Breaking the Circle (The Maya Brown Missions)

by S. M. Hall

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I received this book from Early Reviewers at LibraryThing.As this is book number two of the Maya Brown Missions, the publishers generously sent me book one as well.

I am not part of the demographic group that this book is aimed at, which is (in my opinion) girls 12+, but I was able to enjoy reading it nonetheless. I can see these books being part of a long series of adventures featuring Maya Brown, the heroine of the story. Maya Brown is, for the most part, a good role model, although I'd be worried if my daughter got involved in the way that Maya does!

Although this book could probably be read and enjoyed on its own, I'd recommend reading book one, Circle of Fire, first. It would help with understanding some of the characters, as well as what Maya went through in the first.

Breaking the Circle is a well-written book, by an established author, that moves along at a decent pace. It was hard, even for me, to put down once started. Maya was a refugee from Kosovo, who was adopted at a young age by her mother, Pam, who is a secret agent for British intelligence.

In this book Maya finds herself up against some nasty characters who turn out to be part of a large drug-smuggling and trafficking ring. The author, S.M. Hall, doesn't shy away from describing the sordid world of drugs and prostitution, but also does it in a way that is appropriate for the audience the book is aimed at. I am quite comfortable passing this one on to my 13 year old daughter, whom I think will really enjoy this series.

Time will tell as to where this series goes next, but there are hints at the end of the book as to where the next story might go. In the meantime, this book, as well as its predecessor, is a really good start. If you are looking for something exciting, with good morals and lessons to be learned (without being too 'preachy'), for your daughter (probably aged 12-15), or even for yourself, then this is worth picking up.