A teen criminal hacker turned secret operative must outwit a band of cyberterrorists in this gripping novel from the acclaimed author of The Bone Houses.
I was fifteen when I became a murderer.
After a hack gone tragically wrong, a teen girl is given an ultimatum: accept a harsh prison sentence or leave her old life behind, adopt a new identity, and use her talents in the service of a covert government agency.
Three years later, the newly-named Augusta Pine has become a skilled wraith, one of the Identity Security Division's secret operatives. She has no home, no family. Her only friends are her coolly professional handler and a snarky sentient AI spybot. So when Augusta is sent to Portland for her next assignment, she seizes the chance to glimpse her beloved grandmother and rents the apartment next door.
But what begins as a little nostalgic stalking quickly turns into a fight for survival. With her quick wit, tech savvy--and help from an unexpected ally--Augusta must race against the clock to stay one step ahead of a band of deadly cyberterrorists.
Unfolding through a suspenseful narrative interspersed with case-file excerpts, this is a pulse-pounding novel about identity, connection, and justice.
About the Author :
Emily Lloyd-Jones grew up on a vineyard in rural Oregon, where she played in evergreen forests and learned to fear sheep. She currently resides in Northern California, where she enjoys wandering in redwood forests. Her other novels include Illusive, Deceptive, The Hearts We Sold, The Bone Houses, The Drowned Woods and The Wild Huntress.
Review :
"A teen turned covert asset matches wits with her unsuspecting hostage-takers in this outstanding thriller.... Subtle sci-fi worldbuilding complements witty, whiz-bang plotting." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"An extremely compelling plot, an unforgettable main character, and lots of questions of morality combine for excellent escapism... For fans of Tess Sharpe and Holly Jackson." --School Library Journal (starred review)
"This sf spy thriller balances high-octane action with a poignant exploration of identity, redemption, and digital surveillance. Recommended for fans of tech-heavy thrillers and resourceful female protagonists who kick butt and save the day." --Booklist (starred review)
"A smart and adventure-packed thriller with heart." --Kirkus
"Thrilling, clever, and wickedly funny-- Augusta Pine is the heroine we deserve." --Kara Thomas, author of The Cheerleaders
"The fun and adventure of Mission Impossible meets the emotional grit of The Girls I've Been. This book was a thrill ride from start to finish!" --Kalyn Josephson, New York Times Bestselling Author of This Dark Descent
