Untraceable

The Factory #2

by Aya de León

With gripping results, this companion novel to Undercover Latina returns to the high-stakes world of the Factory—an international organization of spies protecting people of color.

Fifteen-year-old Amani Kendall's biggest problem is being the only plus-size Black girl at a white private school—until her house burns down and her family is unexpectedly on the run. Suddenly, she's reeling from the news that her formerly boring mom is being pursued by an ex-boyfriend turned stalker, and her scientist dad has gone MIA. At the same time, she has to navigate an underfunded school in the city, suffering the cultural whiplash of being surrounded by other Black students, including the cute boy who's an old family friend. How much danger is their family really in, and how untraceable are they trying to be? Her mom offers only half-answers and roundabout lies, so Amani starts to investigate. But her sleuthing has unexpected consequences, uncovering secret family legacies that will change their lives forever. A revealing prequel to Underground Latina for existing fans, Untraceable also serves as a thrilling introduction to the world of the Factory for readers encountering this fast-paced spy series for the first time.

Genres: Middle Grade, Mystery, Young Adult, Thriller

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2023

Reviews

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amani is ok with being the only big size, black girl in an all-white school, but then strange things start to happen, like some weirdo in their back yard and her mom acting very strange. It only gets worse when their house burns down and she has to move away fast and she gets tossed into a school full of kids like her. Worst of all since she is a late add to all her classes she ends up in average classes with stuff she learned years ago in her other school. But then she meets the whirl wind brother and sister siblings who are actually old family friends the sister helps her fit in and get better classes and the boy is cute. Amani doesn’t understand everything going on so she keeps investigating things and that brings danger right to their door and the people she thought were family and friends turn out to all have a big secret they never told Amani until now.
So much action, a lot of suspense, and some normal teen stuff thrown in for good measure. This is such a good book I thought I was going back and reading book one but this is book two that takes place before book one and oh my gosh there is now a book 3, woohoo. This is a book has a bit of something for everyone. Chases, martial art of a kind, card adventure gaming, and good food. I think anyone can find something to relate to in this book and even a reluctant reader might stay up past their bedtime
review copy was provided by Edelweiss

[Chris G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifteen year old Amani struggles to fit in at her private school where she’s one of only a few Black kids, and she’s missing her climate scientist dad who is rarely at home. Things start to get weird when she encounters a strange man in her backyard. Amani is able to scare him off and smacks him in the head with her rollers skates, but she’s surprised that Mom isn’t quick to call the police. It’s impossible to say more without spoilers, but this spy thriller, rightly threaded with Black history and culture, is a fun ride. EARC from Edelweiss.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

52 Book Club Reading Challenge #38: An Adventure Story

[Tameka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure if I am irritated or just annoyed by the mother's reluctance to just let her daughter know the facts.

There is so much subterfuge from her mom when she was really in trouble she didn't know which way to choose.

I wasn't sure which way to go as well. Sometimes it is harder to do the right thing without someone else feeling that they are owed something more.