. You will snicker and make fun of others. You will spell everything you say. (c)
Q:
“Oh, come on,” I teased. “Live a little. I dare you to have extra sugar in it.” (c)
Q:
“My name’s GiGi. That stands for Girl Genius.” She flipped a red braid over her shoulder. “I can factor, square, and quadruple any of your cheers.” (c) So, cheerleading is the new experiment's name. Goth Sissy and uncoordinated Gigi get to cheerlead for a male Villanelle (or, rather, Villanueva). Nice touch.
Q:
It never would have occurred to me that people needed to practice clapping and shouting. (c)
Q:
“Go out and do it again. Both of you. You’re jogging in here like a computer genius and chemisty whiz undercover on a top-secret mission. (c)
Q:
We jogged in, side by side, our feet nearly touching our butts. In my opinion it was a ridiculous way to jog. With our elbows into our sides, we clapped. "H-E-Y. Hey! We’re ready for today! P-U-M-P. Pump it up! H-E-Y. Hey! We’re ready for today! P-U-M-P. Pump it up! H-E-Y. Hey! We’re . . .”
We kept jogging around the barn, grinning, chanting the stupid cheer. According to Coach Capri, at America’s Cheer, all cheerleaders would be expected to enter the morning meeting doing this chant.
I didn’t see why we couldn’t just go in and have a meeting. And why, exactly, did cheerleaders feel the need to spell everything? (c)
Lots of made up geekery chem. Made up geekery tech. As usual.
Some nice touches on handsprings and learning how to do them (GiGi is klutzy, in case someone forgot that).
Some character troubles:
Q:
“I don’t know how you can see through all that black gunk on your eyes.” …
“I like my black gunk.” (c)
Q:
Give me a computer and solitary research any day. (c)
A lot of fun:
Q:
And then the place broke into wild applause. They were like possessed, brain-washed cheerleaders.
You will be obnoxiously excited. You will snicker and make fun of others. You will spell everything you say. (c)
Q:
“Oh, come on,” I teased. “Live a little. I dare you to have extra sugar in it.” (c)
March 12, 2024
a little bit of misogyny that naturally comes with being a cheerleader book in the 2000s but i overall really enjoyed it & getting to know beaker
April 17, 2009
The 3rd book in the Specialists series. I'd say this was better than the second - by far, since the plot actually made sense! - but still not great enough to completely blow me away. I do think it's a fun read that teens would enjoy, though.
In here, GiGi learns about this notorious chemical smuggler who was responsible for the deaths of her parents when she was young, and she immediately decides she has to go after him. Her organization gets the go-ahead from the government because they want to capture him too, so GiGi and chemistry girl Beaker undercover at a cheerleader convention to be near the bad guy on a fictitious island.
There was a nice growing friendship (or at least understanding) between GiGi and Beaker, which I thought was well done, and it made this book seem more introspective than the previous two. And although GiGi was put in charge of the mission, she lets her emotions take over her rational mind (on a few occasions), making a fool of herself and potentially damaging their case - this part I really hated to read because I could easily see how stupid she was being... but I could also see a 16 year old acting like that... which is why I find it doubtful that she'd actually have been put in charge of the mission. Oh well. Another complaint is that there were a few new characters who seemed to add very, very little to the story except posing as a roadblock that GiGi and Beaker had to work around. I wish those problems hadn't been so superficial, and I also have a hard time believing that these two spies would be let lose on this case when they don't seem to fully understand the importance of being smart and being in character all the time. Still, the book was decent overall and, like I said, it's something I think teens would enjoy.
In here, GiGi learns about this notorious chemical smuggler who was responsible for the deaths of her parents when she was young, and she immediately decides she has to go after him. Her organization gets the go-ahead from the government because they want to capture him too, so GiGi and chemistry girl Beaker undercover at a cheerleader convention to be near the bad guy on a fictitious island.
There was a nice growing friendship (or at least understanding) between GiGi and Beaker, which I thought was well done, and it made this book seem more introspective than the previous two. And although GiGi was put in charge of the mission, she lets her emotions take over her rational mind (on a few occasions), making a fool of herself and potentially damaging their case - this part I really hated to read because I could easily see how stupid she was being... but I could also see a 16 year old acting like that... which is why I find it doubtful that she'd actually have been put in charge of the mission. Oh well. Another complaint is that there were a few new characters who seemed to add very, very little to the story except posing as a roadblock that GiGi and Beaker had to work around. I wish those problems hadn't been so superficial, and I also have a hard time believing that these two spies would be let lose on this case when they don't seem to fully understand the importance of being smart and being in character all the time. Still, the book was decent overall and, like I said, it's something I think teens would enjoy.
January 17, 2014
I didnt like this book as much as the other series.I mean i enjoyed it yes but i really wish more happened i guess?
Gigi and David were cute the couple times they were together in the book.
It was nice finding out more about Beaker which is something I can always enjoy,as i love learning about the other characters while still staying in GiGi's perspective so it was nice.A reason why i didnt enjoy this book as much as the others I think is because it felt like Gigi, who was supposed to be the leader in this operation,was sidelined a lot.Also when i look back on what i read i felt like wanting to go up to Gigi and asking her if maybe she was losing her computer mad skills.It was odd I enjoyed the books and will keep reading and it was an easy read.Maybe i wish it was longer?Also I really wish Gigi would learn to be I don't know maybe not so nosy.She's always like i have to know what you guys just talked about together and whats going on.For a person who is supposed to watch and observe she comes across sometimes as kind of Irritating when most of the times shes not.I will recommend this to those who are reading the series because why not finish it?I'll also recommend this to those who love spy girls but also little jokes and sassy narrative comments out of nowhere.Also we never found out how Jessy and Lessy did?
....................................SPOILER ALERT.....................................................
Then there was that whole David and Beaker being related that came out of nowhere,I guess I'm just hoping it will be a good thing.It seems like it might be though I don't understand the reasoning really?
Gigi and David were cute the couple times they were together in the book.
It was nice finding out more about Beaker which is something I can always enjoy,as i love learning about the other characters while still staying in GiGi's perspective so it was nice.A reason why i didnt enjoy this book as much as the others I think is because it felt like Gigi, who was supposed to be the leader in this operation,was sidelined a lot.Also when i look back on what i read i felt like wanting to go up to Gigi and asking her if maybe she was losing her computer mad skills.It was odd I enjoyed the books and will keep reading and it was an easy read.Maybe i wish it was longer?Also I really wish Gigi would learn to be I don't know maybe not so nosy.She's always like i have to know what you guys just talked about together and whats going on.For a person who is supposed to watch and observe she comes across sometimes as kind of Irritating when most of the times shes not.I will recommend this to those who are reading the series because why not finish it?I'll also recommend this to those who love spy girls but also little jokes and sassy narrative comments out of nowhere.Also we never found out how Jessy and Lessy did?
....................................SPOILER ALERT.....................................................
Then there was that whole David and Beaker being related that came out of nowhere,I guess I'm just hoping it will be a good thing.It seems like it might be though I don't understand the reasoning really?
September 1, 2015
I'm definitely placing this series on a must reread list because they're such quick reads! I am a quick reader but, still - the plot flows nicely and the background stories on each of the characters on the team satisfies my curiousity.
I'm glad we get to see beakers side of the story now and how important this mission is to Gigi to be able to get some closure.
There isn't a cliffhanger but
I'm definitely starting the fourth soon! I have a lot of traveling to do today and this is a great read for that!
I'm glad we get to see beakers side of the story now and how important this mission is to Gigi to be able to get some closure.
There isn't a cliffhanger but
I'm definitely starting the fourth soon! I have a lot of traveling to do today and this is a great read for that!
October 24, 2018
En este tercer libro, GiGi descubre la verdad oculta tras el accidente de avión en el que fallecieron sus padres: fueron asesinados por Eduardo Villanueva, un tipo que se dedica al contrabando de químicos. Cuando se da cuenta que TL lo sabía y no le contó nada, le planta cara y está tan enfadada que le da un ultimátum: o van tras Eduardo Villanueva, o ella deja los Especialistas. Así que van a por él. TL le da el mando de la misión a GiGi, con unas cuantas condiciones; una de ella es que tiene que llevar a cabo la misión con Beaker, la química, y que tienen que ir de encubiertas como animadoras.
Hasta aquí todo bien.
Pero le ha faltado algo... y me ha aburrido.
Me gusta la evolución que ha tenido GiGi desde el primer libro, pero lo que le hacía ser ella es su poca habilidad para relacionarse, su nerviosismo, su torpeza, cuando empieza a hablar de cosas que solo ella entiende, sus códigos de ordenador. Y en este todo eso ha desaparecido. De repente es super segura de sí misma y aprende a ser animadora en dos semanas. Todos los personajes tienen que tener una evolución y es algo que agradezco, y aquí también, pero el cambio de GiGi ha sido tan radical que me ha costado creerlo. Además que no sé cómo se las arregla que SIEMPRE SIEMPRE tiene que ir a la misión e infiltrarse (cuando TL le dijo que se iba a limitar a trabajar desde el rancho... también es normal porque sino no habría historia).
También está el tema de su relación con David. Si es que se puede llamar relación. En tres libros, habrán tenido como 4 o 5 momentos juntos que no tengan que ver con las misiones, o el planteamiento o diseño de esta o lo que sea. Y necesito más. Porque en The Winning Element, al principio tienen una pelea (y es normal, porque GiGi le cuenta a TODO EL MUNDO que le ha dado el ultimátum a TL menos a su novio, ¿en qué cabeza cabe?) y David le pide tiempo para pensar y calmarse y ¡bum! en la siguiente escena que tienen todo se ha solucionado. No hablan. No pasan tiempo juntos si no es por la misión. Hay un montón de escenas en este libro que podrían haberse aprovechado para sacarle más jugo a esta relación. Teniendo en cuenta que la mitad del libro se desarrolla en el rancho... No sé, es una relación que sí, tiene sus momentos, pero que me deja un poco fría porque espero más. Quiero ver cómo crece la relación y ellos juntos. NECESITO MÁS.
Y de la misión... al leerlo en inglés y al haber tantos términos de animadoras, dispositivos extraños y químicos me ha resultado un poco difícil de entender porque son palabrejas con las que no estoy familiarizada. Eso también ha sido un punto negativo, porque me frustraba y hacía que quisiera dejar de leer. Pero bueno.
¡Seguiré leyendo!
Hasta aquí todo bien.
Pero le ha faltado algo... y me ha aburrido.
Me gusta la evolución que ha tenido GiGi desde el primer libro, pero lo que le hacía ser ella es su poca habilidad para relacionarse, su nerviosismo, su torpeza, cuando empieza a hablar de cosas que solo ella entiende, sus códigos de ordenador. Y en este todo eso ha desaparecido. De repente es super segura de sí misma y aprende a ser animadora en dos semanas. Todos los personajes tienen que tener una evolución y es algo que agradezco, y aquí también, pero el cambio de GiGi ha sido tan radical que me ha costado creerlo. Además que no sé cómo se las arregla que SIEMPRE SIEMPRE tiene que ir a la misión e infiltrarse (cuando TL le dijo que se iba a limitar a trabajar desde el rancho... también es normal porque sino no habría historia).
También está el tema de su relación con David. Si es que se puede llamar relación. En tres libros, habrán tenido como 4 o 5 momentos juntos que no tengan que ver con las misiones, o el planteamiento o diseño de esta o lo que sea. Y necesito más. Porque en The Winning Element, al principio tienen una pelea (y es normal, porque GiGi le cuenta a TODO EL MUNDO que le ha dado el ultimátum a TL menos a su novio, ¿en qué cabeza cabe?) y David le pide tiempo para pensar y calmarse y ¡bum! en la siguiente escena que tienen todo se ha solucionado. No hablan. No pasan tiempo juntos si no es por la misión. Hay un montón de escenas en este libro que podrían haberse aprovechado para sacarle más jugo a esta relación. Teniendo en cuenta que la mitad del libro se desarrolla en el rancho... No sé, es una relación que sí, tiene sus momentos, pero que me deja un poco fría porque espero más. Quiero ver cómo crece la relación y ellos juntos. NECESITO MÁS.
Y de la misión... al leerlo en inglés y al haber tantos términos de animadoras, dispositivos extraños y químicos me ha resultado un poco difícil de entender porque son palabrejas con las que no estoy familiarizada. Eso también ha sido un punto negativo, porque me frustraba y hacía que quisiera dejar de leer. Pero bueno.
¡Seguiré leyendo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2017
Greenland, Shannon The Winning Element, 231 p. Speak (Penguin), 2008.
Gigi has won the right to lead a Specialist mission to tail the man who killed her parents Her partner on the mission, however, is Beaker, a genius chemist who also is a Goth with a MAJOR attitude problem. And their cover? Cheerleaders. Gigi isn't sure that she can juggle Beaker's 'tude along with the emotional rollercoaster of the mission: not just spying, but also trying to win a cheer competition! But this may be her only chance to get some answers.
This seems to be the third in the Specialists series, but I didn't have any trouble following the plot or any background details from other novels. It's a more girlie version of the Cherubs series, without the English love of swear words (less than six, I believe). If this genre is as hot in your library as it is in mine, then you need it right away!
MS - ESSENTIAL
Gigi has won the right to lead a Specialist mission to tail the man who killed her parents Her partner on the mission, however, is Beaker, a genius chemist who also is a Goth with a MAJOR attitude problem. And their cover? Cheerleaders. Gigi isn't sure that she can juggle Beaker's 'tude along with the emotional rollercoaster of the mission: not just spying, but also trying to win a cheer competition! But this may be her only chance to get some answers.
This seems to be the third in the Specialists series, but I didn't have any trouble following the plot or any background details from other novels. It's a more girlie version of the Cherubs series, without the English love of swear words (less than six, I believe). If this genre is as hot in your library as it is in mine, then you need it right away!
MS - ESSENTIAL
August 22, 2019
Our heroine is charge of this one, but can her goth teammate pull off a cheerleader impersonation? Not an easy sell...
This is the third book in a teen spies series featuring a group of smart and tough kids keeping the world safe. Each book works just fine as a standalone story, so feel free to read them in any order.
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 third book in a teen spies series featuring a group of smart and tough kids keeping the world safe. Each book works just fine as a standalone story, so feel free to read them in any order.
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.
June 29, 2021
This is the best book in this series so far especially since GiGi is maturing and being more confident (well, she had a bit of a forced wake up call) and started taking matters into her own hand instead of being the usual “omg I’m so clumsy and awkward, I don’t think I can do this” kind of girl.
We also get to see a lot of Beaker and now we know her origin story and why she chews gum all day. I’m really glad GiGi and Beaker finally bonded since they got off to a rocky start. Their cover a cheerleaders was hilarious and so entertaining that I read this in one sitting. Hopefully the next two books are as amazing as this one.
We also get to see a lot of Beaker and now we know her origin story and why she chews gum all day. I’m really glad GiGi and Beaker finally bonded since they got off to a rocky start. Their cover a cheerleaders was hilarious and so entertaining that I read this in one sitting. Hopefully the next two books are as amazing as this one.
May 17, 2019
This is the middle book of the series, and I felt it wasn't quite as good as the first two. Perhaps that is because the main character (Beaker) is harder to like as is the concept of Cheer competition as a cover story. I felt like when it got down to the climatic moment of disabling the chemical work in progress that it was glossed over with untrained participants next to chemical genius. The whole conclusion seemed rushed.
I still thought it was enjoyable-just not my favorite. However once again the author had a surprise for the reader that I didn't see coming!
I still thought it was enjoyable-just not my favorite. However once again the author had a surprise for the reader that I didn't see coming!
October 19, 2017
Oh man! The cheerleading aspect of the storyline was Amazing! There were tons of moments that had my laughing. Especially putting those two characters together to accomplish this task. I loved getting to see GiGi and Beaker hash it out and the outcome that followed. There were still plenty of intense moments of what's going to happen next! PLUS it has a great twist at the end of the book that will leave you begging to read the next!
August 11, 2019
I love this clean spy book for teens! This is the 3rd book in the series and is as good as the first two! This is an amazingly intense thriller with lots of action and wonderful characters. This series is the best I have read of its kind!
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 11, 2019
All of these are good clean reads aimed at teens. but even us Adults enjoy them. As always a touch of romance but nothing icky. A few good twists and turns. A hodge podge group of kids with various troubled backgrounds. they use their assorted skills for good as a part of the specialists.
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 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this third book in The Specialists series. I find it very interesting when the author concentrates on another team member so we learn their story and also read how they complete the current mission. This particular mission places Gigi and Goth-girl Beaker in a cheerleader competition.
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 is going to be in charge for this mission as she will find out who killed her parents. She will need to work with him and it will not be easy for her. Even worse she must go undercover as a cheerleader. What is going to happen? Will she find out who killed her parents? See if she finds out
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
I just love this entire spy series by Shannon Greenland. I am breezing through the entire series and really enjoying the fun adventure. Wonderful read for all ages. I received a free copy of the series from the author through Voracious Readers Only and I cannot wait to dive into the next one!
March 30, 2020
What I like about this series is that it is fast paced! I love teenage spy books and since I bought this series for 9.99 USD in Amazon Kindle, I thought that it was worth the buy.
This third book in the series is the best so far. I like Sissy/Beaker's mean attitude because this means that she's got personality and this book literally made me laugh when Kelly/GiGi and Sissy/Beaker learned what their cover would be. The action escalated from the previous books and it is a good thing.
I did not rate it five stars since the story is still lacking depth. However, when it comes to teenage spy books, this series comes close with my favorite series, The Gallagher Girls!
This third book in the series is the best so far. I like Sissy/Beaker's mean attitude because this means that she's got personality and this book literally made me laugh when Kelly/GiGi and Sissy/Beaker learned what their cover would be. The action escalated from the previous books and it is a good thing.
I did not rate it five stars since the story is still lacking depth. However, when it comes to teenage spy books, this series comes close with my favorite series, The Gallagher Girls!
June 15, 2017
Siempre son estos finales que me tienen con la boca abierta.
December 10, 2017
I liked this one more than book 2 of the series. It had good character development as we got to know Beaker a lot better.
January 15, 2018
This one felt a little simplistic compared to the other two. I still liked it and it was a fast read, but I think I wanted a little more.
September 1, 2018
Very well written. Keeps your attention while you are waiting on the next surprise. Good read
December 2, 2018
3.5 stars
July 6, 2014
The Winning Element introduces yet another member of GiGi's team. Well, more like focus on than introduces. But that doesn't matter. Beaker is an expert on chemistry. It is so fun to see the ties with the Leverage team. GiGi and Beaker is Hardison. Wirenut and Cat is Parker. TL and Jonathan is Nate Ford. Most of them are grifters (Sophie). Bruier and Jonathan is Eliot. See, it is all the Leverage team. I, however, prefer the books to the movie. They are a tad bit more descriptive. You see, sometimes I have no idea what Parker, Hardison, even Nate are talking about when they mention some stuff. It is a bit helpful to have a guide.
Beaker is one good chemist. She is an expert with chemistry and even invented a few of her mixtures. She is great with all kinds of things. Mostly, her field is chemistry and being very grumpy all the time. I even envisioned her as a grumpy cat once. Yes, I mean that grumpy cat in that grumpy cat meme. So cute and terrible at the same time. Anyway, Beaker is just one of those characters who are just grumpy and a bit Eliot Spencer-ish. They just need a hug and a bit of love to cheer up!
GiGi, on the other hand, remains bad on missions. She sometimes falls for the most simplest of tricks and lies, which is undeniably painful to my eyes. She is still clumsy, but she is improving. She goes undercover as a cheerleader. Hello? That is one interesting combination. A Bella Swan as a cheerleading. Imagine that girl with no emotion in a cheerleading outfit. (I do mean Stewart, of course. That girl). At least, she becomes a bit more interesting. However, her character remains a bit slow for my liking. This is a thriller, right? Not a freaking chick-lit... Actually, that is a bit of a question, too.
The Winning Element is a fun thriller with teenage ties. Any teenager would love reading this book, with the exception of boys. They never seem to like chick-lit. Well, those who are reading buddies of mine. I guess. Maybe they do like it, but they afraid of coming off girly? Hmm... That is another mystery for another day. GiGi, in this book, now learns about who really killed her parents. And no, it wasn't because of a lack of oxygen. It was because of a nice bullet hole in her daddy's forehead. Isn't that wonderful? Oh, and her mother? No one knows where her body is, which only leads to a bunch of speculation. Is she really dead? Where is she buried? Perhaps, she was that character or really that character? Maybe she got a plastic surgery? She might be that agent? Oh, she might be Nadine!
Yeah, the ideas get crazier and crazier.
Overall, I think The Winning Element is a good summer read. It is best read in some dark space with cool lighting... I'm just kidding. It could be read anywhere. The Winning Element doesn't go dark. Despite the number of deaths or the seriousness in the conflict, Shannon Greenland manages to keep it nice and easy with a touch of romance. Yes, that man is David.
Rating: Three out of Five
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Beaker is one good chemist. She is an expert with chemistry and even invented a few of her mixtures. She is great with all kinds of things. Mostly, her field is chemistry and being very grumpy all the time. I even envisioned her as a grumpy cat once. Yes, I mean that grumpy cat in that grumpy cat meme. So cute and terrible at the same time. Anyway, Beaker is just one of those characters who are just grumpy and a bit Eliot Spencer-ish. They just need a hug and a bit of love to cheer up!
GiGi, on the other hand, remains bad on missions. She sometimes falls for the most simplest of tricks and lies, which is undeniably painful to my eyes. She is still clumsy, but she is improving. She goes undercover as a cheerleader. Hello? That is one interesting combination. A Bella Swan as a cheerleading. Imagine that girl with no emotion in a cheerleading outfit. (I do mean Stewart, of course. That girl). At least, she becomes a bit more interesting. However, her character remains a bit slow for my liking. This is a thriller, right? Not a freaking chick-lit... Actually, that is a bit of a question, too.
The Winning Element is a fun thriller with teenage ties. Any teenager would love reading this book, with the exception of boys. They never seem to like chick-lit. Well, those who are reading buddies of mine. I guess. Maybe they do like it, but they afraid of coming off girly? Hmm... That is another mystery for another day. GiGi, in this book, now learns about who really killed her parents. And no, it wasn't because of a lack of oxygen. It was because of a nice bullet hole in her daddy's forehead. Isn't that wonderful? Oh, and her mother? No one knows where her body is, which only leads to a bunch of speculation. Is she really dead? Where is she buried? Perhaps, she was that character or really that character? Maybe she got a plastic surgery? She might be that agent? Oh, she might be Nadine!
Yeah, the ideas get crazier and crazier.
Overall, I think The Winning Element is a good summer read. It is best read in some dark space with cool lighting... I'm just kidding. It could be read anywhere. The Winning Element doesn't go dark. Despite the number of deaths or the seriousness in the conflict, Shannon Greenland manages to keep it nice and easy with a touch of romance. Yes, that man is David.
Rating: Three out of Five
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
July 6, 2012
This one just flew by; I couldn’t believe I had finished it so quickly. While I thought the story was enjoyable, it didn’t make a whole lot of sense. GiGi finds out her parents had been murdered and wants to hunt down the guy responsible. He happens to be staying at a hotel in Florida where a huge cheerleading conference is being held. Gigi and Beaker pose as cheerleaders to get close to the Bad Guy. When I read the description I guess I was expecting something else. I’m still not sure what the cheerleading angle had to do with anything, besides providing a couple funny moments. It actually seemed like GiGi and Beaker played a very tiny role in the overall mission, most of their time was spent pretending to be cheerleaders. It was kind of weird. I felt the ending wrapped up a little too quickly, and again GiGi played a very small role in the mission and the conclusion. As far as the romance, it left quite a bit to be desired. David and GiGi are a couple and have a conflict-free relationship. David is absent for most of the book and what interaction they do have together are sweet, but kind of boring. I like a little more conflict or substance to relationships. Speaking of relationships, I'd really love to learn more about TL & Nalia, they have a very intersting relationship and I'd love to know more about them and how their situation works. Overall, it was entertaining, but not a favorite.
Content: Clean. Mild language, mostly “G”.
Content: Clean. Mild language, mostly “G”.
November 11, 2012
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Gigi learns how her parents really died and it's not an accident like she was told. She flips out and demands to be allowed to go after the uber dangerous man who's responsible. TL agrees on the condition that Gigi run the mission and that Beaker goes along with her.
Gigi researches and discovers that Eduardo will be in Florida in a few weeks time. Unfortunately, the only way to get close to him is to go undercover as cheerleaders, as the hotel is hosting the tryouts for the America's Cheer Team.
Beaker, the Goth girl, despises cheerleaders and isn't too fond of Gigi, either. Even so, the girls must practice cheering daily to get ready. Can they become bubbly and perky enough to fool everyone, or will their covers be blown?
The third book in THE SPECIALISTS series is every bit as good as the first two with close calls, plans that go awry, and a dash of romance. For more cheerleading spies, check out THE SQUAD series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.
Gigi learns how her parents really died and it's not an accident like she was told. She flips out and demands to be allowed to go after the uber dangerous man who's responsible. TL agrees on the condition that Gigi run the mission and that Beaker goes along with her.
Gigi researches and discovers that Eduardo will be in Florida in a few weeks time. Unfortunately, the only way to get close to him is to go undercover as cheerleaders, as the hotel is hosting the tryouts for the America's Cheer Team.
Beaker, the Goth girl, despises cheerleaders and isn't too fond of Gigi, either. Even so, the girls must practice cheering daily to get ready. Can they become bubbly and perky enough to fool everyone, or will their covers be blown?
The third book in THE SPECIALISTS series is every bit as good as the first two with close calls, plans that go awry, and a dash of romance. For more cheerleading spies, check out THE SQUAD series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.
April 22, 2014
Book 3 in The Specialists
With two successful missions behind her, GiGi is feeling confident and comfortable with the Specialists. Unfortunately, things are about to change. TL has informed her that a notorious chemical smuggler was personally responsible for the death of both her mother and father. The government has been trying to track him down for years, to no avail. Enter the Specialists, and this time, GiGi’s in charge of the mission. Only there’s a catch—the success of the mission depends on many things, including Beaker’s chemical expertise. And Beaker is the last person GiGi wants to deal with. When the mission deems it necessary to go to Florida, Beaker is ready. But when her cover has to be a cheerleader at the national cheerleading competition, Goth-girl Beaker is not too pleased. With personality conflicts, mission challenges, and the demanding schedule of the cheerleading competition, it’s difficult for Beaker and GiGi to focus on the task at hand. Can they put all things aside and find the smuggler, or will their window of opportunity be shut forever?
With two successful missions behind her, GiGi is feeling confident and comfortable with the Specialists. Unfortunately, things are about to change. TL has informed her that a notorious chemical smuggler was personally responsible for the death of both her mother and father. The government has been trying to track him down for years, to no avail. Enter the Specialists, and this time, GiGi’s in charge of the mission. Only there’s a catch—the success of the mission depends on many things, including Beaker’s chemical expertise. And Beaker is the last person GiGi wants to deal with. When the mission deems it necessary to go to Florida, Beaker is ready. But when her cover has to be a cheerleader at the national cheerleading competition, Goth-girl Beaker is not too pleased. With personality conflicts, mission challenges, and the demanding schedule of the cheerleading competition, it’s difficult for Beaker and GiGi to focus on the task at hand. Can they put all things aside and find the smuggler, or will their window of opportunity be shut forever?
November 1, 2017
I liked the relationship between Gigi and Beaker. They started off rocky from the first book and did not improve till this book and even then their relationship improve that much, just like dislike to each other and more into teammates that they are. I like that they have a real relationship with each other and became better teammates to each other and found common ground. Everything still comes together far too easily towards the plot of the story but overall not a bad one.
5/5 for nostalgic reasons.
5/5 for nostalgic reasons.
March 16, 2013
I read this because our school is having Shannon Greenland come to our school, and the librarians suggested that I read one of her books so that I can be one of the students to meet her. Overall, it was a fairly good book, and it wasn't too confusing to start in the middle of the series (the library had already checked out the first two books, much to my dismay). Overall, it was still very good, and if you're looking for a fast read about teenage spies, I'd go with this one!
August 21, 2014
Terrorist bombs, vicious killers, and cheerleaders. Okay, the goofiness level ramps up in this third volume of the series, but its fun. As with the first two books, the story stays grounded in the real world, although some of the situations are comical, especially the perky cheerleaders. This time, computer nerd, GiGi, and Goth girl, Beaker, have to go undercover in Florida during a national cheerleader competition. I had a blast.
July 31, 2015
This review and more can be found at The Heart of a Book Blogger.
The Specialists is a younger YA series. They’re quick, fun reads about a group of teenagers with special abilities who have been recruited to work for a government program. I borrowed the first from a friend in May, and then borrowed the next three from the library. I think a younger audience would enjoy these books a lot.
The Specialists is a younger YA series. They’re quick, fun reads about a group of teenagers with special abilities who have been recruited to work for a government program. I borrowed the first from a friend in May, and then borrowed the next three from the library. I think a younger audience would enjoy these books a lot.
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