Recruited by the FBI (Book 1)
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Recruited by the FBI: Book 1 by Rob Baddorf is a “Christian Spy Action-Adventure” book geared towards children ages 10-16. While marketed ages 10-16, I would put it more on the side of ages 12+ given the age of the characters themselves is high school age - approximately 14 -15.
The chapters are short, typically two to three pages, and the action is fast paced. Readers are quickly immersed in the third person narrative primarily focused on Robin, one of the main characters. Robin’s father worked for the FBI when he was alive and post his death, Robin was approached by the FBI and began working a small operation with other teenagers. Baddorf is not writing the next great classic novel, but he is meeting a market need for middle-grade/young adult fiction that is clean and engaging. While readers must certainly suspend reality for much of the novel, the short chapters, engaging characters, and quick plot development will certainly make this novel a hit for more reluctant readers and boys who want a story that focuses more on action.
The story opens with Robin and his friends, Chad and Anika, breaking into First Union Bank to find a hidden ledger by financier Marlin Ledger. The FBI needs evidence of Ledger’s dealings in order to prosecute him. Once inside the action quickly develops as they sneak to find Ledger’s office and to look for the hidden accounting book. Unfortunately, what they find is a decoy and the team realizes there are gaps in their abilities.
Anika befriends a new girl at school and quickly learns of her prowess with computers and technology. The only problem is convincing Robin to allow her to join the team. Robin feels immense pressure and responsibility as the leader of the group, and his father’s death is a shadow that is haunting him. Nevertheless, Isabella is quickly added to the group with conditions and the team is set to return to First Union Bank to find the actual accounting book in order for the FBI to have the evidence they need. However, security is tighter now that the building has already been broken into once. And of course, there are twists and turns as not everything goes according to plan.
If you have readers who like action and spy stories, this one is sure to entice. While not full of theologically deep concepts, there are scriptural connections and elements presented in the book as Robin contemplates greed and his ability to trust the Lord after the death of his father. There are times in which the spirit is speaking to him, and he must discern how to truly move forward. Does he trust Jesus or does he not?
Chad is the comic relief in the story that readers are sure to enjoy. There is typical teenage bantering in the story and some of the budding relationship/ awkwardness between male and female relationships. While there is not outright dating or crushes in the story, Robin finds Isabella beautiful and enchanting. Nothing really develops beyond those mentions. Isabella’s parents are divorced and her father is not in her life at all. The story ends with the revelation to readers that Marlin Ledger is Isabella’s father who she hasn’t seen in years.
Noteworthy Quotes/Points:
“Robin shouldn’t have been surprised. Death isn’t exactly a new concept. After all, nobody lives forever. But somehow, at fourteen, Robin had never really thought about that. He didn’t think his family routines, like breakfast for example, would ever change. Somehow, he believed that “normal” would go on forever” (1).
The security detail for Marlin Ledger had AK-47s that were pointed and shot at the teenagers a few times over the course of the story.
“And maybe most of all, Robin didn’t want to give up something else. His anger. He liked it. At least his anger kept him company. Even if it was cold company” (90).
“‘The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.’
Robin thought about those words. The first thing that came to mind was Mr. Ledger. [...] But then Robin wondered about something else. Was he himself greedy?” (115).
“Oh crap” appears once on page 249.
Overall, not the greatest book with deep themes and symbolism or developed complex characters, but it has a decent storyline with compelling enough characters and a quick plot that will certainly appeal to a variety of teen readers. With a limited selection of great teen fiction that at least attempts to convey Biblical themes and truth, this novel is worth a read and an addition to a clean reading list. Additionally, engaging clean stories for reluctant or struggling readers is hard to come by, this is a definite read that will appeal to children who struggle.
Operation Diamond Fall (Book 2)
Operation Diamond Fall by Rob Baddorf is book two in A Sneaky Inc. Spy Adventure series. Picking up where book one leaves off, Robin, Anika, Chad, and Isabella are on a new mission; however, they take it much further than the FBI intended. Marlin Ledger, the antagonist, is up to a new scheme. Robin and his crew are determined to not only find out what it is, as the FBI instructed, but to stop him. Unfortunately, lies within the group and personal fears almost doom the group from the onset.
The story opens with Chad and Robin climbing a large crane in order to move it and to sneak onto the roof of the art museum owned by Ledger. Ledger is hosting a spontaneous gala that costs tens of thousands of dollars to attend with a special item up for auction - an almost priceless diamond. Almost since millions of dollars are bid on it. In their sleuthing, the team discovers the diamond and Ledger’s plan to auction it off. In an attempt to stop him, they steal it; however, leaving with such an item proves more difficult than they had expected and planned for. As a result, Robin and Chad are captured. It is from this incident that they realize there is more going on than it seemed at first glance. Now, they must figure a way out, reconvene with the group, and figure out a way to save everyone involved. In the end, they survive, but Ledger’s plan has not been thwarted.
Almost the entirety of this particular installment of the narrative takes place in one night. It is fast paced, chapters not more than three to four pages, and littered with suspense to keep readers hooked and moving through the story quickly. The structure of the novel makes it a great choice for more reluctant readers. However, it will keep any reader on their toes to see what happens next.
Parents will be happy to know that this book is free of profanity or any unsavory details. Robin clearly has a crush on Isabella, but nothing develops and there are only mentions of her being beautiful and possibly taking her on a date. The characters are fourteen, for a little more context. There are several Biblical tie-ins as Robin has to face his own personal struggle throughout about the lies he has told the team. He seeks to justify himself, but in the end he confesses and seeks forgiveness from everyone involved. Anika is trying to pray for guidance and help, but as someone seeking and just beginning to learn about God and Christianity, she is unsure of herself. Isabella is hesitant and standoffish about God and not caring to know or involve herself too much within the text. Chad continues to be the comedic relief in the story, but he seems to have a firm faith like Robin.
Overall, if you have a reader who likes adventure with a twinge of mystery, then consider adding book one and two of this series to their reading list.
