These both get five bookworms! They are the first two books from a series I was just introduced to. I don’t know how this series flew under my radar for so long (Lawless was originally published in 2013). I am hooked on the story!
Lawless
By Jeffrey Salane
288 pages – ages 9+
Published by Scholastic Press; Reprint edition on February 24, 2015
Synopsis- Publisher’s summary: “Welcome to Lawless, where the head of the class is a dangerous place to be.
M Freeman is the newest student at the prestigious (and mysterious) Lawless School. All she really wants is to fit in, but from the moment she arrives, her unusual skills have the whole academy buzzing. M excels at escape tactics. She’s a whiz at spotting a forgery. But can she tell right from wrong? She’ll have to figure it out fast, because some of her teachers are planning the crime of the century . . . and M and her classmates might be the only people who can stop them.”
But, who can M trust?
What I Thought- This was a fun book. I liked the idea of a criminal school. This may sound kind of scary, but I would like to go there. It would be really cool. I am interested in criminology, and also activities like lock picking, pick-pocketing, etc. (Don’t ask why – I don’t know). Putting these skills to a use would be awesome (but for a good cause like counter-espionage or something like that – I digress…). M was a great character. She is everything I look for in a main character and Mr. Salane lets the reader really get into her head. Plus it was cool and mysterious how her name was only “M”. Her personality was well-developed. You feel like you really know M by the end of the book. I liked reading about her adventures in the school (and also outside of it). The book brings up incredibly strong self-provoking philosophical points – what is considered bad? -good? How far would you go on either way? I enjoyed reading this great debut every second. I read it in one day it was that good!
Justice
Book #2 in the Lawless series
By Jeffrey Salane
288 pages – ages 9+
Published by Scholastic Press on March 31, 2015
Synopsis- Publisher’s summary: “M Freeman thought she had finally found a place where she belonged: the Lawless School, where the children of master criminals trained to become master criminals themselves. She took her studies seriously, never suspecting she was a pawn in a dangerous game.
Now she knows the truth: The forces of Lawless are after a weapon that threatens all life on earth. M and her crew are determined to stop them – but they can’t do it alone. And that means joining the Fulbright Academy.”
But what if the Fulbrights aren’t as “good” as they seem? What is going to happen to M and her friends? And how does her deceased father play a part in this?
What I Thought- This was an amazing sequel. It was extremely well-crafted. You really feel sorry for M when she realizes that she can’t trust anyone, maybe not even her own friends! This one was kind of on the depressing side, but I’m assuming it is like the bridge between the ultimate final “battle” in the series. This is the book where all hope seems gone. The characters that you meet are intriguing and keep you guessing at their motives. Justice brings up more thought-provoking questions such as in Lawless. Mr. Salane has a great writing style. It really draws you in and holds you there. Like Lawless, I couldn’t put this book down! I can’t wait to read more from Mr. Salane!
Thet do sound exciting! The main character being called M is reminiscent of Bond! What’s not to like?
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It’s a great series! 😀 Part of it takes place in London (which made me really want to be with the characters!)! 😀
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Just let me know when your mom and dad plan on a visit. I will show you Hampton Court, where I live (not in the palace, but very near it!)
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That would be really cool! Sadly, I don’t think we are planning trips there in the near future. Now, maybe in the far future, or the medium future? 😉
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WOW You’ve been BUSY Eric 😀
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Thanks! 😀
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These sound really interesting. Reminds me of Kim Donovan’s St. Viper’s School for Super Villains series. Enjoyed the reviews.
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Okay, the title of that book is enough to hook me. I’m in! Thanks! 🙂
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You’re hooked? That says it all. Great reviews, Erik!
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Thank you L.Lobo! It’s a great series! 😀
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The covers didn’t grab me at first, but I’m glad I read both review — a very unique and fun series. I actually think I’d enjoy reading both. Great reviews, Erik!
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I think that there are alternate covers that show M on them, but I’m not sure which is which (for the actual cover). It’s a great series, though. Thank you Ms. Tilton! 🙂
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Yeah, I tend to agree with Pat the covers didn’t grab me but your reviews of both certainly made me want to read them. Wow “M” like the bond movies. Very creative writing. Thanks for sharing Eric.
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Yeah, the cool thing is that M’s first name is just M. 🙂 It’s a great series! 🙂
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