Award-winning author Jill Williamson delivers a contemporary book filled with spies and adventure, just the type of book to appeal to teens.In The New Recruit, teenager Spencer Garmond was in too many fights. His grandma gives him a choice: attend a military school where he would give up basketball or go on a summer trip with the Mission League. What Spencer doesn’t know is that the Mission League is more of a Christian spy organization than a Bible club. Spencer is not a Christian, so neither choice appeals to him.Once he decides to go, he begins training in espionage for his trip to Moscow. One of his new friends explains, “The Mission League takes on the forces of darkness to expose the truth” (p.43). He is bullied by one League member, and even faces a few near-death experiences.Williamson does a good job of capturing the teen boy persona. He was “real” in his struggles with faith issues. He doesn’t become a Christian by the end of the book, nor does everything work out. The book is filled with good and bad examples of teens, and it is usually clear which one is which.The New Recruit is a good start to a new series with possibilities for more adventures. A cast of characters, a glossary of Russian terms, an author’s note, and acknowledgements are included. I dislike having the author’s note in the beginning of a book, especially one encouraging the reader to study Bible references about spiritual gifts. I think it would have been better placed at the end of the book.Disclaimer: Book reviews are my opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Looking for some snappy, snarky, teenage fun? This is the book for you...even if your teenage years are a faint blur in your rearview mirror. Unlikely hero Spencer Garmond goes on quite the adventure all the way over to Russia. Surrounded by wannabe missionaries, this bad boy breaks every rule there is, in a lovable fashion, of course. I loved being privy to Spencer's off-the-cuff thoughts. That's what really made this character one of my favorites.But don't let all the adolescent shenanigans fool you into thinking this is a fluffy read. Author Jill Williamson tucks in some hard-hitting spiritual truths amidst the teenage angst and suspenseful plot. Don't hesitate to pick this one up for yourself or for a teen you know, boy or girl. Either, and you, will love it.
What do You think about The New Recruit (2012)?
The story is well written. I believe tween boys will really enjoy Spencer's sarcasm and adventures.
—ARAM
Jill Williamson gets into the head of a 15-year-old boy in an amazing way. You'll love this tale.
—Ibtisam
