I’ve been wanting to read the sequel to The Athena Protocol for some time and am so glad to have read Shamim Sarif’s newest work. Although published by Harper Teen, The Shadow Mission doesn’t read like a typical YA novel. As I stated in my review of The Athena Protocol, this is more of an action-packed spy book with a younger cast of characters who range from their early to mid-twenties, with the exception of the founders of the group who are all older. Despite this being a sequel, I don’t think you need to have read The Athena Protocol to understand what’s going on, but I highly recommend doing so.
Here’s the premise—
Jessie Archer and the rest of the team of elite spies belonging to the Athena organization combat a far-right terrorist group set on restoring traditional family values in India and Pakistan. The main aim of the group is to keep women from attaining an education so that they can marry and serve men at home, usually at a young age. The radical group seeks to obtain this goal by attacking the schools in which these girls attend. Jessie and the team must stop the group before more girls lose their lives.
This book was thrilling. I think I finished it in under 24 hours. The tension at the end had me literally gripping the cover. Aside from all the action, which was intense and nearly non-stop, I loved the ethical consideration that was brought up by Riya, a police detective in India who befriends Jessie while working on the case. As a police officer Riya has respect for the process and rules set out by the judicial system, but as Athena is a secret organization working outside legal bounds, Jessie doesn’t feel as compelled to abide by the same process. As it is, the bad guys who they are trying to stop certainly aren’t following them. I enjoy my fiction with a side of morally gray fortitude, especially when there’s good intent involved.
I was impressed by Jessie’s ability to stay calm and analyze highly-stressful situations on numerous accounts. She’s a strong character who has come into her own in this book. By the end there’s a notion of another change in herself and I’m curious what that will lead to in another book if Sarif continues the series.
This book is another great example of “incidental lesbianism” as Jessie forms a more personal relationship with Riya. There isn’t exactly time for anything to happen, and with the intent to not spoil anything I won’t share much on this, but I like that our main character is a women who likes other women.
If you’ve been looking for a female-oriented spy novel then look no further. Or if you’re just in the mood to make your holiday season a bit more exciting then pick up a copy of The Shadow Mission and get reading!