Mission Titanic

borntoswim - From the first 39 Clues book I couldn't get enough of the series. I began reading it because the first book was by Rick Riordan, one of my favorite authors, but then I continued to read to ones after written by other authors. I ended up learning about new authors and reading their other books, like Gordon Korman. I recognized this book's author, Jude Law, because she wrote the fourth book in the 39 Clues series, Beyond the Grave. Hearing about this book, I was super happy that they were going to continue the series and that they even found a way to bring Amy and Dan back into the story. Double Cross Book 1: Mission Titanic, is about the new head of the Cahill family, Ian Kabra. For Ian, this has been what he's been working for his entire life. However, he underestimated exactly how much responsibility the job requires. And just how much his own family would betray him to get his position. At a Cahill family meeting a sinister force, calling himself the Outcast, kicks Ian out of his own house calling him to young and weak for such an important role. However, he offers Ian a series riddles to decode to regain his rightful spot. With each riddle, there is a disaster set to occur and its up to Ian to stop it. His first mission is to save a boat rigged to sink. Ian is forced to get past his ego and look to his younger allies in the Cahill family for help. The books brings back your favorite characters, as well as introducing new ones. For fans of the 39 Clues series, this is a must read!

December 15, 2014
A mysterious Outcast threatens to usurp Ian Kabra's place as the head of the world's most powerful family.The Cahills have long been the most affluent family in the world. The family tree boasts world leaders, famed scientists, Olympic athletes and movie stars. Sitting atop the tree is 17-year-old Ian. But trouble's afoot. A mysterious figure known as the Outcast has put into motion a plan that will shake the family to its core. Soon Ian finds himself on the run and in search of his exiled relations, Amy and Dan. Together, the trio must stop a disastrous event, but none are quite sure where or when it will happen. This is a competently written entry in the 39 Clues series, this being the first entry in the fourth arc. Unfortunately it is hamstrung by the series' usual problem: Every character is incredibly smart and incredibly talented and incredibly rich. The power fantasy here is similar to those derived from cheap comic books but minus the stylish illustrations or dynamic direction. Everyone is so similarly characterized that the book feels flat, and the knowledge of planned sequels deflates any urgency to these proceedings. There's simply no magnetic personality here that pushes engagement with the narrative. Longtime fans of the series will read out of loyalty or devotion to the franchise, but newcomers will find little to bring them back for seconds, thirds and fourths. More of the same. (Adventure. 10-12)

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