Spies . . . Cool gadgets . . . An undercover mission trip.
What more could you ask for in a novel?
The Story:
Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But before he even boards the plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no Bible club.
These guys mean business.
Stumbling onto a case involving a gang of homeless boys, a chilling tattoo, and the always beautiful Anya Vseveloda, Spencer struggles to find the faith needed to save the Mission League from enemy infiltration.
My Thoughts:
The premise – a Christian spy organization – promises an interesting read, and The New Recruit certainly delivers. From the first page, I was caught up in the whirlwind of Spencer Garmond’s life as a reluctant member of the Mission League.
In all of her books, Jill Williamson’s characters tend to step off the page and into real life, and Spencer Garmond was no exception. His voice was so clear and real and believable that, within a few pages, I felt like I actually knew him and wouldn’t have been surprised to run into him on the street.
I found Spencer’s reservations about Christianity and the “churcher” kids he is forced to hang out with as a member of the Mission League to be believable, as well as the sometimes bumbling attempts of the other kids on the trip as they try to figure out the best way to minister to and befriend Spencer.
In addition to the great characters, Jill keeps the pages turning through lots of action mixed with the ordinary tasks of a regular mission trip – serving at a homeless shelter, scrubbing tables, stacking chairs, etc. Anyone who’s ever been on a mission trip will enjoy the familiarity of these sections along with the freshness of the whole undercover spy deal.
As the first book in a four book series about the Mission League, The New Recruit left me eagerly awaiting book two!
If you’re looking for an exciting read with an adventurous flair, sneakery, and cool gadgets (like a bionic ear, night vision contacts, etc), then I highly recommend The New Recruit.
Watch the book trailer!
Check out the official Mission League website.
Connect with the author, Jill Williamson, on her website: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/.
Charley Robson says
Ooooh . . . methinks I want this book . . . I was really worried it might all go to pot and just become overly preachy, while using the spies thing as a coverup, but from what you've said it looks rather good.
And I'm a sucker for spies, hee hee!
Jake says
This sounds incredible. xP
But I'm a poor penniless missionary kid, so I'll have to wait and see if it goes on sale on Kindle sometime.
Rachel says
Great review. I felt the same way about Spencer and his behavior and thought processes towards the "churchers". I am looking forward the next books.
Gillian Adams says
Me too! I want book two already! ;)