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Rich and Jade #1
Sure Fire
The phenomenally successful Jack Higgins teams up with Justin Richards to launch a sure fire best seller for children. The mother of fourteen-year-old twins Rich and Jade dies in a car crash and they are told they must go and live with their estranged father, who they have never met before. Neither the children nor their father get on, but when Rich and Jade witness him being kidnapped they are drawn into a dangerous crisis that could engulf not just their family but the whole world!
Paperback
First published October 18, 2007
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About the author
Jack Higgins
491 books1,287 followersThere is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jack Higgins was best known of the many pseudonyms of Henry Patterson. (See also Martin Fallon, Harry Patterson, Hugh Marlowe and James Graham.)
He was the New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy thrillers, including The Eagle Has Landed and The Wolf at the Door. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Patterson grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As a child, Patterson was a voracious reader and later credited his passion for reading with fueling his creative drive to be an author. His upbringing in Belfast also exposed him to the political and religious violence that characterized the city at the time. At seven years old, Patterson was caught in gunfire while riding a tram, and later was in a Belfast movie theater when it was bombed. Though he escaped from both attacks unharmed, the turmoil in Northern Ireland would later become a significant influence in his books, many of which prominently feature the Irish Republican Army. After attending grammar school and college in Leeds, England, Patterson joined the British Army and served two years in the Household Cavalry, from 1947 to 1949, stationed along the East German border. He was considered an expert sharpshooter.
Following his military service, Patterson earned a degree in sociology from the London School of Economics, which led to teaching jobs at two English colleges. In 1959, while teaching at James Graham College, Patterson began writing novels, including some under the alias James Graham. As his popularity grew, Patterson left teaching to write full time. With the 1975 publication of the international blockbuster The Eagle Has Landed, which was later made into a movie of the same name starring Michael Caine, Patterson became a regular fixture on bestseller lists. His books draw heavily from history and include prominent figures—such as John Dillinger—and often center around significant events from such conflicts as World War II, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Patterson lived in Jersey, in the Channel Islands.
Jack Higgins was best known of the many pseudonyms of Henry Patterson. (See also Martin Fallon, Harry Patterson, Hugh Marlowe and James Graham.)
He was the New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy thrillers, including The Eagle Has Landed and The Wolf at the Door. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Patterson grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As a child, Patterson was a voracious reader and later credited his passion for reading with fueling his creative drive to be an author. His upbringing in Belfast also exposed him to the political and religious violence that characterized the city at the time. At seven years old, Patterson was caught in gunfire while riding a tram, and later was in a Belfast movie theater when it was bombed. Though he escaped from both attacks unharmed, the turmoil in Northern Ireland would later become a significant influence in his books, many of which prominently feature the Irish Republican Army. After attending grammar school and college in Leeds, England, Patterson joined the British Army and served two years in the Household Cavalry, from 1947 to 1949, stationed along the East German border. He was considered an expert sharpshooter.
Following his military service, Patterson earned a degree in sociology from the London School of Economics, which led to teaching jobs at two English colleges. In 1959, while teaching at James Graham College, Patterson began writing novels, including some under the alias James Graham. As his popularity grew, Patterson left teaching to write full time. With the 1975 publication of the international blockbuster The Eagle Has Landed, which was later made into a movie of the same name starring Michael Caine, Patterson became a regular fixture on bestseller lists. His books draw heavily from history and include prominent figures—such as John Dillinger—and often center around significant events from such conflicts as World War II, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Patterson lived in Jersey, in the Channel Islands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
July 18, 2020
I've liked a lot of Higgins' books over the years both to read & in movies, but they've all been very serious adult novels. A book featuring 15 year olds got my interest, but also made me wary. I read Mickey Spillane's attempt at YA, The Ship That Never Was, & was horrified. It was beyond awful, but Higgins is a far better writer. This is a fun romp with a good ending.
There's a lot of the convenience of plot & timing that plagues YA novels especially toward the end. Everything always worked out really well despite all odds, but it was still enjoyable with twisty mysteries threaded throughout. I really enjoyed it as the twins proved they were Chance's kids. Downright hilarious.
Very well narrated & highly recommended if you need a light break in some heavy reading as I did.
There's a lot of the convenience of plot & timing that plagues YA novels especially toward the end. Everything always worked out really well despite all odds, but it was still enjoyable with twisty mysteries threaded throughout. I really enjoyed it as the twins proved they were Chance's kids. Downright hilarious.
Very well narrated & highly recommended if you need a light break in some heavy reading as I did.
May 18, 2009
I came to this book reluctantly. I saw it and thought that it was a copy of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider novels, and it is. But it's better. Much better.
The teaming of spy/adventure veteran Jack Higgins with Justin Richards means that Higgins did some of the research and the outline, while Richards did the writing. Richards adds fresh blood to Higgins style, which, in the adult side of things, has been noticably dragging over the last four or five years, if not longer. Richards adds gadgetry to the story, which is somethign Higgins has always avoided like the plague.
The way Higgins/Richards pulls the Chance twins--Jade and Rich--into the story is much more plausible than what Horowitz did with Alex Rider. And just like vintage Higgins, once the action gets moving--and Higgins always starts it moving quickly--it doesn't let up.
This is fun for the kids and mom and dad can enjoy too.
The teaming of spy/adventure veteran Jack Higgins with Justin Richards means that Higgins did some of the research and the outline, while Richards did the writing. Richards adds fresh blood to Higgins style, which, in the adult side of things, has been noticably dragging over the last four or five years, if not longer. Richards adds gadgetry to the story, which is somethign Higgins has always avoided like the plague.
The way Higgins/Richards pulls the Chance twins--Jade and Rich--into the story is much more plausible than what Horowitz did with Alex Rider. And just like vintage Higgins, once the action gets moving--and Higgins always starts it moving quickly--it doesn't let up.
This is fun for the kids and mom and dad can enjoy too.
April 17, 2025
This was a good adventure novel. I haven't read anything like this in a while, so it was a nice change of pace. I know of jack Higgins but this was the first novel I'd read by him. From what I understand, this is a YA work which isn't his usual. Not a bad read, but at times did seem a little too "coincidental", but I suppose that may have something to do with the YA aspect.
January 20, 2008
Verygood.Full of action and adventure.Very well-written story.Fast-moving story.It starts somewhere and ends elsewhere.I would reccomend this book to those who are 13 or 14 as it contains a bitof violence.The adaptability of Jack Higgins is tested here and he has shown that he is one of the best authors in adventure.A bookwith all the ingredients of an interesting and nail-biting adventure novel.
December 18, 2014
This book has a lot of twists and really made me wonder what a character was going to do. Jack Higgins described the charactrers really well and I look forward to reading more of his books.
December 10, 2012
Sure Fire by Jack Higgins was an action packed thriller that took place in side by side settings in Ukraine's Krejikistan and London. Fifteen year old twins Jade and Rich have no choice but to grow up fast when their mother died, and there father who they had never met before was now taking care of them. They were moving from New York to London where there father John Chance lived. He was rarely home because his mysterious job that fuels the curiosity of the kid's minds. When their father goes mysterious ally missing the kids go on exciting search to find traveling around the world meeting people they had never seen, and having to put their trust in these strangers’ hands to save them. With all their focus on saving their father who they had just met yet felt like they had known for a long time they had to put themselves in life threatening positions to save him because they would anything to have the chance at being a happy family again.
It was the second night in London for the kids, and in the when they were asleep they heard the door open. They both got up, and noticed Chance was gone. This was the first sign of the curiosity that impacted every choice they made from that point on. The kids decided to follow Chance. They followed him to an empty junkyard which gave them the creeps. They sat, and watched Chance sit their motionless for fifteen minutes. Just when they were about to go home a black extremely sketchy van came into the junkyard. Chance started to run behind a wall for cover, and at that moment five masked men came out of the van. All of these men had guns, and then they saw Chance. Shots rang out, and then Chance pulled a gun out, and shot back. One of the masked men drop to the ground laying their lifeless, but everyone carried on like nothing had happened. In a short few minutes the remaining four men ran towards Chance; knocked the gun out of his hands and drag him to the van. As the van drove off the kids sat their shocked and scared. Their father had been kidnapped. Not knowing what to do they went back to the apartment, and sat there in silence until Rich said they had to do something. They went to the police, and told them that their fathered had been kidnapped by five masked men with guns. No one believed them; and befuddled as of what to do next they went to their favorite coffee, and randomly started to search the Internet about their father in hope for something helpful. Nothing was their; it was almost like he didn't exist. As they were about to leave the coffee shop a mysterious looking woman with long black hair sat down next to the kids, and introduced herself as Magda. She said she worked with their father, and that he was an industrial agent who had discovered something controversial in the oil industry about one of the biggest oil company, Krejikistan Oil Supplies. She said that was kidnapped by a man named Vishinsky. She offered her help, and gave the kids her number. The kids go to the apartment still wondering why they kidnapped Chance. When they got back to the apartment they saw the door was open so they walked in with caution only to see a man sitting on the couch who also said he worked with their father, and that they both worked for mI5. This man introduced himself as Phillips. He also said that Chance was kidnapped by Vishinsky,but he also told them why. It was because Chance stole the last sample of a very powerful chemical that could make oil defective. He warned them that even with Chance in their custody Vishinsky could recover the sample because Chance would not talk, and that now their we're men searching for them hoping they could convince Chance to talk by threatening them. At that moment men rushed in with guns, and the kids ram to hide, guns shots were ringing out. It all stopped, and when the men were gone the kids went out only to find Phillips slowly dying. With his last few words he said to find a man named Ardman. This whole time Chance was being put on a plane to Krejikistan where possible death awaited him. The kids had decided that Phillips seemed more credible, and that they would try to find Ardman. They were searching him a man walked up to them, and introduced himself as Ardman. They sat down, and talked, but just as they were finishing the restaurant was stormed, and the kids were kidnapped by five mysterious men. They were then brought to a black van that zoomed away. When the kids turned around they saw Magda who said that Vishinsky would be very happy. They were brought to an airport, and loaded on a private plane heading straight for Krejikistan. The kids boarded the plane, and started to try to think of how to escape, but their hands and feet were tied. They had a long flight to think about their escape once they landed. They tried to stay positive, and realized that at least now they would be closer to finding Chance. The whole flight Jade had been slowly ripping out of the rope tying her hands and feet. Just as they were landing she was free, but Rich was not. He told her to get free, and save him and Chance later. By now after many failed escape attempts Chance was in a jail cell. Jade was able to jump out of the plane and hide where no one would find her. Rich was alone, and so was Jade for the first time in this journey. Rich was in a jeep on the way to the jail cell where he father was being held. Just as they came to the gate a tank pull up in front of them being drove by no one else but Jade determined to save her brother. She shot the other cars buying Rich time to escape. They ran told the jail where they freed Chance, and they had only two things left to do. Destroy the sample to avoid causing oil not to work, and to escape back to London. They went, and retrieved the sample where Chance hid and then had only one thing left to do. They ran away from the headquarters to get away from the guards. They needed a plane fast. Then they saw a helicopter being flown down to them being driven by no one else but Ardman there to save them. They flew back to London acting like nothing happened because they had to keep everything a secret. They were now just another happy family in London.
I really loved this book, and would recommend it for anyone that likes constant action with a clever plot.
It was the second night in London for the kids, and in the when they were asleep they heard the door open. They both got up, and noticed Chance was gone. This was the first sign of the curiosity that impacted every choice they made from that point on. The kids decided to follow Chance. They followed him to an empty junkyard which gave them the creeps. They sat, and watched Chance sit their motionless for fifteen minutes. Just when they were about to go home a black extremely sketchy van came into the junkyard. Chance started to run behind a wall for cover, and at that moment five masked men came out of the van. All of these men had guns, and then they saw Chance. Shots rang out, and then Chance pulled a gun out, and shot back. One of the masked men drop to the ground laying their lifeless, but everyone carried on like nothing had happened. In a short few minutes the remaining four men ran towards Chance; knocked the gun out of his hands and drag him to the van. As the van drove off the kids sat their shocked and scared. Their father had been kidnapped. Not knowing what to do they went back to the apartment, and sat there in silence until Rich said they had to do something. They went to the police, and told them that their fathered had been kidnapped by five masked men with guns. No one believed them; and befuddled as of what to do next they went to their favorite coffee, and randomly started to search the Internet about their father in hope for something helpful. Nothing was their; it was almost like he didn't exist. As they were about to leave the coffee shop a mysterious looking woman with long black hair sat down next to the kids, and introduced herself as Magda. She said she worked with their father, and that he was an industrial agent who had discovered something controversial in the oil industry about one of the biggest oil company, Krejikistan Oil Supplies. She said that was kidnapped by a man named Vishinsky. She offered her help, and gave the kids her number. The kids go to the apartment still wondering why they kidnapped Chance. When they got back to the apartment they saw the door was open so they walked in with caution only to see a man sitting on the couch who also said he worked with their father, and that they both worked for mI5. This man introduced himself as Phillips. He also said that Chance was kidnapped by Vishinsky,but he also told them why. It was because Chance stole the last sample of a very powerful chemical that could make oil defective. He warned them that even with Chance in their custody Vishinsky could recover the sample because Chance would not talk, and that now their we're men searching for them hoping they could convince Chance to talk by threatening them. At that moment men rushed in with guns, and the kids ram to hide, guns shots were ringing out. It all stopped, and when the men were gone the kids went out only to find Phillips slowly dying. With his last few words he said to find a man named Ardman. This whole time Chance was being put on a plane to Krejikistan where possible death awaited him. The kids had decided that Phillips seemed more credible, and that they would try to find Ardman. They were searching him a man walked up to them, and introduced himself as Ardman. They sat down, and talked, but just as they were finishing the restaurant was stormed, and the kids were kidnapped by five mysterious men. They were then brought to a black van that zoomed away. When the kids turned around they saw Magda who said that Vishinsky would be very happy. They were brought to an airport, and loaded on a private plane heading straight for Krejikistan. The kids boarded the plane, and started to try to think of how to escape, but their hands and feet were tied. They had a long flight to think about their escape once they landed. They tried to stay positive, and realized that at least now they would be closer to finding Chance. The whole flight Jade had been slowly ripping out of the rope tying her hands and feet. Just as they were landing she was free, but Rich was not. He told her to get free, and save him and Chance later. By now after many failed escape attempts Chance was in a jail cell. Jade was able to jump out of the plane and hide where no one would find her. Rich was alone, and so was Jade for the first time in this journey. Rich was in a jeep on the way to the jail cell where he father was being held. Just as they came to the gate a tank pull up in front of them being drove by no one else but Jade determined to save her brother. She shot the other cars buying Rich time to escape. They ran told the jail where they freed Chance, and they had only two things left to do. Destroy the sample to avoid causing oil not to work, and to escape back to London. They went, and retrieved the sample where Chance hid and then had only one thing left to do. They ran away from the headquarters to get away from the guards. They needed a plane fast. Then they saw a helicopter being flown down to them being driven by no one else but Ardman there to save them. They flew back to London acting like nothing happened because they had to keep everything a secret. They were now just another happy family in London.
I really loved this book, and would recommend it for anyone that likes constant action with a clever plot.
November 2, 2009
Higgins has written successfully for adults, but this foray into YA isn't what I'd hoped for. The problem is Anthony Horowitz and Robert Muchamore have already written completely satisfying action-adventures for teens, and this isn't as good. The opening scene sets a good pace with guns and explosions and a speeding escape, but the following 30 pages grind to a complete halt for the sake of laying out back-story and characters. Who then never develop. But they do talk and listen to cell phones. A lot. If it is an action story, then there needs to be action, gosh darn it.
And attention to action doesn't excuse cheap characters. Rich and Jade are supposed to be the scrappy every-teens, but he's wooden and she whines. Give us some cool people to root for. Or at least a distinct villain to hate: Vishinsky is just another ex-Soviet with too much money and megalomania.
In America, Muchamore's work isn't widely known, and Alex Rider can be exhausted quickly. Perhaps this series will improve, and the twins will have their chance to shine, but I'm sure not fired up about it.
And attention to action doesn't excuse cheap characters. Rich and Jade are supposed to be the scrappy every-teens, but he's wooden and she whines. Give us some cool people to root for. Or at least a distinct villain to hate: Vishinsky is just another ex-Soviet with too much money and megalomania.
In America, Muchamore's work isn't widely known, and Alex Rider can be exhausted quickly. Perhaps this series will improve, and the twins will have their chance to shine, but I'm sure not fired up about it.
August 5, 2009
While the pace was good and the writing relatively engaging, I found the plot of this supposed thriller to be entirely too predictable. The lack of physical description except for the key plot point worked light a spotlight, outlining the central plot before the reader even had a chance to realize the plot started. Jade comes off as whiny and almost painfully slow, and her supposed gifts with athleticism and health barely making an appearance while Rich's bookish cleverness saves the day more than once. John Chance, the cool spy under duress, is purported to be a big tough guy, but we rarely see evidence of it in action. Overall a harmless book, but unadventurous even for the stay-at-home reader.
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January 6, 2010Sure fire is a pretty detailed and exciting book to read. It is pretty slow to begin with but gets pretty good throughout the story. It has a lot of cliffhangers which I like because it helps me to keep reading because I dont like to read. I recommend this book to pretty much anyone that likes adventureous books with little cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. At the beginning of the book, the new kids' mom dies of getting hit by a car, which where she was when she got hit comes back to them of what this whole incident with their new father happens. Overall, this is a fun, book that isnt hard to read either.
February 8, 2018
This was my first time reading a Jack Higgins book. My dad has read all his books and raves about him, but I didn't think his books would suit me. Well, if this is anything to go by, how wrong I was! I'm going to be reading a lot more by this author
October 28, 2016
Vond ik dit actieboek leuk? Lees het snel op http://leesendroom.jouwweb.nl/sure-fire
March 18, 2017
Interesting that Jack Higgins wrote this short series for YA. It was quite a good thriller, a quick easy read. Will read the next in the series.
January 27, 2019
This book was amazing! If you LOVE action flicks like James bond, Avengers, Mission Impossible, and Sahara then definitely give this book a read! Can not wait to receive the 2 book!
April 3, 2020
1.5 Stars
January 10, 2019
4/5
When their mother dies, Rich and Jade (twin siblings) are introduced to their father, John Chance, who they have never met before. When they first move in with their father, Jade makes it obvious that she has no intentions of living here. She constantly complains about the way Chance lives. After all, he is rather unhealthy - eating junk food, having bad sleep habits, and even smoking cigarettes. His housekeeping habits are less than stellar as well, the place is a mess. Chance has a personal office that he does best to keep secret. The kids are curious, of course, but their father will not reveal anything about the purpose of the office or how it helps him with his work. Rich tries to get Jade to lighten up over time and accept their father, but she just does not like him or his home at all. However, she does start to care about him when he is kidnapped out of nowhere. This is a serious, unexplainable situation that only makes the already strange and upturned lives of the children even more eventful and scary. It turns out that their father is a spy, and has been involved in some sketchy affairs. He has obviously managed to upset some group of people, and the kids must do everything they can to get their father back.
My favorite quote would have to be "Things are not easy for me at the moment - not easy at all." by Chance (page 37). This quote foreshadows the happenings that lead to the entire series of events that make up the plot. At this point, Chance has just been loaded up with the burden that is having two young kids in his house to take care of, that is usually unoccupied when he is not there. Clearly, there are some other more serious things going on in John's life right now, and you can really almost feel the stress in his voice as he lets out this sentence. Chance is an easy character to empathize with, but it is also hard to imagine how shaky and stressful his life is right now.
A rating of 4/5 fits this book well because I really enjoyed it, but it also wasn't the greatest book I've ever read. It has a lot of substance and I was easily able to sink into the environment/world of the story. I just wish it was a little longer, because I would have spent more time with it. The beginning was a bit abrupt as well, and not much light was shed on the earlier lives of the children (or even Chance). Overall, it was a good read and I'm glad I picked it - I just wish it had a little more to it, that's all.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of action and doesn't mind a few tense feelings. There is a constant feeling of suspense and uneasiness in this story. Anybody who enjoys a rather easy and quick read would like this book, but the amount of emotion and action crammed into this relatively short read is impressive. There's nothing to lose by reading this book.
When their mother dies, Rich and Jade (twin siblings) are introduced to their father, John Chance, who they have never met before. When they first move in with their father, Jade makes it obvious that she has no intentions of living here. She constantly complains about the way Chance lives. After all, he is rather unhealthy - eating junk food, having bad sleep habits, and even smoking cigarettes. His housekeeping habits are less than stellar as well, the place is a mess. Chance has a personal office that he does best to keep secret. The kids are curious, of course, but their father will not reveal anything about the purpose of the office or how it helps him with his work. Rich tries to get Jade to lighten up over time and accept their father, but she just does not like him or his home at all. However, she does start to care about him when he is kidnapped out of nowhere. This is a serious, unexplainable situation that only makes the already strange and upturned lives of the children even more eventful and scary. It turns out that their father is a spy, and has been involved in some sketchy affairs. He has obviously managed to upset some group of people, and the kids must do everything they can to get their father back.
My favorite quote would have to be "Things are not easy for me at the moment - not easy at all." by Chance (page 37). This quote foreshadows the happenings that lead to the entire series of events that make up the plot. At this point, Chance has just been loaded up with the burden that is having two young kids in his house to take care of, that is usually unoccupied when he is not there. Clearly, there are some other more serious things going on in John's life right now, and you can really almost feel the stress in his voice as he lets out this sentence. Chance is an easy character to empathize with, but it is also hard to imagine how shaky and stressful his life is right now.
A rating of 4/5 fits this book well because I really enjoyed it, but it also wasn't the greatest book I've ever read. It has a lot of substance and I was easily able to sink into the environment/world of the story. I just wish it was a little longer, because I would have spent more time with it. The beginning was a bit abrupt as well, and not much light was shed on the earlier lives of the children (or even Chance). Overall, it was a good read and I'm glad I picked it - I just wish it had a little more to it, that's all.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of action and doesn't mind a few tense feelings. There is a constant feeling of suspense and uneasiness in this story. Anybody who enjoys a rather easy and quick read would like this book, but the amount of emotion and action crammed into this relatively short read is impressive. There's nothing to lose by reading this book.
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November 15, 2019I read the book Sure Fire by Jack Higgins. The main theme of the book was that family will always find their way back to each other. I chose this as my theme because even though the main characters, Rich and Jade, were separated from their father, they still found a way to reunite.
The book starts out with the main characters, Rich and Jade, and the death of their mother, Sandra. They had never met their father, John Chance, until he showed up at their mother’s funeral. Although Rich and Jade didn’t enjoy it, he took them to his small flat with little food, and looked to ship the kids away to a boarding school as soon as possible, but they know there is something weird going on with their father. Sure enough, they watch him get taken away and have to figure out how to find them, not knowing why he was taken away and where he was, if he was even still alive. Rich and Jade end up going around and talking to some of John’s associates, not knowing who to trust. The kids also end up getting taken away and brought to the same place as their father, and Rich and Jade have to come up with a plan to get themselves and John Chance out alive.
In my opinion, this book was a very good book, especially considering that this is Higgins’ first book for young readers. The book had a good pace, and it felt like it started at the appropriate time, no earlier and no later. It would have made the beginning more boring if it had included the life of Rich and Jade with their mom, and possibly could have disengaged the reader. But instead, using the line, “Sandra Chance never saw the car that hit her,” (pg. 1) to start the novel, it instantly got the reader engaged and got the novel off to a quick start. The middle of the story had no pivotal climax, but there was enough action to make up for it, like Magda following the kids’ every move, Aardman trying to help even though Rich and Jade don’t believe he in trustworthy, and the help of Dax Halford. Finally, the ending of the story, which finished everything off in a messy bow, with some things, like Vladimir Gorsky, not completely finished, while other things, like the whole Chance family reuniting, ended nicely.
I think that people who would enjoy this book are ones in middle school or high school and are looking for a good action books. This is because there are some higher-level words which most elementary readers might not understand, and the book is very action-packed.
The book starts out with the main characters, Rich and Jade, and the death of their mother, Sandra. They had never met their father, John Chance, until he showed up at their mother’s funeral. Although Rich and Jade didn’t enjoy it, he took them to his small flat with little food, and looked to ship the kids away to a boarding school as soon as possible, but they know there is something weird going on with their father. Sure enough, they watch him get taken away and have to figure out how to find them, not knowing why he was taken away and where he was, if he was even still alive. Rich and Jade end up going around and talking to some of John’s associates, not knowing who to trust. The kids also end up getting taken away and brought to the same place as their father, and Rich and Jade have to come up with a plan to get themselves and John Chance out alive.
In my opinion, this book was a very good book, especially considering that this is Higgins’ first book for young readers. The book had a good pace, and it felt like it started at the appropriate time, no earlier and no later. It would have made the beginning more boring if it had included the life of Rich and Jade with their mom, and possibly could have disengaged the reader. But instead, using the line, “Sandra Chance never saw the car that hit her,” (pg. 1) to start the novel, it instantly got the reader engaged and got the novel off to a quick start. The middle of the story had no pivotal climax, but there was enough action to make up for it, like Magda following the kids’ every move, Aardman trying to help even though Rich and Jade don’t believe he in trustworthy, and the help of Dax Halford. Finally, the ending of the story, which finished everything off in a messy bow, with some things, like Vladimir Gorsky, not completely finished, while other things, like the whole Chance family reuniting, ended nicely.
I think that people who would enjoy this book are ones in middle school or high school and are looking for a good action books. This is because there are some higher-level words which most elementary readers might not understand, and the book is very action-packed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2018
In this summary I will tell you what happened in the story. In the beginning the mother of Rich and Jade died in a tragic traffic accident. When they were at the funeral they had seen a tall man in black clothes and he looked at them. He came over to talk to them and then he told them that he was their dad. His name was John Chance . They didn’t believe it at first because they never got to see him.
The whole way back he tilted the mirror to watch Jade. After the funeral he took them to his small flat. Where they were forbidden to go into a small room. When they got there all they could smell was cigarette ashes. Then John started to talk about them both going to separate boarding schools. They didn’t like the idea, but he said it will have to do until they go back to london.
As they got there they thought if he was ready to handle children to. They are suspicious of John because he can’t even tell them where he works. They followed him one night and they saw him get kidnaped. Soon the figure out that he is working undercover. They try to figure out who took him.
They soon realize that they can trust no one and that their lives are in danger. They want to go rescue their father that doesn’t want them but he is the only thing they have left. Come to find out he is working with the british government, and researching a powerful man named Victor Vinisky. This man man wants to cripple the world's oil supply. Someone took a chemical and they think it is John Chance.
After they knew their father identify bad guys come and try to kill them. Something bad has happened to him but what. They almost die trying to save him. They were trying to stop Vinish Sky's plan along the way. They also went through alot of chases and shootouts. There was so much explosions and dangerous things like that made you think if survival was even possible.
The whole way back he tilted the mirror to watch Jade. After the funeral he took them to his small flat. Where they were forbidden to go into a small room. When they got there all they could smell was cigarette ashes. Then John started to talk about them both going to separate boarding schools. They didn’t like the idea, but he said it will have to do until they go back to london.
As they got there they thought if he was ready to handle children to. They are suspicious of John because he can’t even tell them where he works. They followed him one night and they saw him get kidnaped. Soon the figure out that he is working undercover. They try to figure out who took him.
They soon realize that they can trust no one and that their lives are in danger. They want to go rescue their father that doesn’t want them but he is the only thing they have left. Come to find out he is working with the british government, and researching a powerful man named Victor Vinisky. This man man wants to cripple the world's oil supply. Someone took a chemical and they think it is John Chance.
After they knew their father identify bad guys come and try to kill them. Something bad has happened to him but what. They almost die trying to save him. They were trying to stop Vinish Sky's plan along the way. They also went through alot of chases and shootouts. There was so much explosions and dangerous things like that made you think if survival was even possible.
December 26, 2017
Higgins, Jack with Justin Richards Sure Fire, 224 p. Penguin, 2007.
Rich and Jade's mother has just died and now they find themselves saddled with a dad whom they had never even heard of. Well, he's never heard of them either, but they must try to live together. Dad is trying to shuffle them off to boarding school, but before he even gets a chance, he is kidnapped; the only reason the kids know is that they followed him when he snuck out of the apartment. Now all three of them are running for their lives and only fast wits, smart plans and family togetherness will save the world and their lives along with it.
I sure hope that there are going to be many more titles involving the Chance family, because they are fantastic. They are just as good as the Cherub series and I don't remember a single swear word, which makes them even better!
MS - ESSENTIAL
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2008/...
Rich and Jade's mother has just died and now they find themselves saddled with a dad whom they had never even heard of. Well, he's never heard of them either, but they must try to live together. Dad is trying to shuffle them off to boarding school, but before he even gets a chance, he is kidnapped; the only reason the kids know is that they followed him when he snuck out of the apartment. Now all three of them are running for their lives and only fast wits, smart plans and family togetherness will save the world and their lives along with it.
I sure hope that there are going to be many more titles involving the Chance family, because they are fantastic. They are just as good as the Cherub series and I don't remember a single swear word, which makes them even better!
MS - ESSENTIAL
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2008/...
October 26, 2020
A really good book. Different characters and a different type of plot from other Jack Higgins/Harry Patterson books I've read in the past.
Rich and Jade are fifteen year old twins, who meet their father at their mother's funeral. John Chance doesn't seem overly enthusiastic about having his teenage son and daughter coming to live with him. Chance is working covertly for the government, trying to stop a Russian 'businessman' from messing up an oil pipeline. The last thing he needs is a family hanging round his neck.
Chance is kidnapped and jade and Rich try to get him back. They don't know who to trust, but eventually find a man who'll help them. Chance and the twins meet up overseas and manage to foil the espionage in the nick of time.
Rich and Jade are fifteen year old twins, who meet their father at their mother's funeral. John Chance doesn't seem overly enthusiastic about having his teenage son and daughter coming to live with him. Chance is working covertly for the government, trying to stop a Russian 'businessman' from messing up an oil pipeline. The last thing he needs is a family hanging round his neck.
Chance is kidnapped and jade and Rich try to get him back. They don't know who to trust, but eventually find a man who'll help them. Chance and the twins meet up overseas and manage to foil the espionage in the nick of time.
September 16, 2019
2.5 stars
What can I say? The story started well enough, with a tantalising promise of adrenaline-filled spy action. Unfortunately, it rapidly degenerated into a mindless action fest so typical of the modern straight-to-TV offerings.
The action sequences offered by the untrained twins stretches the bounds of credibility to snapping point, and I kept expecting Austin Powers to trip onto the page and demand attention.
If you like mindless action sequences, go ahead and read it, but if you're wanting something a tad more cerebral, I advise you look elsewhere.
What can I say? The story started well enough, with a tantalising promise of adrenaline-filled spy action. Unfortunately, it rapidly degenerated into a mindless action fest so typical of the modern straight-to-TV offerings.
The action sequences offered by the untrained twins stretches the bounds of credibility to snapping point, and I kept expecting Austin Powers to trip onto the page and demand attention.
If you like mindless action sequences, go ahead and read it, but if you're wanting something a tad more cerebral, I advise you look elsewhere.
September 18, 2018
This story wasn't the best, but still good enough for me to read book two. The action is well described and thought out, but you are able to find gimmicks if you think about it. Also, the beginning is rushed and could be more gradual. Overall a good story. This would be a good book for people looking for more action.
September 3, 2025
Interesting book about a woman in London looks the wrong way and is hit by a vehicle killing her. Her children Rich and Jade, fraternal twins discover they have a father and discovers he is the father of twins. The father is involved in a form of law enforcement against industrial thieves. The twins become involved and are able to help bring things to a conclusion.
June 3, 2018
It's good. The thrill has been maintained for a long time and the story is very fluent.
The description of blasts and shooting is great as well as it has some light moments.
The characters, specially of a father who just came to know about his children, is very realistic.
The description of blasts and shooting is great as well as it has some light moments.
The characters, specially of a father who just came to know about his children, is very realistic.
July 12, 2020
Dobrze się przy niej bawiłam, niektóre sytuacje były absurdalne, ale mimo wszystko, fajna, lekka książka. Nie niesie za sobą nic prócz czystej rozrywki, ale polecam jeśli ktoś stawia tylko na to :) Jeśli natrafię na kolejne części, to napewno przeczytam!
April 30, 2021
Un thriller, precum zice si pe coperta, pentru adolescenti. Actiune simpla, uneori poate chiar prea simpla, decizii mai mult decat previzibile si inamici mai mult decat naivi. Si..cam atat :) Merge de citit intr-un sfarsit de saptamana, fara sa iti bati prea mult capul.
June 24, 2024
Fun and fast read. Not a lot in the way of characterization or description, but nonstop story and action. I felt like the writing level was stepped down a bit to be middle grade, while the violence wasn’t. I liked it!
October 14, 2019
Terrible read not up to normal Jack Higgins standard - a bit like a badly written teanage Hardy Boys!
Want to read
November 9, 2019Can someone please share a pdf of this book? I really want to read it so badly but i cannot find any pdf on the Internet. Appreciated.
May 14, 2020
A bit far fetched, but then it is aimed at kids
April 7, 2021
A gripping story which I am sure young people would enjoy - twins discover they have a father - they are intrigued about his life and job - they go on a dangerous adventure
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