See How They Run (Embassy Row, #2)

by Ally Carter

[Kelly]

Ally Carter is amazing. Not only has she yet again crafted an incredible installment in the Embassy Row series, but has upped the ante with more action, more suspense and a shitload more intrigue and danger that will ensure readers are kept on the edge of their seats. Once again we're transported back to Embassy Row, where nations live in unity but tensions remain at an all time high. It follows Gracie, the granddaughter of the United States delegate who is still coming to terms with her mothers death and the hand she played in what she sees as destroying her family. It's no wonder older brother Jamie has returned home. I found it strange that in the midst of what is a setback to Grace's mental health, her brother would bring a friend to tag along. Spence was suspiciously protective of Grace, especially as Alexei returned to the Embassy and even came to blows with the Russian. He added nothing to the storyline, and felt as though he was trying to take advantage of Grace's emotional state, even if he wasn't entirely sure why she was so fragile.

I didn't like Spence. As a character or attempting to become a love interest and I'm not surprised at Jamie's rage. In See How They Run, Grace now has more secrets to unravel with the introduction of the history and mythology behind Embassy Row, which surprised me. Sadly it didn't elaborate on the mystery beyond a treasure in which a secret society of woman on Embassy Row vow to protect. I'm hoping the third installment will expand on the mythology rather than the focus being almost solely on Grace's well being.

Grace and Alexei have a strange relationship. Initially Jamie's best friend who was asked to keep an eye on Grace in her brothers absence, Alexei and Grace are both attracted to one another but neither willing to admit how they feel. The romance between the two is a little too slow burning. I can understand why given Grace's situation but it's still frustrating for readers of the series nonetheless. It's far too drawn out.

I love this series. It's so wonderfully written and Grace is such a likable and intriguing character who always manages to find herself embroiled in the politics of living on Embassy Row. It's an engaging, quick read that is impossible to put down. But be warned, Ally Carter is known for her cliffhangers and this one's a doozy.