Spies and Spellcraft 101 The Stowaway Sophomore (Spies and Spellcraft, #1)

by Steve Curry

[Quirky Cat]

Book Summary:

Conn has perfected life on the streets, well, sort of. He knows all the safe places to go, from the local library to a few hidden spots only his closest allies know of. However, Conn isn't dumb - he'll take it when he's given the chance to snatch a cozy bed for the night.

The only problem is that the bed belongs to a dead man, and now everybody thinks Conn is this "Corbyn" character. Now Conn is in the middle of nowhere going through strict training—to battle Skinwalkers?!

My Review:

Full disclosure: I didn’t realize that Spies and Spellcraft: The Stowaway Sophomore was connected to a larger series/world when I picked it up for reading. The good news is that, while I’m sure many references went over my head, I had no problem following along with this world.

Spies and Spellcraft: The Stowaway Sophomore starts in more of a mystery/thriller style but slowly transitions into fantasy. I rather enjoyed that twist, and it worked well to help subvert expectations before things really got underway.

It also made the book almost feel like a two-in-one deal. There’s “past Conn”- when he was living on the streets and just starting to get a feel for the new school. Then we have the “initiated Conn,” who is admittedly pretty over his head, but who can blame him there?

Speaking of Conn, there were times when I really wanted to smack him. But I suppose that just means I was connected to the story. I didn’t feel any particular attachment to any of the other characters (though this might be my lack of familiarity with the world, I can’t say for certain).

Overall, I can say that I enjoyed the wittier take on fantasy adventures. Spies and Spellcraft: The Stowaway Sophomore is a one-of-a-kind combination.

Highlights:
Secrets & Deception
Special Forces Training
Skinwalkers

Thanks to Steve Curry and Reedsy for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Tumblr | Reedsy